16 FEBRUARY 1940, Page 15

— And a Rook

Close to my own house at the same date a rook was observed perching for an inordinate stretch on a high tree. Finally the bird was shot, but remained in the same posture.

It was frozen tight to a twig, and had perished there.

Many birds marvellously resisted the long attack ; and on the first day of thaw both robins and thrushes sang cheerily as if spring were already present ; among the less usual visitors to the bird-tables that doubtless saved many birds, were—in my immediate neighbourhood—brambling finches, visitors from the north, which are much commoner than is usually thought.