BIRD NOTES 85 



chatter as it flew overhead in fine weather or kept 

 low in rain-time, its white rump conspicuously show- 

 ing, calling attention to its passing. Its nests were 

 known in several locations, particularly at a corner 

 house, now demolished and replaced by a restaurant 

 adjoining the Catholic Church ; also at the bank in 

 the market-place, and under the eaves of a tall house 

 on Caister Road at this latter place, to this day, 

 one or two pairs still determinedly nest. And there 

 were a number of other houses to be found dotted 

 with an odd nest or two. In the early mornings, in 

 my boyish days, I used to watch the House-Martins at 

 the mud puddles in the middle of the Caister Road, 

 pecking at the softened soil, and kneading and 

 preparing the material for their nests. 



But bad times came along. The Sparrows, in- 

 creasing beyond reasonable bounds, became more 

 impudent if it were possible in like proportion, 

 and among other appropriation usurped many a 

 little Martin's nest, waiting usually until the domicile 

 was well towards completion, and then driving out 

 the builders. Immediately the thieves set about 

 dragging in what, to them, seemed the necessary 

 furniture hay, bits of straw, extra feathers, and the 

 like. An eviction is usually published by a slovenly 



