67 DAN MEINERTZHAGEN'S DIARY. 



May 22nd. We took a clutch of five Reed 

 Buntings to-day, and four Grey Crow's eggs. 

 The river has been very high, and is now 

 sinking fast. 



May 24th. Neither the nest of the Fieldfare 

 or Redwing differs, as far as I can see, from that 

 of the Blackbird. A clutch of four Rough- 

 legged Buzzards, which I took yesterday, prove 

 something, namely, that brighter coloured eggs 

 are laid first; for two with bright marks were a 

 bit set, and the other two plain ones quite fresh; 

 but I believe this is not always the case. 



When out to-day I noticed a Whimbrel 

 alight on the very top of a dead pine, and I shot 

 a fine pair to-day. 1 have made the Teng- 

 malm's Owl into a skeleton, as she was 

 scarcely worth preserving. It is snowing like 

 anything this evening. Post to-morrow. 



May 26th. To-day is quite a warm day, and 

 there are plenty of House Martins about. 

 The House Martin I saw on the roth was 

 evidently a mistaken bird, who came too early. 

 I also shot a Willow Wren. I got some eggs 

 of the Siberian Tit to-day, and spent all day 

 in blowing and skinning. 



May 2jth. I got some beautiful Kestrel's 

 eggs to-day, and a clutch of seven Magpie's. 

 To-day was quite hot, and there are plenty of 



