THE LOCAL ORNITHOLOGY.
'Twas then we heard the cuckoo's note
Sound sweetly through the air,
And everything around us looked
Most beautiful and fair.
OLD SONG.
All lovers of the woods and fields are interested in our native birds.
Many of their sincerest pleasures are associated with birds; they
listen for the song of the thrush in early spring; for the note of
the cuckoo, inestimable herald of the summer, voiceful when all else
is voiceless, magnet of the heart in quiet evenings as we tread the
rising grass or scent the new-cut hay;--and when the corn is awaiting
the sickle, for the _crec crec_ of the land-rail. So with the sweet
spectacle of the little nests, hidden away in the hawthorn or ancient
ivy-bush. So again with the graceful movements of very many,
The thin-winged swallow skating on the air;
the lengthened undulations of the yellow wagtail; the flutter of the
goldfinch about the thistle-stems; the rich and massive sailing of the
rooks when homeward bound, so grand, in particular, as they descend to
their night covert in the trees. "Who was it," asks Mr. Bright, who so
happily applied to rooks the lines in the sixth Æneid, where Virgil,
speaking of the descent of Æneas and his guide upon the Elysian plains,
says,
Devenere locos lætos, et amoena vireta
Fortunatorum nemorum, sedesque beatas?
And down they came upon the happy haunts,
The pleasant greenery of the favoured groves,
Their blissful resting-place.[30]
We propose, accordingly, now to add a brief account of the ornithology
of the district these Rambles cover, so far, at all events, as regards
the immediate neighbourhood of Manchester. The detailed observations
upon the habits of the various species as originally given in the
"Walks and Wild flowers" were, as stated in that work, supplied to
a considerable extent by two old friends, both long since deceased,
Samuel Carter and Edward Jacques. Many others will now be found, and
for these we have chiefly to thank Mr. Charles E. Reade.
When Dr. Latham published his famous history of birds, exactly a
hundred years ago, the number of ascertained species, in all countries,
was about four thousand. It is now beyond question that the number
is not less than eleven thousand, and many others no doubt exist in
remote corners of which little or nothing has yet been learned. Europe
contains a fair proportion of the great total. So does old England
individually. The Rev. F. O. Morris, in his six well-known volumes, the
first of which is dated 1863, describes and figures no fewer than three
hundred and fifty-eight, or about a thirtieth of the whole number,
which, very curiously, is just about the same proportion as that of
the inhabitants of the British Islands to the aggregate of the world
in general. In this list are included the genuine Ancient Britons,
the aborigines, the birds that never go away, hence called "Permanent
Residents;" the migratory birds, or such as come for awhile in summer
or winter, hence called "Periodical Visitors;" and, thirdly, the
vagrants, the lost, and the adventurous, collectively called "Casuals."
The introduction of the last-named, though legitimate, gives, it must
be confessed, a certain deceptiveness to the figures. In the whole
range of natural history there is no fact more interesting than that
birds, in their airy voyages, often wander inconceivably far from home,
so that in all countries solitary examples of different kinds are met
with in turn, not one of them perhaps ever revisiting that particular
spot. Well may the poets, that is to say, the philosophers, find in
birds the representatives and emblems of human thought, which, as
we all know, travels illimitably. To give these casuals, however, a
place in the catalogue commensurate with that of the aborigines, the
birds residing in the country all the year round, or even with that
of the established visitors, which, like the cuckoo, never forget
their appointed season, is manifestly to introduce confusion. At
least fifty out of Mr. Morris's three hundred and fifty-eight have not
occurred more than once or twice in any part of Great Britain; and
another hundred are particularised as "extremely rare." To say that
there are about two hundred British species is thus nearer the truth
as regards the established denizens of our island--the birds we are
familiar with, or with which we may become so by steady watching; and
of these, proper to our own neighbourhood, there would seem to occur
within a few miles of Manchester about ninety. The number of permanent
residents mentioned in the "Walks" is fifty-nine, and of regular summer
and winter visitors between twenty-five and thirty; if there is any
difference at the present moment, the changes of twenty-four years
will certainly not indicate increase. Why we have no more than about
one-half of the proper ornithology of the country is that Lancashire
is too far to the north, and its climate too damp and chilly, for
many of the summer immigrants from beyond the channel, though some of
these have no objection to visit the adjacent county of York; while in
respect of the winter visitors from the colder parts of the Continent
and the Baltic regions, we are rather too far to the west. If few in
comparison with the possessions of more favoured districts, the ninety
or a hundred are still enough to be proud of and to rejoice in. It is
with birds as with wild-flowers: we do not want lengthy catalogues, but
that which shall gladden the heart. A single life-history, followed up
in every little particular, supplies, exactly as in botany, more real
and lasting enjoyment than acquaintance, however sounding, with a score
of mere shapes and measurements, and resting therein.
The parts most abounding in birds are naturally those which supply food
in the greatest abundance. The peat-mosses, the cold and treeless hills
have their inhabitants. Still, it is where fruit abounds, and where
the insects depending on vegetation are most numerous, that birds must
always be expected to gather in largest numbers. Trees and substantial
hedgerows are also inviting, so that, all things considered, the
southern and south-western parts of the neighbourhood are probably the
richest both in number of species and of individuals.
