FORTHE people]
FOR EDVCATION
FOR SCIENCE

LIBRARY

OF

THE AMERICAN MUSEUM

OF

NATURAL HISTORY

BRITHIDIPDS

AN ILLUSTRATED MAGAZLNE DEVOTED
TO THE BIRDS ON THE BRITISH LIST

EDITED BY

H. F. WITHERBY F.z.s. m.b.o.u.

ASSISTED BY

Rev. F. C. R. JOURDAIN MA. MB o.u.

AND

NORMAN F. TICEHURST MA. F.R.C.s M.B.O.U

Volume V.

JUNE 1911— MAY 1912

WITHERBY (S: CO.

326 HIGH HOLBORN LONDON

J^ I'yc'y^yf^-I

PREFACE.

The return of the Bittern as a nesting species to Norfolk,
so ably chronicled by Miss Turner, has afforded the most
striking and important event of the year covered by
this fifth volume of British Birds. To regain a former
breeding species, or to gain a new one, is of far greater
interest and value than to discover a new " straggler,"
although the importance of such additions to our list
of British birds must not be minimized, for in these days
of close watching and wider knowledge, it soon appears
that many of these seeming " stragglers " are much more
often overlooked than detected, and their occurrence
may not be so accidental as has been thought.

We have always believed that much can be achieved
in the study of birds by co-operation in observation,
and in this connexion we may point to the account
of the Distribution of the Nightingale, and the " Wreck "
of the Little Auk, besides the very excellent and increas-
ingly valuable results which have been the outcome of
the Marking Scheme.

Before the next volume commences our promised Hand-
List (see Preface to Volume IV.) will be published, and
we are hopeful that the distributional accounts there
given may bring forth fresh observations where our
knowledge is noAV faulty or lacking.

In the Introduction to the Hand-List, we have given
fully our reasons for adopting the International Rules of
Zoological Nomenclature by which the scientific names
employed are governed, and to this we must refer those
who wish to go closely into the question. But as we shall
follow in future in British Birds the nomenclature of
this Hand-List, it is due to our readers to give our main
reasons for adopting this Code which produces many

IV. n / BRITISH BIRDS.

changes ill tli'e scientific names hitherto used in the
magazine. British birds are best known to British
ornithologists by their Enghsh names, and probably to
the majority of our readers the scientific names are of
no importance, since they know exactly to which bird
the English name refers. But ornithology is world-wide,
and it is necessary for that reason alone, apart from
systematic classification, to employ scientific names.
Almost every bird has, unfortunately, been given at one
time or another more than one scientific name. It is obvi-
ously of the utmost importance that one of these names
shall be adopted universally. How else can this desirable
end be reached except by the strict adherence to a code
of rules having international authority ? These are,
in brief, our reasons for having adopted the International
Rules, and we are confident that in the near future our
brother ornithologists all over the world will look at this
question in a broad-minded way, and will cease to insist
upon their individual opinions, and will sacrifice their
personal convenience, for the benefit of Ornithology.

The Editors.
AprH 20th, 1912.

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

A Young Bittern in Norfolk, July 9th, 1911. {Photo-
graphed by Miss E. L. Turner). — Plate 2 Frontispiece

Sketch Map of England and Wales to show the Dis- page
tribution of the Nightingale . . . . . . 4

Sketch Map of England and Wales to show Orographical

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Robert Service. — Plate 1 . . . . . . . . facing 33

Feather from the Head of a Water-Rail ; An Inner
Secondary from a Waxwing to show similarity
in Structure. {From a Microphotograph by Staff-
Sergeant A. Gibbons, R.A.M.C.) 43

Ovaries of Falco cenchris . . . . . . . . . . 45

Ovaries of Falco vespertinus . , . . . . . . 48

Walter Charleton. {From the Engraving i7i his

" Immortality of the Human Soul'' 1657) . . 62

Walter Charleton. {From the Engraving in his

" Inquiries into Hitman Nature,''' 1680) . . . . 67

Alpine Ring-Ouzel. {Photographed by M. J. Nicoll) . . 72

Young Bittern transforming himself into the sem-
blance of a Bunch of Reeds. {Photographed by
Miss E. L. Turner) 92

Young Bittern ci'ouching (Fig. 3). {Photographed by

Miss E. L. Turner) 94

Young Bittern (Fig. 4). Striking upwards (Photo-
graphed by Miss E. L. Turner) . . . . . . 94

Nest of Bittern. {Photographed by Miss E. L. Turner "i 96

Pigeon in Flight. {Photographed by F. W. Headley). . 118

VI. BRITISH BIRDS.

Slender-billed Curlew . . . . . . . . 122

Fieldfare at Nest. {Photographed by Howard

Bentham) . . . . . . . . . . 131

Xests of one Pair of Robins. {Photographed by J. H.

Owen) 132

Young Great Spotted Woodpeckers. {Photographed

by J. H. Owen) 137

Black-throated Diver. {Photographed by O. G.

Pike).— Plate 3 facing 177

Grey Lag -Goose standing in front of her Nest.

{Photographed by 0. G. Pike) 179

The Nest of the Grey Lag-Goose with the Eggs Un-
covered. {Photographed by 0. G. Pike) . . . . 181

The Black-throated Diver settling down. {Photo-
graphed by O. G. Pike) 182

Black-throated Diver listening to the Photo-
grapher's Remarks. {Photographed by O. G. Pike)

The North American Peregrine

A Malformed Bill of a Curlew . .

Male Common Partridge in Winter -Plumage, No-
vember (Fig. 1) 235

Male Common Partridge in Eclipse-Plumage,

August (Fig. 2) 235

Female Common Partridge still retaining Breeding-
Plumage, August (Fig. 3) 237

Female Common Partridge in Winter-Plumage,

November (Fig. 4) 237

Adult Male Collared Flycatcher . . . . . . 238

Nest of Sandwich Tern. {Photographed by E. B.

Dunlop) 250

Portrait of Thomas Muffett. {From the Title-page of

the " Theatrum Insectorum "). — ^Plate 4 facing 261

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIOxNS. vii.

Healths Improvement. (Facsimile of Title-page) . . 263

Theatrum Insectorum. (Facsimile of Title-page) . . 264

Dipper with Food for its Young. {Photographed by

Arthur Brook).— Plate 5 . . . . facing 293

The Pair of Dippers. {Photographed by Arthur Brook) 294

Dipper about to feed its Young ; Two Young Dippers.

{Photographed by Arthur Brook) . . . . . . 295

Section of a Willow showing a hole made by a Green
Woodpecker for the purpose of extracting a
Larva {natural size) . . . . . . . . . . 330

BRITlSnDIRDS

EDITED BY H. E. WITHERBY, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

assisted by

Eev. E. C. R. Jourdain, m.a., m.b.o.ij., and J!^okman E.

ticehurst, m.a., f.r.c.s., m.b.o.u.

Contents of Number 1, Vol. V. June 1, 1911.

PAGE

On the Distribution of the Nightingale during the Breeding
Season in Great Britain. By N. F. Ticehurst and the Rev.
F. C. R. Jourdain . . 2

Notes : —

Rare Birds in Staffordshire (John R. B. Masefield) . . . . 22

Rapid Nest-building by ^Vlistle-Thrush and Blackbird (T. R.

Ward) 23

White-spotted Bluethroat and Red-necked Phalarope in

Sussex (H. W. Ford-Lindsay) 23

Extraordinary Abvindance of Nightingales in Shropshire

(H. E. Forrest) " 23

Grey Wagtail Breeding in Surrey (P. F. Bunyard) . . . . 24

The Two-barred Crossbill in Scotland (George Bolam) . . 24

Green Woodpecker in Westmorland (Huhne Wilson) . . . . 25

Probable Snow-Geese in Essex (A. Landsborough Thomson) . . 25

Common Scoter in West Yorkshire (Major Walter B. Arundel) 26

Grey Phalarope in Warwickshire (A. Geoffrey Leigh). . . . 26

Voracity of the larger Gulls (Clifford Borrer) . . . . . . 27

Herring-Gull and Shag Occupying Disused Ravens' Nests

(W. I. Beaumont) 27

Great Northern Diver Swallowing a Cuttle-fish (H. W.

Robinson) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Black-Throated Divers in Sussex and Surrey (H. W. Ford-
Lindsay and Howard Bentham) . . . . . . . . 28

Short Notes : — Siberian Chiffchaff in Shetland. Northern
Willow-Wren in Scotland. Nuthatch in Ireland.
Siskins in Mull. Hobby in Elgin. Wigeon Breeding
in Roxburghshire. Albino Wood-Pigeons. Common
Gull Breeding in the Fame Islands . . . . . . 28

Letters : — Albinistic Rooks found to contain Parasites . . . . 30

The Movements of Young Rooks . . . . . . 30

Review : — Photography jar Bird-Lovers . . . . . . . . 31

( 2 )

ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE NIGHTINGALE

DURING THE BREEDING SEASON

IN GREAT BRITAIN.

BY

N. F. TICEHURST and the REV. F. C. R. JOURDAIN.

Introductory.

In the south-eastern counties the Nightingale {Daulias
luscinia) is of general distribution, although even here there
are certain localities where it becomes scarce or is altogether
wanting. Thus it is a scarce bird on the Chiltern Hills in
southern Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, and also on the
high ground of the Marlborough Downs and the treeless expanse
of Salisbury Plain, while even in Kent it is less numerous above
500 feet. Still, it is unnecessary to go into detail in the
following counties : Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, Middle-
sex, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire,
Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire,
Huntingdonshire, and Northamptonshire. In Wiltshire it is
also tolerably general in all suitable ground, but avoids the
high downlands and open plains, where cover is lacking.
Rutlandshire mav also be included among the counties where
it breeds regularly, and the present inquiry has been chiefly
devoted to those counties which he on the edge of its range,
or where the distribution is local only.

These include Devonshire, Dorsetshire, Somersetshire,
Gloucestershire, Monmouthshire, Glamorganshire (Carmarthen-
shire and Cardiganshire), Brecknockshire, Radnorshire, Here-
fordshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Montgomeryshire,
Shropshire, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincoln-
shire, Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire, Cheshke, Denbighshire,
and Flintshire, and possibly Lancashire, Durham, and
Northumberland. These we will now proceed to consider in
detail, as the Nightingale is entirely absent from the other
counties not mentioned here.

Man}^ theories have been advanced at different times to
account for the irregular distribution of this species, such as

DISTRIBUTION OF THE NIGHTINGALE. 3

the presence of a heavy, clayey soil, as opposed to a light,
sandy one, being necessary to its welfare. Walcot voiced a
popular belief in the south of England, that it is only to be met
with " where the cowsHp grows kindly." Many people in the
Midlands believe that it is unable to cross the Trent. But the
study of the following details covering the distribution in
each county will, we think, leave little doubt in the minds of
our readers that the real obstacles which prevent the general
distribution of this species over the greater part of England
and Wales are the ranges of elevated land, which it instinctively
avoids. Even in counties like Oxfordshire or Berkshire,
which lie well within its breeding-limits, it is common only in
the wooded lowlands. On the Lambourn Downs in Berkshire,
along the Chilterns in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, and
on the Cotswolds, it is practically unknown. But these isolated
masses of hills and downs of no great height do not interfere
with the gradual dispersal of the species by means of the
river- valleys. The more important mountain-sj^stems, on
the other hand, rising to heights of 1,000 feet or more, present
insuperable obstacles. In the Devonian peninsula the high
plateau of Exmoor on the north and Dartmoor on the south,
mark the western limits of the species, except where a few
birds have skirted the coast line and reached the Tamar valley.
Similarly the great Cambrian system, extending from the
Berwyns south through Montgomery, Radnorshire, and Brecon-
shire to Glamorganshire, with outlying spars in Shropshire,
form an impassable barrier on the west.* From the northern
counties the great Pennine Chain, the backbone of England,
reaches down into the West Riding of Yorkshire, east Lanca-
shire, and north Derbyshire, while high-rolling plateaux
occupy parts of north Staffordshire and west Derbyshire.
The limits of this system practically mark the northern range
of the Nightingale. On the west side a comparatively small
stream of migrants work their way up from the Severn valley

* In South Wales, however, a migratory stream passes along the
north coast of the Bristol Channel westward, avoiding the mountains of
Glamorganshire, and a pair or two appear to have penetrated up the
Towy valley as far as Llandovery, and it is said to have been once heard
in the Teifi valley.

( 4 )

( 5 )

Sketch Map of

ENGLAND d WAI.ES

to show

Orographical Features j

r land between 500 and lOOO feet '
■Land over lOOO feet \

6 BRITISH BIRDS.

into Cheshire, while on the east side larger numbers work their
way down the broad vale of Trent and along the Lincolnshire
border into the eastern half of Yorkshire, from Huddersfield
to Teesmouth eastward.

A large number of ladies and gentlemen have taken con-
siderable trouble in answering our questions and collecting
information. Without the kind help thus furnished, it would
have been impossible to produce an account of the Nightingale's
distribution with any pretence to accuracy ; in addition,
therefore, to those mentioned in the following pages, we
desire to express our indebtedness to Mr. E. R. Bankes, Mrs.
R. G. Beecheno, Mr. T. J. Beeston, Mrs. E. L. Calcraft, Messrs.

F. Coburn, C. F. Davies, H. M. Dodington, A. H. Duncalfe,
Harold Evans, W. F. Evans, N. G. Hadden, Major G. Haines,
Rev. C. Homan, Messrs. F. A. Knight, A. G. Leigh, and Stanley
Lewis, Miss G. Lister, Mr. H. W. Mapleton, Col. H. Meyiick,
Messrs. C. J. M. Packe, R. Perkins, W. J. P. Player, C. Pym,
V. Ransome, N. G. Richardson, E. S. Rodd, J. Rodley,

G. N. Sowerby, Joseph H. Symes, James Turner, and
T. W. Wilson. ^

Devonshire. — The presence of Nightingales in Devonshire
has for so long been looked upon by the pubUc as something
out of the ordinary, that their occurrence seems seldom to have
passed unrecorded. These numerous records have been
carefully gone into from time to time by Messrs. W. S. M.
D'Urban, Murray A. Mathew, E. A. Sl Elliot, and other
Devon ornithologists, so that it is a comparatively easy task
to define, on broad lines, the breeding-range of the bird in this
county. If a line be drawn from Dartmouth through Totnes,
Ashburton, Lustleigh, Dunsford, Crediton, and Tiverton to
Bampton, near the Somersetshire border, this will represent
tolerabty accurately the western boundary of its breeding-
range. (It is perhaps worthy of note that a continuation of
this Hne northwards to Watchet also marks off fairly accurately
the western boundary in Somerset.)

To the east of this line the bird is entirely confined to the
river- valleys, and breeds regularly in those of the Teign, Exe,
Otter, and Axe, and, occasionally, at a few spots on the coast
between the Dart and the Dorsetshire border. Its numbers
are greatest about Bovey and Trusham in the Teign valley,
. and this may be said to be the largest colony in Devonshire, the

DISTRIBUTION OF THE NIGHTINGALE. 7

neighbourhood of Exeter (Stokewood) being the locality where
they are the next most numerous. To the west of the line
above-mentioned, the Nightingale has only occurred sporadi-
cally, the most westerly record being one from Horrabridge,
only a few miles east of the Tamar, which forms the Devonshire
and Cornwall boundary.

To Mr. W. S. M. D'Urban, who has kindly revised the above
statement, we are indebted for some further interesting
information with regard to this bird's distribution. Contrary
to popular behef, it would appear that there is no evidence
of any real increase in its numbers, or in the area it occupies in
Devonshire, for wherever the bird is now known to breed,
inquiries seem to indicate that it has always been there.
With regard to its numbers, these have always varied greatly
from year to year, and any actual increase that has taken place
of late years is wholly accounted for by the protection now
afforded them, and the stopping of the " catching " that was
formerly very prevalent, particularly in the neighbourhood of
Exeter. Its numbers are never very great, and in some years
the birds are probably much less numerous than in others.

With regard to the factors in its distribution, Mr. D'Urban
refers to an old idea, that the area occupied by it corresponded
with the distribution of the cowslip, but points out that
while this is roughly true, the cowslip is absent in the Nightin-
gale's chief haunt in the Teign valley. The chief factors
limiting its westward spread are no doubt the high land (un
suited to its habits) of Dartmoor and Exmoor, while its need
for shelter from the prevailing north-westerly winds, and its
liking for thick copses, practically limits its distribution to the
river- valleys and certain sheltered spots near the coast .

Mr. D'Urban also suggests that the presence or absence of
the wood-ant {Formica rufa), on the pupae of which the young
are largely fed, and the abundance of whortle-berries,
particularly in the oak-copses of the Teign, also have some
bearing on the Nightingale's distribution in Devonshire.

Dorsetshire. — Although the Nightingale is generally
distributed throughout Dorsetshire, Mr. W. Parkinson Curtis
points out to us that the distribution is by no means an even
one. I^arge areas occupied by the drift-gravel plateau, and
other similar formations, are characterized by large fir- woods
with, in some districts, copses of birch, poplar, oak, and some
elm. Here the Nightingale would appear to be quite scarce,
while in the chalk districts the woods abound with rich under-
growth, and Nightingales are numerous, and, in some years,
very abundant. While still common in suitable localities in

8 BRITISH BIRDS.

the west of the county, there seems to be no doubt that on the
whole its numbers are less than in the east. The normal
yearly fluctuations in numbers would, therefore, be more
apparent in the west than in the east ; at the same time there
seems to be some ground for saying, that there has been a
slight increase in the west during the last thirty years.

Somersetshire. — There seems to be ample evidence that
the Nightingale has increased greatly in numbers during the
last thirty years, and is still increasing throughout those parts
of the county of Somerset where it is found, while at the same
time it is slightly extending its range westwards.

It appears to be most numerous and generally distributed,
particularly in the river- valleys, in the east and south-east of
the county, from the Wiltshire and Dorsetshire borders to as far
west as a line through Wells and Glastonbur}^ In the extreme
south, about Chard, near the Devonshire border, however, its
distribution becomes more patchy, and although increasing,
its numbers are comparatively smaU. These increase, however,
a little further north, about Ilminster, to become large again,
further north still, as the Vale of Taunton is reached.

North of the Mendips it is less numerous, but stiU generally
distributed throughout the county between these hills and the
valle}^ of the Avon. Immediately south of Clevedon the
country appears to be unsuited to its habits, and it only occurs
sporadically about Weston. Along the southern slopes of the
Mendips, in certain sheltered copses and passes leading through
them, the Nightingale is sparingly distributed, though in very
variable numbers year by j^ear, but becomes more numerous
and regular, both in numbers and distribution, as one passes
eastwards up the valley of the Axe towards Wells. It is along
this valley that a definite westward spread has taken place
within comparatively recent years.

Between the river Axe and the Polden Hills lies the alluvial
tract known as the "Peat Moors," which extends from the
shores of the Bristol Channel to just beyond Glastonbury ;
in this area the Nightingale appears to be known only as a
passing migrant, the fact of its being unknown as a breeding-
bird being probably soleh^ on account of the lack of suitable
breeding-haunts in this district. In certain parts of the
Polden Hills, e.g. about Walton, the bird seems to be particu-
larty numerous, and is fairly common around Bridgwater,
between these hills and the Quantocks. To the south-west of
Bridgwater its distribution appears to follow fairly accurately
the fertile valley of the Tone, round the foot of the Quantocks,
where, in the neighbourhood of Taunton, the bird is a well-

DISTRIBUTION OF THE NIGHTINGALE. 9

known, numerous, and increasing visitor. West of Taunton
its numbers begin to thin out, and it becomes scarce to the
west of Mil vert on and Welhngton, while about fifteen miles
west of Taunton, near the Devonshire border, it is almost, if
not quite, unknown. In the Exmoor country and the adjacent
district as far east as the Quantocks, the Nightingale is quite
unknown, and correspondents long acquainted with this area
inform us that they have never known of one being seen or
heard. The only exceptions to this statement are the recent
records from the neighbourhood of Minehead, on the north
coast, and these furnish interesting evidence of the westward
spread of this bird — thus they were heard at Carhampton, four
miles east of Minehead, in 1900, and at Dunster, two miles east
of Minehead, and Tivington, two miles west of that town,
in 1903. This last would appear to be the farthest westward
point at which the Nightingale has bred in Somerset.
The Rev. R. Chichester, of Minehead, now informs us that in
1905 or 1906 there were at least five pairs of birds close by
Dunster, but that, although in most years now there is one
pair about Dunster or Carhampton, its visits are not yet
regular, and some seasons pass without a Nightingale being
heard. Reports from the Porlock neighbourhood, slightly
further west, appear to lack substantiation.

Gloucestershire. — The distribution of the Nightingale in
this county has been worked out as recently as 1902 by Mr.
W. L. Mellersh, in his Treatise on the Birds of Gloucester, so that
it is not necessary to do more here than summarize what he
there says. He points out very clearly that the distribution
is entirely dependent on the physical conditions of the country.
On the Cotswolds, as a whole, the bird is scarce, while on the
higher portions, although there are many snug valleys with
copses apparently suitable for it, it is a great rarity, owing,
probably to the frosty nights of April and May at this elevation.
In the north-west of the county it is not common in the woods
themselves, but outside, amongst the open valleys and copses
between the Forest of Dean and Tewkesbury, it is more
numerous than in any other part. In the Severn Vale, while it
is only less numerous than about Tewkesbury, its haunts are
chiefly confined to a narrow belt between the Cotswolds and
the Vale, including the little valleys that ascend a short way
up into the hills.

Monmouthshire. — For information about this county we
are mainly indebted to Mr. Iltyd Gardner, of Abergavenny,
who states that the Nightingale is distributed fairly regularly
all over Monmouthshire for so irregular a bird. It is clear,

10 BRITISH BIRDS.

however, from the details which he gives, that as in Hereford-
shire, its distribution is mainly dependent upon the river-
valleys ; thus it occurs most frequently and abundantly in
the Wye Valley, on the eastern border of the county, and thence
less abundantly along the Herefordshire border formed by the
Monnow, as far as the outlying locahties mentioned under the
latter county. Nightingales are also fairly numerous along
the valley of the Usk as far north as Llanover, a few miles
south of Abergavenny, and occur, and have done so for more
than thirty years, according to Mr. R. C. Banks, as regular
visitors in some numbers around Newport, in the lower part of
the valley. It seems probable from Mr. Gardner's statements,
that the Nightingale is found sporadically in suitable localities
along the several branches of the river Usk between Newport
and Abergavenny, but exact information is wanting, as it is
also for the western mining district, though as regards this
locality, the presence of the bird is perhaps less probable.

Glamorganshire. — The Nightingale seems to have made
its first appearance in Glamorganshire about the year 1868,
and there is no doubt that it has gradually established itself,
and has increased largely in numbers, especially during the
last ten years, in the south-east of the county. It has often
been stated that Bridgend forms the westward limit of its
range, but there are records of its breeding in several localities,
within the last three years, between Bridgend and Port Talbot,
so that the bird ^^•ould appear to be slowly spreading along
the coast.

The distribution in Glamorgan would seem to resemble
somewhat that in Devonshire. Thus it occurs in all the river-
vallej^s between the eastern boundary and Port Talbot, about
as far inland as the Great Western Railway line from Cardiff
to Bridgend, and at many suitable spots near the coast within
this boundary. It is specially numerous in the Vale of
Glamorgan, round Beaupre and Llandough, round Cardiff
(where its numbers have been put, in 1910, at between twenty
and thirty pairs, within a seven mile radius of the centre of the
city), and in the flat country to the north of Cardiff about
Llanishen. In the latter district the Nightingale ranges
further north than elsewhere in the county, and has been
reported within the last three years from the Rhonnda Valley.
Reports from further west, in the Swansea neighbourhood,
have not yet been verified.

Carmarthenshire. — Mr. A. Gw^^lne Vaughan informs us
that, in the year 1898 a pair of Nightingales built a nest and
laid eggs, five miles north of Llandover}^ in this county, but

DISTRIBUTION OF THE NIGHTINGALE. 11

did not succeed in rearing any young. This seems to be the
only occurrence of the Nightingale in Carmarthenshire.

Cardiganshire. — In the Field for July 9th, 1910, Mr.
Max A. Wright records the fact that in the previous June he
heard a Nightingale singing three miles south of Tregaron
(presumable in the valley of the Teifi). The recorder appears
to be well acquainted with the bird's song in Glamorganshire,
and Mr. Harold Evans has also written to us about the record,
which he describes as " quite authentic," so that in spite of the
fact that the locality is far to the north-west of any previous
record, it may, we think, be trusted. This individual bird was,
of course, only a casual wanderer, and a single record such as
this cannot be taken as indicating any real extension of range.

Brecknockshire. — With regard to this county, it seems
clear from a consideration of the bird's distribution in Here-
fordshire and Monmouthshire, and the general physical features
of the country, that if the Nightingale is to occur here at all,
it would be most likely to do so either along the Usk or along
one of the feeders of the Wye. On turning to Mr. Cambridge
Phillips's Birds of Brecon, we find that this is pretty well
what does happen, for there he refers to a popular local saying,
that the Nightingale is never heard to the west of the Bwlch
(i.e. about eight miles east of Brecon), and adds that although
he has heard the bird near Brecon, he is disposed to believe
that there is a great deal of truth in the saying.

At the same time, the normal northern range of the
Nightingale in the Usk Valley is some considerable distance
south of the Brecon border, while on the Herefordshire border
on the Wye the bird is quite rare, so that it is not to be expected
that it should occur in any numbers, or with any regularity,
even in that portion of Brecon defined above. This is well
illustrated in the case of the pair of birds referred to in the
Birds of Brecon, which nested at Talgarth in the north-east of
the county a few years prior to 1899 ; they did not appear the
following year, but the same or another pair did a year or two
later, and continued to do so on and off, as Mr. Cambridge
PhilHps informs us, up till 1907 ; since then he has not heard
one, nor heard of one being seen.

From the rest of the county we have no certain information
of the Nightingale ever having occurred, but should it do so it
is only likely to be an odd straggler.

Herefordshire. — In H. G. Bull's Birds of Herefordshire,
pubHshed in 1888, the Nightingale is described as varying much
in numbers, not at all abundant, and almost confined to the
southern half of the county. In 1889 Mr. T. Hutchinson

12 BRITISH BIRDS.

compiled a list of Herefordshire birds for the Transactions of the
Woolhope Club, and this gentleman has been kind enough to
provide us with a hst of the locahties from which he had
received well-authenticated records of the bird, together with
information that has reached him since ; he adds that he
has no doubt that the bird is gradually extending its range
towards the west, and that, from the length of time it is stated
to remain, he has no doubt that it breeds in the county, but
that he had not been able to hear of a nest actually having been
found. Mr. A. B. Farn, of Breinton, near Hereford, however,
tells us that a pair reared their young at Norton Common in
1908.

Taking Mr. Hutchinson's surmise as approximately correct,
it is clear from the records that the distribution of the
Nightingale in Herefordshire follows very closely the river-
valleys. It is found in its largest numbers (Mr. Cambridge
Phillips says in fair numbers yearly, and sometimes numer-
ously) in the valley of the Wye as far north as a few miles
south of Hereford. About Hereford it occurs less regularly, and
its visits become less frequent and its occurrence more sporadic
as the river is followed westwards, until about Hay, on the
Breconshire border, Mr. Cambridge Phillips describes it as
distinctly rare.

In the south-west Nightingales have occurred at several
localities near the junction of the vaUeys of the Monnow and
Dove, close to the Monmouthshire border, but their visits
seem to be irregular, and probably represent the outposts of
the bird's distribution along the valley of the former river,
from its junction with the Wye at Monmouth.

From the north of Herefordshire there are several records
from the valleys o£ Lugg and the Frome, which point to a
gradual extension of range up these rivers. There do not
seem to be any authentic records from as far north as Leo-
minster, and from the Arrow and other rivers that here feed
the Lugg from the west, there is definite information that the
Nightingale has not yet been found along them. The localities
in the east of the county from which it has been reported,
besides those in the Frome valley, lie in the valleys of the
Leadon and Teme, and suggest that the bird is spreading west
from Gloucestershire and Worcestershire along these rivers.

There remains a single locality, Kimbolton in the north of
the county, which appears to be widely separated from any
other established centre in Herefordshire. Birds appear to
have occurred there for some years past, and it is stated that
numbers of people journeyed up there from Leominster to hear

DISTRIBUTION OF THE NIGHTINGALE. 13

them singing in 1908 and 1909, while in some years as many
as three or four could be heard singing at once. It seems
probable that these birds represent an " overflow " from the
valley of the Teme where, in the neighbouring district of
Worcestershire, the Nightingale breeds fairly regularly.

WoRCESTERSHmE. — Though somewhat irregularly distri-
buted the Nightingale does not appear to be absent from any
large area. It is most plentiful m the valleys of the Severn,
Avon, and Teme, and such parts of their tributaries as run
through low and fertile places. The higher and compara-
tively barren regions of the county are seldom visited. Its
numbers vary greatly from year to year, but it is said to have
increased much within living memory in the south-east of the
county. Its visits to the Malvern district, on the Hereford-
shire border, would appear to be irregular.

Warwickshire. — Warwickshire being one of those counties
that still lacks a book devoted to its fauna, detailed
information has been a httle hard to come by, and being near
the western boundar}^ of the Nightingale's range, it would
be desirable to work out its distribution with greater accuracy
than is at present possible. It will be fairly correct, however,
to say that over the greater part of the county, as far north
as the latitude of Birmingham, the bird is generally, and fairly
numerously, distributed. It occurs in greatest numbers in
lower-lying alluvial tracts, e.g. below 200 feet in the valleys
of the Avon, Arrow, and Stour, in the southern division of the
county. In the northern half it is decidedly less numerous,
though still uniformly distributed up to Birmingham, while in
this area its numbers are largest in the valley of the Blythe,
below 300 feet. North of Birmingham information is very
scanty, and it seems probable that its distribution thins out
rapidly, as Mr. Steele Elliot regards it as a rare bird at Sutton
Coldfield, near the Staffordshire border. There seems to have
been a steady increase in numbers throughout the southern
two-thirds of the county during the last ten years.

Montgomeryshire. — All the occurrences of the Nightingale
within the county-limits are from the Severn Valley, between
where the river flows into Shropshire and a few miles above
Montgomery. The most southerly locality is Abermule, where
it was heard for two or three years by the Severn (Rev. E. 0.
Philpott). At Leighton it was heard singing in May, 1900
(Bruce), and about 1869 another was frequently heard at
Guilsfield, near Welshpool (Beck). Near the junction of the
Fyrnwy and Severn one or two pairs haunt the Shropshire
border near Kinnerley (H. E. Forrest).

14 BRITISH BIRDS.

Denbighshire and Flintshire. — Mr. H. E. Forrest's
collected notes and observations in his Fauna of North Wales,
show that the Nightingale is certainly a visitor at irregular
intervals to the southern part of FHntshire, and the outlying
portion, as well as on the eastern border of Denbighshire, where
it marches with that of Flintshire. In the outlying part of
Flint, Mr. Forrest quotes records from the borders near
Ellesmere, Malpas, and Penlly, while it occurred at Overton in
1902 and 1905. In east Denbighshire it has frequently occurred
near Wrexham, and also at Gresford, Rossett, and the Nant-y-
ffrith Woods, while in FHntshire it has been recorded from
Colomondy, Mold, Gredington, and Holywell.

Shropshire. — Mr. H. E. Forrest's researches have shown
that the Nightingale occurs regularly in the south of the county,
mainly along the Severn Valley, between Bewdley and Build-
was, specially affecting the neighbourhood of Bridgnorth,
Linley, and Broseley. Beyond these limits it is of very
irregular occurrence, but in some seasons extends its range
northward to Shrewsbury or a few miles beyond, but still
keeps chiefly to the Severn Valley. The Umits of its range,
however, as well as its numbers, fluctuate considerably from
year to year. In 1902 at least six pairs nested close to Shrews-
bury, while in 1909 Mr. Forrest only knew of one pair which
reared their young, though one or two more were reported.
As a rule they keep to the valley, and on both sides it is
extremely rare to find them at any distance from the river.
The elevated plain which occupies the northern part of the
county and extends into Cheshire and Staffordshire, is also
avoided, as a rule. There are, however, a few records of birds
observed here : thus a pair was recorded from Hadnall in
1900, a nest was found at Grinshill, and a pair noticed
at the Clive in 1902, while in 1905 others were reported from
Wem. On the west side it has been met with at least three
times at Kinnerley, on the Welsh border, and on the east side,
in 1908, about ten miles from Wolverhampton [Zool., 1909,
p. 74) ; w^hile two pairs nested two miles nearer Wolver-
hampton in 1907 and 1909 (A. H. Duncalfe). In the southern
part of the county a pair or two apparently find their way up
the Teme valley, as Mr. 0. R. Owen records a pair having
reared young at Ludlow in 1906, and Mr. Forrest mentions
another pair at Onibury in 1905.

Staffordshire. — At first sight, judging from its geographi-
cal position, one might expect the Nightingale to be a regular
and widely distributed summer- visitor to Staffordshire ; but
a study of the contours of the county reveals the fact that

DISTRIBUTION OF THE NIGHTINGALE. 15

the greater part of its area lies somewhat high for this valley-
loving species. This is more especially the case in the north-
east of the county, from the Weaver Hills northward, \^here
most of the ground is over 1,000 feet above the sea. But even
in the south the only really low-lying parts are the Trent
valley, that of its tributary the Tame, and along the Derby-
shire boundary in the Dove valley from below Burton to Ash-
bume, while along the Shropshire boundary the ground falls
away again. Between the Trent valley and the Black Country
rise the moorlands of Cannock Chase, a great part of which is
from 600 to 700 feet high. An analysis of the records of this
species from the county, shows that almost all of them are from
the valleys referred to or their immediate neighbourhood.

Beginning from the Birmingham district in the south,
although the bird certainly breeds on the Warwickshire side,
the occasional notices in local papers of its occurrence to the
north of the city seem to require substantiation. To the Trent
valley it is, however, an occasional visitor. Dickenson, in
1798, wrote that it was sometimes, though very rarely, heard
at Weston, but Garner described it as unknown in the Trent
valley north of Lichfield. In 1892 the Rev. T. W. Daltry
reported its occurrence at Moddershall, but with some reserve,
as the locality seemed unsuitable. At Eccleshall, about five
miles from the Trent, Dr. McAldowie says, in 1895, that it was
heard for a whole season " a few years ago," while at Sandon
Mr. Wells Bladen records it as singing in 1883, and also states
that it has been heard for two seasons past near Rugeley.
Still lower down the valley it bred in Hamstall Ridgware in
1897 {ZooL, 1909, p. 75), and in the Burton district, according
to Mr. E. Brown, it occurred in considerable numbers about
1853, when the song was to be heard in every grove in the
neighbourhood. This is confirmed by Sir 0. Mosley, who
states that it is neither frequent nor numerous near Tutbury,
but that in some years it occurs, occasionally in considerable
numbers. When not disturbed, they have been known to
return to the same locahty for several seasons, and a definite
instance of breeding at Rolleston in 1841 is recorded. Higher
up the Dove valley it is of somewhat irregular and uncertain
occurrence, but a cock sang at Claymills in 1904, and in the
same year at Stramshall, near Uttoxeter, while it is said to
have been heard also at Calwich, though most of the records
from the upper Dove valley come from the Derbyshire side.
On the Shropshire side it has been recorded within a mile of the
border, but not as breeding on the Staffordshire side, and an
isolated occurrence is reported by Mr. Daltry from Leycett in
1889, which seems to require substantiation.

16 , BRITISH BIRDS.

Cheshire. — As Mr. T. A. Coward x^oints out in his recently
published Fauna of Cheshire, the northern Umits of the
Nightingale's range in the west of England are formed by the
wooded lowlands of this county, while even in these districts
it only occurs as an occasional visitor. Almost every year, he
says, the local newspapers report occurrences of the Nightingale
in various parts of the county, but the majority prove, on
investigation, to be of some other species. He further points
out that neither nestlings nor eggs have been actually found
in the county, but that there is presumptive evidence that the
birds nested in most of the cases where their occurrence is
beyond doubt. An examination of these last, as enumerated
by Mr. Coward, indicates that the Nightingale has never been
proved to occur anywhere in the south-east of the county, and
that the lowland wooded districts above referred to are
practically the lower parts of the valleys of the Dee, Weaver,
and Mersey, or one of the latter's tributary-streams, with the
Wirral, which Hes between the Dee and Mersey estuaries.
It seems evident, therefore, that the hills of Derbyshire and
Staffordshire, and their outlying portions in east Cheshire,
form an effective barrier to the spread of this bird mto the
latter county from the east, and the evidence rather x^oints to
the Cheshire birds being stragglers across the north Shropshire
plain, where the Nightingale is also an occasional visitor.

Among the Cheshire records are two from the north-east
corner of the county : Strines, close to the Derbyshire border,
and Romiley, on the Upper Mersey, in 1896. Assuming the
correctness of both (and there is always a possibihty of an
error in identification, especially in a district where the
Nightingale is practically unknown), it might seem possible
that these birds had entered Cheshire from the West Riding,
but a personal acquaintance on the part of one of the writers
with this district enables us to say definitely that we do not
beheve this to be the case. On the Avhole, therefore, Cheshire
would seem to fall very naturally into line with Denbighshire
and Flintshire, in forming part of the western outlying portion
of the Nightingale's range.

Derbyshire. — The greater part of this county hes outside
the regular breeding-range of this species, and with the
exception of the southern lowlands, records of nesting have
always been few and far between ; but from the end of
the eighteenth century onwards we have a series of isolated
instances of nesting, so that it is now possible to define the
limits of the range with some accuracy.

By far the greater number of these records come from the

DISTRIBUTION OF THE NIGHTINGALE. 17

low lying Trent valley and the flat, well timbered district which
extends roughly from Derby in the north to jMelbourne and
Burton in the south, and from Tutbury on the w^est side to
Trent Junction on the east. In this part of the county it occurs
not infrequently, but by no means annually even here. Glover
mentions one as heard in Normanton Lane, near Derby, in
1828 ; Neville Wood, in 1836, wrote that a few pairs usually
frequented the Foston and Allesley Woods, and J. J. Briggs,
in 1849, stated that it visited the Melbourne district every
spring. One bird was shot here in 1848, and a nest was taken
and described in the Zoologist (1849, p. 2,484). In 1863 Sir 0.
Mosley and Mr. E. Brown described it as sometimes occurring
in considerable numbers, and in other years as altogether
absent in the Burton and Tutbury districts. About 1853
there was a great influx of this species, and the song w^as heard
in almost every wood near Burton, but from that time up to
1863 it only occurred rarely. About 1881 and 1882 a pair or
two nested near Wellington and Bretley. Several pairs
appeared to have bred in the Derby district in 1901, and in
this year they were probably general in the south of the
countv (W. H. Walton). In 1908 the song was again heard
near Derby (W. H. Walton), and in 1909 at Chellaston (C. H.
Wells). Probably in most seasons a pair or two would be
found in the Trent valley if carefully looked for.

Above the junction of the rivers Dove and Trent it does not,
as a rule, penetrate to any great distance. It has already been
stated that it ranges to Foston and Tutbur}^, but occasionally
it has been known to work its way up much higher. Thus
Sir 0. Mosley saj^s it has been found as far north as Snelston,
near Ashburne. On the borders of Snelston and CUfton,
Jourdain heard a male in full song in the spring of 1895, and in
1901 another was reported only a mile or so away [Victoria
History of Derby, I., p. 124). In 1910 one was heard near the
entrance to Dovedale, at Thorpe, where it is also reported to
have occurred for a day or two in former years. These
locahties, as well as two or three on the Staffordshire border,
are all in the Dove valley. In the Derwent valley above Derby
the only record deserving credence appears to be that of
Messrs. Hall and Statham, who report the song as heard in
Matlock Dale for a few^ days in 1907. It then ceased, but was
heard a few days later down the valley at Duffield.* Appar-
ently the males at these outposts failed to attract mates, for
both here and at Thorpe the song ceased after a few days, and

* There is also some reason to believe that it has also been heard at
Matlock, about 1872.

18 BRITISH BIRDS.

the birds disappeared. On the eastern border of the county the
country is less hilly, but, though the Nightingale undoubtedly
occurs in Nottinghamshire, definite records from Derbyshire
are wanting, with the exception of Pilkington's statement in
1789, that it is sometimes seen on the north-east borders of the
county, particularly in the parish of Creswell, and Whitlock's
assertion that certain woods on the outlying portions of
Sherwood Forest are occasionally patronised. Recorded
occurrences at Winster in 1878 and Bakewell are almost
certainl}^ erroneous.

Leicestershire. — The greater part of this county Ues low,
the only exception being part of Charn\^ood Forest, which is
over 700 feet above the sea. The Wolds north of Melton
Mowbra}^ and between it and Market Harborough, are
decidedly lower, and rarely exceed 600 feet. There is thus no
great natural obstacle to the general distribution of the species,
but it appears to be somewhat uncertain and irregular in its
appearance. Mr. H. S. Davenport says that he never knew
of any particular haunt in Leicestershire being frequented for
two years in succession. Miss N. Marsh, however, says that
they nest annually in Grimston Gorse, and are said to have done
so regularly for fifty years or more. This seems, however,
to be an exceptional case, and speaking general^, the bird
seems to be commonest in the valley of the Soar, along the
Nottinghamshire border, where the ground falls away towards
the Trent valley and towards the south-east of the county.
On the western side records are practically absent. Possibly
the fact that so many notes of its appearance come from the
Leicester and Loughborough districts may be due to the
presence of observers rather than birds, and it is apparently
most numerous in the north-east, where it is reported as very
common in the Belvoir Woods (Miss Marsh), while Mr. R. C.
Seechem finds it plentiful near Croxton Ke\Tia], and adds that
he knows of five places where they nest close to the village.
Mr. M. Browne also quotes Mr. Ingram as recording it breeding
at Barkstone, the Kennel Woods and Calcraft Bushes in the
Belvoir district. In the Soar vaUey it is not uncommon
locally, and Mr. G. Frisby estimates that as a rule there are
from twelve to twenty nests within a three or four mile radius
of Quorn. Babington recorded it from Leicester, Rothley,
Wanlip, etc. ; Harley from Loughborough, Whetstone Gorse,
as well as Groby, Martinshaw, Braunstone, and Wistow.
Mr. G. H. Storer reports it from Leicester, Braunstone, and
Kirby Muxloe. In other parts of the county it seems to be
decidedly scarce, though Mr. Davenport met with four pairs

DISTRIBUTION OF THE NIGHTINGALE. 19

nesting near Keythorpe, and one at Skeggington, in 1893, an
exceptional year. A nest was taken at Tugby in 1888, and
another reported in 1893 (Rev. H. Parry). The only definite
record from the west of Charnwood Forest is that of one heard
in 1906 at Swannington (Mr. G. Frisby). Finally, in the south-
eastern border of the county, Mr. W. J. Horn states that in
1905 no fewer than twenty-five males were in song in the
Market Harborough district.

Nottinghamshire. — As compared with the adjoining county
of Derbyshire, the distribution of the Nightingale is remarkable
in extending far more to the north. But here again, as usual,
the He of the land gives the clue to the problem, for while the
only low-lying parts of Derbyshire are the ^vide vale of the
Trent and the lower parts of the Dove and Derwent vallej-s,
all in the extreme south of the county, the greater part of
Nottinghamshire is traversed by the Trent, with low-lying
meadows on either hand as it flows northward to the Humber,
and the only rising ground is in the Mansfield district, while
even here only one or two scattered portions exceed 600 feet
in height. So that it is not surprising to find that there are
few districts in which it has not occasionally bred, while it is
quite common in the Trent valley between Nottingham and
Newark, as well as on the Leicestershire border near Belvoir.
In the Trent valley above Nottingham it is much scarcer,
but has bred for three or four years past, at any rate, at
Wollaton (Miss M. Russell), while Mr. C. E. Pearson heard it
only twice in thirty years at Chilwell. Lower down it is much
commoner, and is reported at three places between Nottingham
and Lowdham (Mr. C. E. Pearson), at Arnold, Oxton and^
Southwell, the two latter regularly (Mr. J. Whitaker), at
Bleasby (Miss N. Marsh), while Mr. Poynty Wright has found
it plentiful in the Trent valley as far as Newark, and thinks
that it shows a tendency to increase. He also considers it
fairly well distributed in the south-east comer of the county,
and it is common in the Vale of Belvoir, and breeds there
(Whatton-in- the- Vale, etc.). In the Sherwood Forest district
it is only an occasional visitor, and Mr. Whitaker only records
it five times in thirty-four years at Rainworth, but states that
it has nested at Ollerton. Still further north we come to the
well- wooded and fertile " Dukeries," Here a few pairs have
long been known to breed near Worksop, and the Rev. L. C.
Barnes heard two in song in May, 1909, at Scofton, while
Mr. Whitaker states that it has nested near Retford. From
the north-east of the county our information is defective, but
it is probable that a few pairs breed there also.

20 BRITISH BIRDS.

Lincolnshire. — Lincolnshire has yet no separate history
of its fauna, and it has been somewhat difficult to obtain the
requisite information on which to base an account of this
bird's distribution. To the Rev. F. L. Blathwayt and Mr.
R. B. Lodge we are mainly indebted for the information here
given.

There seems to be no doubt that the Nightingale has increased
considerably in numbers over most of the county during the
last thirty years, a.nd even slightly during the last ten, and it
seems not unhkely that the latitude of Lincoln would nearly
represent its northern limit fifty years ago. In the north-east
of the county at any rate a definite extension has taken place
in the last forty years. It is not included in a list of birds
found at Swinehope, pubHshed in the Naturalist for 1852, and
John Cordeaux, in his Birds of the Number District, puts its
arrival in this part of the count}^ at about 1870.

At the present time the Nightingale seems to be scattered
sparingly over the greater part of the county, where there are
suitable haunts. It is really abundant in the larger woodlands,
especially round Lincoln, and in the middle and south-west of
the county generally. In the " fen " country of the south-
east it is naturally uncommon, as it is also in the marsh
country in the north-east between the Wolds and the sea. In
the north-west its numbers appear to be smaller than in the
centre of the county, but it occurs regularly in the large wooded
tract about Brigg in the north. On the Wolds its visits would
appear to be irregular, and its haunts more widely scattered,
but further information about this district is desirable.

YoRKSHmE. — The distribution of the Nightingale in this
important part of its range has been so lately dealt with, and in
such an able manner, by Mr. T. H. Nelson in his Birds of York-
shire, that it is hardly necessary to do more here than to give a
condensed summary of what he there says. It is only
necessary to add that since this book was published nothing
has occurred, Mr. Nelson informs us, to lead him to suggest
any modification of that account.

Like Mr. D'Urban in Devonshire, at the extreme south-west
of the bird's range, Mr. Nelson expresses a decided opinion
that here, on the northward fringe, the Nightingale has not
extended its range within the time when this could be definitely
traced. He points out that, contrary to what was once
beUeved, further research has revealed the fact that over one
hundred years ago the bird bred pretty regularly, probably as
regularly, at the northern point of its range, as it does to-day.
Mr. Nelson also points out that, although it has been known to

DISTRIBUTION OF THE NIGHTINGALE. 21

visit occasionally districts still further north, it is quite
probable that these exceptional visits were also made in the
past, and that these visits are dependent to some extent at
any rate on the variations that take place from year to year
in its numbers, and its relative abundance in some seasons in
its normal area of distribution. Within the area of its regular
summer-range it usually occurs in Hmited numbers only. It
is only in the neighbourhood of Doncaster, and on the southern
fringe of the county bordering Nottinghamshire, that it can
be described as fairty abundant. A line passing north of
Rotherham and Barnsley, and east of Wakefield, Leeds, and
Harrogate to near Boroughbridge, and then east through
Skelton (five miles north of York), and, sweeping round the
southern spur of the Wolds up to Beverley, and finally reaching
the North Sea about Hornsea, circumscribes the portion of the
county within which the Nightingale is an annual summer
visitor, while an outer line from Sheffield by Huddersfield,
Bradford, Otley, Ripon, and Thirsk toNormanby-in-Cleveland,
thence south-east to Scarborough, includes all the locahties for
which there is satisfactory evidence of the bird ever having
bred or occurred.

The whole Yorkshire distribution lies strictly within the
lowlands, and nowhere exceeds 250 feet above sea level, except
in the single instance of its breeding within the Spa Gardens
at Harrogate. Indeed, the foothills of the Pennine Range, of the
Cleveland Hills, and even those of the chalk Wolds form fring-
ing borders of the bird's range.

On the fringe of its range it is not at all constant to one partic-
ular haunt, and is more abundant generally in some seasons
than in others, which may to some extent account for its
intermittent appearance in the more northern and outlying
districts within its range.

From the counties further north there are a few records,
but, in our opinion, further evidence is required before they
can be fully accepted. It is quite possible that an occasional
male may reach Lancashire, as there is no natural obstacle to
prevent its doing so. Howard Saunders only deemed one
worthy of attention up to 1892, and Mr. H. 0. Forbes states
that no authentic nest has ever been taken, though he seems
to think that there is evidence of its occurrence in the Irwell
valley. The B.O.C. Migration Report for 1907 contains the
record " Lancashire, May 19." On investigation this appears
to be founded on a report of two at Clitheroe on that date.
As recorded by Saunders, Mr. G. Bolam saw and heard a male
in the north of Northumberland in 1893.

OTES

RARE BIRDS IN STAFFORDSHIRE.
A FEW weeks ago, while staying at Stretton Hall, near Stafford,
I had the pleasure of examining a number of birds, aU of which
Avere shot in that neighbourhood b}^ Mr. Monckton. Amongst
them are two adult male (shot January 14th, 1908) and one
immature female (shot December, 1905) Smews {Mergus
albellus), and a hybrid cock Pheasant and Greyhen, showing
dominant influence of the male bird. Other birds there
include three Green Sandpipers [Totayius ochropus), a Goosander
{Mergus merganser), a White-fronted Goose {Anser albifrons),
shot at Stretton on January 30th, 1906, a Manx Shearwater
{Pufpnus anglorum), and two adult Goldeneyes [Clangula
glaucion), one of which was shot in December, 1905.

Mr. Giffard, of ChilUngton, also kindly showed me his birds
procured there, and amongst them I found a Scops Owl {Scops
giu) (a new species for our Staffordshire list), an Arctic Skua
{Stercorarius crepidatus), two Little Auks {Mergulus alle), a
Turnstone {Strepsilas inter pres), Gad wall {Anas strepera),
Long-tailed Duck {Harelda glacialis), two Pintails {Dafila
acuta), an Osprey {Pandion haliaetus), a rufous or erythristic
Partridge, and a melanistic Lapwing {Vanellus vulgaris).
Unfortunately, no further data than those I have given are
available for any of these specimens.

On April 8th, 1911, on Bellfields Reservoir, where the wild-
fowl are carefully protected by Mr. Giffard, I identified, with
Mr. F. A. Monckton, the following species : — Great Crested
Grebe, several pairs ; Mallard, Coot, Wigeon, Teal, Pochard,
Shoveler, several pairs ; Tufted Duck, about fift}^ ; Goldeneye,
several pairs, and a White Wagtail {Motacilla alba)."^ Bellfields
Reservoir, Gailey Pools, Norton Pool, and one or two other large
sheets of water in that part of Staffordshire are frequented
by many of the rarer ducks and waders in severe winters and
on the spring and autumn migrations, and have added many
species to our hst of Staffordshire birds. A few pairs of
Crossbills still remain at Stretton, and three flew over the
house on April 9th last. John R. B. Masefield.

* Mr. F. A. Monckton has since wT-itten to tell me that he saw two
White Wagtails at Bellfields Reservoir on April 21st last.

NOTES. 23

RAPID NEST-BUILDING BY MISTLE-THRUSH
AND BLACKBIRD.

Near Carlisle a Mistle-Thrush {Turdus viscivorus) built its
nest in two days and laid the first egg on the third day.

D. A. Scott.
At West Byfleet, Surrey, a gardener put an ordinary wooden
rake against a wall, under a lean-to roof, on the evening of
Thursday, Ajml 13th, 1911. On the following day (Good
Friday) he did not work. On the Saturday he found a nest of
a Blackbird {Turdus merula) on the teeth of the rake, and
resting against the wall. On Sunday the nest contained one egg,
and now the bird is sitting upon four eggs. T. R. Ward.

[It may be remarked that such cases as the above are pro-
bably due to a previous nest being destroyed (or becoming
deserted for some reason), when the bird is just on the point
of commencing to lay its eggs. — Eds. J

WHITE-SPOTTED BLUETHROAT AND RED-NECKED

PHALAROPE IN SUSSEX.
On May 15th, 1911, a gentleman staying at Winchelsea secured
two rarities, the first being a specimen of the White- spotted
Bluethroat {Cyanecula wolfi), which was flying about the sloe
bushes on the marshes at Pett. This is, I beUeve, only the
second record for the county. The bird was a male in fine
condition, the white spot being very cons^Dicuous.

The second was an example of the Red-necked Phalarope
{Phalaropus hyperboreus) , which was swimming about in the
Brede Canal, which runs between Winchelsea and Rye. The
specimen was a hen, and, no doubt, on her way north to the
breeding haunts. We very rarely see them in Sussex on
migration. I think only four have been previously obtained in
spring. Both birds were seen by me in the flesh on May 16th.

H. W. Ford-Lindsay.

EXTRAORDINARY ABUNDANCE OF NIGHTINGALES
IN SHROPSHIRE.

The present season is quite remarkable for the number of
Nightingales {Daulias luscinia) which have appeared in
Shropshire. The normal range of the species in this county
is confined to the Severn Valley south of Shrewsbury,
though from time to time a few odd birds take up quarters
in locahties north of that area. This year, however, the
usual haunts of the Nightingale appear to hold more than
double their normal complement of individuals, whilst a
number of Nightingales have taken up residence in places

24 BRITISH BIRDS.

to the west and north-west, where the species has seldom
or never been previously recorded. It will be interesting if
observers in places along the western and northern boundaries
of the Nightingale's ordinary territory will keep a look out
to see if this year it exceeds the limit in other districts, as it
has done in Shropshire. H. E. Forrest.

GREY WAGTAIL BREEDING IN SURREY.

On May 14th, 1911, while walking along the banks of the
River Wey near Elstead, I was surprised to see a Grey
Wagtail [Motacilla melanope) chasing a Pied Wagtail
{M. lugubris), and as the former flew down stream towards a
water-wheel house it was joined by its mate, which had some-
thing in its beak. Thinking they were nesting, I waited some
time in the hope of seeing them again. I then made my way
towards where I saw them fly. After watching one of them
for a few minutes, I commenced a dihgent search, and succeeded
in finding the nest, on which I could distinctly see the bird
with my glasses. As I approached the nest the bird came off,
and was very demonstrative. I had some difficulty in reaching
the nest, which was situated in the thatch of the water-wheel
house, overhanging the w^ater. It contained 3^oung birds just
hatched out.

Referring to records in The Birds of Surrey (J. A. Bucknill),
p. 137, I find there are only two well authenticated records
of the species having bred in the county. I cannot agree with
the author that the eggs are quite unmistakable ; indeed, in
some cases, it would be quite impossible to separate them from
the eggs of the Yellow Wagtail {M. raii), though if a series of
the two species be placed side by side, it will be easily seen that
there is a general tendency towards a paler colouring and a
large size in the eggs of the Grey Wagtail. P. F. Bunyard.

THE TWO-BARRED CROSSBILL IN SCOTLAND.

In looking over some back numbers of British Birds, my
attention was drawn to the note by Mr. William Evans in
Vol. III., p. 306, and although it can hardly pass as a good
" record," perhaps the following note from one of my old
journals may be of interest to some of your readers, and may
possibly lead to the tracing of the further history of the
specimen by someone resident in the north : —

When in Inverness on August 15th, 1882, I saw in the
shop of Mr. Henderson, taxidermist and gun-maker, a very
good specimen of Loxia bifasciata, along with eight or ten
Common Crossbills, aU of which, I was informed, had been

NOTES. 25

lately received from, and set up for, some local gentleman, a
statement which their condition seemed quite to bear out.
The Two-barred Crossbill was in full red plumage, and very
bright, but I did not, unfortunately, make any further note
of it, but my recollection is that I was told that the birds
came from the Rothiemurchus district. George Bolam.

GREEN WOODPECKER IN WESTMORLAND.
As the Green Woodpecker {Gecinus viridis) is a rare bird in
Westmorland, it may be of interest to record that I saw and
heard one on several occasions during April, 1911, in a wood
near Kirkby Lonsdale. My keeper tells me that he has heard
the bird at this time of yesiY for the last three years, but I
cannot find any old nesting-holes, nor does the bird seem to
have a mate. Hulme Wilson.

PROBABLE SNOW-GEESE IN ESSEX.
I HAVE received a communication from Major J. Thornhill,
Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, to the effect that while he was searching
the marshes in the neighbourhood of that place on April 13th,
1911, he observed two pairs of birds Avhich he identified, with
all the certainty possible under the circumstances, as Snow-
Geese {Chen hyperboreus, Pall). The birds were very wild,
but it could be seen that " they were quite white, except the
flight-feathers, which were black." At first he wondered if
they could be Gannets, but " was quickly undeceived by their
manner of flight." He saw the birds for a second time on the
18th of the same month, but they were not seen again. While
recognizing that records of rare birds, unaccompanied by
specimxcns, must always be received with caution and reserve,
I venture to hold that the exceptional clearness and unmistak-
ableness of the identification characters of this species, give
this record a much greater value than is usual in such cases.
Many of the records of Snow-Geese accepted by Saunders
{III Man. B. B., 2nd ed., 1899, pp. 405-406) refer to birds
" recognized on the wing."

A. Landsborough Thomson.

COMMON SCOTER IN WEST YORKSHIRE.
On May 7th, 1911, I saw a Common Scoter {CEdemia nigra) on
Hemsworth Dam, in the West Riding of Yorkshire, about
fifty miles from the sea-coast at its nearest point. The bird
was apparently a male, and was in company with four Tufted
Ducks {FuUgula cristata). Although the Common Scoter is
reported as common on the coast of the county and in the

26 BRITISH BIRDS.

Humber, the only other occurrence of the species in the district
with ^^ hich I am acquainted is an example reported in The
Naturalist (Vol. VII., 1857, p. 197) to have been procured at
the same place — Hemsworth Dam — in the autumn of 1856.

Walter B. Arundel.
[In his Birds of Yorkshire (p. 478), Mr. T. H. Nelson saA^s the
Common Scoter " has been met with on most of the large
tarns, lakes, and reserv^oirs, and on man}' of the rivers, particu-
larly in the West Riding." — Eds.]

GREY PHALAROPE IN WARWICKSHIRE.

On September 11th, 1910, an adult male Grey Phalarope
{Phalaropus fulicarius) was shot on a small muddy pool at
Morton Bagot, near Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire, and sent
to Messrs. Spicer and Son, Birmingham, for preservation. I
examined it immediately after it had been set up. In the
Victorian History of Warwickshire this species is spoken of as
" an uncertain winter visitor, but in some seasons not rare ;
it appeared in several localities in 1844, 1853, 1857, and 1886."
Beyond this I have only been able to find one record {Zool.,
1892, p. 26), though, doubtless, specimens have occasionally
been allowed to pass unrecorded. A. Geoffrey Leigh.

VORACITY OF THE LARGER GULLS.
Anyone who has spent much time among the east coast fisher-
men and gunners, is probably well acquainted with different
stories as to the well-known voracity of the Herring- and
Black- backed Gulls, and of the extraordinary accidents that
occasionally result therefrom.

It may be doubted, however, if the instance that I brought
to the notice of the British Ornithologists' Club in April, 1911,
has often been echpsed. Pashley, the well-known naturahst
of Cley, sent me a Great Black-backed Gull {Larus marinus)
which had been shot in January by one of the local gunners.
The bird was found to have swallowed a stake of wood twelve
inches long, and this had pierced the gullet and worked through
the skin of the neck. The skin had healed up j)erfectly
around the wood, but inside the gullet was also found the
skull of a Lesser Black-backed Gull, into which the stake had
been thrust. It appears probable that this unattractive morsel
had been fastened by the stake as a bait to some trap. It is
not very unusual to find a Gull with a fish-hook worked through
the mandible. I saw a young Herring-Gull shot last November
in this predicament, the bird presenting a curious appearance
on the wing, owing to the presence of some eighty yards of

NOTES. 27

fishing-line attached to a cod-liook, whicli had passed through
the horny sheath.

The point most worthy of notice in the majority of these
instances is the amazing vitahty that allows these birds, not
only to live, but to thrive under such conditions. In both
the instances I have cited the birds were flying strongly, and
appeared to suffer but little inconvenience.

Clifford Borrer.

HERRmO-GULL AND SHAG OCCUPYING DISUSED

RAVENS' NESTS.
On May 11th, 1910, on the Cornish coast, I found a Herring-
Gull {Larus argentatus) sitting on the top of a nest which had
been built and used by a pair of Ravens [Corvus corax) earlier
in the year — their 3'oung having disappeared from the nest
between the 10th and 16th of April, when still hardly capable
of flight. The Gull had put in a sUght hning of dry grass, and
laid one egg.

Of the further history of events last j^ear I have no know-
ledge. This year the Ravens — presumably the same pair —
built their nest on the same cUff , but lower down on or near a
ledge occupied last year by a pair of Shags [Phalacrocorax
graculus). A good view of the nest can be had from an
adjacent, accessible part of the cUff. The nest was completed
by February 26th, but no eggs could be seen on that date.
Six days later it contained four eggs, but on my next visit
(March 20th) I found it empty — robbed. On March 26th a
Shag was sitting in the nest, but there were as yet no eggs ;
on April 5th a Shag was again in the nest, and after dislodging
her — a by no means easy matter — I saw that she had laid
three eggs. On April 16th I found her there again, but failed
to induce her to move.

So far as I could see, the Shags had adopted the nest as left
by the Ravens, without addition or alteration.

W. I. Beaumont.

GREAT NORTHERN DIVER SWALLOWING A
CUTTLE-FISH.

A Great Northern Diver {Colymbus glacialis) shot in Orkney
in January, 1911, had in its gullet a Cuttle-fish, which when
placed in a basin in its natural position, measured eight inches
across. It was body-downwards in the gullet with the tentacles
pointing upwards, and the gastric juices had already com-
menced their work upon the body where it was lowest in the
gullet, although very slightly and only in one place. Two
of the tentacles appeared to be missing. H. W. Robinson.

28 BRITISH BIRDS.

BLACK-THROATED DIVERS IN SUSSEX & SURREY.
A sPEcrviEN of a Black-throated Diver {Colymbus arcticus)
was picked up at Winchelsea, Sussex, on March 21st, 1911,
by a pupil of the University School, Hastings. The bird,
a female, was changing from winter to summer-plumage.

Mr. Bristow of St. Leonards has the bird for preservation,
and afforded me an opportunity of examining it.

H. W. Ford-Lindsay.

On November 6th, 1909, a Black-throated Diver {Colymbus
arcticus) was found in an exhausted condition by the roadside
near Caterham Valley, and died shortly after capture. The
bird, which is now in my possession, was preserved by
Mr. Chas. Thorpe, of Croydon, who informs me that it is a
young male, probably in the second year.

Howard Bentham.

Siberian Chiffchaff in Shetland. — A specimen of
Phylloscopus r. tristis was obtained in Shetland on October
28th, 1910. and is reported by Mr. J. S. Tulloch [Ann. Scot.
Nat. Hist., 1911, p. 115).

Northern Willow- Wren in Scotland. — A bird identified
by Dr. C. B. Ticehurst as a Northern Willow- Wren {Phyllo-
scopus t. eversmanni) is recorded by Miss Rintoul and Miss
Baxter [Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist., 1911, p. 116) as having been
sent to them from the Isle of May Lighthouse in May, 1909.

Nuthatch in Ireland. — In the Irish Naturalist (1911,
p. 95), Mr. W. J. Wilhams reports that on March 26th, 1911,
when standing in a garden at Malahide (co. Dubhn), he heard
a strange note and, having stalked up to within a few paces
of the bird, he had no difficulty in identifj'ing it with certainty
as a Nuthatch {Sitta ccesia). There is no previous authentic
case of the occurrence of the Nuthatch in Ireland, and as the
species is of such a " sedentary " nature, the presence of a
vagrant in Ireland is ver}^ remarkable.

Siskins in Mull. — Mr. D. Macdonald reports {Ann. Scot,
Nat. Hist., 1911, p. 114) that he saw on November 2nd, 1910,
some twenty Siskins {Chrysomitris spinus) in Mull, where the
bird is rare.

Hobby in Elgin. — The occurrence of a Hobby {Falco
subbuteo) in the " Moray " area is a rarity ; one is recorded
by Mr. J. Davidson {Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist., 1911, p. 117) as
having been shot at the end of June, 1910, at Innes, Elgin.
The bird was stuffed when the writer saw it, but by the
measurement of the wing (10 inches) it appeared to be a

NOTES. 29

male. The keeper by whom it was shot, said that it had a
bare spot on its breast, but there is no real evidence of its
having nested in the locality.

WiGEON Breeding in Roxburghshire. — Mr. C. G. Black-
wood records {Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist., 1911, p. 117) the finding
of a nest with eight eggs of Mareca penelope on May 7th, 1910,
in some long heather near a small loch in the " higher moor-
lands " of Roxburghshire. Besides putting the duck off the
nest, he saw three or four drake Wigeon on the loch on the
same day. Mr. W. Evans has proved the breeding of Wigeon
in south-east Scotland in 1910 (c/. Vol. IV., p. 256), and Mr.
Abel Chapman has suspected them of breeding near Yetholm
(c/. Vol. II., p. 55).

Albino Wood-Pigeons. — Mr. R. H. W. Leach writes to us as
follows : — " When in a bird-stuff er's shop (Macpherson's
Sports Emporium) at Inverness, I saw a perfect albino Wood-
Pigeon {Columba palumhus), shot on Lord Cawdor's estate
by one of the keepers. It was stated to be a male, and in
good condition. It was stuffed. As albino Wood-Pigeons
seem so scarce, I thought this worth recording."

Two are mentioned by Mr. J. H. Gurney to have been
shot in Norfolk in 1910 {Zool, 1911, p. 171), and a search of
the county avifaunas would probably yield a fair number of
records.

Common Gull Breeding on the Farne Islands. —
Mr. H. B. Booth records in the Naturalist (1911, p. 179) that
on July 11th, 1910, he noticed a Common Gull {Larus canus)
flying round over the " Inner Wldeopens," and came to the
conclusion that the bird had young ones, but he was unable
to make certain. He pointed out the bird to the watcher,
and was later informed by Mr. H. A. Pajaiter that he and both
of the Avatchers had subsequently often seen the two old
Common Gulls with three young ones.

Mr. R. Fortune wTites {loc. cit.) in the same connexion that
he identified a pair of Common Gulls breeding on the " Outer
Wideopens " about twenty-five years ago, and mentioned the
occurrence to the late John Hancock, who, he beheves, took
one or more of the eggs. Howard Saunders did not know of
a breeding-place of the Common Gull south of the border.

We much regret to have to announce that Mr. Robert
Service, the well-known naturalist of the Solway, died at his
home in Dumfries, on May 8th last. In our next number
we hope to publish a memoir of Mr. Service, by an ornith-
ologist who was intimately acquainted with his work.

LEireRS

ALBINISTIC ROOKS FOUND TO CONTAIN PARASITES.
To the Editors of British Birds,

Sirs, — As albinistic varieties of birds are so seldom examined as to
their condition, it may be worth while to record that some years ago,
when shooting young Rooks in Denbighshire, I found that all, or very
nearly all, of those shot had the feathers rovmd the base of the beaks
white. These birds (thirty-one in number) proved so full of tapeM oims,
that the keeper buried them all. I was inclined to infer that the
white facial feathers were co-related with the weakening cavised by the
parasites.

The rookery is the largest I ever remember to have met with.

Alfred H. Cocks.

THE MOVEMENTS OF YOUNG ROOKS.

To the Editors of British Birds.

Sirs, — Mr. Eric B. Dunlop records (Vol. iv.,p. 370) the disappearance
of immature Rooks from the Windermere district during October,
and the reappearance of a small percentage of them about the beginning
of April. That is exactly what has taken place in the Blantyre district.
During September last, after the autumn moult had taken place, lots
of feathered-faced birds were to be seen, but before the end of October
they were all gone, and only some half a dozen — the first on March
29th — have returned. They are not breeding, but are to be seen in
the fields all day consorting with flocks of Jackdaws.

Regarding Her Grace the Dvichess of Bedford's behef , that only in
very exceptional cases do Rooks retain their bill-feathers after the first
autumn moult, I had always believed that only in exceptional cases
did they lose them before the second autumn movilt, and I have always
found semi-captives to retain the bill-feathers until the latter date.
A bird which I have had since May 10th, 1910, has its nostrils com-
pletely covered yet. Walter Stewart.

REVIEWS

Photography for Bird-Lovers. By Bentley Beetham, F.Z.S.
Square 8vo., 126 pp., 16 plates. (Witherby & Co.)
5s. net.

Although single chapters are to be found in several illustrated
bird- books, we have hitherto been without a complete guide
to the sport and art of bird- and nest- photography. Mr.
Beet ham's book is therefore all the more welcome, and its
having been written by the accomplished author of the recently
pubhshed Home-life of the Spoonbill, guarantees that the
methods which it describes must be entirely on the right
lines for the successful accomphshment of this difficult but
fascinating pursuit.

It is safe to say that besides the ordinary difficulties of
photography, there are few branches of sport or art that are
more full of disappointments, or call for a greater exercise
of patience and ingenuity, than bird-photography. Hitherto
each worker has had to gain his experience and perfect his
methods, almost entirely through the many failures and rare
successes of his own exertions ; now, however, given a
\^•orking knowledge of ordinary photographic methods, the
beginner in bird- work will only have to follow care-
fully Mr. Beetham' s directions and suggestions, and he
wiU know that he is working on the right Hnes. There wiU
still be plenty of opportunity for the exercise of ingenuity
in overcoming the multitude of difficulties that each species
and the varying situations present, but these are best left
for each individual to overcome for himseK, as they are such
that only experience can teach, and it would clearly be
impossible to tabulate them in text- book form. Although
we were a Uttle disappointed at first to find nothing startlingly
new in Mr. Beetham' s book, it is very gratifying to find how
closely the working methods evolved by so clever an exponent
of the art, agree with one's own.

Beginning with two chapters on the general scope of the
work and the apparatus required, the author takes the beginner
by easy stages through the still-life portraiture of nests, etc.,
and the photograph}^ of young birds, to the more difficult and
fascinating portraiture of their parents by the different
methods of stalking and concealment. Next comes a chapter
on rope- work on cliffs, which, although intensely interesting,
will necessarily only prove of use to a few ; a short chapter

32 BRITISH BIRDS,

then follows on colour and cinematograph-photography, while
the last chapter deals with photographing birds in captivity.
With regard to this subject, we most heartily endorse what
the author says : if well taken for a specific purpose and honestly
used, these photographs are often of great use and value,
but nothing can be more dishonest or unscientific than to
attempt to jDass off such studies as those of genuine wild birds.

It will be seen from the above outline that the general plan
of the book covers the whole range of bird-photography, and
while experienced w^orkers will find much to interest them,
even if they find no new " tips," the beginner will do w^ell
to study every page.

The plates are carefully chosen to illustrate various points
in the text, and are uniformly good and well reproduced.

N. F. T.

From a Group by S. IlKin.i

IB.B., Vol. v., PI.

Born May 23rd, iSj^. Died May Stiu ran.

DRmSHDIRDS

p:dited by h. f. witherbv, f.z.s., m.b.o.u.

assisted by

Rev. F. C. E. Jourdaix, 3i.a., 3i.b.o.u., and Norjian F.

ticehurst, m.a., f.r.c.s., m.b.o.u.

Contents of Number 2, Vol. V. July 1, 1911.

PAGE

A Memoir of Robert Service. By Hugh S. Gladstone . . . . 34

On a Peculiar Type of Feather in the Water-Rail. B\' J. Lewis

Bonhote, M.A 42

Notes : —

On the Persistence of the Riglit Ovary and its Duct in Birds

(Cecilia Picchi) . . . . . . . . . . 45

Rare Birds in Sussex (J. B. Nicliois) . . . . . . . . 49

Black-throated Thrush in Kent (N. F. Ticehurst) . . . . 50

Nightingale Nesting in Herefordshire (W. S. !Medlicott) . . 51

Little Owls in Lincolnshire (Captain C. E. Stracey Clitherow) 51

Red Grouse in Berkshire (Dr. W. M. Woodhouse) . . . . 51

Cranes in Shropshire (H. E. Forrest) . . 52
Ringed Plover Breeding Inland in Northumberland (George

T. Atchison) 53

Black Tern in Bedfordsliire (Lawrence Fleet) . . . . . . 54

White-winged Black Terns in Sussex (H. W. Ford-Lindsay). . 54

Black-throated Diver in Carnarvonshire (R. W. Jones) . . 54
Slaughter of Manx Shearwaters by Black-backed Gulls

(H. W. Robinson) 55

Fulmars Nesting in Caithness (A. H. Meiklejohn) . . . . 56

Recovery of Marked Birds . . . . . . . . . . 56

Short Notes : — Cuckoo in Goldcrest's Nest. Scottish Heronries,
Cock Pheasants Assuming Male-like Plumage. Black-
cock Assuming Female-like Plumage. Mealy Redpolls

in Scotland in the Autumn of 1910 . . . . . . 58

( '34 )
ROBERT SERVICE.

B. 23rd may, 1854. D. 8th MAY, 1911.

[Plate I.]

By the death of Robert Service, Scotland loses one of
her most zealous and able field-naturalists.

It will ever be a matter of regret that he was not given
health and length of life to accomplish his dearest wish —
the wTiting of a book on the fauna of the Solwa}- area.
It is certain that no one could have been better fitted
for this task, either by local observations or general
knowledge, as is abundantly proved by his contributions
to scientific literature. I have compiled a list of upwards
of two hundred papers and notes from his pen, which
appeared from time to time in the Scottish Naturalist, the
Entomologist, the Zoologist, the Transactions of the
Dimifriesshire and Galloivay Natural History and
Antiquarian Society, and in other similar publications.
These papers are not confined to one or two branches of
science, for he was a lover and an admirer, just as much
as a student, of Nature in all her ways. The exigencies
of business, however, gave him too little time for the
arduous task of wTiting for the Press, and it is to be
regretted that with him must have perished many results
of mature thought and hardly-gained experience.

Scientists, such as Alfred Newton, H. A. Macpherson,
Howard Saunders, Major Barrett-Hamilton, Professor
G. F. Scott-Elliot, Messrs. W. Eagle Clarke, and J. A.
Harvie-Bro\Mi, were among his constant correspondents ;
but the fact that he was universally recognised as the
authorit}^ on local zoology, never made him speak or write
in a high handed or arbitrary manner. He was ever
ready to impart information to all inquirers, and his
criticism of others was never caustic.

Personalty, I owe him a debt of gratitude for his sincere
assistance to me when writing my Birds of Dumfriesshire.
In the Preface, when thanking my numerous corre-

ROBERT SERVICE. 35

spondents, I have stated : " With so many wilHng
assistants it becomes almost invidious to mention any
by name ; it is, however, quite certain that pre-eminent
among them stands Mr. Robert Service." I had here
added the words, "without whose assistance this book
could never have been written ; " and it was only at
his express desire, and much against my will, that these
ten words were struck out.

He possessed an extensive collection of birds, many of
them local rarities ; and among his eggs was one of a Golden
Eagle taken locall}'. His collection of books might have
been described as a good working library, and with other
desirable editions he used especially to show a Histoire
Naturelle en Miniature de de [sic] 48 Oiseaux (96 pp.,
Paris, 1816), the smallest book on ornithology with which
Professor Newton was acquainted, and which measures
but 2-6 by 2*15 inches.

His generosity was remarkable, and he was willing at
any time to give a bird from his collection if, by so doing,
he thought he could in any way assist the recipient in
some particular branch of study. The National Collection
in the Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh, includes
many of his valuable donations, and none is more prized
than the specimen of the AVhiskered Tern (Hijdrochelidon
hybrida), the first of its species to be shot in Scotland.
It Avas obtained some six miles NN.W. of Dumfries on
2nd May, 1894.

He was always willing to deliver one of his scientific
addresses in aid of charity, and perhaps one of his kindliest
acts was his lecture on birds given annually at Christmas
to the prisoners in the local jail. When, in recent years,
a junior Field-Naturalists' Club, known as the Solway
Ramblers, was organized locally, he often acted as con-
ductor on their excursions. Devoted to science, he was
only too pleased to do all he could to teach others to share
his enjoyment of Nature.

He has been described as " a man of intense nature, a
formidable opponent, and a fast friend," and if I had to

36 BRITISH BIRDS.

give his chief characteristic in a word, I should say it was
humiHty in its noblest and highest sense.

Robert Service was born on 23rd May, 1854, at Nether-
place, near Mauchline, Ayrshire, where his father, James
Service, was gardener to Lord Justice Clerk Hope. After
being employed in a similar capacity by Mr. J. Hodgson,
of Houghton House, near Carlisle, his father, in 1858,
established at Greenbrae, in the suburbs of Dumfries,
the nursery business which was soon after transferred to
Maxwelltown.

Robert was educated at the old Free Kirk School in
David Street, Maxwelltown, and on completing his
education there, entered his father's business. When
giving evidence in 1892 before the Committee appointed
to inquire into a plague of voles in Scotland, he was asked
by the chairman. Sir Herbert Maxwell : " You have
studied natural history for some time ? " His reply was,
" Yes, ever since I was a child ; " and there is no doubt
that in the Corberry Hill Nurseries, which his father
rented, Robert Service found as a boy, as he did later as
a man, a happy hunting-ground for what was to him
something much more real than a mere hobby.

The engrossing nature of his trade allowed him but
little leisure in which to follow his inclination, and the
extensive and varied output of original research-work
that he achieved is therefore remarkable. Walks in the
country after the work of the day was done, and excursions
as far afield as possible on holidays, were the onlv
opportunities he had for pursuing his favourite study.
Long nights were often spent at the Maxwelltown
Observatory in the study of the stars ; in fact every
spare moment was devoted to science.

It was only natural that he should early have become
a member of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway Natural
History and Antiquarian Society. It had fallen into
abeyance in 1876, when Robert Service, then aged twenty-
two, with others started to re-organize it. Their efforts
were successful, and with him as secretary the society

ROBERT SERVICE. 37

was re-founded with a membership of forty. When he
resigned office in 1882, the society was firmly estabHshed
with a membership of one hundred and thirty-seven.

In 1879 he married Jemima Margaret, daughter of
Mrs. Glendinning, of Glasgow Street, Maxwelltown.

In 1882 he was sorely tempted to leave his business
in pursuit of his natural bent, by the invitation of Joseph
Thomson, the African explorer, to accompany him as
naturalist on an expedition to Eastern Africa for the
Royal Geographical Society. I have often talked over
with him this episode in his life, and it does credit to the
man to have sacrificed to his sense of duty what must
have been the height of his ambition.

The extensive immigration of Pallas's Sand-Grouse to
the British Isles, in 1888, naturally appealed to him, and
he was in almost daily communication on the subject
with the Rev. H. A. Macpherson. The sandy shore, at
Southerness in Kirkcudbrightshire and on the opposite
coast of Cumberland, afforded attractive ground to this
species, so that these two ornithologists were fortunately
placed for making observations. When, in August, 1889,
a nestling was found in the Culbin Sands, Moray, it was
sent by Professor Newton to Robert Service for examina-
tion. He found forty-five seeds, " Three of which were
those of rye grass {Lolium perenne), one of tufted hair grass
{Aira ccespitosa), and one of broom (Cytisus scoparius).'''^
He also identified some seedling plants, raised in pots from
seeds, which William Hastings, the Dumfries taxidermist,
had taken from a Sand-Grouse he had skinned in 1888.
The majority were wild mustard and fescue grass,
while the rest were Vicia cracca, Ranunculus sp., and a
few clover.

He was one of the principal witnesses summoned before
the departmental committee appointed in 1892 by the
Board of Agriculture to inquire into a plague of field-
voles in Scotland, when he strongly deprecated the
destruction of the natural enemies of these agricultural

*Ibis, 1890, p. 213.

38 BRITISH BIRDS.

pests. Three years later his knowledge of fish, and of
the local fisheries, was recognized by his being called on
to give evidence before the Solway Fisheries Commission.

In 1901 he came near to making an astronomical
discovery, a new star, which was first observed by
Dr. Anderson of Edinburgh, early on February 23rd,
being seen the same evening by Robert Service.

On the death of his father, in October, 1901, the conduct
of the business devolved on himself and his brother.
Enjoying a high reputation as a nurseryman and seeds-
man, the office work was strenuous, and he found even
less time for following his scientific pursuits. He was
persuaded, however, to take over the honorary duties of
secretary and curator of the Dumfries and Maxwelltown
Observatory Museum in 1903, and for seven j^ears he held
these posts to the entire satisfaction of the directors.
He was repeatedly in request as judge at local shows,
as well as at those of the Royal Caledonian Horticultural
Society, and as he also took a keen interest in politics
and local affairs, he found his time more than fulh^
occupied . A few years later his brother dissolved partner-
ship, and his time had almost Avholly to be applied to his
business.

There is no doubt that overwork brought on the illness
which eventually proved fatal to him.. He was stricken
by partial paralysis some twelve months ago, and a more
severe shock occurred in November, depriving him of
speech. It was a sad sight to his ma.ny friends to see
such a splendid specimen of manhood, and one ot
previously so active and so hearty a temperament, thus
afflicted. The generous response to a testimonial then
raised, as an expression of the esteem in which he was
held, and as some slight appreciation of his many services,
testified to the altection in which he was so widely held.
He died at his residence, Janefield, Maxwelltown, Dum-
fries, on May 8th, 1911, and three da^ys later was laid to
his rest in Troqueer Kirkyard, being survived by his
wife, two sons, and three daughters.

ROBERT SERVICE. 39

Such, then, is a brief outh'n(3 of the more noticeable
events in his hfe. This is hardly the place to refer to his
keen and active Conservatism in politics (he was at one
time offered the editorship of the local party-newspaper),
to his public services on town and parish councils, to
his connexion in his earlier days with the Dumfries
volunteers, or to the interest he took in the Dumfriesshire
and Galloway Horticultural Society. The district which
knew him best will miss him most, and can alone appreciate
to the full the loss it has sustained by his death. Personally,
I realize a blank that can never be filled ; but I shall
always remember above all other lessons I learned from
him, one which he taught me not long before his first
illness. We were discussing the relentless way in which
death seems to cut off lives before they complete their
purpose, and how little any of us can leave behind us
Avhen Ave die. " Yes,'' he replied, smiling, " but we
always leave our example.'" Robert Service has left
us his example of generosity, of a stern sense of duty,
of an untiring energy, of patient and loving stud}^ of the
beauties and mysteries of Nature.

Among other societies he was, at the time of his death,
a member of : —

The Andersonian Society of Glasgow (elected 1901,

resigned 1910).
The British Association for the Advancement of Science

(elected 1901).
The British Ornithologists' Union (elected 1900, resigned

1910).
The Dumfriesshire and Galloway Natural History and
Antiquarian Society (original member 1876, secre-
tary 1876-82, vice-president 1901-6, honorary vice-
president 1907-10, honorary life-member 1910).
The Edinburgh Field Naturalists' and Miser oscopical

Society (elected 1904).
The Natural History Society of Glasgow (elected 1885.)
The Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society (elected
1904).

40 BRITISH BIRDS.

The Yorkshire NaturaHsts' Club (elected 1906).

Besides being a constant contributor to the Transactions
of many of the above-mentioned societies, Robert Service's
papers often appeared in the Scottish Naturalist, the
Annals of Scottish Natural History, and the Zoologist.
Under the different titles of " Zoologicus," " Mabie
Moss," and " Amateur Astronomer," he frequently
wrote articles in the Kirkcudbrightshire Advertiser, the
Dumfries and Galloway Courier and Herald, the Dumfries
and Galloway Standard, and other newspapers. To
give a complete list of his papers is here impracticable ;
but among those dealing with ornitholog}^ the following
are perhaps some of the most valuable : — •

1880. Breeding of the Shoveller in the Stewartrv of Kirkcudbright. —
Zoologist, 1880, p. 406.

1881. Montagu's Harrier in Kirkcudbrightshire. — Op. cit., 1881.,
p. 385.

1885. Disappearance of the Chough {Pyrrhocorax graculus, L.)
from the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright (read April 28th, 1885). —
Transactions of the Natural History Society of Glasgow, n.s.,
Vol. I., 1883-6, pp. 117-122.

1887. On the Former Existence of Ptarmigan in South-west Scotland.
— Zoologist, 1887, pp. 81-89.

1887. On the Nesting of the Tufted Duck in Kirkcudbrightshire. —
Op. cit., 1887, pp. 342-344.

1891. Sand-Grouse in Kirkcudbrightshire. — Scottish Naturalist,
Vol. XL, 1891, p. 192.

1894. Occurrence of the Whiskered Tern in Solway. — Annals of
Scottish Natural History, 1894, pp. 179-181,

1895. The Starling in Solway.— Op. cit., 1895, pp. 92-96.

1896. Long-tailed Duck in the Solway Firth.— Op. cit., 1896, p. 123.

1897. The Fubiiar on the Solway.— Op. cit., 1897, p. 194.

1897. The Pied Flycatcher in Dumfriesshire.— Op. cit., 1897, p. 249.

1898. The Jav in Dumfriesshire and Kirkcudbright. — Op. cit., 1898,
pp. 49 and 181.

1899. Great Spotted Woodpecker in Kirkcudbright. — Op. cit., 1899,
p. 110.

1901. The Vertebrates of Solway : A Century's Changes. (Printed
for private circulation.) 12mo., 23 pp. A reprint (with Intro-
dviction added) of his paper read on November 16th, 1900, and
pubHshed in tlie Transactions of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway
Natural History and Antiqiiarian Society, 1906, n.s.. Vol. XVII.,
pp. 15-31.

1902. The Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) : Some Modifica-
tions of Habits.— Zoologist, 1902, pp. 216-219.

1902. The Vertebrate Zoology of Kirkcudbrightshire — in Maxwell's
Guide Book to the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright, 7th edition,
1902, pp. 193-215.

1903. Bird Migration in Solway. — Annals of Scottish Natural
History, 1903, pp. 193-204.

ROBERT SERVICE. 41

1904. From a Solway Xotebook. — Op. cit., 1904, pp. 65-71.

1905. Some Changes in the Avifauna of the Solway Area. — Trans-
actions of the Edinburgh Field Naturalists' and Microscopical
Society, 1904-5. Vol. V., pp. 181-186.

1905. The Sylviidae of Sohvay (read February 23rd, 1904). —
Transactions of the Natural History Society of Glasgow, 1905, n.s..
Vol. VII., pp. 137-147.

1906. The Waders of Solway (read November 28th, 1905).— Op. cit.,
1905-6, n.s., Vol. VIII., pp. 46-60.

1906. The Sparrow-Hawk (read February 16th, \^0^).— Trans-
actions of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway Natural History and
Antiquarian Society, 1906, n.s.. Vol. XVII,, pp. 273-278.

1906. The Diurnal and Xocturnal Raptorial Birds of the Solway
Area (read December 18th, 1903).— Op. cit., 1906, pp. 327-339.

1906. The Rarer Birds of the Solway Area (read April 20th, 1905).—
Op. cit., 1906, pp. 423-435.

1908. The Bar-tailed Godwit as a Solway Bird. — Annals of Scottish
Natural History, 1908, pp. 85-87.

1908. The Eider Duck in Solway Waters.— Op. cit., 1908, p. 119.

1908. Red-necked Phalarope in the Solway Area. — Op. cit., p. 120.

1908. Bird Migration in the District (read April 18th, 1907).—
Transactions of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway Natural History
and Antiquarian Society, 1908, n.s.. Vol. XIX., pp. 169-171.

1908. The Hawfinch in Galloway. — Annals of Scottish Natural
History, 1908, p. 253.

1910. The British Skuas, with Special Reference to their Local
Occurrences (read Xovember 6th, 1908). — Transactions of the
Dumfriesshire and Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian
Society, 1910, n.s.. Vol. XXI., pp. 16-19.

1910. Rare Birds of Recent Occurrence (read FebruarylOth, 1909). —
Op. cit., 1910, pp. 134-136.

1911. Notes on the British Starling (read 28th January, 1910). —
Op. cit., 1911, n.s., Vol. XXII., pp. 100-103.

Hugh S. Gladstone.

( 42 )
ON A PECULIAR TYPE OF FEATHER IN THE
WATER-RAIL.

BY

J. LEWIS BONHOTE, m.a.

A FEW weeks ago, when skinning a freshly-killed Water-
Rail {Rallus aqnaticus) my attention was drawn to a
number of shining bro\ATi bristles, which appeared
scattered over the head, and more especially in two lines
running from the base of the bill on either side to the top
of the eye — in that region, in fact, which is marked out
in many species as the anterior portion of the superciliary
stripe. On removing some of these feathers and examin-
ing them under a microscope, it was at once evident
that these apparent bristles were the terminal portion of
the rhachis of each feather. This is very clearty shown
in the accompanying microphotograph from which it
will be seen that the barbs have undergone consider-
able wear, and it is due to this fact that these bristles
became so apparent as to attract my attention. Under
a high power we may see that this " bristle " is structurally
a true barb, similar to the tips of the rhachis in
ordinary feathers, and at its proximal end the remnants
of a few broken barbules may still be seen.

No notes appear hitherto to have been made on this very
peculiar structure, and I can find no mention of it in any
books or in descriptions of this or allied species of Rails.
It, however, reminded me of the " wax tips " of the
Waxwing, and orr comparing a specimen I found the
structure of the " wax tip " identical with that of the
" bristle," though in the former case, from its larger size
and more brilliant coloration, it is of course, much
more conspicuous, and has given the bird its trivial name.

Similar structures may, and probably do, exist among
other families, but 1 do not know of any. Professor
Newton, however, ia describing the Waxwing,* states
that the " wax tip " distinguishes it from almost all other
birds, but whether he had some other species in his mind

* Dictionanj of Birds, p. 1026 (1896).

A PECULIAR TYPE OF FEATHER. 43

when he wrote the article, or whether it was merely an
instance of his exceedingly careful and cautions work,
I cannot say. In the Bulletin of the B.O.C. (XXVII.,
p. 82, 1911), where attention was first drawn to this
character, I mentioned that I had not been able to find it
on any other species of Rail, but a further careful search
shows that it is to be found on most, if not all, our native
Rails, and Mr. Seth-Smith tells me that it is to be seen

\ ^^

ON THE LEFT, A FEATHER FROM THE HEAD OF A WATER- RAIL ;

ON THE RIGHT, AN INNER SECONDARY FROM A WAXWING TO

SHOW SIMILARITY IN STRUCTURE.

{From a Microphotograph by Staff-Sergeant A. Gibbons, R.A.M.C. )

on the Clapper Rail of America and the Weka Rail of
Australia, so it is probably common to all the Rallidse.
It is, however, entirely absent on both the Coot f and
the Moor-hen.

In the Water-Rail it is common to all ages and both

44 BRITISH BIRDS.

sexes, though in some individuals the bristles are more
numerous, and consequently more easily seen, than in
others.

It is quite useless to attempt to speculate on the causes
by which these feathers have been modified, or of what
use, if any, they are in the bird's economj^ Were they
confined to one sex and conspicuously coloured, some
zoologists would at once put do^^^1 their origin to sexual
selection, but as these conditions do not apply, they must
have arisen through some other cause. It has been
tentative^ suggested that by their hardness they help
to protect the bird's head when pushing through the
reeds, though in no individual do they appear numerous
enough to have much practical effect, and even if without
them the feathers did get more Avorn and rubbed, it is
difficult to see how such a result could be sufficient^
powerful to lead to their development and perfection.
In fact, so far as we can see, there seems no obvious
reason which has led to their evolution, and it is worth
bearing this fact in mind at a time like the present, when
specialized structures are often plausibly accounted for
as having been developed under the stress and through
the workings of Natural Selection alone.

OTES

ON THE PERSISTENCE OF THE RIGHT OVARY
AND ITS DUCT IN BIRDS.

With reference to the notes on this subject (c/. antea Vol. IV.,
pp. 188 and 216), I think it may be worth while to put on
record, that on March 19th, 1911, I received a female Lesser
Kestrel {Falco cenchris) which had been shot the day before
near Empoli (Tuscany, Italy), and on dissecting it I discovered
that it had both ovaries equally well developed, but the right
oviduct was not so wide as the left. This bird is in the rare
stage of plumage, due to age, I
.-po crpo^c^ think, of an old female that has (in
cC^^o& '^S'oH V'^"^^) acquired the plumage of the

f^^O ^^Si^ adult male. The feathers of the

f^ °i§'^ crown have a blue-grey central stripe

^^^ becoming paler towards their mar-

^f^- ^tlK ^^^^' ^^'^i^h are light rufous ; sides

^ / " of the head, of the neck, and of

Ovaries ot Falco cenchris, ^^^ upper-breast bluish-ash ; rump,

specimen a, 18th March, upper tail-coverts and tail of a

sizeV ^'^^^^^^^ bright blue-grey, this latter slightly

barred and with a broad subterminal

black band, and broadly tipped with white ; a few narrow lines

and small spots on the mantle ; upper-breast narrowly streaked,

the lower-breast and flanks with a few blackish spots. I am

not aware of any recorded instance of the present species

assuming a plumage resembling that of the adult male, as

appears to be the case, not very infrequently, in very old

females of F. tinnunculus .

In about twenty years' experience, some thousands of
specimens of many species have come into my hands. I have
always paid special attention to the sexual glands of the
females, and have accumulated notes on this subject. The
case of F. cenchris seems to me of a peculiar interest, because
it is the first time that I have found both ovaries present in
this species.

I venture to add a list of the birds which have passed through
my hands with the right as well as the left ovaries present,
because I can record some species that have not been men-
tioned in the above-mentioned notes. All the following
specimens have been obtained in Italy, except when other-
wise stated : —

46 BRITISH BIRDS.

Hen-Harrier {Circus cyaneus). Out of four female speci-
mens : —
Immature, December 12th, 1892. Both ovaries nearly equal
in size and development ; right duct present, though
not so mde as the left one.

Pallid Harrier (C. macrurus). Out of four female speci-
mens : —

a. Immature, March 27th, 1890. Both ovaries well

developed and containing numerous ova of various
sizes ; right oviduct present, opening into the cloaca,
but not so wide as the left one.

b. March 30th. Probably not fully adult, though it

appears a third ^^ear's bird. Both ovaries well de-
veloped.

Marsh- Harrier {C. ceruginosus). Out of six female speci-
mens : —
a. A second year's bird, December 4th, 1891. Both
ovaries well developed ; remains of the right oviduct
appeared to be present, in the shape of a band.
h. Immature, but probably older than a. November 7th,
1903. Both ovaries equal in size and development.

c. Adult, August 21st, 1908. Both ovaries well developed.

d. January 22nd, 1910. A specimen of the blackish

variety; apparently in a stage intermediate between
the immature and fully-adult bird. Both ovaries
nearly equal in size and development, and the right
duct present, but certainly not functional, being
reduced to a band along the kidney as far as the
cloaca.

Sparrow-Hawk {Accipiter nisus). Out of seven female
specimens : —

a. Adult, February 3rd, 1896. Both ovaries nearly equal
in size and development, with remains of the distal
portion of the right oviduct in the shape of a duct
joined to the cloaca and about 10 mm. long.

h. A second year's bird. February 3rd, 1907. A ver^^
beautiful specimen, with light margins to the feathers
of the upper A\ing-coverts. Both ovaries well developed

c. Young, October 18th, 1910. Probably a bird in its
first \vinter-plumage ; above it is very dark brown
with rusty margins to the feathers, and below dull
white, streaked, and to some extent irregularly barred,
with dark brown. (This specimen was obtained in
Sardinia, and belongs to the small and dark Sardinian

NOTES. 47

form, A. n. wolterstorffi Kleinsch.) Both ovaries
equally well developed ; the right oviduct was also
present, and in much the same condition as the left one.

