26 BIRD-LIFE OF THE BORDERS. 



even in February it is frequently audible on tine mornings, 

 especially about daybreak. We bave noticed it as early as 

 January 30tli, but at tbat early period it is contined to the 

 early hours of the day, and sometimes attended by terrible 

 combats between rival monarchs. By the middle of April, 

 however, the extreme virulence of their animosity towards 

 each other appears to have cooled dov/n, and small parties 

 of Blackcocks may be seen amicably feeding together. On 

 April 14th, in a small enclosure of meadow-land, on Rede- 

 water, no less than twenty-one were thus assembled. There 

 were no Grey with them, yet several of the biggest old cocks 

 were walking about (feeding) with all their spreading tail- 

 feathers erect, and partially distended, as though that 

 position was chronic at this season. 



REDSHANK IN APRIL. 



The Peewits are now laying in earnest ; we found an 

 exceptionally early nest on February 28th, but the first 

 week in April is the best time for gathering their eggs. 

 A friend recently asked me how it was that Plover's eggs 

 can bo bought in London all through March : if that is 

 so, the question must be put to some one other than a 

 naturalist. By April 10th, the Redshanks are all localized 

 and settled down in pairs about the low rushy meadows, 

 and stagnant backwaters along the riverside, where they 

 mean to nest. Their actions are now very graceful as they 

 wheel round overhead, alternating a rapid flight with short 

 jerky periods, and poising in mid-air on wings curiously 



