VOL. XIV.] THE AVOCET AT HOME. 199 



been mistaken, when the subject of this note was lying in 

 the nest drying in the sun, within four feet of my tent. 



After a week or so the young Avocet begins to practise 

 scooping up his food. From their earhest stages they peck 

 right and left, and seldom straight ahead ; there is always, too, 

 the swinging movement so characteristic of the adult. The 

 young Avocets are the most delightfully independent young- 

 sters and wander over a wide area in search of food. The 



AVOCET. 



Returning to the Nest. 

 {Photographed by E. L. Turner.) 



parents mount guard at either end of a given area and allow 

 the chicks a considerable amount of latitude, but if there 

 is cause for alarm, a sudden call from either of the old birds 

 is promptly obeyed by the scattered brood ; they either run 

 to their parents, or else make for the nearest cover. Like 

 most young things, they prefer the companionship of their 

 contemporaries. Occasionally a jealous parent suddenly 

 dashes into the midst of a group of young Avocets and ruth- 

 lessly drives away any aliens. Either the Avocet's bill is 

 not a very formidable weapon, or the young birds must be 



