Allen Silver — Bird-life in 1918 .



227



know how often they hush it, owing to the War. We used to call it

“ Woodcock Owl ”.


Little Out .—Hear and see it everywhere. Has become a real

nuisance, and attacks things by day as well as by night. Saw one

catching “ Midsummer dors ” outside railway station in Hunts the

other evening. Hear it all over Suffolk and Essex. Very noisy two

nights ago here. Intelligent farmer who preserves in a small way had

seven adult Pheasants blinded and eventually killed by one. These

were penned, and for a time the culprit was a mystery because they

knew nothing larger than a Little Owl could get through such apertures

as occurred in the rough wood and wire enclosure. They watched it

go for the remaining bird, a cock, and terrify it until the bird tried

to hide.


Sparrow-hawk .—Saw it here and there. Has been shot at when

sitting every year in most of the localities I visit, and has much difficulty

in rearing its broods. Has had a better time lately.


Kestrel .—Numerous everywhere. Have seen it from time to time

in suburbs. Good broods got away this season, and saw six migrant

Kestrels sitting on tops of scrub bushes in a meadow recently. These

are usually birds of the year, and very tame. One pair I knew of

this season was responsible for the loss of 150 chicks. Although l can

hardly credit it, the parent birds apparently accidentally flushed a Wild

Duck, which, as she flew off, banged down on to the nest : the Kestrels

were seen carrying off Ducks ’ eggs. The owner of the property waited

and watched to make sure when he heard of this, and got up the tree to see

if such was actually the case. Egg shells and remnants of ducklings were

found. This was the first case of its kind I have met with, and I was

especially introduced to the gentleman in order to question him myself.


Shelduck .—Saw big broods in Conway, and old birds in good

quantity.


Mallard .—Numerous on wing early in evening now ; has bred

undisturbed in good numbers. Dined to-day off excellent flapper.


Teal .—A pair stayed here late, but have not visited the “ moss ’

where at this period I see many.


Curlew .—Big parties in certain localities.


Whimbrei .—Saw a number feeding with preceding species.



