PERSEVERANCE REWARDED 253 



about we failed to find any nests, owing perhaps 

 to it being rather late in the season. 



On an island about two acres in extent we felt 

 sure that there must be some, as several pairs of 

 birds rose when we landed. A friend and myself 

 were determined to find one if such a feat was 

 possible, and we tramped over the whole island, 

 but met with no success. On our return to the 

 punt we watched the birds overhead, and could 

 locate the position where two pairs settled ; 

 but on going towards them, and reaching them 

 just as they rose, no nest was there. Still feeling 

 sure, by the evident anxiety of the birds when we 

 landed, that there were either eggs or young ones 

 about, we made another search without success and 

 returned to the punt again disappointed. We 

 then/ watched two very noisy birds, and, noting the 

 place where they settled, we ran towards them, and 

 were this time rewarded by finding a nearly full- 

 grown yourfg Redshank hiding in a tuft of grass 

 from which its parents rose. This we photographed, 

 and no sooner was this done than the youngster 

 took to its legs, soon being lost sight of among the 

 overgrowth. 



While stalking a bird with the camera, or watch- 

 ing one through a field-glass, a " yelper," as the 

 Redshank is sometimes called a very appropriate 



