J 
HOW MUCH DO LOONS USE THEIR WINGS 
UNDER WATER? 
Edward Howe Forbush. 
If what we do not know about birds could be printed it 
would fill a very large library. Indeed, the misinforma¬ 
tion regarding them that has been circulated would fill 
many volumes. Probably every one who has written 
much on birds has made some mistakes. One of the most 
common and inexcusable errors is the positive assertion 
that a bird never does this or that, on the assumption that 
we are in possession of all the facts, because we have never 
seen the bird in the act in all our extensive experience or 
because our opinion is confirmed by the mere statement 
of certain authorities. Most people will concede that 
William Brewster was an authority on our native birds. 
Probably his notes on the habits of New England birds 
exceed in number and value those of any man now living. 
Years ago he told me this story by way of illustrating the 
folly of cocksureness in such matters. One day in the 
field he was instructing a tyro on how to note the differ¬ 
ences between the Hermit Thrush and another species. 1 
A typical specimen of the latter sat in plain sight on a 
shrub before them. In concluding the lesson Mr. Brew¬ 
ster said, “Another thing; the Hermit Thrush jets its tail 
while this bird never does.” Immediately the bird jetted 
its tail. 
Many authorities have asserted that neither Loons, 
Grebes nor Cormorants use their wings in swimming 
under water. Others say in substance that these birds 
rarely do so, while per contra a few have actually seen 
these birds making continuous use of their wings beneath 
1 I have purposely omitted the name of the species here as years have passed since 
then and memory cannot always be relied upon. 
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