File:A history of British birds. By the Rev. F.O. Morris (1862) (14564285820).jpg

Identifier: historyofbritish08morr (find matches)
Title: A history of British birds. By the Rev. F.O. Morris ..
Year: 1862 (1860s)
Authors: Morris, F. O. (Francis Orpen), 1810-1893
Subjects: Birds
Publisher: London, Groombridge and Sons
Contributing Library: Smithsonian Libraries
Digitizing Sponsor: Smithsonian Libraries

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ood Hope, andon the coast of North Africa. Two specimens were captured in the British Channel bythe captain of a ship. Another is said to have been takenat Salthouse, in Norfolk, some years since. One was founddead in a field near Polperro, in Cornwall, in the month ofNovember, 1838. The occurrence of another was recorded byT. C. Hey sham, Esq., of Carlisle; and one in Sussex, by Mr.F. Bond. Like the other Petrels, this species remains in or near itsnest or burrow during the day, and goes in search of foodon the approach of evening. The present, like some of the kindred kinds, follows in thewake of ships in stormy weather, either for the sake of whatsmall shelter may there be afforded, or to pick up any chancemorsels of food thrown overboard. Sailors, always, as it would seem, prone to superstition, deemMother Carys bewitched Chickens to forerun a storm; but,says Wilson, as well might they curse the midnight light-house that, star-like, guides them on their watery way, or the Mi >i
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\^\ \ 1 \\ ,1V,! WILSON S PETREL. 139 buoy that warns them of the sunken rocks below, as thishomeless wanderer, whose manner informs them of the approachof the storm, and thereby enables them to prepare for it. It is quick and lively in flight. Audubon says, It keepsits wings nearly at right angles with its body, and makesconsiderable use of its feet, particularly during calm weather,when it at times hops or leaps for several feet, or pats thewater, whilst its wings are extended upwards with a flutteringmotion, and it inclines its head downward to pick up its foodfrom the water; and I have observed it immerse the wholehead beneath the surface to seize on small fishes, in which itgenerally succeeded. It can walk pretty well on the deck ofa vessel, or any other flat surface, and rise from it withoutmuch difficulty. Its food consists of small fish, mollusca, Crustacea, and seaplants. Its notes resemble the syllables kee-re kee-kee, utteredtempo comriiodo. They are more frequently emitted

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