Il6 BIRD-LIFE IN A SOUTHERN COUNTY. 



exceptionally tame, and we have often stood and 

 observed their movements within half-a-dozen 

 paces. Occasionally they would be joined with 

 a few Redpoles, Linnets, Greenfinches, and Yellow 

 Buntings ; while now and then a Cirl Bunting or 

 a pair of Goldfinches would visit the attractive 

 spot. The Tree Sparrows, we noticed, however 

 always kept to themselves, and when disturbed 

 went off in ^ twittering compact party to the 

 nearest trees. The marshy meadow adjoining this 

 reed bed is also a favourite haunt of Wagtails 

 during winter and the two seasons of passage. 

 In autumn especially large flocks arrive in Sep- 

 tember, and the reed and osier beds near by 

 are chosen roosting places. I sometimes stand 

 and watch these pretty, graceful birds arrive in 

 scattered parties, and in ones and twos, and drop 

 into the friendly shelter. They are late birds to 

 roost, and belated stragglers may be seen or heard 

 when the gloom of night is settling fast. Then 

 all the year round we have large numbers of 

 Starlings, which evidently find this meadow 

 abounding with food. In spring and summer 

 they search it in scattered order for food for their 

 young that are being reared under the eaves of 



