File:Birds and nature in natural colors. (1913) (14748803741).jpg

Identifier: birdsnatureinnat04unse (find matches)
Title: Birds and nature in natural colors.
Year: 1913 (1910s)
Authors:
Subjects: Birds
Publisher: Chicago : A.W. Mumford, Publisher
Contributing Library: American Museum of Natural History Library
Digitizing Sponsor: BHL-SIL-FEDLINK

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to breed in Ohio. Nest, a shallow depressionin the earth lined sparingly with grass, or not. Eggs, 3 or 4, grayish or brownishbuff, speckled, spotted, and blotched with dark brown. Range.—Temperate North America, chiefly interior, breeding from northernIllinois and Utah northward to the Saskatchewan region; south in winter toBrazil and Patagonia. In view of Mr. E. W. Nelsons remarkable discoveries in northeasternIllinois, Dr. Wheaton was led to surmise that these birds might be found breed-ing in at least the northwestern corner of our state. Nothing has, however, cometo light to sustain this conjecture, and it is pretty generally understood that weare too far east to expect such a favor. Although it has been frequently copied, I cannot forbear to reproduce in thisconnection a portion of Mr. Nelsons unrivalled description: During the first two weeks of May, the exact date varying with the season,this beautiful bird first makes its appearance in northeastern Illinois. Its arrival 596
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is heralded by a few females, which arrive first, and are found singly about themarshes. At this time the females have a peculiar harsh note, which I have heardbut a few times, and only from solitary individuals, before the arrival of themain body. few days later small flocks, embracing both sexes, may be found alongthe borders of grassy pools, or lying at midday on the sunny side of some warmknoll in the marsh. As the breeding season approaches they become more restless,flying from place to place, and finally separate into small parties of two or threepairs. About the middle of )\Iay their love-making commences, and is at firstindicated by the increasing solicitude they show for each others welfare. Theappearance of a person in their vicinity at this time is the signal for allthe birdsnear to come circling about, though not within easy gun-shot. By a carefulapproach one may now and then find a small party swimming about in somesecluded pool. The charming grace of movement exhibited a

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