THE KINGFISHER 



bird, should be one of the most cherished species inhabit- 

 ing the London area, an interesting ornament to many 

 a quiet pool and waterway in the Metropolis, but unless 

 sentiment can be invoked for its protection Acts of Parlia- 

 ment are useless, and this beautiful gem of the feathered 

 world will sooner or later become extinct therein. All 

 it asks is to be let alone ; and then we can imagine a 

 time when even the grimy barges lying high and dry on 

 the black mud between bridges will become a resting- 

 place for this charming bird ! Somehow the appearance 

 of the Kingfisher seems always to come unexpectedly, 

 and in the nature of a surprise. Generally a transient 

 glimpse is obtained of the bird as it darts like an indistinct 

 patch of blue down the stream, we know not from 

 where ; less frequently we start it from its resting-place 

 above the water, where it has been intently watching our 

 approach, escaping notice until well on the wing. It is 

 wary enough ; and though so brightly clad its small size 

 and habit of sitting so perfectly still assist it in eluding 

 discovery, until, with a feeble cry of -peep-fee^, it darts 

 hurriedly away. The Kingfisher is solitary enough, each 

 bird having some particular haunt, but sometimes an 

 abundance of food will attract several individuals to the 

 same spot. The food of this species consists of small 

 fishes notably the fry of many fresh-water species the 

 larvae of various aquatic insects, shrimps and other small 

 crustaceans, all the indigestible parts being cast, mostly 

 in the roosting- or nesting-place. Much of this food is 

 obtained by the bird plunging into the water and seizing 

 it with the long bill. Patiently and silently the bird sits 

 on some perching-place above the water, waiting and 

 watching for prey, and there are few prettier sights, if 

 one can only be fortunate enough to observe the pro- 

 cess, than to see the Kingfisher obtaining a meal. The 

 breeding season of the Kingfisher is rather irregular, and 

 although but one brood is reared in the year the eggs may 



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