IOL 
CHAPTER. 1. 
THE HARRIERS. 
Marsh Harriers—The most indefatigable of hunters—A constant trial to the 
sportsman— Semi-aquatic habits — Beautiful adult plumage — Montagu’s 
Harrier — Hen Harrier — Pale-chested Harrier —Marsh Harriers’ deep 
engrossment in search of quarry—Their boldness and strength—Quickness 
of vision—Relative quickness of vision in birds—The small Gulls apparently 
the quickest— Colonies of Harriers— Young Harriers in nest — Their 
pugnacity—An unlucky day’s birdsnesting. 
HIS beautiful family is well repre- 
sented in southern Spain. The 
Marsh Harrier (Czvcus @ruginosus) 
is especially abundant and is to be 
found in great numbers in all the 
low-lying and = marshy districts. 
Throughout the year and in all 
weathers, from earliest dawn to the 
lingering light after sundown, they 
are to be seen patiently quartering 
the reed beds and swampy portions 
of the plain in quest of anything that 
may turn up, for nothing seems to 
come amiss to them. ‘They are par- 
ticularly fond of the fresh-water 
tortoises which abound in such localities ; they are also famous 
egg-stealers and in the spring months, as already described, exact 
a heavy tribute from the nests of the Purple Herons and Coots. 
