BIRD-LIFE IN LONDON 
25 
Mountain Linnet (all of which I have discovered here, excepting 
the Black Redstart), so do great quantities of Larks, Blackbirds, 
Thrushes, Missel-Thrushes and Starlings migrate from north to 
south. 
The observation of winter migrants is quite as interesting as 
that of summer. Many of the winter birds mentioned above 
are extremely rare in this country ; but I have known the Mealy 
Kedpole to remain and to nest quite locally, instead of choosing 
a different country. 
The Song Thrush, Robin. Hedge-Sparrow, Blackbird we are 
all familiar with, but the Golden Oriole, Hoopoe, Crossbill and 
Grosbeak have occurred here, though, excepting the Crossbill, 
they are as rare as the others are common. As for the 
Grosbeak, many specimens of this bird have I seen in the still- 
ness of the pine woods of Bostal Heath, but not lately. 
The Kingfisher? Yes, you may see him darting up one of the 
many large brooks outside our boundary ; but usually a man with 
a gun wants him for a glass case in his parlour, and so frequently 
an old muzzle-loader lays him low, which is one of the prin- 
cipal reasons why Kingfishers are getting so rare. 
It is time that this beautiful “ flash of blue ” was better pro- 
tected. I do not know which bird is persecuted the most, the 
Jay or the Kingfisher, but to see one of these birds flash up 
stream, and to watch him fish is worth a walk of miles : but we 
are going too far into the country now'. The Jay has increased 
in numbers here. In the winter time you may count a dozen, 
under favourable circumstances, in as many minutes. 
Turtle Doves occur here sometimes, and you may see them 
with the Stock and Ring-Dove. Unfortunately they are another 
group made to suffer ; for, during the wdiole time they are here, 
they are continually being slaughtered. The useless killing of 
these birds, so near London, during the breeding season should 
be stopped. The Ring-Dove is familiar with us in the parks. 
Whilst taking a walk in the pine woods you may happen on 
a squirrel : if so, look for one of the Woodpeckers. You may see 
the handsome Nuthatch, and perhaps hear his call : you may also 
disturb the Tree-Creeper, who is trying to keep the tree between 
you and himself, or you may see the bird descending a tree, tail 
first; for they are not very particular in their methods of locomo- 
tion. If you hear a tap, tap, tap, then you know it is a Wood- 
pecker. It may be the Green Woodpecker, or perhaps the Great 
Spotted or Lesser Spotted variety. 
I have only met the Green Woodpecker on three occasions 
within our bounds, though the other species may frequently be 
seen. 
One of our handsome birds, and one more often seen lately 
than hitherto, is the Goldfinch. You may hear this bird singing 
in its wild state. It is a pretty bird, sings sweetly, makes a 
beautiful nest, and lays a neat-looking egg ; and I consider it 
is the most attractive of all British birds on all points, for 
