!22 



HABITS OP THE HERON. 



says, the neiglibourliood of lakes, rivers, and water-courses. 

 Almost always alone, it remains, for hours together, im- 

 movable in the same spot. When it sets itself in motion 

 to watch the frogs and fishes which constitute its principal 

 food, it enters into the w^ater above the knee, with its head 

 between its legs; and in this position, after patiently 

 watching for an opportunity to seize its prey, suddenly 

 unwinds its long neck, and pierces its victim with its bill. 

 It is known to swallow frogs entire, for their bones have 



been found unbroken in its stomach. In seasons of 

 scarcity, and when the water is covered with the ice-crust 

 of winter, it seeks the running streams and hot-springs, 

 where it will feed on the water-lentil and other small 

 plants. 



The heron builds in the taller trees of the wood, in 

 lofty oaks and stately firs, congregating in great numbers, 

 and frequenting the same locality and the same trees year 



