THE SCARLET GROSBEAK 183 



and we watched the Grosbeak's movements for 

 some time at the distance of ten yards. The bright 

 red body appeared remarkably vivid in its colours 

 against the green grass ; but especially was this the 

 case when it rose to fly away with the others ; and 

 it was then that the strong rays of the sun made 

 it resemble a bird clothed in blood-red feathers. 

 We waited some time hoping it might return ; but 

 we saw no more of the interesting stranger which 

 flew on to the island and remained there. 



But to return to our Brook ; one of the birds 

 which may always be seen there is the King- 

 fisher. 



The bank has fallen away in places forming 

 miniature bays, where, sheltered by trees and thick 

 undergrowth, the Kingfisher loves to sit. I knew 

 of one such secluded spot last summer where one 

 of this species might be seen almost on any evening, 

 always sitting on the same small twig, about 

 eighteen inches above the water. Many a pil- 

 grimage with a field-glass have I made to this 

 spot. 



Let us watch this engaging little bird as he sits 

 on a branch over the water. When we first catch 

 sight of his brilliant colours he is preening his 

 feathers ; but this continues for only a short time, 

 for a movement in the water causes him to bend 



