148 BIRDS OF LOCH AND MOUNTAIN 



and seemingly feeling their loss deeply. The nest 

 remained thus covered for quite a week on end, 

 but by that time the birds had probably forgotten 

 their cares and were looking out for a new nesting 

 site. 



When their nesting season is over, the birds, 

 young and old, form into small parties, and may 

 often be seen frequenting the high grounds of the 

 mountains. 



The call notes of the cock and hen are very 

 similar, but that of the male bird is louder and 

 sharper and uttered more repeatedly when danger 

 threatens. 



The Ring Ousels seem very loth to leave their 

 summer haunts, and it is not until the chill winds of 

 October remind them of the near approach of 

 winter that they leave for the South. On their 

 journey they often alight in all varieties of strange 

 places, but they may always be distinguished from 

 the common Blackbirds by the snow-white crescent 

 on their necks, as well as by their more subdued 

 call notes. 



As showing the harmlessness of the Kestrel 

 where bird life is concerned, a very favourite nest- 

 ing haunt of the Ring Ousels is a rocky ravine less 

 than half a mile long, and here the Mountain Black- 

 birds nest within a stone's- throw of a Kestrel's 

 nesting hollow. They seem to have no fear of the 

 little Hawk, which on its part never molests them 

 in the slightest, but confines its attentions to mice 

 and field voles, with the down of which its nest 

 is thickly covered. 



