88 MY LIFE AS A NATURALIST 



taking advantage of an artificial bird home, as it also does when 

 nesting under natural conditions elsewhere. This appears to be 

 interesting and worth recording. 



The Chaffinch (Fringilla ccelebs), as is well know r n, separates 

 during Winter into distinct flocks consisting of males or females, 

 and travels about thus until the flocks break up in Spring. Why 

 should the Chaffinch do this ? Is such a proceeding common 

 to any other of our smaller birds, and can any reason be assigned 

 for this interesting habit ? 



The Linnet (Acanihis cannabina), is very fond of singing in 

 chorus, and, when thus listened to, constitutes one of the most 

 delightful performances in the orchestra of bird music. Why 

 has the Linnet, a gregarious species at most times it must be 

 admitted, acquired this taste for chorus singing, one of the few 

 species I am acquainted with which carries out such a proceeding ? 



The Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula pileata) seems to be paired 

 all through the year. Remembering how gregarious other 

 British Finches are in Autumn, Winter, and early Spring, is not 

 this remarkable ? May we assume that this handsome species 

 is one of the few British birds that pairs for life ? 



The Corn Bunting (Emberiza calandra) revels in desolate 

 places such as downs, commons, and wide, open fields. In the 

 wind-swept country of North Hertfordshire it is a very common 

 species, but in Mid-Herts it is comparatively rare, though 

 apparently the conditions are equally suitable. Can any reason 

 be advanced for this ? 



The curious scribble-like markings on the eggs of Buntings are 

 easily obliterated when freshly taken. How comes this about ? 

 The markings on the eggs of other birds seem much more indelible. 



To the Family Alaudidce the Skylark (Alauda Arvensis] claims 

 kinship. This renowned songster, according to my diary for 

 the past fifteen years, has a song period of at least nine months 

 out of the twelve. Pairing is apparently brought about by the 

 conquest of song, as with most species of soberly-clad and fine- 

 voiced birds. Other song birds, however, such as the Nightin- 

 gale (Luscinia megarhyncha), cease their minstrelsy when pair- 

 ing has taken place, or soon after nesting has begun. Why 

 should Shelley's " blithe spirit " be the most prolific songster 

 we have in this country, and what can be the reason for this 

 glorious outpouring of music in all weathers on at least 250 days 

 out of 365 ? 



The Motacillidce contains one of the most delightful families 



