20 THE HOME-LIFE OF 



was that of sitting auk-like on their tarsi. Plate 14 

 shows three so resting at one time, and if the positions of 

 the legs and feet in the other photographs be carefully 

 examined, the frequency of these two postures will be 

 obvious. Nor did they content themselves with so 

 resting, but when moving aimlessly about the nest they 

 walked on their tarsi and, though less often, also on their 

 heels. 



For a while the Storks lay still, not knowing what to 

 make of my movements, but when the novelty had worn 

 off they began poking about in the nest-bottom seeking for 

 any remnants of their early breakfast that might remain. 

 Seeing that it was now 8.30 o'clock, and that I had already 

 been over two and a half hours in the tree, I felt somewhat 

 jealous of their occupation. 



At ten o'clock further waiting was rendered useless 

 by the sun going round and shining into the lens, but 

 on attempting to get down I found that my left leg had 

 lost all movement and sensation. It had been carrying 

 all my weight and, being doubled up underneath me, 

 had become so cramped as to be quite useless and without 

 action, and it was with the utmost difficulty that I climbed 

 down and reached the hostel ; the villagers en route 

 being certain that an accident had happened. 



It was not until two days later that I again found myself 

 creeping up into the hiding-screen. The young had been 

 fed only a short time before, as they were still busy search- 

 ing the bottom of the nest for any bits which might 

 remain. 



Neither on previous visits nor so far this morning had 

 the old birds even showed themselves, and it was for 

 conjecture whether their absence was due to alarm 

 at my presence or not, and whether they had taken 

 fright at the removal of the encircling branches from one 

 side of the nest. 



Shortly after seven all doubts were set at rest, for 

 without warning one of the great birds pitched on to the 



