The Ring-Ouzel 



CHAPTER XIII 



The Ring-Ouzel as a Songster 



From the Peak northwards the ring-ouzel is not an 

 ancommon species in mountainous districts, but in the 

 greater part of England it is unknown, or known only 

 by name like the merlin, crested tit, and phalarope. 

 Indeed to most of us a first sight of it comes as a sur- 

 prise. The sight of a new species will always produce 

 a shock of pleasure in those who are Interested in birds: 

 in the case of the ring-ouzel there is another element 

 in the feeling — something of a mixture of incredulity 

 and even resentment. And all because we find in this 

 until now unknown species a veritable blackbird — black 

 of hue (and comely) with orange-tawny bill; also pos- 



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