The Zoologist— June, 1871. 2631 



this species in its passage from its first year's plumage to its adult 

 dress. 



February 20. Magpies commenced building. 



March 3. Last woodcock seen. 



J. H. GURNEY. 



Marldon, Totnes, South Devon, 

 Marcli 6, 1871. 



Birds of the Malvern District, Resident, Migratory or Occasional 

 Visitors. By Edwin Lees, F.L.S., F.G.S. 



(Continued from S. S. 2520.) 



Tawny Owl. — This is the hooting owl par excellence, and, 

 though not often seen, its " tu-whit, too-whoo" is still to be heard 

 about rural places in autumnal evenings. There is a superstitious 

 prejudice against it as " death's dreadful messenger," should it by 

 accident in its nocturnal wanderings flap its wing against any ivy- 

 encircled window; and woe betide those country folk who receive 

 this unpleasant " token," as it is called, of some inmate of the 

 house being summoned to the churchyard. 



Longeared Owl. — Mr. Edwards mentions that he has had one 

 specimen to preserve. It is of rare occurrence. 



Shorleared Owl. — Also of rare occurrence. 



White Owl. — This species was formerly not uncommon, but 

 Mr. Edwards says that it is now almost exterminated. A late 

 evening wanderer may, however, still at times notice its noiseless 

 flight. Useful as it is in killing mice, it does not deserve to be 

 destroyed. 



Raven. — This well-known bird may occasionally be seen flying 

 high in air, but does not, I am afraid, now breed in the district. 

 Many years ago, however, I saw a nest with young ones just 

 fledged among the firs upon Sara Hill, Bushley. 



Hooded or Royston Croiv. — Mr. Edwards testifies to one shot 

 near Eastnor, but this must have been a wanderer from its regular 

 haunts. 



Carrion Crow. — Occasionally seen, and still builds in secluded 

 woods. Crow's-nest Wood, between Bransford and Worcester, 

 off'ers its homely name as an old memorial of the crow's domicile. 



Rook. — Rookeries are to be met with here and there in the Vale 

 of Severn, and the Lower Lode rookery used to be familiar to the 



