The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1886-12-16
wAptne BIRDS.
Habits of the Heron, Storl, Crane, Ibis
ami the smaller Waders.

Habits of the Heron, stork, Crane. Ibis
ami the smaller Waders.
From the long neck and the long
naked legs of the heron we may form .
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
reach ng 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. is
not very graceful. These birds have no
tail worth speaking of, SO when flying
they always stretch out their legs be-
b nd them to act as rudder, while
most her 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 It's 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 b rds seem to have given up
: their aquatic hapits 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 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 storks
to build on, and that family is consider
ed fortunate that has a stork's nest
upon the roof. These digniied birds
are especially numerous in the eastern
hemisphere. They assemble in large
docks before starting on their migra-
tions, and it is common belief that at
such times they are consulting about
Their intended journey.
The beautiful ibises inhabit all warm
countries. One species, the wood ibis,
has gained for itself the reputation II
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 car
well take, and then stands stupidity or
the edge of the stream, waiting unit
this meal is digested before it is able te
indulge in another.
Then there is the sacred ibis, which
was worshiped by the people of Egyp
in olden times. Perhaps they loved this
bird because it devoured the serpents
which annoyed them SO much, or elss
because it returned each year at thu
time of the overflow of the N lie, ant
the superstitious Egyptians may hav'
thought they were indebted to the ibi
for the fertility of the country which re
suits from this overflow. 1t is at leas
certain that they we're in the habit o
embalming the bird with their mum
mics, and placing curious stiff picture
| of it on their monuments.
| Among the smaller waders are SOM
of our pretty little shore birds. who's
quick movements are SO interesting h
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 wav
comes in. Then they all mount rapid.
into the air to escape this coming wave
as if they were exceedingly anxicu
not to wet those slender toes. Thei
feast is interrupted but few seconds
for they soon alight and 60 through
the same performances.-SarGh Cooper
in Harper's Young People.