154 



MEMOIRS OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. 



record of its breeding, although it undoubtedly bred in former years. The fact 

 that a few birds are seen in summer would not establish the fact that they were 

 nesting here, for they might be wanderers, or immature or barren birds. I have 

 seen as many as five Great Blue Herons so late as May 31st (in 1903), flying in 

 the early morning towards Ipswich Beach from the interior. During June and 

 July, only occasional single birds or fresh tracks are to be found, but by the 

 middle of August the birds become common, and as many as six may sometimes 

 be seen together in the marshes at Ipswich. These gi'eat wading birds are most 

 frequently seen in the salt marshes, but are also to be found on rocky islands, or 

 submerged sand bars, on the sandy beaches, and in the fresh marshes. I have 

 also seen them alight on the peaks of sand dunes, and on tree tops. A Great 

 Blue Heron wading in a small inlet at Ipswich Beach, on May 24th, 1903, con- 

 tinued to fish until the water reached his belly, when he spread his huge wings, 

 doubled up his neck, stretched his long legs behind, and started to fly off in his 

 usual way. He had not gone far before he unbent his neck, curving it around 

 for a moment so that he could look behind, much to the surprise of Mr. Hoff- 

 mann and myself, who had been watching him. 



These birds are always interesting additions to the landscape, whether on 

 the wing flapping along slowly and sailing majestically, or stalking cautiously 

 about the marsh. An immature bird that I watched on August 15th, 1903, had 

 captured an eel about eighteen inches long. He made several vain attempts to 

 swallow it, grasping it by the middle and trying to shake it down. He finally 

 gave up the attempt and searched for smaller fry. Once on striking at his prey 

 in a deep pool he lost his balance, and toppled over, spreading his wings to break 

 his fall. 



In walking in the marshes these Herons lift their feet high and put them down 

 with great care, but I have seen the tracks in the sand where the bird lazily 

 dragged the claw of his middle toe. When he jumped to fly, the sand was 

 indented evidently with some force. 



I have had one of these birds fly around and around my blind in the fresh 

 marshes of the Ipswich River, croaking loudly in response to the quacking of 

 the decoy Ducks, stretching out his neck and looking suspiciously about. 



Crane Pond, in Groveland, is, I suppose, named after these birds. It is 

 much to be regretted that the Great Blue Heron is gradually diminishing in 

 numbers. Would that all gunners could be made to realize that it is a crime to 

 kill one of these splendid birds ! 



