THE GOLDEN EAGLE 



The Golden Eagle feeds principally on the Mountain Hare, but Grouse and 

 Ptarmigan are also taken, as well as lambs and very young red-deer calves. It 

 will also feast on dead sheep and stags which have been left out on the hill. 



I have had a good many opportunities of watching this fine bird, when sketching 

 in lonely places among the deer-forests : they may sometimes be seen in pairs, but 

 more often alone, beating the slopes of the mountains at some height from the 

 ground, and ready at any moment to swoop down on some helpless victim who 

 may be attempting to escape observation by crouching among the rocks and 

 heather. Often the Eagle's approach may be known before he comes in sight, 

 by the appearance of terrified packs of Grouse or Ptarmigan who fly before him 

 at their utmost speed. 



One can form no idea of the lightness and buoyancy of the Eagle's flight 

 until the bird has been seen at freedom in his own domain, and it is an inspiring 

 sight to watch him on a bright sunny day soaring in wide circles as he ascends 

 to a great height, his broad motionless wings outstretched to their full extent, and 

 with an upward curve at their ends, supporting him without effort. While the 

 bird is aloft, the curious notched pinion feathers may be clearly seen, separated 

 like the fingers of a hand. 



Like Hawks, the Golden Eagle is sometimes chased and annoyed by lesser 

 birds, such as Curlews and Rooks, but, on the other hand, is sometimes very 

 bold, attacking and attempting to beat over precipices unwary calves of the red- 

 deer, which are sometimes surprised in difficult places. 



The Golden Eagle may always be distinguished from the White-tailed or Sea 

 Eagle by having the legs feathered right down to the yellow toes, while the latter 

 bird has the lower half of the tarsus bare. 



There is also a difference in the structure of their feet ; these in the Golden 

 Eagle are covered with a network of little plates as far as the last joint, on which 

 there are four or sometimes three broad scales. On the other hand, the White- 

 tailed Eagle has broad scales along nearly the whole upper part of the toes. 



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