414 BIRD LIFE AT BINGHAM'S MELCOMBE 



buzzards, two of which pitched on a tree close to 

 us, in the sharpest frost of last winter, while the 

 third was seen lazily beating over the rabbit warren, 

 in one of the later autumn fogs. 



In the early summer morning, the bowling-green 

 is the favourite resort of all those birds who are 

 most alive to the fundamental truth that it is the 

 early bird that catches the worm. Look out of 

 the window upon it, at the very first dawn of day, 

 and listen to 



11 the earliest pipe of half-awaken 'd birds " 



in the shrubs close by. You may catch sight, if 

 you are lucky, of the hedgehog scuttling off when, 

 like the ghost in Hamlet, he "scents the morning 

 air," from the soft sweet grass, which he has been 

 searching all night for insects, towards the friendly 

 shelter of the old yew-hedge. You may see the 

 rabbit which has managed, in spite of every obstacle, 

 to push his way into the garden, taking his last 

 nibble at the forbidden fruit or flower. Presently, 

 down upon the grass, there comes, with a flop, a 

 cock blackbird, still more than half-asleep; he is 

 followed by another and another ; then drop in the 

 song-thrushes ; then the more lively and active 

 starlings; then the "careful" and friendly robin; 



