PREFACE 



IN the following pages I have endeavoured to set forth some of my observa- 

 tions and experiences whilst studying those birds — and mammals — 

 whose habit it is to frequent the upper branches of our trees. These 

 dwellers among the tree tops held — even in my school days — an overwhelming 

 fascination for me ; and in those days my abiUty to climb seemingly inaccessible 

 trees often stood me in good stead where the collecting of eggs was concerned. 

 On many occasions I was asked to climb to the nest of some bird — perhaps a 

 member of the Crow or Hawk tribe — because he who had found it was not 

 equal to the task ; and I often noticed that, in comparatively good collections 

 the eggs of such birds were not represented. 



And since it seems that our tree-nesting community generally are to-day 

 somewhat neglected by the Natural History photographer, I hope that the 

 results of my efforts as contained in this volume may prove to be of interest to 

 all those to whom our wild creatures are a source of pleasure. 



I have set down nothing concerning the birds and mammals which I have 

 studied that has not come within my own personal experience, and have not 

 quoted the views and beliefs of others without specific mention of the fact. 

 Let me avail myself of this opportunity of expressing my thanks to those 

 who have so generously allowed me to construct " observation posts " on their 

 land ; for without such hiding-places the photographs with which the book is 

 illustrated could never have been secured. I should also like to thank those 

 others who have so cheerfully encouraged me in my frequent moments of 

 exasperation and despondency. 



Park Point, 



Bessels Green, 

 Sevenoaks. 



September 30, 1921. 



