At the Water's Edge 



pretty scene by standing, one upon each rock, 

 while the waves dash by them — "mounted 

 specimens," in nature's own inimitable fashion. 

 Amid such bleak scenery, I discovered, a few 

 rods back from the water, what I had never 

 seen before, although in such localities they 

 are by no means rare in winter — a large flock of 

 shore larks ; which, at this season, frequent the 

 borders of the ocean, particularly in stubble 

 fields, and showing as much affinity for the sea 

 as many water fowl, although toward spring 

 they are often found farther inland ; and, a few 

 weeks later, they all leave us for the more in- 

 viting wastes of Labrador. 



The shore lark — also called horned lark, from 

 a short feathery tuft over each eye — is one of 

 our prettiest winter birds, about seven inches 

 long, brownish olive above, white beneath, 

 yellow on the throat, and with a conspicuous 

 black crescent on the breast. At a distance, 

 larks resemble in plumage one species of plover, 

 but their manners are distinctly different. They 

 show timidity and confidence curiously min- 

 gled ; for, generally as you approach them, they 

 simply edge away from you, plainly saying that 

 familiarity shall go so far and no farther. They 

 are exceedingly nimble on foot, gliding about 

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