2iS STORIES ABOUT BIRDS. 



The nest is often placed on the ground, at the foot of the Scotch fir, and 

 is made of the leaves. There are two broods a year. 



The mother woodcock is very devoted to her young, and will carry it in 

 her claws from any threatened danger. She has been seen to fly over a road, 

 carrying her little one with her in this manner. 



Though some of the woodcocks remain in Britain during the summer, 

 yet by far the greater number leave us in the spring, and return to their old 

 haunts in the north of Europe. 



THE HERON. 



TilE heron, as he stands fishing for his food, is the very picture of patience. 

 For some time he has been slowly stalking about on his long legs, watching 

 for his prey. 



Now he approaches stealthily into the water, laying down one foot after 

 another with the utmost caution. He does not want to alarm the fish that 

 may be swimming merrily about, or the little fry tliat is enjoying itself in among 

 the stones. He does not want either of them to know that he is there. 



His custom is to stand on one leg, his neck drawn up, his eye intently 

 fixed on the water below. He will stand thus for hours, until you hardly 

 know whether he is alive. 



Suddenly, however, the happy moment comes. The fish that had 

 perhaps caught sight of him and swam away, has forgotten his fright ; and 

 the fry that lay hidden under the stones feel sure he must have gone by this 

 time. But they do not understand the nature of their enemy. Nothing can 

 weary out his patience or make him forget. 



The moment the victim comes within the right distance, down goes the 

 bill with its sharp edge, and the prey is seized and devoured. 



He has an excellent appetite, and can devour more in a meal than you 

 would believe. When he has finished eating he goes away into some quiet 

 place, and stands on one leg for hours. 



He may be called the prince of the wading birds ; and the heron in the 

 picture is the largest of his tribe. He is very rarely seen in England, and, 



