ITS BIRDS 69
at Ham House, but as he would not have their wings
cut, in a few weeks' time they flew away."—J. H. G.
Barn Owl. I used to hear this bird nightly twenty years
ago in Lord's Bushes, the old hollow trees of which it
frequented. For several years it had disappeared from
that locality, but I have recently heard it again. I saw
a pair close to Fairmead Lodge in the summer of 1884.
A chorus of angry jays attracted me to the tree where
they were. His silent flight is caused by a fringe of
down on the wing. Mr. Lister writes:—"Was a
frequent visitor to my garden years ago, and used to
beat over the Virginian Creeper that covered the end
of the house, where sparrows roosted in great numbers.
It bred in an old poplar in the grounds of Forest
House, and still breeds yearly in the trees at Elmhurst,
Woodford." This and the other species of owl are now
preserved by the landowners surrounding the Forest.
Tawny Owl. Not uncommon ; may be heard in the evening
at almost any season. Monk Wood.
Long-eared Owl. Ff as been obtained several times, and it
would multiply rapidly if it were not so frequently de-
stroyed by gamekeepers.
Short-eared Owl. An autumn and winter visitor. Shot on
several occasions by sportsmen in turnip fields in the
neighbourhood.
Red-backed Shrike. One of the handsomest of our spring
visitors. The broods keep together well into the sum-
mer, and are often seen. They breed in the neighbour-
hood frequently, if not every year. A pair built near
Debden Green in 1895. " I have watched a male bird
fix the head of a young wren on to a thorn in his ' larder,'
using great exertion. Their store usually consists of
insects and worms."—A. L.
Great Gray Shrike. The late Mr. Doubleday, of Epping,
had a bird of this species which was captured by a bird-
catcher in the Forest, and which he kept alive in a cage
for a long time. It invariably hung up its food in its
cage. If half a dozen small birds were put in (dead),
it hung them all up by forcing their heads through
the wires of the cage ; and pieces of meat were also
hung up.
Book. The Forest is enlivened by several rookeries by
Leyton Flats, Woodford Green, Copped Hall. They
have vastly increased at Wanstead Park, where they
breed on the islands.
Jackdaw. They come in great numbers to roost on the
islands in Wanstead Park, where they also breed.
Carrion Crow. A few are always about; but they are
becoming rare in most parts of England. They nest in
several places in the neighbourhood. Their nests may
always be distinguished from those of rooks by the lining
of wool.
Hooded Crow. Occasional winter visitor.
Magpie. This predatory foe to other birds has become very
uncommon hereabouts. I do not think there are at
present more than two or three pairs in the whole
neighbourhood, but they now receive special protection