98 HEDGE-SPARROW 



HEDGE-SPARROW OR DUNNOCK 



[F. B. KIRKMAN] 



If the hedge-sparrow, or, to call him by one of his local names, the 

 dunnock, were a human being applying for a situation, there can be 

 no doubt that his success would be insured by the unimpeachable 

 nature of his " characters," as the following selection will show : 



From W. Yarrell. " It is unobtrusive and harmless, of an amiable 

 disposition, and deserves protection and support." 



From W. Macgillimay. "This familiar, gentle and modest little 

 bird, the very emblem of innocence, is perhaps the most despised of 

 all our native species. Had it swaggered along in a red jacket, or 

 screamed from the top of every eminence, or throttled all the smaller 

 birds that came in its way, it would no doubt have attracted the regard 

 of many who scarcely deign to look upon it." 



From, the Rev, C. A. Johns. " He quarrels with no one, . . . un- 

 obtrusive and innocent, he claims no notice, dreads no resentment ; 

 and so through all the even tenor of his way he is, without knowing 

 it, the favourite of children, and of all the good and gentle." 



After reading these eulogies, it is difficult not to regard the 

 dunnock as a feathered saint a bird apart, elect, predestinate. And 

 yet, somehow, his virtues leave one indifferent. Mingled with the 

 odour of sanctity is an odour of pious mediocrity. It is, therefore, 

 with a sense of relief that one finds, on nearer acquaintance, that the 

 hedge-sparrow is neither a saint nor a smug, but simply a bird. 



Certainly he is unobtrusive, inasmuch as he does not force himself 

 upon one's view. His sober coloration and his habit of feeding in a 

 quiet, mouse-like manner in sheltered spots, help to make him incon- 

 spicuous. But he is not a silent bird for those who listen for his voice. 

 His familiar song, uttered from the top of a hedge or bush, or other 

 prominent perch, may be heard all through the year, even when the 



