» T ss A uy oy iy eat rae System Mt be X XK —————————————— BRITDBABIRDS WITH WHICH WAS INCORPORATED IN JANUARY, 1917, ‘‘ THE ZOOLOGIST.”’ AN ILLUSTRATED MAGAZINE DEVOTED IEFLY TO THE BIRDS ON THE BRITISH LIST EDITED BY H. F. WITHERBY M.B.E. F.Z.S. M.B.O.U. a <9) << prul. P< Gi Q. ASSISTED BY Rev. F. C. R. JOURDAIN M.A. M.B.O.U. H.F.A.O.U. AND NORMAN F. TICEHURST 0.B.E. M.A. F.R.C.S. M.B.O.U. Seo - 7 MAD = Volume XXI & © Gaia Y 4 Nu, 4, wigtONUNE 1927 — MAY 1928 H. F. & G. WITHERBY 326 HIGH HOLBORN LONDON LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. ; PAGE _JACK SNIPE ON ITs Nest. Illustrating the effect of the stripes. ila asi by oe Chislett). Plate 1 ie ... Frontispiece Jack Snipe Sittinc. (Photographed by Ralph Chislett) 3 jTHE FaLtcon AND HER Eyry. Three young 4-5 days old. (Photographed by G. C. S. Ingram) a7 ({UN-DOMED WILLOW-WARBLER’S NEST 63 {Ringed Plover’s Nest on Recently Drained Marsh, Lined with Bents. Fig. 1. (Photographed by EK. Fraser Stanford) aa ae i oe 76 [Ringed Plover’s Nest in a Rabbit-Scrape, Lined with Grass and Rabbit-Droppings. Fig. 2. (Photo- graphed by E. Fraser Stanford) aay a 77 |Ringed Plover’s Nest in a Field, a Mile from the Sea, Lined with Small Stones. Fig. 3. (Photographed by E. Fraser Stanford) , ik tes tes 78 (Ringed Plover on Nest on a Roadway across a Marsh. Fig. 4. (Photographed by E. Fraser Stanford) ... 79 (Diagram of Soaring Cormorant 83 ‘Sketch Map to show siaie oe by Two Ringed. Wigeon , 98 THEN TwitE aT NEST. eee 5 tikes Armitage) oe fia sh o is Tas TTRAPS FOR Birp Riverine: Fig. 1. “ Government ”’ Sparrow Trap. Fig. 2. Phantom drawing of “Government ”’ Sparrow Trap én i 285 Fig. 3. Pattern for first funnel ‘‘ Government ”’ Sparrow Trap bis - se ee) £96 Fig. 4. Pattern for second funnel “ Caicmek? Sparrow Trap “ ok J Fig. 5. Flat or Drop Trap .. 139 Figs. 6 and 7. Potter Trap I4I Fig. 8. Chardonneret Trap . 143 Fig. 9. Hotse Trap ... 145 lig. 10. Spring-pole Trap 147 Fig. rr. Water-lily-leaf Trap iv. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. SHAG INLAND IN SURREY DECORATED NEsT BuILT BY CocK WHITETHROAT ... DOMINGO GONSALES ON HIS WAY TO THE MOONE Diagram of a Lamp used asa Roost by House-Sparrows CROSSBILLS AT NEST IN DENBIGHSHIRE, ‘ian 1928. (Photographed by M. V. Wenner) a THE OXFORD TRAPPING STATION IN CHRIST CHURCH MEapow. (Photographed by W. G. H. D. Crouch) Ground Plan of Improved ‘ House Trap ”’ PAGE 159 173 225 229 259 290 294 , od DRAYISH ~ BIRDS _ ANIEUSTRATED’ MAGAZINE DEVOTED CHIEFLY: TOTHE BIRDS “Ss ONTHEBRUISH UST JUNE 1, 1927. MONTHLY: 1s94 YEARLY-20's. ‘O26HIGHHOLBORNIENDON- THFéeG WITHERBY- THE FAUNA OF BRITISH INDIA, including CEYLON and BURMA. Published under the authority of the Secretary of ‘State for India in Council. Medium 8vo, with nine plates (four coloured), folding map and text illustrations. HIRUDINEA, £1 5s. Od. LONDON : TAYLOR & FRANCIS, Red Lion Court, Fleet Street, E.C.4. That Book you want Foyles hold a considerable stock of Second-hand Books on Ornithology, and can supply any Scientific Book that is in print and most of those that are out of print. They have a Special Department for this class of literature under a Manager who has experience and knowledge of the Natural Sciences. Call and consult him, or write asking for Catalogue 611. Books sent on approval. Special Offer of Pycraft’s ‘‘ CAMOUFLAGE IN NATURE.” — Reveals subterfuges well-nigh incredible. With 64 illustrations. Published 21/-. Offered at 13/- post free. Quote Offer 611. FOYLES, 119-125 Charing Cross Rd., London, W.C.2 NOW READY, A BIRD BOOK FOR THE POCKET. By EDMUND SANDARS. 7/6 Net. This is something really new in bird books. Over 200 British birds are dealt with, and illustrated in offset lithography from original water-colour drawings, ‘The book, moreover, is so arranged that each picture is placed opposite the description of which it is the subject, of that each “ opening” of the book provides full data for the study so one bird. ‘The book is of comfortable pocket size and contains an illustrated essay on eggs and a well-arranged index. OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, Amen House, F.C.4. W. F. H. ROSENBERG, 57, Haverstock Hill, London, N.W.3, England Telephone: Primrose Hill 0660 has large stocks of BIRDS’ SKINS and Eggs from all parts of the World, and specimens in all branches of Zoology. Also Collecting Apparatus, Books, etc. Price Lists sent post free on application. Kindly state which Lists are required and mention this Periodical. British Birds, Vol. XXI., Pll Sil. JACK SNIPE ON ITS NE Illustrating the effect of the stripes. Ralph Chislett.) (Copyright : RIDSADINDS \VITH WHICH Was INCORPORATED IN JANUARY, 1917, ‘‘ THE ZOOLOGIST.” ZDITED BY H. F. WITHERBY, M.B.E., F.Z.S., M.B.0.U. ASSISTED BY SEV. F. C. R. JOURDAIN, M.A., M.B.O.U., H.F.A.O.U., AND Q Nor SF rage O.B.E., M.A., F.R.C.S., M.B.O.U. Zev ee ) VoL. SONI. JUNE 7; 1927. P, er es PAGE ~ Al Hi > * tes on the Breeding of the Jack Snipe. By Ralph Chislett ... 2 \\ Note on Song and eis eid of Kingfishers. oy W. Murray Marsden ... 7 Tanx Ornithological "Hioles. 1925 ani 19 me i P. . Ralfé ne 8 ‘he Stimulus to Migration ... nae xe re ave see se) Notes :— Henry Whitely (Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain) a ath ee 13 Ravens Breeding in Trees in Devon (Owen Wy nne) ales 13 Tree-Nesting Ravens in South Wales and He refordshire (H. A. Gilbert) oa os ne 13 Hooded Crow in Monmouthshire (R. c. Banks) od 13 Restricted Interval be tween First Brood and Second Ne sting of Mistle-Thrush (J. S. Elliott) ff aes 14 Peregrine Falcons in Bedfordshire ( (i a Elliott) an vee 14 Harriers and Buzzards in Devon (Owen Wynne) : ses 16 Probable Marsh-Harrier in Hampshire (M. C. W. Dilke) ei 16 Probable Goshawk in Devon (P. K. Chance) ... see ey 16 Sparrow-Hawk Capturing a Bat (M. V. Wenner) oa es Ly Ducks at North Worcestershire Reservoirs (H. G. Alexander) wy Long-tailed Ducks in Co. Donegal in May (Henry B. Rathborne) 19 Wood- Pigeon with Clutch of Three (W. and A. B. Duncan) 19 Wood-Pigeon Diphtheria in Perthshire (Lord Scone) +3 19 short Notes :— Rare Birds in Fair Isle. Nestling Plumages of Woodchat Shrike, Western Black-eared Wheatear and Alpine Accentor. Continental Blue Tit at Fair Isle. Willow-Tit in Clyde Area. Siberian Lesser Whitethroat in Inner Hebrides. Night- Heron in Lanarkshire. Whooper Swans in Gloucestershire in April. Garganey Breeding in Yorkshire. Goldeneyes in North Derbyshire. Faroe Snipe in the Outer Hebrides ... 20 Letter :— Swimming Powers of Nestling Waders (Tjeerd Gs. de Vries) 22 Reviews :— ieee of the Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists’ Society, 1925-6. Vol. XII. Part 11: re one re roe 23 Report on Scottish Ornithology in 1925, including Migration. By Evelyn V. Baxter and L. J. Rintoul ... on ete 23 A (2) NOTES ON THE BREEDING OF THE JACK SNIPE. BY RALPH CHISLETT. (Plate 1.) PERHAPS the most interesting event during our work in Swedish Lapland in 1926 was the discovery of the nest of a Jack Snipe (Lymnocryptes minimus). Whether the species occurs more frequently in other partially-thawed marshes of northern Europe I do not know; but in Lapland, Swedish and British ornithologists have hunted systematically for several successive seasons without finding a nest of the species, so that we were very fortunate to succeed on a first visit. The adult bird at the nest, so far as I am aware, has not been photographed before. The wide marsh stretched for a number of miles between the birch-clad slopes of some low hills. From the hillsides, at intervals, open sheets of water of varying dimensions could be seen, anda fringe of the birch forest stretched almost down toasmall, peaty pool. Through the woodland fringe a stream hurried, clear and cold with melted snow from the hill. Leaving the stream at a place where yellow globe-flowers grew in profusion, we followed the ridges of soft ground which intersected the marsh. Progress was impeded by scrub- willow, while hummocks of moss and mounds of crowberry and vaccinium overlay the peat foundation of the ridge, many of the hummocks being white with cloudberry blooms. Between the ridges in the marshy tracts grass grew thinly through the moss, and still more thinly in the centres, where our feet were brought up firmly at a depth of eighteen inches by the still frozen bottom. Later in the summer the marshes would probably be deeper. As we walked, with eyes ranging between the ground ahead and the marshes to left and right, we were suddenly pulled up short by a curious, muffled noise, sounding curiously distant, yet near, at one moment almost clear, then suddenly confused. For half a minute the air was full of the sound and then all was still. What was it? Where was it? As we asked the questions the sound began again, a hollow, reedy, vibrant knocking. Frankly, for a time, I was puzzled —not for the first time since our arrival in Lapland. When Woolley first heard the sound in 1853, on the day which also saw the first discovery of the nest of the species, (‘39]STYD Ydyexy - 2y8taddo9) “ONILLIS AdINS MOVL VOL. XxI.] BREEDING OF THE JACK SNIPE. 5 the called it “‘ the love-song of the Jack Snipe.” Quite aptly, ithe sound has been compared to that of a horse galloping in ithe distance over a hard, hollow road. The source was always ‘a puzzle and impossible to determine from sound alone. ‘Sometimes the bird could be seen patrolling the air high above ; (but at other times I heard the sound when no bird was visible, _and the floating sound then seemed as likely to emanate from ‘the ground as from anywhere else. Whether the sound is ‘vocal, or produced by means similar to that by which the ‘Common Snipe (Capella g. gallinago) produces its familiar “ drumming ’’, I do not know. Not more than two hundred yards from the wood, a ridge ‘sank and allowed the surplus water from one flattened area ‘of grassy marsh to drain through to the next. On the north ‘side of the trickle the ground rose slowly to the full height ‘of the ridge again, perhaps a yard above the marsh-level. ‘Midway up the little slope, on a dry bit of ground, a few stalks of scrub-birch partially shielded the Jack Snipe from ‘view as it sat on the nest by the side of a cloudberry plant. ‘Not that shelter was needed. The nest would never have ‘been found had my foot not happened to drop within a few ‘inches of it. Then away the bird flew, with a low, almost ‘direct flight, without any sudden twists for some twenty ‘yards, then down into the marsh. Afterwards, when we knew the carefully-marked spot, and ‘could approach cautiously, we generally found the bird ‘sitting, head and bill motionless in the grass, but its eyes ‘always observant. At leisure we could note the dark-tipped ‘yellow bill; the frilled, creamy stripes; and interspaces imystically written in gold and bronze, glossed over with ;green, bronze and purple ; and the dark centre of the crown. First to find the bird, even at two yards’ range, required ‘careful sight. Never once, even when I was hidden from ‘view, did the bird fully raise its head. | When flushed it ‘disappeared from view into the marsh and was not seen ‘again until within a few feet of the nest. Once, when spotted ‘a couple of yards away, it covered that short distance a foot ‘at a time, crouching down for a few seconds between each very short journey ; then, still crouching, it covered the eggs ‘and remained motionless. The hollow of the nest was deep, so that the eggs almost -stood on their points. The spots on the eggs were smaller ‘and rounder and distributed more evenly than is the case ‘with average eggs of the Common Snipe. Until I had seen ‘the bird upon them the identity of the eggs remained uncertain. 6 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXI. Such an exceedingly cautious bird provided little entertain- ment to the occupant of a hiding-tent, apart from the great interest of observing such a rarity. Even different sitting positions were mostly seen at different visits. But to make up for the lack of excitement without, uninvited guests forced their attentions upon me within. A cold day was compara- tively comfortable on the marsh, mosquitoes then lay low. But the sun engendered a surprising heat ; and then the interior of the tent droned merrily, until tobacco had done its beneficent work. Peace followed for as long as I continued; to smoke and for a few minutes afterwards. The nest was found on June 12th, 1926, and it then con- tained four eggs. The last time I inspected it was on July 6th when the eggs were cracking at their larger ends. But our long journey south was due to begin that same evening, so that the opportunity to depict and describe nestling Jack Snipes, which even in the Practical Handbook are given as “not examined,’’ had regretfully to be abandoned. We heard the species on another large marsh in Lapland ; but on the marsh we principally visited I believe there was only one pair of Jack Snipes breeding. The bird is too well known for its habits in this country in winter to need description. ie) AA NOTE ON SONG AND DISPLAY OF KINGFISHERS. BY W. MURRAY MARSDEN. \Ir is ten years since the following observations were made. \I have waited in the hope of renewing them or hearing of ‘their confirmation by others, as they are not, I think, paralleled ‘in such British authorities as I have been able to consult. During the hard winter of 1916-17 I was stationed at ‘South Camp, Ripon, where along the little river Skell, with its suitable banks for their nesting, Kingfishers (Alcedo a. ispida) were rather numerous. Late in February or early in March, 1917, on a sunny ‘forenoon, my occasions took me down to the right bank of the ~*Skell and I heard a bird-song which was new tome. Turning sslightly up-stream in its direction, I saw that the sound came ‘from one, and then from two Kingfishers who were manceuy- ‘ring round on the wing, in rather small circles—say 15-20 yyards diameter—not interfering with each other, but singing ccontinuously after the manner of Dippers on the wing, and “displaying ”’ in their flight after the manner of Greenfinches, with something of the same hesitancy and faltering—a pperformance entirely different from the Kingfishers’ usual ddirect rapid movement. The song itself had the “‘ sweet ttrilling ’’ character which Mr. T. A. Coward describes, also bhis “‘modulated repetition of many whistles,’’ but even tallowing for the circumstance that its utterance was two- ifold, the song was much more rapturous, varied and emulative tthan that description suggests. An amalgam of Dipper and Greenfinch songs, in fact, would come nearer the sounds | eard for character, pitch and tone. The birds seemed to sing continuously as they flew, but from time to time one— never, I think, both—would go down into a clump of leafless sallows on the opposite bank, where I eventually suspected the presence of a hen bird, but this I had not time to confirm. he bushes were, however, undoubtedly the centre of the manceuvres, and the birds, when they visited them, did not sit on outside branches but disappeared into the middle. To me the performance seemed the more astonishing in chat at the point of the river where it was taking place the oanks were quite low—at the time only a foot or so above the stream which was not particularly swollen. ( 5.) MANX ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES, 1925 AND 1926. BY P. G, RALBE: Not very much of ornithological interest has been observed in Man during these two years. But the Red-necked Phala- rope has been added to our list, and the observations of the — Blackcap and Whinchat as nesting are new. The White and Yellow Wagtails continue to be noticed, the former in considerable, the latter in small numbers. There are a few reports of the Garden-Warbler, but no nest seems to have been found. The Great Black-backed Gull appears still to increase as a breeding species. RAVEN (Corvus c. corax)—On October 21st, 1926, Mr. F. S. Graves saw twenty-six Ravens fly in from the sea at Peel in a loose flock. Over the bay, six broke away and flew west over Peel Hill, while the rest went inland to the eastward. CARRION X HOODED CRow (Corvus c. corone Xx cornix).—In 1925 the mixed pair (see B.B., Vol. XIX., p. 10) again nested in the same locality as in 1923 and 1924, and Mr. Graves obtained one of the hybrid young for the Manx Museum. In 1926, however, the birds were not seen on Peel Hill, but on the opposite coast of the Island; at Gob ny Garvain (or Ghaauin) Mr. G. P. Cookson found a similar pair nesting, on April 24th the nest having four eggs. From the behaviour of the birds, Mr. Cookson thought that the Carrion-Crow, which was obviously sitting, was the hen. The eggs appeared to him very small, their length varying from 14 to 13 in. Col. Madoc saw two Carrion-Crows in Kirby Park, October 22nd, 1926. In March, 1926, Mr. W. S. Kennedy saw at Onchan a pair of Crows : one a Grey Crow, the other he considered a hybrid with the Carrion. BiackcaP (Sylvia a. atricapilla)—On various dates in the summer of 1926, Mr. F. S. Graves saw and heard a male Blackcap in the garden of Mr. Corris, schoolmaster, Ballabeg. It sang from a tree overlooking a thick tangle of gooseberry bushes, and though, owing to the nature of the cover, no nest could be identified, there could be no doubt that there was one in the near neighbourhood. Col. Madoc saw birds several times in 1926, in one case early in July a pair feeding young in a garden on the out- skirts of Douglas. MIsTLE-THRuSH (Turdus v. viscivorus)—In May, 1925, Col. Madoc found a nest in the centre of a gorse bush. VoL. xx1.] MANX ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES. 9 To this species probably belonged the nest which in the same year was placed on an open gravestone in the churchyard of Kirk Maughold. It was reported to me by Mr. J. A. Fraser and Mr. G. B. Cowen; the latter photographed it with the sitting bird. On May 17th it had four eggs, but was soon after forsaken. Wuincuat (Saxicola r. rubetra)—On May 2nd, 1926, Mr. F. S. Graves saw four (male and female) at Glenfaba, near Peel. Col. Madoc observed the species three times during the same summer, in one case two pairs, one of which was feeding young. CREEPER (Certhia familiaris)—A specimen was taken at the Point of Ayre Light on August roth, 1926, and came into possession of Col. Madoc. Unfortunately, the bird could not be preserved, and its subspecific determination must remain doubtful. SWALLOW (Hirundo yr. rustica)—Swallows were seen as late as November roth in 1925, and November 11th and 14th in 1926. HEN-HARRIER (Circus c. cyaneus)—Mr. T. A. Corlett, Jnr., obtained a female specimen in the north of the Island in November, 1926, and presented it to the Manx Museum. On April 27th, 1926, Col. Madoc saw a male in Glen Helen. RED-NECKED PHALAROPE (Phalaropus lobatus)—About September 20th, 1926, a specimen was obtained at the Point of Ayre and presented by Col. Madoc to the Manx Museum. LAPWING (Vanellus vanellus) —During the winter of 1925-26, unusually large flocks of Lapwing appeared in the Island, with smaller numbers of Golden Plover. They were observed very abundantly at the Point of Ayre Light in January, February and March, 1926. COMMON SANDPIPER (Tvinga hypoleucos)—On February 28th, 1925, I observed one at Cass-ny-Hawin, a favourite locality of the species on migration. TERN (Sterna hirundo or macrura)—On February 11th, 1926, Mr. F. S. Graves saw two medium-sized Terns in Peel Bay. GLaucousS GULL (Larus hyperboreus).—Immature specimen at Peel, January 22nd, 1925 (see B.B., Vol. XIX., p. 29). STORM-PETREL (Thalassidroma pelagica).—On January 29th, 1926, one was seen off Fort Island by Col. Madoc in very stormy weather. TuRTLE-DOVE (Streptopelia t. turtur)—On September 13th, 1926, Capt. Crellin obtained an immature specimen at Ballamooar, Jurby. ( 10 ) THE STIMULUS TO MIGRATION Mr. Wit11amM Rowan of the University of Alberta has made an interesting contribution to the study of migration from the theoretical standpoint in this paper, and if the new experi- mental work which he describes can be successfully carried further it may well lead to a substantial addition to existing knowledge of the subject. He is here solely concerned with one question, namely, the nature of the immediate stimuli to migration, the seasonally recurring factors which arouse the migration instinct to activity. He is not dealing with the advantages which migration confers, nor with the causes which implanted the instinct in the race, but only with those factors which, so to speak, actually pull the trigger. Food shortage cannot, by itself, be the stimulus to autumn migration. Many birds migrate before this can have effect, and the factor seems to be more variable from year to year than are the phenomena of migration. Mr. Rowan, further, quotes interesting evidence of iailure to migrate under stress of starvation in the case of birds which had lingered in the north until after the proper migration season. Low tempera- ture, for analogous reasons, likewise cannot be the stimulus. Barometric pressure has perhaps more influence than the author is willing to admit, but he is on sure ground in saying that this cannot be the primary stimulus, seeing that it is effective only near the appropriate time, 7.e., when a state of readiness to depart has already been evoked. (The late “weather movements’ occurring in some cases in severe winters are, perhaps, to be regarded as different in nature from regular migration. ) The notable regularity of migration suggests that it may be related to the most regular physical phenomenon in the cycle of the seasons, that is to the changes in the length of daylight. Mr. Rowan thus joins those authors who seek the stimulus to migration in the shortening daylight in autumn, and in the lengthening daylight in spring. It is probably not a relevant objection that a bird migrating before the autumnal equinox is flying towards still shorter daylight : the stimulus of shortening daylight has had its effect in causing departure, one may argue, and it is not supposed that it is a factor controlling direction. * “ On Photoperiodism, Reproductive Periodicity, and the Annual Migrations of Birds and certain Fishes.’”” By William Rowan. Proc. Boston Society of Natural History, 1926, 38, 147-189. OL. Xx1.] ‘CHE STIMULUS TO MIGRATION. it A more serious objection is that northern birds wintering mn the Southern Hemisphere are subject, before their north- ward flight, to shortening instead of to lengthening daylight, ind that those wintering on the equator are subject to no ‘timulus at all of this kind. This suggests that ‘‘ photo- eriodism ”’ is not so much a direct stimulus operating at the moment, but a factor which determines the regularity of the annual physiological cycle through which the bird vasses ; the rhythm may be fixed without the factor being lways operative. Reproductive periodicity is another symp- com of this*cycle, and the suggestion thus arises that the »hysiological control of the whole annual series of events may lie in the condition of the sexual organs. Some theo- -etical support for the application of this view to migration shenomena is to be found in the incomplete migrations of ‘ome immature birds. These various speculations are not new, but Mr. Rowan »roduces cogent evidence and marshals the arguments with vorce. Chief interest, however, attaches to his own attempt ‘o put the matter to experimental proof. Briefly, his method ias been to try the effect of artificial light upon Juncos (Juco wyemalis hvemalis) captured in Alberta on their southward oigration. The birds were kept in two outdoor aviaries. Being well supplied with food, the birds were found to thrive \lespite the great severity of a winter to which they are wormally strangers. One of the aviaries was equipped with ywo 50-watt electric bulbs, by means of which the days were irtificially lengthened while those in the control aviary were aaturally decreasing. The effect of this treatment was to sroduce a premature recrudescence in the gonads in the *xperimental birds, as shown by the comparative examination of specimens taken periodically from among them and from ong the controls. It is to be noted that the bulbs used vere of ordinary glass, so that it is not a question of ultra- violet radiation. The further result, and that of the greatest interest as vegards migration, is that birds liberated when their gonads tre at their winter minimum do not migrate, but remain ‘lose at hand and are usually soon recaught. The time has »assed and the migration instinct, although previously thwarted, uas fallen into abeyance. On the other hand, experimental »irds, similarly liberated in mid-winter but with gonads in state more appropriate to spring, have disappeared ; Ithough ringed, they have, unfortunately, not been traced ss yet in any instance. The suggestion is that they performed 12 BRI'LISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXI, some sort of journey, the migration instinct being brought into operation at an inappropriate season by means of an interference with the annual physiological cycle through the influence of abnormal light conditions. The evidence on this last point is as yet slight and must not be taken as having conclusive value. It is, nevertheless, suggestive, and Mr. Rowan’s further attempts will be followed with much interest. If he can by known means control the awakening of the migration instinct, he will have gone far towards elucidating the nature of the stimuli which are ordinarily operative. It is a new line of attack upon the problems of bird-migration, and one which with patient work may yield results of real novelty and importance. AL. HENRY WHITELY. In Mr. Gladstone’s interesting paper (antea, Vol. XX., pp. 290-3), no mention is made of another claim to notice on the part of Henry Whitely. The Mediterranean Black- |‘headed Gull (Larus melanocephalus) was added to the British List on the strength of a specimen sold by Whitely to Mr. G. ||. Gray for the British Museum. It was shot by a waterman | near Barking Creek in January, 1866, and brought to Whitely, }'who took it to Gray. At the time, some doubt was expressed |' by Seebohm and others as to the authenticity of the record, but since that date at least seven others have been obtained, and others reported. F.C. R. JOURDAIN. . RAVENS BREEDING IN TREES IN DEVON. | IN rgoo in the first week in May I found Ravens (Corvus c. | corax) breeding in a Scotch fir with nearly fully-fledged young. } This nesting site was used till 1918, when a visitor to the neighbourhood shot both the old birds; since then I have had no opportunity to see whether the site is still occupied. Ravens bred in a clump of Scotch firs within two miles of my house till two years ago, when the trees were felled. Birds, singly and in pairs, are commonly seen ; I have long ceased to record them, though we are fifty miles from the coast ; and I have seen as many as six together while shooting inthe autumn. So far, I have failed to find any other breeding locality in this neighbourhood. OWEN WYNNE. ‘TREE-NESTING RAVENS IN SOUTH WALES AND HEREFORDSHIRE. WitH regard to the reference concerning Ravens (Corvus c. corax) nesting in trees (antea, Vol. XX., p. 278), it is perhaps worth noting that tree-nesting Ravens are becoming com- paratively common in South Wales. I know of two nests personally, both in Scots firs. J also know of a nest in a larch in Herefordshire. In addition to these I have heard of several more, none of which I have visited. H. A. GILBERT. HOODED CROW IN MONMOUTHSHIRE. THE first Hooded Crow (Corvus c. cornix) that I had heard of in Monmouthshire was shot on October rath, 1925 14 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXI. (vide antea, Vol. XIX., page 150), and I now have to record a second bird seen by Mr. A. W. Ecutt on February 6th, 7927. The bird was flying up the River Usk, near the town of Newport, mobbed by three or four Rooks. Ecutt is a taxi- dermist in the town, and mounted the first specimen of the bird for the museum. He tells me he was only about fifty yards from the bird, and that there can be no mistake in the identification. R. C. BANKS. RESTRICTED INTERVAL BETWEEN FIRST BROOD AND SECOND NESTING OF MISTLE-THRUSH. DuRING a short stay at my son’s house in the Ratlinghope valley, Shropshire, I found a pair of Mistle-Thrushes (Turdus viscivorus) with young in a spruce-fir in the garden. In the early morning of April 18th I noticed one of the young’ had left the nest (an early date I considered for that altitude), but not strong enough on the wing to escape my temporary capture. By breakfast time on the morrow I was surprised to see that the hen bird had the greater part of the outer structure of a new nest built upon the overhanging branch of a poplar tree, close to the house, and it was busily shaping and adding to it at frequent intervals during the day. I could not quite satisfy myself that both the parent birds were feeding the young or if there was more than one young one in evidence. Frequent coition took place in the late afternoon of the same day. J. S. avon [This is an interesting case, but individual birds vary considerably in this respect. A nest under observation in S. Derbyshire contained five eggs on April 29th. These were safely hatched off and the young left the nest about the end of May, but the nest did not contain eggs again until June 24th. —F.C. R. JoURDAIN. | PEREGRINE FALCONS IN BEDFORDSHIRE. ON February 21st, 1926, a Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus), which from its size was evidently a female, was observed by my wife and me as it was passing in rapid flight down the Ouse Valley, at Tempsford. It was flying quite low and seemed to be but a passage bird. VOL. XXI.] NO'TES. 15 On March rgth, 1927, an immature male in its first moult was killed at Shefford Hardwick. It was not preserved but its remains were sent to me for identification. Although possibly never a year passes but that this Falcon visits Bedfordshire, its recorded occurrences are comparatively few in number and it is now-a-days apparently less frequent thanin years past, though this is not to say that it was ever common. It has occurred from August to April, but more frequently from November to February. The late Mr. A. S. Covington, whose experience as the best known of local taxidermists covered considerably upwards of half a century, told me that twenty-five county-killed speci- mens had been entrusted to him, three only of which were in the fully adult plumage. Mr. T. Cane, a noted bird-stuffer of Luton, had three in his collection which was dispersed at his death, and these he informed me were all locally-killed birds. Mr. H. Pestell of Elstow, which is a locality evidently favoured by this Falcon, tells me that in the past thirty-five years he has personally seen six in all in that parish, and two in addition at Bromham and Ampthill. Of the following, some of which are included amongst the above, I have details :— Biddenham — Noy. 1851 Stevington - Noy. 1399 Ickwell Bury - Feb. 1879 Southill -— - Jan. 1900 Great Barford - Nov.1879 Wilshamstead — Feb. 1887 a i - Nov. 1885 Holme - — Jan. 1802 Colmworth —- Apr. 1880 Colesden — - 1892 Cardington - Oct. 188 Wooton -— - Nov. 1893 ae — about 1888 Tingrith - - Dee. 2894 ; =— jan. 1905 Broom = — Feb. 1895 Warden Gt. Wood Nov.188r Melchbourne -— Noy. 1895 Felmersham -— Mar. 1882 » = — San Aoer Elstow — — Aug. 1885 Goldington — Dee. 1865 ‘5 - — Dec. 189rt Ravensden - Dec. 2900 _ - —- Nov. 1892 Renhold -— — Dec. 1907 # — — Nov. 1897 Flitwick - —- Sept. IQI3 $s = _~ Jas. 18968 Harrold—tyo = be. Ig21 Pe ~ — Dec. 1899 Tempsford = Apr. 1621 r ~ - Nov. 1900 Cranfield = Nev. r9e3 6s - + Nov. roor Marston = = Sept. 1925 J. S. Exutotr. 16 BRITISH BIRDS: (VOL. xxi, HARRIERS AND BUZZARDS IN DEVON. In March, 1923, a male Hen-Harrier (Circus c. cyaneus) in full plumage was shot near Crediton and is now in the Exeter Museum. On August roth, 1925, a Harrier flew slowly up the pool I was fishing and passed within a few yards ; two days later my daughter and I watched another not far from the same spot, and possibly the same bird, quartering a grass field for several minutes. Both these birds were in female plumage, the second showing a very strong rufous colouring on its under- side as it turned over in the wind. These were probably Montagu’s Harriers (C. pygargus). In June, 1926, a friend told me he also saw a Harrier, sex not specified, in much the same locality. On March Ist, 1927, my son and I saw nine Buzzards (Buteo b. buteo) in the air together ; they gradually collected till the nine were circling directly over us. They were then joined by a Peregrine (Falco p. peregrinus) and the ten birds wheeled round together for a considerable time without disagreement of any kind; it was quite a wonderful sight. Only once before (April, 1926) have I seen in spring time a number together approaching this and then there were eight together. On March 24th of this year there were six together over this house. It is a pleasure to be able to record these numbers, as out of six eyries examined, over rather a wide area last spring, only two broods got away ; three being plundered and one young brood destroyed, and on the whole the bird has been rather severely treated in the past few years. OWEN WYNNE. PROBABLE MARSH-HARRIER IN HAMPSHIRE. On April 4th, 1922, I saw a Harrier in the New Forest which appeared to be a female Marsh-Harrier (Circus @. @ruginosus). I first saw it at a distance of about sixty yards with a very good glass. It appeared bright reddish-brown all over, with paler shoulders contrasted with the dark primaries and a paler rufous patch on the upper tail-coverts. There was no barring on the tail, which was conspicuous when spread as the bird rose to pass over a telegraph wire. The date seems to be a late one. M. C. W. DILKE. PROBABLE GOSHAWK IN DEVON. Own April 6th, 1927, near Lynton, north Devon, my father and I saw a bird which had every appearance of being a VOL. XXI.] NOTES. 17 Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis). It flew out of a stunted oak vbout twenty yards ahead of us on a steep, wooded hillside sloping down to the sea. After a short flight it turned and passed below and within fifty yards of us, so that we were vble to get a good view of it through glasses before it dis- appeared round the hill. The bird was very large, with short, proad wings and long tail, and had a fast and regular flight. ‘ts upper-parts appeared uniform dark brown. In both thape and flight it was like a huge Sparrow-Hawk, and this was particularly brought out as we had opportunities at -ynton for comparison with Peregrine and Buzzard as well ss the commoner birds of prey. Neither of us had seen a soshawk before, but the distinctive features I have des- ‘ribed were clearly seen by both of us, and these are unlike ony British Hawk other than the Goshawk. PP. K. CHANCE. SPARROW-HAWK CAPTURING A BAT. \Vuitst fishing a salmon-pool on the River Lledr, N. Wales, ‘t g p.m. on May goth, 1917, I was much interested to observe male Sparrow-Hawk (Accipiter nisus) fly into an oak tree werlooking the pool, and presently dash amongst half a cozen bats that were hawking over the surface of the water, d after a number of lightning twists and turns seize one mid carry it away. The remaining bats dispersed at the imme of the attack, mounting high into the sky, but in a little rhile returned and resumed their hawking over the surface if the pool. M. V. WENNER. tUCKS AT NORTH WORCESTERSHIRE RESERVOIRS. f is some time since I published any records for the north Yorcestershire reservoirs. The following notes may be of tterest. _During the early months of 1926, a party of Goosanders Mergus m. merganser) visited the Upper Bittell reservoir. heir numbers varied very much from week to week; on anuary 7th there were eight together, and one that for some ason kept to itself. On the 14th there were none. On the HF éG-WITHERBY. By LEWIS R. W. LOYD. Tells many stories and legends. . . He has collected local lore from all parts of the world. (‘* Daily Sketch.”) Contains not only accurate information of British birds’ habits, but a fascinating store of notions and legends, both quaint and beautiful. (‘Star."") To the lover of bird-life this book will be a sheer joy, interesting and invaluable. (“ Sporting Life.””") 10/6 Net. London : HUTCHINSON & CO. (Publishers) That Book you want! Foyles hold a considerable stock of Second-hand Books on Ornithology, and can supply any Scientific Book that is in print and most of those that are out of print. They have a Special Department for this class of literature under a Manager who has experience and knowledge of the Natural Sciences. Call and consult him, or write asking for Catalogue 611. Books sent on approval. Special Offer of Pycraft’s ‘‘CAMOUFLAGE IN NATURE.” Reveals subterfuges well-nigh incredible. With 64 illustrations. Published 21/-. Offered at 13/- post free. Quote Offer 611. FOY LES, 119-125 Charing Cross Rd., London, W.C.2 NOW READY. A BIRD BOOK FOR THE POCKET. By EDMUND SANDARS. 