122 STOEIES OF BIRD LIFE 



flocks are formed. Their feeding ground is usually in the 

 clear patches of shallow water among rushes and grass 

 where sometimes they may be approached with ease. 



The sight of a group of feeding wood ducks, as they bob 

 about, dipping their heads under water, is a novel and 

 fascinating one. While at rest they enjoy standing or sit- 

 ting on partially submerged logs or stumps, and when 

 feeding they often have one or more sentinels .posted, some- 

 times on a tree or snag several feet above the water. This 

 is one of the birds which has stood well against the ad- 

 vances of civilization. All over North America where 

 woodlands exist, and lakes or running streams abound, 

 the beautiful crested wood duck is found. 



THOUGHT QUESTIONS 



Do young ducks have webbed feet when they are first hatched? How old 

 is a duck before feathers begin to appear in place of the down which at 

 first comes? Do tame ducks roost at night on perches, or on the ground? 

 How soon can a young duck learn to swim? Are ducks' eggs the same 

 shape and color of hens' eggs? Do you know the wood duck? 



