BUFF-BREASTED MERGANSER. 
99 
generally preferred by it, even when rather shallow, provided 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 several 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 voracity is great, so that it 
consumes an extraordinary 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, however, they are not fond of walking much, 
but when on shore are generally seen lying flat on the ground. At times 
the Mergansers rise almost 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 generally, 
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 underway and 
at a good height, they advance in an almost direct course and proceed with 
surprising velocity, so that, when suddenly apprised 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 remember tha-t 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. When rising from the water, whatever number may be 
in the flock, they all start together, paddle off with their feet and wings, 
stretching out their necks, and thus run as it were on the water to the 
distance of twenty or thirty yards with great velocity, extending in a front, 
or following each other in a line, according to the extent of the space before 
them. They then gradually ascend to the height of the trees, and move off 
to some considerable distance, but often return to the same place. They 
seem to ascertain the fertility of the waters by sipping a little on their 
