Merganser

A thin film of ice edged the banks but the current kept open water along the middle stream. Willows were faintly yellow and a warm tint had touched the alders. A March nor'wester strung cumuli across the blue but high banks deflected its breath and only the rapids murmured. Five MERGANSERS were breakfasting. One after another the glistening emerald heads were arched, the birds disappeared without a ripple and, after a surprisingly short interval, rose to the surface and deposited a "shiner" on the ice edge. Apparently each bird returned to its own cache for there was no fighting over the food. When plates held about one dozen, the collectors scrambled on the table and absorbed the feast with astounding rapidity. Most of the victims were taken at once by the head but a few were given a little fling and recaught correctly — always head first. Such strenuous exercise required plenty of fish energy and the birds were over half an hour at the table. How many fish they ate would take much guessing but a ruft estimate totaled about 50 for each! (Even fried in butter there would have been some left on my plate!)

They preened awhile after breakfast, sitting on the ice edge. Suddenly the two females slid overboard and assumed the coquette role. After them tumbled the three gallants, all green, white, soft salmon pink with carmine feet and bills, swimming usually in line or buried in splashing foam — which seemed to interest the ladies not in the least. A picture of glowing color and virile action which a fortunate onlooker never will forget. Then they rose with back-flung feet tatooing in the whitened water and disappeared around the bend. Yes, the actual show was over but the memory — not until the West calls!