Grebe

A crested swimming-bird about the size at the rear end of its body, and paddles with its lobate toes in the water. Its nest is a light raft, and floats on the lakes and ponds, where the tall rushes and reeds grow. If an enemy discovers the nest, the bird puts one foot out, and, using it as a paddle, guides the nest to safer wTaters. As soon as the young are hatched the male leads the little ones into the water. When they are tired of swimming they mount upon the backs of the old birds. The mother bird induces them to dive by holding food in her beak, going backwards as they come near, until she gets them to go under the water to catch it.