THIRSTY BIRDS 95 



ally drink at least three times a day in summer in 

 the morning about nine o'clock, again between half- 

 past twelve and one, and again before they go to roost. 



It might be thought that the birds of heaths and 

 commons, such as whinchats, stonechats, wheatears, and 

 the meadow pipit, which is often found on very waterless 

 ground, do not drink often. But if the watering places 

 near such heaths are watched, it will be seen that these 

 birds fly considerable distances to visit them. Between 

 the sea-marshes of Orford, on the Suffolk coast, and 

 the fine old park of Campsea Ash, some miles inland, 

 lies the wild and desolate tract of Tunstall Heath, over 

 which the road passes. In a hollow close by the road 

 is a pool, which only dries up entirely in very hot 

 weather. To this pond there fly from the different 

 parts of this dry and heathery tract birds of all kinds, 

 especially the heath birds proper, as well as such species 

 as yellow-hammers, linnets, chaffinches, and the small 

 warblers. Each bird comes alone, flies down to the 

 water, drinks repeatedly, and then wings its way back 

 to its own particular haunt. When the pool dries up 

 they still fly there for a few days to see if any water is 

 left, and finding none, hang round the spot for some 

 time, apparently at a loss where to go next. 



In a long drought, and almost equally in a pro- 

 tracted frost, English birds suffer much from thirst. 

 They may be seen sitting with their beaks wide open at 

 such times, exhibiting every sign of discomfort, and pos- 

 sibly of suffering. Rooks and jackdaws are among the 

 thirstiest, if we may judge from their behaviour. Jack- 

 daws arc ready to drink at almost any hour of the day, 



