THE BIRDS OF HAMPSTEAD. 



By J. E. HARTING, F.L.S., F.Z.S. 



In spite of the fact that Hampstead now forms part of the great 

 metropolis with which it is connected by long lines of houses, it 

 still preserves enough of its rural character to attract many species 

 of birds. This is due not only to the proximity of Lord Mans- 

 field's woods and to the unenclosed portions of heath which, 

 happily, still remain, but to the number of old gardens which 

 contain shrubberies and trees of goodly size, with here and there 

 an open lawn affording good feeding ground at early dawn for 

 many a feathered visitor. Looking out at daybreak upon one of 

 these open spaces, we have often been surprised at the number 

 of Blackbirds, Thrushes, Starlings, Chaffinches, Robins, Hedge 

 Sparrows, and Tits in sight at one time, while during the summer 

 months it is no uncommon thing to find the shrubberies tenanted 

 by Willow Wrens, Redstarts, Spotted Flycatchers, and other 

 migratory birds which find a temporary home there. Even the 

 Reed Warbler has been known to find its way into Hampstead 

 gardens, and make its cup-shaped nest amongst the lilac bushes. 

 W^ith these annual summer migrants rarer visitors now and 

 then appear in the shape of a Ring Ouzel, or Golden Oriole, but 

 they do not stay long. Finding no congenial spot in which to 

 bring up their young, they pass on in search of haunts more suited 

 to their respective habits, or, as unfortunately it too often happens, 