The simple fact of so many as ninety of the prettiest and most
interesting of the birds accounted British being denizens of our own
district should operate as a strong inducement, especially with young
people, to commence earnest study of ornithology. If the gathering
and examination of ferns and wild-flowers be a perennial pastime,
quite as hearty is the enjoyment that comes of observing the forms of
birds, always so elegant, the diversities of their vestures, their odd
and entertaining manners and customs, their ingenuity, characters,
and tempers, their almost human instincts, and their incessant
prefiguration of human character. This last is, in truth, not simply
one of the most curious and amusing parts of ornithology, but literally
the inexhaustible part. The best and most precious lessons in natural
history, whatever may be the department, are those which enable us
to trace the harmonies between the lower forms of life and our own,
seeing that man is not so much contained in nature, as the continent of
it, the summary, compend, and epitome of all that is outside of him,
and of all that has gone before. It is not necessary, as some seem to
suppose, that we should _shoot_ every unlucky bird we may desire to
be acquainted with. The museums are now so amply stocked with good
stuffed specimens, that there is no need for further slaughter, unless
under peculiar circumstances; all that we may want to know about form
and colour is procurable indoors, and the best part of the subject is
always that which is followed up with our eyes and ears in the fields.
There is no harm in killing birds, any more than in the insecticide
of the entomologist, so long as necessary for the genuine purposes of
science; but to make a point of bringing down every poor wayfarer that
may come within range is wanton cruelty. Instead of glorying in the
destruction of a rare bird, or of a brilliant butterfly that an instant
before had been waving its painted fans like an animated flower, it
should rather be matter of regret that it has now been prevented from
any longer brightening the earth and air, and that the beauty of the
world has been thus much defaced. If a bird in the hand be worth two in
the bush, a bird in the woods, rejoicing in the freedom of nature, is
worth twenty in a museum or a glass case.
Assuredly, too, it is a great mistake to shoot down birds because of
the damage they do in orchards and corn-fields. Caterpillars, grubs,
and flies of various kinds multiply in precisely the degree that pains
are taken to protect the fruit by destroying the birds disposed to
attack it. The prudent man, instead of killing all he can, knows that
his best policy is so to alarm the invaders that they shall go away of
their own accord. Birds of a feather not only flock together, but, as
every ornithologist knows full well, can confabulate. Warned by the
discharge of small shot such as will do them no harm, they soon discern
that mischief is brewing, and though, like boys, they will "try it
on" again, by and by they take their departure, and conscience is not
smitten with the reflection that, after all, the poor creature was more
of a friend than an adversary. By killing off birds systematically, not
to say malevolently and vindictively, those who do so strive their best
to exterminate a leading section of the sanitary police of nature. No
policy is more short-sighted; it is the opprobrium of the present day,
and if persisted in will induce results that, when too late, will be
deplored.
While speaking thus of the wanton destruction of birds, let it be
added that the words apply with equal force to the wanton destruction
of flowers and ferns. Gather what can be applied to good and useful
purposes, but _no more_; and as regards roots, never dig up anything
that cannot be relied upon as quite sure to take kindly to the garden
or the rockery it is destined for. All true naturalists love to
contemplate Life, and living things, and no one deserves the name who
wilfully and wantonly or even heedlessly puts things to death, or who
treats them in such a way that they will presently be sure to die.
Let us proceed, however, with our list, adding only that the original
localities of 1858 have all been allowed to stand, so that it may be
seen what Manchester possessed then, if not to-day. The scientific
appellations are those which lead off the lists of synonyms given by
Morris. To facilitate reference to his useful work, the volume and
the number of the plate are cited after every name, the plates being
counted as No. 1 and thence onwards up to 358.
I. PERMANENT RESIDENTS.
THE KESTREL, OR WINDHOVER (_Falco Tinnunculus_), Morris, vol. i., pl.
17.
Common, building in woods, especially where little disturbed by
visitors. One of the most beautiful and harmless of its race, and
remarkable for hovering over its prey, which is often a field-mouse. It
may be seen suspended in the air by quick, short flapping of the wings,
sometimes for five minutes, then dropping down upon its victim with
wonderful speed and force.
THE SPARROW-HAWK (_Accipiter Fringillarius_), i., 19.
Common, a bird of great daring, and a very general and successful
destroyer of smaller ones, pouncing at once upon its prey. Usually
builds in a tree which commands a good view in every direction.
THE SHORT-EARED OWL (_Strix brachyotus_), i., 23.
Frequently found on the mosses. Two upon Trafford Moss in the winter of
1858-9.
THE WHITE OR BARN OWL (_Strix flammea_), i., 29.
Common. The most frequent, familiar, and useful of the British owls,
being a great destroyer of mice and young rats, therefore especially
valuable to farmers who have granaries. Often laughed at because of
its "stupid" look, the owl is a bird of consummate interest. The great
size of the eyes is adapted to the small amount of light in which they
are usually to be employed. In the broad light of day the poor creature
is dazzled, and may well look irrational. Mark also the beautiful
fringe around the eyes. This prevents the interference of lateral
light, and the bird can concentrate the whole of its power upon what
lies immediately before it, just as we ourselves shade the eye with
the hand, and curve the fingers, when we want to examine some distant
object more particularly.
