GREAT BLUE HERON. 163 



to alight on trees. Among the branches of the 

 dark mangrove its nest is formed. Its flight, 

 which is more rapid than that of others of its 

 kind, is performed during its migrations by con- 

 tinued flappings ; but at otlier timell^ sailing more 

 sportively, it is combined with the most elegant 

 aerial movements. In cloudy weather, these birds 

 soar in wide circles high into the air, frequently 

 uttering a note not unlike that of the raven. 

 Should the atmosphere suddenly change to cold, 

 they may be seen in groups of fifty or a hundred, 

 as though assembled for council, when arranging 

 themselves in angular double lines, in marching 

 order, as if by unanimous consent they fly swiftly 

 southwards. In fair calm weather they betake 

 themselves in flocks to some rocky isle or cluster 

 of trees, where, spreading their wings, they bask 

 in the sunlight for hours. Swimming and diving 

 with great expertness — their food consists prin- 

 cipally of fishes, with which they satisfy the 

 cravings of their enormous appetites. Similar in 

 its powers of flight, its habits and diet, is the 

 common cormorant, found along the coast of 

 Labrador, and rarely seen further than the limits 

 of Maryland. 



In fertile Louisiana the elegant great blue 

 heron may be seen on the margins of the 

 beautiful streams and inland ponds, his grace- 

 ful neck extended, as with his golden eye he 



