i8o BIRD-HUNTING 



fauna. Russia probably would show a larger number 

 with its vast area, embracing as it does both the 

 birds of Northern and Southern Europe with the 

 overlapping of Asiatic and Eastern species ; but with 

 that exception Hungary has few rivals. Nor is this 

 surprising when its central position is considered, for 

 this necessarily ensures its being in the path of the 

 migrating hosts from north to south and vice versa 

 every spring and autumn. There is also every 

 diversity of feature within its boundaries, so that 

 every class of bird can find a suitable habitat. The 

 Danube runs the whole length of the country, and 

 its many tributaries and almost impenetrable swamps 

 are inhabited by countless numbers of marsh birds, 

 waders, and water-fowl. There are also many remote 

 lakes of large size where other birds of the same 

 class, as well as a great diversity of smaller warblers, 

 can find a safe refuge. Its woods and forests shelter 

 many birds of prey, and in its mountains are still 

 to be found the Griffon Vulture and other large 

 raptores, and the vast plains are an attraction to 

 the Bustards and similar ground birds. 



Even in Budapest itself it is possible to see 

 many most interesting forms of bird life. In the 

 parks, and especially on the Margareten Island, 

 there are Hoopoes, Golden Orioles, and Red-footed 

 Falcons, besides hosts of Tits and Finches, which 

 find protection and encouragement in the form of 



