1698 



THE PERCHING BIRDS 



through France, swallows were to be counted by thousands migrating between 

 Bayoune and Bordeaux, the actual passage of these and other migrating birds be- 

 ing much more prolonged even in the spring than is generally admitted. While we 

 were staying at the village of Burguete, small parties of swallows passed very fre- 

 quently, generally flying over the hills to the right and left of the Ronceveaux 

 Pass. There was no hesitation as to what they should do, at least with the great 



RED-RUMPED SWALLOW AND CRAG MARTIN. 

 (One-half natural size.) 



majority, although we witnessed one solitary straggler approach the cloud-capped 

 hills only to swerve from its course and come flying back in a southerly direc- 

 tion, manifestly unwilling to cross the hills until the clouds had lifted. Unless 

 interfered with, the swallows that come to England build their mud nests in the 

 same corners many successive 3'ears, the nest being generally placed in a situation 

 which affords some support. Nests in trees are very rare, yet the bird does not 



