BIRD-LIFE ON THE MOORS IN EARLY SPRING. 29 



The drumming is produced only during the dotted periods 

 of the bird's flight, and is clearly attributable to the wings 

 (not the voice), for the key changes with the alteration in 

 the bird's course in the air, as at (a). Snipes commence to 

 drum about the middle of March. Another of the seasonal 

 signs, which, one after another, spring into being, is the busy 

 hum of the humble bee — and few sounds are more welcome, 

 or more pleasing to the ear than this, when first heard on a 

 sunny morning, about mid-April. There is a thoroughly 

 summer-like ring about it, which serves as much as any- 

 thing to mark the change of the season, and the termination 

 of wintry conditions. 



By the middle of April, many of the typical moor-birds 

 commence their domestic duties in earnest ; but the 20th 

 of the month I regard as, in average seasons, the standard 



date of laying for Grouse, Mallard, Golden Plover, Snipe, 

 Pied and Grey Wagtails, and Stock-Dove. The Curlews, 

 Gulls, and Black game are a week or ten days later. I have 

 seen nests of the first-named group as early as the beginning 

 of April ; but this is exceptional, and, as above stated, the 

 20th of April may be regarded as the average date for 

 completed clutches. 



The Curlews are not at all particular as to site ; their 

 nest is usually high up on the hills, but grass or heather, 

 long or short, bare or dry ground, or bog — all seem to suit 

 them alike. Even when the nest is among long heather, 

 there is no premeditated attempt at concealment. The old 

 Curlew relies on her watchful nature and keen eye for safety, 

 and rarely sits close when danger threatens, however distant ; 

 though, from her size and light colour, it is not difficult to 



