" The Wryneck can run up or down the trunk of tree with equal 



and expedition.' 



THE WRYNECK 



T 



HE Wryneck, or Cuckoo's 

 Mate, as it is sometimes 

 called, on account of the 

 fact that it arrives upon 

 our shores about the same 

 time as that much-lookcd- 

 for harbinger of spring, 

 is a very interesting bird. 

 It always makes its presence known 

 " from early morn till dewy eve " by 

 a rather wearisome reiteration of its 

 kestrel-like call notes, que, que, que, 

 which are rapidly uttered. 



In the distance it looks an ordinary 

 brown sparrow-like bird, but when 

 observed within two or three feet its 



plumage is seen to consist of the most 

 beautiful admixture of varying shades 

 of brown, buff, grey, and black, the 

 barrings and pencillings producing an 

 effect highly suggestive of a pretty piece 

 of lacework. 



It breeds in holes in trees and decay- 

 ing fence posts, and is very partial to 

 a favourite old haunt, to which it will 

 return season after season in unbroken 

 succession. If a woodpecker's hole, or 

 other accommodation of a like character, 

 cannot be found, the friendly shelter of 

 a nesting box erected in a garden or 

 orchard will be readily adapted. Should 

 a great tit be already in possession, 



35 



