BIRDS ON THE LAWN 85 



of pied mynas {Sturnopastor contra) and paddy-birds 

 (Ardeola grayii) visit the lawn. The former strut 

 about, and the latter stand near the place where 

 the water trickles from the pipe. Both come in quest 

 of creatures driven from their tinderground homes by 

 the water. 



Occasionally two or three crows visit the lawn ; 

 these come to gratify their curiosity rather than for 

 food. Crows are inquisitive creatures, and cannot 

 resist visiting any spot where they see other birds 

 enjoying themselves. Wagtails are birds which are 

 very partial to lawns, but all the Indian species, 

 with one exception, leave India in April or May, 

 so that their graceftd forms do not delight the eye in 

 the hot weather. 



