218 THE BIRDS OF SHERWOOD FOREST. 
common species, found on all our streams, and is par- 
ticularly abundant on all the large sheets of water. I 
think I have mentioned that one side of the lake at 
Thoresby is skirted for more than half its length by a 
broad belt of plantation, which, being securely fenced 
in, preserves that margin of the water in strict seclusion, 
and this is constantly thronged by an immense number 
of wild ducks. Many an hour’s enjoyment I have had, 
while, hid from their observation, I have watched their 
various gambols. Aided by my glass, I could note 
every movement unsuspected. Some would be busy 
snapping rapidly at the water spiders and other insects, 
or, with tail poised in air, would endeavour to reach the 
water-weed below; others, with head laid back, or with 
bill buried in their plumage, floated lazily along, enjoy- 
ing the dolce far niente. Presently, an arrival of three 
or four from a distant flight would put the whole flock 
in commotion, while with loud quacks they appeared to 
be questioning the new comers, who perchance had 
brought intelligence of some fresh feeding ground; 
while another detachment would quietly take their de- 
parture. Now and then they would make up their 
minds to a boisterous game of play, chasing one another 
with great vigour, and diving incessantly. But idle or 
busy, they were ever on the alert, and at the slightest 
symptom of danger the whole flock would sail towards 
the centre of the lake; or if the danger appeared more 
imminent, they at once with loud cries of alarm took 
their flight to a safer spot. 
In severe winters, when the lakes are frozen, the large 
flocks of wild ducks, which had made them their homes 
during the rest of the year, disperse themselves in all 
directions, taking up their quarters on the running 