THE SONG THRUSH (_Turdus musicus_), iii., 127.
Everywhere in the district, and its sweet voice known to every one. In
congenial seasons it begins to sing in February. The nests, with the
eggs, are brought every year to the market for sale. In the work of no
creatures more than of birds, as in higher circles of life, is there
more of "love's labour lost." But to balance extreme lack of wisdom,
so great in the present instance is the perseverance, that if in
endeavouring to raise a brood it is foiled by one of its many enemies,
the thrush almost invariably follows that good old rule, "try again."
THE MISSEL THRUSH (_Turdus viscivorus_), iii., 124.
Common, breeding freely and very early, and building a nest similar to
that of the song-thrush, but in rather slovenly fashion, and usually
very conspicuous, being placed in the forks of the branches of trees.
Any odd stuff is used for it, as pieces of torn-up newspaper, bits of
old flannel, stray cotton-wool, old ribbon, &c.
THE BLACKBIRD (_Turdus merula_), iii., 131.
Common everywhere, restless and vigilant, breeding freely, known to
every one, and a great plague to gardeners. Blackbirds, however,
consume so many snails, that in the matter of spoiled fruit we can
quite afford to be lenient.
THE HEDGE SPARROW, OR DUNNOCK (_Accentor modularis_), iii., 135.
Common, and especially attached to gardens. Begins to sing towards
dusk, never any sooner; then mounts to the highest twig it can find
near its nest, and is tuneful to the highest degree, saying, as well
as a bird can, "Home, home, sweet, sweet home, my day's work is done,
like yours; good night, all's well." A more exquisitely beautiful and
immaculate shade of blue than that of the eggs it is scarcely possible
to discover.
THE ROBIN, OR REDBREAST (_Sylvia rubecula_), iii., 136.
Universally known and beloved; very fond of visiting timber-yards in
the town during the winter, where it sings freely; and in the country
an excellent prophet of the weather, for if the next day is to be fine,
the robin mounts to the top of the tallest tree; if the contrary, it
warbles softly underneath. The young birds are nearly the colour of
throstles, the distinctive hue not appearing till after the first
moult. At this period the bird seems patched with red, presenting a
most comical appearance.
THE STONECHAT (_Sylvia rubicola_), iii., 140.
Seen every winter in the neighbourhood of Withington, haunting the
Swedish turnip fields. In the summer it lodges elsewhere.
THE GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN (_Regulus cristatus_), iii., 162.
This bird builds annually in the yews in the grounds at Dunham Hall,
and is common on the outskirts of the town generally. The note
resembles that of a weak cricket, and is often repeated, as if the
little creatures, like children, were afraid of losing one another. The
male and female are never seen apart, and usually there are three or
four couples together.
THE GREAT TITMOUSE (_Parus major_), i., 36.
Common, haunting woods and gardens, and busy most of its time in
looking for insects and spiders. Imitating other birds, and making all
sorts of queer noises, the reward it often gets is to be shot for its
pains, the wonder being what droll creature can it be.
THE BLUE TITMOUSE (_Parus coeruleus_), i., 39.
Very beautiful in plumage, usually a sweet light blue or dark blue and
yellow, common in woods and gardens, and building its nest in holes of
trees, in letter-boxes, old pumps, and anything else that has a cavity
in it and it takes a fancy to. In late autumn and winter there is no
prettier sight than to watch one of these elegant little creatures
pecking away at one of the two or three apples that a kind-hearted man
always leaves for it.
THE COLE TITMOUSE (_Parus ater_), i., 37.
Common, but chiefly found in winter, usually going northwards to breed.
THE MARSH TITMOUSE. (_Parus palustris_), i., 40.
Similar to the last both in habits and note, but building more
frequently.
THE LONG-TAILED TITMOUSE (_Parus caudatus_), i., 41.
The nest, which is usually suspended from the ends of branches in the
thick of the hedge, is most beautifully formed, and resembles a little
bee-hive. It is constructed of moss, lichens, and spiders' webs, and
lined with feathers, as many, when pulled out and scattered abroad, as
would fill a couple of hats. In autumn, parties of about half-a-dozen
usually go about together, scampering through the orchards, generally
from east to west, examining every tree with remarkable rapidity,
always moving, never resting; after which they are not seen again
perhaps for months.
THE PIED WAG-TAIL, OR DISH-WASHER (_Motacilla Yarrellii_), ii., 80.
A common and very elegant bird, building under bridges, and near the
water, but always in some rough or stony place, such as a hole where a
brick has fallen out. Haunting stream and pond-sides in quest of food,
it is quite as particular as a lady is over her dress, flirting its
little tail so as to preserve it from getting soiled.
THE GRAY WAG-TAIL, (_Motacilla sulphurea_), ii., 82.
Similar to the last in habits, and very beautiful in its breeding
plumage, showing yellow, blue, black, white, green, and many other
tints. Near Manchester rather rare.
THE MEADOW PIPIT, OR TITLING (_Anthus pratensis_), ii., 86.
