i 9 ° A Pioneer History of Bfcker County. 
Quail have several times reached the southern townships of 
Becker County where several bevys were hatched in 1906. These 
birds resemble young ruffed grouse with abbreviated tails. They are 
very prolific, the female laying from twelve to twenty eggs. Both 
parents aid in the process of incubation and in the care of the 
young. They feed mainly upon seeds and insects and from an 
economic standpoint are considered the most valuable of all birds. 
The call of this beautiful bird resembles the name by which it is 
known in some localities—“Bob White.” Quail are difficult to shoot 
on account of their extremely rapid flight. They live through a 
winter when the snowfall is light; but when the snow is heavy 
they find it difficult to procure food. As they roost upon the 
ground, huddled together in some sheltered spot, they are often 
smothered by drifting snow. 
Many varieties of wild ducks, besides the wood duck, still nest 
in the unsettled parts of the county. During the seasons of mi¬ 
gration, in the spring and fall, the ducks tarry with us until they 
leave, on the northern journey for their breeding grounds; and 
in the fall for their winter homes. The lakes and marshes of 
Becker County, where wild rice and celery thrive, are favorite 
haunts for these birds and there the hunters seek their quarry. 
English and other snipe are numerous about the open marshes 
during the spring and fall. Some varieties still breed in the county. 
Upland plover still breed extensively on the prairies and mead¬ 
ows of Becker County and leave, late in the summer, for southern 
climes. Late in the fall the golden plover stop over a few days be¬ 
fore proceeding on their journey to the grassy ranges of Texas and 
Northern Mexico. 
