OBSERVATIONS OF BIRDS IN MID-WALES. 139 



Magpik, Pica rustica. Very abundant, especially in the hill 

 country, breeding in the few trees to be found round the sheep- 

 farms. I have seen thirteen at a dead sheep, and one attempting 

 to kill a Starling in snow-time, January 11th, 1892. A pair began 

 to put their nest in order, January 12th, 1894. 



Jay, Garrulus gland arhis. Numerous wherever game-preserving 

 is not strict or general. Breeds as high up the valleys as stunted 

 oak woods extend. 



Eaven, Corvus corax. Still numerous, and probably not 

 decreasing. Mr. F. T. Fielden tells me that he has seen nine 

 together near Plynlimmon. The shepherds, often enlisting the 

 aid of a gamekeeper, lose no opportunity of shooting the hen bird 

 from the nest, or of burning the latter by throwing down some 

 litter which has been set on fire. I hear of the young birds being 

 found under the nest with their heads cut off, and a party of men 

 visit the more accessible breeding-places every year in April to 

 take the nestlings for sale. There is a general impression 

 amongst the farmers that the Eaven will tamper with a sheep 

 when in difficulties, and that its misdeeds at lambing time are of 

 the blackest description. I have found one of its castings to be 

 composed of wool, and to contain a lamb's hoof. Eavens visit 

 Borth warren in quest of rabbits. The smooth sides of the 

 Cardiganshire dales offer few available nesting sites, but the 

 bolder cliffs of the upper Wye, Yrfon, Towy, &c, are tenanted 

 by many pairs. Within the last three seasons I have visited or 

 known of a score of nesting sites. Two of these could be reached 

 without a rope ; another by means of a short ladder. The nest is 

 usually built of large and crooked heather stems, and as lining I 

 have found wool, cow's-hair, and a tuft torn from the mane or tail 

 of a dead horse. There is usually an old or partially-built nest 

 close to the one which is occupied, and often an alternative site, 

 which may be a mile distant. There are always two nests upon 

 the coast near Aberystwyth, and here the eggs are laid about 

 February 28th, the inland birds being some ten days later. One 

 nest upon the cliff may be easily seen into from above. On April 

 4th, 1893, it was occupied by five young birds in black down, with 

 pen-feathers showing in their wings. They scrambled about, 

 jostling one another, stretched out skinny necks, and showed 

 huge gapes, which, as five red spots, were visible even without 



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