54 



TWO ATLANTIC COAST ISLANDS 



whistle of the parent, they sqnat flat in the nest and hokl 

 their position, possibly for honrs, nntil the old bird is reas- 

 sured and permits them to raise their heads, when they are 

 often surprisingly alert and active. Unlike young Terns, 

 Gulls or Skimmers, they make no move when touched, doubt- 

 less because they have no means of escape. They therefore 

 not only look but act like dead birds. One can turn them on 

 their backs or place them in any position, putty-like they 

 will remain, their onlv movement being- a rare wink of the 



" Three apparently adult Fish Hawks 

 of my face " 



within a foot 



half-closed but staring yellow-brown eye. Young which are 

 about to fly, however, especially if they be in a tree nest, will 

 sometimes al)and()n the crouching ])osition for one of de- 

 fense. I recall with amusement my surprise when, on climb- 

 ing to a nest which, from below, appeared to be empty, three 

 apparently adult Fish TTawks, in menacing pose, suddenly 

 materialized witliin a foot of my face. 



The beach nests aic exceptionally well situated I'oi-the 

 liiiri)0se of bird ])li()togra])hy, and these nests have furn- 



