THE WINCHESTER WATER MEADOWS. 71 



of the Cuckoo wanting in the season, and amongst the numerous nests that 

 are built here it must find a ready receptacle for its eggs. 



At the apex of the triangle the stream broadens out, and forms a natural 

 bathing-place for all the birds of the neighbourhood, and at this shallow pool 

 I have seen in one morning all the common Finches, including the Hawfinch 

 and Goldfinch, together with various Larks, Buntings, Marsh-Tits and 

 others, Thrushes, and Warblers. The lane that leads down to the water 



THE HOME OF THE KINGFISHER. 



provides cover for all the less aquatic species of Warblers. The Lesser 

 Whitethroat is here a comparatively common bird ; so is the Garden-Warbler. 

 The Common Whitethroat and Willow-Wren are everywhere, and the ivy 

 berries which grow in such profusion on the old wall are almost sure to 

 attract the Blackcaps when they first arrive. The statement that Nightin- 

 gales and Blackcaps are seldom found in the same locality is here proved 

 partially true, for though the Nightingale's song is heard directly you get 

 to the west of the railway, I have only once seen the bird on the east of the 



