226 CURSORES. 



coast of the Evergreen State. Amidst a dense growth 

 of Cactus, with its sharp and rigid spines everywhere 

 menacing our steps ; a wide-spread expanse of water 

 is before us, whose surface is as lovely and tranquil 

 as the sky that overshadows it; here and there the 

 tall stems of the graceful palm-trees are reflected 

 upon its bosom. In this secluded spot the sight of a 

 flock of these birds may frequently be enjoyed, and, 

 if well concealed from their view, we may study 

 their manners at our leisure. Standing with their 

 wings partly extended, in the bright rays of the sun 

 they present a beautiful spectacle, the deep roseate 

 tints upon the sides and upon the wings being then 

 displayed to the finest advantage. Behold them mov- 

 ing about, with measured tread and stately attitude, 

 upon the muddy shore, or wading into the shallows 

 to search for food. Here their broad spoon-like bills 

 are brought into energetic action. Thrusting the 

 head and sometimes the neck into the water or mire, 

 and seizing upon the various small shell-fish, insects, 

 and other water animals, they literally chew them up 

 with their powerful bills before swallowing them. 

 After feeding awhile, they will all indulge in a wild 

 sally into the free air, ascending sometimes to a con- 

 siderable height, moving about in the most graceful 

 manner, crossing and recrossing each other, and per- 

 forming a great variety of interesting aerial evolu- 

 tions ; then the whole flock suddenly return to their 

 feeding grounds, plunging through the air with great 

 power and speed. 



Associated with the Spoonbills will be found a great 



