&o2 THE PIED-BILLED GRE 
One thing is certain, the nest of the Pied-billed Grebe may be found 
In a retired spot in a depth of water varying from six inches to as many 
feet, a large mound of sodden vegetable matter and mud is erected and 
with a hemispherical finish brought to an elevation of from two to six 
inches above water. If in shallow water, the mound 1s comparatively solid 
and mud is largely used. If in deep water, mud may be almost eliminated 
and the mass thus rendered light enough to float, giving with the waves 
as it swings upon concealed 
moorings of aquatic plants 
sion of the top seven or 
ight eggs are deposited at 
the rate of one a day, and 
incubation requires three 
weeks or a little over. The 
parents brood the eggs at 
night and in chilly 
weather, but on bright 
days the eggs are care 
fully covered with mud 
and close-set mosses, 
spirogyra and the like, 
and the whole smoothed 
over to the appearance 
f an emerging mud 
bank 
Because one does not 
see the mother 1s no sign 
hat she is not anxious; 
and it you tarry too 
long, the swamp will be 
come vocal with strange 
gurglings and weird cries 
of ncantation Most ; 
memort able is an odd \ COVERED NEST 
bubbling giggle, egg 
kegqy keqqy keqqy keqay keggy kegqy, etc., rendered with great rapidity. 
During the excitement of courtship the male plays the buffoon to 
perfection; he rushes about in the open water half submerged or dives 
and emerges repeatedly, uttering from time to time a single excited “aozw.” 
Surely the very coots must chuckle to see the silly fellow, even tho they 
