Music of the Wild 



convince any one of its untruth would be to dis- 

 sect a bird and find the peculiar membrane in his 

 windpipe that enables him to furnish this distinct- 

 ive and most interesting marsh music. Xo doubt 

 the organ would somewhat resemble the same for- 

 mation at the base of the windpipe of a drake. 



The bittern is a fine, dignified specimen. He 

 likes to have his beak and feet clean, and mani- 

 fests his pride in his beautiful plumage by con- 

 stantly dressing and keeping it immaculate. Com- 

 pared with his cousin, shielpoke, he differs as the 

 prince from the fishmonger. Xo slashing and 

 splashing in marsh muck and dirty water for him. 

 He selects a clear, clean spot having a slight cur- 

 rent and, standing immovable, watches the bottom 

 until he sees signs of a worm; and then, with a 

 quick, neat nip he has it.' He is in every way a 

 self-respecting bird. He moves with fine poise 

 and dignity, and in flight he is strong and grace- 

 ful. His vocalizing is almost as surprising as that 

 of the loon, but quite different. 



The loon is a diver, and a relative of the grebe. 

 As a rule loons are of the lakes and marshes of the 

 The far Xorth, where their cries are considered dread- 

 Laughter .p u j k nervous people. In early spring, near nest- 



of the Loon . J . J ^ . \ g . 



mg-time, their vocalization is startling, especially 

 in a first experience. The morning call rolling 

 across the water is not so unpleasant ; some eminent 

 authorities confess a sneaking fondness for it, as 

 414 



