The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1886-12-24
wAp,NG e,Rps.
Habits Of the Heron, 0tork, Crane, Ibis
ami the Smaller Waders.


Habit. Of the Heron, stork. Crane. Ibis
ami tho Smaller Waders.
From the long neck and the long
naked legs of the heron we may form q
pretty good idea of what to expect of
all wading birds, no matter how much
they may differ in size. The long toes
spread out very far apart, and thus pre-
vent the birds from sinking in the soft
mud as they wade about in shallow
water near the banks of rivers and
marshes. Places like these are the ia
vorite haunts of the herOns, and here
they stand patiently watching for
fishes, frogs and small reptiles. Their
long necks are admirably suited for
reaching out to catch such creatures,
and their slender beaks quickly seize
the prey. seldom missing their aim.
Herons are found in all parts of thu
world, and they form one of the greats
est ornaments of our Southern marShe;,
and streams. Their flight, however, is
not very graceful. These birds have nc
tail worth speaking of, SO when flying
they always stretch out their legs be-
hind them to act as rudder, while
most other birds tuck their legs snugly
away out of sight.
Another large and elegant bird is the
crane, which is sometimes over four
feet in height. but otherwise not especi-
ally remarkable. unless it be for its long
migrations twice every year. and for the
perfect discipline which is observed on
these journeyings.
Those who have read the interesting
stories about the storks that live in Eu-
ropean and Asiatic cities, and perhaps
have seen them there, may be surprised
to learn that they are also waders.
These city birds seem to have given up
their aquatic habits since they came to
live in town, and now they stalk about
the streets amidst throngs of people.
and are not the least disturbed by them.
The presence of the storhs in these
cities is not only tolerated. but on the
contrary, the birds are highly valued
because they feed upon garbage and
small vcrmin, and in this way help to
keep the streets clean. On account of
these services especial laws have been
made in some countries for their prOteC-
ton.
Their nests. placed in tall trees. tow
ers or chimneys, are coarse Affairs.
loosely built of sticks. In Holland per-
sons sometimes make false chimneys ID
their houses on purpose for the stOrks
to build on, and that family is consider
cd fortunate that has stork's nest
upon the roof. These dignitied birds
are especially numerous in the eastern
hemisphere. They assemble in large
flocks before starting on their micra.
t:ons, and it is u common belief that at
such times they are consulting about
their intended journey.
The beautiful ibiscs inhabit all warm
countries. One species. the wood ibis.
has gained for itself the reputation Of
being very greedy, and not without
good cause. With its strong bill il
kills great many fishes, frogs. snakes.
young alligatorS and other small ami
mails, which form its favOritc food. As
these victims lie floating on the water
round about the scene of their destruc-
ton, the ibis swallows as many as it can
well take. and then stands stupidity on
the edge of the stream, waiting until
this meal is digested before it is able to
indulge in another.
Then there is the sacred ibis, which
was worshiped by the people of Egypt
in olden times. Perhaps they loved this
bird because it devoured the serpents
which annoyed them so much, or else
because it returned each year ut the
time of the overflow of the Nile, and
the superstitious Egyptians may have
thought they were indebted to the ibis
for the fertility of :he country which re-
suits from this overflow. 1t is at least
certain that they were in the habit of
embalming the bird with their num-
mics, and placing curious stiff pictures
of it on their monuments.
Among the smaller wader5 arc some |
of our pretty little shore birds, whose
quick movements are so interesting to !
watch. Small tiOcks of these little birds |
on the beach may be seen running out |
eagerly after a retreating wave, snatch
ing up tiny fishes and crabs, and hurry
ing along to gather as many of these
dain.ies as possible before the next wave
comes in. Then they all mount rapidly
into the air to escape this coming wave.
as if they were exceedingly anxious !
not to wet those slender toes. Their
feast is interrupted but few seconds.
for they soon alieht and 60 through
the same performances.-Sard Cooper,
in Harper's Young People.