172 BIRD-LIFE IN A SOUTHERN COUNTY. 



contains no brighter avine ornament than the 

 Magpie, and there are few prettier sights than a 

 bird of this species flitting along in straight un- 

 wavering course across the fields or above the 

 dense woodlands, flashing black and white in the 

 bright sunshine, or standing with long tail erect 

 upon the green pastures, in a crouching half- 

 startled sort of way, ready for instant flight if need 

 be. In some woods many Magpies' nests may be 

 found withiii a comparatively small area, and at 

 all times the birds evince a certain amount of 

 sociability or even gregariousness. 



The Heron, of course, demands passing mention 

 in a chapter on the woodland bird-life of Devon- 

 shire. In the South Hams district this bird is 

 widely known as a "Crane." Odd pairs nest in 

 some of the woods in the higher valleys of the 

 Dart; then there is the famous heronry at Sharp- 

 ham, lower down the river. So far as we know, 

 there are no heronries established on cliffs in 

 the county; all are in trees, and many of them 

 in woods. Of the Game Birds dwelling in the 

 woodlands the Pheasant is the sole representative. 

 Nowhere in Devonshire does Pheasant preserving 

 approach in importance that prevailing in so many 



