72 BIRDS OF P. E. ISLAND. 



frequent the ponds and marshes of the north 

 shore, and an odd pair may be found nesting in 

 creek bottoms anywhere through the country ; 

 where, at night, their curious "booming," or "stake 

 driving," arouses the curiosity or superstition of 

 country strollers. It nests in a soft reedy bog, 

 and feeds largely on frogs, lizards, and snakes. 



The American Coot, a dark - colored bird the 

 size of a Teal, but distinctly allied to the Rails, 

 frequents our sedgy river borders in summer 

 time. The nest is built of a mass of dried 

 reeds, so as to float on the water. Its sharp- 

 pointed bill, webless feet, and general appearance 

 win for it the common name of "marsh hen." 



Jfitmtii) Jlnatti^ij. 



AMERICAN WILD SWAN. 

 (Cygnus coluinbiamis ) 



This magnificent bird but seldom visits our shores, 

 its line of migration being more inland, probably 

 ijp the Hudson River Valley. A specimen was 



