FLYERS, SWIMMERS, AND DIVERS 249 



meat is scarce, and are even offered in large city markets 

 where it isn't. 



In spring, when the ice has broken up, a pair of loons re- 

 tire to the shores of some lonely inland lake or river, and 

 here on the ground they build a rude nest in a slight de- 

 pression near enough to the water to glide off into it with- 

 out touching their feet to the sand. In June two grayish 

 olive brown eggs, spotted with umber brown, are hatched. 

 The young are frequently seen on land as they go waddling 

 from pond to pond. After the nesting season the parents 

 separate and undergo a moult which sometimes leaves so 

 few feathers on their bodies that they are unable to rise in 

 the air. When on land they are at any time almost help- 

 less and exceedingly awkward, using their wings and bill to 

 assist their clumsy aquatic feet. 



THE END 



