164



Winter birds in Mid-Dorset.



passage of stiff quills impelled at great speed by strong muscles.

The speed, vigour, and energy of such great heavy birds are alike

extraordinary. There was considerable individual freedom of move¬

ment in the flock, but never enough to spoil the wedge, which

formation was preserved all the time they were under observation.


The presence of Hawks was reported on three occasions

through the winter. Each was a Kestrel or Wind-hover. One was

seen flying over a forty-acre field of young rye, not above a yard

from the ground, wings stretched and taut, gliding along as if on an

invisible wire. One was observed at close quarters to swoop and

rise carrying a mouse from the corner of a field near a rick. The

third was being pursued by a noisy mob of various small birds.

The Hawk drew itself up through some high elm trees, where the

majority of assailants stopped and perched and chattered clamor¬

ously, whilst the Kestrel soared away beyond and above the trees,

followed by a few stragglers that were rapidly outdistanced and

abandoned the chase.


Pheasants abounded in the autumn, but were less conspicuous

later, though little shooting took place. The Pheasant is a beautiful

addition to the landscape. Its bright colouring, especially in the

cock bird, blends well with English scenery, being particularly in

harmony with the changing ripening tints of the fall. Its speedy

and easy running, its vigorous bursts of flying, its many habits

peculiar to itself, as “ rocketing,” add to the interest one feels in the

Pheasant as a purely wild bird apart from its “sporting” connec¬

tions, for it is one of the largest and most distinctive of British

birds.


Coveys of Partridges roost in the stubbles on mild nights, run

quickly when disturbed, and fly with rapid pulsing flight near the

ground, reminding one curiously of Sparrows. They seek more

shelter as the weather gets harder.


The stridulous screech of the Barn or White Owl was heard

most nights, and the hooting “ too-hoo ” of the Tawny or Wood Owl

less often. Owls should be valuable birds in Mid-Dorset, for it is a

considerable corn-growing country, and rats and mice abound, as

well as Sparrows and other small birds, besides beetles and a great

variety of insects.



