41 
often u,uy fish-eating bird or beast is looked upon by self-centred anglers 
as an intolerable rival to be suppressed at any cost; irrespective of the 
relative importance of its depredations. Loons are probably no respecters 
of any species of fish as species, but they do not frequent swiftly running 
streams such as trout inhabit nor are they often seen in the marshy shal- 
lows where game fish usually lurk. By preference they keep to open, 
fairly deep water and their prey is mostly fish of small size and of the coarser 
and less gamy varieties. In cases where Loons do occur on limited or 
special waters such as preserves or hatchery ponds, or even elsewhere, in 
abnormal numbers, they may interfere more or less seriously with special 
interests. Each such case, however, should be settled on its own merits 
in reference to the general good. 
Many people get more enjoyment from the presence of Loons than 
from fishing and there are many out-door recreation centres where 
Loons give the last touch of native wildness to the picture. The requirements 
of those people for the enjoyment of such places are as worthy of recog- 
nition as those of fishing enthusiasts and should be carefully considered. 
General destruction of Loons, as has been and is being constantly advo- 
cated, is like stopping a small crack in the barrel whilst the bung-hole remains 
open. Fish were plentiful originally in spite of the Loons and if proper 
fishing regulations were enforced and the purity of the waters preserved 
the number of 6mall fry taken normally by Loons would rarely be missed. 
In specific and special cases some control may be advisable. 
On some of the smaller lakes, Loons have an effect on the other bird 
life. They are impatient of too close neighbours and are likely to drive 
away nesting Ducks, Coots, and similar water-birds. They make their 
attack from under water and harry the objects of their jealousy until they 
vacate the premises and leave the Loon in sole possession. Waters 
that Loons choose for a home, however, are, with some local exceptions, 
not particularly attractive to other water birds and this trait can generally 
be looked upon with curious interest rather than animosity by the bird 
lover or sportsman. 
Economic Status. Although the Loon is a large bird the capacity of 
its gullet limits the fish it takes to comparatively small sizes. This fact, 
taken in connexion with the small number of birds on the smaller lakes 
and the immense numbers of fish in the larger bodies of water, makes its 
depredations economically un important. ^The;* species, therefore,fcshould 
not be destroyed. 
scale, i. 
8. Yellow-billed Loon. Gavia adamsi . L, 36. In general this is a big Common 
Loon with bill ivory-yellow instead of black. 
Distinctions, in full plumage easily known from the Common Loon by its size and yellow 
bill. The reflections on the throat are purple, instead of green. In immaturity when size 
s not a reliable specific guide, the bill shape offers the best distinction. In the Yellow- 
