tree, and sometimes even constructing a rude nest of sticks in the forks of 

 branches. The eggs, twelve or thirteen in number, are yellowish, rather -smaller 

 than those of the domestic hen, and they are usually covered with down, probably 

 plucked from the breast of the parent. 



The same tree is sometimes occupied by the same pair for several successive 

 years in the nesting season. The young, when hatched, are carried down in the 

 bill of the female and afterward conducted by her to the nearest water. For 

 these places when once selected, if not disturbed, they sometimes show a strong 

 predilection, and are not easily induced to forsake the premises, however invaded 

 by noise and bustle. While the female is sitting the male is usually perched on 

 some adjoining limb of the same tree, keeping watch for their common safety. 

 The species is scarcely ever gregarious ; they are seen only in pairs or by 

 families. The common note of the drake is peet, peet, but when on his post as 

 sentinel, on espying danger, he makes a sort of crowing noise, like hoo eek, hoo eek. 



The food of the Wood Duck consists principally of acorns, the seeds of 

 aquatic plants such as those of the wild oats and insects which live in or near 

 the water. I have seen a fine male whose stomach was wholly filled with a mass 

 of the small flower beetles, which are seen so nimbly flying over or resting on the 

 leaves of the pond lily. The Duck must be very alert in quest of their prey or 

 they could never capture these wary insects. 



"Few if any more exquisitely beautiful creatures have been fashioned in the 

 workmanship of Nature, than the Wood Duck of America," are the words of Dr. 

 Dawson, and to them we might add the words of Mr. Chapman, "Woodland 

 ponds and various border streams make a proper setting for the grace and beauty 

 of this richly attired bird." They do not quack but have a pleasing and musical 

 call, a sort of whistle. 



These birds perch upon branches of trees, and are fond of acorns. They 

 are not solely dependent upon aquatic plants and animals or even upon food which 

 is found upon the ground, but also eat flying insects and young buds. 



It seems too bad that because of unscrupulous hunters this gem of the wood- 

 land should be in danger of extermination. Then too, the open season for ducks 

 does not offer protection, as the hunting season opens before the southern flight 

 of most water fowl which nest in the far north, has begun. Therefore, our 

 summer ducks are for a time the only available game. 



They build their nests and seek their food in unfrequented woods near the 

 water. Favorite nesting places are hollow branches of trees, an old woodpecker's 

 hole, or hollow stump, preferring holes that overhang the water or are near it. 

 They will, however, often accept sites away from the water, in which case the 

 parent removes the young in her bill to the water as soon as they are hatched, but 

 the young, do not return to the nest. The writer has eight eggs taken at Long 

 Lake, Minnesota, May 21, 1903. The hollow tree in which the eggs were laid 

 was profusely lined with down and feathers. 



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