iii. FIELD-STUDIES OF RARER BIRDS 



since it is now well-known that in different localities 

 the same species may from one cause or another 

 alter its usual habits materially. In Breconshire, 

 for instance, I once found Merlins breeding in the 

 ancient home of a Crow ; in Orkney, Starlings 

 constantly nesting in peat-holes and crannies far out 

 on the open moors ; in Sutherland, a Long-eared 

 Owl laying on the ground ; while, with regard to 

 several other species similar cases could be cited. 

 Therefore it behoves the naturalist to curb his desire 

 to be over dogmatic. 



To many friends I am deeply indebted for various 

 kindnesses, much help and valuable information. 

 Specially do I wish to thank the Rev. John Bond, 

 Messrs. Edward Bond and A. H. Bikker, Major 

 Clayton Beauchamp (late South Wales Borderers), 

 Messrs. J. I. C. Boger, C. W. Buckwell, C. J. 

 Carroll, S. V. Clark, P. Gough, A. Gwynne- 

 Vaughan, J. D. Grafton-Wignall (82nd Punjabis), 

 N. Gilroy, A. Jones, H. Massey, D. H. and C. S. 

 Meares, R. J. Messent and W. Morgan, the Rev. 

 D. E. Owen, Messrs. W. E. Renaut, Morris Rigby, 

 P. B. Smythe, and John, Brinsley and Leonard 

 Sheridan, Major Sparrow (7th Dragoon Guards), 

 Colonel Evan Thomas (late fab Dragoon Guards), 

 Messrs. B. D. Wenban, Gwynne Witherington, 

 and J. Williams- Vaughan, and last but not least 

 Mr. H. F. Witherby, who, himself a keen and 

 first-rate ornithologist, has bestowed much care and 

 kindly attention on this book in all its various 

 stages. 



