Means of Identifying on the Wing 413 
teristic of its flight. What strikes one most about the flight of the 
Bearded Vulture is its marvellous ease and the apparent absence of 
all effort which distinguishes it from that of the true Vultures and 
which makes it in my opinion even more graceful than the Golden 
Eagle’s. For it is unusual to see a Bearded Vulture indulge in 
the heavy flapping flight which both Eagles and Vultures at time 
resort to. Iam not alone in my views on the subject, for Dr. Stark 
who had watched many pairs was equally struck with its grace and 
seemingly effortless power. 
But although the characteristics of a Bearded Vulture on the 
wing are so marked as to render its indentification an easy matter 
with the aid of a glass at very great distances, years may pass before 
the wanderer in the wild country it inhabits may have the good 
fortune to see it close enough to appreciate its splendid appearance 
and colouring. Of course where a nest with eggs or young can be 
located, it is a simple matter to conceal oneself near enough to 
watch the birds at close range. But it is not everybody who has 
such an opportunity and in my own case it was ten years before 
I had the good fortune to see this truly magnificent bird at close 
quarters. The meeting was dramatic in its suddenness. 
I was wandering about a low sierra in quest of nests and 
carried a gun, according to my usual custom at that time when 
on a solitary expedition. It was a glorious day in early spring 
and when I arrived at the summit, a great piled-up mass of sand- 
stone crags, I set myself to watch and wait on events. The sun 
was extremely powerful and I was glad to find a shady nook only 
a few feet below the top of the pinnacle rock forming the highest 
point of the mountain. A great plain lay at my feet extending 
for many square miles westward and northward, dotted with count- 
less herds of brood mares and cattle and droves of pigs. Over 
this both Griffons and Neophrons were sailing in graceful circles, 
ever on the look out for food. Here I sat, telescope in hand, from 
