THE KINGFISHER 
bird, should be one of the most cherished species inhabit- 
ing the London area, an interesting ornament to many 
a quiet pool and waterway in the Metropolis, but unless 
sentiment can be invoked for its protection Acts of Parlia- 
ment are useless, and this beautiful gem of the feathered 
world will sooner or later become extinct therein. All 
it asks is to be let alone; and then we can imagine a 
time when even the grimy barges lying high and dry on 
the black mud between bridges will become a resting- 
place for this charming bird! Somehow the appearance 
of the Kingfisher seems always to come unexpectedly, 
and in the nature of a surprise. Generally a transient 
glimpse is obtained of the bird as it darts like an indistinct 
patch of blue down the stream, we know not from 
where ; less frequently we start it from its resting-place 
above the water, where it has been intently watching our 
approach, escaping notice until well on the wing. It 1s 
wary enough ; and though so brightly clad its small size 
and habit of sitting so perfectly still assist it in eluding 
discovery, until, with a feeble cry of peep-peep, it darts 
hurriedly away. ‘The Kingfisher is solitary enough, each 
bird having some particular haunt, but sometimes an 
abundance of food will attract several individuals to the 
same spot. "he food of this species consists of small 
fishes—notably the fry of many fresh-water species—the 
larvz of various aquatic insects, shrimps and other small 
crustaceans, all the indigestible parts tere cast, mostly 
in the roosting- or nesting-place. Much of this food is 
obtained by the bird plunging into the water and seizing 
it with the long bill. Patiently and silently the bird sits 
on some perching-place above the water, waiting and 
watching for prey, and there are few prettier sights, if 
one can only be fortunate enough to observe the pro- 
cess, than to see the Kingfisher obtaining a meal. ‘The 
breeding season of the Kingfisher is rather irregular, and 
although but one brood is reared in the year the eggs may 
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