16 The Study of Wild Birds 
that time have repeatedly returned there solely in quest of birds and 
of sport for periods varying from two weeks to six months and more, 
But my experiences of birdsnesting and studying birds in their 
wild state are by no means restricted to Spain. During the course 
of my military career I have frequently found myself even when 
on home service, within striking distance of some favoured spot, 
such, for example, as Romney Marsh when quartered at Shorn- 
cliffe or Wolmer Forest when at Aldershot, where much could be 
done in the bird line at that time, whatever may now be the case. 
On foreign service, of course innumerable opportunities present 
themselves to the man who has sufficient knowledge of the birds 
and determination to seek them out. It would be hard to imagine 
a more detestable quarter for the keen ornithologist and sportsman 
than Malta. Yet even here I have found solace in seeking out 
and visiting the nests of the Great Shearwater and Stormy Petrel ! 
Since all British operations for many years past have taken place 
in wild regions, it follows that, when time permits, the keen birds- 
nester and ornithologist who may take part in them has many 
opportunities of adding to his knowledge under conditions favour- 
able to collecting. In some instances our Expeditionary Forces 
have operated in districts where but littlke was known of the 
birds, as of much else, including the enemy! As it is extremely 
unlikely that any of the—to me—most objectionable species of the 
genus “military prig” found in our Army is ever likely to read this, 
or, if he did, would have the wit to recognize a portrait of himself, 
I may say that I have at times taken malicious satisfaction in the 
stupefied appearance of this type when, on my return from some 
reconnaissance, I have produced from the interior of my helmet 
a nest and eggs I may have chanced to come across. To them 
the mere sight of such a thing in my possession at such a moment 
was distinct proof of military incapacity. Yet, so long as a man 
does not permit his private tastes, such as a love of birds, to 
