THE GULF COAST OF FLORIDA 273 



seemed to be even, though curving with the con- 

 tour of the shore. Now and again a flame or 

 series of flames shot up above the level of the line, 

 which was caused, as seen through a glass, by one 

 or more birds raising their heads on their long, 

 slim necks to rest themselves or to look about. 

 When first noticed, most of the birds were feeding 

 with their heads low down or below the surface, 

 searching in the mud for minute shell-fish, which 

 appeared to be their favorite food. Now some of 

 the birds saw the boat, and the alarm was given. 

 Slowly and gracefully the line began to contract 

 toward the centre, and the band soon became a 

 great red patch of fire on the water, the resem- 

 blance to flame being much increased by the con- 

 stant movements of the heads and necks of the 

 multitude. In a few moments the birds began to 

 rise, and all were soon in flight, passing out of the 

 bay and over the point of land to the east in long 

 lines and in V-shaped parties, recalling similar 

 processions of wild geese. 



The color of the flamingoes when alighted 

 was striking, but when in the air the birds 

 seemed unreal. They were like a cloud of pink, 

 flame-colored and brilliant with the hues of sun- 

 set, shot with quivering tongues of fire. As far 

 as one could see the retreating flock color was 

 the conspicuous feature. Everything else was for 

 the moment forgotten. 



