Vol XVI "I t The AnatidcE of North Dakota. l6l 



1899 j J J 



It proved to be situated just like the other one and contained 

 five beautiful eggs. I got the nest out with some difficulty, as it 

 was held to the bank by many small roots. The cavity in which 

 the nest was made is lined overhead with moss, making a roof 

 for the nest." 



Upon receiving the nest and eggs from Mr. Taylor I found 

 the eggs addled and the bird had doubtless been sitting upon 

 them for some time in vain ; otherwise this nesting date would 

 be unusually late and the site of the nest an unusual one. The 

 prospect hole in which the nest was found was on a hillside fully 

 exposed to the sun and very dry, which seems quite in contrast 

 to the usual habitat of this Wren. 



SOxME OBSERVATIONS ON THE ANATID^ OF 

 NORTH DAKOTA. 



EY REV. HERBERT K. JOB. 



It was my privilege in the spring of 1898 to enjoy a collecting 

 trip in North Dakota that covered nearly the whole nesting 

 period, — from May 6 to July 4. With a companion, ' rig,' and 

 camp outfit I made a 600 mile tour, visiting most of the principal 

 lakes in the northern half of the State, as far west as into the 

 Turtle Mountains. Paying especial attention to the Ducks, I 

 had an unusual opportunity to note the distribution of the differ- 

 ent species throughout the broad region that I traversed. Four- 

 teen species were found nesting, namely, — Mallard, Gadwall, 

 Baldpate, Green-winged Teal, Blue-winged Teal, Shoveller, Pin- 

 tail, Redhead, Canvas-back, Lesser Scaup, Ring-neck, American 

 Golden-eye, White-winged Scoter, and Ruddy Duck. 



As nearly all the land in the region visited has been, or is being, 

 taken up by settlers, the Anatidae are on the wane in the breed- 

 ing season, according to all accounts. Yet I was surprised at 



