102 BIRD LIFE IN WILD WALES 



five young, perhaps a week old. There was little of 

 the usual dome about this nest, though there was 

 some moss at the top of the hole. In two other 

 cavities we noticed nests, both belonging to Wagtails, 

 one being fresh. They belonged, I think, to a pair 

 of the grey species, for we saw a pair of these 

 charming birds besporting themselves on the line 

 just above. On the way home G. V. found a Peewit's 

 nest, with the full complement of eggs. I heard the 

 Cuckoo and Willow Wren to-day for the first time 

 this year. 



April I'iftk. — Expedition to the black bog above 

 New House. Noticed a few Curlews about ; they 

 should be breeding now or very shortly. Peewits 

 were much en evidence, but I found no nests of this 

 species. Saw also several pairs of Wheatears. There 

 are plenty of stone walls up here, where they find 

 good accommodation for nesting purposes. I neither 

 heard nor saw any Grouse or Snipe. Climbed to a 

 Carrion Crow's nest, built in the corner tree of a 

 hedgerow ; but it contained nothing. On the way 

 home I had a splendidly close view of a pair of 

 Magpies. Usually they arc too wary to allow of a 

 near approach, so I appreciated tl)eir kindness the 

 more. Close to my cottage, in the lane, a Nuthatch 

 was inspecting an old Green Woodpecker's nest-hole, 

 and I watched him for some time. In the afternoon 

 I walked down to the river in quest of the King- 

 fishers. I had hardly reached the river before one 

 darted out of some bushes growing close in under 

 the bank : a flash of emerald and blue ! I got down 

 to the spot, but there was no nest-hole there ; so 



