THE KINGFISHER 137 



a really good bang, with the result that this time 

 it all disappeared .with the first knock. 



However plentiful food may be in the vicinity 

 of a nest, the parent kingfisher always flies to 

 some distance to fish. Here it usually selects a 

 bough overhanging a shady pool, and time after 

 time returns to exactly the same position on that 

 bough. This perch is usually at a height of from 

 six to ten feet above the water. From this 

 position the bird can spot small fish at a con- 

 siderable depth. 



On trout waters, where minnows are plenti- 

 ful, the kingfisher does little harm, for minnows 

 are easier to catch than trout fry. On fish 

 hatcheries, however, this bird, like the dabchick, 

 can do an immense amount of damage in a very 

 short time. 