Common in meadows and upon the mosses, as Chat Moss and White Moss, on
which it breeds abundantly. This bird has most young cuckoos to rear of
any of the feathered tribe that build on the ground, and a good deal of
work to do, for the young cuckoos are both big and hungry. It is one
also of many which, if they think their young are in danger, feign to
be wounded, so as to draw attention away from the nest.
THE SKYLARK, OR LAVROCK (_Alauda arvensis_), ii., 93.
Common everywhere, building on the ground. The male bird seems to
collect the materials, while the female employs herself in arranging
them. Seldom alighting upon either tree or bush, the lark, rather
singular to say, is, except when soaring, in its habits almost wholly
terrestrial.
THE COMMON BUNTING (_Emberiza miliaria_), ii., 97.
Not infrequent, singing, in a shrill note, in March, on the tops of
trees near cultivated fields. The nest is built on the ground, near the
sides of ditches.
THE BLACK-HEADED BUNTING, OR BLACK-CAP (_Emberiza schoeniculus_),
ii., 98.
Common about pit-sides and wide ditches.
THE YELLOW-AMMER (_Emberiza citrinella_), ii., 90.
Common. The song, in March and April, is very peculiar, and sounds
like the words, "A little bit of bread and no ch-e-e-se," the first
part of the sentence uttered rapidly, and the latter long drawn out.
(This name, often mis-written yellow-_h_ammer, represents the German
_goldammer_, literally "yellow-bunting.")
THE CHAFFINCH (_Fringilla cælebs_), ii., 102.
Common. A very early harbinger of spring, in woods, fields, and
gardens, and very fond of orchards, building a beautiful nest of
all sorts of materials within reach. One has been found constructed
entirely of raw cotton. The eggs are sometimes blue, sometimes white
with pale spots, or pinky, or red, as if pencil-marked. Named _cælebs_
by Linnæus, because in winter, especially when the season is severe, in
many parts the sexes say good-bye to one another, and live asunder till
spring, when they re-unite. One of the neatest in habits of all English
birds. Even in the depth of winter the chaffinch seeks a lavatory every
day.
THE TREE SPARROW (_Passer montanus_), ii., 104.
A sharp little bird, not uncommon, and usually building in hollow
oak-trees. If the tree be approached during incubation it flies off
like a shot.
THE HOUSE SPARROW (_Passer domesticus_), ii., 105.
The bold, pert, quarrelsome bird, indifferent alike to our kindness and
our enmity, which nevertheless one is glad to see feeding on the crumbs
considerately thrown to it from the parlour breakfast-table.
THE GREENFINCH (_Coccothraustes chloris_), ii., 106.
Common in cultivated fields and gardens. Song sweet but monotonous.
THE COMMON LINNET (_Linaria cannabina_), ii., 110.
Abundant everywhere on heaths and in hedgerows. Many are kept in cages
for the beauty of the song. Not only among mankind, it would seem, does
a fine voice sometimes prove the road to ruin.
THE LESS RED-POLE (_Linaria minor_), ii., 111.
This bird breeds in Marple Wood, Cotterill Clough, and similar places.
The nest, rather hard to discover, is round, the size of a racket-ball,
and composed of fibrous roots and the hemp-like bark of the dead
nettle-stalks of the previous year, with which the little architect
ties them together, the inside being lined with the pappus or down of
the coltsfoot seed. It is generally placed in high hedges or in the
boughs of fir-trees.
THE BULLFINCH (_Loxia Pyrrhula_), ii., 114.
Rare. Remarkable for the beauty of its nest, which is constructed of
the withered ends of the slenderest woodbine twigs the bird can find,
laid crosswise like a woven fabric. Generally found in a bush, and
about a yard from the ground.
THE STARLING, OR SHEPSTER (_Sturnus vulgaris_), iii., 121.
A bird well-known as stopping up waterspouts with its nest, and never
going to bed till after a prolonged chatter. Common everywhere.
THE CARRION CROW (_Corvus corone_), i., 52.
Formerly common in Hough-end Clough, but now extinct, and fast
disappearing from the neighbourhood in general.
THE ROOK (_Corvus frugilegus_), i., 54.
Common everywhere. Their clamour one of the most familiar of rural
sounds, and their great feathers, of the only shade of black that is
lively, constantly seen lying upon the ground.
THE JACKDAW (_Corvus monedula_), i., 55.
Formerly an inhabitant of the steeples of St. John's, St. Anne's, St.
Matthew's, and St. Mary's churches. Plentiful wherever there is an old
ruin.
THE MAGPIE (_Pica caudata_), i., 56.
Formerly very abundant about Urmston, but has become scarce with the
disappearance of the tall trees, especially poplars, once so plentiful
there. It suffers sadly, also, from sportsmen and gamekeepers.
THE JAY (_Garrulus glandarius_), i., 58.
Frequent about Withington, Didsbury, Northen, and in that part of the
neighbourhood.
THE GREEN WOODPECKER (_Picus viridis_), ii., 64.
This bird used to breed in Dunham Park. One was seen there in January,
1859.
THE GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER (_Picus major_), ii., 65.
Rare. Dunham Park; Barlow Moor.
THE COMMON CREEPER (_Certhia familiaris_), ii., 62.
