BIRDS OF LOCH AND MOUNTAIN 167 



birds commenced their song on the morning of June 

 2ist last summer. These were: Blackbird, 1.50 a.m. 

 Thrush, 1.51 ; Robin, 2.7 ; Yellow Hammer, 2.19 

 Willow Warbler, 2.24 ; Wren, 2.48 ; Chaffinch, 3.1 

 and Hedge Sparrow and Greenfinch both at 3.17. 

 It will thus be seen that the Willow Warbler, 



WILLOW WARBLER'S NEST IN RABBIT SCRAPING. 



though not so early as the Thrush or Blackbird, 

 easily beats the Chaffinch or Greenfinch. In the 

 quiet June evenings the Willow W T arbler is in song 

 till shortly after nine, while the Thrush and Black- 

 bird do not retire to roost till about an hour later. 

 The alarm cry of the Willow Wren has an extra- 

 ordinary sadness and appeal, and he must be hard- 

 hearted indeed who destroys the nest while the 

 parent birds are pathetically begging him to spare 

 their treasure. 



