Evening Republican, Volume 14, Number 76, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 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 direction. 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 k%»t 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 east bound course. alteration In the boat’s course was revealed to those who were watching the bird only when the compass was examined.—Scotsman.