21 



breed in the Park for the same reason, as for many years the 

 old chestnut trees by the mound were frequented by several 

 of these birds. Being doubtful as to whether the carrion 

 crow would breed in the Park, I pointed out the circumstance 

 to my friend, Mr. H. E. Dresser, author of " The Birds of 

 Europe," and who has kindly assisted me in determining 

 other species, and he said that, although unusual, it was not 

 at all unlikely that this crow would nest in the position 

 indicated. 



Unless one is acquainted with the particular note of the 

 kingfisher {Alcedo ispida), or is attracted by its gaudy, 

 changing colours, the bird is by no means readily detected. 

 It often visits the pond in the Park, fishing quietly from the 

 overhanging branches, and invariably flies off in the direction 

 of the lake by the Railway side, between Blackheath and 

 Lewisham Stations. 



It does not breed in the Park, there being no banks 

 sufficiently steep or sandy; but I have, several times within 

 an hour, watched both male and female birds come to the 

 pond to fish, and fly off with their prey in the direction above 

 referred to, so that in all probability the breeding-ground of 

 the kingfisher is not far from Blackheath. I have seen a 

 nest unearthed at Keston which was simply a quantity of 

 loosely-placed fish-bones, the stench from these being any- 

 thing but pleasant. As many as four kingfishers have been 

 seen flitting about the pond at the same time, and so tame 

 that they frequently passed within twenty feet of workmen 

 employed at puddling. Unfortunately two of these birds 

 have been killed of late — one by flying against the windows 

 of the Ranger's house, and another was picked up dead in 

 the Park, having been shot on Blackheath. Last September 

 a specimen of the landrail, or corncraik (Crex pratensis), was 

 found in an exhausted condition by the rock fountain. Being 

 migratory would no doubt account for the capture of this 

 bird, and" also for the emaciated condition in which it was 

 found. For three years at least the lesser grebe or dabchick 

 (Podiceps minor) has reared its young on the pond, and 

 visitors have been greatly delighted with the diving feats of 

 this thoroughly aquatic bird and its power of remaining for 

 so long a time beneath water when in search of food. It is 

 migratory, and leaves about September. The lesser grebe 

 should not be confused with the moor or water-hen (Gallinuld 

 chloropus), which is always to be found on the pond, the 