Abundant, but, in consequence of its retired habits, little known. At a
short distance it looks like a mouse, running up the tree from the very
bottom, and clearing it all round of every insect that may happen to be
in the way. Plentiful at Gatley Carrs.
THE COMMON WREN (_Sylvia Troglodytes_), iii., 160.
Well-known, and common everywhere in gardens, woods, and hedgerows.
Often found with a few scattered white feathers, and sometimes with
white wings. The large and pretty nest reminds one of what women do
for the world. The hen commences one and completes it. Meantime the
male bird begins two or three in succession, a short distance from
his mate's, but never completes one of them. The materials are moss,
feathers, hair, dead leaves, and dead fern.
THE PEEWIT, OR LAPWING (_Vanellus cristatus_), iv., 192.
Common everywhere in marshy grounds, and known to most people by the
peculiar cry represented in the name. The young ones are particularly
fond of being in the bottom of deep ditches and drains, squatting down
close to the ground.
THE KING-FISHER (_Alcedo ispida_), i., 46.
Cheadle, Urmston, Flixton, and elsewhere in those directions, by
all the tributaries of the Mersey. A beautiful but very timid bird,
darting with great speed, its glossy green back glancing quick as
thought.--(See, in reference to the Lancashire localities, the
_Manchester Guardian_ of Feb. 4th, 1882.)
THE MOOR-HEN, OR WATER-HEN (_Gallinula chloropus_), v., 247.
Common by old pits. Many breed on the ponds in Dunham Park, where we
cannot go in the summer without seeing them in companies of four or
five, their little white tails cocked up, and looking as if they were
swimming on their necks.
THE GREAT CRESTED GREBE (_Colymbus cristatus_), v., 294.
On all the Cheshire meres, Tatton, Tabley, Rostherne, &c.
THE LITTLE GREBE, OR DAB-CHICK (_Colymbus Hebridicus_), v., 298.
Common on the Cheshire meres.
THE NUTHATCH (_Sitta Europæa_), i., 60.
Dunham Park, but only a few.
THE RINGDOVE, CUSHAT, OR WOOD-PIGEON (_Columba palumbus_), iii., 164.
Breeds in the woods in Trafford Park and about Chat Moss; plentiful
about Urmston, though rather rare in the district generally.
THE STOCKDOVE (_Columba ænas_), iii., 165.
Very scarce. Marple Wood.--(On the Lancashire localities, see
_Manchester Guardian_, Jan. 21, 1882.)
THE RED GROUSE (_Lagopus Scoticus_), iii., 172.
On the moors.
THE COMMON PARTRIDGE (_Perdrix cinerea_), iii., 174.
Upon farm-land, common.
THE WILD DUCK (_Anas Boschas_), v., 270.
This bird breeds on Carrington Moss, Chat Moss, and in many other
places.
THE COMMON HERON (_Ardea cinerea_), iv., 197.
In the _Manchester Guardian_ of December 28, 1881, it is stated that
there is a heronry "within about fourteen miles of the Exchange," and
that within forty miles of Manchester there are a dozen other stations
for this beautiful and celebrated bird. The former is probably that
one which it is further stated has existed since 1871 in Tabley Park,
though the older stations, Dunham Park, Oulton Park, and the trees near
the water at Arley Hall, have long since been deserted.--(_Vide_ also
the _Guardian_ of March 18th, 1882.)
II. PERIODICAL VISITORS.
I. COMING IN SPRING AND SUMMER.
THE WHEAT-EAR (_Sylvia Oenanthe_), iii., 142.
The earliest of our summer visitants, coming by the end of March, but
staying in the fields not longer than two or three weeks, when it moves
off to the mountainous districts to breed. Very fond of placing its
nest in deserted rabbit-holes, and in cavities in old stone walls.
THE GRASSHOPPER WARBLER (_Sylvia locustella_), iii., 143.
No one who has heard this bird can ever forget it, the note resembling
the voice of the grasshopper, but prolonged into a whirr, like the
noise of a spinning-wheel. Towards midnight, when all other birds are
still, if approached, it will begin. Found haunting thickets and
hedge-bottoms, but rather uncommon, and rarely seen, though often
heard, on account of its habit of running among the low brushwood.
THE SEDGE WARBLER (_Sylvia salicaria_), iii., 145.
Common by the sides of pitsteads. This is the bird so often mistaken in
our neighbourhood for the nightingale. No bird takes more care to let
us know of its presence; the moment it is disturbed, it begins to sing.
THE BLACK-CAP WARBLER (_Sylvia atricapilla_), iii., 150.
A most beautiful song-bird, and common in woods. When it arrives, it
is fond of mounting high into the trees; the males, like most of the
warblers, coming a week or two before the females, and selecting a
station, where they sing until their mates arrive.
THE GARDEN WARBLER (_Sylvia hortensis_), iii., 152.
Unlike the preceding, this bird never gets up high into the trees to
sing, nor does it care to warble until the female arrives, when its
lovely trill is heard plentifully in the low bushes. It will build in
gardens among peas. Common in Hough-end Clough and about Urmston.
THE COMMON WHITETHROAT (_Sylvia cinerea_), iii., 153.
