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PREFACE.
PREFACE.
For those who reside in the country and have both leisure and inclination to observe the movements and habits of birds, there is not a more entertaining occupation than that of noting the earliest arrival of the migratory species, the haunts which they select, and the wonderful diversity which they exhibit in their actions, nidification, and song. There is something almost mysterious in the way in which numbers of these small and delicately formed birds are found scattered in one day over a pari
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THE WHEATEAR. (Saxicola œnanthe.)
THE WHEATEAR. (Saxicola œnanthe.)
One of the earliest of our feathered visitors to arrive is the Wheatear, which comes to us as a rule in the second week of March; and, although individuals have been seen and procured occasionally at a much earlier date, there is reason to believe that the spring migration does not set in before this, and that the birds met with previously are such as have wintered in this country; for it has been well ascertained that the Wheatear, like the Stonechat, occasionally remains with us throughout the
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THE WHINCHAT. (Saxicola rubetra.)
THE WHINCHAT. (Saxicola rubetra.)
Seldom appearing before the end of the first week in April, the Whinchat arrives much later than the Wheatear, and is much less diffused than that species. By the end of September it has again left the country, and I have never met with an instance of its remaining in England during the winter months. On several occasions correspondents have forwarded to me in winter a bird which they believed to be the Whinchat, but which invariably proved to be a female, or male in winter plumage, of the Stone
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THE STONECHAT. (Saxicola rubicola.)
THE STONECHAT. (Saxicola rubicola.)
As has been already stated, the Stonechat may be found in a few scattered pairs throughout the country all the year round. At the beginning of April, however, a considerable accession to its numbers is observed to take place, owing to a migration from the south and south-east. It takes up its residence on moors and heaths, and many a lonely walk over such ground is enlivened by the sprightly actions and sharp “ chook-chook ” of this little bird. The male in his wedding dress, with jet black head
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THE WOOD WARBLER. (Phylloscopus sibilatrix.)
THE WOOD WARBLER. (Phylloscopus sibilatrix.)
Although often taken to comprehend every species of warbler, Professor Newton has recently shown [5] that the genus Sylvia of Latham should be restricted to the group of fruit-eating warblers next to be described, and that the generic term which has priority for the willow wren group is Phylloscopus of Boie. From its larger size, brighter colour, and finer song, the Wood Warbler deserves to be first noticed; and the first step should be to distinguish it from its congeners. Perhaps none of the s
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THE WILLOW WARBLER. (Phylloscopus trochilus.)
THE WILLOW WARBLER. (Phylloscopus trochilus.)
The Willow Warbler is much more generally distributed than the last-named bird; but it is possible that it is considered commoner from the difference in the haunts of the two species—the Wood Warbler, as already remarked, keeping further away from habitations. As a rule, the Willow Wren arrives in this country about the end of the first week in April—that is to say, before the Wood Warbler, but not so early as the Chiff-chaff, which is the first of the genus to appear. Yarrell speaks of these bi
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THE CHIFF-CHAFF. (Phylloscopus rufa.)
THE CHIFF-CHAFF. (Phylloscopus rufa.)
Although the smallest of the three species, the Chiff-chaff is apparently the hardiest of them all, for it often braves the winds of March, and makes its appearance in England long before the leaves have given signs of approaching summer. As I have already pointed out the means of distinguishing this little bird from its congeners, and have referred to its nest and eggs, it will suffice to state that, like the Willow Wren, it is a regular summer visitant to England, Scotland, and Ireland; that i
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THE NIGHTINGALE. (Philomela luscinia.)
THE NIGHTINGALE. (Philomela luscinia.)
In common with one or two allied species, the Nightingale differs so materially in structure and habits from the garden or fruit-eating warblers ( Sylvia ), with which it has been generally associated, that most naturalists nowadays are agreed in regarding it as the type of a separate genus ( Philomela ). For want of a better English name, and as indicating their haunt, the members of this genus may be called “thicket warblers.” As regards structure, they differ from the Garden Warblers in havin
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THE BLACKCAP. (Sylvia atricapilla.)
THE BLACKCAP. (Sylvia atricapilla.)
Five species may be conveniently grouped under the generic term Sylvia , or Fruit-eating Warblers, and these, with one exception, visit Great Britain regularly in the spring. Two of them, the Blackcap and Garden Warbler, enjoy little more immunity from traps and birdlime than does the Nightingale. Their fine song marks them at once as the prey of the professional bird-catcher, and during the month of April immense numbers are taken daily. The Whitethroat and Lesser Whitethroat are also sought af
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THE ORPHEAN WARBLER. (Sylvia orphea.)
