19 
Pair of Corn Buntings in a cornfield, near the Denhall foreshore at 
Burton Point ; others were also heard on July 27th, 1912. (A. N.) 
A single specimen of the Turtle Dove frequented the field adjoining 
the infirmary for several days. First observed on July 11th, 
1912. (A. N.) 
Tawny Owl. One evening I came across a man with a young 
Tawny Owl, in the down. The bird had been brought from 
a wood a few milesaway. Thinking it might be reared, I managed 
to get possession and brought it home. The bird made a splendid 
pet and became quite tame, growing very fast. While in the 
down stage it could swallow a whole mouse, but not without a 
struggle. ‘To see it throw up the pellets was extraordinary. The 
owl grew into a very handsome bird. It was always allowed the 
liberty of the stable at night, and, as it got older, was at 
large altogether, roosting in an oak tree by the garden in the 
daytime. As evening approached, it became very lively and 
would fly down for a feed, uttering a weak cry. Every night it 
would fly to my sister’s bedroom window for a tit-bit, and 
occasionally, during the night, she would see it perched on the 
bedstead rail. It always came to her when called by name— 
snapping its bill and beating its wings if a dog or a stranger came 
near. The feeding habits of this bird were very interesting. It 
would take a frog from off the floor of the stable, when quite young, 
but always with a sweeping flight above its prey, and taking it with 
its feet. When swallowing a sparrow, or anything awkward, I have 
seen it catch hold of the feet of its prey with one claw (when 
not having gone down to its satisfaction) and draw the whole lot 
up again to be swallowed in an easier manner! One could always 
tell when a pellet would be expelled, as it was very mopish, but as 
soon as the operation was over it at once became active, bright 
and ready for another feed. (A. S.) 
Sparrow Hawks are plentiful; Kestrels less so. (A. S.) 
There is an increase of Carrion Crows throughout the district. (A. 8S.) 
It is estimated by myself and others who know the district well, that 
there are at present more than 500 Magpies within a radius of 
6 miles of Delamere Station. These birds, during the winter and 
early spring, roost together in favourite spots in companies of 
50 or 60. (A. 8.) 
_ The Great Spotted Woodpecker nested with us. (A. S.) 
Although the Green Woodpecker is quite common in the autumn, 
winter, and early spring, I have been unable to find a nest of this 
bird in the Forest. (A. 8.) 
[There is a nest from Delamere in the Museum Collections. ] 
Chiff Chaff, April 4th, 1912. On the 13th April very numerous, many 
more were seen than remained to nest. (A. S.) 
Grasshopper Warbler, April 20th, 1912. (A.S.) 
First Martins arrived at my cottage April 27th, 1912, but only half the 
number of previous years nested. (A. S.) 
Wood Wren, May llth, 1912. (A. 8S.) 
Heard four Wood Wrens in different places, May 13th, 1912. (A. 8.) 
Night Jar. This bird was heard by me churring in the morning, and 
also by my foreman at about 11-30 a.m. on Blakemere Moss. We 
managed to get quite close to it. May 13th,1912. (A.S.) 
