Duck-shooting 77 



North the nest is frequently several rods from 

 water, usually among trees or scrub brush ; in 

 rare instances the bird has resorted to a deserted 

 hawk's or crow's nest. 



During the period of incubation the duck takes 

 full charge, the males congregating by themselves. 

 She is a close sitter, and can sometimes be lifted 

 from her nest. If disturbed, the old bird often 

 feigns wounded. The ducklings take readily to 

 the water, diving and hiding at the suspicion of 

 danger. By the latter part of August they are 

 fledged, and at this time are killed in large num- 

 bers by the natives. 



August and September, 1894, were spent by the 

 writer in North Dakota. Early in September, 

 mallards and shovellers were the most abundant 

 ducks, but among all the mallards killed there was 

 not a single green-head, nor was one seen until 

 September 20, when a drake was shot in about 

 half-full plumage. By the first week in October 

 the birds are well established in their fall homes. 

 The extensive marshes of our Western states are 

 their favorite resorts in the early fall, and on their 

 first arrival many are killed from boats pushed 

 through the rushes, or from passes along their 

 line of flight. Continuous persecution soon 

 makes them wild, and we find them keeping to 

 the open water during the day, coming at night 

 to the marshes to feed. In certain localities the 



