A Rare Goatsucker. 105 



of mud. By this time the sun's glow had faded, but a 

 brilliant moon had risen, and thinking I should be able 

 to see the bats flying over the water, I moved down to 

 the edge of the river. As I was standing there a hawk- 

 like bird appeared like a ghost from over the river. As 

 it passed me I raised my gun mechanically and fired, 

 but the bird went on and in ten yards or so was out 

 of sight. I thought no more about it as my gun was 

 loaded with dust shot and the bird seemed large and 

 some distance off. Tiring at length of shooting by moon- 

 light I returned to the camp, and calling for a lantern, 

 went to search for the bat at the place I had marked 

 with a heap of mud. As the light flashed on the spot, 

 there lying dead with outspread wings was the glorious 

 golden goatsucker. I picked it up and rushed madly 

 to my companions. The Arabs looked on in wonder at 

 three frantic Englishmen dancing and shouting round a 

 bird. It was one of those rare occasions in a naturalist's 

 camp when champagne would seem a necessity. Having 

 none we drank to the goatsucker in whisky and White 

 Nile water. 



That night we heard a goatsucker " churring." We 

 hoped it might be a golden one, but could detect no 

 difference in its note to that of the common goatsucker 

 of the country, which rasped continually like some huge, 



