Part 39

But season by season the cranes, with wide-spread wings and hoarse cries, return to the Northland at nesting-time.

There they remain through the short sunny summer, but when the first snowflakes flutter through the air the cranes prepare to fly away.

And even to this day they circle about on widespread wings as though they again carried the beautiful maiden.

Even to this day the cranes, young and old, shout so loudly the praises of the summer-land that their voices are hoarse and harsh.

ALL ABOUT THE GREAT BLUE HERON OR BLUE CRANE

SUGGESTIONS FOR FIELD LESSONS

Usually resident throughout the year. Lives in marshy, swampy places.

Head and throat white, with long black crest.--Very long neck covered with light gray feathers--darker on chest--back, ashy gray--darker wings--a touch of red on bend of wings and legs.

Long legs, which are black.

Long bill, which is yellow, sharp, and strong.

Food--mostly fish, frogs, and small reptiles. Feeds near sunset.

Nest very simple--sometimes directly on ground or rocks--at other times a rickety platform of sticks.

Eggs blue-green--four in number--young helpless for at least three weeks after hatching.

ALL ABOUT THE SEA-DOVE

SUGGESTIONS FOR FIELD LESSONS

Goes far north in nesting season. Found in Illinois swamps, and as far north as Greenland.

Small bird with entire upper parts almost black--under parts white--wings tipped with white, bill black--feet pale red--toes webbed.

Food obtained from the waves--flies swiftly and dives well--walks on land better than most water-birds.

Lays but two bluish-white eggs.

THE END.