Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 4 (1900).djvu/498

464 numerous as the other), as also the single one flying with them. I do not think it is the other way. The Peewits, I believe, are quite indifferent to the Starlings. They may, however, have a complacent feeling in being thus followed, and, as it were, fussed about, which does not show itself in any action. The constant motion and activity of the Peewits offers a salient contrast to the stillness of the Great Plovers, who stand or sit almost motionless.

At 7.30 cattle driven over, and all birds rise and fly away, the Plovers, no doubt, to their companions amongst the heather. After a time, Peewits back over the amphitheatre, and Starlings with them.

At 8.30 leave.

September 27th.—Fine morning, clear sky, rather windy.

Got to last place at 5.15. Dawn, at 5 o'clock, was only just breaking.

5.35.—First note of Great Green Woodpecker in distance. Ditto Pheasants.

5.40.—Note of Woodpecker nearer.

6.—First Lark heard.

6.10.—Just as sun breaks for first time through a cloud-bank, seven Peewits rise from amphitheatre as if to salute him, and are at once joined by two others who rise farther off.

6.30.—First see Peewits circling high in air, as though enjoying the sunshine.

A few more Peewits rise, and are at once followed by Starlings. I note carefully that the Peewits rise first.

6.45.—Two Plovers fly up and come down on clear space in front of me scarcely a dozen paces off, giving me a good view, except that the sun is a little blinding, and, in any case, it seems hardly ever possible to get the defined outline of these birds, especially the beak, which one might think would stand out sharply, but it is quite otherwise, and, generally, the outlines seems to blend with, or fade into, the air.

These two birds made a few little inquisitive runs about, after which they stood a little, and one ruffled out its feathers very loosely, becoming quite a different bird—a sort of limp, round, feathery mop on two little stilts, something like Tenniel's representation of the "borogoves," in 'Through the Looking-Glass' ("Mimsy," therefore), if the legs had been longer. After