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Pictures of Bird Life 



primaries of tlie young birds, while in tlie nest, are of a jetty 

 blackness, and the beaks at the same age are flesh-coloured. 



1 have always found, in close proximity to the nesting-place 

 of Spoonbills, whether in Holland or Spain, nests also of the 

 Purple Heron. At times these nests arc exceedingly difficult 

 to approach, though now and tlien one may meet with them 



Nest of Black Tern {^Hydroclielidoii nigra). 



on fairly solid ground, but always well surrounded and hidden 

 by a thick growth of tall reeds. In such places, where they 

 can find tlie solitude and quietness they desire, they lay five 

 beautiful pale blue eggs on a rough nest of dead reeds and 

 sedge. The birds are particularly and excessively shy and 

 retiring. At one nest, which held three freshly hatched birds 



