Birds on the Wing 



his gaze — and others will be sure to reveal 

 themselves quickly thereafter, to convince 

 him beyond a doubt; for they rarely mi- 

 grate save in groups. 



There can be no question that a prime 

 reason for their traveling only at night 

 is the remarkable length of time it takes 

 them to feed. The same birds may be 

 observed engaged at this quite important 

 occupation right through an entire day, 

 and just as busily too at dusk as at dawn — 

 with apparently no time for flight, even 

 w^ere they inclined to it; all of which indi- 

 cates that either their appetites are rela- 

 tively prodigious, or that the food they 

 feed on is infinitesimally dainty. 



Another explanation for the migration 

 of these smaller birds by night is that the 

 darkness keeps them safe from attack by 

 hawks, that could take them with ease 

 on the wing were they above the trees in 

 daylight, but find it impossible to get at 

 them, or even discover their presence as 

 long as they stick close to the friendly 

 cover of bush or branch. 



[167] 



