Grebe
THE LITTLE GREBE.
THE Grebe is a lobe-footed bird of the
family lymbidoe.
There are more than twenty species
described in all parts of the world. All the
species have the head rather small, the
eyes near the bill, the neck long and
slender, and the body flattened. The
plumage is thick and soft, and glossy on
the under surface. They are usually seen
in small flocks along the shores of fresh-
water lakes and rivers, and near the sea
coast, but rarely on land, as the posterior
position of the legs renders it very difficult
for them to walk. They are excellent
swimmers, and expert divers, flying under
water to a considerable depth in pursuit
of fish. They are generally short and rapid
flyers, but during their migrations the
flight is elevated and long sustained.
When alarmed, they hide among the reeds,
or sink under water, leaving only the bill
out till the danger is over.
Birds of this family build their nests
among the rushes or aquatic plants of
lakes and ponds; these nests are built
at the water level, and are woven of light
material, into which are interlaced the
leaves and stalks of the water-plant.
This most curious water-bird builds its
nest in such a manner that it has the power
of conveying it on the surface of the water
like a boat from one position to another
more favorably situated. To effect this,
the Grebe, like a little waterman, pushes
her nest off from the shore, on the rushes,
then jumps in, guarding the eggs and
leaving one leg out. With her web foot as an
oar, she skillfully "paddles her own “canoe"
with human dexterity and precision.
Don't the birds in the picture look funny
in their floating, roofless houses!
As we look on the world around us we
see the power and goodness of God in
fitting every creature to fill its proper
place in his creation. He has created you,
dear children, for a life in the great
hereafter, and provided a way to attain to
a life of glory through his Son, the dear
Saviour, who died for you; and will you not
then love him with your whole heart?
Mating Dance