156 FAUNA OF SHROPSHIRE. 



but how it got there is not known. It is not a British species, and 

 must have escaped from confinement. 



Corncrake, or Landrail B. Plentiful, especially in 

 Crex pratensis. lowland meadows. It is always re- 



Apl. iv. Sept. iv. garded as a summer visitor, and its 

 well-known " crek-crek " is almost as 

 generally recognized as the harbinger of summer as the 

 advent of the first swallow. It is probable, however, that 

 a few birds remain here through the winter, as specimens 

 have been shot at Leighton on the 2ist Dec., 1894 5 at 

 Harley on Oct. 5th, 1895; at Bolas in Dec., 1896; and at 

 Hawkstone in the month of January. Although so often 

 heard, the Corncrake is seldom seen, as it is very shy 

 and lives habitually amongst long grass and coarse her- 

 bage. When injured it has been known to simulate death. 



Spotted Crake. Easily distinguished from the last by its 

 Porsana maructta. smaller size and light-spotted plumage. 



Apl. Oct. It occurs in Shropshire from time to 



time on its spring and autumn migra- 

 tions, but has never nested here. The most recent 

 specimens are : one killed by flying against telegraph wires 

 at Rednal, April gth, 1892, and one shot near Minsterley 

 Nov. 1 7th, 1 1 



WATER RAIL B. A very shy bird, frequenting quiet 



Rallus aquaticus. reaches of the Severn and many pools, 



and concealing itself on the least alarm. 



For this reason it is rarely seen except in winter, when 



there is little cover to protect it. It is not really uncommon, 



and two nests have been found in the County one by 



Mr. H. F. Harries, near Yorton, in 1881, and the other 



by Mr. G. Fox, Junr., near Shrewsbury, May 2nd, 1896. 



