648 PRACTICAL ORNITHOLOGY. 



ing. These birds, fostered by the gamekeeper, are taking the 

 place of our waders, and following cultivation to the tops of our 

 highest hills. Our woodlands, which although not very exten- 

 sive, are more so in the northern parts, consist chiefly of oak, 

 ash, elm, and alder, with white-willow, birch, hazel, and black- 

 thorn for underwood. Here too we have a loss in the Raven ; 

 and ere long the Buzzard will probably be extirpated. But 

 whatever may have been the former state of the county, consi- 

 dered with regard to its animal productions, the following 

 Catalogue includes all the species of Land Birds, which, in the 

 course of many years, I have ascertained as now existing in it : — 



1. The Osprejj. PancUon Haliaetus. Very rare. One was 

 shot several years ago, by Mr Adams, on Grooby Pool. 



2. Peregrine Falcon. Fcdco peregrhius. An occasional visi- 



tor. Specimens are annually obtained in the county, and 

 may be seen in most collections. 



3. Hobby. Falco Sabbuieo. Occasionally visits our woodlands. 



A fine specimen was shot by Mr Chaplin, in Martinshaw 

 Wood, in January 1840. 



4. Merlin. Falco ^salon. Not very plentiful. Does not 



breed with us, being only an occasional visitor. Several 

 specimens are killed annually in our woodlands. 



5. Kestrel. Falco Tinnunctdus. Plentiful, but more abundant 



in summer than in winter, a partial migration taking place 

 in the autumnal months. ISIakes no nest, but selects the 

 deserted one of the Carrion Crow or Magpie. Preys near 

 to large towns ; feeds much on mice, particularly the Long- 

 tailed Field Mouse. 



6. Goshawk. Accipiter Paluonbarius. Very rare ; but a speci- 

 men is now and then obtained. Used to frequent Oakley 

 and Piper woods ; from whence my brother has had speci- 

 mens sent to him. 



7. Sparrow HawJc. Accipiter Nisiis. Common. Remains 



with us throughout the year. Nestles in the deserted nest 

 of the Carrion Crow, breeding in most of our extensive and 

 undisturbed woods. Preys much on small birds, makes 



