Sketches of Spanish Bird-Life 397 



entirely black with white shoulders, only soared aloft when 

 L, was already half-way up. The two handsome eggs we left, 

 though they have since, presumably, added two more " detri- 

 mentals " to prey on our partridges. Eagles, so soon as adult, 

 pair for life ; but that condition may require several years for 

 full attainment, and in the imperial eagle the adolescent period 

 is passed in a distinctive uniform of rich chestnut. So long ago 

 as 1883, however, we discovered the singular fact that this 

 species breeds while yet (apparently) " immature." That is, we 

 have frequently found one of a nesting pair in the paler plumage 

 described, while its mate gloried in the rich sable- black of 

 maturity, as sketched on p. 31. This year (1910) we had come 

 across such a couple — they had two eggs on March 15 — the male 

 being black, while his partner was parti-coloured. A curious 

 incident had occurred at that nest : at dawn next mornincj a 

 griffon vulture was discovered asleep close alongside the sitting 

 eaofle. But on the arrival of the husband a furious scene ensued ! 

 The intruder (whom we acquit of dishonourable intent) was set 

 upon, hustled, and violently ejected from the tree — hurriedly 

 and dishevelled he departed. But conjugal peace was soon 

 restored, and presently the royal pair set out in company for a 

 morning's hunting. 



These resident birds-of-prey breed early. We have found 

 the eagles' eggs by February 28, buzzards' on March 12, and red 

 kites' on March 14. 



This spring was remarkable for the numbers of hobbies that 

 passed north during May, sometimes in regular flocks. They 

 often roosted in old kites' nests, and when disturbed therefrom 

 misled us into a futile climb. 



White-tatled or Sea-Eagle {Haliaetos alhicilla). — This 

 does not properly belong to the Spanish zone. We cannot 

 find recorded a single authentic instance of its occurrence in that 

 country, but can supply one ourselves. 



In the early days of February 1898 we watched on several 

 occasions an eagle (which at the time we took to be Ronelli's) 

 wildly chasing the geese that are wont to assemble in front of 

 our shooting - lodge. Splendid spectacles these aerial hunts 

 afforded. The selected goose, skilfully separated from his 

 company, made a grand defence. Fast he fiew and far, now low 



