168 THE BIRDS OF Is ORTHAMPTOIS^ SHIRE 



Sky-Lark, but may also often be beard in full song 

 from its percb on a higli tree. It is said to sing at 

 nigbt in the summer montbs, but we have listened in 

 vain for its music after dark, though its vocal powers 

 seem to be at their best in the " gloaming," Avhen 

 few birds but Owls and Nightingales are to be heard. 

 In Spain we have generally met with the Wood-Lark 

 in early spring, frequenting dry localities amongst 

 the woods of cork and evergreen oaks, in spots where 

 the undergrowth of heath, cistus, &c. is low and the 

 ground comparatively bare ; at that season it is found 

 in small parties of from six to ten, which, on being 

 approached, fly off with a soft musical call and 

 wavering flight, to alight again at a short distance, 

 some on the ground and others in the neighbouring 

 trees ; on a second alarm they generally make off 

 together over the trees to a distance. I have never 

 met with the AYood-Lark in what could be called 

 open country. On the ground this bird is very active, 

 running swiftly in every direction in pursuit of the 

 small insects which seem to constitute its principal 

 food ; on catching sight of a human looker-on, the 

 AYood-Lark will often squat close to the ground, 

 especially if its eye has caught that of the observer, 

 and in such cases will allow of a very close approach. 

 I note that the editor of the fourth edition of Yarrell's 

 ' British Birds ' states that the first eggs of this species 

 are often laid by the middle of March in this country, 

 but I think I may safely say that in Central Spain 

 the Wood-Lark has rarely paired at that season. 

 The very few nests I have met with contained fresh 

 eggs about the beginning of May ; these, of course, 

 may have belonged to a second clutch ; but I do not 

 think that can have been the case, as I had noticed 



