81 [Vol. x\iii. 



12-14. Showing a young Heron standing outside the nest 

 in a state of great expectation, but finallj'^ doomed 

 to disappointment. Even the old birds do not 

 appear to be very certain of their own young, for 

 it was noticed that three young Herons on taking 

 fright flew from their own nest into that of a 

 neighbour which already contained four nestlings. 

 The owners of the invaded nest apparently made 

 no distinction, but indiscriminately fed the seven 

 hungry youngsters. 

 15-16. Nest of Little Grebe (Podicipes Jluviatilis), showing 

 how conspicuous the eggs are when uncovered. 

 The old birds of this species when approaching 

 the nest, instead of swimming on tlie surface of the 

 water, dive at the nearest patch of cover and travel 

 under water until they reach the nest. Even then 

 when rising to the surface they only protrude their 

 head, and in that position remain motionless until 

 satisfied that all is quiet, 

 17. The same bird scrambling on board her floating nest. 

 18 & 19. She uncovers her eggs and, having placed the 



covering reeds on the sides of the nest, sits down. 

 20 & 21. A Golden Plover {Charadrius pluvialls) on her 

 nest, illustrating the protective coloration of the 

 bird's plumage. 

 22. A young Fulmar Petrel {Fulmarus glaciaHs) on its 



nesting-ledge. 

 23 & .24. The same bird preparing to " spit," with wings 

 extended, body depressed, and head held upwards. 

 It was mentioned in connection with this habit of 

 " spitting " that, although the first few ejections 

 are more or less composed of oil, the later ones 

 consist simply of partially digested food from the 

 stomach, and possess an indescribably disgusting 

 odour. The distance to Avhicli these birds can 

 '' spit " has been greatly exaggerated ; probably 

 3 to 4 feet is the extent of their efiective horizontal 



