14 HERONS. 



they probably swallow everything as they catch 

 it, which they do occasionally while on the wing. 



I delight in watching the silent manner in 

 which a heron quits its nest, or the branch of a 

 tree on which it has settled. When it is con- 

 sidered that the length of this bird is upwards of 

 three feet, and at least five feet from the tip of 

 one wing to the other, this is not a little sur- 

 prizing. Not a sound however is heard on these 

 occasions. 



I happened to make a visit to the heronry on a 

 windy day. Some of the birds quitted their nests 

 and soared in circles over the tops of the trees. 

 In doing this, I observed that they sometimes 

 stretched out one leg and then another, and fre- 

 quently both together. It was evident that they 

 served as rudders to enable them the better to 

 perform their gyrations. I am not aware that this 

 fact has been hitherto noticed by naturalists. In 

 a straightforward flight, the legs are extended, 

 and the head placed between the shoulders. The 

 patience of this bird must be very great, as it may 

 be observed for hours together, watching for its 

 prey by the side of some ditch or shallow water. 

 It can probably also live a long time without food, 

 as in severe winters it must be difficult for it to 

 obtain the usual supply.* 



* In severe winters, when the inland-springs and waters are 

 locked up by frost, these birds frequent the sedgy pools and salt 

 marshes near the sea. 



