The Norfolk Broads 



217 



Head of dead Short-eared Owl. Facial Disk lifted to show True Ear. 



by tlie knowledo-e that the nest was a deserted one. Tlie 

 situation was a small open space on tlie groinid in tlie 

 midst of a perfect sea of sedge the height of a man. Such 

 a nest in sucli a spot can only be found by the most 

 patient watching of the old birds. Xot far away we picked 

 up some half-de\'oured remains of a le\eret, for which, 

 I fear, the Harriers were responsible. 



This day was a memorable one, for we liad that same 

 morning pliotographed a nest of another rarity — that of a 

 Short-eared Owl. This was also among sedge and ruslies, 

 the mowing of wliich liad disturbed the sitting bird from 

 her six eggs, causing her to desert them. Tliough a circle 

 had been left uncut all round lier, slie never returned 

 to them. 



