THE DIVING BIRDS. 279 



eleven species. Of these, the Red-throated Loon is 

 not common in the Middle States, but is found along 

 the coast. It breeds in the far north. It has been 

 found on the Delaware in midwinter (young birds), 

 and probably was carried by strong winds across the 

 State, rather than followed up the course of the river 

 from its mouth. 



The Loon, or " Great Northern Diver," by which 

 name it appears to be known only in the books, is 

 black and white and as big as a goose. Once seen, 

 therefore, it cannot be mistaken. It is a migratory 

 bird principally, but breeds in the United States, 

 along the northern tier of States. But its migratory 

 movements are not very regular, that is, the lines of 

 its travel may vary a little ; and of one matter con- 

 cerning them there can be no doubt : they do not 

 all go northward to spend the summer. The loon is 

 seen on the upper Delaware River, sparingly, every 

 summer. In 1893 I saw them in tide-water as late 

 as June (first week), and again in the first week of 

 September. 



George Ord says, 



" The Loon is restless before a storm ; and an experienced master 

 of a coasting vessel informed me that he always knew when a tempest 

 was approaching by the cry of this bird, which is very shrill, and 

 may be heard at the distance of a mile or more. The correctness 

 of this observation I have myself since experienced in a winter 

 voyage on the southern coasts of the United States." 



Occasionally the loons will leave the rivers and take 

 up their quarters in some retired mill-pond. Of 

 course they are soon discovered and shot at until 

 killed or worried to death. Such loons have their 



