io Baby Birds at Home 



with the prey in his talons, he alights on 

 a knoll at some distance from the nest, and 

 calls his mate to the feast. Whilst the hen 

 is satisfying her hunger he sometimes visits 

 the nest and takes a peep at the eggs. 



Baby Merlins are covered all over with 

 a beautiful coat of white soft dowm, and if 

 an attempt is made to stroke them, even 

 when they are very young, they roll 

 over on their backs, and strike upwards 

 with their sharp claws. They do not like 

 rain, and if a heavy shower happens to fall 

 during their mother's absence, they call out 

 for her in the most piteous manner. 



When breeding on a grouse moor the 

 plucky little Stone Falcon finds a deadly 

 enemy in the gamekeeper, who is ever on 

 the look out for its nest. He would find 

 it more frequently, but for one very cunning 

 habit practised by the species. 



Merlins feed their chicks upon small 

 birds. They take the greatest care, how- 

 ever, not to pluck any of their victims at 

 the nest. Tell-tale feathers scattered about 

 on the heather would soon attract the atten- 

 tion of the gamekeeper, and he would quickly 

 discover and slay the whole family. 



