778 
BIRD-LIFE. 
old lien, under her out-spread wings, ran a few steps, 
and—the little one had again disappeared. During this 
short run under cover of the mother’s wing it had found 
an inequality in the ground, and availed itself of it for 
the purpose of concealment. I now let the mother hide 
each youngster one after the other, and, when all these 
had passed safely into her custody, continued my way 
rejoicing over the pretty and touching exhibition of 
maternal affection I had just had the pleasure of 
witnessing. 
After the autumn moult the young birds gather 
together in considerable flocks, and soon commence 
their winter journey; the old birds usually follow much 
later. Their winter quarters are the barren heaths and 
moorlands of the countries I have already mentioned. 
The Golden Plover, like all other allied species, does 
man no harm whatever; on the contrary, its delicate, 
well-flavoured flesh is much sought after. During my 
journey through Lapland I fared like Lucullus, for all 
my dishes were composed of this exquisite game. The 
latter is highly estimated by others as well, and on this 
account the Golden Plover is always eagerly pursued. 
Unfortunately, man is not the only enemy that this bird 
has, for it also falls a prey to Falcons, predatory mammals, 
Ravens, and Skuas, the latter creating great havoc, at 
least amongst the young birds. 
The Golden Plover is a most interesting and amusing 
pet. It soon becomes accustomed to confinement, feeds 
readily, is easily tamed, and if allowed plenty of fresh air 
in the summer time, will live several years in a room. 
Young birds soon learn to feed on a mixture composed of 
chopped worms, wheaten roll, carrots, cooked bullock’s 
heart, and ants’ eggs. 