7/6 Net. This is something really new in bird books. Over 200 British birds are dealt with, and illustrated in offset lithography from original water-colour drawings. ‘The book, moreover, is so arranged that each picture is placed opposite the description of which it is the subject, of that each “opening ” of the book provides full data for the study so one bird. The book is of comfortable pocket size and contains an illustrated essay on eggs and a well-arranged index. OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS, Amen House, E.C.4. W. F. H. ROSENBERG, 57, Haverstock Hill, London, N.W.3, England Telephone: Primrose Hill 0660 has large stocks of BIRDS’ SKINS and Eggs from all parts of the World, and specimens in all branches of Zoology. Also Collecting Apparatus, Books, etc. Price Lists sent post free on application. Kindly state which Lists are required and mention this Periodical. BRITSABIRDS ” Wi1TH WHICH was INCORPORATED IN JANUARY, 1917, ‘‘ THE ZOOLOGIST. EDITED BY H. F. WITHERBY, M.B.E., F.Z.S., M.B.0.U. ASSISTED BY iBE. F. C. R. JOURDAIN, M.A., M.B.O.U., H.F.A.0.U., AND NORMAN F. TICEHURST, O.B.E., M.A., F.R.C.S., M.B.O.U. aw AA\SH MI = 2NTS OF Nese 3, Vor. XXI., AUGUST 2, 1927. af oR UY PAGE = he 3 Nees of nee fgeiier Rare British Birds. By H. F. Vitherb H4\5 ane aaa 5° Recovery of Ward Birds nee ae oe ene 5a 52 Notes :— House-Sparrow Feeding Nestling alata Flycatchers (Frances Powell) wae 61 Increase of Grey Wagtail in Kent Rev. James R. Hale) 61 Pied Wagtail with Three Broods (J. oy Owen) Pee Ae 61 Water-Pipit in Dorset (Rev. F. L. Blathwayt) ase = 62 Marsh-Warbler in Devon (W. Walmesley White) ... sei 62 Marsh-Warbler Nesting in Kent (Rev. James R. Hale) ... 63 Un-domed Willow-Warbler’s Nest (John Armitage) 63 Blackbird and Song-Thrush Laying Together (Wallace W 00d) 64 Large Clutches of ‘Robin's Eggs (J. H. Owen) = ee 64 Brent Goose in Antrim in June (R. L. Henderson) re 65 Eider in Carnarvonshire in June (Richard W. Jones) ee 65 Fulmar Breeding in Durham (C. Noble Rollin) ie 66 Increase of Great Crested Grebe in Kent leat James R. Fiale) ss 66 Behaviour of Nesting Birds in . Floods (Fr. ‘Haverschmidt) Woodcock Nesting in Buckinghamshire (Capt. H. L. Cochrane, 67 R.N.) are seis aa ses ee are ae see 67 Early Nesting of Woodcock in Northumberland (H. L. McLean)... as nee a ae Sey os =e 67 Red-necked Phararopes in Norfolk in Summer (Clifford IBOnrer) ... ss ose 67 Sandwich Tern Breeding o on n North Ronaldshay (A. H. Meikle- john) ons . =e ase 7 Little Tern in Worcestershire (J. Ds Elliott) | 68 Moorhen Incubating Partridge Eggs (Rev. W illiam Serle) 68 Short Notes :— Immigration of Crossbills. Blackbird with Deformed Bill. Cuckoo Returning to Same Summer Quarters for Ninth Successive Year wad eae ae ea $a ve 69 Letter :-— On Breeding of certain Ducks in Scotland (H. W. Robinson) 69 Review :— How Birds Live, a Brief Account A Bird Life in the Light of Modern Observations. By E. M. Nicholson eee 71 ( 50 ) THE NESTLINGS OF SOME FURTHER RARE BRITISH BIRDS. BY H. F. WITHERBY. In 1925, I was able to describe the nestlings ot some species which had not been examined when the Practical Handbook was published (see Vol. XIX., p. 70). This summer, during a trip in the mountains of central Spain, I was fortunate in finding nestlings of a few additional undescribed species. One cf these, the White-spotted Bluethroat, which we found breeding plentifully amongst the broom on the higher parts of the Sierra de Gredos (between 4,000 and about 7,000 feet), was quite a surprise, as the bird was not previously known to breed in the Spanish Peninsula. In the western Gredos, at about 6,000 feet, the species was quite common and the males by their actions and song were conspicuous. They indulge in a beautiful singing-flight, something like that of a Pipit, and singing sweetly descend like a parachute, with © their legs dropped and held down stiffly and fully extended. Arrived on the top of a broom bush they complete the song, constantly cocking up their tails at right angles to the body. They have some favourite point on which to perch and sing, and this is usually a dead bough of a broom sticking up a little higher than the rest of the bush. They spend much time hunting the ground for food, and are then usually hidden amongst the thick bushes, but they constantly come up to these points to sing and only more occasionally perform the singing-flight. Most of those we saw had pure blue throats, but some showed a slight white spot when the feathers of the throat were turned up in singing, while a smaller proportion had a well-defined white spot in the centre of the brilliant blue. A nest on June 21st contained three young newly-hatched and an infertile egg. The nest was placed in a low broom bush and rested upon boughs trailing on the ground and was barely concealed by the branches above it. It was made of dead broom twigs and lined with grass and fine roots. While the species usually breeds in swamps, it was here nesting on dry hill sides. ORTOLAN BuntTiINnG (Emberiza hortulana).—Vol. I., p. 122*. Down: whitish-grey with slight buff tinge, fairly long and plentiful; distribution : inner supra-orbita], occipital, humeral, ulnar, spinal, femoral, crural and ventral. Mouth: inside *Reference to volume and page in the Practical Handbook, where the species is described. VOL. XXI.] RARE BRITISH BIRDS. 51 pink, no tongue-spots ; externally, gape-flanges pale creamy- yellow. N.B.—Just hatched. Sierra de Gredos, Spain, June 18th, 1927. WateER-Pipit (Anthus s. spinoletta)—Vol. I., p. 184. Down: dark mouse-grey, long and plentiful ; distribution : outer and inner supra-orbital, occipital, humeral, ulnar, spinal, femoral, crural and ventral (short on two last). Mouth: inside pink flesh, no tongue-spots ; externally, gape-flanges very pale yellow. N.B.—Just hatched. Sierra de Gredos (6,500 feet), Spain. June 21st, 1927. CENTRAL EUROPEAN CRESTED TITMOUSE (Parus c. mitratus). —Vol. I., p. 240. Down: dark mouse-grey, long and fairly plentiful ; distribution: inner supra-orbital, occipital and spinal. Mouth: inside dull yellow, no tongue-spots ; externally, gape-flanges bright pale yellow. N.B.—Just hatched. San Ildefonso, Segovia (Sierra Guadarrama), Spain. May 23rd, m927. WHITE-SPOTTED BLUETHROAT (Luscinia s. cyanecula).— Vol. I, p. 477. Down: dark slate-grey, fairly long and plentiful ; distribution: outer and inner supra-orbital, occi- pital, humeral and spinal. Mouth: inside orange, no tongue- spots; externally, gape-flanges whitish-yellow. N.B.—Just hatched. Sierra de Gredos (6,500 feet), Spain. June atst, 1927. ( 52 ) RECOVERY OF MARKED BIRDS. Place and Date Ringed. Place and Date Recovered. JACKDAW (Coleus m. spermologus),. Dalston (Cumberland), 11.6.25 nestling, by R. H. Brown. Near Canterbury (Kent), 16.5.26, young, by H. Anthony for St. Ed- mund’s N.H.S. Crags of Lundie (Forfar), 5.6.26, nestling, by T. L. Smith. Carlisle (Cumberland), 24.2.27, by G. Hogg; again re- leased. Near Margate (Kent), June, 1926, by T. E. Papworth. Auchterhouse(Forfar),17.1.27, by Miss M. O. Valentine. MAGPIE (Pica pica pica). Near Coventry (Warwick), 17.5.25, nestling, by F. Dipple. Near where ringed, 9.4.27, at nest, by H. G. Wagstaff. STARLING (Sturnus v. vulgaris). Seaford (Sussex), 27.6.23, ad., by J. F. Thomas. Near Reading (Berks.), 21.5.23, nestling, by N. H. Joy. Eton (Bucks.), 13.1.24, ad., by A. Mayall. Near Leamington (War- wick.), 15.1.25, ad., by P. K. Chance, Ditto ditto. Ditto 30.12.26. Helensburgh (Dumbarton), 12.5.25, nestling, by T. Kerr. Scone Parish (Perth), 27.5.24, nestling, by Lord Scone. Scone Estate (Perth), 11.5.26, nestling, by Lord Scone. Torrance (Stirling), 14.5.26, young, by J. Bartholo- mew. Near Gt. Budworth (Ches.), Brb2i255 ade, DYa uA aNNi- Boyd. Ditto 6.12.25. Ditto 4.12.25. Newhaven (Sussex), 16.4.27, by Miss J. E. Delacourt. On engine running between Torquay and Paddington (possibly struck engine at Reading), 31.5.27. Near Windsor (Berks.), 12.6.27, by G. L. Simmonds. Where ringed, 1.11.26, by ringer. Ditto Qe TTe20: Near where ringed, 23.4.27, A. E. Rigbye. Near Belfast, Ireland,24.12.26, by F. Shepherd. Near where ringed, 16.2.27, by A. Hilson, per ringer. Where ringed, 31.3.27, by P. Pitcarthley, per ringer; again released. Where ringed, April, 1927, by ringer. Kettering (Northants.), 22.4.27, by R. Atkins. Near Schleswig (Schleswig- Holstein), early Aug., 1926, by E. Frahm. Hatmeskoven, Saxkjobing (Denmark), 2.7.27, by K. Halvorsen. VOL. XXI.] RECOVERY OF MARKED BIRDS. STARLING. (continued). No. X.1760 X.2614 X.2446 Y.5154 Y.3316 X.2212 X.2287 X.2293 X.3261 X.3262 X.3277 X.3279 X.3282 X.3166 X.2338 X.3599 B.9045 B.9164 C.5727 D.3233 D.3279 D.3351 D.5008 D.5069 E.9642 D.9794 Place and Date Ringed. Near Gt. Budworth (Ches.), '3,12.25, ad, by A. W. Boyd. Ditto ditto. Ditto 1O.1.26; Ditto _— nestling, 14.5.25. Broughty Ferry (Forfar), 25.10.25, ad., Dy |N. D. and I. L. Smuth. Carlisle (Cumberland), AU2.2hoad., DY). No 2. Smith. Ditto 6.02:25: Ditto 10.12.25. Ditto 2.5.26. Ditto ditto. Ditto immature, 3.9.26. Ditto ad., 4.9.26. Ditto T. 11.26; Ditto 14.1.26. Ditto 15.12.25. Broughty Ferry (Forfar), I1.5.27, nestling, by T. L. Smith. 53 Place and Date Recovered. Where ringed and near where ringed, 13.2.27 and 6.6.27, by ringer and T. Houlgrave. Where ringed, 22.1.27, by ringer; again released Near where ringed, Dec., 1926, by J. Lyons, per ringer. Ditto, 23.2.27, by Mr. Milling- ton, per ringer. Where ringed, early June, 1927, by D. Marr. Ditto, 19.5.27, by ringer; again released. Ditto 24.5.27- Ditto 2Os5 27s Ditto 23.527 6 Ditto 24.5.27- Ditto, 20.5.27 (Caught at nest). Ditto 29.5-27. Ditto DAG 27s Ditto, May, 1927, by R. Armstrong. Ditto, 14.2.27, by J. Barn- father. Near Alyth (Perth), June, 1927, by J. Thomson. GREENFINCH (Chloris ch. chloris). Near Gt. Budworth (Ches.), 25.1.25, ad., by A. W. Boyd. Ditto 9.3.25. Ditto 5.7.25. Ditto Zvi e o. Ditto ES .he25. Ditto T7ekeZO, Ditto 7220s Ditto 16.3.26. Ditto 4.3327. LINNET (Carduelis c. Whitmore Common(Surrey), 25.5-26, nestling, by Mrs. L. E. Taylor. Where ringed, twice Feb., March and Nov., 1925; twice Feb., Dec., 1926; Jan., 1927, by ringer. Ditto 8.3.27 Ditto 22.10.2553 2550.27, Ditto, Jan., May, twice Dec., 1926; three times Jan., May, 1927. Ditto 5.3.27. Ditto 21.92.20: 1015.27. Ditto 19.12.26. Ditto 225.27. Ditto 26.6.27. cannabina). Casteljaloux (Lot et Garonne), France, 12.10.26, by Mlle. H. Tuilier. 54 No. 9338 NP.60 QZ.1 D.5585 (QZ.3) D.5694 C.5905 A.2004 A.2043 D.3301 D.3319 D.3322 E.9927 B.9175 D.3327 D.4886 D.4889 D.5046 D.5051 D.5124 E.4060 E.9579 E.9508 D.5067 Z.9633 BRITISH BIRDS. Place and Date Ringed. [VOL. XXxI. Place and Date Recovered. CHAFFINCH (Fringilla c. ca@lebs). Bath (Somerset), 28.6.24, nestling, by Miss B. A. Carter. Pyrford (Surrey), 3.10.25, ad., by W. P. G. Taylor. Ditto ditto. Ditto, 8.10.25, by Mrs. L. E. Taylor. Swanmore (Hants.), 22.3.26 ad., by M. Portal. Braughing (Herts.), 19.5.26, nestling, by R. W. Hale, for Lon. Nat. Hist. Soc. Near Gt. Budworth (Ches.), W.2.23.8 AGu) Dy: eae IV Boyd. Ditto Sisizs, Ditto 28.12.25. Ditto 14.1.26. Ditto ditto. Holmwood (Surrey),27.2.27, ad., by H. B. P. King- ham. Near where ringed, 22.1.27, by G. Lipswent. Where ringed, ringer, Ditto, 5.7.26; again released. Ditto 20,2.20; 7.4.20, 28.3.26, by Ditto 20.527. Standon (Herts.), April, 1927, by H.R. A. Higgins. Where ringed, TO 2 4M es ALZOi May, 1927, by ringer. Ditto, Mar., Dec., 1923 ; Jan., T9228 twice Togas Heb: Dee. 1o25i5 Jan:, Dec., ro26; Jan., 1927. Ditto, 15.60.26 ; [t.3.27 5 18.6.26. Ditto 22m Die Ditto PASI Where ringed, 2.6.27, by Mrs. W. Worrow. YELLOW BUNTING (Emberiza c. citrinella). Near Gt. Budworth (Ches.), 10.3.25, ad., by A. W. Boyd. Ditto WAeIs20: Ditto 29.1.26. Ditto 31.1.26. Ditto 28.2.26. Ditto B58. 20. Ditto 14.5.26. Ditto Tez Ditto WI PPA Ditto PIP I MN PE Tf Where ringed, 5.7.25 ; 10.7.26 ; twice May, 1927, by ringer ; again released. SKY-LARK (Alauda a. arvensis). Gt. Budworth (Ches.), 15.3.26, ad., by A. W. Boyd. Ditto 752i Ditto 213,205) B02. Ditto 16.5.27. Ditto 28.5.27. Ditto 18.5.27. Ditto 28.4.27. Ditto ZU 27s Ditto 30.6.27. Ditto 25.60.27. Where ringed, twice May, 1927; by ringer; again released. MISTLE-THRUSH (Turdus v. viscivorus). Hemsby (Norfolk), 23.4.25, young, by Miss J. M. Ferrier. Near where ringed, I1.4.27, by A. Shepherd. VOL. XxI.] RECOVERY OF MARKED BIRDS. 55 No. Place and Date Ringed. Place and Date Recovered. SONG-THRUSH (Turdus ph. clarket). Z.3592 Malvern (Wores.), 12.6.24, Where ringed, 13.2.27, by immat., by P. E. A. Mor- ringer ; again released. shead. : Z.5187 Ullswater (Westmorland), Near where ringed, 26.2.27, 7.5.24, young, by H. J. by ringer. Moon. Z.9886 Ditto April, 1925. Ballyheige (Kerry), Ireland, early Jan., 1927, by T. Roche. Y.9549 Penrith (Cumberland), Where ringed, 26.5.27, by M. June, 1926, young, by H. Hetherington. J. Moon. : 57698 Near Gt. Budworth (Ches.), Where ringed, 22.12.26, by ti.t.2d, ad, Dy A. W. ringer. Boyd. Y.2013 Ditto 8.3.25. Ditto, 10.2.27. X.1606 Ditto 5.12.25. Ditto, twice Jan., 1927. X.2633 Ditto 14.12.25. One mile away, 18.5.27. by J. Johnson, per T. A. Coward. C.7784 Prestwich (Lancs.), 21.5.25, Near where ringed, 21.1.27. nestling, by G. Townsend. by T. Haye. Y.3306 Broughty Ferry (Forfar), Near Dundee (Forfar), 6.5.27, 26.10.25, ad., Dy ||. IN. D. by J. Don. and 0. Ly Smith. Y.8011 Scone Estate (Perth), 7.6.25, Near where ringed, 24.2.27, nestling, by Lord Scone. by P. Clark, per ringer. W.1076 Ditto 21.6.26. Ditto, 2.3.27 (had been dead about 3 weeks). Y.9819 Pyrford (Surrey), 14.1.26, Where ringed, T4§.26 5 ad., by W. P. G. Taylor. 21.7.26, by ringer. BLACKBIRD (Turdus m. merula). 57688 Near Gt. Budworth (Ches.), Where ringed, twice Dec., 422.25, ad, by A. W. 1923 ; 20.3.24; twice Nov., Boyd. bec. O25; Ey.dw2Os 15.2.27, by ringer. 59112 Pyrford (Surrey), 24.5.23, Woking (Surrey), March, 1927, nestling, by Mrs. L. E. by W.S. Robbins. Taylor. Y.9821 Ditto ad., 19.1.26. Where ringed, 22.53.20; 16.5.26, by ringer. 51409 Kilmacolm (Renfrew), Near where ringed, 26.8.26, 25.4.24, nestling, by Mr. by Wm. Kennedy, per and Mrs. R. O. Blyth. ringer. 55232 Maidstone (Kent), 27.5.24, Where ringed, 9.6.27, by A. nestling, by W. Wood. H. Urmston. Y.3338 Broughty Ferry (Forfar), Where ringed, 13.6.27, by 19.12.25, by I. L. Smith. J. Watt. X.3582 Ditto 24.1.27. Where ringed, 4.6.27, by A. Taylor. Y.2350 Scone Estate (Perth), Near where ringed, 8.1.27, 26.4.25, nestling, by Lord by J. A. Robertson. Scone. 56 No. BRITISH BIRDS. Place and Date Ringed. BLACKBIRD (continued.) Y.8004 Y.9458 X.1283 X.8919 Z.1716 D.4951 B7415 B.7424 D.8837 F.4029 B.3632 B.g122 C.6560 D.3250 D.5074 3146 B.7688 D.4917 Scone Estate (Perth), 19.5.25. nestling, by Lord Scone. Malvern (Worcs.), 31.7.25, immat., by P. E. A. Mors- head. Ditto Ditto ad., 15.5.26. ad., 4.6.26. Enfield (Middx.), 24.12.25, ad., by S.G. Poock, for won. Nat. Gust. SOc: WHEATEAR (nanthe Seaford (Sussex), 23.5.26, nestling, by J. F. Thomas. _ Ditto, breeding female, 14.6.25. Ditto nestling, 29.5.25. Ditto, breeding female, oT DT Ditto, breeding female, 29.5.27. : [VOL. XXI. Place and Date Recovered. Dunmanway (Cork), Ireland, early Feb., 1927, by D. M. Sweeney. Where ringed) 1135.27, by; ringer ; again released. Ditto 20.5.276 Near where ringed, 28.5.27, by ringer. Goyck (Brabant), Belgium, 25.10.26, by Baron Max de Viron, per Ch. Dupond. @. cnanthe). Near Berwick Station (Sus- sex), 19.5.27, by H. Stacey. Same valley, + mile away, 14.5.27, by ringer; breed- ing. Same valley, 100 yards away, PieisyP7iq, oymcyeveliunnie = (oh! 29.5.27 inadvertently caught and tail pulled out and deserted nest, but found 20.6.27, on nest 120 yards away, by ringer. Different nest, 60 yards away, 23.5.27, by ringer. Different nest, 60 yards away, 19.6.27, by ringer. REDBREAST (Evithacus rubecula). Near Gt. Budworth (Ches.), 21.8.24, immat., by A. W. Boyd. Ditto ads 28122255 Ditto young, 18.8.25. Ditto adv, 22min. Ditto adn 27.3-20s Ulverston (Lancs.), ad., 21.2.25, by C. F. Archi- bald. Ditto 16.8.25. Seaford (Sussex), 4.10.25, ad., by J. F. Thomas. Where ringed, twice Sept., twice Oct, “19245; (‘©@ct., twice Nov., 1925 ; 23.9.26 ; 16.2.27, by ringer. Near where ringed, 28.6.27, by ringer. Where ringed, 14.10.25 ; four times between Oct. and Dec., 1926; three times Jan., 1927, by ringer. Ditto 22.027). Ditto DNTP P MINT € Ditto T4.0.27- Ditto 8.8.26. Ditto 22.01.25 \5) 15,0020) VOL. XXI.]| No. RECOVERY OF MARKED BIRDS. 57 Place and Date Ringed. Place and Date Recovered. REDBREAST (continued.) B.8081 E.4467 E.4461 OZ.15 OZ 00 C.6673 C.1137 E.1660 E.8364 E.1677 E.1680 D.6159 D.6418 D.5906 C.6544 C.6576 C.6577 D.5073 E.4194 E.4196 E.4223 E.4224 D.4169 D.4170 E.8362 E.4460 E.4473 E.7041 Bluntisham (Hunts.), Where ringed, 23..2.20); 6.11.25, ad., by E. Peake. 23.2.27, by ringer. Ditto 16.9.26. Ditto 172.27 3 4.4.27 - Ditto 21.10.26. Ditto I1.4.27. Pyrford (Surrey), 13.1.25, Ditto, 22.3.26; re-ringed ad., by W. P. G. Taylor. with D.5587. Ditto 9.12.25. Ditto 1.4.26. Ditto 20.1.26. Ditto 29.6.26 ; 4.7.26. Whitchurch (Hants.), Near Basingstoke (Hants.), 17-4,.25, ad., by W..P. G. May, 1927, by G. Knight. Taylor. Malvern (Worcs.), 10.7.26, Where ringed, 20.5.27, by immat., by P. E. A. Mors- ringer; again released. head. Ditto ad., 15.10.26. Ditto 022.277. Sidbury (Devon), 25.8.26, Ditto QO, 1.275 ad., by P. E. A. Morshead. Ditto 2.9.26. Ditto 24.12.26. Ullswater (Westmorland), Langwarthby, 17 miles May, 1926, young, by away 18.12.26, by E. M. i. J. Moon. Davidson. Ditto ditto. Near where ringed, 6.1.27, by J. Cooper, per ringer. Near Wokingham (Berks.), Hurst, Reading (Berks.), late 8.5.26, nestling, by J. N. Dec., 1926, by J. White. Fletcher. ‘ HEDGE-SPARROW (Prunella modularis). Near Gt. Budworth (Ches.), Where ringed, twice Aug., and 13.8:25,..ad., by A. W. four times Sept., 1925; Boyd. 19.1.27; 28.5.27, by ringer. Ditto 20,0.25, Ditto, T4.tt.25; 3.02:26.5 T74620, TOl.27. Ditto 219.25. Ditto, 16:90:26; 7 VIZ 255-27. Ditto TOe3.20. Ditto Phar Ditto 24.8.26. Ditto, twice Nov., 1926. Ditto 26.8.26. Ditto G.27'5 LO.5:27s Ditto 6.10.26. Ditto 20:3:27 5 205.296 Ditto ditto. Ditto, three times Nov., 1926 ; 22 NAC}. 23 Ter Ordi2ys Malvern (Worcs.), 2.10.25, Ditto EO. ad., by P. E. A. Morshead. Ditto TSnT25. Witto 5ese27.. Ditto 9.10.26. Ditto 13.6:27.. Bluntisham (Hunts.), Ditto EQ.3.275 13.10.26, ad., by E. Peake. Ditto 18.9.26. Ditto 10Q,.2.27 7. WREN (Troglodytes t. troglodytes). Bishop's Stortford (Herts.), Where ringed, 17.1.27, by A. 15.7.26, nestling, by R. Sworder. W. Hale, for Lon. Nat. Hist. Soc. 58 No. D.7702 D.9352 E.6287 B.4512 C8173 C.8206 C.8209 C.8222 C.8304 D.1584 78004 75414 38146 9658 26142 BRITISH BIRDS. Place and Date Ringed. [VOL. XXI. Place and Date Recovered. SWALLOW (Hirundo r. rustica). Prestbury (Ches.), 14.7.26, nestling, by R. M. Gar- nett. Almondbank (Perth), 15.8.26, nestling, by Lord Scone. Near Leamington (War- wick), 30.8.26, young, by Miss J. M. and P. K. Chance. Near where ringed, 21.5.27, by ringer; dead some time. At sea, 150 miles N.E. of Lowestoft (Suffolk),20.5.27, by E. Read. Where ringed, 20.5.27, by F. E. Craven Jones. MARTIN (Delichon u. urbica). Glen Esk (Forfar), 6.7.24, young, by H. G. Watson. Ditto 13.7.25. Ditto 14.7.25. Ditto ditto. Ditto ditto. Ditto 17.7.25. Ditto ditto. Near where ringed, Oct., 1925, by Miss Donaldson, per ringer. Where ringed, 29.7.26, by ringer. Found dead in new nest (no eggs). ; Near where ringed, at nest with 2 eggs, 21.7.26. Ditto. Found dead in new nest ; no eggs, 10.7.26. Ditto 4 miles away, late May, 1926, by Miss C. Davidson, per ringer. Ditto, 1} miles away ; caught on nest with three young ones, 23.7.26, by ringer. Ditto, 34 miles away, 20.6.26, LITTLE OWL (Athene n. vidalit). Edenbridge (Kent), 29.5.26, young, by F. J. Mitchell. Malvern (Worcs.), 3.6.26, nestling, by P. E. A. Mors- head. by Miss Donaldson, per ringer. Near Haywards Heath (Sussex), late Nov., 1926, by R. H. Mitchell. Batsford Park, Moreton-in- Marsh, about 25 miles away, 22.3.27, by W. N. Brooks. TAWNY OWL (Strix a. sylvatica). Oakmere (Ches.), 28.4.23, nestling, by A. W. Boyd. Ulverston (Lancs.), 3.7.25, nestling, by C. F. Archi- bald. Torrance (Stirling), 25.5.26, young, by J. Bartholo- mew. Lawton, Stoke-on-Trent (Staffs.), late 1925, by A. Longman. Where ringed, G. Spence. 23.8.26, by Ditto, April, 1927, by ringer. VOL. XXI.] No. 27624 ToS 72957 73747 79713 77829 77782 77933 27242 RR.223 74449 72342 77838 103992 104038 104033 104043 RECOVERY OF MARKED BIRDS, Place and Date Ringed. 59 Place and Date Recovered. PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco p. peregrinus). Somerset, 9.6.26, young, by Where ringed, 25.11.26. D. Macdonald. MERLIN (Falco c. @salon). Blackstone Edge (Lancs.), 23.6.25, nestling, by A. d ‘ditto 2 Knowl Moor, nr. Rochdale (Lances.), 1.7.26, nestling, by A. W. Boyd. Cumberland, 19.6.26, nest- ling, by R. H. Brown. Ditto 24.6.25. Skiddaw Forest (Cumber- land), 1.7.26, young, by Miss L. W. Streatfield. Bank of Mersey (Ches.), 6.2.27, by J. Burke. Belmont Moor, Bolton (Lancs.), 29.4.27 (breeding), by G. J. French. Ditto 8.6.27. Near Formby (Lancs.), 11.3.27, by S. Maddock. Near Carlisle (Cumberland), late Dec., 1926, by E. U. Savage. Broughton-in-Furness(Lancs.) 1.10.26, by M. L. Price. KESTREL (Falco t. tinnunculus). Kirkconnel (Dumfries.), 30.6.25, young, by T. K. Craven. Ditto 22.6.26. Near Keswick (Cumberland), Near 26.6.26, nestling, by R. H. Brown. Hemsby (Norfolk), 28.6.26, young, by Miss J. M. Ferrier. Seaford (Sussex), 8.7.26, nestling, by J. F. Thomas. Straiton (Ayr.), Jan., 1927, by Sir G. Chadwyck-Healey, per The Field. Farcet (Hunts.), 20.12.26, by H. Earl. Wexford, Ireland, 1.4.27, by H. E. Toole. Near King’s Lynn (Norfolk), 12.4.27, by G. Annison. Near where ringed, late Feb., 1927, by ringer. SPARROW-HAWK (Accipitey n. nisus). Welton (Cumberland), 3.7.25, nestling, by R. H. Brown. Near Carlisle (Cumberland), late Dec., 1926, by E. U. Savage. HERON (Ardea c. cinerea). Floriston (Cumberland), 12.5.25, nestling, by R. H. Brown. Ditto 8.5.26. Ditto 12.5.25. Ditto 8.5.26. The Barony (Dumfries), May, 1927, by C. E. Galbraith. Glenluce (Wigtown.), 24.2.27, by T. McWilliam. Near Carlisle (Cumberland), Jan., 1927, by R. Martin- dale. Solway Firth, Aug., 1926, by G. Walker. 60 No. 39322 22703 147 birds 25548 25547 25543 20961 25555 25466 26672 104260 104254 104332 104331 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXI. Place and Date Ringed. Place and Date Recovered. MALLARD (Anas p. platyrhyncha). Southport (Lancs.), 5.6.21, Rittergut Pinnow, near Ank- nestling, by F. W. Holder. lam (Pomerania), Germany, 17.7.26, by von Wiecken. Oakmere (Ches.), 17.7.24, Where ringed, between Oct., hand-reared, by A. W. 1926, and Jan., 1927, by Boyd. ringer. Ditto during July and Sept., Ditto, between Oct., 1926, and 1926. Bebi 1027. Leswalt (Wigtown), 5.3.26, Where ringed, 4.1.27, by ad., by M. Portal. ringer. Ditto ditto. Corsewall Estate (Wigtown), 11.1.27, by D. R. C. Bucha- nan. Ditto ditto. Gotland (Baltic Sea), 29.10.26, by W. Olesan. Ditto 12.3.26. Lake Gapern, Alster (Werm- land), Sweden, 12.8.26, by Hj. Uggla. ; Ditto 20.3.26. Near where ringed, Feb., 1927, by R. McConnell, per ringer. Almondbank (Perth), Ditto, early Feb., 1927, by 10.7.26, young, by H. ringer. Zimmerman, for Lord Scone. Prestbury (Ches.), 1.8.26, Scholar Green, Stoke-on- hand-reared, by R. M. Trent (Staffs.), 28.11.26, by Garnett. A. Longman. CORMORANT (Phalacrocovax c. carbo). Badcall Islands (Suther- Gallanach Bay, Isle of Eigg land), 17.6.26, nestling, (Inverness), 31.1.27, by A. by Miss E. C. Sharp. Stewart. Ditto ditto. Loch Vaa, Aviemore (Inver- ness), April, 1927, by Sir S. Maryon-Wilson. Ditto 24.6.26. Lairg (Sutherland), 25.9.26, by E. Grant. Ditto ditto. On River Ose, near Dun- vegan(Sutherland), 29.11.26 by K. Macdonald. (To be completed.) HOUSE-SPARROW FEEDING NESTLING SPOTTED FLYCATCHERS. A parr of Spotted Flycatchers (Muscicapa s. striata) had built a nest and hatched four young ones this year In a climbing rose, under a window of a house in Somersetshire. One very wet day I heard a great fluttering and a House- Sparrow (Passer d. domesticus) chirping loudly. On looking out I saw one Flycatcher holding on to the wing of a hen Sparrow, which was trying to escape, while the other Fly- catcher, with its beak full of flies, looked on. The Sparrow flew off at last, and the young ones were fed by the parents who returned fairly frequently. After about twenty minutes the Sparrow returned, flew straight to the nest, fed the young Flycatchers and flew off, and this went on all the morning. The Sparrow took longer to find food than the parents. At first, it they found her at the nest they were very agitated and perched a yard or two off, making harsh little noises, but as the day went on they grew quieter and by the evening waited calmly till she had finished feeding and then took their turn. I could not see what flies the Sparrow brought. Twice during the afternoon she got on to the nest and seemed to be trying to cover the little ones from the pouring rain. I left the place next day, but I had time to see that the three birds, apparently on the best of terms, were still feeding the young ones. FRANCES POWELL. INCREASE OF GREY WAGTAIL IN KENT. THE Grey Wagtail (Motacilla c. cinerea), first found nesting near Maidstone in 1g2r (Vol. XVIL., p. 23), isincreasing, not only nesting in its usual places in that district, but also within three hundred yards of my house. This pair is an “extra pair,” as it makes four pairs that nested in 1927. JAMES R. HALE. PIED WAGTAIL WITH THREE BROODS. THE Pied Wagtail (Motacilla a. yarrellii) is known as a regular double-brooded bird. This year, for the first time in my experience, I have found a bird having a third nest after raising two broods. Her first brood consisted of six. In the second nest there were six eggs which all hatched. This nest was in a stack of straw and unfortunately a workman, not noticing the nest, upset it, but seeing the young roll down he 62 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL, XXI. made a hollow in the side of the stack and placed four of the young in it, not seeing the other two. These four were brought up all right by the parents. In July the birds made a third nest in the same stack and now the hen is sitting on five eggs. J. H. OWEN. (In the Prac. Handbook, I., p. 208, I stated that two broods were usually reared, ‘‘ sometimes three.’’ Instances of the latter are recorded by E. H. Rodd (Zool. 1878, p. 28) ; by Lt.-Col. E. A. Butler (Zool. 1903, p. 313), and by E. G. B. Meade-Waldo (British Birds, II., p. 130). Probably most of the August nests occasionally met with are third broods.— F. C. R. JOURDAIN.] WATER-PIPIT IN DORSET. In British Birds, Vol. X1X., p. 22, I recorded the occurence of a Water-Pipit (Anthus s. spinoletta) at Weymouth on April 4th and 6th, 1925. On March roth, 1926, I saw a single bird in exactly the same spot as in 1925, and on March 2oth two in the same place. These were observed up to March 2oth. On April 2nd, 1927, I saw another bird within a mile of the same spot. After looking through a series of skins of A. s. spinoletta and A. s. littoralis,.both from a private collection and in the British Museum—though it must be admitted that extreme types of the latter (if correctly named) much resemble the former—I have come to the conclusion that the Weymouth birds were certainly examples of A. s. spinoletta for the following reasons :—The under-parts were quite unmarked with any spots or streaks, a lot of white was sometimes dis- played in the tail during flight, and the broad white eye- stripe was very conspicuous indeed. All the birds were in breeding plumage. I may add that I watched the birds at close range with strong prism glasses. This apparently regular spring migration of this species along the Dorset coast does not seem to have been yet recorded. F, L. BLATHWAYT. MARSH-WARBLER IN DEVON. On May 26th, 1925, and five subsequent days, by an estuary in south-east Devon, I had the good fortune to study at close range a Marsh-Warbler (Acrocephalus palustris). I sat about ten yards away while the bird poured forth its astonishing song, literally by the hour, with very few breaks. One spell of song lasted for fifteen minutes without a single pause, and during the six days, on one of which my wife was with me, I heard clear imitations of no less than nineteen species. Several times I had a good view of the hen, and confidently expected to find the nest. ae VOL. XXI.] NOTES. 63 Unfortunately, on June 1st I had to go away, and when I was able to revisit the spot on June 15th there was no sign of the Marsh-Warblers. What had happened during my absence I do not know. Since then, I regret to say, they have not reappeared. This is, so far as I am aware, the first recorded instance of the Marsh-Warbler in Devon. W. WaLMESLEY WHITE. MARSH-WARBLER NESTING IN KENT. In Vol. XX., p. 74, I recorded the breeding of the Marsh- Warbler (Acrocephalus palustris) in the Medway Valley in 1926. In 1927 it has again nested near Maidstone in almost the same place. This bird is certainly on the increase. JAMES R. HALE. oe — ee.) “ae ee -. 4 , 4 UN-DOMED WILLOW-WARBLER’S NEST. On May 16th, 1927, in company with Capt. A. W. Boyd, a nest was found in a Buxton wood that we considered was sufficiently uncommon to warrant its being recorded. It was the nest of a Willow-Warbler (Phyilloscopus trochilus), constructed under a stone, with the usual outer building 64 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXI. material of dry grass and generous lining of small feathers, but without the customary dome. Instead, the stoneserved as an effective roofing. Four days later, when the photograph was taken, the nest contained fully-fledged young and was much more open and conspicuous than on our previous visit. JOHN ARMITAGE, [I found an exactly similar nest in East Finmark in Igor. —N.F.T.] [Nests of the Willow-Warbler have been occasionally recorded from among rocks. See Birds of Yorkshire, I., p. 85; also in a hole in a wall, two feet from the ground (Zool. 1892, p. 112). Mr. W. S. Medlicott has also recorded a Wood-Warbler’s nest in a rabbit burrow which was not domed (British Birds, I1., p. 380).—F.C.R.J.] BLACKBIRD AND SONG-THRUSH LAYING TOGETHER. On April 11th, 1927, I found at Linton, Kent, a nest of a . Blackbird (Turdus m. merula) containing two Blackbird’s eggs and four of a Song-Thrush (T. ph. clarket); on April 14th the nest contained three Blackbird’s and four Song-Thrush’s eggs. On May 3rd the nest held three young Blackbirds and two Song-Thrush’s eggs which, on examination, appeared to be infertile. I was able to visit the nest only on the three occasions mentioned, and, unfortunately, I did not see an adult bird actually at the nest, but, whilst I was there on May 3rd, a Song-Thrush continually uttered its alarm note, and generally behaved in such a way as to lead me to believe that it was acting as parent to the brood. WALLACE Woop. LARGE CLUTCHES OF KOBIN’S EGGs: Four to six is the recognized number of eggs to find in the nest of a Robin (Evithacus r. melophilus), but as many as seven is not really rare. On two occasions I have found nine. In the first case, many years ago, the eggs might be divided into three sets of three ; these differed so much in appearance as to seem like the produce of three different birds, although I am strongly of the opinion that they were all laid by one bird. Unfortunately, the nest was destroyed by vermin before I could be absolutely certain, but I only saw two Robins near the nest, which was in a very lonely lane in Shropshire. In 1916 a Robin laid nine eggs in a nest in the ivy round the = VOL. XXI.] NOTES. 65 back door of Old School House at Felsted. These were all absolutely alike and were almost spherical. Five were infertile, one chick died in the shell and three young were reared. In 1927 I found two Robins laying in the same nest in a straw stack at Ley Priory; each laid five eggs and then one bird held possession of the nest. J. H. OWEN. [In addition to the two cases of nine eggs reported by Mr. Owen, four other instances are known to me, one of which is recorded in British Birds, VIIL., p. 74. The late E. B. Dunlop Smith found a clutch of ten eggs at Windermere, and twelve eggs in one nest (probably by two hens) were _ reported by Miss B. Johnson to the Carlisle Ent.and N.H.Soc. in 1895.—F.C.R.J.] BRENT GOOSE IN ANTRIM IN JUNE. On June 26th, 1927, I saw two Brent Geese (Branta bernicla) swimming in the sea near Carnlough, co. Antrim. I had with me Mr. C. B. Horsburgh, a well-known Ulster naturalist, and another companion, a keen wild-fowler, and we all identified the birds. Through my binoculars we could see the white ‘‘ ring” marks on the neck. We were all surprised at seeing Brent Geese at this time of the year, as the species had left Strangford Lough (co. Down), where we usually find them in the winter, at least six weeks before. R. L. HENDERSON. EIDER IN CARNARVONSHIRE IN JUNE. As there does not appear to be any record of the occurrence of the Eider (Somateria m. mollissima) in Carnarvonshire, it may be worth noting that on June 11th, 1927, I had under observation a fine drake which was resting on a low, half- submerged rock at the foot of the Great Orme’s Head. I got to within fifty yards of the bird and had a splendid view of it through my binoculars, noting its main characters—black under-parts, tail and crown, white back, neck and throat with greenish stripes on its neck, creamy breast and straight forehead and bill. With the object of ascertaining whether the bird was in some way disabled I purposely disturbed it from the rock. It dropped heavily on the water and paddled quickly out to sea, only, however, to return to the same rock within a quarter of an hour. It was certainly less nervous than other ducks and did not object to the presence of a grey seal which put its head out of the water quite close to the bird. RICHARD W. JONEs. [Two Eiders were recorded as seen in Colwyn Bay on March 15th, 1913, wide Vol. VII., p. 23.—Eps.] F 66 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXI. FULMAR BREEDING IN DURHAM. On July 17th, 1927, I saw a Fulmar (Fulmarus g. glacialis) brooding a nestling, still in down, on the cliffs at Marsden, near South Shields. For some time Fulmars have been frequenting Marsden Bay and occasionally Frenchman's Bay, which is a little further up the coast. Though a resident informs me that they were here three seasons ago, this is the first proof available of their actually breeding here. Last year (1926) the largest number of Fulmars I saw was about twelve in June, but as nine were reported to have been shot in mid-July and the last seen was on July 22nd, it is doubtful whether any young could have been reared. This year (1927) on February 9th a hen witha well-developed ovary was brought to me and was said to be one of four at Marsden. The largest number seen this year was on May Ist, when eight were seen at Frenchman’s and fourteen at Marsden. One pair was seen mating (May Ist), though the majority seemed to be non-breeding birds. On July 17th, when the young one was seen, only four or five others still remained. C. NOBLE ROLLIN. INCREASE OF GREAT CRESTED GREBE IN KENT. WirH reference to my note on the Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps c. cristatus) nesting in Kent (Vol. XIV., p. 44), it is more than holding its own near Maidstone. In 1927 twenty- one birds were seen before they started nesting. A pair which I call the “ original pair ” had a full clutch of eggs in the first week in April. This nest was out in the open near the bank with no attempt at concealment. As far as I can judge, eight pairs nested this year. On this piece of water no Wild Duck has been known successfully to rear its young, the pike destroying the ducklings, but the young Grebes survive! I should be glad to know how they manage to escape from the pike. JAMES R. HALE. [The Great Crested Grebe was recorded as having nested for the first time in Eastwell Park in 1919 and it was reported in the Kentish Express (1.1x.23) that two broods were reared in 1923. On April 26th, 1927, I found six pairs on the water. Two birds were sitting on nests, each within a few yards only of the bank, one sheltered by an overhanging willow, the other without cover of any kind. The latter bird and nest were most conspicuous and could be seen from a great distance. —N. F. TIcEHurRsT.] VOL, XXI.] NOTES. 67 BEHAVIOUR OF NESTING BIRDS IN FLOODS. Witu reference to Mr. Owen’s note on the behaviour of nesting birds in floods (antea, p. 46), the following case may be of interest. ; ; In May, 1924, I found in Holland a nest of a Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa 1. limosa), with four eggs, on a tussock of grass in a small pool of shallow water. During some days there was a great fall of rain and the water rose considerably, but when visiting the nest again I found it built up several inches and the eggs quite dry and warm. The nest contained then only three eggs, but the fourth was found below the new material on the old bottom. Later on the water went down again and the nest was then at least eight inches above the surface. FR. HAVERSCHMIDT. WOODCOCK NESTING IN BUCKINGHAMSHIRE. Wirt reference to my note in Vol. XX., p. 26, the Woodcock (Scolopax r. rusticola) has again been found nesting in north Buckinghamshire. A nest of four eggs was discovered in Ravenstone Wood this spring by wood-cutters. Unfor- tunately, it was reported later by the keeper that the eggs had been “ eaten by mice.”’ H. L. COCHRANE. EARLY NESTING OF WOODCOCK IN NORTHUMBERLAND. WE found the first sitting Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) at Alnwick on March 18th, 1927. This is two days earlier than the previous recorded date for this district. H. L. MCLEAN. RED-NECKED PHALAROPES IN NORFOLK IN SUMMER. ALTHOUGH a few Red-necked Phalaropes (Phalaropus lobatus) pass through north Norfolk in the early autumn, I have not heard of a spring or summer record during the last fifteen years or more. A pair, however, turned up in the Salthouse Marshes on June 5th, 1927, and stayed two days. CLIFFORD BORRER. SANDWICH TERN BREEDING ON NORTH RONALDSHAY. ON page 704 of Vol. II. of A Practical Handbook of British Birds, under Sandwich Tern (Sterna s. sandvicensts), there occurs this footnote :— ‘The Rev. J. R. Hale informs us that it breeds on Sanday and not North Ronaldshay, as stated in Saunders’s Manual.” 