A BIRDLOVER'S YEAR 



the spring-time these birds are far easier to 

 approach, and it is but a small party that 

 we put up this July day. Even as the golden 

 plover disappear over the brow of the hill 

 the long plaintive whistle of the curlew is 

 heard as two of these birds pass overhead. 



Perhaps the sight of the curlew is the 

 greatest charm of a day spent on the high 

 ground. There is such music in the lonely 

 piping cry, and the whaup (to give this bird 

 its Scotch name) is as charming a bird to 

 watch as any, be it flying overhead or prowl- 

 ing in the ooze. 



From autumn till spring the curlew repairs 

 to the coast, but at the approach of the nest- 

 ing season the call of the hills once again 

 allures these lonely birds to their wild 

 nesting places. During the autumn the 

 curlew will be found on the lower ground 

 probably en route for his winter quarters, 

 and when flighting these birds usually adopt 

 a V-shaped formation, a pattern of flight 

 so often adopted by waders. 



The grouse cannot be overlooked, for 

 already we have put up many, and whilst 

 we are unpacking our tea-basket we disturb 

 two young birds at close quarters. 



E 65 



