178 BIRD-LIFE IN A SOUTHERN COUNTY. 



yet frequently passing the day on some fiat branch 

 within the shade of the trees. This species retires 

 south again in September, but examples have been 

 observed in the county at much later dates. The 

 Wryneck, we should remark, is a rare bird in the 

 county, but one that is overlooked. We have 

 repeatedly observed it and listened to its very 

 peculiar call in the immediate vicinity of Paign- 

 ton. Titmice of various species, especially the 

 Great Titmouse, may be frequently met with in 

 the woods; while occasionally a wandering party 

 of Crossbills make their appearance amongst the 

 fir plantations. There are examples of the 

 Common Crossbill in the Torquay Museum 

 which were obtained in the wooded grounds of 

 Chapel Hill, just above Torre railway station. 

 Such is a brief resumt of the birds that may be 

 met with in our grand Devonshire woodlands and 

 groves places that, apart from their avine in- 

 habitants, are full of charm, not only from a 

 purely picturesque but from a botanical point of 

 view as well. 