Common Buzzard {Buteo vulgaris). Out of six female
specimens : —

a. Adult, December 9tli, 1893, remains of the right ovary
were present along the first lobe of the kidney, but
reduced to half the size of the left one, which was
well developed.

h. Adult, February 3rd, 1905. An interesting specimen
that agrees with the description by Bogdanow of
B. menetriesi. Both ovaries nearly equal in size and
development ; the right o^dduct also present in the shape
of a band.

c. Immature, November 30th, 1910 (Sardinia). The right
as well as the left ovaries present. This specimen
belongs to the small Sardinian form that is of an ashy
earth-brown colour, tinged with reddish, and that I
named B. b. arrigonii [Avicula, VII., 1903).

Serpent-Eagle {Circaetus gallicus). Out of three female

specimens : —

a. Adult; March 29th, 1890. The right ovary was present,

but appeared atrophied, being about hah the size of

the left one, and containing very few ova, while in the

left ovary they were numerous and well developed.

Merlin {Falco cc.salon). Out of four female specimens : —
a. Immature, December 12th, 1897. Showed remains of

the right ovary along the first lobe of the kidney.
h. Adult, December 27th, 1909. Both ovaries nearly equal

in size and development.

Red-footed Falcon {Falco vespertinus) . Out of eight
female specimens : —

a. Adult, April 30th, 1894. Both ovaries well developed ;
the right duct present, but reduced to a ligamentous
strand.

6.* Adult, but probably it had not attained its fully
mature plumage, having a rufous hue on its mantle,
and below being paler and more spotted than fully
adult females. Both ovaries and their ducts nearly
equal in size, and with ova well developed.

c* A second year's bird. Throat and sides of the neck
white, washed with yellowish ; breast, flanks, and upper
abdomen of a pale yellowish-red streaked with dusky ;
rest of the under-parts like the. throat, and unstreaked.

48 BRITISH BIRDS.

It shows the left ovary and its duct functional and
develoiDing ova, and it retains remains of the right ovary,
which is reduced to one half the size of the left one.
d* A second year's bird. Differs from c. in being a little
more striped below, and with the streaks becoming
drop-shaped towards the tip
of the feathers. Ovaries as in
c, but it shows also remains
of the right oviduct, in the
shape of a band from the ovary
to the cloaca (see figure),
e.* This appears 3'ounger than d.,
and was probably a " last
year's" bird. Crown of a
dark £^reyish-broA^ n with an ^ . , „ , , .

. ^ J Ovaries of Falco vespertmus,

admixture 01 rusty-red and specimen rf, May, 5th, 1908.

black shaft-streaks; mantle (Exactly natural size.)

brownish-grey, with the feathers edged with rusty-red or
greyish- white ; some feathers recently moulted are ashy-
gre3^ barred with darker grey ; four outside tail-
feathers with large reddish- white spots, and the four
central ones (recently moulted) blackish, barred with
ashy-grey ; below it is of a cream-colour, washed with
light reddish on the breast, and much paler on the
rest ; breast, abdomen, and flanks with blackish stripes
and spots larger than in d. Ovaries as in d., but the
right oviduct is almost as wide as the left one.

Kestrel {F. tinnunculus). Out of six female specimens : —
a. Immature, March 3rd, 1890. Both ovaries well de-
veloped and nearly equal in size.
h. Adult, October 6th, 1899. Shows remains of the right
ovary, which is reduced to about two-thirds of the size
of the left one.

Short-eared Owl {Asio accipitrinus) . Out of five female
specimens : —
a. Adult, May 27th, 1892. The right ovary is present,
but atrophied, being about half the size of the left one.

Rook {Corvus frugilegus). Out of six female specimens : —
a. Adult, December 10th, 1893. Both ovaries present,
but the right one less developed, and containing
very small ova.

* 6. c. d. and e. were obtained on May 5th, 1908, from a flock of
several other specimens of both sexes ; two more adult females were
secured, but they showed only single left ovaries.

NOTES. 49

On September 20th, 1892, I received a female Hobby
{F. subhuteo), which very probably showed an atrophied right
ovary, but it was not easy to be sure, because the bird had been
dead several daj^s.

Lastly, I may record having found in two Mallard {Anas
boscas) something like a duct joined to the right side of the
cloaca, and about 10 or 12 mm. long ; I think that this might
have been the remains of a right oviduct. In both these birds
only the left ovary was present.

While not wishing to draw any conclusion from so small a
series as to the proportion of double-ovaried birds in the above
species, I have thought it useful, as material for further
investigation, to state the number of female specimens of each
species in my collecijon. Previous observations would seem
to show that a double ovary was most often found in the
Sparrow-Hawk, but from the small series in my collection it
would appear to be more frequent in the Red-footed Falcon ;
but before any conclusion can be drawn, many more observa-
tions must be recorded. Cecilia Picchi.

RARE BIRDS IN SUSSEX.

Marsh-Sandpiper.
In British Birds, Vol. III., p. 386, Mr. M. J. Nicoll recorded
two Marsh-Sandpipers {Totanus stagnatilis) killed near Rye,
Sussex, on June 16th and 18th, 1909. I wish to place on
record that a third specimen was shot on Bodiam Marsh on
July 1st, 1910. It is a female, rather darker on the back
than the one killed on June 16th, 1909. It was examined in
the flesh by Mr. Ruskin Butterfield. All three specimens
are in my possession.

Ivory-Gulls.

On February 7th, 1910, an immature female Ivory-Gull
{Pagophila eburnea) was shot at Ecclesboume, Hastings, and
examined in the flesh by Mr. Ruskin Butterfield, and on
February 11th, 1910, a male, also immature, was killed at
the same place. This bird was examined in the flesh by Mr.
L. Curtis Edwards. More than half the specimens obtained
in Great Britain have been adult. The female killed on
February 7tli is especially noticeable, being spotted more or
less all over with greyish-black spots, while the male has
comparatively few.

Rose-coloured Starling.

A young male Rose-coloured Starling {Pastor roseus) was
caught in clap-nets by a Starling-catcher at Rottingdean,
near Brighton, on November 18th, 1910. This is an interesting

50 BRITISH BIRDS.

bird as being in the immature plumage. Most British
specimens are in adult plumage. A casual observer would
take it for a young Starhng. It is beginning to change its
plumage.

Meadow-Buntings.
Two male Meadow-Buntings [Emberiza cia) were shot at
Ninfield on April 1st, 1910, and were examined in the flesh by
Mr. Ruskm Butterfield and the late G. Knight respectively.
I believe these are the fourth and fifth British specimens.

Long-tailed Duck.

A Long-tailed Duck {Harelda glacialis) Avas shot at R^^e on
March 31st, 1911, in transition plumage from autumn to
spring. Was not that very late for it to be on the south
coast ?

Cream-coloured Coursers.

A couple of Cream-coloured Coursers {Cursoriiis gallicus),
a male and female, were shot in Pevensey Marshes, near
Wartlmg, on May 5th, 1911, and were examined in the flesh
by Mr. Ruskin Butterfield. J. B. Nichols.

BLACK-THROATED THRUSH IN KENT.

The fifth British specimen of the Black- throated Thrush {Turdus
utrigularis) and the second for Kent, was shot at Witter-
sham on March 15th, 1911. It was forwarded to Mr. Bristow,
of St. Leonard's, for preservation, and he kindly brought it
to my house in the flesh. I carefully examined it and found
that it was quite fresh, and without doubt a recently killed
bird. On dissection it proved to be a male. I afterwards
had the pleasure of exhibiting it at the May meeting of the
British Ornithologists' Club {vide BuUB.O.C, XXVII., p. 94).

The Black-throated Thrush is one of those eastern species
that may be expected to turn up from time to time in these
islands at migration time, since it has wandered more than
once to Hehgoland and Denmark, and has occurred A\dth
some frequency in Central Europe, while further east it
naturally occurs more often still.

Ten clays j^rior to the shooting of the ^Dresent specimen, a
more than usually heavj^ migration of Mistle-Thrushes, etc.,
was recorded at Dungeness Lighthouse, which is only some
ten or fifteen miles to the south of Wittersham ; although no
CAddence exists to connect the two, it at least suggests that this
bird may have arrived with our returning Mistle-Thrushes.
The pre\aously recorded examples of this bird w^ere given in
full at p. 379 of Vol. II. of this Magazine. N. E. Ticehurst.

NOTES. 51

NIGHTINGALE NESTING IN HEREFORDSHIRE.

A PAIR of Nightingales {DauUas luscinia) have just (June
13th, 1911) got their young off safely in Herefordshire — in
the valle}^ of the Teme— about midway between Knighton
and Ludlow, on the Downton Castle Estate. I think this
is the only pair near here. This is in the very north of
Herefordshire. W. S. Medlicott.

LITTLE OWLS IN LINCOLNSHIRE.

The Little Owl {Athene noctua) must be greatly on the increase
in this county, at any rate in the district between Peterborough
and Grantham, for during the first Aveek of May this year
(1911) I found four nests with four eggs in each; in each
case the nest was in an ash tree, one nest being in an old hole
of the Green Woodpecker. In addition to finding these four
nests, I saw two or three Little Owls out in the open, one of
them about mid-day and the others about 5. p.m. Probably
there were several other nests in the immediate neighbourhood
for each one that I met with, which tends to show that the
Little Owl is not only fairly common, but plentiful in the
above-mentioned district. C. E. Stracey Clitherow.

RED GROUSE IN BERKSHIRE.

A specimen of the Red Grouse {Lagopus scoticus) was brought
to me for identification on March 2nd, 1911. It was obtained
ahve by an agricultural labourer within 200 yards of an iron-
foundry in the small town of Wantage, in excellent condition,
but apparently much exhausted. I am well acquainted with
all the big shoots in the neighbourhood, and for ornithological
purposes am in constant communication with the game-
keepers : as far as I can ascertain, no Red Grouse have been
turned down anywhere within twenty miles. The wind at the
time of the procuring of the specimen had been blowing
persistently from the south-west for several days. I must
leave your readers to form their own opinion as to the starting
point of the bird before it reached its destination here. I am
certain (after careful inquiries) that it could not have possibly
come from anywhere in the immediate neighbourhood.

W. M. WOODHOUSE..

[We believe that the Grouse Disease Commission have lately
sold off the stock of Red Grouse kept at the Experimental
Farm in Surrey, and it seems quite possible that one of these
birds has escaped from captivity, or has been turned down. It
is very unlikely that a truly wild bird would have strayed so
far from its nearest breeding-haunts as Wantage. — Eds.]

52 BRITISH BIRDS.

CRANES IN SHROPSHIRE.

About 7.30 p.m. on May 6th, 1911, two Cranes [Grus communis)
appeared over a farm at Longden Common, about six miles
south-west of Shrewsbury. They were flying low down,
and passed close over the heads of a man named Carswell
and his two sons, aUghting in the next field, where they
commenced to feed on the grass. The men, who had never
seen or heard of such birds before, and curious to ascertain
what they were, crept up to the hedge and watched them for
about an hour walking to and fro and grazing, at a distance
of less than fifty yards. About 8.30 a neighbour named
Corfield joined the watchers, and one of the sons then went
into the field where the birds were, to try to get a closer view.
They took alarm and flew to the next field, where the^^ spent
the night. Soon after 9 o'clock next morning, Corfield went to
look after the sheep in this field, and found the birds grazing
with the animals. On catching sight of him they took wing,
and after fl3dng round in circles till they attained such a height
that they looked no bigger than pigeons, they flew right away
in an easterly direction. The incident was first reported to
me by a local clergj^man, who thought that the birds were
Great Bustards, but upon investigation I concluded that they
were Cranes. The general behaviour of the birds — especially
their soaring aloft before departure — supports this view,
whilst the full description of the plumage and shape, which
I obtained from Carswell and Corfield, confirms it beyond a
doubt. They specially emphasize the fact that the birds
had a red patch on the head, and that the feathers above the
tail had a " crumpled " appearance. The legs and neck
were very long, and the feet not webbed. On being shown
pictures of the Bustard and Crane, Corfield was positive that
the birds were not the former but the latter. This is the first
recorded occurrence of the Crane in Shropshire, though in
my Fauna of Shropshire mention is made of an example
obtained in 1868 at Trippleton-on-Teme — just over the border
in Herefordshire. The farmer who shot it, ascertaining from
a natural-histor}^ book that it was only a " Common " Crane,
gave the bird to his waggoner, who cooked and ate it !

H. E. Forrest.
[With regard to the above note the Duchess of Bedford kindly
writes to us, under date June 23rd, 1911, as follows : *' I think
it more than likely that the Cranes came from Woburn, as
both Common and White-necked Cranes (bred at Woburn last
year and in 1909) have left us during the last few months.
The description might apply to either, and the behaviour of

NOTES. 53

the birds is exactly that of our birds, which have been bred
in the open park. The fact that there were two together also
rather points to their being our birds, and if they are shot I
think they will probably be found to be White-necked
Cranes." — Eds.]

RINGED PLOVER BREEDING INLAND IN
NORTHUMBERLAND.
Mr. Abel Chapman, in his Bird-Life of the Borders (2nd ed.,
p. 33) says : " The Ringed Plover {Mgialitis hiaticola) is
strictly marine in its haunts, and there is no local evidence
of its breeding inland. Yet we have observed it frequenting
the wide haughs of the Upper Coquet (twenty-five miles from
the sea) at the end of March." Mr. Howard Saunders,
in his Manual of British Birds (2nd ed., p. 539) says :
" Throughout the British Isles the Ringed Plover is generally
distributed along the flat portions of the coast, as well as on
sandy warrens and inland lakes at some distance from the
sea, and on migration it is also found by the banks of rivers."

It may be of interest to record that I found two nests on
the Upper Coquet, more than thirty miles, as the crow flies,
from the sea, on April 25th and 26th, 1911. In 1909, at
about the same date, the birds were in the same district, but
appeared not to have laid, while in 1910 there were no traces
of them. George T. Atchison.

[With reference to the above note, Mr. G. Bolam kindly
sends us the following extract from his promised book
on the Birds of Northumberland and the Eastern Borders :
" The Ringed Plover breeds numerously on the shores of
Northumberland, as also in East Lothian, and follows the
course of many of our larger rivers far inland. Thus it nests
on gravel beds on the Tweed, at the Lees, above Coldstream
(where it was noticed so long ago as 4th May, 1842 — Hist.
Berwickshire Nat. Club, Vol. II., p. 4 — and where I myself found
it nesting in 1879 and have seen it frequently at short intervals
since), and at Carham and Kelso (noticed there in 1868 — op. cit.,
Vol. VII., p. 305 — and many times since), on the Teviot
{op. cit., Vol. VIII., J). 260, and frequently since) ; and on
several of the tributary streams, as the Leader and Allan
Water {op. cit.. Vol. VII., p. 305, etc), while I have seen it
also in summer on the Lyne above Peebles, and on Gala Water.
In Northumberland it breeds in several places on the Coquet
above Rothbury, where I first found it, in the neighbourhood
of Thropton, in 1887, and have since seen it at Holy Stone,
and as high up as Alwinton ; at Bromlee Lough, where 1

54 BRITISH BIRDS.

came upon a pair with young on June 27th, 1897 ; and at
Sweethope, where at least two pairs nested in the hke year ;
on the Breamish I first noticed a single pair breeding near
Beanley in 1886 ; but it had begun to outnumber the Common
Sandpiper there by 1902, threatening indeed to supplant it,
and now exceeds it in numbers on all the haughs as far up
as Ingram, and is even penetrating still further into the heart
of the Cheviots. Several of these stations are more than
five and twenty miles from the sea as the crow flies, and they
are particularly referred to here, as it has sometimes been
stated in print that this species was confined to the coast,
on the Borders, in the breeding season, although Selby had
long ago observed the contrary." For some previous records
of inland nesting, compare Vol. II., p. 150; Vol. III., p.
415.— Eds.]

BLACK TERN IN BEDFORDSHIRE.

On June 9th, 1911, I saw a Black Tern {Hydrochelidon nigra)
on the lake at Battlesden near Woburn.

Lawrence Fleet.

WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERNS IN SUSSEX.

A SMALL flock of seven Wliite-winged Black Terns {Hydro-
chelidon leucoptera) arrived bet\\een Winchelsea and Rye on
May 29th, 1911. Three were shot, two males and one female,
and these I examined in the flesh on May 31st. It is a
curious fact that on precisely the same date (May 29th, 1904)
a small flock appeared at the Hoppen Pits in Kent, of which
five specimens were obtained. There have been two
previous records for Sussex.

H. W. Ford-Lindsay.

BLACK-THROATED DIVER IN CARNARVONSHIRE.
In Vol. IV., p. 26, of this Magazine, I recorded the first occur-
rence of the Black- throated Diver [Colymhus arcticus) in
Carnarvonshire, but I little thought at the time when the
observation was made, that the second occurrence would so
closely follow. My friend Mr. Owen Griffiths, in whom I have
confidence, informs me that on April 30th, 1911 — curiously
the same month and date on which I saw my example in 1910 —
he saw an individual of this species on the water at the foot
of a cliff on the northern side of the Great Orme's Head, and
his description and sketch, taken at the time when the observa-
tion was made, showing the distribution of black, grey, and
white feathers on its body, neck, and head, free my mind from

NOTES. 55

the possibility of any doubt arising as to the accuracy of his
identification. He was favoured \\ith a good opportunity for
watching the bird, and not only was it close in shore, but " it
spent most of its time preening and rising to shake itseh."
With his glasses he could see clearly the half-collar of white
streaks, as well as the ver}^ dark, almost black feathers on its
chin and throat. We had previously been together watching
the ]3assage of Red-throated Divers (0. septe7itrio7ialis) , with
which species he is quite familiar. It is possible that Black-
throated Divers pass along the Welsh coast in April much
more often than is commonly assumed. R. W. Jones.

SLAUGHTER OF MANX SHEARWATERS BY
BLACK-BACKED GULLS.

On the island of Annet in the Scilly Islands, large numbers
of sea-birds breed, consisting chiefly of Greater and Lesser
Black- backed Gulls, Puffins, Manx Shearwaters, Herring-
Gulls, Razorbills, and a few Oyster-catchers and some Shags.
Large numbers of Manx Shearwaters {Puflinus anglorum) are
slain by the two species of Black- backed Gulls, their skins,
in many cases turned inside out, being found in scores on the
ground frequented by these two species. Puffins are also
treated in a similar manner, but many fewer of these birds are
killed. All the remains I saw were dried up, but Mr. C. J.
King, of St. Mary's, informs me that he has often found them
freshly killed, and that they are done to death by the Gulls
tearing a hole in the abdomen to devour the entrails — literally,
I take it, drawing the unfortunate birds when living. The
Razorbills are evidently too formidable for even the Greater
Black- backed Gull to tackle, as they are left very much alone,
and I do not wonder at it, judging by the adults which I
handled, the thickest leather gauntlets being no protection
whatsoever against their formidable beaks. The Puffins
do Aot seem to have any fear of the Lesser Black-backed
Gull, judging by the way they sit cheek by jowl on the same
rock, so perhaps it is only the larger species which disembowels
them. Owing to my visiting the island by day, I only saw one
living Manx Shearwater, this being one which I picked up
in a landing-net at sea, about two miles from the island in
question, but the number nesting there is estimated locally
at between a hundred and a hundred-and-fifty thousand.

H. W. Robinson.

[In a most interestmg article on the Puffin by Mr. F.

Heatherley, which appeared in Country Life, September 3rd,

56 BRITISH BIRDS.

1910, it is stated that colonies of the Lesser Black-backed
Gull are always strewn with corpses of Puffins, which have
been merely disembowelled and left. On the other hand
the colonies of the Greater Black-backed Gulls contain no
corpses, possibly because they have been swallowed by the
larger birds I Mr. Heatherley has never actually seen this
take place, but he quotes the evidence of Mr. J. W. Parsons,
who states that before being swallowed the Puffin is shaken
and ducked under water until drowned. The capacity of
the larger Gulls for swallowing is certainly remarkable, and
only a week or two ago I sa^v a Mediterranean Herring-Gull
pick up a good-sized vole from the water in which it was
swimming, and gulp it down alive. — F. C. R. Joukdain.

The " skinnnig " of the Manx Shearwaters, described hy
Mr. Robinson, is much more likely to have been the work of
rats than Gulls, although the rats may have finished the
carcases and left the skins after the Gulls had partially eaten
thcDi. — Eds.]

FULMARS NESTING IN CAITHNESS.
On May 30th, 1911, Mr. B. B. Riviere and I took a boat for
the purpose of inspecting the chffs which form Berriedale
Head in Caithness. On some of the steei3er faces we found
that a small colony of Fulmar Petrels {Fulmarus glacialis)
had estabhshed itseK, and as this is probably the most
southerly nesting-place of this species in the British Isles,
it should be worthy of record. So far as we could see there
were from thirty to forty birds altogether, but there may
have been more, as it is difficult to distinguish this bird
(except in flight) when perched high up among innumerable
gulls. Dr. Kennedy, of Dunbeath — the local authority on
the birds of his district — was with us, and informed us that
he had never seen or heard of this bird breeding there before.
There is no doubt that the Fulmar Petrel is increasing its
range, as in comparatively recent years it has established
liQw colonies on the west and north coasts of Scotland.

A. H. Meiklejohn.
"^ [The Fulmar has been recorded as breeding as far south as
Barra (c/. Vol. II., p. 374), but Mr. Meiklejohn's interesting
record is considerably more southerly than any previously
known breeding-haunt on the mainland. — Eds.]

RECOVERY OF MARKED BIRDS.
In addition to those already ackno^^ ledged, I have received
subscriptions towards the expenses of the " marking scheme "

NOTES. 57

from Mr. R. F. M. Wood, Mr. W. I. Beaumont (second sub-
scription), Mr. Walter Stewart, Mr. C. 1. Evans, Mr. M. Winzar
Compton, Mr. A. Mayall (third subscription), Mr. R. 0. Blyth
(second subscription), Mr. G. R. Humphreys, Mr. N. F.
Richardson, Mr. W. T. Blackwood, and Mr. J. D. Patterson
(second subscription). — H.F.W.

Blackbird {Turdus merula). — B.B., No. 11,257, marked b}^
Mr. N. H. Joy at Bradfield, Berkshire, on July 4th, 1910,
as a nestling. Recovered at the same place on March
17th, 1911.
Wood-Wren {Phylloscopus sibilatrior). — " Country Life," No.
571, marked by Mr. J. D. Patterson at Goathland, York-
shire, in 1910, hen-bird caught while sitting on nest
with six young ones. Found nesting within eighty
yards of last year's site, on June 13th, 1911. Re-marked
with a " British Birds " ring.

Great Tit {Parus major). — B.B., No. 5512, marked by Mr. H.
Noble at Henley-on-Thames on May 12th, 1910, as
an adult. Found sitting on nest in May, 1911, within
a hundred yards of the nest where found last year.

Nuthatch {Sitta coesia). — B.B., No. 5517, marked by Mr. H.
Noble at Henley-on-Thames on April 30th, 1910, as
an adult. Recovered at the same place about March
29th, 1911.

B.B., No. 5516, marked by Mr. H. Noble at Henley-on-
Thames on April 27th, 1910, as an adult. Found
sitting on eggs in May, 1911, within a hundred yards of
the nest where found last year.

Greenfinch {Ligurinus chloris). — B.B., No. B57, marked
by Mr. J. R. B. Masefield at Cheadle, Staffordshire, on
June 20th, 1910, as a nestling. Recovered at Bong,
par Le Catelet, Aisne, France, on April 2nd, 1911.
Reported by M. Jules Vasseur.

Starlings {Sturnus vulgaris). — B.B., No. 11,824, marked
by Mr. N. H. Jo}^ at Bradfield, Berkshire, on January
24th, 1911. Recovered at Pangbourne, Berkshire, on
April 18th, 1911. Reported bv Mr. J. Howard.
B.B., No. C106, marked by Mv. N. H. Joy at Bradfield,
Berkshire, on Februarv 1st, 1911. Recovered at Engle-
field, Reading, Berkshire, on May 18th, 1911. Reported
by Mr. G. H. Claydon.

Mallard {Anas boscas). — B.B., No. 9143, marked by Mr. T.
Hepburn at Old Hall Marshes, Tollesbury, Essex, on
May 26th, 1910. The bird was hatched- out under a

58 BRITISH BIRDS.

domestic fowl from an egg collected on the marshes.
Recovered at West Mersea, Essex, in September, 1910.
Black-headed Gull {Larus ridibundus).--B.B., No. 30,095,
marked by Messrs. Robinson and Smalley at Ravenglass,
Cumberland, on June 11th, 1910, as a nestling. Recovered
at Askam-in-Furness, Lancashire, on April 4th, 1911.
Reported by Mr. Arthur Beavers.

Cuckoo in Goldcrest's Nest. — In the Field for June 3rd,
1911, Mr. H. S. Davenport gives an interesting account of a
young Cuckoo which w as being reared by a pair of Goldcrests
in his garden at Dunmow, Essex. The Goldcrest is one of
the rarer foster-23arents of the Cuckoo, and all the previous
records by reliable observers appear to relate to the Continent.
Professor Newton {A History of British Birds, 4th ed., Vol. II.,
p. 394), states that the Cuckoo has been known to lay in the
nests of all the Sylviidge mentioned in that work, except the
Rufous, Savi's, and the Yellow-browed Warbler, and according
to his classification, the Goldcrest is included among the
Sylviidae. Dresser, Bid well, Rey, and Wells Bladen also
mention it in their lists, and Herr A. Walter is said by J. A.
Link to have taken three eggs twice in one w^eek from Gold-
crests' nests. Rey quotes Baldamus as his authority, but
had no specimens from Goldcrests' nests in his collection ;
while Dresser inserts it on the authority of Thienemann.
Mr. Davenport is inclined to believe that the egg is carried
in the crop rather than the bill befoie it is regurgitated, and
finally deposited in the nest of the foster-parent. — F.C.R.J.

Scottish Heronries. — Mr, A. L. Thomson gives an account
of the Heronries in the Dee area in the Annah of Scottish
Natural History, 1911 (pp. 7-9), and Mr. H. B. Watt adds
(pj). 72-75) further particulars of .Scottish Heronries to his
previous lists, and suggests the making of a census of Herons
in Scotland.

Cock Pheasants Assuming Female-like Plumage. —
Although female Pheasants assuming male-like plumage are
frequently met with, cases of the reverse are ve^y rare. In
the Field (25, 2, 1911, p. 384), Mr. H. Hammond Smith con-
tributes an interesting article on three cases of males with
partially hen-like plumage, these birds being sent to him by
Mr. A. Gilbey in December, 1910, from Uxbridge (Middlesex).
In these birds the proximal part of he tail is hen-hke, w^hile the
distal haK is cock-hke, the head and neck are mostly hen-like,
and other pa ts of the plumage are mixed. All the specimens
had well-developed spurs. The article includes a technical

NOTES. 59

description by Mr. S. G. Shattock of the sexual glands of these
birds, from which it would appear that they were perfectl}^
normal.

At the I'ebruary meeting of ths British Ornithologists'
Club, Mr J. G. Millais exhibit 3d (c/. Bull. B.O.C., XXVII.,
p. 54) an adult male Pheasant which was also partly in a
plumage like that of a female. The bird was shot at Alnwick
Castle, Northumberland, on November 23rd, 1910, and its
organs appeared to be normal, but were not examined
microscopically.

The only examples previously recorded of a cock Pheasant
assuming female-like plumage known to Mr. Hammond Smith
are : A live bird kept under observation in 1903 by Mr. S. G.
Shattock and Dr. C. G. Seghman, in which the tail-feathers,
during their growth, exhibited the female character in their
proximal portions, but these characters were lost, and the bird
became perfectly normal after subsequent moults ; a case
recorded by Mr. J. G. Millais, and another by the Hon. Walter
Rothschild.

Blackcock Assuming Female-like Plumage. — At the
February meeting of the British Ornithologists' Club, Mr. J. G.
Millais exhibited an example of a Blackcock shot by Mr. F.
Stobart at Glen Troot, Wigtownshire, on September 20th,
1910, which was partially in a female-Uke plumage. The
sexual organs of this bird were said to be normal, but they
were not examined microscopically. Like the Pheasants
mentioned above, this bird was considered to be assuming
the plumage of the female, but I do not think that there is
proof of this in any of these cases. They can all be more
reasonably explained, I think, by supposing that these birds
were wanting in pigment, and this is what I suggested in
exliibiting an abnormally coloured Blackcock at the April
meeting of the British Ornithologists' Club. This bird was
shot on the 10th of November, 1910, at Clonrae, Dumfriesshire,
by Mr. H. S. Gladstone, who very kindly sent it to me. In
skinning it I was able to make sure, by the condition of the
skull and also by finding two unshed feathers of the juvenile
plumage, that the specimen was a bird of the j^ear. I preserved
the testes, which appeared outwardly normal, and they have
since very kindly been examined microscopically by Captain
A. E. Hamerton, R.A.M.C, who informs me that they are,
in his opinion, perfectly normal. The plumage of the bird is,
however, quite abnormal, especially on the head, neck, mantle,
upper-breast, and flanks, the feathers of which are barred
and vermiculated A\ith vellomsh-brown. In most of the

60 BRITISH BIRDS.

feathers the tips are normally coloured steel-blue, a few are
entirely normal, but most are marked in a varying degree
with brown, some having a number of broad bars, others a
single bar, and others only a thin wavy hne of biown. Almost
all the feathers of the chin, throat, and cheeks have whitish-
buff bases and many are white-tipped. A number of the
feathers of the breast are irregularly marked with white and
brown, and many of the flank-feathers are vermiculated with
brown, as are the middle tail-feathers, upper tail-coverts,
and some of the feathers of the rump. The scapulars,
secondaries, and wing-coverts are also more strongly vermi-
culated with brown than is usual in the first winter-plumage.

The brown markings resemble those in the plumage of the
female ; but in my opinion this bird is simply wanting in
black pigment, and this has caused the brown markings to
assert themselves in a varying degree in different feathers,
according to the amount of black pigment deposited. Mr.
W. P. Pycraft has very kindly examined the bird and is of
the same opinion, and has pointed out to me that indications
of barring are observable in certain Ughts in normally coloured
Blackcock's feathers. An examination of a large series of
Black-Game in the British Museum has convinced me that the
males frequently have a few bro^^ n-barred feathers, and I
have a bi^^d in m}^ own collection with several barred feathers
on the breast, but it seems a very rare occurrence for a bird
to be so freely marked with brown as the one now referred to.

H. P. WiTHERBY.

Mealy Redpolls in Scotland in the Autumn of 1910. —
Mr. W . Evans has contributed a very useful paper on this
subject to the Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of
Edinburgh (Vol. XVIII. , pp. 196-203). Mr. Evans traces
the irruption from the north of Shetland to the south of
Scotland. Enormous numbers (not less than 2,000 caj)tured
birds were brought into Edinburgh alone) occurred at the
end of October and in November, but by the end of that month
the numbers fell off, and a single bird on January 18th, 1911,
is the latest of which the author has a definite record.* The
great majority were of the t^^pical form {Linota I. Imaria),
but a good many examples of the supposed large form {L. I.
holhoelli) were noted, and Mr. Evans shows that these birds
var}^ greatly in measurements of wing and bill, and we quite
agree with him in doubting the vahdity of Hollboll's Redpoll,
more especially as it appears to breed in the same area as the
typical bird (c/. Vol. IV., p. 292).

*I may note that I saw one on the south Yorkshire coast on April
18th, 1911.— H.F.W.

WALTER CHARLETON, FROM THE ENGRAVING IN HIS
" IMMORTALITY OF THE HUMAN SOUL," 1657.

EDITED BY H. F. WITHERBY, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

assisted by

Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain, m.a., m.b.o.u., and Norman F.

ticehurst, m.a., f.r.c.s.^ m.b.o.u.

Contents of Number 3, Vol. V. August 1, 1911.

Walter Charleton and his " Onomasticon Zoicon." By W. H. page

Mullens, M.A., LL.M., F.L.S 64

The Alpine Ring-Ouzel. A New British Bird. By M. J. Nicoll 72

Notes : —

Bittern Breeding in Norfolk

Isabelline Wheatear in Sussex (N. F. Ticehurst)

Abnormal Song of Wood- Warbler (Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain)

Wren rearing a Brood in an old Nest (T. R. Ward)

Southern Grey Shrike in Sussex (J. B. Nichols)

Hatching of Abnormally shaped Eggs of Spotted Flycatcher

(H. L. Cochrane)
Siskins in Herefordshire (W. S. Medlicott)
Down-distribution of Nestling Birds (Eric B. Dunlop)
Green Woodpecker in Westmorland (Eric B. Dunlop)
Barn-Owls occupying a Jackdaw's Nest (Capt. C. E. Stracey

Clitherow)
The Results of "Ringing" Common Herons in Denmark

(Claud B. Ticehurst)

Long-tailed Duck in Kent and Sussex in March (N. F. Tice-
hurst)
Common Scoter Breeding in Ireland (Major Herbert

Trevelyan)
Dotterel in Lanarkshire (Walter Stewart)
White- winged Black Terns in Norfolk (J. H. Gurney)
Nesting of the Common Tern in the Isle of Man (M. V.

Wenner) . .
Sooty Tern in Sussex (Arthur F. Griffith)
Herring-Gull's Nest with Five Eggs (H. W. Robinson)
Extraordinary Devotion of some Birds to their Nests (H. W.
Ford-Lindsay) , .

Short Notes: — Birds in Norfolk in 1910. Uncommon Birds in
the Glasgow district. Interbreeding of Song-Thrush
and Blackbird. Nightingale in Scotland. Cuckoo in
Goldcrest's Nest. Icterine Warbler in Shetland. Pied
Flycatcher in Haddingtonshire. Alpine Swift in
Hampshire. " Luminous Owls." Marsh-Harrier in
Kent. Honey-Buzzard's Nest in Durham. Osprey in
Renfrewshire. Wigeon Breeding in Argyllshire.
Courtship of Red-breasted Merganser. Turtle-Dove at
the Isle of May . 82

Letters : — The Plumages of the Guillemot and Razorbill . , 87

" On a peculiar Type of Feather in the Water-Rail " . . 87

Rats and Manx Shearwaters . . . . . . . . 88

74
74
74
75
75

76
76

76

77

77

77

78

79
79
80

80
81
81

81

( 64 )

WALTER CHARLETON AND HIS
'^ ONOMASTICON ZOICON."

BY

W. H. MULLENS, m.a., ll.m., f.l.s.

Among the earlier writers who contribute to our knowledge
of British ornithology, Walter Char le ton, the author of
the Oiiomasticon Zoicon, has perhaps hardly received the
attention which his writings merit. The reasons for this
neglect are, however, obvious. The Onomasticon Zoicon
was written in somewhat involved and curious Latin
rarely interspersed with brief comments in English ; it
was not of sufficient importance to secure translation,
and the date of its publication (1668) coming as it did
immediately before that of Francis Willughby's famous
Ornithology (Latin 1676, English 1678), was also prejudicial
to its success. Nevertheless Charleton's work is worth}'
of more than the very scant notice which has been
bestowed on it by the various writers and bibliographers
who have dealt with early British ornithology. It is
true that he does not add very greatly to the information
contained in such well-known works as William Turner's

Avium historia (1544) and Christopher

Merrett's Pinax Reruni (1666), but many of his observa-
tions are of considerable interest, and are worthy of being
rescued from the oblivion into \\hich they have been
allowed to fall.

The Onomasticon Zoicon has been described as " A list
with English, Latin, and Greek names of all known
Animals, including an account of Charles 11. menagerie in
St. James's Park, followed by certain anatomical
descriptions and a general account of fossils."

This description hardty does justice to our author,
as will, we think, be admitted from a perusal of some
of the more interesting and important observations
which we have taken fiom that portion of the work, some
fifty-six pages in extent, which deals with birds, and
with which Ave are here alone concerned.

WALTER CHARLETON. 65

The full title and collation of the work is as follows : —
Onomasticon Zoicon, / Plerorumque Animalium /
Differentias & Nomina Propria pluribus Lin- / guis
exponens. / Cui accedunt / Mantissa Anatomica ; /
et quaedam / De Variis Fossilium Generibus. /
Autore / Gualtero Charletono, M.D. Caroli II. Magnse
Britannise Reg- / is, Medico Ordinario, & Collegii
Medicorum Londinen- / sium Socio / Londini, / Apud
Jacobum Allestry Regalis Societatis Typogra- /
phum. MDCLXVIII.

Collation 1 vol. 4to. pp. XX un. + pp. 309 + pp.

34 un. of Indices. + several plates including 6 of

birds.

Subsequent editions appeared in 1671 (London) and

1677 (Oxford) the title in the last case being altered to

" Gualteri Charletoni Exercitationes &ct."

Commencing with the land-birds, Charleton deals
first with the " Carnivora " as he terms the Rap tores.
He gives us a long and somewhat confused list of the
eagles, vultures, falcons, and hawks, among which may

be mentioned " Peregrinus the blewbackt

Falcon, preying chiefly upon Herons," and informs us
that it was named Peregrinus because it was always
moving from one district to another, or because its nest
could nowhere be discovered.*

" Gyrfalco, the Gyrfalcon, frequent in Ireland."
Among the Corvidse he notices the " Cornish Chough,"
which he tells us is abundant in Cornwall, and is there
called the " Killigrew " (c/. Swainson, Provincial Names
of British Birds, p. 74).

Amongst other birds mentioned are " Loxia the Cross-
beak or Shellaple," which he informs us is found in
England from time to time.

* There is nothing remarkable in Charleton's ignorance of hawks
and falcons ; long after his time we find that this subject was a constant
source of error and confusion to our Ornithologists, a confusion which
arose in part as Thomas Pennant {British Zoology, 4th Ed., Vol. I.,
p. 183) informs us from the fact that the various writers on natural
history chose to adopt as distinct varieties the several different
names used by the falconers to describe one species at various periods
of its life.

66 BRITISH BIRDS.

" Otis Tarda & Bistarda the

Bustard Haec Avis in Mediterraneis (inland) Angliae
partibus freqiiens est," a not particularly accurate account
of the distribution of this interesting bird.

" Ruff a the Spanish Partridge mth bill

and legs red." Charleton writes that this bird (the Red-
legged Partridge) was common in the island of Guarnsey
(Guernsey) (c/. Yarrell, British Birds, Vol. III., p. 117).

Under Passeres he notes : " Montanus of all our sparrows
the most elegant ; the Mountain sparrow with a reddish
Crown, a black chin, and white descending from the
head to the lower jaw, whence it is called amongst us
the WT)ite-cap " an excellent account of the Tree-Sparrow,
though the name " White-cap " seems hardly applicable.

Then follow " Montifringilla the Bramble, Bramling
or Brier-finch," so called, he informs us, from frequenting
and eating the fruit of brambles (ruhis). It may be
remarked that no satisfactory derivation of the name
" Brambling " has yet been suggested.

" Merops the Bee-eater," which he describes as a very
rare visitor to England.

" Parus Cristatus, the crested or juniper titmouse
(because it frequents juniper bushes)." It will be noticed
that Charleton does not clearly say the Crested Tit was
a British bird, though he implies so by giving the English
name and designation. Thomas Muffet (1553-1604) in
his " Health's Improvement," published in 1655, but
written much earlier, states definitely that the Crested
Tit was found in England, although he gives no authority
for such a statement, and Charleton, to whom Muffet's
work was well-known, may merely have copied that writer.

''(Enanthe the Wheat Ear, White-tail,

Horse-match " : Charleton notes it as a summer visitor,
its frequency in Sussex and its fatness in the month Of
June, and tells us that in Warwickshire it was known
as the Fallow-smiter (c/. Swainson, p. 9).

" Upupa an Hoopoop — comes very rarely

into England." Charleton then adds the curious and

iiiii

jiiliiiliill'tiiiifLllii^^

WALTER CHARLETON, FROM THE ENGRAVING IN HIS
*' INQUIRIES INTO HUMAN NATURE," 1680.

WALTER CHARLETON. 69

well-known note that one had been killed near London
in the winter time and sent to him by a friend, and that
this same specimen was figured in the plate of the bird
which appears in his work.

Descriptions of the water-birds then follow, amongst

which me ma,j notice " Avosetta the

Scooper (because his long beak arched upward resembles
the long crooked scoop with which Dutch Mariners throw
up water to wet their sails)." CharJeton notes that these
birds visit the east coast of England in flocks in the
winter time, and states that when a youth he had
killed many of their young ones with leaden pellets
(globulis plumbeis confodi) on the banks of the river
Severn.

"Avis Pugnax the Ruff (because in fighting they raise
up their feathers on the neck, like a double Ruff)." He
mentions vast migrations of this bird as coming from the
north into the marshes of Lincolnshire, and adds " after
three months they depart, I know not where." Charleton
also gives us the well-known account of the Dotterel's
mimicr}^, which he takes from Camden, and further
quotes that author's derivation of the name Knot from
Canute, and adds that this bird (the Knot) is a winter
visitor, and that it is then so fat as to be much beloved
of gluttons (abdomini nati).

There is much more of interest in Charleton's notes
on birds, but the above extracts will suffice to show that
it is no mere list of names. In addition to the British
birds he mentions many exotic ones, several of which
he describes as being kept alive in the king's menagerie
or vivarium, as it was then termed, in St. James's Park.
This vivarium is mentioned by John Evelyn in his Diary,
who notes that, in addition to the birds and beasts kept
in captivity: " The parke was at this time (1664) stored
with numerous flocks of several sorts of ordinary and
extraordinary wild fowle, breeding about the Decoy,
which for being neere so greate a citty, and among such
a concourse of souldiers and people is a singular and

70 BRITISH BIRDS.

diverting thing " (Diary of John Evelyn, Vol. II., p. 178).
Walter Charleton, who, like so many of the early writers
on natural history, was by profession a physician, was
born on February 2nd, 1619, and was the son of the
rector of Shepton Mallet in Somerset. He was educated
at home and entered Magdalen Hall, Oxford, when he
was 16 years of age. His tutor was Dr. Wilkins (1614-72),
whose influence is said to be apparent through-
out Char let on 's writings. At the early age of 22
Charleton received the degree of M.D., and in the same
year was appointed physician to Charles I., when that
monarch was visiting Oxford, an appointment which
may be regarded as a mark of favour towards the
University, rather than as a proof of Charleton's pro-
fessional skill, as the illustrious WiUiam Harvey was
then the actual royal attendant. In 1650, Charleton
seems to have settled in London. He remained true
to the royal cause during the Commonwealth, and still
retained his nominal appointment as physician to the
exiled king. During some part of this period Charleton
was residing in Russell Street, Covent Garden. At the
Restoration he was continued in his office. He joined the
Royal Society in 1662, being one of the first elected
Fellows, and in Januaiy, 1676, he became a Fellow of the
College of Physicians. Between 1660-92 he pubhshed a
large number of works, the most notable of which was
entitled Chorea Gigantum (1663), a treatise intended to
prove that Stonehenge was erected by the Danes and
used as a royal coronation -place. He resided for some
time at Nantwich, but returned eventually to London
and died there in April, 1707.

The two portraits of Charleton here reproduced are
found in his works. Immortality of the Human Soul (1657),
and Inquiries into Human Nature (1680). The original
of the latter hangs in the Royal College of Physicians.

Charleton was a most voluminous writer, no fewer
than twenty-nine printed works being attributed to him
besides MSS. in the British Museum.

WALTER CHARLETON. 71

As a physician he does not seem to have been particu-
larly successful, being rather a writer and observer than
a practitioner, but he certainly had a considerable know-
ledge of and love for natural history, and his memory
is worthy of respect on that account alone.

( 72 )

THE ALPIx\E RING-OUZEL.

Turdus torquatus alpestris Brehm.
A New British Bird.

BY

M. J. NICOLL.

On May 23rd, 1911, an adult male Ring-Ouzel was shot
at Guestling in Sussex, and shown to me while in the
flesh as a " strange-looking Ring-Ouzel." The bird
was quite fresh and in perfect plumage, and it had such a

ALPINE RING-OUZEL {Turdus torquatus alpestris).

Male shot at Guestling, Sussex, on May 23rd, 1911.

[Photographed by M. J. NicoU.)

generally whiter appearance than the common Turdus
torquatus torquatus^ that I at once suspected it to belong
to either the "alpine" or the "oriental" form. In

THE ALPINE RING-OUZEL. 73

comparing this specimen with skins in the British Museum,
I came to the conclusion that it was an undoubted example
of the Alpine subspecies Turdus torquatus alpestris, and
as such it is an interesting addition to the British avifauna.

This handsome Ring- Ouzel differs from the typical
T. t. torquatus in having more white on the outer webs
of the secondaries, and large white centres to the feathers
of the flanks and breast. The under tail-coverts are also
broadly streaked with white. The form from further
east, T. t. orientalis, of which I have an adult male from
Egypt before me as I write, is intermediate between the
typical and Alpine forms — that is to say, the secondaries
are whiter on the outer webs than are those of T. t.
torquatus, but not so noticeable as in T. t. alpestris, the
under tail-coverts are as broadly streaked with white
as are those of T. t. alpestris, but the centres of the breast
and flank-feathers are only slightly marked with white ;
in T. t. torquatus the feathers of the under-parts are only
margined with white, and the under tail-coverts have
the shafts only white. In T. t. alpestris the white edges
of the feathers of the under-parts are very noticeable, far
more so than in either of the other two races.

Turdus torquatus alpestris has a wide range. Roughly
speaking it extends, as a breeding bird, throughout
middle and south Europe to the Balkans.

The occurrence of this form, for the first time on record
in Great Britain, is scarcely surprising. It is possible
that it has occurred before and been passed over as a
Common Ring-Ouzel.

OTES

BITTERN BREEDING IN NORFOLK.
Miss E. L. Turner sends us the extremely interesting news
that a pair of Bitterns {Botaurus stellaris) have this year bred
in Norfolk. The nest and one young one have been discovered,
and Miss Turner has very kindly promised to give, in our next
number, an illustrated account of her experiences.

Although the frequent occurrence of Bitterns in suitable
nesting-haunts makes such an event not altogether surprising,
nevertheless there has been no proof of its breeding in this
country, so far as we know, since 1886, when a young bird
with down still adhering to it was found in Norfolk. Eds.

ISABELLINE WHEATEAR IN SUSSEX.

I HAVE, with Mr. J. B. Nichols's kind permission, the pleasure
of recording the second British example of the Isabelline
Wheatear {Saxicola isabellina). The bird, a male, was shot
at Rye Harbour on April 17th, 1911, and sent to Mr.
Bristow. I examined the bird while he was skinning it,
three days later, and its condition agreed with the length of
time that it had been dead. It is now in Mr. Nichols's
collection.

This Wheatear is very generally distributed in summer from
south-east Russia and Asia Minor eastwards, while it winters
in southern Arabia, western India, north-east and east Africa.
The present specimen and the one obtained in Cumberland in
November, 1887, would seem to be the only ones that have
wandered to western Europe. It must not be overlooked,
however, that its great similarity to the female of the Common
Wheatear, renders it quite possible that others have occurred
without being identified. N. F. Ticehurst.

ABNORMAL SONG OF WOOD-WARBLER.

On my return from the Continent on June 2nd, 1911, I found
a letter awaiting me from the Rev. W. M. Tomhnson, in
which he stated that a Phylloscopus had been singing for
a fortnight past in Bradley Wood, near Ashburne, Derbyshire,
but that its song was entirely different to that of any bird
of the genus with which he was acquainted. As Mr. Tomlin-
son is thoroughly conversant with the notes of the
usual British warblers, I went down to the spot the next

NOTES. 75

day, and under the guidance of his son the Rev. C. F.
TomHnson, had no difficulty in finding the bird, which
was singing steadily. As is well known, the Wood-Wren
{Phylloscopus sihilatrix) has two phases of song : firstly, the
well-known trill with its premonitory notes, which may be
written " Ip, sip, sipp, sippsipp, sipsipp, srreeeeee — ," and
a loud and somewhat melodious " Wheeou, wheeou, wheeou,"
which is much less commonly heard, but may occasionally be
uttered twice or three times in succession. The latter notes
are also sometimes uttered during slow flight. This bird
(which I have no doubt was a Wood- Wren) began its song
with the familiar " Ip, sip," but immediately afterwards
burst into a full-throated bravura song, much resembling
the loud burst of melody of the Common Wren, but with one
or two notes which recalled the Tree-Pipit. It is impossible
to write down this song in words, but it was a continuous
flow of clear and varied notes, rather longer than the average
Wren's song, and was uttered with apparent exertion and
widely-opened bill. I should never have thought it possible
for any bird of this genus to sing in a way which challenged
comparison with many of our Sylvise. Two or three times
it varied this performance by singing the " Wheeou " phase,
exactly as the ordinary Wood- Wren does, on one occasion
flying slowly from tree to tree while singing. By June 10th,
it had ceased to sing, and I could find no trace of it in its
former haunts, although Wood- Wrens were still in song
in several places in the same wood. F. C. R. Jourdain.

WREN REARING A BROOD IN AN OLD NEST.

In a garden at Slough there is a rustic summer-house. The
top of the entrance has a valance-board, outside the rustic
work, on each side. On one side under the valance-board
I saw, early in April, a last-year's nest of a Wren {Troglodytes
parvulus). It was not touched. Early in June I went to
look at it, and saw a Wren fly out. Since then the young
birds have been seen several times, and on June 20th they
were fledged. T. R. Ward.

SOUTHERN GREY SHRIKE IN SUSSEX.

On January 2nd, 1911, a male Southern Grey Shrike {Lanius
meridionalis) was shot near Pett, Hastings, Sussex, and was
examined in the flesh by Mr. Ruskin Butterfield. This, I
beheve, is the third example of this species in Great Britain.

J. B. Nichols.

[The only previous example I know of is that recorded

by Mr. J. H. Gurney as obtained near Norwich in December,

76 BRITISH BIRDS.

1890 {cf. Vol. I., p. 124), and the identification of this specimen
seems rather uncertain. One was recorded by Dr. Bree as
taken near Colchester in November, 1875, but this has not
been accepted as an authentic example. I have examined
Mr. Nichols's specimen, and find that it compares exactly with
examples collected by me in southern Spain. — H.F.W.

HATCHING OF ABNORMALLY SHAPED EGGS OF
SPOTTED FLYCATCHER.

On June 3rd, 1911, in Surrey, a Spotted Flycatcher
{Muscicapa grisola) was discovered sitting on five eggs, in
a nest situated in a thick, tangled creeper growing against a
wooden summer-house. The eggs were all of the unusual pale
blue variety, and with the exception of one, which was marked
with a single violet blotch, were entirely unspotted. Of
the five eggs, there was not one that was symmetrical in
shape ; the inequahty being most pronounced. The bird,
after a day or two, would remain on the nest when inspected
at a distance of only three or four feet. The eggs were all
successfully hatched,' and the young brood are now thriving.
It is worth mentioning that the male bird was never at
any time seen, though watch was kept by more than one
observer. Henry L. Cochrane.

SISKINS IN HEREFORDSHIRE.
On June 5th, 1911, I saw a pair of adult Siskins {Chryso-
mitris spinus) in northern Herefordshire. I saw them only
one day, although I was frequently at the place where they
appeared, both before and after.

W. S. Medlicott.

DOWN-DISTRIBUTION OF NESTLING BIRDS.

It is worthy of note that newly-hatched birds of the same
species show considerable individual variation in the dis-
tribution of the down, tracts being ]3 resent on one nestling
and absent on another. The most marked case of this which
I have met with was that of a young Rook [Corviis
frugilegus) ; instead of having the normal humeral, spinal,
ulnar, and femoral tracts, the down was entirely absent.
This is an approach to the usual condition of affairs in seme
other members of the Corvidse (Jay, Magpie) which do not
possess a down-plumage.

The distribution of down on the nestling Raven {Conms
corax) is as follows : Inner supra-orbital, occipital, spinal,
humeral, ulnar, and femoral. Eric B. Dunlop.

NOTES. 77

GEEEN WOODPECKER IN WESTMORLAND.

On May 12th, 1906, I saw a Green Woodpecker {Gecinus
viridis) near Windermere. The bird evidently did not
breed in the vicinity, for there v/as never any further sign
of it. There are not half-a-dozen records of the occurrence
of this species in the county. Eric B. Dunlop.

[For a recent record c/. supra, p. 25.]

BARN-OWLS OCCUPYING A JACKDAW'S NEST.
On May 12th, 1911, about 6 p.m., with the help of a ladder
I got up to a hole in an old ash tree, which I suspected of
being utihzed by a Barn-Owl. When getting the ladder into
position a Barn-Owl came out, and when I chmbed about half
way up the ladder, another Barn-Owl flew from the same
hole. On reaching the hole I found it was not a large one —
in fact, it must have been close quarters for the two Owls.
At the bottom of the hole, which went downwards about
two feet, there was a Jackdaw's nest with three eggs. The
eggs were quite fresh and in no way injured by the two Owls,
though how they managed to stand in the very limited space
without breaking the eggs was puzzhng.

C. E. Stracey Clitherow.

THE RESULTS OF '• RINGING " COMMON HERONS

IN DENMARK.

In the April number of the Dansh. Ornith. : Forenings,
Tidsskrijt (1911 pp. 115-119), Mr. Chr. Mortensen gives an
interesting account of the results of " ringing " a number of
Common Herons {Ardea cinerea). A Heronry at Lyngby
Wood, near Frederiksvserk, Zeeland, East Denmark, was
visited on May loth and 17th, 1910, by Messrs. Rendtorff,
Saxtorph, and Begtrup, and 55 young birds were ringed. In
the course of the next ten months 13 out of the 55 had
been reported to Mr. Mortensen. The following list shows
the dates and places of re-capture : —

a. June 26th, 1910. Westerwohld, near Nordhastedt,

Holstein.

b. July 2nd, 1910. Everstorf, near Grevesmiihlen,

Mecklenburg.
k, October 17th, 1910. Amesbury Abbey, near Salisbury,

England,
m. February, 1911. Between Landivisiau and Sizun

(east of Brest), north-west France.

These four all came from tlie same nest.

78 BRITISH BIRDS.

c. July 5th, 1910. Bognses Wood, near Roskildo, east

Denmark.

d. July 23rd, 1910. Balje on the Elbe (near mouth of

K. Wilhelm Canal), Hanover.

e. July 28th, 1910. Ho Bay, west Denmark.

n. February 9th, 1911. Nsesbygaard, Forlev, Sjaeliand^
east Denmark.

These last two were from one nest.
/. x\ugust 5th, 1910. Villanueva del Rey, Guadiato

(tributary of Guadalquivir), Andalusia, Spain.
g. September 6th, 1910. Between Hamburg and Harburg.
h. September 10th, 1910. Neuenkirchen (W.N.W. from
Harburg) , Hanover.

These last two were from one nest.
■j. October 5th, 1910. Warwerort, near Biisum, Holstein.
/. January 4th, 1911. Bourbourg, between Calais and

Dunkerque, North-east France.
Mr. Mortensen remarks that the Herons, like the Teal
{D. 0, F. TidssJcrift. III., p. 124— c/. British Birds, Vol. III.,
pp. 251-52), had all migrated in a south-westerly direction.

Claud B. Ticehurst.

LONG-TAILED DUCK IN KENT AND SUSSEX

IN MARCH.

In connexion with Mr. Nichols's record {fiupra. p. 50) of a
Long-tailed DUck, shot near Rye on March 31st, 1911, I have
a pair, which I obtained from Mr. Bristow in the flesh, and
which were shot on the same day at Jury's Gap in Romney
Marsh. I have not seen Mr. Nichols's bird, but presume that
it is in a similar phase of plumage to mine, the change to the
darker dress being almost com})letc. Mr. F. Smalley, who
lias done a great deal of work on the i)lumage of this species,
kindly examined my pair, and writes me that they arc inter-
esting, but quite normal, the only point about them being
that the male has already got its new central tail-feathers,
which is somewhat early when compared with birds obtained
in Orkney about the same date. The Long-tailed Duck is
one of the less-frequent visitors to the south coast of Kent
and Sussex, and adult birds are ahvavs rare, and it is but
seldom that they prolong their stay so late as March — in fact,
I have only two previous records, one which is mentioned in
Birds of Kent (p. 368). and the other, which does not appear
to have been previously recorded, is now in the Hastings
Museum. It was shot at Rye Harbour on April 21st. 1910,
and is a male ; its plumage-change har- been fully completed.

NOTES. 79

except for two white streaks on either side of the crown.
May I be allowed to express the hope that it will not be long
before Mr. Smalley gives us the results of his work on the
sequence of plumages in this species. N. F. Ticehurst.

COMMON SCOTER BREEDING IN IRELAND.

The Common Scoter [CEdemia nigra) has again nested in
Ireland (c/. Vol. II., p. 86, Vol. III., p. 197, Vol. IV., p. 154).
On April 29th, 1911, I arrived on the Lough they have
frequented in the nesting season since 1904 inclusive, and was
told that one male and two females had been seen. On May
6th I saw the three birds and on June 6th the male alone.
On July 6th I saw on the lake, not far from an island, where
I had searched for and failed to find the nest, a female
Scoter with at least eight young ones, probably not many
hours hatched out — my boat was at no time nearer to them
than about 75 yards (it was my wish not to disturb them), but
the old bird uttered cries similar to those in 1905, which
.'.ounded to me like the plaintive mewing of a cat, and which
no doubt are notes of warning to the young ones. On July
7th, while watching the old bird and her brood from my boat
at a distance of not less than 200 yards with my Zeiss
binoculars, they dived simultaneously, but rose to the surface
independently of each other ; on other occasions I saw them,
but it was not till July 12th that I definitely ascertained that
there were eight young ones, on that da}^ at any rate ;
previous to this they had kept too close together for accurate
observation. I hope they will arrive at maturity, but they
have enemies, e.g. pike. Herons, Greater and Lesser Black-
backed and Herring-Gulls.

In tw^o previous years, viz., 1907 and 1908, there was, as
this year, a solitary female on the Lough.

I am inclined to think that after the female has been sitting
a day or two, the male bird leaves the locality, perhaps for
the sea — on one occasion only have I seen the male after I
knew his mate was sitting, and then she had been incubating
for a day or so only. Herbert Trevelyan.

DOTTEREL IN LANARKSHIRE.

On May 25th, 1911, on a moor in the Blantyre district of
Clyde, while searching a marshy place for young Redshanks,
I unexpectedly put up a Dotterel [Eudromias morinelliis) .
It was very loth to rise, for I must have passed and repassed
it a few times before it took wing, and then it only flew about
twenty yards, alighting behind a large grass-grown mole-

80 BRITISH BIRDS.

hillock. On making a little detour I came within full view
of it, and had ample opportunity of examining it with binoculars
before it again took wing, and as before, only going a little
distance. I again followed, and had another good look at it,
but when it rose this time it put a much greater distance
between us.

It looked in beautiful breeding-plumage, and I have no
doubt was resting on its northward passage to its breeding-
quarters. The white stripes on the side of the head, white
on the throat, and the broad band of reddish-chestnut on the
lower breast, were all very conspicuous. Walter Stewart.

WHITE-WINGED BLACK TERNS IN NORFOLK.

In addition to the flock of White- winged Black Terns in
Sussex which Mr. Ford-Lindsay mentions {supra, p. 54), I am
able to state the presence of two individuals on one of the
Norfolk Broads on May 16th, 1911, thirteen days earlier
than those recorded by Mr. Ford-Lindsay. They were seen
by a well-trained observer, ^\'ho writes me that they played
around him for a considerable time on the Broad, with
eighteen Black Terns, sometimes coming as near as within
two yards. The red colour of their legs and beaks sho^^ed
plainly in contrast with those of the Black Tern, which are
dark. J. H. Gurney.

NESTING OF THE COMMON TERN IN THE
ISLE OF MAN.

On June 10th, 1911, while at a colony of Arctic Terns long
established at the Point of Ayre, Isle of ]\Ian, I found a small
colony of Terns, four to five pairs perhaps, the species of
which I was not then able to determine, breeding on the
same shingle-bed and \\ithin a couple of hundred yards of
the Arctic Terns. A subsequent visit on June 18th, resulted
in my obtaining one of the nesting birds, which proved
to be an adult Common Tern {S tenia fiuinatilis) . This, the
first recorded appearance of the Common Teni as a nesting
species in Man, is perhaps significant in view of the extensive
building operations that have been taking place at Walney
Island, off the Lancashire coast, some fifty miles away, and
where colonies of Arctic, Lesser, Common, and Sandwich
Terns exist, or did so up to within very recently. Perhaps
the Sandwich Teni too may establish itself shortly as a nesting
species, on the quiet sand and shingle-wastes of the Ayre.

M. V. Wenner.

NOTES. 81

SOOTY TERN IN SUSSEX.
On April 24th, 1911, a man named Hill saw a bird in difficul-
ties on the rocks at Black Rock, just beyond the eastern
boundary of Brighton. He ran after it and caught it, and
brought it to Messrs. Pratt, the taxidermists, at Brighton,
who recognized it as a Sooty Tern {Sterna fuliginosa) . It
was in the last stage of exhaustion, but showed no outward
signs of injury. Dr. Langton, M.B.O.U., saw it before it
was skinned. Having been exhibited at the British Ornitho-
logists' Club on May 10th, 1911, it was purchased for the
Booth Museum, where I hope it will be on view shortly.

Arthur F. Griffith.

HERRING-GULL'S NEST WITH FIVE EGGS.
On May 22nd, 1911, I found a nest of a Herring-Gull {Larus
argentatus) containing five eggs, on the Island of Maleggan
in the Scilly Isles. Two birds might have been using one
nest to account for this, but I should sa}^ that all the eggs
were laid by the same bird. This was the only nest of the
Herring-Gull I found on this particular island, which is
little more than a rock. The nest could not have been
tampered with, owing to the difficulty of landing on the
island, and I understand we were the first persons to land
there this year. H. W. Robinson.

[Leverkiihn {Fremde Eier im Neste, p. 1) says that on Sylt
he found double clutches of five and six eggs both of the
Herring-Gull and also of the Common Gull {Larus canus).
In all cases it was evident that the eggs were laid by two
hens.— F.C.R.J.]

EXTRAORDINARY DEVOTION OF SOME BIRDS
TO THEIR NESTS.
Last year I gave an instance of extraordinary devotion on
the part of a pair of Lesser Whitethroats to their nest (Vol.
IV., p. 148) ; some further instances have lately come under
my observation. The first is that of a Tree-PiiDit {Anthus
trivialis), which was sitting on five eggs when I first saw it.
I was at once struck by the pugnacious attitude the bird
assumed, flapping about, uttering a shrill note the whole
time. Passing the spot on the following day, I looked to see
if she was all right, and there she sat with mouth open looking
at me and simply refusing to move. I was so impressed
that I walked back to the cottage where I was staying (some
four miles away) and returned with my camera. The bird
sat still with open mouth, and watched me as I opened
out the grass and other vegetation to see the nest. Nor

82 BRITISH BIRDS.

did she move as I focussed and took a photograph. I
also photographed her feeding the young, which operation
took place in the most matter-of-fact manner, whilst I
was only a few feet away. The camera was just placed
in front, and I stood by the side and waited for her to
arrive, which she did in a very short time, bringing a large,
green caterpillar. I noticed she made this do for three of
the young. I also watched her swallow the fceces of the young.
The cock bird did not once venture near the nest, but kept up
a constant note of alarm from a distance. I think anyone
who has tried to photograph the Tree-Pipit will agree with
me that the above facts are by no means usual.

The second case was that of a Redshank {Totanus calidris)
whose nest was on the open marsh, and it was quite the
custom for the " lookers " to pick the bird off the nest, see
if the eggs were all right, and put her back, when she would
brood over them like an old hen. . This again is by no means
an easy bird to photograph, even when using a hiding-tent.

The third case concerned a Robin {Erithacus ruhecula).
Whilst walking down a lane I met a small bo}^ and seeing
that he had a bird in his hand, I stopped him and asked
what it was. He said : " A Robin ; I picked it off the nest."
Finding the nest was only a short distance away. I told him
to take me to it. It was in a bank, and contained four newly-
hatched young. I pointed out the cruelty of taking away
the mother-bird, and said he was to let her go. This he did
angrily, by throwing her on the bank. NotAvithstanding all
this, the devoted Httle bird fluttered straight on to her young,
and brooded over them. The boy departed with some coppers
instead of the Robin, and it seemed a happy ending, but I
regret to say that the following day I found the nest pulled
out, and the young lying dead at the foot of the bank.

H. W. Ford -Lindsay.

Birds in Norfolk in 1910. — Mr. J. H. Gurney's annual
"Ornithological Report for Norfolk" for 1910 {Zool, 1911,
l^p. 161-75), although rather wanting in novelties, is none
the less a useful record of events.

Four Spoonbills {Platalea leucorodia) arrived at Yarmouth
on May 8th, and one was seen at Breydon on the 15th, while
on the 27th a second appeared, and another on June 24th.

On May 13th a Roller [Coracias garrulus) was seen at
Garboldisham.

A female Crane {Grus communis), shot at Thornham, is
reported in August, but we have alreadv several times given
our opinion for suspecting Cranes to be " escapes."

NOTES. 83

On August 9th a Caspian Tern {Sterna caspia) was watched
at a range of fifteen yards for half an hour by Mr. Jary on
Breydon.

A Yellow-browed Warbler {Phylloscopus superciliosus) and
an Ortolan Bunting {Emheriza Jiortulana) were " identified "
by Mr. F. Richards at Cley, on September 16th.

From October 15th onwards, a rather unusual number of
Rough-legged Buzzards {Buteo lagopus) occurred.

A Little Owl {Athene noctua) was caught in February at
Costessey, while six were received at Snettisham during the
autumn.

Mr. Gurney also makes some remarks on the grain-eating
propensities of the Starling, but as these are founded on only
a very few specimens killed in one place in one month, no
conclusions should be drawn from them.

In his remarks on Crossbills, Mr. Gurney discusses the
supposed EngHsh form, evidently without reference to what
Dr. Hartert has said in this Magazine (Vol. III., p. 294). A
nest of a Crossbill found at Swannington, near Attleborough,
on April 16th, 1910, by Mr. W. G. Clarke, has not, we think,
been mentioned in our pages.

Uncommon Birds in the Glasgow District. — In the
Glasgow Naturalist for February, 1911, there is a useful article
on " The Birds of East Renfrewshire," by Mr. J. Robertson,
in which we find mention (p. 52) of a Gadwall {Anas strepera)
shot at Eaglesham, on December 9th, 1904. In the May
issue of the same journal, Mr. C. S. B. Renshaw records (p. 96)
that he saw a Black Tern {Hydrochelidon nigra) at Foxbar
(Renfrew) on April 19th, 1911, and that a Turtle-Dove {Turtur
communis) was shot in the same county early in June, 1911.

Interbreeding of Song-Thrush and Blackbird. — Mr.
G. E. Adamson records {ZooL, 1911, pp. 194-6) the mating
of a hen Song-Thrush {Turdus musicus) and a male Blackbird
[T. merula) at Edgwarebury, Middlesex, in March, 1910, the
result of which was a typical Song-Thrush's nest, and four
eggs, which had a whitish-green ground-colour, and light
brown clustered markings. One of the eggs measured
29 by 21 mm. They were slightly incubated, but the nest
was afterwards abandoned. Mr. Adamson considers that the
male influences the colour of the egg-shell in such a case, but
this seems impossible of belief.

Nightingale in Scotland. — The Misses E. V. Baxter
and L. J. Rintoul report {Ann, Scot. Nat. Hist., 1911, p. 132)

84 BRITISH BIRDS.

that they obtained an example of Daulias luscinia on May
9th, 19n, on the Isle of May. The Nightingale has not
been previously recorded from Scotland.

ICTERiNE Warbler in Shetland. — ^Mr. G. W. Russell
records {Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist., 1911, p. 183) that a bird
obtained on May 15th, 1910 at Lerwick, has been identified
by Mr. W. Eagle Clarke as a sjoecimen of Hypolais icterina,
which has only once before been recorded for Scotland.

Pied Flycatcher Nesting in Haddingtonshire. — The
Rev. H. N. Bonar describes how he found the nest of a pair
of Muscicapa atricapilla near the town of Haddington in
May, 1911, and afterwards watched the birds {Ann. Scot.
Nat. Hist., 1911, p. 182). The Pied Flycatcher breeds only
exceptionally in south-east Scotland.

Cuckoo in Goldcrest's Nest. — While recently investi-
gating the authorities for some of the rarer foster-parents
of the Cuckoo, I had occasion to refer to Herr A. Walter's
original record of three Cuckoo's eggs found in one nest
twice in a season {cf. supra, p. 58). On turning to the
Ornithologische Monatsschrift for 1893, pp. 463-66, I was
surprised to find that the article does not refer to the Gold-
crest at all, but to the Common Wren {Troglodytes parvulus).
Herr Walter uses the popular name " Zaunkonig " throughout,
which, though occasionally applied to Regulus cristatus,
obviously refers here to Troglodytes parvulus. First-hand
confirmatory evidence is very desirable in the case of
many of the rarer fosterers, as several seem to have been
recorded on somewhat unsatisfactory grounds, but for this
purpose only the evidence of the actual finder has any
real value. -^F.C. R.J.

Alpine Swift in Hampshire. — Mr. R. S; Mitford records
{Zool., 1911, p. 278) that he saw an Alpine Swift {Cypselus
melba) at Brockenhurst (New Forest) on May 28th, 1911.

"Luminous Owls." — In the Irish Naturalist (1911, pp.
124-26) Miss M. E. Dobbs has an article describing lights
frequently seen at Villierstown (co. Waterford), which
appeared to emanate from birds of some kind. It is curious
that no one has so far been able to procure one of these
" luminous " birds, and until this has been done the cause
of the " lummosity " must remain a matter for speculation.

NOTES. 85

Marsh-Harrier in Kent. — Mr. Collingwood Ingram
announces {ZooL, 1911, p. 279) that he saw a specimen of
Circus ceruginosus in Thanet on June 22nd, 1911.

Honey-Buzzard's Nest in Durham. — Mr. 0. V. Aplin
states {ZooL, 1911, p. 237) that Mr. Isaac Clark has given him
particulars of a nest of Pernis apivorus built in some beech-
woods on the banks of the Derwent in 1899. The nest
contained two young, early in August of that year. Mr. ApHn
acknowledges the assistance of Mr. Heatley Noble in tracing
this record. The only other recent instance of the breecHng
of this bird in Great Britain, appears to have been in Here-
fordshire in 1895, as recorded by Mr. W. E. de Winton
{Zool, 1895, p. 383).

OsPREY IN Renfrewshire. — Mr. T. Malloch reports
{ZooL, 1911, p. 237) that he found a male Osprey {Pandion
haliaHus) lying dead with the head destroyed, in a glen in
north-west Renfrewshire, on May 19th, 1911. The bird
had been dead some time.

WiGEON Breeding in Argyllshire. — Mr. C. H. Alston
records the finding and satisfactory identification of a nest
of Mareca penelope on an island of Loch Awe in May, 1911,
and a note by Mr. J. A. Harvie-Brown informs us that Mr.
W. Evans has known of Wigeon breeding in the Loch Awe
district about ten years ago and in 1906, while a nest was
also found in 1908 by the Misses Baxter and Rintoul {Ann.
Scot. Nat. Hist., 1911, p. 183). It is therefore fairly certain
that the Wigeon has been a regular nester in this district
for some time.

Courtship of the Red-breasted Merganser. — Dr.
C. W. Townsend describes in the Auk (1911, pp. 341-45)
the " nuptial performance " of Mergus serrator, as observed
in New England (U.S.A.). "The drake begins," he writes,
" by stretching up his long neck so that the white ring is
much broadened, and the metallic green head, with its long
crest and its narrow, red bill, makes a conspicuous object.
At once the bill is opened wide and the whole bird stiffly bobs
or teters [sic] as if on a pivot, in such a way that the breast
and the lower part of the neck are immersed, while the tail
and posterior part of the body swing upward. This motion
brings the neck and head from a vertical position to an angle
of forty-five degrees. All the motions are stiffly executed,
and suggest a formal but ungraceful courtesy." Dr. Townsend

86 BRITISH BIRDS.

also refers to the " song," which accompanies these actions,
and this he describes as " a loud, rough and purring, slightly
double note which I write down da-ah, but the note is probably
insusceptible of expression by syllables."

TuRTLE-DovE AT THE IsLE OF MAY.-Mr. W. Evans
records that he saw a specimen of Turtur communis on the isle
of May on June 1st, 1911 [Ann. Scot. Nat Hist., 1911, p. 184).

LETM5

THE PLUMAGES OF THE GUILLEMOT AND RAZORBILL.

To the Editors of British Birds.

Sirs, — While it must be well known that the " fledgling " Guillemot
(Uria troile) and Razorbill {AIca torda) resemble in all essentials of
their coloration the adults of their respective species when in summer-
plumage, extending even to the white strijDe in front of the eye in the
case of the Razorbill, it does not seem to have been recognized that
this plumage answers to the " mesoptyle " or second generation of
down-plumage in other birds, e.g. the Tawny Owl. Yet this, I believe,
to be a fact, and accordingly I draw the attention thereto of the readers
of British Birds, who are interested in all that pertains to
])lumage3 and their changes. I am not sure, yet, as to what obtains
in the case of the young Black Guillemot {Uria grylle) of the same age,
which seems to resemble the adults in the winter dress, but the plumage
of such young birds will, I believe, also prove to be of the " mesoptyle "
generation. The young Little Auk, like the Guillemot and Razorbill,
resembles the adult in summer, and wears a " mesoptyle " plumage.
The long woolly down of the Puffin, which differs so conspicuously
from that of its congeners will jjrove, I believe, to be made up of a
" protoptyle " and degenerate " mesoptyle " down. It would seem
therefore that my contention, that the " mesoptyle "plumage answers to
a more or less degenerate adult dress, is well founded.

Pressure of other work makes it impossible for me to go minutely
into the questions here raised just now ; accordingly I draw the attention
of others to the matter, in order that, if possible, fresh material may
even yet be obtained this summer for the final settlement of the points
I have raised. W. P. Pycraft

" ON A PECULIAR TYPE OF FEATHER IN THE WATER-RAIL."

To the Editors of British Birds.

Sirs, — Referring to my article in last month's British Birds " On.
a Peculiar Type of Feather in the Water-Rail" (pp. 42-44), my attention
has since been drawn to a short notice by the Rev. M. C. H. Bird in
the Transactions of the Norfolk and Norwich NaturaHsts'' Society,
Vol. VI., p. 117, in which he makes mention of these feathers. I much
regret that this note was not known to me before, as I had, of course,
no intention of depriving Mr. Bird of the credit of having been the
first to point out this peculiarity in the Water-Rail.

J. Lewis Bonhote.

88 LETTERS.

RATS AND MANX SHEARWATERS.

To the Editors of British" Birds.

Sirs,— On the question raised by my note in your last number (p. o'i)
as to the presence of rats on the Island of Annet in the Scilly Isles, I
have made careful inquiries from those who are most in the habit
of visiting that island, and they all say that there are none there to their
knowledge, but that these rodents are present on the islands of Arthur,
Sampson, Tresco, St. Helens, and some of the small eastern islands.

I should have written the word " some " instead of " many " when
mentioning the number of Manx Shearwaters' skins found turned
inside out.

It is very probable that the larger species of Black-backed Gull
swallows these birds whole, as it does Puffins, for their holding capacity
is enormous, a friend of mine extracting a large eel measuring eighteen
inches in length from a nestling in the down last month. The eel
was minus its head — absorbed in the process of digestion — and its tail
was protruding fully an inch from the chick's beak.

H. W. RoBixsox.

[British Birds, Vol. V., Pi. 2.

A YOUNG BITTERN IN NORFOLK, JULY Oth, 1911.
{Photographed by Miss E. L. Turner.)

bRIHSHDIRDS

EDITED BY H. F. WITHERBY, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

assisted by

Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain, m.a., m.b.o.u., and Norman F.

ticehurst, m.a., f.r.c.s.^ m.b.o.u.

Contents of Number 4, Vol. V. September 1, 1911.

PAGE

The Return of the Bittern to Norfolk. By Miss E. L. Turner 90
Recovery of Marked Birds (Aberdeen University). By A.

Landsborough Thomson, M.A., M.B.O.U 98

Mappinoj Migratory Birds. By H. G. Alexander . . . . 103

Notes : — ■

Albinistic Blackbird (R. Oswald Blyth) 106

White-Spotted Bluethroat in Sussex (J. B. Nichols) . . . . 106
Marsh-Warbler Breeding Numerously in Worcestershire

(W. Davies) 106

Introduction of Bearded Tits in Yorkshire (The Editors) . . 108

The Continental Blue Tit as a British Bird (H. F. Witherby) 109
The Northern and the Central-European Crested Tits as

British Birds (H. F. Witherby) 109

Grey Wagtails breeding in Surrey (Howard Bentham) . . 110
Supposed Southern Grey Shrike in Norfolk — A Correction

(H. F. Witherby) Ill

Woodchat Shrike iu Sussex (H. W. Ford-Lindsay) . . . . Ill

Quick Growth of a Brood of Swallows (H. W. Robinson) .. Ill
Northern Groat Spotted Woodpeckers in Sussex (N. F.

Ticehurst) 112

Food of Young Barn-Owls (J. H. Owen) - 112

Night-Heron in Hampshire (R. Edward Coles) . . . . . . .113

Tufted Ducks Breeding in Bedfordshire (Fred. Sharman) . . 114

Caspian Plovers in Sussex (H. W. Ford-Lindsay) . . . . 115

Red-necked, not Grey, Phalarope in Warwickshire — A Cor-
rection (A. Geoffrey Leigh) . . . . . . . . . . 115

Short Notes : — Birds struck by Lightning. Flight of the Swift.

Abnormally large Cuckoo's Egg. Little Bittern in

Buckinghamshire .. .. .. .. .. ., 115

The Marking Scheme. . . . . . . . , . . . . , 116

Letters : — Can the Male influence the Coloration of Eggs ? . . 117

A Curious Upstroke in Flight .. ,. .. .. 117
Review : — Catalogue of Cases of Birds in the Dyke Road Museum,

Brighton .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 119

G

( 90 )
THE RETURN OF THE BITTERN TO NORFOLK.

BY
E. L. TURXER.

[Plate II.]

" Quite like old times, Miss, to have Bitterns nesting
and booming around," was the casual but somewhat
startling greeting addressed to me by an angling friend
two days after my arrival in Norfolk. I immediate 1}'
" fetched up alongside " and made further inquiries ;
finding he had no definite knowledge of the exact locality,
I asked him to obtain for me certain particulars as soon
as possible. My friend returned the next morning with
more details, and at 10 a.m. Vincent and I set off — first
of all to obtain permission from " the powers that be "
to hunt for the nest, and, having obtained this we settled
down to watch.

The never-to-be-forgotten 8th of July was a terribly hot
day, and I cannot say that either of us felt particularly
hopeful as we climbed to the ridge of a,n old boat-house
at 2 p.m., armed with a large slice of bread and cheese
and a bottle of lemonade b}^ way of lunch, and newspapers
to protect the back of our necks from the blazing sun.
From our vantage-point we commanded a view over a
wide stretch of reed-bed, in the vicinity of which the
Bitterns were said to be seen daily.

After about three-quarters of an hour's watching, I
suddenly saw a large, bright brown bird rise from the
reeds on our left, and exclaimed, " Look ! " " That's
the Bittern,"' said Vincent ; and jumping to our feet we
had our first prolonged view of the bird, as with slow,
heavy flight she swept across the marsh. In the brilliant
sunshine and against a background of green trees, the
bird appeared to be a bright cinnamon-brown : her slow,
flapping flight resembled that of a Short-eared Owl,
whilst in shape she was like a Heron, as with head thrust
back, straight, keel-shaped breast-bone in advance, and
long legs stretched out behind, she seemed to drift lazily
along, and finally dropped into a dense reed-bed some

RETURN OF THE BITTERN. 91

distance away. We kept our eyes carefully on
this spot for about a quarter of an hour, after which the
Bittern rose and returned in the sanae leisurely manner
to the place where I had first seen her get up. She
repeated this journey to and fro three tinaes before 4.30.

We next had to decide which of these two spots contained
the nest and which was the feeding-ground only. From
the nature of the marsh we concluded that the nest, or
young, must be somewhere near the place where we saw
the bird first drop ; and from her manner of working, we
decided in our own minds that the young were
scattered.

We then moved to a big alder tree, up which Vincent
and another watcher climbed, dragging me behind them.
From this, to me very uncomfortable, position, we com-
manded a closer view of the reed-bed, and again saw the
Bittern drop down into its depths. At the end of an
hour I feebly protested that my position was unendurable,
so they lowered me to a branch upon which I could stand
with comparative ease, while Vincent plunged into the
reed-bed. We immediately lost sight of him, and could
only judge of his whereabouts by the clouds of pollen
which arose at intervals from the marsh ; but that he
was hot upon the trail we felt certain, for the old bird
flew up with hoarse " honking " call-notes, six or seven
times, took short flights, and dropped again. Presently
Vincent emerged, panting and wet and unsuccessful,
so we adjourned for tea.

From 6.30 to 7.30 we watched from a bank, but as
there was no sign of any Bittern we both plunged into
the reed-bed, determined to make a thorough search
before dark. The water was above our knees, and the
reeds were so dense that neither of us could see the other
when a few yards apart. We soon put up the old bird,
and then Vincent suggested that I should stand still
while he worked in circles round me. At last came a
joyful shout, " I've got one youngster ; come, quick" — and
I pressed forward headlong in the direction of his voice.

92

BRITISH BIRDS.

How we gloated over our prize as he stood there, trans-
formed into the semblance of a bunch of reeds ! With
long, pointed bill thrust straight upwards, bright eyes half
closed, the feathers of his head and neck smoothed down-
wards, their alternate dark and light markings blending
with the reeds ; while even the bird's bulky body, owing
to its broken-up colouring, seemed absolutely to "melt"
into its surroundings ; the big green legs and feet being
partially submerged in water, might easily have been
mistaken for reed-stalks (Fig. 1).

riG. 1.-

-TRANSFORMIXG HIMSELF IXTO THE SEMBLANCE OF
A BUNCH OF EEEDS.

It was now 8.30 and the sun was setting. What was
to be done with the young Bittern now we had found
him ? I insisted on some third person seeing our captive,
lest the unbeheving world should scoff, so I carried the
wild, beautiful thing to dry land. This was no easy task :

RETURN OF THE BITTERN. 93

to begin with, I was too excited to hold him, and he
could not be tucked under my arm because of sundry
fierce thrusts upwards which he made with his bill. We
had for the moment lost our " sense of direction," but
guided by the sunset glow we stumbled on and soon hit
our trail and emerged triumphant. After stowing the
bird safely away for the night, by alternate rowing,
cycling, and rowing we returned home, finally reaching
my house-boat at about 10.15. I changed into dry
clothes, and in spite of considerable anxiety, slept soundly
till 2 a.m.

We started away again at 3 o'clock, this time provided
with wading-boots, cameras, and other necessaries — as
much as two bicycles could possibly carry. By 4 a.m.
I had the young Bittern once more in my arms, safe and
sound. When I put liim on the ground he stalked off
in a solemn, and what was intended to be a very dignified,
manner, but in reality he appeared very ludicrous, for
with big green legs and splayed feet, drooping wings and
head held high in the air, he looked Hke a tall, gaunt old
woman masquerading in bird's attire (Plate 2). But
when put back into his natural surroundings, one saw
how this seemingly ludicrous attitude was an instinctive
pose — tending to self-preservation, and rendering him
more or less inconspicuous.

It seems curious that so big a bird should be able to
support itself on the slender reed-stems, but we had to
a great extent been guided to the vicinity of the
young by the bent and broken reeds, many of them
withered and dying, but unmistakable evidence of the
Bitterns' whereabouts.

The young bird emitted a curious bubbling note ; this
can easily be imitated by blowing through a straw into
a glass of water, and is quite distinct from the hoarse
call-note of the adult bird, which is not unlike that of the
Great Crested Grebe, but shorter and sharper.

Having finished photographing the young Bittern, we
hunted round after the nest, but being anxious for the

RETURN OF THE BITTERN. 95

safet}^ of the bird which now began to " bubble " in a w^ay
Hkely to attract his parents, we gave up the search and
left him in peace.

His method of defence was curious. He would crouch
low down as in Fig. 3, fluffing out his feathers into a
kind of ruff, then suddenly strike upwards, rising to his
full height as in Fig. 4. This heaving up and down
Avas not unlike that of a young Cuckoo when molested.
Except for the undeveloped wing-coverts and quills, the
young Bittern seemed to be fully feathered, though, of
course, unable to fly. In general coloration he was
perhaps rather brighter than the adult bird, but the barred
markings on the wings were not so distinct. We tried
to feed him by opening his bill, and thrusting food into
his capacious pouch. This, however, he promptly
disgorged ; and as we saw no actual food carried by
the parent, it is probable that the young are fed by
regurgitation.

On July 17th we made a thorough search for the nest.
There were then five of us, and by working abreast
through the reed-bed from dyke to d3^ke, our efforts w^ere
soon crowned with success, the lucky finder in this
instance being the Rev. M. C. H. Bird. The nest was
scarcely a dozen yards away from the spot where Vincent
had first discovered the young bird. It was composed
almost entirely of broken reed-stalks, and measured only
fourteen inches across the top, though much wider at
the water's edge ; but no doubt it had been consider-
ably reduced and trampled down by the nestlings, for
judging from the inch-deep debris of discarded feather-
sheaths, more than one inmate must have been
successfully reared. In addition the nest contained
bits of down, two or three small striped feathers, and a
few fish-scales (Fig. 5).

We saw nothing of either old or young birds in the
nesting-area until about 6 p.m., when one of the adult
birds rose from, a neighbouring reed-bed and dropped once
more into the old feeding-ground ; being disturbed by a

96

BRITISH BIRDS.

passing yacht, she flew slowly back again, passing so
close to me that I could have photographed her on the
wing, but alas, my camera was reposing on the nest
some distance away ! She then dropped into a distant
reed-bed where, several days afterwards, young Bitterns
were flushed twice in succession, at such short intervals
that one may safely infer that they were not one and the
same bird, but two separate young ones.

FIG 5.- TEE XEST.

The following dates have been supplied me by a reliable
watcher, who seems to have taken an interest in these
birds from their first arrival, and kept an eye on them
ever since. The^^ were first seen during the third week
in December, 1910; there were then three adult birds.
Booming began on January 26th, 1911, a^nd was continuous
both night and d^y during March, April, and May until
June 4th, since which date this sound has not been heard.

RETURN OF THE BITTERN. 97

We judged the half -fledged bird we found on July 8th
to be from four to five weeks old ; now, if the male ceases
to boom when the young are hatched, the natural inference
is that both parents feed the young. As we failed to see
two adult birds together on either occasion, we feared
that one might have been destroyed. However, I have
since felt somewhat reassured on this point, as the watcher
before mentioned goes on to say : "I presume both birds
are and have been here all the time, but I have not seen
two at one time since January 26th."

It is obvious, therefore, that Bitterns work very warily ;
and it may be that the young bird we found was the last
one hatched, and that the others had already been moved
across the intervening dykes and gradually lured away.

There is no doubt that the Bittern, though a night-
feeder, nevertheless feeds its young at regular intervals
all day, for on the first occasion we saw the old bird drop
near the nest three times between 2 and 4.30 p.m., while
others whom we questioned have seen them working to
and fro at all hours of the day.

One can only hope, as the adult birds have roamed
at large unmolested for over eight months, re-awakening
long-forgotten echoes with their curious booming, that
public interest and public opinion will continue to protect
both old and young. If this be the case, there is no reason
why the Bittern should not establish itself once more as
a regular breeding species here and there on the marsh-
land, though it is never again likely to become so
numerous as to furnish a regular Sunday dinner for
the gamekeeper, which was formerly said to be the
case in one district !

Having watched this curious and beautiful bird at
home in our own marsh-land, I would like to share the
joy with every real bird-lover ; and I sincerely hope that
within the next few years, the good luck which seems to
dog my footsteps may be equally the portion of every
ornithologist who has the real welfare of birds at heart.

( 98 )

RECOVERY OF MARKED BIRDS (ABERDEEN
UNIVERSITY).

BY
A. LAXDSBOROUGH THOMSON, m.a., m.b.o.u.

Since the institution of tlie Aberdeen University Bird-
Migration Inquiry in 1909, over two hundred marked
birds have been reported. Many of these records are
of course quite insignificant, but most, I am confident,
will have some value when the time comes for their
classification and correlation. The few records quoted
below are selected from those which have a certain
individual value and interest, apart from other records
and facts. Most of these records are included in a
paper on " The Possibilities of Bird-marking, with
special reference to the Aberdeen University Bird-
Migration Inquiry," publiohed in the Proceedings of the
Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh, Vol. XVIII. , pp.
204-18 ; and in shorter form many of them were pub-
liohed in a circular which was copied by various news-
papers. The first Wigeon record Avas published by me
in British Birds, Vol. III., p. 220. and both the records
were briefly given by Mr. Gunnis in the Annals of Scot-
tish Natural History^ 1911, p. 118. No description of
methods is necessary here, and we may at once
proceed to the enumeration of the records we have
selected.

A brood of five Wigeon ducklings {Mareca penelope)
was marked by Mr. Francis Gunnis on Loch Brora,
eastern Sutherland, Scotland, on June 19th, 1909. One
of these (A.U. 2052) was caught on September 3rd, 1909,
in a duck-decoy at Westpolder, Ulrum, province of
Groningen, north-eastern Holland, as reported by Mr.
H. J. Louwes of that place. A second member of the
brood (A.U. 2050) was shot early in January, 1911, on
the river Trent, about four miles above Gainsborough,
where it forms the boundary between the English
counties of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire ; it was
reported by Mr. John Allison, Retford.

RECOVERY OF MARKED BIRDS.

Out of a number of Lapwings (Vanellus vulgaris),
marked as young birds during the summer of 1910,
in the north-east of Scotland (all within twenty miles
of Aberdeen), the following interesting " recoveries "
have been reported : —

Ko.

A.U. 14077

A.U. 12730
A.U. 8545

A.U. 12731

A.U. 14370
A.U. 14699

Date.

Oct. (?) IQlOf

About
Nov. 18, 1910

Aboil h
Nor. 22, 1910

Dec. 29, 1910

About
Feb. 5, 1911

Feb. 13, 1911

Locality.

20 miles N. of
Oporto, Portugal

Thurles, co. Tip-
perarj, Ireland

Frenclipark, co.
Roscommon,

Ireland

Elvag, Alemtejo,
Southern Portugal

Michael stown, co.
Cork, Ireland

Croagli, CO. Lim-
erick, Ireland.

Name of Marker and
Reporter.*

Lt.-Col. A. Y. Ander-
son
Mr. W. C. Tait

Mr. W. W. Nicol
Mr. James Rjan

Mr. Sidney Harris
Mr. L. N. Gr. Ramsay

Mr. W. W. Nicol
Mr. Joao F. da Silva
Miranda

Capt. W. H. Ritcbie
Mr. J. A. Fraser

Lt.-Col, A.Y.Ander-
son
Mr. George Sherwood

With these may be compared the records of Lapwings
(marked with British Birds rings) which travelled from
Stirlingshire to co. Kilkenny, Ireland, and to Basses
Pyrenees, France, respectively (cf. British Birds, Vol.
IV., p. 336; Vol. III., p. 251).

Over a hundred Herring-Gulls {Larus argentatus)
were marked as young birds by Mr. Lewis N. G. Ramsay
and others, during the summer of 1910, at two localities
on the Aberdeenshire Coast (Hummel Craig, ColHeston,

* Marker's name first in each case.

t The date seems early when compared with the other records and
with Mr. Eagle Clarke's statement, that there is no evidence of south-
ward emigration from the British Isles before November {British
Association Report, 1902, p. 280) : but as this record was not reported
till several months afterwards, too much importance need not be given
to the approximate date assigned.

100

BRITISH BIRDS.

and the Dunbuy Rock, Cruden Bay). Of these the
following have been recorded : —

No

Date.

Locality.

Keported by.

A.U. 10963

A.U. 10624
A.U. 16055

A.U. 10650

A.U. 10952
A.U. 10815

A.U. 15901
A.U. 15937

Sept. 8, 1910

Sept. 13, 1910
Sept. 1910

About beginning
of Oct. 1910

Oct. 3, 1910

About
Oct. 12, 1910

Xov. 1.5, 1910

About
Jan. 30, 1911

Saltfleet, near Mable-
thorpe, Lincoln-
shire

Aberdeen Barbour

Kybope, near Sunder-
land

Tajport, Fifesbire

Hunstanton, Xorfolk

Eden Estuarj, near
St. Andrews

Aberdeen

Near Manchester

Mr. G. W.Hollis

Mr. G-eorge Allen
Mr. J, Cope

Mr. J, Aimer

Mr. E. W. Dodman

(Newspaper

cutting)

(Brought in)

Mr. W. Yates

The distinct evidence of considerable southward move-
ment contained in these records, is of interest when
compared with the evidence of stationary habits obtained
by marking large numbers of this species at the colony
on Memmert, at the south-eastern corner of the North
Sea (Thienemann, Journal filr Ornithologie, 1910, p .632) ;
and we have ourselves a record of a Herring-Gull (A.U.
12140), marked as a young bird at Loch Aan Eilean.
the Lewis, Outer Hebrides, by Mr. Andrew Harley,
on June 7th, 1910, and shot at Stornoway (Lewis)
at the beginnmg of December, 1910, as reported by
Mr. F. A. Lowe. A record of a different kind, but for
the same species, is that of a bird in first plumage caught
by Messrs. L. N. G. Ramsay and A. G. Davidson on the
night of October 3rd, 1910, on the shore a few miles
north of Aberdeen, along with a number of others which
were dazzled by bright acetylene cycle -lamps. On May

RECOVERY OF MARKED BIRDS. 101

20th, 1911, it was re-caught at Nap, Burray, Orkney,
by Mr. David Sinclair, who turned round suddenly and
caught this bird from among those following him as
he worked among the turnips. Reported by Mr. W. J.
Harcus in the Aberdeen Free Press, May 26th, 1911.

A Black-headed Gull (Larus ridihundus : A.U. 13179),
marked on July 12th, 1910, by Mr. Lewis N. G. Ramsay,
on the Sands of Forvie, xlberdeenshire, was killed near
Bayon, Gironde, France, about January 18th, 1911, as
reported by the Mayor of Bayon and by Mr. T. Ludovic.
Several unimportant short-distance records have also
been obtained for this species, including records of three
birds out of fifty marked in 1910 at a colony near York,
by Mr. H. R. Davidson, and recorded in the same autumn
from Hull (2) and Newcastle respectively.

A Guillemot {Uria troile : A.U. 11230), one of a number
of sea-fowl marked as young birds on the Dunbuy Rock,
Cruden Bay, Aberdeenshire, on July 11th, 1910, by Mr.
Lewis N. G. Ramsay and others, was shot on November
29th, 1910, at Marstrand, a dozen miles north of
Gothenburg, Sweden, as reported by Dr. Jagerskiold
of Gothenburg Museum, where the bird is now preserved.

Turning now to the Passe res, we find that they make
up the majority of the birds we have marked, but that
they have afforded an extremely small proportion of
" returns." In fact there are very few outstanding
records.

A Song-Thrush (Turdus inusicus : A.U. 14299), one
of a brood of five marked in the nest on June 4th,
1910, at Skene House, Dunecht, Aberdeenshire, by Miss
D. Hamilton, was shot on November 6th, 1910, at Leiria,
Portugal, " by a party of hunters." Several Portuguese
newspapers containing notice of the event were sent to
me, and later I received the ring and fuU details from
Mr. Ruy Ferreira.

