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Capt. Bernard E. Potter



breast. With the Herons are tall, wholly white birds—Egrets ;

their glittering pure white plumage makes them easily distinguish¬

able a great way off.



The Storks.


In March last many of us had seen between Lake Langaza

and the ancient baths beyond, the great nests of the Storks reared

upon stunted elm trees or the chimney of a deserted cottage. It was

somewhat later that the birds themselves put in an appearance. At

first they used to be seen flying high over Lembet camp. In flight

the head and neck are extended, whereas in the case of the Heron

the neck is always retracted. In both cases the long legs trail

behind. A curious sight may he witnessed at Lozhishta, near Lake

Butkovo. Above the green slope upon which used to squat the

Turkish men-folk, are three ancient dwarfed elms. Upon the two

side ones are huge piles of sticks whereon sit or stand as many

Storks as can crowd together, quite tame, having never been molested,

it being likely they are held in some kind of awe by the natives.

In the middle of the group in the evening the priest stands aloft as

he calls on the faithful for prayer in shrill piping tones. The elm in

this remote village of the plain had been adopted for use as a minaret.

A ladder gave access to the “ pulpit,” around which was a rude pali¬

sade. The men below appeared to smoke and dream, taking as little

notice as did the stork families.


In May we first used to see the blue birds which are about

the size of Jays, and often called Blue Jays. This is the Roller.

The first pair I came upon was perching on a fig tree down a gully—

the vivid colours harmonised to perfection with the green leaves of

the fig tree. Besides the general bluey-green hue about the wings

and back, the soft brown of the body makes a fine contrast. In

flight the blues of tail and wing are conspicuous.


The Hoopoe.


The Hoopoe is frequent in Macedonia. One I recollect seeing

in June along a high hill track on the grass. It immediately

lowered the remarkable head plumes till the feathers formed a point

behind, giving the bird the grotesque appearance of having a beak



