Vol iS*6 H1 ] Norton, The Harlcqu/u Duck in Maine. 23 1 



was a ledge submerged at high water, but at low stages of the 

 tide connected with the island by a line of rocky reef. Thus a 

 small bay was formed, several acres in extent, having at high 

 tide a considerable depth, except at its edges, where its great 

 billows were breaking during the period of high water. 



At about 9 a. m. we saw a flock of not less than thirty Harle- 

 quins in this bay. Though they were beyond gunshot of the 

 shore, I had ample opportunity to watch them, as they remained 

 until about 3.30 p. m., when the tide was so low that the sea broke 

 before entering the bay. Near at hand were numbers of Eiders 

 and Scoters, rendering comparison easy. 



The Harlequins were attracted to the largest billow, one which 

 surged high and sharp, and broke about fifty yards from the reef 

 where its force was spent. For considerable intervals the ducks 

 would sit facing the wind, but not advancing, slightly removed 

 from the fury of the breaker. Then drawing nearer to it they 

 would dive to feed. Frequently all would be under at once, but 

 this diving seemed to depend slightly on the action of the sea, as 

 a portion of the flock, apparently not ready to dive on being 

 threatened by a breaker, would plunge into it, only to rise after 

 some time had elapsed. After a few plunges they would rest on 

 the surface of the water, usually in the path of the great breaker, 

 apparently in mere wantonness. Now they were in little groups 

 scattered parallel with the length of the wave, awaiting the rush- 

 ng flood. From my position I could not observe the slightest 

 sign of concern in them as it approached. As it rushed over the 

 inequalities of the bottom its crest began breaking at correspond- 

 ing intervals. High above them it topped, and as its crest broke 

 in white foam, the little ducks plunged headlong into its front, 

 almost instantly reappearing in its train, while perhaps others a 

 few feet from them, with unerring calculations, would ride over an 

 unbroken part as lightly as bubbles. It was here that this beauti- 

 ful lightness of body was shown to be an important feature in 

 their economy. 



In all the time that I watched them none plunged into the 

 breaker until its crest was foaming. At this pastime they spent 

 considerably more time than they had in feeding, and when seem- 

 ingly satisfied they swam to a smooth position to rest facing 