We have a second long-distance record for a Passerine
bird — in this case a Starling, and reported from farther
north. This Starling (Sturnus vulgaris : A.U. 16480)

102 BRITISH BIRDS.

was an adult bird, netted, " ringed," and liberated at
East WarristoQ, Edinburgh, on March 20th, 1911, by Mr.
Archibald Campbell. On April 20th, 191 1, it was obtained
at Saltdalen, Norway, just above the Arctic Circle. We
received the information from Mr. Anton Flemsseter,
Saltdalen, and a newspaper cutting on the subject
(number given wrongly ao 16486) was sent by Dr. Thv.
Heiberg, Christiania, to the Editor of the Field, and
reached us through Mr. H. F. Witherby. The ring was
afterwards returned to us by Mr. Flemsseter.

On June 29th, 1909, an adult Swallow [Hirundo
rustica) was caught, " ringed " (A.U. 4498), and released
at Hawarden Farm, Rusthall, Kent, by Mr. Ernest
C. B. Parsons. On June l4th, 1910, it was re-caught by
Mr. Parsons at the same farm.

Another bird of the same species (A.U. 7024) was
marked in the nest at Wester Durris Farm, Durris,
Aberdeenshire, on August 21st, 1910, by Mr. A. G.
Davidson ; on May 22nd, 1911, it was found with a
broken wing by Mr. Duguid, at Darnford Farm, Durris,
as reported by Mr. A. Macdonald. A considerable
number of similar records for the Swallow and House-
Martin already exist [cf. British Birds, Vol. III., pp.
299, 399 ; and The British Bird Book, Vol. II., p. 290).

But although Passerine birds afford few records of
actual journeys, they give us many minor records. Thus
birds caught in winter frequently turn up again in the
same net, sometimes half-a-dozen times within a few
months ; such records will, undoubtedly, prove of value
when classified. We have also a few records of birds
being caught in a subsequent winter at the same place,
although the absence of evidence as to any migration
between times diminishes the value of these. Among
our co-operators Mr. Archibald Campbell, Edinburgh,
and Mr. Arthur G. Davidson, Old Aberdeen, have been
particularly successful in this sort of work, the former
with Greenfuiches, Starlings, Robins, etc., the latter
with Blue Tits, Robins, etc.

( 103 )
MAPPING MIGRATORY BIRDS.

BY
H. G. ALEXANDER.

My brother and I recorded our plan of mapping
migratory species in their nesting areas in Volume II.
(pp. 322-6) after only two years (1907 and 1908) of
observation. In 1909 I was able to map the same part
of the Tunbridge Wells district very thoroughly, but
in 1910, and 1911, I have not been there enough to do
such a large district with any thoroughness, and as I
have been absent during the chief part of the song-period
of a few species, it is difficult to give any figures that
would really show the relative numbers from year to
year. But as far as I can make out, the conclusion
which we reached in 1909, alter comparing that year
with 1908, needs no modification : namely, that the
numbers of a particular species hardly vary at all from
year to year. As we pointed out in our previous article,
the males inhabiting one small district seem to travel
together, and sometimes none of these turn up one year ;
such a case as this is probably responsible for the frequent
assertions, that a particular species is very scarce in one
year ; whilst on the other hand, if several new birds arrive
close together and settle in a part which is not already
occupied b}^ the species, that may lead to the statement
that a species is unusually common. But my own
observations in a larger area, with every individual
carefully noted from year to year, have forced me to the
conclusion that the aggregate change from year to year
is very slight.

This year (1911), however, there has been one notable
exception, which I think should be recorded. This is
in the case of the Chiff chaff (Phylloscoims rufus), and
considering the wintry condition of the weather at the
end of March and beginning of April, it is easy to account
for it. As all the Chiff chaffs arrive in April, and as most
continue to sing until the middle of July, I have been
able to make about as sure of their presence this year

104 BRITISH BIRDS.

and last, as in 1908 and 1909. In the district most
thoroughly worked, the following are the nunabers of
Chiffchaffs :— 1908, 21 pairs ; 1909, 24 pairs ; 1910, 21
pairs ; 1911, 11 pairs. Compare this with the following
figures in the same district (only 1910 strictly com-
parable to 1911 owing to my absence from home from
about April 20th to June 20th in those years) : — White-
throat [1908, 58 pairs ; 1909, 58 pairs ;] 1910, 25 pairs ;
1911, 34 pairs : — Lesser Whitethroat [1908, 16 pairs ;

1909, 14 pairs ;] 1910, 5 pairs ; 1911, 7 pairs : — Blackcap
[1908, 12 pairs; 1909, 12 pairs;] 1910, 7 pairs; 1911,
9 pairs :— Garden- War bier [1908, 10 pairs ; 1909, 17
pairs;] 1910, 2 pairs; 1911, 4 pairs: — Willow- Wren
[1908, 77 pairs; 1909, 85 pairs;] 1910, 57 pairs; 1911,
44 pairs :— Tree-Pipit [1908, 38 pairs ; 1909, 34 pairs ;]

1910, 13 pairs; 1911, 21 pairs :— Red-backed Shrike
[1908, 4 pairs; 1909, 4 pairs;] 1910, 3 pairs; 1911,
4 pair? The numbers in 1908 and 1909 are in almost
all cases very similar, and these are the most reliable
figures. Possibty the snow in April had some effect on
the number of Willow- Wrens observed in 1911, and
I have reason to think it also had on the number of
Wheatears that reached their nesting-places in some
districts. Such Chiff chaffs as did come were later than
usual in proportion to the migrants next to arrive. The
only Chiffchaff that had arrived before the snow did not
survive it, and I have not included it in the number
for 1911.

There is a further point that I should like to mention.
By now I have notes of quite a number of cases w^here
birds have reappeared at a place after an absence of a year
or two. In some cases it may be that one of the pair
only came, and could hot find a new mate one year
but found one again the year after. But I feel little
doubt that in the majority of cases the place is filled
by a fresh pair, even though they may inhabit just the
same area and sing from just the same points. One
can often say with great certainty, for example, that

MAPPING MIGRATORY BIRDS. 105

in some chalk-pit, with a lot of bushes, there must be a
pair of Shrikes, or that in some park with a number of
old trees, there must be Nuthatches. But this obviously
does not mean that the same Nuthatches and Shrikes
live there perpetually. Not long ago, for instance, all
Nuthatches vanished from the Backs at Cambridge.
The place is so ideal for them that I was sure some would
soon turn up again there ; and within a year two new
pairs had arrived. Now all this makes it seem extremely
probable that it is not always the same pair of a migratory
species that comes to a place, even when there has been
no gap of a year. It is, in fact, clearly impossible to
determine the longevity of birds by noting how many
return year after year to the same spot.

OTE5

ALBINISTIC BLACKBIRD.

A Blackbird {Turdus merula) of an unusual type was brought
to me in northern Ayrshire on July 28th, 1911, in a very
emaciated, condition. The plumage was of a uniform light
buff-colour with a ruddy tinge, the feathers being slightly
darker at their tips than at their bases ; the wings when
spread approached a dark cream-colour ; the beak was
bone-colour, devoid of pigment ; the legs very Hght with a
pinkish tinge ; the eyes a very dark pink, showing ruby -red
in certain lights. The bird, which seemed about five or
six weeks old, only survived a few hours.

R. Oswald Blyth.
[This bird was kindly sent to me by Mr. Blyth. The outer
webs of the primaries were emarginated to the sixth, inclusive,
proving it to be a Blackbird, but in size it was more like a
Song-Thrush, the wing measuring only 112 mm. A paler
median -streak was distinctly noticeable in some of the feathers
of the upper-parts, showing that the bird was in its juvenile
plumage. The eyes appeared to have no pigment at all.
Unfortunately the organs were too decomposed to allow of
their examination. — H.F.W.]

WHITE-SPOTTED BLUETHROAT IN SUSSEX.

Mr. H. W. Ford-Lindsa}^ records [supra, page 23) that a
White-spotted Bluethroat {Cyanecula wolfi) was obtained at
Pett, Sussex, on May 15th, 1911. I wish to record that
another male was obtained at the same place (Pett Level)
on May 17th, 1911. J. B. Nichols.

MARSH-WARBLER BREEDING NUMEROUSLY
IN WORCESTERSHIRE.

In British Birds, Vol. III., page 157, j^ou published a
short account of my experience with the Marsh- Warbler
[Acrocephalus palustris) in Worcestershire.

On June 9th, 1911, I paid a visit to the same place, with
the intention of making a thorough search of the district,
and gaining more knowledge of these interesting birds.

On the first day of my visit I heard but a few notes of one
bird only, but I had no difiiculty in recognizing the song as
that of one of my old friends of two years before. Near

NOTES. 107

where the bird was singing I discovered a nest, but apparently
it had been disturbed, and I was not able to make sure that it
belonged to this bird, although I have little doubt that it did.

On June 10th, I heard three more Marsh- Warblers singing
in various places, and discovered a nest with three eggs, from
which I flushed the bird. It was very carefully concealed
among the grass and coarse herbage growing along a lane.

On June 11th I heard six more birds singing (probably all
paired) and discovered another nest. This nest was built
along the side of a hedge-row dividing two fields of corn ; and,
like the one found on the previous day, was supported by
several stems of meadow-sweet, and contained four eggs
upon which the bird was sitting. Upon visiting it the next
day I found no other egg had been laid, and apparently
incubation had commenced.

On June 12th, I found a nest in a field of wheat, about seven
yards from the hedge. It was supported by five stems of
wheat, two of charlock and the leaf of a thistle. It contained
three eggs upon which the bird was sitting — in fact, whenever
I visited a nest I always found the bird sitting upon the eggs,
whether the full clutch had been laid or not. Pre\aous to
watching the bird to this nest, I had made a thorough search
among the nettles and cow-parsnip, a considerable quantity of
which was growing in the immediate vicinity of the nest. I
mention this fact as the birds appeared to select the wheat
in preference to these plants.

On June 13th, I visited a field of beans in which two birds
were singing vigorously on one of the previous days. I had
long suspected that the birds nested among the beans and
wheat, as they were very often heard singing in these crops,
especially the beans. After a long search I discovered a partly-
built nest. It was attached to and supported by several
stems of the beans, and was more than twenty yards from
any hedge.

On my way to the bean-field I heard another bird singing.
This was the eleventh singing bird I had heard during my
five days visit to the district, and I had very little doubt
but that all were paired, and either had nests or were building.
On this date I again visited the nest in the wheat, and found
that another egg had been laid.

The birds did not appear to be in colonies, as is so often
the case with Reed- War biers — in fact, the only two birds
singing together were those in the beans.

There apparently is but one osier-bed in the district, which
I visited. I also made a thorough search of it two years ago,

108 BRITISH BIRDS.

but could find no trace in it of either Marsh-, Reed-, or Sedge-
Warblers ; in fact on neither occasion did I meet with a single
bird belonging to the two latter species in the whole of the
district.

The sitting bird belonging to the nest in the wheat was
exceedingly tame, and had to be almost driven off the nest
each time I visited it, but this was not the case with the other
birds, which quietly crept away from their nests as I approached.
For fear of trespassing too much on your valuable space, I
must omit any reference to song, except to say that it is
exceedingly interesting and very melodious, and although,
as has often been noticed by others, it appears to partake of
many notes of various other songsters, even the " utick tic "
of the Whinchat, in my opinion it is easily distinguishable
from the song of any bird. W. Davies.

INTRODUCTION OF BEARDED TITS IN
YORKSHIRE.

We have to record, with gieat regret, that Mr. W. H. St.
Quint in has been at great pains to introduce Bearded Tits
(Panurus hiarmicus) at Hornsea Mere, East Yorkshire.
In April, 1911, he liberated six pairs and two odd males,
which he had obtained from Holland. Since then these
birds have been seen in pairs, and on June 26th a brood
was observed, while there may be other broods (c/. Nahiralist,
1911, pp. 279-80). This passion for interfering with Nature
possessed by aviculturists, is likely to do serious harm to the
scientific study of ornithology, and is, in its way, almost
as bad as the destruction of rare breeding-birds and theii
eggs by those afflicted with the " British -taken " mania.

In a number of occurrences reported fiom time to time
in our pages, it has been impossible to say if the bird referred
to was a genuine migrant or an escape from captivity, and
this doubt as to a vagrant being a genuine wild bird or not,
increases as more people keep birds in semi-captivity, without
even a ring on their legs, or let them loose intentionally.
There is the now notorious introduction of the Little Owl,
which is increasing to such an extent as to be likely to become
very harmful. Attempts to introduce the Willow -Grouse
and the American Robin and other birds have, we hope,
proved abortive ; but this introduction of Bearded Tits
from the Continent is nearly as bad as the attempt to intro-
duce Willow -Grouse ; and it can only be hoped that Mr. St.
Quintin's ahens will be banished in some way or other.

As the Dutch birds are migratory and not sedentary like

NOTES. 109

ours, we trust these imported birds will follow their heredi-
tary instiacts, and that they will n,ot return. The Editors.

THE CONTINENTAL BLUE TIT AS A
BRITISH BIRD.

An example of the Continental Blue Tit (Parus coeruUus
cceruleus) obtained in Peeblesshire some years ago, was exhibited
by Mr. J. L. Bonhote at the June meeting of the British
Ornithologists' Club {Bull B.O.C., Vol. XXVIL, p. 101).
This is, I believe, the first identified example of this form
to be recorded for the British Isles. Mr. Bonhote does not
state the date nor the localit}^, and one would not have
expected to find the bird in an inland county. There can
be little doubt, however, that it frequently occurs as a migrant
on the east coast, immigrations of Blue Tits having been
often noted, especially in Yorkshire. Here Mr. T. H. Nelson
says {Birds of Yorks., Vol. I., pp. 112-13) that they ariive
in most seasons from mid-September to mid-November,
and large immigrations were recorded in the last fortnight in
October, 1878 (corresponding with a " rush " at Hehgoland)
in 1889, and in September, 1901, while in the autumn of
1910, Blue Tits weie noticed amongst the immigrant Con-
tinental Great Tits by Dr. C. B. Ticehurst in Suffolk
(c/. Vol. IV., p. 247). H. F. Witherby.

THE NORTHERN AND THE CENTRAL-EUROPEAN
CRESTED TITS AS BRITISH BIRDS.

The following examples of Crested Tits have been recorded
as having been obtained in England from time to time :

1. One shot near Stanpit Marsh, Christchurch, Hants., in 1846.

2. One obtained near Yarmouth, Isle of Wight {Birds of
Hants., p. 40). 3. One obtained at Whitby, Yorks., in March,
1872. 4. One taken to Mr. Robert Lee of Thirsk, many
years ago : the Keighley example mentioned in Saunders's
Manual is not authentic {Birds of Yorks., p. 115). 5. One
taken about 1840 in Suffolk. 6. One shot at Melton, Suffolk,
about 1873 {Birds of Suffolk, pp. 251 and 63). A few other
examples have been recorded as seen. There appears to be
no Scotch-taken specimen of a Crested Tit, outside the birds'
breeding area (Spey Valley), in existence, and the only likely
record is that by Seebohm for Argyllshire {cf. Fauna of Tay
Basin, etc., pp. 92-94, and footnote, p. 94). Of the specimens
enumerated above. No. I is in Mr. Hart's collection at Christ-
church, and I have not yet been able to examine it ; No. 4,
Mr. R. Lee informs me, was obtained more than forty years

110 BRITISH BIRDS.

ago, and he does n,ot know where the specimen is or who
has it ; Nos. 5 and 6 I have been unable to trace ; Nos. 2 and
3 are the only ones I have examined, and the results are given
below.

The Central European Crested Tit.
Parus crisiatus mitratus, Brehm.
Through the kindness of Mr. P. W. Munn, I have been able
to examine the specimen numbered 2 above. The history
of this specimen, now in Mr. Munn's possession, is quite
satisfactory, and it is the same as that mentioned by Bary
in the Zoologist for 1844 (p. 639), so Mr. Munn informs me.
The bird is an undoubted example of the Central-European
form, Parus cristatus mitratus. This race, which breeds
in central and western Europe south to the Pyrenees and
Alps, differs markedly from the Scottish form (P. c. scoticus)
and the Northern form (P. c. cristatus) by the baff-brown
coloration of the upper-parts, and by the crest and cheeks
being tinged with buff.

The Northern Crested Tit.
Parus cristatus cristatus, L.
The specimen numbered 3 above is now in the Whitby
Museum, and it has been sent to me for examination by the
kindness of Mr. T. Newbitt, the curator. This bird is an
old and much-worn specimen, but I think there is no doubt
that it is an example of the Northern race Parus c. cristatus.
This form breeds in Scandinavia, northern Russia, Poland,
and eastern Germany. The upper-parts are brown with a
greyish tinge, and the cheeks are white. The Scottish form
is nearest to it, but is smaller and is darker on the upper-
parts. In this specimen the wing, though much worn,
measures 64 mm., the upper-parts are as grey-brown as any
Scandinavian specimen, and there is but a mere tinge of
buff on the flanks. H. F. Withers y.

GREY WAGTAILS BREEDING IN SURREY.

With reference to Mr. Bunyard's interesting note on this
subject in the June issue (p. 24), I may mention that a pair
of Grey Wagtails {Motacilla melanope) nested in a certain
locality in south-east Surrey in 1906, and have done so at
the same place in each succeeding 3^ear, including the present.

I was told, by a competent observer, of a nest at Elstead
in 1908, and have several subsequent records of the occurrence
of the species in that neighbourhood in the nesting season.

During 1909-10-11, I have observed Grey Wagtails in
several other localities in south-east Surrev, at dates which

NOTES. Ill

ceitainly suggested that the birds were breeding, and I feel
convinced that a thorough investigation would establish
the fact that M. melanope nests annually in a number of
suitable localities in the county. Howard Bentham.

SUPPOSED SOUTHERN GREY SHRIKE IN
NORFOLK.

A CORRECTION.

In our last issue (p. 75) I referred to the identification of
a Grey Shrike shot at Drayton, Norfolk, in December, 1890,
and recorded by Mr. J. H. Gurney as an example of Lanius
meridionalis {cf. Trans. Norf. and Norwich Nat. Soc, Vol.
VIIL, part III., pp. 352-3, and B.B., Vol. I., p. 124) as being
doubtfully correct. I have now, through the kindness of
Mr. E. M. Con nop, the owner of the specimen, been enabled
to examine the bird, and find it to be an undoubted Great
Grey Shi ike [Lanius excubitor excubitor). The upper-parts
are of a rather darker grey than is usual in specimens of this
species, but they are not nearly so dark as those of Lanius
meridionalis, while on the breast there is a tinge of pink,
but nothing like the strong pink wash of the Southern Grey
Shrike. Moreover, the wing of the bird in question measures
114 mm., while that of L. meridionalis very seldom reaches 110,
and is usually from 102 to 105 mm. The Southern Grey
Shrike also has a distinct white hne on the lores and forehead,
which is altogether absent in this specimen.

I have submitted the specimen to Dr. Hartert who entirely
confirms my opinion, and tells me that there are equally dark,
and even darker, examples of Lanius excubitor from England
and western Germany in the Tring Museum. Dr. Hartert
also states that a faint indication of pink on the breast
is frequently found in not very old specimens of Lanius
excubitor, but nothing to approach the pink of L. meridionalis.

The specimen recorded by Mr. Nichols from Sussex {supra,
p. 75) is therefore the only authentic example of Lanius
meridionalis obtained in this country. H. F. Witherby.

WOODCHAT SHRIKE IN SUSSEX.

On July 24th, 1911, an example of the Woodchat Shrike
iLanius pomeranus) was obtained at Winchelsea, and ex-
amined by me on July 25th, while in the flesh. It was an
adult male in fine condition. H. W. Ford -Lindsay.

QUICK GROWTH OF A BROOD OF SWALLOWS.
On August 1st, 1911, I found the nest of a Swallov/ (H. rustica)
containing three eggs, and ten days later, on re- visiting the

112 BRITISH BIRDS.

nest, was surprised to find that it contained young, fully
feathered and ready to fly--- so much so, that I only managed
to catch and " ring" one of the brood. H. W. Robinson.
[The fledging-period of the Swallow, as. given by Mr. S. E.
Brock, was 21-22 days (c/. Vol. IV., p. 29)".— Eds.]

NORTHERN GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKERS

IN SUSSEX.

In my Birds of Kent (p. 234) I suggested the possibility that
the Great Spotted Woodpeckers that are occasionally seen
in Thanet in autumn and winter, might prove to be migrant
birds from the Continent, and I had hoped last winter to be
able to settle the point. Mr. H. S. D. B^^ron, to whom I
wrote, tells me that he saw a single bird there in October,
but was unable to procure it.

The question therefore remains as it was, so far as Kent
is concerned, but in the meantime I have been able to examine
five Great Spotted Woodpeckers, which were shot during
the last winter in east Sussex, and I find that one of these,
a male, shot at Ninfield on November 24th, 1910, is a well-
marked example of the Northern race {Dendroropus m.
major). The broad bill and pale under-parts are both well
marked, when compared with examples of the British race,
and the wing measures 141 mm., while the first primary
exceeds the longest primary-coverts by 9 mm.

I have also recently heard that there is another s^Decimen
(ar adult female) in the Tring Museum, which was procured
at Brede on November 9th, 1903. N. F. Ticehurst.

FOOD OF YOUNG BARN-OWLS.

This summer I have had several chances of taking notes on
the food of Barn-Owls [Strix flammea) at various nests. In
one nest (in a tree) the food-supply for the two young Owls
(about a fortnight old) consisted only of two young Starlings
{Sturnus vulgaris), both decapitated, at my first visit. Two
days later the larder consisted of fourteen young Starlings,
all decapitated. So far there was no trace of fur at the nest.
On this occasion the young birds were busy devouring the
Starlings, which they did by starting at the wound made
by decapitation and tearing the flesh away, leaving little
but the tail- and wing-feathers. On my next visit, some
ten days later, the nest contained the remains of about seventy
victims, the majority whole ; these were nearly all Starlings,
but there were a few mice and rats, the latter not half grown.
All the bodies were decapitated.

NOTES. 113

The food at a nest in a chicken-loft also consisted chiefly
of Starlings. In this case, however, there was quite a ring
of heads and pellets round the nest. The food-supply also
occasionally included a frog. There was this curious point
about the pellets : they were composed far more of fur than
feather, although I never saw either mice or rats in the nest
— this in spite of the fact that the farm was alive with
rats. These pellets may have been those of the parent birds.
I often took the young birds out to photograph them, and at
times saw a pellet ejected. In these cases I always examined
them carefully, and, to my great surprise, the first such pellet
contained part of a skull of a half-grown rat. Later pellets
contained the skulls of Starlings, and one, most of the skeleton
(minus the head) of a Skylark, with the tail- and wing-feathers
still adhering to it. The young birds were rather more than
a month old, when I saw the first pellet thrown up. By
clearing away the ring of heads and pellets round the nest
at each visit, I was able to conclude that the old birds
began to give the young the whole carcase at about the age
of a month.

The large proportion of Starlings in the food found
at these nests and in the pellets, seemed to me worth noting.
I have watched the Owls take Starlings from fences in the
twilight, and carry them into the nearest tree. J. H. Owen.

NIGHT-HERON IN HAMPSHIRE.
Early in July, 1911, I was told of a Heron-like bird having
been seen, since about the middle of May, at a small lake
near New Milton, Hampshire. On July 14th I saw the bird,
through the trees at first, and took it at once to be a Heron
of small size, and afterwards, while it was flying round at
varying heights, sometimes as near to me as twenty-five
yards and for a period of five minutes, I felt sure I indentified
it correctly as the Night-Heron {Nycticorax griseus). I felt
further confirmed in my opinion by reference to the works
of Lilford, Saunders, Seebohm, and Harting, and after a
careful examination of the species in Hart's Museum, Christ-
church.

The flight was very buoyant and noiseless, the broad wings
flapping steadily, head carried back almost between the
shoulders, and legs extended straight out beneath the tail.
At times I used a glass in observing, but with difficulty, as
the sunlight was so strong and the bird often too near me.
I could not detect any trace of immature plumage, the under-
parts were very light grey, and as far as it was possible to

114 BRITISH BIRDS.

judge, the bird was fully adult. Only when it first rose
from the bank, had I a chance of seeing the plumage of the
upper-parts. This appeared uniformly grey, darker on
the middle of the back, which points to the bird being a female :
the gieenish-black saddle mark on the male being very
conspicuous. The size agreed well with the measurements
given by Saunders.

Of course it is possible that this Heron might be an "escape,"
but I do not think so, as I know of nobody in this immediate
neighbourhood likely to have Herons in captivity ; besides
this bird was in a fine state of plumage, and its flight was
powerful and well sustained. I unfortunately did not hear
the bird call, but my friend the Rev. R. LI. Hodgson, who
hves in a house in the wood adjoining the pond, several
times heard it calling at dusk.

In the case of recording the occurrence of rare or uncommon
visitors, nothing short of actually handling the bird is really
satisfactory, still the information given above ma\ be thought
worthy of noting. R. Edward Coles.

TUFTED DUCKS BREEDING IN

BEDFORDSHIRE.

The Tufted Duck {Fuligula cristata) bred this year (1911)
by some private water in Bedfordshire. On June 7th we
saw four drakes and one duck, but did not search for nests.
On June 8th there were four drakes together and two pairs
and a single duck on the water, and we flushed t\^o ducks
off their nests — one with nine and the other w ith twelve eggs.
On June 22nd we flushed a duck from a third nest with
eleven eggs. We did not make a thorough search, as we were
anxious not to spoil the cover, but it seemed probable that
six pairs were breeding.

There is every reason to beUeve that the Tufted Duck
has bred in the same locality during the two previous years.

Mr. J. Steel Elliott, in his Birds of Bedfordshire, says that
Mr. W. C. Thompson assured him the Tufted Duck bred at
Luton Hoo Park in 1894, but the Avater-keeper could not con-
firm this, except that they remained there late on in the
spring. Mr. Elhott adds that he saw some there on April
16th, 1895, but in May, 1896, and following years in the
same month, he failed to find this species present.

There appears to be no other record of this duck having
bred in Bedfordshire. Fred. Sharman.

NOTES. 115

CASPIAN PLOVERS IN SUSSEX.
On Jaly 13th, 1911, a pair of Caspian Plovers {Mgialitis
asiatica) were shot on Romney Marsh ; the male was in perfect
plumage, but the female was somewhat worn. I examined
both birds in the flesh on July 14th. H. W. Ford- Lindsay.

RED-NECKED, NOT GREY, PHALAROPE
IN WARWICKSHIRE.

A CORRECTION.

It is with much regret that I have to state that I was in.
error in recording the Grey Phalarope from Warwickshire
{supra, p. 26). Mr. T. Ground of Kenilworth has informed
me that the bird in question is in his possession, and is an
example of P. hyperboreus not P. fulicarius ; I have been to
see Mr. Ground, and have satisfied myseH that he is quite
correct ; the age, sex, etc., hold good.

I am very sorry indeed that I should have been the means
of introducing an error into the magazine.

A. Geoffrey Leigh.

Birds struck by Lightning. — Mr. R. Fortune records
{Nat., 1911, p. 280) that on the night of June 25th-26th,
1911, a hen Pheasant and her ten young ones were killed
by lightning in the middle of a field near Harrogate ; and
within 160 yards a Partridge, sitting upon a nestful of twenty
newly-hatched chicks, was foand to have been killed in the
same way with all her chicks. Reproductions of photo-
graphs accompany the article. Some notes on the subject
of birds being killed bv lightning appeared in our first volume
(pp. 29 and 62).

Flight of the Swift. — Those of our readers who are
particularlv interested in questions of flight, should read an
article in the Field (29, VII., 1911, page 314) by Mr. A. E.
Crawley, who compares the structure and movements of the
Swift to those of certain monoplanes.

Abnormally large Cuckoo's Egg. — Mr. J. H. Owen,
in the Field for July 22nd, 1911, records an exceptionally
large infertile and double-yolked Cuckoo's egg, found near
Felsted, Essex, in 1911. Although most birds occasionally
lay double-yolked eggs, such specimens appear to be unusually
rare in the case of the Cuckoo, and neither the Rey
collection (913 eggs) nor that of Capek (245) contained
any double-yolked specimens. Mr. Owen's egg measures

116 BRITISH BIRDS.

26 "4 by 18 '8 mm., while the largest eggs recorded by Rey
measure 25*5 by 17'8 and 25 b}^ 18*7 mm., so that it appears
to be slightly larger than any previously recorded. — F. C.R.J.

Little Bittern in Buckinghamshire. — Mr. A. Allen
records in the Field (19/8/11, p. 474), that a male Little
Bittern {Ar delta minula) was picked up under telegraph-wires
near Olney, " a few weeks ago."

THE MARKING SCHEME.

I shall be glad if all those who have " ringed birds " this
season will now send in their schedules, so that the return
of the numbers " ringed " may be made up. The schedules are
also urgently required, for the reason that " recovered " birds
are now being reported. H.F.W.

LETTERS

CAN THE MALE INFLUENCE THE COLORATION OF EGGS ?
To the Editors of British Birds.

Sirs, — In noting {supra, p. 83) the occurrence of the interbreeding of"
Song-Thrush and Blackbird, it is stated that " Mr, Adam,son considers
that the male influences the colour of the egg-shell in such a case, but
this seems impossible of belief."

On page 199 of Newton's Dictionary of Birds, 1893-96, it is stated :
" A most important, but still unexplained, allegation is that eggs,
containing hybrids, are not exactly Hke the eggs of the race or species
of the female, but more or less resemble also the eggs of the race to
which the fertilizing male belongs. Instances of such mongrel eggs
are mentioned by Nathusius [Zeitschrift f. Wissensch. Zoologie, XVIII.,
page 299) ; and other well- authenticated instances would fori^n valuable
contributions to any of our scientific periodicals."

In 1903 I was given an egg laid by a Canary hen (pure) when mated
with a Goldfinch cock. This egg, which I still have, is more like that
of a Goldfinch than that of a Canary. At the same time in my aviary
here, I was mating Silver-Pheasant hens with Common Pheasant cocks,,
and the eggs laid by this cross were certainly somewhat darker in colour
than those laid by pure Silver-Pheasants.

I regret that I cannot bring forward further evidence to corroborate
Mr. Adamson's opinion, but I think that a discussion on the question
in the pages of your magazine would be most interesting.

Hugh S. Gladstone..

[That a male bird can influence the colour of the shell of the egg laid
by the female to which it happens to be mated, seems to us a physiological
impossibility. The well-known variabiHty in the coloration of eggs-
makes it easy to understand how such a belief could have arisen. It
seems to us that the cases cited by Mr. Gladstone can only be considered
as ' ' allegations " (to use Dr. Gadow's word in the passage from Newton's
Dictionary) since he brings no evidence to show that the eggs he speaks
of diflEered from those laid by these individual birds when mated to
birds of their own species. — Eds.]

A CURIOUS UPSTROKE IN FLIGHT.

To the Editors of British Birds.

Sirs, — The accompanying photograph of a Pigeon may possibly be

of interest to your readers. The wing is, apparently, being raised,

for it is flexed at the wrist, whereas in the downstroke it is straightened

at the wrist and elbow. But though the upstroke is in progress, the-

118 BRITISH BIRDS.

flight-feathers are bent back, the bird apparently resisting the rush
of air that would carry the wing backward and upward, or, possibly,
•even lowering the further part of the wing — a kind of continuation of
the downstroke in which only the further half of the wing takes part.
But, are the muscles required for such a stroke to be found ? Professor

Marey in his Voldes Oiseaux (pp. 160, 268, and in the plate at the end)
has figures which show the same astonishing phenomenon — they make
it clear that it occurs during the upstroke — but, as far as I know, he
nowhere makes any comment. F. W. Headley.

RtVEWS

Catalogue of Cases of Birds in the Dyke Road Museum, Brighton.
By E. T. Booth; with further notes by A. F. Griffith.
4th Edition, 1911.
In Vol. Ill,, pp. 294-5, we briefly noticed the supplement
to the third edition of the Catalogue of this important local
museum. Since then, further additions have been made to
the collection, and a number of fresh cases having been
prepared, entailing a certain amount of rearrangement,
the time has no doubt arrived for a further edition of the
Catalogue. This has been prepared under the able editor-
ship of Mr. A. F. Griffith, in a manner uniform with its
predecessors.

With the exception of one or two additional notes and
the substitution of four fresh plates, the main portion of
the Catalogue (200 pages) remains unaltered, as left by
Mr. Booth; it is the remaining forty odd pages, therefore,
that chiefly concern us here. In these will be found the
additional specimens that have been acquired since 1893,
with their histories and notes upon them from the pen of
Mr. Griffith, who is to be congratulated on the careful and
able manner in which he has traced out and put together
the histories of these specimens, and more particalaHy those
of the older ones from the Borrer, Monk, and Wilberforce
collections, so that there remain very few whose complete
authenticity is yet doubtful. The most important additions
since the publication of the supplement, appear to be the
American Bittern from Hollingburv Park, a Water-Pipit
from Pevensey, a Yellow-browed Warbler and two Scarlet
Grosbeaks from the Isle of May, a pair of Sociable Plovers
from Winchelsea, and the Sooty Tern from Brighton, all
of which have been already referred to in our pages. Besides
these, there are a few that do not appear to have been pre-
viously recorded, viz : —

Richard's Pipit {Anthus richardi). — ^Two adults shot by
the late Mr. Malcolm J. Wykeham-Martin at Aldrington
Basins, Sussex, prior to December, 1889, and bequeathed
by him to the collection in 1911.

AvocET {Eecurvirostra avocefta). — An adult male, from
the Borrer collection, shot at Frensham Pond, Surrey, July
5th, 1846 (a second is said to have been shot with it).

Rough-legged Buzzard [Buteo lagopus). — ^Near Ashford,
Kent, November, 1910.

120 BRITISH BIRDS.

Iceland Falcon {Falco islandus). — Trapped by Alexander
Murray, in April, 1888, at St. Fergus Sands, Banffshire.

Nutcracker {Nucifraga c. caryocatactes) . — ^Penhurst (not
Penshurst, as printed), near Ashburnham, Sussex, November
7th, 1908.

Gull-billed Tern {Sterna anglica). — Shot by the Jate
Mr. M. F. Wykeham-Martin in Romney Marsh, Kent, on
September 12th, 1862.

Besides these, certain important corrections must be
noted : —

Willow-Tit {Parus atricapillus kleinschmidti) . — It is pointed
out (p. 186) that one of the birds in Booth's case of Marsh-
Tits, obtained near Plumpton in March, 1866, belongs to
this species.

Scandinavian Rock-Pipit [Anthus spinoletta littoralis). —
The two specimens hitherto recorded as Water-Pipits
{A. 8. spinoletta) in the Borrer collection, and obtained at
Shoreham in August, 1868, and on March 9th, 1869, belong
to this race.

Meadow-Pipit {Anthus pratensis). — The bird, obtained
at Brighton on March 13th, 1884, and recorded as a Red-
throated Pipit {A. cervinus) is now catalogued under its
correct name {cf. Vol. II., p. 278).

Brown-backed Warbler {Aedon galactotes syriaca). —
The Rufous Warbler, shot at Ninfield, May 18th, 1910, is
also now catalogued under its correct name {cf. Vol. IV.,
p. 310).

Nutcracker {Nucifraga caryocatactes macrorhynchus) . —
The original Sussex specimen recorded and figured by Borrer
{Birds of Sussex, p. 156), shot at Littlington, September
26th, 1844, has been found to belong to the thin-billed
Siberian race.

It remains to notice a fault which we hope may be corrected
in all subsequent editions of the Catalogue, as it is one which
cannot fail to detract from the value of the excellent wc
it contains. We refer to the almost total absence throughout
of the scientific names of the species dealt with. No doubt
they were omitted from the original edition, but since other
notes have since been added, the addition of the scientific
names can in nowise interfere with Booth's own notes, and
while adding to the usefulness of the Catalogue to the scientific
worker, it can make no difference to the ordinary visitor, for
whom, no doubt, the catalogue is primarily intended. N.F.T.

i i

•^ CD

O 2

t-i o

§

DRnEHDIPDS

EDITED BY H. F. WITHERBY, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

assisted by

Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain, m.a.^ m.b.o.u., and Norman F.

ticehurst, m.a., f.r.c.s., m.b.o.u.

Contents or Number 5, Vol. V. October 2, 1911.

Page

The Slender-billed Curlew. A New British Bird. By M. J. Nicoll 124
On the English and other Green Woodpeckers. By Dr. Ernst

Hartert 125

Notes : —

Recovery of Marked Birds . . . . . . . . . . 126

Recovery of Marked Starlings (N. H. Joy and A. Landsborough

Thomson) 128

A Marked Arctic Tern (H. F. Witherby) 130

Fieldfares Swallowing faeces of their Young (Howard Ben-

thara) 130

Rock-Thrush in Sussex (H. W. Ford-Lindsay) . . . . . . 130

A Pair of Robins Building many Nests (J. H. Owen) . . . . 132

Barred Warbler in Lincolnshire (W. E. Suggitt) . . . . 132

British Willow-Tit in Lanarkshire (Walter Stewart) . . . . 133

Unusual Nesting-site of the Grey Wagtail (Rev. F. C. R.

Jourdain).. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 133

Pied Flycatchers Breeding in Devonshire (Charles Collier) . . 134
Numbers of Young in Broods of Swallows and House-Martins

in 1911 (H. W. Robinson) 135

Quick Growth of a Brood of Swallows and a Possible Cause

(Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain) 135

Roller in Devonshire (Arthur Bankes) . . . . . . . . 136

Young Cuckoo in the Nest of a Bullfinch (J. H. Owen) . . 136

Yomig Great Spotted Woodpeckers (J. H. Owen) . . . . 137

Probable Breeding of the Little Owl in Berkshire (Capt. B.

Van de Weyer) ^ 138

Extermination of the Sea-Eagle in Ireland (Rev. F. C. R.

Jourdain) . , . . . . , . . . . . . . . . 138

Snow-Geese in Essex (A, Landsborough Thomson) . . . , 139
Tufted Ducks Breeding in Bedfordshire (The Duchess of Bed-
ford) 139

Breeding of the Great Black-backed Gull inland in Ireland

(Major H. Trevelyan) . . . . . . . . . . . . 140

Sooty Shearwaters off the West Coast of Ireland (The Duchess

of Bedford 141

Fulmar Breeding in Ireland (H. F. Witherby) . . . . . . 141 .

Short Notes : — Three Broods of Blackbirds reared from one
Nest. Golden Oriole seen in Yorkshire. Swallows
Nesting in a Tree. Hoopoes Breeding in Confinement.
Green Sandpiper in the Outer Hebrides. The late Mr.
Alexander Williams .. .. .. .. .. 143

Reviews : — The Grouse in Health and in Disease . . . . . . 145

The North Staffordshire Field Club: Annual Report and

Transactions, 1910-11 . . .. .. .. .. 147

( 124 )
THE SLENDER-BILLED CURLEW,

Numenius tenuirostris Vieill.
A New British Bird.

BY

M. J. NICOLL.

Towards the end of September, 1910, a small flock of
Slender-billed Curlews — Numenius tenuirostris — arrived
on Romney Marsh, near Brookland, Kent, and of these
three were shot. The first two — an immature pair —
were obtained on September 21st, and the male was sho^\^l
to me in the flesh the same day.

Two days later a somewhat worn adult male was shot,
and this also I examined before it Avas skinned. The
first two of these are now in the collection of Mr. J. B.
Nichols, the male of which is, by his kind permission,
here figured.

That the Slender-bifled Curlew should occur on our
coasts is not surprising^ seeing that so long ago as 1830,
or thereabouts, one was shot as close as Heligoland,
while it has occurred, so I am informed, three times in
Holland, twice in Belgium, once at least in northern
France, and four times in Germany.

It winters in the countries bordering the Mediterranean,
and was for a long time thouglit to breed there, but there
now seems to be no doubt that it breeds in western
Siberia. Mr. H. E. Dresser exhibited the first authenti-
cated egg at the British Ornithologists' Club in December,
1909, and announced that Russian correspondents of his
had taken eggs on the borders of Lake Tschany near
Taganowskiye, and in the Tara District in the south-
eastern part of the Tobolsk Government, Siberia, in 1909
{Bull B.O.C., XXV., pp. 38-39).

This species is easily recognizable by its short and very
slender bill, and by the pear-shaped black markings on
the flanks. In size it nearly approaches the Whimbrel,
but differs from it in the coloration of the crown, which
js streaked with buff and black, hke the Common Curlew.

A DELIGHTFUL BIRD-LIFE BOOKLET.

THE LIFE OF

The Common Gull

TOLD IN PHOTOGRAPHS

By C. RUBOW.

TWENTY-FIVE BEAUTIFULLY EXECUTED
ILLUSTRATIONS AND TEXT.

CROWN QUARTO. PICTURE COVER. Is. 6d. NET.
London ; WITHERBY & CO., 326, High Holborn.

ISEE OVER.

THE LIFE OF

The Common Gull

TOLD IN PHOTOGRAPHS.
By C. RUBOW.

This interesting brochure will be studied with profit by people of all ages
interested in Bird-life. Its beautiful illustrations show the life-history of this
Avell-known bird, beginning with a mated pair of birds shown standing on a
sea-girt rock ; followed by views of a breeding-colony on their nests ; by single
nests with eggs, amid natural surroundings ; sitting birds on nests ; nests with
eggs hatching ; newly hatched young birds with their parents in attendance ;
young birds at a later state of development ; a flock of adult birds in the air
over a field, searching for insect larvae as exposed by a farmer in ploughing ;
the series closing with views of small parties of Gulls perched on rocks along
a seashore or flying in the air. Other illustrations are given, the whole
forming an exceedingly artistic booklet. The text tells briefly the story so
fully and beautifully illustrated in the plates.

To Messrs. WITHERBY & CO., 326, High Holbom, London,
Or

To Mr

BOOKSELLER.

Please send me cop of

'THE LIFE OF THE COMMON GULL," for which I enclose

Crown Quarto. T^icture Cover. Is, 6d. Net.

; 125 )

ON THE
ENGLISH AND OTHER GREEN WOODPECKERS.

BY

ERNST HARTERT.

While studying the Green Woodpeckers in connexion with
nay work on the pal?earctic birds, I found that not less than
five forms must be distinguished within Europe alone.

The name Pious viridis viridis L. must be restricted
to the birds from Scandinavia, the greater part of Russia,
and north-eastern Germany (east Prussia).

Central European birds differ from the northern form
in having shorter bills and shorter wings, and being
generally smaller ; the oldest name for this form is Picus
viridis pinetorum (Brehm.) As the various forms have
not hitherto been distinguished, the exact distribution
of this form cannot be stated.

English Green Woodpeckers are, as might have been
presumed, nearest to the Central European form, but
the mngs are still shorter, those of thirteen males
measuring 157 — 161, those of twelve females 158 — 163,
against 162 — 167.5 mm. in P. v. piiietorurn. Moreover
the bill is shorter, but not slenderer, so that it appears
to be rather stronger and more stumpy. The English form
requires therefore a new name, and I propose to call it:

Picus viridis pluvius, subsp. nov.,
because of the well-known ancient superstition that its
call is a sign of approaching rain.

Type : S ad., no. 2946, Tring Museum, 28.4.1903,
Ninfield, Sussex. Collector : Mr. W. Ruskin Butterfield.

Italian Green Woodpeckers have the same measure-
ments as the English ones, but the beak is considerably
slenderer ; wings about 156 — 161 mm. I name this form :
Picus viridis pronus, subsp. nov..

Type S ad., 20.1.1902, Firenzola, near Florence.
Specimens from Greece are evidently inseparable from
Italian ones.

The fifth European form is Picus viridis sharpei, from
Spain, the differences of which have been sufficientl}^
described by Saunders, Hargitt, Dresser, and others.

OTES

RECOVERY OF MARKED BIRDS.

Blackbirds {Turdus merula). — B.B., No. 2053, marked by
Mr. R. 0. Blyth at Skelmorlie, Ayrshire, on June 24th^

1909, as a young bird. Recovered same place about
June 18th, 1911.

B.B., No. 2046, marked as above, on July 17th, 1909,
as an adult male. Recovered in same garden on July
16th, 1911. Ring replaced and bird released.

Redbreast {Erithacus rubecula). — B.B., No. 5694, marked
by Mr. H. W. Ford-Lindsay at Rett, Sussex, on May 1st,

1910, as a nestling. Recovered at same place on August
19th, 1911. Reported by Messrs. Stephen Bros.

Great Tit {Parus major). — B.B., No. 39, marked by Mr. N. H.
Joy at Bradfield, Berkshire, on January 8th, 1911, a&
an adult. Recovered at same place on July 24th, 1911.

Meadow-Pipit [Anthus pratensis). — B.B., No. 5329, marked
by Mr. R. 0. Blyth at Goathland, Yorkshire, on June
22nd, 1910, as a nestling. Recovered at same place
end of May, 1911. Reported by Mr. C. Peckett, per
Mr. W. D. Patterson.

Rook {Corvus frugilegus). — B.B., No. 21670, marked by Mr.
A. G. Leigh at Hampton-in-Arden, Warwickshire, on
April 29th, 1911, as a nestling. Recovered at Marston
Green, near Birmingham, on August 26th, 1911.
Reported by Mr. H. N. Allday.

Barn-Owl {Strix flarnmca). — B.B., No. 8, marked by Mr. N. H.
Joy, at Bradfield, Berkshire, on July 14th, 1910, as a
nestling. Recovered at Highclere, Newbury, Berkshire,
on July 4th, 1911. Reported by Mr. J. A. Rutherford.

Merlin [Falco oesaZow).— B.B., No. 22423, marked by Mr. W. T.
Blackwood near Peebles, on July 8th, 1911, as a nestling.
Recovered at St. Mary's Loch, Selkirk, on August 25th,

1911, Reported by Mr. F. H. Dickenson.

Mallard [Anas boscas). — B.B., No. 9147, marked by Mr. T.
Hepburn at Old Hall Marshes, Tollesbury, Essex, on
May 26th, 1910. The bird was hatched-out under a
domestic fowl from an egg picked up on the marshes.
Recovered at Elbing, Danzig, west Prussia, on August
16th, 1911. Reported by Mr. A. Bohm.

xNOTES. 127

Redshank {Totanus calidris). — B.B., No. 12448, marked
by Mr. R. 0. Blyth at Skelmorlie, Ayrshire, on May 29th,
1911, as a nestUng. Recovered at Millport, Isle of
Cumbrae, Buteshire, on July 11th, 1911. Reported by
Dr. J. MacRury.

Common Curlew {Numenius arquata). — B.B., No. 22318,
marked by Mr. R. E. Knowles on the East Cheshire Hills,
on June 18th, 1911, as a nesthng. Recovered at
Sealand, Cheshire, on August 18th, 1911. Reported by
the Chester Chronicle.

Common Terns {Sterna fluviatilis).—B.B., Nos. 21084, 21108,
and 21129, marked by Mr. H. W. Robinson at Ravenglass,
Cumberland, on July 22nd and 24th, 1911, as nestlings.
Recovered at Flookburgh on the north coast of
Morecambe Bay, Lancashire, about August 28th, 1911.
Reported by Mr. H. B. Tumey.

Black-Headed Gulls {Larus ridibundus). — B.B., No. 23905,
marked by F. W. Smalley at Ravenglass, Cumberland,
on June 12th, 1911, as a nestling. Recovered at Toddell,
Cockermouth, Cumberland, on July 14th, 1911. Reported
by Mr. W. F. Dixon.

B.B. No., 23760, marked as 23905 on June 12th, 1911.
Recovered near Skipton, Yorkshire, on September 1st,
1911. Reported by Major R. Tempest.
B.B., No. 23842, marked by Mr. H. W. Robinson at
Ravenglass, Cumberland, on June 12th, 1911, as a nestling.
Recovered at Lytham, Lancashire, on July 16th, 1911.
Reported by Mr. S. Westermann.

B.B., No. 23539, marked as 23842 on June 11th, 1911.
Recovered at Selkirk on July 17th, 1911. Reported by
Miss N. Melrose.

B.B., No. 24145, marked as 23842 on June 16th, 1911.
Recovered on north shore of Morecambe Bay, five miles
from Ulverston, Lancashire. Reported by Mr. H. B.
Tumey.

B.B., No. 24412, marked as 23842 on June 19th, 1911.
Recovered near Keighley, Yorkshire, on August 26th ^
1911. Reported by Mr. H. Philhpson.
B.B., No. 31355, marked as 23842 on June 12th, 1911,
Recovered at Stretford, Lancashire, on August 8th,
1911. Reported by Mr. E. Griffiths.
B.B., No. 23457, marked as 23842 on June 10th, 1911.
Recovered near Cockermouth, Cumberland, on July 16th,
1911. Reported by Mr. John Wilson.

128 BRITISH BIRDS.

B.B., No. 23583, marked as 23842, on June 12th, 1911.
Recovered on the River Usk, near Newport, Monmouth-
shire, on September 8th, 1911. Reported b}^ Mr. A.
Rogers.

B.B., No. 23656, marked as 23842 on June 12th, 1911.
Recovered on the River Tyne near Newcastle, Northum-
berland, on September 8th, 1911.

B.B., No. 22767, marked by Mr. John Murray at Dhu
Loch, Penpont, Dumfriesshire, on June 28th, 1911, as
a nestling. Recovered on the Water of Ae, Amisfield,
Dumfriessliire, on July 20th, 1911. Reported by Mr. J.
Stewart Lyon.

B.B., No. 22754, marked as 22767. Recovered in
Troqueer j)arish, three miles from Dumfries, on July
17th, 1911. Reported bv Mr. J. Service.
B.B., No. 22959, marked by Mr. J. S. T. Walton at Denton
Fell, Cumberland, on June Uth, 1911, as a nestling.
Recovered at Dornock, near Arran, on July 25th, 1911.
Reported by Mr. J. T. M'Glasson.

Common Gull {Larus canus). — B.B., No. 21918, marked by
Mr. W. I. Beaumont at Stirk Island in the L^Tin of Lorn,
Arg3^11shire, on June 16th, 1911, as a nestling. Recovered
at Loch Etive, near Connel Ferry, Argyllshire, on August
23rd, 1911. Reported bv Miss K. Macgregor.
B.B., No. 31981, marked as 21918 on July 12th, 1910.
Recovered at Onich, six miles south of Fort William,
Inverness -shire, on September 6th. 1911. Reported bv
Mr. W. Hay.

Herring-Gull {Larus argentatus) — B.B., No. 32048, marked
by Miss A. C. Jackson at Cromarty Firth, Ross-shire, on
July 8th, 1911, as a nestling. Recovered at Torry, near
Aberdeen, on September 6th, 1911. Reported by Mr.
James Mackie.

Lesser Black-backed Gull {Larus fuscus). — B.B., No.
31383, marked by Mr. H. W. Robinson at Foulshaw,
Westmorland, on July 1st, 191 1, as a nestling. Recovered
at Deptford, Sunderland, Durham, on August 29th, 1911.
Reported by Mr. T. Teal.

RECOVERY OF MARKED STARLINGS.

Between January 12th and February 14th this year I caught
in cage-traps and " ringed " 568 Starlings {Siurnus vulgaris).
Six of them were shot in the close neighbourhood in March.
Since the beginning of the breeding season. May 1st, nine

NOTES. 129

have been recovered within a mile of the place where they
were " ringed," three in the same cage-trap ; two were shot
from the nest. Besides these, one of each of two pairs nesting
close by had a ring on its leg. This suggests that at any rate
a certain proportion of Starlings seen here in the winter are
strictly non-migratory, although some are no doubt winter
immigrants {of. Vol. IV., p. 335, No. C234).

Kecord of Starlings " ringed " and recovered at Bradfield,
Berkshire : —

No.

" Ringed,"

1911.

Eecovered, 1911.

11406

January

12

Shot about March 20.

11524

55

12

55 55 55 55

12136

Februar)

i 6

55 55 55 55

2393

January

13

Shot about March 25.

C204

February 1

55 55 55 55

C95

January

24

55 5? 55 55

12001

,,

29

May 1, at nest.

12031

5 5

31

55 J5 55

7505

55

15

Recently killed, May 8.

12064

,,

30

Cage-trap, June 17.

11879

,,

22

.,

C136

,',

24

June 18

11237

,,

28

Shot July 7.

29

,,

22

,, about July 23.

12105

February

12

Besides these, Starlings and Rooks were constantly re-
captured within a day or two in the cage-trap.

Norman H. Joy.

Since the appearance of my article on the recovery of Aberdeen
University marked birds {cintea, p. 98), many other records
have, come to hand, including several of considerable import-
ance. Of these I wish to give details of one which is of
particular interest, and which is very similar to one already
quoted (pp. 101-102). A Starling [Sturnus vulgaris : A.U.
8536) was netted, marked, and released by Mr. L. N. G.
Ramsay, at 11, College Bounds, Old Aberdeen, on January
20th, 1910 ; it was killed by a bird-of-prey near Kvarv I
Salten, Norway (circa 67° N.*lat.), about August 20th, 1911,
the ring being found by a boy and brought to our informant,
Mr. Nils Lie, schoolmaster of that place ; time, one year
seven months. The comparative proximity of the localities
at which the two Starlings were recovered is rather remarkable.
Corrigenda : I take this opportunity of noting the following
eorrections in the article referred to : On p. 99, third column

130 BRITISH BIRDS.

of table, for " Michaels town " read " Mitchelstown " ; on
p. 102, line 18, for "Aberdeenshire " read " Kincardineshire."

A. Landsborough Thomson.

A MARKED ARCTIC TERN.
A YOUNG Arctic Tern {Sterna macrura) , bearing a ring stamped
" Vogelwarte Rossitten 2342," was picked up at Kellington,
near Pontefract, Yorkshire, on August 20th, 1911, and sent
to me by Major W. B. Arundel.

Dr. H. Weigold informs me that he " ringed " this bird
when a nestling on the island of Svlt (Schleswig-Holstein), on
June 27th, 1911. "^ H.F.W.

FIELDFARES SWALLOWING F.^CES OF
THEIR YOUNG.
During a recent visit to Nonvay, I had excellent opportunities
of studying a pair of Fieldfares [Turdus pilaris) at the nest,
and whilst in hiding for several hours, I repeatedly saw both
male and female swallow the fceces of their young. This
was usually accomphshed immediately after the process of
feeding, but several times the act of sw allo\^'ing was per-
formed during intervals between feeding the chicks, and
often when the bird still retained a considerable quantity of
food in the bill.

On two occasions I observed the female swallow several
small pieces of dry grass, which she took from the bottom
of the nest, and which presumably had become fouled.

The accompanying photograph, although not illustrating
the above-mentioned facts, will perhaps be of interest as, so
far as I am aware, nothing of a similar nature has previously
been pubhshed. Howard Bentham.

ROCK-THRUSH IN SUSSEX.
On September 1st, 1911, a specimen of the Rock-Thrush
{Monticola saxatilis) was shot at Rett, Sussex. Another
was obtained on September 2nd at the same place. I examined
them in the flesh, and found the}^ were both young birds.

Upon dissection, one proved to be a cock and the other a
hen. This is the first record for Sussex, and I believe the
first occasion this species has been obtained in the British
Isles on the autumn migration. H. W. Ford-Lindsay.

[Saunders {Manual, p. 17) only admitted the authenticity
of one specimen, shot in Hertfordshire on May 19th, 1843 :
but more recently an adult male was caught at the Pentland
Skerries, Orkneys, on May 17th, 1910, and another seen there
on the same day {Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist., 1910, p. 148 ; 1911,

m

^

"^

tS

;-(

o3

^

>

<

O

H

w

—

5ti.

<

fO

Eh

Q

to

H

^5J

1-

132

BRITISH BIRDS.

p. 135 ; cf. antea, IV., p. 11). The above record is of
extreme interest, as showing that Great Britain is occa-
sionally visited by immature birds in autumn as well as
b}^ adults in sj)ring. — Eds.]

A PAIR OF ROBINS BUILDING MANY NESTS.
During April, 1911, a pair of Robins {Erithacus rubecula)
made a nest in one of a stack of pipes near Oswestry.
When the nest was nearly completed and parth^ lined, for
some reason, possibly lack of space, they left off and began
to build in the next pipe. Here again, after the nest had been
nearly completed, the same thing happened. One after
another the j)ipes were tried, until twenty- three nests had

NESTS OF ONE PAIR OF ROBINS.
[Photographed by J. H. Owen.)

been started, and then the birds decided to go and build
elsewhere. In a photograph, taken at the time, eleven of the
nests show to a limited extent ; the other nests were not
nearly so complete. J. H. Owen.

BARRED WARBLER IN LINCOLNSHIRE.
On September 2nd, 1911, I caught an immature Barred
Warbler {Sylvia nisoria) at Cleethorpes, in one of my trap-
cages ; there Mas a light east wind at the time.

The bird is caged and still in my possession. W. E. Suggitt.

NOTES. 188

BRITISH WILLOW-TIT IN LANARKSHIRE.

On August 30th, 1911, I secured a black-headed Tit, and
on submitting it to Mr. Witherby he at once pronounced
it to be a Willow-Tit. It was a young bird, but had almost
completed its first winter's plumage, and was quite a typical
specimen of Par us atricapillus kleinschmidti .

In the valley of the Calder, a Clyde tributary in the Blantyre
district, where it was secured, I have always known a few
pairs to nest ; but until February last, Avhen notes by Mr.
Wilson on its appearance in Renfrewshire, by the Duchess
of Bedford on its appearance in Kirkcudbrightshire, and
an editorial note (Vol. IV., p. 284) were published, I had not
given these birds close observation.

During x^art of December and January last I had often
seen a number of these Tits, which I took to be first year's
Marsh-Tits. They were browner than the summer birds,
and had not the buff flanks. After reading the above-
mentioned notes I determined to secure one, but found they
had completely vanished. However, about the middle of
March the nesting contingent of these birds arrived, and I
have since kept them under pretty close observation.

For some years a pair nested in the root of a decayed tree-
stump, but this spring the site was claimed by a pair of Great
Tits, and although I visited this nest frequently, and marked
one of the adults and five young ones, I entirely overlooked
a Willow-Tit's nest in a hollow alder, not fifteen yards away.
The half dozen young left the nest during the second week
of July, and another family which I think were reared in a
large decayed willow, also took wing at this time. A third
pair built under the exposed roots of an alder growing on
the river-bank, and they also were successful in rearing young.

Just now the families of Willow-Tits feed mostly amongst
the leafy tree-tops, where the old bird's call is frequenth^
heard ; but by waiting patiently the observer is sometimes
rewarded by seeing them come down amongst the bushes
and lower branches. Walter Stewart.

UNUSUAL NESTING-SITE OF THE GREY
WAGTAIL.

As is well known, the nest of the Grey Wagtail {Mofacilla
melanope) is usually placed in the immediate neighbourhood
of running water, in most cases in steep banks or walls border-
ing on streams. In North Wales I have known one or two
cases of nests built in steep rock-faces some little distance-

134 BRITISH BIRDS.

from water, but was much surprised this year to find a pair
breeding in a sandstone cHff by the side of a high road in the
Ashburne district, Derbyshire. A tiny rivulet with low
banks crosses the road 135 yards away, but the nearest
stream of any size is about a quarter of a mile distant across
the fields, and the parent birds resorted regularly to it for
food, occasionally picking up flies from the road and flying
up with them to the nest. In spite of the exposed position
of the nest, the young were hatched off safely.

F. C. R. JOURDAIN.

PIED FLYCATCHERS BREEDING IN DEVONSHIRE.

As the fact is not generally known, and I know of no publi-
cation recording the actual breeding of Pied Flycatchers
{Muscicapa atricapilla) in Devonshire, it must be of interest to
record its nesting in the Culmstock district. In the beginning
of July, 1911, I saw two lots of Pied Flycatchers — five in one
lot and four in the other (two and three young respectively)
— and I have no doubt they were locally bred. The last nest
I actually found was in 1907, situated in a hole in an old
cob- wall, forming part of the outbuildings of a farm, about
one mile from the Somerset border. It was within 100 yards
of this spot that I saw the five birds this year. My brother
informs me that he also found a nest in the same cob-wall
a few years ago.

The Pied Flycatcher used also to breed regularly in the
Tiverton district. First one pair, and afterwards for some
years two pairs, were found breeding. This 3^ear it has bred
close to Templeton Rectory, about five miles from Tiverton ;
I am informed by the Rev. J. Fowler that both it and the
Spotted Flycatcher have done so for some years.

Pied Flycatchers are very interesting birds to watch, as
they become very quickly accustomed to one's presence
near the nest, and will feed their young within a few feet of
the watcher. They are also very methodical in their actions,
first feeding the young, then coming to the edge of the nesting-
hole for a second or two, when they re-enter and remove any
excrement there may be in the nest. The cock bird is also
quite one of the sharpest of birds, both in sighting an enem}^
and afterwards in persistently following him up, and letting
other birds know of the danger. I have seen one follow up
a cat over both open ground and wood for more than 300
yards from the nest, giving the angry alarm-note the whole
way. Amongst the food taken by these birds I have noticed
*' daddy-long-legs" {Tipula) and butterflies. The small pearl-

NOTES. 135

bordered fritillary {Argynnis selene) seems a favourite, and I
once saw a large hatch of these on a common close to a nest
of Pied Flycatchers, which were feeding greedily upon them :
the young apparently swallowed wings and all.

Charles Collier.

NUMBERS OF YOUNG IN BROODS OF SWALLOWS
AND HOUSE-MARTINS IN 1911.
In Vol. IV. (p. 249) I mentioned the size of broods of Swallows
(Hirundo rustica) and House-Martins {Chelidon urhica) which
I had visited during the summer of 1910, showing that full
broods were the exception, both in that year and the one
previous, in the neighbourhood of Lancaster.

With regard to Swallows, the remarkably dry summer
of 1911 has been a splendid one for them, large broods being
much more general, and in no case were dead found in the
nests. Of nineteen Swallows' nests visited in June, two
contained broods of six, ten of five, five of four, and two of
three. Of twelve nests visited in July, three contained
broods of five, eight of four, and only one of three. Twenty-
seven nests were visited during August, of which one con-
tained six young, ten had five each, thirteen had four apiece,
and three contained broods of three, whilst two nests visited
in September contained four and five respectively.
1911 : Of 60 nests, 3 had broods of 6, and 24 of 5 = 45 %, average

[brood being 4.4.
1910: „ 45 „ none 15 of 5 = 33 %, average

[brood being 3.89.
1909: „ 11 ,, none none = 0 %, average

[brood being 3.27.

Good as 1911 has been for Swallow broods, it did not
benefit those of House-Martins at all, for I again failed to
find a full brood, as was also the case of 1909 and 1910.
The average brood this year was 3.22, as compared with
3.25 in 1910, and only 2.25 in 1909. H. W. Robinson.

QUICK GROWTH OF A BROOD OF SWALLOWS
AND A POSSIBLE CAUSE.

Mr. J. H. Owen informs me {in litt., September 16th, 1911)
that he watched the growth of a brood of young Swallows
{Hirundo rustica) which were hatched on August 15th, 1911.
They did not leave the nest till September 7th, which gives
a fledging-period of twenty- three days ; in 1910 the young
flew from nests watched on the twenty-first day. These
observations agree closely with those of Mr. S. E. Brock

136 BRITISH BIRDS.

and myself, and seem to show that the instance recorded by-
Mr. Robinson is quite abnormal in this country, and due to
some exceptional cause. It is interesting, however, to note
that Naumann, who must have had plenty of opportunities
for observation on this point, states that the young leave the
nest in about two Aveeks. F. C. R. Jourdain.

In the Field for September 23rd, 1911 (p. 709), Mr. H.
Gandy states that his loader, J. Lowis, of Greengil Farm,
Barnard Castle, noticed no fewer than eight old House -
Martins {Chelidon urhica) engaged in feeding the four young
which still remained in a nest over the porch of his farm on
Sej)tember 2nd. There seems to be no doubt in this case as
to the number of birds engaged in the work, as the old birds
sometimes were seen sitting in a row with food, and as soon
as one had fed the young another took its place. As the
House-Martin seldom rears more than four young, or five at
the outside, they can hardly have been the young of a
previous brood. About a fortnight ago, Mr. J. Henderson
mentioned to me that several House-Martins were feeding
the .young in a nest on his outbuildings at Clifton, Derbyshire,
so that possibly this habit is not unusual in the case of late
broods, and may conduce to their more rapid development.
I have myself on two occasions seen three Swallows in
attendance on one nest.

ROLLER IN DEVONSHIRE.

I WENT down to Dartmoor on August 3rd, 1911, and stayed
not far from Chagford in a house close to the moor, 1,200
feet above sea level. For four days after I arrived there a
Roller {Coracias garrulus) frequented some rough fields
adjoining the moor. It was not at all wild, and if a little
caution were exercised it could be approached within fifteen
or twenty yards. It was, I think, a j'oung bird, as there was
very little blue on the head or breast. It evidently moved
on elsewhere about August 7th, as I never saw it after that
date, and could not hear that any such bird had been shot.

Arthur Bankes.

YOUNG CUCKOO IN THE NEST OF A BULLFINCH.
On July 8th, 1911, a keeper offered to show me a young
Cuckoo [Cuculus canorus). To my great surprise it was in
the nest of a Bullfinch {Pyrrhula europcea). He had found
it the previous day by hearing it " bawling." The bird
was very nearly ready to leave the nest, but was very thin

NOTES.

137

and in poor condition, and it seemed as though the diet
suppUed by the Bullfinch had been barely sufficient (or
suitable) to rear it. J. H. Owen.

YOUNG GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKERS.
On June 24th, 1911, I found a nest of the Great Spotted
Woodpecker {Dendroco'pus major) still containing two fully-
fledged young. The nest was in a small tree in the middle of

YOUNG GEE AT SPOTTED WOODPECKERS.
[Photographed by J. H. Owen.)

a thick wood in Essex, and fifteen to twenty feet from the?
ground, in an old boring. I examined the nest with the help
of the boy who was with me. It was in a horrible mess, as
all the excrement, which is left in the hole, was ver}^ wet and
full of large white maggots. The nests of Green Woodpeckers
which I have opened this year, as soon as the young had gone,
have all been in a similar condition. We took the two young
out of the nest and put them upon an old stump, up which
they climbed with their feet wide apart and their tails applied
to the trunk. Arrived at the top they pecked at one another
and uttered their call-note. Occasionally they would ^y

138 BRITISH HIUDS.

off to climb up my coat, and once or twice one of them, on
reaching my shoulder, gave my ear a sharp peck. After
watching their amusing movements for some time and
X^hotographing them, we replaced them in the nesting-hole.

J. H. Owen.

PROBABLE BREEDING OF THE LITTLE OWL
IN BERKSHIRE.
In the early summer of 1910, when walking round a gorse-
covert in the neighbourhood of Windsor, I flushed a Little Owl
{Athene noctua) out of a bare ditch, the bank of which was fuU
of rabbit-holes. It flew up into a tree and began calling, and
was answered by another bird. They both seemed very
anxious, and thinking they had j^oung close at hand, I
walked along the bottom of the ditch. Out of this I put up
four more. They could fly, but were obviously young birds.
I am sure they were hatched in the neighbourhood, but could
never find the nest. They were seen several times afterwards
near the same place.

In 191 1 I was away in Egj^pt, but was told that another
family party had been seen. B. Van de Weyer.

[Both in England and on the Continent the Little Owl not
infrequently nests in rabbit-burrows. — F.C.R.J.]

EXTERMINATION OF THE SEA-EAGLE
IN IRELAND.

In the Zoologist, 1911 (p. 346), Mr. R. Warren records the
disappearance of the Sea-Eagles {Haliattus alhicilla) from
their last breeding haunts in Ireland, on the cliffs of north
Mayo. They have been destroyed by the keepers of the
adjacent grouse-shootings, and at the present time the only
relics of their former presence are the old nests, which are
still visible at several places along the cliffs. Mr. \^arren
mentions one on the great cliff of Loughtmuriga, another on
Alt More, and three on the great cliff of Alt Redmond, besides
one on Spinks : the five last named being situated on the
range of cliffs between Porturlin and Portacloy. On July 1st,
1892, Mr. Warren was fortunate enough to see one of these
Eagles with a hare in its talons, pursued by an angry Peregrine,
and in all probability on its way to the nest. During the.
two following years the Eagles were reported to be present
.as usual on the cliffs, but no one seems to have seen an
occupied nest. In May, 1898, in company with Messrs. Ussher
and Howard Saunders, evidence of the presence of these birds
-was found in the shape of an eagle's feather, and the skeleton

iNOTES. 189

of a hare which must have been killed within a week or two.
In August of the x^resent year Messrs. Warren and Barrington
revisited the north Mayo coast and rowed along the base of
the cliffs, but could find no traces of the Eagles, while the
boatmen all agreed that it was some years since any had been
observed in their old haunts.

The disax^pearance of this fine species from the Irish fauna
is a national loss, and is the more to be regretted as the breed-
ing stock in Scotland is now reduced to a very low ebb, so
that any untoward accident to the few surviving pairs will
mean the extinction of this species in the British Isles. Mr.
Warren is of opinion that the Golden Eagle {Aquila chrysa'etus)
is in Ireland on the verge of extermination, being reduced to a
single pair, and states that the eyrie o^ Muilrea is now
unoccupied, the last bird having been poisoned in the spring
of 1910. Possibly in this case the number of surviving birds
may be under-estimated. F. C. R. Jourdain.

SNOW-GEESE IN ESSEX.
In a recent issue of British Birds {antea, p. 25), I gave some
particulars supplied to me by Major Thornhill regarding
supposed Snow-Geese [Chen hyperboreus) seen by him in Essex
this summer. Mr. A. W. Craig, Rettendon Hall, Wickford,
has since given me the following further information. On
May 11th, 1911, he saw two Snow-Geese on a strictly preserved
marsh near Wickford — getting within thirty-five yards of the
birds, and placing their identity beyond question. In July
it was reported that they were nesting on another marsh
in the vicinity, but this proved false, the birds in this case
being merely Sheld-duck, as Mr. Craig discovered. My
informant adds that it is thought that any Snow-Geese seen
in Essex this summer, must have been birds that had escaped
from Woburn. It would be well to have verification of this.

A. Landsborough Thomson.

TCIPTED DUCKS BREEDING IN BEDFORDSHIRE.

I AM very much surprised to read in the September number
(p. 114) that there is only one previous record of the breeding
of the Tufted Duck {Fuligula cristata) in Bedfordshire. This
can only be because it is such an ordinary occurrence that
it has not been thought worth reporting. To my certain
knowledge, Tufted Ducks have bred in the neighbourhood
of Woburn for the last nine years. These are not imported
birds ; and though some breed in the park, the greater number
breed outside. M. Bedford,

140 BRITISH HIHDS.

BREEDING OF THE GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL
INLAND IN IRELAND.

In the Birds of Ireland (p. 340), Mr. R. J. Ussher states that
the district round Naran (co. Donegal) is the only part of
Ireland in which he has ascertained that this Gull breeds on
islands in fresh water loughs.

On the evening of June 15th, 1911, when on a very hurried
visit to an island in a lake in north-west Ireland, about
eighteen miles inland from the sea as the crow flies, on
which a colony of Lesser Black-backed Gulls {L. fnscus)
nests, my man found and brought to me two eggs which
seemed to be too large to belong to the aforesaid species.
Mr. Jourdain, to whom they were submitted, kindly wrote
me, under date June 28th, 1911 : "I have carefully measured
them and compared them with my series, and on the whole
think I am safe in ascribing them to the Great Black-backed
Gull. But gulls' eggs are notoriously difficult to identify, and
there is a bare possibility of their being very abnormal
specimens of L. fuscus. After giving his reasons j^ro and
con, he adds : " Still, I am convinced that your eggs are
L. marinus.''

On July 9th, Mr. Burkitt, the county surveyor, wrote to
me that on May 13tli, he, with a friend, Mr. Stoney of Monks-
town, went to the island in ((uestion, found an egg of apparently
L. marinus, watched the Gulls for some time, and tliat Mr.
Stoney was of opinion there were several pairs of L. marinus.
On May 29th, Mr. Burkitt alone paid a second visit to the
island, and found a nest of L. marinus with two eggs close to
the single egg observed on May 13th, but which had since
been sucked, and easily distinguished the parents through
their anxiety as to the nest and cliasing L. fuscus, their different
note, heavier flight, and great size. On tliis occasion he was
definitely sure of one ])air only. I submitted this letter to
Mr. Jourdain, who wrote me under date July 18th, 1911 :
" After the additional evidence you have now brought to light,
there is no doubt whatever that L, marinus breeds on Gay
Island." I may say that on various occasions I have thought
I have seen on this island and at other parts of the lake
L. marinus, and that in May, 1909, I found on the island a
Gull in a state of decomjoosition, and for\\'arded the head and
neck to my friend Mr. Pj^craft, who kindly identified them,
pronouncing them to belong to L. marinus.

Herbert Trevelyan.

[By a curious coincidenc3 the last number of the Zoologist
(September, 1911, p. 349) contains a note by Mr. R, Warren

NOTES. 141

on a pair of Great Black-backed Gulls found breeding by
Mr. H. Scroope on a grassy island in Lough Conn in north
Mayo (the name of the lough is written " Corm " loc. cit.,
but this is apparently a misprint). Mr. Warren says that
this is the first instance he has known of the Great Black-
backed Gull breeding on an inland fresh-water lake in Ireland.
It is at least nine or ten miles from the sea, and twelve or
fourteen miles from Downpatrick Head, the nearest breeding
haunt on the coast. The grassy island in question was also
frequented by Black-headed Gulls, and the destruction of
their eggs by their larger relatives must have been enormous.
Mr. Scroope took the three eggs of the Great Black-backed
Gull in order to prove the correctness of his identification,
as a pair of Lesser Black- backed Gulls had frequented the
lake for some years jiast, and their fledged young were seen
accompanying their parents. — Eds.]

SOOTY SHEARWATERS OFF THE WEST COAST
OF IRELAND.

When on my yacht on August 17th, 1911, off the west coast
of Ireland, between Eagle Island and Black Rock, I saw a
large number of Sooty Shearwaters {Fuffmus griseus) ; there
was a strong south-westerly breeze at the time. The following
morning, when the wind had changed to the north-west and
the sea was calm, I returned to the same place, hoping to
have another look at them, but they had all gone, as also the
Manx Shearwaters of which there had been a great number
the previous day. M. Bedford.

[The above is an interesting addition to Mr. H. Becher's
observations in the autumn of 1892, 1899, 1900, and 1901,
when he saw considerable numbers of Great and Sooty
Shearwaters off the extreme south-west of Ireland (c/.
Vol. II., p. 372).— Eds.]

FULMAR BREEDING IN IRELAND.
Mk. R. J. UssHER gives a full account in the Irish Naturalist,
1911 (pp. 149-152), of the important discovery of the Fulmar
{Fulmarus glacialis) breeding in Ireland.

On July lOth, 1911, Mr. Ussher was on the northern coast
of Mayo, and was told by a boatman that there were white
" Cawnoges " in one of the cliffs, and that they had appeared
there some four years ago, and were increasing. On pro-
ceeding to the place Mr. Ussher found that these birds
were nesting in a great sea-cliff some 700 feet high, and on
ledges scattered here and there he counted on July Uth

142 BRITISH BIRDS.

eighteen sitting birds, and remarks that there were probably
more out of his range of vision. All that he saw were in
about the same part of the cliff, and about 400 feet above the
water. Mr. Ussher very carefully and clearly identified the
birds with powerful binoculars, and afterwards had a close
view of several which flew near his boat, and there can be no
doubt that they were Fulmars.

Mr. Ussher has been informed since his first brief report
of this discovery {t.c, p. 148), by Mr. Nevin H. Foster, that
Messrs. H. Malcomson and E. Green saw a colony of about
twenty Fulmars on an Ulster cliff in May of this year, and
were informed that these birds first appeared there in
1910. Mr. R. M. Barrington follows (pp. 152-154) with some
general remarks on the discovery, in which he points out
that the Hooded Crow is called " White Caurogue," which
might have been the origin of the name given to the Fulmars
by the boatman.

The Fulmar has previously only been kno^vn in Ireland
as a visitor, seen frequentl}^ in the Atlantic twenty to eighty
miles off the western and northern coasts, and rarely coming
to land except when storm-driven. The extension of the
breeding-range of the bird to northern and north-western
Ireland is particularh^ interesting in connexion with the
increase of the bird and extension of its range in Scotland,
which has been noted for some years past.

Briefly, this extension may be chronicled as follows :
OriginpJly confined to St. Kilda ; in 1878 found breeding
in Foula, Shetland, and had x:»robably done so previously ;
in 1891 reached the Orknej^s ; in 1897 birds seen at Cape
Wrath (Sutherland) were thought to be breeding; while a
colon}^ was certainly nesting in 1901 (and i)robably 1900),
on Handa (Sutherland) ; breeding about 1900 at Dunnet Head
(Caithness) ; some were seen on Barra in 1899, and eggs were
found in 1902 ; the Flannan Isles were certainly tenanted
in 1902, and probably some yesbvs previously ; meanwhile
they were spreading to several new localities in the Orkneys
and Shetlands, and reached Fair Isle in 1902 ; at N. Rona
they were established in great numbers in 1910 ; and in 1911
Mr. Meiklejohn recorded {supra, p. 56) a considerable south-
ward extension on the Scottish mainland, namely to Berriedale
Head in Caithness.

It should be noted that in almost all these new breeding
places, a considerable increase in the birds has been recorded
a few years after their first arrival, so that their appearance
in Ireland is not unexpected. H. F. Witherby.

NOTES. 143

Three Broods of Blackbirds reahed from one Nest. —
In the Zeitschrifi fiir Oologie und Ornithologie, XXI., p. 15,
Herr P. Kreft't gives particulars of a nest of Blackbirds [Turdus
merula) which was used three times in succession by a pair
of birds for breeding purposes, and asks whether any similar
instance has been known to occur. Of course many instances
are on record in which the same nest has been used twice,
but the only case in which we are aware of three broods
having been reared in one nest in England, is that recorded
in the Field of June 15th, 1901, where Mr. E. Hawes gives
details of an occurrence of this kind in an old arbor-vitse
stump in his garden in Richmond during the spring of 1901.

Golden Oriole seen in Yorkshire. — Mr. S. Crook,
records {Nat., 1911, p. 330) that he and a friend saw a male
Golden Oriole [Oriolus galhula) at a distance of ten yards,
on July 9th, 1911, at Hackness, near Scarborough. The
Golden Oriole is rarely observed so far north as Yorkshire.

Swallow Nesting in a Tree. — Mr. E. A. Fitch in the
Zoologist, 1911 (p. 314), describes the nest of a Swallow
{Hirundo rustica) built in the outside branch of a pendent
maple tree, hanging over a tributary of the River Chelmer.
Several similar instances have been previously recorded
(c/. Yarrell, 4th Ed., II., pp. 343, 348 ; Birds of Lancashire,
2nd Ed., p. 56 ; Field, September 5th and 12th, 1885 ; ZooL,
1886, p. 486, and Ibis, 1896, p. 135, etc.), but the occurrence
of such nests is sufficiently rare to deserve record.

Hoopoes Breeding in Confinement.— In Bird Notes,
1911 (pp. 221 and 257), Mr. M. Armstein describes the success-
ful rearing of five young Hoopoes in his aviary in 1911.
They were hatched on July 8th, the hen incubating alone.
During the whole period she was never once seen off the nest,
but was fed constantly by the male. Before nesting the cock
went through a curious performance : taking a mealworm he
offered it to the hen, and when she opened her bill to receive
it he would place it almost inside, but then withdraw it
again. This was repeated for five or six minutes. After the
young were fledged, this performance was repeated on
July 28th.

Green Sandpiper in the Outer Hebrides. — ^Mr. A. T. A.
Ritchie records {Field, 26.8.1911, p. 528) that on August
3rd, 1911, he shot a male example of Totanus ochropus near

144 BRITISH BIRDS.

Rodel, South Harris, Outer Hebrides. The Green Sandpiper
has only once before been recorded from the Outer Hebrides,
viz., in South Uist, on October 31st, 1901 (c/. Vol. II., p. 269).

The late Mr. Alexander Williams.— Onty a limited
number of friends were aware that Mr. Alexander Williams
of Jerez de la Frontera, who recently died at Ben Rhj^dding,
suddenly in his seventieth year, while on a visit to England,
was really the prime mover in the attempt to re-introduce
the Great Bustard {Otis tarda) to Norfolk. He managed
to get together at considerable expense no fewer than
sixteen of these birds, and with the co-operation of Lord
Walsingham and Lord Iveagh, they were hberated at
Elveden in 1900. Though some of the birds actually
nested, several were wantonly shot, and others came to
various untimely ends or stra3^ed a.way, so that the
experiment ended in failure. A photograph of one of these
Norfolk nests is reproduced in the Field, September 16th,
1911 (p. 678), together with some notes on the subject of the
re-introduction. Mr. Williams was one of the lessees of the
famous Coto de Dofiana, now the property of Senores
Garvey, known to ornithologists as the breeding ground of
Flamingos, most of the European Herons, and many other
interesting species, and his hospitalitj^ was freel}^ extended
to visiting naturalists.

The "Coot" House-Boat.

A comfortable Punt Gunners' House- Boat to be let furnished.
Now moored on Breydon Waters, Yarmouth, so as to afford a
suitable centre for Bird-watching and Study during the Autumn,
Winter and Spring months.

It is well ventilated and heated by a good coal cooking stove,
and has sleeping accommodation for two or three people.

Boating and Fishing,

£1, Is. Od. per week.

yiPPLY

The *XOOT,"

c/o ''BRITISH BIRDS."

Krwm

The Grouse / in Health and in Disease / Being the Final
Report of the / Committee of Inquiry on Grouse Disease /
Volume I / with 59 full page plates, mostly in colour / and
31 illustrations in the text / Volume II / Appendices /
with 41 maps / London / Smith, Elder & Co., 15, Waterloo
Place / 1911 / [All rights reserved].

The eagerly awaited " Final Report of the Committee of
Inquiry on Grouse Disease," has now been published, and
seasonably enough was in the hands of subscribers two days
before the "Festival of St. Grouse."

Those who received the Notes on the Grouse, an interiii
report of 71 pages, issued by the Committee in 1906, were
probably somewhat staggered by the bulky appearance of
the " Final Report," in two volumes quarto, containing
some 660 pages and upwards of 140 illustrations and maps.

A cursory glance through these ponderous tomes will be
enough to assure the ordinary reader of the thorough manner
in which the Committee have set about their task, but it is
to be hoped that the mass of information which is thus pre-
sented to the public, may not lose its utility from its ver}^
massiveness. In these days of hurry and scurry there is
a general desire to come to the point quickly ; and searching
for the needle of advice in the haystack of records and figures,
is an occupation reserved for the comparatively few. Had
Lord Lo vat's excellent remarks on " Causes of Mortality in
Red Grouse" (Chap. VII.), "Moor Management" (Chap.
XVIL), "Heather-burning" (Chap. XVIIL), "Keepers
and Keepering" (Chap. XX.), and "Stock" (Chap. XXI.),
been issued as one volume, and the remainder of the report
as the other, much practical advice would probably have been
more widely disseminated. In this way the labours of the
Committee would have more quickly borne fruit ; but perhaps
it is not impossible that some such brochure may yet be
prepared for the use of landlords, sportsmen, and their
employees who are not so foitunate as to be able to follow
Drs. Shipley, Fantham, and others readily in their pursuit of
T richostrongylus pergracilis and Eimeria {Coccidium) avium
through the intestines of the much-plagued Grouse.

If we dismiss the objection that the work might more
usefully have been divided into two parts — ^the one scientific,
the other unscientific — ^there remain but few suggestions
to make on the work as a whole. Indeed, it is as a whole

146 BRITISH BIRDS.

that the report both astonishes and gratifies the reader.
That the cost of the inquiry, extending over a period of six
years, was only £4,336, is sufficient testimony of the liberahty
with which every person connected with the inquiry must
have given his services. We learn from the Appendix (Vol.
II., p. 26) that the Committee, now that they have published
their Report, have a debit balance of about £550, which they
hope to reduce partially by the sales of the work under review ;
and it may here be suggested that were a brochure, on the
lines suggested above, published, its sale might well prove
a help in \^orking off this debt.

The frontispiece and the plates, dra^\^l by Dr. Edward
A. Wilson, illustrating the various plumages of the Red
Grouse, are disappointing. " Young chicks " are not so
mature in appearance as is indicated in the former, and the
plates drawn from typical skins lack detail to a degree which
renders them inartistic, though they serve their purpose
in demonstrating the differences in the plumage at different
seasons in either sex, and in individuals.

The present \\Titer is not in a position to criticize the work
of the " Doctors," if indeed criticism is possible ; and as regards
the sequence of plumages in the Red Grouse, he will not rush
in where angels should fear to tread. It is in vain that he
has searched the index for the mention of the Rabbit or the
Mountain-hare ; nor has he been able, when reading Lord
Lovat's remarks, to find any but the most cursor}^ animad-
versions on these rodents. The guidance of a capable
authority on these subjects would have been welcomed.

The whole Report has perhaps been written too much from
the standpoint of the large proj^rietor of recognized grouse
moors. The small proprietors of moor-land are sufficiently
numerous to be a source of danger, in any case, to their larger
neighbours ; and if observations could have been carried out
in districts where Red Grouse are not numerous, and where
landlords are less able to cope with the expense of putting
their moors in order, the Report might have gained in being
more widely beneficial.

This work is announced as " the Final Report " of this
Committee, but if, as is stated (Vol. I., p. 498) " the value
of grouse shootings as a factor in the national prosperity "
amounts to upwards of £2,000,000 per annum, surely some-
thing more than an occasional unpaid Committee is required
to be in existence to ad\ase on the maintenance of so valuable
an asset ? The Board of Agriculture and Fisheries might
well add to its permanent staff, experts in avian matters ;
not only to study the welfare of Red Grouse, but also a number

REVIEWS. 147

of other subjects connected with birds and their relation
to man. Sir Edward Strachey has recently announced
that some £50,000 is to be bestowed by the Board of Agri-
culture and Fisheries on " agricultural research and kindred
subjects," and " agricultural zoology " is one of the heads
specially mentioned. It would therefore seem possible that
<xn Ornithological Bureau, such as has long been effective in
the United States of America, may at no distant date have
a beginning in our own country.

To return, in conclusion, to the book under review : The
Committee has revealed to us the cause of Grouse disease,
has discussed exhaustively various ailments from which Grouse
suffer, has exploded the theory of " frosted heather," and
has given us a history of " Grouse disease." The result of
the 660 odd pages might be summarized, from a practical
point of view, thus : —

(a) Do not attempt to keep a larger stock of Grouse

than your moor will provide food for in the early

spring :
and

(6) Burn A'our heather in such a rotation as to pro\dd8

the maximum amount of foodsupply for your Grouse

at that season.
As a whole-hearted piece of work The Grouse in Health
and in Disease will ever be regarded as a monumental
monograph, which will always be referied to as the authori-
tative work on the subject ; it is only to be feared that its
present monumental character may be prejudicial to its
immediate utility. H.S.G

The North Staffordshire Field Club : Annual Report and
Transactions. 1910-11. Edited by W. Wells Bladen.
Vol. XLV. Price 5s.
The Annual Report of this flourishing Society contains, as
usual, more than one article of interest to ornithologists.
Mr. J. R. B. Masefield contributes his sectional report on
Zoology (Aves, pp. 68-76), in which he informs us that a
new Protection Order for the county has now received the
sanction of the Home Office. In this case we are glad to see
that the Count}- Council obtained Mr. Masefield's assistance
in drafting the order, and consequently it is drafted on more
scientific lines than is usually the case, though still susceptible
of considerable improvement. Thus the protection of eggs
of purely marine forms in an inland county seems somewhat
unnecessary. The classified records contain several items

148 BRITISH BIRDS.

of interest to students of the county fauna, but for the benefit
of future workers we would appeal to the compiler to append
the year to all records, or else to arrange them under separate
years. The Report is dated 1910-11, and published in June,
1911, so that it is not always easy to decide whether records-
relating to " last winter " or specific dates between January
and April (with no j^ear appended) refer to 1910 or 1911.
We are, however, grateful to Mr. Masefield for tabulating
his records in scientific order, and thus rendering them much
more convenient for reference.

Pochards visited Gailey Pools in considerable numbers on
March 20th, 1910, no fewer than 250 being observed on that
date. The Tufted Duck has increased as a breeding species-
at Patshull, where seventeen nests were found in 1910 ; but
it shows a marked tendency to become a summer rather than
a permanent resident. A Purple Sandpiper is recorded as
having been seen in March, 1909, at Chartley. This is a new
species to the county list. There are also additional records
of the Ruff, Red-throated Diver, and other scarce visitors.

Mr. W. Wells Bladen's " Bird Notes " (pp. 94-105) are illus-
trated by photographs of the nests of Wheatear, Pied Wagtail,
and Meadow-Pipit, taken on the slag-heaps of the Potteries,
where these birds now breed regularly. At least eight pairs
of Wheatears nested in the Shelton slag-heaps, half of the
nests being within sixty yards of the place where the molten
slag is tipped. Still more remarkable is a note of a pair of
Stonechats building in a cinder wall, but unfortunately in
this case the nest was deserted subsequently. F.C.R.J.

DRITBriDIPDS

EDITED BY H. F. WITHERBY, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

assisted by

Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain, m.a., m.b.o.u., and Norman F.

ticehurst, m.a., p.r.c.s., m.b.o.u.

Contents of Number 6, Vol. V. November 1, 1911.

Notes on the Breeding habits of some of our Winter Migrants in
the Swedish provinces of Jemtland and Lapland. By W. G.
Sheldon, F.E.S .. 150

The " British Birds " Marking Scheme. Progress for 1911 and

some results. By H. F. Witherby . . . . . . . . 158

Notes : — -

Recovery of Marked Birds . . . . . . 163

Return of Marked Swifts to their Breeding places (Rev.

F. C. R. Jourdain) 165

Three Broods of Blackbirds reared in one Nest (W. J. Clarke) 165
Nesting of the Grey Wagtail far from Water (Herbert Massey) 165
A pair of Robins building many Nests (H. E. Forrest) . . 166

Hawfinches adapting a Nest of the Song-Thrush (Sydney H.

Smith) 166

Slender-billed Nutcracker in Buckinghamshire (Edwin Hollis) 167
Hoopoes in Merioneth and Shropshire (H. E, Forrest) . . 167

Late Date for a Cuckoo's Egg (Clifford Borrer) .. .. 167

Spotted Crake in Warwickshire (A. Geoffrey Leigh) . . . . 168

Water-Rails as Migrants (H. E. Forrest) . . . . . . 168

Grey Phalarope in Shropshire (H. E. Forrest) . . . . . , 169

Blue Eggs of Common Tern (Clifford Borrer) . . . . . . 169

Increase of Great Black-backed Gulls in Ireland (R, J. Ussher) 170
Arctic and Pomatorhine Skuas and Sabine's Gulls in Yorkshire

(T. H. Nelson) 170

Fork-tailed Petrels in North Wales (R. W. Jones and H. E.

Forrest) .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 171

Short Notes : — Continental Robin in Soutli - west Scotland.
Northern Great Spotted Woodpeckers in Scotland.
Wood-Sandpiper in Fifeshire. Breeding of the
Great Black-backed Gull inland in Ireland .. .. I71

Reviews — A Fauna of the Tweed Area . . . . . . . . 172

Report on the Immigrations of Summer residents in the
Spring of 1910 ; also notes on the Migratory Move-
ments and Records receired from Lighthouses and
Light-vessels during the Av tumn of l^QQ .. .. 175

( 150 )

NOTES OxN THE BREEDING HABITS OF SOME

OF OUR WINTER MIGRANTS IN THE SWEDISH

PROVINCES OF JEMTLAND AND LAPLAND.

BY

W. G. SHELDON, F.E.S.

Dull daj^s during a stay in these regions in June and
July, 1911, when the chief objects of my visit, diurnal
Lepidoptera, were not to be found, enabled me to make
the following observations on certain birds familiar to
us all in winter, but not breeding in the British Islands.

I arrived in Jemtland on June 4th, and left it ten days
later, arriving at Abisko on the south side of the Torne
Traske on June 16th, and remaining there until July 18th.
The Torne Traske is a very beautiful lake sixty kilometres
in length, and of varying widths, which perhaps average
eight or nine kilometres. This lake is surrounded on
all sides by mountains of from 2,000 feet to 5,000 feet in
height, which rise steeply from it, and are covered
for the lower 500 feet by forests of birch, with an occa-
sional pine and mountain-ash ; in the swamps, which are
numerous, there are thickets of sallow of many species.
These forests are composed of trees twenty feet or so in
height, except in the more sheltered spots, where they
reach thirty and even forty feet. The undergrowth is
chiefly Vaccinium of all four of our British species, and
in the open, swampy moors which occur at intervals,
there is a very fine Alpine flora of such plants as Silene
acaulis, Saxifraga oppositifolia, Dryas octopetala, Trientalis
europosa, Andromeda pollifolia, A. tetragona, Azalea
procumbens, Rhododendron lapponica.

Perhaps the most conspicuous bird I saw in Sweden
was the Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris), which the Swedes
call " Kolfrast." In the bogs of Mattmar, in Jemtland,
I saw several pairs breeding, in all cases in pine or spruce
trees ; of two of these nests examined on June 9th, one
had five eggs hard-set, the other four eggs not incubated ;
this was at an altitude of 1,014 feet according to

BREEDING HABITS OF WINTER MIGRANTS. 151

" Baedeker." At Aare, some twenty miles further west,
which has an altitude of 1,240 feet, the broods were
much more backward — probably the proximity of snow-
clad mountains accounted for this. There was here
quite a large colony ; probably from one to two hundred
pairs frequented the woods on the lower slopes of the
mountain Aaresklitan, but I could only find two nests
with eggs up to the day of my departure, June 14th.
One of these had five eggs, and the other two, an incom-
plete clutch ; the clutch of five was not incubated.
Some half-dozen other nests, partly finished, were all I
could discover ; and evidently the bulk of the birds,
from their behaviour, had not commenced to nest.

On my arrival at Abisko, some seven hundred and fifty
miles further north, I found the breeding season much
more advanced ; there had been a spell of fine, warm
weather, which had brought things on, though even
then the birches were only bursting into leaf, and many
of them were still bare. Practically aU the birds seemed
to have nests with eggs, in some cases incubated. Out
of the dozens of nests examined, only one was empty.
This nest contained four eggs by June 28th, and as this
number was not increased, I suspect from the fact that
certain nests near had been robbed, that it was a
second clutch.

The species was very abundant on the shores of the
Torne Traske ; there must have been several hundred
pairs breeding between Abisko and the small village of
Bjorkleiden, some seven kilometres further west.

The Fieldfare is, during the breeding season, in many
respects, a distinctly interesting bird. He cultivates
the acquaintance of man, placing the nest in a very
conspicuous position, usually in the fork of a birch tree,
or on a horizontal branch, often immediately over a
frequented pathway, where one cannot miss seeing it ;
and further to advertize that a nest is near, the first
intimation of its proximity received is, that the male
commences to scold furiously long before it is in sight,

152 BRITISH BIRDS.

say when one is seventy or eighty yards away ; the
female sits on the nest, if she is incubating, until one
gets to Avithin a few yards of it, then joins the male
and scolds even more incessantly than he does. If the
pair have young, both commence to scold at the longer
distance. They are not always content with mere
vituperation, and the female especially, is apt to discharge
the contents of her bowels a^ an intruder, from the
distance of two or three feet, with very good aim, should
he incautiously turn his back to her.

