236 THE STONE-CURLEW 



view is broken by long narrow belts of Scotch fir, and occasional 

 plantations of spruce, larch, and birch. Tall white poplars line the 

 roadsides, which in many parts are devoid of any sort of hedge. Where 

 hedges occur they are generally of Scotch fir locally " Scotch fences " 

 and where these have been neglected and allowed to grow at 

 will, they have developed tree-like proportions, with irregular lines 

 of dark twisted stems, forming fantastic framework for glimpses 

 of the open country beyond. Here the stone-curlews gather in the 

 early spring, and their strange gaunt figures and wild cries fit in so 

 well with the nature of the country that there is ever a feeling of 

 incompleteness in winter when they are absent. 



In certain years a few stone-curlews may arrive at their nesting- 

 grounds as early as the middle of March, but usually the great 

 immigration takes place at the end of the month and early in April. 

 They probably migrate in large flocks, as in most seasons they appeal- 

 suddenly and in good numbers. In the first week or so of April they 

 may be seen in groups standing about the fields and fallow land ; 

 they are, however, never in such large companies as in the autumn. 



At this time they are very partial to the cultivated fields, where 

 they meet with lapwings and ringed-plovers, all attracted from the 

 warrens by the greater promise of food in the tilled soil. Mistle- 

 thrushes, partridges, and pheasants are also there on a similar quest, 

 and all show a far livelier interest than the stone-curlew, who stands 

 for long intervals contemplative and reserved. A mistle-thrush 

 passing too near across his front may cause him to thrust out his 

 head in a menacing manner, or even to make a fierce, silent rush at 

 the disturber of his reverie. Occasionally, as if suddenly awaking 

 to the needs of the " inner bird," or because some crawling insect has 

 caught his eye, he will take two or three quick steps and thrust with 

 his bill at something on the ground, and then, whether successful or 

 not, he will retire slowly into himself again. 



As the nesting time approaches the stone-curlews keep more to 

 the sandy heaths and warrens, the groups gradually break up, and in 



