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.