62 
OHIO EXPERIMENT STATION: BULLETIN 250 
more have become ra**e and all greatly reduced in numbers. The 
chief causes for this are: the draining- of swamps, thus depriving 
them of nesting and feeding grounds; clearing of the forests, result¬ 
ing in an irregular and diminished water supply; and last, but not 
least, the merciless slaughter by hunters for plumage, sport or food. 
The abolishment of spring shooting of all water-fowl enroute to their 
breeding grounds, would result in their material increase; many 
species that now occur only as migrants would then nest in favorable 
localities. 
GREBS AND LOONS 
Among the most aquatic of water birds are the Grebs. Their 
legs are placed so far back that they are unable to walk and are, 
therefore, almost helpless on land. In the water, their movements 
are peculiarly easy and graceful; they swim on the surface or be¬ 
neath it with equal ease. Their food is composed of a variety of 
aquatic life, both animal and vegetable, but the main item is fish, 
which they pursue and capture under the water. The Pied-billed 
Greb is the best known of the family, occurring throughout the 
state as a migrant wherever conditions are favorable. In certain 
localities, it is said to nest sparingly. This species is known by a 
number of names, Dabchick, Water-witch, and Hell-diver, being the 
most common. Like all Grebs this one has the power of swimming 
under water, with only the bill above the surface. Its sudden and 
mysterious disappearance, when threatened from any quarter, is 
thus easily accounted for. 
The Loons are expert swimmers and divers, only resorting to 
land to nest. Their progress on land is slow and labored, and is 
accomplished by the aid of bills and wings. Their food is largely 
fish, which they pursue and catch by the aid of their feet alone. 
Loons are not common, but occur irregularly as migrants, being 
most frequent after severe spring storms. The common Loon 
(Gavia immer ) is the species of most frequent occurrence. 
GULLS AND TERNS 
The long-winged swimmers, the Gulls, Terns, etc. are most com¬ 
monly met with along the Lake shore, but they not infrequently occur 
inland on lakes and the larger streams. Both Gulls and Terns feed 
on fish, which they catch alive or find dead; garbage is also eaten. 
As scavengers, they are of great service to man, since they rid the 
water and shore of decaying matter which would otherwise pollute 
both water and air. Gulls settle on the water to take their food, arfd 
fly with the bill in a line with the body, whereas Terns snatch their 
