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NOTES ON A PAIR OF BEE-EATEHS IN 

 SCOTLAND. 



BY 

 J. KIRKE NASH, L.D.s.Ed. 



During the early days of June 1920 Mr. David Hamilton and 

 the writer enjoyed the unique experience of keeping a pair 

 of Bee-eaters (Merops apiaster) under daily observation for 

 nearly a fortnight. 



The birds were first observed by Mr. Hamilton on the 3rd of 

 the month, as they perched on a wire fence surmounting a 

 small sand bank on a picturesque stretch of the River Esk, 

 near Musselburgh, Midlothian. 



The weather was dull at the time, with a misty atmosphere 

 which somewhat hindered clear observation, but the peculiar 

 form of the birds, with their green breasts and chestnut backs, 

 was sufficiently evident to assure the observer that he had two 

 rather unusual strangers before him. He did not remain long 

 in doubt, however, as one of them suddenly flew almost to 

 the spot where he stood beneath some willows, and captured 

 a large bee within a few yards of him. The insect was some- 

 what above the bird, which rose almost perpendicularly to 

 seize it, and in doing so its tail with the characteristic elongated 

 central feathers was spread out like a fan, the various colour 

 patches also being clearly exhibited. 



Pressure of time prevented further observation on that day, 

 but on being informed of their presence I visited the spot 

 early the next morning and had the great pleasure of seeing 

 both birds perched on the fence as when first observed. A raw 

 east wind was blowing and as they faced it, and incidentally 

 the spectator, they gave one the impression of sitting very 

 close down, so that, when viewed from the opposite bank of 

 the river, where a much-frequented footpath ran, they pre- 

 sented a very small front to the onlooker. This peculiar 

 attitude we feel sure, saved the situation on many occasions. 

 Possibly the east wind which prevailed here nearly all the 

 month of June caused the birds to assume it. 



On looking at a coloured plate of this species one would 

 naturally conclude that its brilliant colours would bring it 

 conspicuously before the notice of the most casual observer, 

 but our experience proved that so long as the birds remained 

 in the position described they attracted little attention, as the 

 green breast harmonized so completely with the surrounding 

 herbage, whereas the dark forms of the numerous Starlings, 



