BRITAIN^S BIRDS AND THEIR NESTS. 189 



When an Otter has caught a fish and is eating it on 

 some rock, an Eagle has been seen patiently awaiting its 

 departure in order to obtain what was left. 



In nesting habits the Erne resembles the preceding 

 species in general details. The eyrie is of the same 

 nature, and is usually placed on a clifF-ledge, whether 

 coastal or inland. Trees and even large bushes are also 

 not uncommon sites, those on islets in large lakes being 

 especially favoured. The nest may indeed be on the 

 ground ; in some swampy regions it is a large pile of 

 sticks rising many feet above the mud. ' On a flat islet in 

 a small lake in Harris, one of the Hebrides, a pair of 

 these birds bred for many years, although there are lofty 

 crags in the neighbourhood."* 



The eggs are laid in April, and are two in number, as 

 a rule. They are pvire white in colour, sometimes with a 

 few reddish specks about the larger end. In appearance 

 and upbringing the young resemble those of the Golden 

 Eagle. 



THE COMMON BUZZARD 



(Buteo vulgaris). 

 Plate 58. 



The Buzzard may in some respects of habit and 

 appearance be likened to a lesser Eagle. Compared with 

 the average Hawk or Falcon, it is not only a larger bird, 

 but also one of heavier and stouter build. From its com- 

 position the ' dash ' of these smaller kinsmen is absent, 

 and in its place there is something, just something, of the 

 massive strength and dignity of the Eagle, of which it 

 might be designated a 'poor relation.' 



The Buzzard is very often called a sluggish bird, but 

 this is not altogether deserved. The flight is buoyant, 



