BIRDS THAT COME IN MY GARDEN. 



ON Sunday morning the 5th February 1899, we had snow 

 in my neighbourhood for the first time this Winter, and then 

 only a very little. It was, however, quite sufficient to induce 

 the birds to come right up to my back door for the morsels 

 and scraps I had placed there for them. 



It was most interesting to watch them as slowly but surely 

 each variety made its way towards my window. First, of 

 course, came the House Sparrows tugging, fighting and scram- 

 bling. Then a little later came a Hedge Sparrow, and what a 

 difference is perceptible in his movements to that of the House 

 or Common Sparrow. The former is much more careful than 

 the latter in his advances. He certainly progresses, but some 

 movements, although progressive in a sense, are similar to those 

 of the Cuttle-fish, namely, backwards. That is to say, he takes 

 two steps forward perhaps, and three sideways or backwards, 

 and then later four good long hops forward. What a gentle 

 creature the Hedge Accentor or Warbler is, and how conscious 

 of our protection. 



Then, as if dropped from the very skies above, a little Blue 

 Tit appeared on the snow, like a veritable jewel. How he enjoyed 

 the meat bone I had placed for him. Of course the Robin in 

 his breast of red was about, but he did not seem to get on 

 very well with the Sparrows. They say that male and female 

 Chaffinches do not associate during the Winter, but they were 

 certainly together on the occasion referred to. What beautiful 

 plumage the male birds are in at this season. 



A sooty Blackbird or two duly made their appearance; 

 apparently no Snails or Worms were about as the ground was 

 hard, but they enjoyed a few scraps of some sort before departing. 

 It was, indeed, appropriate that shortly after, a Song Thrush 

 should come hopping right up the pathway, head well forward, 

 eyes and ears alert. What steps he takes, too, and how quickly 



