228 Mr. W. Thompson on the Birds of Ireland. 



but remained on this graceless perch * for about an hour, until it was 

 driven away by the owner of the spade going to resume his work. 

 This trivial circumstance is mentioned in connexion with the chosen 

 haunts of the kingfisher at this locality, as some writers have de- 

 scribed it to be a wild and unapproachable bird, avoiding the vici- 

 nity of human dwellings. I have never found it so. A relative, who 

 has bestowed much attention on the species, has been surprised by 

 frequently observing it alight in beds of reeds unapproachable to him 

 from growing on oozy banks, whence he could not again raise it either 

 by shouting or the throwing of stones. But when much persecuted 

 it fortunately becomes wild, as its splendid plumage renders it a valued 

 object of pursuit to the juvenile shooter. To my great regret I was 

 myself once guilty of the death of a kingfisher, but under extenuating 

 circumstances. During frost which succeeded a heavy fall of snow, I 

 was in pursuit of woodcocks and snipes along the partially wooded 

 banks of a rivulet, when a small bird of a peculiar appearance was 

 sprung two or three times as we advanced, and always within shot ; 

 at last I fired at it, and to my astonishment, on going to the spot 

 where it fell, found that it was a kingfisher. All sportsmen must 

 have remarked the changed aspect of birds rising against a snowy 

 background, but would hardly be prepared, as in this instance, to 

 see a kingfisher lose all its brilliancy, and assume a hue, dark and 

 sooty as the water- ouzel ; yet such was the fact. Had it not appeared 

 under false colours, the trigger would have been untouched. Its 

 mode of flight should certainly have indicated the species ; but over 

 this, unfortunately, the negative character of the absence of its 

 wonted beauty prevailed. Besides, it is not the snow-clad landscape 

 that should bring to mind the kingfisher, whose vesture under ordi- 

 nary circumstances rather suggests the torrid zone than the arctic 

 circle. 



Mr. Yarrell observes that the kingfisher is " a difficult bird to 

 shoot on the wing;" but from its usual flight being direct, like that 

 of the water- ouzel and quail, I should call it easy : — this will, how- 

 ever, depend on the individual shooter — it is to be hoped that those 

 who follow the bird with evil intent will find that it is " difficult " 

 to be shot. Occasionally, both in summer and winter, I have seen 

 a couple of kingfishers, apparently in playful mood, describing 

 graceful curves after the manner of the sandpiper {Totaiius Hypoleu- 

 cos), as they flew gently over the surface of the water. Their splen- 

 did plumage was at the same time displayed to the most advantage, 

 and they gave forth their peculiar shrill and piping call. This re- 

 sembles more that of the sandpiper than any bird with which I am 

 acquainted, but may perhaps be termed louder, hoarser, and not so 

 shrill. 



This species has already been mentioned as resorting to an upland 

 locality in the month of August, and remaining there through Sep- 

 tember ; after which period and through the winter it is to be met 



* I have seen the kingfisher perched on the not more picturesque brick- 

 bat, and on the mud of the river. 



