KINGFISHER. 
l»n-d had evidently at some former time been struck by a shot, which had passed through the upper mandible. 
'1 Ins wound was quite healed up ; but a small piece of the horny substance of the beak had been splindered 
and into the crack produced by the fracture two or three of the small fibres which form part of the flowers 
or seeds of the reed were so firmly fixed, that the bird was held fast. While flying up the dyke it must have 
brushed too closely to the reeds that grew on the banks and been caught in the manner described. The 
struggles of the captive had broken down the reed, which was lying fiat on the water, except when lifted up 
In the victim in his vain attempts to escape. When released from his unpleasant position he flew off, 
apparently none the worse for the mishap. 
I have come across a few quiet spots in the southern counties where this species is in the habit of 
breeding regularly. In every instance the bank resorted to was either directly overhanging the stream or 
in its immediate vicinity. It has been stated that rats’ holes are occasionally made use of; but those I 
examined were, I am confident, excavated by the birds themselves. The layer of small fish-bones on which 
the young or eggs are found are frequently described as the nest ; these bones, however, in my opinion, arc 
simply the castings thrown up by the birds. 
Many who arc well acquainted with the appearance of the Kingfisher as it darts like a flash of light from 
its perch on the penstock or a branch overhanging some small stream during the bright days of summer, 
would fail to recognize the dingy-looking bird that would be presented to their view on a dull and gloomy day 
in winter, when the stream looks black against the surrounding snow. Under these circumstances a 
Kingfisher has more the appearance of a Dipper or Water-Ouzel. I have repeatedly noticed this fact. 
