4 SKETCHES OF BIRD LIFE. 



of their sticks ; and there is little to break the 

 stillness save the sighing of the wind, and the 

 occasional cracking of a twig as a hare attempts 

 to steal by. 



The earliest intimation of the approach of the 

 beaters is usually given by the advance of numerous 

 small birds, which, disturbed by the unwonted " tap- 

 ping" and strange voices, hurry to the front, and 

 unconsciously exhibit themselves at close quarters 

 to the' motionless sportsman. Conspicuous amongst 

 these at all times are the Tits, which are essentially 

 woodland birds, and are resident with us throughout 

 the year. When from scarcity of food and reduced 

 temperature the summer birds have all fled, the Tits 

 still seem able to get their living, and are as active 

 and joyous amidst the leafless woods in October, as 

 when well-nigh concealed by the thick foliage of 

 spring. 



Very social in their habits are the Tits, and it 

 is no uncommon thing to see two or three different 

 species in company. Conspicuous by its size and 

 black and yellow plumage, the Great Titmouse is 

 sure to attract the attention even of the least 

 observant; nor is it at all shy in its habits. Its 



