Pintail

If the rotund sportsman who wishes bay window reduction will try "walking up" PINTAILS in the low country of southern Jersey, more encouraging results will be obtained than by following dietetic ads. Numbers of these Beau Brummels of the Duck world winter in the sheltered ponds and creeks around Cape May. It is possible to walk within range of birds feeding under banks but (a very emphatic but) that is only half the battle. — So swift, alert and vigorous is the getaway that only the accurate snap shots get their bird, and only about two out of five at that. However, window size is reduced — tramping in meadow country is hard work.

I remember spending more than one day after Pintails (and corraled only a large goose egg!) but like the whaling captain I had a fine walk. Looking backward now I am glad I didn't get any — for the Pintail is a gentleman!

After meals of mussels, marine insects, beetles, roots and seeds are eaten, they are fond of settling on some open sand bar, sunning and preening. For hours they rest and absorb sunrays in these favorite spots, conversing in mellow quacks about maritime affairs.