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IDYLLS OF BIRD LIFE 
one of the''wariest of our ducks: mv reason in this matter for 
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using extreme caution. I slowly peered over the top of a patch 
of weeds six feet from the nest, and saw a demure little duck, 
unattractive in her dark brown and buff feathers, her beady 
little eyes steadily gazing about her, ready to flee at the first 
I ™ 
sign of danger. The drake Mallard was nowhere to be seen, nor 
did F see him during the interesting time I spent with his mate. 
Early in June he undergoes an extra molt, at which period, 
according to ornithologists, he is unable to aid his mate in her 
duties, however willing he might be. It is a curious fact that 
as soon as his mate completes her set of eggs he is off to parts 
unknown, nor does he again put in an appearance until the Fall 
flight. The female bears the burden of raising the brood alone. 
About a weel^jater I paid another visit to the Mallard nest. 
Day was just breaking as I reached the river a short distance 
from my objective. I quietly approached the nest, but could 
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scarcely locate the spot. Owing to the darkness, I was forced 
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to await the coming of daylight. 
In a short time I was able to make out the form of the 
brooding mother as she quietly sat upon her eggs. 
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The sun had now risen, causing the weed patch and grasses 
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to glisten with dew. The morning was unusually quiet and the 
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