THE ORPHEAN WARBLER. (Sylvia orphea.)
The Orphean Warbler, as its name implies, is another noted song bird; but, though not uncommon in some parts of Europe and Asia, its claim to be included amongst our British warblers rests on very slender grounds. So long ago as July, 1848, a pair of this species were observed in a small plantation near Wetherby, and the hen bird was shot and forwarded to Sir William Milner, who informed Mr. Yarrell of the fact. On this single instance it was included by the last-named naturalist in his “History
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THE GARDEN WARBLER. (Sylvia hortensis.)
THE GARDEN WARBLER. (Sylvia hortensis.)
To those who are unacquainted with the bird, the Garden Warbler may be best described as equal in size to the female Blackcap, resembling it in colour without the chestnut crown, having the belly pure white instead of greyish white, and the legs lighter in colour. It appears much later than the Blackcap, seldom arriving before the end of April. Both sexes are alike in outward appearance; but it has been ascertained, by careful observers who have dissected the birds, that the males invariably arr
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THE COMMON WHITETHROAT. (Sylvia cinerea.)
THE COMMON WHITETHROAT. (Sylvia cinerea.)
Far from leading a retired life like the last-named bird, the Whitethroat forces itself into notice by its noisy chattering and repeated sallies into the air. We cannot walk along a country lane in May without being reminded at every twenty yards of the presence of this demonstrative little bird. With crest-feathers erect and half-extended wings, it bustles in and out, gesticulating loudly, and seems to live in a perpetual state of excitement. The country lads call it the “Nettle Creeper,” from
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THE LESSER WHITETHROAT. (Sylvia sylviella.)
THE LESSER WHITETHROAT. (Sylvia sylviella.)
This is not nearly so common a bird, nor so generally distributed in Great Britain, as the last-named. It is confined more or less to the midland and southern counties of England, is very rare in Scotland, and unknown in Ireland. Mr. Rodd, in his “List of Birds” before quoted, says the Lesser Whitethroat is only seen in Cornwall during the autumn migration, and then only occasionally at Scilly. In Wales it appears to be equally scarce ( cf. More, “Ibis,” 1865, p. 25), but it is possible that, fr
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THE REDSTART. (Ruticilla phœicura.)
THE REDSTART. (Ruticilla phœicura.)
Sprightly in its actions, and more vividly coloured than many of our Summer Migrants, the Redstart cannot fail to attract attention in the districts which it frequents during its sojourn with us. It would be difficult, indeed, to find a more beautiful little bird than the male Redstart in his nuptial plumage. The pale grey colour of the head and back, relieved by a silvery white spot upon the forehead and a jet-black throat, contrasts strongly with the bright chestnut of the breast, upper tail c
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THE SEDGE WARBLER. (Salicaria phragmitis.)
THE SEDGE WARBLER. (Salicaria phragmitis.)
Leaving the woods, gardens, and plantations, and proceeding to the river side, we meet with a very different class of birds—the river warblers. This is a very numerous family, and were we about to treat of all the known species, it might be advisable for simplicity’s sake to group them into sub-families. As we are confining our attention, however, for the present, to those species only which have been met with in the British Islands, it will be less confusing if we dispense with this subdivision
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THE GRASSHOPPER WARBLER. (Salicaria locustella.)
THE GRASSHOPPER WARBLER. (Salicaria locustella.)
The third species of this genus which is a regular summer migrant to this country is the Grasshopper Warbler, so called from its peculiar sibilant note. In its general appearance it is most like the Sedge Warbler, but is larger in every way, and has the upper part of the plumage more variegated, no superciliary streak, and the throat minutely spotted. This last feature, however, is peculiar to the male. In habits, haunts, and in the character of its nest and eggs, the Grasshopper Warbler differs
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SAVI’S WARBLER. (Salicaria luscinoides.)
SAVI’S WARBLER. (Salicaria luscinoides.)
Before the fens were drained, it is said that the rarer species, Savi’s Warbler, was not uncommon in the eastern counties of England. The fen-men used to distinguish it from the Grasshopper Warbler by its note, calling the commoner species “the reeler,” the other “the night reeler,” from the resemblance of its note to the whirr of the reel used by the wool-spinners. In Norfolk, according to Mr. Stevenson, it appears to have been known to the marsh-men as “the red craking reed-wren.” The fens of
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THE AQUATIC WARBLER. (Salicaria aquatica.)
