BIRDS FREQUENTING ELDER PARK, GOV AN. 213 



During 1907 I noticed a Hedge-Sparrow on different days with 

 food (worms and insects), evidently for feeding its young ones, 

 but I was unable to find the nest. I had suspected it to be 

 located in one of the small clumps of trees; and accordingly, 

 at the end of the year, when the trees were bare, a nest could 

 be seen in a small Hawthorn, surrounded by Laurel and other 

 shrubs which completely hid it from view. On examining the 

 nest, I was fully convinced that it had been built by the 

 Hedge-Sparrow. 



Long-tailed Titmouse (Acredula caudata). — On 24th 

 February, 1908, which was a clear day after some stormy 

 weather, a Long-tailed Titmouse was seen feeding amongst 

 the tall branches of the trees at the south-west corner of the 

 park. Its mate was calling near it, but could not be 

 distinguished owing to the sun shining directly on the trees at 

 the time. 



Great Titmouse (Parus major). — Usually seen during the 

 winter, but never more than a pair at a time. It occurs at 

 the south or west end of the park. I have seen it about six 

 times this year (1908). 



Coal Titmouse (Parus ater). — Only seen once, viz., on 22nd 

 March, 1907, at the south-west corner. 



Blue Titmouse (Parus cceruleus). — Occurs all the year 

 round. One of the most attractive sights of the park is to 

 witness these gay-coloured little birds flying from tree to tree, 

 and to watch their antics in searching the branches for insects 

 and larvae. 



Wren (Troglodytes parvulus). — This is one of the shyest 

 birds that visit the park. It is interesting to watch the timid 

 little fellow, with his short cocked-up tail, hopping about 

 amongst the shrubs, while he utters his loud clear notes. The 

 Wren seems only to wander in occasionally, for although I 

 observed it at different times of the year, I have never seen or 

 heard it on two consecutive days. 



Pied Wagtail (Motacilla lugubris). — The three Wagtails 

 which occur in the park can only be called occasional visitors, 

 and are at no time common. The Pied Wagtail is the most 



