262 GOOSANDER. 
The Goosander is a vigorous and robust bird. It swims deeply, 
but with considerable speed, even against a strong current, running 
waters being generally preferred by it, even when rather shallow, pro- 
vided their beds are of sand or pebbles, for it is rarely seen on 
muddy or stagnant waters, even during the breeding season, when it 
returns to the inland lakes. Like the Grebes it has the power of 
sinking backwards, and it dives expertly, remaining occasionally seve- 
ral minutes beneath the surface. It usually swims and dives against 
the current, and close by the shores, extricating itself from floating ice 
by passing under it. Its yoracity is great, so that it consumes an ex- 
traordinary quantity of fish. I have found fishes in its stomach seven 
inches in length, and of smaller kinds so many as to weigh more than 
half a pound. Digestion takes place with great rapidity, insomuch 
that some which I have fed in captivity devoured more than two 
dozen of fishes about four inches in length, four times daily, and yet 
always seemed to be desirous of more. The alleged awkwardness of 
this bird when on shore is a fable, for I have seen individuals while 
courting in spring run with great celerity fifty or more yards at a time, 
keeping nearly in an erect position. On occasions of this kind I have 
observed on the sand-bars of the Mississippi flocks of seven or eight 
males chasing each other with great animosity. At other times, how- 
ever, they are not fond of walking much, but when on shore are gene- 
rally seen lying flat on the ground. At times the Mergansers rise al- 
most at once on wing from the water, but at others they seem to find 
considerable difficulty, patting it with their feet for many yards. 
‘These differences seem to depend on various circumstances, such as 
their being suddenly surprised, or during violent winds. They gene- 
rally, if not always, rise on wing against the breeze. 
The flight of the Goosander is powerful, and as rapid and sustained 
as that of the Red-breasted and Hooded Mergansers. When fairly 
under way and at a good height, they advance in an almost direct course 
and proceed with surprising velocity, so that, when suddenly ap- 
prised of the vicinity of man, they at times find it difficult to check 
their speed so quickly as may be necessary for their safety. I well re- 
member that on several occasions having watched one of these birds 
flying directly up a creek and towards me, I have taken aim at it and 
fired when it was at the proper distance, and yet such had been its 
velocity that it would advance, after being shot, many yards towards me. 
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