A HERMIT'S WILD FRIENDS 



loud notes could be heard above other bird- 

 songs. Linnets, chipping-sparrows, bluebirds, 

 and bay-winged-buntings were scattered along 

 the route to the city. When I had reached the 

 sea-wall, the gulls were the birds to attract 

 my attention. Some were seen skimming the 

 surface of the water, while others were an- 

 chored in large rafts. The gulls appeared to 

 be fearless, and swung to and fro near the 

 beach, but, just the same, the crafty birds 

 did not approach near enough for a shot. 

 They knew how far the modern gun could 

 shoot, and gauged their flight accordingly. 

 Whenever one desired to cross the highway 

 to the marshes beyond, it would rise above 

 gunshot before making the attempt. Besides 

 the keen sense which the gulls possess, they 

 carry themselves with true dignity. 



From the first of April to the middle of 

 November I looked every morning for my 

 " lone fisherman." There was a stake near 

 the drawbridge which a belted kingfisher had 

 preempted. For six years this feathered fish- 

 erman held that stake, while he had to face 

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