Common everywhere, and apt to warble when on the wing, springing up out
of the hedge, with its jar-jar-jar, jee-jee-jee, and in a minute or two
diving down into it again.
THE LESS WHITETHROAT (_Sylvia sylvicella_), iii., 154.
Rare about Manchester, building in hedges a large and clumsy nest,
similar to that of a greenfinch. The song is given only from the very
heart of thick-foliaged trees.
THE WOOD WARBLER, OR WOOD WREN (_Sylvia sylvicola_), iii., 155.
A very lovely little bird; its song, or trill, a repetition of two
notes, and its nest very hard to find. While singing, it sits on the
bough and seems to tremble, the wings being quivered elegantly.
THE WHINCHAT (_Sylvia rubetra_), iii., 141.
A common little bird, breeding everywhere, usually selecting
uncultivated lands, and sometimes hay-fields, but always having its
nest upon the ground. About Urmston it is known as the "utic," from
its peculiar cry, "tic, tic, utic." In habits sprightly and cheerful,
popping about for ever from one spray to another.
THE WILLOW WARBLER, OR WILLOW WREN (_Sylvia Trochilus_), iii., 156.
This little fellow is common in most places,--woods, gardens,
hedgerows,--choosing the top of the trees to sing in. It ceases to
sing after pairing, devoting itself to the construction of its large
nest, which is usually protected with a lid, and built of grass, moss,
and feathers. In the summer of 1858, Edward Jacques found a nest in
Hough-end Clough, with a dead blackbird alongside, from which the
feathers had all been plucked, and used in the construction. Nowhere
is it more numerous or happy than about Urmston, arriving clean as a
daisy, after its journey of a thousand miles or more.
THE CHIFF-CHAFF (_Sylvia rufa_), iii., 158.
This little creature, which is one of the smallest of the warblers,
arrives a trifle later, or about the middle of March, when it at
once begins its cry in the very highest branches it can find of the
tallest poplars and fir-trees, perching itself on the topmost pinnacle.
Not common about Manchester generally, though plentiful in Marple
Wood. First it cries "chiff," then "chaff," then "chaff" and "chiff"
alternately.
THE WHITE WAG-TAIL (_Motacilla alba_), ii., 81.
Arrives at the end of March or the beginning of April, but does not
appear to breed in our neighbourhood.
THE YELLOW WAG-TAIL (_Motacilla flava_), ii., 84.
Common in open fields, building its nest among young corn, and in
hay-grass. Like all the other wag-tails, a bird of very poor song, but
singularly gentle and affectionate. It arrives the last week in March,
apparently all the better for its journey, the plumage being often more
clean and beautiful the day of arrival than at any later period.
THE REDSTART (_Sylvia phoenicurus_), iii., 138.
Formerly very common in Hulme, Chorlton, and Withington, but now become
scarce, being shy in temperament, and retiring before the advance of
population. Plentiful in the rural parts of Cheshire. To get a full
view of a redstart is also very difficult, as it is for ever dodging
behind a branch, and, as the name implies, is never still.
THE TREE PIPIT (_Anthus arboreus_), ii., 88.
A lively bird, arriving at the beginning of April, and commencing to
sing immediately. Common, building its nest on the ground, and laying
the most variously coloured eggs, some being blood-red and others deep
black.
THE CUCKOO (_Cuculus canorus_), ii., 71.
Arrives abundantly about the 27th of April, remaining until about
August, though young birds of the year have been found in October.
However disregardful of its young, the cuckoo makes ample amends in its
conjugal fidelity, for when one of either sex is seen, you may be quite
sure that its mate is not far off.
THE WRYNECK, OR CUCKOO'S MATE (_Yunx Torquilla_), ii., 61.
Rare, coming mostly with the cuckoo, which it somewhat resembles.
THE SWALLOW (_Hirundo rustica_), ii., 76.
Common and familiar everywhere. Social, harmless, and useful, and
perhaps as much beloved as the robin itself, if only because of its
fondness for human habitations.
THE HOUSE MARTIN (_Hirundo riparia_), ii., 79.
Common and familiar, and, like the swallow, always welcome. This odd
bird often takes for the foundation of its nest one constructed the
previous year by the swallow. The swallow's nest is open at the top.
The house-martin likes to have a roof or lid, so goes on with the one
it adopts till finished to its own fancy, keeping only an aperture for
ingress.
THE SAND MARTIN (_Hirundo urbica_), ii., 78.
Comes in spring from North Africa and Malta, then common everywhere
in sand-banks, in which it excavates horizontal galleries. It never
alights on the ground, but gathers the blades of green grass used for
the nest while on the wing, and in the same way collects the feathers
for lining it.
THE DOTTEREL (_Charadrius morinellus_), iv., 187.
This bird visits us in the beginning of May, arriving in large flocks.
It is very tame, silly, and easily approached. If a fowler once gets
among them, he may shoot the whole before they take alarm. It remains
only for three or four days or a week, and then moves on to its
breeding stations among the mountains in the north.--(On the Lancashire
localities, see _Manchester Guardian_, Feb. 25, 1882.)
THE SPOTTED FLY-CATCHER (_Muscicapa grisola_), i., 44.
Common, making its appearance in the middle of May, building in gardens
and woods, and generally choosing very odd situations for the nest.
