THE STONE-CURLEW 241 



stones and sand that they are safer from discovery if left, than if the 

 bird remained to form a possible clue to their whereabouts. 



Owing to the open nature of the country, a sitting stone-curlew is 

 able to detect the approach of an intruder at such a distance that it 

 is very unlikely that it will be seen when it leaves the nest The 

 stealthy retreat, like every habit of this remarkable bird, is most 

 interesting to witness, and it is possible with care to approach 

 sufficiently near to see something of it. But the bird is so readily 

 lost sight of on the sandy soil, that one must be near to get more than 

 an imperfect impression. 



I have had very good opportunities for watching their methods at 

 the nest while concealed in a branch-hidden tent, within a few feet, 

 for the purpose of photographing them. There is then no straining 

 of eyes as when at a distance ; every detail of plumage is clearly 

 visible as the bird sits contentedly on its eggs. It may, unless 

 disturbed by a movement in the tent, remain motionless for a long 

 time ; but however composed it may appear, it is never off its guard, as 

 one can tell by its behaviour directly an intruder comes in sight of 

 the nest. Without warning, a sudden change may be detected in the 

 bird ; it becomes very much on the alert but not excitedly so, nor 

 does curiosity to inquire into the nature of the disturbing influence 

 cause it to raise its head to look around before leaving. It steps 

 quietly from the nest, with no flurry or excitement in its appearance ; 

 the bird is master of the situation, and the business of the moment is, 

 without exposing itself, to get clear away from the neighbourhood of 

 the nest. To say that it runs is to suggest long steps and an excited 

 gait, and this ill describes the method of progression. The head 

 is held low, not by extending the neck, but by drawing it and 

 the head close into the shoulders ; and so, holding the body rigid, 

 and with little paddling steps that seem ridiculously short for a 

 bird with such long legs, the stone-curlew passes rapidly over the 

 ground and is soon out of sight. I have noticed that if there is an 

 irregularity in the ground, or a patch of bracken or other vegetation 



