Sufferings of Birds 
ag 
noise of gunfire in their immediate proximity 
undoubtedly had a more or less transitory 
effect, according to the duration of fire, on 
certain classes of birds, chiefly WILDFOWL, 
on the coast. During the bombardment of 
Yarmouth and Lowestoft in 1915 the birds 
were driven away in a panic. Anti-aircraft 
guns in action terrified BLACKBIRDS, which 
were much disturbed at each detonation and 
flitted from tree to tree uttering agitated 
cries. Even SWALLOWS, in their aerial chase, 
seemed to dart hither and thither more 
spasmodically than usual. It seems prob- 
able that birds, being naturally sensitive to 
aerial movements, are disturbed more by the 
concussion of the air than by the actual 
sound of the explosions (Daily Mazl, 10.iv. 
17), 
At the Zoological Gardens in Regent’s 
Park only a few birds raised protesting voices 
during the raids, and still fewer showed any 
sign of nervousness next morning. During | 
the daylight raids many of the birds sat with 
their eyes fixed on the sky, and the CRANES 
were at all times excited by the presence of 
go 
