86 BIRD WATCHING 



year when peewits are only beginning their nuptial 

 antics, though, as to their having begun them, there 

 is no doubt, as I had carefully noted this at a still 

 earlier date. But long subsequent to this, and when 

 the theory of a not fully developed state of the sexual 

 feelings could no longer be tenable as an explanation 

 of non-combativeness, I noticed, or thought I noticed, 

 a more than usual tendency in this species for a 

 single bird to project itself, so to speak, into the 

 midst of a married pair, and for its presence not to 

 be resented, but rather otherwise. If this be really 

 so — for, of course, I may be deceived — it is interest- 

 ing, and perhaps assists the suggestion which I have 

 offered as to the origin of the astonishing conduct 

 of the spur-winged lapwing, the two being such near 

 relations. When the habit had once commenced, it 

 might continue and become fixed, irrespective of 

 season. 



But it may be said that all the evidence which I 

 here bring forward is of three birds being together, 

 and that there is none as to any sport or antic, of 

 however incipient or rudimentary a nature. I have, 

 however, often seen peewits sport and wanton in the 

 air in threes, but I admit that more evidence in this 

 direction is wanted. The little that I have, and will 

 here give, relates, not to the peewit, but to two birds 

 very different both to it and to each other. The first 

 of these is that attractive and delightful little creature, 

 the dabchick or little grebe {Podiceps fluviatilis), a 

 bird whose society I have always cultivated to the 

 best of my ability. My first note, taken on 14th 

 December, I give merely by way of showing that 

 sexual feelings in birds may not always lie entirely 



