INTRODUCTION. 
XIX 
and when they breed, to make themselves acquainted with the colour and markings of their eggs, the downy 
state of their young, and the changes of plumage they undergo until they attain that of the adult. Still it 
is to he regretted that their existence is not further prolonged. 
Each season of the year possesses its peculiar attractions ; but spring has especial claims upon our notice. 
The sun, awakened from its wintry lethargy, ushers in this delightful season with its genial warmth ; and 
all nature greets with joy the presage of coming summer, and its many pleasing and interesting associations. 
The smaller birds are now prompted to e.Kercise their vocal powers, filling the woods and hedge-rows with 
their joyous harmony ; and preparations for pairing forecast the breeding-season. The Grouse tribe resort 
to their “ lek-stalles”*, the Ruffs to their hillocks ; the Rooks return to their ancestral elms, and the Daws 
to the nooks and crannies of the castellated tower. 
It is at this particular season that birds assume their gayest colours, and oftentimes appear in accessory 
plumes. The Peacock now spreads his magnificent train to the greatest advantage ; the Ruffs display their 
curious neck-plumes, the Grebes their tippets, and the Egret Its flowing back-feathers. In short, every 
species is now arrayed in its newest and most showy dress. Pairing having been accomplished, each species 
sets about the serious responsibilities implied in the propagation of its kind. Some, during this season, 
delight to nest in company, as seen in our own familiar Rook, wdiich will occupy in immense numbers the 
lofty trees of many a noble avenue, returning, year after year, for centuries, to the same spot. Such places, 
again, as Ailsa Craig, Handa, and Flamborough Head attract myriads of cliff-haunting species, which evince 
a similar tendency to reproduce in colonies. Few more wonderful sights can be seen during the month of 
June than the precipitous face of one of these places, say Handa. Viewed from the sea, there may be 
descried tier upon tier of Guillemots and Razorbills, &c., almost jostling one another, from the manner in 
which they are closely packed. Each species constitutes a separate community, and strictly confines itself to 
its own ledges. The Cormorants and Gulls have also their selected situations. Far above all, in their 
curious rabbit-like burrows, in the sandy earth constituting the summit, congregate those oddest of all birds, 
the Puffins. The din and noise of snch an assemblage is indescribable, and, when a gun is fired, almost 
unendurable ; while the circling, swooping flight of the countless myriads thus disturbed communicates the 
sensation of complete bewilderment. Usually among these great gatherings will breed a pair of some 
raptorial bird, such as the Peregrine, or more rarely the White-tailed Eagle, while in some of the more 
southern cliffs the Chough nestles, and adds its cackling cry to the universal hubbub. The Common Heron, 
again, is a bird nesting in communities, choosing, as a rule, large pine-woods, — notable examples being the 
* Lek and lek-stalle are Norwegian terms, applied to localities “ where affairs matrimonial are carried on.” We find them 
frequently used by Mr. Lloyd in his ‘Game-birds and Wild Fowl of Sweden and Norway,’ when alluding to the courting assemblies 
of the Capercaillie, Blackcock, Snipe, &c. 
