INLAND CORMORANTS.
Time was when the sea-gull was regarded as a seaside bird ; but the affection of the black-headed gull—the daintiest of the tribe—for London and the Thames has long since killed that idea. We have recently had some evidence that other birds, hitherto associated with the sea, may similarly develop a new taste for inland waters. Cormorants (or shags) have lately been seen up several rivers far inland. They are now
common on some of the meres in Cheshire—where; indeed, all sorts of species of rare birds make their appearance, several varieties of geese and swans, including Bewick's swan, and duck of most sorts. The cormorant is not among the shyer birds. Shags swam up almost to my feet on a mere in
Queensland, where incidentally I saw more birds in greater variety than I have ever seen in any one spot. Incidentally, bird protection, which flourishes there, has done wonders, and no one has written of the greater charm and novelty. than some of the founders of the new Sanctuaries there. It is difficult to trace the reason for the change of habit in a bird but I believe that as interest grows, the whole tribe. of birds becomes tamer. It is a plausible iiroplieey that we shall see other birds than black-headed and herring guile in London, not as rare visitors, but as regular residents for a portion, at least, of the year. The list will include, if all goes well, several duck and water-birds, a few hawks and owls, perhaps even woodpeckers, as in Toronto and Montreal.
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