THE SAND MARTIN. 



33 



several successive spots with its beak, until it discovers a suit- 

 able locality. It then works in a circular direction, using its 

 legs as a pivot, and hy dint of turning round and round, and 



SAND MARTINS. 



pecking away as it proceeds, soon chips out a tolerably circular 

 hole. After the bird has hved for some time in the tunnel, the 

 shape of the entrance is much damaged by incessant passing to 

 and fro of the inmates, but while the burrow is still new and 



