THE HERON AND ITS HAUNTS 99 



but he never does that when fishing. His attitudes 

 are varied, like his diet. The usually accepted position 

 for him is standing with his head and neck drawn 

 down on to the shoulders, with both feet on the ground 

 or in the water, as the case may be. Though repre- 

 sented thus in most illustrations, you will find him so 

 but rarely. His usual position is, neck held upright, 

 head, bill, and body carried horizontally, one foot on 

 the ground, the other just raised off it with the toes 

 bent inwards. When the heron is after his prey, and 

 moving, the head and neck are stretched out, and the 

 body carried in a line with them. A curious-looking 

 bird he is, when he squats down to rest ; and he looks 

 still more grotesque when standing, if seen from 

 behind, after he has partaken of a good feed. His 

 shoulders are lumped up, and his head and bill are not 

 visible, for they are sunk in his shoulders, the bill 

 pointing a little downwards. But see him when and 

 where you will, and in whatever position he may place 

 himself, he is a most interesting bird to all true lovers 

 of life in a state ot nature, and must always command 

 attention. 



If a field has been ploughed and left fallow for a 

 season anywhere near his haunts, he and his com- 

 panions if he cnance to have any are certain to 

 visit it, for he is sure of safety and food there ; but 



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