GARDEN AND ORCHARD BIRD-LIFE. 53 



diate neighbourhood than in any other with which 

 we are acquainted. Springtime, of course, brings 

 the Cuckoo to the wooded hills of Torquay, 

 and its mellow note may be heard in most 

 parts of the borough, especially in early morning. 

 We have ample evidence to suggest that the 

 Cuckoo actually breeds within the town limits; 

 and several instances have come to our knowledge 

 of young Cuckoos being fed by Hedge Sparrows 

 and Wagtails in certain large gardens and grounds. 

 The Swift, again, is a familiar visitor in spring, 

 and nests not only in the crevices of the cliffs 

 within a stone's-throw of the busiest parts of 

 the town, but under eaves and in holes in thatch. 

 The Kingfisher is a winter and autumn visitant 

 to the rocky shores of Torquay. During the 

 present winter (1898-99) several of these charming 

 birds have frequented the piles of the Princess 

 Pier, fishing from them in the morning hours. 

 Two species of Owls are also resident within 

 the town limits. In the neighbourhood of the 

 avenues above the Devon rosery, and near Torre 

 Station, to mention but a couple of localities, the 

 Brown Owl may be heard hooting almost every 

 evening during the breeding season. The Barn 



