The Scavengers at Dhappa 



Ortheris, " 'ates a 'owling, clawin' mess," and 

 dines by himself if possible, the possibility 

 depending largely on whether his fellow-kites 

 have themselves dined recently or not. Of 

 other birds of prey we only saw a marsh-harrier 

 {Circus ceruginosus) just before we arrived at 

 the scene of vulturine banquets, and wondered 

 what he was doing in such company ; and a sea- 

 eagle of some sort, which made a splendid stoop 

 down to the surface of the foul water, and rose 

 with some awful garbage hanging from his talons, 

 so that his business, at any rate, was plain 

 enough, although he evidently had his notions 

 about regal privacy at meals. Altogether the 

 trip was well worth making, and I should advise 

 any "globe-trotter" who visits Calcutta not to 

 neglect Dhappa if he cares for birds — but let him 

 take a smelling-bottle ! 



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