THE WILD DUCK. 
81 
plentiful. Early in the winter of 1842-43, they were likewise 
so, and were seen coming in immense numbers every evening 
from some inland lakes, to feed in the bay during the night. 
First, a few small flocks appeared, then as many in broken 
parties as would cover the fourth of a square mile, and, lastly, the 
rear was brought up like the advanced posts, by a few small 
flocks. In mid-winter they disappeared ; but in the severe weather 
beginning in February, they were again most abundant — all 
other species of ducks were scarce here that season. At the 
breaking up of a frost, it is very interesting to walk along the 
shores of the bay, and witness the ever-varying flights of the Ana- 
tida* Among others, little flocks of wild ducks are so restless, as 
to be constantly getting up from some quarter or other, and 
sweeping through the air. 
I have remarked at the Falls ponds, how much these birds suffered 
from frost, after it had been very intense for a few nights, and the 
ground had been covered with snow. Several of them, after walking 
two or three yards, would sit down, and, evidently from the cold- 
ness of their legs and feet, draw them up into their plumage. 
When warmed in this way, they would start again on foot, but not 
go farther than before without sitting down and playing a similar 
part : I witnessed this frequently, and, though pitying the poor 
ducks, could not but be amused at the very slow progress which 
they made. Birds wholly wild, would probably have taken flight 
instead of walking. Those alluded to, which had the use of their 
wings, were content to remain on the ponds (some of which 
are small) during the day, but in the evening often flew to the 
neighbouring feeding-grounds of the wild individuals of their 
species, where they were sometimes killed by fowlers. 
I had annually, at the Falls, the opportunity of observing the 
singular change of plumage which takes place in the mallard early 
in summer, when, losing his brilliant colours and markings, 
he becomes similar in garb to the duck. This change, which 
has long been known to take place, is very particularly and 
agreeably described by Mr. Waterton. Not only the mallard, 
VOL. III. G 
