BIRDS OF LOCH AND MOUNTAIN 63 



may be met with breeding in close proximity to 

 each other. I have noticed that the hen Goosander 

 is not particular where she deposits her eggs, and 

 I have seen a fresh and a last-year's egg in the nest 

 at the same time. It also seems to be the case 



GOOSANDER ON NEST. 



that the bird often uses the same burrow 

 more than one year in succession. When dis- 

 turbed the hen birds fly rapidly up and down the 

 river, quacking softly all the while, and are some- 

 times joined by their mates. 



This summer I was shown a nest of the species 

 under some thick fallen branches on an island. 

 The hen sat closely, and by dint of careful stalking 

 I was able to get within about ten feet of her, and 

 obtained a photograph of the bird on her nest. For 



