G A M E BIRDS () F T II E P A C I F I C 
(I M) 
KED-HEAD (AYTHYA AMERICANA) 
many shots at these little clucks and even many 
times failing to carry home those I did kill, 
it remained for Mr. Babcock, then of the 
Coronado Hotel, of San Diego, to demonstrate 
to me the real value of the ruddy duck. I was 
one of a party shooting with him on his preserve 
at Otay dam. When we came into the house 
after our morning’s shoot, a mo.st enjoyable 
one, he asked each member of the })arty what 
kind of a duck he wished for his dinner. 
Mallards, canvasbacks, sprigs and widgeons 
had been named, so when he came to me I 
answered that any kind would do me. To 
this he replied : “Then you shall have one of 
my favorites.” When dinner was ready 
before each plate was a beautifully roasted 
duck of the species chosen by the member 
of the ])arty for whom that plate was laid, but 
AMERICAN .SCAUP, OK BI.UE-BILE ( AYTHYA MAKIEA NEARTICA) 
