268 
BIRD-LIFE. 
once knew a green Woodpecker which, in the absence 
of the proper tenants, used to roost regularly in a little 
house in my father’s garden, built for the Starlings. Some 
Waders sleep resting on the tarsi, others standing on 
both feet, either in or close to the water; some lie flat 
on their bellies. Nocturnal birds, which sleep in the 
day-time, always choose the most retired spots wherein 
to take their rest, and while sleeping seek to nestle close 
up to the nearest object. 
Birds, like most other creatures, dislike very much to 
have their rest disturbed, and most of them raise a loud 
cry and take wing, but do not trust themselves far away, 
alighting again almost immediately, and often returning 
to the same place. Cautious or distrustful birds do not 
go to sleep again, but wander about restlessly during the 
rest of the night. Birds suddenly awakened appear as if 
drunk, and tumble about unconsciously in all directions. 
Some species come to their senses very quickly, and 
then usually manage to escape the threatened danger. 
There is no doubt that birds dream, as may be 
remarked by observing those kept in cages. From their 
conduct one may in some measure gather what they are 
dreaming about. A bird which flutters in its sleep 
during the season of migration is, doubtless, dreaming 
of distant lands, and a wish to migrate; one softly 
twittering in the spring time, dreams of love and song ; 
what they may be dreaming of at other times I cannot 
say, though probably the god of dreams is weaving 
bright pictures of flies and insects, singing and love, 
life and happiness, which possibly may fall to their lot 
on the morrow. 
