RED-LETTER DAYS AMONG BIRDS 



61 



marked, for, I doubt not, one of these two was the same bird as 

 I had observed a year ago. I wonder if the Chaffinch is develop- 

 ing more fondness for an insect diet, and whether, in course of 

 time, it -will be as adept at catching its prey as the Flycatcher ? 



I have a note as to the Water Rail which is of interest. This 

 bird resorts to marshy surroundings, and, as a rule, is of shy 

 disposition, stealthily hiding itself among aquatic herbage. In 

 view of this it is interesting to reflect that, at least, three speci- 

 mens have been brought to me at Letchworth Museum which 

 were killed by flying against telegraph wires in almost the same 

 place. The point arises, does this particular spot indicate one 

 of the lines of flight of this species, and is it not worthy of note 

 that such a ground-loving bird should migrate under cover of 

 darkness, at such a height as to just clear any housetops which 

 come within its range ? Isolated instances of birds appearing 

 in a certain place are, of themselves, of importance, but when 

 a series of observations are ,made possible concerning the same 

 species, under the same conditions, and in the same place, one 

 is then commencing to open up several interesting points which 

 gives to bird study in the field so great a charm. 



In Spring and Autumn the Kestrel Hawk, or Windhover, is of 

 daily occurrence within sight of my study window, and I never 



