BIRDS OF LOCH AND MOUNTAIN 145 



usually four, but often three only are laid, and 

 occasionally only two. They very often are in- 

 distinguishable from those of the Blackbird, but 

 as a rule are less thickly marked, and with larger 

 spots and blotches than those of the latter bird, 

 while the eggs are often more circular in shape. 



RING OUSEL'S NEST AND EGGS. 



A favourite nesting site is on a hillside where 

 juniper bushes grow in abundance; for the birds 

 love to nest under the shelter, and the eggs are 

 often so artfully concealed that it is impossible 

 to see them until the bushes have been parted. 

 The birds seem to prefer to be near a stream 

 whenever possible. The nest is very similar to 

 that of the Blackbird ; only, as it is placed on the 

 ground, it is rather less substantially built. Another 

 favourite spot is a wild mountain ravine, and 

 here the birds often construct their nests on the 



