A BIRDLOVER'S YEAR 



All through the winter months the different 

 tits are very prominent, as also is the 

 chaffinch. The local birds of the last-named 

 species are reinforced by large parties from 

 their northern breeding-area. The fact of 

 large numbers of cock-birds being seen 

 together in winter led the great Linnaeus 

 to christen this bird Fringilla ccelebs. 



Down from the hills come the golden 

 plover, to join with the lapwings ; whilst 

 the starlings feed and roost together in great 

 numbers. 



During these winter days one is certain 

 to see many and various ducks. Widgeon, 

 pochard, and golden-eye are regularly to 

 be noticed, along with tufted duck, mallard, 

 and teal, and occasionally the common wild 

 swan (Cygnus musicus). 



Even though the bird-watcher can no 

 longer idle in the woods to watch for his 

 favourite feathered friends, winter is by no 

 means an uninteresting time in the bird- 

 world ; there is always the chance of a 

 glimpse of some rare visitor driven from the 

 north, whilst the absence of foliage makes it 

 far easier to " spot " the new arrivals. By 

 the kindly offices of a feeding-tree or table 

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