THE COMMON BUZZARD 157 



from the " cwm " yonder, when a master display 

 of wingmanship commences. Each great creature 

 the Buzzard is fully four feet across the wings 

 takes a reverse course, both float up with effort- 

 less exertion in glorious spirals. Their rhythm of 

 wing is so measured that one is fain to believe it 

 a preconcerted exhibition. Their ample wings are 

 raised almost vertically, of which the primaries 

 stand out separated and distinct, like the digits 

 of a hand ; and the broad, slightly-rounded tail 

 is fanned to its fullest. Now the sun burnishes 

 the brown of back, wings, and scapulars ; now 

 as a half turn is described the pale feathering of 

 the belly and under side of the wings glint like 

 silver sheen. Higher yet and higher they wind, 

 till the eyes are almost pained with vigil so intent ; 

 further and further away till you begin to wonder 

 if the specks are animate or mere creatures of 

 your imagination. 



That is the characteristic flight of the Buzzard 

 at any time of day in the vernal year, as also at 

 all other seasons in the early morning, and on fine 

 evenings just ere sundown : and when as many 

 as from six to a dozen no uncommon sight in 

 the early spring all sail and circle round one 

 another in these mazy rings and spirals, it is a 

 spectacle well worth going miles to witness. 

 Sometimes a single Buzzard will soar an insig- 

 nificant dot in the heavens for a considerable 

 period ; often will a pair breast the wind at a 



