50 ENGLISH BIRD LIFE 



and the stackyard throughout the year, few birds 

 have less regard for locaHty in their choice of a 

 haunt. The Wren was long included with the 

 warblers, but it has no exclusive preference for 

 woodland and coppice. Indeed, it may be found 

 anywhere. About the farmstead, or in the deeps 

 of the ravine; at the cottage door, or amidst 

 desolate rocks by the sea; starting before the 

 setter's nose on an Argyleshire mountain, or flit- 

 ting from stone to stone on a south-country trout- 

 stream ; no matter what its environment may be, 

 the Wren appears perfectly contented and at home. 

 The nesting habits of the Wren have afforded 

 matter for much discussion. The site is commonly 

 some mossy wall or bank, but more eccentric places 

 are often chosen. One photograph, for example, 

 shows a nest in an old boot. But the interesting 

 feature is that near the nest occupied by the sitting 

 bird, a second, less'carefully finished, is frequently 

 found. Many explanations have been put forward. 

 The popular belief is that it is the " cock's " nest; 

 a refuge to which the male bird may betake himself 

 when the true home is required for the crowded 

 nestlings. Personally I believe this view to be the 

 true one. The species appears to be extremely sus- 

 ceptible to cold. On winter nights, when most 

 small birds rest comfortably in tree or hedgerow, 

 Wrens are found, sometimes in considerable num- 

 bers, huddled together under thatched roofs, and in 

 the recesses of hay-stacks, plainly for the sake of 

 warmth. They are also often found roosting in 

 conservatories and outhouses. It is highly prob- 



