AMONG THE WATER-FOWL 



feet in diameter, and was surrounded by nests in the 

 adjacent canes. The owners had been frightened 

 away, but, as I stood quietly, they would emerge 

 from the open water as a convenient place for more 

 extended observation, take a look at me, and then 

 dive. I found that by standing back a little in the 

 canes they did not notice me so much, and, some- 

 what reassured, would promenade across the park, 

 back and forth. Now and then, a small group of 

 the Eared Grebes would swim out from the reeds, 

 gaze around, and paddle across the opening. One 

 of these Grebes brought out a chick for a ride. 

 The little one was under the parent's wing, only its 

 head sticking out, seemingly having a fine time. 

 Then one of the great Western Grebes would break 

 water, and swim with only its long slender white 

 neck out, and the merest suggestion of a back, look- 

 ing more like a water-snake than a bird. Here was 

 an opportunity for Grebe-photography which I 

 eagerly improved. Planting the tripod at the edge 

 of the canes, I arranged the camera, using the 

 ampliscope lens to secure a larger image, and 



focused on the further side of the Dark, where most 



i 



of the Grebes appeared. Then, with a thread 

 attached to the shutter, I retired a few paces, and 

 took snaps at various Grebes of both sorts, till 

 gathering clouds compelled me to desist. 



I had been wondering what was the cause of the 

 evident destruction of life in the Grebe-city. As I 

 stood there motionless in the canes, a partial solu- 

 tion was suggested. A nest of the Western Grebe 

 with one egg lay almost within arm's reach. Sud- 

 cjenly a large Muskrat emerged close by, and 



24 



