The White-winged Scoter 



fish, it appears, rarely renders the diver unfit for human consumption. 

 Witness the Cormorant, which although an exclusive fish-eater and 

 repulsive enough in appearance, is really a sapid morsel. 1 The flesh of 

 loons, bitterns, and herons, likewise, although not recommended for 

 diet, is certainly not fishy. It is rather the mixed diet of shellfish, marine 



Taken off the Coast of Washington 



Photo by the Author 



A "RAFT" OF SEA-FOWL, CHIEFLY WHITE-WINGED SCOTERS 



worms, and mud which establishes the disagreeable flavor of Scoters, 

 Bluebills, and their ilk. This, in the case of the Scoter, may be reckoned 

 something of a misfortune, for a fat Sea-coot will weigh up to six or 

 seven pounds, thus exceeding the avoirdupois of the much larger Black 

 Brant. 



Scoters have considerable difficulty in rising from the w r ater, and, like 

 loons, require a good deal of sea-room. The feet assist the wings for 

 some moments as the birds are getting launched, and the laboring move- 

 ment of the wings gives rise to a murmuring sound, which is not unpleas- 

 ant to the ear. Indeed, a teeming bay, a-hum with the music of a 

 thousand flying Scoters, is an orchestra in itself and needs no help of 

 wind or wave to write its score upon the heart. It is of the sea, salty. 



1 Dr. C. W. Townsend. quoted — The Auk. Vol. XXXVI.. Jan.. ioio, p. ioo. 



1833 



