ITS BIRDS. 



95 



at the end of January or beginning of February, and at 

 once begin nesting operations. The old nests seem to 

 require little repair. About fifty birds came to the trees 

 in 1883 ; by the 6th of March 1884 forty- three were 

 counted, and there were probably more. At that date 

 the keeper considered that fresh arrivals were still com- 

 ing. If this were so, it is remarkable, to say the least, 

 as in most of the nests the birds had been sitting since 

 the beginning of the month. This is earlier than usual, 

 probably on account of the mild season. 



The greater number of these birds leave the heronry 

 towards the middle of summer, but a few remain through- 

 out the year. 



The admission of the public to the grounds does not 

 appear at all to have interfered with the herons breeding. 

 Woodcock. These birds are not unfrequent visitors to the 

 Forest in the winter months, but the absence of springs 

 and the hardness of the soil are unfavourable to them, and 

 they are never numerous where cattle have access. They 

 do not, therefore, generally remain long, but instances 



