ANATID^E: Ducks, Geese, and Swans 



53 



TF.V\ Irregular and 

 rare. On open fresh water, 

 coastal region of southern 

 California. Usually single 

 birds; rarely, flocks of 

 forty or more. Occasional 

 in Arizona. 



Whiatlinq Swan 



A pleasing fable that has gained popular credence through frequent 

 repetition is that the Swan, songless in life, sings sweetly at death. A 

 harmless belief, certainly, to which Dr. Coues pays tribute in these words: 



How sadly sweet the solemn strain 



The dirge of the dying Swan! 

 That wonderous music, child of pain, 

 That requiem sounding once again 



And a bird's soul passes on. 



