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Sept (To Nov occasional in summer)

to Nov.; occasional in summer.

HERONS AND BITTERNS.

Nest, a platform of sticks, generally in colonies, in trees. Eggs, three to four, pale, dull blue, 2.50 X 1.50.

Is it due to the influence of the artists of the Orient that these long-legged, long-necked birds are so frequently miscalled "Cranes"? With head drawn in and legs trailing on behind, they flap slowly over the water, resembling, no doubt, the "Cranes" of fans, screens, and bronzes; nevertheless, they are Herons. With all a Heron's immovable alertness they watch patiently for passing fish, sometimes wading with extreme caution, placing one foot slowly after the other. They feed both by day and night. Fishes, frogs, reptiles, even small mice, all are welcome; and all are powerless to escape the lightning thrust of the spearlike bill. Their voice is harsh and rasping. When alarmed they utter a croak which is sometimes prolonged into a series of squawks. They nest and roost in colonies, but at other times are solitary birds. The EUROPEAN GREAT BLUE HERON (195. Ardea cinerea) is accidental in southern Greenland. It may be distinguished from our species by the white instead of rufous feathers on the legs. 196. Ardea egretta Gmel. AMERICAN EGRET. Ad. in breeding plumage. Entire plumage pure white; about fifty straight "aigrette" plumes grow from the interscapular region and 'reach beyond the tail; legs and feet black; bill yellow; lores orange, bordered below by greenish. Ad. after the breeding season and Im. - Without the interscapular plumes. L., 41.00; W., 15.00; Tar., 5-60; B., 4.50.