92 THE BOOK OF BIRDS 



protection given to the species by certain landowners in 

 Scotland. 



Once upon a time the Erne, as it is often called, built 

 and bred in many parts of England — Lundy Island, the 

 Isle of Wight, and perhaps in Cornwall. Less than a 

 century ago it was to be found in the Isle of Man, and in 

 the Lake District until about the beginning of Queen 

 Victoria's reign. 



It was also common in the Lowlands of Scotland. But 

 its true home, then as now, was on — 



"The wild west coast of the north countree." 



The storm-beaten ocean precipices that look westward over 

 the Atlantic offer just the kind of harbourage it loves. 

 Many of the Hebrides know its cry and the strong circling 

 flight of its grand wings high in air ; the still more 

 northerly island groups of the Orkneys and Shetlands give 

 even safer refuge. 



The range of the White-tailed Eagle is very wide, 

 however. Most of the countries of northern and central 

 Europe have it as a resident, and many of the hot southern 

 lands as a winter visitor. 



Sometimes, instead of a sea-cliff, a tall tree is chosen for 

 its nesting-place, but this is rarely if ever the case in the 

 British Isles. The nest is a mere mass of sticks, but often 

 piled high. The eggs are white and usually two in 

 number. 



Despite its strength and formidable look the White- 

 tailed Eagle does not seem easily roused in defence of her 

 home or her young. Most people would imagine, says Mr. 

 Charles Dixon, that " to approach the nest of sucn a big 

 bird would be a somewhat risky undertaking ; but the 

 sitting Eagle flies away almost as soon as it is disturbed, 



