64 LOST AND VANISHING BIRDS 



The migrations of the Crane are by no means 

 the least interesting portion of the bird's life 

 history. These migrations extend from the tropics 

 to the Arctic regions, and are performed at vast 

 heights and by great numbers of individuals flying 

 in company. Cranes begin to cross the Mediter- 

 ranean into Europe as early as February and 

 March, often passing over certain spots in successive 

 flocks, the birds trumpeting to each other as they 

 go. The Crane appears to migrate by day alone, 

 and the flocks on passage either assume the form of 

 a V or a "W, or each bird flies in single file. The 

 haunts most favoured by the Crane are extensive 

 swamps, full of lakes and quaking bogs, mingled 

 with higher and drier ground clothed with coarse 

 herbage, heath, and scattered bushes. Although 

 many of these places are entirely surrounded with 

 forests, the Crane shows no partiality for trees. 

 Few birds are more wary or more quick to detect 

 advancing enemies, and the stalking of a Crane in 

 its open haunt is almost an impossibility. Except 

 on passage, the Crane spends most of its time 

 upon the ground, walking with graceful steps, and 

 wading into the shallow water in quest of food. The 

 flight is strong and well-sustained, the big broad 

 wings moving in measured sequence and with the 



