CHAPTEE XIII 



THE WATER-OUZEL 



rjlHE waterfalls of the Sierra are frequented by 

 JL only one bird, the Ouzel or Water Thrush 

 (Cinclus Mexicanus, Sw.). He is a singularly joy 

 ous and lovable little fellow, about the size of a 

 .robin, clad in a plain waterproof suit of bluish 

 gray, with a tinge of chocolate on the head and 

 shoulders. In form he is about as smoothly plump 

 and compact as a pebble that has been whirled in 

 a pot-hole, the flowing contour of his body being 

 interrupted only by his strong feet and bill, the 

 crisp wing-tips, and the up-slanted wren-like tail. 

 Among all the countless waterfalls I have met 

 in the course of ten years' exploration in the Sierra, 

 whether among the icy peaks, or warm foot-hills, 

 or in the profound yosemitic canons of the middle 

 region, not one was found without its Ouzel. No 

 canon is too cold for this little bird, none too lonely, 

 provided it be rich in falling water. Find a fall, 

 or cascade, or rushing rapid, anywhere upon a clear 

 stream, and there you will surely find its comple 

 mentary Ouzel, flitting about in the spray, diving 

 in foaming eddies, whirling like a leaf among beaten 

 foam-bells ; ever vigorous and enthusiastic, yet self- 

 contained, and neither seeking nor shunning your 

 company. 



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