278 SKETCHES OF BIRD LIFE. 



with mournful notes, returned to the spot whence 

 he rose, and pitched upon the mud close to the 

 dead duck. Here he remained for some seconds, 

 nodding his head and curtseying, as if about to take 

 wing, uttering a low note the while as if to entice 

 away the duck, whom he appeared so loth to leave. 

 We were so struck at this manifestation of affec- 

 tion that we could not find it in our heart to shoot 

 at the poor bird, and as we moved on to pick up his 

 mate, he rose and was again soon out of range. 



It is not improbable that the mildness of the 

 season induced these birds to pair earlier than usual, 

 for at the time of year at which the above incident 

 occurred, Teal and other wildfowl are generally 

 found in flocks. 



Large numbers of these birds pass southwards 

 for the winter, repassing again in the spring on the 

 way back to their breeding-haunts. In September 

 and October they collect in large flocks, and, as they 

 fly a good deal lower and closer together than most 

 other ducks, several may be killed at once by a 

 well-directed shot. This is especially the case if 

 the shooter be in ambush close to the water which 

 they frequent; but as their flight is exceedingly 



