A BIR PLOVER'S YEAR 



In habits they are all similar, roosting on or 

 near the ground, and, when not flapping 

 heavily along, are usually to be seen perched 

 on some low bough or hillock. Their prey 

 consists largely of small birds, mammals, 

 and reptiles, and these they hunt chiefly in 

 the morning and evening, flying often but 

 a few feet from the surface of the ground. 

 The Hen- Harrier (Circus cyaneus) so closely 

 resembles Montagu's Harrier (Circus cinera- 

 ceus) that it is difficult to tell them apart, 

 whilst the Marsh Harrier (Circus ceruginosus) 

 is almost extinct as a British bird. 



It now only remains to mention a few 

 most rare visitors among the birds of prey. 

 The Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus), an in- 

 habitant of South Europe and Africa and 

 Asia, was once obtained in Ireland, whilst 

 the Egyptian vulture has also been twice 

 recorded. 



The Spotted Eagle (Aquila maculata), a 

 bird from the forests of Central and South- 

 Eastern Europe has visited us on several 

 occasions, as has also the black kite, but 

 these are only occasional visitors. 



To the ornithologist it is sad to reflect on 

 the vastly diminishing number of British 



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