School: Culdaff
- Location:
- Culdaff, Co. Donegal
- Teacher: Ailís Eibhlín de Brún
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 1123, Page 061
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On this page
- June 1938
Bird Lore
The blackbird, thrush, crow, robin, linnet, seagull, wren, magpie, crane and sparrow are the commonest birds in our district. The blackbird builds a nest of grass and mud, and it is usually found in a grassy bank, or in a hawthorn tree. The thrush builds a nest of mossy material which grows on trees. The sparrow makes a nest of hair and feathers, and it is usually found in the eaves of houses, The cow and the magpie make their nests out of twigs.
The blackbirds eggs are a pale blue colour, with dark brown spots on them. The thrush's eggs are a similar colour. The seagull's eggs are a blue colour with spots on them. The magpie lays an egg, much smaller than a hens, but the same colour.
The people in our district believe greatly in the behaviour of the wild-birds as weather omens. if the crow dives up and down in the air it is a sign of wind. If the crane flies inland, it is a sign of bad weather, but if he flies back to the seashore again, it is a sign of good weather. If the swallow flies low over the land, it is a sign of wet weather but if it flies high, it is a sign of fair weather. If the sea-gulls are seen lying on the fields, it is also a sign of stormy weather.
Some of the people have certain superstitions about the birds. They have a little rhyme about the magpie which is as follows
"One for sorrow, two for mirth, three for a wedding, four for a birth, five for silver, six for gold,(continues on next page)
