124 TOUR IN SUTHERLAND. CH. VIII. 



Tame and familiar, it builds its well-concealed nest 

 in the creepers and ivy that grow round a window 

 or against the garden- wall. It arrives in May and 

 departs early in autumn. Being dependent on 

 flies for its subsistence, the first approach of cold 

 drives this bird from the north to seek a warmer 

 climate. 



22. The Water-Ousel enlivens most of the moun- 

 tain streams with its lively motions and merry note. 

 In winter it comes nearer to the sea for unfrozen 

 water," while in summer it is seen everywhere from 

 Cape Wrath to Dunrobin. 



23. The Common Ring -Ousel cheers the wan- 

 derer through all the wilder parts of the county, 

 suddenly breaking out unexpectedly into loud song 

 in places where the eagle or grouse would be more 

 looked for than a singing bird. 



24. The Missel Thrush is common, breeding 

 very early. I saw it as far northward as Tongue. 



25. The Common Song Thrush is to be seen 

 wherever there is wood. 



26. The Blackbird, though not quite so common, 

 is plentiful also. 



2 7. The Fieldfare and Redwing arrive in great 

 numbers, and do not depart till some time in April. 



28. The Hedge Sparrow breeds in every hedge 

 in all the cultivated parts of the country. 



