Rare. A few breed now and then among the higher districts of the county.
ACCENTOR MODULARIS [_The Hedge Sparrow_].
Generally distributed, but nowhere in abundance.
This rather bold, red-breasted gentleman, or cock-robin as we call him here, is somewhat more numerous than the last.
I am only aware of two of these birds having been seen in our county.
Neither of these birds are very numerous with us; but they may occasionally be seen in suitable localities,—the first is with us all the year, and the other, though migratory, is occasionally seen in winter.
A summer visitor. Wheatears generally appear on the sea-coast first, from whence they disperse inland. They are called with us the “Stone Chatterer.”
Comparatively rare. It is only of late years that this bird has visited us. How pleasant and enchanting it is to wander by the margin of the running stream either at latest even, or at earliest morn, or even during summer’s midnight hours, and hear the sedge warbler pouring forth his long harmonious song,—himself all the while hid in some neighbouring bush. See pp. 51, 125.
Rarer even than the last. A most noble songster, though I prefer the thrush.
More numerous than either of the two last. It arrives about the same time.
Very rare. It is only seen at intervals, though it is supposed to breed here.
Common throughout the whole county. It is found in plantations, whins, brooms, and in gardens and orchards. It generally nests on the ground. It is a very lively songster.
The only bird of this kind that I have seen, is one that I took myself in the Duff House policies.
REGULUS CRISTATUS [_The Golden-crested Regulus or Wren_].
Wherever there are suitable woods, this bird is to be found among us in pretty fair numbers.
PARUS CAUDATUS [_The Long-tailed Titmouse_].
These birds all exist in the county in about equal numbers. It is rather an interesting and pleasant sight, and one which I have often witnessed, to see small bands of these lively, active little birds, together with the goldcrests and creepers, all in company, foraging about amongst the leafy trees in winter; the tits on the branches, the creepers on the trunk, and, if there is no snow on the ground, the goldcrests generally lower down, near about the roots. All is life, bustle, and animation, each cheering the other with its tiny note. See p. 69.