144 THE WOOD DUCK. 



THE WOOD DUCK. 



Along the line between Orleans and Genesee counties is 

 Tonawanda Swamp, extending many miles east and west, 

 and giving rise to a number of beautiful streams. Here 

 are large tracts of wood-land, forests of cedar and larch, 

 immense groves of maples, ashes, elms, etc., standing in the 

 water a great part of the year, as well as extensive tracts 

 of mere shrubby growth, and open marshes, moss-bogs, 

 etc. Here are many ponds and sluggish streams wind- 

 ing their way so quietly through the still forests that their 

 glassy surface betrays no current until a boat is launched 

 upon them. Being quartered with a hospitable family in 

 the vicinity, I am spending the first days of April in these 

 interesting haunts. Having paddled a light canoe for 

 several miles along the meandering water-course, I build 

 me a booth against the trunk of a large elm standing on a 

 point where several channels meet. Seating myself, gun in 

 hand, I have a commanding view along the channels for 

 some distance. Presently a pair of Wood Ducks (Aix 

 sponsa] appear. Evidently they are about to alight, but will 

 first reconnoiter the place. They cross the streams several 

 times, making short circuits through the woods. How 

 noiselessly they glide through the tree-tops, the male lead- 

 ing, and the female following closely after. Satisfied as to 

 the quiet of the spot, they drop gracefully into the wide, 

 glassy sheet of water where the channels meet. O, the 

 elegant figure and brilliant colors of the male, as he displays 

 himself in front of the female! The stretching and curv- 

 ing of the neck, and the graceful elevating of the crest are 

 indescribable. How he cuts and darts around his mate 

 and most tenderly caresses her! This is the supreme 

 moment of his rare elegance and beauty. He also utters a 

 peculiar cackling sound. Some 20 inches in length, he is 



