Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa grisola).—Late in summer these dainty little birds come whisking about the garden, perching on a rail, darting off after a fly, returning to the same post, or else feeding their young in nests on the side of the house. A pair built in 1897 in a flower-pot close to the window of Otterbourne House.
Butcher-Bird (Lanius collurio).—Said to have been seen at Otterbourne. A slug has been found impaled on a thorn, but whether this was the shrike’s larder, or as a charm for removing warts, is uncertain.
Missel-Thrush (Merula viscivora).—This handsome bird is frequent, and commonly called House Screech. A story told by Warden Barter may be worth preserving. A pair of Missel Thrush seeing a peacock too near their nest, charged full at him, and actually knocked him down.
Song-Thrush (Merula musica).—Happily everywhere warbling on warm days in autumn and winter with a sweet, powerful song, some notes more liquid than even the nightingale’s. The shells of the snails he has devoured bestrew the garden-walks.
Blackbird (Merula vulgaris).—Out, with angry scream and chatter at the approach of an enemy, darts the “ousel cock so black of hue, with orange-tawny bill.” How dull a lawn would be without his pert movements when he comes down alternately with his russet wife. One blackbird with a broad white feather on each side of his tail haunted Elderfield for two years, but, alas! one spring day a spruce sable rival descended and captivated the faithless dame. They united, chased poor Mr. Whitetail over the high garden hedge, and he was seen no more.
Redwing (Merula iliaca).—Not common, but noted by J. B. Y.
Ring-Ouzel (Merula torquata).—Rare, but observed by J. B. Yonge in Otterbourne Park, 14th September 1865, and it has been seen several times later.
Fieldfare (Merula pilaris).—In flocks in winter.
Wheatear (Sylvia ænanthe).—Comes to the downs.
Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola).—Hops about on stones.