204 RECREATIONS OF A NATURALIST 



outstretched pinions, the plumage looks grey, with 

 a white band across the wings, and a white patch 

 just above the tail. The long orange-coloured legs 

 hang out behind as the bird rises, but are soon 

 concealed outstretched beneath the tail. If the 

 nest be near, the parent birds will hang about with 



THE REED WARBLER. 



short beats of wing, betraying their anxiety by their 

 cries and their reluctance to leave the spot. At 

 any other time they would fly right away, their wild, 

 musical notes being heard long after they are out of 

 sight. 



And now, seated in the punt, field-glasses in 

 hand, we glide softly away from the bank, and 

 enter a channel which winds amongst the tall reeds, 



