BIRDS OF Ni:W YORK STATE 



9 



Baldpate (continued) 



The bird "backpedals" with its wings and also thrusts out its 

 feet to help stop its momentum. It always faces the wind in 

 alighting. The white crown shows that it is an adult male. 



Call no. 

 Nu Bc8 Flock in Flight over the Water. Gardiners island. (April 8, 

 1912) Harper 



Describe the mode of flight both as to an individual bird and 

 as to the flock. Note the large white patch on wing and the 

 light underparts. These are the field marks. 



Bittern, American {Botaurus lentiginosus) 



The American bittern, or "stake driver," is a summer resident 

 of large swamps and marshes throughout the State, being espe- 

 cially common in the Montezuma marshes. It builds its nest 

 of grass and reeds on the ground. It is a solitary bird; that is, 

 it is not found in flocks. The food of the bittern consists of 

 frogs, fish, salamanders and water insects. Does the location of 

 the nest suggest this fact? 28 



Nu BiA Adult Disturbed While Brooding, Two Young Birds at Side. 

 Montezuma marshes. (1904) Tabor 



This particular bird had no fear in defending its nest. If 

 approached too closeh^ it struck with its bill. Note how the 

 young birds imitate the mother in the position they assume. 

 Note the character of the vegetation around the nest and com- 

 pare with the other pictures showing the habitat of bitterns. 



Nu BiA2 Nest with Eggs Nearly Submerged in Water. Branchport. 

 (May 21, 1912) Bitrtch 



In periods of high water the bittern, like the gallinule, builds 

 its nest up from the bottom by the repeated addition of new 

 material. Even then the nest may be destroyed by the rising 

 water. This nest is in a much more exposed situation than is 

 usual. 



Nu BiA5 Four Birds About Two Weeks Old on Nest. Montezuma 

 marshes. (1904) Tabor 



Observe the characteristic position of the head and of the neck. 

 Describe each. The young are now strong enough to defend 

 themselves and are ready with bills open to strike at the photog- 

 rapher. Note the feathers appearing on shoulder and wing. 



