82 BIRDS OF LOCH AND MOUNTAIN 



the nest and lighted in the heather quite near, 

 calling loudly, and was soon joined by her mate. 

 But, strangely enough, she had never previously 

 uttered her alarm note, but had flown off the nest 

 in complete silence. 



Three of the eggs were hatched off safely, but 



CURLEW ON NEST. 



for some reason she left the fourth, even although 

 the shell was already chipped, and the young bird 

 in a few more hours would have gained its liberty ; 

 as it was, it died miserably in the shell. How- 

 ever, I think the remaining three youngsters were 

 reared in safety. 



The young Curlews are hatched by the middle 

 of June ; those forming the subject of the illustration, 



