492 Lake Maxinkuckee, Physical and Biological Survey 



The food of the Loon doubtless consists chiefly of fish. It is 

 not often, however, that any food can be found in their stomachs. 

 Two were examined May 20, one November 5, one October 15, and 

 one October 28, but nothing identifiable was found in the stomach 

 of any. One good observer at this lake states that he saw a Loon 

 chase, capture and devour a helldiver, and he believes they prey 

 upon other water birds such as they can capture. He observes 

 that ducks, coots, etc., always give the loons a wide berth; but it 

 may well be that the Loon is the one that keeps away. 



The Loon is a much persecuted bird. No sooner does one ap- 

 pear on the lake and come under observation than some one in 

 a rowboat or a motor-boat begins to chase it. And during the 

 hunting season many thoughtless gunners take a shot at any Loon 

 within reach. Fortunately the Loon is so prompt in diving that it 

 is usually under water before the shot reaches it. 



While the Loon doubtless eats a few fish the damage it does in 

 this way is so slight as to be negligible, and such a picturesque bird 

 should receive full protection and encouragement to remain as long 

 as it will at the lake when on its spring and fall migrations. 



5. HERRING GULL 



LARUS ARGENTATUS Pontoppidan 



The Common American Herring Gull is a spring and fall mi- 

 grant at this lake. In the winter and spring it has been noted 

 January 10, 21, 25 and 28; March 7, 8, 9, 13, 20, 21, 27, 28, 29 

 and 30 ; April 1, 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, and 25 ; and May 21. In the fall 

 it has been recorded on October 12, 20 and 25; November 4; and 

 December 6, 12, 14, 15, 18, and 21. 



As will be observed from these dates, this gull is most common 

 in March and December; it is therefore a very early spring mi- 

 grant and a very late migrant in the fall. They are sometimes 

 seen in the middle of winter when the lake is wholly or partly cov- 

 ered with ice. Those seen December 19, 1900, were standing on 

 the ice, as were also those seen December 6 and 12, 1904. Those 

 that came early in March sat around on the ice or swam in the 

 open places. Those seen in January were doubtless arrivals from 

 the north, tarrying for a few days on their way south. 



They apparently do not feed while at the lake and the stay of 

 any individual is usually brief. 



Although this gull is a fish-eating bird it is a useful scavenger 

 and should be protected. 