The male is a bold bird, and any wandering hawk or
crow that approaches the nest, is chased away after the
manner of our Mistle-Thrush at home. One wonders
if these chases do not sometimes end in tragedy. I
well remember some years ago watching on a Swiss pass
the approach of a large hawk or harrier, which was
leisurely wingmg its way along ; just as it passed me,
a bold male Redstart rose from a heap of stones
near [by, in which no doubt its mate was incubating,
andj^" mobbed " the hawk valiantly. At first the
larger bird avoided the attack, but after a few twists,
gettmg angry, or perhaps being hungry, it turned upon
its pursuer, and it was a case of the hunter hunted. The
Redstart, too late, saw its danger, and fled towards
mother earth. At the second swoop it was seized, and
borne to the ground, and when I got to the spot a few
minutes later, only a few feathers remained of a brave
but rash father.

The only case I came across in which an objectionable
bird was allowed in a Fieldfare's domain, was one in
which a pair were breeding in close proximity to the
eyrie of a Rough-legged Buzzard. The bird of prey in
this instance was patiently tolerated — no doubt for very
good reasons.

The scolding note of the Fieldfare is strikmgly like
that used by the Mistle-Thrush for this purpose, and
is occasionally interspersed by the usual winter " chack "
note. One chiefly hears the song as the male takes a

BREEDING HABITS OF WINTER MIGRANTS. 153

short flight from tree to tree, often finishing when perched
upon the topmost horizontal twig of a spruce or pine.
The hen commences to sit immediately the first egg is
laid. The most remarkably situated nest I saw was at
Mattmar. A pine tree had been blown over, the head
resting on the trunk of another tree some distance from
the ground ; underneath the head of this tree ran a path,
along which probably a score of people passed each day.
In this head, immediately over the path, at a height of
about six feet, a pair of Fieldfares had built their nest,
and the hen at the time of my visit was incubating. It
was the first nest I had seen, and observing that the
clutch of five was a well marked one, I took them to the
hotel at which I was staying ; but there finding they were
on the point of hatching, I returned the four uninjured
ones to the nest as soon as possible, but more than forty
minutes after I had taken them thence. The mother saw
me replace them. On passing later on the same day she
flew ofl. The next day the four young were hatched out.

The birds apparently return to the same nesting colony
year after year, for I saw plenty of old nests amongst the
new ones. The lowest nest observed was about four feet
from the ground, and the highest about fifteen or
sixteen feet.

Redwings {Turdus iliacus) were common at Abisko,
but in nothing like such numbers as the previous species.
I discovered about half-a-dozen nests, and no doubt
there were plenty of others about, but the Redwing does
not advertize the position of its domicile so much as the
Fieldfare, though it scolds quite as vigorously when it is
discovered. The scolding note is very shrill and reminds
one most of the alarm note of the Wren, but of course
it is much louder. It mingles the scolding note with one
which is common to both the Blackbird and Song-Thrush,
and which I should describe as "pep." One hears also
the winter call-note " eegh " at intervals. Both male
and female when scolding approach an intruder within
five or six feet. The male sings very persistently as he

154 BRITISH BIRDS.

sits on the topmost twigs of a birch tree, and the song
is often continued until after midnight.

Most of the nests had young from June 20th onward,
but one I discovered on this day contained six eggs,
much incubated. On July 7th, however, I came across
a nest containing only one egg freshly laid ; evidently
this was a second brood.

The Redwing at Abisko builds higher up the trees
than the Fieldfare, many nests being fifteen to twenty
feet from the ground. The nest is not so conspicuous
as that of the other species, its smaller size helping it in
this respect ; but there is a certain attempt to make it
fit with its surroundings, whereas the Fieldfare's nesfc
is usually so placed that it looks like a great wen standing
out from the tree or sitting on a bare branch.

Bramblings (Fringilla montifringilla) were abundant
at Abisko. They were nesting to a certain extent
gregariously, that is to sa}^ haK-a-dozen or a dozen pairs,
with a space of perhaps a dozen or twenty j^ards between
each nest. Outside these small colonies there would
not be other pairs breeding for a distance of some hundreds
of yards. The nests were invariably placed in the main
fork of a birch tree at a height of from eight to fifteen
feet above the ground. The clutches of all examined
consisted of five or six eggs, about the same number
of each. In the first nest found the clutch was com-
pleted on June 23rd, and by the end of the month
in all the nests I discovered, the hens were incubating.
In one nest the five eggs were the scarce blue variety :
this is very different from the normal Brambling's egg
and closely resembles that of the Bullfinch. The Rev.
F. C. R. Jourdain, however, has identified them as
belonging to this species. The nest resembles that of
a Chaffinch, but is somewhat larger, and not so neat ;
it is formed outside of moss, and lined with feathers
and reindeer's hair. The notes of both male and female
at the nest were similar, and consisted of (1) a note
somewhat resembling the " pink, pink " of a Chaffinch,

BREEDING HABITS OF WINTER MIGRANTS. 155

but which I should describe as " tzink, tzink " ; (2) A
note which is used by the Greenfinch, and which I should
render " e-eh," " e-eh " ; (3) The usual winter call-note
of the species. All these notes are used at the nest,
the first most frequently.

Mealy Redpolls (Linota linaria) were breeding freely
in the birches at a height of from four to six feet, forming
very neat and inconspicuous nests in the fork, slightly
larger than those of the Lesser Redpoll, but very much
like them. They were plentifully lined with feathers.
The usual clutch was five. There had been some
abnormally cold weather just previous to my arrival in
Lapland, during which many of the eggs of this species
had got frozen, and where this occurred the birds had
deserted the nest. These pairs were nesting a second
time early in July.

I was passing through a small grove of low birches on
June 17th, and noticing a plaintive twittering amongst
them, some yards distant, I walked towards the quarter
from which it proceeded, to investigate. I found the
sounds proceeded from a female Redpoll on a nest at a
height of about five feet. I stood quite still at a distance
of about two feet from her for perhaps a minute, during
which time she continued to scold me. I then slowly
stretched out my arm towards her. When my hand
was about six inches distant she fluttered on to a low
branch three or four feet on the other side of the nest,
and was then joined by the male. They both scolded
me from this spot for half a minute or so. Meanwhile
I put my hand in the nest, which contained newly-hatched
young, and then withdrew it, maintaining my stand.
Immediately my hand was withdrawn the hen returned
to the nest, and settled down upon it with her head
turned towards me, scolding all the time. The male
remained hopping about the branch left by the female,
and scolding. It was one of the prettiest ornithological
episodes I have seen. Both birds were in perfect breeding
plumage, and were very beautiful,

156 BRITISH BIRDS.

Quite half-a-dozen pairs of Rough-legged Buzzards
(Buteo lagopus) had their eyries within a one-mile radius
of the hotel at Abisko. These nests were invariably
placed on a shelf amongst a ridge of rocks. The first
was discovered on June 22nd, and then contained five
eggs, much stained and hard set. Another nest had, on
June 30th, the same number of newly-hatched young.
The other nests I could not examine except in one
instance. This was empty, and was possibly an alter-
native eyrie of a pair which were then breeding close by.
The first nest was on a shelf about six feet from the top
of a ridge of rocks some twenty feet in height, which rose
out of the Abisko River, and overhung it. All the nests
examined were formed of sticks outside, lined with grass
and fresh green shoots of pine and Vaccinium. The
other nest was in a low, isolated kopje which rose
out of the forest, and was placed on a shelf about six
feet from the top, and only approachable with the aid of
a rope. This situation, however, did not safeguard
the young birds, for in both this and the first nest
examined they were poked out of the nests by long
sticks, I suspect by Lapps, who, I understand, credit
the Buzzard with destroying Reindeer fawns.

The birds have themselves largely to thank for
this treatment, for as one approaches the vicinity
of the nest, the male, which is always on the watch on
some prominent tree or scarp of rock near-by, rises in
the air, and commences to mew and circle round, and if
one Avalks towards him, he will retreat in the direction of
the nest ; finally, when one is quite close to it, circling
round the crag in which it is placed, and by his anxiety
plainly indicating its position. One male discovered
me whilst I was half-a-mile distant, and led me quite
another half-mile straight towards his domicile. I
discovered the nest on the banks of the Abisko River
from below at some distance off, but being unable to see
its contents from this position, I approached it from the
rear, and getting immediately above, looked cautiously

BREEDING HABITS OF WINTER MIGRANTS. 157

over the edge of the clif!. The male was all the time
circling round and mewing incessantly. I then saw the
tail and hind portions of the female on the nest, about
six feet below me. She moved about restlessly, being
evidently disturbed by the actions of the male. After a
short time, however, she settled down on the eggs, and
was quite still for some minutes, after which she turned
round on the nest and caught sight of me looking down
at her. Of course, she at once flew off and joined the
male. Both continued to circle round and mew whilst
I was in the neighbourhood of the nest.

In addition to being noticeably larger and lighter
coloured, the female was distinguishable by the mew
being in a distinctly higher key than that of the male.
Both birds continued to circle round at a height of
perhaps one hundred feet, so long as I was in the vicinity
of the nest.

I could not distinguish the mew from that of the
Common Buzzard (Buteo vulgaris), but it is hardly possible
to mistake one species for the other, the white tail, with
one or two black bars, of the Rough-legged Buzzard,
being easily recognized whilst it is flying over one.

A brood of young Hawk-Owls (Surnia ulula) were to
be seen any day in early July sitting on the dead branches
of the birch trees, quite close to the Abisko Hotel. They
were very tame, merely moving to another tree thirty
or forty yards away when one got underneath the tree
on which they were perched. I did not see any attempt
on the part of the old birds to swoop at the intruder,
as mentioned by Wheelwright, but perhaps this was
because the young were well fledged.

( 1^8 )
THE "BRITISH BIRDS" MARKING SCHEME.

PROGRESS FOR 1911 AND SOME RESULTS

BY

H. F. WITHERS Y.

Once again I am able to report decided progress in the
work of our enthusiastic band of " ringers." The
number of birds marked has steadily increased until this
year the splendid total of just nine thousand five hundred
has been reached. In the first year of the inquiry only
2,200 rings were used, but in the next year 7,900 were
placed, so that the number of birds " ringed " by the
readers of British Birds now amounts to nearly twenty
thousand.

To the total for the year, as will be seen in the list
printed below, Mr. H. W. Robinson has contributed the
largest number, namely, seventeen hundred and fifty,
while Mr. F. Smalley has done six hundred and eighty-one,
so putting their figures together, to compare with last
year, these gentlemen have " ringed " nearly two thousand
five hundred birds between them, a remarkable number.
Mr. N. H. Joy is not far behind with one thousand and
sixty-six, Mr. R. O. Blyth reaches over four hundred,
and Messrs. A. G. Leigh, J. Bartholomew and J. R. B.
Masefield have each three hundred or over. Quite a
number of " ringers " exceed two hundred, while without
the long list of those coming under that figure our total
would have been found wanting.

This splendid total is due not onl}' to the unabated
zeal of our " ringers," but also to the generosity of those
who have come forward with financial support towards
the expenses of the scheme. As these expenses naturally
grow with the increase in the number of rings issued,
I may here take the opportunity of reminding those who
are desirous of seeing the inquiry carried on, that sub-
scriptions, however smaU, are very welcome.

That the inquiry will eventually prove scientifically
useful can, I think, no longer be doubted, but it is equally
certain that it must be continued for some years before

"BRITISH BIRDS" MARKING SCHEME. 159

really valuable results can be arrived at. The danger of
drawing conclusions from too slender a basis of fact must
be studiously avoided. So far as migrational movements
are concerned, it is tempting to arrange " routes " on the
basis of a comparatively few " recoveries," but because
some individuals of a species take one route, it must
not be inferred that all birds of that species go the same
way, or even migrate at all. This much anyway we
have already proved, and it would be fair to say that of
certain birds we have now got just enough results to show
how dangerous it would be to draw conclusions from them !

Having said this much in warning, I shall not be
misconstrued if I point to a few results which are interest-
ing in themselves, and may prove, in conjunction with
others, to be valuable.

Four Blackbirds " ringed " in Ayrshire in June, July,
and August, 1909, were found in the same place, two in
July and August, 1910, and two in June and July, 1911.
Two " ringed " in Berkshire in July, 1910, were found
in the same place in December, 1910, and March, 1911,
respectively. But another "ringed" near Glasgow in
June, 1910, was found in Pembrokeshire in January, 1911.

Of Starlings caught in his useful cage-trap, Mr. Joy
has already published many interesting records, showing
that a number marked in January in Berkshire stayed
in the same place through the following March to October,
yet one marked in February travelled to Kent in the
same month. Two Starlings marked in September in
Lincolnshire were found in December in Pembrokeshire
and Yorkshire, while another marked in October, was
found in the following March in the original place.

A Meadow-Pipit marked in Yorkshire in June, 1910,
was found near the same place in May, 1911. Two
others marked in Yorkshire in May and July, 1911, have
been found in south-west France, in September and
October.

Three Mallards marked in Norfolk in June, 1909, were
found in the same place in November, 1909, another

160 BRITISH BIRDS.

marked in Dumfriesshire in June, 1910, was found within
a few miles in October, 1910, but one marked in Essex,
in May, 1910, was found in West Prussia in August, 1911.

Two Teal marked in Essex in February, 1910, were
found near Hamburg and in Cumberland respectively,
in the following August and November.

Two Lapwings marked near Glasgow in June, 1909,
and June 1910, were found respectively in the Basses
Pyrenees, France, in November, 1909, and near Kilkenny,
Ireland, in February, 1911, while another marked in
Yorkshire in July, 1909, was found in the same county in
the follo\^dng December.

Of Black-headed Gulls we are collecting a fine series
of records, which should prove of great value with the
additions that are certain to come during the next few
years. The following Lesser Black-backed Gull records
may be mentioned : One marked in Westmorland in
July, 1911, was found in Lancashire the following
September, and another marked in the same place in
June, 1910, was found at the mouth of the Loire, France,
in September, 1910 ; one marked at the Fame Isles in
August, 1910, was taken at Hartlepool in October, 1911,
and another marked in Argyllshire in July, 1910, was
reported from Aveiro, Portugal, in December, 1910.

Of other '• recoveries " abroad we may mention Common
Terns marked in Cumberland and Renfrew, found in
Spain and Portugal. Swallows marked in Lancashire
and Staffordshire, reported from Indre et Loire and
Charente Inferieure in France. A Pied Wagtail marked
in Sussex in June, found the following December in
Portugal. A Greenfinch marked in Staffordshire in June,
reported the following April from Aisne, France.

I must repeat that the records are far too few for us
to draw inferences from them, and indeed many of those
mentioned above show this by their apparent contra-
dictions ; but they also show what valuable results will
be obtained if our " ringers " continue their work, as
I am sure they will.

BRITISH BIRDS" MARKING SCHEME.

NUMBER OF BIRDS " RINGED."

161

Messrs. H. W. Robinson (1,750), N. H. Joy (1,066), F. Smalley (681),
R. O. Blyth (429), A. G. Leigh (380), J. Bartholomew (301), J. R. B.
Masefield (300), W. I. Beaumont (270), W. T. Blackwood (250), M.
Portal (243), J. D. Patterson (240), J. S. T. Walton (224), W- E. Suggitt
(216), W. Stewart (207), A. Bankes (202), H. W. Ford-Lindsay (187),
Dr. N. F. Ticehnrst (170), Messrs. T. Smith (145), J. Steele Elliott (139),
North London Nat. Hist. Society (C. L. Collenette, Sec.) (139), Messrs.
A. Mayall (121), C. T. Cobbold (95), T. C. Hobbs (89), G. R. Humphreys
and W. G. Edwards (87), Miss A. C. Jackson (81), Messrs. G. P. Hony
(80), M. W. Compton (78), R. E. Knowles (77), J. Murray (gamekeeper
to Mr. H. S. Gladstone) (71), Major H. Trevelyan (62), Miss C. M.
Acland (62), Messrs. W. C. Cattell (59), T. Hepburn (58), Captain W.
Mackenzie (58), Messrs. G. J. van Oordt (49), T. F. Greenwood (48),
H. Bentham (47), H. S. Greg (44), H. F. Witherby (44), G. T. Atchison
(43), D. G. and Miss M. Garnett (43), Messrs. C. Collier (42), J. Hutton
(gamekeeper to Mr. J. Bartholomew (41), W. Davies (38), W. S.
Medlicott (36), Mrs. Patteson (34), Captain B. van de Weyer (31),
Messrs. H. L. Popham (28), E. A. Wallis (21), R M. Barrington
(20), W. A. Nicholson (20), R. Starley (18), B. Starley (18), S. Maples
(18), E. G. B. Meade-Waldo (15), I. Clark (14), C. F. Archibald (14),
Captain C. H. T. Whitehead (14), Mr. W. W. Lowe (12), and others
who have ringed less than ten birds each

'09

'10

'11

'09

'10

'11

Thrush, Mistle

2

48

40

Tit, Willow

1

Thrush, Song

71

625

693

Nuthatch . .

4

■^ ~^

Redwing

7

20

Wren

9

38

' 62

Fieldfare

48

30

Creeper, Tree

3

3

Blackbird . .

83

505

421

Wagtail, Pied

12

29

42

Ring-Ouzel

—

—

9

Wagtail, White

6

Wheatear . .

1

15

1

Wagtail, Grey

5

6

13

Whinchat . ,

7

30

28

Wagtail, Yellow

1

Stonechat . .

10

19

Pipit, Tree . .

14

26

19

Redstart

1

15

35

Pipit, Meadow

27

32

75

Redstart, Black . .

5

—

Pipit, Rock

6

3

Redbreast . .

41

217

322

Shrike, Red-backed

2

15

13

Nightingale

—

11

4

Flycatcher, Pied . .

—

—

5

Whitethroat

22

53

33

Flycatcher, Spotted

23

65

64

Whitethroat, Lesser

''l

19

5

Swallow

113

463

594

Blackcap

.

7

12

Martin, House

13

128

73

Warbler, Garden . .

3

9

13

Martin, Sand

25

66

Warbler, Dartford . .

—

5

—

Greenfinch . .

28

100

208

AVren, Golden-

Hawfinch . .

6

crested

—

16

15

Goldfinch ..

8

2

Chiffchaff . .

2

16

5

Sparrow, House

8

109

85

Wren, Willow

50

107

139

Sparrow, Tree

17

49

24

Wren, Wood

12

27

Chaffinch . .

6

103

271

Warbler, Reed

—

4

10

Brambling . .

3

Warbler, Sedge . .

1

4

12

Linnet

20

65

63

Sparrow, Hedge

18

117

198

Redpoll, Lesser

8

Dipper

4

9

22

Bullfinch . .

8

16

Tit, Long-tailed

—

3

— .

Bunting, Yellow . .

4

13

31

Tit, Great . .

16

127

154

Bunting, Reed

2

8

40

Tit, Coal . .

—

12

26

Starling

21

428

1109

Tit, Marsh . .

25

3

Jay

5

3

Tit, Blue . .
M

12

54

144

Magpie

—

7

4

162

BRITISH BIRDS.

'09

'10

'11

'09

'10

'11

Jackdaw

11

5

15

Pheasant . .

7

6

30

Crow, Carrion

—

6

11

Partridge . .

1

1

20

Rook

—

1

64

Rail, Land . .

3

4

Lark, Sky . .

1

20

39

Moorhen

34

23

Lark, Wood

1

Coot, Common

1

4

1

Swift

5

Curlew, Stone

1

4

Nightjar

3

—

3

Plover, Ringed

—

35

12

Wrjrneck

14

16

1

Plover, Golden

—

2

2

Woodpecker, Green

—

8

Lapwing

56

254

280

Woodpecker, Great

Oyster-catcher

7

16

8

Spotted

2

2

—

Avocet

5

Cuckoo

4

4

13

Woodcock . .

6

10

68

Owl, Bam . .

—

10

—

Snipe, Common

1

23

21

Owl, Long-eared . .

—

2

3

Dimlin

5

1

Owl, Tawny

—

13

6

Sandpiper, Common

5

10

29

Owl, Little..

—

1

4

Redshank . .

5

19

12

Hobby

1

—

—

Godwit, Black-tailed

4

Hawk, Sparrow

5

19

Curlew

14

10

34

Merlin

1

4

2

Tern, Sandwich . .

57

79

24

Kestrel

1

5

Tern, Common

786

836

669

Cormorant . .

—

3

25

Tern, Arctic

25

1

Shag

—

4

Tern, Common or

Heron, Common . .

14

13

22

Arctic . .

25

5

Grey Lag-Goose . .

—

—

"l

Tern, Little

31

13

Sheld-Duck

1

24

2

Gull, Black-headed 417

1828

2949

MaUard

11

20

139

Gull, Common

184

248

Shoveler

—

2

—

Gull, Herring

5

.117

48

Pintail

—

13

Gull, Lesser Black-

Teal

1

21

3

backed

12

137

62

Wigeon

—

3

1

Gull, Great Black-

Duck, Tufted

3

2

backed

1

8

13

Eider

3

Kittiwake . .

4

11

Merganser, Red-

Skua, Richardson's

2

4

breasted

1

Razorbill . .

31

3

Pigeon, Wood

3

20

22

Guillemot . .

23

Dove, Stock

1

4

6

Puffin

4

15

12

Dove, Turtle

1

11

11

Grebe, Great Crested

1

Groase, Red

7

3

19

Grebe, Little

1

__

Orouse, Black

2

—

2

Petrel, Storm

1

—

—

OTES

RECOVERY OF MARKED BIRDS.

Meadow-Pipits {Anthus pratensis). — B.B., No. D449, marked
by Mr. T. Fenton Greenwood at Hebden Bridge, York-
shire, on July 1st, 1911, as a nestling. Recovered at
Merignac, near Bordeaux, Gironde, France, on September
17th, 1911. Reported by M. A. Doleac.
B.B., No. D872, marked by Mr. J. D. Patterson at
Goathland, Yorkshire, on May 28th, 1911, as a nestling.
Recovered at St. Julien-en-Born, Landes, Nord, France,
on October 9th, 1911. Reported by Miss I. Magnes.

Swallow {Hirundo rustica). — B.B., No. F754, marked by
Mr. J. R. B. Masefield at Harewood, near Cheadle,
Staffordshire, on August 4th, 1911, as a nestling. Re-
covered at Pouzor, Commun de Nancras, Charente-
Inferieure, France, on October 3rd, 1911. Reported
by MM. N. Mesureau and J. Welsch.

House-Martin {Ghelidon urhica). — B.B., No. F190, marked
by Mr. W. T. Blackwood at Hawick, Roxburghshire,
on July 24th, 1911, as a nestling. Recovered at Pont-
de-Bigny, Cher, France, on October 12th, 1911. Re-
ported by M. L. Nadot.

Starling {Sturnus vulgaris). — B.B., No. 11852, marked by
Mr. N. H. Joy at Bradfield, Berkshire, on January 22ncl,
1911, as an adult. Recovered at Hounslow Heath,
Middlesex, on October 2nd, 1911. Reported by Mr. T.
Perry.

Lapwing {Vanellus vulgaris). — B.B., No. 13623, marked by
Mr. H. W. Ford-Lindsay at Pett, Sussex, on June 18th,
1911, as a nestling. Recovered at the same place on
September 28th, 1911.

Common Terns [Sterna fluviatiUs).^B.'B., No. 21057, marked
by Mr. H. W. Robinson at Ravenglass, Cumberland,
on July 17th, 1911, as a nestling. Recovered at Exmouth,
Devon, on October 9th, 1911. Reported by Mr. W.
H. Yeo.

Common Gull [Larus canus). — B.B., No. 22063, marked by
Mr. W. I. Beaumont at Eil Beg, Dunstaffnage, Argyll-
shire, on June 29th, 1911, as a nestling. Recovered at
Ledaig, Argyllshire, about September 29th, 1911. Re-
ported by Colonel F. H. S. Cruickshank.

164 BRITISH BIRDS.

Black-headed Gulls {Larus ridibundus) . — B.B., No. 24170,
marked bv Mr. H. W. Robinson, at Ravenglass, Cumber-
land, on June 16th, 1911, as a nestling. Recovered at
Doncaster, Yorkshire, on September 14th, 1911.
B.B., No. 31332, marked as No. 24170 on June 10th,
1911. Recovered at Rampside, Barrow-in-Furness, on
August 8th, 1911. Reported by Mr. W. H. Ashcroft.
B.B., No. 24281, marked as No. 24170 on June 19th,
1911. Recovered near Redcar, Yorkshire, on September
14th, 1911. Reported by Mr. C. Appleyard.
B.B., No. 24123, marked as No. 24170 on June 16th,
1911. Recovered at West Hartlepool, Durham, on
September 27th, 1911. Reported bv Mr. H. Foreman.
B.B., No. 24275, marked as No. 24170 on June 19th,
1911. Recovered at Dree, Dromara, co. Down, on
October 6th, 1911. Reported by Mr. R. Heanen.
B.B., No. 23945, marked by Mr. F. Smalley at Raven-
glass, Cumberland, on June 12th, 1911, as a nestling.
Recovered on the Irwell, near Manchester, Lancashire,
on October 17th, 1911. Reported by Mr. A. Chambers.
B.B., No. 30467, marked by Messes. Robinson and Smalley
at Ravenglass, Cumberland, on June 13th, 1910, as a
nestling. Recovered at Morecambe, Lancashire, on
October 23rd, 1911. Reported by Mr. L. Wilkinson.
B.B., No. 22860, marked by Mr. J. S. T. Walton at
Denton Fell, Cumberland, on June 11th, 1911, as a
nestling. Recovered on the Derwent, near Cockermouth,
Cumberland, on August 11th, 1911. Reported by Mr.
J. Wilson.

Herring-Gull {Larus argeniatus). — B.B., No. 32052, marked
by Miss A. C. Jackson at Cromarty Firth, Ross-shire,
on July 1st, 1911, as a nestling. Recovered at Camp-
beltown, Argvllshire, on October 21st, 1911. Reported
byMr.T.F. Broom.

Lesser Black-backed Gulls {Larus fuscus). — B.B., No.
31386, marked by Mr. H. W. Robinson at Foulshaw,
Westmorland, on July 1st, 1911, as a nestling. Recovered
at Fleetwood, Lancashire, on September 11th, 1911.
Reported bv Mr. T. Crewels on.

B.B., No. 9070, marked by Lord William Percy at the
Fame Islands, Northumberland, on August 6th, 1910,
as a nestling. Recovered at Hartlepool, Durham, on
October 1st, 1911. Reported by Mr. James Lander.

NOTES. 165

RETURN OF MARKED SWIFTS TO THEIR
BREEDING PLACES.

Some interesting results of the " ringing " of Swifts have
recently appeared in the Ornithologische Monatsherichte, 1911,
pp. 156, 168. Dr. Thienemann writes that on July 4th and
15th, 1910, Herr A. Gundlach of Neustrelitz, Mecklenburg,
marked with rings two old Swifts {Cypselus apus) which were
breeding in a Starling's nesting-box. At the beginning of July,
1911, the same birds were again found breeding in the same box.
Ritter von Tschusi zu Schmidhoffen also states that in 1909
he succeeded in " ringing " a female Swift which was breeding
under the eaves of a Starling's box, but failed to mark the
male bird. In 1910 the " ringed " hen returned to the nesting
place, and this time the male bird was also marked. On
capturing the birds this season (1911), it was found that both
male and female were the birds which had been marked in
1909 and 1910 respectively. One result of these observations
is to show clearly that the rings have no injurious effect on
the birds, for the female Swift " ringed " by Ritter von
Tschusi has now worn the ring for three seasons without
any ill effect. It would seem from these records that the Swift
is a life-paired bird, returning to the same nesting place year
after year. F. C. R. Jourdain.

THREE BROODS OF BLACKBIRDS REARED IN
ONE NEST.

In the October number of British Birds {antea, p. 143)
appears a note of a pair of Blackbirds {Turdus merula) rearing
three broods of young in the same nest, from w hich it seems
that there is only a single record known of such an occurrence
having taken place in England. It will be of interest, therefore,
to note that in the spring of 1907 I knew of a case at Troutsdale
Mill, near Scarborough, Yorkshire, where a pair of Blackbirds
reared three broods of five, four, and three respectively from
the same nest. The last brood left the nest on July 28th,
and the old birds immediately set about repairing and re-
lining it, presumably with a view to a fourth family, but
unfortunately the nest was discovered and destroyed b}^ some
lads before the eggs w^ere deposited. W. J. Clarke.

NESTING OF THE GREY WAGTAIL FAR FROM
WATER.

Referring to the Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain's note {antea, p. 133)
on the nesting of the Grey Wagtail {Motacilla melanope), I
found, on June 15th, 1911 , at Sandymount, Tipperary, Ireland,

166 BRITISH BIRDS.

a nest of this species built in ivy near the top of a wall and
about seven feet from the ground ; the wall formed the back
of a stable yard, and would be 350 to 400 yards from the
nearest water. The nest contained seven eggs.

Herbert Massey.

A PAIR OF ROBINS BUILDING MANY NESTS.

The incident described and illustrated by Mr. J. H. Owen
{antea, p. 132) is almost paralleled by another which occurred
also near Oswestry at the same time. In the workshop of
Mr. W. D. Dovaston at West Felton, near Oswestry, is a
double row of pigeon-holes for nails, etc., eight in each row.
A pair of Robins {Erithacus ruhecula) began to build in these
pigeon-holes early in March, and continued at work for over
a month. They occupied twelve out of the sixteen pigeon-
holes, six in each row, with more or less complete nests, as
if uncertain which to use. Finally they selected the second
from the right in the lower row, completing and lining the
nest, laying eggs, and successfully rearing a brood in it.

H. E. Forrest.

HAWFINCHES ADAPTING A NEST OF THE
SONG-THRUSH.

There has just come under my notice an interesting instance
of a pair of Hawfinches {Coccothraustes vulgaris) taking
possession of a nest of the Song-Thrush {Turdus musicus).
On October 4th, 1911, I received the following communica-
tion from Mr. Cecil Martin, Lindors, St. Briavels, Gloucester-
shire : "I am forwarding you the curious Hawfinch's nest
mentioned in my last letter. This nest I took from a pear
tree in an orchard here. It contained four eggs (enclosed),
and I saw both the birds. The nest appears to be that of a
Mistle-Thrush, or perhaps a Song-Thrush. Note, however,
the black horsehairs woven into the lining by the Hawfinches.
I am also sending you a normal nest."

I examined the two nests in question, and found the adapted
nest was that of a Song-Thrush ; the mud-lining had been
quite completed, and the owners had then either deserted
it or had been driven away by the Hawfinches, which had
then added a further lining to the inside of the Thrushes'
nest, consisting of closely woven, fine, dry grass mixed with
black horsehair, and exactly similar to the lining of the normal
nest. I have not previously heard of a similar instance in
the case of Hawfinches. Sydney H. Smith.

NOTES. 167

SLENDER-BILLED NUTCRACKER IN
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE.

On October 7th, 1911, I had a male Nutcracker brought me
in the flesh. It was killed in a horse-chestnut tree that
morning at the village of Whitchurch, about four miles from
Aylesbury. I was told that it was seen in the same tree on
the previous day, and was very tame. It was in good con-
dition (quite fat). I fancy this is the first recorded instance
of the occurrence of a Nutcracker in this county. It is being
mounted for the Bucks. County Museum, Aylesbury.

Subsequently I submitted the bird to Dr. Hartert for
examination and he pronounced it to be a specimen of the
Siberian race {Nucifraga caryocatactes macrorhyncJms) . Dr.
Hartert informs me that by the same post as my letter he
had one from a friend in Germany, who stated that Nut-
crackers had arrived in his district and that we might
expect them in England. Edwin Hollts.

HOOPOES IN MERIONETH AND SHROPSHIRE.

On August 7th, 1911, a Hoopoe {Upupa epops) was seen at
close-quarters on the hillside above Aberdovey by Mr. Wm.
Beattie of London, who knows the bird well, having found
it breeding in France. He also tells me that he saw another
at Astley Abbotts, near Bridgnorth, one day late in August,
]909. In my Fauna of North Wales (p. 204), only one previous
record in Merioneth is given, so the above is worth
publishing. Over a dozen previous examples have been
noted in Shropshire. H. E. Forrest.

LATE DATE FOR A CUCKOO'S EGG.

It might be of some interest to record a late date for the egg
of the Cuckoo {Cuculus canonis) from east Norfolk, although
the case has been already published in Country Life by Mr.
S. H. Lowe, who wrote as follows : "I have been looking
through the diary of a Norfolk gamekeeper, and, under the
date of July 19th last, he states he found a Cuckoo's egg in a
Hedge-Sparrow's nest," etc.

As I know that the keeper, F. Forsdick, is an unusually
intelligent observer, I asked Mr. Lowe for definite particulars,
and he has forwarded me the following letter, signed by
Forsdick : —

"The Cuckoo's egg I found was perfectly" [? almost]
" fresh, and had been sat on a few days only. There were
three Hedge-Sparrow's eggs and the Cuckoo's in the nest,

168 BRITISH BIRDS.

and another egg of the Sparrow just outside. We had young
Cuckoos flying about till the last few days in August, and
the old birds Avere with us till late Juh^"

Clifford Borrer.
[Curiously enough the date as given above coincides exactly
with the latest date mentioned by Mr. G. D. Rowley in the
Ibis, 1865 (p. 178), where he mentions a Meadow-Pipit's nest
with a small Cuckoo's egg taken near Brighton on July 19th,
1864. One or two other cases of Cuckoos' eggs taken in earh^
July are also on record. — F.C.R.J.]

SPOTTED CRAKE IN WARWICKSHIRE.

On Se23tember 9th, 1911, a Spotted Crake {Porzana maruetta)
was picked up near Hami)ton-in-Arden, Warwickshire, having
been killed by striking the telegraph wires ; it was sent for
l^reservation to Messrs. Spicer & Sons, Birmingham, at whose
shop I examined it. It proved to be a male, and judging by
the dirty- white throat, was immature.

Mr. R. F. Tomes {Vict. Hist. Warwick., p. 203) says:
" Though not absolutely rare in the county, this species
is by no means common." I am, however, not aware of
any published record of its occurrence since the publication
of this statement in 1904. A. Geoffrey Leigh.

WATER-RAILS AS MIGRANTS.

It has long been a moot point with ornithologists whether
the Water-Rail {Rallus aquaticus) is actually more numerous
here in winter than in summer, or only apparently so. Many
observers hold that the latter is the case, the bird being
more easily seen in winter on account of the lack of " cover "
at that season. Some light is shed upon the problem by
certain records in the recently issued report of the British
Ornithologists' Club Committee on the Migration of Birds in
the spring of 1910 and autumn of 1909. The observations to
which I would call special attention were made at Bardsey
Island Lighthouse at the south extremity of Carnarvonshire.
Water-Rails were noted here in small numbers on the nights
of September 15th and 27th, 1909, but these may have been
local birds, since no decided migratory movement seemed
to be in progress at that time. On the night of November 4th
and 5th, many birds passed the light about midnight, including
six Water-Rails, travelling southwards, i.e. away from land.
On the following night there was a tremendous rush of migrants
going southwards, including many Water-Rails : " About
2,600 Blackbirds, Redwings, Song-Thrushes, and Starlings,

x\OTES. 169

50 Water-Rails, 16 Common and Jack Snipe, 5 Fieldfares,
2 Woodcocks, a Lapwing and a Ringed Plover, were killed "
by striking the lantern. This certainly seems to indicate
that the Water-Rail migrates southwards in considerable
numbers on the approach of winter, so that the apparent
increase in numbers observed in England at that season may
be real, and be due to immigration from further north.

H. E. Forrest.
[It is quite evident from the records in the different volumes
of the Migration Reports that the Water-Rail, occasionally
at any rate, performs its migratory movements in flocks of
what must be considered for the species as considerable
numbers, and sometimes, as in the instance referred to by
Mr. Forrest, in really very large numbers. Without drawing
any conclusions as to the movements themselves, the material
at ])resent hardly being sufficient to warrant it, it is neverthe-
less obvious that they are in autumn of considerable magnitude,
and cover a lengthy period of time, so that it would possibly
be nearer the truth to say that it is during this period, say
from mid-September to early December, that the numbers in
this country are at their maximum. It is unfortunate that
with such a skulking species as the Water-Rail, practically
the only evidence of its migratory movements is obtainable
from the Lights, and consequently positive ones only are of
any value, and these must be collected over a considerable
number of years before anything conclusive can be deduced
from them.— N.F.T.]

GREY PHALAROPE IN SHROPSHIRE.

An adult male of the Grey Phalarope {Phalaropus Julicarius)
was obtained about five miles north of Shrewsbury on October
3rd, 1911. It was in full winter plumage. H. E. Forrest.

BLUE EGGS OF COMMON TERN.
The Common Terns {Sterna fluviatilis) that breed in some
numbers at a particular spot in north Norfolk, have shown
a remarkable tendenc}^ to lay pale blue, unspotted eggs this
year, and it would be of interest to know if the same has
been noticed at other resorts. I have seen four sets of three
eggs each, whilst a far larger number containing a single egg
of this rather unusual type, were noticed by the local men
in this one colony. The Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain, to whom
I wrote, suggested that continued plundering of the nests
would account in some degree for the paucity of coloration ;
but in this case another explanation must be sought, as the
Terns are carefully protected.

170 BRITISH BIRDS.

A few pairs of Lesser Terns breed at the same spot, and at
least one instance of this same phase occurred in Sterna
minuia. Clifford Borrer.

INCREASE OF GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULLS
IN IRELAND.

In connexion with the cases cited {antea, p. 140) in which the
Great Black- backed Gull {Larus marinus) has bred on inland
lakes, I may mention that the increase of this species on the
Irish coast is most remarkable. I have been twice round
the Mayo coast during the past summer, and found the Great
Black-backed Gull everywhere a common bird. On the
Bills of Achill, Messrs. Praeger and Welch estimated last year,
1910, that they found one hundred pairs, while twenty years
earlier, when I visited the Bills, I computed them at fifty
pairs. Their increase on the coasts of Waterford and Wexford
is also remarkable, quite a considerable number breeding on
an island where about three pairs bred thirty years ago. On
the sands off Dungarvan Bay I usually see several of these
birds where they used to be quite scarce and remarkable.

R. J. USSHER.

ARCTIC AND POMATORHINE SKUAS AND SABINE'S
GULLS IN YORKSHIRE.

The Yorkshire coast has recently been visited by one of those
interesting irruptions of Skuas which occur at intervals, and
are accounted for by severe storms driving the birds in-shore
during their autumnal migration (c/., Birds of Yorks., Vol.
II., p. 699). On September 30th, 1911, a gale from the north-
east suddenly sprang up about six o'clock, continuing to
blow strongly all the morning, and accompanied by heavy
rain-squalls. Between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. numbers of
Skuas, both Arctic {Stercorarius crepidatus) and Pomatorhine
{S. pomatorhinus) , estimated at about two hundred, in parties
of from five to twelve, were observed flying north-westward,
low down, along the shore, and crossing the breakwater into
the Teesmouth. In the afternoon the wind veered to north-
west, and although the flight continued, it w as less pronounced
than in the morning, and the birds kept oustide the breakers.
Those that were identified were all mature individuals.

During the storm on the morning of September 30th, two
immature Sabine's Gulls {Xema sabinii) were seen sitting on
the sands, and in the afternoon a Grey Phalarope {Phalaropus
fuUcarius) and another Sabine's Gull were reported.

T. H. Nelson.

NOTES. 171

FORK-TAILED PETRELS IN NORTH WALES.
On September 30th, 1911, I saw a solitary Leach's Fork-
tailed Petrel {Oceanodroma leucorrhoa) pass along at the foot
of one of the cliffs of the Great Orme's Head, from which,
with my binoculars, I could see the forked tail, the white
rump, and also the reddish-brown wing-coverts, which almost
converged at a point above the rump. The wind at the time
was blowing strongly from the north. Apparently this
constitutes the second instance of the occurrence of this bird
off the north coast of Carnarvonshire. R. W. Jones.

On October 6th, 1911, a male Fork-tailed Petrel {Oceanodroma
leucorrhoa) was picked up at Newtown, Montgomeryshire,
and sent for preservation to Shrewsbury, where I examined
it. A strong northerly wind was blowing, which accounts,
for its occurrence so far inland. This is the first example of
the species obtained in Montgomeryshire, although several
have been recorded close to the border in Shropshire.

H. E. Forrest.

Continental Robin in South-west Scotland. — A speci-
men of Erithacus r. rubecula is recorded by Miss A. C. Jackson
[Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist., 1911, p. 245) as taken at the Mull of
Galloway Lighthouse on November 2nd, 1910.

Northern Great Spotted Woodpeckers in Scotland. —
A specimen of Dendrocopus m. major is recorded by Miss A. C.
Jackson {Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist., 1911, p. 246) from near
Dingwall in October, 1909. Another example of this form is
recorded by Miss D. Hamilton {t.c, p. 183) from near Sauchen^
Aberdeenshire in December, 1909. With these should
be compared other records for the autumn of 1909, in Volume
IV., pp. 286 and 369.

Wood -Sandpiper in Fifeshire. — Mr. W. Berry records
{Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist., 1911, p. 248) that he noticed, and his
companion secured, a female example of Totanus glareola on
August 1st, 1911, at the Morton Lochs near Tentsmuir,
Fifeshire. The Wood-Sandpiper has seldom been noticed
in Scotland, the last record being of one in Fair Isle in 1908.

Breeding of the Great Black-backed Gull inland
in Ireland. — With reference to the notes published under
this heading in our last issue (pp. 140-1), Mr. J. Steele Elliott
announces {Zool., 1911, p. 388) that he has seen nests of this
species on the islands of Lough Aderry and Lough Derryduff,
situated between Ardara and Naran in Donegal, and at least
in one year on Lough Doon.

f^CVIEWS

A Fauna of the Tweed Area. By A. H. Evans. Pp. 262 +
XXVIII. 21 Plates and a Map. (Edinburgh : David
Douglas.) 30s.

This is the twelfth volume of Mr. Harvie-Brown's Vertebrate
Fauna of Scotland. The Tweed Area covers the counties of
Berwick, Roxburgh, Selkirk and Peebles, and penetrates to
a small extent into East Lothian and Mid Lothian, while it
takes in the north-eastern corner of Northumberland, includ-
ing Holy Island and the Fame Isles.

Following a bibliography Mr. Evans gives a good account
of the physical features of this region, and then proceeds to
a detailed discussion of its vertebrate fauna with the exception
of the Fishes, which are to be treated with those of the
Forth Area in the volume on that region promised by Mr. W.
Evans. We are here concerned with the Birds, which
occupy a large portion (pp. 52-246) of the book ; but we must
not fail to note, in passing, the extraordinary and conspicuous
omission of the Rabbit from the Mammals.

Mr. Evans's account of the birds is, with some important
exceptions to be referred to later, on the whole a satisfactory
piece of work, and though we could have wished for evidence
of more personal observation than is given, the gathering
together of the published records has been done with great
care and discrimination. It is somewhat curious that Mr.
O. Bolam, who is so very frequently quoted in this volume,
and who has no doubt done more observation than anyone
else in the area, should himself be writing a book, which we
understand is now in the press.

The Tweed area is a somewhat important one for the reason
that within or near its limits the northernmost point of the
ranges of several species in Great Britain was reached until
comparatively recent times, while in the case of at least one
bird — the Eider — the Fame Isles provide its most southerly
breeding place at the present time. To the necessity of
carefull}^ reviewing the history of the status of such birds
the author has been alive, and his careful historical accounts
of the Hawfinch, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Stock-Dove,
and other birds from this point of view are excellent. Mr.
Evans is, however, stretching a point we think in consider-
ing (p. XV.) the Red-backed Shrike, Nuthatch, Nightingale
and Wryneck as "here approximately at the northernmost

REVIEWS. 178

point of their range in the United Kingdom," if by this he
means their normal breeding-range, Avhich we should put
Considerably to the southward. In this category Mr. Evans
has greatly disappointed in one important bird — the Willow-
Tit. Although he has one positive record from Mr. W.
Evans of the occurrence of this bird in the area, yet he
heads the article Parus dresseri, and does not admit the
Willow-Tit, although he acknowledges its distinction. This
seems inconsistent, and in fact he brings no evidence to
show that the Marsh-Tit has ever occurred in the area.
The Marsh or Willow-Tit is, however, common and possibly
both occur ; this is the very region from which we require
information, and it would surely have been an easy matter
for Mr. Evans to have procured specimens from different
localities, and made some attempt to define the status of
these interesting birds.

Some points of detail which we have noted, and some recent
records which have not apjDcared in our pages, may be here
mentioned seriatim. Only one Black Redstart and no Blue-
throat is recorded. The Lesser Whitethroat is noted on Mr.
G. Bolam's authority as i^ossibly breeding at Berwick in
1902 and 1904. The Grasshopper-Warbler is said to be
commoner than might be supposed from the account in
" Yarrell." The breeding of the Nuthatch near Ednam
(Roxburgh) in 1850, is considered authentic. The Yellow
Wagtail is not recorded as breeding, and appears to be un-
common even as a migrant. In a very full account of the
Pied Flycatcher it is a i)ity that records undoubtedly due to
passage-migrants have not been kept altogether separate
from breeding records ; amongst the latter that of a nest and
eggs found near Hawick (Roxburgh) on May 18th, 1901
{Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist., 1902, p. 79), seems to have escaped the
author's notice. A Green Woodpecker is recorded from
Linhope in the autumn of 1903. The Buzzard does not now
breed. The Honey-Buzzard is considered the commonest
Buzzard visiting the area, and was recorded as breeding in
1897, by Mr. Bolam {cf. supra, p. 85). The Hobby has not
been proved to nest. A Night-Heron was taken in Holy
Island about 1908, a Little Bittern near Eyemouth (Berwick),
on May 18th, 1904, and a Spoonbill at Holy Island shortly
prior to December, 1908. There are only two positive records of
the occurrence of the Grey Lag Goose ! Mr. Evans says that
the Eider bred on the Coquets in Selby's time, " but seems
to have vanished thence when the lighthouse was erected in
1841." But Mr. Jourdain informs us that in 1856 Salvin
took eggs there which are now^ in the British Museum. The

174 BRITISH BIRDS.

claim that the Turtle-Dove is extending its range northward is
hardly justified by the records of its occurrence for this area,
since only two are given for the last twenty years, and Mr.
Evans's statement that " there can be little doubt that it is
beginning to breed in our district," is not justified by the
evidence adduced. The Red-legged Partridge should have
been placed within square brackets, in our opinion, since it
only gains a precarious place by reason of recent introduc-
tions into the area. Mr. Evans calls the Wood -Sandpiper
a rare summer visitor, presumably because it has once (in
1853) nested in the area. It should have been called a
vagrant. The statement in the footnote (p. 210) attributed
to Mr. W. Evans, that these birds " not uncommonly remain
with us for the whole summer," should perhaps refer to the
Green Sandpiper, for the Wood-Sandpiper has very rarely
been recorded in any part of Scotland, even as a straggler.
The Great Crested Grebe has not yet been recorded as breed-
ing. The date of the White-billed Northern Diver obtained
by Mr. Abel Chapman at Holy Island is given correctly as
January, 1879, and not Januar}^ 1907, as stated in our Volume
I., p. 295. ■

In two important particulars Mr. Evans's work must be
deemed unsatisfactory to modern requirements, and much
that must be done has been left undone, and might have been
at all events begun by the author of this volume. We refer
to the want of exact information regarding (1) migration as
observed in the area and (2) the occurrence of continental
forms.

The important subject of Migration is neither treated
separately in the Introduction, nor has much trouble been
taken to give accounts of the movements of each species.
For examples, we are told of the Song-Thrush," Emigration
takes place, to some extent, for the winter, and the number
of individuals in the district may vary considerably with the
influx of others from abroad." Of the Robin, that " About
September our native stock is said to be augmented by
immigrants, which remain with us during the cold season."
Again, " Starlings are well known to be to a considerable
extent migratory, and flocks often arrive on the coast in
autumn." Such indefinite statements are really quite useless,
and might have been made without any special local know-
ledge. It is surprising that they should appear in such a
form in an important fauna. In the accounts of such easily
observed birds as the Swallow, Martin, and Sand-Martin,
we are only told ^\'hen they arrive and when they depart, no
mention being made of passage through the area. There is

REVIEWS. 175

indeed nothing of importance to be gleaned from the book
by the student of migration.

With regard to the occurrence of continental forms and
their important bearing upon migrational movements, Mr.
Evans is much behind the times. Since he calls the Marsh-
Tit Parus dresseri we may presume that he recognizes that
the British form is distinct from Parus p. palustris, and this
being so, there is no reason why he should not recognize the
distinctions of many other British forms. He does not even
mention the existence of the Continental Song-Thrush, Robin,
and Goldcrest, all of which must have occurred in this region.
He recognizes that the British Great Spotted Woodpecker
is distinct from the Scandinavian, but he dismisses the question
of " passing visitors " without giving any details or saying
whether he has examined any of them or not ! The import-
ance of modern methods of close work seems to be only just
dawning on some of our ornithologists, and that Mr. Evans
has fallen back from the point reached in recent avifaunas
can only be regretted by those who look at the future rather
than the past.

In conclusion, we must say a word as to the excellence of
the production of this volume, which is in the same good
style as the previous ones, although it seems a pity, on the
score of uniformity, that a different kind of paper should have
been used. The series of plates from excellent photographs
by Mr. W. Norrie, gives one an admirable idea of the region
and its bird-haunts, although some of the prints are rather
lacking in firmness : the map is everything that could be
desired. H.F.W.

Report on the Immigrations of Summer Residents in the Spring
of 1910 .' also Notes 07i the Migratory Movements and
Records received from Lighthouses and Light-vessels during
the Autumn of 1909. By the Committee appointed by
the British Ornithologists' Club. (Forming Vol. XXVIII.
Bull. B.O.C.). 21 Maps. Witherby & Co. 6s.

This is the sixth annual Report of the Committee, and is
in the same form as previous issues, except that the observa-
tions on " unscheduled " birds and the autumn records have
in many cases been condensed and connected. This has
resulted not only in a saving of space, but has made these
parts of the Report much more interesting and valuable, the
autumn records being especially so. The arrival of migrants
in the spring of 1910 appears to have been fairly normal,
though it is noted that a few species were unusually late, and
notably the Spotted Flycatcher, " the main body of which

176 BRITISH BIRDS.

did not arrive until June, while in some places Sedge- Warblers
had not reached their breeding-haunts by the 13th of May."

Amongst items of interest not hitherto recorded in our
pages, we may note the following : Two Ring-Ouzels [Turdus
torquatus) in south Devon in February, 1910. Chiff chaffs
were again reported as seen all through the winter in
Cornwatl. A Wryneck {lynx torquilla) in Cornwall on March
26th (an early date, but we see no good reason for the
suggestion that it might have wintered there, especially as
a single bird was recorded for Hampshire on March 14th),
and another on Lundy Island on the night of May 9- 10th.
The Land-Rail {Crex 'pratensis) was again practically un-
recorded from the south-eastern counties. Shore-Larks
{OtoGorys alpestris) were first noticed in S.E. Suffolk on
November 11th, 1909, and were still present there on
April 13th, 1910 (they have been noted as late as April
22nd). A young male Aquatic Warbler {Acrocepkalus
aquaticus) Avas taken at St. Catherine's Lighthouse, Isle of
Wight, on the night of September 17-18th, 1909, this being
the second example recorded from that place {cf. Vol. I.,
J). 85). A male Firecrest {Regulus ignicapillus) was taken
at the same Light at midnight, on October 17th, 1909.
A single Gadwall {Anas strepera) is recorded from Hazel-
beach, Northamptonshire, on July 27th, 1909. Continental
Song-Thrushe«^ {Turdus m. musicus) are recorded from the
Dorset and Isle of Wight Lights during the first ten days of
A^Dril, 1910, with British Song-Thrushes, and between
September 18th and 30th, 1909, on the Yorkshire coast,
September 28th at the Isle of May, and September 22nd
and 23rd on the north Norfolk coast. A Continental Robin
{Erithacus r. rubecula) is recorded at St. Catherine's on April
8th, 1910, others from the Yorkshire coast from September
17th to October 8th, 1909, and at St. Catherine's on
December 11th Continental Goldcrests {Regulus c. cristatus)
are noted on the Yorkshire coast between October 19th and
November 2nd, 1909. (With these records cf. Vol. IV.,
pp. 245-6.)

The determination of the Committee to carry on the inquiry
for at least ten years (p. 9), will be applauded by all those who
have studied migration in the field. It soon becomes evident
to the observer that, however careful and painstaking he may
be, he can only see a fraction of what is really going on, and
for that fraction he is dependent on many varying natural
conditions. Thus only a series of observations over a number
of years can bring any true results. H.FAV.

[British Birds, Vol. V., PI.

BLACK-THROATED DIVER.
On arriving at the nest she brought a piece of dried grass and held this in her beat for
over an hour. As incubation proceeds, a very few tufts or stalks of grass are placed

around the eggs.

{Photographed by O. G. Pike.)

BRni5nDIW)5

EDITED BY H. F. WITHERBY, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

assisted by

Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain, m.a., m.b.o.u., and Norman F.

ticehurst, m.a., f.r.c.s., m.b.o.u.

Contents of Number 7, Vol. V. December 1, 1911.

Photographing the Black-throated Diver and Grey Lag-Goose.

By Oliver G. Pike, F.R.P.S., F.Z.S 178

Notes : —

Recovery of Marked Birds . . . . . . . . 186

Icterine Warbler in Norfolk (Dr. F. Penrose) . . . . . . 188

Supposed Reed-Warbler in Merioneth (H. E. Forrest) . . 188

Late Nesting of the Great Tit (Rev. W. 8erle) 188

Willow-Tit in Worcestershire and Herefordshire (C. J.

Alexander) 189

White Wagtails in Autumn in Ireland (H. F. Witherby) . . 189
Albinism and Xanthocroism in the Pied Wagtail (A. Geoffrey

Leigh) 189

Four House-Martins Feeding Young in One Nest (J. S. T.

Walton) 190

The Migration of Slender-billed Nutcrackers :

In Norfolk (J. H. Gurney) 191

In Suffolk (Rev. J. G. Tuck) 192

On the Continent (Rev. F. C. R. Jom-dain) . . . . 192

Jays in London (Howard Bentham) . . . . • . . . 192

Nightjar Frequenting a Beehive (H. E. Forrest) . . . . 193

On the Climbing Movements of the Great Spotted Woodpecker

(A. Geoffrey Leigh) 193

Northern Great Spotted Woodpecker in Northumberland

(N. F. Ticehurst) 194

Young Tawny Owl Feigning Death when Confronted with

Danger (M. V. Wenner) 194

Little Owl in Herefordshire and Worcestershire (C. J.

Alexander) . . . . . . . • . . • • • • 195

Whimbrel in Worcestershire (C. J. Alexander) . . . . 195

Blue Eggs of Common Tern (M. Vaughan and G. J. van Oordt) 196
Sabine's and Little Gulls, and Grey Phalaropes, in Norfolk

(Clifford Borrer) 197

Black-headed Gull in Worcestershire (C. J. Alexander) . . 197

Puffin in Berkshire (Dudley W. Collings)
Manx Shearwater in Ciunberland (Marjory Garnett)
Bulwer's Petrel in Sussex (H. W. Ford-Lindsay)
Cawnoge, the Irish for " Shearwater" (R. J. Ussher)
Fulmars in Orkney and Shetland (Thos. Ground)
The late Eugene William Gates . .
Short Notes : — Golden Oriole in Herefordshire. Scop

Ireland. Night-Heron in Yorkshire. Spoonbill in
Lincolnshire. Long-tailed Duck breeding in Orkney.
Grey Phalarope in South Wales. Black-tailed Godwit
in Ireland. Great Skua off Ayrshire
Reviews : — The Home-Life of the Osprey . .
The Life of the Common Gull . .
Birds and Bird's Nests of Bromsgrove . .
Letter : — Bulletin B.O.C. — A Correction . .

Owl in

197
197
198
198
198
204

203
205
206
207

208

( 178 )

PHOTOGRAPHING THE BLACK-THROATED

DIVER AND GREY LAG-GOOSE.

BY

OLIVER G. PIKE, f.r.p.s., f.z.s.

(Plate 3)

About the middle of last May, I journeyed to the Outer
Hebrides for the purpose of photographing those two
rare nesting birds, the Black-throated Diver (Colymhus
arcticus) and the Grey Lag-Goose (Anser cinereus).
Although I knew the best spot to go to for my purpose,
I was on the island for a whole week before I was able
to expose a plate. The few pairs of Divers had only
just commenced to lay, and in consequence were rather
wild, and would not remain on their eggs for long, and
in three of the nests of the Grey Lag-Goose that I found
the eggs had hatched, another had been robbed by a
Crow, and the fifth was not in an easy place for photo-
graphy. However, as it seemed to be the only one left,
I set to work to photograph the bird, but knew that
I should have a difficult task. There was only one
place where I could make a hiding-place, and for the
best part of the day the sun would be shining right into
my lens. I dug a hole in the peat, about four feet deep,
placed my bird- watching tent over this, and covered
the whole with heather, and going inside waited for two
hours. As there was no sign of the bird returziing, I
went away, and while the Goose was getting used to the
pile of heather by her nest, I went to another island on
the large loch, and built a hiding-place from which I
hoped to photograph the Diver. The building of this
was rather a long task, for we had to construct the shelter
of rocks and stones, and it had to be built out in the
water, as that was the only place where I could obtain
a good view of the bird. At length my two hiding-
places were completed, and it resolved itself into a game
of patience between the birds and myself. I make it
a rule never to keep a bird off its eggs for more than two

FIG. 1.— GREY LAG-GOOSE STANDING IN FRONT OF HER NEST.
[Photographed by O. G. Pike.)

180 BRITISH BIRDS.

hours if it does not show signs of turning up, for if a
bird does not return in that time there must be some-
thing wrong with the shelter in which you are hiding.
I entered my small stone-house and waited, but
although the Diver came to within a few yards of its
nest it would not go to its eggs, and when two hours
had passed I gave up for that day. The next morning
I went to the small island on which the Goose had her
nest, as I was anxious to get a photograph of her bef >re
the eggs hatched. The keeper and a friend went with
me, and when I was carefully hidden away under the
heap of heather, they left me. After I had been waiting
for a little over an hour, I almost gave up hope of the
Goose returning, as I had had no sign of her, but just
then I heard a splashing in the water below, and the
familiar call, " wonk-wonk, kee-e-e, wonk," told me
that my bird had arrived. For almost another hour
she remained down in the water, twenty feet below me,
and although I could not see her, I judged by the noise
that her mate was with her. Then the noise ceased,
and I heard the measured footsteps of the bird as she
slowly made her way through the heather. At last
she reached my hiding-place, and then stopped and
remained still for ten minutes. There she was, only
a few inches from me, and just behind my back. I
hardly dared breathe, for I knew^ that the slightest sound
would scare her aw^ay. She now seemed to show^ a
certain amount of reasoning, for she had got quite used
to the pile of heather, and had returned to her nest since
this heap had been erected : but she knew that there
was something strange there, and very slowly walked
round my hiding-place and carefully peered through
the heather, taking just an hour to do this. It spoke
well for the way the keeper had hidden me, for her keen
eyes did not penetrate through the covering. Once
I thought she had " spotted " me, for she remained with
her head down, looking straight at me for quite a long
time. The only sound seemed to be the beating of

PHOTOGRAPHING GREY LAG-GOOSE.

181

my heart, and in my excitement I wondered if she would
hear that, for there are few things quite so exciting
or fascinating to a bird-lover as to be so near to a fine
bird like the Grey Lag-Goose. After she had circled
my shelter, she walked slowly off towards her nest, and
even then kept stopping and looking back as if she were

FIG. 2.— THE NEST OF THE GREY LAG-GOOSE WITH THE

EGGS UNCOVERED.

{Photographed by O. G. Pike.)

still suspicious. When she reached her nest she began
to uncover the eggs, and place the thick covering of
down around the edge. The sun by this time had worked
round and threw a shadow of the bird's long neck down
her back, and it was almost shining in my lens : I
knew I only had a few moments left in which it would
be possible to make an exposure, so I released the shutter
and secured a negative of her standing by the side of

182

BRITISH BIRDS.

the nest, and then quickly changed my plate. As soon
as I had done this, she became restless, and I made
another exposure, and then for no reason that I could
discover she jumped up and flew away. Something

FIG. 3.— THE BLACK-THROATED DIVER SETTLING DOWX.
{Photographed by O. G. Pike.)

had alarmed her, and I knew it was no good waiting
longer, and for all my trouble I only secured these two
negatives.

There ^xeYe not many pairs of Geese on this western
island, although it seemed to be an ideal place for nest-
ing. The loch which contained the island on which I
found the nest, had over three hundred islands on it,
and many of these were covered with tall heather, just

PHOTOGRAPHING BLACK-THROATED DIVER. 183

the places that Geese dehght in, but there seemed to be
very few birds about. Three pairs had hatched out
and had taken their young down to the water, but it
was impossible to get near the young, for before we had
got to within three hundred yards of them, the parents
led them away.

I was more successful with the Black-throated Diver.
I found out that on my first attempt to photograph it,
the bird could see me through the crevices in my stone
hut, so I stuffed up all the holes with moss and heather,
and very soon after I got inside, on my second attempt,
the bird was back. I was ready to begin photography
at 7.30 in the morning, and the keeper then rowed away
and left me alone, and was coming back for me at 4
o'clock in the afternoon, so I was in for a fairly long day.
Ten minutes after he had left, I heard the Diver splash-
ing outside, and peering through my small peep-hole
I saw her shufiling towards her nest. When the Diver
attempts to travel on land, it has a curious action. It
lifts its body up, seems to throw itself forward on to
its breast, then pushes its feet forward and again lifts
its body, and shuffles along in this manner. Owing to
its difficulty of moving on land, the nest is close to the
water, and the bird usually has a well-trodden pathway
leading from the water to the nest, or rather to the
depression in the ground containing the eggs, for there
is seldom any serious attempt at nest -building. I have
seen quite a good nest made by the Red-throated Diver,
but the three or four nests of the Black-throated Diver
that I have seen, have been just depressions in the ground.

The bird before me was absolutely unconscious of
any danger, and it was really beautiful to watch her,
as she settled down upon her two eggs. At first she
could not get comfortable and moved about, and I
exposed a good many plates, but when she eventually
settled, it seemed almost impossible to move her. I had
exposed about twenty plates, and thought I would like
her to leave her eggs, hoping that I might get some

184

BRITISH BIRDS.

photographs of her in different positions when she
returned. I tried talking to her, but this did not
have the effect of making her leave, and it was not
until I shouted that she left. But she only went a few

FIG. 4.— LISTENING TO THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S REMARKS.
{Photographed by O. G. Pike.)

feet away, and then returned, but sat in the same position.
I waited several hours with that fine bird six feet away
from me, just watching her and waiting for something
to happen, for I have often noticed when photographing
birds, that if you wait and let the female get well settled
on her nest, the male will appear. I was hoping that
this would occur, but although he came to within a few
yards of my shelter, he would not come to the nest.

PHOTOGRAPHING BLACK-THROATED DIVER. 185

and I had to be content with what pictures I had secured,
for the sitting bird refused to change her position, and
lowering her long neck and half closing her eyes, settled
down for the day.

On this large loch there were only two pairs of Black-
throated Divers, and we did not discover the other nest.
I should have liked to have spent more time amongst
these birds, but the nesting season is so short ; and as I
had decided to spend the whole of the summer in trying
to secure the life-history of the Cuckoo in photographs,
I had to hurry south.

OTES

RECOVERY OE MARKED BIRDS.

Redbreast {Eriihacus rubecuJa). — B.B., No. A990, marked
by Mr. A. Bankes at Salisbury, Wiltshire, on July 22nd,
1911, as an adult. Recovered at the same place on
November 4th, 1911, and re-marked with the same ring.

Hedge -Sparrow {Accentor modularis). — B.B., No. A989,
marked as No. A990 on July 27th, 1911. Recovered at
the same place on November 16th, 1911, and re-marked
with the same ring.

Linnets (Linota cannahina). — B.B., No. D226, marked by
Mr. A. G. Leigh at Hampton in Arden, Warwickshire, on
May 26th, 1911, as a nestling. Recovered in Medoc, near
Bordeaux, Gironde, France, on October 25th, 1911. Re-
ported by M. E. Rousse.

B.B. No.'C624, marked by Mr. N. H. Joy at Bradfield,
near Reading, Berkshire, on June 6th, 1911, as a
nesthng. Recovered at Sabres, Landes, Erance, on
October 25th, 1911. Reported by M. J. Cassagne.

Sp arrow-Hawks {Accipiter nisus). — B.B., No. 10308, marked
by Mr. E. A. Wallis at Rubery, Warwickshire, on July
3rd, 1911, as a nestling. Recovered at Chaddesley-
Corbett, near Kidderminster, Worcestershire, on October
25th, 1911. Reported bv Mr. J. Steele Elliott.
B.B., No. 10310, marked as No. 10308 (same brood).
Recovered at Broms grove, Worcestershire, on November
14th, 1911. Reported by Mp. E. PhilHps.

Cormorant {Phalacrocorax carbo). — B.B., No. 8941, marked
by Mr. R. M. Barrmgton at Saltee Island, co. Wexford,
on June 26th, 1910, as a nestling. Recovered at Audierne,
Fmistere, France, on November 16th, 1911. Reported by
M. Emile Caroflf.

Common Heron {Ardea cinerea). — B.B., No. 50083, marked by
Mr. G. T. Atchison at Harbottle, Northumberland, on
April 4th, 1911, as a nestling. Recovered near Belford,
Northumberland, the first week in November, 1911. Re-
ported by Mr. J. E. Harting.

Woodcock {Scolopax rusticula). — B.B., No. 12611, marked by
Mr. T. Pattison (per Mr. M. Portal) near Carlisle, Cum-
berland, on May 15th, 1911, as a nesthng. Recovered at

NOTES. 187

Newtown, co. GalwaV; on October 31st, 1911. Reported
by Mr. R. 0. Harrison.

B.B., No. 12603, marked as No. 12611, on May 11th,
1911. Ricovered at Longtown, Cumberland, on Novem-
ber 22nd, 1911. Reported by Mr. J. W. Makant.
BB., No. 12099, marked as No. 12611 on May 14th,
1911, by Mr. Davidson per Mr. M. Portal. Recovered
at Ecclefechan, Dumfriesshire, on November 25th, 1911.
Reported by J. E. Johnson-Ferguson.

Common Snipe {GalUnago coeestis). — B.B., No. 14164, marked
by Mr. R. E. Knowles on the east Cheshire Hills, on May
31st, 1911, as a fledgling. Recovered at Blythebridge,
near Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, on November 18th.
1911. Reported by Mr. E. G. Mather.

Common Terns {Sterna fluviatilis). — B.B., No. 10298, marked
by Mr. W. I. Beaumont at Carn Skerries, Summer Isles,
Ross-shire, on August 5th, 1911, as a nestling. Recovered
fifteen miles south of Oporto, Portugal, at the beginning
of October, 1911. Reported by Mr. W. C. Tait.
B.B., No. 12530, marked by Mr. R. 0. Blyth at Loch
Thom, Renfrewshire, on July 22nd, 1911, as a nestling.
Recovered near Aveiro, Portugal, on October 11th, 1911.
Reported by Mr. J. D. Pereira da Graca and Mr. W. C. Tait.

Black-headed Gulls {Larus ridibundus). — B.B., No. 22585,
marked by Major H. Trevelj^an on Gull Island, Lower
Lough Erne, co. Fermanagh, on June 15th, 1911, as a
nestling. Recovered at Lisnaskea, co. Fermanagh, on
October 20th, 1911. Reported by the Belfast Evening
Telegraph.

B.B., No. 30388, marked by Messrs. Robinson and
Smalley at Ravenglass, Cumberland, on June Uth, 1910,
as a nestling. Recovered near Wigton, Cumberland, on
November 4th, 1911. Reported by Mr. R. S. Wilson.

Common Gull {Larus canus). — B.B., No. 22058, marked by
Mr. W. I. Beaumont at Eil Beg, Dunstaffnage, Argyll-
shire, on June 29th, 1911, as a nestling. Recovered at
St. Mullens, co. Carlow, on November 1st, 1911. Re-
ported by Mr. J. Miller.

Marked Abroad and Recovered in England.
Starling {Sturnus vulgaris). — (Viborg No. 204), marked at
Viborg, Denmark, by Herr C. C. Mortensen, on October
7th, 1911, as a young bird, was recovered near Shropham,
Norfolk, on November 12th, 1911, and reported to us by
Mr. B. B. Sapwell.

188 BRITISH BIRDS.

Black-headed Gull {Larus ridihundus). — (Rossitten No.
5819), marked in Schleswig on June 25th, 1911, was
recovered at Breydon, Norfolk, on October 27th, 1911.
Reported to us by Dr. C. B. Ticehurst.

ICTERINE WARBLER IN NORFOLK.

A FEMALE Icterine Warbler {Hypolais icterina) was shot at
Wells, Norfolk, on September 13th, 1911. During the night
of September 12-13 there had been a good deal of cloud and
some rain, with a north-westerly wind varying in force. The
migration was not a large one and consisted, so far as I could
see, of Wheatears, Redstarts, and a few White throats.

Mr. Pashley had sent me a wire from Cley on the previous
day, September 12th, " Redstarts, Flycatchers on the move,"
and I had seen a Wheatear, a Whitethroat, and a cock Snow-
Bunting in the middle of the day, along the coast at Wells.

Frank Penrose.

SUPPOSED REED-WARBLER IN MERIONETH.

The recorded occurrences of the Reed- Warbler [Acrocephalus
streperus) in North Wales are so few and scattered, that the
following is worth noting. One day in August, 1911, Mr. H. G.
Attlee heard the song of the Reed- Warbler issuing from a bed
of reeds at Llanvihangel-y-traethau, near Harlech. He heard
it only once, and for a short while, but it was at a distance of
only a few yards. He is familiar with the songs of the Reed-
and Sedge- Warblers, and has no doubt, in his own mind, that
it was the former. He has studied the bird-life of that district
for several years, but never came across the Reed- Warbler
before. The bird may have been only a passing migrant,
but there are plenty of reeds suitable for nesting just there,
(c/. Vert. Fauna of N. Wales, p. 96 — occurrence at Barmouth).

H. E. Forrest.

LATE NESTING OF THE GREAT TIT.

On October 14th, 1911, I happened to be going round my
garden at Duddington, Edinburgh, with my dog, when it
suddenly made a jump at a shrub. There immediately
tumbled out two Great Tits {Parns major), newly out of the
nest, and unable to fly. One fluttered along the lawn and
got safely into the root of a j^ew tree, and the other I rescued
from the dog. The parent birds flew excitedly from branch
to branch overhead. William Serle.

xNOTES. 189

WILLOW-TIT IN WORCESTERSHIRE AND
HEREEORDSHIRE.

During the spring and early summer of 1911, I met with
Willow-Tits (P. atricwpillus kleinschmidti) in the parishes of
Suckley (Worcestershire), and Acton Beauchamp and Cradley
(Herefordshire). They were about as uncommon as they are
near Reading.

These observations depend on the note of the bird. I
may, however, add that the difference in the head is quite
obvious with the aid of binoculars at close range. Further,
since my note on this subject (Vol. IV., pp. 146-7), I have
read the account of the notes of P. folustris communis and
P. atricapillus salicarius given by Dr. Hartert in his Die
Vdgel der paldarktischen Fauna, and find that they agree
precisely with those of the corresponding British forms.

C. J. Alexander.

WHITE WAGTAILS IN AUTUMN IN IRELAND.

In the spring of 1910 I noticed some White Wagtails {Mota-
cilla alba) on the coast of Wexford (Vol. IV., p. 18). This
autumn, being in the same place, I saw^ two small parties of
White Wagtails on September 13th (1911), and on the next
day either the same or other small flocks. On the same days
I saw several flocks of Pied Wagtails, but the White Wagtails
kept apart from them. Throughout the rest of September
and early October, there were considerable numbers of Pied
Wagtails passing through almost every day, in small parties
or flocks up to fifty individuals each. All these parties and
flocks contained old as well as young birds, and although I
will not vouch for the latter, all the old birds I saw were Pied,
and I detected no more White Wagtails.

The White Wagtail has very seldom been noticed in Ireland
in autumn, but curiously enough Mr. R. Warren has just
recorded {Zool., 1911, p. 385) a pair as seen in the last week of
August, 1911, by Captain Kirkwood at Bartragh, co. Mayo,
where they have been observed every spring for some years,
but never before in the autumn. H. F. Witherby.

ALBINISM AND XANTHOCROISM IN THE
PIED WAGTAIL.

On October 19th, 1911, Messrs. Spicer and Sons of Birmingham,
received for preservation a variety of the Pied Wagtail
{Motacilla luguhris). Mr. Spicer, junr., informs me that it
proved, on dissection, to be a male, and through his kindness
I was able to examine it when freshly set up, the following

190 BRITISH BIRDS.

being a description : Forehead, white ; crown, French grey,
slightly barred with darker grey and tinged w^ith sulphur -
yellow ; cheeks and upper -sides of neck pale j^ellow, save
for a patch of grey behind the eyes ; mantle, back, and rump
pale grey tinged with sulphur-yellow ; upi)er tail-coverts
very pale grey ; tail grey, faintly barred with darker ; wing-
coverts grey (lesser rather darker) edged with white ; primaries
and secondaries very pale grey, edged with white ; throat white,
tinged with yellow ; pectoral band grey ; lower-breast and
abdomen pure white ; flanks very pale grey ; beak, legs and
claws black ; culmen .5 in. ; wing 3.3 in. ; tail 3.0 in. ; tarsus
1.0 in. In regarding this bird as an albinistic variety of
31. lugubris, I have been guided by the fact that, of the
European Wagtails of approximately the same length, it
comes nearest to the Pied Wagtail in the measurements of the
culmen, wing, tail and tarsus (c/. Dresser's Birds of Europe).
Mr. T. Ground, to whose kindness in aiding me in the identi-
fication I am much indebted, lent me an adult male in breeding
plumage from his collection for comparison, and the dimensions
of this specimen were : Culmen .55 in., wing 3.4 in., tail 2.7 in.,
tarsus .9 in., which agree very closel}^ with those of the variety.
In addition to the evidence afforded by measurement, it will
be seen that the bird closety resembles the Pied Wagtail in
winter plumage, with the replacement of the black and grey
coloration by paler shades of grey.

The yellow wash on the cheeks, \A'hich corresponds precisely
with the white patch in M. lugubris, msiy be due to the specimen
being immature (an assumption which is supported by the
barring on the crown and tail, and by the sexual organs not
being fully developed), but that on the crown, back, and
throat seems to be undoubtedly due to xanthocroism — a
variation which, in conjunction with albinism, must be most
unusual. A. Geoffrey Leigh.

[It might equally well be a specimen of a White Wagtail. —
H.F.W.]

FOUR HOUSE-MARTINS FEEDING YOUNG

IN ONE NEST.

With reference id the note on page 136 of the October number
of British Birds, on the breeding of the House-Martin
{Chelidon urhica), I may record that a pair of these birds
reared two broods this year from one nest under the eaves
of nw house. I noticed the parent birds feeding this second
brood on September 17th. On October 1st and 2nd they
were still carrying food, but were assisted by t\\o other House-

NOTES. 191

Martins. On October 3rd the young left the nest and disap-
peared with the old birds.

In 1906 the same thing occurred. I have a note dated
September 18th, 1906, that the old birds were still feeding
the 3^oung of a second brood, assisted by other Martins. On
September 20th, 1906, young and old birds disappeared
together. J. S. T. Walton.

THE MIGRATION OF SLENDER-BILLED
NUTCRACKERS.
In Norfolk.
October 4th, 1911, was a very still day in Norfolk, and this
was succeeded by a boisterous night and a gale from the north-
east, which, at 7 a.m. the following morning, was registered
by the Meteorological Office as E.N.E., force six, at Yarmouth.
On the 6th, my woodman informed me that he had the day
before seen a remarkable bird, unknown to him, perched on
an oak tree at Hempstead, which he described as brown in
colour with a white bar on the tail, and about the size of a
Jackdaw. I at once suggested a Nutcracker, and accordingly
the same day an example of this uncommon species, presum-
ably the same one, was shot at Cawston, a parish only nine
miles further inland, and forwarded to Mr. T. E. Gunn. This
showing of the white upon the tail was a feature noticed when
my son and I were at the Riffel A\\) in S^^'itzerland with
Mr. W. H. St. Quintin, in July, 1905, and I am not surprised
that it at once attracted my woodman's attention. On the
same day (October 5th), and not far from the same place,
distant from the sea about two-and-a-half miles, a Hoopoe
was seen, and a Scoter was met with near Norwich. In all
probability these birds had come in during the night of
the gale, as well as the Buckinghamshire Nutcracker, which
Mr. HoUis records (p. 167) as having been first seen on the
6th. It has often been remarked how birds of different
species come in with the same wind. On the 9th, a second
Nutcracker was shot on some low ground at Sparham, which
is a very Httle way from Cawston, by Mr. J. A. Sayer,
and has since been offered to the Norwich Museum. This
also was sent to Mr. Gunn, who made a careful dissection of
the ovaries in both cases, for they were both females. Both
these Nutcrackers belong to the slender-billed Siberian race
{Nucifraga c, macrorhynchus), indicating their eastern origin.
In one of them, which was exhibited by the \vriter to the
Norwich Naturalists' Society, the culmen measured 1.9 in.,
and the upper mandible projected considerably over the
lower one. J. H. Gurney.

192 BRITISH BIRDS.

In Suffolk.

With reference to the migration of Nutcrackers, I may
record that a female was shot on November 11th, 1911, in
the parish of Beyton, near Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, and
brought to me soon afterwards. It is one of the slender-
billed form ; the man who shot it had seen it about for a
week or more, and noticed its resemblance to a Jackdaw.

Julian G. Tuck.

On the Continent.

In the pages of our contemporary, the Ornithologische Monats-
berichte, for 1911, pp. 169 and 185, numerous records of the
appearance of the Siberian or Slender-billed race of the
Nutcracker {Nucifraga caryocatactes macrorhynchus Brehm)
in Germany and Upper Austria have recently been published.

The first notice is from F. Tischler, who shot one on Sep-
tember 10th at Losgehnen near Biirtenstein (East Prussia).
On September 17th another was obtained about ten kilometres
north of Liibeck by W. Blohm. Two specimens (identified
as belonging to the thin-billed race) were obtained from a
smaU flock seen in the SibyUenort Revier, Silesia, by E. Speer,
on September 22nd, while two more were shot in the
Poggenpohl preserve near Liibeck on the following day
(P. Waack). Dr. E. Hesse wTites that on September 24th,
he met with a single bird near Kuhhorst in Havelliind (Branden-
burg). Another was seen on September 26th about ten
kilometres south of MoUn i. Lbg., and R. Heyder observed
one on October 1st, in an orchard ten kilometres north of
Chemnitz (Saxony), while Dr. R. Biedermann-Imhoof saw
one fly overhead on October 6th at Eutin (north of Liibeck).
Ritter von Tschusi zu Schmidhoffen also reports a strong
immigration of Slender-biUed Nutcrackers into Upper Austria,
but gives no details as yet.

It is too early to draw anj^ conclusions as to the extent of
the movement, Avhich seems, however, to be proceeding on
a wide base. In all the cases where specimens have been
examined, they have proved to belong to the Siberian race.

F. C. R. JOURDAIN.

JAYS IN LONDON.

On October 3rd, 1911, I observed two Jays {Garrulus glan-
darius), apparently about to alight upon a tall factory- chimney
between New Cross and Bermondsey, at a spot about three
miles from the centre of London.

iNOTES. 193

I thiiik it may safely be concluded that the birds were
passing migrants, as it is hardly to be conceived that a locality
exists in the immediate neighbourhood, where such a \\'oodland-
loving species is resident, and from \\hich the birds seen may
have temporarily wandered. I was travelling b^^ train at
the time of the occurrence, and was therefore unable to
ascertain in what direction the Jays took their departure.

Howard Bentham.

NIGHTJAR FREQUENTING A BEEHIVE.

From the 16th to 30th September, 1911, a Nightjar {Capri-
mulgus europxus) took up its quarters in the garden of Mr. F. L.
Rawlins on the outskirts of Rhyl, a place where this bird is
hardly ever seen or heard. It was constantly to be found
squatting on the top of a wooden beehive in the full blaze
of the sun, frequenting the spot no d.oubt on account of the
warmth, for it did not seem to molest the bees or take any
notice of them. By careful stalking I was able to approach
within four feet and photograph it as it sat there, motionless
with closed eyes.

The last occasion on which the Nightjar was seen was
September 30 th, when it spent the first few hours of the
morning on the ground almost under the hive ; as the day
got warmer it moved into its old position on the hive.

H. E. Forrest.

ON THE CLIMBING MOVEMENTS OF THE GREAT
SPOTTED WOODPECKER.

In an early number of British Birds (Vol. II., p. 93 ; c/.
also p. 145) a note appeared on the climbing movements of
the Green Woodpecker, in which it was stated that "' on
reaching a sufficient elevation it (the male) would descend
backward with as great rapidity as in its ascension."' In this
connexion it may be of interest to record that on November
12th, 1911, I saw a Great Spotted Woodpecker {Dendrocopus
major) fly into a small oak, and after pausing a few seconds,
run rapidly up the trunk, stopi)ing to taj) occasionally ; after
a. rather more prolonged pause it suddenly descended the tree
backwards some eighteen inches, stopped, ascended again
a few inches and then flew out ; the descent was quite as
rapid as the ascent. I could not observe whether the tail-
feathers were kept away from the tree in the descent, as is
described in the article referred to, but I think this wa-;
probably the case, as otherwise they must inevitably have
•caught in the crevices of the bark. A second bird accompanied
this one, but I did not see it climb. A. Geoffrey Leigh.

194 BRITISH BIRDS.

• [While abroad in 1907-8 in Corsica, and 1909-10 in Rou-
mania, I met with two of the Continental forms of this species,
and saw them move backward down the trunk of trees, for short
distances, dozens of times, exactly as our British Great
Spotted Woodpecker does. When a bird is rather shy of going
on to the nest she will alight above it, look round, and when
satisfied, descend backwards by a series of springs to the hole.
I have always regarded the backward movement as character-
istic of the Woodpeckers, as opposed to the head-downward
progress of the Nuthatches. — F.C.R.J.]

NORTHERN GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER
IN NORTHUMBERLAND.

In his paper on " The Birds of that portion of the North-east
coast between Tynemouth and Seaton Sluice, Northumber-
land" [Zoologist, 1911, p. 312), Mr. J. M. Charlton mentions
several occurrences of Great Spotted Woodpeckers during
the last nine years, but onl^^ one of these appears to have been
shot. Through the kindness of this gentleman I have been
able to obtain this specimen, which was shot at HoJyweil
Dene in November, 1904. On examination I find that it is
a bird of the year that has completed its autumn moult, with
the exception of the crown, where new half -grown black feathers
are visible amongst the red ones of the juvenile dress. The
wings measure 132 mm., and the first primar}^ exceeds the
longest primary-coverts by 7 mm., while the bill is actually
the broadest I have yet seen, and alone marks it as an
individual of the Northern race (Dendrocopus major major).
The coloration of the under-parts is so obscured by the dirt
acquired from Northumbrian tree-trunks, that nothing definite
can be said about its shade of colour. N. F. Ticehurst.

YOUNG TAWNY OWL FEIGNING DEATH WHEN
CONFRONTED WITH DANGER.

On June 24th, 1911, while searching for the nest of a Nightjar
in a wood at Alderley Edge, Cheshire, a loud snapping of
mandibles drew my attention to a young Tawny Owl {Syrnium
aluco) sitting on a low branch. At my nearer approach it
sought refuge in flight, and gi\^ng chase, I eventually came
up with it crouching on the ground, mth feathers ruffled up
so that it looked twice its real size, and snapping its bill
angrily. I threw^ my coat over the bird, and on withdrawing
it was surprised to find it feigning death in a thoroughly con-

NOTES. 195-

\incing manner, lying absolutely inert in my hand with closed "
eyes and the previously ruffled feathers pressed close against
the body. After a little while I transferred the bird to the
other hand, whereupon it suddenly threw off its feigned
unconsciousness and, opening its eyes wide, struck out viciously
A\'ith its formidable talons, and with violently flapping wings
slipped out of my grasp and flew off, only to come to ground
again a few hundred yards away. On my coming up to it a
second time it no longer tried to feign death, but contented
itself with ruffling its plumage and snapping its mandibles,
and on my seizing it again only struck out with its talons.
Finally I let the bird go, whereupon it flew into a j^oung birch
tree not far away, and after surveying me intently for severs!
minutes began to call for its parents with a peculiar high
pitched, mewing note, but while I remained in the vicinity
the old Owls, which from the uneasy twittering of small birds
I knew not to be far away, did not put in an appearance.

M. V. Wenner

[In connection with the above it may be worth noting
that a particularly " tame " Tawny Owl which nested in
a hole in a beech- tree, allowed herself to be pushed off her
young with a stick and turned over on her back, in which
l^osition she remained motionless so long as she was being
watched.— H.F.W."

LITTLE OWL IN HEREFORDSHIRE AND
WORCESTERSHIRE.

During April and May, 1911, I not infrequently heard Little
Owls {Athene noctua) at night at Suckley (Worcestershire) ;
also once in the parish of Acton Beauchamp (Herefordshire),
when I happened to be over the border after dark.

C. J. Alexander.

W^HIMBREL IN WORCESTERSHIRE.

I understand that the occurrence of the Whimbrel {Numenius
phcBopus) in the west-midland counties is somewhat uncommon.
It therefore seems worth while to record that on May 20th,
1911, I heard two near Suckley (Worcestershire), about 6.45
p.m. ; they were quite low down, apparently flying north,
but as I was in a wood, I did not see them.

C. J. Alexander.

196 BRITISH HIRUS.

BLUE EGGS OF COMMON TERN.

One day last June I visited the flourishing colony of Common
Terns {Sterna fluviatilis) on the Chesil Bank, just opposite the
well-known swannery at Abbotsbury. I examined a good
many nests, some of which were nearly concealed by festoons
of the wild pea {Lathy rus maritimus), which grows in abun-
dance there, and in about ten nests there was one pale blue,
unspotted egg, but in no nest more than one. I was given
to understand that the Terns were carefully protected, and
there is no doubt that the number of birds breeding there
has increased of late years, so that, as Mr. Borrer suggests,
some other exx3lanation for the absence of coloration must
probably be sought for, as I do not think the nests have been
plundered to any extent. M. Vaughan.

At the Hook of Holland, where there is a large colony of
Common Terns, I saw, on July 8th, 1911, a nest containing
one, and on July 22nd, a nest containing two unspotted blue
eggs. This colony is not protected. G. J. van Oordt.

[There seems little doubt that the blue eggs referred to
above are due to some weakness of the reproductive organs.
The enormous increase in the proportion of blue eggs laid by
Pheasants of late years, is ascribed by most practical keepers
to the over-production of eggs by hens kept in pens for that
purpose, and is generally regarded as a sign of weakness.
The blue Terns' eggs have a dull surface without gloss, and
appear to be thin-shelled and defective both in coloring
matter and shell material. This may be due to premature
deposition, or may be a sign of exliaustion of the reproductive
organs or that the general health of the parent is below the
normal standard. Abnormal eggs of a some\\hat similar type
are to be found in most of our large colonies of Black-headed
Gulls, and it seems possible that indiscriminate protection
may be the cause in some cases, as well as over-production
in others where protection is lacking. Such eggs are, of
course, conspicuous, and would be more likely to be taken
both by egg collectors and natural enemies, such as rats, and
egg-stealing birds. Where, however, the colony is protected
and such eggs are allowed to hatch off, there is a natural
tendency for variations, even when due to weakness, to
become perpetuated or to increase. It has been noticed that
while similar variations are common both in artificially pro-
tected colonies of Black-headed Gulls, and also where they
are systematically robbed, they are practically unknown in

NOTES. 197

the large colonies in the Govermnent reserves in Denmark,
AA'here the birds live under perfectty natural conditions. —

F. C. R. JOURDAIN.]

SABINE'S AND LITTLE GULLS, AND GREY
PHALAROPES IN NORFOLK.

I SHOULD like to record that I saw a young Sabine's Gull
(Xenia sahinii) on the beach below Blakeney Harbour, Norfolk,
on October 28th, 1911, the wind having blown out to the
north-east the previous afternoon. My friend Mr. F. I.
Richards and Edward Ramm were with me at the time.

The latter tells me he saw three Little Gulls {Larus mimdus)
Ijesides several Grey Phalaropes (Phalaropus fulicarius)
there, during the gale on October 1st. Clifford Borrer.

BLACK-HEADED GULL IN WORCESTERSHIRE.

Ok March 31st, 1911, about 2 p.m., I saw two Black-headed
Gulls {Larus ridihundus) flj^ng south-east over Suckley
(Worcestershire). As this w^as a remarkable migration day,
I imagine that these were not simply wandeiers, but were
passing across the country on a regular migration.

C. J. Alexander.

PUFFIN IN BERKSHIRE.

On November 1st, 1911, a living Puffin {Fratercula arctica)
was brought to me for identification. It A\'as an immature
bird, and had been found in a ditch at Ascot, Berkshire, in an
exhausted condition. It lived about three days and died
ax:)parently from starvation. Dudley W. Collings.

[Mr. H. Noble (Vict. Hist. Berks.) gives four occuiTcnces of
the Puffin in the countj^ — the last near Faringdon on October
25th, 1893. One was reported on the Thames between Barnes
and Hammersmith on October 4th, 1911 {Field, 7.X.1911.
p. 825).— Eds.]

MANX SHEARWATER IN CUMBERLAND.
On August 9th, 1911, I found a dead Manx Shearwater
(Puffinus aiiglorum) on the shore at St. Bees, Cumberland.
It was too much decomposed for preservation, and I should
say that it had been dead about a month. I was, however,
able to secure the skuU. It was an adult bird. There
appear to be only five previous records for Cumberland.

Marjory Garnett.

198 BRITISH BIRDS.

BULWER'S PETREL IN SUSSEX.
On October 24th, 1911, during a strong gale from the south-
west, a sjoecimen of Bulwer's Petrel {Buhveria bulweri) was
picked U13 on the shore at Pevensey, Sussex. Upon dissection
it proved to be a male. This is the fifth British example,
and with one exception, all have been obtained in Sussex.

H. W. Ford-Lindsay.

"CAWNOGE," THE IRISH FOR "SHEARWATER.'

My use of the expression white " Cawnoges " {mitea, p. 141)
must be explained. The Manx Shearwater {Puffinus anglorum)
a familiar bird to Irish fishermen, is known to them as the
" Cawnoge," ^^hile the name of " Shearwater " is unheard of,
except to the educated. I was asking the North Mayo
men where the Cawnoges (Shearwaters) bred, and this
led to their telling me that some white birds of that descrip-
tion, which I understood to be Fulmars, had settled and bred
in their cliffs, and so it proved. Mr. Colgan tells me that
the Hooded Crow is called in Clare Island " AVhite Cawnoge "
(C4|i05 bai); = white Chough, but this has nothing to say to
" CaA\ noge " (Gat)65), and is probably a clumsy descriptive
term, the Hooded Crow being generally called Fanoge or
Finnoge (?)or)i)63 T^^^^'5-) R- J- Ussher.

FULMARS IX ORKNEY AND SHETLAND.

With reference to the note in the October number of British
Birds (]). 141) on the 8])read of the Fulmar, it may be worth
recording that in May. 1896, I found a dead female amongst
weed and debris washed up by the tide at Stromness. Orkney,
which on being opened m as discovered to have a fully-shelled
egg ready for extrusion.

I was informed at the time that a few pairs had established
themselves on Hoy, some four miles cUstant, and I concluded
that the bird was a member of that colony, that had somehow
or other met an untoward fate. It w as quite fresh, and could
not have been dead many hours. The man who skinned
it considered it was egg bound. I still have both the l)ird
and the egg.

In June, 1901, 1 was staying for some days at Sandness
on the west coast of Shetland, eight miles north of Walls.
On a headland which the natives called the "* Noup o'
Norby," there were several pairs of Fulmars, perhaps six
or eight, and these I have no dou])t whatever were breeding

NOTES. 199

though I could neither see the nests nor get at them. I used
to spend a good deal of time there, and as I lay on the cliff
the birds continually flew round me, frequently coming within
twelve to fifteen feet.

When flying the neck is, as it were, " telescoped " — the head
is drawn in close to the body, so that they appear to have
scarcely any neck at all ; and it was this peculiarity that first
drew my attention, for I had not expected to see them, and
thought at first they were gulls. Thos. Ground.

[Mr. E. B. Dunlop records {A7m. Scot. Nat. Hist., 1911,
p. 246) that the Fulmars { Fulmar us glacialis) breeding on Hoy
between the Kame and the Old Man of Ho}^ this year (1911),
number hundreds of pairs ; that they have increased
enormously on the west coast of Hoy ; and that three pairs
bred for the first time this year at the south end of the island.
Mr. Dunlop was informed by the fishermen that the Fulmars
drove the gulls away from food, which both desired. ]Mr.
Dunlop is wrong in supposing that they bred for the first time
in Hoy "five or six years ago." They have been known to
breed there since 1891, and over fifty nests were recorded for
Hoy Head in 1902 (c/. Vol. II., p. 374), while Mr. T. Ground's
evidence (above) goes back to 1896. In the Scotsman for
July 22nd, 1911, it is stated by "M.S." that six or eight
pairs of Fulmars were nesting on the Deerness cliffs (east side
of mainland, Orkney), and also on Copinsay. With regard
to Shetland, I think Mr. Ground's record for Sandness is new,
but they have been known to breed near by in Papa Stour
since 1891 [cf. Fauna of Shetland Islands, p. 211). They
have been recorded as breeding in the Shetland Grou^^ from
Foula, Horn of Papa Stour, Calcler's Geo in Eshaness, Noup
of Noss, Unst, Whalsay, Yell and Fitful Head.

The following records from the "Report on Scottish
Ornithology for 1910" {Ann. Scot. Nat. Hist., 1911) may
be mentioned. Increasing at Barrahead and Cape Wrath
(p. 142). Possible nesting of several pairs on the Shiant
Islands (0. Hebrides) in June (p. 144). Nesting North
Rona (p. 144).— H.F.W.]

SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGY FOR 1910.

This Report, drawn up as last year by the Misses Rintoul and
Baxter, covers a number of pages {An7i. Scot. Nat. Hist., 1911,
pp. 133-149 and 194-210), and contains a large number of
valuable records and observations. These " Reports " have
previously ah\"a3^s been arranged under species headings,

200 BRITISH BIRDS.

and have proved of great value for reference purposes ; most
unfortunately the form of this " Report " has been altered,
and the records and information are arranged under headings
such as, ^ew Birds to Scotland or Fauna! Areas, Summer
and Winter Notes, Migration, etc. For reference this form
is practically useless, since, to discover what has been recorded
of one species during the year, one has to read through some
thirty closely-printed pages ; and even if time can be found
for this, there is a great risk of missing the bird one is looking
for. This is especially evident in the migration notes which
are arranged chronologically. To group the information
under the headings of species is the only way to make a Report
of this kind really useful, and we sincerely hope that the
present plan will not be continued.

