138 Some Noics (hi flic Curlew. 



" alarums and excursions " in the thickest of the fray. I am 

 writint^- these notes in a beautiful and peaceful spot, where there 

 is only the sound of birds — the exquisite song- of a hidden war- 

 bler right overhead, wdiere I am sitting at the top of a hill, 

 looking" down on a picture of perfect and serene beauty. What 

 a contrast to what I have left ! And my thoughts go wandering- 

 back to other scenes, when I went exploring in the wilds for the 

 study of bird life. And that brings me to a vivid remembrance 

 of the Highlands. Few places excel in beauty the lochs of the 

 North West Highlands of Scotland. These lochs are of two 

 kinds; salt w'ater and fresh water, and both are strikingly beauti- 

 ful. A medley of colour in summer, and impressive and wild 

 in their winter grandeur. Here the Curlew finds a congenial 

 home. Along the sides of the sea-loch fringed with forests, 

 and with great rugged mountains surveying it the Curlew seeks 

 his food, giving frequent utterance to his wild, wailing^ cry, 

 which somehow, appears to blend with the wild beauty around. 

 Most people know^ the Curlew, as it is quite a common bird in 

 most coastal districts, and the sight of the long curved-bill bird 

 is as familiar as its call. But one can best appreciate its wild 

 desolate cry on a lonely coast. It is rather a ditificult matter to 

 get near a Curlew, as they are very shy, as anyone who has 

 attempted to stalk them will understand. A pair of glasses are 

 necessary to observe and study them properly. In the winter 

 Curlews may be seen walking sedately along the shore, probing 

 in the sand and mud with their long bills in search of food, 

 wdiich consists of worms, mollusca. small crabs and tiny insects 

 which they can catch. A close study is rarely possible; at least 

 that is my experience. I tried it several times, but never really 

 succeeded, as the bird instinctively rose and then flew off with 

 loud cries of alarm and warning. The cry of a Curlew is un- 

 forgettable when once heard. I think it an extremely attractive 

 cry! 



This Ijird is a resident species and inhabits the coast for 

 the greater part of the year. It is not popular with the wild- 

 fowler, as it acts as a sentinel and alarms his quarry — the ducks 

 and geese, and consequently is often the cause of a blank stalk. 

 My temper has often been sorely tried, when I have been after 

 wild-fowl, and the sentinel Curlew has brought to naught all 



