THE DAW. 



(May 11, 1889.) 



THE daw or jackdaw, as it is generally called is 

 a particularly sociable bird, fond of human society, 

 and consequently much given to frequenting towns, 

 where it seems quite as much at home as it does in 

 the country. It is therefore, not surprising that 

 London possesses colonies of these birds, which 

 do not, indeed, live and breed in the heart of the 

 city, but are far from uncommon in the suburbs. 

 Kensington Gardens is much frequented by them, 

 one of their favourite resorts being the meadow at 

 the back of Palace Gardens, where they are generally 

 undisturbed. They are, however, by no means 

 shy, and do not confine themselves to the parks 

 and open spaces, but may be seen at all times of 

 the day flying over or settling on the roofs of 

 houses on the look-out for anything they can pick 

 up, and they share with the cats and sparrows the 

 bits of broken food which are thrown out into 

 the gardens and backyards of suburban houses, 

 pouncing down, when they think themselves un- 

 observed, upon any choice morsel and carrying it 

 off to some neighbouring roof for consumption. 

 The early morning, before the daily traffic has 



