122 NOTES FROM GARDEN AND FIELD 



Although the Nightingale is never heard in Scotland, the 

 Blackcap is no bad substitute. In fine weather the notes 

 of this bird are singularly sweet and well modulated, and 

 lead the listener to the tree upon which it is singing. 

 The notes of the Garden Warbler are often heard associated 

 with those of the Blackcap, and the concert of birds to be 

 heard at the garden entrance of Ninewells, on a summer 

 morning, is not easily forgotten. 



The spring of 1899 was most unseasonably cold and wet, 

 acting as a damper on the song birds. There was a want 

 of unanimity in their notes, not the fine concert we some- 

 times hear eai-ly in a spring morning, when — in a spruce 

 grove — every bird, frequenting its protection, seems to be 

 singing at the same time. Everyone must be familiar with 

 the notes of the Thrush and the Blackbird ; how well they 

 accord. The Thrush with its high, well modulated song ; 

 the Blackbird with its mellow contralto. 



In conclusion, Parus caudatus, the Long-tailed Tit, is 

 rarely absent from our parish at Chirnside. It is perhaps 

 the most singular in appearance of any of its relations. It 

 is generally seen in winter, in families of a dozen or more. 

 With its peculiar note, flying along the tops of the trees 

 in search of food, hanging head downwards by its claws, 

 no more curious sight can be imagined. It is not very shy 

 when feeding, as T have stood under the trees and watched 

 the proceedings of the colony without causing alarm. It 

 builds a dome-shaped nest, with sometimes two holes in the 

 sides, and the construction is a marvel of skill. Bewick 

 asserts that the hen occupies the nest when incubating, with 

 head inside ; while the male bird feeds his mate, and sits 

 with his head turned outside, to make the earliest exit in 

 the morning, in search of food ! There was a large colony 

 of these birds at Billie Brae (parish of Coldingham) seen 

 by me in December, and at Harelaw Quarry spruce wood 

 they are often seen. 