68 BRITISH BIRDS. [VoL. XXI. The statement in Howard Saunders’s Manual is, however, correct, and refers to the discovery, on North Ronaldshay, of a small colony of Sandwich Terns, which the late Allan Briggs and myself found breeding there in 1893. There were, in all, eleven nests—one containing three eggs and the re- mainder two each. I should be glad, if it is possible, to have this correction made in future editions, as I believe that this was the first known colony in the Orkney Islands. A. H. MEIKLEJOHN. [We are glad to publish the above, or, indeed, any other correction of statements in the Handbook. Mr. Hale informs us that there was a very large colony of Sandwich Terns in Sanday in 1910 and as far as he could discover (though it is possible to have overlooked a small number) none in North Ronaldshay. Mr. Hale has, however, recently been informed by a friend that in 1925 the Sandwich Tern was not nesting in Sanday and may possibly have moved to North Ronald- shay, though as to that he has no evidence. The bird is well known to be capricious with regard to its breeding places and we regret to have made the statement, as it is evident that it has bred in both islands.—EDs. | LITTLE TERN IN. WORCESTERSHIRE, On June Ist, 1927, a Little Tern (Sterna albifrons) was hawking over the River Severn near Dowles Church. This is the first time I have observed this species in twenty-four years’ residence in this parish. Bese lca cntoniay. [R. F. Tomes (Vict. Hist. of Worcester) records specimens seen both on the Severn and Avon, and states that he has examples shot on the Avon. This species was also recorded near Cofton Hackett in 1885, but is evidently a rare straggler to the county.—F.C.R.J.] MOORHEN INCUBATING PARTRIDGE EGGS. In a ditch-bank by the roadside, near Haddington, a Partridge (Perdix perdix) began nesting. When she had laid eleven eggs she was evicted by a Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) which deposited her seven eggs amongst those of the Partridge. The gamekeeper wanted the Partridge eggs for setting but gave the Waterhen time to bring them near hatching. When he went to lift the Partridge eggs he found the Waterhen dead in thenest. Both the Waterhen’s eggs and those of the Part- ridge had well-developed chicks. The gamekeeper showed me the remains of the nest when I happened to call on him on June 2oth. WILLIAM SERLE, VOL. XXI.] NOTES. 69 IMMIGRATION OF CROsSBILLS.—From information we have received from several correspondents, it seems likely that the immigration of Crossbills this year may prove to be of unusual magnitude, as happens periodically. With a view to recording the movement adequately, we shall be glad if readers will send in notes of any Crossbills seen by them, giving particulars as to localities, numbers, dates, length of stay, food and, if possible, a comparison with immigrations in previous years.—EDs. BLACKBIRD WITH DEFORMED Bitt.—Mr. J. Bartholomew writes that he found a recently fledged Blackbird (Turdus m. merula) on June 4th, 1927, near Glasgow, which had no upper mandible and was blind of the right eye. There was no sign of a recent injury and the bird was in good condition, still being fed by its parents. No doubt such deformed in- dividuals occur from time to time in many species but do not survive after the parents cease feeding them. Cuckoo RETURNING TO SAME SUMMER QUARTERS FOR NINTH SuccEssIVE YEAR.—Major Van De Weyer writes that the Cuckoo (Cuculus c. canorus) with the peculiar broken note reported in Vols. XVI., p. 107; XVIIL., p. 30; XIX., p. 30; XX., p. 132, returned to Hungerford Park for the ninth successive year on May 12th, 1927. LETTERS. ON BREEDING OF CERTAIN DUCKS IN SCOTLAND. To the Editors of BritisH Birpbs. Strs,—Mr. Jourdain’s sceptical article in your last issue (pp. 38—40) ridicules the whole idea that the Velvet-Scoter’s eggs taken in Orkney by Mr. Whitaker are authentic. As this gentleman saw the bird sitting on her eggs close to the deserted clutch, I think I was justified in using the words “‘ proof positive,’ and do not consider it as rash a statement to make as Mr. Jourdain makes it out to be. Had Mr. Whitaker been an egg collector in a wholesale way, I suppose he would have taken both lots, instead of being contented with the deserted ones. Mr. Jourdain must know much better than I do that duck’s eggs are not always true to type. A friend of mine, Mr. Plumb, for instance, had a clutch of Long-tailed Duck which he took himself in Iceland, which would stump almost any collector without their down, for they are little larger than those of a Pigeon. With regard to the Long-tailed Duck’s clutch taken by Gunn, the personal factor comes in, for Gunn, although a professional collector as Mr. Jourdain styles him, was as honest a man as ever lived, and far above such things as faking ; moreover, I think I am right in saying that the eggs were a gift to Mr. Whitaker. If the dealer who took the first clutch was as honest a man, why is his name, and also that of 70 BRITISH BIRDS. (von, Xx. the collector to whom he sold the eggs, always so very carefully suppressed ? Mr. Whitaker writes to say that as he gave me all the particulars of both lots of eggs, he could not think for a minute of writing to any paper or magazine, as he never does any thing of the kind. Iam there- fore left with the job of defending him against the sceptical. With regard to Mr. Jourdain’s long diatribe on the supposed clutch of Scaup from Fife, I specially stated, not once but twice, that I was unable to verify its authenticity, which amounted to a modest way of doubting it. H. W. RoBinson. LANCASTER. ‘ [Mr. Robinson now justifies the use of the words “ proof positive ” by the publication of entirely new evidence, which in his previous paper was suppressed. He now states that Mr. Whitaker saw the Velvet-Scoter sitting on eggs close to the deserted clutch, and infers that the latter clutch was not taken. Later he states that Mr. Whitaker will not write on the subject to any paper or magazine “‘as he never does anything of the kind.” Mr. Whitaker is the author of several books dealing chiefly with birds, and when cataloguing the ornithological literature of Nottingham- shire, I came across over 150 notes contributed by him to various papers and magazines. It is hardly correct, therefore, to say that he “never does anything of the kind”’ and we are, I think, entitled to ask why a record of such importance should be only published on second-hand evidence, and why the most important part should have been omitted by Mr. Robinson when writing in The Scottish Naturalist. These questions demand an answer before the record can be seriously considered. It is quite true that Ducks’ eggs are not always typical, but it is, to say the least, unfortunate that the supposed eggs of Velvet-Scoter are not only non-typical but have no down by way of confirmatory evidence. What harm would have been done by taking a pinch of down and a feather or two from an occupied nest ? With regard to Gunn’s clutch of Long-tailed Duck’s eggs, Mr. Robinson must be well aware that, while no harm can be done by referring by name to a professional collector now dead, it is quite a different matter to mention the names of living ones, and I should be very reluctant to cause trouble in this way. Personally, I do not doubt the authenticity of either clutch, but, in the first case, the circumstances were independently investigated by Messrs. Hale and Aldworth, and this was not the case with Gunn’s clutch. From information supplied by Mr. H. A. Gilbert, I am inclined to think that another clutch was taken last year in the Orkneys. If Mr. Robinson was aware that the record of Scaup’s eggs from Fife was based on an error of identification, it is incomprehensible why he should have dragged it into light again and repeated it in an article on new breeding records from Scotland. Such statements render no service to science.—F. C. R. JOURDAIN.] VOI, 222E1.| REVIEW. re How Birds Live, a Brief Account of Bird Life in the light of Modern Observations. By E. M. Nicholson. London: Williams & Norgate, 19277. As Mr. Nicholson states in picturesque language, the advance in our knowledge of birds has been somewhat rapid and blundering and in isolated salients and not along the line. This little book is intended to give some idea of the ground gained, and naturally gives little scope for originality. It is, in fact, to a great extent a resumé of modern work from the British standpoint and has the defects which one might expect to find as the result of too limited an outlook. In his preface the author says that he has not followed tradition by dragging in references to the Hoatzin or the Christmas Island Frigate Bird, and that practically all the species mentioned may be studied by an English observer at home. Yet, when we come to lay down general laws for bird behaviour, there is considerable risk in basing our premises on too limited a series of facts, and although we may be quite justified in ignoring the somewhat bizarre instances cited by Mr. Nicholson, a wider knowledge of bird life may result in an entire reversal of conclusions based on parochial observations. The terri- torial theory, propounded by Mr. Eliot Howard is discussed critically and its limitations are clearly shown. ‘‘ Birds of Prey,’’ says Mr. Nicholson, “‘ are held in check by a fierce unsleeping jealousy, so strong that even in the dead season they are rarely capable of forming the smallest and simplest society ”’ (p. 33). This is an astonishing state- ment, even though qualified by the admission that on migration they often travel in parties, but “ In England, at any rate, sociability makes no further headway among the Birds of Prey.” These statements, if correct, have an important bearing on bird economics, for Mr. Nicholson holds that if the slaughter of such birds ceased, they could not increase indefinitely or get out of hand, but that where three pairs of Falcons have bred from time immemorial no increase can be expected. Unfortunately, the facts here are against Mr. Nicholson, and the enormous increase in the number of Peregrines since game preservation temporarily ceased and was permanently reduced, has proved beyond a shadow of doubt that where the food supply is adequate and sites are available, these birds can live at compara- tively close quarters without undue friction. We know of Peregrine’s eyries only a few hundred yards apart, on the English coast, while Buzzards will breed at much closer quarters. During the last year of the war three pairs of Kestrels were breeding in one hedgerow not far from Oxford, all within 200 yards. Incidentally, we would demur to the statement that the last Ospreys sacrificed their lives in “‘ territorial’’ warfare. When the stock is reduced to two males and one female or vice versa, fighting will almost invariably ensue, but we see no reason to describe the struggle for a mate as “‘ territorial.” That birds of prey can and do live in colonies abroad is such a well-known fact that we need only mention Lesser Kestrels, Red-footed Falcons, Black Kites, Eleonoran Falcons, Griffon Vultures, etc., as instances. Some of these birds are quite as communal in their breeding habits as the Rook. We may perhaps be excused for mentioning that on Pigeon Island, every one of the thirty-five large trees on the island bore at least one and in two cases two nests of the Great White-bellied Sea Eagle (Haligetus leucogaster) according to Hume. It is true that none of the species mentioned breed in the British Isles, but if we take the British Raptores we now find a single pair of Golden Eagles nesting in a glen as a rule—while even 72 BRITISH BIRDS. [voL. XXI. in St. John’s days only one pair of Ospreys haunted each loch? Yet we have only to study the habits of the Osprey in North America to find that it breeds there in great numbers in certain localities—nests being often placed close to one another. Canon Tristram, while exploring the Dayats of the M’zab country, found in one palm grove no fewer than seven pairs of Golden Eagles breeding together. The habit of breeding in solitary state may then be due to local conditions rather than an innate “fierce unsleeping jealousy.’”’ Yet the study of old vermin lists from Scotland rather tends to show that even here at one time the Golden Eagle must have been plentiful. Between 1819 and 1826 on two estates in Caithness and in the county of Suther- land, rewards were paid for the destruction of 295 adult Eagles and 60 young or eggs. On the Glengarry property 275 Kites were killed between 1837 and 1840. In Sutherland alone 171 old Eagles and 53 young or eggs were destroyed from March, 1831, to March, 1834. There is also evidence of the former existence in considerable numbers ofthe Osprey. By the middle of the nineteenth century this murderous slaughter had told on the numbers of the birds of prey and our earliest records date from about this time, when St. John and Wolley had popularized the N.W. Highlands. That sociable breeding is not characteristic of the American race of the Osprey only, is shown by a recent note of Herr Peus, who found no fewer than four occupied nests of Osprey as well as one of Peregrine within an area of about I20 X 200 metres in Germany. Probably it will be found that the limits to the increase of a raptorial bird are the exigencies of the food supply and the provision of suitable sites. In the case described by Hume, there was a practically un- limited food supply, but every tree was occupied. Certainly the territorial limits of the Golden Eagle in Sutherland at the beginning of the nineteenth century must have been very restricted indeed ! Other statements seem to be based on somewhat slender evidence. It is extremely doubtful whether the Guillemot lives as long as the average of human life (p. 16). In comparing the fertility of the Blackbird and Willow-Wren, the former is said to lay 9 eggs in a season and the latter 5 to 7 eggs. Taking the produce of the latter as 6 to g of the former, Mr. Nicholson estimates the losses of the migratory Willow-Wren as about half those of the Blackbird. While it is true that there are serious risks on migration, the author seems to lose sight of the fact that half the Blackbird’s life is spent in winter, while the Willow-Wren lives in perpetual spring or summer. This is also true of the Turtle-Dove as opposed to the Wood-Pigeon. The reduction in the number of eggs in the Blackbird’s clutch on the Riviera is probably due to the scarcity of food, and in Spain, clutches of 4 and 5 occur (as also in N. Africa) under suitable conditions. Another interesting problem which receives imperfect treatment is that of the simultaneous manceuvres of flocks of certain species. In this case one possible factor seems to be entirely overlooked. Quite recently, I had an opportunity of seeing some wonderful evolutions carried out in perfect time by a flock of about 40 Jackdaws in the Gorge at Constantine. Here, owing to the close proximity of the birds, one could hear quite plainly many notes repeated from time to time which would have been quite inaudible under ordinary circum- stances. Starlings, which also carry out elaborate simultaneous movements, certainly do not perform them in silence, though one must be close at hand to hear them. Racing among Swifts is always preceded by a peculiar and easily recognizable calland is accompanied by screaming notes which are not used at other times. F.C. R. JouRDAIN. FOR SALE.—THORBURN’'S BRITISH BIRDS. Large paper, limited edition. 4 vols., 1926. Clean as issued, now out of print. What offers? = Address—T., Office of “‘ British Birds. LE GERFAUT REVUE BELGE D’ORNITHOLOGIE | Fondée en 1911.) Le seule publication scientifique belge traitant des oiseaux, spécialement des oiseaux de la Belique. Abonnement 25 francs belges - 5 Belgas par an. Direction: Square Prince Charles 21, Bruxelles-Laeken (Belgique) STEVENS’S AUCTION ROOMS, LTD. ESTD. 1760. 38, King Street, Covent Garden, London, W.C.2. Periodical Sales are held at the above Rooms, of NATURAL HISTORY SPECIMENS, including BIRDS and BIRDS’ EGGS, CABINETS, etc. Also BOOKS relating to Natural History. Catalogues of sales posted on application. WHELDON & WESLEY, LTD. have in stock nearly all the books and journais required by ornithologists. The collection of old and rare works is one of the largest in the country. New books and journals supplied to order. Books not in stock sought for. Just issued: Zoological Catalogue, Part I, Vertebrata; Part II, Faunas. Bookbinding in all its branches undertaken. Libraries and parcels of books purchased. LONDON: —2, 3, & 4, Arthur St., NEW OXFORD STREET, W.C.1. Telephone :—Gerrard 1412. 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Also Collecting Apparatus, Books, etc. Price Lists sent post free on application. Kindly state which Lists are required and mention this Periodical. ABig Game Pocket Book for Kenya Colony By CAPTAIN L. M. DUNDAS. Crown 8vo, with 43 Photographs and Sketches. 10s. 6d. net. H. F. & G. WITHERBY, 326 Hic Ho.sorn, Lonpon. The Latin Names of Common Plants. Their Pronunciation and History. By F. DAWTREY DREWITT, M.A, M.D. Crown 8vo, } Cloth boards. 3s. 6d. net. H. F. & G. WITHERBY, 326 Hich Ho.porn, Lonpon. FOYLES, 119-125 Charing Cross Rd., London, W.C.2 BRITSABIRDS ‘ ” WITH WHICH WaS INCORPORATED IN JANUARY, 1917, ‘‘ THE ZOOLOGIST. ' EDITED BY H. F. WITHERBY, M.B.E., F.Z.S., M.B.0.U. ASSISTED BY 5 firuy. F.C. BR. JOURDAIN, M.A., M.B.O.U., H.F.A.O.U., AND NORMAN F, TICEHURST, O.B.E., M.A., F.R.C.S., M.B.O.U. 7 - = ee (-\oH “MG * CONTENTS OF spe Vor. XXI., SEPTEMBER I, 1927. - 4 \z, 2 : dis & D og PAGE Field-Notes ity ci Suit ey J K. Stanford, M.c., M.B.O.U., I.C.S. “sg P 74 On a Soaring array By Donald Gunn 82 Recovery of Marked Birds ... 86 Notes :— The 1927 Irruption of the Crossbill a : any 90 Unusual Site of Chaffinch’s Nest (Major Siatles Pein of 93 aa oo of Cuckoos’ Eges by Reed-Warblers (Rev. James R. Hale) on : oe ape 94 Rejection of Cuckoo" s Egg g by Tree- Pipit . F. Ticehurat) ee 94 Snowy Owls seen in Tievatiiaas shire (Seton Gordon).. i 95 Little Owl Nesting in Railway Point Box ane ie B. Wiss - field) ‘ee an Be 95 White-tailed Bagle 3 in erates: ashanti Seton Game: i 96 Griffon Vultures seen in ipieasis inet Ernest A. Sadler ane Dr. Hubert H. Hollick) 96 Wigeon Ringed in Cumberiuidl ‘Reported fost NoHthe Fast Russia (H. F. Witherby) he 97 Red-necked Grebe in Norfolk in June fol, R. By Manefield) 98 Avocet in North Kent (Mrs. H. Rait Kerr) ... aes ee 99 Black Terns in North Kent (Mrs. H. Rait Kerr) cas cat 99 Little Crake in Cardigan (H. E. Forrest) Tes = Mee 99 Short Notes :— Hoopoe in Cornwall in ekg Black-necked Grebe with Deformed Bill ... ; . 99 Letters :— On Breeding of certain Ducks in Scotland (H. W. Robinson and Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain) ges 100 How Birds live (E. M. Nicholson, Rev. F. C. ine Jourdain, and Fred Taylor) er I00 Size of Clutches of Eggs of the Hobin (R. ‘x, ae n)is oe 103 Review :— Days with the Golden Eagle. By Seton Gordon ora ese 104 G ( 74 ) FIELD-NOTES FROM EAST SUFFOLK. BY J. K. STANFORD, M.c., M.B.O.U., I.C.S. THE notes which follow were made near Aldeburgh in the spring of 1927. Some are regrettably incomplete but they are placed on record, on my return to Burma, in the hope that other naturalists may be in a position to confirm those on the Corn-Bunting, Stonechat and Ringed Plover. 2. ABSENCE OF THE CoRN-BuNTING (Emberiza c. calandra). —This bird was conspicuous by its complete absence through- out the year up to April 26th, when I was last observing, and Dr. C. B. Ticehurst further north along the Suffolk coast had only seen one or two up to then. I covered a wide area between Dunwich and Ipswich and do not think it was in any way possible to have overlooked it. In 1893, in the same neighbourhood, it was described by the late F. M. Ogilvie as a “resident and a pretty common one too,” and he had specimens collected in January and March. At the same time he noticed the amazingly late date at which the Corn- Bunting commenced to breed: e.g., of eleven nests found in 1892 and 1893, the earliest incomplete clutch was found on June 22nd, while of the others seven had fresh eggs between July 1st and 21st, and three between August 4th and 7th. (I have also found fresh eggs as late as August 4th, though I have seen a young one, in 1912, just able to fly on July goth). Mr. Ogilvie had several keepers on the look-out for these nests throughout the spring and their combined efforts failed to discover any earlier. It appears probable that, in the Aldeburgh neighbourhood, this Bunting is now only a summer migrant, as well as a late breeder, and it would be interesting to know if this is the case elsewhere on the east coast. 3. MIGRATION OF THE STONECHAT (Saxicola torquata hibernans).—The Stonechat in this district is found throughout the winter in its breeding-haunts, but in 1927, between February 14th and March 17th, those I saw over a fairly wide area were, without exception, single birds and all males. I did not see a female until March 18th, when I saw two pairs, and on March 20th there were a good many of both sexes alongshore in twos and threes, the total numbers seen being considerably in excess of those later found breeding in this area. I have little doubt that at least half these birds were newly-arrived migrants and possibly other observers may be in a position to state whether the sexes winter apart VOL. XxI.] FIELD-NOTES FROM EAST SUFFOLK. 75 or whether the males arrive in their breeding-haunts some time before the females. I have some reason for thinking the latter to be the case in this district with the Reed-Bunting (Emberiza s. scheniclus), Yellow Bunting (Emberiza c. cutn- nella) and Chaffinch (Fringilla c. celebs). 4. NESTING OF THE COMMON CROSSBILL (Loxia c. cur- virostya).—Though this bird has been seen in east Suffolk at constant intervals since 1888, it has only been found nesting —in a certain garden—in Igr0, Igi1 and T1919. | In 1927 there were no signs, either of birds or ‘“‘ worked” fir-cones up to February 13th, when I saw a pair, of which the male was singing. On February 25th, returning after a few days absence, I saw seven or eight, all very noisy and conspicuous, of which one pair at least were building. They made repeated journeys to a clump of lime-trees, from the branches of which the hen stripped the decaying bark (a habit previously noted in this garden in rg1o0), and once I found her prizing some binder-twine off a rose-walk. The hen did all the work of building, though the cock invariably accompanied her on her flights after material. The eggs in this nest were des- troyed, possibly by a squirrel, and the nest, when examined, was found to consist of fir-twigs, fir-needles, grass, moss, heather-roots, lime-bark and lichen, with a piece of binder- twine, a piece of string, a long piece of wool from a carpet, and a few Ring-Dove’s feathers. This pair nested again later a hundred yards away, in a most inaccessible fir-tree, and in April the cock-bird was often seen feeding the hen on the nest. For a week or ten days I did not see the hen about at all. Though these birds were remarkably tame, and were frequently seen drinking at the eaves of a house, they appeared to be completely silent for days at a time, unless someone happened to be standing close to the nesting-tree. I have had Crossbills feeding within a few yards of me with no indication of their presence except the fir-seed-husks floating down one by one out of the tree. I failed completely to see anything more of the remaining birds, with the exception of a single hen on April 24th. Except when in flocks or disturbed at the nest, it appears quite possible to overlook the presence of Crossbills if the trees are big and the wood fairly extensive. 5. NESTING OF THE RINGED PLOVER (Charadrius h. hiati- cula).—This bird has practically deserted the beach north of Aldeburgh but nests freely on warrens, fallows, the mud of drained marshes, and fields of young seeds, sometimes several miles inland. I have seen a nest on short turf where the 76 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL xem, hollow was lined with rabbit-droppings, and another in a patch of horse-droppings lined with bents. In the four inland nests seen by me this year, two on sandy fallows, two on young oat-fields, there was a remarkably complete lining consisting of hundreds of small pebbles and fragments of shell which must have been collected from a considerable distance (in a nest found before the war on a stretch of smooth turf these stones were probably carried several hundred yards at least). FIG. I. RINGED PLOVER’S NEST ON RECENTLY DRAINED MARSH. LINED WITH BENTS. (Photographed by E, Fraser Stanford.) If the eggs are removed the nest itself forms a conspicuous white patch against the surrounding brown or green, and is nearly always, as the late F. M. Ogilvie remarked, in this area, a much more elaborate structure than those found on the beach. The habit, however acquired, does not render eggs in these situations any less conspicuous, and the eggs, like those of the Stone-Curlew, catch the eye at a distance of several yards. In 1927 I saw a cock-bird making a nesting-scrape on February 27th and two birds were sitting on full clutches on VOL. XxI.] FIELD-NOTES FROM EAST SUFFOLK. 77 April 4th and 5th, and another on April 17th. In other years I have very often seen eggs in the first half of April, as well as throughout the months of May, June and July. I have twice found young, about a week old, in August, once as early as April 28th, and an unfledged bird as late as October roth, There appears little doubt that in this district the Ringed Plover is certainly double-brooded and has a long breeding- season. Out of very many occasions on which I flushed Lapwings and Ringed Plovers off their nests in 1927, I never saw a Ringed Plover fly off the nest, even when suddenly disturbed, whereas the Lapwing, when it has once started FIG. 2. RINGED PLOVER’S NEST IN A RABBIT-SCRAPE, LINED WITH GRASS AND RABBIT-DROPPINGS. (Photographed by E. Fraser Stanford.) to sit, almost invariably does so and makes the nest corre- spondingly easy to locate. CouRTSHIP HABITS OF THE RINGED PLOVER.—The court- ship of Ringed Plovers is by no means easy to observe as they are much more restless, and take much longer flights, than the Lapwings nesting on the same fields. During many hours’ watching with a powerful glass, I was, however, fortunate enough, in the case of three or four different pairs, to see actions which may be worth recording. In one party on the beach on March zoth—where at least two males were contending for one female—the males ran backwards and forwards with short, quick steps, and when another male was 78 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL 2cXI, near, the feathers of the back and the tips of the closed wings were elevated, the tail depressed and spread out to its full extent to show the white tips of the feathers, and the whole body arched, with the head and neck drawn in, the black gorget being puffed out to nearly twice its normal size. In this crouching attitude the males ran aimlessly to and fro, for half an hour at a time, but making no real attempt to attack each other. I never saw the moving of the legs in the “ rapid vibratory manner ”’ described by Mr. Edmund Selous, but the steps taken on such occasions were very short and quick. Later, at the same place, a cock-bird kept running FIG. 3. RINGED PLOVER’S NEST IN A FIELD, A MILE FROM THE SEA. LINED WITH SMALL STONES. (Photographed by E, Fraser Stanford.) in front of the hen and sinking down on the beach every few yards exactly as if settling down on a nest. Occasionally, while brooding in this way, he would tilt himself forward on to his breast with the closed wing-tips pointing up almost vertically over his back, the tail depressed and the legs scratching out sand and stones behind him. The indifference displayed by the hen to this performance was as noticeable as it usually is in the case of the Lapwing’s “ rolling ’’ on the ground. On several other occasions in April, I saw cock Ringed Plovers settle down and appear to brood for several minutes VOL. XxI.] FIELD-NOTES FROM EAST SUFFOLK. 79 exactly as if they were on a nest: in one case the bird kept turning round and round on one spot, and twice at least this action was followed by an attempt at coition, the male running towards the female, with head and neck bent low and drawn in, and the tail and wings “ tipped up,” so that he appeared to be almost standing on his head, an attitude somewhat similar to those occasionally adopted by the Stock- Dove and the Stone-Curlew. I twice saw the hen of another pair run away into a furrow and apparently hide from the cock-bird, crouching flat on the ground with neck out- stretched and almost invisible. On approaching her, the FIG. 4. RINGED PLOVER ON NEST ON A ROADWAY ACROSS A MARSH. (Photographed by E. Fraser Stanford.) male ran round her with head down, back humped and the tail-feathers widely spread. The expansion of the black gorget-patch was very noticeable on all these occasions. Both sexes appear at times to take part in the love-flight so well described by Mr. Selous, which often covers nearly a mile of ground and in which two or three birds will cross and re-cross each other with their bodies twisting from side to side and soft beats of their fully-expanded wings. The double note, if heard on these occasions, as I have, at a few yards’ range, has a remarkably vibrant quality and the throat appears to be swelled out. The whole performance is very 80 BRITISH B{RDS. [VOL, XXI. similar to a somewhat rarely-seen nuptial flight of the Lesser Redpoll and the Greenfinch in the breeding season. CourtTsHip Hapits oF THE LAapwincG (Vanellus vanellus). —The “‘rolling ” antics of the male Lapwing on the ground in spring have been very fully described by Mr. Edmund Selous,* and I have little to add, but, after watching closely some scores of Lapwings performing in this manner in 1927, I can say with certainty that not a single one ever turned “round and round,” as they are popularly supposed to do. In the majority of cases, there was no female near at the time, and if there was, she appeared to take very little notice of the display. There appear to be two distinct phases in this “rolling,” in the first of which the male, with head and breast lowered almost to the ground, rocks backwards and forwards with his tail raised high in air and the chestnut under-coverts much puffed out, while in the second, like the Ringed Plover, he sinks down on his breast on the ground, with the tail depressed and wagging rapidly from side to side and the wing- tips pointing vertically upwards. This last action, as Mr. Selous remarked, closely resembles that of coition. On three or four occasions, I saw a hen run up to the cock-bird immediately after this performance and nestle in the exact spot where he had been, where she kept pecking at the ground and “ rolling ”’ in a milder degree herself. While this was going on the cock stood a few inches away, bowing head downwards and also making little pecks at the ground. In one pair, seen at close range with a very powerful glass, both appeared, while making these pecks, to be throwing some- thing sideways over their shoulders. Unfortunately, it was impossible, for various reasons, to locate the exact spots where this rolling took place, but I feel sure that if the site of the actual “false nests’ on any Lap- wings’ breeding-ground could be marked with sticks towards the end of March, it would be found that these rolling exercises took place day after day at approximately the same spot. My experience is that these performances are going on continually throughout March and April, but comparatively few “false nests’’ are found considering the number of breeding-pairs. Nearly all these “nests” are considerably larger and deeper hollows than that selected for the eggs, which suggests that they are used on numerous occasions for the same performance. One other point may perhaps be mentioned. I can endorse Mr. Farren’s statement,t quoted in the Handbook (Vol. IL., *Bird Life Glimpses. t+ This has since been confirmed by other observers ; cf. B.B., XX., p. 166, etc.—EDs. OO VoL. xx1.] FIELD-NOTES FROM EAST SUFFOLK. 81 p- 549), that the male Lapwing incubates. I saw this dis- tinctly in the case of two pairs, the sexes being easily dis- tinguishable in a fairly good light. The hen of one pair was wont to remain on the nest, sometimes fast asleep, within seventy yards of a lane along which people were constantly passing, but the cock, when on the nest, was much warler. MIGRATION.—Little migration was observable on this coast in March and April, except for the usual west to east passage of Corvide, mainly Rooks and Jackdaws, on March roth, 21st, 27th, 28th, and April 5th. Some were coasting north on March 28th and April 17th, and Hooded Crows on March 20th and 29th. On March 28th I saw a very big flock of Hooded Crows mobbing two large Raptores, one of which was certainly a Rough-legged Buzzard (Buteo lagopus). On this coast, the ‘‘ jumping-off place ” for very large numbers of Corvide, I am inclined to think that the damage done by them to Lapwings’ eggs is somewhat exaggerated, judging by the number of Lap- wings and Ringed Plovers I found sitting on full clutches early in April on an estate where egg-collecting no longer takes place. On March 27th a very large flock of Rooks and Jackdaws made three separate attempts to migrate before a strong westerly breeze, and on each occasion became alarmed when well out to sea (apparently at threatening weather in the distance), and struggled back to land again, finally circling away to the N.E. at a great height and unwilling to go before the wind. A very large influx of Mallard (Anas platyrhyncha) occurred alongshore between February 26th and March ist at a time when the local breeding-birds were all paired, while the Shoveler (Spatula clypeata), in east Suffolk almost entirely a spring migrant, was back in its breeding quarters by mid- March and the Garganey (A. querquedula) by April 18th. The only coasting migration visible was of Linnets and Chaffinches to the south, alongshore, on March 2oth, and of Linnets to the south on April 5th, and a few to the north on April 16th, while considerable arrivals of Linnets, Lesser Redpolls and Goldfinches seemed to occur about April 15th, though no actual migration was seen. A big influx of Field- fares was observable on April gth, and both they and the local birds left next day, though I saw a flock a few miles away as late as April 18th. The usual April arrival of Woodcock, in places close to the sea where they were not apparently breeding, was reported from three different areas on April 6th, 14th and 15th. With the exception of the Wheatear (March 20th) and the Turtle-Dove (April 24th), summer migrants in this area seemed scarcer and later than usual. ( 82 ) ON A SOARING CORMORANT. BY DONALD GUNN. On July 7th, 1925, I visited the reservoir at Staines. As I approached from the western side, a Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo), alarmed at my sudden appearance, rose under the near bank and flew to the far side of the reservoir, where it turned and began to sweep round in large circles. Accepting these as tours of inspection preparatory to alighting, I had no doubt the bird would settle again ; and it was not till I had watched it for some time that I grasped the fact that it was slowly mounting in an enormous but shallow spiral. My sight is exceptionally good. The day was clear; a blue sky with large cumulus clouds forming a background which, though not uniform, was favourable to exact observa- tion. I therefore watched the bird carefully in order to see what altitude it would reach, and what direction it would take when it moved off after having gained the desired elevation. But in vain. When last seen—an infinitesimal speck against a white cumulus cloud—the bird was still ringing upwards with, so far as I could judge, the axis of its spiral still vertical. What height did the Cormorant reach before I lost it ? Perhaps that is an idle question. Seton Gordon has said (Nineteenth Century, April, 1927) that “‘For an Eagle to be invisible it must be, at a conservative estimate, at least 8,000 feet in the air’’-—an opinion I assume to be based on the experiments of Lucanus (Die Ratsel des Vogelzuges). We are told that when an object is at such a distance that it subtends a visual angle of one minute, it is easily seen by the normal eye though its form may be unrecognizable. That rule was laid down for use under conditions of good indoor illumination and, of course, applies only to an object, such as a square or a disc, having an average diameter of that magnitude. But a flying bird when overhead approxi- mates more nearly to the form of a rhombus which has one diagonal twice the length of the other: the surface-area of the bird would, however, be far less than that of a rhombus of the same width, and, consequently, its visibility also far less. Frohawk has stated (field, 14 Sept., Igor) that the Shag, which he has measured, has a wingspread of forty inches ; and he judges the Cormorant to have a spread of probably about four feet six inches. Montagu {gives the “ width ”’ vol. xx1.] ON A SOARING CORMORANT. 