444 Cahn, The Freezing of Cayuga Lake. [q^ 



cake of ice, with nothing but the head and about half the neck protruding 

 from the mass. The duck, still alive, was chopped out, when it was found 

 that the ice had in some way frozen over the duck, leaving water next to 

 the body. This was undoubtedly kept from freezing by the action of the 

 legs and the body heat. The bird was uninjured, and after being fed, 

 seemed little the worse for its experience. In all, nineteen dead Bluebills 

 were found upon the ice of the lake, within six miles of Ithaca, and reports 

 coming from various points along the lake, seem to indicate a rather uni- 

 form mortality throughout the entire area. The specimens examined were 

 extremely thin. There was no trace of fat on the bodies, and the breast 

 bones were barely covered by flesh. The stomachs contained nothing 

 whatsoever, while in the gizzards were found small quantities of gravel 

 averaging 13.45 grams in weight. 



10. Clangula clangula americana. Golden-eye. — Golden-eyes 

 were encountered daily, although they were less numerous than any of the 

 preceding species of ducks. When seen they were usually in flocks of from 

 twent}^ to forty, but only a few flocks were seen each day. Usually it was 

 impossible to approach within fifty feet of these birds, although in one. 

 instance a flock of a dozen individuals was watched from a considerably 

 shorter distance than this. A beautiful male specimen was picked up in 

 the same manner as the Canvas-backs were captured, and with as little 

 resistance. To all external appearances he was perfect, yet his body was a 

 sad contrast to his biilliant plumage. There are records of five dead 

 Golden-eyes found within the six miles studied. As with the other ducks, 

 the gizzards contained only pebbles, but in smaller quantities, averaging 

 8.5 grains in weight. 



11. Charitonetta albeola. Buffle-head. — A single male specimen 

 of this species remained constantly in the open water at Ludlowville, and 

 even with stones could not be driven out. It seemed to thrive well on the 

 corn it found scattered there, and was absolutely fearless of human presence. 

 This was the only specimen seen. 



