SCAUP DUCK. 227 



easily secured ; in fact, you need not go after them, for by diving, flutter- 

 ing along the surface, and cutting backward and forward, they generally 

 elude pursuit. Between Louisville and Shippingport, on the Kentucky 

 side of the Ohio, the shores are from ten to fifteen feet high, and rather 

 abrupt when the waters are at their ordinary level. The Scaup Ducks 

 are fond of diving for food along this place, and there, by coming directly 

 upon them unseen, till you are almost over them, you may have the very 

 best opportunities of procuring them. They are not worth shooting, 

 however, unless for sport or examination, for their flesh is generally tough 

 and rather fishy in flavour. Indeed I know none, excepting what is call- 

 ed an Epicure, who could relish a Scaup Duck. 



They appear to experience some difficulty in getting on wing, and 

 assist themselves on all occasions, either by meeting the current or front- 

 ing the wind, while they also use their broad feet as helps. When dan- 

 ger is near, they frequently, however, prefer diving, which they find as 

 effectual a means of security as flying. As they usually feed at some 

 distance from each other, it is amusing to see them go off, as they emerge 

 from the water in succession, and to watch them when they collect again, 

 and when, after flying for a long time in circles, now high then low over the 

 water, they all realight. These habits, and the toughness of their sinewy 

 bodies, render it rather difficult to shoot them. Although flat-billed, they 

 dive to a considerable depth, and when they have reached the bottom, no 

 doubt furrow the mud, in the manner of the Shoveller {Jnas cli/peata), 

 although the latter performs this action while floating on the surface, with 

 its head and neck alone submersed, as it swims over the shallows. 



The food of the Scaup Duck I have found to consist of small fry, 

 crayfishes, and a mixture of such grasses as here and there grow along 

 the beds of our rivers. I never found any portions of testaceous mol- 

 lusca in the gizzards of those obtained on our western waters, although 

 even there they might meet with abundance of these animals. 



When these birds are travelling, their flight is steady, rather labori- 

 ous, but greatly protracted. The whistling of their wings is heard at a 

 considerable distance when they are passing over head. At this time 

 they usually move in a broad front, sometimes in a continuous line. 

 When disturbed, they fly straight forward for a while, vnth less velocity 

 than when travelling, and, if within proper distance, are easily shot. At 

 times their notes are shrill, but at others hoarse and guttural. They are 



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