39§ THE GREBE. 



defended as they are by a rich coat of glossy plumage, whose 

 smooth and oily surface is impenetrable to water. 



The Grebes, though classed amongst the palmated or web- 

 footed families, nevertheless, in some 

 species at least, differ from them in one 

 respect, — having only partial webs ; the 

 toes being flattened and furnished with 

 what is called lobes or membranes, like 

 those of the Coot. They are unsocial, 

 solitary birds, seldom more than a pair 

 being seen together ; and withal, so shy, 

 that it requires all the address and skill 

 of a keen sportsman to get within shot ; 

 The Grebe. though the inexperienced may think it 



an easy matter so to do, when he sees one of them apparently 

 dozing within a few yards of the rushy confines of a pool of 

 water. But the Grebe is neither sleeping nor off his guard ; 

 as the gunner would know, were he near enough to watch the 

 motions of the wary bird. He would then see its clear, 

 penetrating eye glancing in every direction, alive to the 

 approach of friend or foe, and, if suspicious of danger, its body 

 gradually sinking, until the upper part of it only remained 

 visible, and its sharp, lance-shaped head thrown back on its 

 slender neck, prepared to plunge at a moment's notice. So 

 rapid indeed are their movements, that, on seeing the -flash of 

 a gun, they can dive into security, below the water, before the 

 shot can reach them, as the following account will show : — 



"As I was out shooting," writes an eye-witness, " I saw one of 

 these birds swimming towards a point of land, where I could easily 

 conceal myself ; so I repaired thither for that purpose. He came 

 onwards with a wild, anxious gait, constantly turning his head from 

 side to side, as if to be upon his guard against an enemy. I had 

 arrived at the place, and the bird was approaching. Now and then, 

 as he came on, he stretched his long neck, for several seconds, under 

 the water, looking for small fish ; and when he had nothing better 

 to do, he turned his head round, in order to tickle his tail with his 

 bill. Watching the moment when he was so engaged, I fired, at the 

 distance of thirty yards. My gun went quick as lightning, but the 

 Grebe went quicker, and scrambling over, out of sight, came up 

 again in a few seconds, perfectly unhurt." 



