. Shells and sea-life. near the water-front, and in conse-quence they have become quite tame, perchingfreely upon the sheds around the wharves, andfollowing the ferry-boats between the city and theOakland mole. Very often some passenger will toss them bitsof bread as they fly beside or over the boat. In-stantly there is a rush of wings, and the mouth-ful is usually caught by some keen-eyed birdbefore it has had time to reach the water. Theirintelligent looks and graceful motions are muchappreciated by the throngs of passengers on theferry-boats, and the birds seem to understandtheir advantage.
. Shells and sea-life. near the water-front, and in conse-quence they have become quite tame, perchingfreely upon the sheds around the wharves, andfollowing the ferry-boats between the city and theOakland mole. Very often some passenger will toss them bitsof bread as they fly beside or over the boat. In-stantly there is a rush of wings, and the mouth-ful is usually caught by some keen-eyed birdbefore it has had time to reach the water. Theirintelligent looks and graceful motions are muchappreciated by the throngs of passengers on theferry-boats, and the birds seem to understandtheir advantage. Other sea-birds are seen in the bay, too, butnone of them are so tame as the gulls. In winterthere are many flocks of Ducks, and frequently aDiver is seen thrusting his long, snaky head outof the water, glancing quickly around, and thendisappearing in an instant. He seems more likea fish than a bird, for you seldom see him eitherswimming or flying. Sometimes you see the Pelicans,—great birds VOL. 8—8 s. 4 W. A NESTING COLONY OF CORMORANTS. OTHER CREATURES WHICH LIVE IN THE SEA. 115 with exceedingly long bills, under which are hungbags to hold the fish which they catch. Youwould hardly expect so clumsy a bird to be anexpert fisher, but if you watch his motions youwill see that they are far more rapid and skillfulthan you would suppose. Along the rocky sea-coast one often sees a smallflock of Shags flying very swiftly in a line, justabove the surface of the waves. The shag isreally a species of Cormorant. Its plumage is sodark in color that at a distance it appears black,though a close examination shows a touch ofgreen. These birds have slender bodies, strongwings, and long, sharp bills. They are expertfishers. In China, young cormorants are trainedto dive for fish, and to bring them to the boatof their master. On the salt marshes one sometimes sees a lonelyCrane standing, at least a yard high. He is agreat creature, with naked legs so long that whenhe files they stre
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, bookdecade1900, booksubjectmollusk, bookyear1901