THE AQUATIC WARBLER. (Salicaria aquatica.)
On three occasions only has the Aquatic Warbler been recognised in England. One taken at Hove, near Brighton, in October, 1853, is in the collection of Mr. Borrer; [23] a second, in my possession, was killed near Loughborough, in the summer of 1864; [24] and a third, believed to have been obtained near Dover, is in the Dover Museum. [25] This bird resembles the Sedge Warbler in size and general appearance, but, in addition to the light stripe over each eye, it differs in having a light stripe do
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THE MARSH WARBLER. (Salicaria palustris.)
THE MARSH WARBLER. (Salicaria palustris.)
In appearance this bird resembles the common Reed Warbler, just as the Aquatic Warbler resembles the Sedge-bird. It is one of the plain-backed species, and similarity in appearance as well as in habits causes it doubtless to be overlooked or mistaken for the commoner bird. From its general resemblance to the Reed Warbler, Salicaria strepera [28] (Vieillot), it has no doubt been overlooked; but when its distinguishing characters have been duly noted it will in all probability be found to be a reg
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THE GREAT REED WARBLER. (Salicaria arundinacea.)
THE GREAT REED WARBLER. (Salicaria arundinacea.)
Not only has this fine species visited England on several occasions, but in a few instances it has been found nesting here. It has, therefore, a good claim to be introduced into the present sketch. Specimens of the bird have been obtained, once in Northumberland, and three or four times in Kent, [32] and the eggs have been taken in Hertfordshire and Northamptonshire. [33] The reader has only to picture to himself a bird like the Reed Wren, but twice its size, and he will have an idea of the appe
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THE RUFOUS WARBLER. (Aedon galactodes.)
THE RUFOUS WARBLER. (Aedon galactodes.)
From its peculiar coloration this bird is not likely to be confounded with any other species. Apart from the rufous tint of the upper portion of the plumage which has suggested its English name, the tail is totally unlike that of any of the river warblers; for, instead of being of a uniform brown, it has a broad band of black across both webs of all the feathers (except the two centre ones) towards their extremities, which black band is terminated by white. This is very conspicuous as the bird m
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THE PIED WAGTAIL. (Motacilla Yarrelli.)
THE PIED WAGTAIL. (Motacilla Yarrelli.)
By many writers on ornithology, the Pied Wagtail has been regarded as a resident species in Great Britain, since it is to be met with in some parts of the country all the year round, but there can be no doubt that large numbers migrate southward for the winter, and return to our shores again in spring. On several occasions when crossing by steamer to the opposite coasts of France and Belgium, I have seen Pied Wagtails passing across and at times even alighting on board the vessel for a short res
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THE WHITE WAGTAIL. (Motacilla alba.)
THE WHITE WAGTAIL. (Motacilla alba.)
Closely resembling the last-named in form and general appearance, the White Wagtail long escaped observation as an annual summer migrant to this country. Its distinctive characters, however, are now almost universally admitted, and ornithologists experience little difficulty in recognizing the two species. The particular respects in which the White Wagtail differs from its congeners are noticeable chiefly in the summer, or breeding plumage, when the former has a black cap clearly defined against
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THE GREY WAGTAIL. (Motacilla sulphurea.)
THE GREY WAGTAIL. (Motacilla sulphurea.)
Except for the purpose of a momentary comparison, it would be beyond the scope of the present volume to notice the Grey Wagtail here, for this bird does not come under the definition of a Summer Migrant. It is rather a winter visitant, being most frequently observed in the cold season, although many pairs remain in suitable localities throughout the country to nest and rear their young. Upon this point Professor Newton has remarked that “a line drawn across England from the Start Point, slightly
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THE YELLOW WAGTAIL. (Motacilla Rayi.)
THE YELLOW WAGTAIL. (Motacilla Rayi.)
By many authors the Yellow Wagtails have been separated from the Pied Wagtails under the generic term Budytes , proposed by Cuvier, not only in consequence of their very different colouration, but also on account of their possessing a longer and more strongly-developed hind claw. The numerous intermediate forms, however, which the researches of modern naturalists have brought to light from various parts of the Old World, have rendered this subdivision less necessary or desirable than it may orig
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THE GREY-HEADED WAGTAIL. (Motacilla flava.)
THE GREY-HEADED WAGTAIL. (Motacilla flava.)
