VOL. XIV 



THE AVOCET AT HOAfE. 



197 



1920 ; the birds were then brooding, though a few nests 

 contained eggs which were chipping. We had passed several 

 pairs nesting on the meadows, but my host hurried us on, 

 cheering us with promises of a treat- in store. I shall never 



AN AVOCET FERDING. 



{Photographed by E. I,. Turner.) 



forget the thrill of delight we experienced when a turn in 

 the path suddenly revealed this hidden colony. The Avocets 

 rose in a mass as we approached, and at once proceeded to 

 attack us. I, who had never seen one before that day, 

 suddenly found myself surrounded by these wonderful birds. 



