CHAPTER XCVII 

 GREAT CRESTED GREBE 



THESE proud domineering birds are not uncommon on the 

 lagoons, where you may at all seasons except in the depths 

 of the hardest winters hear their loud clanging voices. 

 In the mild days, common at the end of February, you can 

 see them begin courting, chasing each other in and out of 

 the brown gladen or amber reed, splashing and diving after 

 each other, at times rising and flying down the lagoon. At 

 all hours of the day and night I have heard their strange 

 shouting voices. If the day be fine, you can watch them 

 courting near by, for they are not very shy. Then you may 

 see the male and female swimming round each other, nodding 

 their heads, setting out their wings, arching their backs and 

 finally diving, one this way, another that, coming up yards 

 away from each. Some old Broadsmen assure me they tread 

 under water ; others, that they tread standing straight up, 

 breast to breast, embracing each other with half-outstretched 

 wings, as the old coots also tread. Or, again, you may 

 see two chasing a hen, pecking each other until one retires 

 from the contest. In the reeds, too, you may hear them 

 growling and splashing, but I have never seen a real set-to 

 fight. 



At this season the cock-bird's voice is strange; for he 

 growls a challenge, recalling the mixed voices of goose, 

 cock, and dog a harsh voice it is too. At other times, 

 when swimming in the open, he makes a noise best 

 imitated by putting the tongue into the palate and making 



315 



