92 
NATURE NOTES. 
the sky, but those swifts stayed up aloft. On other nights we 
watched, but not quite continuously, until eleven o’clock, and 
satisfied ourselves that the swifts did not return. 
Now all that I can prove is, that they go up out of sight 
above their home after sunset, and do not return to their nests 
until after 10.30 or eleven o’clock. But I think it is probable 
that they stay up until dawn ; the few hours of a summer night 
would be but a trifling exercise to them. 
To one watching in the churchyard until eleven o’clock at 
night the conviction is almost irresistible that if they had meant 
to return they would have done so before that hour. As to the 
idea that they go elsewhere to roost, I do not think it is admis- 
sible. In the day time they never settle anywhere except at 
their own home, and if they wanted to rest at night they have 
their own snug nests where they always do roost when the night 
is stormy and they do not go up. Should a storm come on when 
they are up, I should imagine that they could easily avoid it by 
rising out of its reach. 
Sometimes, but not often, thejr will go up in two parties. 
Sometimes on a stormy night they will essay to go up, but 
change their minds and come down again, but mere clouds or 
even light rain will not deter them. 
I have watched them soar scores and scores of times. They 
generally leave off screaming just before they vanish from sight 
on a fine night, but when it is cloudy their voices can be heard 
for some time after they have disappeared. This strange habit 
can have nothing to do with the question of food. I believe 
that the birds go up simply to enjoy themselves in the pride of 
their strength of wing. 
We are always so glad to see our friends the swifts come 
back here in the spring. Their merry music in the morning, 
and evening is exhilarating and delightful ; their games, their 
laughter, and their love of fun make them very engaging objects 
of study to a “ nice observer,” as Gilbert White would say; their 
stay here, a little over three months, is all too short, and when 
they are gone there is with us a silence and a sense of loss. 
We miss the favourite bow-like forms, the bold and dashing 
flight, and the shrill notes of joy. The first summer bird has- 
left us, and autumn and winter are near. We can but look 
forward to returning spring. We hope to welcome them back 
next year. 
I am, my Lord, 
Yours very truly, 
Orleton Vicarage , Aubrey Edwards. 
19 tli August, 1890. 
