MY FAVOURITE SONG BIRDS 



83 



a long claw on the hind toe which, it seems, aids the bird in thread- 

 ing its way among the dense herbage that it so dearly loves to 

 frequent. 



When several Tree Pipits arrive simultaneously over a given 

 area, and even a few perform their song-flights, accompanied by 

 paeans of joyful outbursts, the scene is one not readily forgotten. 



The plaintive, but altogether sweet, piccolo solo of the Willow 

 Warbler has always made a strong appeal to me, for there is a 



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FIG. 37. NEST AND EGGS OF BLACKBIRD. 



simplicity and homeliness about its song which has an indefinable 

 charm. This little bird, a mere bundle of feathers, is very per- 

 sistent in its vocal efforts, and, if the season is congenial, it may 

 often be discovered taking toll of the insect life which abounds 

 in the vicinity of a Sallow bush in Spring. 



Although the Blackbird has a late place assigned to it among 

 my favourite song birds, I love its mellifluous notes none the less. 

 I like best to listen to its sweet cadence towards evening, especi- 

 ally near the open doorway, as I know then that my garden 

 Blackbird is in good fettle, and mightily proud of the nest and 

 eggs he and his spotted consort have produced in one of my 

 laurel bushes, as they have done for three years past. He does 



