BIRDS OF PEASEMARSH 



become the victims of the gunner. They have 

 smaller cousins, known as the Dwarf Bitterns, 

 numerous in some places. But the American 

 Bittern needs greater appreciation and protec- 

 tion, especially now when the motor cars and 

 motor boats take the irresponsible sight-seer 

 among their solitary homes. 



The Heron is one of the most beautiful and 

 perhaps one of the most unfortunate of our 

 large birds. Because it is tall and stately and 

 rare, and found only in lonely places, it has 

 been a mark for tourists who want some so- 

 called trophy of their visit to the country. 

 Years ago Herons nested here in colonies, but 

 now are seen only in pairs. Great Blue Herons 

 are frequently observed on the mill pond of the 

 Beaver, the shrubs and rushes of the islands of 

 the pond giving them the desired cover. 



Another bird of the Marsh, though a mem- 

 ber of a different family, that has often fallen a 

 victim to the sight-seer is the handsome Crane. 

 At a summer resort on the Georgian Bay only 

 a year ago, when some children were telling of 

 what their fathers had seen and done, one little 

 ten-year-old said with triumph, "Father saw 

 a Crane ; he shot at it and almost got it." 

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