The following records are either new, or have not been
previous! V referred to in our pages. All the dates are in
1910 :— ^
Rock-Thrush {M . saxatiHs). — In addition to the male already

recorded {antea, vol. IV., p. 117), another is said to have

been seen at Pentland Skerries, May 17th (p. 135).
Greenland Wheatear {S. oe. leucorrhoa). — One near Car-

munnock (Clyde), May 10th, and Tiree (I. Hebrides),

October 8th (p. 137). '
Black Redstart (i?. titys). — Occurred on two separate days

in spring at Fair Isle, and one seen Scarnish, Tiree,

November 4th (p. 137).
White-spotted Bluethroat (C ivolfi). — The second for

Scotland visited Fair Isle during the year, but no date

or particulars are given (p. 137).
Continental Robin {E. r. rubecula). — One Isle of May,

October 22nd (p. 136).
Lesser Whitethroat {S. ciirruca). — Fair Isle, May, June,

and August (pp. 198, 200, 202).
Siberian Chiffchaff [P. r. tristis). — Several Fair Isle in.

autumn. ChiffchafEs seen near Lerwick about October

28th, when a specimen of P. r. tristis was shot (c/. supia,

p. 28), were probably also of this form (]3. 137).
Continental Great Tit (P. m. major). — One obtained, Fair

Isle, November 17th ; one which occurred North Unst

(Shetlands). October 25th, was probably also of this race

(p. 136).
Blue-headed Wagtail {31. f. flava) and Grey-headed

Wagtail {M. f. viridis). — Appeared at Fair Isle (no date).

(p. 138).

NOTES. 201

Red-backed Shrike [L. collurio). — One near Pittenweem
(Fife), May 19th (p. 199), one Balcomie (Fife), and one
Isle of MaV, May 23rcl (p. 200), one Lerwick (Shetland),
October 23rd (p! 207).

Mealy Redpoll {L. liyiaria). — Large numbers occurred in
October and November all down the east coast, but
apparently in greatest numbers in " Forth ". They
also occurred in the west. Several L. I. holboelli were
identified.

Northern Bullfinch (P. p. pyrrhula). — One Helensdale near
Lerwick (Shetland), October 23rd, one Lerwick, November
20th, and another near there 21st, and two seen there
DecemberlSth. One Baltasound (Unst), November 7th.
Single birds. Fair Isle, October 24th and 25th, two 27th,
others 29th, a number November 2nd, one November
10th. Late in the autumn two near Ceres (Fife), and
others near Kirkcaldy (Fife) (p. 138). For other records
cf. vol. IV., pp. 211," 292, and 369.

Common Crossbill {L. c. curvirostra). — Bass Rock, July 10th,
Barra, August 3rd, Fair Isle June 25th (p. 200), August
8th (p. 201), September 9th (p. 203), and 19th (p. 204),
one Ollaberry (Shetlands), September (p. 205).

Two-barred Crossbill {L. bifasciata). — One Flannans
(O. Hebrides), August 14th (p. 139). Only once before
obtained in the Outer Hebrides, viz., in June, 1909, at
the same place.

Ortolan Bunting {E. horiulana). — Several spring records,
and one autumn, Fair Isle (no dates) (p. 139).

Lapland Bunting {€. lapponicus). — Two seen Baltasound,
Unst (Shetlands), October 30th (p. 139).

Starling {S. vulgaris). — A pair observed feeding young in the
nest at Grantown-on-Spey on January 24th (p. 142).

Wood-Lark (.4. arborea). — Single birds twice reported late
in autumn from Fair Isle (p. 139).

Shore-Lark {0. alpestris). — One Fair Isle (no date) (p. 139).

Wryneck [T. torquilla) .—One North Ronaldshay, August
30th, and one Fair Isle, August 31st (p. 202). Others
are mentioned without specific localitj^ or elate in the
middle of May (page 199).

Hoopoe {U. epops). — One for two days in spring, and single
birds in autumn on Fair Isle. Reported fiom Balta-
sound, Unst (Shetlands), September 12th, 19th, and 24th.
One Kingsdale House (Fife), October 1st. One Pitlochry
(Perth), October 19th (p. 139).

202 BRITISH BIRDS.

Cuckoo {C. canorus). — One hatched out at Ollaberry (Shet-
lands) in the second Aveek of August (p. 145).

Greenland Falcon {F. candicans). — One Flannans (0.
Hebrides) March 17th (p. 140).

King-Eider {S, spectabilis). — ^A drake, Noss Sound, Bressay
(Shetlands) June 29th (p. 140).

Turtle-Dove {T. communis). — One Fair Isle, September 26th
(p. 204).

Baillon's Crake (P. hailloni). — One near Halkirk (Caithness),
August 21st (p. 140).

Dotterel {E. 7norinellus). — One Bute (I. Hebrides). ^lay
15th, and one Flannans (0. Hebrides), May 31st (p. 140).

Green Sandpiper {T. ochropus). — ^Four days in spring and
fourteen days in autumn (one to three birds at a time),
Fair Isle. One near Halkirk (Caithness), August 18th
(p. 141). Rare in north and west Scotland.

Black-tailed Godwit (L. belgica). — Three Tiree (I. Hebrides),
September 7th (p. 141).

Iceland Gull (L. leucoptenis). — Occurred Flannans (O.
Hebrides), in winter (p. 146).

Great Skua {M. catarrhactes). — Recorded from Unst (Shet-
lands) as being seen to " swoop down on a Puffin or
Kittiwake on the water, seize it, and hold it under till
drowned ; then pluck and eat it, in the manner of the
Falcon" (p. 148).

Arctic Skua {S. crepidatus). — Recorded from Unst as chasing
Puffins which rise to a great height and then drop like
a stone towards the water when the Skua is upon them.
When nearing the Avater the Puffin " shears " along its
surface, and on the point of entering it, drops its catch
(p. 147).

Red-necked Grebe (P. griseigena). — Lerwick (Shetlands),
one, October 21st, four October 26th (p. 141),

Golden Oriole in Herefordshire. — An example of
Oriolus galhula is reported b}^ Mr. E. Cambridge Phillips in
the Field (30.X.191I, p. 775) as having been seen "during
the summer," and as late as August 28th, 1911, at Cusop,
Herefordshire.

Scops Owl in Ireland.— Mr. D. C. Campbell reports
[Irish Nat., 1911, p. 186) that he received on July 24th, 191 1,
a small owl in bad condition from Gallyliffen, co. Donegal.
The bird has been identified from one of its Avings by INIr.
A. R. Nichols as a specimen of Scops giu.

NOTES. 208

Night-Heron in Yorkshire. — Mr. T. Stephenson records
in the Field (11. XI. 1911, p. 1081) that an immature male
Nycticorax griseus, was shot on the banks of the Esk near
Whitby on October 26th, 1911.

Spoonbill in Lincolnshire. — On November 13th, 1911,
an immature example of Platalea hucorodia was shot at the
mouth of the river Welland, and is reported bv Mr. C. N.
Tunnard {Field, 18.X1.1911, p. 1129).

Long tailed Duck Breeding in Orkney. — Mr. 0. V.
Aplin annomices {Zool. 1911, p. 432) that he has received news
of the breeding of the Long-tailed Duck {Harelda glacialis) in
Orkney in the summer of 1911. No details are, howe/er,
vouchsafed, but we may presume that so careful an ornitholo-
gist as Mr. Aplin would not make the statement, were he not in
possession of scientific proof of its correctness, and we may
express the hope that such proof will not be ^\ ithheld, more
especially as the br edino: of the Long-tailed Duck both in the
Orkneys and Shetlands has for a long time been suspected
though never conclusively proved. There are at least three
instances of eggs being taken in the Shetlands, which were
so far as could be judged, both by their appearance and by the
evidence adduced, those of tlie Long-tailed Duck (c/. Fauna
Shetland Islands), while there is some evidence of its having
bred in Orkney (Fauna Orkneij Islands). The bird cannot,
however, be admitted unhesitatingly as a British breeding-
bird without better proof than has as yet been given.

Grey Phalarope in South Wales. — ^Tne Rev. W. F.
Evans reports {Field, 18. XI. 1911, p. 1129) that a specimen
of Phalaropus fulicarius was seen for some days (presumably
in November) on a pond at Cowbridge (Glamorgan).

Black-tailed Godwits in Ireland. — Mr. R. J. Ussher
records {Irish Nat., 1911, p. 200) that he observed a party
of some eight Limosa helg 'ca from September 27th to October
9th, 1911, at Shandon near Dungarvan (Waterford). Two
immature birds were shot. Mr. L'ssher also states that others
were seen by Major Barrett-Hamilton at Kilmanock (Wexford)
on September 22nd.

Great Skua off Ayrshire. -Mr. J. M Crindle records
{Glasgow Nat., III., p. 126) that he saw an example of
M. caiarrhactes half a mile north-west of Dunure on July
7th, 1911.

204 BRITISH BIRDS.

THE LATE EUGENE WILLIAM GATES.

It is with great regret that we have to record that Mr.
Eugene William Gates died at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on
November 16th, 1911, at the age of 66. From 1867 to 1899
Mr. Gates was in the Public Works Department, India. As an
ornithologist he will be best known for his excellent volumes
on the " Birds " in the well known Fauna of British India,
edited by the late W. T. Blanford. He also wrote A Hand-
hook to the Birds of British Burmah, edited the second edition
of Hume's Nests and Eggs of Indian Birds, and wrote A
Manual of the Game Birds of India. Mr. Gates was also the
author of the first two volumes of the Catalogue of the
Collection of Birds' Eggs in the British Museum, and was
joint author with Captain Savile G. Reid of the 3rd and 4th
volumes of that work. Mr. Gates was a Fellow of the
Zoological Society and was elected a member of the B.G.U.
in 1882, but retired in 1903, and shortly afterwards, owing to
ill-health, he ceased to do much active bird-work.

mm^

The Home-Life of the Osprey. Photographed and described
by Chilton G. Abbott, B.A., A.A.O.U. Small 4to.. pp. 54
and 32 Mounted Plates. Witherb^^ & Co. 6s. net.

In this, the third volume of Messrs. Witherbys' " Home-Life "
series of bird pictures, the domestic affairs of one of our almost
extinct birds are depicted. It is sad to think that one must
cross the sea to study intimately the life-history of so
noble a species as the Osprey, that was once a conspicuous
ornament of our own northern lochs. This fact will not,
however, detract from the usefulness of the present work,
for although the American bird ranks as a separate geogra-
phical race from ours, there is no reason to suppose that it
differs, apart perhaps from the diversity of nesting-sites
chosen, in any of its habits from that of its Old World repre-
sentative. Mr. Abbott has accumulated a large number of
facts concerning the nesting-habits of the Osprey , and |)resents
them in an interesting form, accompanied by a series of
plates reproduced from photographs taken by himself and
Mr. H. H. Cleaves, which for interest and technical skill will
be the envy of all bird-photographers. Both observations
and photographs are the result of many visits to the birds'
breeding-places on the coasts of N'ew Jersey, Great Lake in
N. Carolina, where there is a colony of thirty pairs, and
particularly to Gardiner's Island, New York. The latter,
3,000 acres in extent, is, the author points out, an ideal resort
for Ospreys, surrounded as it is by waters teeming with fish,
while it has remained since 1637 in the ownership of one family
who have been the bird's zealous guardians for generations.
Even the fishermen who use the island in the course of their
labours, take an interest in the birds and do not in the
least grudge them the fish they consume. Here, unmolested by
human or other enemies, Ospreys to the number of 200 pairs
annually resort to rear their young, forming what is probabh^
the largest coloii}^ in the world. They appear to be sociable
and amiable birds, the sides of the larger nests being frequently
used as nesting-sites by Sparrows and other birds, and although
more or less at enmity at one spot with a colony of Terns, it
is always the latter who are the aggressors. The chief thing
that will strike one on visiting such a colony, or looking at
Mr Abbott's photographs, apart from the actual numbers
of the birds, is the extraordinary diversity of the nests them-
selves and the nesting-sites. Varying from the scantiest

206 BRITISH BIRDS.

of nests on the bare ground to piles of sticks and other materials
generations old, not only on the ground but on rocks and in
trees, as well as on such incongruous situations as house-
roofs, V, ooden fences and telegraph-poles. The diversity of
nesting-sites appear to be only equalled by the heterogeneous
nature of the nest material, often consisting mostly of sticks,
but no sort of flotsam or jetsam seems to come amiss, while
the bird is constantly making additions during the whole time
nesting is in progress. Besides his general and particular
description of nests and nesting-sites, the author gives a
great deal of information on the laying of the eggs, incubation,
rearing, feeding and sheltering of the young, the whole inter-
spersed with personal experiences which add not a little to
the attractiveness of the descriptions. Special attention
may be drawn to the markedly protective pattern and colour-
ing of the young shown in Plate 6, the attitudes of aggressive-
ness and concealment shown in the following ones, and the
manner in which the young suffer from the heat shown in
Plate 27, an experience that appears to be common to a good
many species that build unprotected nests. We must not
omit mention of the nest shown on Plate 3a, which, although
built on a sea-girt rock, is of special interest to British ornitho-
logists since, as the author truly remarks, it is so strongly
reminiscent of the nests described by St. John in our own
Highland lochs, and the sites, now long abandoned, figured
in the Scotch Fauna series.

The most attractive plates to most people will doubtless
be the really wonderful series depicting the old birds in
various positions of flight. For sharpness of detail they are
certainly amongst the best photographs of flying birds that
have ever been produced. No doubt the conditions of light
and atmosphere are almost ideal in such a situation as
Gardiner's Island for procuring photographs of this character,
and the Osprey would not appear to be one of the most difficult
of subjects. Such pictures as these, nevertheless, reflect the
highest praise on the author's methods and patience, as well
as his abilitv and skill as a naturalist and photographer.

N.F.T.

The Life of the Common Gull. Told in Photographs by C.

Rubow. (Translated from the Danish). Pp. 6 and 25

Plates. Witherby & Co. Is. 6d. net
In the above small brochure the author gives us a short
sketch of the life-history of the Common Gull {Larus canus).
The story is pleasantly told in a popular manner, and hardly
calls for comment, though, perhaps, the incident related

REVIEWS. 207

concerning the execution of an individual by the joint action
of the other members of a breeding colony msiy be mentioned.
There seems to be no doubt that such events do take place,
though it is very difficult or impossible for us to elucidate
the how, why, and wherefore of them. There seems to be
a possibility, from our own observations, that the same kind
of action sometimes takes place amongst Black-headed Gulls,
though in this case a far more pugnacious s^^ecies is concerned.
The main attraction of the book is, of course, the series
,of twenty-five plates that form its greater portion. These
are all taken from photographs of wild birds, and depict the
most important events in their life-history and habits. Ail
are good, but those showing the parent birds with their young
are more particularly pleasing, while No. 15, depicting a flock
following the plough, is quite an artistic reproduction of a
very characteristic scene. N.F.T.

Birds and Birds' Nests of Bromsgrove. By A. Mayall.
Illustrated. Wither by & Co. 2s. net.

This little book consists of reproductions of photographs of
the nests of the birds found breeding in the neighbourhood
of Bromsgrove, to which are added lists of " Habitual
Breeders," " Occasional Breeders," " Occasional Visitors,"
" Rare Visitors." It appears to us a good idea, and likely
to encourage local interest in birds, but it might have been
made of more scientific interest by the addition of a few
details with regard to the status of each bird in the neigh-
bourhood.

LETTERS

To the Editors of BRITTSH BIRDS.
BULLETIN B.O.G., VOL. XXVIII.— CORRECTIOXS.

Sirs, — Will you kindly allow me to point out one or two unfortunate
errors in the last (sixth) Migration Report ?

On page 214 the records of the Yellow-broM^ed Warbler have got
into a sad muddle, and I very much fear that I alone am responsible
for this. In line 2 delete " and 30th," line 3 should read " October
the 2nd and 24th" etc., the word October in line 4 should be deleted,
and in line 6 " 28th of October and 4th of November" should read
" 28th of September and 4th of October "

On page 257 the two first records of the Black Tern have been
transposed, the Hampshire one belonging to August the 3rd and the
Anglesey one to September the 8th. As the accuracy of these may be
important to county ornithologists, I take the earliest opportunity of
correcting them. N. F. Ticehurst,

Hon. Sec. B.O.C. Migration Committee.

[Mention may here be made of the following items in the Report
which should have been included in my notice on page 176. Several
Black Redstarts {R. titys) seen and four killed at the Would Lt. -vessel
(Norfolk) at 2 a.m. on May 2nd, 1910. A Blue-headed Wagtail
[M. flava) got at St. Catherine's Lt. (I. of W.) on the night of
May 4th 5th, 1910. A Kingfisher {A. ispida) killed at the South
Foreland Lt. (Kent) at 1.45 a.m. on May 15th, 1910, and another at
the Leman and Ower Lt. -vessel (Norfolk) at 2 a.m. on October 13th,
1909. A pair of Kentish Plover (^. cantiana) seen on the Hampshire
coast on May 11th, 1910. Eight Quail (C. communis) apparently
locally bred, found near Salisbury (Wilts.) in September and October,
1 909. A single Little Stint {T. minuta) at Tring (Herts. ) on August 29th,
1909, and single Curlew-Sandpipers {T. suharquata) at the same place
on August 29t'i and September 12th.— H.F.W.]

BRIMIDIPDS

EDITED BY H. E. WITHERBY, E.Z.S., M.B.O.U

assisted by

Rev. F. C. E,. Jourdain, m.a., m.b.o.u., and Norman F.

ticehurst, m.a., f.r.c.s., m.b.o.u.

H

Dr. L. Bureau's Work on the Partridge. — N.F.T.

The North American Peregrine : — In Lincohishire (G.

Caton Haigh) ; in Leicestershire

Notes : —

Recovery of Marked Birds

The Range of the British Song-Thrush (H. F. Witherby)

Black Redstart in Carnarvonshire (R. W. Jones)

A Possible Occurrence of the Sprosser in Norfolk (L
Curtis Edwards)

A Colony of House-Martins Building One Nest (Oliver G. Pike)

Migration of Slender-billed Nutcrackers : — In Sussex (H. W
Ford-Lindsay) ; in France (H. F. Witherby)

Quail in Norfolk in Winter (H. Edwards)

Little Bustard in Sussex (J. B. Nichols)

Spring Display of the Stone-Curlew (Philip W. Munn)

Curlew with a Malformed Bill (Clifford Borrer)

Iceland Gulls in Scotland (H. W, Robinson)

Manx Shearwaters in Cumberland (H. W. Robinson)

Fulmars in Orkney (H. W. Robinson)

Short Notes : — Introduction of Nuthatches and Marsh-Titt
into Ireland. Little Owls Breeding in Lincolnshire
Night Heron in Yorkshire, Barnacle-Goose in the
South of Ireland. Long-tailed Duck in South Wales
Flocking of the Red-breasted Merganser in Autiunn
Guillemot, Little Auk, and Puffin Inland. Black-
necked Grebe in Worcestershire, Waders in East
Renfrew.

Letter : — Dunlin or Dialling
p

229
232

( 210 )

DR. L. BUREAU'S WORK ON THE PARTRIDGE.

In a volume* of 124 pages illustrated with 35 plates,
many of them half tone blocks taken from actual
specimens, Dr. Bureau describes his work on the deter-
mination of age in the Partridge (Perdix cinerea), which,
as he tells us, is the result of eleven years methodical
observation in the field, preceded by years of preparatory
study.

The method of the determination of a young bird's age
is based upon the moult of the primaries of the juvenile
plumage, which begins before the end of the fourth week
and lasts to the end of the fourth month, i.e. to the
middle or end of October or even, for later broods, until
the beginning of November. After this and up to the
age of fifteen or sixteen months, it is still possible to
say whether a bird is young or old by means of the first
two primaries, which are not replaced at the first moult
but are retained until the end of the second moult in
the bird's second September or October. The extremity
of these feathers is pointed, whereas that of those that
replace them is more rounded. This is of course a method
of telling young birds from old ones well known to sports-
men, though perhaps the reason (viz : that these are
juvenile plumage feathers retained until the bird is over
a year old) is not so generally realized. The main points
in the moult upon which the determination of age is
based are as follows : —

1. The absolute regularity with which the primaries
of both wings are moulted from within outwards,
i.e. from ten to three.

2. Each primary is dropped at a certain age, or, in
other words, when the one internal to it has attained
a certain length, which is constant for each feather.

3. The daily growth of each new feather is fairly
constant although not the same for each one. It
may be taken as fairly accurate that this rate is
a little greater during the earlier days of growth,

V Age des Perdrix. 1. La Perdrix grise. Par le Dr. Louis Bureau,
Directeur du Museum d'Histoire Naturelle de Nantes, Foreign Member
of the B.O.U. Williams and Norgate, 14, Henrietta Street, Co vent
Garden, London, W.C. 8vo., 124 pp., 35 figures.

DR. BUREAU ON THE PARTRIDGE. 211

and that the innermost primaries grow rather more
rapidly than the outer ones.

4. The progress of the moult is the same within
certain very narrow limits, both in birds of the same
covey and in birds of different coveys of the same
age.

5. The moult and growth of the primaries appear
to stand apart in the matter of regularity from
all the other processes of development, e.g. the
bird's weight bears no constant relationship to this
or to any other part of its development.

METHODS OF STUDY.

In the first place the author obtained his general
ideas by studying the growth of hand-reared birds, but
he is careful to say that he has made use of no facts so
acquired that were not afterwards confirmed by means
of wild-birds.

Secondly, he gradually compiled what he has termed
his " Table of Moult," showing the daily growth of
each feather up to the time when the one external to
it was shed. This he did by shooting individuals from
coveys of unknown age at known intervals of time, until
he had acquired such a large number of observations
and measurements that it was safe to deduce averages
for each primary.

Thirdly, he had certain nests marked, and their date
of hatching noted, so that wild-bred coveys of absolutely
known age could be watched and individuals killed
from them at specified intervals. By means of these
he was able first of all, to fix what he calls the " zero-
point," i.e. the exact age at which the tenth primary
is dropped, and secondly to apply " controls " of known
age to his " Table of Moult," and to compile finally
what he terms his " Chronometric Table," which
shows the day on which each primary is shed, and
the daily growth of each feather up to the time its
external neighbour is dropped. By using this table
any one can tell, within a day or two either way, the
age of any bird that he happens to shoot up to an age
of 116 days, i.e. until the third primary is fully grown,
the bird being then practically also full grown, and

212 BRITISH BIRDS.

indistinguishable from old ones, except by its first two
primaries.

Dr. Bureau points out that the figures in this table
are average ones, based on a large number of actual
measurements; they therefore represent the normal
development of a young Partridge with very fair
accuracy, so that if any individual is found to exhibit
any marked deviation from the figure given in the table,
it is extremely probable that the particular bird is behind
or in advance of the normal development for its age.
The amount of this variation also can easily be deter-
mined by comparing the lengths of the last new primary
and that of its internal neighbour with the figures in the
" Chronometric Table," and may be summed up thus :
" A young Partridge in which a growing primary is
longer than the average at the time that its external
neighbour is shed is probably a backward bird, and
vice versa, where it is shorter the bird is a forward one."
The possible errors from this variation in development
are given by the author in a table on p. 40 and are
shown to be within very narrow limits — viz : between
one and two days either way in the case of the tenth to
the fifth primaries, and three days either way in the case of
the fourth and third ; when, therefore, the whole period of
110 days is taken into consideration, the amount of
possible error is for practical purposes negligible, more-
over extreme cases are quite rare.

On page 16 will be found the table giving the rate of
increase in twenty-four hours of each first winter-plumage
primary, and from this it will be seen that the tenth
grows the fastest (5.5mm. per diem), the ninth to the
fifth grow 5mm., the fourth 4mm., while the third is the
slowest, growing 3.7mm. each twenty-four hours.

Having considered the method of working, we will
now summarize the author's results of the progress of
the moult at the time when each primary is lost.

The Young Partridge at Various Ages.

At an age of 13 days the young bird is first
able to fly ; the wings are furnished with seven primaries
and eight secondaries, all growing. The third primary

DR. BUREAU ON THE PARTRIDGE. 213

is still within its sheath and the first and second have
not appeared at all.

At the 24:th day (23-25) the tenth primary falls and
a new feather at once begins to grow, so that immediately
afterwards the bird wears a mixture of three plumages.
(1) the head and neck are downy ; (2) the body-feathers
and the wing-feathers except the tenth, and the tail (35mm.
long), belong to the juvenile plumage; (3) the new tenth
.primary of the first winter-plumage. The first and second
have not yet sprouted. Beak, brown ; feet and nails,
pale yellow. It can fly 100-150 metres, and weighs
about ninety grams.

On the 21th day the ninth primary is dropped and the
tenth has grown 15mm. The first and second have
begun to grow, the tail m^easures 40mm., and some
feathers have appeared on the crown.

On the 3^rd day the eighth primary is lost, the ninth
having reached a length of 29mm., and the first and
second 23 and 31mm. respectively. Tail 45mm. long,
and the body completely clothed in the juvenile plumage.

On the 39th day the seventh primary falls, and the
eighth has grown 34mm, while the first and second
have reached respective lengths of 32 or 33 and 46 to
55mm.

On the 4:7th day the sixth primary is dropped, when
the seventh is 39mm. long. In the most forward birds the
grey feathers with red crossbars of the first winter-plumage
are beginning to show on the flanks and the speckled
feathers are also appearing on the sides of the breast,
and as far as half way up the neck, forming two bands,
which approach one another in the middle line. A few-
first winter -plumage feathers are also beginning to show
in the middle of the back. Length from tip of beak
to end of median tail-feathers (growing rectrices of the
first winter plumage) 225mm. Expanse from tip to tip of
third primaries (the longest) 447mm. Weight 228 grams.

On the 55th day the fifth primary is lost, and the sixth
has grown 44mm. ; the first and second have lost their
basal sheaths, and measure 83 and 94mm. respectively.
The second and third most external of the median coverts
are generally sufficiently developed for their sexual

214 BRITISH BIRDS.

characters to be seen. The horse-shoe has not yet
begun to appear. Feet, dingy yellow; soles, lemon-
yellow.

About the ()2nd day the fifth primary being 35mm.
long the first attains its full growth of 93 to 95mm.
The tail is about 70mm. long. The bands of new grey
feathers on the sides of the neck meet in the middle
line on the throat and the sexual characters when well
developed are visible in the feathers of the back.

On the 61th day the fourth primary is dropped, the
fifth being 58mm. long and the first and second full
grown. The sexual characters of the median wing-
coverts are plainly to be seen, the remainder of the
plumage has greatly progressed, and the horse-shoe
has begun to appear. The central tail-feathers are full
grown — 75mm. long.

071 the 8Qth day the third primary falls, the fourth
being 76mm. long. The bird is completely clothed in
its first winter -plumage, except for the head, the dorsum,
sides and lower part of the middle line of the neck, and
the external borders of the flanks. The yellowish-red
feathers have begun to appear on the forehead, throat,
cheeks and eyebrows of the males, and the horse-shoe
is apparent. The tail is full grown with the exception
of the two external feathers.

At about the ^2nd day the red on the forehead is fully
developed. Two bands of old feathers extend from the
cheeks to the shoulders. The red wattle begins to appear
on the lower eyelid.

At the lOOth day the body-moult is complete except
that a few old feathers can still be found behind the eyes,
over the fork of the clavicle, and on the sides of the
lower half of the neck. The red wattles have begun
to appear. The feet are yellowish-brown and the
bill blueish-brown.

At the 116th day the third primary measures 110mm.
and is fully grown ; the only trace of the juvenile plumage
consists of a small tuft of feathers on the side of the
neck at the apex of the bare space, and these are gradually
lost, the growth and full moult of the juvenile plumage
being thus accomplished in about four months.

DR. BUREAU ON THE PARTRIDGE. 215

The Moult of the Secondaries.

This is accomplished with similar regularity, but is
not synchronous with that of the primaries. It takes
place in two groups — an internal and external — simul-
taneously. The internal group consists of the third
to the fifteenth, and the external of the first and second.
The former is moulted from without inwards and the
latter from within outwards. The third (first of internal
group) is shed while the seventh primary is growing,
or at the time of the fall of the sixth (say on the 45th-
50th day). The second is dropped about the same time
as the fourth primary, and the first a little before the
fall of the third primary.

The Moult of the Tail.

The tail of the juvenile plumage is full grown (49-5 1mm.)
at an age of thirty -nine days, and when widely spread,
shows a slight median indentation with a still slighter
lateral indentation on each side, thus forming a scalloped
outline, which is further accentuated by the two upper
tail-coverts covering the two middle rectrices, which
by their great length and shape simulate tail-feathers
Though the moult takes place with great regularity from
within outwards, it does not coincide with the fall and
growth of the primaries.

The tail has hardly become full-grown before the six
feathers on either side of the middle line are rapidly
dropped in pairs, the eighth, seventh and sixth falling
almost simultaneously. Nothing is left on either side,
except the two most external feathers, which project
markedly and give the bird a characteristic " swallow-
tailed " appearance which lasts until a little after the
loss of the sixth primary (say from the 4:0th to the 50th
day).

On the 4:1th day the six or seven new tail-feathers
that are growing on either side of the middle line
measure about 25mm. By the time the fifth primary has
dropped {55th day) the most external tail-feather has
usually been shed also, while the rest of the tail has
gone on growing and has a characteristic arched shape.
By the 01th day the middle feathers are full-grow^n

216 BRITISH BIRDS.

(75mm.) The tail is ample and much rounded, and
the two lateral rectrices shorter than the rest, can be
seen, even in flight. These are sometimes still not quite
fully grown on the 8Qth day, when the third primary
is lost.

Differences between the First and Second Moults.
hi the first moult : —

1. The primaries are moulted from within outwards,

from the tenth to the third.

2. The first two primaries are not moulted.

3. The secondaries moult in two groups simultaneously

a. The external (1 and 2) from within outwards.
h. The internal (3-15) from without inwards.

4. All the contour feathers and the tail are moulted.
The bird therefore breeds in its first spring in a

compound plumage.
The second moult begins as soon as the chicks are
hatched, and in it

1. The primaries are moulted from within outwards,
from the tenth to the first.

2. The secondaries are moulted in three groups
simultaneously.

a. The external (1 and 2) from within outwards.

h. The middle (3-11). l' •., ^ .

c. The internal (12-15)1 ^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^ mwards.
Dr. Bureau points out that the time lost in the replace-
ment of ten primaries at the second moult in contrast
to eight at the first, is compensated for by the shortening
of the moult of the secondaries, which moult in three
places at once instead of tAvo.

Determination of Sex.
In connexion with the determination of sex by the
plumage in adult birds. Dr. Bureau has a good deal to
say, and it is clear that this part of his subject is
greatly complicated by the amount of individual varia-
tion that is found in both sexes. After enumerating
a number of characters by which typical males and
females can be separated, none of which are, however,
invariably found in all specimens, he points out that
there are only three that are so constant as to be relied
upon with any certainty. Of these, the best of all is

DR. BUREAU ON THE PARTRIDGE. 217

the yellow transverse bars, first pointed out by Mr.
Ogilvie-Grant as being characteristic of the median wing-
coverts of females, but even these Dr. Bureau states are
sometimes present (at any rate in birds from Loire
Inferieure) in males after both their first and second
moults, but in these cases other indications of the male
sex are usually present.

A second good distinction, although not so invariably
present as the first, consists of the yellow, drop-shaped
spots at the ends of the feathers of the back in females.
Their distribution is, however, variable, they may cover
either the whole back or its upper part only, and may
be absent. The third distinguishing character is the
well-known horse-shoe, but unless its variability is well
understood it is a very fallacious character, and should
in most cases only be used in conjunction with others.
The horse-shoe of the male seems to be almost constantly
a well-developed one, but that of the female exhibits
every variation between complete absence (when the
birds are often said to have a "white horse-shoe")
through more or less imperfect horse-shoes composed of
many or few oval chestnut spots, up to a complete horse-
shoe almost or quite as well developed as in the male.
Mr. Ogilvie-Grant states that in females after the first moult
a well-developed horse-shoe appears to be characteristic
of certain districts in England, and a feebly developed
one characteristic of others, while the former lose the
greater portion of it at their second moult. In Brittany,
on the other hand, Dr. Bureau finds that the variation
in development of the horse-shoe is entirely individual,
and bears no relation to age. Occasionally specimens
are met with in which the sex is not determinable with
certainty without an examination of the internal organs.

In the foregoing we have summarized Dr. Bureau's
methods of working and the results that he has
achieved, in the part of his book that deals with moult
and the use to which it can be put in the determination
of a bird's age and sex, but space forbids us to reproduce
any of the numerous examples, plates, and diagrams that
he makes use of to illustrate each step of the work. It
must suffice to say that these appear amply to bear out

218 BRITISH BIRDS.

all that he says, and prove that he has accomplished
an extremely valuable piece of investigation in a most
painstaking manner. It is this portion (the first ten
or eleven sections) that contains most of the new
work in the book, and it is only possible here to
mention the headings of the remaining sections, which
however, contain much valuable information, particu-
larly from the point of view of the sportsman. The
subjects dealt with comprise : The structure of the
wing of the Partridge as an introduction to the study
of the moult ; reproduction, pairing, nesting, eggs,
incubation, hatching ; different ways of telling old from
young birds ; geographical races and individual variation ;
weights ; methods of judging the age of birds on the wing.
In conclusion the author states that a similar piece
of work on the Red-legged Partridge is in an advanced
state, but that he had not yet been able to get enough
material for a sufficient number of " controls "' and tests.
We can only hope that the present season has afforded
him the requisite opportunities for obtaining them,
and we shall look forward with pleasure to the perusal
of Vol. II. of L'Age cJes Perdrix. X.F.T.

219

THE NORTH AMERICAN PEREGRINE {Falco
peregrimts anatum).

A New British Bird.

In Lincolnshire.

On September 28th, 1910, a large falcon Avas netted by
one of the men engaged in catching plovers at Humber-
stone on the Lincolnshire coast. It resembled a very
large and dark-coloured Peregrine, and measured twenty
inches in length, the wing being fourteen inches. I sent
the skin to Dr. E. Hartert, who pronounced it to be an
example of the American form of the Peregrine (Falco
peregrinns anatiim), which does not appear to have been
previously recorded from any part of Europe.

This form is given in the A.O.TJ. Checklist as
breeding locally (except in the north-west coast region
where Peale's Peregrine, Falco p. pealei, is found) from
Norton Sound, Alaska, northern Mackenzie, Boothia
Peninsula, and western - central Greenland south to
central Lower California, Arizona, south-western Texas,
Kansas, Missouri, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Con-
necticut ; winters from southern British Columbia,
Colorado, and New Jersey to the West Indies and Panama,,
and occurs in southern South America.

How this individual reached the English coast it is
impossible to say, but being a bird of great powers of
flight, its visit is perhaps no more wonderful than
that of the many waders which reach us from the same
continent. G. H. Caton Haigh.

In Leicestershire.

At the meeting of the British Ornithologists' Club,
held on June 14th, 1911, Mr. E. Bidwell exhibited a very
dark Peregrine which had been shot by Mr. W. Whitaker
at Newbold Verdon, near Market Bosworth, Leicestershire,,
on October 31st, 1891. This bird had been examined by

THE NORTH AMERICAN PEREGRINE {FalcO pcregvhlUS

anatum) shot at newbold verdon, by mr. w.

WHITAKER, ON OCTOBER 31ST, 1891.

THE NORTH AMERICAN PEREGRINE. 221

Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, and pronounced by him to be
an example of the North American race (Bull. B.O.C.,

xxvn., p. 103).

By the kindness of Mr. Bid well we are able to give
a reproduction from a photograph of this specimen.

Concerning both birds, Dr. Ernst Hartert writes to
us as follows : —

" I have examined both specimens and consider both
to be young Falco peregrinus anatum. They are too
dark for F . p. peregrinus, and were recognized as some-
thing unusual by every observer. F . p. pealei (as the
Americans call the north-western coast race) is a very
closely allied form, the young of which are probably not
distinguishable from those of F. p. anatum, but as it
inhabits the Commander and Aleutian Islands and Pacific
coast of North America south to Oregon, it is not as
likely to stray over to Europe as F. p. atiatum."

OTES

RECOVERY OF MARKED BIRDS.

Song-Thrush {Turdus musicus). — B.B., No. 13349, marked
by Mr. T. F. Greenwood at Hebden Bridoje, Yorkshire,
on May 13th, 1911, as a nesthng. Recovered at
La Clarte, Perros-Guirec, C6tes-du-Nord, France, on
December 8th, 1911. Reported by Mons. J. Le Maon.

Blackbird {Turdus merula). — B.B., No. 7182, marked by
Mr. R. 0. Blyth at Skehnorlie, A}n:shire, on July 31st,

1910, as an immature bird. Recovered at the same
place about November 25th, 1911. Reported by Mr. E.
Lo^ue, per Mr. R. O. Blyth.

Redbreast {Erithacus rubecula). — B.B., No. D319, marked
by Mr. A. G. Leigh at Hampton-in-Arden, Warwickshire,
on September 22nd, 1911, as a young bird. Caught at
the sime place on December 3rd, 1911, re-marked with
ring No. H49 and released.

B.B., No. C372, marked by Mr. W. E. Suggitt at Clee-
thorpes, Lincolnshire, on August 8th; 1911. Recovered
at Great Grimsby, Lincolnshire, on December 11th, 1911.
Reported by Mr. S. Clarke.

Great Tit {Parus major). — B.B , No. B721, marked by the
North London Natural History Society on May 26th,

1911, at Woodford Green, Essex, as a nestling. Recovered
at Higham's Park, Chingford, Essex, on November 30th,
1911. Reported by Mr. C. F. Miller.

Chaffinch {Fringilla coelehs). — B.B., No. 4567, marked by
Mr. J. Bartholomew at Torrance, near Glasgow, Stirling-
shire, on December 12th, 1909. Caught at the same place
on December 8th, 1911, ring replaced and bird released.
B.B., No. A314, marked by Mr. J. Hutton (gamekeeper
to Mr. J. Bartholomew) as above, on June 23rd, 1910,
as an adult bird. Caught at the same place on December
11th, 1911, ring replaced and bird released.

Starling {Sturnus vulgaris). — B.B. No. 14953, marked by
Mr. N. H. Joy at Bradfield, Berkshire, on June 19th,
1911, as a young bird. Caught at same place on
November 26th, 1911, ring replaced and bird released.
B.B., No. 11109, marked by Mr. W. E. Suggitt at Clee-
thorpes, Lincolnshire, on October 11th, 1910. Recovered

NOTES. 223

on the River Humber, near Grimsby, Lincolnshire, on
December 9th, 1911. Reported by 'Mr. S. Bellamy.

Woodcock {Scolopax rusticula). — B.B., No. 12625. marked by
Mr. C. Boiston, per Mr. M. Portal, at Dilston, Northumber-
land^ on May 21st, 1911, as a nestling. Recovered at
Hexham, Northumberland, on November 25th. 1911.
Reported by Mr. J. C. Straker, per the Editor of the
Field.

B.B., No. 12604, marked by Mr. T. Pattison, per Mr. M.
Portal, near Carlisle, Cumberland, on May 10th, 1911,
as a nestling. Recovered in the valley of the Esk, near
Langholm, Dumfriesshire, on December 9th, 1911.
Reported by Lord Henry Scott.

Redshank {Totanus calidris). — B.B., No. 11571, marked by
Miss A. C. Jackson at Cromarty Firth, east Ross-shire,
on July 5th, 1911, as a nestling. Recovered at Clew
Bay, near Westport, co. Mayo, on November 26th, 1911.
Reported by Mr. P. J. Doris, the Times, and many other
papers.

Black-headed Gull {Lams ridihundus). — B.B., No. 8769,
marked by Mr. H. L. Popham at Scawby, Lincolnshire
on May 29th, 1910, as a nestling. Recovered at Denbigh'
North Wales, on December 2nd, 1911. Reported by
Mr. E. Williams.

B.B., No. 31121, marked by Messrs. Robinson and
Smalley at Ravenglass, Cumberland, on June 27th, 1910,
as a nestling. Recovered at Marfleet, Hull, Yorkshire,
on December 9th, 191 1 . Reported by Mr. M. W. Compton.
B.B., No. 23804, marked by Mr. H. W. Robinson, at
Ravenglass, Cumberland, on June 12th, 1911, as a nest-
ling. Recovered near Tynemouth, Northumberland, on
December 2nd, 1911. Reported by Mr. W. Wilson.

THE RANGE OF THE BRITISH SONG-THRUSH.

In the first number of the Club van Nederlandsche VogeU
kundigen Jaarbericht. Baron Snouckaert van Schauburg states
(pp. 10, 11) that he has come to the conclusion, by careful
comparison of specimens, that the Dutch-breeding Song-
Thrush is the same as the British form separated by Dr.
Hartert as Turdus philome us da kei. Baron Snouckaert also
finds that the typical Song-Thrush {T . p. philomelus) occurs
in Holland as a migrant. Interesting confirmation of these
conclusions is afforded by Mr. P. A. Hens, who, in the same
journal (p. 35), states that it is T. p. clarkei which breeds near

224 BRITISH BIRDS.

Roermond on the eastern border of Holland; though there
it is rare, whereas in western and central Holland it is common.
We may hope that fm'ther information as to the range of this
bird on the Continent will be forthcoming, for it cannot be
confined to Holland ! H.F.W.

BLACK REDSTART IN CARNARVONSHIRE.

On November 23rd, 1911, I saw a Black Redstart [RuticiUa
titys) on the Great Orme's Head. The bird was a female and
very shy, resenting too close an approach, for so soon as it
saw that I was paying particular attention to it, it flew away
and I was not able to catch a second glimpse of it.

In Vol. IV., p. 308, of this Magazine, I recorded the first
occurrence of this bird in Carnarvonshire, and I feel that the
visitation of a second individual, particularly when, as at
present, the number of records sieem to prove that the
species irregularly appears on the western seaboard, is worth
recording, R. W. Jones.

A POSSIBLE OCCURRENCE OF THE SPROSSER
IN NORFOLK.

In view of the rejection by Dr. Hartert and others of the
Sprosser obtained at Smeeth, Kent, on October 22nd, 1904,
and exhibited bv Mr. M. J. Nicoll at a meeting of the British
Ornithologists' Club {Bull. B.O.C., XV., p. 20; Saunders,
B.B., I., p. 8), I have thought it might be of interest to put on
record a specimen in m^- possession.

In December, 1908, Mr. L. Cullingford of Durham, gave
me a supposed Savi's Warbler which he had found in an old
case that he was breaking up. He told ms that there was
a label on the back of the case, giving the following data :
" Savi's Warbler, Norwich, June 5th, 1845," together with
some other writing that had become illegible. L^nfortunately
he had destroyed the label, after making a copy of it, together
with the case, so that I did not see it.

The specimen was in a ver}^ dilapidated condition, and its
appearance was quite in accordance with its supposed age,
but Mr. Cullingford succeeded in making a passable skin of it.
As I had then no acquaintance with Savi's Warbler, I accepted
Mr. Cullingford 's identification, and the skin lay in i cabinet
drawer until August, 1910, when Mr. ^I. J. Nicoll recognized
it as a Sprosser {Daulias pliilomela). On his visit to England
last summer, Mr. Nicoll brought Egjq^tian examples of both
Savi's Warbler and the Sprosser, and after careful comparison
I am quite satisfied that my bird belongs to the latter species.

NOTES. 225

Of course, the history of the specimen is incomplete, but
to me, at least, it bears an air of probability, and the likelihood
of its being an escape at that date is much less than in the
case of an example obtained within recent years.

I see no reason why this species should not occasionally
visit our country, though the validity of any modern record
must be tainted by reason of the possibility of the bird having
escaped from confinement. L. A. Curtis Edwards.

A COLONY OF HOUSE-MARTINS BUILDING
ONE NEST.

With reference to the notes which have recently appeared
{supra, pp. 136, 190) in regard to a number of House-Martins
{Chelidon urhica) feeding the young in one nest, I certainly
think that these birds which assisted would not necessarily
be the young of a previous brood from that nest. It seems
a custom of House-Martins when they begin nest-building,
to build the nests as quickly as possible, and I have seen a
whole colony of fourteen birds set to work on one nest, and
then when this was finished, to help with the others. I have
noticed this on several occasions, and I think if naturalists
take the trouble to watch the birds carefully when they are
nest-building, this will be found to be the usual custom. I
see no reason why birds which help one another in this way in
constructing the nests, should not help in the same way in
feeding the young. During the last four years I have had
little opportunity of observing the birds, for the fairly large
and increasing colony which was establishing itself on my
home failed to return four years ago. It would, however,
be interesting to have the notes of other well-favoured
observers next spring. Oliver G. Pike.

MIGRATION OF SLENDER-BILLED NUTCRACKERS.

In Sussex.
In connexion with the migration of these birds already
reported {supra, pj). 191-2), I have to record a female shot
at Brede, Sussex, on December 2nd. 1911. Upon opening
the gizzard I found no trace of insect food, the contents
consisting entirely of wheat. It was an example of the
slender-billed fonn N . c . macrorhynchus . -

H. W. Ford-Lindsay.

In France.
A GOOD many Nutcrackers, but of which form is not stated,
are reported in the Revue Francaise (VOrnithologie for
December, 1911 (pp. 207-8). Most of them are from northern

226 BRITISH BIRDS.

Prance, but others are from central and southern Depart-
ments, as follows : October 2nd, one, and within a fortnight
three others, in Cote d'Or ; early October, one in Aube (the
measurement of the bill of this specimen is given as 48.5 mm.,
which points to its being an example of A^. c. macrorhynchus) ;
October 15th- 17th, two in Seine-et-Oise, and one in Seine
Inferieure ; October 31st, one obtained and others heard
of in Gard ; November 9th, one in Calvados. — H.F.W.

QUAIL IN NORFOLK IN WINTER.

As I have always understood that Quail migrated south in
September, or at the latest early October, I am writing to
inform you that I have a male Quail {Coturnix communis)
in my possession that was taken at Methwold in Norfolk on
December 12th, 1911, and I found no trace of its bein^ wounded
while I was skinning it. H. Edwards.

[No doubt most of the Quail leave in October, but in mild
winters they have been recorded fairly frequently, especially
in western England, and they were practically resident in
Ireland fifty or more years ago, but since they became scarcer
in the British Isles there have been comparatively few records
of winter occurrences. — Eds.]

LITTLE BUSTARD IN SUSSEX.

A FINE female Little Bustard (Otis tetrax) was shot at
Beckley, Sussex, on October 21st, 1911, and is now in my
possession. J. B. Nichols.

SPRING DISPLAY OF THE STONE-CURLEW.

The Stone-Curlew ( CEdicnemus scolopax) is generally plentiful
in the north-east of Hampshire, but in 1911 they were in
unusual numbers, and towards the end of April, on a piece
of open fallow-land, where one or two pairs are always to be
found in the summer, I had an opiDortunity of watching the
display of a small flock during their mating period.

The cock-birds at intervals showed off in most curious
attitudes before the hens, and directly one began his display
he was followed closely by a clamouring group of admiring
and excited females. He would run before them with
extended neck and lowered head, which he frequently turned
and twisted about in a grotesque manner; the feathers of the
body were puffed out, the wings open and drooped, and the
tail spread, sometimes upwards and sometimes downwards.
After a w^hile a bird so displaying would a'ways be brought
near some other male, standing disconsolate and jealously

xNOTES. 227

watching, and at him he would instantly rush. A furious
fight would ensue, ending by his chasing the bird off the field.
When chasing each other, they frequently hid among the
scmty herbage, and it was amusing to watch the pursuer
stretching himself to peer about in all directions, seeking his
rival, and if he discovered him he would pitch into him, or
if unable to see him would himself lie low until the other
appeared from his concealment and made off as quickly as
possible, to be soon discovered and chased beyond the arena.
I watched two chasing each other for more than a quarter
of a mile — always runningf, never flying. The victor then
would hurry back to the hens, to find his place taken by
another cock engaged in similar display, and he would, in
his turn, perhaps be chased away. It was remarkable that
they never took to flight, but always ran And so these antics
continued all the evening, until it was too dark to discern
the birds, but their clamouring continued for some time
longer. Philip W. Munn.

CURLEW WITH A MALFORMED BILL.

The Curlew {Numenius arquatus),si sketch of the head of which
is annexed, was shot in Norfolk during October, 1911. The
upper mandible in this specimen was very little more than half

as long as the lower, but terminated in an apparently naturally
curved point.

The bird was in very good condition, but it is a little difficult
to understand how it obtained plenty of food.

Clifford Borrer.

ICELAND GULLS IN SCOTLAND.

Lest the mention of an Iceland Gull {Larus leucopterus)
as having occurred in the Flannan Isles (p. 202) in winter
should lead your readers to think that the species is a rare
one in the north of Scotland, perhaps it would be wise to

228 BRITISH BIRDS.

say that this is hardly the case. It occurs in Orkney every
winter, sometimes in considerable numbers, but usually
in the first or second plumages. H. W. Robinson.

[As mentioned in Vol. II., p. 329, winter occurrences of this
species are too frequent to require special note, and its in-
clusion in the list above referred to was unnecessary. — Eds.]

MANX SHEARWATERS IN CUMBERLAND.

With reference to Miss Garnett's note under this heading
in the last number (p. 197), I think that a fair number of
Manx Shearwaters are washed up on the Cumberland shore.
Mr. Smalley picked up the remains of one in my company
on Juty 14th, 1911, near Seascale, and upon the few occasions
I have traversed the small section of shore between Seascale
and Ravenglass during the last few years, I have found
four others, one of which when picked up was still alive.

There seems to be a regular migration do^^Ti the Irish Sea
during August, as pointed out by Mr. H. B. Booth in the
Zoologist (1908, p. 429), and mentioned in your pages (Vol..
III., p. 218). It is also stated by two other correspondents
that they observed small migrating parties in July and early
August respectively, but that seen by Mr. Booth at the end
of August Avas a very large movement. H. W. Robinson.
^ [There is no doubt a very considerable southward movement
down both coasts of Great Britain in August and September,
but the observations recorded are too discontinuous to enable
any definite conclusions to be drawn from them. It should
be noted also that the bird is comparatively quite rare in
British waters in winter. — Eds.]

FULMARS IN ORKNEY.

Concerning the note on Fulmars {Fulmarus glaciaUs) in
Orkney and Shetland (supra, pp. 198-9), it may be interesting
to note that even previous to 1891, when the}^ were discovered
nesting on Hoy Head, Fulmars used to pass the southern
end of Orkney on migration northwards in considerable
numbers from mid-February until early March, and this
northward movement is still to be observed apart from the
birds which stay to nest. As early as February 25th in
1905, numbers had already arrived on Hoy Head, and on
March 5th in 1904 I saw scores of them on the Black Craig
on the mainland near Stromness, and it is quite possible that
some nest there also. H. W. Robinson.

NOTES. 229

Introduction of Nuthatches and M.4rsh-Tits into
Ireland. — Mr. R. M. Barrington announces [Irish Nat.,
1911, p. 220) that he is informed that two or three dozen
Marsh-Tits and a pair of Nuthatches have within the past
two years been liberated in co. Tipperary. We have recently
remarked on the " iniquity " of introductions of this kind,
and we need not repeat our views upon the matter, except
to say that we are more than ever convinced that such pro-
ceedings are contrary to the best interests of science. Mr.
Barrington rightly says that it will now be impossible to
decide with certainty the origin of any example of either
of these species which may be found in Ireland. On page
28 of this volume we drew attention to a record by Mr. W. J.
Wilhams, that he had seen a Nuthatch at Malahide in March
last, but this must now be considered as due to importation.

Little Owls Breeding in Lincolnshire. — Mr. G. Bolam
records {ZooL, 1911, p. 432) that the Little Owl {Athene
noctua) has become " almost numerous " during ths last
two years in Lady Winchilsea's park at Haverholm, and breeds
there. The first breeding record for Lincolnshire was, we
believe, that by Capt. Stracey Clitherow [supra, p. 51), and
it would seem that the bird has only just recently spread into
Lincolnshire.

Night-Heron in Yorkshire. — Mr. T. Stephenson records
{Nat., 1911, p. 425) that an immature female Nycticorax
griseus was shot on Ruswarp Carrs near Whitby on October
26th, 1911.

Barnacle-Goose in the South of Ireland. — Mr. A. R.
Nichols records {Irish Nat., 1911, p. 220) that an example
of Bernicla leucopsis was obtained early in October, 1911,
near Kilmore on the south coast of Wexford. The Barnacle
is chiefly known on the north and west coasts of Ireland and
in Louth, and does not appear to have been recorded from
the south coast previously.

Long-tailed Duck in South Wales. — A pair of Harelda
glacialis of which the female was shot, are reported by Mr. M. A.
Wright {Field, 9.XII.1911, p. 1289) from Margam Marshes,
Glamorgan, early in December, 1911. The bird is very
uncommon on the coast of Wales and in south-west England.

Flocking of the Red-breasted Merganser in
Autumn. — We have previously drawn attention to Major
H. Trevelyan's notes on this subject (c/.. Vol. III., p. 167,
Vol. IV., p. 193). The same observer now writes to the
Field (21.X.1911, p. 923) that on August 15th, 1911, on the

230 BRITISH BIRDS.

same lake in co. Fermanagh, he saw two flocks of young birds,
one of about twenty and the other of forty individuals, each
attended by a single old bird. The flocks seemed to increase
in size until, at the end of September and the first few days
of October, " packs " of from twenty-five to three hundred
birds were seen, and it was ascertained that in the case of
two of the smaller flocks at all events, there was only one
old bird in each. By October 11th the majority could fly
well and had left the lake.

Guillemot, Little Auk and Puffin Inland. — Mr. 0. G.
Pike writes us that on November 22nd, 1911, a living Guille-
mot {Uria troile) was picked up in a lane in Winchmore Hill,
Middlesex. It was in an exhausted condition, and died soon
after capture. Mr. F. Boyes records in the Field (2. XII. 1911,
p. 1234) that a Little Auk [Mergulus alle) was picked up on
November 24th, 1911, twenty miles from the sea on the wolds
near Beverley (Yorks). Colonel J. H. Austen also records
{I.e.) that his dog caught a Puffin {Fratercida arctica) in the
New Forest (Hants.) on November 24th, 1911.

Black-necked Grebe in Worcestershire. — A wounded
Podicipes nigricoUis, a female, was caught on October 9th,
1911, in the canal at Stoke near Droitwich, and is recorded
by Mr. T. Ground {ZooL, 1911, p. 434), who remarks that its
stomach contained a number of its own breast-feathers.
a few small pebbles, two or three univalve shells, a quantity
of remains of beetles, and a red ant.

Waders in East Renfrew. — Mr. J. Robertson contributes
some very interesting notes to the Glasgow Naturalist (Vol.
IV., pp. 7-10) on Waders observed in the autumn of 1911
at Balgray Dam, an inland water in East Renfrew. A shortage
of water caused much of the bottom of the Dam to be exjDosed,
and thus an attractive feeding-ground for passing Waders was
formed, and an excej^tional number appeared to have visited it.
Mr. Robertson thinks that these biids were crossing from
the Forih to the Clyde. Among the birds seen, the following
are worthy of special notice: —

Curlew-Sandpiper [T. suharquata). — A good many seen
between August 26th and September 30th, the greatest number
being a flock of twenty.

Knot {T. canutus). — Flocks of twenty-four and ten seen
between August 17th and SejDtember 24th.

Ruff {M. pugnax). — Several between August 17th and
October 8th.

NOTES. 231

Green Sandpiper [T . ochropus). — One or two on August
6th and two on August 13th. On p. 31 one is recorded
from near Strathhaven (Lanark) about August 16th, 1911.
The G-reen Sandpiper has only been recorded previously seven
times in the Clyde area, and has hitherto been considered
r,are in western Scotland, though this may be for want of the
careful observation now afforded by Glasgow ornithologists »
It must, however, be remembered that the occurrences at
Balgray Dam were probably exceptional, owing to the unusual
lack of water.

Bar-tailed G-odwit {L. lapponica). — One on September
27th.

Black-tailed Godwit {L. be^gica). — Four from September
3rd to 10th, and two up to the 17th. On p. 20 two are
reported by Mr. GaJloway on September 17th from Troon
north shore, in AjTshire, and these are thought hy the editors
to have been two of the birds from Balgray Dam.

Great Snipe {G. major). — One was shot near High Dam,
Eaglesham, on August 23rd, 1911 (p. 18). Although annual
in England, the Great Snipe is only larely recorded from
Scotland.

LETTERS

DUNLIN OR DUNLING.
To the Editors of British Birds.

Sirs, — I have lately had occasion to refer once more in the Field to
the correct way of spelling the name of this bird, and I should like to
have the opportunity of discussing the matter in your pages.

The form " dunlin " is doubtless that which is to be fovind in most
works on British birds ; but the question is, looking to the etymology
of the name, and the oldest form of it, whether this is correct. I venture
to think not, and for the following reasons : —

The meaning of the name ' ' dunling ' ' is the little dun thing, a diminu-
tive akin to grayling, titling, sanderling, duckling, and gosling, and this
is the spelling to be found in the oldest mention of the name, which
occurs in the Durham Household Book, containing the accounts of the
Bursar of the Monastery of Durham, a.d. 1530-4. The price then
paid for these little birds, known elsewhere as stint, purre, sand-lark,
and ox-bird, was at the rate of 4d. a dozen.

In an article on " English Bird Names," published in the Field of
January 12th, 1884, I took occasion to refer to what I conceive to be
the proper spelling of the name dunling, and in the second edition of
my Handbook of British Birds (1901) I explained more fully the reason
for the change. This led to a correspondence with the late Professor
Newton, who, with the concurrence of Professor Skeat, wrote me that
he was convinced of the correctness of my view, and that he should
adopt the spelling " dunling " when next he had occasion to mention
the species in print. This he accordingly did in his Ootheca Wolleyana,
Part 3, pp. 225-6, a fact which seems to have been generally overlooked.
This, I venture to think, should settle the question, for no one will
dispute the critical acumen invariably displayed by the late dis-
tinguished professor of zoology in all matters ornithological. Those
who may feel any hesitation in adopting the more correct spelling will,
in order to be consistent, have to consider the logical necessity for
dropping the " g " in such names as titling, brambling, grayling, sander-
ling, duckling, and gosling, thereby providing in each case a veritable
cockney termination. J. E. Harting.

[Although the proper scientific names to be used for a bird can be
decided by following definite rules, the English name cannot, and must,
we think, be chosen (if there is a choice) on the authority of the majority
of scientific writers. Although we do not wish to dispute the etymo-
logical correctness of Mr. Harting's " Dunling," there can be no doubt
that " Dmilin " is the form which has been used in the large majority
of standard works, and we do not think this name should be changed.
Professor Newton adopted the form " Cuckow " for the Cuckoo, but
this has not found general acceptance, and there are many obsolete
forms of spelling which might be revived if Mr. Harting's argiunent
were to find acceptance. If we may make a suggestion, we think
that Mr. Harting would be far better advised if he were to agitate for
priority in scientific names on scientific lines, rather than for priority
in the spelling of colloquial names for which no dates are fixed nor rules
in existence. — Eds.]

BRmsriDiPDS

EDITED BY H. F. WITHERBY, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

assisted by

Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain, m.a., m.b.o.u., and Norman F.

ticehurst, m.a., f.r.c.s.^ m.b.o.u.

Contents of Number 9, Vol. V. February 1, 1912.

Breeding and "Eclipse" Plumages of the Common Partridge.

By W. R. Ogilvie-Grant 234

Three New British Birds. By J. B. Nichols and The Editors 238
Notes : —

Uncommon Birds on the South-east Coast of Northumber-
land (J. M. Charlton) 242

Recovery from Injury in Birds (M. Winzar Compton) . . 243

Blackcap Wintering in Somerset (T. A. Coward) . . . . 243

Pied Flycatcher in Anglesey (H. E. Forrest) . . . . 244

Migration of Slender-billed Nutcrackers (Rev. F. C. R.

Jourdain) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244

Spread of the Little Owl (Heatley Noble and H. E. Forrest) 245

Montagu's Harrier in Berkshire (Heatley Noble) . . . . 245

Barnacle-Geese on the South Coast of Ireland (R. J. Ussher) 246

Barnacle-Goose in Anglesey (H. E. Forrest) . . . . . . 247

Gadwall in Perthshire (Heatley Noble) 247

Ferruginous Ducks in Sussex (H. W. Ford-Lindsay) . . 247

Long- tailed Duck in Anglesey (H. E. Forrest) . . . . 247

Flocking of the Red-breasted Merganser in Autumn (Major

Herbert Trevelyan) . . . . . . . . . . • • 247

Goosanders in Carnarvon (C. H. Wells) . . . . . . 248

Sanderling and Goosander in Bedfordshire (The Duchess of

Bedford) 248

A Distinction between Yoimg and Old Red-legged Partridges

(Heatley Noble) 248

Green Sandpiper in Sutherlandshire (H. G. Alexander) . . 249

Black- tailed Godwit in North Lancashire (H. W. Robinson) 249
Blue Eggs of Terns and Gulls (Eric B. Dunlop and Hugh S.

Gladstone) 250

Pomatorhine Skua in North Lancashire (H. W. Robinson) . . 252

Little Auk in Shropshire (H. E. Forrest) 252

Madeiran Fork-tailed Petrel in Hampshire (Philip W. Munn). . 252

Little Dusky Shearwater in Sussex (H. W. Ford-Lindsay) . . 253
Shearwaters in the Bay of Biscay and the English Channel

(H. G. Alexander) 253

Short Notes : — Raie Birds in Ireland. Black-bellied Dipper in
Yorkshire. Richard's Pipit at Fair Isle. Woodchat
Shrike in Scotland. Swallow and Martin in Winter.
Birds Breeding in Winter. Serin Finch in Scotland.
Montagu's Ha rier in Roxburghshire. Baird's Sand-
piper at St. Kilda. Black Guillemot in Yorkshire . . 264
Reviews : — Addenda and Corrigenda to the Birds of Dumfriesshire 256
Bird- Marking in the Netherlands .. .. .. 257

Letter: — Dunlin or Dunling ? (J. E. Harting) .. .. .. 258

( 284 )

BREEDING AND " ECLIPSE '^ PLUMAGES OF THE

COMMON PARTRIDGE.

BY

W. R. OGILVIE-GRANT.

At a meeting of the British Ornithologists' Club, held
on December 13th, 1911, I exhibited a series of examples
of the Common Partridge (Perdix perdix), to illustrate
two remarkable seasonal changes of plumage which
occur in the male and female, and which had not hitherto
been recorded. Firstly, the male Partridge, during the
autumn moult, which lasts from July to the beginning
of September, assumes a partial eclipse-plumage on the
sides of the head and on the neck, a peculiarity first
pointed out to me by Mr. G. E. Lodge. This plumage
consists of light umber-brown feathers with very narrow,
buff shaft-stripes, finely bordered with black ; it replaces
for a period of some two months the normal feathers,
which are grey, finely waved with black (Figs. 1 and 2).

The head and neck being the last portions of the bird
to renew their feathers, it is a common occurrence to find
old males, in the early part of September, with the sides
of the head and neck still retaining the eclipse-plumage.
Such specimens are frequently mistaken by sportsmen
for very " forward " young birds. The remains of the
first plumage on the sides of the neck in birds of the year
are, however, very different from the eclipse-plumage
of adult males, the former being sandy-brown with much
wider and more distinct buff shaft-stripes. The feathers
of the immature plumage are, moreover, much longer
and more pointed than the eclipse-feathers of the adult.

While examining female Partridges to ascertain whether
they also assumed an eclipse-plumage, I made the remark-
able discovery that the hen bird attains a partial breeding
plumage on the sides of the head, as w^ell as on the neck
and upper-mantle, many of the normal feathers being
replaced in the month of May by sandy-brown feathers
irregularly mottled or barred with black, with a buff

236 BRITISH BIRDS.

shaft-stripe and usually also a buff subterminal spot.
In many specimens the breeding -plumage forms an
irregular necklet and produces a very mottled appearance
on the head and neck, which is doubtless highly protective
to the sitting female (Figs. 3 and 4).

These spotted feathers are retained till September,
and are often plainly visible in old females shot in the early
part of that month. That these very interesting plumages
have hitherto been overlooked, is no doubt due to the
fact that it is most difficult to obtain specimens killed
in the " close " season ; and I greatly hope that other
ornithologists will assist in looking further into this
matter, as it is still uncertain in what month of the year
the female begins to assume her partial breeding-plumage.

The pair of Partridges exhibited with their nest
at the Natural History Museum were taken in the
beginning of June, and the female shows the spotted
breeding-plumage fully developed on the sides of the
head and neck. Males shot at the end of May and in
June prove that at that season their plumage remains
unchanged, but has become much faded and worn. The
feathers of the upper-parts of the body are quite grey
from wear and exposure, all the rich brown tints of the
mantle, back, etc., having disappeared; the wings, too,
are much paler, and the conspicuous shaft-stripes of the
coverts are almost white. The chestnut on the head
and throat has also become pale dull rust-colour. At
that season (May to June) male examples from the British
Isles are greyer than the greyest examples from north
Russia killed in autumn and winter — an interesting
point which has not hitherto been recorded.

( 238 )
THREE NEW BRITISH BIRDS.

The Collared Flycatcher, Muscicapa coUaris Bechst.,

IN Sussex.
On May 12th, 1911, a male Collared Flycatcher
(31. collaris) was shot in Udimore Lane, near Winchelsea,
and another male at the same place next day. May 1 3th,
1911, both in good plumage. This Flycatcher was
included by Gould in the British list, but I believe these
are the first specimens with authentic data.

J. B. Nichols.

ADULT MALE COLLARED FLYCATCEER, SHOT NEAR WINCHELSEA,

SUSSEX, MAY 12th, 1911.

By the kindness of Mr. Nichols we are able to give a
photograph of one of the specimens to which he refers.
It should be remarked that Gould's record was most
unsatisfactory, being founded on his recollection of a speci-
men in a taxidermist's shop, and has never been accepted.

THREE NEW BRITISH BIRDS. 239

The adult male Collared Flycatcher is easily distin-
guished from the Pied Flycatcher by its conspicuous
white " collar," which completely encircles the base of
the neck. The white spot on the forehead varies in size,
but is larger than that in the Pied Flycatcher. The
Collared Flycatcher has also a greyish- white rump, and
the primaries have a conspicuous white patch showing
beyond the primary-coverts. The outer pair of tail-
feathers usually have white on the outer web, and only
very rarely is there white on the next pair. In young males
and females the distinctions are not so easy, but there
is usually a shght indication of the collar, and the white
spot on the primaries is distinctive, while the second
primary is slightly longer than the fifth, instead of
being slightly shorter or equal to the fifth, as in the Pied
Flycatcher.

The Collared Flycatcher breeds in Austrian Poland,
Austria, Hungary, southern Russia, south, and parts of
middle, Germany (but is very rare in north Germany),
south-east Europe generally (but in Greece is apparently
only a migrant), very local in France, Belgium, Holland,
and Italy, and possibly in some Mediterranean islands
and Spain. On passage it occurs in most parts of
Europe, Persia, Asia Minor, and Palestine, while it
winters in Egypt.

The Pine-Bunting, Emberiza leucocephala S. G. Gm.,
AT Fair Isle.

In the first number of the Scottish Naturalist, formerly
known as the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Mr. W.
Eagle Clarke announces the occurrence of a male Pine-
Bunting {E. leucocephala) at Fair Isle on October 30th,

1911. The bird was noted as a stranger amongst a rush of
migrants by Mr. Wilson the " Bird-watcher," and was
procured and forwarded to Mr. Clarke (Scot. Nat.,

1912, p. 8).

The male Pine-Bunting in winter-plumage is some-
what hke a Yellow Bunting with the yeUow replaced
by white, but the entire throat, cheeks, sides of the neck
and upper-breast are chestnut, though this colour is

240 BRITISH BIRDS.

much obscured by the grey fringes of the feathers, as
is a white spot at the base of the throat. The belly is
white as well as the flanks, the latter being streaked
with chestnut. The centre of the crown is greyish-white,
and the rest of the upper-parts are much hke those in
the Yellow Bunting, but are more chestnut, not so
yellowish. In summer the bird becomes markedly
different by the abrasion of the feathers. The throat,
lores, and a streak over and behind the eye becoming
rich chestnut, ear-coverts white, centre of the crown
white, and the rest of the top of the head black. A
broad patch of white at the base of the throat is con-
spicuous, and the chestnut on the upper-breast and flanks
as well as on the upper-parts is very much brighter,
owing to the wearing off of the grey tips of the feathers.

The female more nearly resembles that of the Yellow
Bunting, but the yellow on the under-parts (including
axillaries and under wing-coverts) and top of the head,
is replaced by greyish-white, and the upper-breast and
flanks are marked with chestnut.

The Pine-Bimting breeds from west Siberia (Ural)
to east Siberia, and migrates to China, Mongolia,
Turkestan, and casually to Europe (Italy, Dalmatia,
Russia, south France, Austria, Hehgoland).

The Thrush-Nightingale, Luscinia luscinia (L.) =
Daulias philomela auct.

In our last number Mr. L. A. C. Edwards gave us a
record of a Thrush-Nightingale or Sprosser (supra^
p. 224), which must, we think, be considered as a very
doubtful one, as there is no certainty that the locahty
marked on the case really referred to the bird which was
found in it. The specimen obtained at Smeeth (Kent)
on October 22nd, 1904 (c/. Vol. I., p. 8) has been con-
sidered as a doubtfully genuine migrant, owing to the
late date of its occurrence. Dr. Hartert showed at the
time that the bird left its breeding-places in August and
early September. Nevertheless it may have been a
belated migrant.

THREE NEW BRITISH BIRDS. 241

We now have, however, an occurrence recorded by Mr.
W. Eagle Clarke {Scot. Nat., I9I2, p. 9), which must be
regarded as that of a genuine migrant. This example
arrived in company with a crowd of migrants at Fair
Isle on May I5th, 1911.

The Thrush-Nightingale differs from our Nightingale
chiefly in the considerably more brownish, less rufous,
colouring of its upper-parts ; in the breast and sides of
the throat being mottled with greyish-brown ; and in
the first (bastard) primary being very small and narrow,
and only about half the length of the primary-coverts,
whereas in our Nightingale it is much larger, and usually
considerably longer than the primary-coverts.

The Thrush-Nightingale breeds in south and middle
Sweden, south Finland, Denmark, a narrow belt along
the Baltic in north Germany, north-east Germany
generally, Galizia, Trans-sylvania, Roumania, Russia east
to the Ural (Orenburg), and south-west Siberia to the
Altai. It is casual and rare in west Europe, and winters
in east Africa.

With regard to its scientific name, there can be no
doubt that Linnaeus referred to the Thrush-Nightingale
and not the Common Nightingale under the name
" Motacilla luscinia,'' and that the Thrush-Nightingaje
must be called, by the International Rules, Luscinia
luscinia, and our Nightingale Luscinia rnegarhyncha.
We are extremely glad to note that Mr. Eagle Clarke
follows the Rules, and calls the Thrush-Nightingale
Luscinia luscinia {Scot. Nat., 1912, p. 9). It is unfortunate
that the name luscinia must be transferred from our
Nightingale to the Thrush-Nightingale, but unless the
Law of Priority is strictly adhered to, it will be quite
impossible to attain to uniformity. So long as indi-
vidual choice is allowed and departures from the Rules
are made, then so long will uniformity be delayed. That
uniformity is our greatest need, and that this can only
be reached by strict adherence to International Rules
is our firm conviction, and we sincerely congratulate
Mr. Eagle Clarke on his action, by which the Law of
Priority is recognized in an important case. — Eds.

OTES

UNCOMMOX BIRDS ON THE SOUTH-EAST COAST
OF NORTHUMBERLAND.

Shore-Lark {Otocorys alpestris). — On October 28th, 1911,
while walking along the sea-banks south of Cress well Point,
my brother and I observed a very fine mature bird. It
was very tame and would not leave a small pool of water
close by the high road. On October 30th, S. G. Charlton
watched closely a small flock passing south along the shore
near Cullercoats. From what records I have, only five
specimens have been previously recorded for this joart of
the coast.

Little Owl {Athene noctua). — On October 16th, 1911,
a bird of this species was found by a Mr. White in his back-
yard, at Whitley Bay. It had evidently struck against the
telegraph-wires above, during the heavy south-east gale
experienced the night before. On being placed in a cage
it had recovered by the following morning, and was given
an opportunity to escape. However, instead of doing so
it remained and was allowed to fly round the yard, returning
at night to the cage. It was an adult specimen and fairly
tame, sitting contentedly on the hand. It suffered an injury
however, and died in December. L^nfortunately its sex
was not determined. To all appearances it seems evident
that it was a true migrant, and is, I think, the only specimen
recorded for Northumberland.

RouGH-LEGCxED BuzzARD {Buteo lagopus). — Mentioned by
John Hancock as one of the rarest of the Falconidse in
Northumberland (1874), this species may now be said to
be of almost yearly occurrence on this part of the coast.
An immature female was shot in October, 1911, near
Whitley Bay.

Grey Phalarope {Phalaropus fulicarius). — An adult male
in winter plumage was shot by H. V. Charlton at the mouth
of the Lyne, near Cresswell, on October 10th, 1911. It Avas
observed SAvimming about, twenty Awards from shore and was
exceedingly tame. It is of interest to mention that in former
years two have been obtained at this identical spot.

Fulmar {Fulmarus glacialis). — H. V. Charlton picked up
the much-decomposed remains of an adult on the shore at
the mouth of the Lyne at Cresswell, on October 16th, 1911.
Again on October 30th, a mature specimen of the light phase

NOTES. 248

wiXH observed on the shore at Whitley Bay in a sick condition,
and being easily caught was kept alive for a day, and after-
wards brought to me. The carcase was sent to Dr. N. F.
Ticehurst who pronounced it a male and stated : "I could
find no adequate cause for death, i.e. no disease or gross
injury. The stomach contained a small quantity of bright
green vegetable substance, much macerated, perhaps Zostera.
I should think that a Fulmar must be very hard up for food
to pick up this, and coupled with the entire absence of internal
fat, it rather suggests that the bird died of exhaustion during
the recent gales." Previous occurrences in this district
number only two. J. M. Charlton.

[We can but think that the Little Owl recorded had escaped
from cax^tivity, otherwise it would not have returned to the
cage when set at liberty. — Eds.]

RECOVERY FROM INJURY IN BIRDS.

In most cases of severe injury to birds, not of itself fatal to
life, the sufferer probably falls a victim to one or other of its
natural enemies during the consequent period of debility.
A Lapwing [Vanellus vulgaris), however, which I recently
obtained, showed that such is not always the case. Although
this bird had some time previously had its left tibia fractured
about the middle of the shaft, and the whole limb completely
amputated at the upper third of the metatarsus, yet it had
recovered completely from these injuries, and was in good
condition. The healed stump presented a somewhat " clubby"
appearance, and the union of the fracture (a comminuted
one, as one might expect) was strong and without a great
amount of deformity. The terminal joint of the right third
toe was also missing. M. Winzar Compton.

BLACKCAP WINTERING IN SOMERSET.

On Januury 14th and 15th, 1912, two boys reported to the
Rev. W. L. Mackennal, of Dunster, Somerset, that they had
trapped a Blackcap {Sylvia atricapilla) , but the bird was
released before he saw it. On the morning of the 18th, Mr.
Mackennal's cat brought in an injured, but living, male
Blackcap, which I received on the 19th. As it is seldom
possible to examine a British-taken Blackcap in winter dress,
I give the following particulars : Crown black, with a slight
rusty tinge ; nape, ear-coverts, throat, and breast olive-grey
(Ridgway) ; back olive-buff ; wings and tail olive-brown to
hair-brown, primaries paler on the anterior edge ; chin only
slightly paler than throat, but the grey on the upper-breast

244 BRITISH BIRDS.

shading to a dirty-white on the lower-breast ; belly dirty-
white, distinctly suffused with pale yellow, axillaries
also showing this distinct yellow tinge ; bill black on upper
mandible, bluish-horn on lower mandible ; legs and feet lead-
grey ; irides hazel. T. A. Coward.

PIED FLYCATCHER IN ANGLESEY.

Up to the time when the Vertebrate Fauna of North Wales
was published, there was no record of the Pied Flycatcher
in Anglesey. Mr. F. H. Mills informs me that one day in
the early summer of 1910 he saw a male of this species
{Muscicapa atricapilla) in Cadnant Wood, close to Menai
Bridge, and watched it for a considerable time. As the bird
is common in the wooded parts of Carnarvonshire across the
Straits, it is not surprising that one should occur in the belt
of woodland along the opposite shore, which is practically
the only suitable tract of country in Anglesey. Nevertheless,
an actual record is interesting and valuable. H. E. Forrest.

MIGRATION OF SLENDER-BILLED NUTCRACKERS.

On the Continent.

The following notes are extracted from an article by Ritter
von Tschusi zu Schmidhoffen in Urania (No. 49, pp. 866-9),
kindly sent to me by the author.

The first appearance of Nutcrackers is recorded from the
Russian Baltic Provinces and Kurland. Here they appeared
towards the end of July, became very numerous towards
mid-August, but had diminished in numbers at the beginning
of September.

A flight of thirty to forty was observed in west Prussia
towards the end of July, which appears to have dispersed
westward in August and September. It is remarkable that
no occurrence was reported from east Prussia till the end of
August. From Pomerania and Mecklenburg the first records
date from the beginning of the second half of September,
and about the same period for Prussian Silesia and Hanover
(E. Friesland). By the end of the month they had reached
Mark Brandenburg, and about the beginning of October were
reported from Bavaria, Elsass, and Westphalia.

In Austro-Hungary the first records date from the last
ten days of September, when they appeared in Bohemia ; in
numbers in Lower and Upper Austria, and singly in Croatia
and Dalmatia ; while at the beginning of October they were
recorded from south Styria. F. C. R. Jourdain.

NOTES. 245

SPREAD OF THE LITTLE OWL

In Berkshire, Norfolk, and Lincolnshire.

As this bird appears to be spreading all over England, it
may be as well to record localities where I believe it has not
been previously observed : Merton Hall, Norfolk — one seen
October 6th, 1911 ; Park Place, Henley, Berkshire — one on
December 26th, 1911.

With reference to the note on page 229, I have known
of the Little Owl being present and breeding in Lincolnshire,
at Harlaxton Manor, near Grantham, for several years, and
I also saw it at Witham Hall, Bourne, five years ago.

Heatley Noble.
In Yorkshire.
It is reported in the Naturalist (1912, p. 21) that a pair of
Little Owls were shot at Leconfield on October 3rd and 5th,
1911, the female " evidently having performed the duties of
incubation."

In Shropshire.
During a shoot at Peplow on December 28th, 1911, two
birds were flushed which flew off. Thinking they were
Woodcock, one of the guns fired and brought down one of
the birds. On examination it proved to be a Little Owl
{Athene noctua), and it is being preserved to add to the
Hawkstone Collection now at Peplow Hall. H. E. Forrest.

MONTAGU'S HARRIER IN BERKSHIRE.

Through the kindness of Sir Gilbert Clayton East, Bart.,
of Hall Place, Maidenhead, I have recently been shown a
very interesting specimen of a male Montagu's Harrier {Circus
cineraceus) killed on his property in September or October,
1870. This bird is of the dark variety; in fact, I am assured
by the owner that when first killed it was sooty-black, though
now faded to a uniform dark brown. The only light mark-
ings noticeable are seen when the tail is examined from
below. The bars are then distinct, but when examined from
above they are indistinct. This is the second record I have
of a Montagu's Harrier killed in Berkshire. I shall be very
glad to know if the dark variety has ever previously been
found in England. Heatley Noble.

[In Yarrell, 4th ed., Vol. I., p. 143, it is remarked that
the dark brown or black variety " has several times been
killed in this country." On consulting the county avifaunas
we find mention of specimens from Devon, Cornwall, Dorset,
Hampshire, Kent, Suffolk, Norfolk, and Northumberland. —
Eds.]

246 BRITISH BIRDS.

BARNACLE-GEESE ON THE SOUTH COAST
OF IRELAND.

On page 229 of the present volume I find it stated that the
Barnacle-Goose {Bernicla leucopsis) does not appear to have
been recorded from the south coast of Ireland previously to
the specimen announced by Mr. Nichols. In the Zoologist
for 1890, p. 103, Major Barrett-Hamilton wrote : " Mr.
Gibbon mentioned two (Barnacles) which were shot in Tacum-
shin in 1888, and I heard of others. It is known to the
fowlers as the 'King' or 'White-headed Barnacle.'"
Tacumshin is a large tidal lagoon, on the south coast of
CO. Wexford. The late Dr. Burkitt of Waterford preserved
a fine old male bird in 1869, whose history is thus given by
him : " This bird some five winters ago {circa 1864) was
driven by storms on Tramore Back Strand in company with
another male bird of the same kind. These birds, meeting
with a flock of tame Geese, Avent with them into the outhouse
of a farmer in the vicinity. They became afterwards tame,
and were purchased by Mr. Rogers of Tramore, who had them
on a small pond. They were in the habit of flying a short
distance and returning to the pond regularly. This bird,
after his five years domestication, was killed by a dog, 20th
November, 1869."

I have heard of other instances in which wild-geese (White-
fronted and Snow-Geese) were decoyed or tamed by means
of the attraction of domestic geese.

I have failed to obtain any record of the Barnacle-Goose
from west Waterford or any part of Cork.

The south coast of Ireland is described by Mr. Barrington
as extending from near the Barrels Light-ship in Wexford
to Crookhaven in west Cork, and Kerry is relegated to the
west coast. I may mention three cases of Barnacles in the
latter county, as it is so far south. In the books of Messrs.
Williams and Son of Dublin I find one Barnacle was sent
them from Valentia in 1901, and three others from Cahirciveen
in 1896 ; then again Mr. A. J. P. Wise, who used to shoot
in Kerry, saw a " gaggle " of these birds on the shore of
Caragh Lake, in winter, between 1880 and 1887.

The main migration of Barnacles is by the islands of
Donegal and Mayo, where they feed. I have found their
remains on Davilaun and Frehil, and flocks feed on Clare
Island. Most visitors to Ireland from northern and arctic
countries, e.g. the Mealy Redpoll, Snow-Bunting, Snowy Owl,
Greenland Falcon, Rough-legged Buzzard, Whooper, Bewick's
Swan, Snow-Goose, Barnacle-Goose, Long-tailed Duck,

NOTES. 247

Woodcock, Glaucous and Iceland Gulls, and Slavonian Grebe,
arrive on the north coast of Ireland ; one contingent comes
down the east coast ; but the greater number go down the
west coast, many reaching Kerry, while a few straggle to
Wexford, and fewer still to the south coast of Ireland.

R. J. USSHER.

BARNACLE-GOOSE IN ANGLESEY.

As the Barnacle-Goose {Bernicla leucopsis) is nowadays
comparatively rare in North Wales, it may be worth mention-
ing that one of these birds was seen on the big bog at
Llanerchymedd on November 27th, 1911, by Mr. F. H.
Mills, who reported it to me. H. E. Forrest.

GADWALL IN PERTHSHIRE.

A VERY fine male Gadwall {Anas strepera) was shot at
Cromlix, near Dunblane, on December 28th, 1911. This is
the first record I have for the district, though there is some
evidence that at least one pair have bred within thirty miles.

Heatley Noble.

FERRUGINOUS DUCKS IN SUSSEX.

On January 2nd six Ferruginous Ducks {Fuligula nyroca)
were observed on the flooded marshes at Crowhurst. The
same evening two were obtained, a male and female, both
of which I saw in the flesh. Owing to the recent heavy
rains, the whole of the marshes in Sussex are at the present
time under water, and afford good feeding-grounds for duck.
Most of the common species have been taken in some numbers,
also a few geese. H. W. Ford-Lindsay.

LONG-TAILED DUCK IN ANGLESEY.

Mr. a. Geoffrey Leigh kindly sends me word that he has
recently had through his hands a Long-tailed Duck {Harelda
glacialis) shot on November 23rd, 1911, on Malldraeth Bay,
Anglesey. It was in immature plumage, but proved on
dissection to be a male. H. E. Forrest.

FLOCKING OF THE RED-BREASTED MERGANSER
IN AUTUMN.

Referring to the note on p. 230 of the January number
of British Birds, in which attention is drawn to my com-
munication on flocking of young Mergansers which appeared
in the Field of October 21st, 1911, where it is stated that by
October 11th, in the opinion of my boatman, the majority
of these birds had left a certain lake in co. Fermanagh, this

248 BRITISH BIRDS.

opinion was evidently arrived at on insufficient observation'
for, writing again under date October 23rd, the same man
states that on the previous day he had seen two packs of these
birds, one of which he estimated at over 500, and another
pack up to about 300 in number. As to the composition of
these packs — whether they consisted of young or old birds,
or a mixture of both — he could say nothing, as they were
all able to fly well, and were at no time nearer to him than
about two hundred yards. Under date November 19th he
^\Tote, " There is not a Merganser to be seen on the lake."

Herbert Trevelyan.

GOOSANDERS IN CARNARVON.
On December 25th, 1911, at Lyn Ogwen (Carnarvon), I
watched a male Goosander {Mergus merganser) for some time
at long range, swimming on the lake there. On the 27th
it was joined by a female, and both birds were watched care-
fully for a long period. They landed on the remote shore of
the lake to preen their feathers, the red feet being then
very distinct through the glass.

Although the Goosander is not uncommon on the coasts
of north and north-west Wales and the upper Dee according
to Mr. H. E. Forrest, its occurrence on the Carnarvon lakes
seems to deserve record. C. H. Wells.

SANDERLING AND GOOSANDER IN BEDFORDSHIRE.

I HAVE just been shown a Sanderling {Calidris arenaria) shot
at Marston, Bedfordshire, this morning (January 16th, 1912).
There have been several previous records for this county,
but it is a long way inland for this bird to come.

An adult male Goosander {Mergus merganser) arrived on
the Woburn Ponds on January 1st, and is still here.
Goosanders have been regular winter visitors during the last
three years, having been attracted apparently bj^ our single
pinioned male.

Since I wrote the above two more male Goosanders have
arrived on the Ponds. M. Bedford.

A DISTINCTION BETWEEN YOUNG AND OLD
RED-LEGGED PARTRIDGES.

Although it has long been known that the pointed primary
in a Partridge {P. cinerea) denotes a bird of the year, I have
only recently been shown the difference between old and
young Red-legged Partridges (C. rufa). At the tip of the
inner web of the first primary in young birds will be found

NOTES. 249

a light-coloured speck. In the old birds this speck is wanting.
It is believed that this distinction is constant. The same
feather in the old bird is more rounded than in the young,
although this characteristic is not nearly so apparent as in
the Grey Partridge. I have never handled a Red-legged
Partridge after the shooting season, and cannot say if the
spot mentioned above is lost by abrasion or not.

Heatley Noble.

GREEN SANDPIPER IN SUTHERLANDSHIRE.

If the Green Sandpiper {Totanus ochropus) is rare in the west
of Scotland, it may be worth recording that on June 24th,
1910, I had a good view of one on the rocks below the hotel
at Rhiconich, Sutherlandshire. H. G. Alexander.

[The Green Sandpiper has very rarely been recorded in the
north of the Scottish mainland, although it has been noted
as a fairly regular migrant in Fair Isle during the last few
years. — Eds.]

BLACK-TAILED GODWIT IN NORTH

LANCASHIRE.

On December 9th, 1911, I saw in the flesh a Black-tailed
Godwit {Limosa belgica) which had been shot that morning
near Glasson Dock, at the mouth of the Lune, north Lan-
cashire, by a man named T. Lamb.

The last time this bird was identified in north Lancashire
was on January 22nd, 1898, when a pair were shot in the
Lune Estuary, and passed into the possession of Mr. F.
Smalley. In Mitchell's Birds of Lancashire, the only records
are two shot near St. Michael' s-on-Wyre, the one a male on
September 23rd, 1873, and the other, which was one of
three seen, on September 12th, 1882, and another from the
Form by shore.

I cannot agree with the statement made by the same
author on the authority of one man, a wildfowler in the
Lune Estuary — whom I have interviewed with unsatis-
factory results — to the effect that he sees the species there
every autumn in small numbers. The dates of the last two
records are interesting as being in mid- winter.

I take it therefore that the above bird is only the fifth
record of the species for Lancashire, and also think I am right
in saying that this is the first time the 1898 specimens have
been recorded except in the local Press.

The last specimen was a female, and almost adult.

H. W. Robinson.

250

BRITISH BIRDS.

BLUE EGGS OF TERNS AND GULLS.
With reference to the notes on the blue eggs of Common Terns
and Black-headed Gulls, may I be allowed to point out that
in many of these varieties the surface of the egg is as glossy as
in the more usual types and that the shell is up to the average
in thickness ; also that the blue eggs are not the only con-
spicuous varieties ?

NEST OF SANDWICH TERN.
{Photographed hy Yl. B. Dunlop),

The Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain overlooks the fact that it is
from the Gulls themselves that the eggs have primarily to be
protected; if the birds did not sit on the eggs as soon as laid,
every variety at all conspicuous would immediately be taken
by the Gulls.

That there is a certain amount of local variation in the
colouring of the eggs in different colonies is highly probable.
A somewhat similar case is that of the songs of some species
of birds, which are known to have distinct characteristics in
different localities.

NOTES. 251

The Sandwich Tern illustrates the protective value of the
covering of the eggs by the bird from the time the first is laid,
very plainly. The eggs of this species are conspicuous, and
I have known as much as a week to elapse between the hatch-
ing of the two eggs in a clutch ; if the first laid had not been
covered by the bird, the Gulls would have destroyed it long
before the seven days had elapsed for the completion of the
clutch. Another point worthy of notice is that this species
voids the fceces from the nest, and the surrounding " white-
wash " draws attention still more strongly to the already
conspicuous eggs (see photograph) . The Common and Arctic
Terns (the latter also incubates from the deposition of the
first egg) have the same habit, but in a much lesser degree.
The Little Tern, however, which sometimes depends for the
protection of its eggs upon their coloration alone, does not
possess this habit, and the same is the case with such species
as the Ringed Plover, Oyster-catcher and Lapwing, which
rely upon protective coloration for the safety of their eggs.

Eric B. Dunlop.
Referring to the notes on pages 169 and 196 on the above
subject, it may be of interest to state that in 1904 I found
three perfectly spotless pale-blue eggs of the Black-headed
Gull {Larus ridihundus) in one nest on an islet of Lough Mask,
CO. Galway, Ireland.

In the same season I saw two eggs of the Arctic Tern
{Sterna macrura) as spotless (and another with only two
minute black spots), in nests on the shingle at Killala Bay,
CO. Mayo, Ireland.

The three eggs of the Black-headed Gull were all in one
nest : those of the Arctic Tern were in different nests, accom-
panied in each case with normally coloured eggs.

Hugh S. Gladstone.

[Single blue eggs occur so frequently among most species
of terns and gulls as not to be worthy of separate records.
In the case of the Black-headed Gulls, clutches of three blue
eggs have been found on many occasions, and most large
collections of British birds' eggs contain examples of this
type. Although the white-grounded eggs with blotches of
dark markings almost always show signs of defective shell
construction, this is not always, as Mr. Dunlop points out,
the case with blue eggs, which at times only lack the surface
markings and are otherwise perfect.

As the habit of sitting on the eggs as soon as laid is common
to all colonies of both species, it can have no effect on the
presence or absence of these varieties in different colonies
of the Black-headed Gull or Common Tern. The appearance

252 BRITISH BIRDS.

of several clutches of blue eggs in a colony of Common Terns
where such an occurrence Avas previously unknown must be
due to some other cause, and the absence of variation in some
colonies of the Black-headed Gull and its presence in others,
seems to show that there is a variable factor in the case, such
as the existence or non-existence of protection, though of
course it is not necessarily due to this cause. — F. C. R.

JOURDAIN.]

POMATORHINE SKUA IN NORTH LANCASHIRE.

It may be interesting to note that I received in the flesh on
November 13th, 1911, a specimen of the Pomatorhine Skua
[Stercorarius pomatorhinus) which had been shot on November
10th, 1911, in the Lune Estuary, north Lancashire, close to
the place where Mr. Smalley's specimen was killed with a
stone on November 28th, 1908, as mentioned in British
Birds (Vol. II., p. 313). My specimen is an immature female,
but not a bird of the year, being, I take it, in its third plumage,
for its throat is pure white, as are the under-parts with the
exception of the abdomen — which is sooty-black with some
of the feathers tipped with grey — and the pectoral band,
which is formed by small irregular broA^m blotches at the
extremities of some of the feathers. The flanks also bear a
few similar markings, whilst the straw-coloured acuminate
feathers are just making their appearance on one side.

H. W. Robinson.

LITTLE AUK IN SHROPSHIRE.
On December 26th, 1911, a Little Auk {Mergulus alle) was
found dead on Hatton Farm near Church Stretton, Shrop-
shire, and sent to me for examination. The weather at the
time was not particularly stormy. Several others have been
recorded in the county in winter, the last previous occurrence
being on one of the EUesmere lakes in November, 1884.
Strange to say, the visitation of Little Auks to this country
during 1895-6 did not affect Shropshire, not one, apparently,
wandering thus far westwards. H. E. Forrest.

MADEIRAN FORK-TAILED PETREL
IN HAMPSHIRE.

My friend the Rev. J. E. Kelsall has sent me a specimen
of the Madeiran Fork-tailed (or Harcourt's) Petrel {Oceano-
droma castro), which was picked up dead on the beach at
Milford, Hampshire, by Mr. Roland Follett on November
19th, 1911.

Mr. W. R. Ogilvie-Grant has kindly named the specimen
for me.

NOTES. 253

Dr. N. F. Ticehurst, in his History of the Birds of Kent,
says " the only two specimens of this species hitherto recorded
from the British Isles were obtained in Kent," but possibly
some of the specimens which have been already recorded as
Oceanodroma leucorrhoa may be of this Madeiran species.

Philip W. Munn.

LITTLE DUSKY SHEARWATER IN SUSSEX.
On October 27th, 1911, a Little Dusky Shearwater was
picked up on the beach near St. Leonards-on-Sea. Upon
dissection it proved to be a female.

This makes the fifth example for the British Isles. As in
previous cases, the bird was washed ashore after strong
south-westerly gales, which during October were of unusual
severity. H. W. Ford-Lindsay.

[Mr. J. B. Nichols, in whose collection is the above-mentioned
bird, has kindly allowed me to examine it, as well as another
specimen (male) picked up at Pevensey Sluice on November
15th, 1911. I have also been able to compare these two
with the male caught near Lydd on November 27th, 1905
(c/. Vol. II., p. 373), which is also in Mr. Nichols's possession.
They are all of the Madeiran race, which was separated by
Messrs. Rothschild and Hartert from the east African form
under the name of Puffinus obscurus atlanticus {Bull. B.O.C.,
XXVII. , p. 43, 1911). But Dr. J. A. Allen, in reviewing
Dr. Godman's Monograph of the Petrels, in the Auk (1908,
p. 339), perceiving from the literature that the Madeiran
bird was distinct, had already proposed for it the name
Puffinus godmani, and this name, of course, has priority
over atlanticus. The east African form is P. obscurus bailloni,
and differs from P.O. godmani by the lores being dark instead
of white, and by the patch on each side of the breast being
larger and darker brown, not so grey as in P. o. godmani.
The name assimilis is restricted to the Australian
race.— H.F.W.]

SHEARWATERS IN THE BAY OF BISCAY AND
THE ENGLISH CHANNEL.

As several notes have appeared recently with regard to the
migration of Shearwaters, it may be worth while recording
some observations I made in September, 1911. In that
month I went by boat from London to Bordeaux, and
returned three weeks later. On the 5th we were in the
Channel, and although we had passed the Channel Islands
before dark, I saw no Shearwaters. We were well into the
Bay on the morning of the 6th, and I saw some Great Shear-
waters {Puffinus gravis) fairly earty ; later in the day there

254 BRITISH BIRDS.

were quantities of them, in flocks of from six to thirty, sitting
on the sea (it was quite calm) besides single birds flying
about I saw several Sooty Shearwaters (P. griseus), and
a few Manx Shearwaters (P. anglorum) with them.

