The Osceola times., 1886-12-25
WApIN0 BIRDS.
Habits Of the Heroa, Stork. Crane, Ibis
and the smallsr Wsdcrs.

Habits of the Heroa, Stork. Crane, Ibis
and the smallsr Wsdcrs.
From the long neck and the long
naked legs Of the heron VIC may form 9
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 tho 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 fot
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 the
world, and they form one of the great.
est ornaments Of our Southern marshes
and streams. Their flight, however, 10
not very graceful These birds have no
tail worth speaking of, so when flying
they always stretch out their legs be-
most o;her birds tuck their legs snugly
away out of sight.
Another large and elegant bird is tho
crane, which is sometimes over four
feet in height, but otherwise not especi-
ally remarkable. unless il be for its long
mgrations twice every year, and for the
perfect disopln 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
20 learn that they are also waders
These city birds seem TO have given up
their aquatic habits since they came "a
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 storks in these
cities is not only tolerated but on the
contrary, the birds are highly valued
because they feed upon garoage and
small vermin, 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 to
their houses on purpose for the stork'
20 build on, and that family is consider
ed fortunate that has stork's nesI
upon the roof. These dignitied birds
are especially numerous in the eastern
hemisphere. They assemble in large
fiocks before starting on their migra'
tions, and it is common belief that al
such times they are consulting abou
their intended journey.
The beautiful ibises inhabit all warn
countries. One species, the wood ibis
has gained for itself the reputation d
being very greedy, and not withou
good cause. With its strong bill i
kills great many fishes, frogs, snakes
Young aligators and other small ami
mails, which form its favoritc food. Al
these victims lie floating on the wate'
round about the scene of their destruc
ton, the ibis swallows as many as it car
well take, and then stands stupidly or
the edge OF the stream, waiting unit
this meal is digested before it is able tC
indulge in another.
Then there is the sacred ibis, which
was worshpcd by the people OF Egyp
in olden times. Perhaps they loved thu
bird because it devoured the serpent'
which annoyed them so much, or els'
because it returned each year at thu
time of the overflow of the Nile, ant
the superstitious Egyptians may hav'
thought they were indebted to tho ibii
for the fertility of the country which re
suits from this overflow. 1t is at leas
certain that they were in the habit o
embalming the bird with their mum
mics, and placing curious stiff pictures
of il on their monuments.
Among the smaller waders are som'
of our pretty little shore birds, whos'
quick movements are so interesting t.
watch. Small flocks of these little bird
on the beach may be seen running ou
eagerly after retreating wave, snatch
ing up tiny fishes and crabs, and hurry
ing along to gather as many of thes'
dainties as possible before the next wave
comes in. Then they all mount rapid,
into the air to escape this coming wave
as il they were exceedingly anxious
not TO wet those slender toes. Theil
st is interrupted but few seconds
II they soon alight and go through
the same performances. - Sarah Cooper
a m