BIRDS OF THE OPEN SEA 15 



a narrow ledge just wide enough for them to squat upon 

 when brooding the egg, where they will have only one 

 side to defend. Since they brood in an almost upright 

 position, the egg resting between the feet, it is difficult 

 to tell a brooding bird. 



Most ludicrous is their habit of ducking their heads as 

 if in salute, and when this is done by hundreds, one after 

 another, the effect is grotesque indeed. I had thought 

 this the result of excitement at the presence of an 

 enemy, but it continued when I fancied myself well 

 concealed and no one else in sight. It is usually fol- 

 lowed by the departure of a number, who dive with 

 incredible swiftness from the steep rocks to the sea, 

 either from hunger or alarm. Although so awkward 

 and helpless on land, they are at home on or under 

 the water, swimming submerged with great ease and 

 swiftness. 



The nesting date of the California Murres differs with 

 different authorities, Mr. Loomis placing it in April, and 

 Mr. Emerson from the middle of May to late in August ; 

 my own date is June. This discrepancy is accounted 

 for by the fact that they rear several broods in a year 

 if accident befall the earliest. And as the Western gulls 

 consider the young Murre a delicious morsel, the life of 

 any nestling is precarious. When the gulls press too 

 closely, the wise Murres push their one baby off the 

 rock into the water below, darting beneath it with in- 

 credible swiftness, and the young Murre, although not 

 ready for the dive, is yet born with its swimming-suit 

 on, and bobs up serenely after a dizzy fall. 



