THE OSPREY 157 



birds. A generation ago its nest might still have 

 been found on some tall pine overlooking the 

 waters of a Highland loch ; but the greed of 

 the egg-collector has robbed these scenes of one 

 of their greatest charms. About the most un- 

 likely bird, one would have thought, to choose 

 high trees for its breeding-site, is the heron, and 

 certainly they look somewhat quaint and out-of- 

 place, with their long bare legs, perched on some 

 lofty tree ; yet such is the usual situation for 

 their colonies, although, when suitable trees are 

 wanting, as in our more northern districts, they 

 are to be found building in stunted birches or 

 hollies, on ivy-clad rocks, or even on the heather- 

 clad cliffs. Occasionally, too, although usually 

 gregarious, a single nest is to be found. I well 

 remember such a solitary example on a single 

 tree growing by the side of one of our western 

 salt-water lochs. 



Another fine bird that, like the osprey, was 

 not so long ago common throughout Scotland, 

 is now no longer to be found on our side of the 

 border. The kite or ' gled ' builds its large and 

 conspicuous nest usually on a tall and inacces- 

 sible tree, and is remarkable for a very singular 

 and unaccountable habit ; for invariably in the 

 lining of the nest will be found rags and tatters 

 of human clothing, paper and the like, acquired 



