306 



near the water. The eggs vary in number from three 

 to five; they are light blue in color, and about the size 

 of those of our common domestic fowl. 



DANGEROUS WHEN WOUNDED. 



This bird, and the same is true of other Herons, 

 when wounded and unable to escape, is one which can- 

 not be handled with too much caution, as it frequently, 

 with its sharp and powerful bill, inflicts severe, dan- 

 gerous, and sometimes even fatal wounds. In Florida 

 I met a hunter who had an eye destroyed by one of 

 these birds which he had winged and carelessly at- 

 tempted to pick up. 



ITS FLESH IS QUITE PALATABLE. 



By some, particularly residents of certain of the 

 southern states, the flesh of the Great Blue Heron is 

 considered quite a delicious morsel. Some few win- 

 ters ago, when camping in the cypress swamp® of Flor^ 

 ida, I, more from necessity than choice, eat the breast 

 meat of this bird and also that of the Water Turkey 

 (Anhinga anhinga), which preys exclusively on fish, and 

 although I did not especially relish the dish, I must 

 admit that to a hungry man it was in no way disagi'ee- 

 able. 



WHAT NUTTALL SAYS OF ITS HABITS. 



The following interesting observations on the food- 

 habits are given by Nuttall: 



"Fish is the principal food of the Great Blue Heron, and for 

 this purpose, like an experienced angler, he often waits for 

 that condition of the tide which best suits his experience and 

 instinct. At such times they are seen slowly sailing out from 

 their inland breeding haunts, during the most silent and cool 



