THE BIRDS OF BRECONSHIRE. 409 
it singing at that time. Until then I had no idea its song was so 
beautiful. A flock of several were singing on a thorn, and, not 
knowing the song, I killed one and found to my surprise it was a 
Redwing. 
Rine Ovzexn, Turdus torquatus.—Fairly common at times on 
our heathery moors. I have observed it on a hill called the Crug, 
near Brecon, and generally in the autumn. 
Warer OvzexL or Dirrser, Cinclus aquaticus.—One of our 
commonest birds. Wherever the stream flows swiftest and 
strongest, there on a rock in mid-stream—the happiest and 
merriest little fellow of all our birds—you will see the Dipper. 
Such an active, bustling, and important bird; now dabbling in the 
water, now splashing about in his glee, then off down stream like 
an arrow, uttering its gladsome cry. This bird is a great 
favourite of mine, and I have often watched it carefully. The 
late Frank Buckland used to say he was not sure whether it ate 
the salmon-spawn or not. I do not think it does, but feeds 
on water-insects. I have never observed it with spawn in its 
mouth; and if perchance it should take fish for its first course, 
I am sure we can spare the spawn. I am informed by those 
that have had the cruelty to try it, that if you rob the Dipper’s 
nest it will not forsake it, but lay an incredible number of eggs: 
such is its fearlessness. 
Srorrep Frycatcuer, Muscicapa grisola.—Common. It may 
be generally seen in some of the gardens around Brecon, where it 
hawks for flies, and its movements when so doing are very elegant 
and beautiful. 
Prep Frycarcuer, Muscicapa luctuosa.—This county seems 
to be a favourite resort of this bird, and I may say with truth 
that it is fairly plentiful. It has bred in my garden at Vennyvach, 
and it nests also in several places in and near this town. 
Ornithologists residing here (and they are very few) agree with 
me that it is far from rare; and therefore I can only arrive at the 
pleasant conclusion that, although elsewhere generally considered 
a scarce bird, this county seems exceptionally favoured. 
(To be continued.) 
