The Red Phalarope 
of the crasher, and are down again, preening their feathers or snatching 
dainties with the utmost unconcern. Now a bird is left stranded on a reef, 
or now he is whisked and whirled a dozen feet away. All right, if he likes 
it; but if not, he is back again, automatically, at the old rendezvous. 
Life goes on right merrily in spite of these shocking interruptions. 
Food-getting is the main business, and this is pursued with extraordinary 
ardor. The bird’s tiny feet kick the water violently, and there is the 
tiniest compensatory bob for every stroke, so that their little bodies 
seem all a-tremble. There seems to be no difference of opinion between 
the two species, but there is time for a good deal of amatory play between 
the sexes of the Reds. It is always the bright-colored female who makes 
the advances, for the wanton Phalaropes have revised Nature’s order, 
and the modest male either seeks escape by flight, or else defends himself 
with determined dabs. Here is the authentic lady for whom Shakes¬ 
peare’s “pilgrim” sighed: 
Taken on the Farallon Ids. Photo by the Author 
THE NEREIDS 
PHAI.AROPES OF BOTH SPECIES, RED AND NORTHERN. COMPOSE THIS FLOCK 
11 73 
