easy flint was the m u l t This young bird peered cm examination to be in precisely the samo state of plumage
us the one killed and sent off in the morning."
The ITate showing the advanced stage of the young Kite is taken from this specimen. The tint of the
feathers on the cheek was considerably lighter than in the young one tliat had been kept in confinement ;
the plumage on the crown of the head was also slightly paler. In other respects there was no perceptible
ditferenee between the two birds, the colours in both being exceedingly bright.
" A s there was still an hour or two of daylight, I determined to wait and try for a shot at one of the old
birds. A slight shelter of branches, with dry heather to sit on, was soon put up under an overhanging kink
within forty yards of the tree, and under this I crawled. Eor at least an hour I patieully cudured the attacks
of the midges ; but as 1 had as yet, since entering the place of torment, seen neither of the old birds, I could
l>ear it no longer. Owing, I suppose, to the low marshy nature of the ground where the tree stood, these
horrible pests were more persistent in their attacks, as well as more venomous, than iu any other locality where I
have ever had the misfortune to meet with them. Leaving my shelter, I tallowed the (rack along the loeh-stdo
to the gully where the keepers were waiting. The cool breeze olf the water, with the assist a nee of a cigar,
helped lo keep my enemies at bay, and after remaining till the daylight began to fail, I quietly made my way
liaek to the nest; but neither of the old birds bail returned. As I did not cure to stop any longer, we removed
the food on the nest (a fresh-killed young Grouse, partly eaten) and set a couple of traps. Although we
visited these traps at regular intervals for the two following days, the wind was so high that all covering was
blown from them almost as fast as it was rearranged. The old birds, however, occasionally came into the nest ;
but, owing to the traps being exposed, they dropped the food they brought (consisting of young Grouse and
Pigeon-1 on the extreme edge. As I was anxious to pay a visit to auuther district, we removed the traps
and left the poor birds in peace."
Hnoa the above was written, I have again been through the various districts inhabited by the Kites. In
most of the glens t h e birds were still present; but a pair or two appeared to be wanting. Having no
occasion Tor procuring specimens, I never molested them in the slightest degree ; but the observations I was
enabled to make w ith regard lo their habits and food, as well as their manner of procuring their prey, were
simply a repetition of what has been recorded above.