Boys and Girls:
This is the first time I've been on land for several weeks. I am sure
you can't think of any other kind of bird who can say that.
Sometimes I don't go on land for months, but stay in the water all of
the time--eat and sleep there, floating around.
My little chick wanted me to go on land so we could have our pictures
taken.
If he were not sitting so close to me you could see better what paddles
I have for feet.
I build my nest of weeds, grass, sticks, and anything I can find
floating around. I most always fasten it to some reeds or tall grass
that grow up out of the water.
In this I lay the eggs and just as soon as the chicks come out of the
shell they can swim. Of course they can't swim as well as I and they
soon get tired. Do you know how I rest them?
Well, it's very funny, but I just help them up on my back and there they
rest while I swim around and get them food. When they get rested they
slide off into the water.
Are you wondering if I can fly? Well, I can fly a little but not very
well. I can get along very fast swimming, and as I do not go on land
often, why should I care to fly.
Should any one try to harm me I can dive, and swim under water out of
reach.
Well, chick, let us go back to our home in the water.
[Illustration: From col. F. M. Woodruff.
PIED BILLED GREBE.]