Columbus auritus. Podiceps cornutus v Taken on Richardson lo. Mr. Mrs. Bartlett of "Poplar Tavern", Newry, has a mounted Horned Grebe which she tells me was shot at the head of Richardson Lake last Spring. As it is in the gray winter plumage I think she must be wrong about the date though the locality is doubtless reliable. Mr. Jenkins, a gentleman from New York, has also shown me a Horned Grebe which he shot on Umbazookas in Sept. /882. Oct. 15. A flock of eight on Umbazookas (see another care on the head and wing configuration of these and I agree with him that they are Podiceps auritus. If they were common here I should have noticed them long ago. They are very small and slender. The feet are placed well back on the body. They are black above and white below, with a long, pointed bill and yellow eyes. The legs are short and yellowish-green. Their call is a low, guttural sound. They are found in lakes and ponds, where they dive for fish. They are migratory birds, wintering in warmer countries. They are excellent swimmers and divers, but poor flyers. They build their nests on the water, made of weeds and grasses. The eggs are white or greenish-white. The young are covered with down when they hatch. They feed on fish, insects, and crustaceans. They are solitary birds, except during the breeding season. They are protected by law in many countries. They are important for the ecosystem, as they help control fish populations. They are also popular among birdwatchers. Richardson Lake, Maine Spring 1907 1882