Birds of the Field 



solemnly about on its own quest, and signifying its 

 success by an occasional " caw." How corporate 

 a community is the Rookery, and how highly 

 organised ! The birds nest together in a few 

 neighbouring trees, and become so attached to 

 their home, that only the most persistent per- 

 secution will drive them away. They adjourn to 

 a field to feed together, and even post sentries on 

 the nearest trees to give warning of any approach- 

 ing danger. If we could only understand their 

 language, what might we not learn ? True, it is 

 unmistakable enough when we ascend the trees to 

 their nests, but if we could only hear the talk that 

 goes on as they return in the evening and hold a 

 parliament before settling down to roost ! 



Towards the end of February the birds begin 

 to repair their old nests, strengthening the frame- 

 work with fresh sticks, mud and bits of turf, 

 where the winter storms have wrought much 

 havoc. The centre of the nest is cup-shaped, 

 lined with grass, and much more neatly finished 

 off than the rough exterior would lead one to 

 expect. 



To most people the Rook is a " Crow," I 

 suppose on account of his blackness, but there is 

 no real difficulty in distinguishing the one from 

 the other. The difference in size for the crow 

 is the larger bird is not, indeed, sufficiently great 

 to be readily appreciable, even if the birds are 

 together, but the greyish white patch of bare skin 



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