BIRDS OF THE DISTRICT OF STAINES. 238 



Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (D. minor). — Egham, 1881 

 {vide Zool. 1902, p. 228). 



Kingfisher (Alcedo ispida). — The Kingfisher is by no means 

 as uncommon as is generally supposed — at least, not in any part 

 along the Thames. Between Penton Hook and Eomney Locks 

 there are never in any year less than a dozen nests, and in 

 many of the higher reaches of the river the birds are quite as 

 numerous. Having lived all my life on the river, I have had 

 full opportunity to study the Kingfisher in all seasons, and the 

 most remarkable trait in the bird is its wonderful conservatism. 

 Floods drive the birds from the main stream, and they are then 

 often met with far inland fishing in the flooded ditches and 

 meadows, but as soon as the waters abate they return to their 

 old haunts. During hard weather they suffer severely, and are 

 seen on the cold frosty mornings flying low over the water, and 

 uttering their loud shrill cry. Probably at this time the fish 

 keep well on the bottom of the river, and the bird is almost 

 starved. The flight, as a rule, is low and arrow-like, but is 

 capable of being sustained at a good altitude, and for a consider- 

 able distance. Two broods are reared, and the nest may be 

 found from March to the middle of July. A clay bank in some 

 quiet reach is chosen, and the bird spends about ten days scoop- 

 ing out its nesting-hole. One rarely sees the bird at work, even 

 though the spot, as is often the case, is devoid of any cover. 

 The straight narrow passage, smaller than any Water- Vole's 

 hole, slopes upward, and runs three feet or more into the bank, 

 leading into a circular chamber that always bears away slightly 

 to the left. Here, on a ground of powdered fish-bones, are 

 deposited the round white eggs, from five to ten in number. 

 When fresh the yolk gives the eggs a delicate pink tint, like 

 large pearls ; when blown they lose this, and become pure 

 glistening white. After being in use for some time the passage 

 to the nest becomes very foul, being sodden with droppings and 

 disgorged fish-bones. The droppings frequently make the nest 

 conspicuous, and are of peculiar character, being always white 

 and liquid. The inner chamber, or nest itself, is, however, kept 

 scrupulously clean. It is essential that some root or snag grows 

 from the bank within a few feet of the nest, for the bird never 

 flies direct to its home, but perches for a few minutes outside, 

 Zooi. 4th ser. vol. X., June. 1906. t 



