184 FAUNA OF SHROPSHIRE. 



in numbers of this handsome bird on our Shropshire meres. 

 The nightingale is exceedingly scarce in Shropshire and 

 perhaps no protection will ever make it abundant in the 

 County. The red-backed shrike breeds in Shropshire but by 

 no means plentifully, its nests are hard to find but eagerly 

 sought after, and the protection given to its eggs is certainly 

 needed. The eggs of the wild duck, teal, and wigeon are duly 

 protected by the Game Act of 1831 and it is doubtful if the 

 inclusion of these birds in Orders made under the Wild Birds 

 Protection Acts is expedient. 



There are some birds which are not protected by the 

 order of the Shropshire County Council and which stand in 

 need of additional protection, such as the heron, the jay, the 

 hawfinch and the kestrel. The heron is a welcome addition 

 to the landscape ; it wanders far from its home and is often 

 shot by owners of land, especially those who are interested in 

 fishing. The jay is in the gamekeeper's black book and no 

 doubt takes eggs during two months of the year, but is harm- 

 less during the other ten, and is such a beautiful bird to look 

 at, that its peccadilloes might well be pardoned for the sake 

 of its appearance. The hawfinch finds an enemy in the 

 gardener, but it is so local that it ought to be protected. 

 The kestrel is, after the lapwing, the bird that does most 

 service to the farmer, for it is a most excellent mouse-trap. 

 The lapwing, the farmer's best friend, might well find some 

 protection for its eggs and the example set in Scotland might 

 well be followed in England, namely, to protect the eggs after 

 the 1 5th April, and thus, while allowing the first clutches of 

 eggs to be taken, to ensure the second clutch being unmolested. 

 Protection is also given in many parts of Great Britain to 

 such birds of prey as the kite, buzzard, raven, harrier, 

 peregrine falcon and sparrowhawk, and some or all of these 



