This Grebe is a remarkable diver; it dives with such lightning speed, that a shot aimed at it only strikes the surface of the water. It is a terror in the fishpond. When the fish feel secure, several of these birds join together and make a raid on them. They dive, and while under water drive the fish towards the shallow shore, and having thus placed them in a difficulty, the birds seize their prey from among the bewildered victims.
The Grebe endeavours to avoid danger to itself by diving, as long as it can—and it is able to remain under water for a long time and swim a considerable distance. If the rushes for which it is making, are still at some distance, it raises its head out of water for a moment, breathes once, and dives again. It is only in direst
HARMFUL.
THE GREAT CRESTED GREBE.
need that it takes to flight, and beats the water for some time before it begins to rise. Having once risen it flies rapidly and steadily.