PATTERNS OF LOCAL MOVEMENT 



frozen except at the edges, where a black moat of water separates ice from 

 tules. Behind, to the north, is the narrow ridge of woodland that marks the 

 south shore of Lake Manitoba. Beyond that, far past the northern horizon, are 

 the marshes of Winnipegosis, of the Saskatchewan, of the MacKenzie. 



The setting sun is the signal for Mallards and Pintails to leave these dark 

 waters and move to other marshlands. Paired drakes and hens in company 

 with their kind rise from the bays and go directly into the northwest. I am 

 impressed by their precision, for, although their numbers are scattered far 

 and wide over the marsh, the departure is not along a solidly broad front. 

 Instead, as the bands leave the bays, the flight resolves into well-defined 

 lanes of travel. The movement over the lakeshore is not in a wide sweep. The 

 crossings are at passes. From where I stand I can see a flight over the village 



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