Remarkable for the constancy of its return to the same old dead
tree or rail, or old and ivied wall. After its long aërial sail it
seems well content also to stop there till the time for departure in
autumn. "From morn till dewy eve" it keeps in its chosen place, though
incessantly darting out to secure a fly.
THE PIED FLY-CATCHER (_Muscicapa luctuosa_), i., 43.
This bird has been seen frequently between Middleton and Oldham, where
also it builds its nest, choosing old trees.
THE COMMON SAND-PIPER (_Tringa hypoleucos_), iv., 217.
Tolerably common on the banks of the Mersey at Northen, and thence down
the river.
THE LAND-RAIL, OR CORN-CRAKE (_Crex pratensis_), v., 242.
Common everywhere in hay and corn-fields. The voice of the corn-crake
has in it something so nearly akin to ventriloquism that the birds
themselves are rarely where we seem to hear them, furnishing in summer
much pleasant amusement.
THE SPOTTED CRAKE, OR GALLINEW (_Crex porzana_), v., 243.
These birds haunt the pit-bottoms, and cannot be got without a good
dog; hence they appear to be less common than they really are.
THE COMMON QUAIL (_Perdrix coturnix_), iii., 178.
Occasionally met with, and no doubt breeds, like the partridge, which
it resembles, in open fields. It may be known by its peculiar cry in
summer evenings, _But-me-but! But-me-but!_
THE COMMON DIPPER (_Cinclus aquaticus_), iii., 123.
The only place in the neighbourhood known to be visited by this curious
bird is Stalybridge Brushes, from which nests and eggs have several
times been brought. At home only in and about brooks and streams in
mountainous districts, it generally builds its nests under the ledge
of a cascade on rocks perfectly wet, having to go through the curtain
of water to reach it. When wishing to feed, it goes to the bottom
of the water, there walking about like a diver.--(On the Lancashire
localities, see the _Manchester Guardian_, Feb. 4, 1882.)
THE RING OUZEL (_Turdus torquatus_), iii., 132.
Builds every summer in Stalybridge Brushes; occasionally about
Withington. Remarkable for its loud and beautiful song.
II. VISITORS COMING IN AUTUMN AND WINTER.
THE FIELD-FARE (_Turdus pilaris_), iii., 125.
A common winter visitor, breeding in Norway and Sweden, and one of the
eminently social birds, always travelling in large companies. Comes
about the end of October, and leaves again not later than the beginning
of April.
THE REDWING (_Turdus iliacus_), iii., 126.
The habits of this bird are the same as those of the field-fare, with
which it comes and goes.
THE SISKIN (_Carduelis spinus_), ii., 109.
The siskin visits us in November and December, but sometimes not for
seven or eight years together, though coming plentifully when it
chooses to make its appearance.
THE MEALY RED-POLE (_Linaria canescens_), ii., 112.
Comes and goes in flocks with the siskins, and at equally long and
uncertain intervals.
THE COMMON SNIPE (_Scolopax Gallinago_), iv., 227.
Abundant, haunting old brick-pits and unfrozen brooks; plentiful about
Gorton, Belle Vue, and Cheetham Hill.
THE JACK SNIPE (_Scolopax Gallinula_), iv., 228.
A smaller bird than the common snipe; not so plentiful, but often seen
in company with it.
THE WOODCOCK (_Scolopax rusticola_), iv., 225.
Formerly very plentiful about Hough-end, but now rare, owing to the
filling up of the pits and the clearing away of the brushwood.
III. CASUAL, STRAY, AND OCCASIONAL
BIRDS.
Several of the birds named below are permanent residents in the British
Islands, and others are regular visitors to this country. They are put
in the present place because seen near Manchester only at uncertain
intervals, or as casuals, the only one that can be looked for with
any degree of probability, being the sea-gull. The visits, as will
be seen from the dates, have in some cases occurred at periods so far
back, that except for completeness' sake, they would scarcely be worth
mention. I quote them from standard works upon ornithology, and from
the late Mr. John Blackwall's paper upon the migrations of Manchester
birds in the "Transactions of the Literary and Philosophical Society
for 1822," the observations having been made during the eight years
1814-1821.
THE LITTLE CRAKE (_Crex pusilla_), v., 244.
One at Ardwick in 1807.
THE GOLDEN ORIOLE (_Oriolus galbula_), iii., 133.
One near Manchester in 1811.
THE ORTOLAN (_Emberiza hortulana_), ii., 101.
One near Manchester in 1827.
THE CROSSBILL (_Loxia curvirostra_), ii., 116.
About the year 1840, in the month of August, a large flock of these
birds, old and young in company, visited Hough-end Clough for a few
hours. Mr. Blackwall gives as its Manchester period, August 5th to
November 19th.
THE CHATTERER (_Ampelis garrulus_), i., 59.
In Mr. Blackwall's list.
THE HOOPOE (_Upupa epops_), i., 49.
In Mr. Blackwall's list.
THE RED-BACKED SHRIKE (_Lanius collurio_), i., 34.
Sometimes seen in the summer.
THE GREAT SHRIKE (_Lanius excubitor_), i., 33.
