THE KITE 159 



an example where the whole outer nest was 

 studded closely over with small pieces of white 

 paper, making it a somewhat conspicuous object. 



Another nest, hardly less beautiful, is that of 

 the goldfinch, now unfortunately a rare bird with 

 us. This is usually placed much higher than 

 that of the chaffinch and so is difficult to find, 

 is lined with wool and hair, but seldom or never 

 with feathers. 



Of a totally different nature are the dome- 

 shaped nests, of which that of the water ouzel 

 may be taken as an example. One of our 

 earliest nesting species, the site is preferably in 

 a rocky hollow or crevice, often so close to 

 some little cascade as to be ever damp from 

 the spray. A large structure for the size of the 

 bird, the chief material used by it is moss, with 

 grass stems, roots, and, in many instances at 

 least, withered, hard wood leaves. Unless the 

 nest is sufficiently covered by the nature of 

 the cavity, the whole is domed and roofed over. 

 Sometimes the site is such that the bird has to 

 pass and repass through spray and falling water 

 to reach the nest. The piers and arches of 

 bridges are also in some cases utilised. Another 

 curious instance is recorded by the late E. R. 

 Alston, as quoted in Dresser's Birds of Europe : 

 4 Sometimes the dipper shows unwonted bold- 



