Cuckoos and Wagtails. 



201 



CUCKOOS AND WAGTAILS. 



The cuckoo appeared in the Wye Valley on the llth of 

 April. It may have been there earlier without my ob- 

 serving it ; but on the afternoon of that day I saw a pair 

 flying about not far from my house, at first taking them 



CUCKOO. 



for kestrels, as they gave out no note ; but on nearer 

 view I recognised the veritable Cuculus canorus. It is 

 reported as having been seen, or, rather, heard, weeks 

 earlier elsewhere; the truth of which report I am inclined 

 to discredit, since the cuckoo's call is easy of imitation. 

 Much has been written about the variety of 



