159 NESTS AND EGGS OF LOCAL BIRDS (BURTON-ON-TREN7). 
been observed by my father, in addition to the common and familiar 
species: Kestrel, sparrow-hawk, barn owl, jay, magpie, creeper, 
long-tailed tit, gold-crest, willow-wren, wood-wren, chiff-chaff, garden 
warbler, black-cap, tree sparrow, tree pipit, bullfinch, spotted fly- 
catcher, and stock dove. 
The kingfisher is not so rare in this neighbourhood as is 
commonly supposed. During the present winter I have observed 
one from the Trent Bridge several times. Several pairs may be seen 
at the breeding season each year within the borough or near the 
boundary, generally on brook-courses. Most writers state that 
these birds will place their nest in the hole of a water-rat. This I 
consider as most unlikely, as the holes of a water-rat are unsuitable 
for a kingfisher’s use, and I do not doubt that these birds look upon 
all rats as their natural enemies. 
The habits of rooks in nesting are at times unaccountable. 
Last season there was, I believe, only one rookery tenanted in Bretby 
Parish, and this, though it used to be a large one, contained only six 
nests. A prominent farmer*there tells me he has known eight 
different rookeries in the parish at the same time. 
Cuckoos’ eggs are to be found ina variety of nests. The ones 
most often selected in this district seem to be those of the reed 
warbler, meadow pipit, pied wagtail, hedge sparrow, and robin. 
It is to be regretted that the number of martins visiting us each 
summer is decreasing so rapidly. A few years ago they were 
familiar in almost every street. Last summer a few nests were 
built on the south side of Drakelowe viaduct ; hitherto they were to 
be seen on the north side only. 
I have seen nuthatches in Bretby Park in March, and it is quite 
possible that they nest there. 
