Breeding of the Hooded Merganser ( Mergus cucullatus ) in Flor- 
ida. — In view of the fact that we have no published record of the breed- 
ing of this species in the Southern States, I was much surprised to find 
that it does breed in Florida, at least occasionally, and I think regularly. 
While descending the St. John’s River by steamer on March 28, 1877, 
I saw, near Blue Spring, a female Hooded Merganser, accompanied by a 
large brood of young, which were perhaps a week old. As the boat 
rounded a sharp bend of the river the little family, taken by surprise, was 
nearly run over, but after the first moment of paralyzed inaction, the 
mother flew heavily and reluctantly off, while the ducklings scattered in 
all directions, and escaped by diving. As I was standing in the steamer’s 
bows at the time, there -Was no possibility of mistaking the identity of the 
species, for when first seen the whole brood was within ten yards of me, 
so near, in fact, that I could distinctly see the color of the parent’s irides. 
On the Wekiva River, about a week previously, I saw many Mergansers 
of this species, and although it did not then occur to me that they might 
be breeding, I now recall many circumstances that induce me to consider 
this not improbable. While at Pilatka, Fla., Mr. J. H. Fry showed me 
a number of specimens in full breeding plumage, stating that in his 
opinion the birds nested in the vicinity of that place. On the Wekiva 
the Wood Duck ( Aix sponsa ) was the only other species of Anatidce ob- 
served. March 19 and 20, I saw several broods of young a few days old, 
accompanying their mothers. As the eggs of this duck are rarely or 
never laid in New England before May, and oftener, I think, especially 
in the more Northern States, not until June, this latter fact may be not 
devoid of interest. — William Brewster, Cambridge, Mass. 
. Bull. N.Q.C. 3, Jam, 1878. p. L fo. 
While camping on Little Twin Lakes, 
Northern Iowa, some years since, I noticed a 
male Hooded Merganse r circling around a 
grove so often that it seemed certain that he 
was feeding his mate, whi ch they do at, incu - 
b ating time. I concealed myself and watched 
for a long time, and finally was rewarded by 
seeing the fellow fly plump into a hollow in a 
gigantic oak. It would seem to be a piece of 
recklessness: certainly, if he had not aimed 
well he would have suffered for the 
error. 
A pleasing characteristic of the species is 
the manner of flying during nesting time. 
One may see them chasing round and round 
some wooded lake, speeding ever with a 
thrilling impetuosity; uttering a peculiar note 
as they glide along; then they have darted out 
into the forest, leaving the beholder pleased 
with the performance, and none the wiser as 
I to the nest site. I timed one of this species, 
! and it made its mile in less than one minute. 
. ft/, 
> O, Ir+Liy 
/■V 
657. Nesting of the Hooded Merganser {in the Adirondachs~\. By 
Fred. Mather. Ibid., No. 22, p. 436. 
