72 BIRDS OF P. E. ISLAND. 



frequent the ponds and marshes of the north 

 shore, and an odd pair may be found nesting in 

 creek bottoms anywhere through the country ; 

 where, at night, their curious "booming," or "stake 

 driving," arouses the curiosity or superstition ot 

 country strollers. It nests in a soft reedy bog, 

 and feeds largely on frogs, lizards, and snakes. 



'I'he American Coot, a dark -colored bird the 

 size of a 'I'eal, but distinctly allied to the Rails, 

 frequents our sedgy river borders in summer 

 time. The nest is built of a mass of dried 

 reeds, so as to float on the water. Its sharp- 

 l)ointed bill, webless feet, and general appearance 

 win for it the common name of "marsh hen." 



Jfamili) JlnatibiC. 



AMERICAN WILD SWAN. 

 (CygHus columbianus) 



This magnificent bird but seldom visits our shores, 

 its line of migration being more inland, probably 

 up the Hudson River Valley. A specimen was 



