Frank Finn

“ On another occasion the carrying parent, on my approach, swam away from the nest with the young on its back, and the other hastened to it, and there was much chattering. Then the unburdened parent swam to the nest, made a peck at it—I being there all the time on the platform overlooking it—and then went back to its partner, when there was more chattering. The whole performance looked as if this bird had inquired as to the cause of its partner's alarm, and had gone to reassure it by examining either me or the state of the nest! I have no doubt that the old birds know me. ”

“ A few days later I saw the young bird, which was now fullwinged, trying to fly.
January 7th, 1901.—I saw two old birds on the tank (the absentee having evidently returned) on good terms, meeting and chattering; no sexual display, however, though both are in full plumage, equally showing rufous on neck. [I have since watched them through another winter (1901-1902) , and seen them retain full plumage all the time.] Young bird apart, flying once or twice, as well as an adult. ”

“ Later, I saw both together with one old bird, which drove both away; but then more than once fed the smaller one, deliberately driving the other off; this larger chick was hunting for itself. Later, saw them all near each other; both young hunting. [The food was shrimps and insects; no fish given as yet.] One parent—the smaller—was sometimes alone now.
21st.—Saw only one old Dabchick, feeding one young bird, but repelling the other larger chick. The nest has now disappeared.
25th.—I found the bigger young bird some little way out of the water, near the servants' quarters. ”