Evening Republican, Volume 14, Number 73, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 March 1910 — Bird’s Sense of Direction. [ARTICLE]

Bird’s Sense of Direction.

The migratory instinct -in birds Is combined with another equally mysterious, that of the sense of dlrectio-i. A gentleman engaged in scientific research work for the fishery board on board the government steamboat GoldSeeker recorded a very interesting observation he made of this characteristic of migratory bird life. An oyster catcher that was being buffeted ,by a head wind In its eastern flight across the North Sea toward the continental shores alighted on the boat. It took kindly to the attention paid to it so long as the boat kept its easterly course, but when the course of the boat was altered a few points to the northward the bird immediately showed signs of uneasiness, and after an apparent consideration of its bearings flew into the darkness of the night on its eastbound course. The alteration in -the boat's course was revealed to tfiose who were watching the bird only when the compass was examined. —Scotsman.