IDYLLS OF BIRD LIFE 
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squawk of a heron as he flew over the river could be plainly 
heard. Nearby, on a low bush, a field sparrow greeted the new 
day with his simple little song. The “top, top, top,” of a wood¬ 
pecker could plainly be heard somewhere. It was good to be 
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out this wonderful morning, alone with God’s creatures. 
I patiently watched and waited for some action on the part 
of the Mallard. In a short time she began to show signs of life, 
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raised her head and peered about to make sure that the coast 
was clear. Having satisfied herself in this matter she gently 
arose to a standing position and flapped her wings as if stretch- 
ing. She next covered her eggs with the down that was scat¬ 
tered about. Whereupon, she sedately waddled off toward the 
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river, to get her breakfast and make her toilet. I quickly 
changed my uncomfortable position for a more restful one, and 
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awaited her return. In about eight minutes she was back to her 
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nest, and after turning the eggs with the aid of her bill, she 
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quietly settled upon them, and I am certain she did not leave 
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them until the next morning. 
The Mallard duck seldom leaves the nest after the eggs are 
laid, and I know in this case the brooding bird seldom left them. 
I did not try to flush her, being afraid she might desert her duty. 
