132 Among the Birds in Northern Shires. 

 wander for half a score miles or more amono-st little 



o 



else but trees — hence our affection for these places, 

 which we got to know by heart, and in doing so be- 

 came familiar with the rich array of bird-life that 

 dwelt in their shady depths. We also retain many 

 a vivid memory of wanderings in fir and pine wood 

 farther north in quest of ornithological information; 

 whilst orrand old Sherwood Forest on one side of 

 Sheffield, and equally attractive Wharncliffe Woods 

 on the other, were the scene of many an explora- 

 tion after knowledge relating to the bird-life of 

 such localities. Then in other directions we had the 

 noble woodlands at Eccleshall, Beauchief, and Totley, 

 and along the Rivelin Valley — all of them nearer 

 home, and all of them well favoured with bird-life in 

 great variety. These extensive woods, however, are 

 not favourite haunts of the smaller Passeres; rather 

 are they the home of Hawks, Magpies, Crows, Jays, 

 Doves, Woodpeckers, Pheasants, and so on; the 

 coppices, plantations, smaller woods, and well-tim- 

 bered bottoms, together with extensive shrubberies 

 and tree-filled parks — these are the grand haunts of 

 hosts of little birds of many species, the varied habits 

 of which were to us a constant source of keenest 

 delight. There is one charm about woodlands that 

 scarcely any other description of scenery can claim 

 constantly, and that is, summer and winter alike birds 

 are plentiful amongst them. The moors and the 



