262 COMMON HERON. 



the opportunity it has been expecting. Darting its 

 sharp-pointed bill into the water with unerring aim, 

 it seizes its prey, and swallows it head first ; the indi- 

 gestible parts being afterwards cast up in pellets as 

 with the Owls. The Heron also feeds upon reptiles, 

 frogs, mice, young water fowl and small birds. Most 

 of its food is obtained at night. Its flight is laboured 



COMMON HERON. 



but fast, and when on the wing the bird may be heard 

 uttering its harsh cry. In flying it trails its long legs 

 behind it in the air, and no doubt they assist it to 

 steer its course. Though not strictly speaking gre- 

 garious birds. Herons build in communities, like Rooks. 

 The nests are built in the tops of high trees, Scotch 

 firs most commonly perhaps, and are large flat struc- 



