1056 Birds. 



Missel Thrush, Tardus viscivorus. In this district a very common 

 bird in gardens ; and as it begins to sing the earliest of our songsters, 

 it has obtained the local names of storm-cock and Jeremy joy ; the 

 latter being a corruption of January joy. It sings on a day which, 

 for the season, may be called fine, but which is generally a forerunner 

 of stormy and severe weather. It continues with us all the year. 



Fieldfare, Turdus pilaris. Arrives here from the north about the 

 middle of October; I have observed a few even as early as Septem- 

 ber 27, and have seen them remaining as late as the second week in 

 April. Its mode of flight is peculiar, and is usually accompanied with 

 a harsh chattering, which the birds most probably so frequently utter 

 in order to keep the flock together. It is very good eating, and makes 

 a delicious pudding. On the wing it is easily distinguished from the 

 other Merulidae, by the white patch under its wings. I have noticed 

 that it varies a good deal in size, and in the depth and shading of its 

 colours. 



Song Thrush or Mavis, Turdus musicus. Much smaller than the 

 missel, and more uniform in its colours and spots. The habits of 

 both species are nearly alike. It is amusing to watch a thrush upon 

 a grass-plot, looking out for worms : as soon as it obtains a glimpse 

 of one, it turns its head sideways, and putting its eye nearer the hole, 

 immediately seizes a part of the worm, and pulls it Out; devouring it 

 gradually as the worm is torn from its abode. Thrushes are thus very 

 useful in destroying those pests, that raise such unsightly balls of earth 

 upon garden-lawns. 



Redwing, Turdus Tliacus. Resembles greatly the former, but it is 

 of a more elegant shape. In migration from northern Europe, it is 

 the precursor of the fieldfare, and often associates with it, in severe 

 weather, in vast flocks. It is readily known from that bird, not only 

 whilst flying, by the red colour under its wings, but also by its piping 

 note. From the latter it has been locally termed swinepipe. Its flesh 

 is good, although it has sometimes a bitter taste, by reason of its liv- 

 ing much on insects, worms and snails. 



Mr. J. W. Ord has informed me that a redwing's nest, with four 

 eggs, was found at Kildale in 1840. John Bell, Esq., M.P., has two 

 of those eggs ; and the other two are at Kildale Hall, in the possession 

 of E. H. Turton, Esq. 



Blackbird, Turdus Merula. A destructive species in gardens to 

 the cherries, currants, &c. ; but as it well repays us with its song, its 

 fruit-devouring propensities ought to be passed over. Mr. Selby has 

 mentioned the migration of blackbirds and thrushes from the north of 