83 of an unusually large specimen as four feet eleven inches. Other writers all place it between four and five feet. Let us accept the lowest estimate and call it four feet. A soaring bird with a wingspread of four feet would be enclosed by a rhombus of four feet by two feet, and might perhaps have a visibility-value even as low as a square of one foot along the sides. Granting that surmise for want of something better, then my one-foot-square Cormorant would still be plainly visible, though only as a spot, when the visual angle it gave was reduced to one minute—that is, at a distance of 3,500 feet from my eye. And allowing that the bird was half a mile away from my position when it began to rise (which would ~ — f SS | ip f dj be very nearly accurate) and that it mounted straight up- wards, it would be 3,500 feet from my eye, and, therefore, still visible, when it had risen vertically through 2,300 feet. That may or may not be true. The imponderables are too many to allow of much certainty. The good outdoor light would increase visibility ; irradiation might cut it down. Still more important, the bird might have drifted down wind—must have done so unless it was intent on keeping its spiral truly vertical—and this factor has a vital bearing on the matter of its position. There was a north-westerly breeze blowing at the time, and, allowing it a speed of only fifteen miles an hour, the Cormorant’s sag to leeward (away from me) would be at the rate of half a mile in two minutes. 84 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXI. : A drift at that speed, therefore, would have doubled the bird’s distance from me in two minutes and it would have been lost to sight very quickly. So I must assume that it knowingly kept the axis of its spiral vertical (as, indeed, it seemed to me to do) and did not drift while circling—a plan adopted by the Vulture as the easiest method of inspecting a large area of ground. But, whether the postulate I have hazarded is accepted or not—that the bird rose 2,300 feet before I lost it—I am not concerned to show that the Cormorant is able to soar to any particular height. I am satisfied that it would have no trouble in rising to far beyond the limits of human vision. And I can confidently state that, under the conditions then existing, the bird I watched must have gone to an enormous height before it disappeared. A question of more general interest that I would like to put for ornithologists to answer is: Why did the bird behave in that way and expend the energy necessary to mount to such a height ? There are birds, many of them, which almost pass the daylight hours on the wing; others, such as the Cranes and Pelicans, that spend long periods in evolutions at a great height. A bird may be so constituted that, like the Skylark, soaring forms part of its work-a-day impulses. Many power- fully winged birds, such as the Hawks, “are prone to give exhibitions of their soaring powers in the springtime, either as part of nuptial display or as a mere outlet for energy.” But why should a Cormorant, of all birds, when alone on a July day go through such a performance ? And if it is a habit normal to the Cormorant why has it not been observed and commented on more often ? It has been noticed and recorded on at least two occasions, both referred to by Hartert in his article on the Cormorant in Kirkman’s British Bird Book. The two instances were reported by :— 1. G. Mathew. (Zoologist for February, 1875, p. 327.) 2. F. Davies. (veld for 29th January, 1901.) The first of these, however, differs in certain important details from the occurrence I watched at Staines, for two birds took part in it ; they did not pass out of sight ; and their evolutions terminated in a dramatic tumble seaward. Their performance, therefore (although its date was November), had much the character of a pairing demonstration, and I will exclude it without further discussion. But the second vot. xxt.] ON A SOARING CORMORANT. 85 case is worth giving at greater length for it almost echoes my experience. : On a clear day in June a Cormorant was seen to rise from a Welsh river and to ascend in a regular spiral “ until it became a mere speck and finally disappeared from view, and the observer remarks that though Cormorants were common enough in those parts, he had “never seen one— or, indeed, any other bird—soar to such a height.” Now, the place where this was seen (Newcastle Emlyn) is only some fifteen miles from the sea of Cardigan Bay ; so that, in order to get its bearings by a sight of salt water, a Cormorant would need to ascend to only some three hundred feet. But, in spite of that, I am going to put forward the hypo- thesis that in these cases the object of the bird in mounting to so great a height is, in fact, to extend its range of vision by a proportionate expansion of its “ sea-horizon ’’; for that is the only motive I can suggest. More than that, I must acknowledge that when I watched my bird soar I felt convinced, rightly or wrongly, that it was mounting to gain a wider and yet wider view. And, though it may sound absurd to suggest that this Cormorant was looking for the open sea from Staines, I have no doubt that by the time it passed out of my sight it had the mouth of the Thames well in view. For the Nore lightship is but fifty-six miles in a direct line from the point where I stood, and that radius of vision would be gained with an elevation of some 2,200 feet. ( 86 ) RECOVERY OF MARKED BIRDS. (Concluded from p. 60.) No. Place and Date Ringed. Place and Date Recovered. TEAL (Anas c. crecca). 76154 Longtown (Cumberland), Medway Marshes _ (Kent), 3.3.25, ad., Dycslr ke a). Sept., 1926, by L. Biggs. Graham. 76164 Ditto 31.3.23. Where ringed, 3.3.25, by (71690) ringer, and Varberg, Swe- den, 27.8.26, by E. Ander- son. 76196 Ditto 3.3.25. Lochend, near Glasgow, late Wan.) Lo27,.by, Ne As Sangster. 76433 Ditto 25.8.25. Isle of Ameland, Holland, 15.10.25, by D. Woltman. 76464 Ditto 3.9.25. In decoy pond on Island of Fohr (Schleswig-Holstein), 26.9.26, by J. L. Hassold. 76457 Ditto ditto. Shercock (Cavan), Ireland, Nov., 1926, by W. McCul- lough. 78301 Ditto 19.9.25. River Trent, near Willington (Staffs.), late Jan., 1927, by H. St. John Raikel, per The Field. 78353 Ditto 11.11.25. Castlebellingham (Louth), Ireland, Jan., 1927, by B. Campbell. 78431 Ditto 6.1.26. Thornhill (Dumfries.), 7.2.27, by H. S. Gladstone. 78419 Ditto Castle Semple, Loch Winnoch ditto. (Renfrew), 22.1.27, by C. J. Hirst. 78508 Ditto 5.3.26. Downpatrick Marshes (Down), Ireland, 21.12.26, by The Hon. C. Mulholland. 78516 Ditto 9.3.26. Ballinasloe (Galway), Ireland, 27.2.27, by M. Kilcommons. 69644 Leswalt (Wigtown) 10.2.26, Where ringed, 14.10.26, by ad., by M. Portal. ringer. 69645 Ditto ditto. Lochinch, 10 miles away, 20.8.26, by Earl of Stair, per ringer. 69648 Ditto 20.2.26. Where ringed, 1.12.26, by Tinger. 69650 Ditto 17.3.26. Near where ringed, 30.9.26, by R. McConnell, per ringer. VOL. XXI.] No. 104277 104285 104327 103848 TOIL196 LOIO4I 25071 77794 79492 77226 77597 77628 72945 73706 73781 73740 (73708) RECOVERY OF MARKED BIRDS. Place and Date Ringed. 87 Place and Date Recovered. SHAG (Phalacrocorax a. aristotelis). Handa (Sutherland), 18.6.26, Balintore, nestling, by Miss E. C. Sharp. Ditto ad., ditto. Badcall Islands (Suther- land), 24.6.26, nestling, by Miss E. C. Sharp. Fearn (Ross), 4.4.27, by G. Henderson. Loch Shell, Isle of Lewis, early March, 1927, by G. A. Ferguson. Killiegray Island, Sound of Harris, 26.11.26, by K. Campbell. GANNET (Sula bassana). Ailsa Craig (Ayr.), 28.7.24, young, by D. Macdonald. Bass Rock, Scotland, July, 1926, young, by H. W. Robinson. Ditto Aug., 1926. Off Hook Head (Wexford), Ireland, 3.6.27, by A. What- ling. Fécamp (Seine Inférieure), France, early Nov., 1926, by E. Lafitte. Argenton, Porspoder (Finis- tere), France, 31.10.26, by M. P. Salaine. WOOD-PIGEON (Columba p. palumbus). Ullswater June, H. J. Moon. Torrance (Stirling), 15.7.25, young, by J. Bartholomew. Ditto (Westmorland), 3.5.26. Faccombe, near Andover (Hants.), 10.8.25, mest- ling, by P. K. Chance. Scone Estate (Perth), 17.5.25, nestling, by Lord Scone. Ditto 27 AZO. 1925, young, by Wreay, Carlisle (Cumberland), Feb., 1927, by R. Norman. Where ringed, March, 1927, by ringer. Bishopbriggs, near Glasgow (Stirling), 124.27, by 1. Bonar. Where ringed, by C. J. Carter. 19.4.27, Pitroddie, Errol (Perth), spring, 1926, by A. Bone throne. Near where ringed, 16.8.26, by J. Roger & Son. TURTLE-DOVE (Streptopelia t. turtur). Near Gt. Budworth (Ches.), 19.8,24, ad., by A. W. Boyd. Ditto ye pee Ditto 257.26. Ditto S725. Near where ringed, 8.7.25; 9.6.26; 15.6.27; re-ringed 73773- Where ringed, 17.6.27, by Tinger; re-ringed 73775. Ditto, 13.6.27. Captured when displaying to 2 in 1926 and @ also ringed. In 1927, caught in company with different bird—pos- sibly new mate. Ditto 26.6.26 ; 2.8.26 ; 13.6.27; Originally ringed 73708. 88 No. 39506 84881 Z.4791 Z.4936 Y.7717 58893 58905 Z.4842 Y.7628 Y.7629 M7736 X.7245 X.7346 X.1439 92806 51482 2.5504 X.5777 X.9247 Z.9129 X.4399 BRITISH BIRDS. Place and Date Ringed. [VOL. XXI. Place and Date Recovered. OYSTER-CATCHER (Hematopus o. ostralegus). Ainsdale (Lancs.), 5.6.21, nestling, by F. W. Holder. Grange-over-Sands_ (Lancs.), late 1926, by T. Burrow. LAPWING (Vanellus vanellus). Torrance (Stirling), 11.6.15, nestling, by J. Bartholomew. Ditto young 272A. Ditto 7.0.24. Ditto 15.6.25. Ditto 9.6.23. Ditto 19.6.23. Ditto I1.6.24. Ditto 4.6.25. Ditto ditto. Ditto 20.6.25. Ditto 22.520: Ditto 26.6.26. Ditto 5.6.26. Holy Island (Northumber- Jand), 30.6.23, ‘young, by Mrs. T. E. Hodgkin. Kilmacolm (Renfrew), 6.7.24, nestling, by Mr. and Mrs. R. O. Blyth. Ditto Gf PAB) Near Caldbeck (Cumber- land), 10.5.26, nestling, by R. H. Brown. Rockcliffe Marsh (Cumber- - land), 20.5.26, nestling, by R. H. Brown. Newlandhead, near Monikie (Forfar), 7.6.26, young, by H. G. Watson. Logiealmond (Perth), 7.6.26, nestling, by J. Duncan: for Lord Scone. Where ringed, early June, 1927, by ringer. Ditto April, 1927. Ditto June, 1927. Ditto April, 1927. Caerlaverock (Dumfries), 9.2.27, by J. Straiton. Framore (Waterford), Ireland, 29:1.27, by J- J. Griftin. Fethard (Tipperary), Ireland, Feb., 1927, by J. Walsh, per C. J. Carroll. Near Limerick, Ireland, late Nov., 1926, by R. Harris. Rathdowney (Queens Co.) Ireland? 24.12.2605) sbyan)- Morton. Brosna River, Offaly, Ireland, Bui, oye Wily leweiblye Near Westport (Mayo), Ire- land, 26.12.26, by S. Boyle. Published in The Liberator. Sligo Bay, Ireland, 25.12.26, by T. K. McGoldrick. Arcais (Deux Sévres), France, 2O.3:275 Dy, WL. ett. Where ringed, March, 1927, by G. Renton. Aughnacloy (Tyrone), Ire- land, 18.12.26, by W. Coch- rane. Killyleagh (Down), Ireland, 21.1.27, by A. McKee. Charleville (Cork), Ireland, 22.1.27, by J. O’Shaugh- nessey. Ahascragh (Galway), Ireland, 31.1.27, by W. A. Elliott. St. Andrews (Fife), mid-Nov., 1926, by R. Skinner. St. Keverne (West Cornwall), 4.1.27, by P. D. Williams and Daily News. VOL. XxI.| RECOVERY OF MARKED BIRDS. 89 No. Place and Date Ringed. Place and Date Recovered. REDSHANK (Tringa t. totanus). W.2924 Ainsdale (Lancs.), 13.6.26, Barmouth Estuary (Merion- nestling, by F. W. Holder. eth), early Nov., 1926, by J. A. Pilgrim. GREENSHANK (Tringa nebularia). B.8 Sutherland, young, 6.6.26. Near Clonakilty (Cork), Ire- i : : land, 17.10.26, by D. Mac- Carthy. CURLEW (Numenius a. arquata). 77432 Near Caldbeck (Cumber- Near Carlisle (Cumberland), land), 5.6.25, nestling, by 22.6.27, by J. Benson. R. H. Brown. 1 wee 79714 Welton (Cumberland), Near Ballymoney (Antrim), 18.6.26, nestling, by R. Ireland, winter 1926-7, by H. Brown. H. Forgrave. 79018 = Skirwith (Cumberland), Near Ballinasloe (Galway), 3.6.26, nestling, by R. H. Ireland, 11.11.26, by J. Brown. Hanney. RR.222 Warnell Fell (Cumberland), Belmullet (Mayo), Ireland, 26.6.26, young, by R. H. 10.11.26, by M. McHale. Brown. 77619 Logiealmond (Perth), Near Belmullet (Mayo), Ire- 21.6.26, by J. Duncan for land. (10.227, by Gs. a. Lord Scone. Massey. WOODCOCK (Scolopax r. rusticola). X.6947 Kinloch, Meigle (Perth), Near where ringed, 6.11.26, 9.5.26, young, by C. W. by ringer. Walker. Y.3621 Abbeystead, near Lancaster, Mount Gallan, Inagh (Clare), June, 1926, young, by H. Ireland, 16.2.27, by W. Robinson. Tottenham. X.4739 Bowhill, Selkirk, 24.7.26, Philiphaugh, Selkirk, 23.12.26, nestling, by — Warwick by A. L. Butler, also Major for Lord Scone. Strang-Steel in The Field. SANDWICH TERN (Sterna s. sandvicensis). Z.1772 Tentsmuir (Fife), 30.6.23, Goulven Bay (Finistére), young, by H. G. Watson. France, 20.9.26, by Com- mandant Hemery. LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus f. affinis). 27449 Bowness Moss (Cumber- St. Louis (Senegal), W. Africa, land), 4.7.26, nestling, by March, 1927, by C. Millet. R. H. Brown. 26393 Foulshaw (Westmorland), Préfailles (Loire Inférieure), 10.7.26, young, by H. W, 3.5.27, by M. Bassereau. Robinson. RAZORBILL (Alca torda). 79520 Handa Island (Sutherland), Near Haugesund, Norway, 29.6.26, young, by E. 21.9.26, by H. Naesheim. Cohen, THE 1927 IRRUPTION OF THE CROSSBITL. From the information already to hand it is evident that the irruption of Crossbills (Loxia curvirostra) to this country this summer is on a very large scale. Summaries of the notes received are published below and these are arranged so far as possible in geographical order. It is to be hoped that our readers will continue observations and forward their notes on the subject, as it is important that the movement should be fully recorded. Notes should state locality, date when first seen, approximate number, dates of any noticeable increase or decrease, or entire depar- ture, and nature of food. It should also be stated if and when Crossbills have previously been noted in the locality. It might also be stated in what proportion adult males occur. Without attempting to summarize the information at this stage, it may be mentioned that from the observations already received, the migration would appear to have been more extensive in a westerly direction than in the great irruption of 1909 (see British Birds, Vol. III.). H. F. WITHERBY. SCOTLAND. ORKNEY.—On July 24th Mr. D. J. Robertson saw a flock of from thirty to forty near the cliffs at Skaill on the west coast of the mainland of Orkney. No adult males were seen. The birds seemed to be feeding on seeds of the sea-pink. CAITHNESS.—On July roth and again on 13th and 14th Mr. C. Oldham saw three apparently young birds feeding on the sward on the treeless Holburn Head at Scrabster. On July 11th Mr. Oldham saw nine (including two red birds) in bracken and ling at Dunnet Head, while on the 14th he saw three in another part of the same headland. SUTHERLAND.—On July 22nd Mr. Oldham saw seven at Golspie. INVERNESS-SHIRE.—From July 23rd to 27th Mr. Oldham saw several parties of from six to twenty or more in Strath- nairn, and in the district east of Loch Ness and southward to Fort Augustus. Some were in Scots fir, some in birch forest. (N.B.—It is possible that some of these were of the Scottish form.) VOL. XXI.] NOTES. 91 ABERDEENSHIRE.—In the first week of August Mr. P. Mackenzie observed a very large increase of Crossbills in the Balmoral district. Birds of the resident form were in their usual small numbers until early July, when a certain number of young were observed. The large numbers (fifty to sixty being seen in flocks) which arrived early in August. were evidently not the resident birds and were either oversea immigrants or represented a movement of the Scottish form from another district. ENGLAND AND WALES. WESTMORLAND.—On July roth Mr. A. Astley saw five in a Scots fir at Ambleside, and on July 21st and for several following days three in larch trees at Bowness-on-Windermere. YORKSHIRE.—On August 1st Mr. W. S. Medlicott saw a single bird, and on the roth a flock of about forty at Goathland. ‘The birds were chiefly in spruce and alder. DENBIGHSHIRE.—On July 19th Mr. M. V. Wenner saw six at Llangwm in larch and fir. Two were adult males. CARNARVONSHIRE.—On August 12th Mr. H. E. Forrest ‘received a young male from Menai Bridge, where two parties ‘were noticed. MoONTGOMERYSHIRE.—On July 31st Mr. J. S. Elliott saw a few at Churchstoke, feeding on larch. BRECONSHIRE.—On July 7th Commander A. T. Wilson ssaw a large number in Scots fir at Garth. The next day no tbirds were seen. SHROPSHIRE.—On July gth one caught at Broseley is recorded by Mr. H. E. Forrest, and from the 26th to the end cof the month a number are reported from various places tby Mr. Forrest and Mr. J. S. Elhott, especially between tBroseley and Craven Arms. WORCESTERSHIRE.—On July 21st Mr. J. S. Elliott saw eeleven at Dowles, and these increased to sixteen which were ‘still present on August 8th. On July 23rd Mr. E. St. George fBetts saw a flock of forty to fifty near Rednal feeding on ‘larch. Most had gone in about a week, but a few were still there on August 8th. HEREFORDSHIRE.—On July 30th Mr. H. A. Gilbert noted stwo small flocks at Bishopstone. One was feeding on peas vand others on spruce shoots. GLOUCESTERSHIRE.—From July 17th to 28th Mr. R. G. ‘Willan daily saw flocks of twenty and upwards in the Forest of Dean. They appeared to be feeding entirely on larch seeds. Similar flocks were seen by the same observer near 92 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXI. Symonds Yat on the 28th. On July 28th Mr. J. S. Elliott noted a few at Stanton near Broadway. MONMOUTHSHIRE.—In the first week in August Mr. R. G. Willan saw considerable numbers in the Crown woods at Tintern, feeding on larch-seed. SOMERSETSHIRE.—About July toth and subsequently to August 11th Mr. F. H. L. Whish saw a number at Lympsham in flocks of six to twenty, feeding on fir cones. DEVONSHIRE.—On August 14th and 16th Mr. B. J. Ringrose saw one on Lundy Island, feeding on thistle-seeds. On August 9th Mr. D. Seth-Smith saw some on Berry Head, south Devon, and a few days later quite fifty there, feeding upon thistles. Most were young birds. HAMPSHIRE.—On June 27th Major M. Portal reports some at Owlsbury in larches, and on August 6th about twenty near Wickham. On August 2nd Mrs. K. M. Chilver saw two in an apple tree at Bournemouth, where also the Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain saw two on August 17th. On August 5th and to the 20th Mr. M. C. W. Dilke had up to sixteen in his garden at Fawley. They were apparently feeding on Scots fir. On August 3rd Mr. A. Arnold saw a flock of about twenty at Rookesbury Park and they were there up to the 18th. On August 8th the same observer saw a flock at Hambledon. SURREY.—On August 4th Major M. Portal reports about fifteen in the Pensham district. On August 5th Mr. A. Arnold reports some from Frensham. On July 15th Mr. C. W. Colthrup noticed a large influx in the district where he reported Crossbills breeding in 1926 (antea, Vol. XX., p. 273), and where they bred again in 1927. On July 22nd and on- various dates up to August 3rd Mr. Colthrup saw some in his garden at East Dulwich. SUSSEX AND KENT.—On July 13th Mr. Collingwood Ingram saw some near Battle and has since observed them (usually in parties of from three to twelve) in a number of localities in Sussex and Kent, including Thanet. BERKSHIRE.—On July 21st four were seen by Mr. J. S. Reeve near Cholsey. BUCKINGHAMSHIRE.—On August 14th Mr. C. Oldham saw two small parties at Aston Clinton. These were in spruces and were feeding, not on cones, but on something among the foliage. HERTFORDSHIRE.—On August 2nd Mr. A. P. Meiklejohn saw eleven near Wheathampstead in fir trees. On August ath Mr. Oldham saw about a dozen on Northchurch Common in Scots fir. yOL. XXI.] NOTES. 93 Norro.k.—On July 2nd Mr. A. P. Meiklejohn saw a small flock near Holt in a pine wood, and on the 28th another small flock, but he is informed by Mr. H. T. Linton that Crossbills have been in the district since the spring. LINCOLNSHIRE.On July 14th a flock of about fifty were reported to Mr. J. S. Reeve in his garden near Lincoln, and on the 25th he saw twelve there, at least one being an adult male. IRELAND. Antrim.—On July 25th Mr. J. Cunningham saw half a dozen (mostly in immature plumage) at Fernhill, Belfast, and on August rst he saw some at Parkmore feeding in spruce trees. LONDONDERRY.—On July 31st Commander J. Chichester- Clark saw a large number on the shores of Lough Neagh. DoneGAL.—On July 14th, and subsequently, Mr. C. V. Stoney saw a flock of from six to ten at Raphoe. They were feeding on larch. Mr. Stoney also reports some from near Ramelton, and from Portsalon near the mouth of Lough Swilly. ete July roth Mr. H. McWilliam reported three from Monaghan, which were “taking off the tips of ba tr tree.” UNUSUAL SITE OF CHAFFINCH’S NEST. Last year I reported in British Birds (Vol. XX., p. 105) an unusual nesting site of a pair of Goldfinches (Carduelis c. _ britannica) in the ivy growing on one of the bridges which ‘span the River Dart, Devon. This year (1927) a pair of \Chaffinches (I*vingilla c. celebs) built their nest on a stone |} projecting from the same bridge. One very small piece of | ivy was overhanging the stone, otherwise there was no attempt at concealment and the nest was quite visible from some ‘distance. The nest was about half built when I first dis- covered it, and I watched it for a few minutes almost daily until it was completed. Eggs were duly laid and the bird »sat on them for several days, but unfortunately the nest and eggs came to an untimely end. Both, the nesting sites of the Goldfinch and the Chaffinch, were remarkable for the fact that there are three orchards only a few yards from the bridge, in any of which one would expect them to build. STANLEY PERSHOUSE. 94 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXxI. REJECTION OF CUCKOOS’ EGGS BY REED- WARBLERS. THE Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain writes in “ A Study on Parasitism in the Cuckoos” (Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London, July 21st, 1925, page 648) :— ““ Most field-workers occasionally come across cases in which either the nests are deserted by the fosterer after the Cuckoo’s egg has been deposited or sometimes the Cuckoo’s egg is ejected, and in that case it is no doubt very frequently overlooked. Another plan is for the fosterer to build over the original nest and to bury the intruding egg in the foundation. “ One of the most remarkable instances of this kind is that recorded by the Rev. J. R. Hale. On June 15th, 1893, he found a bulky Reed- Warbler’s (Acrocephalus sciypaceus) nest with four fresh eggs. On taking these out, a Cuckoo’s egg was just visible embedded in the lining. When this was removed, a Reed-Warbler’s egg was found, and still lower a sixth Reed-Warbler’s egg; below this again was a seventh Warbler’s egg with another egg of the Cuckoo. Carefully taken to pieces, the structure proved to consist of three or, more exactly, two and a half nests built one over the other, the uppermost being merely a new rim with a slight lining. The Cuckoo’s eggs were not of the same type.” I am glad to be able to record another instance of a Reed- Warbler behaving in the same way. My friend, Mr. Ernest E. Elgar, writes to me as follows :— “In company with Mr. W. Mead Briggs, on June roth, 1889, near Sandwich, Kent, I found a Reed-Warbler’s nest containing four eggs, but I thought the nest rather unusual and cut the reeds and took it out. When we sat down to lunch, we were examining the nest and I noticed something under the bottom which turned out to be a Cuckoo’s egg. We left it there and when we got home we carefully cut the nest in halves vertically, and found the Cuckoo’s egg and one Reed-Warbler’s under the seat of the nest and came to the conclusion that the old birds had had something to do with a baby Cuckoo before, so when they found this egg in their nest they covered it in, raised the sides of the nest and then completed the clutch, but why they did not turn the Cuckoo’s egg out of the nest beats me ! “The nest with the two eggs under the false bottom and four eggs on the top were exhibited for several years at the Natural History Museum, but last time I went there it had gone and I could not find out anything about it.” au rm ; To appreciate thoroughly this additional evidence that the Reed-Warbler and other fosterers in many cases do all that they can without desertion of nest—to get rid of the Cuckoo’s egg—I would refer those interested to Mr. Jourdain’s “Study on Parasitism in the Cuckoos.” James R. HALE. , REJECTION OF CUCKOO'S EGG BY TREE-PIPIT. On May 25th, 1915, I found the nest of a Tree-Pipit (Anthus t. trivialis) in an orchard in S.W. Kent. It contained five eggs of the black-blotched type. Half buried in the rim of VOL. XXI.] NOTES. 95 the nest was the egg of a Cuckoo (Cuculus c. canorus) of the grey Pied Wagtail-type, quite unlike those of the Tree-Pipit. The question of rejection of the Cuckoo’s egg by the Tree- Pipit at once occurred to me and in order to test it I replaced it in the nest. I was away the next day, but on visiting the nest on the 27th I found the Cuckoo’s egg lying well outside beyond the rim of the nest. I replaced it again and on the 31st received a postcard from my father, whom I had asked to visit the nest in my absence, that the egg had again been ejected. N. F. TICEHURST. SNOWY OWLS SEEN IN INVERNESS-SHIRE. ON the afternoon of May 1st, 1927, Mr. J. C. Harrison, the bird artist, and I were walking up Glen Feshie, a glen that leads into the Cairngorms south of Kingussie. There were five inches of snow on the ground, but the sky was cloudless and the sun very warm. We were passing beneath a high cliff where a pair of Ravens were nesting. The old birds had seen us and circled over head, but had now settled down. Suddenly one of them flew out excitedly, and, following with our eyes the line of its flight, we saw three white birds drifting —for that exactly describes their progress—down the glen and steering north-north-west. They were about goo feet above us. What impressed us first was their wonderful whiteness and the almost uncanny gliding swiftness of their flight. They were quite unlike any British bird. All too soon they had gone behind the hill. Mr. Harrison had his glasses ready and was quite positive that the birds were Snowy Owls (Nyctea nyctea). A sketch which he kindly presented me with afterwards shows their features unmis- takably. This occurrence is interesting in view of the large southward migration of Snowy Owls which occurred in the north Atlantic in the late autumn of 1926. SETON GORDON. LITTLE OWL NESTING-IN RAILWAY POINT BOX. A MOsT curious place for a nest of the Little Owl (Athene n. vidalit) has just come to my notice. The selected spot is on the railway track at a small country station of the L.M.S. Railway in north Staffordshire. The nest is in what the railway officials term the “ truncheon box,” covering a disc at railway points. This box has rails close to each side of it, and trains are frequently passing within three or four feet of the nest all day. The nest contained three young ones, but there are now two only, the third having been found dead, 96 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXI. Its death was probably caused by getting caught between the connecting rods when the points were being moved. JouN R. B. MASEFIELD, WHITE-TAILED EAGLE IN INVERNESS-SHIRE. AT 5 p.m. B.S.T. on May 23rd, 1927, from my window at Aviemore, I saw a large bird pass heavily up the valley of the Spey. At first I thought it was a Golden Eagle, but there was a clumsiness in its flight that made me doubtful of it. Ihurried out with my glass, and saw that it was a White- tailed Eagle (Haligetus albicilla). The day was dark and the white tail was conspicuous against the dark hill-side. I should say the bird was in its third or fourth year as the extreme tip of its tail was black. It flew so far above the river, then turned N.W. across the shoulder of Creag Eallachie. A Black-headed Gull was mobbing it for a time. It was interesting to compare the flight with the Golden Eagle’s flight. The White-tailed Eagle was decidedly larger, but what struck me was the heaviness of its flight, and it was this that, when I saw it first, put me in mind of the Heron. As I had a stalking glass with me I was able to have an excellent view. It was fortunate that I happened to look out of the window at the very moment the Eagle was passing, as I have never heard of the Erne being seen in the Spey Valley during recent years. SETON GORDON. GRIFFON VULTURES SEEN IN DERBYSHIRE. On June 4th, 1927, I saw two Griffon Vultures (Gyps fulvus) over Ashbourne at about 6 p.m. When first seen they were only a few hundred yards distant and their unusual size was, of course, a characteristic feature, but later, they soared away to an immense height. They rose at first almost perpendicularly, but when high in the sky they made a N.W. course against a rather strong wind. They were under observation for about a quarter of an hour; at the end of that time one of the birds turned into the eye of the wind and sailed along to the S.E. (towards Derby), whilst the other kept on its N.W. course (towards Buxton and the Peak) and both were lost to view. The white ruff round the neck and the white bare head were clearly seen in the case of one of the birds, and even at a great height were easily detected when they caught the sunlight. The colour of the birds was a dirty brown, and (with the exception of the ruff) there was no white about them. VOL. XXxI.] NOTES. 97 They were also seen by my partner, Dr. Hollick, and his daughter, Miss Kathleen Hollick. ERNEST A. SADLER. While watching for the return of homing Pigeons on June 4th, 1927, at Ashbourne, I saw two very large birds, obviously Vultures, circling overhead and not very high. They had light coloured ruffs round the neck and bald heads, and remained for about twenty minutes soaring about. Having had previous experience of Vultures in South Africa, I recognised them by their shape and flight. Roughly, they seemed to be between six and seven feet across the wings. I went to the house and fetched my daughter, and then went to Dr. Sadler’s garden where we watched them together as long as they remained in sight, one going northward and the other to the east at a great height. HusBert H. HOLLick, WIGEON RINGED. IN CUMBERLAND REPORTED FROM NORTH-EAST RUSSIA. THE authorities of the Soviet National Museum of the region Komi-Ust-Sysolak have written to inform me that they have received a foot of a duck bearing one of our rings numbered 36823. The duck was killed by a local hunter on May 27th, 1926, on the river Ijma, near the village of Kartaielskce in the district of Ijma-Petchora, north-east Russia, in latitude 64°.5, longitude 57°. This ring was put on a Wigeon (Anas penelope) on September 4th, 1920, by Mr. T. L. Johnston at Beckside, Longtown, Cumberland. The bird was_ hand- reared in 1920 from eggs picked up in the locality, and one wing was cut. Two other Wigeons ringed at the same time (Nos. 36806 and 36816) were shot in September and October, 1921, on Rockcliffe Marsh, near where they were ringed. This record is of extreme interest, especially when con- sidered in conjunction with the journey performed by another Wigeon ringed in Warwickshire and reported from Uralsk, nearly as far to the east though a long way to the south of this Petchora bird, but it may be noted that this was a month earlier in the year. The fact that the Solway-Petchora Wigeon was taken at the end of May is an indication that it was breeding or about to breed somewhere in this district, and thus forms a remark- able instance of abmigration as Dr. Landsborough Thomson _ has termed it. 98 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. xxl. SKETCH MAP TO SHOW THE JOURNEYS PERFORMED BY TWO RINGED WIGEON. Ringed. 36823 Beckside, Long- Reported. On River Ijma, lat. 64.5, town, Cumberland, as a young hand-reared bird, September 4th, long. 57, May 27th, 1926, by Mr. W. Woul- fertt, £920, py Mir; WH. aL, Johnston. 36917. = Middleton, Tam- worth, Warwickshire, as a bird of the year, October 6th, 1915, by the. date: Wi. I. ide Hamel. RED-NECKED GREBE IN NORFOLK IN JUNE. ONE day in mid-June, 1927, on the Norfolk Broads, a Grebe emerged from a dive close to the launch I was in, not more than two yards away, and I had no difficulty in identifying it as a Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps griseigena). It remained close to our boat and looked anxiously around as though it might have young ones not far away. I called two or three friends’ attention to it and the very bright orange-chestnut neck and greyish cheek and the difference between it and the Near Uralsk, April 21st, 1918 (see Brit. Birds, XT, Paez) H. F. WITHERBY. VOL. XXI.] NOTES. 99 Great Crested Grebe in size, etc. We all agreed as to its being a Red-necked Grebe. Joun R. B. MASEFIELD. AVOCET IN NORTH KENT. An Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) made its appearance on the Isle of Sheppey during the week of July 3rd-roth, 1927. It flew up and down the shore for several days and fed on the mud flats at low tide, but was not observed after July 8th. H. Rarr Kerr. BLACK TERNS IN NORTH KENT. On July 7th, 1927, while on the Isle of Sheppey, I saw two pairs of Black Terns (Chlidonias n. niger) flying over the marsh and also along the shore. They were in the company of several pairs of Little Terns (Sterna a. albifrons). This is the first record I have made of Black Terns on Sheppey. H. Ratt KERR. LITTLE CRAKE IN CARDIGAN. In my Vertebrate Fauna of North Wales there are many references to birds in the collection of the late Dr. W. E. E. Kershaw of Aberdovey. In May, 1927, I re-examined the collection to see if there were any species therein which had been overlooked. I noticed a specimen of the Little Crake (Porzana parva). On enquiry, I ascertained from Mrs. Kershaw that the bird was picked up on the railway at Ynyslas, on the Cardiganshire shore of the Dovey Estuary, by Mr. Hilton Kershaw. It was quite fresh, and had prob- ably met its death by flying against the telegraph wires. The date, so far as she could remember, was 1894. This is an addition to the Fauna of North Wales. H. E. ForREstT. HOopoE IN CORNWALL IN JuLy.—Mr. H. M. Wallis writes that on July 14th, 1927, a friend saw a bird, which by the description was undoubtedly a Hoopoe (Upupa epops), on the lawn of a small house in the town of Falmouth. A very early date if the bird was on autumn passage. BLACK-NECKED GREBE WITH DEFORMED BiILL.—Comment- ing on Mr. J. Bartholomew’s note (antea, p. 69) on a Blackbird with a deformed bill, Mr. J. B. Watson describes a Black- necked Grebe (Podiceps n. nigricollis), one of a party of four- teen, that he had under observation on the Lake of Geneva in the spring of 1927. This bird’s upper mandible was curved directly upwards from the base. It evidently suffered considerable disability in feeding as it assumed its summer plumage later than the others and remained behind after the others had left. At the same time the disability would not be so great in the case of a Grebe as in that of a bird that does not obtain its food in the water; in the latter case such a deformity must necessarily end in starvation. 100 BRITISH BIRDS. [VoL. XXI. LETTERS. ON BREEDING OF CERTAIN DUCKS IN SCOTLAND. To the Editors of BritisH Brrps. Strs,—In reply to Mr. Jourdain’s Editorial to my letter, I cannot see what fresh evidence I brought in, for I thought that I made it quite clear in my original article (Scottish Naturalist) that Mr. Whitaker actually saw the duck on the new nest. In my letter in your last issue, I most certainly did not infer that the deserted clutch was not taken—indeed I distinctly said that it was the one taken and enlarged upon the fact. Mr. Whitaker’s statement (in litt.) ‘‘never does anything of the kind,” refers to the present not to the past, obviously on account of his age. It would be most interesting to learn to what type of egg the ones in dispute belonged to, if they are not those of the Velvet Scoter. I suppose that the names of living collectors cannot be published because they are lawbreakers and might be prosecuted, as they richly deserve to be! In mentioning the clutch of Scaup said to have been taken in Fife, I was merely seeking further information on the subject, which Mr. Jourdain has now given, and for which I am indebted to him. LANCASTER. H. W. RosInson. [In Mr. Robinson’s letter (antea, p. 69) he gives the additional information that Mr. Whitaker saw the Velvet-Scoter “ sitting on her eggs close to the deserted clutch.’’ No details are given as to the eggs, and it is not even stated whether the bird was flushed or merely seen apparently incubating, nor can we infer from Mr. Robinson’s account whether this was noted on the same or a subsequent visit. It is, however, quite a different version to the bare statement that the bird bred again later on “‘ hard by.” I have not at present access to the sale catalogue of the Crewe collection, owing to a move, but the incident happened a good many years ago when Mr. Whitaker was contributing freely to periodicals and undertaking long journeys in search of eggs, yet not a single word on the subject has ever appeared under his signature on the subject. When dealing with professional collectors, Mr. Robinson opines that it is because they are lawbreakers that their names are suppressed, and that the fear of richly deserved prosecution is the reason for the omission of their names. I would suggest that British Birds is not the organ for the advertisement of professional dealers and that amateur collectors who break laws are equally liable to prosecution.