Similar in form and general colouration to the last-named, amongst the flocks of Yellow Wagtails that visit us in the spring the grey-headed species no doubt often escapes observation. But it is not on this account to be considered rare. On the contrary, there is good reason to believe that it is a regular migrant to this country, and this is not surprising when we consider that it is the common Yellow Wagtail of northern Europe, the true Motacilla flava of Linnæus. It differs chiefly from Ray’s
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THE MEADOW PIPIT. (Anthus pratensis.)
THE MEADOW PIPIT. (Anthus pratensis.)
Premising that attention is not confined to species which are British, it is generally admitted by ornithologists that the Pipits are a difficult group to identify. They are subject to such variation in size and colour that it has often happened that one and the same species has been described four or five times as new, under as many new names. Gradually, however, as the researches of naturalists become extended, and the transport of specimens from various quarters of the globe is facilitated, t
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THE ROCK PIPIT. (Anthus obscurus.)
THE ROCK PIPIT. (Anthus obscurus.)
This Pipit, as already observed, is to be found on most parts of our coast throughout the year, except on that portion which extends from the Thames to the Humber, where it is only observed in spring and autumn during the period of migration. For although a resident species, inasmuch as individuals may be found on some parts of the coast throughout the year, it is also, to a certain extent, migratory, receiving a considerable accession to its numbers in spring, and a corresponding diminution in
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THE TREE PIPIT. (Anthus arboreus.)
THE TREE PIPIT. (Anthus arboreus.)
Although a regular summer visitant to England, the Tree Pipit, like the Nightingale, from some unexplained cause, is distributed over a very limited area. It never reaches Ireland, and is considered rare in Scotland, although the nest has been found as far north as Dumbarton, Aberdeen, Banff, and East Inverness. [43] Even in Wales and Cornwall it is a scarce bird, so that England may be said to be the western limit of its geographical range. Mr. Wheelwright never met with it in Lapland, but Mess
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THE WATER PIPIT. (Anthus spinoletta.)
THE WATER PIPIT. (Anthus spinoletta.)
In size this bird equals our well-known Rock Pipit, but may be distinguished by the vinous colour of the throat and breast, by the absence of spots or streaks upon the under parts, and by the outer tail feathers, which are marked with white, as in A. pratensis . It was named spinoletta from the provincial name applied to the bird in Italy, whence Linnæus described it. [45] Pallas, however, altered the name to “ pispoletta ,” because Cetti affirmed that this was the correct Florentine term, and n
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RICHARD’S PIPIT. (Anthus Richardi.)
RICHARD’S PIPIT. (Anthus Richardi.)
Out of compliment to the zealous amateur who first made known an example captured in autumn in Lorraine, the name of Richard’s Pipit has been bestowed on this bird, which is becoming better known to ornithologists in this country every year. Its superior size, stouter bill, greater length of leg, and longer hind claw, at once serve to distinguish it from the commoner species. As compared with the Rock Pipit, the largest of those with which we are most familiar, its dimensions are as follows: Its
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THE TAWNY PIPIT. (Anthus campestris.)
THE TAWNY PIPIT. (Anthus campestris.)
Easily mistaken for Richard’s Pipit, this bird is, however, of a more sandy colour, and may be distinguished by its short hind claw. In Richard’s Pipit, it will be remembered, the hind claw is very long. Its real habitat may be said to be North Africa and Palestine. Canon Tristram calls it the common Pipit of the Sahara, and Mr. O. Salvin found it abundant on the plateau of Kef Laks and on the plains of Djendeli, in the Eastern Atlas. In Upper Egypt and Sinai it is occasionally plentiful, and is
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THE PENNSYLVANIAN PIPIT. (Anthus ludovicianus.)
THE PENNSYLVANIAN PIPIT. (Anthus ludovicianus.)
On the authority of several good naturalists this species is stated to have occurred several times in the British Islands; but the general description of the specimens referred to applies as a rule so well to the Anthus spinoletta above mentioned, that it is extremely difficult to say to which of the two species they belonged. It is of course far more probable that the visitors to our shores would be of European, not American, extraction. At the same time they have been described as according so
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THE RED-THROATED PIPIT. (Anthus cervinus.)
THE RED-THROATED PIPIT. (Anthus cervinus.)
The present bird has, as yet, been scarcely admitted into the British list. I have seen a specimen in the collection of Mr. Bond, which was killed at Unst, Shetland, on the 4th May, 1854, and about the same year, but in September, another in the same collection was shot at Freshwater in the Isle of Wight. In the adult plumage the species is easily recognized by the ruddy brown colouring of the upper portions of the plumage, and by the rufous patch upon the throat. In size it is equal to the Mead
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THE SPOTTED FLYCATCHER. (Muscicapa grisola.)
