216 The Black Vulture 
Segovia, and well up in the sierra, we set to work to make the 
best of the time available—one week only—before returning north- 
wards. One morning early in April we started on horseback with 
our local guide (a woodman), in quest of the coveted nest. We 
had already experienced several defeats, having for three days 
unsuccessfully explored various portions of the forest adjacent to 
our quarters. After following the high road for a couple of miles, 
we struck to the right through a small village. Beyond this we 
entered the oak-scrub, which covers the low foothills in this 
region. It was a delightful morning, cool and fresh, although the 
sun, even at 9 a.m., was warm enough on our backs. 
After ascending for about 1,200 ft. we struck into the Azvar or 
pine forest. This, like most forests of a like nature, has very little 
undergrowth ; hence movement is possible in every direction, 
save where the steepness of the ground or some outcrop of rock 
or mass of detritus from the crags above renders a detour necessary. 
The utter absence of all life in these great forests is very 
remarkable and must impress even the least observant. The only 
small birds seen were the Chaffinch and Great Titmouse. From 
time to time the sharp cry of the White-shouldered Eagle or the 
querulous call of a Buzzard or Kite broke the silence. Now and 
again a roe-deer might be seen watching us from a distance before 
it darted away noiselessly through the labyrinth of great pine 
trees. 
After following a track for some miles we came to a valley 
where the gwardas, or Royal foresters, had reported Black Vultures 
to have nested in former years. We now spread out to about 
200 yards apart and rode silently through the wood, carefully 
examining the tops of the larger trees for nests. 
Fortune shortly favoured us, for suddenly our woodman, who 
rode in the centre between us so as to indicate the direction of 
our advance, gave the pre-arranged signal and on joining him we 
