184 Among the Birds in Northern Shires. 



this species. Its nest is frequently made in a 

 currant or gooseberry bush, a flimsy little structure 

 enough, made of dry grass stalks and roots and 

 lined with horse-hair. The eggs are very similar 

 to those of the Blackcap, and four or five in number. 

 During fruit time this Warbler is often to be met 

 with in the garden feeding upon currants and other 

 berries. It is most secretive in its habits, usually 

 betraying its whereabouts by its sharp call-note of 

 tec or tac. Its food consists of insects, larvae, and 

 most kinds of soft fruit and berries. It leaves 

 Yorkshire in September. There are many other 

 birds that visit the gardens in the northern shires 

 for fruit or vegetable food. In cherry time the 

 Blackbird and the Starling are troublesome enough; 

 the Ring-ouzel visits the gardens near the moors 

 for a similar purpose. Then the Hawfinch and the 

 Jay have a great weakness for green peas; whilst 

 the small Finches play havoc amongst the newly- 

 sown beds. Kestrel and Sparrow-hawk, however, 

 often visit such localities too, the former for mice, 

 the latter for birds. 



Before finally leaving the farmstead we ought 

 to give a passing word to the Barn Owl. This 

 bird is not so abundant now in many places as was 

 formerly the case, but it must still be regarded as 

 common in most parts of the northern shires. 

 There are not a few farmers, we are glad to say, 



