30 COUNTRY RAMBLES. 



ago left the Northern Lochs, where they breed, while Grebes, many in 

 sort, Razorbills, Auks, Guillemots, Cormorants, and Gulls, are at work 

 among the Herrings and Eels; Scaup Ducks, Scoters, and Eiders are 

 diving for Mussels and Whelks, and the sky-mounting Gannets are 

 piercing every surface-swimming fish that moves under their keen eyes 

 far out on the open sea." 



22nd. -Robin, Skylark, and Hedge Sparrow singing. 



I saw to-day in poulterer's shop, in London, a Sparrow Hawk! 

 There were also some Black Grouse. Golden Plovers are selling at 8d. 

 each. Their gold-speckled and white Winter plumage is indeed 

 beautiful. 



It is interesting to note there are about 12,000 known species of 

 birds. 



23rd. Raining. Skylark soaring and singing. Bulbs pushing 

 through nicely now. Snow all gone. 



An extraordinary occurrence was brought to my notice to-day, 

 which clearly shows what the recent severe weather has driven the 

 birds to. A Black-Headed Gull seized a Pied Wagtail, battered it to 

 death, broke it up, and swallowed itl 



With the thermometer below zero, and a biting North wind, is it 

 not curious that the Skylark still soars and sings! In February, no 

 doubt these song-flights in all weathers rain, hail, or snow, storm or 

 sunshine are undertaken to attract and court partners for the ensuing 

 season, and the strains uttered, therefore, become love's old sweet 

 song. A female Lark is upon the ground not knowing which way to 

 turn as she has so many admirers and so many sweethearts; first one 

 male bird and then another chases her and struts proudly before her; 

 then one after another they rise in the air and endeavour to outvie 

 each other in their sweet cadences. 



24th. A friend reports to me that he heard a Chaffinch singing 

 yesterday for the first time this season. 



At 5.45 a.m. I heard a Skylark singing. The old adage "up with 

 the Lark" is not far wrong; he is no doubt very early abroad. The 

 Snowdrops are out, and the golden, purple, and white buds of the 

 Crocuses are now to be seen. 



25th. Like a May morning. The female Nut Hazel blossom is 

 out, and the green blossom of the male is rapidly changing to golden. 



Birds singing: Blackbirn, Skylark, Chaffinch, Robin, Hedge 

 Sparrow, Song and Mistle Thiushes. 



