Trapping Large Birds 
on 
aT 
(2) Ege-boxes and Ege-blowing Apparatus. 
To carry eggs I use sets of boxes of tin or aluminium which 
“nest.” The only egg-blowing appliances wanted in the field are 
a good egg-drill and a blowpipe, the rest of the paraphernalia, pliers, 
scissors, syringe &c., can be left at home. It is always best, 
especially with large eggs, to get rid as much as possible of their 
contents directly they are taken. Eggs thus treated, if properly 
packed, will rarely be broken no matter how rough may be the 
journey, whereas unblown eggs have a genius for coming to grief. 
(3) Zvraps. 
Most birds can be trapped on their nests without difficulty. 
I have never failed when I have given time to it save only with 
the Raven, which seems critically to note every detail and to see 
at a glance where a trap has been concealed. 
For big birds of prey the surest trap is an iron rabbit-gin with 
the teeth filed down. In addition | invariably bind several thick- 
nesses of folded chamois leather round the jaws and thus I have 
never injured a bird I have caught. It is most necessary to watch 
birds both on and off their nests, and note carefully on which side 
they enter. The trap should be placed at this last point and lightly 
covered with leaves, twigs &c. I invariaby attach the trap to 
a strong line which I lead down to the ground and secure to a 
loose branch. 
Upon the bird stepping on to the nest and the trap being sprung, 
it endeavours to fly off but is soon brought up by the bough at the 
end of the line and after a few ineffectual flaps, loses its balance and 
falls to the ground. By this means I have at various times trapped 
Vultures, Eagles, Neophrons, Harriers and Kites and could have 
easily trapped Eagle Owls and many other species. /2 xo single 
instance have | in any way injured a bird by this method of trapping. 
As a rule I have released them sooner or later. 
