46 BIRD-LIFE IN A SOUTHERN COUNTY. 



many people passing at the time ever saw the 

 birds. The cabmen on the other side of the 

 street, however, were quite familiar with them, 

 and used to take no small amount of interest 

 in their movements. The Wagtails ceased to 

 use the spot as a roosting place after the bushes 

 had been trimmed. Another interesting little 

 bird often seen in the well-timbered grounds 

 is the Cr y eeper. We have repeatedly watched 

 this species clinging to the moss and ivy-grown 

 walls at the sides of the more private roads, or 

 deftly running up the trunks of the elm and 

 lime trees ; but like many another bird it is very 

 apt to be overlooked. We have often remarked 

 the expressions of surprise from residents in the 

 town when we have told them that such species 

 as the Creeper frequent their gardens and shrub- 

 beries. And yet a still shyer and more local 

 bird may also be seen amongst them, and that 

 is the Nuthatch. This engaging little bird is 

 a by no means uncommon visitor in winter, 

 coming quite close to the houses, and fraternising 

 with Titmice, Wrens, and Creepers. Of the 

 Titmice no less than five out of the seven British 

 species are to be met with, the Blue and the 



