MISSEL-THRUSHES AND JACKDAWS 61 



In Epping Forest, where more protection is 

 given to all birds than formerly, this species is 

 increasing in number, and in one small copse I 

 have seen several pairs in the topmost branches 

 feeding on holly-berries. 



Long before the young leaves appear, the Missel- 

 Thrush commences to build, some of the early 

 breeders having eggs in February. The nest is 

 placed in a very exposed position as a rule, on the 

 horizontal branch of a tall tree, or in the fork of a 

 smaller one in an orchard, as was the case with the 

 one shown in my illustration. Lichens are used 

 by some birds to make their nest correspond with 

 its surroundings, while others make a very untidy 

 structure. In one part of Epping Forest numbers 

 of these birds breed, and in one afternoon while 

 walking there with a friend we counted over a 

 dozen nests. 



The Missel-Thrush is of a very pugnacious dis- 

 position during the period of incubation. J ackdaws 

 will often try to take the eggs, no doubt through 

 the nest being in an exposed situation. I once 

 witnessed an interesting fight between three Jack- 

 daws and a pair of Missel-Thrushes which were 

 defending their own. While one Jackdaw tried 

 to steal an egg the others engaged the Thrushes, 

 but these were determined to keep the enemy at 



