BIRDS OF MARSH AND WATERSIDE. 3853 
WATER-FOWL.. 
We have no means of knowing how many species of 
water-fowl once bred about the ponds and rivers of the 
State, but there are now but two important species that 
breed here in any numbers, and one of these, the Wood 
Duck (Ax sponsa) (see frontispiece), is now rapidly grow- 
ing rare in most of the State. This bird, of exquisite loveli- 
ness, was once the most common wild-fow] that nested along 
the shores of our wooded streams and ponds. It is now - 
protected by statute at all times; but only the most rigid 
enforcement of the law can save this, the most beautiful of 
American wild ducks, from extermination. It is not as shy 
as the Black Duck, and it frequents small ponds*and wooded 
streams that afford cover to the gunner and can be easily shot 
-across. The young are hatched in a nest in some hollow 
tree or stump, and are often carried to the water by the 
mother bird. They are fortunate if they are not all killed 
by some gunner as soon as they are big enough for the table. 
The bird is harmless, and is at times a great insect eater. 
It should be saved from the fate of the Passenger Pigeon, 
Heath Hen, and Wild Turkey. 
The Black Duck (Anas obscura) is more common, and has 
of late somewhat increased in numbers, owing, probably, to 
improved and better-enforced laws for its protection. It is 
not, as its name implies, a black bird, but is dusky, with a 
lighter neck and throat. The under sides of its wings are 
also lighter in color. It breeds on the ground, mainly in 
marshes and bogs, or on islands in ponds, and is well dis- 
tributed in suitablé localities throughout the State. It is 
normally very destructive to grasshoppers, but in this State 
it seldom ventures far from, its fastnesses in the bog, except 
as it goes to the sea or large bodies of water, which give it a 
good outlook and some chance of safety. 
The other pond and river Ducks and the Geese are mere 
migrants through Massachusetts. The sea Ducks are not 
known to be of much value to man except through the 
recreation their pursuit affords. The service rendered to 
man by sea birds is referred to on p. 80. 
