13
Back Bay Basin,
Boston, Mass.
1909.
Feb. 27
(No 13)
sun-lit water from just where it would have been
difficult to determine had not its authors been plainly
visable, was by no means unpleasing in its general effect.
But when the paaap was heard near at hand and
critically regarded it did not impress me so favorably.
It is, indeed, distinctly unmusical and at all times
far less attractive in quality than the humming-top
sound made by their wings in flight, to which the
Whistler owes its familiar name, and which was
much in evidence this morning whenever the birds
were moving from place to place. They rose from the
water with great apparent ease and almost as quickly
as Black Ducks, despite the absence of wind. When they
alighted they often struck water almost at full
speed, just after closing their wings, sending the spray
flashing up into the sunshine and ploughing furrows
Whistler courtship.
Love call
Sound of wings in flight.
Birds rise easily from water
Birds alight heavily