A BIRDLOVER'S YEAR 



the cornfields close by is heard the corn- 

 crake's rattle : each time one flushes this 

 bird one is struck anew by its weak, 

 languid flight ; yet it migrates twice a year 

 to and from its winter quarters in far 

 southern climes. 



At the end of the lane there comes " a 

 little winding road which leads to the hill and 

 back again," and the first spring bird usually 

 to be seen here is the wheatear. This 

 traveller comes to our shores during March, 

 migrating in autumn to regions south of the 

 equator. It has a peculiarly jerky flight, 

 and may be found high up above the level 

 of the Tay valley. It is a delightful bird 

 to watch, for it is sprightly and lively in its 

 movements. Here, too, the redstart may 

 flit past, alighting on a furze-bush ; and 

 while one pauses to watch this little bird 

 through the binoculars one hears the cuckoo 

 calling from the far-off woods : 



Summer is icumen in, 

 Loud sing cuckoo. 



The wayfarer who is fond of bird- watching 

 must never be in a hurry, and there is no 

 better or happier way of spending a summer 



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