Page:The Zoologist, 3rd series, vol 1 (1877).djvu/361

Rh nest, to secure the old birds; but they kept themselves hidden in the herbage and among the withies, which formed a thick cover as high as a man's shoulder, and it was not until a long time had been spent in waiting that they showed themselves, and afforded a chance to the gun. Both birds were fired at, and fluttering down among the roots of the tall grass could not be secured; and Mr. Marshall finally left the withy-bed under the idea that the birds had been either killed or wounded; but this did not happen to be the case.

Ten days later Coates again visited the spot and detected the male bird, and after a short search found that the persevering pair had constructed another nest but a few feet from where the first had been placed, and that already an egg had been deposited. On hearing this good news, I waited a few days until the complement of eggs would be laid, and then, early on a beautiful July morning, paid another visit to the withy-bed. A cautious tap dislodged the hen bird from her nest, and by the movements of the tops of the withies I could see where she was creeping off through the cover, and could hear her harsh clacking note. She would not expose herself, and a shot fired where the undulations were noticed was not aimed low enough and failed to secure her. After waiting some time the male bird was suddenly seen perched on a willow overhanging the stream and was brought down. Although the presence of the female was made apparent once or twice subsequently by movements of the herbage, I failed to obtain a chance at her, and went away very contented with the male and the beautiful nest, which now contained four very richly-marked eggs. This second nest was placed exactly as the first had been, and was supported on three stalks of Spiræa, which the birds had laced together with dry bents. It was not so closely lined with horse-hair as the first, and altogether less material had been employed by the birds, who doubtless built with great haste with a view to repair the fortunes of their house. No poultry leathers were on the exterior, which was constructed of dry bents only. Still it was a very elegant little nest, exhibiting great ingenuity, and when cut from its position with the three rods of Spiræa laden on the top, with the sweet-scented white blossoms, it made a charming picture.

At the same time that Coates had reported his discovery of the first nest, he also announced the fact that another pair of Marsh