SHEIKH SAID, GREEN ISLAND 39 



We climbed the mangrove and in the nest found its one 

 and only young, as big as a pullet. I photographed it twice 

 and then mounted higher for a third shot looking down on 

 it; before I could press the button, however, there was a 

 shiver under me and the branch I was on cracked. Twenty- 

 four feet above the swamp, I swung, the camera in my left 

 hand and in my right my last branch of hope. I prayed to 

 all the saints that this might not break too. Gigi, methodical 

 as ever, saved me in the end by dragging me by the feet on 

 to the trunk. I sighed, bathed in sweat anew. 



With every care we lifted the young vulture from its nest. 

 It made no attempt to defend itself Both parent birds 

 arrived on the scene of violation, screeching shrilly. We felt 

 sorry for them but their offspring meant a live specimen for 

 us and we could not allow ourselves to indulge in deeper 

 sentiments. 



The small vulture was christened Kil in homage to the 

 great Rudyard. It thrived and followed the expedition as 

 mascot. 