—F. C. R. JourRDAIN.] >) LOW TEURIDS lV Ee To the Editors of BritisH Brrps. Sirs,—With your permission I should like to answer one or two of the points raised by Mr. Jourdain in his interesting criticism of my How Birds Live. First, as to territory among birds of prey. The statements he quotes are, thus isolated, quite obviously indefensible. Ishould no more dream of arguing against the existence of communities among Raptores than he would. The challenged phrase directly follows several pages emphasising that only severe pressure can main- tain the system of individual territories, and that where stringency of food-supply is relaxed some degree of tolerance or communism will follow in every case. I said: “‘ My standpoint is that nothing but hard pressure of circumstances can bring about and maintain territorial jealousy . . . . Yet territory and its alternatives are not aims or systems in themselves, but simply the balance arrived at by various contending forces and instincts . . . . Birds of prey, which VOL. XXI.] LETTERS. 101 perform a function peculiarly liable to abuse, are held in check. . . etc. Very significantly, Mr. Jourdain omitted from his quotation the words I have put in italics. That omission explains how we come to be at cross-purposes ; while I was considering simply the forms which function as birds of prey he took me up as if I had made the absurd statement that none of the order Accipitres are sociable— an entirely different thing. (Incidentally, I wrote in each case “‘ birds of prey,” without capitals ; not ‘‘the Birds of Prey” as he quotes me.) The overlooked clause involves a very real distinction. Econo- mically Lesser Kestrels, Red-footed Falcons and the like are simply glorified flycatchers ; while Vultures and Kites are no more predatory than many Gulls and Crows—these, like the aptly quoted examples of Ospreys breeding sociably in America, do not confute my argument but reinforce it. For the deciding factor in these cases, just as in the converse instance of White Storks breaking up their old breeding colonies in Germany and nesting singly, is simply food-supply, and, as I have been arguing all along, inordinate restriction of food-supply in the breeding season is linked with territorial jealousy and plenty with tolerance or actual communism. Again, Mr. Jourdain has evidently misunderstood me over the in- crease of Peregrines. Obviously enough, after long artificial repression some such adjustment will be needed ; what I hold is not that they cannot increase, but that they cannot increase beyond a definite economic ratio to their potential victims. I said that the numbers had remained stable ‘‘ until their enemies became so much better armed that the contest could no longer be sustained ’’ ; they are now demonstrably much below par. Vast sea-bird colonies might well give scope even for several pairs of Peregrines to live without ill effects. As I stated on p. 34, the number of Hawks is stabilized through territory ; but I never said it was stabilized at the absurdly low ratio to which two centuries of malignant persecution have artificially reduced it in Britain. When such uneconomic interference is brought to an end they will regain their natural status, which, as Mr. Jourdain shows, is considerably more important than their present one. It is necessary for this to be made clear ; to maintain that Hawks have an unlimited scope for increase would be to deny the perfectly obvious elementary truth that control of bird population in relation to food- supply is exercised through the check of territory invoked by a shortage. For the rest, I should never dream of saying that ‘“ the Guillemot lives as long as the average of human life’; I did say that ‘“‘ Many of the larger birds, and the Guillemot may well be one of them, ave quite capable of living as long as the average man or longer’, but for their very much heavier risks, because they have in practice been known to do so under favourable conditions. I credited a pair of Blackbirds with “on an average at least nine eggs’ in a season—not the dog- matic ‘9g’ quoted, and far from losing sight of the fact that half its life is spent in winter I expressly said: “‘ With us the chief agencies in keeping the numbers down are almost undoubtedly migration or the alternative of enduring hard weather.’’ The one well-founded charge is the last one; I am grateful for Mr. Jourdain’s suggestion on the possibility of vocal signals inaudible to an observer, and confess I had overlooked the factor. I am well aware that the generalizations involved in a sketch of bird-life restricted to some twenty thousand words are subject to exceptions, and past ornithologists have been prone to dwell on these striking cases to the disproportionate neglect of the normal. To me the fact that birds which live by killing other birds are with few exceptions exclusive in their territorial habits seems more 102 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXI. significant than the fact that Eleonora’s Falcon manages to combine sociability and hunting. To rate the one aberrant specimen, the one freak egg, the one abnormal habit so high is a part of the collector’s habit of mind which has long held ornithology back, and kept some of the most obvious and essential truths about bird life from being recog- nized until this century. I admit I find it strange to be rebuked for statements I never made with the aid of arguments along much the same lines as my own. Mr. Jourdain can have no true quarrel with what I have maintained, for my view of the facts is much the same as his. His quarrel must be against my manner of expression, and if a further edition should be called for I shall try to remove all chance of misunderstanding, the blame for which rests partly on myself. E. M. NicHorson. [After carefully re-reading Mr. Nicholson’s argument as to territory among birds of prey, I cannot but think that my inferences as to his meaning were fully justified. The distinction between ‘ Birds of Prey’ and “ birds of prey’”’ is one which cuts both ways. Taken in the sense in which Mr. Nicholson restricts it in his letter, “ birds of prey ’’ must include such species as the larger predaceous Gulls, Larus marinus, L. hyperboreus, etc. Yet great colonies of both species may be found, with nests only a yard or so apart, so that the statements are just as fallacious as when restricted to the Accipitres! The phrase ‘‘ which perform a function peculiarly liable to abuse,” is vague and might equally be taken to refer to all birds of prey. But even if we exclude the Lesser Kestrels and Red-footed Falcons as being mere “ glorified Flycatchers,” there still remain so many species which can and do breed sociably and yet are, in the fullest sense, predaceous, that Mr. Nicholson’s generalizations lose all their force. The deciding factor, as he now admits, is the food supply, and not the “ fierce, unreasoning jealousy, so strong that even in the dead season they are rarely capable of forming the smallest and simplest society,” as given in his book. Similarly, with regard to the Peregrine, if Mr. Nicholson had written as he now does there would have been less scope for criticism. There is little to show in How Birds Live that he regards the present population as much below par. On the other hand he is at pains to point out that even in the Middle Ages savage protection laws were unable to produce an increase in the number of resident pairs. Probably the numbers in the west of England are now higher than in the Middle Ages, as the food supply has increased, and, so far from being stabilized through territory, the only limits are the extent of food available, and in some districts the number of available nesting sites. It is strange that the only reference to the ‘‘two centuries of malignant persecution ’’ which have been far the most important factor in the distribution of our Raptores, is the one, somewhat cryptic, sentence which Mr. Nicholson quotes from p. 34. With regard to the Guillemot’s term of life, can Mr. Nicholson produce any evidence of the existence of one bird for a period over twenty years ? In the later paragraphs of his letter Mr. Nicholson reverts to his earlier views, and asserts that birds which live by killing other birds are, with few exceptions, exclusive in their territorial habits. (Why should the bird killers only be mentioned to the exclusion of those which prey on mammals, reptiles, fish, etc. ?) This is to him more significant than the fact that the Eleonoran Falcon combines sociability and hunting. The real fact is that of the British-breeding Accipitres alone, the Merlin, Kestrel, Golden Eagle, Common Buzzard, Montagu’s Harrier, VOL. XXI.] LETTERS. 103 White-tailed Eagle and Osprey have all been shown to breed more or less sociably under favourable conditions, while there 1s some evidence as to three or four additional species. The only species which breeds with us regularly as to which evidence of sociability is apparently lacking is the Sparrow-Hawk. This is no case of undue stress being laid by the critic on the abnormal habit of one species, as Mr. Nicholson suggests by his reference to the Eleonoran Falcon. To compare such criticism to the overrating of the importance of an abnormal egg or an aberrant bird is quite futile, for it is his own law, enunciated as general, which is based on a misapprehension of the real factors which govern the increase of predaceous birds, and he has founded it on the exception rather than the rule, mistaking segregation though artificial diminution in numbers for the effect of territorial jealousy.—F. C. R. JourDAIN.] “HOW BIRDS LIVE.” To the Editors of BritisH BirRps. Srrs,—I am particularly interested in Mr. Jourdain’s remarks in his review of How Birds Live, and agree with him in his criticism of Mr. Nicholson’s statement that ‘‘ In England, at any rate, sociability makes no further headway among the birds of prey.” In the hills bordering industrial Lancashire, many moorlands that were formerly well preserved, have, during recent years, been neglected ; and the Merlin (Falco c. esalon),whichin the old days was only known as an uncommon nesting species, has become quite common. I have, during the present season (1927), seen six nests with eggs in a three miles walk, and it is quite usual to have three or four adult Merlins flying around us when we are near a nest. In 1925, two nests were about 350 yards apart, and within ? mile were another two nests about } mile apart ; three of these held young ones. During the present year, Mr. Frank Whatmough of Rochdale and I have seen twenty nests of Merlin in a quadrant of about eleven miles by two miles, behind a thickly populated industrial area ; and several other nests have been found by a keeper; I believe that some of the nests seen (probably six) were second nests, but there were certainly at least twenty pairs of Merlins within these limits. Adjoining areas have also proved prolific: six nests have been found by a friend in a small area to the west, and we have known of many others to the east and south-east. From the above facts my contention is that if our birds of prey were allowed to live and breed without interference by man, they would reach that state of sociability which is described by Mr. Jourdain as occurring in several Continental and N. American species. FRED TAYLOR. SIZE OF CLUTCHES OF EGGS OF THE ROBIN. To the Editors of BritisH Brrps. Strs,—Mr. J. H. Owen in his note on the clutch of the Robin (antea, pp. 64-65) states that “as many as seven is not really rare.” Out of fifty-nine nests examined in the past six years only one held a clutch of seven eggs; ten nests had six eggs each, thirteen nests had four each, the rest five. Do other readers find a larger proportion of seven-egg clutches than the above ? R. H. Brown. [This is, of course, only a question as to what “ really rare” means. Clutches of 5 of Buzzard are “ really rare’ because only two British cases are known. If everyone found a clutch of 7 in every 60 nests of Robins examined there would be some hundreds known. I think 1 in 60 quite as large a proportion as occurs anywhere.—F.C.R. J.] Days with the Golden Eagle. By Seton Gordon. 4to. Williams & Norgate, London. 12s. 6d. Mr. SETON GORDON, with the help of his wife, whose share in the first-hand observations must not be forgotten, has produced a mono- graph that cannot fail to interest the ordinary reader, apart from the ornithologist. The Eagle, as the King of Birds, has been made familiar to every one of us by fable, tradition and story from one’s nursery days. A book that deals with its real life and environment, its relations with men and with other species of mammals and birds, by an author who was born and bred in an Eagle country and to whom Eagles are an every-day sight, is most welcome. Mr. Gordon devotes quite a number of chapters to word pictures of the Eagle’s country, which are put before the reader with vividness and wealth of description and it is evident that the author loves every hill and corrieofit. The descrip- tions are indeed so vivid that one is able to live in the country one’s self while reading them; at the same time one cannot help feeling that there is a sameness about one or two of the chapters that would prove boring to some readers. The author was indeed fortunate in finding a tree-built eyrie that could be overlooked from a steep hillside, so that watching and photo- graphy could be conducted at close quarters with facility and compara- tive (!) comfort. The chapters containing the narrative of the Eagle’s home life thus acquired are full of valuable facts and observations and merit the attention of every bird-lover. Those on the Eagle’s food are equally valuable and interesting and of this the author has compiled an authentic list that runs to no less than thirty-two items. On the preservation of Eagles or otherwise, Mr. Gordon is on sound lines and puts down the evidence for and against in a quite impartial manner, both from his own and other first-hand observations. The conclusions seem to be that so long as hares and rabbits are plentiful, but little harm is done by Eagles to Grouse, though occasionally a single individual may become a “‘rogue’”’ in this respect, just as a single Kestrel may with young Pheasants. What game-preservers chiefly complain about is of Grouse being driven off their ground by Eagles in the shooting season, and those, and there seem to be many such, are to be commended who tolerate and even welcome the pre- sence of Eagles on their ground. With regard to sheep the consensus of opinion seems to be that the Golden Eagle practically never touches a lamb that is alive. We welcome the author's statement that, taking the Highlands of Scotland all over, it is probable that the Golden Eagle is holding its own. Mr. Gordon’s photographs are excellent, though one or two have suffered somewhat from over-enlargement. Mr. Harrison’s pencil sketches as chapter headings are charming, while his coloured plates form an attractive feature of the book, the one of an Eagle striking Grey Lag being a really fine picture —N.F.T. @ ou SH Tae vehi'!SH MG PS Oo ae oe 4 > Z Z ie ae S \ : thon ; D * 2 ay QF: of —J SJAL HIST FOR SALE.—THORBURN’S BRITISH BIRDS. Large paper, limited edition. 4 vols., 1926. Clean as issued, now out of print. What offers? oP Address—T., Office of “‘ British Birds. LE GERFAUT REVUE BELGE D’ORNITHOLOGIE (ondée en 1911.) Le seule publication scientifique belge traitant des oiseaux, spécialement des oiseaux de la Belique. Abonnement 25 francs belges - 5 Belgas par an. Direction: Square Prince Charles 21, Bruxelles-Laeken (Belgique) STEVENS’S AUCTION ROOMS, LTD. ESTD, 1760. 38, King Street, Covent Garden, London, W.C,2. 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SHOOTING WITH SURTEES The Shooting Exploits of John Jorrocks, Jogglebury Crowdey, Facey Romford and other famous Sportsmen, the whole being a Collection of Extracts relating to the Gun from the Works of ROBERT SMITH SURTEES, with a “WHO’S WHO” forming a mine of information. Edited and Compiled by HUGH S. GLADSTONE, with Colour and other Plates. Demy 8vo, Crotn, Gir Tor. ~~ (> - - 25s. net. All devotees of Surtees, and especially those fond of shooting will find much matter for their entertainment in this addition to his cult. THE BIRDS OF BUTE By JOHN MORELL McWILLIAM, B.A., F.R.P.S.(Edin.) Demy 8vo, PHorocrarus AnD Mar. 8s. 6d. net. No book having been published of recent years on the birds of this part of the Clyde area, this carefully compiled work should prove of great Value to all ornithological students. H. F. & G. WITHERBY, 326, High Holborn, London. 3 NEW AUTUMN BOOKS. {iq At {eC BRUISE BIRDS ANIEUSTRATED:- MAGAZINE DEVOTED CHIEFLY: TOTHE BIRDS “a ON THEBRTISH UST 7 1927. MONTHLY. 1s94 YEARLY-20:s. ‘I26HIGH HOLBORNIENDON:- HFéG-WITHERBY. A CATALOGUE OF BOOKS ON BRITISH & FOREIGN BIRDS. Containing 350 interesting and many scarce items. SENT POST FREE ON APPLICATION TO FRANCIS EDWARDS, 83a HIGH STREET, MARYLEBONE, LONDON, W.1 Libraries Purchased or Valued for Probate. That Book you want! Foyles hold a considerable stock of Second-hand Books on Ornithology, and can supply any Scientific Book that is in print and most of those that are out of print. They have a Special Department for this class of literature under a Manager who has experience and knowledge of the Natural Sciences. Call and consult him, or write asking for Catalogue 611. Books sent on approval. Special Offer of Pycraft’s ‘‘CAMOUFLAGE IN NATURE.” Reveals subterfuges well-nigh incredible. With 64 illustrations: Published 21/-. Offered at 13/- post free. Quote Offer 611. FOYLES, 119-125 Charing Cross Rd., London, W.C.2 W. F. H. ROSENBERG, 57, Haverstock Hill, London, N.W.3, England Telephone: Primrose Hill 0660 has large stocks of BIRDS’ SKINS and Eggs from all parts of the World, and specimens in all branches of Zoology: Also Collecting Apparatus, Books, etc. Price Lists sent post free on application. Kindly state which Lists are required and mention this Periodical. ABig Game Pocket Book for Kenya Colony By CAPTAIN L. M. DUNDAS. Crown 8vo, with 43 Photographs and Sketches. 10s. 6d. net. H. F. & G. WITHERBY, 326 Hic Ho.sorn, Lonpon. The Latin Names of Common Plants. Their Pronunciation and History. By F. DAWTREY DREWITT, M.A... M.D. Crown 8vo, } Cloth boards. 3s. 6d. net. H. F. & G. WITHERBY, 326 Hicn Ho.gorn, Lonpon. BRITSABIRDS = ” WITH WHICH was INCORPORATED IN JANUARY, 1917, THE ZOOLOGIST. EDITED BY H. F. WITHERBY, M.B.E., F.Z.S., M.B.0.U. ASSISTED BY Rev. F. C. R. JouURDAIN, M.A., M.B.O.U., H.F.A.0.U., AND -NorMAn F. TICEHURST, 0O.B.E., M.A., F.R.C.S., M.B.O.U. ~ a — = : Se — ~~ | we Ha cp Mili — 3; ny me —_ — ” tem D ZN Ll >< ConTaNTs OF Number xR /VoL. XXI., OcTOBER I, 1927. , td a PAGE Field-Notes from Lakeland, 1926. By R. H. Brown ... 76 106 Some Breeding Habits of the Twite. By John Armitage ... 117 Notes :-— “ British Birds’ Marking Scheme +: wre ae ~ 120 The Incubation- and Fledging-Periods of some British Birds (Wo Diy Shaw). <. ce oak ges aut rs Py 120 Late Nesting of Goldfinch (Col. R. Sparrow) hi iat 121 Late Nesting of Bullfinch (Joseph H. Symes) tee — 121 The 1927 Irruption of the Crossbill ... aa ae Ky tee Melodious Warbler Seen in Ireland (E. M. Nicholson) sea 127 Blackbird Securing a Second Mate after Death of First (A. B. Hornblower)... Pe wee = ht aa 128 Black Redstarts in Summer in London (A. H. Bishop) ... 129 Oyster-Catcher in London (L. Parmenter) ... sa os 129 Little Gull in Yorkshire (T. J. Outram) ee st oe 130 Letter :— How Birds Live (E, M, Nicholson and Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain) 130 I ( 106 ) FIELD-NOTES FROM LAKELAND, 1926. BY Rk. H. BROWN. RAVEN (Corvus c. corax)—Four nests were found, three were placed in the upper portions of the cliffs, the fourth in the lower part, but each nest was similarly situated, being over- hung by a large rock and built on a rock that sloped steeply downwards. A Raven, presumably a female, when flushed from a nest of five eggs on March roth, flew restlessly around, calling “pruk, pruk,’’ and several times planed upside down, uttering as she did so a “‘ wark, wark.’”’ The nest was later found robbed, and if the bird laid again it was in another cliff. A similar fate befell a clutch of two eggs found on April and. The nest of the third pair was near the eyrie of a pair of Peregrine Falcons, and on April 11th, when both Ravens, with much calling, were flying around above their nesting- crag, the Falcons suddenly appeared and each selecting a Raven repeatedly stooped headlong at it, but their onrushes were easily avoided by the Ravens which sometimes retaliated. A flock of sixteen birds was noticed near some crags at dusk on March gth. Some appeared to be paired ; one bird was repeatedly planing. On June 23rd, a pair was noticed planing upside down, each turning from left to right, whilst uttering a “ Korlick, Korlick.” A party of five was seen near some crags late in the afternoon of November 30th, and one frequently planed upside down. CARRION-CRrow (C. c. corone).—A pair, for both assisted, began building on March 17th. Progress for the first four days was slow, then quickened ; by the 27th the nest was ready for lining which occupied another five days. The birds obtained the twigs for the beginning of the nest from live branches, either by breaking them off with their bill or else by walking as far out along the branches as they would bear them, when jumping into the air they dropped heavily on to the branches and thus snapped off the end twigs. The nest held one egg on April 6th, on the goth there were four. Incubation, performed solely by the female, began with the first egg ; two eggs hatched on April 26th, two the next day, giving an incubation-period of eighteen to twenty days. Only three young were reared, which left the nest on May 28th; fledging-period thirty-one to thirty-two days. voL.xx1.] FIELD-NOTES FROM LAKELAND. 107 During the first ten days of incubation the female left the nest to be fed by the male and indulged in short flights on these occasions, but during the last days before the young hatched she was fed at the nest and was not seen to take any exercise. The young were brooded during the day until five to six days old and at night until nine to ten days old. Roox (C. f. frugilegus).—The same two rookerles as in 1925 were visited and one hundred and twenty-seven nestlings ringed, distributed amongst fifty-three nests, which gives an average of 2.4 young per nest (2.2 young per nest In 1925). There were not so many dead youngsters under the trees this year, which seems borne out by the slightly higher per- centage of young reared as compared with last year. The average age of the nestlings was three weeks. 5 nests each held 4 young. 20 ”» ” ) We. ” 1g ” »” > 2 ” 9 ” ” ” at ” 53 nests held 127 young. YELLOW BuntiInG (Emberiza c. citrinella)—In Vol. XIX., p. 60, and Vol. XX., p. 122, I recorded nests with one egg on April 24th; in 1926, one with two eggs was found on April 17th, another with one egg on the 19th, whilst on the 27th nests with four, three, and two eggs were found. YELLOow WactalIL (Motacilla flava rayi)—In one area in Cumberland a male was noticed on May 2nd, the pair was about on the gth, and copulation noticed, whilst the female was sitting on six eggs on the rgth, and on June 14th the young were ready to leave the nest. A female was observed carrying feathers to a nest on May 19th, the nest being placed in the side of a tuft of juncus grass and made entirely of moss with a lining of feathers. There were six eggs on May 29th, but when next visited on June 17th it held only one nestling, whilst the nest was almost waterlogged owing to the heavy rains the previous few days and evidently the other youngsters had perished from exposure to the wet. This day two more pairs were seen feeding fledged young out of the nest. PIED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa h. hypoleuca).—In the locality where the observations were made last year (vide Vol. XX., p. 122) a watch was kept from the middle of April onwards but no bird was seen until May 17th, when a single male was found singing from the top of an oak tree. Despite 108 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXI, further visits he was not seen again and no others appeared. The nest-holes used by the two pairs last year were occupied by Starlings. Two males were noticed in another area, each obtained possession of a tree with a suitable knot-hole and sang vigorously for about a month, but no females came and the birds disappeared. WHEATEAR (CEnanthe @. cnanthe).—In two localities it was noticed that the adults had disappeared by the middle of July, whilst the young did not begin migrating before August. The adults may just have retired to undergo their moult, but in places where they do not breed but pass through on migration it has been noticed that they usually appear first, followed later by the young. In September, however, both adults and young have been seen migrating together ; possibly some belonged to the Greenland race. WuincHat (Saxicola r. rubetra)—A brood of seven fledged young was found on June 17th, attention being first drawn towards a probable nest through the excited - alarm-notes of the male which was perched on a straggling hawthorn-hedge, bordering a road and opposite the site where the nest was eventually found. The young were ringed and in all probability would have left the nest the following day ; no other Whinchats were seen in the vicinity. On July 25th, I happened to pass along this road and as soon as the straggling hawthorn hedge came into view the alarm-notes of a Whinchat were heard, and presently a pair was found perched on this hedge. The bushes were searched and three young Whinchats were flushed from them; they bore no rings and, from the down on their heads and their inability to make long flights, were evidently not long out of a nest. The evidence, although not quite conclusive, points to this pair of Whinchats having reared two broods. REpDsTART (Phenicurus ph. phemicurus).—A pair was seen about a hole in an elm tree on April 29th, but it was thought the birds had just arrived and no more notice was taken of them. When, however, the hole was examined on May 23rd, the female was found brooding seven young at least three days old; allowing fourteen days for incubation, then the clutch was laid by May 6th, and the first egg was laid on April 30th. A nest of six young, two days old, was found in a stone wall on May 26th and, allowing fourteen days for incubation, the first egg was probably laid on May 5th. On May 31st a female was caught on a brood of seven young, the nest being well hidden behind an ivy stem that VOL. XxI.] FIELD-NOTES FROM LAKELAND. 109 climbed the tree; the young would be at least six days old (they left the nest on June 7th), giving May 5th as the date for the first egg. : If any of these pairs bred again, they used other nesting- sites. Altogether, nine nests were found, four with seven young each, the rest all had six young. Rosin (Erithacus rubecula melophilus)—On March 16th a Robin, apparently a male, was seen to feed a female three times in succession. Afterwards, the female retired into hiding amongst some bushes whilst the male sang from the top of an ash tree. On two occasions in April a male was noticed feeding a female, but she never sought hiding after being fed. Copulation was observed between a pair on April 3oth. The female was perched on a branch of a holly tree, the male on the ground ; she enticed him up by fluttering her wings and assuming a coition-attitude ; three times they mated, when the male disappeared amongst some bushes near by, whilst the female remained on the branch and began preening herself. The average duration of the spring song here is from the third week of January until the second week of June ; the autumn song continues from the second week of August until the third week of October. Most males cease singing when the females begin incubating, but renew their songs when the young are about to leave the nests ; unmated males continue intermittently until the breeding-season ends. Most song is heard at early morning, noon and dusk. The Robins of the neighbourhood had finished singing this autumn by October 27th; hard weather then set in and continued until November 7th, to be followed by about three weeks of mild open weather during which the Robins sang daily, ceasing about November 27th. WREN (Troglodytes t. troglodytes) —On November Ist a male was singing to a female, his wings and tail held partly open and drooping or occasionally one wing was held horizontally. Three birds were noticed on November 27th, apparently two males and a female ; one male and the female kept to- gether and seemed to be paired. The paired male sang vigorously to the female, often with one wing held horizontally, and on these occasions the other male, although sometimes as far as fifty yards away, would also burst into song and hold one wing horizontally. Tawny Owl (Strix aluco sylvatica) —A pair nested in a hollow tree for the second consecutive year. Two eggs were laid but one was infertile. One afternoon, whilst the female 110 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXI. was sitting, the male was noticed to visit the nest with a short- tailed field-vole. The nestling hatched on April 30th; on May 4th the nest held a short-tailed field-vole and on the 6th two short-tailed field-voles, a common shrew, and a Song- Thrush. Both adults approached closely to the nest-tree and hooted whilst I was there, and five days later when the nest was visited it was empty. On April 28th a female was found brooding three nestlings, the youngest just hatched, in an old nest of a Crow, which also held the perfect bodies of one short-tailed field-vole, three common shrews and a water-shrew. On May 4th the food consisted of two short-tailed field-voles, and on the 9th of four short-tailed field-voles, a common shrew, a mole and a frog, but the two eldest nestlings were gone and the youngest was partly eaten. The voles had evidently just been killed as they were still warm. A week later these mammals and the partly-eaten nestling had disappeared. PEREGRINE FALcon (Falco p. peregrinus)—The prey found at each visit to these eyries was removed so as to avoid the possibility of the same bird being counted twice. All the Blackbirds found were males. Apart from the spring, when the large number of birds killed has possibly some connection with the courtship, I discovered no evidence that these birds killed in excess of their requirements. Pigeons were only classified as Homing-Pigeons when the N.U.R.P. ring was found. Of the total prey found, Song-Thrush represented 15.4 per cent. ; Starling 12.2 per cent. ; Wood- Pigeon 11.5 per cent.; Pigeon 10.3 per cent.; Blackbird g.0 per cent. and Red Grouse 9.0 per cent. Eyrie No. 1.—March 19th: 1 Redwing, 1 Wood-Pigeon. April roth: Female flushed from clutch of four eggs ; flew away without any outcry, returned in about five minutes, called once, then again disappeared. 1 Magpie, 1 Green- finch, 2 Song-Thrushes, 1 Wood-Pigeon, 1 Homing-Pigeon. May gth: No bird on the eggs, but female noticed at end of cliff. 2 Song-Thrushes. May 13th: Eggs addled, 7.e., em- bryos had developed and then died. Under the nesting-ledge were three empty cartridge-cases that were not there on April roth when the ground was searched for pellets. June 2nd : 2 Song-Thrushes, 1 rabbit. July 31st: 3 Song-Thrushes, 1 Sandpiper, 1 Teal. August 24th: r Starling, 1 Song- Thrush. September 21st: 1 Meadow-Pipit, 2 Starlings, I Mallard. October 21st : 2 Starlings, 1 Redwing. Novem- ber 30th: xr Blackbird, 1 Wood-Pigeon. December 22nd: I Redwing, 2 Blackbirds. VOL. XxI.] FIELD-NOTES FROM LAKELAND. 111 Eyrie No. 2.—May 11th: 1 Starling, 1 Song-Thrush, 1 Blackbird, x Redshank, 1 Wood-Pigeon. July 29th: 1 Starling, 2 Meadow-Pipits, 2 Pigeons. August 29th: 2 Starlings, r Lapwing, 1 Red Grouse and 6 dung beetles. September 27th: 1 Rook, 2 Starlings, 1 Kestrel. October 30th : r Redwing, 1 Blackbird. November 20th: I Starling, 1 Redwing, 1 Wood-Pigeon. December 11th: 1 Rook, t Song-Thrush, 1 Wood-Pigeon, 1 Red Grouse. Eyrie No. 3.—March 13th: 2 Meadow-Pipits, 1 Song- Thrush. April 5th: Female brooding one egg, called a little, then she and the male flew away. 3 Starlings, 4 Green- finches, 3 Skylarks, 1 Fieldfare, 1 Song-Thrush, 2 Blackbirds, 1 Curlew, 1 Homing-Pigeon. April 24th: Eyrie robbed but female found brooding on another scrape on a ledge about twenty yards from the robbed one. Both Falcons calling. 3 Skylarks, 1 Fieldfare, 2 Song-Thrushes, 4 Blackbirds, 1 Curlew, 1 Red Grouse. May 7th: Visited the ledge where female was found brooding on April 24th and disturbed her from a clutch of three eggs. Bird brooding lengthwise on the eggs, her face towards the cliff. Called a little, then disappeared. 1 Meadow-Pipit, 2 Wood-Pigeons, 1 Golden Plover, 2 Red Grouse. May 26th: Female on the eggs. Male was on guard near the eyrie, and was much noisier than the female and several times swooped at me. 1 Song-Thrush, 2 Wood-Pigeons, 1 Red Grouse. June 4th: Flushed male from the eggs which were unchipped. Female was flying about when eyrie was visited but only called once ; male very demonstrative. Some down about the nesting-ledge. I Song-Thrush, 1 Wood-Pigeon. June 9th: Eyrie robbed. If the eggs were fertile then the incubation-period was over twenty-eight days. 1 Wood-Pigeon, 1 Red Grouse. July 22nd: 1 Red Grouse, 2 Pigeons. August 17th: 1 Rook, I Greenfinch, 1 Wood-Pigeon, 1 rabbit. September 24th : I Song-Thrush, 1 Homing-Pigeon. October 15th : 1 Starling, 1 Blackbird. November 26th: 1 Fieldfare, 1 Red Grouse. December 23rd: No Falcons seen ; no remains of any prey. Eyrie No. 4.—August 7th: 1 Red Grouse, 3 Pigeons. September 13th : 1 Song-Thrush, 2 Pigeons. October 12th : I Red Grouse, xr Pigeon. November rgth: 1 Pigeon. December 30th: A Falcon about but no prey found. Eyrie No. 5.—April 11th: 2 Meadow-Pipits, 1 Redwing, I Wood-Pigeon, 1 Red Grouse. April 29th: Male on guard : he called and female flew from ledge that held nest of two eggs. Female noisier than the male. Her notes described as a very rapid, high pitched, “ quérk.” 1 Wood-Pigeon. 112 BRITISH BIRDS. (VOR; sar May 30th: Eyrie robbed. 2 Wood-Pigeons, 1 Homing Pigeon. July 27th: 3 Starlings, 1 Meadow-Pipit, 2 Song- Thrushes, r Pigeon. August 28th: 1 Song-Thrush, 1 Red- shank, 1 Wood-Pigeon, 1 Red Grouse. September 25th: 2 Pigeons. October 28th: 1 Song-Thrush, r Red Grouse. November 27th: 1 Greenfinch, 2 Blackbirds, 1 Fieldfare. December 18th: No Falcons seen; no prey found. Eyrie No. 6.—May toth: 1 Homing-Pigeon, 1 Pigeon. September roth: 1 Pigeon. MERLIN (F. columbarius e@salon).—A pair nested in the same locality as last year (eyrie A.). The birds were first noticed on March 14th. On May 23rd and again on the 30th the male was found brooding five eggs whilst the female was on guard on a boulder ; both birds disappeared without any outcry. On June 19th the female was brooding four young (fifth egg infertile) about ten days old; she flew around without calling, but presently the male appeared and both began uttering their alarm-notes ; on the other occasions when the nest was visited the female was always noisy, but at the last visit she was not on guard and was presumably away hunting. The young were in down except the quills of the flight-feathers which were sprouting, whilst eight days later their flight- and tail-feathers were half out and their breasts were beginning to feather. On July 3rd, their tail- and flight-feathers were developed, their breasts and mantles feathered, and the heads and thighs beginning to feather. Although twenty-four days old it would be another three or four days before they were ready to leave the nest. On various feeding-places were the remains of I Wheatear, 2 Song-Thrushes. July 26th: 2 Greenfinches, 1 Meadow- Pipit, 1 Wheatear. August 25th: 1 rabbit. Another pair nested within one mile ; they were not present last year and were late in arriving, whilst as only three eggs were laid it is possible the female was a one-year-old bird and one of the nestlings reared at eyrie A. in 1925. The birds did not arrive until the last week of April and on June 1zth the female was disturbed from three eggs and flew around without any outcry; on the i1oth they were well chipped and the female “kekked ”’ vigorously, as she did at the other visits. Six days later she was brooding the three young ; the nest held the remains of a Song-Thrush and two adult female flight-feathers. On July 3rd the young were beginning to feather up the sides of their breasts and the feathers were bursting from the quills of the wings and tails. Another adult female flight-feather at the nest. VOL. xxI.] FIELD-NOTES FROM LAKELAND. 