328 STRANGE DWELLINGS, 



crow and rook, but much larger. This is the Heron {Ardea 

 cinerea)^ one of the very few large birds which still linger 

 among us. 



On account of its own great size, the Heron makes a very 

 large and very conspicuous nest, built chiefly of sticks and 

 twigs, and placed on the summit of a tree. 



Like the rook, the Heron is gregarious in its nesting, so that 

 a soHtary Heron's nest is very seldom seen, though now and 

 then an exception to the general rule is discovered. To watch 

 the manners and customs of this bird is not a very easy task, 

 because the number of heronries in England is very small, and 

 the shy nature of the birds renders them difficult of approach. 

 At Walton Hall, however, the Herons are so fearless, through 

 long-continued impunity, that they will allow themselves to be 

 watched closely, provided that the observer is quiet, and does 

 not make a noise, or alarm the birds by abmpt movements. 



It is a very pretty sight to watch the great birds as they go to 

 and from their nests, bringing food to their young, or flying to 

 the lake in search of more fish. Numbers of the Heron may be 

 seen at the water's edge, sometimes standing on one foot, with 

 their long necks completely hidden, and their bayonet-like beaks 

 projecting from their shoulders. For hours the birds will retain 

 this attitude, which to a human being would be the essence of 

 discomfort, and it is really wonderful how they can keep up for 

 so long a time the muscular energy which is expended in hold- 

 ing up the spare leg and keeping it tucked under the body. 



Now and then, one of the Herons seems to wake up, and after 

 a stretch of the neck and a flap of the wings, walks statelily and 

 deliberately into the water, through which it stalks, examining 

 every inch of bank and every cluster of weeds as it passes along. 

 Presently the bird pauses, and remains quite still for some time, 

 when the long neck is suddenly darted forwards, the beak dis- 

 appears for a second among the reeds, and then emerges, with 

 a fish, frog, or water-rat in its gripe. The real beauty of the 

 Heron can never be appreciated until it is seen at liberty, 

 and in the enjoyment of its natural life. It suits the locality so 

 well that, when it flies away, the spot has lost somewhat of its 



