366



Mr. A. R. Williams,



to whom improvement of cultivation is no bar, but rather encourage¬

ment, for it simplifies feeding. The destruction of birds of prey may

be a contributory cause. Hawks are becoming rare in this part of

England. A kestrel is sometimes seen, but not often. The sparrow-

hawk and kestrel used to destroy numbers of small birds, as well as

small animals and vermin. Now their deterrent influence is not felt.


Above us was a small wooded hill. The farmer informed me

that it was a few years ago frequented by a kestrel. It used to soar

to a great height from the far side of the wood, hover, and take

short flights, darting down with lightning rapidity on to its prey.

But it disappeared; shot no doubt.


Owls are plentiful, both the barn or screech-owl, and the

brown wood-owl, with its “tu-whit, tu-whoo,” curiously resembling

at a distance a forlorn human voice.


Flocks of wild geese sometimes pass over in autumn. This

is said to portend a severe winter, as is also a plentitude of berries.

Both statements lack proof, there being no reliable data to support

either belief.


We moved up towards the house. Below us lay a large pond,

overhung with elms, alders and water-loving' bushes. It was rapidly

filling with the Canadian pond-weed, and has to be raked at intervals

or it would be completely choked up. A number of gold-fish were

swimming about. These fish attain an amazing size in a large pond.

Some of them were well over a foot long.


Trout were kept here at one time, and then a heron used to

visit the pond. It was often seen leaving at daybreak. But the

heron does not confine itself to fish : it eats frogs and any aquatic

creatures obtainable. Herons are now protected by many country

gentry, who take great pride in possessing a “ heronry,” and so these

interesting birds are increasing.


In ten years the owner had seen only one kingfisher here,

and then only on one occasion. They are shy birds and somewhat

localised. On parts of the Severn one can often see them, and a

little patience is rewarded by seeing the bird dive, or rather dip and

catch, after which it perches and works the fish along through its

beak. Why is this ? Is it to kill the fish or break its bones or to

soften it for the young ?



