60 BRITISH BIRDS. [vol. vm. 



and at the same time to shake each foot quickly as 

 she raised it from the ground. 



Avocets seem to be very restless sitters — always on 

 the move, walking from the nest a few feet to peck 

 at the mud or to preen themselves, giving one the 

 impression that their long legs become cramped when 

 folded under the bird for any length of time. These 



MALE AVOCET APPROACHING FEMALE ON NEST, 

 {Photographed by Miss M. G. S. Best.) 



observations were made as much from other nesting 

 pairs within easy distance of my hide as from the pair 

 immediatel}'^ in front of me. 



The absent mate returned generally within an hour 

 of his departure and changed places, flying down to 

 the ground a few yards away and calling loudly as he 

 advanced, which call was answered by the bird on the 

 nest. She waited till he was close to her before standing 

 up, then they both looked at the eggs, making at the 



