Page:The Natural History of Ireland vol1.djvu/206

 it has occurred to me in suitable localities, and is not confined to where "reeds and other tall aquatic plants abound" (or even grow), as is described; but is found in the lower grounds about old ditch-banks, on winch the sloe or blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) and other shrubby plants afford a safe asylum; also on the banks of mountain rivulets at as great an elevation as the spontaneous growth of the willow or any underwood forms suffi- cient shelter. It likewise frequents the wooded borders of well-kept ponds, where none of the aquatic plants alluded to appear.

Although perhaps too common-place to be remarked here, it is simply from natural inclination, and not from shyness, that the sedge warbler inhabits the "tangled brake." When perched, sing- ing on a reed, this species has admitted my approach within about three paces without ceasing its song ; and I have been amused at its practice, so contrary to that of other birds, of singing only when I closely passed the bush in which it was. What may perhaps be termed its boldness, is evinced by any object flung into its haunt, prompting the bird to sing, as if in defiance of the interruption, or, as a well-known author might imagine, "to keep its courage up." The amusing song of this species is sometimes heard from its arrival until the end of July, indeed until its departure, and by night as well as by day. It is the warbler chiefly heard in summer nights, and consequently has been honoured by the flat- tering appellation of Irish nightingale. A bird described to me by the Rev. T. Knox, as frequenting the county of Westmeath and the vicinity of the river Shannon, is, I have little doubt, the sedge warbler. In Connemara, it is said to be common ; also in the counties of Cork, Tipperary, Waterford, and Wex- ford. With reference to the last, Mr. Poole communicates the dates of its arrival in six years to be April 22, 28, 30 ; May 9, 10, 15, — the departure in one year is noted 13th of August, but the young birds remained longer. The nest is also remarked to be "in brakes or bushes, rushes, &c, close over the stream or pond the bird frequents;" and the eggs as obtained on the 2nd of June. "July, 4, 1846. — A sedge warbler's nest found in a