IDYLLS OF BIRD LIFE 
After several hours of observation I left the nest and followed 
the river homeward-bound. Bird life is very plentiful in this 
-- locality. I counted thirty-one species of birds in the four-mile 
walk along the river. Some of them, however, are migrants that 
us on their long trips to their northern homes. 
For my next visit with this duck family I chose a dull- 
iloudy day with a promise of rain. The weather kept its prom- 
• : rsei, and when I reached the nest about midday, it was raining 
hard, with a chill wind blowing from the north. I approached 
C the, ne|t with less caution than was my wont in the wet woods, 
‘ .asCthe weeds in this case would not betray my approach by 
crackling underfoot. The faithful mother was on her nest, 
facing south, with the wind at her back. The tussock of grass 
1 a 
formed only a slight protection from the rain, which constantly 
the brooding bird, but she seemed wholly indifferent 
to the wet'surroundings. 
being a duck, I hurriedly departed this day, as I had 
face a chill wind and rain on a four-mile hike back to town 
tk 
y 
lo bird life was to be seen. The heavy downpour evidently 
d 
dampened the spirits of the birds. 
*1 arrived home soaking wet, but after putting on a chan: e 
.. ,,, 
of clothing I felt none the worse for mv damp experience. 
y.. _ ' 4 ) 
