THE NEST OF THE HERON. 539 



THE well-known HERON was once one of the commonest European birds, but on account of 

 the draining of swamps and their conversion into fertilized and habitable ground, is now seldom 

 to be seen except in certain localities which still retain the conditions that render them so 

 acceptable to this bird. There are some places where Herons are yet plentiful, especially those 

 localities where the owner of the land has established or protected the nests, or where a wide 

 expanse of wild uncultivated ground affords them a retreat. Only a few days ago I came sud- 

 denly on three of these beautiful birds fishing quietly in a creek, and permitting my approach 

 within a few yards before they spread their wide wings for flight. 



The food of the Heron consists mostly of fish and reptiles, but it will eat small mammalia, 

 such as mice, or even water-rats. In the stomach of one of these birds were found seven small 

 trout, a mouse and a thrush. Eels also are a favorite food of the Heron, but on account of 

 their lithe bodies and active wrigglings are not so easy to despatch as ordinary fish, and are 

 accordingly taken on shore and banged against the ground until disabled. Dr. Neill, quoted 

 by Yarrell, mentions a curious instance of the Heron feeding on young water-hens. " A large 

 old willow-tree had fallen down into the pond, and at the extremity, which is partly sunk in 

 the sludge and continues to vegetate, water-hens breed. The old cock Heron swims out to the 

 nest and takes the young if he can. He has to swim ten or twelve feet, where the water is 

 between two and three feet deep. His motion through the water is slow, but his carriage 

 stately. I have seen him fell a rat at one blow on the back of the head, when the rat was 

 munching at his dish of fish." 



Like many other birds, the Heron is able to disgorge the food which it has swallowed, 

 and resorts to this measure when it is chased by birds of prey while going home after a day's 

 fishing. 



While engaged in its search for food, the Heron stands on the water's edge, mostly with 

 its feet or foot immersed, and there remains still, as if carved out of wood, with its neck 

 retracted, and its head resting between the shoulders. In this attitude its sober plumage and 

 total stillness render it very inconspicuous, and as it mostly prefers to stand under the shadow 

 of a tree, bush, or bank, it cannot be seen except by a practised eye, in spite of its large size. 

 The back view of the bird while thus standing partakes largely of the ludicrous, and reminds 

 the observer of a large jargonelle pear with a long stalk stuck in the ground. Sometimes it 

 likes to squat on its bent legs, the feet being pushed out in front, and the knees, or rather 

 ankles, bent under its body. It generally suns itself in this position, partially spreading the 

 wings and slightly slinking them. Usually it sits with the head resting on the shoulders ; but 

 if alarmed at any unexpected sound, it shuts its wings, stretches its neck to its utmost extent, 

 and then presents a most singular aspect. 



The flight of the Heron is grand and stately, for the wings are long and wide, and in spite 

 of the long neck and counterbalancing legs, the bird moves through the air with a noble and 

 rapid flight. It is curious to see a Heron pass directly overhead. The head, body, and legs 

 are held in a line, stiff and immovable, and the gently waving wings carry the bird through 

 the air with a rapidity that seems the effect of magic. 



The long beak of the Heron is very sharp and dagger-like, and can be used with terrible 

 force as an offensive weapon. The bird instinctively aims its blow at the eye of its adversary, 

 and if incautiously handled is sure to deliver a stroke quick as lightning at the captor's eye. 

 There seems to be some attraction in the eye, for a gentleman who turned a tame Heron into 

 an aviary where five owls were kept, found next day that the Heron had totally blinded four 

 owls' and only left the fifth with a single eye. Even the game-cock can make nothing of the 

 Heron, as has been seen in a short battle that raged between those birds. The cock made 

 his first fly very boldly, but not being used to such long-legged foes, missed his stroke. 

 Returning to the attack, he was met by a blow from the Heron which astonished him to 

 such a degree that he declined further combat and ever afterwards avoided so unpleasant 

 an antagonist. The beak of a species of Heron set upon a stick is used by some savage tribes 

 as a spear. 



The nest of the Heron is almost invariably built upon some elevated spot, mostly the top 



