On Birds in North Northumberland, by T. H. Gibb. 137 



an element in my opinion very destructive to our game birds — 

 may not be attributed to the deplorable decrease of our birds and 

 animals of prey, 



King Fisher (Alcedo Ispida). — I am inclined to believe that 

 this bird, which, for beauty of plumage, can bear comparison 

 with many of the gorgeously attired inhabitants of tropical 

 climates, is far more numerous than it is generally supposed to 

 be. It is a most retiring and solitary bird ; and moreover pos- 

 sesses no small amount of cunning and precaution ; and is there- 

 by enabled to remain without being much observed in its chosen 

 retreat. For the last ten years there has generally been a nest 

 or two on the Aln ; and yet I have known men who have fre- 

 quented the river regularly during the whole of that period, who 

 have not, in all that time, had a single glance of the Halcyon 

 fisher ; and no doubt this is owing to the bird's habits, for as soon 

 as his privacy is invaded, he is either off like a flash of light, 

 covering his retreat by some projecting rock or bank ; or else he 

 quietly ensconces himself in some river-side thicket, if such be at 

 his command ; either of which stratagems he so adroitly performs, 

 that to a casual observer, his proximity is never thought of. 

 I have frequently marked a Kingfisher into an alder by the 

 river side ; and, although using every effort to dislodge him, have 

 as frequently failed. I remember some years ago marking one 

 into a willow bush, where the shelter seemed so scant that I 

 thought I should have had no difficulty in turning him out, but 

 after repeated efforts completely failed. It so happened, how- 

 ever, that a sharp shower of rain began to fall, and I took 

 shelter underneath an adjoining tree. There I remained for at 

 least half-an-hour ; all the time watching the hiding place of the 

 bird. At the end of that time, the shower passed off, and, as if 

 actuated by a simultaneous impulse, as I stepped out from my 

 shelter, so also the Kingfisher emerged from his, and took wing 

 up the stream, uttering as he flew that shrill ery, which, once 

 heard aright, is never afterwards mistaken for the flight-note of 

 the Water Dipper ; which in many respects it closely resembles. 

 During the summer of 1876, I frequently observed the King- 

 fishers on the river Aln. Their note I oftener heard, and also the 

 sharp whir of their wings, as they flew unobserved in their usual 

 cautious and cunning way, from the alder thickets. 



Water Dipper (Sturnus Cinclus) is a permanent resident on the 