THE SPOTTED FLYCATCHER. (Muscicapa grisola.)
The family of Flycatchers is a very large one, having representatives in all parts of the globe; but in the British Islands two species only can with propriety be included in the list of annual summer migrants. It is true that at least one other species has been met with in this country, to which allusion will be made presently; but it cannot be regarded in any other light than that of a rare and accidental visitant. The Spotted Flycatcher ( Muscicapa grisola ), as remarked by the eminent Irish
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THE PIED FLYCATCHER. (Muscicapa atricapilla.)
THE PIED FLYCATCHER. (Muscicapa atricapilla.)
From its conspicuous black and white plumage, the Pied Flycatcher is a much more attractive species than the commoner bird. Strange to say, although of similar habits, and living on similar food, it is by no means so common as a species, nor so generally dispersed. Its presence in Scotland is always looked upon as an uncommon occurrence, and in Ireland, until recently, it was quite unknown. During the month of April, 1875, Mr. Robert Warren, jun., of Moyview, Ballina, co. Mayo, met with this bir
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THE SWALLOW. (Hirundo rustica.)
THE SWALLOW. (Hirundo rustica.)
Few birds have attracted more attention in all countries and in all ages than the Swallows; and the habits of those species which annually visit the British Islands have been so thoroughly investigated and so frequently described, that little originality can be claimed for the remarks which I have now to offer. There are two points, however, in the natural history of these birds which do not appear to have received from their biographers so much attention as they deserve, viz., the nature of the
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THE MARTIN. (Hirundo urbica.)
THE MARTIN. (Hirundo urbica.)
Although arriving in this country somewhat later than the Swallow, the Martin may be said to have nearly the same geographical range. Mr. Yarrell thought that the Swallow did not go so far north as the Martin, [70] but both are found in summer in Iceland and the Faroe Isles. Mr. Dann remarked that there was no want of food for them in Norway and Lapland, as the morasses in the sheltered valleys swarm with insects. During the season that it is absent from England it resides in North Africa, Egypt
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THE SAND MARTIN. (Cotyle riparia.)
THE SAND MARTIN. (Cotyle riparia.)
This little bird has a much more extensive range than either of the foregoing species, being found in the New as well as in the Old World. In British North America M. Bourgeau obtained both birds and eggs on the Saskatchewan plains. Dr. Coues met with it in Arizona, and Professor Baird has recorded it from California. He says: “It furnishes almost a solitary instance amongst land birds of the same species inhabiting both continents permanently, and not as an accidental or occasional visitor in e
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THE COMMON SWIFT. (Cypselus apus.)
THE COMMON SWIFT. (Cypselus apus.)
To ordinary observers a Swift appears so much like a Swallow, that the only difference discernible by them is a difference of colour. To the inquiring naturalist, however, a much more important distinction presents itself in the peculiar and remarkable anatomy of the former bird. Not only has it a greater extent of wing, moved by larger and more powerful muscles, but the structure of the foot is curiously adapted for climbing within the narrow crevices which are usually selected as nesting-place
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THE ALPINE SWIFT. (Cypselus alpinus.)
THE ALPINE SWIFT. (Cypselus alpinus.)
So rare a visitant to this country is the Alpine Swift that not more than a score of individuals have been met with since the first specimen was captured in 1820. In that year a bird of this species was killed at Kingsgate, in the Isle of Thanet, during the month of June, and since that time the following examples are recorded to have been met with:— One, Dover, Aug. 20, 1830; “Note-book of a Naturalist,” p. 226. One, Buckenham, Norfolk, Oct. 13, 1831; Yarrell, “Hist. Brit. Birds,” vol. ii. p. 2
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THE NIGHTJAR. (Caprimulgus europæus.)
THE NIGHTJAR. (Caprimulgus europæus.)
In order of date, the Nightjar is one of the latest of the summer birds to arrive, being seldom seen before the beginning of May, although, as in the case of other species, one now and then hears of an exceptionally early arrival. In 1872, for example, Mr. Gatcombe informed me that he had seen a Nightjar in the neighbourhood of Plymouth on the 10th of April, at least a month earlier than the usual time of its appearance. By the end of September, or the first week in October, these birds have ret
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THE CUCKOO. (Cuculus canorus.)
THE CUCKOO. (Cuculus canorus.)
