BIRDS OF MARSH AND WATERSIDE. 353 



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 (Aix 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-fowl 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 suitable 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. 



