132 THE BIRDS OF KENT 



when I brought my friend's field-glasses to bear on it, 

 which at once revealed the pattern and richness of its 

 plumage. I then instantly knew what a rarity I was 

 watching ; the silvery-grey, deep black-and-white of the 

 upper parts, and the delicate pink breast and flanks, 

 looked particularly rich in the sunlight, and in strong 

 contrast with the turf on which it stood. It then flew 

 up and perched on a small hawthorn, from that again to 

 the ground, and then on to a furze-bush. After two or 

 three such movements it disappeared over the brow of 

 the hill. After waiting a short time, I saw it again 

 further along the hillside, chasing a small bird, I think 

 a Linnet, but the distance was too great to make sure 

 of the species, though the colouring of the Shrike was 

 plainly visible. From the intensity of the black mark- 

 ings it was clearly a male. I think it very probable 

 that it had taken up its abode on the hill for nesting 

 purposes, for which the character of the place was 

 admirably adapted ; and if opportunities had been 

 afforded, I intended paying another visit to the ground 

 later on with the hopes of seeing more of the bird and 

 perhaps its nest. — F. AV. Frohawk, Bromley, Kent 

 {Zoologist, 1897, p. 427). 



EED-BACKED SHKIKE. 



Lanius collurio, Linnteus. >S'.-ZV., i., p., 136 (1766). 

 Butcher Bird. Ked-backed Shrike, Boys, 1792. 



Many secluded parts of Kent are favourite resorts of 

 the Ked-backed Shrike, which is plentifully distributed 

 throughout the county during the summer. It prefers 

 the wild bramble-covered hillsides and over-grown hedge-. 



