130
Lake Umbagog.
Leonard's Pond.
1897.
June 8
(No 5)
  On first visiting the Whistler's nest this morning
I took one of the young and sent it to the boat by
Gilbert intending to return it to the nest after breakfast
But the sudden departure of the mother with the
rest of the brood defeated this plan and we have the
pretty little creature still. I have taken advantage of
the opportunity to try a number of experiments. First
I put the bird on the deck where it ran about
freely standing & moving always in a nearly erect position,
lying prone with half extended wings when tired. It
called every few minutes in shrill piping tones very
like a young Turkey - peep-peep-peep-peep-peep.
It did not appear either shy or apprehensive but, like
many young birds, it was exceedingly stubborn & persistent
giving me the greatest trouble to pose it for
photographing absolutely refusing to remain where I
wished it to although it would settle down quietly
almost anywhere else.
[margin]Behavior
of young
Whistler
taken from
nest.[/margin]
  Next I put a shallow pan filled with water
near it. It ran back and forth through this
many times without apparently taking the least
notice of the water.
  Next it was placed suddenly but gently in the
middle of a tub filled to the brim with water.
For at least a minute it remained floating in
one spot looking about with evident bewilderment
but without signs of fear. Its feet & legs hanging loosely
down beneath it. Occasionally it would twitch them
slightly. Presently it began using them as paddles,
slowly & hesitatingly at first. Indeed it was more
than an hour before it swam at all fast or