210 BIRDS 



V. SOME BIRDS I HAVE MET 



It is appropriate that the Cuckoo should be 

 accorded pride of place in this essay upon 

 feathered folk, because for weeks past his plain- 

 tive and well-known call has been continually 

 heard along the countryside. There are a great 

 many people living in the country who have never 

 to their knowledge seen a Cuckoo in the flesh, 

 although they may have listened to its plaintive 

 callings for a long period of years. 



A similar remark also applies to the Nightin- 

 gale. On first acquaintance with the last-named 

 species keen disappointment is expressed at see- 

 ing such a commonplace-looking bird as the origin 

 of such brilliant and passionate music. Those 

 who are unacquainted with our British birds 

 expect on observing the Nightingale for the first 

 time to see a bold, brilliantly-coloured bird which 

 cannot fail to thrust itself upon one's attention. 

 I have known the Nightingale to be often mis- 

 taken for the Common Sparrow, and have before 

 to-day met boys with the eggs or young birds. On 

 remonstrating with them they have promptly 

 justified their robbery by calling the birds or eggs 

 " Spadgers." 



As regards the Cuckoo, it is often mistaken for 

 a Hawk, and those who chronicle its early appear- 



