THE HERONS 245 



This is a heron, one of the largest birds now found wild in 

 England. In olden days it was very plentiful, and was hunted 

 by means of falcons, being "' preserved " for the chase very much as 

 game birds are preserved now. But when the fens and marshes 

 were drained it became much less abundant, and in most inland 

 districts is now but seldom seen. 



Several "heronries", however, still exist, and in one of these, 

 which is situated only a few miles from London, between thirty 



Herons and Nests 



and forty pairs of these great birds breed every year. They travel 

 for long distances in search of food, and may be seen flying home- 

 wards towards evening many miles away from their nesting-place. 

 On our wilder coasts they are not at all uncommon, and at low 

 water may often be noticed standing in the pools which the 

 retreating tide has left among the rocks, keeping diligent watch 

 for any fish that may come sufficiently near. When the heron is 

 watching for prey it generally stands upon one leg only, the other 



