effortless turn, apparently; and then follows a downward 

 swoop, or fall, with half -closed wings. To this swoop there 

 succeeds a surprising change. In an instant the wing-beat 

 is increased to an incredible speed, causing the body to turn 

 a half, and sometimes even a complete somersault. But 

 the next instant he is up and away over the ground with 

 musical wing-beats, tilting and swajdng from side to side 

 with wonderful buoyancy. 



Throughout, this delightful performance is accompanied 

 by a wild and joyous song, which seems to be attuned to the 

 somewhat bleak surroundings. It thrills one even to re- 

 member it in later days : and it defies one to express it in 

 human fashion. It has been as nearly rendered as any 

 version I have ever seen — and I have seen many — ^by Mr. 

 Brock. It is not a whistle, nor is it Uke any sound that can 

 be faithfuUy rendered by the human voice, yet it seems to 

 say " whey-willuchooee-willuch-willuch-cooee." It suffers a 

 break, remarks Mr. Farren, commenting on this theme, 

 during the flutter of the wings at the end of the fall, but is 

 picked up at once with a triumphant " coo-whee, coo-ee," 

 as the bird dashes off at the end of the somersault. 



The lapwing is very intolerant of any trespass on his 

 breeding territory on the part of his neighbours. As soon 

 as the^ intruder is sighted, the owner of the territory charges. 

 And the two then mount up into the air, often to a great 



59 