In Mr. Blackwall's list, and was seen at Cheadle about 1850. (On
the Lancashire localities of the three species of Lanius, see the
_Manchester Guardian_ for March 11th, 1882.)
THE MERLIN (_Falco æsalon_), i., 16.
In Mr. Blackwall's list. (On the Lancashire localities, see _Manchester
Guardian_, January 14th, 1882.)
THE DUSKY GREBE (_Colymbus obscurus_), v., 296.
Once near Manchester.
BEWICK'S SWAN (_Cygnus Bewickii_), v., 262.
A flock of twenty-nine at Crumpsall on December 10th, 1829, and another
of seventy-three at the same place, February 28th, 1830.
THE LITTLE BITTERN (_Ardea minuta_), iv., 205.
A very shy and sulky little bird, sitting all of a heap, and looking
like a bit of brown stump.
THE COMMON BITTERN (_Botaurus stellaris_), iv., 204.
THE GREAT OR SOLITARY SNIPE (_Scolopax major_), iv., 226.
Has been seen at Urmston.
THE NIGHTINGALE (_Sylvia Luscinia_), iii., 147.
The visit of the nightingales to our neighbourhood will long be
remembered by those who heard their song.
It took place in 1863. The first came to Wilmslow early in May,
establishing itself in the little grove near the end of Bollin Hall
Park, on the Manchester side of the railway viaduct. For several
weeks it sang nightly, and the crowds of people who were attracted
by the fame of the bird from distances of many miles, at last became
quite a trouble to that usually quiet neighbourhood. The second took
up its lodging in a grove close to the Strines Printworks, where,
says Mr. Joel Wainwright,[31] no greater sensation was ever caused
by a little thing. It began at ten every night, and continued almost
uninterruptedly until three a.m. A third is said to have visited a
plantation adjacent to the railway station at Sale, but over this one
there may possibly have been an error.
THE SNOW BUNTING (_Emberiza nivalis_), ii., 95.
Occasionally visits us in severe winters, breeding in Norway and Sweden.
THE MOUNTAIN FINCH, OR BRAMBLING (_Fringilla montifringilla_), ii., 103.
Visits us from the north in winter time, but rarely.
THE PECTORAL SAND-PIPER (_Tringa pectoralis_), iv., 239.
Once by a pit near the White House, Stretford Road.
THE COMMON WILD GOOSE (_Anser palustris_), v., 251.
A flock of these birds was once seen feeding in a field at Withington.
THE WILD SWAN (_Cygnus ferus_), v., 261.
One preserved in the Peel Park Museum was shot near Bolton.
Occasionally seen at Lymm.
THE SCLAVONIAN GREBE (_Podiceps cornutus_), v., 296.
One shot near Oldham many years ago is now in the Peel Park Museum.
THE COMMON TERN (_Sterna Hirundo_), vi., 316.
Occasionally seen upon the Mersey and the lower Irwell.
THE BLACK TERN (_Sterna nigra_), vi., 323.
THE BLACK-HEADED GULL (_Larus ridibundus_), vi., 331.
THE COMMON GULL (_Larus canus_), vi., 334.
THE KITTIWAKE (_Larus tridactylus_), vi., 340.
Gulls are frequently seen in the winter on the mosses and in ploughed
fields, feeding, but whether they are the kittiwake or common gull
cannot always be ascertained with certainty, as they are very shy
birds, and fly away before they can be approached.
THE WATER RAIL (_Rallus aquaticus_), v., 246.
THE CURLEW (_Numenius arquata_), iv., 211.
Occasionally breeds on Chat Moss.
THE TEAL (_Anas crecca_), v., 272.
Occasionally seen by pit-sides.
THE BLACK-START (_Sylvia Tithys_), iii., 139.
Two were seen at Didsbury about 1855.
THE GOLDEN PLOVER (_Charadrius pluvialis_), iv., 186.
Occasionally seen in large flocks upon the flat fields near Stretford
and thereabouts.--(On the Lancashire localities, see _Manchester
Guardian_, January 28th, 1882.)
THE RINGED PLOVER (_Charadrius hiaticula_), iv., 188.
Single birds are seen occasionally, both in summer and winter.
THE STORM PETREL (_Procellaria pelagica_), vi., 353.
One was picked up alive near Stockport in the winter of 1856, and
another, dead, at Pendleton, shortly before. A third had fallen at
Withington, these birds being blown inland by tempestuous weather, and
dropping when exhausted.
THE HOBBY (_Falco subbuteo_), i., 14.
Once near Brooks' Bar, as a summer visitant. The hobby is the only
British bird of prey that is migratory.
THE DUNLIN (_Tringa variabilis_), iv., 240.
This bird has been known to breed on Chat Moss, but very rarely.
THE COMMON SWIFT (_Hirundo apus_), ii., 73.
Occasionally.
THE NIGHT-JAR (_Caprimulgus Europæus_), ii., 72.
Chat Moss, and other out of the way moors.
IV. INTRODUCED AND NATURALIZED.
THE COMMON PHEASANT (_Phasianus colchicus_), iii., 169.
In "Preserves."
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Footnotes
[30: "A Year in a Lancashire Garden," p. 27.]
[31: In _loc. cit._, p. 20.]
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