VOL. XIV.] SOME NOTES ON DIVING DUCKS. 109 



— -but here again the figures show such bewildering varia- 

 tion in different individuals and species that it is impossible 

 to lay down any definite rule. 



Marine ducks appear to feed at all states of the tide and 

 weather, and at all hours of the day ; but they are most 

 active on dull, rainy and misty days, when the tide is low. 

 The Buffel-head, Harlequin, Goldeneye, and Red-breasted 

 Merganser are all day-feeders, but even nocturnal species, 

 such as the Scaup and White-winged Scoter, may frequently 

 be seen diving during the day. 



It is not only for the purpose of feeding, however, that 

 ducks make use of their wonderful powers. When hard- 

 pressed they always dive, though most species, I find, prefer 

 to rely upon their wings when they receive sufficient warning. 

 Much of their love-making also takes place beneath the 

 waves. I once watched eight male Surf-Scoters wooing one 

 female and a most absurd spectacle it was. Immediately 

 the female dived, down went all her admirers in pursuit. 

 Then, after a lapse of about forty seconds, the males would 

 reappear one by one, the female, who was always the last to 

 rise to the surface, being invariably accompanied by one 

 male ; but whether it was the same male on each occasion 

 I was unable to distinguish. For a few seconds pandemonium 

 would reign, the rejected suitors splashing through the water 

 and pecking at their rivals in the most vicious manner, 

 whilst the object of their desire floated serenely in their midst, 

 apparently well pleased that she should be the object of so 

 much commotion. Then she would dive again, and so the 

 performance continued for over an hour, when they drifted 

 out of sight. 



Owing to the clearness of the water in this part of the world, 

 I have on several occasions been able to watch the movements 

 of different species, including Scaup, Goldeneye, Buffel-head, 

 and Red-breasted Merganser, when feeding on the bottom 

 in the more shallow parts of the bay. For my house stands 

 high up on the very fringe of the beach, and from my study 

 window one can, under some conditions, obtain a wonderfully 

 clear view of the ocean bed. When descending to the bottom, 

 all the above species use the legs as paddles, working them 

 at right angles to the body, with wings close to the sides, 

 and spreading the tail fan-wise to act as a rudder. In rising 

 to the surface they seem to depend entirely on their own 

 buoyancy, and when ascending, remain absolutely motionless. 



And surely there can be no prettier spectacle in all nature 

 than a group of these little sea-nymphs plashing and tumbling 