On the 24th, about 10 a.m., we crossed the Bar outside
the Gironde in returning. When we were only a few miles
from the coast I began to see Great Shearwaters again, and saw
them in some numbers all day. It was fairly rough, and they
were mostly on the wing. I again saw a few of the other two
species, and twice Storm-Petrels in the larger flocks, but the
great bulk were Great Shearwaters. Next day (25th) we
passed inside Ushant at 8.0 a.m. Soon afterwards I again
saw Great Shearwaters, and I noticed a few every time
I looked for them until evening, when we were less than
two hours from Portland Bill. On this day there were rather
more Manx Shearwaters than in the Bay, but no Sooty
Shearwaters.

From this I think it may be that a northward movement
had taken place during the month. H. G. Alexander.

Rare Birds in Ireland. — Mr. W. J. Williams records
in the Irish Naturalist (1912, p. 27) the following rarities : —
Richard's Pipit {A. richardi). — One was caught in a lark-net

on October 23rd, 1911, near Howth, co. Dublin. This

is the second Irish example, and curiously enough was

caught by the same man who captured the first specimen.
AvocET (P. avocetta). — One was shot near Broadway, co.

Wexford, on November 1st, 1911.
Red-necked Phalarope (P. hyperhoreus) . — One was shot

near Broadway, co. Wexford, on November 10th, 1911.

There is only one previous winter occurrence recorded

for Ireland.
Great Snipe {G. major). — One Avas shot at Monivea, co.

Galway, on October 5th, 1911.
Sabine's Gull {X. sahinii). — An immature specimen was shot

at Lough Derg on October 3rd, 1911.

Black-bellied Dipper in Yorkshire. — An example of
this north European form of the Dipper {Cinclus c. cinclus)
is recorded by Mr. F. Boyes [Field, 23.XII.1911, p. 1395) as
having been shot near Bridlington, east Yorkshire. The
bird was brought for Mr. Boyes's inspection on December
16th, 1911. Well authenticated examples of this form have
been recorded a good many times from Yorkshire and Norfolk.

Richard's Pipit at Fair Isle. — The Duchess of Bedford
records [Scot. Nat., 1912, p. 15) that two strange Pipits were

NOTES. 255

seen on Fair Isle on October 6th, 1911, and that one of them,
on being shot by Her Grace, proved to be an immature
example of Anthus richardi. The bird has been recorded
several times previously from Fair Isle, but only twice from
elsewhere in Scotland.

WooDCHAT Shrike in Scotland. — ^The occurrence of
an immature example of the Woodchat Shrike {Lanius
pomeranus), taken at the Light on the Isle of May in the
early morning of October 19th, 1911, is announced {Scot.
Nat., 1912, p. 10) by the Misses Rintoul and Baxter,
Although the bird has occurred as a vagrant in most English
counties (most frequently in the south and east), there is no
previous authentic record for Scotland.

Swallow and Martin in Winter. — An example of Hirundo
rustica in a starved condition was picked up dead at Reading
on December 20th, 1911 {Field, 30.XII.1911, p. 1447), whilo
a House-Martin {Chelidon urhica) was seen at Hampton Court
on January 10th, 1912(0. J. Robinson, t.c, 13.1.1912, p. 92).

Birds Breeding in Winter. — As in other mild winters,
a good many instances of nests in December, 1911, have been
reported, and these include several nests with youngj of
Starlings and Song-Thrushes.

Serin Finch in Scotland. — Mr. O. H. Wild records
{Scot. Nat., 1912, p. 11) that an adult male Serinus hortulanus
was captured on November 9th, 1911, near Edinburgh by
some bird-catchers. The Serin has occurred over twenty
times in England, chiefly in the south, and twice in Ireland,
but not previously in Scotland.

Montagu's Harrier in Roxburghshire. — ^Mr. P. L.
Waldron records {Scot. Nat., 1912, p. 15) that an immatur3
male Circus cineraceus was shot during the latter part of
August at Newlands, Newcastle ton, and has been presented
to the Royal Scottish Museum. There are only six previous-
records of the occurrence of Montagu's Harrier in Scotland.

Baird's Sandpiper at St. Kilda. — Mr. W. Eagle Clarke
records {Scot. Nat., 1912, p. 9) that he obtained an adult
female Tringa hairdi at St. Kilda on September 28th, 1911.
This North American wader has only twice before been
recorded for the British Isles (c/. Vol. I., p. 16), and this further
proof that it occasionally visits us is very interesting.

Black Guillemot in Yorkshire. — Two examples of
Uria grylle, which is a rare visitor to the Yorkshire coast,
were shot at Filey during the second week of November, 1911
(E. W. Wade, Nat., 1912, p. 21).

REVIEWS

Addenda and Corrigenda to the Birds of Dumfriesshire. By
Hugh S. Gladstone (Dumfriesshire and Galloway Kat.
Hist. Soc).

The substance of this pamphlet of thirty-six pages (con-
veniently printed in the same form as the author's book)
was read as a Presidential Address to the local Natural History
Society on October 20th, 1911. The most important of
these Addenda and Corrigenda, which are detailed with the
author's usual care and thoroughness, are referred to below.

In his book it will be remembered that Mr. Gladstone
included the Marsh-Tit, but as no specimen from the countj^
had been critically examined, this was a somewhat rash
decision. On July 20th, 1911, a black-capped tit was
obtained near Clonrae and submitted by Mr. Gladstone
to the present \\Titer, who proclaimed it to be an example
of the Willow-Tit. This bird was in juvenile plumage, and
there are a good many ornithologists who aver that in this
stage the Marsh- and Willow-Tits are indistinguishable. The
best character, viz. the glossy black " cap " of the Marsh-
ancl the dull sooty-black " cap " of the Willow-Tit, is of no
use in the juvenile plumage, where both species have dull
brown " caps," and the graduation of the tail-feathers is an
uncertain character. But I find that there is one character
and that a good one, by which the two species can be
separated : this is in the colouring of the outer webs of the
secondaries, which in the WilloAv-Tit is buff and distinctly
different from that of the inner webs, whereas in the Marsh-
Tit both webs of the secondaries are of the same dark brown
colour. I have referred at some length to this difference
between the two species, because it is of importance, being
a much more constant character than the shape of the tail,
and the wing- and tail-feathers are the only ones of the juvenile
plumage which are retained and not moulted when the bird
attains first winter-plumage. In the " field " too, this
character is useful, as the pale edging to the secondaries is
distinctive even in the British Willow-Tit {P. a. kleinschmidti) ,
while in the Northern Willow-Tit {P. a. borealis), it is very
marked and at once catches the eye.

Mr. Gladstone now places the Red-backed Shrike within
square brackets, which is wise ; he states that the Great
Spotted Woodpecker is increasing ; that a Glossy Ibis was

REVIEWS. 257

shot from a party of four on July 26th, 1911, at Crurie ;
that the American Blue-winged Teal, shot at Upper Nithsdale
in 1858 and now in the Royal Scottish Museum, is a female
and not a male, as has been generally accepted ; that a pair
of Turtle-Doves were obtained in May, 1909, in the county,
and a single bird in October, 1910, a Spotted Crake in August,

1910, a Ruff in September, 1911, while a pair of Green
Sandpipers were seen in August, 1911. H.F.W.

Bird- Marking in the Netherlands. By Dr. E. D. van Oort.
(Note XII., of Notes from the Leyden Museum, Vol.
XXXIV.)

The Museum of Natural History at Leyden, we are glad
to learn, has started this year (1911) a " marking scheme."
The smaller rings are lettered leFden and the larger ones
^EmEN. HOLLAND aud all are of course numbered. More
than 2,500 rings have been issued, and some 1,165 used
on thirty-one species. The reported recoveries are at
present naturally few in number.

Of 160 Wild Ducks {Anas hoscas) " ringed," six were
reported from August to October^ all in Holland except one,
which was found near Dunkerque, north France, on October
5th, having been " ringed " in Zeeland on July 28th.

Eighty-four Herring-Gulls {Larus argentatus) have been
" ringed " and two recovered ^ one in south Holland and
one which was " ringed " in north Holland on July 2nd,

1911, at Margate (Kent), on October 25th. Dr. van Oort
remarks that, " the Herring-Gulls bred in the Netherlands
seem to visit the coast of S.E. England " ; but to this statement
we very strongly object, as being founded on entirely insuffi-
cient evidence. Such remarks are most misleading.

Black- headed Gulls {L. ridihundus), as in our own lists,
provide the greatest number marked, viz., 381, and of these
seven, all marked in Zeeland, have been recovered — one in
south Holland, one in Belgium, three in northern France,
one in the south of France, and one in north-western Spain.
Of these the most striking is the one reported from Palavas-
les-Flots in the Gulf of Lion on August 9th, it having been
" ringed " as a nestling in Zeeland on June 25th, 1911.

Reports of recovered birds bearing the Leyden ring should
be sent to Dr. van Oort at the Museum, Leyden, with full
particulars of the number, and date and place of recovery.
We wish every success to our Dutch confreres in this under-
taking.

LETTERS

DUNLIN OR DUNLING ?
To the Editors of British Birds.

Sirs, — The Editorial note appended to my letter in your last issue
I am unable to regard either as satisfactory or logical. The very first
sentence is open to objection, namely the statement that " the proper
scientific names to be used can be decided by following definite rules,
the English names cannot." Why not ? We have only to turn to
such works as those of Dr. R. G. Latham, the Rev. Isaac Taylor,
Professor Skeat and others, to find that there is no lack of rules. Then
why not apply them ?

The Editors remark : ' ' The English name must, we think, be chosen
(if there is a choice) on the authority of the majority of scientific
writers." The " name " yes, but not necessarily the spelling of it,
if it can be shown to be erroneous — which is my point — as in the case
of Redpole for Redpoll, Cole-tit for Coal-Tit, Shielddrake for Shelddrake,
Shoveller for Shoveler, Widgeon for Wigeon, Buff el-head for Bulfle-head,
Pomarine for Pomatorhine and others. In the iise of scientific names
such corrections of orthography have been frequently proposed and
adopted, as, for example, spipoletta for spinoletta, hiaticola for hiaticula,
podicipes for podiceps, and so forth. Other emendations might be made,
as for example praticola for pratincola, phalaridopus for phalaropus.
And I see no reason why these emendations should not be made. The
fact that some of our predecessors could not spell properly does not
necessitate our adoption of their mistakes ; and the proper spelling
of a word, as Professor Skeat and other philologists have shown,
depends upon its derivation.

In regard to the name now in dispute, the only argument adduced
by the Editors for retaining the form " Dmilin " is that it is used (as
I had already admitted) in the majority of standard works ; though
this would apply equally to " cole-tit;" " redpole " and others, which
have been changed with the approval of all educated naturalists.

The Editors ignore my reminder that " Dunling " is sanctioned by
Professor Newton {Ootheca III., 225-26) with the concurrence of
Professor Skeat, and are apparently unaware that it was adopted in
print by the poet Gray, no mean authority, whose attainments as a
naturalist were much greater than many people suppose.

But the argument is fallacious, for the Editors would apply the
principle of " nomina auctoriim phtrimoriini " in the case of English

LETTER 259

names, but not in the ease of Latin ones. Hence the inextricable
confusion in which the scientific nomenclature of our British birds
is now involved, through the change of names continually proposed by
those who, without disrespect, may be termed " sticklers for priority."
The Editors are good enough to suggest that I would do better " to
agitate for priority in scientific names rather than for priority in the
spelling of colloquial names for which no dates are fixed nor rules in
existence." But it is no answer to a question on one subject to ask
the writer to turn his attention to another ; nor is it accurate to say
that in the spelling of colloquial names no dates are fixed nor rules in
existence. In the case of '' Dunling " I fixed the date 1530-4, and one
of the many valuable objects of the Oxford Dictionary, as everyone
knows, is to indicate the earliest mention of English words with authori-
tative examples of their use. As to the existence of rules, I have
already indicated where they may be looked for. But I have no desire
to labour the point. I have merely thrown out a suggestion for an
emendation in spelling which has commended itself to others besides
myself, and for reasons which appear to me to be sufficiently convincing.

J. E. Harting.

[Mr. Harting's letter is an excellent example of what he deprecates
in others, and it seems to us that he fails entirely to carry out to their
logical conclusion the principles he advocates. In Zoology we now
have a date agreed upon by the representative naturalists of the world
as our starting point in nomenclature, namely the publication of the
tenth edition of the Systema Naturce, of Linnaeus. By the general
adoption of the first names given to each species from this time onward,
uniformity of nomenclature can, and in time undoubtedly will, be
attained. Yet we find Mr. Harting, with an inconsistency which is
almost sublime, actually ascribing the chaos in nomenclature, which
'has been caused by the absence of a generally accepted rule, to " the
sticklers for priority" — that is, those who obey it now that it is in
existence ! Still further, he speaks with approval of those who have
made ornithology more confusing, by altering the spelling of generic
and specific names arbitrarily, in accordance with their own ideas as
to the derivation of the name, and threatens to make confusion worse
confounded by suggesting fresh alterations of his own.

Let us say that we recognize that most of the alterations mentioned
would be for the better, if Zoology were a subordinate branch of
Philology. But it is nothing of the kind, and any trifling sesthotic
gain would be outweighed a thousand times by the disadvantages cf
added confusion in practice, No one can read through a list of scientific
names without seeing that many have been framed in defiance of all

260 BRITISH BIRDS.

the laws of language. Look at the innumerable barbaric compound
names invented by ornithologists who were not classical scholars ;
consider such names as wumiziisume, mlokosiewiczi, caparoch, etc.
It is most deplorable that such names should be given, but when once
applied they should be accepted.

As to popular narnes, it is true that Dr. Latham, Professor Skeat
and others have thrown much light on the origin and history of modern
English. But at present we have no Academy, as in France, to
regulate the spelling of our language, and no laws on the subject exist.
It is really decided simply and solely by general use. For the spelling
of the name of the Dunlin, Mr. Harting tells us that he has fixed on the
date 1530-4. But this date is a purely arbitrary one. It has not
been agreed upon by the representatives of English-spelling peoples.
Early modem English literature, it is true, may be said roughly to date
from about 1500, but even in 1375 Barbour wrote in the"Ynglis toung"
of "byrdis smale" such as the "nychtyngale" and "turturis." Does
Mr. Harting seriously suggest that the spelling of all English words
should be altered to that in vogue in 1530 ? Or are we to understand
that this date applies to the Dunlin alone, and that he will fix dates for
other species later on ?

When we open one of Mr. Harting's books we find, in accordance
with common usage, the Wheatears and Titmice mentioned. Yet
the author is perfectly aware that the name Wheatear has nothing to
do with " wheat " or " ear " ; the " mouse " of Titmouse has nothing
to do with the rodent of that name. Perhaps we may be allowed to
suggest another change to Mr. Harting, if he proposes to continue his
work of reform. There is little doubt that our word Grouse was
originally introduced into our language from the old French word
" Griesche," as a collective or plural noun " Grice " It is thus
written by Cotgrave in his Dictionarie of the French and English Tongues "
(1611). By a faLse analogy the word Grouse (variously written Grows,
Grous, and Grouss) seems to have sprung up. Mr. Harting points out
that the most correct spelling is that which shows the derivation
most clearly, so that he should adopt Cotgrave's spelling in accordance
with the " rules " of Professor Skeat and other authorities on Philology.
Why has not our critic the courage of his convictions, and why does he
not spell these names in accordance with their etymology ?

As to Professor Newton's adoption of the spelling " Dunling," we
think this was sufficiently answered in our last number, where we
pointed out that Professor Newton also adopted the spelling "Cuckow,"
which had not found acceptance even by Mr. Harting. — Eds.]

[British Birds, Vol. V., PI. 4.

POETRAIT OF THOMAS MUFFETT, ENLARGED FROM THE TITLE-PAGE OF
THE "THEATRUM INSECTORUM."

BRIHSriDIPDS

EDITED BY H. F. WITHERBY, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

ASSISTED BY

Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain, m.a., m.b.o.u., and Gorman F.

TiCEHURST, M.A., F.R.C.S., M.B.O.U.

Contents of Number 10, Vol. V. March 1, 1912.

PAGE

262

Thomas Miiffet. By W. H. Mullens

Notes : —

A Colony of House-Martins building one nest (G. B. Hony) . . 279

Shags Inland in Cheshire and Yorkshire (T. A. Coward) . . 279

Barnacle-Goose Inland in Cheshire (M. V. Wenner) . . . . 279

Gadwall in Perthshire (J. G. Millais) 280

Ferruginous Duck in South Devon (E. A. S. Elliot) . . . . 280

A Flock of Adult Golden-eye Drakes in Spring (H. W.

Robinson) . . , , . . _ _ ^ ^ 280

Drake Smew in Cheshire (T. A. Coward) 281

Little Bustards in Norfolk and Scotland (J. H. Gumey) . . 281

Blue Eggs among the Waders (M. Winzar Compton) . . . . 281

The 1912 " Wreck " of the Little Auk 282

Slavonian Grebes in Montgomeryshire and Shropshire
(H. E. Forrest)

286

Fulmars in Orkney (H. W. Robinson) 287

Short Notes :— Northern Willow- Warbler in Haddington. Haw-
finch Breeding in West Lothian. 287

Review : — Avifmma Spitzhergensis . . . . , . , . _ 288

Letter :— Dmilin or Dmiling ? (J. E. Harting and J. Lewis

Bonhote) .. ,. .. _ _ _^ ^^ 291

( 262 )
THOMAS MUFFETT.*

BY

W. H. MULLENS, M.A., LL.M., F.L.S.
[Plate 4.]

Most of the early text-books on British ornithology are
comparatively well known, and the more important of
them have either been reprinted or so extensively quoted
in modern works that the information they contain is
easily accessible to the student and inquirer. There exist
however some considerable and important accounts of
the avifauna of this country in bygone times, hidden
away in various books, which, from their titles, would
seem to have little or no connexion with that subject,
and which from their rarity are almost unknown to the
general reader. Such a one is Healths Improvement, the
work of a famous old physician named Thomas Muffett ;
its full title and collation being as follows : —

Healths Improvement :/ or,/ Rules/ Comprising and
Discovering/ The Nature, Method, and Manner of/ Pre-
paring all sorts of/ Food/ Used in this Xation. /Written
by that ever Famous/ Thomas Muffett, /Doctor in
Physick :/ Corrected and Enlarged/ by/ Christopher
Bennet,/ Doctor in Physick, and Fellow^ of the/ Colledg
of Physitians in London./ London,/ Printed by Tho :
Newcomb for Samuel Thomson, at the/ sign of the
white Horse in Pauls Churchyard, 1655.

1 vol. 4to., Collation : pp. 8, + pp. 2 un, h- pp. 296.

Thomas Muffett died in 1604, and the above work, as
wiU be observed from the title, was not pubHshed till
some years afterwards, when it was edited with corrections
and additions by another eminent physician, Christopher
Bennet (1617-55). The original work is generally ascribed
to the year 1595, and how much Bennet added to it is
uncertain, but in all probability that portion of the book

* This article first appeared as one of the " Occasional Publications "
of the Hastings and St. Leonards Natural History Society, and it is here
reprinted with the illustrations by kind permission of the author and
the society. — Eds.

Healths Improvement:

RULE S

CotDprking and Difcovering.

%hs,^amre^ Method^ md Manner o(

Prefarwg M (ovts hi

FOOD

ufed in this Nation.

Written by that ever Famous

THOMAS eMVFPSTT,

Doftorin PHY SICK: J-T ^-

Corredled and Enlarged

CH%isTOTHeT\ me3\(i;NiBT,

DoSor in Phyiick, and Fellow of the

Cclledg of Pbyfitians in London.

LONDON,
Piinted by 7he^ 2^€wc$mh for Snmnel Th&mfon , rt the

fign of the white Hor,ft m ri^,ih Churchyard^ i6)< .

FACSIMILE OF TITLE-PAGE.

PACSIMILE OF THE TITLE-PAGE OF THE " THEATKUM INSECTOEUM
(SLOANE MS., 4014).

THOMAS MUFFETT. 265

which contains the descriptions and observations of wild
birds, was Muffett's work entirely. Muffett we know for
certain was an able and enthusiastic naturalist, his
Insectorum sive minimum Animalium Theatrum, which
was printed in 1634, was for long the leading work in that
branch of zoology, while Bennet, though also known as
an author,* confined his labours to matters strictly
medical.

The fact that Muffett mentions more than one hundred
different kinds of British birds, and that he wrote at a
time wheu the printed matter relating to the ornithology
of this country was meagre in the extreme, makes his
book, quaint and instructive as it otherwise is, of very
considerable importance to the student of early British
ornithology. Most of our information on this subject
previous to the date of Muffett's work is derived from
the following authors : William Turner (1500-68), John
Caius (1510-73), and William Harrison (1534-93). Of
these Turner, whom Muffett quotes as " old Dr. Turner,"
is by far the most important. In his Avium Prcecipuarum
. . . historia,'f published in 1544, is contained our
principal account of the bird-life of England in the
sixteenth century. Caius, in his Britanni de variorum
animalium (1570), described only seven British birds,
while Harrison's well-known Description of England
prefixed to Holinshed's Chronicle, and published in 1586,
contains little more than a list of names of the various
birds he assigns to that country.

It was not till 1666 that the first printed list of British
birds appeared. This was contained in Christopher
Merrett's (1614-95) Pinax Berum, published in 1666, J
while the first genuine ornithology published in this
country, that of Francis Willughby (1635-75), did not
appear till 1676.§

* Bennet published a treatise on Phthisis in 1634, under the name of
Benedictus.

t Translated and published with notes by A. H. Evans, Cambridge,
1903 ; c/. Vol. II., pp. 5-13.

X cf. Vol. II., pp. 109-18 and 151-63.

§ cf. Vol. II., p. 297.

266 BRITISH BIRDS.

Of the thirty-two chapters which comprise the contents
of Healths Improvement, two only are devoted to wild
birds. These are numbers XI. and XII., and are respec-
tively entitled " Of the flesh of wild Fowl, abiding and
feeding chiefly upon the Land," and " Of the flesh of wild
Fowl, abiding and feeding chiefly upon the waters."

Owing to the rarity of Muffett's work, we here reproduce
verbatim his observations as contained in these two
chapters, omitting only those portions which are of a
medical or purely discursive nature. It may be men-
tioned in passing, that the account of the wild birds is
preceded by a chapter (No. X.), which treats " Of the
flesh of tame Birds," from which it is interesting to learn
that " white chickens " were deemed to be hardest of
digestion, and that certain localities were already famous
for their breeds of domestic poultry, those of " the
Kentish kind " being preferred for " bigness and sw^eet-
ness." Of Peacocks as an article of diet, Muffetthad but
a poor opinion, informing us that " their flesh is very
hard, tough and melancholick, requiring a strong stomach
and much wine, and afterwards great exercise to overcome
it," and we further learn that the flavour of geese was
vastly improved by making these animals inhale the
" smoke of Borax down into their bodies " three or four
times before the}^ were killed.

Turning to the chapters on the flesh of wuld-fowl,
Muffett's remarks are as follows : —

CHAPTER XI.

. . . now let us descend to their particulars, beginning
with birds of greater volume.

TardtE.

Bistards or Bustards (so called for their slow pace and heavy
flying) or as the Scots term them, Gusestards, that is to say.
Slow Geese, feed upon flesh, Livers, and young Lambs* out of

* Evidently a confusion between Bustard and Buzzard ; c/. Yarrell,
British Birds, 4th ed., Vol. III., p. 195 ; vide, however, Smith's
Birds of Wiltshire, p. 353, where the principal food of a Great Bustard
kept in captivity is described as " birds, chiefly sparrows . . . also
mice."

THOMAS MUFFETT. 267

sowing-time, and in harvest-time, then they feed upon pure
corn. In the Summer towards the ripening of corn, I have
seen half a dozen of them lie in a wheatfield fatting themselves
(as a Deer will doe)* with ease and eating, whereupon they
grow sometimes to such a bigness, that one of them weigheth
almost fourteen pounds. . .

Grues.

Cranes breed (as old Dr. Turner writ unto Gesner)t not
only in the Northern Countrys amongst the Nations of Dwarfs
[this refers of course to the old fable of the enmity of the
Cranes and Pygmies] , but also in our English Fens . . . with
us they feed chiefly upon corn, and fenny seeds, or bents, . . .
Certain it is that they are of themselves hard, tough, . . .
unfi.t for sound men's tables. . . yet being young, killed with
a goshawk, and hanged two or three dales by the heels, eaten
with hot galantine, and drowTied in Sack, it is permitted unto
indijBPerent stomachs. [Truly, one cannot help pitying those
indifferent stomachs.]

ClCONI^, ASTERL^, ArDEOL^.

Storks, Bittors [i.e. Bitterns] and Herons neither do breed, nor
can breed any good nourishment, . . .

Nay even all the Heronshaws, (namely the black, white,
criel-Heronshaw, and the mire-dromble) , though feeding some-
what better than the Byttor or Stork are but of a fishy and
strong savour. . . .

Phasiana.

Phesants . . . are best in winter : ... no meat so
w^holesom as Phesant-pouts ; but to strong stomachs it is
inconvenientest, especially to Ploughmen and labourers, who
eating of Phesants, fall suddenly into sickness and shortness
of breath. . . . [A kindly warning to the poachers of his day.]

AtTAGENES MYRICiE.

Heath-cocks ... all their flesh proves black, saving the
brawn next their breast-bone, which is ever white, tender,
firm and wholesome.

* It is a curious coincidence that Gilbert White should have remarked,
' ' Bustards when seen on the downs resemble Fallow Deer at a distance."
— Jesse, Gleanings in Natural History, second series, Vol. II., p. 180.

t Conrad Gesner (1516-61), author of Historice Animalism Liber III.
qui est de Avium Natiira, 1555. For Turner's remarks on the breeding
of Cranes in England, vide 'Evans's translation, p. 97. See also
Vol. II., p. 10.

268 BRITISH BIRDS.

PERDICES.

Partridges . . . are thought by Sethe* to have an extra-
ordinary weakness in them, causing them to go as if their
back or ridg-bone were parted in sunder, whereupon perhaps
they had their name, and were called Part-ridges.

Rall.e Terrestres.

Railes of the land (for there is also a water-rail ...)...
are not without cause preferred to Noble mens Tables.

Gallinagi:n^es akd Rusticfl^.

Woodcocks and Suites t . . . especially at their first
coming in, or rather . . . when they have rested themselves
after their long flight from beyond the Seas are fat, . . .
AvicenJ and Albertus§ dreamed that Woodcocks and Suites,
fed upon seeds ; whereas indeed no bird with a long piked,
crooked, and narrow bill can pick them up ; but where they
perceive a worms hole (as I have seen Suites to do) there they
thrust in their bill as far as th.ey can, and if the worm lie deep,
they blow in such a breath or blast of wind, that the worms
come out for fear as in an Earthquake . . . There is a kind
of Wood-Snite in Devonshire greater than the common suite.

^ Petricol.e

COLUMB.E i^^""^'^

I Palumbes
^ Turtures

Wild-Doves be specially four in number, Rock-Doves,
Stock-Doves, Ring-Doves and Turtle-Doves. Rock-Doves
breed upon Rocks by the Sea-side, but never far from Corny
Downs, whether in Seed and Harvest-time thej^ fly for meat,
living all the year besides upon Mast and Ivy-berries.

CORTUNICES.

Quails . . .

Pluviales.
Plovers . . . and the gray Plover is so highty esteemed,
that this Proverb is raised of a curious and malecontented
stomach ; a gray Plover cannot please him. Yet to some the
green Plover . . . [i.e. the golden plover] seemeth more
nourishing and to others the Lapwing . . .

* Simon Sethus, author of de Alimentis, 1561.

t i.e. Snipes.

X Avicenna (980-1037) the famous Arabian physician and author.

§ Albertus Magnus (1193-1280).

THOMAS MUFFETT. 269-

CUCULI.

Cuckoes . . . and albeit the old ones feed filthily upon
Dorrs, Beetels, and venomous spiders, yet the young ones are
fed by the Titling (their foster- dam) with gnats, flies, and red-
worms, . . .

Fedo.e.

God wits are known to be a fenny fowl, living with worms
about Rivers banks, and nothing sweet or wholsom, till they
have been fatted at home with pure corn ; but a fat Godwit
is so fine and light a meat, that Noble- men (yea and Merchants
too by your leave) stick not to buy them at four nobles a dozen.
Lincolnshire affordeth great plenty of them, elsewhere they are
rare in England wheresoever I have travelled.

Erythopodes and Glottides.
Redshannks also and Gluts feed in the Fens ...

OCHROPODES.

Smirings live in watrish copses . . .

Pici.
Pyes or Haggisses feed upon flesh, eggs, worms and
ants . . .

Graculi.
Jayes feed upon akorns, beech- mast and worms, . . .

Pici Martii.
Wood- Peckers . . . feed upon timber- worms . . .

Orioli.

Witwols are of excellent good nourishment, . . feeding
upon bees, flies, snails, cherries, plums, and all manner of
good fruit.

Arquatul^ Terrestres.

Stonechatters feed as they doo. . . [i.e. as Witwols.]

ISPIDA.

The Kings- fisher feedeth most upon water- worms and little
fishes . . .

Coccothraustes.

The Clot-bird (called sometimes a Smatch, or an Arling) is
as big almost as a Thrush, feeding chiefly upon cherries, and
cherry-kernels. [There is some confusion here, clot- bird,
smatch and arling being synonyms for the Wheatear, while
Muffett is clearly referring to the Hawfinch.]

270 BRITISH BIRDS.

NUCIFRAGA.

The Nope feedeth upon mast, nuts and cherries. [This
may refer to the Nutcracker. Nope was also a name of
the Bullfinch ; cf. Swainson, Provincial Names of British
Birds, p. 66.]

SiTTA.

So also doth the little Pyot, which we call a Nutjobber

[i.e. the Nuthatch].

Houpes [i.e. Hoopoes] were not thought by Dr. Torner
[i.e. Turner, cf. Evans' edition, p. 175] to be found in England,
yet I saw Mr. Serjeant Goodrons kill of them in Charingdon
Park, when he did very skilfully and happily cure my Lord
of Pembroke at Iv;v^church ; . . .

TURDI AND TURDELiE ANGLICAN^.

Thrushes and Navisses feed most upon hawes, sloes, misle-
berries and privot- berries . . .

TURDI EXOTICI.

Feldefares are of the like feed . . .

Merul^.
Blackbirds . . . Their feed is on little grasshoppers,
worms , . ,

Sturni.
Stares-flesh . . . [i.e. Starlings] is dry and sanery [i.e.
sound.]

NOCTU^.

Concerning Owles . . . they feed upon mice, frogs, grass-
hoppers and all kinds of flesh.

CORAT LeGUMINALES.

Rooks . . . feed chiefly upon pure corn . . .

CORVUS.

The carrion crow is generally condemned, and worthily
despised of all men : as also the Cadesse or Jackdaw. . .
Now we are come to treat of small Birds of the land, which we
will divide according to the order of the Alphabet . . .

MONTIFRINGILL.E.

Bramblings are a kind of small Birds, feeding chiefly upon
seed, sloes, and ha wt home kernels.

Rubetr.f:.
Buntings feed chiefly upon little worms.

THOMAS MUFFETT. 271

Pyrrhacia.
Bullfinches feed not only on little worms, but also upon
hemp-seed, and the blossoms of peare-plums and apple trees. ■

ClTRINELL^.

Citrmels or straw-coloured Finges, [i.e. Finches] be very
small Birds, feeding chiefly of white ancl black poppy seed but
especially of the wild-poppy called Red-weed.

Certhi^.
Creepers seem to be a kind of Titmice, living upon the
worms which engender in and betwixt the barks of trees.
Fringill.e.
Finches for the most part live upon seeds, especially the
Goldfinch, which refuseth to eat of anything else.

ACANTHIS AtLANTICA.

So also doth the Canarie Finch or Siskin ; yet the Bullfinch
in hunger feeds upon small worms ; and the Greenfinch upon
horsedung, and nuts in frosty weather.

Alaud.^.
Larks are of three sorts : Field Larks, Wood Larks, and
Heath Larks . . . Some of each sort are high crested like a
Lapwing, others uncrested . . .

LiNARIiE.

Linnets feed chiefly upon flax seed ; but for a need they eat
also the seed of hemp and thistles.

Apodes.
Martinets are either smooth or hairy legg'd : for neither of
them have perfect feet, but stumps instead of feet. [The
heraldic martin is always blazoned without legs, cf. Phipson,
Animal Lore of Shakespeare's Time, p. 192.]

LusciNiiE.
Nightingales as Martial said are nothing worth when their
breath is departed . . . They feed filthily in the fields upon
spiders and ants . . .

Pari majores.
Oxeys or great Titmice, feed (as ordinary Titmice do) upon
caterpillars, blossoms of Trees, bark worms and files, . . .

RUBECUL^.

Robin-red- breasts feed upon bees, files, gnats, walnuts, nuts
and crumbs of bread. . . .

Passeres.

Sparrows of the house, feed commonly on the best corn. . .
but the red [reed ?] and hedg Sparrows feed ill — . . .

272 BRITISH BIRDS.

HiRUNDINES.

Swallows (be they either house Swallows or banck*
Swallows.) . . .

CURRUCA.

The Titling, Cucknell, or unfortunate Nurse (for the Cuckoe
ever lays his eggs in the Titlings nest) feeds upon gnats, flies
and worms, it is a very hot bird, coming in and going out with
the nightingale. . . .

Pari.

Titmise are of divers shapes with us in England ; some be
long, others be very short taild ; some have black heads, some
blew, some green, some plain and some copped . . .

[Copped = crested. This reference to the Crested- tit is a
remarkable one if Muffett really had observed it in England.
The first British record is generally ascribed to John Walcott
{ob. 1831), who in his Synopsis of British Birds, 1789, figures
the Crested-tit and states that this bird had been lately
observed in Scotland.]

MOTACILL.^.

Wagtailes live upon flies, worms, and fat earth . . .

Reguli.
Wrens feed finely and sometimee fill themselves so full of
little flies, that their bellies are like to burst.

Galguli.
Yellow Hammers feed (as the most part of Titmise) of seeds
and grain . . .

CHAPTER XII.

Cygni Sylvestres.

Of all water fowl the wild Swan is the biggest and fairest in
outward shew . . .

Anseres Sylvestres.
Wild Geese . . . their high and long flight breedeth tender-
ness of body . . . but of all others the Bergander [probably
the Sheldrake] is the best and lightest.

Anates fer.^.
Wild Ducks feed chiefly upon a green narrow leaved grass
(called therefore Ducks grass by Crescentiusf . . .

* i.e. Sand-martins.

t Pietro Crescenzi, 7iat. 1230, author of Riiraliam Commodorum ?

THOMAS MUFFETT. 273

Anates Muscari.^.

But there is a kind of wild Duck called Anas muscaria
because it eats nothing but flies. . . .

Brants.

Barnicles both breed unnaturally by corruption . . .
[this of course refers to the well-known fable of the generation
of Barnacle geese from rotten timber.]

QUERQUEDUL^.

Teales and Widgins .... much esteemed above wild
Ducks or Geese.

TOTANI.

Pool- Suites* live only upon fish . . .

Merganseres.
Shell- drakes, or the Ducks of Italy, are of most pleasant
taste . . . sometimes they wax so fat, that their feathers
being pul'd off, their body hath weighed twelve pound weight.

' Urinatricas.

Divers feed most upon reeds and reed roots and caddis-
worms breeding in them.

Scarboides.
Such likewise is the Dobchicks food ; . . .

FULIC^.

Coots feed upon reeds, mud, grass, little snails, and small
fishes . . .

NlGRIT^.

Moor-cocks and moor- hens, as also Pocards, be of like
nature with coots . . .

Pici Marini.

Sea-pies [i.e. 0 jester- catchers], as Dr. Cajusj writethj
resemble other Pies in Colour, but they have whole feet like
water fowlj ; they feed upon spawn, frogs, and frie of fish . . .

Mergi.
Comorants, be they gray or black, feed most of fish and
frogs, but especially of Eels . . .

* Possibly the Redshank.

t John Caius, 1510-73.

1 Here Muffett is mistaken.

274 BRITISH BIRDS.

Arquat^.

Curlnes [i.e. curlews] feed wholesomely upon cockles, cren-
isses [i.e. crawfish] muscles, and perwinkles, which maketh
them to have no ill taste . . .

[Muffett does not praise the flesh of the Curlew as highly as
might be expected. Gesner terms it " lautissima " * and the
old Lincolnshire saying runs :

'* A curlew lean or a curlew fat

Carries twelvepence upon her back."] f

GlJLONES ALBI & CiNEREI.

White gulls, Gray gulls, and Black gulls (commonly termed
by the name of Plungers and Watar- Crows) . . .

PUFINA BrITANNICA.

Puffins being Birds and no Birds, that is to say Birds in
shew and fish in substance, or (as one may justly call them)
feathered fishes, are of ill taste and worse digestion ; how
dainty soever they seem to strange appetites, and are permitted
by Popes to be eaten in Lent.

Erythropodes.

Redlings or Water- Redshancks feed as Water-railes do, and
be of the like nourishment.

Rall^ aquatics.

Water-rails are preferred in Italy before Thrushes or Quails ;
they feed upon water-snails and water-flies, and the worms
breeding in the roots of reeds . . .

Lari.
Sea-mews or Sea-cobs feed upon garbage and fish . . .

Plate.!].

Sho velars [i.e. Spoonbills] feed most commonly upon the
Sea coast upon cockles and shell-fish ; being taken home and
dieted with new garbage and good meat, they are nothing
inferior to fatted gulls.
* Most delicate or rich,
f Another version of this couplet runs :

'* A Curlew be she white or black
Carries twelvepence on her back."

" Black Curlew " is mentioned by Lubbock, Fauna of Norfolk, p. 83,
Norwich, 1879, as the ordinary name of the Glossy Ibis at the beginning
of the last century.— F. C.R.J.

THOMAS MUFFETT. 275

The above- quoted comments of Muffett show that he
was an accomphshed ornithologist, and far in advance of
his age ; it must moreover be remembered that he was
not writing a treatise on natural history but what has
been termed " a gossipy collection of maxims concerning
diet," and he no doubt could have given us far more
information concerning the habits of the birds he mentions
had he been minded to do so. Most of his observations
were evidently made at first hand, and he seems to have
travelled somewhat extensively in England, as witness
his remarks on the Godwit. His account of the Great
Bustard has often been quoted ; it was no doubt in Wilt-
shire, where he passed the latter portion of his life, that
he had watched them feeding, and that county w^as one
of the last strongholds of this remarkable bird, now for
many years extinct in the British Isles. His mention
of the Crane as breeding in the fens is confirmed by
Turner* and by the accounts of the City Chamberlain
of Norwich {Natural History of Norfolk ; Sir Thomas
Browne : p. 6),t amongst them on the 6th June, 1543,
appearing a charge for "a young pyper crane " from
HickHng. In Willughby's time, however, the Crane,
though still abundant, had probably ceased to breed in
this country, as he writes : " They come often to us in
England ; and in the Fen-countries in Lincohishire and
Cambridgeshire there are great flocks of them, but whether
or no they breed in England I cannot certainly determine
either of my own knowledge or from the relation of any
credible person." {The Ornithology of Francis Willughhy,
p. 274.)

Muffett's ideas on migration were also apparently
correct, as he speaks of the condition of Woodcock and
Snipe "after their long flight from beyond the seas,"
and this is the more remarkable as but the haziest notions
were entertained on this subject in his time, and as late
as 1703 we find the anonymous author of a tract entitled

* cf. Evans's edition, p. 97.

t Published with notes by Thomas Southwell, London, 1902.

276 BRITISH BIRDS.

All Essay Toivards the probable Solution of this Question —
whence come the Stork and the Turtle, the Crane and the
Swallow, . . . or where those Birds do probably make
their recess and Abode, which are absent from our climate
at some certain Times and Seasons of the Year (1 vol. 12mo.,
London, 1703), suggesting as his " probable solution "
that migratory birds on leaving this country retreated to
the moon !

Muffett's description of the " Wild Doves " is also
well worthy of notice ; not only does he correctly dis-
tinguish the four kinds, but he gives an excellent account
of the Rock Dove, a bird unknown to Willughby, who
merely mentions it on the authority of his correspondent,
Mr. Ralph Johnson, of Greta Bridge in Yorkshire (The
Ornithology, p. 186).

The Hoopoe, moreover, seems to be first mentioned as a
British bird in Healths Improveinent. Turner wrote,
" nowhere in the whole of Britain is the Upupa to be found
(so far as I know^)," and although the credit of including
this handsome bird in the British list is generally attributed
to Christopher Merrett (Pinax Rerum, 1666), it of right
belongs to Thomas Muffett.

It must be admitted on the other hand that the informa-
tion afforded in Healths Improvement concerning the
water-birds is very meagre, a circumstance which no
doubt arose from Muffett's observations being principally
made in the inland county of Wilts.

Our author, whose name has been indifferently spelt
Moffett, Moufet, Muffet, or Muffett, was born in 1553,
in the parish of St. Leonard's, Shoreditch. He appears
to have been of Scottish descent, and was the second
son of Thomas Muffett, citizen and haberdasher of London,
his mother being Afice Ashley of Kent. Muffett was
educated at Merchant Taylors' School, and became a
pensioner of Trinity College, Cambridge, in May, 1567,
migrating three years later to Caius College, where he
took his degree of B.A. At Cambridge Muffett studied
medicine under the illustrious John Caius, himself a

THOMAS MUFFETT. 277

naturalist of renown. During his undergraduate dayg
Muffett nearly succumbed to an attack of ptomaine
poisoning caused by eating mussels {Healths Improvement,
p. 159). He seems to have been somewhat inconstant
in his attachment to his colleges, for deserting Caius and
choosing to proceed to his M.A. degree from Trinity,
he was promptly expelled from the former college by
Thomas Legge, the Master. Muffett has been included
by A. Wood in his Atlience Oxonienses, but there seems
to be no authority for the statement that he studied at
that University. On leaving Cambridge, Muffett went
abroad, and studied medicine at Basle, taking the degree
of M.D. there in 1578. He also visited Italy and Spain,
in which latter country he paid much attention to the
cultivation of the silkworm, and afterwards pubHshed
an anonymous poem on that subject. In 1582 he returned
to Cambridge, and in July of that same year accompanied
Peregrine Bertie, Lord Willoughby, to Denmark, on the
occasion of the investiture of King Frederick with the
Order of the Garter, and he records that the royal banquets
in that kingdom lasted seven and eight hours at a stretch.
By 1588 Muffett was established in a good practice in
London (he appears for a time to have resided at Ipswich),
and in February, 1588 he was elected a Fellow of the
College of Physicians. In July, 1586, he attended in
conjunction with Thomas Penny, his friend and colleague,
the death-bed of Anne Seymour, Duchess of Somerset,
widow of the Protector, and attested her will, and in
1591 he was appointed physician to the forces serving
in Normandy under the Earl of Essex. On his return
to England, Muffett spent much of his time at Court,
where he made the acquaintance of Sir Francis Drake,
who first showed him a flying-fish. Muffett at this time
came under the notice of Henry Herbert, second Earl
of Pembroke, and his Countess, who became his patrons,
and at or near whose residence at Wilton he appears to
have settled down as a pensioner. By the Earl's influence
he was returned as a Member for Wilton in 1597. Aubrey

278 BRITISH BIRDS.

(Natural History of Wiltshire, p. 89) includes Muffett in
his list of " Learned men that had pensions granted to
them by the Earles of Pembroke," and speaks of him
as " The learned Dr. Mouffett, that wrote of Insects and
of Meats."

Muffett died at Wilton on June 5th, 1604, and was
buried in the church of that parish. In addition to
Healths Improvement, another work of Muffett's was
pubhshed posthumously. This was his well-known book
on the history of insects, which he compiled from the
writings of Edward Wootton (1492-1555), Conrad Gesner,
and the papers of his friend Thomas Penny (oh. 1589).
This work was first pubhshed in Latin in 1634 under the
title of Insectorum . . . Theatrum, and being afterwards
translated into English was appended to the later edition
of Edward Topsell's (oh. 1636) Historie of Foure-footed
Beastes and Serpents.

His work, Healths Improvement, to which Muffett had
intended to add a companion volume on Drinks, was
repubUshed in 1746, with a hfe of the author by WilUam
Oldys. Muffett was twice married, first to Jane, daughter
of Richard Wheeler of Worcestershire, and after her
death in 1600 to a widow named Catherine Brown, who
survived him.

The portrait of Muffett here reproduced is from the
frontispiece of Theatrum hisectorum, Sloane MS. 4014,
in the British Museum ; C. Gesner, E. Wootton, and
T. Penny being figured on the same plate.

An enlargement of Muffett's portrait and a facsimile of
the title-page of Healths Improvement are also reproduced.

ores

A COLONY OF HOUSE-MARTINS BUILDING
ONE NEST.

With reference to Mr. 0. G. Pike's note on this subject
{supra, p. 225), it may be mentioned that Charles Darwin
noticed just the same thing. Writing to the Rev. L. Jenyns,
in October, 1846, re his Observations in Natural History, he
says : "I was interested in your account of the Martins,
for I had just before then been utterly perplexed by noticing
just such a proceeding as you describe ; I counted seven one
day lately visit a single nest, and sticking dirt on the
adjoining wall." G. B. Hony.

SHAGS INLAND IN CHESHIRE AND YORKSHIRE.

On or about January 24th, 1911, six Shags {Phalacrocorax
graculus) were seen sitting together on an araucaria in the
park at Ashton-Hayes, some seven miles east of Chester.
Two of the birds were shot, and one of these, which was
immature, was sent to the Grosvenor Museum, Chester. On
the same day one alighted on the tower of NantAvich Church ;
it was captured, released, and subsequently shot on the
river Weaver. It has been secured for the museum at
Willaston School. On the 26th an example which had been
killed at Waverton, near Chester, was sent to the Grosvenor
Museum. Possibly these two birds were amongst the six
seen at Ashton-Hayes. One reached Rostherne Mere, near
Bowdon. The body of this bird was discovered on the margin
of the mere by a gamekeeper on February 10th. It had then
only been dead a day or two. I saw the bird, which was
immature, on the 17th. The incursion does not appear to
have been purely local, for on the 26th Mr. W. Greaves tells
me that he identified a Shag (supposed to have been a
Cormorant) which had been killed on a pond at Hebden Bridge,
Yorkshire.

The identification of the five birds obtained is satisfactory.

T. A. COWABD.

BARNACLE-GOOSE INLAND IN CHESHIRE.

On January 18th, 1912, the day following the blizzard, I saw
a Barnacle-Goose {Bernicla leucopsis) on Radnor Mere,
Alderley, Cheshire. The behaviour of the bird did not
suggest an " escape." It was very suspicious and restless,

280 BRITISH BIRDS.

and several times rose easily, and with rapid, graceful flight
circled over the water, uttering short, sharp, yelping calls.
The wild weather kept it on Radnor till the morning of the
19th, when, though there was the length of the mere between
us, and I kept as much out of sight as possible, the bird rose
and flew away less than a minute after my appearance, and
did not again return. The Barnacle-Goose has not hitherto
been observed inland in Cheshire, and the presence of a wild
bird on a water twenty miles distant from the nearest coast,
can only be ascribed to the very severe climatic conditions
obtaining at the time of its first appearance on the mere in
question. M. V. Wenner.

GADWALL IN PERTHSHIRE.

With reference to Mr. Heatley Noble's record of a Gadwall
in Perthshire, which he says is the first record he possesses
of the species within the district (supra, p. 247), I may state
that I have known the Gadwall (Anas strepera) as a regular
autumn and winter visitor to Perthshire for the past fifteen
years. Gadwall visit the Earn at Duncrub nearly every autumn
and winter (see Nat. Hist, of British Surface- feeding Duclcs,
p. 30), and I have seen them on the Isla at Stobhall. They
now breed every year at Loch Leven, which is probably the
place of nesting, within thirty miles, to which Mr. Noble refers.

J. G. MiLLAIS.

FERRUGINOUS DUCK IN SOUTH DEVON.

On January 27th, 1912, a duck was noticed at high-water,
swimming off Tacket Wood, on the Kingsbridge Estuary,
close to the town. A neighbouring sportsman took his gun
and shot the bird from the quay-side and gave it to a bargee,
who retrieved it in his boat, for his Sunday dinner. Fortu-
nately I heard of a strange " Wigeon " being killed, and
following up the clue given, was able to save the bird from
an ignominious fate. It proved to be a female Ferruginous
Duck {FuUgula nyroca) with typical pale primrose irides.
This is the second uncommon visitor of late years I have
saved from the cooking-pot on a Sunday morning, the one
before being a Pink-footed Goose. E. A. S. Elliot.

A FLOCK OF ADULT GOLDEN-EYE DRAKES
IN SPRING.

The adult Golden-ej^e Drake (Clangula glaucion) is most
usually seen singly in this countrj^ but I have several times
noticed small packs of from ten to twenty adult drakes and
ducks or young drakes on Lochs Stenness and Harray during

NOTES. 281

February. On March 18th, 1907, however, I was greatly
surprised, when at the top of Deepdale on Loch Stenness,
to put up a large pack of over two hundred Golden- eye, of
which every bird, so far as I could see, was an adult clrake.
They were naturally extremely wild, and presented a magni-
ficent sight as they wheeled and came down wind.

H. W. Robinson.

DRAKE SMEW IN CHESHIRE.
On January 27th, 1912, Mr. T. Hadfield, Mr. T. Baddeley
and I watched an adult drake Smew [Mergus alhellus) at close-
quarters on Mar bury Mere, near Northwich. When we first
noticed the bird it was flying with two brown-headed
Goosanders, but it soon left them and swam by itself, diving
repeatedly. The Goosanders had been on the water for at
least a week, but the Smew was not with them when I visited
the mere on the 23rd. The bird looked very white ; the
black on the wings and back was almost concealed when it
was swimming, but conspicuous when on the wing or when
it raised itself in the water, as it frequently did, to flap its
wings. We were struck by the two crescentic black bands
over the shoulders and in front of the wings ; they showed
as two narrow, regular, curved lines.

The bird was on the water on the 28th, but on the 29th
the mere was frozen over and it was not visible.

It returned during the thaw ; I saw it on February 10th,
and it was still there on the 18th.

Brown- headed SmcAvs occur occasionally inland in Cheshire,
but old drakes are seldom seen. Mr. C. Oldham saw a brown -
headed bird on Radnor Mere, Alderley, on December 24th, 1911.

T. A. Coward.

LITTLE BUSTARDS IN NORFOLK AND SCOTLAND.

On January 4th, 1912, a Little Bustard [Otis tetrax) was shot
on a wet marsh at Strumshaw, near Norwich, by Mr. A. Mason.
This species is always a rare bird, but when it does occur in
the eastern counties, as often as not it is in mid- winter.
Probably it is from Russia that most of our examples come,
for in mid- winter we hardly look for migrants from countries
south of us, such as Algeria and Spain, to visit England.

Another was shot in Kincardineshire on January 1st, after
frequenting a certain field for a fortnight [Scottish Naturalist,
1912, p. 44). J. H. GuRNEY.

BLUE EGGS AMONG THE WADERS.
Though lack of pigmentation in the shell no doubt generally
bespeaks a morbid condition in the reproductive system.

282 BRITISH BIRDS.

yet there would appear to be certain cases of abnormal
coloration for which another cause must be sought. May
not reversion to an ancestral type of shell be a factor in these
cases ? That they occur among the Limicolse as well as in
the Gavise, see British Birds, Vol. II., pp. 134-5 ; and in
April, 1911, I found the almost perfect shell of a Lapwing's
egg (a Carrion-Crow had pierced and sucked it), the ground-
colour of which was pale blue, uniformly but not very thickly
covered with small black spots. Within a short distance
was a smaller fragment of another shell of exactly similar
type. M. WiNZAR Compton.

[It is a well-known fact that blue eggs, sometimes entirely
devoid of markings and sometimes slightly or normally
marked, occur not only among the Waders and the gulls
and terns, but also among the game-birds. But it is not
necessary to explain this as caused by reversion to an ancestral
type. As a matter of fact, the ancestral type must have
been white, as it is invariably among reptiles at the present
time. It is evident that the ground-colour of an egg must
be imposed at an earlier period of development than the
surface-markings, while the shell is still soft and receptive
of colour. The surface-markings are caused hj the secretion
of pigment from glands when the surface of the egg has
become hardened. If the egg is extruded prematurely, these
latter markings are often wanting, but the same effect may
be produced if the secretion of pigment is interfered with
in any way. Most blue eggs of Lapwings belong to the former
class, and have imperfectly developed shells. Probably in
a normal Lapwing's egg the blue ground is obscured by the
subsequent secretion of brownish pigment while the shell is
still soft, thus forming the olive ground on which the blackish
surface -markings are superimposed. If through exhaustion
or any other cause the secretions which form the surface-
markings fail, the egg may be retained in the oviduct till fully
developed, but when laid, the egg will be found to lack the
black (surface) spots. In a prematurety-laid egg the fine
black specks show where the surface secretions are just
beginning to be deposited. — F. C. R. Jourdain.]

THE 1912 "WRECK" OF THE LITTLE AUK.

Undoubtedly great numbers of Little Auks {Mergulus alle)
came to grief on our shores and were driven far inland dui ing
the severe weather at the end of January and beginning of
Februarjr, 1912. Judging by the informaticn which has so
far come to hand, it would appear that the bird has suffered no
disaster comparable to this since January and February, 1895,

NOTES. 283

We hear of great numbers on the east coast of Scotland,
and of some in Ireland, and further details of these will no
doubt appear later, while from the east coast of England
large numbers are reported below, and that the birds were
driven far inland over a wide area is evident by the reports
already to hand. It would seem, however, that the numbers
in 1895 were greater, though the birds were perhaps not
driven so far inland in that year.

Scotland. — Mr. H. W. Robinson wTites : " Off the Bass
Rock several hundred were seen at once, many being eaten
by the Black-backed Gulls in attendance. Thirty-six dead
bodies were picked up on the small portion of beach between
Joppa and Leith breakwater, thirty more on Granton beach,
whilst one Edinburgh taxidermist received over fifty for
preservation."

Yorkshire. — Mr. T. H. Nelson writes from Redcar : " On
January 20th (there had been a strong easterly wind blowing
for two or three days, and I was in the house wdth a severe
cold) my wife came in about noon, telling me that when on
Coatham Sands, she had seen about forty Little Auks, in
small parties, flying low down above the water just beyond
the breakers. One lot of these came within five j^ards of
where she was walking, and she noticed that they uttered
a short little note ; another lot of five also passed close by
her, and yet another party alighted on the sea near a wrecked
steamer. Later in the day she found a very fine specimen
washed up at high-water mark. After this date evidence
was daily supplied of the finding of numerous examples of
these little visitors ; one man picked up a dozen in the course
of a mile walk, and many other persons reported seeing
dead or exhausted birds on the sands, which had evidently
been driven ashore. The local bird-stuffers had scores
brought to them, and would only accept those that were yery
fine and clean. I had numerous inquiries as to the species
of these peculiar little birds. The weather continued stormy,
and on February 1st a blizzard of arctic severity, with a
north-easterly gale, swept the coast, continuing for three
days. Hundreds of Little Auks were seen flying before the
storm, and many were found on the beach between Saltburn
and the Tees mouth. Reports of ' rare arctic birds ' were
also sent from inland places remote from the coast, as for
example, Thirsk, Northallerton, East Lay ton near Richmond,
Yarm, Hutton Rudby, and along the foot of the Cleveland
Hills at Rounton, Swainby, Stokesley and in the Esk Valley ;
also at Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, Guisborough. and the
villages between the coast and the moorlands. Not only in

284 BRITISH BIRDS.

this immediate locality, but also from further north on the
coast into Durham and Xorthumberland, and south to Whitby
and Scarborough, every day furnishes additional proof of
the phenomenal nature of this invasion of the little northern
sea-fowl, for a precedent for which we must look back to the
year 1895."

Mr. Bentley Bsetham reports one from the river Greta, far
inland near Barnard Castle, and Mr. M. Winzar Compton
tells me of two picked up alive at Keyingham, eight miles
from the coast, on January 18th and February 2nd.

From the Spurn district of Holderness, Mr. G. E. Clubley
writes that he had seen twenty- six dead, sixteen of which
were in one small pond near the sea, while he believes that
numbers more were washed up on the beach. A specimen
sent to me on February 4th by Mr. Clubley was not par-
ticularly thin, but the gizzard was empty.

Lancashire. — Mr. T. A. Coward informs me that Mr. F.
Williamson reports [Lanes. Nat., 1912, p. 385) one found
alive at Rochdale on February 1st, and another at Smallbridge,
Rochdale, on February 5th.

Lincolnshire. — The Rev. F. L. Blathwayt writes : " The
immigration of Little Auks has extended far inland in the
county. A Lincoln bird-stuffer received more than twelve,
mostly from around the city, between the dates January 24th
and February 12th, and many more have been picked up.
Mr. Kew, a Louth bird-stuffer, had twenty-two up to February
14th from different parts of the ' Marsh ' district near Louth.
The first reached him on November 23rd, 1911."

XoTTiNGHAMSHTRE. — "One was sent by Mr. Hamilton from
near Newark to Mr. A. F. Adsetts on February 8th." " (F.C.R.
Jourdain).

Derbyshire — " The first of which I have a definite record
was caught alive at Ripley by Mr. Marshall and sent by him
to Mr. A. F. Adsetts on February 1st. On February 3rd
another was sent from Shardlow to Messrs. Hutchinson. A
third was found alive, during a snowstorm, in the locomotive
sheds at Derby station, and was brought to Mr. Adsetts on
the 8th, while a fourth was sent to Messrs. Hutchinson from
Draycott on the 9th. A fifth was obtained in the Matlock
district in Februar}^, but I have not yet been able to ascertain
any further particulars." (F. C. R. Jourdain).

Cheshire. — Mr. A. Newstead writes : "On February 3rd,
whilst looking for stray birds, I was surprised to fix my glasses
on to a specimen of the Little Auk swimming rather rapidly
in the middle of Dee, practically^ only a stone's-throw from

NOTES. 285

Chester. For some time it made no attempt to come nearer
to the edge of the river ; however, eventually it flew a few
yards, and dropped again, apparently exhausted. A little
later on in the afternoon of the same day it had made its way
nearer to the old Dee bridge, and was killed by some boys^
from whom it was purchased and presented to the Chester
Museum by Professor R. Newstead, together with a second
specimen picked up at the river's edge — dead — on February
4th. The stomach of one specimen contained only the roots
of plants, the other was quite empty."

Mr. T. A. Coward reports one taken alive at Mere near
Knutsford, on February 2nd, and another at Cuddington,
near Northwich, about February 6th.

Norfolk. — Mr. J. H. Gurney writes : " They were first
heard of at Cley on January 20th. Mr. Gunn, of Norwich,
had one from Wells on the 23rd, one was found in a field at
Northrepps on the 24th, three at Overstrand on the 26th,
while from Cley, Mr. Pashley wrote to me that hundreds
were supj^osed to have passed Blakeney ; more than forty
were counted from the beach in an hour or two on the
26th, several being picked up exhausted, and others seen to
fly inland. Three were reported by Sir Digby Pigott from
Sheringham onFebruary 2nd; Mr. Gunn, of Norwich, had had
thirteen by the 8th, and Mr. Saunders, of Yarmouth, sixteen
by the 9th, Mr. Roberts six." Specimens kindly sent to me
by Mr. Gurney (Northrepps, February 3rd, Ruston, February
7th, Yarmouth, February 8th) were all very thin and had no
food in their gizzards.

Suffolk. — Dr. C. B. Ticehurst writes from Lowestoft that
numbers were picked up. Mr. Bunn, of Lowestoft, had seven
brought in to him {Angler's News, 10.11.1912, p. 201). Mr.
Gurney tells me of six from Aldeburgh.

Northamptonshire. — " One found near Kettering on Feb-
ruary 3rd and another at Kettering ' last week.' " (C. E.
Wright, Zool, 1912, p. 74 )

Leicestershire. — "One was sent to Messrs. Hutchinson
for preservation from Ashby-de-la-Zouch and arrived on
February 9th, having probably been found on the previous
day." (F. C R. Jourdain.)

Warwickshire. — Mr. Leigh writes that one was found alive
at Small Heath, Birmingham, on February 3rd, and that
another was reported at Coventry on February 2nd.

Worcestershire. — Mr. Leigh also tells me of specimens
being reported from Evesham and Harvington.

286 BRITISH BIRDS.

Staffordshire. — Mr. W. Wells Bladen writes : " On Feb-
ruary 2nd, on the morning of which day we had a north-
easterly blizzard with ten degrees of frost, a Little Auk {Mer-
gulus alle), which had been found on the frozen canal at Stone,
was brought to me. It was entirely uninjured and very lively ;
not at all shy, as it pecked at my finger when I fed it with tiny
morsels of whiting. During the following afternoon it became
very restless, and in the evening died. Previous records for
the county are : Several on the Trent in 1843 ; one, Walsall,
1870 ; one, Wheaton Aston, Jan., 1901 ; one in a collection
at Wyeley Grove."

Mr. A. G. Leigh reports that one was found dead at Hands-
worth, Birmingham, on February 3rd.

Shropshire. — Mr. H. E. Forrest writes : " One was seen
on the Severn at Melverley on February 1st, the following day
one was caught alive on the road near Wem, whilst another
was seen swimming and diving in the river beneath one of
the bridges in Shrewsbury, eventualh'^ Ayhig off down stream.
On the 5th one was brought to a local taxidermist from Cres-
sage — possibly the same bird."

Mr. A. G. Leigh reports one from Bridgnorth on
February 5th.

Gloucestershire. — One is reported from Cirencester as
caught in a garden bj^ the river on February 2nd {Field,
10.11.1912).

Hertfordshire. — Mr. T. A. Coward tells me that Mr. F. J.
Stubbs reported one to him from Tring on February 4th.

'^Surrey. — One is reported as picked up alive on Ford Manor
Estate on February 2nd {Field, 10.11.1912).

Keisit. — '• One was picked up en the shore at Dungeness on
January 24th, and one at L'lcombe and another at SnodJand
during the frost." (X. F. Ticehurst.)

Sussex. — " One was picked up at Littlehampton on January
23rd." (N. F. Ticehurst.)

Specimens reported in November and December, 1911 (c/.
supra, pp. 230 and 252) can hardly be regarded as having any
connection with the present movement. — H.F.W.

SLAVONIAN GREBES IN MONTGOMERYSHIRE
AND SHROPSHIRE.

Mr. W. Hampson informs me that on Februar^^ 6th, 1912, his
son shot two Grebes on Lake Vyrnwy of a species unknown
to him oi the keepers. Another was shot on the same lake
by Mr. P. M. Evans on February 21st. They were sent for
preservation to Mr. F. Coburn, Birmingham, who identified

NOTES. 287

them as Slavonian Grebes {Podicipes auritus). The occur-
rence is worthy of note, since this species has only once
before been recorded in Montgomeryshire (c/. Fauna N.
Wales, p. 245). Mr. Hampson adds that on the 8th there
was a party of Goosanders on the lake.

I have since learned that about the same date another
Slavonian Grebe was obtained about two miles from Clun, in
south-west Shropshire, another on the Severn just above
Shrewsbury on February 13th, and a third near Church
Stretton on the 15th. Although this species has frequently
been recorded in the county, not one appears to have been
met with until now since November, 1894, when a specimen
was shot on the Severn, some four miles north-west of
Shrewsbury. H. E. Forrest.

FULMARS IN ORKNEY.

With reference to my note on the dates of arrival of Fulmars
{Fnlmarus glacialis) in Orkney [supra, p. 228), I omitted to
state that in 1908 there were Fulmars on Hoy Head at the
new year — indeed a pair in my collection \\evQ shot there on
January 2nd in that year. H. W. Robinson.

[In the Vertebrate Fauna of the Shetlands (p. 210), Messrs.
A. H. Evans and Buckley state that, to judge from Mr. F
Traill's observations, Fulmars " are quite common out at sea in
winter, and betake themselves to the land as soon as January
commences, nearly all the migrants having arrived by
February." I am much indebted to Mr. W. Evans for drawing
my attention to an error in the date of the establishment of
the Hoy Head colony, which I referred to on pages 142 and
199 as 1891. I much regret to say that this is a mistake, which
arose from a misquotation in the articles on " Additions "
by Dr. N. F. Ticehurst andmyself (Vol. II., p. 374). Wequoted
from Mr. Harvie-Brown's Fauna of the North-ivest Highlands
(1904), where we are told, on page 359, that since the Orkney
volume was issued (i.e. since 1891) Ho}^ Head had been
occupied, but no exact date is given, nor perhaps obtainable,
for the founding of this colony. — H.F.W.]

Northern Willow- Warbler in Haddington. — A male
Phylloscopus trochilus eversmanni was taken at the Bass
Rock Lighthouse on April 29th, 1909 (W. Evans, Scot. Nat.,
1912, p. 44).

Hawfinch Breeding in W^est Lothian.^A young
Coccothraustes vulgaris about twelve daj's old, was found on
June 21st, 1911, in Dalmeny Park. The nest from which it
had presumably fallen was found in the following December
(B. Campbell, Scot. Nat., 1912, p. 43).

REVrW5

Avifauna Spitzbergensis. Forschiingreisen nach der Bdren-
Iiisel unci dem Spitzbergen-ArcMpel, mit ihren faunistisch-
en und floristischen Ergehnissen. Herausgegeben und
verfasst von Alexander Koenig, Bonn, 1911. (Spezieller
Teil. Bearbeitet von Dr. 0. le Roi, pp. 113-294.)
Berlin : W. Junko 120 Marks.

The results of Professor Koenig's three expeditions to Spits-
bergen in 1905, 1907, and 1908, are enshrined in the handsome
volume which now lies before us, copiously illustrated by
numerous coloured plates, photogravures, and illustrations
in the text. As the work extends to 294 pages (12f by lOJ in.)
it will readily be seen that it is much more than an account
of the scientific results and incidents connected with these
voj^ages. The first 110 pages are indeed devoted to chrono-
logical accounts of the three expeditions, from the pen of
Professor Koenig, and contain also many notes and observa-
tions on bird- life, but Dr. le Roi is responsible for the " Special
Pp.H," with which we are more directly concerned.

First comes a very complete bibliography of Bear Island
and the Spitsbergen Archipelago from 1598 to 1910. with
critical notes. This is an extremely sound and valuable
piece of work, extending to tAventy pages, and is followed
by a list of the thirty- six species which have been recorded
from Bear Island, with their status. A similar list of the
fifty- two species recognized from Spitsbergen follows, about
twenty-five of which have been ascertained to breed there
regularly. Dr. le Roi then proceeds to treat each species
in detail, giving an abstract of what has previously been
recorded, together with critical remarks on the specimens
obtained, as mcII as interesting field-notes and full descriptions
of the eggs and nests obtained. One or two of these articles
have special interest for English naturalists, among which
the following may be mentioned : —

Kolthoff's isolated record of the Red-necked Phalarope,
Phalaropus hyperhoreus, was confirmed by the acquisition of
a pair of birds in the delta of Advent Bay on June 29th- 30th,
1907, and as the ovary of the hen contained well- developed
eggs, there is little doubt that they were about to breed there.
Although Sabine's Gull, Xema sabinii, had prcA^iously been
met with in the Spitsbergen group in the breeding-season, it
had not been proved to nest there till Dr. le Roi found a nest
with two eggs on July 7th, 1907, from which the parents were

REVIEW. 289

shot. Larus mariniis was observed on one occasion at Bear
Island, the first definite record of this species, although the
bird was not shot. Perhaps, however, the most interesting
article is that on the Barnacle-Goose, Bernida leucopsis.
Hitherto nothing definite has been recorded as to the breeding
of this species. Most of the eggs in collections are unauthentic
or have been laid in confinement, and the onh^ instance in
which the bird is said to have been found nesting in a free
state, is the supposed breeding on the Lofoden Isles in 1870.
The evidence in this case, however, is not conclusive, and the
eggs in Mr. Dresser's collection from this source are small
compared with those obtained by Professor Koenig's party.
There can, however, be no doubt whatever as to the authen-
ticity of the twelve eggs obtained in 1907 and 1908, as the
birds were clearly identified and shot from the nests, three
of w^hich were taken, containing five, four and three eggs
respectively. They were placed on steep rock- bastions on
the northern slopes of one of the side-valleys debouching
on Advent Bay. These ramparts, separated from one another
by water-worn gullies and broken up here and there into
isolated stacks, have been formed by the gradual disintegration
of the surrounding rock by weather- action, and stand out in
succession along the sides of the valley. High up on these
bluffs the Barnacle- Geese make their scanty nests and rear
their young, secure from the attentions of the arctic foxes
which range far and wide over the country. No doubt many
pairs breed still higher on the cliffs which crown the upper
slopes of the valley, but these nests were quite inaccessible,
although in several cases the heads of the brooding birds
could be clearly distinguished as they sat on their nests.
The male birds were generally on guard beside their mates,
but took to flight on the first appearance of danger, with
warning cries of " Gra, gra, gra." It is interesting to compare
this account with that given by Herr A. L. V. Manniche of
the great breeding- place discovered by him on the Trekroner
mountain in north-east Greenland, already referred to in
these pages {antea, Vol. IV., p. 344). Dr. le Roi gives full
details of the eggs taken, from which it appears that though
decidedly larger on the average than those of the Brent, the
measurements of the eggs of the two species overlap occasion-
ally, but that the eggs of the Barnacle are always relatively
heavier. Among other interesting records we note that the
Starling {Sturnus vulgaris), the Blackbird {Turdus merula),
and the Woodcock {Scolopax rusticula) are all recorded for the
first time as stragglers to the group on the evidence of remains
picked up. Two nests of the King-Eider {Somateria spectahilis)

290 BRITISH BIRDS.

were found ; the Wigeon {Mareca penelope) was observed, and
the Teal {Nettion crecca) obtained on Spitsbergen, while the
Razorbill {Alca iorda) was definitely recorded from Bear Island.

In addition to numerous photogravures of arctic scenery
and nesting- sites, there is a series of eleven well-executed
coloured plates of birds by Keulemans, and the frontispiece
to the Avork is a characteristic group of Little Auks by
Thorburn, with a distant view of Advent Bay. A further
set of twelve coloured plates of the heads, and in some cases
the feet also, of various birds by H. Schultze is appended in
order to show the exact colouring of the soft parts in life.
Though from an artistic point of view^ these are inferior to
Keulemans's work, they are nevertheless most valuable as
trustworthy records. The ten plates which illustrate the more
remarkable eggs taken are by Krause, and could hardly be
improved upon. Finally, there is an excellent map of the
group on a scale of 1 : 2,000,000, on which the routes taken
on the three voyages are carefully laid down.

Although Professor Koenig naturally uses the German
form of the word Spitsbergen (in which the " s " is replaced by
"z "), we suggest that in Latinizing the name the spelling of
its Dutch discoverer, Barents, should be followed more
closely, especially as the letter " z " forms no part of the
Latin alphabet.

We congratulate Professor Koenig and Dr. le Roi on the
completion of a Avork which must remain the standard one
on the ornithology of Spitsbergen for many years to come.

F. C. R. JOURDAIN.

LETTERS

DUNLTN OR DUNLING ?

To the Editors of British Birds.

Sirs, — I have no desire to prolong a discussion on this subject, but
I do not Hke to see my views misrepresented as they are in your
editorial note to my last letter.

The " inconsistency " with which I am credited is based on the
assumption that, while deprecating the constant changes which are
being made in Latin names, I am approving changes in English ones.
But that is not so. I propose no new English names. My critics
have failed to note the essential difference between substituting
one Latin word for another and spelling an English word properly.
How the latter course (for which I have quoted precedents) can " make
ornithology more confusing," I fail to see. This really is the gist of
the matter, and I need say no more. J. E. Ha-rting.

Sirs, — I hold no brief for Mr. Harting, and being no philologist
I am content to leave the elucidation of such matters to others, but
in our argimaents let us at least be logical. You, Sirs, are now ' ' sticklers
for priority " as regards scientific names, but yet when it is proposed
to carry out similar ideas for English names you are at once most
strongly against such a proposal.

In the case of English names, no confusion from the change can
possibly arise, as there is no transference of name from one species
to another, but merely a slight alteration of spelling. Scientists,
and under that term we may include ornithologists, are supposed to
be men of education, and for such to persist in spelling a name wrong
when they know it to be so, should be a disgrace. What, Sirs, would
you think of me were I to address this letter to " Igh Olborn " ? Yet
the " g " in Dunling has been elided in precisely the same way as many
people fail to pronounce the " H." You yourselves use the corrected
spelling for " Redpoll " and " Coal-Tit." Why not " Dunling " ?

J. Lewis Bonhote.

[The real question, so far as we are concerned, in this controversy
is not simply whether " Dunlin " should be spelt " Dunling," but
whether the colloquial names of all our birds should be revised in
accordance with the "rules" of philology so as to elucidate their original
meaning. We have already indicated where such a course of action
would be likely to lead us. We cannot be hold responsible for using

292 LETTERS.

the spellings " Coal-Tit " and " Redpoll," since these names were so
spelt in standard works a good many years before our Magazine came
into existence.

Priority in scientific names is of great importance scientifically, and
is fixed by International Rules, but priority in colloquial names is of
no zoological importance at all ; and so far as we can see {pace Mr.
Harting) there are no rules to govern us, should we turn our hands to
correcting the spelling of English names and deciding wiiich form should
be adopted. Mr. Bonhote compares the spelling of " Dunlin " without a
final " g " to that of " High Holborn " without the initial " H." It
is sufficient to point out that the former is the spelling adopted in every
standard work on ornithology, with the exception of one work by
Professor Newton and Mr. Harting's later edition of his Handbook,
though in his earlier works he wrote the word as we do. To drop
the '• H " in " Holborn " would be simply a vulgarism for which there
is no authority, so that there is no parallel between the two cases — Eds.]

[British Birds, Vol. V., PI. 5.

^m^

J '
h

mi

4

DIPPER WITH FOOD FOR ITS YOUNG.
{Photographed by Arthur Brook.)

BRnBnDIPJ)5

EDITED BY H. F. WITHERBY, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

assisted by

Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain, m.a.^ m.b.o.u.^ and Norman F.

ticehurst, m.a., f.r.c.s., m.b.o.u.

Contents of Number 11, Vol. V. April 1, 1912.

The Dipper at the Nest. By Arthur Brook

Some Results obtained by "Ringing" Starlings. By N. H

Joy ^

Manx Ornithological Notes, 1909-12. By F. S. Graves and

P. G. Ralfe

Notes : —

Abnormally Early Wheatears in Carnarvonshire (Richard W
Jones)

Stonechat Inland in Renfrewshire (T. Thornton Mackeith) 305

Black Redstart in Carnarvonshire (Richard W. Jones)
Early Arrival of the Chiff chaff in Shropshire (H. E. Forrest)
Crossbills in Warwickshire and Staffordshire (A. Geoffrey

Leigh and F. A. Monckton) 306

The Facial Feathers of the Rook (Walter Stewart) . . . . 306

Cormorant in Shropshire (H. E. Forrest) . . . . . . 307

Shag in Worcestershire (Bernard Starley) . . . . . . 307

Supposed former Abimdance of the Glossy Ibis (J. H.

Gurney) 307

Turnstone in Oxfordshire (F. A. Monckton) . . . . . . 308

Little Stints in Worcestershire (Norman G. Hadden) . . . . 308

Black-tailed Godwit in Yorkshire (Stanley Duncan) . . . . 308

Black-headed Gulls in Worcestershire (Norman G. Hadden) . . 309
Common Gull in Warwickshire (Bernard Starley) . . . . 309

The 1912 "Wreck " of the Little Auk 309

Great Northern Diver in Staffordshire (F. A. Monckton) .. 311
Fork-tailed Petrels in Worcestershire (Norman G. Hadden) . . 311
Recovery of Marked Birds .. .. .. .. •• 312

Remarkable Journeys taken by Black-headed Gulls. — H.F.W. 317
Short Notes :— Rare Birds at the Isle of May in 1911. Conti-
nental Song-Tlirush and Goldcrest at the Isle of May.
Continental Redbreasts in East Ross. Lapland
Bunting at Fair Isle. Shore-Larks in Haddington-
shire. Barn-Owl Nesting on the Grormd. Common
Sandpiper and Land-raiLs in Winter in Ireland. Wood-
Sandpiper in Fife. Black-tailed Godwit in Cumber-
land. Whimbrels in Winter in Haddiiigton. Black
Tern in Haddington. Disposal of the fceces of Yoimg
by old Birds. Lapland Bunting at Fair Isle. Honey-
Buzzard in Wigtownshire . . . . • . • • 318

Letter :— The Birds of Wiltshire 320

page
294

297

300

305

305

306

( 294 )
THE DIPPER AT THE NEST.

BY

ARTHUR BROOK.

[Plate 5.]

The nest of the Dipper (Cinclus aquaticus) figured here
was built upon the side of a wild Welsh stream, and
contained callow young on April 12th, 1911. The birds
at this nest were by no means shy, and I was able to
obtain a series of photographs of them. We had pre-

'^*

%w

W'^

■^^

THE PAIE OF DIPPERS.
{Photographed by Arthur Brook.)

viously placed a stone beneath the nest for the birds to
settle upon, and this was much appreciated by the old
Dippers, which used to stand upon it whilst feeding the
young. I was hidden within three yards of the nest, and
had a fine view of the chestnut colour on the lower-breast
of the bird as it stood upon the stone.

After feeding the young, the parent would fly, with
Kingfisher-like flight, to the nearest ford and commence
wading up stream, disappearing beneath the surface
every now and then in search of food. Several times

DIPPER ABOUT TO FEED ITS YOUNG.
{Photographed by Arthur Brook.)

TWO YOUNG DIPPERS.
{Photographed by Arthur Brook.)

296 BRITISH BIRDS.

the pair of birds absented themselves from the nest for
about twenty minutes, and I noticed that they generally
fleAv up stream when they left the nest.

In mid-stream a piece of turf had fallen, forming a
small island, to which the Dippers would resort and
burst forth into song. I was fortunate enough to obtain
a photograph of the pair of birds together upon this
little island.

Young Dippers can swim and dive before they are
fully fledged. Upon one occasion I was about to examine a
nest, built beneath a bridge about ten feet above a stream.
Before I could place my hand inside the nest, the young
birds scrambled out and dived into the water beneath.
The water, being very clear, afforded a good view of them.
They swam for some distance beneath the surface, using
their wings to propel themselves, after the manner of
the old ones when in pursuit of prey. Upon reaching
the surface one of the young birds swam strongly to a
small rock and stood upon it. It was a most entertaining
sight to see the young bird perched upon the rock,
" bobbing " in approved Dipper style.

Dippers are very partial to their nesting-sites. I have
in mind a nest from which six clutches of eggs were
taken by schoolboys in one season. Two broods are often
reared in the same nest in one season, a ncAv lining of
leaves being the only addition.

( 297 )

SOME RESULTS
OBTAINED BY "RINGING" STARLINGS.

BY

N. H. JOY.

Between May, 1910, and February Uth, 1912, 1 ''ringed"
one thousand six hundred and ninety-six Starlings (Sturnus
vulgaris) within one mile of this house, at Bradfield,
Berkshire, about eight miles due west of Reading. Most
of these birds have been caught in a cage-trap made
after the description given by Dr. C. B. Ticehurst in
British Birds, Vol. IV., p. 237, but with a door at the
side large enough to admit a man. This I found very
necessary, as it took too long to catch some thirty or forty
birds (a not unusual number to be in the trap at one
time) with a net. The trap was set in a large chicken -
run, and was baited with the usual chicken-food and
refuse from the kitchen. It was seldom attended to
more often than three times a day, a quite insufficient
number of times, as was often proved by leaving several
marked birds in the trap, and finding at the next visit
they had all escaped. Probably owing to this, some birds
got to know the exit quite well, and used to fly out
deliberately, even though I ran up to them clapping my
hands. About two hundred and fifty birds were taken in
another trap which was set only on a very few occasions,
and fifty-four nestlings from nesting-boxes were " ringed."
The following is a list of the birds marked at different
times of the year : —

Summer 1910, nestlings . . . . . . . . 42

January 12th-February 14th, 1911 . .
May to July, 1911, young and nestlings

Ditto adults

October and November, 1911

568
99
7
92

December 12th, 1911, to February 11th, 1912 . . 888

Of the 1910 nestlings, four have been recaptured here
on the following dates : January 13th, 1911, two ; October
14th and December 26th, 1911, two : i.e. 4.76 per cent,
were recovered in the first winter and about 10 per cent,
up to date.

298 BRITISH BIRDS.

Of the nestlings and young in first plumage marked
in the summer 1911, five, or 4.8 per cent., turned up during
last autumn and winter, practically the same percentage
as in the case of the 1910 nestlings. It seems evident
that only a small proportion of birds bred here remain
in the close neighbourhood, as otherwise I think a larger
number would have been recaptured by now.

Of the Starhngs marked in January and February,

1911, ninety-seven, or about 17 per cent., have been
recovered here more than two months after the date of
"ringing," nine during the breeding-season 1911, seven
during October and November, and eighty-one during
the winter from December 13th, 1911, to February 11th,

1912. That some, and probably a large number, of the
Starlings " ringed " during the winter are migrants, or
at any rate wanderers from a distance, the four following
records show : —

C234, marked 1.2.1911, found at Gmingham, Kent, 20.2.1911
16078 „ 19.1.1912 „ dead, probably a few days, at

Loughton, Essex 2.2.1912

16454 „ 7.2.1912 „ at Reading 29.2.1912

11852 , 22.1.1911 „ „ Hounslow Heath 2.10.1911

The first rush of fresh birds to this neighbourhood
appeared a day or two before Christmas, 1911, and
undoubtedly new birds were constantly arriving during
January and February, 1912. The number of birds
recaptured which had been marked during January and
February, 1911, varied very much on different days.

On January 8th, 1912, eight out of 28 were marked in January and

February, 1911.
On January 9th, 1912, seven ,,16 ,, ,, ,, ,,

On January 10th, 1912, nine ., 17

All these were different birds. However, on January
19th, during a snow-storm, out of tAventy-five Starlings
caught, only two had last winter's rings on. On account
of illness the trap was not set again until the hard frost
of January 28th, when thirty-six were captured, seventeen
proving to be ' ' ringed ' ' birds ; nine of these were last
winter's birds which had not been caught before this
winter, five had been marked during November and

"RINGING" STARLINGS. 299

December, 1 9 II , and the rest more recently . On February
5th, during very hard frost, only two out of ninety birds
were last winter's, and two of December, 1911, although
some of the latter might have been overlooked among
the twenty-five or so with quite recent rings on. On
February 9th, of seventeen birds in the trap not one
had been " ringed " before. I think these last facts
prove that the Starling population here was constantly
changing, especially so during the hard frost. It is also
probable that most of the birds marked during October
and November, 1911, soon moved away, as only eight,
or 9.6 per cent., are recorded again between January 28th
and February 11th, 1912, the period of hard frost, when
five hundred and fifty-six fresh birds were marked. A
few, however, may have been overlooked, as I did not
have time to examine every " ringed "' bird in the cage,
but only looked at the number in the case of somewhat
worn rings.

It is interesting to note that I only caught six of the
" two-winter " birds a second time this winter, a fact
which also seems to suggest that they were only passing
through on migration, as if they had stopped long they
would certainly have been taken in the trap more often,
especially during hard weather.*

It is impossible yet to tell where the birds " ringed "
in the winter 1911, and recaptured in the autumn and
winter 1911-12, have their summer quarters, but as there
are now over seventy of these at large some evidence
on this point ought to be soon forthcoming. Some
probably did not leave the close neighbourhood, as a
few " ringed " at the same time were killed during the
summer.

The following record is of some interest, if only as a
curious coincidence : Of fourteen birds " ringed '" on
January 28th, 1911, three were retaken on the same
date, 1912, and were not seen at any other time.

* I have on several occasions found that a particular Starling has
entered the trap for several days in succession, or even twice on one day.

( 300 )
MANX ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES, 1909-12.

BY

F. S. GRAVES AND P. G. RALFE.

The following information is intended to continue the
ornithological record for the Isle of Man from the end of
the period covered by the article in British Birds,
Vol. III., pp. 215-18, to the end of the year 1911.

Within these three years the Tree-Pipit has been
recognized almost certainly as a nesting species, and the
breeding of the Common Sandpiper and Common Tern
estabhshed. The first specimen of the Hen-Harrier has
been recorded. The status of some common British
small birds still, however, remains uncertain.

Redstart (Ruticilla phoenicMrus). — On April 30th, 1911,
in the Curragh. the son of Graves called his attention
to a strange bird, which proved to be a male of this
species. A female was seen by Mr. M. V. Wenner
at Injebreck on April 29th, 1911.

Blue Titmouse (Parus coeruleus). — Now by far the
commonest Tit in the Island ; in every district, and
still increasing in numbers.

Grey Wagtail (Motacilla ynelanope). — More frequent as
a breeding species than we believed when Birds of
the Isle of Mmi was written. Nests on the Douglas
River at the Nunnery, and on Ballure stream near
Ramsey.

Tree-Pipit (Anthiis trivialis). — On June 3rd, 1911, while
fishing at Injebreck Reservoir, West Baldwin, Graves
repeatedly heard the familiar song of this bird. Next
day he and Mr. M. V. Wenner both saw and heard
the bird, its song and short characteristic flights
from a tall ash leaving no doubt as to the identity
of the species. On several later dates Mr. Wenner
heard the song, and there seems little doubt that it
was breeding. This is the first record of the species
in the Isle of Man.

Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla). — Seen and reported
from various districts in winter.

MANX ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES. 301

Twite (Linota flavirostris) . — In 1908 Mr. J. Bell found a
nest amid heather on the Ay re. He and other
residents in Ramsey, who are well acquainted with
the species through having kept it in captivity, have
of late years met with it out of the breeding-season
both on the mountains and lowland.

Ralfe has lately, through the kindness of Mrs.
Roberts, of Castletown, seen an extract from Once
a Week, 12th May, 1866, in which her father, the
late Mr. J. M. Jeffcott, throws some light upon the
nesting of the species in Man, for the article no
doubt relates to the Island. He says that he never
saw Twites in winter, but had observed small parties
in early spring. " In summer. Twites are exceedingly
shy, and within a large extent of moor where they
breed, it is seldom that more than two or three pairs
are to be found." He had once only found a nest,
which had six eggs.

Crossbill (Loxia ciirvirostra) . — For occurrences in 1909,
see British Birds, Vol. III., p. 305.

Chough (Pyrrhocorax graculus). — In a lonely inlet of the
west coast, an old mine-working opens half-way up
the face of the cliff. High in the lofty but narrow
crevice (partty natural, partly artificial) a window,
so to speak, still half -framed in timber, opens through
the wall of rock to the outer air, and on its sill is
annually placed the nest of a Chough, easily visible
from the inside against the light of the opening. In
this neighbourhood, in 1911, I saw within one and a
half miles three nesting-sites, a second being in a
cliff surmounting a long rocky brow, and the third
in the roof of a rock-arch under which the sea flows
at high tide. At a nesting-site mentioned on p. 86
of Birds of the Isle of Man, the shelf used in 1877
was, in 1911, occupied by a Chough's nest, which
contained four eggs.

Several of the artificial sites described in the same
book are now unoccupied. The building in the
illustration opposite p. 314 has been pulled down.
On October 26th, 1911, Graves saw sixteen Choughs

302 BRITISH BIRDS.

and six Grey Crows, feeding in company in a field
near Ballamoar.
Rook {Corvus frugilegus). — Graves notes two occupied
Rook's nests in 1910 in " Monkey Puzzles " (Chilian
Pine) at Ballagarraghyn (German). There are
Rookeries (not mentioned in Ralfe's list) at Tosaby
(Malew), Ballakilley (Rushen), very small and recent,
and Stockfield (German). Mr. T. Cubbon, who called
attention to the last-mentioned, names another at
Cooil Injil (Marown) which existed at the date of
Ralfe's list, but has since become extinct.

Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus). — So little is known about
Manx foster-parents of the Cuckoo, other than the
Meadow-Pipit, that it may be worth mentioning
that Mr. Wenner found a young bird in the nest of
a Sedge- Warbler in Greeba Curragh in 1911.

Hen-Hakrier (Circus cyaneus). — The first known Manx
occurrence is recorded in British Birds, Vol. III.,
p. 338.

Gadwall (Anas strepera). — On November 6th, 1911, a
male in fine plumage was shot by Mr. E. Turner
on the tide-pools at Lang Ness : the second Manx
record.

Stock-Dove (Colmnba oenas). — Seems to be increased in
numbers, both in summer and winter. Mr. F. A.
Craine reports nests at Clay Head ; Graves saw twenty
to thirty coming in to roost in September, 1911, in
plantations near St. Johns. Most of those he has
shot were birds of the year.

Purple Sandpiper (Triyiga maritima). — Mr. H. Mackenzie
tells Ralfe that when he was stationed at the Chickens
Rock Light, a party of these birds regularly visited
the rock (nearly a mile from shore) when uncovered
by the tide, during the period between August and
. December.

Common Sandpiper (Totanus hypoleucus). — Graves had
for years observed this species y\hen fishing at the
Reservoir in West Bakhvin, but was not able to
find a nest until June 5th, 1910, when he discovered
one on a bracken-clad bank close to the water, with

MANX ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES. 303

four slightly incubated eggs. The following day
these were accidentally broken, but on the 23rd of
the same month there was another nest with four
eggs on the same bank near the old site. This is the
first record of the breeding of the species in the
Isle of Man. In 1911 the birds were at the place
on April 15th, and subsequently. No nest was found,
and Graves thinks the birds did not breed this year.
The species occurs commonly on spring and autumn
migration, both inland and on the coast. Graves
has seen a party of twenty to thirty at White Strand,
near Peel.

Common Tern {Sterna fluviatilis). — ^Regarding a small
colony in the Island, see Mr. M. V. Wenner in British
Birds, Vol. V., p. 80. On July 5th in the same
year the nesting-place, which is subject to much
disturbance, seemed to have been forsaken by all
Terns.

Herring-Gull {Larus argentatus). — This very abundant
bird is extending its breeding-range. Mr. F. A.
Craine has pointed out a comparatively recent colony
on Clay Head, and of late years there have been a
few nests on Lang Ness. The species is now in strong
disfavour among farmers. Some even assert that it
destroys new-born lambs. Ralfe has seen wild
Herring-Gulls feed from a dish held in a lady's hands
at Castletown.

Great Black-backed Gull {Larus marinus). — In July,
191 1, a pair flying around an isolated stack on the west
coast behaved in such a way as to make it almost
certain that there were young in the neighbourhood.
There were empty and trodden-down nests on this
stack. In spite of repeated assertions, the species
has not yet been proved to breed in Man. At
Christmas-time, 1911, Ralfe saw about thirty with
Herring-Gulls on Ramsey shore ; at least twenty
were mature birds.

Great Skua {Megalestris catarrhactes). — On February
25th, 1910, a specimen was caught on a baited hook
seven or eight miles off Maughold Head, by fishermen

304 BRITISH BIRDS.

of the boat " Caribou," and found its way to the
Ramsey Museum (/. of M. Nat. Hist, and Ant. Soc.
Zool. Report, 1909-10).

Puffin (Fratercula arctica). — In 1911, Mr. Wenner and
Ralfe found a few pairs breeding at Maughold Head.

Great Crested Grebe (Podicipes cristatus). — On July
15th, 1910, an adult female was taken in a dying con-
dition from a tide-pool near Castletown Pier by
T. Kelly, assistant harbour-master, who gave it to
Ralfe. Mr. F. W. Leach, of Douglas, identified an
immature bird which had been found dead or dying
on Douglas shore on February 9th, 1911.

Manx Shearwater (Pufflnus anglorunri). — When crossing
to and from the Island, as he frequently does. Graves
has seen birds of the species between April 29th and
September 20th (these being the extreme dates)
during the last three years, and from Douglas Bay
to the Bar Lightship at the mouth of the Mersey.
On one occasion there were about one hundred feeding
close together. He is of opinion that these are not
migrating birds, as has been stated.

OTES

ABNORMALLY EARLY WHEATEARS IN

CARNARVONSHIRE.

The genial atmospheric conditions and almost uninterrupted
southerly and south-westerly winds during the latter half of
February, 1912, helped to set in motion the seasonal move-
ment of a few of the recognised earlier-moving migrants, and
apparently urged a few Common Wheatears {Saxicola oenanihe
oenanthe) to venture northward. At 3.15 p.m. on March 1st
I watched a male on the Great Orme's Head, a little to the
south-east of the lighthouse, and on the following day I
watched another male (possibly the bird seen the previous
day) at the extreme north-westerly point of the promontory.
Another Wheatear, however, was seen on the 1st by a friend
of mine, who is as familiar with the bird as I am, just an
hour earlier, but nearly a mile awa}^ from the spot where I
observed mine. My previous earliest date was March 21st,
in 1909. Richard W. Jones.

STONECHAT INLAND IN RENFREWSHIRE.

On March 3rd, 1912, I saw near Kilmalcolm a fine male
Stonechat {Pratincola ruhicola), a bird of very rare occurrence
inland in Renfrewshire. T. Thornton Mackeith.

BLACK REDSTART IN CARNARVONSHIRE.

On March 1st, 1912, I had the good fortune to watch for
some considerable time a fine male Black Redstart {Ruticilla
titys) on the north-easterly side of the Great Orme's Head.
The white patch on each wing drew my attention to the
bird as it flitted about the rough and stony cliff -top,
where apparently it was getting plenty to eat. The short,
downward jerk of its ruddy tail was indulged in whenever
it alighted on any point of vantage, and its movements
forwards and backwards over the turf were quick.

One female of this species in 1910 and another in 1911
(c/. Vol. IV., pp. 308-9, and supra, p. 224) are the only
occurrences of individuals of that sex in Carnarvonshire, but
the present record of a male is unprecedented.

Richard W. Jones.

306 BRITISH BIRDS.

EARLY ARRIVAL OF THE CHIFFCHAEF IN
SHROPSHIRE.
A CHIFFCHAFF {Phylloscopus Tujus) was heard at Petton Park,
eight miles north of Shrewsbury on March 13th, 1912. The
following day one was heard in Shrewsbury and another at
Dowles near Bewdley. I have kept records for the last fifteen
years and find the average date of arrival in Shropshire is
March 27th. The earliest previous record was March 20th,
1910. H. E. Forrest.

CROSSBILLS IN WARWICKSHIRE AND
STAFFORDSHIRE.
On December 24th, 1911, I watched for some time, in a small
larch plantation at Hampton-in-Arden, a party of six Cross-
bills {Loxia c. curvirostra) , and on the folloAving morning (25th)
they were again present in the same numbers. I was informed
that one of a party of five had been shot whilst feeding in
some Scotch pines, about three-quarters of a mile away. I
was fortunate enough to secure this specimen, which was an
adult male. The birds were not seen after the morning of
the 25th.

Very few Crossbills appear to have visited Warwickshire
during the irruption of 1909-10, and previous to this there
appear to be less than half a dozen records of its occurrence
in the county. A. Geoffrey Leigh.

As the status of the Crossbill in Staffordshire is not well
known, it may be of interest to record that one was seen on
April 8th, 1911, near Stretton, and two on April 9th, but
they were not observed again until July 31st, when some
were heard, Avhile on the next day two were seen. On
December 7th one was shot out of a flock of twenty near
Gnosall, and the keeper there stated that about a hundred had
been near there for some time. On January 3rd, 1912, I
saw nine near Chatwell, on the 11th five at Woodcote, and
on the 26th four were seen at Stretton. It seems probable
that these birds were migrants and were not connected with
the great irruption of 1909-10. F. A. Monckton.

THE FACIAL FEATHERS OF THE ROOK.

A PET Rook [Corvus frugilegus) which came into my possession
early in May, 1910, died early in January, 1912, and as I had
taken note of its changes of plumage up to date, it is rather
disappointing that it did not live to become adult. It had
almost complete liberty, and until a short time before death
kept itself in excellent condition.

