100 MALLARD 



live mostly in the open, where both sexes are 

 conspicuous; they then assume a wary atti- 

 tude and are unapproachable. But as spring 

 comes round the mated Couple change their 

 habits and locate themselves in the vicinity 

 of covert. The duck, who alone is concerned 

 with the nest, has already the plumage suited 

 to her surroundings ; therefore, whilst she 

 is occupied with domestic cares, the mallard 

 retires under cover of reeds and rushes, 

 and by the time the brood has attained the 

 " flapper " stage has so altered his appear- 

 ance as to be scarcely distinguishable from 

 his mate. 



Curlew, golden-plover and other shore birds 

 are very conspicuous when standing out on 

 the sands, but amongst the heather and moss, 

 where they breed, their plumage harmonizes 

 perfectly with the surroundings. 



In these cases the birds, erstwhile Exposers, 

 adopt an attitude of concealment. 



Ducks and other aquatic fowl frequenting 

 open water make no attempt at concealment, 

 but depend, in the first place, on their power 

 of sight, and as they usually keep together in 

 company, the advent of any suspicious object 

 is at once detected. When this happens there 

 is no panic, for the birds are subconsciously 

 aware of their security. Acting in a deliberate 



