284 Among the Birds in Northern Shires. 



haps the sweetest and most musical, whilst the last 

 is the least so. The Starling, however, is a very 

 fair winter singer. The voice of the Missel-thrush is 

 also heard throughout January, but now and then 

 we have a day perhaps when he is silent, sure sign 

 that music is on the wane. Towards the end of the 

 month the Song Thrushes are back again in their 

 accustomed haunts, and on exceptionally fine and 

 sunny days may be heard to sing a little; the Black- 

 bird, however, is invariably silent. Another irregular 

 singer in January is the Sky-lark. It requires a 

 warm and spring-like day indeed to woo him into 

 voice, still his song must not be overlooked at this 

 season. So far as most birds are concerned, January 

 is a typical winter month. There are few signs 

 among the birds here in South Yorkshire to indicate 

 any change of seasons. At the end of the month 

 Sparrows may be remarked at their old nests, and 

 many Hedge Accentors undoubtedly pair at this 

 time. The Titmice are still leading a nomad life; 

 but the Rook and the Starling seldom fail to visit 

 their nesting-places each morning. The Finches are 

 of course still in flocks, but a rapid abrasion of the 

 pale edges to the feathers is remarkable, sure sign 

 that the nuptial period is now approaching. This is 

 specially the case with Chaffinches and Bramblings: 

 Greenfinches abrade later. Yellow Buntings are 

 still in flocks upon the fields; the Meadow Pipit, yet 



