London Sanctuaries How has it come about that the number
of species of bird noticed in central London parks has suddenly increased by a very high percentage ? Is it because the Ministry of Works is paying more attention, and more expert attention, to the sanctuaries in the Royal Parks ? The fact of the increase seems to be beyond dispute ; seventy-five different species, for example, were seen in Hyde Park. You might have seen there even goldcrests, tree-creepers and yellow wagtails. One detail of the records is a little alarming. Among the birds that bred in London were jays and jackdaws, not to mention brown owls. Some few birds are definitely encouraged by towns, and it will be well to take note of any danger of upsetting the general balance. On this subject I fancy I overstressed the other day the mistake of official shootings of duck in St. James's Park. There are occasions when the inroad of mallard may altogether arrest the breeding of other species, and it has proved necessary to prevent this dominance.
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