BIRDS OF THE WEST 123 



no bird that is in such constant danger. First of all, they nest 

 upon the ground and lay white eggs. That means that snakes and 

 squirrels have easy times finding them. Then in winter they 

 huddle together to keep warm, sitting in a compact circle with 

 their tails together, and they are often buried beneath the snow 

 and smothered. No bird is hunted by man more than they 

 are so that it is no wonder that they must lay a nest full of eggs 

 and if the mother is shot the little widower must climb upon 

 the nest and play mother. Pot-shooting is easy with them for 

 their great fondness for each other causes them to keep well 

 huddled, but no true sportsman could be guilty of taking a shot 

 at a flock sitting upon the ground. Why even the birds known 

 as fly-catchers catch their flies only on the wing. Hunting- 

 madness seems to be on the increase and unless something is done 

 to check it our game birds will be reduced to such small num- 

 bers that the day's shooting will bring small returns. 



We are too ready to overlook the aesthetic value of game birds. 

 Some of our wild ducks are of wonderful beauty. In fact, it 

 is doubtful if the wood-duck has a rival. And bob white! Who 

 says he is not a work of art? He is to birds what the speckled 

 trout is to fishes. 



I should hate to think that the time is near when I shall not 

 see now and then a quail running in the roadside ahead of my 

 carriage and actually jumping to one side as I pass. 



Bob white whistles his o\vn name and should always be 

 called by the name he chooses for himself. 



