184 Birds. 



one specimen, however, has fallen under my observation during the 

 whole winter, and that a female, killed on the 1st of December : about 

 the same time a bittern was captured upon the peat-mosses, and soon 

 afterwards I heard of three others occurring in the district. Bitterns 

 are by no means annual visitors, nor is their appearance among us at 

 all indicative of a severe winter ; but when we are favoured with the 

 company of this bog-hunter, a flock of eight or ten is generally scat- 

 tered over the mosses and adjoining country. The only bird really 

 new to our fauna was the hooded crow, a specimen of which was 

 killed far inland in the early part of November. I am not aware that 

 this species of Corvus has ever been seen before in this district, and 

 this is the only fresh specimen which I have had an opportunity of 

 examining. The woodcock anived about its accustomed period. The 

 same observations may be made respecting redwings and fieldfares. 

 During the whole season a tolerably sized flock of these thrushes has 

 never come under my observation. The jack-snipe appeared early ; 

 but our most experienced sportsmen complained that they never re- 

 member snipes and woodcocks being so scarce. 



The 27th of December was one of the most delightful days that I 

 ever remember in autumn. The redbreast sang with the freedom of 

 his vernal song : the hedge-warbler and common wren were also very 

 merry and musical, while the chaffinch, as if forgetful of what was to 

 come, and apparently ready to join his partner in the choice of a 

 nesting-place, repeated his twink-twink'tivrnk so often and with 

 such energy, that for some time I listened with trembling ears lest he 

 should break forth into his sprightly song of February. 



January, 1843, was much like December, very mild, with the ex- 

 ception of one week's frost. The habits of a few birds afford me a 

 scale of comparison between the January of this and other years : of 

 these the grey wagtail offers an interesting illustration. This species 

 is a permanent resident with us ; at least its migrations are confined 

 to a distance of five or six miles upon the banks of our river. In 

 summer it may be met with about two or three miles above the town, 

 in its breeding places, upon the more rugged and wooded parts of the 

 rivers Kent, Mint and Sprint. In autumn the birds, old and young, 

 draw nearer the town ; and perhaps, as winter approaches, part may 

 leave us entirely, but the majority remain the year round. Should 

 the winter be mild, its autumnal quarters are never forsaken ; but if 

 a severe frost set in, and cover over all its usual haunts with ice, after 

 having for some days vainly endeavoured to gain sustenance about 

 the sluices and bridges, these birds retire to a deeply sheltered part 



