Bufflehead

To the common names — Butterball, Spirit Duck and Dipper — might be added Hummer. Its wings blur exactly like a Hummingbird's and its speed equals any, altho the smallest of the Ducks.

Most seaboard Ducks keep a sharp weather eye on the curve of breakers but BUFFLEHEAD pays no attention to this menace. If caught they disappear into the liquid wall and bob jauntily into sight on the fan of another bursting wave. No other bird could stand the tumultuous jouncing in which they seem to delight. Seasickness is something outside their experience.

But individuals like the quiet of sheltered waters and small flocks were in evidence as far south as the Carolinas along the inland waterway. They were not afraid of a sailing boat and frequently waited before flying until we were within fifty feet. Once they did start there was no hesitation. Usually they dove but the speed with which they went aloft was amazing. It seemed to me they were going fifty miles an hour when ten feet from the point of departure. They land upon water with similar impetuosity, furrowing along for some yards before coming to rest.

Coordination between mind and muscle is so perfect that often they can beat the shot by diving at the gun flash.