Lake Umbagog journals, 1871-1916 (inclusive)
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Transcription
1890, October.20. Anas obscura. Very tame. Lake Umbagog. Outlet of Lake. Sailed past a Black Duck which was feeding among some half submerged grass. . . (It) was unusually tame for not only did it not notice me at all but a little later the steamer passed within 100 yds. of it without starting it. We found the tame Duck exactly where I saw him this morn- flying ing and paddled to within long gun-shot when he rose and after, a- bout 500 yds. alighted near a flock of sixteen other Black Ducks. The latter flew off as we approached but we got within 40 yds. of our single Duck before he rose although we had absolutely no cover. I shot him this time as he sprang from the water. Cannot see well at night. Outlet of Lake. As it was getting dark we saw three Black Ducks alight and paddled to within 40 yds. As they sprang I fired both bar- rels, getting a bird at the second shot and missing the first. It is evident that Black Ducks cannot see distinctly in the twilight for these were in open water and our only cover was the gathering darkness. 24