did not seem to me either that the Hawk was much in earnest or the Plover much alarmed; nor could I observe that the birds generally seemed particularly scared or excited. Reflecting now, however, that my attention was first called to it by a peculiar cry on the part of the Plover, which I had not heard before, and that the frequent utterance of this cry by the birds generally, their restlessness, frequent risings, circlings about, and flights backwards and forwards from one place to another, all took place subsequent to the chase; and then, contrasting this conduct with their behaviour next morning (not rising again after they had once gone down), I am inclined to think that the one may be explained by their alarm at the Hawk, and the other represent their usual habits.
September 23rd.—Must have got to the bank (same place as yesterday) about six. Sun just rising. Fine day. A fair amount of wind, but nothing compared to yesterday. Calm and still in comparison. Some birds in heather as before. Cannot tell how many, or whether any have flown up. After sitting and waiting a long time my attention was attracted by some cries of Herons in neighbouring copse, and I crept up the bank and listened, with the intention, if the Plovers should not come soon, of walking over and trying to get close enough for observation. At this moment, and whilst looking in opposite direction, a small flock of Plovers flew over me, and came down amongst those already in the heather. There were seventeen, and they flew quite silently. Vexed to have missed them again, I re-descended the bank, and had not been settled in position many minutes when a large number (evidently the main body) rose in a cloud into the air (as it seemed to me directly over the amphitheatre), and after circling a little, shining in the sun (their light under surface looking a beautiful soft silver), came straight down in my direction. I concealed myself well amongst the bracken. They passed as before, but, as I had a little shifted my position, not so directly over me. They flew silently—I did not hear a single cry—and as soon as the last had passed me I crawled again to the edge of the bank, and was in time to see most of them come down in the heather amongst the others—a very pleasing sight. They alight with wings raised above the back, and little stilt-legs stretched down, slanting a little forward, and on touching the
