The Nuthatch. 



55 



son, it permits nearer approacbj and so can be better seen 

 and its habits observed. I myself look upon the Nuthatch 

 as one of the most interesting of our native birds ; for it 

 is truly a native, not only nesting with us, but remaining 

 throughout the year. Part of the interest attaching to it 

 is the peculiar position it holds in our ornithological list, it 



NUTHATCH AND JAY. 



being the only species of its genus which either inhabits 

 or visits the British Isles, while the genus itself is marked 

 by many peculiarities. Its rarity may be also said to con- 

 tribute to its attractiveness, as with almost everything 

 else. For although in wooded districts it cannot be 

 called uncommon, it is nowhere very numerous, and from 

 many neighbourhoods altogether absent. Independent 



