STONECHAT. 
51 
the ground, and again rising to gain the elevation of a low 
bush or bank, thus tracing in its flight inverted arches ; but 
if disturbed when it has nestlings, it flies higher, and with a 
more continued flight. This we observed one evening to 
great advantage, when we accidentally intruded ourselves upon 
them. It was in a small sheltered valley among the hills, 
whose sides were covered with heath and brakes. We had 
no sooner sat down to enjoy the beauty of the evening, than 
a pair of these birds hurried past us in much agitation, utter¬ 
ing notes that were doubtless understood as signals of alarm 
by others of their species. Presently, another and another 
pair took wing, and hurried about the little valley, testifying 
by all their actions great disturbance and distress. We had 
entered the place to watch the evening sports of the nightjar, 
quite guiltless of any intention of molesting or disturbing 
these pretty birds, and were much interested in their proceed¬ 
ings. As the gloom of evening deepened, we could only 
perceive them, as they flew hastily past, somewhat above our 
heads, by the white patches upon their plumage, which, con¬ 
trasted with the dark sides of the valley, shone out in the 
gloom. As long as we remained there they took no rest, but 
continually passed and repassed us, sweeping to the end of the 
valley and returning, plainly pointing us out as the causes of 
their distress. 
Although the vicinity of their nest is generally thus be¬ 
trayed by the Stonechats, it is nevertheless difficult to find, 
as it is very closely concealed, and the birds never visit 
it when they think themselves observed. The nest is 
constructed either on the ground beneath a bush, or tuft of 
heath, or in the centre of a close whin-bush, and well con¬ 
cealed. We have met with it in the latter situation; and 
should have been unable to find it had not one of the old 
birds flown out on our approaching the bush hastily. The 
sight of the bird induced us to look for the nest, which was 
