194 LOST AND VANISHING BIRDS 



scattered over a comparatively small area, so that 

 the bird must be considered a social one at this 

 season. The nest seems always to be made upon 

 the ground, and is generally little more than a 

 hollow in the moss or turf, in which a few bits of 

 dry grass have been arranged as a lining. The 

 eggs are two in number, and var}^ from pale buff 

 to dark huffish brown in ground colour, somewhat 

 obscurely and sparingly marked with dark brown 

 and oTcyish brown. All observers who have 

 visited the breeding-grounds of this Skua have 

 been impressed with the bold way in which it 

 seeks to defend its eggs or helpless young. Fear- 

 lessly flying round the intruder's head, both male 

 and female ad^'ance towards him, swooping down 

 as if about to strike, and showing little fear even 

 at the report of a gun. Dogs are beaten off the 

 sacred spot, and even the powerful White-tailed 

 Eagle or the Raven are glad to retire before 

 such spirited and angry attacks. But one brood 

 is reared in the season ; but if the first 

 clutch of eggs be taken, another will be produced. 

 As soon as the young are reared, the breeding- 

 places are more or less deserted, and for the 

 remainder of the year the birds lead a mari- 

 time life, wandering far and wide over the 



