Birds on the Wing 



identity clearly; not to speak of the dis- 

 tinctively marvelous array in which he 

 found them. 



Of course, very many larger birds also 

 migrate at night in addition to the smaller 

 species. In the fall they have been found 

 to move in three great flights, the first 

 beginning about the middle of September 

 and comprising those most sensitive to the 

 chilly descent of winter from the north; 

 and the last not taking place until late in 

 November, when the hardy ducks and geese 

 make the trip. It is said that the great 

 mass of migratory birds this side of the 

 Mississippi come east and follow the Atlan- 

 tic coast hne as they journey, most of 

 them going down through a belt within a 

 hundred miles of it. They keep at an 

 altitude of probably three to five hundred 

 feet in flying; and sometimes, if there be 

 no moon, or the night be stormy, they meet 

 with sad disaster by the way. 



If you would know more upon this last 

 point look up the keeper of the great arc 

 lights at the famous William Penn tower 



[169] 



