THRUSHES. 
167 
heavy gale of wind, the Missel-Thrush may he seen braving 
the blast, perched on the quivering branch of some tall tree ; 
hence it has gained the name of the Storm-Cock. It is, 
moreover, a gallant bird ; and during the breeding season, woe 
he to the Jackdaw or Magpie that ventures to cast a wistful 
eye at its eggs : nay, more, we have known it attack even a 
Hawk, and fairly drive him from the neighbourhood. 
The Redwing and Fieldfare are hut visitants : their sum- 
mers are passed in far-distant northern regions, where they 
rear, unmolested and unseen by man, those immense flights 
which frequent our fields and forests in the winter season. 
It is generally supposed that they are hardy birds ; hut the 
very reverse is the case, for, in severe weather, should there 
he a dearth of food, they are the first to suffer. In hard 
winters, when sudden falls of snow have deprived them of 
their usual supply, thousands have been known to perish on 
the coast, unable, through weakness, to take flight for a more 
southern climate. In January, 1815, when a heavy fall of 
snow fell on the 19th, and remained one deep white mantle 
over the face of the country till the 29th, during which time 
the thermometer, even at noon, rarely rose above the freezing- 
point, we recollect finding dead Redwings in greater numbers 
than any other birds. They are naturally remarkably shy, 
hut hunger soon makes them tame, as many a Christmas 
school-hoy knows ; when, if the weather is mild, he in vain 
endeavours to get a shot at a chattering party, temptingly 
perched on a naked hough ; whereas, should a severe frost set 
in, they seem to invite his approach, and allow him to take 
a steady aim within a few yards. Our common Song-Thrush, 
however, is a more social bird, and, if unmolested, will build 
its nest frequently almost within sight of our windows. In- 
stances have, indeed, occurred of still greater confidence. 
Thus, a short time ago, in Scotland, some carpenters working 
in a shed adjacent to the house, observed a Thrush flying in 
and out, which induced them to direct their attention to the 
cause, when, to their surprise, they found a nest commenced 
amongst the teeth of a harrow, which, with some other 
farming tools and implements, were placed upon the joists of 
