CHAPTER I 



A Rookery in Spring 



PROBABLY the most familiar figure among the tree-top dwellers of these 

 Islands is that of our friend the Rook ; which bird is indeed so generally 

 distributed and so obvious as to need no detailed description here. 



Most of us, too, will have noticed the clustered nests, particularly during 

 the winter months, when, silhouetted against the sky, they stand out clearly 

 among the then leafless branches. 



There is always a certain romantic attraction about a Rookery, even as seen 

 from ' terra firma,' and a distant view of the jolly rooks as, after an absence 

 of some eight months, they return to repair the remains of last year's nests, 

 generally arouses, at least amongst the youthful population, something of the 

 enthusiasm that greets the coming of the Stork on the continent. 



In most districts the Rook is the first of our birds to commence its building 

 operations. Occasionally, and almost before we have realized that winter has 

 left us, a report may come that the eggs of a Crossbill or Long-Eared Owl have 

 been discovered ; but, generally speaking, the bulky structures which the 

 Rooks put together with such noisy argument are the first indications that yet 

 another nesting season has arrived. 



Once the building has commenced in earnest, the tree-tops afford a spectacle 

 which, by reason of the comings and goings and the curious antics involved, 

 can hardly fail to attract and arrest attention. 



A Rook will put himself to immense trouble in carrying, often from a con- 

 siderable distance, a stick one might sometimes even call it a small branch 

 with which to help strengthen the foundation of a nest. It is by no means plain 

 sailing, for obstacles will assuredly be encountered ; an adverse wind may be 

 blowing ; whilst frequently the chosen branch will be awkwardly shaped, with 

 side growths that make it difficult to control. Eventually, however, the nest 

 site will be reached, with, in all probability, an adoring if impatient mate to 

 help him in his troubles ; and then, with what quaint beak thrusts and tuggings 

 will the new acquisition be finally fixed in position. 



No sooner is this satisfactorily accomplished than the Rook is off once 

 more for fresh material. As a rule, although the lower branches of his own 



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