196 Mr. W. Eagle ClvLvke— Ornithology 



Neophron percnopterus (Linn.), 



The Egyptian Vulture was common in tlie lowest reaches 

 of the Grand Rhone^ where several adult examples were 

 observed on the 30th of May. One of these sailed around 

 almost within gunshot, and was bullied by a couple of 

 Common Terns. The presence of these birds is attributable, 

 no doubt, to the numerous carcasses of sheep &c.j in all 

 stages of decomposition, which strew the margin of the great 

 river, and offer an abundant repast. 



No fewer than five of these Vultures w^ere observed soaring 

 over the Crau on the 12th of May. Here, however, their 

 breeding-haunts are probably within sight on the limestone 

 cliffs of the Chaine des Alpines, which lies to the north. 



Circus .eruginosus (Linn.). 



The Marsh-Harrier is present in the great marshes of the 

 Camargue, in numbers that must tell considerably to the 

 disadvantage of the other feathered denizens. Here this 

 species is entirely without enemies and flourishes accordingly. 

 Five nests were found after a short search in the Marais du 

 Couvin on the 21st of May. These were, in all instances, 

 placed in patches of reeds or sedges in which there was a 

 considerable mixture of the dried stems or blades of last 

 year's growth. One nest contained six young birds, all of 

 different ages ; the youngest being small and clothed in white 

 down, while the oldest was considerably larger and growing 

 brown on the wings and back. The bird was also numerous 

 in the Marais de Meyranne. 



BuTEO VULGARIS, Lcach. 



A Buzzard was observed near the north margin of the 

 fitang du Valcares on the 22nd of May. 



Falco subbuteo, Linn. 



Five or six Hobbies were observed pursuing insects near 

 the pine-trees in the Petite Camargue on the 19th of 

 May. 



Falco tinnunculus, Linn, 



The Kestrel was seen on two or three occasions in the 



