THE WATER OUZEL. 



The water ouzel frequents the sides of rocky moun- 

 tain streams. As early as January or February it be- 

 gins its song". In Cumberland it is known bj'^ the name 

 of the Bessy Ducker, and has been celebrated as 



" A cheerful bird' that loves the stream, 

 And the stream's voice, and answers, in like strains, 

 Murmuring deliciously." 



Another description of it is, that its notes resemble 

 " the sound of water gurgling among pebbles." In its 

 favourite haunts it breeds, and continues the whole 

 year. The nest is very large, formed externally of 

 moss and water-plants, and lined with dry oak leaves. 

 It is commonly placed in some mossy bank overhanging 

 the water ; in shape it resembles that of the wren, but 

 is not so deep, and has a dome or covering. Its eggs 

 are considerably less than those of the blackbird. 



The ouzel seems alike indifferent to heat and cold, so 

 long as it can be near water that is not frozen. Should a 

 stranger find out its romantic abode, the bird, according 



