easy shot was the result. This young bird proved on examination to be in precisely the same state of plumage 
as the one killed and sent off in the morning.” 
The Plate showing the advanced stage of the young Kite is taken from this specimen. The tint of the 
feathers on the check was considerably lighter than in the young one that had been kept in confinement ; 
the plumage on the crown of the head was also slightly paler. In other respects there was no perceptible 
difference between the two birds, the colours in both being exceedingly bright. 
“ As there was still an hour or two of daylight, I determined to wait and try for a shot at one of the old 
birds. A slight shelter of branches, with dry heather to sit on, was soon put up under an overhanging bank 
within forty yards of the tree, and under this I crawled. For at least an hour I patiently endured the attacks 
of the midges ; but as I had as yet, since entering the place of torment, seen neither of the old birds, I could 
bear it no longer. Owing, I suppose, to the low marshy nature of the ground where the tree stood, these 
horrible pests were more persistent in their attacks, as well as more venomous, than in any other locality where I 
have ever had the misfortune to meet with them. Leaving my shelter, I followed the track along the locli-side 
to the gully where the keepers were waiting. The cool breeze off the water, with the assistance ol a cigar, 
helped to keep my enemies at bay, and after remaining till the daylight began to fail, I quietly made my way 
back to the nest; but neither of the old birds had returned. As I did not care to stop any longer, we removed 
the food on the nest (a fresh-killed young Grouse, partly eaten) and set a couple of traps. Although we 
visited these traps at regular intervals for the two following days, the wind was so high that all covering was 
blown from them almost as fast as it was rearranged. The old birds, however, occasionally came into the nest ; 
but, owing to the traps being exposed, they dropped the lood they brought (consisting of young Grouse and 
Pigeons) on the extreme edge. As I was anxious to pay a visit to another district, we removed the traps 
and left the poor birds in peace.” 
Since the above was written, I have again been through the various districts inhabited by the Kites. In 
most of the glens the birds were still present; but a pair or two appeared to be wanting. Having no 
occasion for procuring specimens, I never molested them in the slightest degree ; but the observations I was 
enabled to make with regard to their habits and food, as well as their manner of procuring their prey, were 
simply a repetition of what has been recorded above. 
