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THE BIEDS OF THE DISTRICT OF STAINES. 

 By Geaham W. Kerr. 



This list is made up from my note-books which I have kept 

 for the last twelve years. 



First, let me give some idea of the country included in these 

 notes. On the Thames, Old Windsor Lock to the village of 

 Laleham is the limit ; across the river I have ranged to Thorpe, 

 and all around Virginia Water ; on the Middlesex side I have 

 worked as far afield as Stanwell, taking in the new Staines 

 reservoirs. The building of these reservoirs has had great effect 

 on our bird-life, attracting many species formerly quite unknown 

 to these parts. 



Unfortunately the reservoirs are a very difficult place to 

 successfully observe birds ; there is an entire lack of any cover, 

 the expanse of water is very great, and, owing to the height, the 

 least breeze lashes it into an open sea. So that, even with good 

 glasses, it is most difficult to approach near enough to satis- 

 factorily identify the ever-increasing number of Waders, Duck, 

 Geese, &c.,that occur on spring and autumn migrations, or that 

 remain to winter on the waters. The Duck and Gulls always 

 keep well out towards the centre, and the Waders that run along 

 the concrete slopes take alarm long before one can get anywhere 

 near them. 



Mistle- Thrush (Turdus viscivorus) . — Of late years has in- 

 creased considerably ; in the autumn many birds of a very light 

 plumage make their appearance, and, I think, must be migrants. 



Song-Thrush (T. musicus). — Common. 



Redwing (T. iliacus). — A good number pass the winter. 



Fieldfare (T. pilaris). — Common during the winter, but of 

 late years there have not been so many, probably owing to the 

 weather having been more or less open. 



Blackbird (T. merala). — Common. 



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