From numerous observations made by competent naturalists in different localities, it appears that the usual time of arrival of the Cuckoo in this country is between the 20th and 27th of April, and the average date of its appearance may be said to be the 23rd of that month, St. George’s Day. In no instance, so far as I am aware, has the bird been heard or seen before the 6th of April. On that date in 1872 it was observed at Torquay, but this was considered by my informant an unusually early date
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THE WRYNECK. (Jynx torquilla.)
THE WRYNECK. (Jynx torquilla.)
Following closely in the wake of the Cuckoo, if not occasionally preceding it, comes the Wryneck, or Cuckoo’s-mate, as it is popularly called from the habit referred to. In some respects it is a very remarkable bird, for not only is its appearance quite unlike that of any other of our summer migrants, but its actions and habits are also totally different. In size no larger than a Skylark, it at once attracts attention by the beauty of its plumage which, although of sombre hue, is prettily varieg
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THE HOOPOE. (Upupa epops.)
THE HOOPOE. (Upupa epops.)
Amongst the large number of migratory birds which resort to the British Islands in spring for the purpose of nidification, are a few which come to us accidentally, as it were, or as stragglers from the main body of immigrants which, crossing the Mediterranean from Africa, becomes dispersed over the greater part of Europe. The Hoopoe is one of these. Not a summer elapses without the appearance, and, I regret to say, the destruction, of several of these beautiful birds being chronicled in some one
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THE GOLDEN ORIOLE. (Oriolus galbula.)
THE GOLDEN ORIOLE. (Oriolus galbula.)
Like the Hoopoe, the Golden Oriole makes its annual visit to the European continent from the countries south of the Mediterranean, in the month of April, and returns in September. In the interval it may be found not uncommonly in the wooded parts of Central and Southern Europe; but it is rare in the north, being seldom seen in Sweden, and unknown in Norway. In England, where it may be regarded as an irregular summer migrant, it unfortunately meets with little or no protection, for its bright col
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THE RED-BACKED SHRIKE. (Lanius collurio.)
THE RED-BACKED SHRIKE. (Lanius collurio.)
Quite unlike any other of our summer migrants in appearance, the Red-backed Shrike, or Butcher-bird, as it is more frequently called, differs from them all in habits, and from the majority in having no song to recommend it to notice. It is a curious bird in its way, shy and retired in its disposition, and prefers tall tangled hedgerows or the thick foliage of the lower branches of the oak, where it can sit unobservedly and dart out upon its unsuspecting prey. It is a very Hawk by nature, capturi
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THE TURTLE-DOVE. (Turtur auritus.)
THE TURTLE-DOVE. (Turtur auritus.)
Amidst the general harmony of the grove in spring, there are few prettier sounds than the gentle cooing of the Turtle-Dove. Perched upon a bough at no great height from the ground, it pours forth its soft murmurings with a delightful crescendo and diminuendo , while close at hand, upon a mere frame-work of a nest, the mate sits brooding upon her two milk-white eggs. Arriving in this country towards the end of April or beginning of May, the Turtle-Dove is seen only in pairs until the young are ab
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THE LANDRAIL OR CORNCRAKE. (Crex pratensis.)
THE LANDRAIL OR CORNCRAKE. (Crex pratensis.)
Sportsmen who during the early part of September follow their “birds” into seed—clover, rape, or mustard—seldom fail in such places to pick up a Landrail or two, and add in this way a pleasing variety to their bag. The appearance of a Rail usually gives rise to some comment, and not unfrequently to an expression of surprise that a bird of such skulking habits and apparently of such weak flight should be able to leave the country periodically, and return to it. That it does so, however, is certai
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GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.
GENERAL OBSERVATIONS.
In the year 1872, through the medium of the Natural History columns of “The Field,” a series of observations were made by naturalists in different parts of England on the subject of “Our Summer Migrants.” A form of calendar was distributed and filled up by each according to his opportunities. In this way, by the end of the year six hundred and forty-five separate observations were placed on record, and it devolved upon me to prepare a report from the statistics so furnished. As a good deal of in
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CONCLUSION.
CONCLUSION.
As the Swallows are amongst the first to arrive, so they are amongst the last to depart. Long before chill winds and falling leaves have ushered in the month of October, the Warblers, Pipits, and Flycatchers have left the woods and fields, and hurried down to the coast on their southward route. But the Swallows, loth to leave us, linger on far into the autumn, and only bid us adieu when they miss the genial influence of the sun’s rays, and can no longer find a sufficient supply of food. The spor
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