THRUSHES. 167 



heavy gale of wind, the Missel -Thrush may be seen braving 

 the blast, perched on the quivering branch of some tall tree ; 

 hence it has gained the name of the Storm-Cock. It is, 

 moreover, a gallant bird; and during the breeding season, woe 

 be to the Jackdaw or Magpie that ventures to cast a wistful 

 eye at its eggs : nay, more, we have known it attack even a 

 Hawk, and fairly drive him from the neighbourhood. 



The Kedwing and Fieldfare are but visitants : their sum- 

 mers are passed in far-distant northern regions, where they 

 rear, unmolested and unseen by man, those immense nights 

 which frequent our fields and forests in the winter season. 

 It is generally supposed that they are hardy birds ; but the 

 very reverse is the case, for, in severe weather, should there 

 be a dearth of food, they are the first to suffer. In hard 

 winters, when sudden falls of snow have deprived them of 

 their usual supply, thousands have been known to perish on 

 the coast, unable, through weakness, to take flight for a more 

 southern climate. In January, 1815, when a heavy fall of 

 snow fell on the 19th, and remained one deep white mantle 

 over the face of the country till the 29th, during which time 

 the thermometer, even at noon, rarely rose above the freezing- 

 point, we recollect finding dead Redwings in greater numbers 

 than any other birds. They are naturally remarkably shy, 

 but hunger soon makes them tame, as many a Christmas 

 school-boy knows ; when, if the weather is mild, he in vain 

 endeavours to get a shot at a chattering party, temptingly 

 perched on a naked bough ; whereas, should a severe frost set 

 in, they seem to invite his approach, and allow him to take 

 a steady aim within a few yards. Our common Song- Thrush, 

 however, is a more social bird, and, if unmolested, will build 

 its nest frequently almost within sight of our windows. In- 

 stances have, indeed, occurred of still greater confidence. 

 Thus, a short time ago, in Scotland, some carpenters working 

 in a shed adjacent to the house, observed a Thrush flying in 

 and out, which induced them to direct their attention to the 

 cause, when, to their surprise, they found a nest commenced 

 amongst the teeth of a harrow, which, with some other 

 farming tools and implements, were placed upon the joists of 



