REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS OF FISHERIES, GAME AND FORESTS. 257 



Among the many beautiful water-fowl we have with us, the male wood-duck in 

 the full glow of his autumn plumage is the most brilliant. 



Sharp contrast of superb tints, and a wonderful blending of rich, warm colors 

 combine to produce in the plumage of the male the most gorgeous effects. 



Taxidermy gives us the graceful carriage and coloring, but there is lacking that 

 indescribable sheen, or more properly bloom, that we find in life, blending its warmth 

 and greatly enhancing the splendor of this bird's appearance. 



The female is a " dainty little beauty," to my thinking. 



Though lacking the gorgeous habiliments of her consort, she wears a most fasci- 

 nating garb of modest duns, yellows, greys, whites and browns ; is so shapely, and 

 carries herself, withal, in so graceful a manner, as to steal right into the affec- 

 tions of those who have had opportunity of familiar acquaintanceship with the 

 little wood-sprite. 



These birds are mated for life and if undisturbed will return year after year to the 

 same site for nest building in the hollow of some favorite old tree, or it may be a cosy 

 angle in the fork of a limb that overhangs the water. 



The nest is a primitive affair as to its exterior, but a downy coverlet protects the 

 eggs within, "from eight to a dozen in number." 



About the middle of May with us, the young brood is carried down to the still 

 water, where they speedily accustom themselves to their surroundings, disappearing 

 as if by magic on the slightest alarm ; they scuttle under the drooping fronds of the 

 ferns that border many of our inland creeks and runs, or, if it be a swamp where they 

 have hatched, the tussocks of lush grass and weeds will instantly receive them 

 out of sight. 



Save as an occasional visitant I have never found this bird on salt meadows. 



They love the silence and beauty of wooded streams, and the tangle of vine 

 canopies that spread over still, swamp waters. 



When approaching the nest, one must needs be cautious if a glimpse of the male 

 be desired. Should he happen on the water when you arrive it is more than likely 

 an incautious rustle will betray you, and immediately you hear a startling rush as he 

 springs in flight through the nodding alders. But, if above in the branches of his 

 family tree and you are adept in still hunting, you may catch him unawares. 



He dearly loves to perch on a dead limb in a full blaze of sunshine, to preen. 



Fortunate you are if your careful approach be rewarded by a sight of this fairy 

 creature at his toilet. 



Only once have I had this opportunity. The nest was in a huge chestnut that 

 hung over a pool in the midst of a tangled swamp. I had stolen up unobserved, and 

 though I knew where to look, and felt positive the bird I sought was there, still it was 

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