NOTES. 307

When obtained, it had ahnost completed the juvenile
plumage — only a few traces of down remaining. The first
stage of the autumn-moult commenced about the middle of
July, by the shedding of some feathers at the junction of the
forehead and bill. New and more upright feathers began to
grow all over the forehead. This had the effect of completely
altering the contour of the face, in that the smooth and regular
shape gave place to a more uneven and bristly appearance.
During the moult 7ione of the nostril- or chm- feathers were shed.

The second autumn-moult commenced about the end of
July, 1911, when the flight- and tail-feathers were gradually
dropped and replaced, and in September and October the
whole body underwent a complete moult. At this time the
bill began to show a little whiteness about the nostrils and
the base of the lower mandible, caused by the dropping out
of some of these feathers. The feathers on the chin also
began to drop out. This continued right on through the last
two months of the year ; those of the nostrils and the base of
the bill not being replaced, while those of the chin were to
some extent replaced by new feathers. Walter Stewart.

CORMORANT IN SHROPSHIRE.

Although the Cormorant {Phalacrocorax carbo) is a frequent
visitor to the meres of north Shropshire, it is rarely met with
in the southern half of the county. It may therefore be worth
recording that at the end of January, 1912, an immature bird
of this species was shot on the Teme near LudloA\'.

H. E. Forrest.

SHAG IN WORCESTERSHIRE.
On January 27th, 1912, a man named John Coldrick, of
Bewdley, Worcestershire, shot a Shag {Phalacrocorax graculus)
in the Dowles Brook, which forms the boundary between
Worcestershire and Shropshire (so perhaps the specimen may
be regarded as an occurrence for both counties). Owing to
the kindness of Messrs. Spicer and Sons, the Birmingham
taxidermists, I was able to examine the bird soon after being
set up. It proved on dissection to be a male, and was of a
dull brown on the under-parts. Bernard Starley.

[This occurrence should be compared with those recorded
by Mr. Coward in our last issue (p. 279). — Eds.]

SUPPOSED FORMER ABUNDANCE OF THE
GLOSSY IBIS.

The story that the Glossy Ibis {Plegadis falcinellus) was once
common enough in Norfolk to be called the " Black Curlew,"

308 BRITISH BIRDS.

referred to by the Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain {supra, p. 274),
rests on rather slender evidence, viz. the recollections of
Charles Girdlestone, a sportsman-naturalist, who died in 1831
(see Fauna of Norfolk by the Rev. R. Lubbock, new ed., 1879,
pp. xvii and 53). Lubbock, writing in 1824, remarks that
forty years back Glossy Ibises " were, I am told, known to
the gunners about Lynn Regis, etc., by the appellation of
Black Curlews." This is on his friend Girdlestone's authority,
but it meets with no confirmation from other sources, and does
not deserve to be quoted as if it were an accepted fact, as
has been done by several writers. That Glossy Ibises were
somewhat less of a rarity in 1780 than they are now is not
improbable, as there were more marshes then, but I cannot
think that they could ever have been abundant enough to
have earned a local sobriquet. J. H. Gurney.

TURNSTONE IN OXFORDSHIRE.
On January 22nd, 1912, Mr. Darby, the Oxford taxidermist?
showed me a Turnstone {Strepsilas inter pres) which had just
been killed opposite Christchurch Meadow, almost in the
town of Oxford. It was in immature plumage.

F. A. MONCKTON.

LITTLE STINTS IN WORCESTERSHIRE.
Five or six Little Stints {Tringa minuta) were seen in a damp
meadow on the outskirts of Malvern in company with several
Snipe. One bird was shot on February 6th, 1912, and given
to me; I have passed it on to the Worcester Museum. It
was in poor condition, and had doubtless experienced con-
siderable difficulty in obtaining suitable food here during the
hard frost. Norman G. Hadden.

BLACK-TAILED GODWIT IN YORKSHIRE.
On February 3rd, 1912, my brother, Norman K. Duncan,
shot a Black-tailed Godwit {Limosa belgica) on the north
shore of the Humber, near Spurn. There were two birds
together. The specimen procured is an immature male in
mnter plumage, having the mantle and scapulars uniform
dark ashy-gre3\ The only pre\aous winter record for
Yorkshire that I can learn of was on December 9th, 1875
{see Birds of Yorks., I., p. 642). Stanley Duncan.

BLACK-HEADED GULLS IN WORCESTERSHIRE.
On February 8th, 1912, I saw four Black-headed Gulls {Larus
ridibundus) at the Malvern sewage farm. " Gulls " were
reported to me at this time in considerable numbers.

Norman G. Hadden.

NOTES. 309

COMMON GULL IN WARWICKSHIRE.

On February 8th, 1912, Messrs. Spicer and Sons, of Birming-
ham, received for preservation a specimen of the Common Gull
[Lams canus). It was shot on the River Anker, at Nuneaton,
and is a mature male. Bernard Starley.

THE 1912 " WRECK " OF THE LITTLE AUK.

The following notes, read in conjunction with those which
appeared in our last number (pp. 282-286), show that the
Little Auks were driven far and wide across the country.
They seem to have struck the coast in greatest numbers from
Norfolk to the Firth of Forth, and it seems probable that
those reported from western and midland counties travelled
across the country from the east coast.

As was said in our last issue, the numbers which came to
grief were apparently less than in 1895, but so far at all events
as England is concerned they were, I think, " strewn " over
a wider area this year than in 1895. — H.F.W.

Lanarkshire. — One at the end of January near Motherwell
[Glasgow Nat., IV., p. 63).

Renfrewshire. — One was picked up near Kilmalcolm on
February 18th ; it had evidently struck the telegraph-wires,
as it was lying underneath them. It was an adult female
(T. Thornton Mackeith).

Northumberland. — Mr. J. M. Charlton sends the following
notes from the south-east coast : — " Jan. 8th-9th, 1912.
Stormy. Blizzard. South-east winds. First Little Auks
appeared in large numbers off St. Mary's Island close in to
shore, swimming and protected from the waves by the island
itself. On the 9th one was picked up and brought to me.
Another was shot as it was flying south. Jan. 10. — Numbers
passing south. Jan. 17. — Wind south-east, exceedingly
strong. Two brought to me exhausted. Jan. 18. — South-
east wind. Large numbers passing south in flocks of four to
six. Some passed so close to the shore as to be pelted with
stones by boys. Jan. 19. — Several picked up inland, Seaton
Delaval (IJ miles inland) and Cullercoats. Several in Culler-
coats Bay. Jan 22. — Several passing south. Jan. 23. —
Observed one at sea from fishing-boat ; it was close by, and
when on the surface appeared to use its wings as though it
were swimming beneath the surface. Jan. 26. — One brought
in, caught in front street of Cullercoats by boys.

310 BRITISH BIRDS.

" Feb. 2. — G^'eat north-east gale, snow and frost. Thou-
sands passing north during the height of gale, flying in small
parties of two to four, never more, and often singly. They
were flying hard to head into the gale, but some were quite
' done,' and S3ttled on the rocks around us as we lay in wait
for Brent Geese. Some passed so close as to be within reach
of our guns had we held them up. On settling on the rocks
they assumed a recumbent, not upright attitude. Several
were caught hiding under stones, but some were less exhausted,
and rose when almost within reach. Even when caught and
placed on a stone they seemed at home, and lay quite quietly
ruffling their feathers, shaking themselves and even preening
their wings ! All we examined were terribly thin and
emaciated. A few were observed when the gale had abated,
diving near the rocks and apparently chasing small fish which
rose to the surface in their eagerness to escape when the
Little Auk was below. Feb. 3. — Wind north-east by east,
even heavier than Feb. 2. Hundreds of parties of two and
three passing north in the same manner as yesterday. Feb. 4. —
Dozens found dead on the shore, some frozen stiff, some alive.
Gale abated, wind to south-east. Feb. 5. — Dull, mild; wind
south-east. One caught alive.

" During this storm a iew were found in the Newcastle
streets. Mention is made in Newcastle Daily Journal of a
' colony ' of three hundred in the third week in January
passing south at Holy Island. The correspondent said that
he saAV the first early in December."

Yorkshire. — Over fortv were brought to the local taxi-
dermist at Beverley. (F.' Boj^es, Field, 17.11.1912, p. 304.)

Lancashire. — One was picked up by the head water-bailiff
on the River Lune near Lancaster on February 2nd, 1912.
It was under the telegraph-wires, against which it had been
kUled, the head being completelv severed from the body.
(F. Smalley.)

" I can account for at least fifteen found near Lancaster.
Mr. Harrison, the Lancaster taxidermist, received six for
preservation, and Mr. Murray, the Carnforth taxidermist,
seven, whilst I picked the remains of two others out of one
rubbish heap close to the toAA^i, and have no doubt that a
walk doAMi the Lune estuary Avould have brought to light many
more." (H. W. Robinson.)

Cheshire. — One was picked up dead in the village of
Prestbury, near Macclesfield. (R. E. Knowles.)

Carnarvonshire. — " I saw a single Little Auk on February
2nd, flying westward over the sands in Llandudno Bay.

NOTES. 311

Th3 bird passed me quite close, and, in the strong north-easterly
wind which was raging at the time, appeared to be uncertain
whether to continue its course round the Great Orme's Head
or to fly over the isthmus on which the town of Llandudno
stands. I have neither heard nor seen it reported that other
examples were seen in Carnarvonshire." (R. W. Jones.)

Staffordshire. — ^Mr. G. H. Storer writes that one was
caught alive at Burton-on-Trent, killed, and brought to
Mr. C. Hanson, junr., on February 3rd.

Nottinghamshire. — Two were picked up near Mansfield.
(J. Whitaker, Field, 24.11.1912, p. 400.)

Warwickshire. — " One was sent to Messrs. Spicer and
Son, of Birmingham, on February 14th, for preservation. It
was obtained near Nuneaton, and had probably been dead a
week when I saw it on the date mentioned." (B. Starley.)

Worcestershire. — Two were caught near Evesham in the
first week of February, one of which has been presented to
the Worcester Museum. (N. G. Hadden.)

Buckinghamshire. — One was found, unable to fly, on the
Chilterns at Ivinghoe on Februarv 4th. (P. W. Horn, Zool.,
1912, p. 109.)

Sussex. — Two Little Auks were taken at sea off Eastbourne
during the hard weather. One was caught in a fishing net.
(E. C. Arnold.)

Ireland. — ^Two were found alive in co. Dublin, one at
Portmarnock, and one at Rathfarnham, during the first week
of February. (A. R. Nichols, Irish Nat, 1912, p. 63.)
One at Lough Belvidere, Mullingar, on January 23rd ;
twenty seen (one shot) on a flooded field in co. Wicklow
on February 2nd ; two picked up dead near Graigue, co.
Carlow. (W.J.Williams.)

GREAT NORTHERN DIVER IN STAFFORDSHIRE.

On December 29th, 1911, I saw what I feel certain, by its
very large size, was a Great Northern Diver {Colymhus glacialis)
on Bellfield Reservoir; on January 2nd, 1912, there were
two. I did not go there again until the 15th, when both
were still there. F. A. Monckton.

FORK-TAILED PETRELS IN WORCESTERSHIRE.

On February 4th, 1912, I saw a Fork -tailed Petrel {Procellaria
leucorrhoa) at Malvern, flying strongly in a southerly direction
about fifteen feet from the ground. On the previous day
another specimen was picked up in Worcester and brought
to the Museum. Norman G. Hadden.

312 BRITISH BIRDS.

RECOVERY OF MARKED BIRDS.
In addition to those already acknowledged, I have received subscrip-
tions towards the expenses of the " marking scheme " from Messrs.
T. F. Greenwood, R. M. Barrington, H. L. Popham, C. F. Archibald,
Chas. Collier, J. R. B. Masefield, Captain H. Lynes, Messrs. H. Noble,
R. O. Blyth, Commander H. L. Cochrane, Captain J. S. T. Whitehead,
Messrs. H. S. Greg, Edmimd Page, M. Portal, J. Bartholomew, C. T.
Cobbold, R. J. Ussher, W. C. Tait, W. Davies, Major-General V. Hatton,
Mrs. Patteson, Messrs. W, Stewart, A. Bankes, J, H. Milne-Home,
H. S. Gladstone, and Anonymous. — H. F. W.

Song-Thrush {Turdus musicus). — B.B., No. 6892, marked by Miss M.
Garnett at Windermere, Westmorland, on February 5th, 1911, as
an adult bird. Recovered at Kilkee, co. Clare, Ireland, on Feb-
ruary 6th, 1912. Reported by Mr. R. Mannering.

Blackbirds {Turdus meruJa). — B.B., No. 11429, marked by Mr. Murray
(gamekeeper to Mr. H. S. Gladstone) at Capenoch, Thornhill,
Dumfriesshire, on July 22nd, 1910, as a nestling. Recovered at
Kilkeel, co. Down, about February 7th, 1912. Reported by
Mr. J. Dawson.

B.B., No. 14707, marked by Miss C. M. Acland at Banstead,
Siurey, on June 21st, 1911, as a yomig bird. Recovered at the
same place in February, 1912.

Robins {Erithacus ruhecula). — B.B., No. F589, marked by Mr. A. G.
Leigh at Hampton-in-Arden, Warwickshire, on July 25th, 1911,
as a young bird. Recovered at the same place on November 12th,
1911. Ring replaced and bird released.

B.B., No C405, marked by Mr. W. T. Blackwood at Peebles, on
May 21st, 1911, as a nestling. Recovered at the same place on
November 8th, 1911.

B.B., No. B957, marked by Mr. W. E. Suggitt at Cleethorpes,
Lincolnshire, on August 18th, 1910, as an immature bird. Re-
covered on February 4th, 1912, at the same place.
B.B., No. C357, marked as No. B957 on July 3rd, 1911. Recovered
at the same place on February 4th, 1912.

B.B., No. D325, marked by Captain J. W. H. Seppings in York
on June 29th, 1911, as an adult bird. Recovered at the same place
on February 8th, 1912.

B.B., No. E578, marked by Mr. J. S. Elliott at Bewdley, Worces-
tershire, on June 23rd, 1911, as an adult bird. Recovered at the
same place on February 10th, 1912.

NOTES. 313

Hedge-Sparrows {Accentor modidaris). — B.B., No. C391, marked by
Mr. W. T. Blackwood at Peebles on May 21st, 1911, as a nestling.
Recovered at the saine place on November 6th 1911. Reported
by Mr. J. Ballantyne.

B.B., No. E252, marked by Mr. J. Bartholomew at Torrance, near
Glasgow, Stirlingshire, on July 19th, 1911, as an adult male.
Recovered at the same place on January 3rd, 1912. Ring replaced
and bird released.

B.B., No. A985, marked by Mr. A. Bankes at Salisbury, Wiltshire,
on July 9th, 1911, as an adult. Recovered at same place on
January 4th, 1912. Bird re- marked and released.
B.B., No. D307, marked by Mr. A. G. Leigh at Hampton-in-Arden,
Warwickshire, on September 20th, 1911, as an adult. Recovered at
same place on February 3rd, 1912. Ring replaced and bird released.

Great Tits [Parus major). — B.B., No. C747, marked by the North
London Natural History Society at Woodford Green, Essex, on
May 28th, 1911, as a nestling. Recovered at the same place on
December 2.5th, 1911. Ring replaced and bird released. Reported
by Mr. F. Reynolds.

B.B., No. 4974, marked by Mr. A. H. M. Cox at Plymouth, Devon,
on May 28th, 1911, as an adult female. Recovered at the same
place on February 2nd, 1912.

Coal-Tit {Parus ater). — B.B., No. C164, marked by Mrs. Patteson at
Limpsfield, Surrey, on January 14th, 1911. Recovered at the
same place on February 1st, 1912.

Blue Tits {Parus coeruleus). — B.B., No. A372, marked by Mr. A. Bankes
at Salisbury, Wiltshire, on May 2nd, 1911. Recovered at the same
place on January 9th, 1912.

B.B., No. 1409, marked by Mr. N. H. Joy at Bradfield, Berkshire
on January 8th, 1911, as an adult male. Recovered at the same
place on February 2nd, 1912.

B.B., No. C785, marked by the North London Natural History
Society, at Hale End, Essex, on June 12th, 1911, as a nestling.
Recovered at Cranbrook Park, Ilford, Essex, on March 10th, 1912.
Reported by Mr. G. Hall.

PiED Wagtail {Motacilla liigubris). — B.B., No. C206, marked by Mr.
N. H. Joy at Bradfield, Berkshire, on May 30th, 1911, as a nestling.
Recovered at Reading, Berkshire, on February 2nd, 1912. Re-
ported by Mr. F. J. Leader.

B.B., No. E741, marked by Mr. H. F. Witherby at Burley,
Hampshire, on August 5th, 1911, as a nestling. Recovered at

:314 BRITISH BIRDS.

Brockenhurst, Hampshire, on February 2nd, 1912. Reported
by Mr. E. Cumberbatch.

Greenfinches {Ligurinus chloris). — B.B., No. 5073, marked by Mr. J.
Bartholomew at Torrance, near Glasgow, Stirlingshire, on June 24th,
191 1 , as a nestling. Recovered at Cove, near Aberdeen, on Decem-
ber 4th, 1911. Reported by Mr. H. Cameron.
B.B., No. *H492, marked as No. 5073 on December 17th, 1911, as
an adult. Recovered about half a mile from place where "ringed "
about February 19th, 1912.

Chaffinches {Fringilla ccelebs). — B.B., No. F574, marked by Mr. M.
Portal at Hexham, Northumberland, on July 15th, 1911, as a
nestling. Recovered at the same place on January 24th, 1912.
B.B., No. F702, marked as No. F574 on July 25th, 1911, as an adult
male. Recovered at Corbridge, Northumberland, on February 2nd,
1912.

B.B., No. F506, marked as No. F574 on July 7th, 1911. Recovered
at the. same place on February 4th, 1912.

B.B., No. 4451, marked as No. F574 on July 14th, 1911. Re-
covered at the same place on February 5th, 1912.

Start.ings {Sturnus vulgaris). — B.B., No. 2999, marked by Mr. A.
Bankes at Salisbury, Wiltshire, on May 4th, 1911, as an adult.
Recovered at the same place on December 21st, 1911.
B.B., No. 10899, marked by Mr. J. Bartholomew at Torrance, near
Glasgow, Stirlingshire, on May 31st, 1911, as a nestling. Recovered
near Letterkenny, co. Donegal, about January 20th, 1912. Re-
ported by the Rev. W. Michael.

B.B., No. 2889, marked as No. 10899, on May 2nd, 1910, as an
adult. Recovered at the same place on February 14th, 1912.
B.B., No. 2207, marked as a nestling by Mr. J. R. B. Masefield
at Cheadle, Staffordshire, on July 11th, 1910. Recovered at the
same place on March 21st, 1912.

Tawny Owl [Syrnium aluco). — B.B., No. 8970, marked by Miss C. M.
Acland at Banstead, Surrey, on May 7th, 1910, as a nestling.
Recovered near Coulsdon, Surrey, on January 29th, 1912. Reported
by Mr. H. A. Peckham.

Cormorant {Phalacrocorax carbo). — B.B., No. 50122, marked by Mr.
H. W. Robinson at the isle of Maleggan, Scilly Isles, on May 22nd,
1911, as a nestling. Recovered at the mouth of the Abervrach,
Finistere, France, on December 26th, 1912. Reported by M. A.
Messesson.

Common Herons {Ardea cinerea). — B.B., No. 50215, marked by Mr.
J. R. B. Masefield near Cheadle, Staffordshire, on Jime 23rd, 1911,

NOTES. 815

as a nestling. Recovered near Macclesfield, Cheshire, during
January, 1912. Reported in the Gamekeeper.

B.B., No. 50204, marked as No. 50215, on May 27th, 1911, as a
nestling. Recovered near Bakewell, Derbyshire, on September
5th, 1911. Reported by Mr. H. E. Weaver.
Mallard {Anas hoscas). — B.B., No. 565, marked by Mr. J. H. Gurney
at Keswick, Norfolk, in June, 1909, as a young bird. Recovered
at Hickling, Norfolk, about January 25th, 1912. Reported by
Mr. J. Vincent.

B.B., No. 31222, marked by Mr. F. Smalley at Silverdale, north
Lancashire, on June 1st, 1911, as a nestling. Recovered at
Foulshaw, Westmorland, on December 30th, 1911. Reported by
Mr. W. J. Sharp.

B.B., No. 31236, marked as No. 31222 on July 20th, 1911. Re-
covered at Milnthorpe, Westmorland, on December 24th, 1911.
Reported by Lieut. -Colonel J. F. Bagot.

Twenty one Mallard ringed by Mr. F. Smalley at Silverdale, north
Lancashire, as nestlings on June 1st and July 20th, 1911. All
recovered at the same j)lace between September 20th, 1911, and
January 29th, 1912.

WooD-PiGEON {Columba palnmbus). — B.B., No. 22346, marked by Mr.

W. Stewart at Blantyre, Lanarkshire, on June 1st, 1911, as a

nestling. Recovered at Meigle, Perthshire, on December 29th,

1911. Reported by Mr. J. M. Anderson.
Lapwings [Vanellus vulgaris). — B.B., No. 14322, marked by Mr. J.

Bartholomew at Torrance, near Glasgow, Stirlingshire, on June 5th

1911, as a nestling. Recovered at Abbeyleix, Queen's co., on
December 24th, 1911. Reported by Mr. M. Brophy.

B.B. No. 14403, marked as No. 14322 on May 29th, 1911. Re-
covered at Lough Derg, near Killaloe, co. Clare, on February 5th,

1912. Reported by Mr. A. J. Parker.

B.B., No. 13931, marked by Mr. A. Bankes near Harrogate, York-
shire, on June 6th, 1911, as a nestling. Recovered near Lincoln
on January 23rd, 1912. Reported by Mr. C. Wallis.
B.B., No. 13473, marked by Mr. W. T. Blackwood near Peebles
on May 24th, 1911, as a nestling. Recovered at St. Hilaire de Riez,
Vendee, France, on January 30th, 1912. Reported by M. H.
Loiseau.

B.B., No. 8322, marked by Mr. A. Bankes at Salisbmy, Wiltshire,
on July 11th, 1910, as a nestling. Recovered near the same place
the beginning of February, 1912. Reported by Mr. F. Martin.

316 BRITISH BIRDS.

Woodcock {Scolopax rusticula). — B.B., No. 12602, marked by Mr. T.
Pattison, per Mr. M. Portal, near Carlisle, Cumberland, on May 11th,
1911, as a nestling. Recovered near Witham, Essex, on Decem-
ber 26th, 1911. Reported by Mr. J. O. Parker.
B.B.,No. 12610, marked as No. 12602 on May 2nd, 1911. Recovered
at Glengoura, co. Cork, on January 8th, 1912. Reported by Mr.
J. Lynch.

B.B., No. 12624, marked by Mr. C. Boiston, per Mr. M. Portal,
at Dilston, Northumberland, on May 21st, 1911, as a nestling.
Recovered at Camohn, co. Wexford, on January 12th, 1912.
Reported by Colonel F. Caulfeild.

Common Curlew {Numenius arquata). — B.B., No. 22299, marked by
Mr. J. D. Patterson at Goathland, Yorkshire, on June 11th, 1911,
as a nestling. Recovered on R. Shannon near Limerick, on
December 16th, 1911. Reported by Mr. J. J. Casey.

Common Terns {Sterna fluviatilis). — B.B., No. 4306, marked by Messrs.
Robinson and Smalley, at Ravenglass, Cimiberland, on July 30th,

1909, as a nestling. Recovered at Flookburgh, near Ulverston,
Lancashire, in September, 1911. Reported by Mr. H. B. Tumey.
Three others, marked same as No. 4306, in July, 1911, were re-
recovered at Flookburgh during the following September.

Black-headed Gulls {Lams ridihundus). — B.B., No. 9415, marked
by Mr. J. S. T. Walton at Denton Fell, Cumberland, on June 4th,

1910, as a nestling. Recovered on the R. Humber at Grimsby,
Lincolnshire, on February 4th, 1912. Reported by Mr. E. J.
Dewing.

B.B., No. 8771, marked as No. 941.") on May 22nd, 1910. Re-
covered at Bridlington Bay, Yorkshire, diu-ing second week of
February, 1912. Reported by Mr. G. Grantham.
B.B., No. 24162, marked by Mr. H. W. Robinson at Ravenglass,
Cumberland, on June 16th, 1911, as a nestling. Recovered at
Tramore, co. Waterford, on February 11th, 1912. Reported by
Mr. J. Power.

B.B., No. 24137, marked as No. 24162. Recovered at Llangoed-
more, Cardigan, on February 8th, 1912. Reported by Mr. D. J. Reed.
B.B., Nos. 30096 and 30839, marked by Messrs. Robinson and
Smalley, at Ravenglass, Cumberland, on June 11th and 13th, 1910,
as nestlings. Recovered at Pwllheli, Carnarvon, during first week
of February, 1912. Reported by the Star.

B.B., No. 22283, marked by Mr. J. D. Patterson, at Egton, York-
shire, on July 1st, 1911, as a nestling. Recovered on the island

NOTES. 817

of Flores, Azores, on February 11th, 1912. Reported by Mr. J.
Mackay, through Mr. W. C. Tait, who has kmdly made the scheme
known among friends (as well as in the Press) in the Azores.
Common Gull {Larus canus). — B.B., No, 21998, marked by Mr. W. I.
Beaumont, at Dvmstaffnage Isle, Loch Etive, Argyllshire, on
Jime 26th, 1911, as a nestling. Recovered at Newshot Isle,
opposite Clyde Bank, five miles from Glasgow, on February 17th,
1912. Reported by Mr. J. L. Robertson.

B.B., No. 9845, marked by Mr. W. I. Beaumont at Stirk Island,
Lynn of Lorn, off Lismore, Argyllshire, on July 8th, 1910, as a
nestling. Recovered at Stromacroibh, Lismore, Argyllshire, about
the third week in February, 1912. Reported by the Oban Times.

MARKED ABROAD AND RECOVERED IN ENGLAND.

Black-headed Gulls {Larus ridihundus). — Rossitten, No. 5888, marked
as a nestling in Schleswig on June 24th, 1911. Recovered at
Brandesburton, Holderness, Yorkshire, on January 15th, 1912.
Reported by Mr. S. Duncan.

Rossitten, No. 6839, marked as a nestling at Rossitten, Germany,
on July 18th, 1911. Recovered at Eastbourne, Sussex, during
first week of February, 1912. Reported by the Daily Mail.
Rossitten, No. 5968, marked as a nestling in Schleswig on June
25th, 1911. Recovered at Heme Bay, Kent, end of January or
beginning of February, 1912. Reported by the Angler's News.
Rossitten, No. 1620, marked in Schleswig in the summer of 1909.
Recovered at Chichester, Sussex, on February 1st, 1911.
Museum Leiden, No. 644, marked as a nestling at Kerkererve,
Zeeland, Netherlands, on June 18th, 1911. Recovered at South-
ampton, Hampshire, end of January or begimiing of February,
1912. Reported by Cage Birds.

Common Gull {Larus cawus). — Rossitten, No. 4975, marked at Liibsck,
north Germany, on July 4th, 1911. Recovered at Portsmouth,
Hampshire, on February 3rd, 1912. Reported by Mr. S. Webster.

REMARKABLE JOURNEYS TAKEN BY

BLACK-HEADED GULLS.

For a Yorkshire-bred Black -headed Gull to reach the Azores
{see above) seems a remarkable journey, but the species is
said to be a common visitor to the Azores (c/. Novitates ZooL,
XII., p. 102) and these birds must come from Europe. Recently
I have received a letter from Mr. St. Eval Atkinson, Barbados,
West Indies, to the effect that in November; 1911, a gull was

318 BlirnSH BIRDS.

shot in that island bearing a Rossitten ring 6888 or 8889,
according to which way up it was read. Mr. Atkinson appears
also to have communicated this information to the English
Press, while Professor Thienemann has also heard from
Mr. L. X. Bowen to the same effect. Professor Thienemann
informs me that the number must he 6888. since that is the
highest he has yet issued, and that this ring was put on
a young Black-headed Gull at Rossitten on the same dav
as No. 6839, recorded above, viz. July 18th, 1911. Flores,
where our Yorkshire bird was got, is nearly half-way across
the Atlantic, and bearing this in mind there seems no reason
to doubt that the Rossitten bird i-eached the West Indies
by natural means, though seemingly it was an accidental
occurrence, and the bird may have been tempted far out of
its normal course by following a ship. — H.F.W.

Rare Birds at the Isle of May in 1911. — Miss E. V.
Baxter and Miss L. J. Rintoul, to whose good work we have
frequently referred, paid two visits to the Isle of May in 1911,
\4z. from April 27th to May 29th. and from September 8th
to about October 6th. From their ]niblished results {Scot.
Nat., 1912, pp. 53-58) which are given in a most inconvenient
narrative form, we extract the following interestins; records :

Black Redstart {Buticilla titys). — One, May 11th.

Continental Redbreast {Erithacus ruhecula ruhecula). —
One, April 30th, the only Robin seen during the spring visit,
while only British ones were seen in the autumn.

Lesser Whitethroat {Syhia rurnica). ^-Seversil, May 9th
and May 15th.

Blackcap (Sylvia atricapiUa). — A pair on November 15th.

Barred Warbler {Sylvia nisoria). — One, September lOlh.

Continental Goldcrest {Regulus cristatus cristatus). —
One, September 29th. Numbers of Goldcrests wera seen
during September, but all those procured except this one were
of the British form, as were all those taken in the sprirg.

Northern Willow- Warbler {Phylloscopus trochilus
cversmanni). — One, October 6th.

British Hedge-Sparrow {Accentor modu'aris occidentalis).
— Some on September 30th. and a few on OctoVer 20th.

[I may here note that the British Hedge-Sparrow is a regular
autumn-migrant on the south Yorkshire coast. — H.F.W.]

Red-backed Shrike {Lanius collurio). — A pair, May 11th.

Mealy Redpoll {Linota linaria). — One May 13th, one
May 14th, two May 15th, and one May 29th.

Lapland Bunting {Calcarius lapponicus). — One September
28th, and one October 12th.

NOTES. 319

Continental Song-Thrush and Goldcrest at the Isle
OF May.— Mr. W. Evans records {Scot. Nat., 1912, pp. 43-4)
that among many examples of the Song-Thrush and Goldcrest
taken at various lighthouses in south-east Scotland onty one
Song-Thrush (end of December, 1910, Barnsness, Haddington),
and only one Goldcrest (October 20th, 1911, Isle of May)
were of the Continental forms, all the rest being British.
Mr. Evans suggests from this evidence that there must be
some area on the Continent where birds " indistinguishable
from ours are reared." There ma}^ be (the British Song-
Thrush in any case breeds in Holland), but because Mr. Evans
has had so few examples of the Continental forms from these
lighthouses, and because the British birds were migrating
with Eieldfares, Redwings, and other northern species, seems
to us to prove nothing. It is well known that Lights only
"attract" birds in certain weather, and the Continental
Song-Thrushes may not have been migrating at the time,
while the British birds were probably coasting south, and
there is no reason why they should not be in the company
described. A good many Continental Goldcrests were taken
at the Isle of May in the autumn of 1910, and several Con-
tinental Song-Thrushes in the autumn of 1909 (c/. Vol. IV..
p. 291).

Continental Redbreasts in East Ross. — ^Miss A. C.

Jackson records {Scot. Nat., 1912, ]). 67) that she obtained
four Erithacus rubecula rubecula on the coast near Tarbatness
on September 16th, 1911.

Lapland Bunting at Fair Isle. — A male Calcarius
lapponicus is recorded by the Duchess of Bedford {Scot. Nat.,
1912, p. 15) at Fair Isle on October 6th, 1911.

Shore-Larks in Haddingtonshire. — ^Mr. W. Evans
records {Scot. Nat., 1912, p. 66) that he met with a party of
eight Otocorys alpestris on November 14th, 1911, near North
Berwick.

Barn -Owl Nesting on the Ground. — In his " Zoological
Record for Derbyshire for 1911 " {Derby. Arch, and Nat.
Hist. Soc. Journ.) the Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain records the
finding of a nesting -place of Strix flammea on the ground in
a large hollow at the foot of the trunk of an old oak tree.

Common Sandpiper and Land-Rails in Winter in
Ireland. — A specimen of Totanus hypoleucus was seen in
December, and shot on January 11th, 1912, at Crosshaven,
CO. Cork. Several specimens of Crex pratensis were recorded
for the last half of December, 1911 (R. J. Ussher, Irish Nat.,

820 BRITISH BIRDS.

1912, p. 47). Both species not infrequently winter in the
south and west of our islands. A Land-Rail was sent to me
by Major Barrett-Hamilton from co. Waterford on December
3rd, 1910.— H.F.W.

Wood- Sandpiper in Fife. — Mr. W. Evans puts on record
{Scot, Nat. J 1912, p. 16) that he has a specimen of Tetanus
glareola shot near Anstruther, south-east Fife, in April, 1895.

Black-tailed Godwit in Cumberland. — Four specimens
of Limosa belgica are recorded by the Misses L. J. Rintoul
and E. V. Baxter from Skinburness (Solway), one on August
27th and three on August 30th, 1911 {Scot. Nat., 1912, p. 45).

Whimbrels in Winter in Haddington. — Mr. W. Evans
records seeing a Numeriius phceopus near North Berwick on
November 25th, 1911, and Mr. R. L. Ritchie writes that at
Aberlady Bay he saw one in November, and shot one on
December 26th, 1911 {Scot. Nat., 1912, p. 45).

Black Tern in Haddington. — Mr. R. L. Ritchie records
{Scot. Nat., 1912, p. 45) that he obtained an immature female
Hydrochelidon nigra at Aberlady on August 31st, 1911.

Disposal of the F^ces of Young by Old Birds. — Mr.
W. Wilson {Nat., 1912, pp. 50-1), observed that in the Mistle-
Thrush, Song-Thrush, Blackbird, and Lesser Redpoll, the
fceces of the young were both swallowed and carried away
by the parent -birds ; in the Ring-Ouzel they were swallowed ;
in the Chaffinch they were carried away (except in one case
where the male swallowed one) until a few days before the
young left the nest, when they were left and the outside of
the nest became foul ; in the Redstart, Redbreast, Willow-
Warbler, Dipper, Great Tit, Pied, Yellow and Grey Wagtails,
Meadow-Pipit, Spotted Flycatcher, House-Sparrow and
Starling, they were carried away. These observations should
be compared with those published in our last volume. Mr.
Wilson suggests that there may be nourishment for the old
birds in the fceces of the young, which, as I pointed out in
1897, is not unlikely.— H.F.W.

THE BIRDS OF WILTSHIRE.
To the Editors of British Birds.

Sirs, — I should be much obliged if any of your readers would be so
kind as to give me any information they can about uncommon birds
in Wiltshire during the last thirty years or so.

I am trying to collect data on the Birds of Wiltshire since the
publication of the Rev. A. C. Smith's book on the subject.

G. B. HoNY.

Woodborough, Wilts.

DRHHIDIPDS

EDITED BY H. F. WITHERBY, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

assisted by

Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain, ai.a., im.b.o.u., and Norman F.

ticehurst, m.a., f.r.c.s., m.b.o.u.

Contents of Number 12, Vol. V. May 1, 1912.

PAGE

On Incubation. By Eric B. Dunlop . . . . . . , . 322

Notes : —

Isabelline Wheatear in Sussex (H. W. Ford-Lindsay). . . . 328

Probable Northern Long-tailed Tits in Essex (Walter B.

Nichols) 328

British Willow-Tits in Cheshire, Lancashire, and Warwick-
shire (T. A. Coward, A. Geoffrey Leigh, and A. W. Boyd) . . 328
The Green Woodpecker's Method of Extracting Larvae from

Willows (J. W. Smalls) 329

Does the Male or Female Woodpecker Bore the Nesting-Hole ?

(F. Tapsell) 332

Actions of a Kingfisher on the Water (R. C. Banks) . . . . 333

Little Owl in South Devon (A. H. Machell Cox) . . . . 333

Supposed Former Abundance of the Glossy Ibis (E. Eraser

Stanford) 334

Movements of Brent Geese on the Coast of Northumberland

(J. M. Charlton) 334

Early Nesting of Common Snipe in Wiltshire (F. G. Penrose) 336

Sale of Two Eggs of the Great Auk (Edward Bidwell) . . . . 336

The 1912 " Wreck " of the Little Auk 337

Fulmars Breeding in Orkney (W. J. Balfour Kirke) . . . . 338

Some Uncommon Occurrences in West Somerset (F. H. L.

Whish) 338

Recovery of Marked Birds. Corrections . . . . . . 340

Short Notes : — Reed- Warblers in Ireland. Swallow in Corn-
wall in February. Mealy Redpolls in Lanark. Shags
in Yorkshire and Derbyshire. Bittern in Argyllshire.
Goosanders in Derbyshire. Plumage of the Young-
Red Grouse. Black-tailed Godwit in Donegal in
Winter. Black-necked Grebe in East Ross. Slavonian
Grebe 340

Review : — The Migration of Birds . . . . . . . . . . 342

( 322 )
ON INCUBATION.

BY

ERIC B. DUNLOP.

In a previous article on this subject (Vol. IV., pp. 137-
145), I showed that there is a considerable number of
birds which commence to incubate as soon as the first
egg has been deposited. The birds which have this habit
it will be convenient to term the Ovitegse ; the species
which do not sit until the full clutch has been laid, the
Ovinudse. In this paper I shall show hoAv extensive
is the former group. Writing of the Kaven (C. corax)
in my last paper, it was suggested that many eggs of
this species Avould be rendered infertile by the elements,
if the bird did not sit from the first. Further experience
of these birds proves that incubation does begin with
the deposition of the first egg. The habit is not only
of value to the species in saving the eggs from the effect
of frost and snow, but also by protecting them from egg-
stealing birds. This was proved in an unusual manner :
A pair of Ravens having been disturbed at their nest by
a keeper, forsook it ; very shortly afterwards the nest
was raided by Crows ; search revealed the eggs, which
had been sucked, on an adjacent hill-end.

In my previous paper, I stated that the Magpie (P.
rustica) exceptionally covers her eggs from the time the
first is laid, but this species undoubtedly belongs to the
Ovitegse. Building of the large nest commonly begins
in March, and the trees being then leafless, it is a prominent
object, frequently being visible at a distance of fully a
mile. Great risk is run thereby from the depredations
of egg-sucking animals. If the bird was not constantly
present to protect her eggs, it is probable that few Avould
be left to hatch.

The Carrion-Crow [C. corone) also commonly sits as
soon as egg-la3dng has commenced and, no doubt, the
same is the case with the Hooded Crow (C. comix).

ON INCUBATION. 323

Coming to the Turdidse, Mr. W. G. Sheldon, writing in
British Birds for November, 1911 — after stating that
the Fieldfare (T. j^ilaris) places its nest in a very con-
spicuous position — says that " the hen commences to sit
immediately the first egg is laid " (p. 153).

The owls (Strigidse) are ovitegous in habit. In a clutch
of two eggs of the Tawny Owl (S. aluco) which I watched,,
one hatched on May 4th, the other two days later. This
species frequently lays in old Crows' nests, and even in
a Rook's nest in an inhabited rookery. The white and
conspicuous eggs would remain a ver}^ short time if left
exposed. The Eagle-Owl (B. ignavus) and Little Owl
[A. noctua) have both been recorded to sit from the first
egg. Similar cases have been noted of the Snowy Owl
{N. scandiaca) in the far north. It is worthy of remark
that in confinement the habit remains the same. In the
Zoologist for 1875, a pair is recorded to have bred in Mr.
Edward Fountaine's aviary : " The first egg was hatched
on the 1st of July, the second on the 3rd, the third on
the 6th, the fourth on the 8th, and the fifth on
the 9th."*

The Columbidse also lay white eggs, and in many cases
in situations resembling those occupied by owls. The
analogy is particularly noticeable between the TaAvny
Owl and the Stock-Dove (C. oenas). I have frequently
known this pigeon to incubate from the deposition of the
first egg. The Ring-Dove (C. palumhus) often protects
its eggs in like manner, but this is not always the case.
Some domestic pigeons whose incubating habits I noted^
also varied in this respect. Out of fifteen cases, eleven
sat as soon as the first egg had been laid, and four did not
incubate until the clutch was complete. The cock as
well as the hen sat before the second egg had been laid,
in several instances.

* Although it is true that the Bam-Owl in many cases incubates
as soon as the first pair of eggs is laid, there are exceptional cases in
which the eggs are laid without the big pauses between the pairs, and
the difference of incubation is very slight. — F.C.R.J.

324 BRITISH BIRDS.

Another group which lays white eggs, in holes in trees
and cavities in cliffs, is the Psittaci. All those parrots
concerning Avhich I have any information relative to
their incubating habits, cover their eggs from the laying
of the first. No doubt the habit is common to most or
all of the species, for it must be of great value in preserving
the white eggs from the unwelcome attentions of egg-
seeking animals.

When last writing on this subject (Vol. IV., pp. 141, 142)
I gave examples of the hatching off of clutches of eggs
of the Black-headed Gull (L. ridibtindus), shoAving that
incubation, in this species, commences as soon as the hen
has deposited the first egg. Other species of Larinae in
Avhich I have noted the same habit, are the Great Black-
backed Gull (L. marimis), the Common Gull (L. canus),
and the Lesser Black-backed Gull {L. fusciis). In all
probability the habit is common to the whole subfamily.
I have noted the same thing in the case of the Arctic
yi\ux?\, {S. crejndatus), and have good reason to believe that
the Great Skua {M. catarrhactes) does not differ.

It is interesting to find that Mr. F. M. Chapman, in his
Cam'ps and Cruises of an Ornithologist, writing of the
Skimmers (Rhynchopinse) on Cobb's Island, says : " The
four creamy A\hite eggs are conspicuously marked with
black, and are by no means difficult to see." Later he
states : " The chicks seem to appear on successive days."
No doubt these birds are ovitegous.

My experience of the Black Guillemot {U. grylle) has
been, that incubation begins with the deposition of the
first egg.

A bird which commonly lays its eggs in very exposed
situations is the Water-hen (G. chlorojms), and, as might
be suspected, this species sits on them constantly.

The Accipitres are ovitegous. The Egyptian Vulture
{N. 2)ercno2)terus) has been recorded as covering her eggs
from the time the first is laid. The habit is well known
in the case of the Sparrow-Hawk (A. nisus) ; the following
is an example of the hatching off of this species : The

ON INCUBATION. 325

first egg hatched on June 13th, the second on June 14th,
and the third and fourth on June 15th.

The Marsh-Harrier (C. ceniginosus), Montagu's Harrier
{C. cineraceus), and Hen-Harrier {C. cyaneus) have all
been recorded as sitting from the laying of the first egg —
at least, as in other cases, I deduce it from the statement
that the young vary in size and development. Howard
Saunders, in the Zoologist for 1875, wrote the following
significant passage concerning the nesting of Montagu's
Harrier. After the bird had been disturbed from the nest,
" when Rooks were about, and particularly if they
crossed the line of the nest, she displayed great anxiety,
and occasionally made a dash at one or two of those
nearest, sometimes uttering a cry something like that of
a Kestrel, but feebler and more querulous. There was
reason for her antagonism, for both Rooks and Carrion-
Crows (there are plenty of the latter in the Island) showed
by their movements that they were perfectly aware of
the position of the eggs, and I soon learned to dread them
more than any prowling cowherds."

John Wolley recorded instances of the Golden Eagle
(A. chrysaetus) sitting with the first egg laid, and it is
interesting to note that the same ^\'as the case with a pair
belonging to the late Lord Lilford, the hen sitting closely
at first, and subsequently both sexes by turns.*

There are several records of the Common Buzzard (B.
vulgaris) incubating from the laying of the first egg, and
my experience has been that this is the habit of the species.
The Rough-legged Buzzard (B. lagojms) and the Honey-
Buzzard (P. apivorus) have both been noted as sitting
closely as soon as the first egg has been deposited, as does
also the Kite (M. ictinus).

My experience of the Peregrine Falcon (F. j^eregrimis)
has been that it is ovitegous. This species lays early in

* other Eagles in which the young are found in different stages of
development and the eggs are not hatched simultaneously, are the
Sea-Eagle {H. albicilla), the Imperial Eagle {A. mogilnik), and the
Great Spotted Eagle (.4. clanga). These I can record from my own
observations. — F. C.R.J.

326 BRITISH BIRDS.

April, and occasionally in March, also not infrequently
Ravens nest in the vicinity ; early eggs are undoubtedly
saved from the effects of frost and snow by the habit,
and all from the attacks of the Corvidse. The variation
in the size of the young, produced by their difference
in age, has sometimes wrongly been attributed to
sex.

The Merlin {F. cesalon) also covers its eggs as soon as
laid. The following are the data from a nest I watched :
May 3rd, one egg ; May 4th, two eggs ; May 5th, three
eggs ; May 6th, three eggs ; May 7th, four eggs. On
the 4th the cock bird was sitting. It is certain that in
many species the male assists in incubation before the
clutch has been completed.

The Osprey (P. haliaetus) has been recorded as sitting
with the first egg.

In the Ciconiiformes all those species respecting whose
nesting habits I have information, belong to the Ovitegse.

The Cormorant (P. carho) and the Shag (P. graculus),
though the latter often nests in recesses, would soon cease
to exist if their light-coloured eggs were exposed for any
length of time to the attacks of the more agile gulls.
Mr. F. M. Chapman records that the young of Darters
(Plotus) vary in age in the same nest, and the same is
noted of the Boobies (Sula leucogastra).

The Common Heron (A. cinerea), as previously recorded,
incubates as soon as the first egg has been deposited,
and undoubtedly so also does the Purple Heron (A.
purpurea) and the Great White Heron (A. alba).

In an article on the Bittern (B. stellaris), (Vol. L, pp. 329-
334), Mr. E. W. Wade gives a photograph of a nest
belonging to this species, and underneath it notes that
the nest was visible at thirty paces when the old bird
was not sitting. He further notes that some of the eggs
in each clutch are more incubated than others, and the
young are of unequal size. The Harriers would certainly
profit b}^ the absence of this, and allied species, if they
left their nests uncovered.

ON INCUBATION. 327

The Spoonbill (P. leucorocUa) does not leave its eggs
unprotected.

Finally, the Grebes (Podicipedidse) are ovitegous. No
doubt numerous eggs are saved by the presence of the
bird, which would be lost, even covered as they are, if
they were left for some days ; for many nests are very
exposed, and egg-sucking birds would have their attention
drawn to them by the Grebes when in the vicinity of their
home. Also, it seems possible, as the eggs are frequently
laid almost in the water, that they would suffer from its
effects if they were not constantly incubated, although
the nest itself generates a certain amount of heat.

OTE5

ISABELLINE WHEATEAR IN SUSSEX.
The third British example of the Isabelline Wheatear {Saxicola
isabellina) was secured at Rye Harbour on March 28th, 1912.
I examined it in the flesh the next day and upon dissection
it proved to be a male. I agree with Mr. Ticehurst (Vol. V.,
p. 74) that this species is no doubt overlooked, which fact
is substantiated bj^ both this and the specimen recorded by
himself being shot by the same man, who was on the look
out for this species. H. W. Ford -Lindsay.

PROBABLE NORTHERN LONG-TAILED TITS IN

ESSEX.
I SAW on March 22nd, 1912, in the parish of Bradfield, Essex, a
pair of white-headed Long -tailed Tits. I had them under
observation for about ten minutes, sometimes within ten
yards of me, using a pair of Voigtlander prism binoculars
magnifying twelve diameters. One bird had an absolutely
white head, the other I am not quite sure about, but if it had
any stripe on the head at all it must have been very faint.
The white head of the one I saw best was quite clean-cut
from the back — I mean, there were no stripes where the head
and neck joined the back and sides. The whole bird seemed
lighter and brighter than our English birds in general ; the
breast and under-parts much whiter, the red on back and
shoulders more vivid. The tail seemed to me longer, but it
is very difficult to judge on such a point.

I have never been in northern Europe, and have no skins
to refer to, but the birds were strikingly different from any
Long-tailed Tits I have seen before. I may say that what
attracted my attention was their note — a harsh " chissick,"
something like that of a Wagtail. They were flying fairly
high when I heard the note first, and dropped down into a
stunted oak on the shore of the estuary (Stour). I think there
can be little doubt that they were Acredula caiidata caudata.

Walter B. Nichols.

BRITISH WILLOW-TITS IN CHESHIRE, LANCASHIRE

AND WARWICKSHIRE.
On April 17th, 1912, I watched a Willow-Tit {Parus atri-
capillus kleinschmidti) in an excellent light in a wood at
Rostherne. I noticed the cap first ; it was distinctly brown-
black and not sooty-black. I then saw the pale edgings to

NOTES. 329

the secondaries quite distinctly, but they were not so markedly
distinct as to make me imagine that the bird might be a
Northern Willow-Tit. When it spread its tail as it was
balancing on a slender twig of a birch, I could see the rounded
shape. I recorded the species for Lancashire from a bird
in the Warrington Museum, but this is the first Willow-Tit
I have seen or heard of in Cheshire. There was a second
Tit with it, but I did not see it clearly enough to be sure about
its identity ; I believe that it was another Willow-Tit.

A pair of Marsh -Tits are nesting in the same wood, and I
have for some time been carefully observing every Marsh-Tit
in this wood and in the neighbourhood, in the hope of identi-
fying a Willow-Tit. I feel confident in asserting that the
Marsh-Tit is by far the commoner bird of the two in Cheshire.

T. A. Coward.
The Willow-Tit {Parus atricapillus kleinschmidti) not having
yet been recorded from Warwickshire, it is interesting to note
that Mr. H. F. Witherby has pronounced two skins, which
he has kindly examined for me, to be of this species ; both
are Warwickshire specimens, being respectively an adult
female, Earlswood, December, 1893, and an adult male,
Kenilworth, December 25th, 1911. They belonged to Mr.
T. Ground, who has very kindly given me the 1911 specimen,
while the other remains in his collection.

A. Geoffrey Leigh.
On April 18th, 1912, in Boggart Hole Clough, one of the
Manchester Public Parks, I saw two birds which I concluded
were Willow-Tits [Parus atricapillus kleinschmidti). I watched
them for some time at a distance of a few feet, feeding on the
ground, and on a willow tree, and noticed that the crown of
the head was unmistakably brovv'n-black, quite different
from the glossy black of the Marsh-Tit, being dull in appearance
and giving the impression of being far less clear-cut along
the edges of the crown than in a Marsh-Tit. The tail seemed
to be rounded, and the light edges to the secondaries made
a noticeable light buff or yellowish mark on the wings, when
seen at close quarters. One bird seemed to have rather more
brown in the crown than the other. They continually uttered
a high thin note. In general appearance they looked alto-
gether duller than Marsh-Tits. A. W. Boyd.

THE GREEN WOODPECKER'S METHOD OF
EXTRACTING LARV^ FROM WILLOWS.

The occupation of a basket-maker in north Norfolk has made
it necessary to acquaint myself with the production and
cutting of osiers in all their stages. The pursuit of this work

330

BRITISH BIRDS.

has given me many opportunities for noticing a circumstance
in the life of the Green Woodpecker [Gecinus viridis) which
hitherto I have not seen noticed. It is the method by which
this bird extracts the larvae of some kind of moth from growing
osiers or willows. I have never known these larvae to be found
in willows less than two years old and in plants of that age
the larvae are small, whereas in willows of three and four years

TOP, APERTURE MADE BY WOODPECKER; BOTTOM, EXIT
BORED BY GUJJB.— Natural size.

old they are as large as in those of eight years old. Above
this age I have had no experience. How the grub gets to
the inside of the growing willow I could never ascertain, but
as many of the shoots spring from stumps that are partly
decayed, it is highly probable that the egg from which the
grub is hatched is deposited in a decayed part of the stump,
from which position the grub could easily work its way
beneath the growing willow and take up the position in which
I have invariably found it, namely in the centre. I have

NOTES. 331

alwaj^s found that the grub is situated in a soft kind of willow,
the hard ones being avoided, a^^parently for several reasons ;
first, the hardness of the wood ; second, the soft willow^s are
probably nicer to the taste, and more easily gnawed ; thirdly,
there is much more pith in the soft than the hard willows,
and as this is always gnawed out it may form the principal
food of the grub. I am strongly inclined to think that the
grub belongs to the hornet moth [Trochilium cqnformis). It
is a rather sickly yellowish- white colour, varying slightly
with the age and quality of the wood in which it is found,
the head being of a rich chestnut-brown. I have always
found them head upwards, which has led me to think that they
cannot turn in their holes, and in this position they avoid
their own droi3pings which accumulate in the abandoned
part of their tunnels. As stated, the grub's method of ingress
can only be assumed by me, but of its egress I can with cer-
tainty mention two waj^s. In one, the insect gnaws its own
w^ay out ; in the other, it is assisted by the Woodpecker.

How the Woodj^ecker locates the grub is somewhat of a
mystery, but this it does with unfailing certainty, and often
effects the capture of the grub with a single perforation ;
sometimes two are necessary, and on very rare occasions
three are found — one, however, being most frequent. When
two or three perforations are made, I am inclined to think
that the grub inside the willow is alarmed at the hammering
of the bird outside, and moves to escape capture, rather
than attribute two or three punctures to the inability of the
bird to find the exact spot which the grub occupies. The
holes made in the willows by the Woodpecker vary according
to the thickness of the wood through which the bird chips
its way to the grub ; thick pieces making larger holes necessary
to enable the bird to work. As already stated, I do not know
how the bird finds the situation of the grub, but I have never
seen holes chipped in the wood by the bird Avithout evidence
of the grub having been there, and its removal has been just
as certain. The holes made by the bird are all similar in shape,
the long way of the hole being always vertical, and the wood
removed in making it is chipped and splintered from its sides
in small pieces, which run with the grain, and then broken
off at top or bottom, whilst those made by the grub are all
round, and about the same size. What has been Avi^tten
thus far applies to shoots of willow that are growing, but old
and decayed stumps often hold several grubs at one time.
There, of course, they cannot gnaw or feed on the pith of
the wood as when the wood is small and only one grub is

332 BRITISH BIRDS.

found in a shoot, but in both cases the bird's method of pro-
cedure is the same, although its object seems more easily
attained where the wood is decayed.

The grub does not seem to affect the gro^^iih of the shoots,
and I could never find external evidence as to whether a grub
was inside or not, and to me it is a comj)lete puzzle how the
bird ascertains which shoots contain grubs when thousands
of the unaffected shoots are growing side bj'^ side and many of
them so much alike that it is impossible for a man to find any
difference in them. I have occasionally found traces of two
grubs in one hole, one grub having been removed by the bird
whilst the other has gnawed its way out. In this case it seems
that grub number one has been assisted from his lodgings,
whilst number two appears to have eaten his way through
the wooden walls. My reasons for supposing this are that if
left entirely to itself the grub always eats its way out at the
very top of the central burrow, quite horizontally ; it is there,
too, that the grub is mostly taken by the bird, and its career
as a living entity ceases. The second grub, finding itself in
the tunnel already made, gnaws its way out much lower down.
It also seems to me that the bird searches for the chrysalis
with even greater success, as this is invariably lodged near the
bark. Here I have never seen more than one hole made by
the Woodpecker, and that a comparatively small one, as in
this stage the insect appears more easily extracted, but the
character of the hole made by the bird is unmistakeable.

J. W. Smalls.

DOES THE MALE OR FEMALE WOODPECKER BORE
THE NESTING-HOLE ?

Can any of the readers of British Birds inform me whether
it is only the female Woodpecker which bores the hole for the
nest, or whether both sexes take a share in this operation ?

F. Tapsell.
[Reliable modern observations on the share of boring by
the sexes of the British Woodpeckers seem to be very scanty,
which is the more remarkable as they can be distinguished
Avithout difficulty. Xaumann implies that both sexes of Green
Woodpecker bore, though he does not definitely state the fact.
Boring in the case of the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker is said
to be performed by both sexes (Messrs. Walpole Bond,
C. Dixon, etc.), but fresh observations on this point are much
needed. ^Ir. Harting quotes an anonymous observer A\ho
saw both sexes of Green Woodpecker working hard at a hole,
the first piece of bark being removed by the hen, and the

NOTES. 338

hole completed after two days work. Possibly this case
was exceptional, and the bird may have been ejected from a
hole when about to lay. The male of the Continental Green
Woodpecker, which probably does not differ in its habits
from the English bird, has been observed in the act of boring
by Herr C. Loos, and most Continental observers ascribe the
greater share of the work of nest-boring to the male Wood-
peckers in other species. — F. C. R. Jourdain.]

ACTIONS OF A KINGFISHER ON THE WATER.

While fishing in Ynisyfro Reservoir, near Newport, Mon-
mouthshire, on March 20th, 1912, I noticed a bird on the
water about one hundred yards from land. It was making
its way rapidly to the side by a series of hops — something
like a stone thrown along the surface — striking the water
and bounding up again with the aid of its Vvings, After about
a dozen such hops it would sit on the water to rest. I thought
it was a starling, and watched carefully, to see if it could
swim, but am certain that it made no attempt to do so.
Upon reaching the place where it landed, I found it was a
Kingfisher {Alcedo ispida). Its neck and one wing were
injured — I think by flying against a telephone wire that runs
near the pond — and it could not fly. Its feathers were hardly
wet. R. C. Banks.

[On one occasion a young Kingfisher, not long out of the
nest, came flying round a corner where I was standing. It
turned away rapidly, but flying low struck the water, and was
unable to recover itself, flapping along the surface and half
turning itself in the water with each stroke. It was only
with the greatest difficulty that it managed to reach the
opposite bank. As far as I could see it appeared to be very
wet, but as it was able to fly away before I could reach it,
I had no opportunity of handling it. No attempt whatever
was made to swim, the bird sitting half submerged in the
water, when it paused for a moment from exhaustion. —

F. C. R. JOURDAIK.]

LITTLE OWL IN SOUTH DEVON.

I WAS informed by Lieut. H. Wells, R.N., that while he was
shooting in November, 1911, along the cliff at Thurlestone,
south Devon, a Little Owl {Athene iioctua) flew out right at
his feet. He refrained from shooting it, but had not the
slightest doubt about the identification, having often come
across the bird out of England. A. H. Machell Cox.

334 BRITISH BIRDS.

SUPPOSED FORMER ABUNDANCE OF THE
GLOSSY IBIS

In connexion with the note in last month's British Birds
(23. 307) on the above subject by Mr. Gurney, the following
may be of interest : —

On SejDtember 13th, 1906, I was following otter-hounds
at Wangford in Suffolk, and while hounds w^ere drawing a
piece of marshy swamjD, four of these birds were seen. They
rose and flew round, coming quite close over members of
the Field, several times. At the time I was standing near
an old yokel, and I turned to him and asked him what he
called them, and A\dthout a moment's hesitation he replied :
" Well, we used to call 'em black curloo," and he Avent on
to tell me that he " minded " a time when they were common.
The next day I happened to be at a place on the Aldeburgh
river, about twenty-one miles from Wangford, and I was
informed that somewhere about a fortnight before a couple
of these birds had been shot out of a flock of six ; in all j)yo-
bability the same lot as I saw at Wangford. This old man's
remark about the name seems to go to prove that the idea
of the local name of " black curlew " is not so unlikely as
Mr. Gurney suggests. E. Eraser Stanford.

MOVEMENTS OF BRENT GEESE ON THE COAST OF
NORTHUMBERLAND.

The following notes on the movements of Brent Geese {Bernida
hrenta) during the recent cold weather on the south-east coast
of Northumberland may be of some interest, as so little appears
to be recorded concerning the movements of Geese : —

Jan. 23rd, 1912. Very fine. Wind N.E. up to 3 p.m.,
then heavy gale from east with much rain and sleet. Culler-
coats, 3.15 p.m. Gale increasing. Flock of twelve — fifteen
Brent passing north, close to shore. 3.30. Gale subsided,
rain continuing.

Feb. 2nd. St. Mary's Island. Last night extremely cold
Avith much snow. 2 a.m. Wind N.E. increasing to gale.
Severe blizzard at daylight. 9.45 a.m. Flock of twelve
Brent passed north, battling hard against the wind, and a\ ent
over the island. H. V. Charlton shot one, an adult male
of the light-breasted form {B. b. glaucogastra) . 10.15 a.m.
Another flock of ten-twelve flying in exact track of former.
Both skeins flew some six yards from the surface of the water,
but on passing over the island they rose to height of forty-five
feet. They followed the trend of the coast-line, as much as
possible, making no direct course. ]\Iy brother procured an

NOTES. 335

immature male of the light-breasted form from the last
flock.

Feb. 3rd. Wind N.E. by E. Very heavy gale, worse than
yesterday. Frost 13° last night. More snow. 10.45 a.m.
Skein of fifteen Brent hard pressed by weather and forced
back. They circled round high up twice, then attempted
to face the wind again and passed to the north. 10.50. St.
Mary's Island. Two shot from flock of ten-twelve. 10.55-
11.10. Several small parties of five to fifteen going north
passed close to the breakers. 11.45. Flock of fifteen.
11.55. Two passed over ; one shot by my brother, an adult
female of the light-breasted form. 12.10 p.m. Flock twelve-
fifteen. Storm abating and consequently the Geese keep
farther from land, passing close over the sea. Many hundreds
passed all the rest of day, out to sea.

Feb. 4th. 9 a.m. Wind W. Foggy. Two Brent passing
south. 9.50. Flock going north close by shore.

Feb. 5th. Twenty to twenty-five passing north. Mild and
foggy. Wind S.E. None of the flocks seen had more than
twenty -five birds in them.

Brent have been exceedingly numerous this winter at Holy
Island, and shoulder-guns have probably done better than
ever known before. A friend of mine got six in two days'
shooting during the heavy south-easterly gale of January
16th and 17th. A notice in the Newcastle Daily Journal,
February 7th, states : " Brent Geese are here (Holy Island)
in large numbers, and are more easily captured than I have
knowTi for several years. There has been quite a harvest for
the local sportsmen." This has reference of course to the
punt-gunners.

In the Shooting Times it is stated that it is some four winters
since there was even a fair show of Brent at Holy Island,
and the luck of shoulder-gunners this year is also mentioned,
one man having got as many as twenty in a few days. Thus
it appears that the Brent have been there in record numbers
this year. From the records I can obtain for my own district
it is about twenty-seven years since a migration in any numbers
was observed there : one of the years in which the abundance
of this species was noted at Holy Island by Mr. Abel Chapman.

I am of opinion that migration does not take place close
u]3 this coast except under abnormal conditions. It is prob-
able that the birds pass north several miles out to eea, or
possibly when the weather is settled they make a line from
their quarters on the Continent and cross directly to Holy
Island (undoubtedly the destination of the flocks seen bj^ us).

J. M. Charlton.

336 BRITISH BIRDS.

EARLY NESTING OF COMMON SNIPE IN WILTSHIRE.

The Snii^e {GalUnago coelestis) began their spring call and to
*' drum " at Downton on February 16th, 1912 — at least, that
was the first time I heard them. I have noted the call, but
never, I think, the " drumming " earlier in the year. On
March 15th mj man reported to me that he had flushed a
Snipe off three eggs, and on April 2nd two young ones were
hatched. This seems to be a very early date.

F. G. Penrose.
[Dr. Penrose's date is early, but not unprecedented. In
Mr. Abel Chapman's Bird-Life of the Borders, 2nd ed., p. 51,
he states that he has known of a nest (presumably with eggs)
as early as March 19th, and of young Snipe on the wing by
the end of April. This is the more remarkable, as unlike
Dr. Penrose's record, it comes form a northern county. In
Dorset Mr. A. G. Cowie recorded a nest with four eggs on March
31st, 1911 [Field, May 6th, 1911).— F. C. R. Jourdain.]

SALE OF TWO EGGS OF THE GREAT AUK.

On April 17th, 1912, Mr. J. C. Stevens sold at 38, King Street,
Co vent Garden, two eggs of the Great Auk {Alca impennis
Linn.), both of them the prox3erty of Lady Greville Smyth,
of Ashton Court, Somerset.

The first specimen offered (Lot A) was one of the two eggs
purchased at an auction in Kent, and exhibited by me at the
meeting of the British Ornithologists' Club on April 18th of
that year, and whose history-, so far as I could trace it, was
given in the Ibis for 1894, pp. 422-3. It was the second of the
two eggs sold on A^^ril the 24th, 1894, and was purchased by
Mr. Henry Munt for £183 15s. On June 20th, 1900, it was
again put up for sale at these rooms, and purchased by Mr.
James Gardner for the late Sir Greville Smyth, Bart., the price
paid being £189. On this its third appearance it was purchased
for £157 10s. by Messrs. Rowland Ward, Limited.

I much regret that in some of the accounts of this auction
this egg has been confused with the other specimen sold on
April 24th, 1894, which was bought by Mr. Herbert Massey,
of Didsbury, for £273, in whose collection it still remains —
an error which I fear may give great trouble to future his-
torians of the remains of this extinct bird.

The second egg (Lot B) was exhibited by me at the
meeting of the British Ornithologists' Club on March 13th,
1912. Very little of its history is kno^vn. Many years
ago Sir Greville Smyth purchased a box of seabirds' eggs
from Mann, a Natural Historv dealer at Clifton, and on

NOTES. 337

unpacking them found this egg. He placed it on one side
for further examination, but omitted to do so, and the
egg was overlooked until 1900. In the Ihis for that year
I described it, vide p. 694, but was under the impression at
the time that it belonged to Mr. Gardner, who showed it
to me and kindly allowed me to have it photographed.
It also was ]3urchased on April 17th, 1912, by Messrs. Rowland
Ward, Limited, but only realised £147. Edward Bidwell.

THE 1912 " WRECK " OF THE LITTLE AUK.

Scotland. — An excellent general account of the visitation
as it affected Scotland is given in the April issue of the Scottish
Naturalist (pp. 77-81). The bulk of the records are stated
to have occurred during and immediately after the fierce
easterly gale of January 15- 18th, while by February the
majority had disappeared. Further south, however, it will
be remembered that even greater numbers occurred in the
first week of February than in January, and this was apparent
even as far north as Northumberland (c/. supra, pp. 309-10),
while the majority of inland English records were early in
February. Even as early as the middle of November and
on\\'ards until the January gale Little Auks were noted in
the Orkneys and Shetlands as being present in " great
numbers," and in December and January a good many were
recorded on the coasts of the mainland down to the Clyde
and the Forth, but chiefly on the east side. The gale in the
middle of January brought hundreds to grief on the east
coast from Shetlands to Berwick, and they seem to have been
in greatest numbers in the Firth of Forth, where on January
18th — the last day of the gale — hundreds were seen about
the May and around the Bass, while during the next few days
the tide washed them up in " dozens " on the shores of the
Forth. On the 19th three or four hundred appearing to be
very tired arrived at the Bell Rock. Many single birds were
driven inland, and indeed right across the country, records
coming from Perth, Stirling, Dumbarton, Renfrew, Lanark,
Wigtown and other counties, between January 20th and 27th.

As compared to the visitation of 1894-5 it is stated that
fewer records have come from districts north of Forth and
Clyde, but they have extended further south-west. Almost
all the birds examined were in an emaciated state, and con-
tained no food.

It seems probable that the January gale in Scotland drove
the bulk of the birds south, for large numbers were passing
south on January 18th, on the Northumberland coast {supra,
p. 309). and they were first noticed in Yorkshire and Norfolk

338 BRITISH BIRDS.

on the 20th (pp. 283, 285). Then came the bhzzard of
February 1st and 2nd which SAvept great numbers on to the
English coasts, while during the week or so following they were
picked up, as our records witness, in all parts of the country,
including, and north and east of, the counties of Sussex, Surrey,
Buckingham, Gloucester, Worcester, Shropshire, Cheshire,
and Lancashire. — H.F.W.

Westmorland. — On February 8th a male just dead was
found on the moor at Kirkby Lonsdale. On February 7th a
keeper saw about thirty flying across the moor in a S.S.E.
direction. They passed quite close to him (Hulme Wilson).

Derbyshire. — One at Sawley Common on January 25th
and one at Shardlow on February 18th. At least a dozen
were taken in the county between January 25th and February
18th (F. C. R. Jourdain).

Staffordshire. — One at Freeford Hall, Lichfield, on
January 20th (J. R. B. Masefield).

Nottinghamshire. — Seventeen j)icked up in the county,
all on the high roads (J. Whitaker, Field, 30.III.1912, p. 647).

Essex. — One alive on the water near Foulness Island,
February 8th (F. J. Stubbs, ZooL, 1912, p. 157).

FULMARS BREEDING IN ORKNEY.
With reference to the notes on this subject {antea, pp. 198,
228, 287), I was on the west coast of the mainland (at Birsay),
in 1908, and then made inquiries about the Fulmar, and from
what I could learn then there were a few at Stromness, and a
colony at Costa Head. I saw two flying near the Brough
of Birsay. In 1910 I found a small colony on the cliffs to
the north of Marwdck Head, and in 1911 there was a con-
siderable increase there. W. J. Balfour Kirke.
[Several pairs were recorded as breeding at the Black Crag-
near Stromness in 1907, see Vol. II., p. 374, but I did not see
any there in 1908.— N.F.T.]

UNCOMMON OCCURRENCES IN WEST SOMERSET.

Chiffchaff {Phylloscopus rufus). — One was shot at Black-
ford on January 16th, 1912, and another on March 4th.

Crossbill {Loxia curvirostra). — A female was picked uj)
in Blackford in the autumn of 1897 (?). It had sustained
injuries to one of its wings.

Great Spotted Woodpecker {Dendrocopus major). — A
pair visited Blackford in the autumn of 1905. D. rtmior is
fairly plentiful in the neighbourhood.

Little Owl {Athene noctua). — A female was shot at East
Cranmore (East Somerset), on December 14th, 1911.

NOTES. 889

Hen-Harrier {Circus cyaneus). — Seen in the early part of
1912, probably on two or three occasions, on Tealham Moor
(Wedmore). A local gunner was about to recover a Lapwing
which he had shot, when, to quote his own words, " a large
hawk, nearly all white, came along and took it away." This
is probably the same bird which I saw on February 5th, and
which another man saw later in pursuit of a " black and
white curre " (Tufted Duck).

Merlin {Falco cesalon). — A female was shot at Blackford
on January ISth, 1907. I saw another on Stoke Moor (Wed-
more) in the winter of 1909.

Bittern {Botaurus stellaris). — A male was shot on Wedmore
Heath on December 28th, 1906. Three of these birds have
been taken in this neighbourhood during the last twenty
years, and one was seen on Stoke Moor (Wedmore) in the
early autumn of last year.

Pink-footed Goose {Anser hrachyrhynchus). — One was
shot on Wedmore Heath on January 15th, 1905. I saw a
" plump " of eight on the Moor on January 17th, 1905.

Golden -Eye {Clangula glaucion). — A female was shot on
Tealham Moor on October 27th, 1910. Two more females
were shot on the moor on February 5th, 1912, and two more,
probably females, were seen later.

Common Eider [Somateria mollissima). — A female was shot
on Steart Island (Burnham) on November 29th, 1911, while
a male was shot a few days x^reviously. Both were in
extremely poor condition.

Smew {Mergus alhellus). — Two females were shot on Tealham
Moor (Wedmore) on January 4th, 1907. Another (a young
male or adult female) was shot in the following winter.

Quail [Coturnix communis). — A female was shot on Tealham
Moor on October 14th, 1911.

Spotted Crake {Porzana maruetta). — One was shot on
Wedmore Heath on January 13th, 1905. The date of capture
is interesting.

Great Snipe {Gallinago major). — One, on Tealham Moor in
the winter of 1906 (?).

Bar -tailed God wit {Limosa lapponica). — An immature
female was shot on Wedmore Heath on January 18th, 1912.

Common Tern {Sterna fluviatilis). — An immature female
was shot on the Gore Sands (Burnham) on October 21st, 1909.

Little Gull {Larus minutus). — An immature male was shot
of! Burnham on October 23rd, 1903.

Great Skua {MegaUslris catarrhactes). — A female was shot
on the Gore Sands on October 25th, 1909.

340 BRITISH BIRDS.

Little Auk {Mergulus alle). — I saw one on the Gore Sands
in the autumn of 1909.

Slavonian Grebe {Podicipes miritus). — An immature male
was shot off Burnham on February 2nd, 1912.

F. H. L. Whish.

RECOVERY OF MARKED BIRDS.

Corrections.

Robins (p. 312). No. F589, was marked and recovered on the
dates recorded by Mr. J. R. B. Masefield, at Cheadle,
Staffordshire, not by Mr, Leigh at Hampton-in-Arden.
No. D325 was marked by Captain Seppings on Januarv
29th, 1912, not June 29th, 1911.

No. C405 was recovered on December 8th, not November
8th, 1911.

Reed -Warblers in Ireland. — During a stay at the Tuskar
Rock off the coast of AVexford in September and October,
1911, Professor C. J. Patten obtained two specimens of
Acrocephalus streperus out of a party of five on September
19th {Irish Nat., 1912, p. 50). Professor Patten announces
these as the first occurrences of the species in Ireland, but
in the next issue of the same journal (p. 84) he writes that
a previous record by Mr. Barrington had escaped him, but
he makes a further mistake in stating that this record had
not been referred to in British Birds, whereas it was
mentioned on p. 408 of Vol. II. Professor Patten also
obtained a young Wagtail, which he thinks is a
specimen of Motacilla flava, on September 12th, 1911, and
a Skylark which he considers to be Alauda arvensis
cantarella, on October 5th, 1911, but he promises a further
report on the identification of these two birds. It would
seem more likely that the Skylark is an example of ^. a. cinerea,
the eastern form, which has been taken at Fair Isle (February
24th, 1906), than the very similar south European form
A. a. cantarella. — H.F.W.

Swallow in Cornwall in February. — A solitary Swallow
(Hirundo rustica) was observed at Falmouth from February
29th onwards (N. Greaves, Field, 23.III.1912, p. 596). This
bird may have wintered somewhere in the neighbourhood.

Mealy Redpolls in Lanark. — A small flock of Linota
linaria was seen at Stepps on January 7th, 1912 (J. Paterson,
Glasgow Nat., 1912, p. 63).

NOTES. 341

Shags in Yorkshire and Derbyshire. — In connexion with
the appearance of. Shags in Cheshire, Yorkshire, and Worcester-
shire* already reported {supra, pp. 279 and 307), it is interesting
to note that one was seen to go down to a mill-dam near
Bradford on January 25th, and was captm-ed two daj^s later
(H. B. Booth, Nat.^ 1912, p. 126). Mr. Coward writes that
he subsequently found the remains of a second Shag on
Rostherne Mere, which he had probably missed seeing when
he found the first, reported on p. 279. Mr. J. Drury informs
Mr. Jourdain that a Shag was sent to Messrs. Hutchinson for
preservation on January 31st, from near Bakewell.

Bittern in Argyllshire. — An example of Botaurus
stellaris was found dead on January 17th, 1912, at Oban
(C. H. Bisshopp, Scot. Nat, 1912, p. 67).

Goosanders in Derbyshire. — A pair of Mergus merganser
were observed for two or three weeks in March, 1911, on the
ponds at Osmaston Manor near Ashburne (F. C. R. Jourdain,
Zool. Rec. for Derbyshire, 1911).

Plumage of the Young Red Grouse. — In an interesting
article on the " Red Grouse in Confinement," in the Avicultural
Magazine (Third Series, Vol. III., pp. 92-6), Mr. H. Wormald
remarks that : " Young Grouse grow three tails in succession
before they are five months old, i.e. their first baby- tail, which
shows when the chicks are nine days old. This is retained
until the birds are a fair size, and then replaced by a black
tail, which they wear until after they are quite full-grown,
and is dropped about the middle of September, the outer
feathers on each side being the first to fall out. In about a
month's time this tail is fully developed, and is black, and
the feathers stronger in the quill than the feathers of the
second tail were. This tail is worn until the moult of the
following year."

Black-tailed Godwit in Donegal in Winter. — A speci-
men of Limosa belgica was shot on January 23rd, 1912, at
Inch, Lough Swilly (D. C. Campbell, Irish Nat., 1912, p. 64).

Black-necked Grebe in East Ross. — An example of
Podicipes nigricollis is recorded by Miss A. C. Jackson
{Scot. Nat., 1912, p. 67) from Cromarty Firth, Jan. 2nd, 1911.

Slavonian Grebe. — A considerable number appear to have
been driven on to our shores and inland this winter, and we
shall be glad to have records of occurrences. — Eds.

* Mr. J. Steele Elliott write-; that this record must be counted to
Shropshire, as the Worcester boundary is half a mile from the place
where the bird was obtained.

mtm

The Migration of Birds. By T. A. Coward. Cambridge
University Press. Is. net.

We suppose that there are few studies in Natural Science
that lend themselves more to theorizing than the origin,
•cause, and paths of those complex movements of birds which
we call migration. Mr. Coward (whom we associate with the
excellent Fauna of Cheshire) in his preface seems cognizant
of this, and does not pretend that this little book is more
than a " manual," giving an outline of some of the chief
theories culled from various sources, with some elaborations
and interpretations of his own ; therefore it is with no surprise
that we find in it little or nothing that is new, and that once
more we realize how much at present speculation — good.
bad, and indifferent — has to take the place of exact knowledge.
The absence of the personal element, the outcome of first-
hand observation and knowledge, in the book is, however,
in our opinion regrettable, even though the intention of this
manual is only to set forth the main features of the subject.
We are glad to see that the author realizes the utility of
^studying geographical races in connexion with migration —
an inestimable help which many seem slow to recognize.

The old theory that those birds which go farthest north
in summer go farthest south in winter, seems to us to be by
no means proved, for though the theory has support in the
known habits of some species, such as the Knot, it is not
confirmed by our knowledge of the movements of other species,
such as the Snow-Bunting, which even in north Greenland
is partial!}^ resident, and partially migratory. Chapter II.
deals with the cause and origin of migration, and in it we
iind various speculations, some plausible, some not, and
none capable of proof, as can only be expected in our present
state of knowledge. In this section, we find one or two
loose statements. Thus on page 21 we are told that " intense
love of home during the spread of glacial conditions would
tend rather towards extinction than formation of ncAv habits,"
and two species which are cited as having thus become extinct
are the Great Auk and the Labrador Duck, both of which,
it is well known, became extinct through human agencj^ and.
moreover, the latter bird was a migrant, and neither ranged
very far north. A little further on Ave read that we may
•conclude that the habits of our summer birds in their winter

REVIEWS. 348

home " are similar to those of our winter visitors to Britain "
— we should not have thought that the two were in the least
comparable.

We quite agree that the supposition that some birds are
wintering here during our summer and have bred in the
Southern Hemisphere during our winter, is hardly supported
by known facts, but we do not agree that it is even a
" possible explanation " of the presence of sexually mature
non-breeders in our breeding-season, as it seems highly
improbable that any bird should breed in its winter-plumage.

Mr. Coward seems to scout much of Giitke's work, but
one must always realize that Gatke lived in an " area of
concentration " of bird-migration, and consequently had
unique opportunities of observation, and although he was
prone to exaggerate and build up theories on insufficient data,
his labours and enthusiasm did so much to stimulate the study
of migration, that his statements must not be rashly set aside
for those of others with less experience. Thus, Mr. Coward,
after dealing rather hardly with Gatke 's statements, appears
to accept (page 45) that of another observer who " for forty
hours " was " passing beneath the lines of an army of
(unseen) migrants, say 500 miles in width."

The height at which birds migrate has always been a
source of speculation, and we do not consider it at all proved
that birds fly at the great altitude with which they have
been credited. The well-known and ^praiseworthy efforts of
the American observers to estimate the height by observations
through astronomical telescopes must, we think, be open to
doubt. The reviewer some years ago \^atched through the
Northumberland telescope in the Cambridge University
Observatory migrating birds passing across the moon, but
found that when it came to calculating the altitude of the
bird, a very small inaccuracy in estimating the apparent
and actual size of the object made a very great difference
in the result.

Dealing with that mysterious faculty of birds called
" orientation " — if there be such, and we see no better
explanation — the author quotes the extremely interesting
experiments of Dr. Watson with the Sooty and Noddy Terns
at the Tortugas, but tells us also not too convincing a story
of the " homing " of a farm-yard duck. The recognition
of land-marks by migrating birds is also said to be a
guide, but it seems hardly necessary, if a bird can find its
way for the first time by " orientation," that on succeeding
journeys it should be helped by familiar landmarks. Besides,

SU BRITISH BIRDS.

it is crediting a bird mth such marvellous memory for detailed
observation as no human being would have.

Mr. Coward seems to doubt the existence of an east to west
migration across the North Sea, but one of the commonest
migrations to be seen on our east coast is the arrival of Rooks,
Crows, etc., in autumn, from the east, and their departure
to the east in the spring ; moreover, Gatke's " absurd state-
ments " as to the leeward drift of these birds in a strong
wind can be verified every year by any one who takes the
trouble. The author further thinks that the recovery of a
few Hooded Crows in localities not due east or west of where
they were " ringed." proves " conclusively the fallacy of
Gatke's due east to west flight." This we consider a serious
blunder, as insufficient data has been obtained, and he does
not seem to realize the possibility of more than one route
for this species. Another serious error into which the author
needlessly falls is in saying that the Greenland Wheatear
winters in east Africa, even to the south of the Equator,
whereas, as is well known, the majority of these birds winter
in the Senegambia and Senegal districts of west Africa ; in
passing we may note that ^ve know of no proof that this race
"loiters through Britain," though it is a well-known bird-of-
passage. A small error we may note is that Puffins certainly
do not invariably migrate " by slow nautical stages, swim-
ming and feeding as they go," since many of these birds are
found in the Mediterranean in the early spring, many hundreds
of miles from their nearest breeding-places, and we have
witnessed in that sea in April a very strong determined
migration by flying.

At the end is a bibliography of some of the more-known
articles dealing with bird migration, and an index is also
appended.

In spite of many statements open to a difference of opinion,
and some blunders, this little book will be undoubtedly useful
to those who are beginners in ornithology or know nothing
of migration, for ^^•hom the book is evidently primarily
intended. C. B. Ticehurst.

( 345 )

INDEX.

Note. — The nomenclature followed in tliis volume is, so far as possible, in
accordance with Howard Saunders's List of British Birds (1907).

Accentor, Hedge-, see Sparrow,
Hedge-.

accipitrinus, Asio, see Owl, Short-
eared.

adamsi, Colymbus, see Diver, White-
billed Northern.

ceruginosus, Circus, see Harrier,
Marsh-.

cesalon, Falco, see Mei-lin.

alba, Motacilla, see Wagtail, White.

alhellus, Mergus, see Smew.

albicilla, Haliaetus, see Eagle, Sea-

alhifrons, Anser, see Goose, White-
fronted.

Albinism, in Blackbird, 106; in
Pied Wagtail, 189.

Alexander, C. J., Notes on Wil-
low-Tit in Worcester and Here-
ford, 189 ; Little Owl in Here-
ford and Worcester, 195 ;
Whimbrel in Worcester, 195 ;
Black-headed Gull in Wor-
cester, 197.

Alexander, H. G., Mapping Mi-
gratory Birds, 103 ; Notes on
Green Sandpiper in Suther-
landshire, 249 ; Shearwaters
in the Bay of Biscay and
English Channel, 253.

alle, Mergulus, see Auk, Little.

alpestris, Otocorys, see Lark, Shore-.

, Turdus torquatus, see Ouzel,

Alpine Ring-.

ahico, Syrniiim, see Owl, Tawny.

anatum, Falco peregrinus, see Falcon,
North American Peregrine.

anglica. Sterna, see Tern, Gull-
billed.

anglorum, Puffinus, see Shearwater,
Manx.

apivorus, Pernis, see Buzzard,
Honey-.

apits, Cypselus, see Swift.

aqiiaticiis, Acrocephalus, see Warbler,
Aquatic.

, Ginclns, see Dipper.

, Rallus, see Rail, Water-.

arborea, Alauda, see Lark, Wood-.

arcticus, Colymbus, see Diver, Black-
throated.

arenaria, Calidris, see Sanderling.

argentatus. Lams, see Gull, Herring-.

arquata, Numenius, see Curlew,
Common.

Arundel, Major W. B., Note on
Common Scoter in West York-
shire, 25.

asiatica, ^gialitis, see Plover, Cas-
pian.

Atchison, G. T., Note on Ringed
Plover breeding inland, 53.

atlanticus, Puffinus obscurus, see
Shearwater, Little Dusky.

atricapilla, Muscicapa, see Fly-
catcher, Pied.

, Sylvia, see Blackcap.

atrigularis, Turdus, see Thrush,
Black -throated.

Auk, Great, Sale of two Eggs of, 336.

, Little, in Staffordshire, 22 ;

in Yorkshire, 230 ; in Shrop-
shire, 252 : the 1912 " Wreck "
of, 282, 309, 337 ; in Somerset,
340.

auritus, Podicipes, see Grebe, Sla-
vonian.

Avocet in Surrey, 119 ; in Ireland,
254.

avocetta, Recurvirostra, see Avocet.

bailloni, Porzana, see Crake, Bail-
Ion's.

bairdi, Tringa, see Sandpiper,
Baird's.

Bankes, a.. Note on Roller in
Devonshire, 136,

Banks, R. C, Note on Actions of a
Kingfisher on the Water, 333.

Beaumont, W. I., Note on Herring-
Gull and Shag occupying dis-
used Ravens' nests, 27.

Bedford, The Duchess ok. Notes
on Tufted Ducks breeding in

346

BRITISH BIRDS.

Bedfordshire, 1 39 ; Sooty
Shearwaters off the West coast
of Ireland, 141 ; Sanderling
and Goosander in Bedford-
shire, 248.

helgica, Limosa, see Godwit, Black-
tailed.

Bentham, Howard, Notes on
Black-throated Diver in Sur-
rey, 28 ; Grey Wagtails breed
ing in Surrey, 110: Fieldfares
swallowing fceces of Young, 130;
Jays in London, 192.

hiarmicus, Panurus, see Tit, Bearded

BiDWELL, Edward, Note on Sale
of Two Eggs of the Great Auk,
336.

hifasciata, Loxia, see Crossbill, Two-
barred.

Bittern breeding in Norfolk, 74 ;
Return of the, to Norfolk, 90 ;
in Somerset, 339 ; in Argyll-
shire, 341.

, Little, in Buckinghamshire,

IIG ; in Berwickshire, 173.

Blackbird, Rapid nest-building by,

23 ; Recovery of Marked, 57,
126, 222, 312 ; and Song-
Thrush interbreeding, 83 ; Al-
binistic, 106 ; Three Broods
reared from one Nest, 143, 165.

Blackcap wintering in Somerset,
243 ; at Isle of May in No-
vember, 318.

Bluethroat, White-Spotted, in
Sussex, 23, 106; at Fair Isle,
200.

Blyth, R. Oswald, Note on Al-
binistic Blackbird, 106.

BoLAM, George, Notes on Two-
barred Crossbill in Scotland,

24 ; Ringed Plover breeding
inland in Northumberland, 53.

BoNHOTE, J. L., A [)eculiar Type of
Feather in the Water-Rail, 42 ;
Letter on, 87 ; Letter on Dun-
lin or Dunling, 291.

Borrer, Clifford, Notes on Vora-
city of larger Gulls, 26 ; Late
Date for a Cuckoo's Egg, 167 ;
Blue Eggs of Common Tern,
169 ; Sabine's and Little Gulls
and Grey Phalaropes in Nor-
folk, 197 ; Curlew with mal-
formed bill, 227.

hoscaSy AnaSy see Mallard.

Boyd, A. W., Note on Willow -Tits

in Lancashire, 329.
hrachyrhynchus, AnseTy see Goose,

Pink-footed.
Brambling, Breeding Habits of, 154 ;

in the Isle of Man, 300.
Breeding Habits of some of our
Winter Migrants in Jemtland
and Lapland, Notes on, 150.

brenta, Bernicla, see Goose, Brent.

BrightoUy Dyke Road Museum, Cata-
logue of Cases of Birds in the
Reviewed, 119.

British Birds, New — The Alpine
Ring-Ouzel, 72 ; Continental
Blue Tit, 109; Northern and
Central-European Crested Tits,
109 ; the Slender-billed Curlew,
1 24 ; the North American
Peregrine, 219 ; the Collared
Flycatcher, 238 ; the Pine-
Bimting, 239 ; the Thrush-
Nightingale, 240.

—. — Races or Forms — The English
Green Woodpecker, 125.

Bromsgrove, Birds and Birds^ Nests
of. Reviewed, 207.

Brook, A., The Dipper at the Nest,
294.

Bullfinch, Northern, in Scotland,
201.

bidweri, Bulweria, see Petrel,
Bulwer's.

Bimting, Lapland, in Shetland, 201 ;
at Isle of May, 318 : at Fair
Isle, 319.

, Meadow-, in Sussex, 50.

, Ortolan, at Fair Isle, 201

, Pine-, at Fair Isle, 239.

Bun YARD, P. F., Note on Grey
Wagtail breeding in Siu-rey, 24.

Bustard, Little, in Sussex, 226 ; in
Norfolk and Scotland, 281.

Buzzard, Common, Right Ovary in,
47.

, Honey-, Nest in Durham, 85.

, Rough-legged, in Norfolk, 83 ;

in Kent, 119; Breeding Habits
of, 156 ; in Northumberland,
242.

ca^rtdeus. Par us c, see Tit, Con-
tinental Blue.
ccesia, Sitta, see Nuthatch.
calidris, Totanus, see Redshank.

LNDEX.

347

candicans, Falco, see Falcon, Green-
land.

cannabina, Linota, see Linnet.

canorus, Gucidus, sec Cuckoo.

cantarella, Alauda a., see Lark, Sky-,
South European.

cantiana, yEgialitis, see Plover,
Kentish.

canus, Larus, see Gull, Common.

canutus, Trincja, see Knot.

carbo, Phalacrocorax, see Cormorant,
Common.

caryocatactes, Nucifraga c, see Nut-
cracker, European.

caspia, Sterna, see Tern, Caspian.

castro, Oceanodroma, see Petrel,
Madeiran Fork-tailed.

catarrhactes, ■ Megalestris, see Skua,
Great.

caudata, Acredula c, see Titmouse,
Long- tailed, Northern.

" Cawnoge," Irish for Shearwater,
142, 198.

cenchris, Falco, see Kestrel, Lesser.

Chaffinch, Recovery of Marked,
222, 314.

Charleton, Walter, and his " Ono-
masticon Zoicon," 64.

Chablton, J. M., Notes on Un-
common Birds on the South-
east Coast of Northumberland,
242 ; Movements of Brent
Geese on the Coast of Nor-
thumberland, 334.

Chiffchaff in Cornwall in Winter,
176 ; Early Arrival in Shrop-
shire, 306 ; in Somerset in
Winter, 338.

, Siberian, in Shetland, 28, 200 ;

at Fair Isle, 200.

chloris, Ligurinus, see Greenfinch.

Chough, Status of, in the Isle of
Man, 301.

cia, Emberiza, see Bimting, Meadow.

cinclus, Cinclus c, see Dipper,
Black-bellied.

cineraceus. Circus, see Harrier, Mon-
tagu's.

cinerea, Ardea, see Heron.

, Perdix, see Partridge,

Common.

cinereus, Anser, see Goose, Grey
Lag-.

Clarke, W. J., Note on Three
Broods of Blackbirds reared
in one Nest, 165.

clarkei. Tardus philomelus, see
Thrush, Song-, British.

Clitherow, Capt., C. E. S., Notes
on Little Owls in Lincoln, 51 ;
Barn-Owl occupying a Jack-
daw's Nest, 77.

Cochrane, H. L., Note on Hatch-
ing of Abnormal Eggs of
Spotted Flycatcher, 76.

Cocks, Alfred H., Letter on
Albinistic Rooks containing
Parasites, 30

ccelebs, Fringilla, see Chaffinch.

coelestis, Gallinago, see Snipe,
Common.

colchicus, Phasianus, see Pheasant.

Coles, R. E., Note on Night-Heron
in Hampshire, 113.

collaris, Muscicapa, see Flycatcher,
Collared.

Collier, C, Note on Pied Fly-
catchers Breeding in Devon-
shire, 134.

CoLLiNGS, D. W., Note on Puffin in
Berkshire, 197.

collurio, Lanius, see Shrike, Red-
backed.

communis, Coturnix, see Quail.

, Grus, see Crane.

, Turtur, see Dove, Turtle-.

CoMPTON, W. WiNZAR, Notes on
Recovery from Injury in Birds,
243 ; Blue Eggs among the
Waders, 281.

corax, Corvus, see Raven.

Cormorant, Common, Recovery of
Marked, 186, 314; in Shrop-
shire, 307.

Courser, Cream-coloured, in Sussex,
50.

Coward, T. A., Notes on Blackcap
wintering in Somerset, 243 ;
Shags inland in Cheshire and
Yorkshire, 279 ; Drake Smew
in Cheshire, 281 ; Willow-Tit
in Cheshire, 328.

Cox, A. H. Machell, Note on
Little Owl in South Devon,
333.

Crake, Baillon's, in Scotland, 202.

, Com-, Scarcity of in South-
east England, 176 ; in Ireland
in winter, 319.

, Spotted, in Warwickshire,

168 ; in Dumfriesshire, 257 ;
in Somerset, 339.

348

BRITISH BIRDS.

Crane, in Shropshire, oi

Nor-

folk, 82.
crepidatus, Stercorarius, see Skua,

Arctic.
crista ta, Fuligula, see Dvick, Tufted.
cristatus, Parus c, see Tit, Northern

Crested.
Crossbill, Common, in Scotland, 201 ;

in Warwick and Stafford, 306 ;

in Somerset, 338.
, Two-barred, in Scotland, 24,

201.
Cuckoo, in Goldcrest's Xest, 58, 84 ;

Abnormally Large Egg of, 115 ;

Young in Nest of Bullfinch,

136 ; Late Date for Egg, 167 ;

Late Date for Hatching, 202.
Curlew, Common, Recovery of

Marked, 127, 316 ; with a

Malformed BiU, 227.
, Slender-billed, in Kent: A

new British Bird, 124.

, Stone-,SpringDisplay of, 226.

curruca, Sylvia, see "VMiitethroat,

Lesser.
curvirostra, Loxia c, see Crossbill,

Common.
cyaneus, Circus, see Harrier, Hen-.

Davies, W., Note on Marsh -Warbler
breeding munerously in Wor-
cestershire, 106.

Dipper, Black-bellied, in Yorkshire,
254.

British, at the Nest, 294.

Diver, Black-throated, in Sussex
and Sirrrey, 28 ; in Carnarvon,
54 ; Photographing the, 178.

, Great Northern, swallowing

Cuttle-fish, 27 ; in Stafford-
shire, 311.

, White-billed Northern, on

Holy Island : date corrected,
174.

Dotterel in Lanark, 79 ; in Hebrides
202.

Dove, Stock-, Incubation of, 323.

— , Turtle-, in Renfrew, 83 ; at

Isle of May, 86 ; at Fair Isle,
202 ; ill Dumfriesshire, 257.

Duck, Ferruginous, in Sussex, 247 ;
in South Devon, 280.

, Long-tailed, in Staffordshire,

22 ; in Sussex, 50 ; in Kent
and Sussex in March, 78 ;
Reported Breeding in Orkney,

203 ; in South Wales, 229 ; in
Anglesey, 247.

Duck, Tufted, breeding in Bedford-
shire, 114, 139 ; Increase in
Staffordshire, 148.

Ducks, see Eider-, Gadwall, Golden-
Eye, Goosander, Mallard, Mer-
ganser, Pochard, Scoter, Smew,
Wigeon.

Dumfriesshire, Addenda and Corri-
genda to the Birds of, Reviewed,
256.

Duncan, Stanley, Note on Black-
tailed Godwit in Yorkshire, 308.

Dimlin or Dunling, 232, 258, 291.

