Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 3 (1899).djvu/106

82 here remark that, although the river was unusually wide at this particular place, yet within two hundred yards of the site of the nest a wood came down almost to the water's edge, the higher trees of which were occupied by a "Rookery," which one would think would have been an inducement for the Moorhen to use every precaution to protect her home; so unlike the habits of the Little Grebe, the eggs of which are invariably covered more or less. It always seemed a mystery to me how the latter bird managed to cover up her eggs so adroitly, and, greater mystery still, how she managed to hatch them in such a situation. With regard to the nidification of the Moorhen, I have often found that a much larger number of nests seem to be constructed than are ever used; but for what purpose is this apparent waste of time and labour? We are well aware the same thing occurs with other species—the Lapwing, for instance; possibly some annoyance or unsuitable site is discovered after the work is begun, but in many instances another nest is made in close proximity to the one deserted. I have not found a large amount of variation in the eggs of this species, but on one occasion I discovered a nest containing three eggs which differed somewhat from the normal type, in that the larger end was much darker than the other portions of the shell, which was almost spotless except upon this darker zone.— (Ringwood, Hants).

With reference to Mr. W. Hewitt's interesting note on this subject (Zool. 1898, p. 506), may I be permitted to give the results of my small experience? I have never found nests of the Moorhen with the eggs covered over, neither when the first egg only has been laid, nor when the clutch has been complete. Only last year (1898), I examined, in this neighbourhood, more than a dozen nests of the Moorhen, and not one of them had the eggs covered over in any way. It is a well-known fact, however, that the Little Grebe, or Dabchick, invariably covers its eggs over on leaving the nest. With regard to Mr. Hewitt's suggestion as to the local variations in the habits of birds, I may say that what Moorhens' nests I have found in other parts of the country—e.g. Essex, Middlesex, Surrey, Herts, Hants, and Suffolk—have never had the eggs covered over.— (Darley Abbey, Derby).

With reference to Moorhens covering their eggs, I have one record of a bird of this species doing so, or partly doing so, after her full clutch was laid. This was near here, on May 21st, 1894, when a Moorhen I disturbed off her nest containing nine eggs, partly covered them with pieces of seaweed and a fresh green leaf or two. She had then laid her full clutch, but was only just beginning to sit, as the eggs were fresh. On July 19th of that year I found, close to the same spot and probably belonging to the same pair of birds, one Moorhen's egg lying on the bare ground, with a few bits of reed placed round it; on visiting the spot a few days later there were