BIRDS OF THE OPEN SEA 15 
a narrow ledge just wide enough for them to squat upon 
when brooding the egg, where they will have only one 
side to defend. Since they brood in an almost upright 
position, the egg resting between the feet, it is difficult 
to tell a brooding bird. 
Most ludicrous is their habit of ducking their heads as 
if in salute, and when this is done by hundreds, one after 
another, the effect is grotesque indeed. I had thought 
this the result of excitement at the presence of an 
enemy, but it continued when I fancied myself well 
concealed and no one else in sight. It is usually fol- 
lowed by the departure of a number, who dive with 
incredible swiftness from the steep rocks to the sea, 
either from hunger or alarm. Although so awkward 
and helpless on land, they are at home on or under 
the water, swimming submerged with great ease and 
swiftness. 
The nesting date of the California Murres differs with 
different authorities, Mr. Loomis placing it in April, and 
Mr. Emerson from the middle of May to late in August ; 
my own date is June. This discrepancy is accounted 
for by the fact that they rear several broods in a year 
if accident befall the earliest. And as the Western gulls 
consider the young Murre a delicious morsel, the life of 
any nestling is precarious. When the gulls press too 
closely, the wise Murres push their one baby off the 
rock into the water below, darting beneath it with in- 
credible swiftness, and the young Murre, although not 
ready for the dive, is yet born with its swimming-suit 
on, and bobs up serenely after a dizzy fall. 