113 The adults were playing about with each other on the 14th ; the youngsters were feathered except for some down on their heads and thighs; beside the nest were the remains of a Greenfinch and Meadow-Pipit. In a locality outside the Lake District a brood of two young was found, and beside the nest was the decomposed body of a third youngster. The nest was littered with pellets and the fledged young were some distance from it (at the other nests the young moved outside them as soon as they became fouled), but never replied to the calls of the adults. On various feeding places were the remains of 1 Greenfinch, 2 Song-Thrushes, 1 young Redshank. September 16th: 1 Greenfinch, 1 Song-Thrush, 1 Lapwing. Kestret (Falco ¢. tinnunculus)—A female was flushed from a clutch of six eggs on May 18th, and on June 22nd the four young were feathered and two flew away, so that the fledging-period was under five weeks. The female was very excitable and several times swooped within inches of my head. The nest held the remains of a Song-Thrush and Blackbird. A nest of four young, visited on June 26th, held two short- tailed field-voles and a common shrew. Common Buzzarp (Buteo b. buteo)—Ten nests were found of which eight were robbed, and near one robbed nest were two empty cartridge-cases. In two localities where a young bird was reared last year, two pairs were breeding this year, and in both cases the two nests were within one hundred yards of each other. This suggests that the Buzzard breeds when one year old and in the area where reared (when possible). A visit was paid in the first week of April to the site where four young were reared last year and the old nest was found repaired, whilst about twenty yards away a new nest had been built and was ready for eggs. When next visited it had been robbed, so that it is not known whether this pair again laid four eggs. A pair began rebuilding two old nests early in February, and on the 8th considerable progress had been made, whilst from the down about one nest it seemed a Buzzard was roosting in it at night. On the 28th the outer structures of both nests were finished; by March 16th the egg-cups were partly lined with bracken, and on April 11th a female (a larger and quieter bird) was flushed from one egg in the second nest. Four Buzzards were noticed soaring around, and on further investigation a third, and newly-built, nest 114 BRITISH BLRDS. yO, Sox, was found; on April 20th both nests, which were about seventy-five vards apart, held two eggs. A nest of two eggs was found on May 22nd, a quantity of down about the egg-cup and nest-rim. The female was brooding two young, three to four days old, on June 2nd, whilst on the nest lay three water-rats (two perfect) and a headless and well-plucked Meadow-Pipit. The down was gone from the nest (it is usually removed a day or two before the young hatch). On June 6th, there was a considerable difference in size between the two nestlings, probably not due solely to age, and possibly the larger nestling was a female. She began crawling about the nest and meeting the other seized it vigorously by the nape of the neck and shook it fiercely for over a minute, like a terrier shaking a rat, the younger bird mewing all the time. As suddenly as she had seized her nest companion she released it and con- tinued her crawling. On the nest-rim, which was decorated with mountein-ash foliage, lay a headless adult rabbit. Seven days later only the elder nestling remained, there were no signs of the other. On July 4th, this youngster was ~ fledged except for a little down on the head ; the nest was not decorated and held the remains of a Wood-Pigeon. A nest of two eggs, visited on June 6th, was decorated with mountain-ash foliage and on a neerby feeding-place were the remains of a rabbit. Unfortunately at the next visit it was found deserted; a partly-eaten rabbit was noticed on the feeding-place. CoMMON HERON (Ardea c. cinerea).—At the colony which has been visited for the past two years, the nests, built in Scots firs, are constructed of the branches and twigs of the beech and silver birch. Some nests are no larger than Crows’. Incubation begins with the first egg laid and rarely are all the young reared. At times an adult is careless and steps, with fatal results, on a new-born nestling ; some young die, from an unknown cause, when about half-grown ; whilst a few have been found severely pecked about their heads, napes and backs. The young are brooded inter- mittently until fledged. Food is either delivered out of the adult’s pouch on to the nest, then broken up and served amongst the youngsters, or disgorged out of the adult’s pouch into the nestling’s bill, and it seems the adults bring them stones to aid digestion. The following fish were found either in the nests or were thrown-up by the youngsters, whilst in both years large pellets, some the size of a man’s fist, con- sisting of the remains of water-rats have been found at the VOL. XxI.] FIELD-NOTES FROM LAKELAND. 115 bases of the nest-trees. May 9th, 1925: 1 chub, 2 eels. May 8th, 1926: 1 trout, reel. May 2gth: 2 eels, one about eighteen inches long. Of the birds ringed at this heronry, four have so far been reported. One was recovered seven weeks after ringing near Ferryhill, co. Durham, about 60 miles E.S.E. of where ringed ; a second recovered about eight weeks after ringing near Aspatria, 18 miles S.W. of where ringed ; a third about ten weeks later near Kingussie, Inverness-shire, 150 miles N.N.W. of where ringed ; and the fourth twelve weeks later on the Solway Firth, 10 miles W. of where ringed. The most interesting record is the one showing northward movement, but the four cases suggest that young Herons move away from the heronry as soon as they are able to fend for them- selves. GOOSANDER (Mergus m. merganser).—Three brown-headed birds were on Ullswater on February 4th, and a party of eleven on December 22nd. CURLEW-SANDPIPER (Calidris testacea).—Five young birds with a mixed flock of Dunlins and Ringed Plovers on the Solway Firth on October 6th and later in the day two others were seen. COMMON SNIPE (Capella g. gallinago).—A Snipe was noticed on April 3rd, in the intervals of drumming, to turn a half- somersault sideways, with both wings held almost vertical, and plane upside down for a few seconds, when it resumed a normal position. This performance was repeated four times. CoMMON TERN (Sterna h. hirundo).—Food found at the nests of young has consisted of young herrings and young flat fish. COMMON GULL (Larus c. canus)—About mid-August, occasionally by the first week, the flocks of Common Gulls begin to frequent the pasture fields. Some, no doubt, stay the winter ; others are present for several weeks then migrate further south. About mid-March the numbers of those that have wintered are increased by arrivals from the south, but by the end of April most have departed north, although a party of eleven adults was noticed on June 11th. It is rarely any young birds are seen with these flocks ; presumably the young flock by themselves. In British Birds, Vol. VIL., pp. 278-280, Miss M. D. Haviland has an article on the courtship of this species and comments on the bird’s habit of calling vociferously for some time from a prominent perch. Several individuals of these flocks have 116 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXI. frequently been seen doing this on warm sunny days in the autumn and early winter, and also the procedure when the bird stretched its head and neck out stiffly and called. In early April, small parties of three to six birds are often formed, the birds calling loudly with heads and necks stiffly inclined ; at times two would walk side by side, or one would shuffle about, its head and body in a straight line and close to the ground, whilst the wings were slightly drooped. LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (L. fuscus affinis)—A pair nested on one of the salt marshes in 1925 and hatched three nestlings, but this year fifteen to seventeen pairs bred, and in several cases reared young. The food is very varied. In the spring these Gulls take a quantity of corn, usually oats, sometimes barley ; whilst throughout the season they feed largely on mussels, pink bivalves and crabs, and to a lesser extent on small shells, shrimps and earthworms. Carrion is eaten at all times and similarly fish, including mackerel, cod, flatfish, flounder, eel, gurnard and father-lasher. Eggs of the domestic fowl and Oystercatcher have also been tound at their nests of young, whilst as regards eccentricities a golf-ball, two dummy-teats, and a boot have been noticed. Lanp-RaiL (Crex crex).—A nest of nine eggs was found in the centre of a pasture-field that had been allowed to grow in order to cut a crop of hay, and on June 30th, when cutting was proceeding, the machine-knife began working badly, and on examination the nine eggs were found unbroken on the knife-bar. The nest-hollow could not be found, but one was made and the eggs placed in it, but later in the day it was found that Crows or Rooks had raided the nest. BLACK GROUSE (Lyrurus tetrix britanmicus)—Two males were displaying to each other on May 2nd, making great use of their white under tail-coverts, and on the 19th a party of nine was noticed, of which several were displaying, although again no females were seen. SOME BREEDING HABITS OF THE TWITE. BY JOHN ARMITAGE. THE Twite (Carduelis f. flavirostris) is usually found nesting in small colonies on moorland slopes, bracken beds, rough boggy pasture, and old stone-quarries. My experience with the species in Lancashire and Yorkshire from 1910 to 1924 enabled me to determine that the nesting “ belt ” is roughly situated between the elevations of 900 ft. and 1,200 ft. above sea-level, but, during the past three years, I have found the Twite breeding at an elevation of 1,500 ft. in the Derby- shire Peak district. : Wandering parties may be seen in all three counties during winter, but the lowlands are deserted for the upland breeding grounds early in May. Nest building generally commences about the second week in May, but an exceptionally early record turned up during 1927: a nest containing young at least two days old being found on May 8th by Mr. Fred Taylor at Saddleworth, Yorks. When building operations are in progress, cock and hen may be readily observed at close quarters as they flit about collecting building materials and uttering Linnet-like notes. The characteristic ‘“twaate ’’ is often heard and cannot be confused with the cry of any other moorland bird. The bird, when compared with the Linnet, has a longer tail and seems slimmer ; its yellow bill is always conspicuous, sometimes standing out as a bright speck when the sitting bird and its nest harmonize with a rocky ledge or other objects near the nesting site. The rosy flush on the rump of the cock is hardly evident except when seen at very close range, and the entire plumage is often soiled through contact with dirty herbage and burnt patches. Nests may be found in a variety of situations, but most are built either in ling or dead bracken—resting on the ground or a few inches high among the plant stems. Al- though the nests among ling are in good cover, they are nearly always open to the sky and may be seen into from above. Other favourite positions are in bilberry clumps, coarse sedge tussocks, and on banks under or against stones. Perhaps the most interesting sites are to be seen in disused stone-quarries. I have found a nest in a quarry-face, hidden {rom view and the stony approach so small as to admit only three fingers ; a nest placed out of sight under a large boulder, another wedged among a pile of loose stones, and several HEN TWITE AT NEST. (Photographed by John Armitage.) VOL. xx] BREEDING HABITS OF THE TWITE. 119 on high stone-ledges among tufts of matgrass and earthy clumps. eo The eggs number from four to seven ; sixis the usual com- plement, and on one occasion (West Riding of Yorkshire, 1915) I found eight in one nest. They are somewhat similar to eggs of the Linnet, but as a rule they are smaller, more pointed, of a deeper blue, and the spots are apt to be more streaky. Rarely, pure white and unspotted eggs are found and on two occasions I have known of Cuckoos’ eggs being found in Twites’ nests. ; It is a small, neat and well-felted nest, looking dark in appearance with a lighter margin of stiff projecting lengths of dead matgrass. The lining is of moss, wool, horse- and cow-hair, vegetable down from coltsfoot leaves, and one or two feathers of Red Grouse or domestic fowl. Incubation lasts from thirteen to fourteen days, and the hen sits very closely, flitting about and twittering softly when disturbed. Sometimes her mate will betray the nesting site by calling or performing nervous movements close to the nest, and while most nests are easy to find, some are exceedingly difficult. This is often due to the nesting birds flying down to the lowlands to a thistle bed or weed-ridden land ; nests con- taining eggs or large young may be left for as long as twenty minutes. A puzzling habit noted throughout the nesting season is the frequenting of a highway ; the birds twittering contentedly on fencings and walls, and ignoring passing traffic. When photographing a nesting Twite in July, 1926, an amusing incident occured. The hen was very suspicious of my hiding tent, but the urge of her hatching young quickly brought her to the nest. In spite of this, she flew away but was speedily hustled back by her mate and another cock which readily obliged on four occasions. As each young- ster broke clear of the egg, the hen promptly ate up the shells. For the first few days, the nestlings are clothed in whitish down and are very similar to young Linnets when fledged. Two broods are invariably reared and second nests usually contain young about the end of June or early in July. “ BRITISH BIRDS” MARKING SCHEME. ‘ RINGERS ”’ are requested to send in to the Editor, not later than October 31st, their schedules, together with a list showing the number of each species ringed. THE INCUBATION- AND FLEDGING-PERIODS OF SOME BRITISH BIRDS. TueE following incubation- and fledging-periods were obtained (A) near Chichester, Sussex ; (B) near Marlborough, Wilts ; the incubation-periods being reckoned from the day when the last egg was laid, except in the case of the Carrion-Crow, when the period was recorded by a marked egg in the clutch, and the Kestrel, where 29 and 32 days indicate the periods for the last and first eggs laid respectively ; in both cases the periods were estimated from the day of laying, which was also the first day of incubation. Incubation-period Fledging- Species. Cases. in days. period in days. B. Carrion-Crow (Corvus c. corone) aaa su5. 2 20-21 31-32 B. Jay (Garrulus g. rufiter- gum) ... ig Say al ~- 20 B. Yellow Bunting (Ember- iza c. citrinella) Beet al a I2-I3 A. Mistle-Thrush (Turdus v. VISCLUOYUS) ... oe, 12-13 - A. Blackbird (Turdus m. merula) ins .. 4 12-13 (twice) 13 and 14-15 B. Blackbird (Turdus m. merula) yas ae 13 —- A. Redbreast (Erithacus r. melophilus) ... ieee eal — 14 B. Kestrel (Falco t. tennun- culus) it seo, 2 29-32 30-31 Kestrel with same adults, TO20" ..5 ae ahis — 29-30 B. Stone-Curlew (Burhinus a. cedicnemus) aoe, UL 25-26 = In the case of the Stone-Curlew both eggs hatched simul- taneously, thus making a difference of one day between the incubation-periods of the first and second eggs, these being laid on alternate days and incubated immediately. W. D. SHAW. VOL. XXI.] NOTES. 121 LATE NESTING OF GOLDFINCH. At Sible Hedingham, Essex, in early May, 1927, I found a nest of a Goldfinch (Carduelis c. britannica) on the ground with broken eggs. By May 31st the birds had built a new nest in a rambler, within a few inches of where a brood was reared in 1926. This nest also came to grief. By mid-July they had reared a brood successfully in another rambler twenty yards away. On visiting the same garden on Septem- ber 11th, I found another nest ten yards from the second attempt in another rambler with young ready to fly. I firmly believe all four nests were built by the same pair of birds. R. SPARROW. LATE NESTING OF BULLFINCH. On July 16th, 1927, I found a nest of Bullfinch (Pyrrhula p. nesa) near Martock, Somerset, containing six fresh eggs. On July 28th I found another nest containing two eggs. This nest, which I consider belonged to another pair of birds, had a full set of four eggs on July 31st. JosEPH H. SYMES. [The Bullfinch has been recorded as breeding till very late in the year. I have notes of nests with eggs in July as far north as Derbyshire ; M. J. Kelly and H. G. Hutchinson have found nests with eggs and young early in August ; A. Mayall records three nests with eggs or young on September 3rd (Br. B., XIV., p. 160), and J. A. Walpole-Bond saw eggs on September r1th.—F. C. R. JourDAIN. | THE xrg2z7 IRRUPTION OF THE CROSSBILL*. THE digest of observations published below, with the notes which have already appeared, show that the irruption of Crossbills has been very widespread and on a very large scale. It is to be hoped that readers will continue to send in observations, not only from localities whence the birds have hitherto been unrecorded, but also when a marked increase or decrease has been noted. In addition to the notes published below I have received an interesting communication from Miss C. M. Acland, who says that on visiting the F#RoEs, amongst the first birds she saw on landing on July 8th were Crossbills. She saw small family parties on three of the islands she visited and they were reported from two other islands. After July 18th none was seen. Only two adult males were noticed, the rest being females and immature birds, and on one occasion *For previous notes see antea, PP. 90-93. K 122 BRITISH BIRDS. [VoL. XXl. Miss Acland saw a female feeding a young one. Except for a few stunted trees at Thorshavn there are no trees in the islands. Crossbills were recorded on July 2nd in the Feroes in the 1909 irruption (antea, Vol. III., p. 190). While it is impossible here to trace the course of the migration on the Continent, it may be mentioned that Herr F. Steinbacher states (Ornith. Monatsber., 1927, p. 150) that from July 4th to 31st Crossbills swarmed in the neighbourhood of CUXHAVEN. On July 16th to 17th when he visited HELIGOLAND there were many Crossbills there, and Dr. Drost had caught and ringed fifty in one day. Herr Steinbacher states that he only twice saw yellow males and never a red one, but that Dr. Drost had caught a few red males. Mr. L. C. Le Toeq informs me that on August 18th he saw a small party of females and immature birds near Rozel in JERSEY, and on the 2gth a single female in GUERNSEY. SCOTEAND*. SHETLAND.—In the first week of July Mr. W. L. McDougall reports (Scot. Nat., 1927, p. 126) a number in the neighbour- | hood of Sumburgh. ORKNEY.—A few days before July roth, as Mr. T. A. Coward informs me, about six (two feeding on dandelion seeds) were seen by Mr. G. Ellison at Stromness. N. Uist.—About July oth, Mr. E. Beveridge reports (Scod. Nat., 1927, p. 126), one was picked up on the shore: SUTHERLAND.—During the first three weeks of July “ con- siderable flocks ’’ were seen by Mr. A. B. Gillett in the north- western part of the county (Scot. Nat., 1927, p. 126). Mr. E. Cohen reports a flock of about fifteen on July 11th in the Dornoch district but considers it probable that these were residents. INVERNESS-SHIRE.—In the last week of July Mr. W. Marshall noted an immigration in the neighbourhood of Nethybridge in larger numbers than he had seen since 1909. He knew of only two pairs of the resident form in the locality in the spring of 1927. The immigrants eat large quantities of spruce gall aphis (Chermes abietis). ABERDEENSHIRE.—The large numbers reported (antea, p. 91) by Mrs. (not Mr.) P. Mackenzie from the Balmoral district were considerably lessened after August 26th. *In observations made in the Highlands it is often impossible to distinguish between the resident form (Lovia c. scotica), which is subject to local movements, and immigrants from overseas. VOL, XXt,| NOTES. 128 PERTHSHIRE.—About July 2oth, Mr. G. Place informs me, a flock of about thirty (some adult males) arrived at Crian- larich and were still there a month afterwards. They had not been seen in this place before. They fed on the seeds of cones of larch, spruce and Scots fir. On July 22nd Mr. D. G. Hunter observed a flock of about thirty in Glen Tummel, but as several of the adults were observed to be feeding the young ones it seems possible that these were locally bred. FORFARSHIRE.—Between August 16th and September Ist Mr. W. S. Medlicott saw small lots (five to ten birds) at Fern ; on August 18th about fifty at Edzell golf course, near Brechin, and on the 22nd some up the Clova Valley, near Kirriemuir. From August 28th to September 4th Major M. Portal also reports two lots of seven and five from Clova Valley. BERWICKSHIRE.—On August 6th in The Scotsman the Rev. W. McConachie reports a number in the Lauderdale woods. NORTH SEA. On July 1st, Dr. B. B. Riviere informs me, a flock of eleven came on board the East Dudgeon Light-Vessel and, after resting an hour, flew off to the W.S.W. On the 2nd a flock of five came on board the same Light-Vessel in the afternoon and after a few minutes stay flew off W.S.W. On July 21st one was brought into Yarmouth in a fishing boat, and about the roth Mr. A. H. Patterson received word that one was caught in a boat off Yarmouth. On July 15th, Mr. W. S. Medlicott writes, three (adult male and female and immature) were taken eighteen miles off Hartlepool in a fishing boat. ENGLAND AND WALES. CUMBERLAND.—On July 11th, as Mr. R. Graham informs me,a boy caught one (immature plumage) in an emaciated condition in a hedge near Carlisle. YORKSHIRE.—On July 21st Mr. R. Graham received information of an immature Crossbill in a weak condition caught on the railway at Blea-Moor in the north-west of the county. On July 15th, Mr. W. S. Medlicott is informed, a female and four young were seen at Whitby. On August 6th Mr. W. J. Clarke received one which was picked up dead near the same town. On August 26th, Mr. E. W. Wade informs me, three were seen at Kilnsea (Spurn Point) by Mr. G, E. Clubley, and on September roth four more. LANCASHIRE.—During the week ending July 16th, Mr. R. Fortune reports (Nat., 1927, p. 275), about sixty passed through the neighbourhood of Greenfield near Oldham, 124 BRITISH BIRDS. [vou. XXT. CHESHIRE.—‘‘ On July gth and 12th,” Mr. Coward writes, “Mr. H. Harrop saw about forty, including some red males, in dwarfed oaks on the hillside above the Stalybridge Reser- voirs. On the 13th he estimated the largest flock to number about sixty. On the 15th my wife and I saw a flock of fully sixty, and several smaller lots and odd birds. So far as we could make out they were feeding on the larve of defoliating caterpillars, and Mr. Harrop said that he saw some nip off oak-leaves. As the green oak-tortrix was just emerging, I suspect that the birds were nipping off the rolled leaves in which were pupe of this moth. I see that Seebohm mentions the larve of this tortrix as being fed upon. Mr. Harrop tells me that the birds stopped for nine days.”’ On July 20th Mr. N. Abbott saw about twenty on Alderley Edge. On or about July 13th, Mr. A. W. Boyd informs me, Crossbills were first seen in the Delamere Forest district. Mr. G. F. Gee, who saw about thirty there on July 27th, was told by Mr. Gordon that they had been present for a fortnight. Mr. R. M. Garnett saw eight there on July 24th, and Mr. and Mrs. Boyd saw several score on July 30th and 31st. In another fir wood in the forest they were first seen on July 31st, and on August 6th Mr. Boyd saw a large number there—computed to be between forty and fifty. It is interesting to note that in this locality a dead male was picked up in September or October, 1926. Mr. Boyd saw one or two adult males in each locality but could not guess at the proportion of adult males. The birds were feeding on larch cones to some extent, but principally on green cones of Scots fir. On September 4th Mr. H. A. Gilbert saw six near Helsby and reports that a pair was seen there “‘ some time ago ”’ by Mr. A. C. Gladstone. DENBIGHSHIRE.—On September 8th Mr. C. Oldham saw six in a field of standing oats at Llanelian. WARWICKSHIRE.—Writing on September 6th, Mr. H. W. Mapleton-Bree states ‘‘for several weeks this summer ”’ small flocks visited his garden near Coventry. They were feeding chiefly on larch cones. WORCESTERSHIRE.—On July 23rd Mr. T. J. Beeston saw one at Wolverley, and a keeper there, who became well acquainted with Crossbills in the 1909 irruption, saw a large flock early in August. Mr. Beeston states that their numbers are now (September 15th) lessened but some are still present and feed on fir cones as well as visiting gardens for aphis. SOMERSETSHIRE.—On August 11th Mr. T. J. Beeston saw one at Dunster and on the 12th three at Minehead. VOL, XXI.] NOTES. 125 DEVONSHIRE.—On August 30th, at rz am., Dr. T. G. Longstaff, on Lundy Island, saw a flock of about a dozen fly off the island to the north-east and at noon on the same day saw one eating honeysuckle berries. On September 3rd two were seen on Lundy Island. : On August znd and subsequently to the 29th Mr. W. Walmesley White saw one or two at Budleigh-Salterton. DORSETSHIRE.—On July 24th, the Rev. F. L. Blathwayt informs me, one was picked up freshly dead on Chesil Beach, and on August 2nd parties up to twenty in number were seen in fir trees at Abbotsbury. On September oth Mr. H. Lacey saw four or five near Corfe Castle feeding on thistles. IsLE or Wicut.—On September 7th Mr. W. D. Shaw saw eight on Culver Cliff, near Sandown; on the 12th single birds, and on the 17th ten there and a dozen at Bembridge, and single birds on the roth and 12th near Shanklin. Adults as well as immature birds were noted and they were seen feeding on seeds of thistle, hawkweed, lesser knapweed and in one case blackberry buds. On August 24th Mr. C. W. Colthrup saw a pair feeding a fully fledged young one on yew berries at Ryde, and on August 28th, September 1st and 4th he saw a Crossbill at Shanklin. HAMPSHIRE.—In the first week of July Major J. H. Norton saw fifteen to twenty at Upham, and from then until the end of the month (when he went abroad) six or eight every few days. They fed chiefly in larches, less often in Scots fir. WILTsHIRE.—On June 18th Miss B. Wigram saw three in a hedge near Cricklade. On July 31st Mr. C. C. Butler reports (field, 8.1X.27., Pp. 395) seeing two near Marlborough and at the end of July, Mr. L. G. Peirson informs me, a small flock was seen in Ramsbury Park. SURREY.—On July 6th Mr. H. Bentham saw twelve at Tadworth and on subsequent dates up to August 18th varying numbers from one to twenty. On July rgth Mr. Bentham saw two flocks (of nineteen and three) at Kingswood and on the 31st two birds on Epsom Downs. From about July r5th to the time of writing (September 20th) Mr. D. W. Musselwhite has seen flocks of from seven to twenty-three at Horsley, and on July 28th a single bird near Dorking. These were in larch trees. On August 6th Mr. R. W. Hale saw two at Ealing feeding on a white growth in an apple tree. SUSSEX.—On September 5th Mr. H. Bentham saw a flock near Rye and on the 6th one bird at Burgess Hill. 126 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXI. BERKSHIRE.—From about the middle of July, Mr. D. W. Musselwhite informs me, there were flocks of from five to about twenty at Burchett’s Green in larch trees. EssEx.—On July 25th Mr. W. S. Jones saw one at Leigh- on-Sea and was informed that a small flock had frequented a garden during July roth to 28th. SUFFOLK.—From July roth to the end of August up to forty were present in the neighbourhood of Belton, as I am informed by Dr. B. B. Riviere and Mr. E. A. Ellis. The same observers give details of several between July 19th and August 4th about Fritton, and with Mr. A. H. Patterson note a number of occurrences in small numbers between July 23rd and 27th in the district of Great Yarmouth and Gorleston. At Belton and Great Yarmouth they were frequently seen in apple trees, and about Fritton they fre- quented Scots pine while two were found dead in the lake. NORFOLK —On July 18th Mr. S. Boardman saw one at Palling-on-Sea, and on the 27th, Dr. B. B. Riviere states, one was picked up dead at Happisburgh. Mr. N. Tracy states that in the Castle Rising district Crossbills had become very scarce, but on July 2oth he saw a flock of eight and about this time heard several small flocks flying over, while numerous worked fir cones now lie about. LINCOLNSHIRE.—As additional to his previous notes (antea, p. 93), Mr. J. S. Reeve writes that the birds were seen at Leadenham, near Lincoln, up to about August 25th, since which they appear to have left. He also notes that on August 4th small parties were seen at Harmston, and on August roth and 11th twelve to fifteen near Boston. ISLE OF MAN. On July 29th Colonel H. W. Madoc was informed of Cross- bills in a fir plantation in Sulby Glen, and on visiting the place on the 31st saw about twenty (adults and immature) in scattered parties. He was also informed of others seen in plantations near Ramsey. On August 2nd Col. Madoc, visiting the Calf, found thirty to forty and then a larger flock of about eighty to a hundred. These were on the moor in heather and appeared to be feeding on caterpillars. Later in the day he saw a number in a tree. On August 22nd Col. Madoc saw a small lot near Ramsey. On August 31st Mr. C. Oldham saw a party of six at Bride. IRELAND. WickLow.—On July 2oth Mr. C. B. Moffat saw many small flocks at Fassaroe, representing a considerable increase of VOL, XXI.] NOTES. 127 the birds usually breeding there. Mr. Moffat also saw a party at Glendalough on June 6th. - DuBLrN.—Mr. Moffat is informed by Professor A. F. Dixon that great numbers have been feeding about Kilternan “all through the summer.” On September gth Mr. E. M. Nichol- son saw a single bird at Cabinteely. In the first week of August, Colonel H. A. F. Magrath informs me, three were seen feeding on thistles by Major C. V. Walshe on the top of the Hill of Howth. GaLway.—On August 19th Mr. E. M. Nicholson saw asmall party near Recess feeding on rowan berries in an almost treeless valley. H. E,W: MELODIOUS WARBLER SEEN IN IRELAND. On August 2gth, 1927, I watched, in a garden near Merrion Square, Dublin, a bird which I feel sure was a Melodious Warbler (Hippolais polyglotta). Since the identification is not a simple one and the specimen was allowed to depart unmolested it seems desirable to place the fullest details at your disposal. At about x p.m. (summer time) I was called to the window by an unexpected note—a clear musical version of the “tu-ee’’ common to several small Warblers. Looking out, I saw a bird of that description take wing with graceful, hesitating flight from a hawthorn tree outside and head south-east at about 4o feet above ground; but this elevation left him below housetop level, and being hemmed in by a wall of roofs he checked himself, wheeled, and returned to his starting-point. In this tree and a neighbouring ash he remained for several minutes, moving about in full sun- shine within a dozen yards of where I| sat at a slightly higher level, with my field-glasses trained on him and my elbows firmly resting on the sill—in short the conditions for observa- tion could hardly have been improved. At the outset the pronounced and unmistakable bluish tint of the long feet, characteristically displayed when the bird sat back on a spray, warned me that it was a question between the Melodious Warbler and the Icterine (H. icterina), and I concentrated my efforts on the few points of distinction valid in the field. (1 should perhaps explain that I happen to have made a close study of the Icterine, part of my observations on which were published in British Birds some years ago (antea, Vol. XVI., p. 142). Moreover, I had only returned three weeks before from a trip through Germany, Italy and S. France, during which I had plenty of opportunities to observe the two species at home. The images of both are fresh in my 128 BRI'LISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXt. mind). This bird looked definitely smaller than any Icterine I remember ; the yellow tint was very strong all over the underparts, most particularly about the tail-base ; the super- ciliary streak was broad and striking and the mantle very deep green. In plumage, in note, and in manner (for instance, in the trick of restlessly flirting the tail) it was identical with a definite Melodious Warbler I had watched at equally close quarters in S. France only a month before, except in one detail —the mantle did not in this case appear so dark a shade of green. Not much significance need be attached to that, since lighting might be responsible ; in France I did all my observation in the early morning. Another point on which I rely is the build. There is here a distinction appreciable enough in the field but only roughly expressible in words. The Icterine is rather a Flycatcher-like bird, and in a good flight-view the long pointed wings always strike my eye. The Melodious looks more compact, and is shorter and rounder- winged. Now on two occasions this bird went through its paces in the air on a level with my eyes—once when it faltered and came back, again in finally circling round before flying away. Isaw the wings and flight perfectly. My brother, who also watched, aptly compared the proportions to a Chiffchaff’s ; an Icterine’s proportions being, of course, more like a Willow-Wren’s. No one is better aware than I am of the difficulties of making this identification in the field without hearing song, and on the Continent I have often left an open verdict on birds which I could not see enough of to satisfy me. Ishould not record this wanderer as H. polyglotta if I did not feel perfectly confident in my own mind that no reasonable doubt of the correctness of the identifica- tion remains. It is because the personal factor must count for much in these cases that I have gone into all this detail. I see the Practical Handbook only accepts without reserve a single previous Irish record ; the chances against recognition are, of course, exceptionally heavy here. EK. M. NICHOLSON. BLACKBIRD SECURING A SECOND MATE AFTER DEATH OF FIRST. THIS spring a pair of Blackbirds (I'urdus m. merula) nested in some ivy in my garden at Buckhurst Hill, and after the young were hatched the male met with an accident and I found him dead under the garden seat. The hen seemed distraught for a couple of days, but on the third she found a new mate which took his turn at feeding the youngsters, all VOL. XXI.] NOTES. 129 of which flew in due course. Later they built again, or rather furbished up the old nest, and en August 7th I found three unfledged nestlings looking healthy and being fed by both parents in turn. A. B. HORNBLOWER. BLACK REDSTARTS IN SUMMER IN LONDON. Own April 27th, 1927, a male Black Redstart (Phemicurus o. gibraltariensis) appeared in the precincts of the Natural History Museum at South Kensington. The bird, though restless, was fairly tame and often came near enough to be closely studied. It was a year old bird not yet in fully adult plumage. On April 30th a female appeared, or in any case was first seen. As the birds seemed to be settling down, and were taking mealworms thrown out of my window in the preparator’s studio overlooking some rough ground, great hopes were entertained that they might breed in the nesting boxes put up in several places. After a week of regular feeding they became so tame as to take meal-worms freely from the window sill, a distance of three feet from where we were standing. During the time when the male was not in search of food he would sing on the highest points of the building, coming down in a curious flight to the female. On May 16th the female disappeared, either having moved away or become the victim of a cat. From then onwards the male never came to be fed, but remained at the other end of the grounds singing on the Museum or adjacent buildings, until about July 20th. Since this date he has been seen only occasionally, and ashe had not appeared for a month after August 16th it was thought that he had left, but to-day, September 16th, he has been seen again. These birds, by their charming appearance and actions and the delightful little song of the male, gave the staff much enjoyment, and it is greatly to be hoped that we may have them again next year. A. H. Bisuop. OYSTER-CATCHER IN LONDON, ON August 30th, 1927, at 5.30 p.m., when paying a visit to Barn Elms Reservoirs, I saw an Oyster-Catcher (Hematopus o. ostralegus) circle one of the sheets of water several times and then pass off south-eastwards down the Thames towards Putney Bridge. The bird called repeatedly, and once it hovered with lowered legs over the water but did not alight. L. PARMENTER. 130 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL, XXI. LITTLE GULL IN YORKSHIRE. ON August roth, 1927, from the end of the pier at Whitby, I saw an adult Little Gull (Larus minutus). There were some Black-headed Gulls in the neighbourhood, but the jet- black head, dark under-wings and smaller size, rendered the identification of the rarer bird easy. The rounded ‘ Peewit”’ like wings and more creamy coloured body than in the Black-headed Gulls, contrasting with the pitch-black head, made the smaller bird the more pleasing to the eye. The flight was hovering and desultory. I caught a glimpse of it again on the evening of the 11th and the morning of the 12th. Are not these dates rather early for this bird to be seen on autumnal migration ? I. J. Ourram. [Little Gulls are recorded (B. of Yorks., II., p. 669) from i erat on July 12th, 1868, and August 5th, 1886. DS. LETTER. ‘HOW BIRDS LIVE.” To the Editors of BritisH Brirps. Strs,—Since I have already given my opinion as to what I said in How Birds Live and Mr. Jourdain has reiterated his, no more can profitably be written on the subject. I should be sorry further to weary the readers of British Birds with trivialities. Yet on the pure question of the limits to any increase of birds of prey I do feel called upon to defend the only view compatible with the territorial theory against its critics. That view is that the bird population as a whole is subject to definite laws from which birds of prey are not exempt. The fundamental law may be expressed thus: the breeding organisation of a given species in a given locality tends to vary in divect ratio to the abundance of accessible food-supply. Put it this way. The effective range of a hypothetical Falcon feeding solely on birds is ¥ square miles; the quantity of prey required to support a family is y ; and on a long-period average it requires a bird population of zto yield y. These three may be taken approximately as constants ; the main variable is the density of food-supply. If the bird population of ¥ square miles is less than z, no breeding Falcons can be supported ; if # square miles have z or more birds the species will exist, primarily, on a strictly territorial basis. But when the population of * square miles rises much above 2z, the claim to all v will not be strictly enforced, so that an area of 47 square miles may support, say, six pairs of Falcons, still on a territorial basis. (We must bear in mind that % represents the limit which can be hunted over regularly. An ideal territory may have an area of only 1 or ;;%, in which case no tendency to communism will occur before ¥ holds 16z.) Now suppose an area of # square miles with a bird population of not z but 100z. Obviously such an area will yield something like tooy—that is, enough food to support 100 broods of Falcons within the potential range of one pair. Inthat case the territorial system will disappear, either spontaneously or on being VOL. XXI.] LETTER. 