140 THE BIRDS OF OUR RAMBLES. 



all these birds very closely resemble the Mallard, 

 and as our space is limited, a detailed description) 

 is unnecessary. 



Whilst by the waterside we may often watch 

 the Heron at his piscatorial labours. We have 

 already seen him at home among the trees ; he 

 comes hither for the purpose of feeding. A Heron 

 standing in the shallows or on the banks is 

 always a picturesque addition to the scene. Silent 

 and still as though carved in stone he stands, 

 his bright yellow eye intently fixed upon the 

 water, neck drawn into an S-like curve, and 

 long spear-shaped beak ready to dart down and 

 impale any fish or frog that may be unwary 

 enough to come within reach. Like all fishers 

 he is the very soul of patience, and hour after 

 hour he watches and watches, and waits and 

 waits for his prey. When gorged with food you 

 may see him rise slowly above the rushes and 

 the trees and wing his way homewards to the 

 accustomed roost. He comes with great regularity 

 to certain fishing stations, often flying consider- 

 able distances to do so. There are many other 

 birds to be noticed by the waterside, especially 

 in the trees by the stream in autumn and winter. 

 The alders are often thronged with REDPOLES, 

 with TITMICE, and more interesting still, with 

 SISKINS. This latter little bird quits its northern 

 forests for the winter, and wanders far and wide 

 in quest of food. Then may we see it by the 

 southern streams, hopping about the alders in. 

 ever-changing attitudes, flying from tree to tree 

 in a merry, noisy, restless party, regaling itself 

 on the tiny seeds. Then to the waterside come 

 a great variety of birds to wash and to preen 



