22 WILD DUCKS FOR SPORT AND PROFIT 



from a hedge bottom, bushy bankside, a bed of nettles in 

 the open fields, to a deserted crow's or rook's nest in the 

 tree tops. Where the birds are much harried by nest 

 seekers, or foxes, they find security on high stacks, pol- 

 lard willows, or, failing these, in the loftiest nests of tree 

 building birds. The problem is to say where the duck 

 will not nest when it suits her purpose; abroad they 

 sometimes occupy the nesting boxes provided for the 

 golden-eyed duck (Clangula glaucion, Linn.) Height is 

 no hindrance to a good mother duck ; as soon as her nest- 

 lings are fit for locomotion she carries them to a selected 

 spot in her bill. I saw one doing this as late as Aug. 20, 

 1902. Where foxes and vermin are over abundant the 

 duck is knowing enough to forsake continuous cover or 

 hedges for an isolated bed of thistles or nettles in the 

 open. In bitter weather, hollow trees are not forgotten, 

 if the opening faces south ; and, failing all other suitable 

 spots and old nests, a small depression in the open field 

 is taken advantage of." 



