Birds. 2487 



bushes, which skirt our streams. They examine branch by branch 

 in a careful manner, in order to pick from the crevices any insect or 

 grub which may lie enfolded there : whilst pursuing these operations 

 they give utterance to a delicate pleasing song, which I have heard 

 even in mid-winter. Two nests have been found attached to the 

 same branch of a yew-tree. 



Fire-crested Regulus {Regulus ignicapillus). An individual of this 

 species was certainly shot here in 1838. 



Great Tit {Parus major). Common in old woods and parks, espe- 

 cially where decayed oaks, elms and maples abound, from which they 

 may be seen pulling the moss and lichens to procure the insects which 

 lie beneath. Its notes are recorded in my journal as being audible 

 generally about January 20. 



Blue Titmouse {Parus cceruleus). The number of insects which 

 these birds consume during the breeding-season is truly surprising. 

 I have observed a nest to be visited by either male or female generally 

 three or four times in ten minutes, each visit bringing some grub or 

 insect to the young. The old birds hang in a skilful manner with 

 their claws upwards, to procure insects rolled up in the under part of 

 the leaves of plants and trees. So nimble are they during this opera- 

 tion, that having once alighted on the stem of a plant — be it ever so 

 fragile, and although it bends from its perpendicular until the end 

 almost touches the roots — the bird rately quits his hold until he 

 finishes his examination of the leaves. I have known a pair breed in 

 the same hole for twelve years. Another pair occupied the hole in 

 the wart of a tree, the female sitting on the eggs until the wart was 

 sawn off, when I took her up in my hand. 



Cole Titmouse {Parus ater). 



Marsh Titmouse {Parus palustris). Frequents old willows. Rarely 

 seen in the upland or hilly parts. 



Long-tailed Titmouse {Parus caudatus). Seen most frequently in 

 winter in small parties. Their minute forms and deeply-marked and 

 ruffled plumage have a very pretty appearance when contrasted with 

 the cheerless sprays which they frequent. They breed here before the 

 hedges are in leaf. 



Bohemian Waxwing {Bombycilla garrula). Appears in flocks in 

 winter, at uncertain intervals. Twice taken here. 



Pied Wagtail {Molacilla Yarrelii). Some stay the whole year ; 

 others depart after the breeding-season, and arrive again towards 

 March. Those that winter here frequent sheepfolds and newly- 

 ploughed grounds, but have not that " neat and clean " appearance 