DuNLOP, E. B., On Incubation, 322.
Notes on Down-distribution of
Nestling-birds, 76 ; Green
Woodpecker in Westmorland,
77 ; Blue Eggs of Terns and
Gulls, 250.

Eagle, Sea-, Exterminatoin of, in
Ireland, 138.

, Serpent-, Right Ovary in, 47.

ehurnea, Pagophila, see Gull, Ivory-.

Edwards, H., Note on Quail in
Norfolk in winter, 226.

Edwaeds, L. a. Curtis, Note on
PossilDle Occurrence of the
Sprosser in Norfolk, 224.

Eggs, Abnormal, Hatching, 76 ;
Can the INIale influence the
Coloration of, 83, 117 ; Blue,
of Terns and Gulls, 169, 196,
250 ; Blue, of Waders, 281.

Eider, Common, in Somerset, 339.

, King-, in Shetland, 202.

Elliot, E. A. S., Note on Ferru-
ginous Duck in South Devon,
280.

epops, Upupa, see Hoopoe.

europaiis, CaprimiUgus, see Night-
jar,

eversmanni, Phylloscopus t., see
Wren, Northern Willow-.

falcinellus, Plegadis, see Ibis, Glossy.

Falcon, Greenland, in Outer Heb-
rides, 202.

, Iceland, in Banffshire, 120.

, North American Peregrine,

219.

, Peregrine, Incubation of, 325.

, Red-footed, Right Ovary in,

47.

INDEX.

349

ferina, Fuligida, see Pochard.

Fielrifare swallowing FoRces of
Yoimg, 130 ; Breeding-habits
of, 150.

Finch, Serin, in Scotland, 255.

flammea, Strix, see Owl, Bam-.

flava, Motacilla /., see Wagtail, Blue-
headed.

flavirostris, Linota, see Twite.

Fleet, L., Note on Black Tern in
Bedfordshire, 54.

Flight, of the Swift, 1 1 5 ; a Curious
Upstroke in, 117.

fluviatilis, Sterna, see Tern, Common.

Flycatcher, Collared, in Sussex, 238.

, Pied, Nesting in Haddington,

84 ; Nesting in Devonshire,
134 ; in Anglesey, 244.

, Spotted, Abnormal Eggs of,

Hatching, 76.

fceces of Young, Removing and
Swallowing, 82, 130, 320.

Food, of Gulls, 26, 55 ; of Great
Northern Diver, 27.

Ford -Lindsay, H. W., Notes on
White-spotted Bluethroat and
Red-necked Phalarope in
Sussex, 23 ; Black-throated
Divers in Sussex, 28 ; White-
winged Black Tern in Sussex,
54; Extraordinary Devotion
of some Birds to their Nests,
81 ; Woodchat Shrike in
Sussex, 111 ; Caspian Plovers
in Sussex, 115; Rock-Thrush
in Sussex, 130 ; Bulwer's Petrel
in Sussex, 198 ; Slender-billed
Nutcracker in Sussex, 225 ;
Ferruginous Ducks in Sussex,
247 ; Little Dusky Shearwater
in Sussex, 253 ; Isabelline
Wheatear in Sussex, 328.

Forrest, H. E., Notes on Abund-
ance of Nightingales in Shrop-
shire, 23 ; Cranes in Shropshire,
52 ; A Pair of Robins Building
many Nests, 166 ; Hoopoes in
Merioneth and Shropshire, 167 ;
Water-Rails as Migrants, 168 ;
Grey Phalarope in Shropshire,
169 ; Fork-tailed Petrel in
Montgomery, 171 ; Supposed
Reed-Warbler in Merioneth,
188 ; Nightjar frequenting a
Beehive, 193 ; Pied Flycatcher
in Anglesey, 244 ; Little Owl

in Shropshire, 245 ; Barnacle-
Goose in Anglesey, 247 ; Long •
tailed Duck in Anglesey, 247 ;
Little Auk in Shropshire, 252 ;
Slavonian Grebes in Mont-
gomery and Shropshire, 286 ;
Early Arrival of Chiffchaff in
Shropshire, 306 ; Cormorant
in Shropshire, 307.

frugilegus, Corvus, see Rook.

fulicarius, Phalaropus, see Phala-
rope, Grey.

fuliginosa, Sterna, see Tern, Sooty.

Fulmar, see Petrel, Fulmar.

fuscus, Larus, see Gull, Lesser Black-
backed.

Gadwall in Staffordshire, 22 ; in
Renfrew, 83 ; in Northampton-
shire, 176 ; in Perthshire, 247,
280 ; in the Isle of Man, 302.

galbula, Oriolus, see Oriole, Golden.

gallicus, Circaetus, see Eagle, Ser-
pent-.

, Cursorius, see Courser, Cream-
coloured.

Garnett, Miss M., Note on Manx
Shearwater in Cumberland, 197

garrnlus, Coracias, see Roller.

giu. Scops, see Owl, Scops.

glacialis, Golymbus, see Diver, Great
Northern.

, Fulmarus, see Petrel, Fulmar.

, Harelda, see Duck, Long-
tailed.

Gladstone, H.S., Memoir of Robert
Service, 34. Note on Blue Eggs
of Terns and Gulls, 251.

glandarius, Garrulus, see Jay.

glareola, Totanus, see Sandpiper,
Wood-.

glaucion. Clang ula, see Golden -Eye.

godmani, Puffinus, see Shearwater,
Little Dusky.

Godwit, Bar-tailed, in East Ren-
frew, 231 ; in Somerset, 339.

, Black-tailed, in Inner Heb-
rides, 202 ; in Ireland 203 ;
in East Renfrew and Ayr, 231 ;
in North Lancashire, 249 ; in
Yorkshire, 308 ; in Cumber-
land, 320 ; in Donegal, in
Winter, 341.

Golden-Eye in Staffordshire, 22 ;
a Flock of Adult Male in Spring,
280 ; in Somerset, 339.

350

BRITISH BIRDS.

Goosander in Staffordshire, 22 ; in
Carnarvon, 248 ; in Bedford-
shire, 248 ; in Derbyshire, 341.
Goose, Barnacle-, in South Ireland,
229, 24G ; in Anglesey, 247 ;
Inland in Cheshire, 279 ; Breed-
ing in Spitsbergen, 289.

, Brent, Movements of, on the

Coast of Xorthumberland, 334.

, Grey Lag-, Photographing

the, 178.

, Pink-footed, in Somerset, 339.

, Snow-, Probable, in Essex, 25,

139.
, Wliite-fronted, in Stafford-
shire, 22.
graculiis, Phalacrocorax, see Shag.

''- , Pyrrhocorax, see Chough.

Gkaves, F. S., and Ralfe,
P. G., Manx Ornithological
Notes, 1909-12, 300.
gravis, Puffiniis, see Shearwater,

Great.
Grebe, Black-necked, in Worcester-
shire, 230 ; in Ross-shire, 341.

, Red-necked, in Shetlands, 202.

, Slavonian, in Montgomery

and Shropshire, 286 ; in Somer-
set, 340.
Greenfinch, Recovery of Marked,

57, 314.
GEirriTH, A. F., Xote on Sooty

Tern in Sussex, 81.
griaeigena, Podicipes, see Grebe,

Red-necked.
griseifs, Nycticorax, see Heron,
Night-.

, Puffinus, see Shearwater,

Sooty.
grisola, Miiscicapa, see Flycatcher,

Spotted.
Ground, T., Note on Fulmars in

Orkney and Shetland, 198.

Grouse, Black, Cock assuming

Female-like Plumage, 59.

, Red, in Berkshire, 51 ; The,in

Health and in Disease, Reviewed
145 ; Plumage of the Young,
341.
grylle, Uria, see Guillemot, Black.
Guillemot, Plumages of, 87 ; Re-
covery of Marked, 101 ; in
Middlesex, 230.

, Black, in Yorkshire, 255 ;

Incubation of, 324.
Gull, Black-headed, Recovery of

Marked, 58, 101, 127, 164, 187»
188, 223, 257, 316, 317 ; Blue
Eggs of, 250 ; in Worcester-
shire, 197, 308.
Gull, Common, Breeding on the
Fame Isles, 29 ; Recovery of
Marked, 128, 163, 187, 317 ;
The Life of the. Reviewed, 206 ;
in WarM-ickshire, 309.

, Great Black-backed, Breeding

Inland in Ireland, 140, 171 ;
Increase of, in Ireland, 170;
probably Breeding in the Isle
of Man, 303.

, Herring-, Occupying disused

Raven's Nest, 27 ; Nest with
Five Eggs, 81 ; Recovery of
Marked, 100, 128, 164, 257.

, Iceland, in Outer Hebrides.

202, 227.

, Ivory-, in Sussex, 49.

, Lesser Black-backed, Re-
covery of Marked, 128, 164.

, Little, in Norfolk, 197 ; in

Somerset, 339.

, Sabine's, in Yorkshire, 170 ;

in Norfolk, 197 ; in Ireland,
254 ; Breeding in Spitsbergen,
288.
Gulls, Voracity of the Larger 26, 55.
Gtjeney, J. H., Notes on WTiite-
winged Black Terns in Nor-
folk, 80; Slender-billed Nut-
crackers in Norfolk, 191 ; Little
Biistards in Norfolk and Scot-
land, 281 ; Supposed former
Abundance of the Glossy Ibis,
307.

Hadden, Norman G., Notes on
Little Stints in Worcester, 308 ;
Black-headed Gulls in Wor-
cester, 308 ; Fork-tailed Petrels
in Worceter, 311.

Haigh, G. H. Caton, The North
American Peregrine in Lincoln-
shire, 219.

haliaetiis, Pandion, see Osprey.

Harrier, Hen-, Right Ovary in, 46 ;
in Somerset, 339.

, jMarsh-, Right Ovary in, 46 ;

in Kent, 85.

, Montagu's, Dark Form of, in

13erkshire, 245 ; in Roxburgh-
shire, 255 ; Incubation of, 325.

, Pallid, Right Ovary in, 46.

INDEX,

351

Haetert, Dr. Ernst, on the Eng-
lish and other Green Wood-
peckers, 125.

Harting, J. E., Letters on Dunlin
or Dunling, 232, 258, 291.

Hawfinch adopting a Nest of Song-
Thrush, 166 ; Breeding in West
Lothian, 287.

Hawk, SpCvrrow-, Right Ovary in,
46 ; Recovery of Marked, 186 ;
Incubation of, 324.

Heron, Results of "Ringing," in
Denmark, 77 ; Recovery of
Marked 186, 314.

, Night-, in Hampshire, 113 ;

On Holy Island, 173 ; in York-
shire, 203, 229.

Heronries, Scottish, 58.

liiaiicola, ^gialitis, see Plover,
Ringed.

Hobby in Elgin, 28.

holhcelli, Linota linaria, see Redpoll,
Holboll's.

HoLTLis, E., Note on Slender-billed
Nutcracker in Buckingham-
shire, 167.

HoNY, G. B., Note on A Colony of
House-Martins building one
Nest, 279 ; Letter on Birds of
Wiltshire, 320.

Hoopoe Breeding in Confinement,
143 ; in IVIerioneth and Shrop-
shire, 167 ; in Scotland, 201.

horttdava, Emheriza, see Bimting,
Ortolan.

hortulanus, Serinus, see Finch, Serin,

hyperhoreus, Chen, see Goose, Snow-.

, Phalaropiis, see Phalarope,

Red-necked.

hypoleucifs, Totanus, see Sandpiper,
Common.

Ibis, Glossy, in Dumfriesshire, 256 ;

Supposed former Abundance

of, 307, 334.
icterina, Hypolais, see Warbler,

Icterine.
icjnicapillus, Regidus, see Wren,

Fire-crested.
iliacus, Turdus. see Redwing.
impennis, AIca, see Auk, Great.
Incubation, On, 322.
interpres, Sirepsilas, see Turnstone.
isahellina, Saxicola, see Wheatear,

Isabelline.

islandus, Falco, see Falcon, Iceland.
ispida, Alcedo, see Kingfisher.

Jays in London, 192.

Jones, R. W., Notes on Black-
throated Diver in Carvarvon,
54 ; Fork-tailed Petrel in Car-
narvon, 171 ; Black Redstart
in Carnarvon, 224, 305 ; early
Wheatears in Carnarvon, 305.

JouRDAiNT, Rev. F. C. R., see Tice-

HURST, N. F.

, Notes on Abnormal Song of

Wood-Warbler, 74 ; Unusual
Nesting-site of Grey W^agtail,
133 ; Quick Growth of a Brood
of Swallows and a Possible
Cause, 135 ; Extermination of
Sea-Eagle in Ireland, 138 ;
Retirm of Marked Swifts to
their Breeding Places, 165 ;
Slender-billed Nutcrackers on
the Continent, 192 ; Blue Eggs
of Terns, Gulls, and Waders,
196, 251, 282 ; Slender-billed
Nutcrackers on the Continent,
244 ; Boring of Nesting-holes
by Woodpeckers, 332 ; Ac-
tions of a Kingfisher on the
Water, 333.

Joy, N. H., Some Results obtained
by " Ringing " Starlings, 297 ;
Note on Recovery of Marked
Starlings, 128.

Kestrel, Right Ovary in, 48.

, Lesser, Right Ovary in, 45.

Kingfisher at Light-vessels, 208 ;

Actions of, on the W^ater, 333.
Kirke, W. J. Balfour, Notes on

Fulmars Breeding in Orkney,

338.
Meinschmidti, Parus a., see Tit,

Willow-.
Knot in East Renfrew, 230.

lagopiis, Buteo, see Buzzard, Rough-
legged.

lapponica, Limosa, see Godwit. Bar-
tailed.

lapponicus, Calcarius, see Bimting,
Lapland.

Lapwing, Recovery of ^Marked, 99,
163, 315 ; Injured, Recovering,
243 ; Blue Eggs of, 282.

352

BRITISH BIRDS.

Lark, Shore-, in Suffolk in April,
176 ; at Fair Isle, 201 ; in
Northumberland, 242 ; in Had-
dington, 319.

, Sky-, Supposed South-
European, in Ireland, 340.

, Wood-, at Fair Isle, 201.

Leigh, A. G., Notes on Red-necked,
(not Grey) Phalarope in War-
wickshire, 26, 115 ; Spotted
Crake in Warwickshire, 168 ;
Albinism and Xanthocroism
in Pied Wagtail, 189 : Climb-
ing movements of Great Spotted
Woodpecker, 193 ; Crossbill in
Warwickshire, 306 ; Willow-
Tits in Warwickshire, 329.

leucocephala, Emberiza, see Bimting,
Pine-.

leucopsis, Bernicla, see Goose, Bar-
nacle-.

leucoptera, Hydrochelidon, see Tern,
White-winged Black,

leucopterus. Lams, see Gull, Iceland.

leiicorodia, Platalea, see Spoonbill.

leucorrhoa, Oceanodromaf see Petrel.
Fork-tailed.

, Saxicola ce., see Wheatear,

Greenland.

Lightning, Birds struck by, 115.

linaria, Linota, see Redpoll, Mealy.

Linnet, Recovery of Marked, 186.

littoralis, Antlus s., see Pipit, Scan-
dinavian Rock-.

lugnhris, Motacilla, see Wagtail,
Pied.

luscinia, Daidias, see Nightingale.

— — , Luscinia, see Nightingale,
Thrush-.

Mackeith, T. Thornton, Note on
Stonechat inland in Renfrew,
305.

macrorhynchvs, Niicifraga c, see
Nutcracker, Slender-billed.

macrurus. Circus, see Harrier, Pallid.

major, Dendrocopus m., see Wood-
pecker, Northern Great Spotted.

, Parus, see Tit, Great.

Mallard, Recovery of Marked, 57,
126, 315.

Manx Ornithological Notes, 1909-
12, 300.

Mapping Migratory Birds, 103.

mariniis, Larus, see Gull, Great
Black-backed.

maritima, Tringa, see Sandpiper,
Purple.

Marked Birds, Recovery of, 56, 77,
98, 126, 128, 129, 130, 168, 165,
186, 222, 312, 340. f^

, (Aberdeen Uni-
versity), 98, 129.

Marking, Bird-, in the Netherlands,
Reviewed, 257.

IMarking Birds, The British Birds
Scheme, Progress for 1911 and
Some Results, 158.

Martin, House-, Numbers of Young
in Broods of, in 1911, 135 ; A
Brood fed by Eight Old Birds,
136 ; A Brood fed by Four Old
Birds, 190 ; Recovery of
Marked, 163 ; a Colony Build-
ing one Nest, 225, 279 ; in
W^inter in Middlesex, 255.

marvetta, Porzana, see Crake,
Spotted.

Masefieli-*, J. R. B., Note on Rare
Birds in Staffordshire, 22.

Massey, H., Note on Nesting of
Grey Wagtail far from Water,
165.

May, Isle of, Rare Birds at, in 1 911,
318.

Medlicott, W. S., Notes on Night-
ingale Nesting in Hereford, 51 ;
Siskins m Hereford, 76.

Meiklejohn, a. H., Note on Ful-
mars Nesting in Caithness, 56.

melanope, Motacilla, see Wagtail,
Grey.

melha, Cypselus, see Swift, Alpine.

merganser, Mergus, see Goosander.

Merganser, Red-breasted, Court-
ship of, 85 ; Flocking of, in
Autumn, 229, 247.

meridionalis, Lanius, see Shrike,
Southern Grey.

Merlin, Right Ovary in, 47 : Re-
covery of Marked, 126 ; Incu-
bation of, 326 ; in Somerset,
339.

inerula, Tiirdus, see Blackbird.

Migration, Mapping Migratory
Birds, 103 ; Report on the
Immigrations of Summer Resi-
dents in the Spring of 1910,
Reviewed, 175 ; Letter on, 208 ;
The Migration of Birds, Re-
viewed, 342.

INDEX.

353

MiLLAis, J. G., Note on Gadwall in
Perthshire, 280.

minuta, Ardetta, see Bittern, Little.

, Tringa, see Stint, Little.

mimitus. Lams, see Gull, Little.

mitratns, Parus c, see Tit, Central
European Crested.

modtdaris. Accentor, see Sparrow,
Hedge-.

moUissima, Somateria, see Eider,
Common .

MoNCKTON, F, A., Notes on Crossbill
in Staffordshire, 306 ; Turn-
stone in Oxfordshire, 308 ;
Great Northern Diver in Staf-
fordshire, 311.

montifringilla, Fringilla, see

Brambling.

morinelhis, Evdromias, see Dotterel.

Muffett, Thomas, 262.

Mullens, W. H., Walter Charleton
and his " Onomasticon Zoicon"
64 ; Thomas Muffett, 262.

MuNN, Philip W., Notes on Spring-
display of the Stone-Curlew,
226 ; Madeiran Fork-tailed
Petrel in Hampshire, 252.

musicus, Turdns, see Thrush, Song-.

Nelson, T. H., Note on Arctic and
Pomatorhine Skuas and Sab-
ine's Gulls in Yorkshire, 170.

Nest-building, Rapid, by Blackbird
and Mistle-Thrush, 23 ; Extra-
ordinary, 132.

Nestlings, Down Distribution of, 76.

Nichols, J. B., Notes on Rare
Birds in Sussex, 49 ; Southern
Grey Shrike in Sussex, 75 ;
White-throated Bluethroat in
Sussex, 106 ; Little Bvistard
in Sussex, 226 ; Collared Fly-
catcher in Sussex, 238.

Nichols, W. B., Note on Probable
Northern Long-tailed Tits in
Essex, 328.

NicoLL, M. J. The Alpine Ring-
Ouzel ; a New British Bird, 72 ;
The Slender-billed Curlew ; a
New British Bird, 124.

Nightingale, Distribution of the,
during the Breeding-season in
Great Britain, 2; Extraordi-
nary Abundance of, in Shrop-
shire, 23 ; Nesting in Hereford,
51 ; in Scotland, 83.

Nightingale, Thrush- (or Sprosser),
a possible Occurrence of, in
Norfolk, 224 ; at Fair Isle, 240.

Nightjar Frequenting a Beehive,
193.

nigra, (Edemia, see Scoter, Common.

, Hydrochelidon, see Tern, Black.

nigricollis, Podicipes, see Grebe,
Black-necked.

nisoria, Sylvia, see Warbler, Barred.

nisus, Accipiter, see Hawk, Sparrow-.

Noble, Heatley, Notes on Spread
of the Little Owl, 245 ; Mon-
tagu's Harrier in Berkshire,
245 ; Gadwall in Perthshire,
247 ; A Distinction between
Young and Old Red-Legged
Partridges, 248.

noctua, Athene, see Owl, Little.

Norfolk, Birds in, in 1910, 82.

Nutcracker, European, in Sussex,
120.

, Slender-billed, in Sussex, 120,

225 ; in Buckinghamshire, 167 ;
in Norfolk, 191 ; in Suffolk,
192 ; on the Continent, 192,
225, 244.

Nuthatch in Ireland, 28 ; Recovery
of Marked, 57 ; Introduction
of, in Ireland, 229.

nyroca, Fuligida, see Duck, Ferru-
ginous.

Oates, Eugene William, Notice
of Death of, 204.

cetianthe, Saxicola, see Wheatear,
Common.

cenas, Coluwha, see Dove, Stock-.

Ogilvie-Geant, W. R., Breeding
and " Eclipse " Plumages of
the Common Partridge, 234.

OoEDT, G. J. van. Note on Blue
Eggs of Common Tern, 196.

Oriole, Golden, seen in Yorkshire,
143 ; in Herefordshire, 202.

Osprey in Renfrew, 85 ; The Home-
Life of the. Reviewed, 205.

Ouzel, Alpine Ring-, 72.

, Ring-, in Devon in Winter,

176.

Ovary, Persistence of the Right, and
its Duct in Birds, 45.

Owen, J. A., Notes on Food of
Young Bam-Owls, 112; A
Pair of Robins Building many
Nests, 132 ; Young Cuckoo in

354

BRITISH BIRDS.

Nest of Bullfinch, 136 ; Young
Great Spotted Woodpeckers,
137.

Owl, Barn-, occupying Jackdaw's
:N"est, 77 ; Food of Young, 112 ;
Recovery of Marked, 126 ;
Nesting on the Ground, 319 ;
Incubation of, 323.

, Hawk-, Habits of Young, 157.

, Little, Breeding in Lincoln,

51, 229, 245 ; in Norfolk, 83,
245 ; in Berkshire, 138, 245 ;
in Herefordshire and Worces-
tershire, 195 ; in Northum-
berland, 242 ; in Yorkshire,
245 ; in Shropshire, 245 ; in
Somerset, 338 ; in south Devon,
333.

, " Luminous," 84.

, Scops, in Staffordshire, 22 ;

in Ireland, 202.

, Short-eared, Right Ovary in,

48.

, Tawny, Young, feigning

Death, 194; Recovery of
Marked, 314 ; Incubation of,
323.

palumbus, Columha, see Pigeon,

Wood-.
pahistris, Acrocephahis, see Warbler,

Marsh-.
Partridge, Common, Dr. Bureau's

Work on the, 210 ; Breeding

and "Eclipse" Plumages of

the, 234.
, Red-legged, A Distinction

between Young and Old, 248.
parvulus, Troglodytef!, see Wren.
penelope, Mareca, see Wigeon.
Penrosr, Dn. F., Notes on Tcterine

Warbler in Norfolk, 188 ; Early

Nesting of Common Snipe in

Wiltshire, 336.
peregrinuff, Faico, see Falcon, Pere-
grine.
Petrel, Bulwer's, in Sussex, 198.
, Fork-tniled, in North Wales,

171 ; in Worcestershire, 311.
, Fulmar, Nesting in Caithness,

56 ; Nesting in Ireland, 141 ;

Increasing in Orkneys and

Shetlands, 198, 228, 287, 338 ;

in Northumberland, 242.
, Madeiran Fork tailed, in

Hampshire, 252.

Phalarope, Red-necked, in Sussex,
23 ; (not Grey) in Warwick-
shire, 26, 115; in Ireland, in
Winter, 254 ; probably Breed •
ing in Spitsbergen, 288.

, Grey, in Shropshire, 169 ; in

Yorkshire, 170; in Norfolk,
197 ; in South Wales, 203 ; in
Northumberland, 242.

Pheasant, Cock, assuming Female-
like Plumage, 58.

philomela, Daulias, see Nightingale,
Thrush-.

phanicurus, RuticiUa, see Redstart.

Photography for Bird-Lovers, Re-
viewed, 31

PiccHi, Cecilia, Note on the Per-
sistence of the Right Ovary
and its Duct in Birds, 45.

Pigeon, Wood-, Albino, 29 ; Re-
covery of Marked, 315.

Pike, O. G., Photographing the
Black-throated Diver and Grey
Lag-Goose, 178 : Notes on
Colony of House-Martins build-
ing one Nest, 225 ; Guillemot
in Middlesex, 230.

pilaris, T^irdus, see Fieldfare.

Pipit, Richard's, in Sussex, 119 ; in
Ireland, 254 ; at Fair Isle, 254.

, Tree-, Extraordinary Devo-
tion of, to Nest, 81 ; in the Isle
of Man, 300.

, Meadow-, Recovery of Marked,

126. 163 : Nesting on Slag-
heaps, 148.

, Scandinavian Rock- (not

Water-), in Sussex, 120.

Plover, Caspian, in Sussex, 115.

, Kentish, on Hampshire coast,

208.

, Ringed. Breeding Inland in

Northumberland, 53.

pluvius, Picus viridis, see Wood-
pecker, English Green.

Pochard, Spring Movements of, 148.

pomatorhinus, Stercorarius, see Skua,
Pomatorhine.

poinera7Ws, Lanius, see Shrike,
Woodchat-.

pratensis, Crex, see Crake, Corn-.

promts, Piciis viridis, see Wood-
pecker, Italian Green.

Puffins, Slaughter of, by Black-
backed Gulls, 55 ; in Berk-
shire, 197 ; in Hampshire, 230.

INDEX.

355

pugnax. Machetes, see Ruff.
Pycraft, W. p., Letter on Plumages

of Guillemot and Razorbill, 87.
q^yrrhnla, Pyrrhida p., see Bullfinch,

Northern.

Quail in Wiltshire, 208 ; in Norfolk
in Winter, 226 ; in Somerset,
339.

Rail, Land-, see Crake, Corn-.

, Water-, A Peculiar Type of

Feather in, 42, 87 ; as Mi-
grants, 168.

Ralfe, p. G., see Graves, F. S.

Raven, Down of Nestling, 76 ;
Incubation of, 322.

Razorbill, Plumages of, 87.

Redbreast, Extraordinary Devotion
of, to Nest, 82 ; Recovery of
Marked, 126, 186, 222, 312,
340 ; A Pail' Building Many
Nests, 132, 166.

, Continental, in South-West

Scotland, 171 ; in England,
176 ; at Isle of May, 200, 318 ;
in East Ross, 319.

Redpoll, Holboll's, in Scotland, 60.

, Mealy, in Scotland, 60, 201 ;

Breeding-habits of, 155 ; at
Isle of May, in Spring, 318 ;
in Lanark, 340.

Redshank, Extraordinary Devotion
of, to Nest, 82 ; Recovery of
Marked, 127, 223.

Redstart, in the Isle of Man, 300.

, Black, in Scotland, 200, 318 ;

at Would Lt. -vessel, 208 ; in
Carnarvonshire, 224, 305.

Redwing, Breeding-habits of, 153.

Reviews.

Brighton, Dyke Road Museum,
Catalogue of Cases of Birds in
the, 119.
Bromsgrove Birds and Birds'

Nests of, 207.
Dumfriesshire, Addenda and
Corrigenda to the Birds of, 256.
Grouse, The Red, in Health and

in Disease, 145.
Gull, Life of the Common, 206.
Marking, Bii^d-, in the Nether-
lands, 257.
Migration, Report on the Immi-
grations of Summer Residents
in the Spring of 1910, 175.

Reviews {continued).

Migration of Birds, The, 342.
Osprey, the Home-Life of the, 205.
Perdrix, I'Age des : I. La Perdrix

grise, 210.
Photography for Bird-Lovers, 31.
Spitzbergensis, Avifauna, 288.
Staffordshire, North, Field Club :

Annual Report, 147.
Tweed Area, A Fauna of the, 172.
richardi, Anthus, sea Pipit,

Richard's.
ridihundus, Larus, see Gull, Black-
headed.
"Ringing " Birds, see Marking.
Robin, see Redbreast.
Robinson, H. W., Notes on Great
Northern Diver swallowing
Cuttle-fish, 27 ; Slaughter of
Manx Shearwaters by Black-
backed Gulls, 55 ; Herring-
Gull's Nest with five Eggs, 81 ;
Quick Growth of Swallows, 111;
Numbers of Young in Broods
of Swallows and Ho use -Martins,
135 ; Iceland Gulls in Scotland,
227 ; Manx Shearwaters in
Cumberland, 228 ; Fulmars in
Orkney, 228 ; Black-tailed
Godwit in North Lancashire,
249 ; Pomatorhine Skua in
North Lancashire, 252 ; a
Flock of Adult Golden-Eye
Drakes in Spring, 280 : Ful-
mars in Orkney, 287. Letter
on Rats and Manx Shear-
waters, 88.
Roller in Norfolk, 82 ; in Devon-
shire, 136.
Rook, Albinistic, containing Para-
sites, 30 ; Movements of Young
80 ; Right Ovary in, 48 ; Down
of Nestling, 76 ; Recovery of
Marked, 126 ; Facial Feathers
of, 306.
roseus, Pastor, see Starling, Rose-
coloured.
riibecida, Erithacus, see Redbreast.

^ Erithacus r. , see Redbreast,

Continental.
ruhicola, Pratincola, see Stonechat.
rufa, Caccahis, see Partridge, Red-
legged.
Ruff in East Renfrew, 230; m

Dumfriesshire, 257.
ru-fvs, Phylloscopus, see Chiffchaff.

356

BRITISH BIRDS.

rustica, Hirundo, see Swallow.
rnsticula, Scolopax, see Woodcock.

sahinii, Xema, see Gull, Sabine's.

Sanderling in Bedfordshire, 248.

Sandpiper, Baird's, at St. Kilda, 255.

, Common, Breeding in the

Isle of Man, 302 ; in Ireland in
Winter, 319.

, Curlew-, in Hertfordshire, 208 ;

in East Renfrew, 230.

, Green, in the Outer H'^brides,

143 ; at Fair Isle and in Caith-
ness, 202 ; in Ea^st Renfrew
and Lanark, 231 ; in Suther-
landshire, 249 ; in Dumfries-
shire, 257.

, Marsh-, in Sussex, 49.

• , Purple, in Staffordshire, 148 ;

in the Isle of Man, 302.

, Wood-, in Fifeshire, 171, 320.

saxatilis, Monticola, see Thrush,
Rock-.

scolopax, CEdicnemus, see Curlew,
Stone-.

Scoter, Common, in West York-
shire, 25 ; Breeding in Ireland,
79.

scoticus, Lagopus, see Grouse, Red.

Scott, D. A., Note on Rapid Nest-
building by a Mistle-Thrush, 23.

Scottish Ornithology for 1910, 199.

Serin, see Finch, Serin

Serle, Rev. W., Note on Late
Nesting of Great Tit, 188.

serrator, Mergus, see Merganser,
Red-breasted.

Service, Robert, Announcement
of the death of, 29 ; Memoir of,
34.

Shag, Occupying disused Raven's
Nest, 27 ; Inland in Cheshire
and Yorkshire, 279, 341 ; in
Worcestershire, 307 ; in Derby-
shire, 341.

Sharman, F., Note on Tufted
Ducks Breeding in Bedford-
shire, 114.

Shearwater, Great, in Bay of Biscay
and English Channel, 253.

, Little Dusky, in Sussex, 253.

, Manx, Slaughter of, by Black-
backed Gulls, 55, 88; off
West Coast of Ireland, 141 ;
in Cumberland, 197, 228 ; in
Bay of Biscay and English

Channel, 254 ; off the Isle of

Man, 304.
Shearwater, Sooty, off West Coast

of Ireland, 141 ; in Bay of

Biscay, 254.
Sheldon, W. G., Notes on the

Breeding-habits of some of our

Winter Migrants in Jemtland

and Lapland, 150.
Shrike, Red-backed, in Scotland,

201, 318.
, Southern Grey, in Sussex, 75 ;

Supposed, in Norfolk ; correc-
tion, 111.
, Woodchat, in Sussex, 111 ;

in Scotland, 255.
Siskin, in Mull, 28 ; in Hereford, 76.
Skua, Arctic, in Staffordshire, 22;

in Yorkshire, 170 ; Habits of,

202.
, Great, Habits of, 202 ; off

Ayrshire, 203 ; off the Isle of

Man, 303 ; in Somerset, 339.
, Pomatorhine, in Yorkshire,

170 ; in North Lancashire, 252.
Smalls, J. W., Note on Green

Woodpecker's Method of ex-
tracting Larvae from Willows,

329.
Smew, in Staffordshire, 22 ; in

Cheshire, 281; in Somerset, 339.
Smith, S. H,, Note on Hawfinches

Adapting Nest of Song-Thrush,

166.
Snipe, Common, Recovery of

Marked, 187 ; Early Nesting

of, in Wiltshire, 336.
, Great, in East Renfrew, 231 ;

in Ireland, 254 ; in Somerset,

339.
Sparrow, Hedge-, Recovery of

Marked, 186, 313 ; at Isle of

May, 318.
spectabilis, Somateria, see Eider,

King-.
spinus, Chrysomitris, see Siskin.
Spitzhergensis, Avifauna, Reviewed,

288.
Spoonbill in Norfolk, 82 ; on Holy

Island, 173 ; in Lincolnshire,

203.
Sprosser, see Nightingale, Thrush-.
Staffordshire, North, Field Club.

Annual Report and Trans-
actions, 1910-11, Reviewed, 147.
, Rare Birds in, 22.

INDEX.

357

stagnatilis, Totanus, see Sandpiper,
Marsh-.

Stanford, E. Fkaser, Note on
Supposed former Abundance
of the Glossy Ibis, 334.

Starley, Bernard, Note on Shag
in Worcestershire, 307 ; Com-
mon Gull in Warwick, 309.

Starhng, Recovery of Marked, 57,
101, 128, 129, 163, 187, 222,
297, 314 ; Some Results ob-
tained by "Ringing," 297;
Breeding in Winter in Scotland,
201.

, Rose-Coloured, in Sussex, 49.

stellaris, Botanrus, see Bittern.

Stewart, Walter, Letter on
Movements of Young Rooks,
30 ; Notes on Dotterel in
Lanark, 79 ; Britisli Willow-Tit
in Lanarkshire, 133 : Facial
Feathers of the Rook, 306.

Stint, Little, in Hertfordshire, 208 ;
in Worcestershire, 308.

Stonechat, Nesting in Cinder-wall,
148 ; Inland in Renfrew, 305.

strepera, Anas, see Gadwall.

streperus, Acrocephahis, see Warbler,
Reed-.

snharqiiata , Tringa, see Sandpiper,
Curlew-.

siibhiUeo, Falco, see Hobby.

SuGGiTT, W. E., Note on Barred
Warbler in Lincolnshire, 132.

superciliosus, Phylloscopus , see
Warbler, Yellow-browed.

Swallow, Recovery of Marked, 102,
163 ; Quick Growth of a Brood
of. 111, 135: Numbers of
Young in Broods of, in 1911,
135 ; Nesting in a Tree, 143 ;
in Winter in Berkshire, 255 ;
in Winter in Cornwall, 340.

Swift, Flight of, 115; Return of
Marked, to Breeding-places,
165.

, Alpine, in Hampshire, 84.

Tapsell, F., Note on Does the Male

or Female Woodpecker bore the

Nesting-hole ? 332.
tenuirostris, Numenius, see Ciu-lew,

Slender-billed.
Tern, Arctic, Recovery of Marked,

130.

, Black, in Bedfordshire, 54 ;

in Renfrew, 83 ; in Hadding-
ton, 320.

, Caspian, in Norfolk, 83.

, Common, Nesting in Isle of

Man, 80, 303 ; Recovery of
Marked, 127, 163, 187, 316;
Blue Eggs of, 169, 196, 250;
in Somerset in October, 339.

, Gull-billed, in Kent, 120.

, Sooty, in Sussex, 81.

, White-winged Black, in

Sussex, 54 ; in Norfolk, 80.

tetrax, Otis, see Bustard, Little.

tetrix, Tetrao, see Grouse, Black.

Thomson, A. L., Recovery of
Marked Birds (Aberdeen Uni-
versity), 98, 129 ; Notes on
Probable Snow-Geese in Essex,
25, 139.

Thrush, Mistle-, Rapid Nest-build
ing by, 23.

, Black-throated, in Kent, 50.

, Continental Song-, in Great

Britain, 176, 319.

, Rock-, in Sussex, 130 ; in

Orkney, 200.

, Song-, and Blackbird inter-
breeding, 83 ; Recovery of
Marked, 101, 222, 312 ; Range
of British, 223.

TiCEHURST, C. B., Note on Results
of "Ringing " Comiuon Herons
in Denmark, 77.

TiCEHURST, N. F., and Rev. F. C. R.
JouRDAiN, on the Distribu-
tion of the Nightingale during
the Breeding -season in Great
Britain, 2.

, Dr. L. Bureau's Work on the

Partridge, 210. Notes on Black-
throated Thrush in Kent, 50 ;
Isabelline Wheatear in Sussex,
74 ; Long- tailed Duck in Kent
and Sussex in March, 78 ;
Northern Great Spotted Wood-
peckers in Sussex, 112 ; and in
Northumberland, 194. Letter
on Sixth B.O.C. Migration
Report, 208.

tinnunculus, Falco, see Kestrel.

Titmouse, Bearded, Introduction
of, in Yorkshire, 108.

, Blue, Recovery of j\Iarked,

313.

358

BRITISH BIRDS.

Titmouse, Blue, Continental, as a
British Bird, 109.

, Coal-, Recovery of Marked,

313.

, Crested, Northern and Central

European, as British Birds, 109.

, Great, Recovery of Marked,

57,126,222,313; Late Nesting
of, 188.

, , Continental, in Scotland,

200.

, Long-tailed, Northern, Pro-
bable, in Essex, 328.

, Marsh-, Introduction of, in

Ireland, 229.

, Willow-, British, in Sussex,

120 ; in Lanarkshire, 133 ; in
Worcestershire and Hereford-
shire, 189 ; in Dumfriesshire,
256 ; in Cheshire, Lancashire,
and Warwickshire, 328.

titys, RiitirAlla, see Redstart, Black.

torda, Alca, see Razorbill.

torqiiatus, Turdus, see Ouzel, Ring-.

torquilla, lynx, see Wryneck.

Teevelyan, Major H., Notes on
Common Scoter breeding in
Ireland, 79 ; Breeding of Great
Black-backed Gull inland in
Ireland, 140 ; Flocking of Red-
breasted Merganser in Autumn,
247.

tristis, Phylloscopxis r., see Chiff-
chaff, Siberian.

trivialis, Anthns, see Pipit, Tree-.

troile, TJria, see Guillemot.

Tuck, Rev. J. G., Note on Slender-
billed Nutcracker in Suffolk,
192.

Turner, Miss E. L., The Return
of the Bittern to Norfolk, 90.

Turnstone in Staffordshire, 22 ; in
Oxfordshire, 308.

Tv)eed Area, A Fauna of the, Re-
viewed, 172.

Twite, Nesting in the Isle of Man,
301.

ulula, Surnia, see Owl, Hawk-.

urbica, Chelidon, see Martin, House-.

UssHER, R. J., Notes on Increase
of Great Black-backed Gulls
in Ireland, 170 ; " Cawnoge "
the Irish for " Shearwater,"
198 ; Barnacle-Geese on the
South Coast of Ireland, 246.

Vaughan, M., Note on Blue Eggs
of Common Tern, 196.

vespertinus, Falco, see Falcon, Red-
footed.

viridis, Gecinus, see Woodpecker,
Green.

, Motacilla /., see Wagtail, Grey-
headed.

viscivorus, Turdus, see Thrush,
Mistle-.

vulgaris, Buteo, see Buzzard, Com-
mon.

, Sturnus, see Starling.

, Vanellus, see Lapwing.

Wagtail, Blue-headed, at Fair Isle,
200 ; at St. Catherine's Light-
house, 208 ; Supposed, in Ire-
land, 340.

, Grey-headed, at Fair Isle, 200.

, Grey, Breeding in Surrey, 24,

110; Unusual Nesting-site of,
133, 165.

, Pied, Nesting on Slag-heaps,

148 : Albinism in, 189 ; Re-
covery of Marked, 313.

, White, in Staffordshire, 22 ;

in Autumn in Ireland, 189.

Walton, J. S. T., Note on Four
House-Martins feeding Young
in one Nest, 190.

Warbler, Aquatic, in the Isle of
Wight, 176.

, Barred, in Lincolnshire, 132 ;

at Isle of May, 318.

, Icterine, in Shetland, 84 ; in

Norfolk, 188.

, Marsh-, Breeding numerously

in Worcestershire, 106.

, Northern Willow-, see Wren.

, Reed-, Supposed, in Merioneth

188 ; in Ireland, 340.

, Wood-, see Wren.

, Yellow-browed, in Norfolk, 83.

Ward, T. R., Notes on Rapid Nest-
building by a Blackbird, 23 ;
Wren rearing a Brood in an
old Nest, 75.

Wells, C. H., Note on Goosanders
in Camar\'on, 248.

Wenner, M. v.. Notes on Nesting
of Common Tern in Isle of
Man, 80 ; Young TaA\aiy Owl
feigning Death, 194 ; Barnacle-
Goose inland in Cheshire,
279.

INDEX.

359

Wbyer, Capt. B, van de, Note on
Probable Breeding of Little
Owl in Berkshire, 138.

Wheatear, Common, Nesting on
Slag-heaps, 148 ; Early Ap-
pearance of, in Carnarvon, 305.

, Greenland, in Scotland, 200.

, Isabelline, in Sussex, 74, 328.

Whimbrel, in Worcestershire 195 ;
in Winter in Haddington, 320.

Whish, F. H. L., Note on Un-
common Occurrences in West
Somerset, 338.

Whitethroat, Lesser, Breeding at
Berwick, 173 ; at Fair Isle,
200 ; at Isle of May, 318.

Wigeon, Breeding in Roxburgh, 29 ;
Breeding in Argyll, 85 ; Re-
covery of Marked, 98.

Williams, Alexander, Notice of
Death of, 144.

Wilson, Hulme, Note on Green
Woodpecker in Westmorland,
25.

Wiltshire, The Birds of, Letter on,
320.

Withers Y, H. F., The British
Birds Marking Scheme, Pro-
gress for 1911 and Some Re-
sults, 158. Notes on Conti-
nental Blue Tit as a British
Bird, 109 ; Northern and
Central European Crested Tits
as British Birds, 109 ; Sup-
posed Southern Grey Shrike
in Norfolk, 111 ; Fulmar
Breeding in Ireland, 141 ;
White Wagtails in Autumn in
Ireland, 189 ; Reed- Warblers in
Ireland, 340.

wolfi, Gyanecula, see Bluethroat,
White-Spotted.

Woodcock, Recovery of Marked,
186, 223, 316.

WooDHOusE, Dr., W. M., Note on
Red Grouse in Berkshire, 51.

Woodpecker, Green, in Westmor-
land, 25, 77 ; European forms
of, 125 ; in Tweed Area, 173 ;
Method of Extracting Larvae
from Willows, 329 ; Boring of
the Nesting-hole, 332.

, , English, a new sub-
species, 125.

, , Italian, a^ new sub-
species, 125.

, Great Spotted, British, Habits

of Yoimg, 137 ; Climbing
Movements of, 193 ; in Somer-
set, 338.

, , Northern, in Sussex,

112; in Scotland, 171; in
Northumberland, 194.

, Lesser Spotted, boring of the

Nesting-hole, 332.

Wren, Rearing a Brood in an Old
Nest, 75.

, Fire-crested, in the Isle of

Wight, 176.

, Golden-crested, Continental^

in Yorkshire, 176 ; at Isle of
May, 318, 319.

, Willow-, Northern, in Scot-
land, 28, 287, 318.

, Wood-, Recovery of Marked,

57 ; Abnormal Song of, 74.

Wryneck in Cornwall in March, 176 ;
in Scotland, 201.

DRITISn
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and 16, Forrest Road, Edinburgh.

WATKINS A DONGASTER,

And Manufacturers of CABINETS ?indAf*i*^fiATUS for Entomology, Birds' Eggs

and Skins, and all BrancHe^ of Natural History.

A LARGE STOCK OF I^ISE0T9, and BIRDS' EGGS and SKINS.

5peclality:— Objects for Nature Stud^^ Drawing: Classes. &c.

BIRDS, HAMUALS. &c., PRESERYBD and MOUHTBD by FIRST-CLASS WORKMEN

Jill Books and Publications on NapirakI History supplied.

36, STRAND, LONDON, W.G. (Five Doors km Cliaring Cross.)

Catalogfue (loa pp.) post free.

BRITISH BIRDS.

PublishePB' Notices.

Serviceable and attractive Cloth Cases (lettered on the back)
for binding Volurti'ed I.' II. til. & IV. okrt now be had, price Is each
net (Postage, 2d. extra). In prdeHngf it should be stated for
which volume the Case is required.

Subscribers' copies can be bound for 2s. per volurne (inclusive
of tfie Case), and with gilt top to> Jl^k. 3sl per volume (Postage,
5d. extra). "

EDITORIAI- COIVIMUNICAT^ONS shoulc^ be addressed to the
Editor of British Birds at 329» Hi^ii Holborn.

The Editor will endeavour to return ail unused^ manuscripts
and photographs, but he takes ho responsibility for their safety.

DRlTlSn
BIRDS

AMEUSTP^OTDTIAa/NZrC
EKVOrCDTOTHEBIRDSOM

SEPT. I, JS' Vol. V.

I9>i. .iiwa No. 4.

noNTHcr ore smLunGWET

Watson^s Reflex Camera

The " Perspect " new
model for 1911.

With Self-capping Focal Plane
Shutter, having a range of speeds
from three seconds to lo^ns-
Quick-wind Shutter.
Freedom from vibration.

The simplest, cheapest and most
convenient high-class Reflex
Camera made.

Price, com
Lens and

3lete with F6 Holostigmat
three double slides :—

4i

5

6i

X3i
X 4
X 4J

••

£19
£22
£28

158.

15s.
Os.

Od.
Od.
Od.

Fully descriptive Price List
sent Post Free on application.

W. Watson & Sons, Ltd.,

313, High Holbom, LONDON.

Depot: 2, Easy Row, Birmingham.

WATKINS & DONCASTER,

IRaturaUsts,

And Manufactui'ers of CABINETS and APPARATUS for Entomology, Birds' Eggs

and Skins, and all Branehes of Natural History.

A LARGE STOCK OF INSECTS, and BIRDS' EGGS and SKINS.

speciality:— Objects for Nature Study, Drawing Classes, &c.

BIBDS, MAMMALS. Ac, PRESERVED^ and MOUHTED by FIRST-CLASS WORKMEM
' TRUE TO NATURE.

Jill Books and Publications on Natural History supplied.

36, STRAND, LONDON, W.C. (Fi?e Doors from Charing Cross.)

Catalogfue (loa pp.) post free.

" BRITISH BIRDS.

Publishers' Notices.

Serviceable and attractive Cloth Cases (lettered on the back)
for binding Volumes I. II. III. & IV. can now be had, price Is. each
net (Postage, 2d. extra). In ordering, it should be stated for
which volume the Case is required.

Subscribers' copies can be bound for 2s. par volume (inclusive
of the Case), and with gilt top for 2s. 3s. per volume (Postage,
Bd. extra).

EDITORIAL COMMUNICATIONS should be addressed to the
Editor of British Birds at 326, High Holborn.

The Editor will endeavour to return all unused manuscripts
and photographs, but he takes no responsibility for their safety.

TO LET.— BREYDON WATERS, YARMOUTH.— To let, furnished,
comfortable Punt-Gunner's House- boat. Well ventilated, and heated by
good coal cooking stove. Suitable for bird watching, boating, and fishing.
£2 2s. per week.— "The Coot," British Birds.

PHOTOGRAPHY

FOR

BIRD = LOVERS

BY

BENTLEY BEETHAM, F.Z.S.,

Author of " The Home-Life of the Spoonbill," &c.

Square Demy 8vo - - - -16 full page Vlates.

5s. Net.

^ An essentially practical guide to the pursuit of Bird-
Photography in all its branches by a well-known and
successful exponent of the art.

There are Chapters on : — Apparatus, Nest-
Photography, Young Birds, Stalking,
Concealment, Artificial Attraction,
Rope-WorK, Flight, Colour, Cinemato-
graphy, Captivity.

LONDON :
WITHERBY & CO., 326, HIGH HOLBORN, W.C.

PART 4 OF VOL. I. NOW READY.

The Edition of the Complete Work is strictly limited to 300 Numbered Sets,
and these are being rapidly subscribed for.

THE

BIRDS

OF

AUSTRALIA

BY

GREGORY M. MATHEWS

MEMBER OF THE AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGISTS*
UNION AND THE BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS' UNION.

A complete work, compiled from all published sources and from the author's own
observations, together with those of a large number of field-naturalists in all parts

of Australia

HAND-COLOURED PLATES

DRAWN BY H. GRONVOLD, J. G. KEULEMANS, G. E. LODGE,
AND OTHER WELL-KNOWN ARTISTS

DKPICTIWG

ALL THE KNOWN SPECIES OF AUSTRALIAN BIRDS.
ROYAL QUARTO (13^ x 9i) PRINTED ON RAG PAPER.

TO BE ISSUED IN

TWO-GUINEA PARTS

AT LEAST FOUR OF WHICH WILL APPEAR EACH YEAR.
Protpeotu* and Speeitnen Plate on (application.

London : WITHERBY & CO., 326, HIGH HOLBORX, W.C.

TO LET.— BREYDON WATERS, NORFOLK.— To be let, furnished,
a comfortable Punt-Gunaer's House-boat, suitable for bird" wfttching,
shootmg, or fishing. Refi^souahle terms.— Apply, "The Coot," British
Birds.

TAXIDERMISTS.— WILLIAMS & SON, Naturahsts and Furriers,
2 JJame Street, Dublin ; Taxidermists to the National Museum, Dublin.
Skms dressed and prppared asBugs ; Horns and Hoofs mounted. Fish
mounting a speciality. All work of the highest class. '

PHOTOGRAPHY

FOR

BIRD = LOVERS

BY

EENTLEY BEETHAM, F.Z.S.,

Author of " The Home-Life of the Spoonbill," &c.
Square "Demy Svo - - , . /6 /«// pag^ "Plates.

5s. Net.

Q An essentially praqtie^.! guide to the pursuit of Bird-

Photography in all its branches by a well-known and

successful exponent of the art.

There are Chapters on : — Apparatus, Nest-
Photography, Young Birds, Stalking,
Concealment, Artificial Attraction,
Rope-WorK, Flight, Colour, Cinemato-
graphy, Captivity.

LONDON :
WITHERBY & CO,, 326, HIGH HOLBORN, W.C.

PART 4 OF VOL. I. READY IN AUGUST.

The Edition of the Complete Work is strictly limited to 300 Numbered Sets,
and these are being rapidly subscribed for.

THE

BIRDS

OF

AUSTRALIA

BY

GREGORY M. MATHEWS

MEMBER OF THE AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGISTS*
UNION AND THE BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS* UNION.

A complete work, compiled from all published sources and from the author's own
observations, together with those of a large number of field-naturalists in all parts

of Australia

HAND-COLOURED PLATES

DRAWN BY H. GRONYOLD, J. G. KEULEMANS, G. E. LODGE,
AND OTHER WELL-KNOWN ARTISTS

DEPICTING

ALL THE KNOWN SPECIES OF AUSTRALIAN BIRDS.

ROYAL QUARTO (13i x 9^) PRINTED ON RAG PAPER.

TO BE ISSUED IN

TWO-GUINEA PARTS

AT LEAST FOUR OF WHICH WILL APPEAR EACH YEAR.
Prospectus and Specimen Plate on application.

London : WITHERBY & CO., 326, HIGH HOLBORN, W.C.

A LIST OF BRITISH BIRDS

SHOWING AT A GLANCE THE EXACT
STATUS OF EACH SPECIES

Revised to August, 1910,

By W. R. OGILVIE-GRANT.

For Labelling Specimens or for Reference. Price Is. 6d.

'Printed on one side of the paper only. (Postage 2d. extra)

London: WITHERBY & CO., 326, HIGH HOLBORN.

Through South Westland.

By A. MAUD MORELAND.
A Charming Book of Travel in little-
known Districts of New-Zealand.

48 Page-Plates. Demy 8vo. 7s. Sd. net.

LONDON : WITHERBY & CO., 326, HIGH HOLBORN.

WATKINS & DONCASTER,

IMaturaiisti?,

And Manufacturers of CABINETS and APPARATUS for Entomology, Birds' Eggs
and Skins, and all Branches of Natural History.

A LARGE STOCK OF INSECTS, and BIRDS' EIGGS and SKINS.

Speciality:— Objects for Nature Study, Drawing; Classes, &c.

BIRDS, MAIdKALS, &c., PRESERVED and MOUNTED by FIRST-CLASS WORKMEN
TRUE TO NATURE.

Jill Books and Publications on Natural History supplied.

36, STRAND, LONDON, W.C. (Five Doors Irora Charing Cross.)

Catalosfue (los pp.) post free.

: ; " '

BRITISH BIRDS.

Publishers' Notices.

Sarvioeabio and attractive Cloth Cases (lettered on the back)
for binding Volumes I. II. 111. & IV. can now be had, price Is. each
net (Postage, 2d. extra). In ordering, it should bo s>tated for
vtfhich voluma tha Case is required.

Subscribers' copies can ba bound for 2s. par volume (inclus ve
of the Cass), and with gilt top for 2s. 38. per volume (Postage,
5d. extra).

EDITORIAL COMMUNICATIONS should bo addressed to tha
Editor of British Birds at 326, High Kolborn.

The Editor will endeavour to return all unused manuscripts
and photographs, but ha takes no responsibility for their safety.

PART 3 OF VOL. I., NOW READY.

The Edition of the Complete Work is strictly limited to 300 Nnmhered Sets,
and these are being rapidly subscribed for.

THE

BIRDS

OF

AUSTRALIA

BY

GREGORY M. MATHEWS

MEIVIBER OF THE AUSTRALIAN ORNITHOLOGISTS*
UNION AND THE BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS* UNION.

A complete work, compiled from all published sources and from the author's own
obsenrations, together with those of a large number of field-naturalists in all parts

of Australia

HAND-COLOURED PLATES

DRAWN BY H. GRONVOLD, J. G. KEULEMANS, G. E. LODGE,
AND OTHER WELL-KNOWN ARTISTS

DEPICTING

ALL THE KNOWN SPECIES OP AUSTRALIAN BIRDS.

ROYAL QUARTO i\3h x 9^) PRINTED ON RAG PAPER.

TO BE ISSUED IN

TWO-GUINEA PARTS

AT LEAST FOUR OF WHICH WILL APPEAR EACH YEAR.
Prospectua and Specimen Plate on application.

London : WITHERBY & CO., 326, HIGH HOLBORN, W.C.

GOULD'S Birds of Great Britain, £48 0 0

5 Vols., half morocco.

POYNTING'S Eggs of British Birds, £2 5 0
MEYER'S British Birds. - - £12 0 0

7 Vols.

Special Catalogue of BooKs on Birds, etc.

FRANCIS EDWARDS

75, HIGH STREET. MARYLEBONE, LONDON. W.

BIRDS* EGGS.

W. F. H. ROSENBERG, 57, Haverstock Hill, London, N.W.,

Begs to announce the publication of a new Price List (No. 15) of Birds*

Eggs, containing over 900 species from all part* of the world. This Catalogue

is systeniatically arranged, with authors' names, indications of localities, and an

index to families. It will be sent post free on application as will the

following lists : —

No. 11, Birds' Skins (5,000 species) ; No. 12. Lepidoptera (5,000 species) ;

Ho. 13, Coleoptera; No. 14, Mammals.

In course of preparation : — New Price List of Reptiles, Amphibians and Fishes.
Largest Stock ^n the world of Specimens in all branches of Zoolog\f.

WATKINS & DONCASTER,

IRaturaUsts,

And Manufacturers of CABINETS and APPARATUS for Entomology, Birds' Eggs

and Skins, and all Branches of Natural History.

A LARGE STOCK OP INSECTS, and BIRDS* EGGS and SKINS.

Speciality :— Objects for Nature Study, Drawlngr Classes, &c.

BIRDS, MimiHALS. &c., PRESERVED and MOUNTED by FIRST-CLASS WOBKHBM
IKUE TO NATURE.

All Books and Publications on Natural History supplied.

36, STRAND, LONDON, W.C. (Five Doors from Charing Cross.)

Catalogue (io3 pp.) post free.

BRITISH BIRDS.

Publishers* Notices.

Serviceable and attractive Cloth Cases (lettered on
the back) for binding Volumes 1. 11. III. & IV. can novir be
had, price 1 s. each net (Postage, 2d. extra). In ordering,lt
should be stated for which volume the case is required.

Subscribers' copies can be bound for 2s. per volume
(inclusive of the case), and v/ith gilt top for 2s. 3d. per
volume (Postage, 5d. extra).

To Naturalists, Museums, and Collectors.

The Baylis Collection of British Birds,

11, Holloway Head, Birmingham.

FRANK SWIFT

Has received Instructions from the Executor of Edwin
Baylis, deceased, to Sell by Auction on the premises
— as above, without reserve, on

THURSDAY, JUNE 15th, 1911,

The very

Valuable Collection

OF

Stuffed British Birds

Mounted in Cases and on Stands, including Golden
Eagles, Bitterns, Peregrine Falcons, Honey Buzzard,
and many rare specimens. The Cases number 5 1 , and
contain groups of British Birds at various stages of age
and growth, elaborately set in scenes representing the
natural haunts. The Groups include Puffins, Herons,
Owls, Magpies, Dunlin, Sparrows, Buntings, Gulls,
Hawks, Guillemots, Woodcock, Tern, Shelduck, Reed
and Sedge Warblers, Kingfishers, Sanderling, etc.,

in great variety.

NOTE. — The Auctioneer begs to call special attention to this
important Szile, as many of the specimens are considered to be
unique. The cases of Birds are elaborately mounted regardless
of cost, the late Mr. Baylis having paid sums up to £200

for many of the groups.

On View June 12th, 13lh,and 1 4 ih, from 1 0 a.m. till 5 p.m.
Sale Commencing at 1 1 o'clock precisely.

For Catalosuet apply to Me««rs. C. F. PRICE & ATKINS, Solicitors,
1. Waterloo Street; or the AUCTIONEER. 1 Waterloo Street.
BirminBham. Telephone 1318 Central

mrrisii

5IRD5

APiEUSTMUDTlAa^ZirC
DCVOraJTOTllEBIRDSOM

''^«*.TnEBKnsniisr--s**'

Vol. V.
No. 5.

O0brflGtmOLBOPNi2MDOM

Watson^s Reflex Camera

The " Perspect " new
model for 1911.

With Self-capping Focal Plane
Shutter, having a range of speeds
from three seconds to i^^.

Quick-wind Shutter.

Freedom from vibration.

The simplest, cheapest and most
convenient high-class Reflex
Camera made.

Price, complete with F6 Holostigmat
Lens and three double slides :—

4i X3}
5 X4
6J X4J

.. £19
.. £22
.. £28

ISs.

158.
08.

Od.
Od.
Od.

Fully descriptive Price List
sent Post Free on application.

W. Watson & Sons, Ltd.,

313, High Holborn, LONDON.
Depot : 2. Easy Row, Birmingham.

R. H. PORTER,

Natural History Bookseller and Publisher.

SPECIALIST IN BIRD BOOKS.

COUNTY FAUNAS, in Good Condition : Cash Price, Free.

' £ s. d.

Norfolk, Stevenson (3 vols.) 2 12 6

Norfolk, Lubbock (3rd ed.) 7 6

Sussex, Borrer 12 6

Surrey, Bucknill 10 6

Northampton, Lilford (2 vols.) ... 2 12 6

Wiltshire, Smith 8 6

Oxford, Aplin 5 6

And many others: please state wants.

Migration Reports, 1879-87 (complete set) in 2 vols.,
4>2Sa net. ; odd parts, 38* each.

BOOKBINDING BY OUR OWN WORKMEN.

7 PRINCES STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, LONDON, W.

BRITISH
5IRD5

ANmiJSTPeatDriAGAzirf:

^OTEDTOTOEBIRDSON

NOV. I, mm Vol. V.

•9'«- Jm^ No. 6.

norrnicroTESHiLLinGWET

3i26niGnilOLDOPMi2riDOM

WITHERtSrerC?

The HOLOSTIGMAT LENS

for
Instantaneous
Photography

IS THE BEST

m

Dull

Weather.

Gives perfect definition over the whole plate at full aperture, and
yields crisp negatives entirely free from haze and false reflections.

These conditions can only be obtained in Lenses which consist of
Cemented components.

The Holostigmat is made with cemented components,

LENS LIST SENT POST FREE.

W. WATSON & SONS, LTD., 313. High Holborn, London.

R. H. PORTER,

Natural History Bookseller and Publisher.

SPECIALIST IN BIRD BOOKS.

MONOGRAPHS— clean, sound, and perfect condition.

LORIIDi^, or Brush-tongued Parrots, with 61 hand- £ s. d.

coloured plates and 4 maps 4 14 6

MEROPIDi^, or Bee-eaters. with 34 hand-coloured

plates 4 4 0

CORACIIDi^, or Rollers, with 27 hand-coloured

plates ... ... ... ... ... 4 4 0

HIRUNDINIDiC, or Swallows. 2 vols, with about

1 30 hand-coloured maps and plates ... 6 10 0

Also Kingfishers, Sunbirds, Pittidae, Barbets, Birds of Paradise, etc.

Prices on Application.

BOOKBINDING BY OUR OWN WORKMEN.

7 PRINCES STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, LONDON, W.

DRITlSn
BIRDS

ATimUSIMreDHAGAZTt
DEVOrroTOTHEBIRDSOM
"^^TIlEBKnSHliSr.-^

nONmCr-QMCSHHlinQWET

osbraonnoLDOPPflSPiDOM

wirnERBre-c?

The HOLOSTIGMAT LENS

IS THE BEST

Photography ^imJ^^ ~^^^^^^fc^. Weather,

Gives perfect definition over the whole plate at full aperture, and
yields crisp negatives entirely free jfrom haze and false reflections.

These conditions can only be obtained in Lenses which consist of
Cemented components.

The Holostigmat is made with cemented components.

LENS LIST SENT POST FREE.

W. WATSON & SONS, LTD., 313, High Holborn, London.

R. H. PORTER,

Natural History Bookseller and Publisher.

SPECIALIST IN BIRD BOOKS.

MONOGRAPHS— clean, sound, and perfect condition,

LORIIDiC, or Brush-tongued Parrots, with 61 hand- £ s. d.

coloured plates and 4 maps 4 14 6

MEROPID^, or Bee-eaters, with 34 hand-coloured

plates ... ... ... 4 4 0

CORACIIDi^, or Rollers, with 27 hand-coloured

plates 4 4 0

HIRUNDINIDi€, or Swallows, 2 vols, with about

130 hand-coloured maps and plates ... 6 10 0

Also Kingfishers, Sunbirds, Pittidae, BarbeU, Birds of Paradise, etc.

Prices on Application.

BOOKBINDING BY OUR OWN WORKMEN.

7 PRINCES STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, LONDON, W.

DRITISli
5IRD5

AriEUSnWEDMAQAZiriC
DEVOrEDTOTHEBIRnSON
"^^TtlEBKnSHliSr.^s**'

Vol. V.

No. 8.

D26tllGnnOLBOMi2riDOM

The HOLOSTIGMAT LENS

IS THE BEST

for
Instantaneous
Photography >«r-

Gives perfect definition over the whole plate at full aperture, and
3rields crisp negatives entirely free from haze and false reflections.

These conditions can only be obtained in Lenses which consist of
Cemented components.

The Holostigmat is made with cemented components,

LENS LIST SENT POST FREE.

W. WATSON & SONS, LTD., 313, High Holborn, London.

THE BRITISH WARBLERS

A HISTORY WITH PROBLEMS
OF THEIR LIVES

BY

H. ELIOT HOWARD. F.Z.S.. M.B.O.U.

To be completed in 9 parts. Size, Imperial 8vo. Price to Subscribers, 21/- per part

net Parts 1 to 6 now ready. Containing 27 Coloured and 39 Photosrravure Plates,

8 Maps of Distribution and 280 pases of letterpress.

To be published in 10 parts. 8vo., each containing 1 2
or more Coloured Plates, at 10s. 6d. per part net.

THE EGGS OF EUROPEAN BIRDS

BY THE

Rev. FRANCIS C. R. JOURDAIN. M.A., M.B.O.U.

Parts 1-4 ready, with 320 paces of text and 52 coloured plates.

R. H. PORTER,

7 PRINCES STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, LONDON, W.

Post Free to any Address,

CATALOGUE of SECOND-HAND BOOKS

ON

NATURAL HISTORY

1200 item*, includingr A LARGE COLLECTION OF IMPORTANT

WORKS ON ORNITHOLOGY

By Bree, BuUer, Dresser, Hume, Lilford, Marshall, Seebohm, Selby.
Shelley, also seU of "The Auk." "The Ibis," &c.

JAMES THIN, 55, Soath Bridge, EDINBURGH.

JUST PUBLISHED.

THE BIRDS AND BIRDS' NESTS OF BROMSGROVE

AND NEIGHBOURHOOD.

By A. MAYALL.

48 full-page Plates from Photographs, with list of Breeders and Visitors.
Crown 8vo. 2/» net.

WITHERBY & Co., 326. High Holborn, London, W.C.

BIRDS' EGGS FOR SALE

Offer of a very important stock of Palasarctic
Birds' Eggs from reliable sources, each clutch
with exact date and locality

PRICE LISTS WITH ENGLISH NAMES SENT GRATIS.

A. KRICHELDORFF ^atnvhiataxizthts Institut,
Oranien-Strasse ii6, Berlin, S.W. 6S

WATKINS & DONGASTER,

IRaturalists,

And Manufacturers of CABINETS and APPARATUS for Entomology, Birds' Eggs

and Skins, and all Branches of Natural History.

A LARGE STOCK OF INSECTS, and BIRDS' EGGS and SKINS.

Speciality :— Objects for Nature Study, Drawinjr Classes, &c.

BIRDS, MAMMALS, ftc, PRESERVED and MOUHTED by FIRST-CLASS WORKMEN

JJ// Books and Publications on Natural History supplied.

38, STRAND, LONDON, W.C. (Five Doors from Charing Cross.)

Catalogue (loa pp.) post free.

A Vivid Story of Desert Island Life.

A NATURALIST ON
DESERT ISLANDS

By PERCY R. LOWE. B.A., M.B., M.B.O.U.

Being an account of visits to some Desert

Islands of the Caribbean Sea in

Sir Frederic Johnstone's Yacht

" Zenaida."

THE TIMES (Literary Supplement) says: *'0f
books of the season devoted avowedly to Natural
History perhaps we should place first 'A
Naturalist on Desert Islands,' which is the

pleasantest of reading the enthusiasm of

the bird's-nesting boy turned loose in Robinson
Crusoe Land who, beset with spiders' webs and
cactus spines, and /'Ctes rouges, only grows happier
the more he perspires and the greater his
discomfort."

MANCHESTER COURIER says: ** We can
truthfully say that Mr. Lowe has written a book
which is packed with good things ; in many parts
it is perfectly fascinating."

THIRTY-TWO BEAUTIFUL PLATES
DEPICTING LIFE and SCENERY and THREE MAPS
DEMY 8vo. 7s. 6d. net.

Witherby & Co., 326, High Holborn, London.

JUST PUBUSHED.

THE BIRDS AND BIRDS' NESTS OF BROMSGROVE

AND NEIGHBOURHOOD.

By A. MAYALL.

48 full-page Plates from Photographs, with list of Breeders and Visitors.
Crown 8vo. 2/« net.

WITHERBY & Co., 326 High Holborn, Lonaon, W.C.

BIRDS' EGGS FOR SALE

Offer of a very important stock of Palaearctic
Birds' Eggs from reliable sources, each clutch
with exact date and locality

PRICE LISTS WITH ENGLISH NAMES SENT GRATIS.

A. KRICHELDORFF jaatnrtotoriarljEa Institot,
Oranien-Strasse ii6, Berlin, S.W. 68

WATKINS k DONGASTER,

•JHaturalists,

And Manufacturers of CABINETS and APPARATUS for Entomology, Birds' Eggs
and Skins, and all Branches of Natural History.

A LARGE STOCK OF INSECTS, and BIRDS' EGGS and SKINS.

Speciality :— Objects for Nature Study, Drawins: Classes, &c.

BIRDS, MAMMALS. &c., PRESERVED and MOUNTED by FIRST-CLASS WORKMEN
TRUE TO NATURE.

JlH Books and Publications on Natural History supplied.

36, STRAND, LONDON, W.C. (Five Doors from Charing Cross.)

Catalogue (loa pp.) post free.

FOR SALE

ARCTIC, ICELAND and - -
GREENLAND BIRDS' SKINS.
Well Prepared. Low Prices.

'Particulars of - - -

G. DINESEN, Birb^doUeCtOr : Husavik, North Iceland.

IDEAL CHRISTMAS GIFTS
FOR NATURE-LOVERS.

The Bird-Lover^s Home-Life Series.

Beautiful Books of Photographs, cloth bound, 6s. net.
(Special Edition, half-bound leather, 10s. 6d. net.)

Third Volume of the Series NOW READY.

THE HOME-LIFE
OF THE OSPREY

Photographed and Described by

CLINTON G. ABBOTT, B.A., Assoc.A.O.U.

32 FULL-PAGE PLATES ARTISTICALLY MOUNTED.

The marvellous Photographs contained in this Volume can only be
described as triumphs of the Bird-Photographer's art.

PREVIOUS VOLUMES-

THE HOME-LIFE OF A GOLDEN EAaE.

Photographed and described by H. B. Macpherson.
32 full-page Plates, artistically mounted. Crown 4to.

THE HOME-LIFE OF THE SPOONBILL, THE
STORK AND SOME HERONS.

Photographed and described by Bentley ]>eetham, f.z.s.
32 full-page Plates, artistically mounted. Crown 410.

Wltherby & Co., 326, High Holborn, London.

JUST PUBLISHED.

THE BIRDS AND BIRDS' NESTS OF BROMSGROVE

AND NEIGHBOURHOOD.

By A. MAYALL.

48 full-page Plates from Photographs, with list of Breeders and Visitors.
Crown 8vo. 2/= net.

WITHERBY & Co., 326 High Holborn, London, W.C

BIRDS' EGGS FOR SALE

Offer of a very important stock of Palaearctic
Birds' Eggs from reliable sources, each clutch
with exact date and locality

PRICE LISTS WITH ENGLISH NAMES SENT GRATIS.

A. KRICHELDORFF ^atmhi&toxischtsi Jnatitot,
Oranien-Strasse ii6, Berlin, S.W. 68

WATKINS & DONGASTER,

IRaturalists,

And Manufacturers of CABINETS and APPARATUS for Entomology, Birds' Eggs

and Skins, and all Branches of Natural History.

A LARGE STOCK OF INSECTS, and BIRDS' EGGS and SKINS.

Speciality :— Objects for Nature Study, Drawing Classes, &c.

BIIDB, MAMMALS, &c., PRESERVED and MOUNTED by FIRST-CLASS WORKHEH
TRUE TO NATURE.

Ji// Books and Publications on Nsitura! History supplied.

86, STRAND, LONDON, W.C. (Five Doors from Charing Cross.)

Catalogue (102 pp.) post free.

FOR SALE

ARCTIC, ICELAND and - -
GREENLAND BIRDS' SKINS.
Well Prepared. Low Prices.

T^articulars of - - -

G. DINESEN, Birb^CoUeCtOr : Hutavik, North Iceland.

Beautiful Books of Wonderful Photographs.

THE BIRD-LOVER'S HOME-LIFE SERIES.

Cloth Bound 6/- each net.

Third Volume of the Series NOW READY.

The Home=Life of The Osprey

Photographed and Described by

CLINTON G. ABBOTT, B.A., AssocA.O.U.

32 FULL-PAGE PLATES ARTISTICALLY MOUNTED.

The marvellous Photographs contained in this Volume can only be
described as triumphs of the Bird-Photographer's art.

PREVIOUS VOLUMES-

The Home-Life of a Golden Eagle. Photographed
and described by H. B. Macpherson. 32 full-page Plates,
artistically mounted. Crown 4to.

The Home-Life of the Spoonbill, the Stork and
some Herons. Photographed and described
by Bentley Beetham, f.z.s. 32 full -page Plates,
artistically mounted. Crown 4to.

Now Ready. Now Ready.

A VIVID STORY OF DESERT ISLAND LIFE.

A Naturalist on Desert Islands

By PERCY R. LOWE, B.A., M.B., M.B.O.U.

Being an Account of Visits to some Desert Islands of the
Caribbean Sea in Sir Frederic Johnstone's Yacht " Zena'/da.'*

Thirty-Two Beautiful Plates Depicting
Life and Scenery, and Three Maps.
Demy 8vo. _ - - 7/6 net,

London: Witherby & Co., 326, High Holborn.

Indispensable to every Naturalist.

JUST PUBLISHED.

International Zoologist's Directory

(Zoologisches Adressbuch.)

Names and Addresses of all the living
Zoologists, Anatomists, Physiologists
and Zoopalaeontologists, as well as their
kindred artistieal and technical aids
(Taxidermists, Natural History Dealers, &c.)

ENLARGED EDITION 1911.

A Handsome Volume of 1044 pages, in Royal octavo.
Price (peper covers), 1 5/- ; (bounJ half-calf), 1 T/-

Postage, at Home, 6d. ; Abroad, 1/6.

WITHERBY & Co., Pubiithers, 326 High Holborn, London, W.C

WATKiNS & DONGASTER,

IRaturalists,

And Manufacturers of CABINETS and APPARATUS for Entomology, Birdt' Eggs
and Skins, and all Branches of Natural History.

A LARGE STOCK OF INSECTS, and BIRDS' EGGS and SKINS.

Speciality:- Objects for Nature Study, Drawing: Classes, &c.

BiBDS, MAMMALS, Ac, PRESERVED and MOUNTED by FIRST-CLASS WORKMEN
TRUE TO NATURE.

Jill Books and Publications on Natural History supplied.

36, STRAND, LONDON, W.C. (Fi?8 Doors from Charing Cross.)

Catalogue (loa pp.) post free.

FOR SALE

ARCTIC. ICELAND and - -
GREENLAND BIRDS' SKINS.
Well Prepared. Low^ Prices,

'Particulars of - - '

G. DINESEN, Bir&^CoIIeCtOr : Husavik, North Iceland.

WITHERBY & CO.'S NEW BOOKS.

Now Ready. Now Ready.

A DELIGHTFUL BIRD-LIFE BOOKLET.

The Life of The Common Gull

TOLD IN PHOTOGRAPHS,
By C. RUBOW.

Twenty-Five beautifully executed Illustrations and Text.
Crown 4to. Picture Cover. 1/6 net.

Ready in October. Ready in October.

THE BIRD-LOVER'S HOMELIFE SERIES.

The Home=Life of The Osprey

Third Volume of the Series.

Photographed and Described by

CLINTON ABBOT, B.A., Assoc.A.O.U.

A Book of Wonderful Bird-Photographs, uniform with
"The Home-Life of a Golden Eagle " and " The Home>
Life of the Spoonbill, &c., &c." Crown Quarto.
Thirty - Two Full - Page Plates, Artistically Mounted.

Cloth Bound 6/- net.
Special Edition (limited to lOo) half-bound Leather, special Paper, &c., 10/6 net.

Ready in October. Ready in October.

A VIVID STORY OF DESERT ISLAND LIFE.

A Naturalist on Desert Islands

By PERCY R. LOWE, B.A., M.B., M.B.O.U.

Being an Account of Visits to some Desert Islands of the
Caribbean Sea in Sir Frederic Johnstone* s Yacht " Zenaida!*

Thirty-Two Beautiful Plates Depicting
Life and Scenery, and Three Maps.

Demy 8vo. - - - 7/6 net.
London : Witherby & Co., 326, High Holborn.

5RITI5Ii
BIRDS

iWEUSTMrCD-MAQAZre
DEyorCDTOTTEBIRnSOri

Vol. V.
No. 9-

noprniDfOMEsmLunGWET

D26niGnnOLDOmi2MDOM

WITHERBTCra

VOLUME I. NOW COMPLETE

The Edition is strictly limited to 300 Numbered
Sets, and only a small number remain for sale.

THE BIRDS OF AUSTRALIA

By

GREGORY M. MATHEWS,

F. R. S. E., M. A. O. U, M. B. O. U.,

With Hand-Coloured Plates by well-known artists depicting
all the known species of Australian Birds.

Royal Quarto (13i X 9i). Prospectus and Specimen

Printed on Rasr Paper. Plate on application.

IN TWO-GUINEA QUARTERLY PARTS

The Publishers undertake the careful binding of the volumes
in a cover of original design. Particulars on application.

London : WITHERBY & Co., High Holborn, W.C.

THE BRITISH WARBLERS

A HISTORY WITH PROBLEMS
OF THEIR LIVES

BY

H. ELIOT HOWARD, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

To be completed in 9 parts. Size, Imperial 8vo. Price to Subscribers, 21/- per part

net. Parts 1 to 6 now ready. Contjunin? 27 Coloured and 39 PhotOKravure Plates,

8 Maps of Distribution and 280 pages of letterpress.

To be published in 1 0 parts, Svo.. each containinar 1 2
or more Coloured Plates, at 10s. 6d. per part net,

THE EGGS OF EUROPEAN BIRDS

BY THE

Rev. FRANCIS C. R. JOURDAIN, M.A., M.B.O.U.

Parts 1-4 ready, with 320 pases of text and 52 coloured plates.

R. H. PORTER,

7 PRINCES STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, LONDON, W.

miTisn

BIRDS

AMmusTMrcDnAOAZin:

DEVOTEDTOTtEWRDSOM
^^TJlEBMISnilSr--!!**'

MARCH I, Mm Vol. V.

1912. .^W^ No. 10.

D26tllGnn<XBOPN12m)OM

A BOOK FOR THE SEASON.

PHOTOGRAPHY

FOR

BIRD-LOVERS

BY

BENTLEY BEETHAM, F.Z.S.,

Author of " The Home Life of the Spoonbill," &c.

Square T)emy 8vo - - 16 full page Vlales.

5s. Net.

IF An essentially practical guide to the pursuit of Bird-

Photogpaphy in all its branches by a well-known and

successful exponent of the art.

WITHERBY & Co., 326, High Holborn, W.C.

THE BRITISH WARBLERS

A HISTORY WITH PROBLEMS
OF THEIR LIVES

BY

H. ELIOT HOWARD, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U.

To be completed in 9 parts. Size. Imperial 8vo. Price to Subscribers, 21/- per part

net. Parts 1 to 6 now ready. Containing 27 Coloured and 39 Photogravure Plates,

8 Maps of Distribution and 280 pages of letterpress.

To be published in 1 0 parts, 8 vo., each containing 1 2
or more Coloured Plates, at 10s. 6d. per part net.

THE EGGS OF EUROPEAN BIRDS

BY THE

Rev. FRANCIS C. R. JOURDAIN, M.A., M.B.O.U.

Parts 1-4 ready, with 320 pages of text and 52 coloured plates.

R. H. PORTER,

7, PRINCES STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, LONDON, W.

DRITISn
5IRD5

AMDLUsrp^arDriAaAzrc

DEVCTEDTOTtlCBIPJiSOM

APRIL I, j^ Vol. V.

1912. ^^fWrn No. II.

nOMTHCr ore SHlLUriGWET
^26niGnilOLDOPMi2riDON

WITHERrsr6-C«

A BOOK FOR THE SEASON.

PHOTOGRAPHY

FOR

BIRD = LOVERS

BY

BENTLEY BEETHAM, F.Z.S.,

Author of "The Home Life of the Spoonbill,*' tVc.

Square Tiemy <Svo - - /6 Jull page T^lales.

5s. Net.

H An essentially practical guide to the pursuit of Bird-
Photography in all its branches by a well-known and
successful exponent of the art.

WITHERBY & Co., 326 High Holborn, W.C.

UNIQUE ORNITHOLOGICAL WORK by the

late EDWARD HARGITT. R.I., M.B.O.U.. &c.

" The PicidaB." in 14 vols, (morocco), with

about 1 ,200 illustrations of plumage painted by the Artist.

THIS WORK, V/ELL KNOWN TO MANY MEMBERS
OF THE B.O.U., IS NOW TO BE DISPOSED OF.

Avicultural Magazine ; a complete

set up to Dec. 1911, with all the coloured plales,
15 vols., bound in the Society's cases, remainder in parts.

£10 10s. nett.

Another Set, in parts as above, to Dec, 1911
(probably unique) ... ... £11 11 S.

Complete Sets are very rare.

APPLY TO

R. H. PORTER,

7; PRINCES STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, LONDON, W.

5IRD5

ATiEUSIMrCDTIAQAZiriC
DEVUTEDTOTIEIMRDSOT

MAY I, JB Vol. V.

1912, >«wm No. 12.

nOMTHCroriESHttJjnGWET

WITHERBrfi-C?

PART I.. VOL. H.. NOW READY. Price 4s. (Postage 3cl. extra).

DIE VOGEL DER

PALAARKTISCHEN FAUNA

By Dr. ERNST HARTERT.

This important German book, to be completed in twelve Parts, is the only work
which treats of the local races of Palaearctic Birds in a concise form.

Order Passeres now Complete.

^ow T^eady, 'Parts I. -VI. with Index, forming *Do/. /. Lar^e 800.,
512 pages, with many text figures.

Price 28s.

(Postage, Home 6d., Abroad Is. 8d.)
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WITHERBY & Co., 326, High Holborn, W.C.

THE " IBIS," from 1861-64, and 1869 to 1909, with Jubilee
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AVICULTURAL MAGAZINE. Complete set in parts
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£lls. lis.

Back Volumes at low rates (half published price), any five volumes, if in stock,
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JOURNAL OF THE BOMBAY NATURAL

HISTORY SOCIETY. Complete set from start to
Vol. XIX. (1910), original copyj throughout, with all the.
plates (coloured and black). 10 vols, bound, remainder in
parts - - - - £19 nett.

More than half of these volumes can now only be had, without plates, from the
Society, and at a much higher rate.

Al'I'l.Y TO

R. H. PORTER,

7, PRINCES STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE, LONDON, W.

II

WATKINS & DONCASTER,

1Flatui:altst9,

And Manufacturers of CABINETS and APPARATUS for Entomology, Birds' Eggs
and Skins, and all Branches of Natural History.

A LARGE STOCK OF INSECTS, And BIRDS' EGGS and SKINS.

Speciality :— Objects for Nature Study, Drawing Classes, &c.

BIRDS, MAMMALS, &c., PRESERVED and MOUNTED by FIRST-CLASS WORKMEH
TRUE TO NATURE.

Jill Books and Publications on Natural History supplied.

36, STRAND, LONDON, W.C. (Five Doors from Charing Cross.)

Catalogue (102 pp.) post free.

A Vivid Story of Desert Island Life.

A NATURALIST ON
DESERT ISLANDS

Si/ PERCY R. LOWE, B.A., M.B., M.B.O.U.

THE TIMES (Literary Supplement) says : "Of
books of the season devoted avowedly to Natural
History, perhaps we should place first * A Naturalist
on Desert Islands/ which is the pleasantest of
reading "...

THIRTY- TWO BEAUTIFUL PLATES, depicting
LIFE and SCENERY, and THREE MAPS.
Demy 8vo. ----- 7$^ Q^^ net.

WITHERBY & Co., 326, High Holborn, London, W.C

FOR ARCTIC, ICELAND and
* V J V, GREENLAND BIRDS' SKINS,
^jAljLiIL Well Prepared :: Low Prices

PARTICULARS OF

G. DINESEN, Birir-'CoIIertOr : Husavik, North Iceland,

NOW READY.

THE FLIGHT OF BIRDS

BV

F. W. HEADLEY,

Author of THE STRUCTURE AND LIFE OF BIRDS.
With 16 Plates from Photographs and many Text Diagrams.

5s. net.

A simple and easily intelligible acc3Unt of the flight of birds. Though

an ornithologist and not an aviator, the author keeps the aeroplane

in view, and compares and contrasts it with the bird.

READY IN MAY.

A Hand-List of British Birds

BY

ERNST HARTERT, F. C. R. JOURDAIN.
N. F. TICEHURST, and H. F. WITHERBY.

Giving a detailed account of the distribution of each species in

the British Isles and a general account of its range abroad. ,
The Nomenclature is revised strictly in accordance with the
International Rules of Zoological Nomenclature.

7s. 6d, net.

Copies interleaved with Ruled Paper can be supplied at lOs. net eacb.

PART 1 NOW READY. Limited Edition,

The Game-Birds and
Waler-Fowl of South Africa

RV

MAJOR B. R. HORSBRUGH

(Jrmy Service Corps),

M.B.O.U., M.S.A.O.U., F.Z.S.,

With over SIXTY COLOURED PLATES,

Reproduced in the most perfect style possible from the
wonderful drawings of

Sergeant C. G. DAVIES, c.m.r,, m.b.o.u., m.s,a.o.u.

CROWN QUARTO. TO BE ISSUED
IN FOUR QUARTERLY PARTS AT

£1 Is. net per Part

London: Witherby & Co., 326, High Holborn, W.C.

STEVENS' AUCTION ROOMS. E.id. I760.

BIRDS' EGGS.

Wednesday, April 17th, at 1 o'clock.

Mr. J. C. STEVENS will SELL BY AUCTION at his Rooms,
38, King Street, Covent Garden, London, W.C :—

The valuable Collection of Birds' 'Eggs formed by the late

Henry Walter, Esq., of Papplewick. Also Two Eggs of

the Great Auk. Models of Great Auks' Eggs painted by

John Hancock and other Artists.

CATALOGUES IN COURSE OF PREPARATION.

THE BIRDS AND BIRDS' NESTS OF BROMSGROVE

AND NEIGHBOURHOOD

By A. MAYALL.

48 Plates from Photographs, with list of Breeders and Visitors. Cr. 8vo. 2/» net.

Photography says : ** Shows the kind of work which might well be undertaken
by others interested in Natural History and Photography."

WITHERBY & Co., 326, High Holborn, London, W.C.

I^^f- E. F. SPICER, F.Z.S.. & SONS, ?;^f

Patronized by the Royai Family.

NATURALISTS, -^^^-^ TAXIDERMISTS,

DEALERS IN BIRDS' EGGS.

specialists in Preserving and Mounting Birds, Animals, Fish, etc. ; Heads, Horns, and Hoofs
mounted in Plate, etc. Winners of Gold Medals for Artistic Workmanship. Rugs made, old
Rugs Re-lined aud freed from moths. Every branch of the trade undertaken and estimated for,

FU1« SKIN DRESSERS TO THE TRADE.

Works: 55, SUFFOLK STREET; ShovToom : 58, SUFFOLK STREET. BIRMINGHAM.

No other address.

N.B. — Trophies of the Hunt and Chase mounted artistically at moderate charges.

Price List of Birds Eggs (stamped envelope).

WATKINS & DONGASTER,

H^aturallsts,

And Manufacturers of CABINETS and APPARATUS for Entomology, Birds' Eggs
and Skins, and all Branches of Natural History.

A LARGE STOCK OF INSECTS, and BIRDS' EGGS and SKINS.

Speciality :— Objects for Nature Study, Drawing Classes, &c.

BIRDS, MAMMALS. &c., PRESERVED and MOUNTED by FIRST-CLASS WORKMEN
TRUE TO NATURE.

Jill Books and Publications on Natural History supplied.

36, STRAND, LONDON, W.C. (Five Doors from Charing Cross.)

Catalogue (102 pp.) post free.

READY IN APRIL.

THE FLIGHT OF BIRDS

BY

F. W. HEADLEY,

Author of THE STRUCTURE AND LIFE OF BIRDS.
With 16 Piatts from Photographs and many Text Diagrams.

5s. net.

A simple and easily intelligible account of the flight of birds. Though

an ornithologist and not an aviator, the author keeps the aeroplane

in view, and compares and contrasts it vy^ith the bird.

READY SHORTLY.

A Hand-List of British Birds

BY

ERNST HARTERT. F. C. R. JOURDAIN.
N. F. TICEHURST, and H. F. WiTHERBY.

Giving a detailed account of the distribution of each species in

the British Isles and a general account of its range abroad.

The Nomenclature is revised strictly in accordance with the

International Rules of Zoological Nomenclature.

7s. 6d. net.

Copies interleaved witli Ruled Paper can be supplied at 10s. net each.

Ready in April. Limited Edition.

The Game-Birds and
Water-Fowl of South Africa

BY

MAJOR B. R. HORSBRUGH

(Army Service Corpi),

M.B.O.U., M.S.A.O.U., F.Z.S.

With over SIXTY COLOURED PLATES,

Reproduced in the most perfect style possible from the
wonderful drawings of

Sergeant C. G. DAVIES^ c.m.r., m.b.om., m.s.a.o.u.

CROWN QUARTO. TO BE ISSUED
IN FOUR QUARTERLY PARTS AT

£1 Is. net per Part.

London: Witherby & Co., 326, High Holborn. W.C.

Post Free to any Address,

CATALOGUE of SECOND-HAND BOOKS

ON

NATURAL HISTORY

1200 items, including A LARGE COLLECTION OF IMPORTANT

WORKS ON ORNITHOLOGY

By Bree, Buller, Dresser, Hume, Lilford, Marshall, Seebohm, Sclby,
SheUey, also sets of "The Auk." "The Ibis," &c.

JAMES THIN, 55, South Bridge, EDINBURGH.
THE BIRDS AND BIRDS' NESTS OF BROMSGROVE

AND NEIGHBOURHOOD.

By A. MAYALL.

48 Plates from Photographs, with list of Breeders and Visitors. Cr. 8vo. 2/» net.

Photography says : ** Shows the kind of work which might well be undertaken
by others interested in Natural History and Photography."

WITHERBY & Co., 326, High Holborn, London, W.C.

rj;t' E. F. SPICER, F.Z.S.. & SONS, f;;^

Patronized by the Royal Family.

NATURALISTS, WIb&W. TAXIDERMISTS,

DEALERS IN BIRDS* EGGS.

Specialists in Preserving and Mounting Birds, Animals, Fish, etc. ; Heads, Horns, arid Hoofs
mounted in Plate, etc. Winners of Gold Medals for Artistic Workmanship. Rugs made, old
Rugs Re-iincd aud freed from moths. Every branch of the trade undertaken and estimated for.

FUR SKIN DRESSERS TO THE TRADE.

Works: 55, SUFFOLK STREET: Showroom: 58, SUFFOLK STREET, BIRMINGHAM.

No other address.

N.B.— Trophies of the Hunt and Chase mounted artistically at moderate charges.

Price List of Birds Eggs (stamped envelope).

WATKINS & DONGASTER,

IRaturaltsts,

And Manufacturers of CABINETS and APPARATUS for Entomology, Birds' E^gs

and Skins, and all Branehes of Natural History.

A LARGE STOCK OF INSECTS, and BIROS' EGGS and SKINS.

Speciality :— Objects for Nature Study, Drawing Classes, &c.

BIRDS, MAMMALS, &C., PRESERVED and MOUNTED by FIRST-GLASS WORKMEN
TRUE TO NATURE.

JIU Books and Publications on Natural History supplied.

36, STRAND, LONDON, W.C. (Fife Doors from Charing Cross.)

Catalogue (loa pp.) post free.

Ready in March, Limited Edition,

THE

Game-Birds & Water-Fowl
of South Africa

BY

MAJOR BOYD HORSBRUGH

(ARMY SERVICE CORPS)

Member of the British Ornithologists' Union and South African
Ornithologists' Union ; Fellow of the Zoological Society of London.

WITH

SIXTY-SEVEN COLOURED PLATES

Reproduced by the most approved modern methods

FROM THE

Remarkable Drawings of SERGEANT C. 6. DAVIE8

(cape MOUNTED RIFLEMEN), M.B.O.U., M.S.A.O.U.

CROWN QUARTO. TO BE ISSUED
IN FOUR QUARTERLY PARTS AT

£1 Is. net per Part.

London: Witherby & Co., 326, High Holborn, W.C.

In Preparation,

Messrs. WITHERBY have in preparation

THE FLIGHT OF BIRDS,

— By F. W. HEADLEY (Illustpated) ; and —

A HAND-LIST OF BRITISH BIRDS

By E. HARTERT, F. C. R. JOURDAIN,
N. F. TICEHURST, and H. F. WITHERBY.

Full details of these works will appear next month.

Post Free to any Address,

CATALOGUE of SECOND-HAND BOOKS

ON

NATURAL HISTORY

1200 items, including A LARGE COLLECTION OF IMPORTANT

WORKS ON ORNITHOLOGY

By Bree, Buller, Dresser, Hume, Lilford, Marshall, Seebohm, Selby,
Shelley, also sets of "The Auk." "The Ibis," &c.

JAMES THIN, 55, Soath Bridge, EDINBURGH.

JUST PUBLISHED.

THE BIRDS AND BIRDS' NESTS OF BROMSGROVE

AND NEIGHBOURHOOD,

By A. MAYALL.

48 Plates from Photographs, with list of Breeders and Visitors. Cr. 8vo. 2/= net.

Photography says : " Shows the kind of work which might well be undertaken
by others interested in Natural History and Photography."

WITHERBY & Co., 326, High Holborn, London, W.C.
^^t E. F. SPICER, F.Z.S., & SONS, f;jf

Patronized by the Royal Family.

NATURALISTS, ^^^^^ TAXBDERMISTS,

DEALERS IN BIRDS' EGGS.

Specialists in Preserving and Mounting Birds, Animals, Fish, etc. ; Heads, Horns, and Hoofs
mounted in Plate, etc. Winners of Gold Medals for Artistic Workmanship. Rugs made, old
Rugs Ke-lined aud freed from moths. Every branch of the trade undertaken and estimated for.

FUK SKIN DRESSERS TO THE TRADE.

Works: 55, SUFFOLK STREET; Showroom: 58, SUFFOLK STREET, BIRMINGHAM.

No other address.

N.B.— Trophies of the Hunt and Chase mounted artistically at moderate charges.

Price List of Birds Eggs (stamped envelope).

""WATKINS & DONCASTER,

IRatutalists,

And Manufacturers of CABINETS and APPARATUS for Entomology, Birds' Eggs
and Skins, and all Branches of Natural History.

A LARGE STOCK OF INSECTS, and BIRDS' EGGS and SKINS.

Speciality:— Objects for Nature Study, Drawing Classes, dsc.

BIRDS, MAMMALS, &c., PRESERVED and MOUNTED by FIRST-CLASS WORKMEN
TRUE TO NATURE.

Jill Books and Publications on Natural History supplied.

36, STRAND, LONDON, W.C. (Five Doors from Charing Cross.)

Catalog:ue (io3 pp.) post free.

Ready in February. Limited Edition.

HISTORY OF THE

BIRDS OF COLORADO

BY

WILLIAM LUTLEY SCLATER

M.A. (Oxon.).M.B.O.U., Hon. M.A.O.U.
[Lately Director of the Colorado College Museum).

With a portrait of General William J. Palmer,

and Sixteen Full-page Plates from Photographs

and a Map.

A Full Bibliography and a Gazetteer of Localities.

Square Demy 8vo. (9 x 6i) A Handsome Volume

Cloth :: :: Gilt Top of nearly 600 pages

Published Price for Great Britain, 21s. net.
For United States, $5.

LONDON: WITHERBY & CO., 326, HIGH HOLBORN.