THE BIRDS OF WAKEFIELD: 



With 'particulars of the occasional visits of Rare Species, and of those 

 that have been observed to breed in the neighbourhood, 



FeOM 1845 TO THE PRESENT TIME. 



BY WILLIAM TALBOT. 



(continued from page 124.) 



STURNIDiE. 

 Starling {^Sturnns vtil^aris)— 



Is exceedingly common all the year round. It is a great friend 

 to the farmer, and richly deserves all the encouragement and 

 protection he can give to it ; it renders him great assistance in 

 clearing the land of mischievous insects. 



CORVIDiE. 



Carrion Crow (Corvus Corone) — 



I have found it breeding at Newland, Haw Park, and Bullclifife 

 Wood ; amongst young pheasants and partridges it is a most 

 destructive bird. 



Hooded Crow (Corvus Cornix) — 



Is a winter visitor. On several occasions I have received 

 specimens to preserve which had been shot in this neighbour- 

 hood. A remarkably large female was sent to me by Mr. Ball, 

 who had shot it at Hickleton whilst feeding on the dead carcase 

 of a sheep. 



Rook ( Oorvus frugilegus^ — 



Nearly every gentleman's estate in the neighbourhood possesses 

 a rookery. In the spring of the year it is amusing to watch 

 the pertinacity with which they steal from one another the 

 materials to make their nests, and on the approach of a man 

 the clamorous noise they make is almost deafening. 



Jackdaw {Gorvus Monedula) — 



Breeds commonly in this district. Before the rebuilding of the 

 Parish Church spire, jackdaws built regularly in the tower and 

 spire, but I am sorry to say that they have completely deserted 

 it since. 



Magpie {Pica caudata) — - 



May be found every year, nesting within a short distance of the 

 town. 



