126 FAUNA OF SHROPSHIRE. 



JAY B. Common in thick woods in spite of constant 



Garrulus glandarius. persecution by game-keepers. It is 



hardly to be wondered at that they 



are very wary birds, and give warning of the approach 



of their enemy, man, by their loud jarring cry, which 



alarms every bird within hearing. They are very fond 



of eggs of all kinds, and this makes them cordially hated 



by keepers, who often try to kill them by laying poisoned 



eggs in their way. The Jays are, however, so cunning 



that they rarely fall victims (see under Squirrel page 66). 



MAGPIE B. This handsome bird is also common, and 



Pica rustica. for a similar reason is even more 



difficult to approach than the Jay. 



The large nest is a wonderful domed structure of sticks, 



so woven together that it is impossible to withdraw 



one without breaking it. The entrance on the side is 



generally protected by a fence of sharp thorns. It is 



placed in a tree with little or no attempt at concealment. 



Local superstition makes the Magpie a bird of omen : 



One for sorrow, 



Two for mirth, 

 Three for a wedding, 

 Four for a birth, 

 etc., etc. 



JACKDAW B. Abundant everywhere, this grey-headed, 



Corvus monedida. grey-eyed bird seems to convey by his 



knowing look, that he is equally at 



home in town or country, venerable ruin or modern 



residence. Any glittering object attracts his attention, 



and many stories are told of the Jackdaw stealing 



jewelry, etc., and carrying off the same to its nest or 



hiding place. 