131 challenged, and (excluding such factors as human persecution) the way will lie open for a colony of up to Ioo nests. ; ae And mutatis mutandis the same applies to all birds. Now it is clear that with small insectivorous species, where * 1s only a few acres, and with birds of prey, where z represents a considerable number of birds, mammals or reptiles, the chances of passing beyond a strictly territorial organization are slightest. Although there is no absolute innate prohibition against their becoming sociable, the physical handi- cap of short range, or the need for many victims high in the scale of life, will militate against their becoming so in practice. — And while territory is thus imposed on them, as it normally is, the “ fierce un- reasoning jealousy ’’ I spoke of is from their very nature stronger In the Hawks than in any others; it allies itself with innate raptorial qualities. In their case z can rarely bear a high ratio to %, though where it does so tolerance and eventually communism will supervene. So far as I know few attempts (and those poorly backed by observa- tion) have previously been made to ascertain x, y and z in the case of any particular species. It can be done, and I hope other naturalists, outside the Oxford Bird Census, will help to do it. But, while I am not yet in a position to give Mr. Jourdain exact figures, I feel pretty sure that the ratio required to support communism among birds of prey is rarely reached, at least outside tropical and sub-tropical countries. Yet this, I should be the last to deny, must be put to the test of statistical observation. (The figures given by Mr. Jourdain of numbers of birds of prey shot in Sutherland a century ago (antea p. 72) are misleading; as he must be well aware wherever such in- tensive persecution goes on there is steady immigration from distant or neighbouring areas so long as the supply lasts. Thousands of Kestrels have been shot in a few years on one estate, but that gives no scientific proof of any unusual density of Kestrel population ; only of the damage that can be done by an unusually ignorant and destructive landowner.) I have done my best to state the main issue clearly, and I am curious to know what Mr. Jourdain thinks about it. Is his disagreement based only on the incidental details of my groping and somewhat clumsy attempts to state this law, or does he dispute the law itself ? Since that law is a clear corollary of the territory theory, to question it would seem to me sheer fundamentalism in ornithology, and I will not believe, without his explicit assurance, that Mr. Jourdain really differs from me on the essential issue. For, afterall, the precise point where the limitation takes effect is no great matter compared with the question whether or not such a limitation of numbers exists. If there is any valid disproof of what I have tried to express I should be glad to hear it. And if there is no valid disproof, the assertion that we must keep down birds of prey or they will get out of hand, and so on, can no longer be repeated with impunity. In conclusion, I should like to apologize to Mr. Jourdain for the unjustifiable remarks on ‘the one aberrant specimen,’ etc., which I put down in the heat of the moment. I am grateful to him for com- pelling me to develop my point more fully; the criticism of such an authority, even when it seems misdirected criticism, is to be valued far above the woolly and unhelpful praise too often meted out to bird books of every description. E.M. NiIcHOLson. [With the views expressed so clearly by Mr. Nicholson in the second paragraph of the above letter, I am in entire agreement. There is no doubt that the accessible food supply is by far the most important 182 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXI. factor in determining the density of population in any given area. Other points, such as the presence of breeding sites, have to be con- sidered, but this is, as Mr. Nicholson states, the fundamental law. To my mind, territorial jealousy is a symptom that for countless generations the species has reached a level approaching the maximum density. I do not think that the presence of so many Raptores in scattered pairs over wide areas is due to this cause (except possibly in the Astur-Accipiter group) but rather to the interference of man. Under purely natural conditions the superfluous produce of a Grouse moor would be accounted for by “‘ vermin” to the extent of some go per cent. Man steps in and takes the 90 per cent., attempting at the same time to eliminate the vermin. When the restrictions are relaxed, the surviving Raptores increase with extraordinary rapidity, and will continue to do so until stabilized either by food scarcity or by artificial restriction. Among the European Raptores the communistic stage has been reached by the Lesser Kestrel, the Red-footed Falcon and Eleonoran Falcon, while it is frequent among the Kites, and is also characteristic of the American Osprey. The cases quoted with regard to the Golden Eagle, Sea Eagle, etc., show that territorial jealousy is practically non-existent when the food supply is ample, but sites are scarce. I do not think the Sutherland figures quoted by me are misleading, for a glance at the map will show that on the north and west the county is sea girt: the east Caithness moorlands are unsuited as breeding ground, while it must not be forgotten that the campaign against the birds of prey was waged with equal bitterness in the southern Highlands and began earlier as the moors were more accessible. More- over, those were not the days of breechloaders and it is probable that nearly all the old and young birds obtained were killed at the eyries. I only quoted one or two cases, but the few records of the destruction of vermin from other Scotch areas which exist are equally startling. No more useful work can be done than systematic census making of the bird population, and it is much to be wished that local Natural History Societies would take up this branch of bird study and provide the raw material for future research. It is satisfactory to note that Mr. Nicholson realizes that in scientific discussion the object is not to score a debating point against one’s opponent, but by elimination of error to arrive at truth.—F. C. R. JOURDAIN.] 29 SEP 1927 FOR SALE.—THORBURN’S BRITISH BIRDS, Large paper, limited edition. 4 vols., 1926. Clean as issued, now out of print. What offers? Address—1., Office of “‘ British Birds.” LE GERFAUT REVUE BELGE D’ORNITHOLOGIE (Fondée en 1911, Le seule publication scientifique belge traitant des oiseaux, spéecialement des oiseaux de la Belique. Abonnement 25 francs belges - 5 Belgas par an. Direction: Square Prince Charles 21, Bruxelles-Laeken (Belgique) STEVENS’S AUCTION ROOMS, LID. ESTD. 1760. 38, King Street, Covent Garden, London, W.C.2. Periodical Sales are held at the above Rooms, of NATURAL HISTORY SPECIMENS, including BIRDS and BIRDS’ EGGS, CABINETS, etc. Also BOOKS relating to Natural History. Catalogues of sales posted on application. WHELDON & WESLEY, LTD. have in stock nearly all the books and journals required by ornithologists. The collection of old and rare works is one of the largest in the country. New books and journals supplied to order. Books not in stock sought for. Just issued: Zoological Catalogue, Part I, Vertebrata; Part II, Faunas. Bookbinding in all its branches undertaken. Libraries and parcels of books purchased. LONDON: —2, 3, & 4, Arthur St., NEW OXFORD STREET, W.C.1. Telephone: -Gerrard 1412. WATKINS & DONCASTER, NATURALISTS. CABINETS and APPARATUS of every kind for Collectors of Birds’ Eggs, Insects, &c. 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Foyles hold a considerable stock of Second-hand Books on Ornithology, and can supply any Scientific Book that is in print and most of those that are out of print. They have a Special Department for this class of literature under a Manager who has experience and knowledge of the Natural Sciences. Call and consult him, or write asking for Catalogue 611. Books sent on approval. Special Offer of Pycraft’s ‘‘ CAMOUFLAGE IN NATURE.” Reveals subterfuges well-nigh incredible. With 64 illustrations. Published 21/-. Offered at 13/- post free. Quote Offer 611. FOY LES, 119-125 Charing Cross Rd., London, W.C.2 BRITSABIRDS - + a”? WITH WHICH Was INCORPORATED IN JANUARY, 1917, ‘THE ZOOLOGIST. EDITED BY H. F. WITHERBY, M.B.E.,F.Z.S.,M.B.O.U. : ASSISTED BY REV. F. C. R. JoURDAIN, M.A., M.B.O.U., H.F.A.0.U., AND ' Norman—F. TICEHURST, O.B.E., M.A., F.R.C.S., M.B.O.U. a : Sr — ——— es CONTENTS [OF NNUMBER 6, VOL. XXI., NOVEMBER I, 1927. PAGE Traps for Bird Ringing. By Frederick C. Lincoln ... =, 66 cS Nest-Building by Male Lesser Whitethroat. By H. E. Forrest, F.L.S. iby igs a ae BP ae ~ => % EH = SH Hs mee = > o = eae Se: oS a ¢ - y = > oe | $32 He Hy Saueee Fic. 2.—Phantom drawing of “Government” Sparrow Trap. Note the guard wires attached to the mouths of the funnels. Appreciative of the possibilities opened through this ‘manner of attacking the problems concerned, the Bureau 136 BRITISH BIRDS. [vYoL. iy of Biological Survey of the United States Department of Agriculture took up banding work as a means of furthering its investigations of the species protected under the terms of the Migratory-Bird Treaty between the United States and Great Britain. The period that has elapsed has witnessed ee ee ae = \ * \ = Fic. 3.—Pattern for first funnel, ‘‘Government’’ Sparrow Trap. Draw a horizontal line near one edge of a large sheet of paper, and erect a perpendicular line through the centre of the sheet. Point of contact of these lines is centre for a circle with a 16-inch radius. Measure up 1# inches and 2# inches on the perpendicular and draw circles with radii of 17$ inches and 114 inches respectively. Draw line CD at right angles to perpendicular and follow with lines CB, BA, AG, DE, EF, and FJ. Draw lines GH, HI, and IJ; then lines BG, CH, DI, and EJ. Add section CKLD and one-inch flaps on all © ~ exterior edges. important progress in the development of suitable traps. Mr. Baldwin’s early work was done largely with a commer- cial cage trap of the “Government Sparrow Trap’ type, OL. xx1.] TRAPS FOR BIRD RINGING. 137 o called because it was designed by the Biological Survey or use in the control of the House-Sparrow (Passer domesticus). ‘his trap, being fairly well known, has continued to be a eneral favourite at most trapping stations. Recent improve- nents have added much to its efficiency. It is suitable or almost all ground-feeding species up to and including hose the size of Doves and Quail. As shown by the illustrations (figs. 1 and 2) this trap 1s a imple cage, measuring 35 inches long, 20 inches wide, and Fic. 4.—Pattern for second funnel, ‘‘ Government ” Sparrow Trap. Made in a manner similar to Fig 3. First lay off horizontal and perpendicular lines. Measure up 10} inches on perpendicular for centre of circle with 16-inch radius. To right of perpendicular erect second line j-inch distant and 8 inches high to establish point for circle with 144 inch radius. Begin with line AP at right angles to perpendiculars, and follow with lines AB, BC, etc. 16 inches high, which is a good size for most work, as it is rot cumbersome or heavy. It is divided into two compart- nents, entrance to the first or outer chamber being through 1 half-funnel, and from there to the second chamber through 1 complete funnel, which also forms the division between 138 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXI. the two chambers. The outlet of the first funnel is on the ground, while that of the second funnel is elevated to about the centre of the trap. Each outlet is protected by a series of light “ guard wires ”’ attached to the netting of the funnels and projecting 4 or 5 inches into the chambers beyond the funnel mouths. The two sides and the back may be made from a single piece of netting, the best type being No. 3 (three meshes to the inch) hardware cloth. The funnels, top, and bottom of the second chamber may be made of 34anch-mesh poultry wire. There is no bottom or floor on the outer chamber, except the corner areas that are covered by funnel braces. The only difficult feature in connection with the manufacture of this trap is the proper cutting and shaping of the funnels, but by the use of paper patterns, prepared in accordance with the diagrams (figs. 3 and 4), this trouble will be easily overcome. A door about 6 inches square, for removing captured birds, should be provided in the rear chamber. In addition to the sparrow trap, the old and well-known ‘sieve’ or “‘drop”’ trap, operated by a cord in the hands of the trapper, also came into immediate favour. The general simplicity of such traps and the fact that birds are taken only when the operator is ready to band them continue to re- commend them, particularly to the co-operator with limited time to watch his traps. The No. 3 hardware cloth is readily fashioned into a tray 3 to 5 feet square and from 6 to Io inches deep, or a wooden frame may be used for the sides. The trays are, of course, inverted over the bait, and supported on one side by a “ trip-stick,’’ to which the “ pull-string ”’ is attached. Although such traps are efficient, they occasionally kill a bird, particularly when several are on the bait at the same time. For this reason, a trap that was originally developed by the officers of the North-eastern Bird Banding Association (*) is considered preferable. It is sometimes known as the “ Beginner’s Flat Trap,’ but is by no means limited to the tyro, as many productive stations largely depend upon it for their major results. As shown in the illustration (fig. 5), it is made entirely of hardware cloth andisabout the same size asany otherdroptrap. (3 feet square, and 6 to Io inches high, is a good size for most work.) Instead of being rigid, the c (1) As a means of co-ordinating the activities of bird-banding co-operators in the United States and Canada, four regional Associations have been organized. eee —— VOL. XXI.] TRAPS FOR BIRD RINGING. 139 sides and top of this trap are made in separate pieces, which should be reinforced around their edges with No. Io wire. The sides are fastened to the top by means of small wire rings, and when set the trap stands on three sides, the fourth being held horizontally by means of the trip-stick. The great advantage of this trap is that birds are scarcely ever injured in it. Even if they should be struck by the descending side, the weight and speed is insufficient to do more than push them back into the trap. Fic. 5.—Flat, or Drop, Trap. This is considered the best model of this type of trap, as it rarely, if ever, injures a bird. A little attention to the trip-stick will repay the time ex- pended. By cutting it into two pieces, which are then fastened together with a small hinge and which will cause the stick to collapse when the string is pulled, the speed will be increased and also swaying will be more or less eliminated. As bird-banding work progressed, many additional types of traps were developed for the capture of ground-feeding species, and of these one worked out by Miss Jessica A. Potter, of Los Angeles, California, is unquestionably of great merit. This trap, which has vertically sliding doors, is fundamentally a one-bird trap, but it is usually built with 140 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXI. two, four, or eight compartments. The one figured (figs. 6 and 7) is the most popular type and may be described as follows :— Eight frames are made from stiff wire of about No. 12 gauge. Three of these should measure 8 by 18 inches and the others 8 by 8 inches. The larger frames are for the top, front and back, while the smaller ones are for the two ends and three partitions. The bottom is left open. As this is a small trap, the frames should be carefully made and the ends of the wires soldered or welded together. The smaller frames may be covered with #-inch poultry wire netting, but the top and sides should not be covered until the cage is assembled. The netting can be attached by lacing with copper wire, but soldering is preferable(?). On one of the larger frames (which will be the front) a piece of No. 12 wire is attached longitudinally 34 inches from one side. This 34-inch space will be the area not covered by the closed doors. The cage should now be assembled, which may be accom- plished by merely lacing the sides, top, and ends together with copper wire. Remember that the 34-inch space of the front is the upper part. A piece of ?-inch-mesh wire netting 18 by 194 inches is used to cover the back, top, and upper part of the front, and the three remaining small frames are fastened into the cage so as to divide it into four compart- ments 44 inches wide. The doors are made by covering with wire-netting frames — that measure 34 inches wide and 5 inches high and that are made from No. 12 wire. Across each door on the outside two wires are soldered, one about } inch from the bottom and the other 14 inches from the top. These wires should project about # inch on each side so that they may be bent into hooks that will engage with the “ slides.’’ As the doors slide outside the cage it is necessary to attach slide rods or wires to the front frame. For this purpose, eight No. 12 wires, each g inches in length, are used. The ends of these wires are given 34-inch right-angle bends, care being taken to see that the 4-inch sections on each piece are parallel. They are then soldered across the front frame from top to bottom, so that the body of the wires will project }inch beyond (1) This trap is usually made so it can be folded up, a feature readily worked out by use of wire rings, but, as the trap is small, the collapsible feature is not a prime necessity. Accordingly, it is here described as of rigid construction. g number of ee wav’, ink wa ae Wee fosmaaen ith varyin ade w Ss. m artments adily comp 66a wae BOERS fi ivan 7 Re ras a ar : pase. Fic. 6.—Potter Trap. NARRATE ZN ——) CET EAE OT) WF Y be eS, E bp nl 2s oa 2 > \ ie As a ae ee on pt 8 $3 o gion or Sin 3" S$ asa r= ee) Ra) q vo vo cofuelit=| og i=) in which the doors are attached to the is placed w Fic. 7.—Potter Trap, showin 142 BRITISH BIRDS. (VOL. XX, the front of the trap. The spacing from end to end on the frame should be: End, + inch, 4 inches, 4 inch, 4 inches, 4 inch, 4 inches, 4 inch, 4 inches, } inch, end ; total length of the trap, 18 inches. The doors are attached to these slides by the simple expedient of bending into hooks the projecting wires that were attached for the purpose. These hooks should fit loosely around the slides so that the doors will work up and down easily. The triggers for this trap have been referred to as “ trip- doorsteps ”’ from the fact that they are set just inside the door so that birds entering the trap trip them immediately. One is used in each compartment. For each trigger a piece of either No. 2 or No. 3 hardware cloth measuring 24 inches wide by 3} inches long and a piece of fairly stiff wire of about No. 14 gauge, 74 inches long, are needed. The wire is first woven into the hardware cloth near one end and then bent at right angles perpendicular to the hardware cloth. The upper end is then given a 4-nch right-angle bend on which the bottom of the door rests when the trap is set. In operation, bait is scattered thinly in front of the trap and more thickly on the ground in the back part of the compartments. Each door is raised and a trigger placed inside, back just far enough so that in engaging with the door the back part of the hardware cloth will be elevated about half an inch. Such “sets”? may be made very delicate, and they have the added advantages of being “‘ sure catch ” and of scarcely ever injuring a bird. All the traps described above are intended primarily for the small ground-feeding species and will not be found satis- factory for a few groups that are reluctant to go under an obstruction or for which water is a more effective bait. For these birds a top-opening trap is preferable, and excellent results have been obtained with the ‘‘ Chardonneret Trap.” Information concerning this device was {furnished to the Biological Survey by J. B. Harkin, Commissioner of Canadian National Parks, Ottawa, Canada. This is another trap that can be constructed with several compartments, but as ordinarily used two cells are satis- factory. Those shown in the illustration (fig. 8) are cubical, measuring I2 inches each way. The frame is made from light strips of wood and is covered with No. 3 hardware cloth. The central partition also is of this material. Each compart- ment is supplied with a small door in a lower corner and a 6-inch opening in the top. It is not necessary to have any VoL. Xx1.] TRAPS FOR BIRD RINGING. 143 {framework around the top openings. To make each of the top doors, four light strips of wood are required, those for the sides and bottom being 6 inches long, while the fourth should be 8 or ginchesinlength. This longer piece 1s attached through the centre of the door so that it will project 4 or 5 inches beyond the bottom. Framework is not needed at the top of the door. The lower end of this piece should be bevelled to a chisel-like edge, and the door should be covered with a piece of wire netting. Fic. 8.—Chardonneret Trap. — THROW FUIRE oe porn —— ral INCHOR PEG NE; TRIGGER IZ + OR SOS S SNS S Tr, i ZZ i, es ee iPZZ8 NW S We Y fx Ka = = = 2) WKS 2 AR SIOZ ELELAATION ES CA BLOC: INCHOR A THROW B12, : OLIN DP STOP BLOCH SA - a ce FOR SALE.—THORBURN’S BRITISH BIRDS. Large paper, limited edition. 4 vols., 1926. Clean as issued, now out of print. £7 10s.0d. Address—T., Office of “ British Birds. LE GERFAUT REVUE BELGE. D’ORNITHOLOGIE (Fondée en 1911.) 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ROSENBERG, 57, Haverstock Hill, London, N.W.3, England Telephone: Primrose Hill 0660 begs to announce the publication of a new Price List of Birds of the World, including over 4,000 species. The List is conveniently arranged, with Index to Families, and will be sent post free to readers of “* British Birds ”’ on mentioning that publication. A CATALOGUE OF BOOKS ON BRITISH & FOREIGN BIRDS. Containing 350 interesting and many scarce items. SENT POST FREE ON APPLICATION TO FRANCIS EDWARDS, 83a HIGH STREET, MARYLEBONE, LONDON, W.1 Libraries Purchased. or Valued for Probate. That Book you want! Foyles hold a considerable stock of Second-hand Books on Ornithology, and can supply any Scientific Book that is in print and most of those that are out of print. They have a Special Department for this class of literature under a Manager who has experience and knowledge of the Natural Sciences. Call and consult him, or write asking for Catalogue 611. Books sent on approval. Special Offer of Pycraft’s “‘ CAMOUFLAGE IN “NATURE.” Reveals subterfuges well-nigh incredible. With 64 illustrations. Published 21/-. Offered at 13/- post free. Quote Offer 611. _ FOYLES, 119-125 Charing Cross Rd., London, W.C.2 iach Pind a tatan Wali? eats wh sy ah SS ae BRITSABIRDS WITH WHICH WAS INCORPORATED IN JANUARY, 1917, ‘THE ZOOLOGIST. EDITED BY H. F. WITHERBY, M.B.E.,F.Z.S.,M.B.0.U. ASSISTED BY Rey. Flac. oR JOURDAIN, M.A., M.B.O.U., H.F.A.0.U., AND NorMAN F» TICEHURST, O.B.E., M.A., F.R.C.S., M.B.O.U. CONTENTS~oF NUMBER 7, VOL. XXI., DECEMBER I, 1927. PAGE “Notes on the Nesting of the Sand-Martin. By Richmond H. : Hellyar as a : 166 Cocks’ Nests of the W hitethroat. “By Stanley Lewis La eae r72 Notes :— Destruction of Rooks and Jackdaws oer Fall of a Tree Site ala S. Reeve) cs “pe ; 175 The 1927 Irruption of the Crossbill é 175 Tawny Pipit in Sussex (Howard Bentham) ... 177 Pied Flycatchers in Kent and Sussex (Howard Bentham) nes 177 Lesser Whitethroat in Pembrokeshire (Bertram Lloyd) 178 Average Brood of Swallows and House-Martins in Cumberland and Westmorland (R. H. Brown).. a aa Be 178 Alpine Swift in Wiltshire (N. F. Ticehurst) .. os a 178 Abnormal Laying of Cuckoo (Geo. J. Scholey) re 179 Rejection of Cuckoo’s Eggs by Pied Wagtail (Geo. J. Scholey) 180 Rejection of Cuckoo’s Egg by Linnet (Guy Charteris) pe 180 Tree-Pipit and Cuckoo's Eggs (Guy Charteris) bes ary I8I Regular Appearance of Hen-Harrier in Wigtownshire (M. Portal) wate ‘ ee ee ne 181 Spoonbills in Hampshire ‘(John Moore) 181 Spoonbills, Avocets and probable Demoiselle Crane in n Hamp- shire (Major Cecil Paddon) ... ‘ iets 182 Early Grey Geese in Lancashire (H. W. Robinson): “2 2 Nesting of the Pochard in Cumberland (R. Graham) a 183 Scaup- Duck and Common Scoter Inland in Somerset (B. W. Lucker) ... =e sae or sa 184 Shags at Oxford (B. Ww. Tucker) Sus 184 Leach’s Fork-tailed Petrel Inland in Lancashire and. Cheshire Le Ne ISOYC)! 4. ae sate oa nee 185 Two Dunlins Laying in the Same Nest. (C suy Charteris) ... 186 Spotted Redshanks in Sussex (Howard Bentham) ... 186 Spotted Redshank and Knot in the Scilly Isles (H. W. Robinson) a 186 Black-tailed Godwits in Sonemet in 1926 (B. W. Tucker) bax 187 Late Appearance of Little Tern in Devon (Col. R. M. Byne) 187 Short Notes :— Hen-Harrier in Forfarshire. Spotted Crake in Perthshire ... 187 Letters :-— Curious Behaviour of Spotted Flycatchers (Col. H. A. F, Magrath) ‘ a one 188 Nest-Building by Male Warblers (R. H. Brown) ee ee 188 N ( 166 ) NOTES ON THE NESTING OF THE SAND-MARTIN. BY RICHMOND H. HELLYAR. OF the three British representatives of the family of Swallows, the Sand-Martin (Riparia r. riparia) is generally assumed to be the most conservative in its behaviour and the least able to adapt itself to the conditions of our civilized life, or to gain advantage from the gradual growth of human influence. It has, undoubtedly, not made itself so entirely at home, or domesticated itself amongst the actual conditions of civilization ; nor has it taken such an advantage of the pro- tection that man’s presence affords, as the Swallow (Hirundo ry. rustica) and the House-Martin (Delichon wu. urbica) have done. But although it most commonly retains its ancestral methods of nesting in self-made burrows where those methods are practicable, and rarely goes beyond utilizing the sites that have been left available after the formation of railway cuttings and embankments—this is not, I think, owing to any inferiority in adaptive ability on the bird’s part ; nor is it necessarily associated with exceptional shyness or distaste for human presence. Although the habit of utilizing holes in walls for nesting has been recorded on many occasions since the days of Gilbert White (Letter XX. to Daines Barrington: 1774), these cases of adaptiveness have, I think, hardly received the attention they deserve. I wish here to give details of, and to discuss some points of general interest in connection with, such cases occuring in the Bristol district, where this variation in nesting behaviour appears to be displayed in an unusually generous degree. The earliest note I can find is in the Proceedings of the Bristol Naturalists’ Society, where Mr. J. A. Norton refers (899) to a colony in “the retaining bank at the back of Bridge St.,” facing the water. This colony, which was right in the centre of the city, no longer exists, possibly owing to increased industralization and pollution of the stream, and hence absence of insect food. He also refers to a colony on the “‘ right-hand side of the road by Three Lamps.” There is a high wall here, which is probably the one referred to, but it is now covered by a very large advertisement hoarding— a factor which in the future may have some effect on the ecology of the Sand-Martin! Finally, he refers to “ another colony nesting between the stones of a roughly built wall in Kensington Hill, Brislington.” I can find no colony voL. xxt.] NESTING OF THE SAND-MARTIN. 167 here ; but it is possible that the recorder made a fairly common mistake and referred to Kensington Hill, instead of Bristol Hill. I know of two nests in the high wall at the top of this hill, which is a very frequented main road with a double line of tramcars. About a quarter of a mile away, on the Bath Road, there is a colony nesting in the holes of a high wall facing the road. Here there bred seven pairs in 1927, most in holes about eight feet from the ground. This road is very much used, and there is a perpetual stream of vehicles and pedestrians. The birds, however, are not at all shy, but will fly into their holes in front of the passer-by’s eyes. About two miles away, at Keynsham, there is another colony, of six pairs, in a high embanking wall, facing the Station and the main road to Bitton. This wall is higher, and the birds nest well out of reach. The road is not nearly so frequented as the Bath Road at Brislington, and I have found these Keynsham birds markedly more shy. For many years there was a colony at Stapleton, another suburb ; this was formed of two groups of birds some distance apart. This year, however, for some reason, they have not nested in the accustomed holes in one part ; but in the other— a wall nearer the river—I observed one hole occupied ; and as this was rather late in the season, probably there were others, as I saw a number of the birds flying above the river. Finally, there is a colony in the suburb of Redland, near where I live, and to which I have paid a good deal of attention. This again is in a wall facing a rather infrequented road, and an allotment and tip beyond. The population of this has varied considerably. Iam informed that twenty-five years ago it was a considerable colony. I have known it myself for eight years, and during that time it has varied from four pairs to asingle pair. It has also changed its site and moved about too yds. up the road, and its old holes are now nearly all filled with ivy-leaved toadflax. There are, this year, five holes occupied, more than has been the case for a long time. The birds are not at all shy, and will frequently fly into their holes before the gaze of the passer-by. In addition to these, I am informed by Mr. Coldstream Tuckett that he and Mr. R. P. Gait have observed similar examples of this nesting habit “on the main Weston Rd. from Long Ashton to Flax Bourton, also at Pensford.”’ There are many interesting points arising out of this varia- tion in the nesting behaviour of the Sand-Martin—of bird 168 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXI, psychology, bird ecology, inheritance of acquired characters, territory, influence of environment. In this paper I can only refer briefly to certain conclusions and certain difficulties that have struck me in connection with my own observations and those of others. First, I wish to draw attention to the environment of these Bristol birds. There is only one small outcrop of sand in this district, at Bitton ; and the stiff clay that is*so general in the area (whose geology is mainly limestone and heavy clays) would not be suitable for burrowing purposes. The district as a whole is indeed a most uninviting one to the Sand-Martin, particularly the immediate neighbourhood of the city, where, of course, the hand of man, by building and the like, has radically altered the face of the land, and created conditions that are only possible for nesting purposes to a small minority of birds. It would appear, therefore, as though the Sand-Martins have utilized these artificial sites under the compelling influence of necessity. If they had not varied their behaviour in some respect they could not exist where they do. At . some past date, forced by what Dr. Julian Huxley calls “biological pressure ”—absence of food, over-population, lack of nesting sites, etc.—or by other reasons, from the localities in which they were born and in which they were reared, one or several pairs overflowed from an area where sites were abundant into this new area, where the nature of the rock and soil did not allow of their normal method of nesting, but where other conditions were less intense—in fact, where the protection afforded by man’s presence against natural enemies was of great value in the struggle for exist- ence. In addition to this latter, more negative, advantage of human presence there was probably another, more positive one, an increase in food resulting from man’s frequently filthy habits, as evidenced in tips, for instance. These Sand-Martins were not apparently affected in this change by any shyness or avoidance of man, as Gilbert White believed. This pair, or these pairs, of birds were faced with the fact that if they did not vary their nesting behaviour, they would not be able to breed at all. But the impulse to breed is only second in strength to the impulse of self-preservation. Under the internal stimulus of this intensely powerful impulse the birds’ minds would be working at almost full pressure. The result was that they changed their behaviour to some ‘extent and adopted a fresh habit. This variation in behaviour of vou. xx1.] NESTING OF THE SAND-MARTIN. 169 the Sand-Martin was a radical one, more radical than that of either of its relatives. I suggest that a study of it will not lead one to the conclusion that the Sand-Martin is less intelligent and less adaptive than the other Swallows. The change involved the complete omission of the whole complex series of actions that are concerned with the making of a tunnel. All this was dropped entirely ; the bird cut alto- gether with this most important and complex part of its ancestral instinct. It still holds on to the principle of tunnel- nesting. It still, as a general rule, builds its nest well away from the mouth of the cavity, and often it penetrates far back for many feet, placing its nest in an absolutely impregnable position, frequently being able to turn a corner, or make use of a narrow neck. But it has broken the chain of instinctive actions that normally precede the actual building of the nest. In this, at any rate, it did not follow out mechanically a series of acts in which the response of the one was the stimulus to the next following. This is obviously quite a different thing from its adopting the sites provided incidentally by man in railway cuttings and the like, where the bird merely follows its usual instinctive course of behaviour and makes no real alteration in its way of life. In thus coming into the actual daily life of men, the bird has, moreover, quite changed its environment, leaving its quiet haunts to enter an environment of noise, bustle and commotion. It has really revolutionized its mode of living. But the problem is by no means so simple as would appear from the above. There are instances that are not so straight- forward, and that cannot be explained in this way as direct adaptation to environment. Mr. P. F. Bunyard records an interesting observation (B.B. Vol. XVII., p. 187) illustrat- ing this difficulty. On May 28th, 1923, he saw “ several Sand-Martins flying up and down the line ’’ at Rye House Station,G.E.R. ‘Some were carrying nesting materials and I was astonished to see several of them disappear into holes in the brickwork of the sides of the platform, just over the metals. I mentioned this to the guard of the train and he informed me that they had bred there for several years . . . It is remarkable that the birds should have chosen such a precarious position, when | there are plenty of gravel and sand pits quite near. I am also informed by Mr. E. W. Beacall that ‘several pairs used to nest regularly in drain pipes in the bank of the Gloucester and Berkeley canal at a place near Hempstead— 170 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL, XXI, these pipes were rather damp, and only about a foot above the water level.”” He goes on to say, “‘ they are fairly common along the banks of the Severn a few miles below Gloucester, particularly about Stonebench, where they nest each year. From here to the canal at Hempstead is only about 24 miles.”’ I find it impossible, as the facts are at present, to under- stand thése, more especially in the example that Mr. Bunyard gives. This side of the question requires more examples and fuller details. The only suggestion I can make is that “ wall-nesters ”’ have drifted into a district where natural sites are available, but that the new method of nesting has been retained, in spite of the presence of normally suitable sites. But this is merely tentative. If true, it would imply that the habit became fixed. But the matter requires full investigation and observations—that might finally, perhaps, shed light on some problems of general biology. I can only refer briefly to one or two interesting points that arise out of this variation in nesting behaviour on the part of the Sand-Martin. One is the inheritance of acquired characters—in relation to the vexed question of the inherit- ance or non-inheritance of habit. Professor Lloyd Morgan refers to the adaptive behaviour of the House-Martin with regard to this problem in Habit and Instinct (London: 1896 : page 286). Do the progeny of the wall-nesting Sand-Martins always afterwards nest in holes in walls; or do they abjure walls for the more primitive, burrowing, site when it is available ? If the first alternative is true, do the young birds, as Prof. Lloyd Morgan suggests, nest in walls by association of ideas—by their associating the idea of holes in walls with the idea of nesting through personal experience, and tending to nest in the situations where they themselves have been reared ? Or do they nest in walls by “ inherited habit,’ transmitted from their parents ? More facts are needed before any attempt at deciding these points is possible. Exact evidence is needed, indeed, to prove whether the Sand-Martins that have nested in the same spot and fashion for over twenty years, have done so generation after generation, young following parent. This, and other matters of interest, perhaps at present overlooked, can be solved with the help of the “ British Birds ” ringing scheme. The ringing of wall-nesting Sand-Martins should be particularly concentrated upon. Details of the nesting sites of marked Sand-Martins should be mentioned on the recording sheet. Recoveries should, where possible, VOL. Xx1.] NESTING OF THE SAND-MARTIN. iil state whether the bird was found in a wall or in a burrow. The subsequent value of such records would be great*. I am unable to say why this variation in the nesting beha- viour of the Sand-Martin has not spread more widely than it actually has done ; or, indeed, whether it is still spreading. There are many walls available, in this district at any rate, with similar and often better holes that are not used; and only a small number of the holes available in the actual colony are utilized. In some cases, probably, the factor of wet has been a means of restriction, although all the holes that I have inspected have been perfectly dry and unaffected even by the very wet weather of this year. *It has been suggested that ringing these birds is not a very easy task. It is not easy, but it is quite practicable. The difficulty is that the birds usually nest out of reach, frequently around corners, and often they choose the narrowest of holes. I myself ring them at night. I find that by flashing a small lamp in the birds’ eyes, I can, by “‘ hypnotism,” draw them to the mouth of the hole. The parents can be ringed at any time by this method ; the young are best captured when full fledged. (172 ) COCKS’ NESTS OF THE WHITETHROAT. BY STANLEY LEWIS. It is fully fifteen years ago since I began to wonder at the number of nests of Whitethroat (Sylvia c. communis) which I found of a certain structure that never contained eggs. I collected quite a number of these nests, all frailly built of the dead stems of Galiwm, apparently G. aparine (Goose- grass) and adorned more or less heavily with willow-down. The down might be matted together on the bottom or sides of the inner cup of the nest, or on the rim, or the whole nest might be flecked with it ; in addition, a petal or two of some wild flower and cocoons of spiders appear. The main points are: that these nests never contain eggs, and never contain hair lining ; they are always much flimsier, and, despite the adornment, have a decidedly unfinished appearance when placed side by side with the comparatively firm structure of the genuine article, viz., the utilized nest. The nest proper may or may not be hair lined, but when the horsehair is absent there usually appears a very decent lining of very fine grasses, and exterior decoration is, in most cases, very limited ; exceptions I know occur. The nest which forms the illustration of this article was photographed on June 3rd, 1927, amongst a tangled mass of flowering brambles, Rubus suberectus; it is heavily adorned on the rim and part of the inner cup. By clearing away a small space I was the better able to watch, and I actually saw what I believe to be the male bird with willow-down in his beak. Eight yards from this nest, in the same flowering brambles which skirted the rough track over a heath, a Whitethroat was sitting on a nest containing five eggs. I conclude that the Whitethroat, and probably the male, builds a plurality of nests, veritably cocks’ nests ; perhaps in order to draw attention from the one in which the domestic duties are being performed. The only allusion to these unfinished nests that I know of is in the Oologists Record for June 1st, 1926, p. 45, where Mr. J. W. B. Griffiths states : ““T have come across several unusually decorated nests belonging to the Greater Whitethroat. In most cases willow-down was used to decorate the rim of the nest, but I have never once found these decorated nests to contain eggs, although I have discovered several and watched carefully.” After the above was written, the Editors of this Journal very kindly sent me a copy of the Irish Naturalist for 1918, vou. xx1.}| WHITETHROAT COCKS’ NESTS. 173 pointing out an article therein, pp. 140-143, by Mr. j._P. Burkitt, who deals very fully with this nest-building habit of the male Greater Whitethroat, his contention being that these unfinished nests are always built by unmated “lonely males” and that a single male may build even up to four DECORATED NEST BUILT BY COCK WHITETHROAT., of such nests, but, when mated, the male does no building whatever. The Editors further point out that Mr. H. E. Howard recorded in his British Warblers that a male built two nests and commenced a third, which was completed and used by the female, and that in the Zoologist, 1888, p. 311, the Rev. A. Ellison stated that the male builds the nest. I am of the opinion that in certafn papers where it is stated the male Whitethroat builds the nest, the observation must have originated from watching the builder at one of these cocks’ nests which I have attempted to describe ; but 174 BRITISH BIRDS. _ [VoL. XxI. whether the male, when mated, ceases entirely to do any nest-building, as Mr. Burkitt states, I have no proof; I can only refer to the observation set forth in my note, that a male was decorating a dummy nest only a few yards from an occupied nest containing five eggs. My notes on the subject are entirely original, for I had not even heard of the above references until brought to my notice by the Editors of this Journal, and I offer them now as confirmation, and perhaps elucidation, of this interesting habit of the male Whitethroat. DESTRUCTION OF ROOKS AND JACKDAWS BY FALL OF TREE. In a gale on the night of October 28th—2gth, 1927, a large elm tree with a considerable amount of leaf still on was blown down in my rookery at Leadenham, Lincolnshire. Maimed and dead birds, as follows, were picked up and there are probably more under the mass of branches. I could see three or four. 36 old Rooks. I7 young Rooks. 10 Jackdaws. The tree was torn up from the roots, and I can only suppose that it had been swaying in the gale some time and that the birds were afraid to leave it and hung on to the bitter end. The large number of casualties is, however, extraordinary. JOHN S. REEVE. Thi toa7 IRKUPTION OF THE CROSSBILL*. SCOTLANDT. Farr Iste.—Mr. G. Stout reports that in the first week of July Crossbills began to arrive, and had practically all disappeared by the end of the month. At one time at least 300 were on the island. (Scot. Nat., 1927, p. 160.) | OUTER HEBRIDES.—Mr. J. Wilson Dougal states that on July 29th, during an expedition to North Rona (uninhabited and treeless), about thirty Crossbills were seen and noticed to be feeding on sea-pinks. About the beginning of August two lots of about thirty each were observed on Lewis in the only two localities where there are trees (loc. cit.). Canna.—-Mr. J. K. Nash states (op. cit., p. 158) that two were seen on August 31st (cf. antea, p. 153). ButEe.—About September Ist some birds feeding on spruce were seen by a gamekeeper, the Rev. J. M. McWilliam informs me, and from the description these would appear to have been Crossbills. DUMBARTONSHIRE.—On September gth Mr. Guy Charteris *For previous notes see antea, pp. 90-93, I2I-127, 153-155. yA number of interesting notes appear in the Scottish Naturalist, September—October issue, brief particulars of which are given here, but the original should be consulted by those interested. 176 BRITISH BIRDS. [VoL. XXI. saw three at the head of Loch Lomond, feeding on Scots pine, many “‘ worked ’”’ cones of which were under the trees. PERTHSHIRE.—On August 31st Lord Scone saw a party of about twenty at Logiealmond Lodge, and about the middle of October a dozen were seen on the outskirts of Perth. ENGLAND AND WALES. NORTHUMBERLAND.—On September 25th Miss B. C. Paterson first noticed a small flock at Stocksfield-on-Tyne feeding on larch cones. ANGLESEY.—With reference to the note (antea, p. 153), Mr. G. R. Humphreys points out that Crossbills were reported at this place by Mr. W. J. Kemp on March 16th, 1927, and recorded in the Report of the Anglesey Antiq. Soc. and Field Club. CORNWALL.—From August 3rd to roth Mr. W. H. Thompson saw small parties (up to six) near East Looe. DEVONSHIRE.—On November 21st Mr. V. C. Wynne- Edwards saw two at Plymouth feeding on cotoneaster berries. ' SOMERSETSHIRE.—On November 2oth Mr. J. H. Symes saw about twelve in orchards at Coat Martock. DORSETSHIRE.—In October the Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain records larger numbers than for some years past on commons Overgrown with pines four or five miles north of Poole and Bournemouth (cf. antea, p. 154). Mr. W. J. Ashford writes that Crossbills were last seen at Westbourne on October 23rd and near Blandford on the 2tst. SURREY.—On July 30th and 31st Mr. W. H. Thompson saw two small flocks at Leatherhead, and on returning after a fortnight’s absence found them much more numerous, and they were plentiful up to the end of August, but by the middle of September became scarcer. On August 14th Mr. Guy Charteris saw about twenty near Lingfield. On November 14th Mr. E. R. Paton saw about thirty near Guildford feeding on larch. KENT.—At the beginning of July Mrs. Alex. Boord reports some on the borders of Kent and Surrey. On September 18th Mr. P. D. Lomax reports (Field, 3, xi.’27, p. 701) two from Dover. OXFORDSHIRE.—On October 30th Mr. E. M. Nicholson saw two near Blenheim. BEDFORDSHIRE.—Between the middle of September and middle of October Mr. D. Seth-Smith has several times noticed twenty to thirty at the Zoological Society’s Park at Winslade. VOL. XXI.] NOTES. vt CAMBRIDGESHIRE.—On October 27th Mr. W. H. Thompson saw three flying over Cambridge, and a week previously he heard some there. : NorFoLk.—During the third week of July Mr. W. H. Thompson reports single birds in twos and threes between Cley and Blakeney Point. IRELAND. Leirrim.—On July 23rd an adult female was shot at Innisfail, Drumshambo, and received by Messrs. Williams & Son for preservation. DusBLin.—On July 31st Mr. W. J. Williams saw eight fly over Rathgar, Dublin. Prior to that date odd birds were noticed flying over his garden. WickLow.—On July 13th an immature bird, shot from a flock of six at Glendalough, was sent to Messrs. Williams & Son, Dublin, for preservation. On September 14th a bird-catcher brought in to Messrs. Williams & Son four Crossbills caught the same day at Blessington. Wexrorp.—On August 23rd Messrs. Williams & Son received an adult male shot near Wexford. TAWNY PIPIT IN SUSSEX. ON September 4th, 1927, I saw a Tawny Pipit (Anthus campestris) on the coast near Rye. The absence of striations on the buff breast and flanks and whitish under-parts at once attracted my attention, as did also the very clearly defined buff eye-stripe. The feathers of the upper-parts were sandy-brown with dark centres, the tail reddish-brown. I infer that the bird was in winter plumage, the moustachial streaks not being at all pronounced. After allowing me to watch it from a distance of four or five yards, on my nearer approach the bird rose, emitting a shrill, double chirp, quite unlike the notes of any of our breeding Pipits. Later in the day I noticed the bird on a grassy track, along which it ran with astonishing swiftness for about fifty yards before taking wing. HowarD BENTHAM. PIED FLYCATCHERS IN KENT AND SUSSEX. ON September Ist, 1927, I noticed a Pied Flycatcher (Mus- cicapa h. hypoleuca) at Littlestone, at a spot about half a mile from the sea. On the same day two birds appeared on the sand-dunes near Rye Harbour. All three were apparently immature. HowarpD BENTHAM. 178 BRITISH BIRDS. [VoL. Xxr. LESSER WHITETHROAT IN PEMBROKESHIRE. ON June 4th, 1927, Mr. Charles Oldham and I saw and heard a Lesser Whitethroat (Sylvia c. curruca) near Tenby. On June gth we found the bird at the same spot, singing vigor- ously—not only the well-known “ rattle ’’ but the full warbling song. This, I believe, is the first record of the species in the county, except for the admittedly doubtful one in M. A. Mathew’s Birds of Pembrokeshire (1894). In June, 1924, we saw a Lesser Whitethroat in the extreme south of Cardiganshire, some miles from the Pembrokeshire border ; and Dr. J. H. Salter informs us that further north, in the Aberystwyth district, this species has markedly in- creased of late years. It appears therefore to be extending its range in S.W. as well as in N.W. Wales. BERTRAM LLOYD. AVERAGE BROOD OF SWALLOWS AND HOUSE- MARTINS IN CUMBERLAND AND WESTMORLAND. THESE data concerning the average brood reared by Swallows (Hirundo r. rustica) were obtained from pairs breeding in various localities in Cumberland and Westmorland. In each year most pairs reared two broods, whilst in 1927 one pair raised three. No. of Nests Broods of Average Brood Examined. Reared. 6 5 A 3 «2 1927 25 | yi es Bee 4.0 1926 20 Th Ae, Weleda | vee ee 4.0 1925 16 Te le PA cS Fl Sis 1) ea 4.2 The data for the House-Martin (Delichon u. urbica) are based on a small number of nests examined at Cumdivock, Cumberland, 300 ft. above sea-level. Most pairs reared only one brood. In 1927 nine nests held twenty-two young, average brood 2.4; in 1926 seven nests had twenty-four young, average brood 3.4. R. H. Brown. ALPINE SWIFT IN WILTSHIRE. ON October 27th, 1927, at Stapleford in the Wylye Valley, I saw an Alpine Swift (Apus melba). It was hawking over the river and water-meadows some twenty or thirty feet from the ground and I had it under observation for several minutes. VOL. XXI.| NOTES. 179 During that time it came directly over me, and I finally watched it out of sight down the valley. A Swift on that date would attract one’s attention at once, but the con- spicuously large size, the general impression of brown, not black, coloration and, when it came over me, the light, almost white, under surface, left no doubt in my mind as to this bird’s identity. N. F. TICEHURST. ABNORMAL LAYING OF CUCKOO. A “ REED-WaARBLER” Cuckoo (C. canorus), which returned to her old territory in Kent for the third successive season, did not during 1927 lay with the clockwork regularity of some other well-known Cuckoos, nor, in fact, as she herself did in 1925, when she laid sixteen eggs, one every other day for a month. I much doubt whether there is a record to equal hers of this year when she laid and successfully deposited three of her eggs in four days. Her fourth egg was deposited at 4.5 p.m., May 27th, her fifth before 2.0 p.m., May 29th, and her sixth at 6.0 p.m., May 30th. Her fourth and sixth eggs were actually seen deposited by the watchers, whilst the nest which contained her fifth egg was looked into as late as 8.30 p.m. on May 28th, at that time no Cuckoo’s egg being in the nest. It was about this time that a second female put in an appearance upon the territory and to what extent this bird influenced the early laying of the sixth egg of the old bird I cannot say, except that it should have been de- posited on May 31st. It appears certain, however, that the new arrival subsequently affected the laying of the old bird, for she did not lay again until June 11th—a longer break than in any of her previous years. During this break the new bird did a large amount of scrapping and raiding but be it noted that no nest which had received any of the six eggs laid by the Cuckoo in possession of the territory was molested by the new comer. So much for the clever police work of the old bird. I have always maintained that provided one clear day has elapsed between a Cuckoo’s layings she could lay at will, but on this occasion a Cuckoo laid on two successive days, certainly the first-known occurrence in my forty years’ study of the bird. Further, the intruding Cuckoo must have affected the behaviour of the old bird, for she carried on her layings until July 12th, another record so far as my birds are concerned, the previous latest date being July 8th in 1923 for a fresh egg. The intruding Cuckoo (after depositing five eggs) was finally, on June 30th, driven off the territory 180 BRITISH BIRDS. ' [VoL. XXI. by the old bird, who was left in peace to continue her long series, ending on July 12th. Her record so far is sixteen eggs in 1925, fifteen in 1926 and sixteen during 1927. GEO. J. ScHOLEY. REJECTION OF CUCKOO’S EGGS BY PIED WAGTAILS. WitH reference tc the notes on this subject (antea, pp. 94 and 158), it may be interesting to record that in 1927 no Cuckoo appeared in the chalk quarry at Cliffe-at-Hoo, Kent, to, victimize the large colony of Pied Wagtails (Motacilla a. yarrellii) resident there, so with a view to introducing a Cuckoo or two I removed two Cuckoo’s eggs, quite fresh, from neighbouring Hedge-Sparrows’ (Prunella m. occidentalis) nests and placed one each into two nests of Pied Wagtails containing five fresh eggs respectively. I waited until nightfall, carefully removing a Wagtail’s egg from each nest and inserting a Cuckoo’s egg in their places. I left the nests and walked away a little distance — and watched both Wagtails back to their nests until dark. Nothing unusual occurred, but on visiting the nests at 8 a.m. the next morning I found both Cuckoo’s eggs missing. The nests were some fifty yards apart and both females were sitting tightly when I visited the nests that morning. Both, in fact, reared their four young. ' Yet I have seen a Cuckoo remove three of the Wagtail’s eggs from a nest of four, deposit her own egg, and before the Cuckoo has got out of earshot, the Wagtail has been back to the nest sitting on one of her own eggs and that of the Cuckoo, not attempting to move until I thrust my hand into the nesting hole. GEO, J. SCHOIEY. REJECTION OF CUCKOO’S EGG BY LINNET. ON June gth, 1925, in a garden near Cobham, Surrey, where two eggs of the Cuckoo (Cuculus c. canorus) had been found in nests of the Linnet (Carduelis c. cannabina) a few days before, I found a Linnet’s nest containing two eggs. Two days later the nest was apparently empty, but more bulky in appearance, and I discovered under the lining or, more accurately, between the old and the new linings, a Cuckoo’s egg alone. Later I found, a few yards from the site of the Linnet’s nest, a fourth egg laid by this Cuckoo which had been accepted by a Greenfinch (Chloris ch. chloris), so that apart from further evidence that the selected fosterer occasionally rejects EVOL. Xx1.] NOTES. 181 a Cuckoo’s egg, evidence is afforded of a Cuckoo apparently parasitic on one or perhaps two species of Finch. Probably it has no significance, but the Cuckoo's eggs were generously splashed with purple, these superficial markings resembling to some extent those on the eggs of Linnets and Greenfinches. Guy CHARTERIs. TREE-PIPIT AND CUCKOO’S EGGS. On June ist, 1927, near Luss, Dumbartonshire, I found a nest of a Tree-Pipit (Anthus trivialis) contaiming a Cuckoo’s egg, apparently recently broken. A few paces away I saw another Tree-Pipit’s nest with a Cuckoo's egg in it. In neither nest was there a Tree-Pipit’s egg. The second nest found had the appearance of being deserted, and the contents of the egg, when blown, proved to be stale. In case the nest should not be deserted I placed in it—for lack of a more convincing substitute—a Willow-Warbler’s egg and to this the Pipit laid three eggs before beginning incubation. The shell of the broken Cuckoo’s egg resembled closely that of the unbroken one. These facts, I regret, prove nothing, but they may be of interest and I record them for what they may be worth. Guy CHARTERIS. REGULAR APPEARANCE OF HEN-HARRIER IN WIGTOWNSHIRE. A HEN-HARRIER (Circus cyaneus) was seen on October 12th, 1927, in Wigtownshire on the edge of a moor, This is the {th year in succession the bird has appeared, and on each occasion its visit has lasted two to three weeks, while its arrival has always been between October 11th and 16th. M. PorTAL, SPOONBILLS IN HAMPSHIRE. On October 7th, 1927, whilst my wife and I were walking on the cliffs to the east of Southbourne, Bournemouth, we saw two Spoonbills (Platalea leucorodia) flying from the direction of Christchurch Harbour. They soared in wide circles for some time when quite near us, and eventually flew off to the west, towards Poole Harbour. I watched them in bright sunlight through a Goerz 12x binocular, but even without glasses their white plumage, distinctive bill, ‘widespread wings, slightly curved neck, and trailing black legs were plainly visible. I have seen the species previously in Norfolk. JoHN Moore. ie’ 182 BRITISH BIRDS. [vVoL. XXI. SPOONBILLS, AVOCETS AND PROBABLE DEMOISELLE CRANE IN HAMPSHIRE. ON October 23rd, 1927, at dusk, a Crane passed over Needs Ore, Beaulieu, Hampshire, flying too high to distinguish its plumage—it was being mobbed by the whole colony of Black-backed Gulls. On October 24th and 25th it was on the marsh in company with three Spoonbills (Platalea leucorodia). The Crane carried a crest, and appeared to be a Demoiselle, and may have been an escaped bird. Mr. Witt and his son both saw the four birds on Warren Farm Marsh, and noted, as I did, their efforts to mingle with the Curlew, much to the disgust and affright of the latter, which promptly left for the shore. On the 28th the Crane had left and there were four Spoon- bills. On November 3rd two of them flew over my head. When feeding in a swampy place the Spoonbills’ proceedings rather reminded me of the steady swing of a man mowing with a scythe. When they got their heads up their “spoon” — bills were unmistakable and the mane-like crest at the back of the head showed clearly. The Crane was again seen on the marsh on November 9th with two Spoonbills. Sir Thomas Troubridge tells me that he and Lord Montagu saw two of the Spoonbills whilst flighting a few days previously. The only other noteworthy birds seen by me at Beaulieu this year were two Avocets (Recurvirostva avosetta) on the foreshore, on May 24th, 25th—27th. CEcIL PADDON. EARLY GREY GEESE IN LANCASBIRE. GREY Geese were seen on migration in north Lancashire this year earlier than ever before. On July 15th there was a gaggle of forty odd in the Lune Estuary ; Grey Lags (Anser anser), and up to the end of the month small skeins of Grey Geese, species unknown, were seen almost every day flying south. A single Grey Lag spent the summer in the fields at the mouth of the Lune and is still there. A few years previous to 1914 a pack of thirty to filty Grey Geese did not migrate, but for two summers visited the coast bordering the southern shores of Morecambe Bay, flying inland to the hills of the West Riding of Yorkshire and Westmorland, sometimes being divided into two skeins. Here they spent most of their time on the mountains, visiting the coast at intervals. Although the Grey Lag is common now in north Lancashire in winter, in those days it was almost unknown in the county, so that it is most probable that these Geese were Pink-footed, although their identity was never discovered. H. W. Rosinson. VOI, XT, | NOTES. 183 NESTING OF THE POCHARD IN CUMBERLAND. On May roth, 1927, I visited a tarn in the county, where a party of six adult male Pochards (Nyroca f. ferina) had been observed as late as May 13th, but on the former date only two males were to be seen. Suspecting that the females might be nesting, I commenced wading the extensive rush-covered margins of the tarn, eventually disturbing a brood of recently hatched ducklings, which almost immediately disappeared amongst the rushes. Presently, two of these ducklings emerged from the rushes and swam out upon the open water where they were joined by a bird which I recognized as a female Pochard. She was observed working her way through the dense clumps of rush, near the place where the brood had been disturbed, before she rose to fly to her offspring on the water. During further search I discovered the nest, situated in a thick clump of rushes. It contained two eggs, which on blowing were found to contain dead embryos about fifteen to twenty days old. This, as suggested by Mr. L. E. Hope, Director of Carlisle Museum, who examined the eggs and down, may have been due to the very cold weather and a few frosty nights we had at the end of April. The nest was substantially built and, with the exception of a quantity of down which lined the interior, was entirely constructed of dead rush. The inner cup with high outer fringes was raised about ten inches above the level of the water. It was situated about twenty yards from the edge of open water, in the midst of an area of wet, rush-covered ground three or four acres in extent and covered for several hundred yards round the nest with two feet of water. On May 2ogth I again visited this locality, and whilst wading the opposite side of the tarn I flushed a second female from a nest similar in situation and construction to the one found on the 1gth. She left the nest within a few feet of me and settled on the muddy margin of the tarn a few yards away, to slowly paddle forward towards deeper water, occasionally quickly turning her head and looking anxiously about, though not uttering any note. This nest also contained two eggs. On June 5th one unfertile egg remained. Whether this second bird succeeded in hatching any eggs is not certain, as during subsequent visits neither females or their offspring were ever observed. The two male partners of these nesting ducks were present during all visits made to the tarn from May roth to June 184 ERITISH BIRDS. [¥Ou. Sox. 6th inclusive, generally together, resting on the open water. As far as I am aware this is the first recorded instance of the Pochard nesting in Cumberland. R. GRAHAM. SCAUP-DUCK AND COMMON SCOTER INLAND IN SOMERSET. THE following two duck records from the Berrow Reservoirs, N. Somerset, for 1926, seem worth a note. On January 5th I watched a female Scaup (Fuligula maria) associating with Tuited Duck on the middle of the three reservoirs. This was the first and only Scaup I have seen on these waters, but curiously enough I found more than a year afterwards that four were seen there a fortnight later by Mr. S. Lewis on January roth (Report of the Ornitho- logical section of the Somerset Archeol. and Nat. Hist. Soc. for 1926). This party of four may or may not have included my bird, but the other three at least must have represented a second arrival independent of bird No. 1, as there was quite definitely only one on January 5th. On April 3rd and 5th of the same year I watched a female Common Scoter (Oidemia nigra) on the most northerly reservoir, the same on which I observed a drake in April, 1925 (Brit. Birds, Vol. XVIII., p. 267). The bird was clearly in sound condition and was diving ireely. Evidently it was a voluntary visitor. I have little doubt that these north Somersetshire reservoirs should be added to the list of localities which are visited occasionally by Scoters in the course of ordinary migration and not merely as storm-driven waifs. B. W. TUCKER. pUAGS Al O37 ORD: A FEW days prior to December 30th, 1926, an immature Shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis) appeared on the Thames at Oxford, actually within the city boundary. It is stated to have been accompanied at first by another similar bird, which was apparently shot by some irresponsible person, but the survivor, though apparently uninjured and in excellent condition, remained on the river for many weeks. It was watched diving for fish by the writer and various other observers, and indeed became quite a familiar object to passers- by on the towing-path. It was there all through January and February, and at least as late as March 15th, and as far as is known eventually left unmolested. The Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain in the Natural History of the Oxford District, published for the meeting of the British VOL. XXi.] NOTES. 185 Association, 1926, mentions about eleven previous records of Shags near Oxford, but certainly the majority of these occurrences have been merely of passing wanderers going up or down the river, and such a lengthy visit as the above must be almost unprecedented. B. W. TUCKER. LEACH’S FORK-TAILED PETREL INLAND IN LANCASHIRE AND CHESHIRE. THOUGH storm-driven Petrels are not infrequently picked up inland, they are not so often seen flying over inland waters. On October 29th, 1927, the day following the great S.W. gale of the night of October 28th—z9th, my wife and I watched a Leach’s Fork-tailed Petrel (Oceanodroma 1. leucorrhoa) flying over Marbury Mere, near Northwich, Cheshire. It flew in a hovering way over the water, pattering with its feet as it did so,and seemed to be trying to pick something from the surface ; after a time several Black-headed Gulls (Larus r. ridibundus) chased it, and to avoid them it twisted and turned very rapidly, finally coming to rest on the surface of the mere quite close to us. Its size, the length of its bill, a distinct brown band across the wing and the grey tinge on the black head made its identity certain, though we could not see the fork in the tail from the angle at which it approached us. There were no signs of it on the following day. In the Daily Dispatch of November 2nd, 1927, it was reported that a Storm-Petrel had been “shot in mistake for a Snipe ”’ on the Flash, near Leigh, Lancashire. Mr. W. Compston secured the bird, which had been shot on October 29th, and kindly showed it to me. It also proved to be a Leach’s Fork-tailed Petrel. In this specimen the tips of the secondaries were very definitely fringed with white, which the Practical Handbook records when freshly moulted ; none of the skins which I have examined in the Dresser Collection show this feature so clearly, but doubtless these have faded to some extent. This bird is being preserved for the Man- chester Museum. These two localities are only some 15 miles apart in a direct line. On the same day—October 29th—there was a Knot (Calidris c. canutus) by the side of Witton Flashes, Northwich ; when disturbed it rose to a great height and eventually flew off in the direction of the nearest salt water. No doubt this bird also was driven in by the storm, as Knots are more often seen inland in this district at the height of the migration period. A. W. Boyp. 186 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXI. TWO DUNLINS LAYING IN THE SAME NEST. In South Uist on May 21st, 1927, I found a nest of a Dunlin (Calidris a. schinzii) containing six eggs of two distinct types and evidently the produce of two hens. The nest was “ over- flowing ’’ and to leave room for the birds to complete laying, if they had not done so already, I removed two eggs. These eggs had not been incubated. Returning on the 23rd, I found that the nest had been raided and the eggs sucked, but close at hand was another nest with four eggs, obviously laid by the same two hens. It would appear that each hen had laid five eggs on successive days. Apropos the sucking of these eggs, it was fatal even to stoop to a nest in this country. By far the worst and boldest robber was the Common Gull (Larus c. canus). It was necessary only to fumble in the grass and pass on and a cluster of puzzled birds of this species would assemble at the spot. Guy CHARTERIS. [An interesting feature in the above note is the fact that both hen birds laid five eggs. Mr. S. Boorman has a clutch of six eggs in his collection, but these are uniform in type and apparently laid by one bird. Mr. R. H. Brown (By. B., XVIII., p. 88) refers to a brood of six young observed on the Solway.—F. C. R. Jourparn.] SPOTTED REDSHANKS IN SUSSEX. I OBSERVED two Spotted Redshanks (Tringa erythropus) near the mouth of the River Cuckmere on September 2nd and 3rd, 1926. One bird was certainly an adult in summer plumage, the other appeared to be in immature dress. I noticed a party of four of these birds at Rye Harbour on September 2nd, 1927. HOWARD BENTHAM. SPOTTED REDSHANK AND: KNOT EN THE SOLELY ISLES. A SpottEeD Redshank (Tringa erythropus) was seen on Tresco by Major A. A. Dorrien-Smith during several days in Septem- ber, 1927, the last occasion being the 14th. In Messrs. Clark & Rodd’s “ Birds of Scilly” (Zoologist, July, August and September, 1906) only two records of this species are given, one seen on Bryher, October 12th, 1865, and one killed on the same island on August 26th, 1870. The Knot (Calidris canutus) is also a rare bird on Scilly, although probably overlooked on the autumn migration. One seen by Major Dorrien-Smith on August 28th, 1927, remained several days. H. W. RoBINson. VOL. XXI.] NOTES. 187 BLACK-TAILED GODWITS IN SOMERSET IN 1926. Ow1nc to lack of leisure I have not previously placed on record the occurrence of Black-tailed Godwits (Limosa limosa) in at least two localities in Somerset in the autumn of 1926. On September 12th I had an excellent view of one of these birds on two occasions during the day at Blagdon Reservoir, and a few days later, on September 19th, I watched another solitary bird on the Steart flats, to the west of the mouth of the Parrett on the Bristol Channel coast. In Somerset, as elsewhere in the west, the Black-tailed Godwit is rarely met with, and the first of the above records appears to be the only one from an inland locality since Cecil Smith added the species to the county list on the strength of a specimen shot in the Bridgwater Marsh in 1868. The above observations rather curiously parallel my experience in Somerset with the Spotted Redshank (Tringa erythropus), another rare species in the county, of which I saw solitary birds in the same two places in the same order at almost the same interval in September, 1923 (Brit. Birds, Vol. VAL, D. 2IZ). b. W. TUCKER. LATE APPEARANCE OF LITTLE TEKN IN DEVON. On October 29th, 1927, I watched a party of five Little Terns (Sterna a. albifrons) flying together and feeding in the Exe Estuary, close to Starcross Station. As the date seems an unusually late one, the record may be of interest. I may add that I saw a single bird of this species near the same place on October 14th, 1927. R. M. BYne. HEN-HARRIER IN FORFARSHIRE.—Lord Scone writes that a Hen-Harrier (Circus c. cyaneus) was shot near Brechin in the first week of October, 1927. SPOTTED CRAKE IN PERTHSHIRE.—Lord Scone reports that a Spgtted Crake (Porzana porzana), apparently a female of the year, was shot at Moncreiffe, Bridge-of-Earn, on October 15th, 1927. CURIOUS BEHAVIOUR OF SPOTTED FLYCATCHERS. To the Editors of British BirDs. Srrs,—A pair of Spotted Flycatchers (Muscicapa s. styiata) nested low down in the stem of a small pear tree in a garden in co. Dublin this summer (1927). The nest contained two normal eggs and an addled miniature. As soon as the two eggs hatched, it became a regular habit of the parents to frequently “stoop” from a perch near the nest, pick a leaf from the ground beneath, carry the leaf to the top of a tree and there release it. This curious behaviour con- tinued at intervals till the young were fledged and left the nest. Lonpon. H. A. F. Macratu. NEST-BUILDING BY MALE WARBLERS. To the Editors of BririsH Birps. Sirs,—I cannot add any data to the Rev. E. Lorimer Thomas’s observations (antea, p. 151) on nest-building by the male Lesser Whitethroat (Sylvia c. curruca) before the arrival of a female, but have notes on three cases where a male Garden-Warbler (S. borin) frequented an area of small bushes or garden shrubbery for three to five weeks, singing vigorously during its occupation, and in each case two to four nests were found (some only partly built) but no female was ever seen, and the male disappeared. A male Common White- throat (S. c. communis) possessed some blackthorn bushes and con- structed three nests before a female arrived, whereupon one nest was lined and the rim decorated (by the female ?) and four eggs laid. An unlined nest of a Willow-Warbler (Phylloscopus t. trochilus) was found in the fourth week of May, and a male heard singing near it ; two more visits showed the nest still unlined, but in the last week of June a female was flushed from three eggs in the then scantily-feathered nest. R. H. Brown. FOR SALE.—THORBURN'S BRITISH BIRDS. Large paper, limited edition. 4 vols., 1926. Clean as issued, now out of print. £7 10s.0d. Address—T., Office of “British Birds. LE GERFAUT REVUE BELGE D’ORNITHOLOGIE (Fondée en 1911.) Le seule publication scientifique belge traitant des oiseaux, specialement des oiseaux de la Belique. Abonnement 25 francs belges - 5 Belgas par an. Direction : Square Prince Charles 21, Bruxelles-Laeken (Belgique) STEVENS’S AUCTION ROOMS, LTD. 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ASSISTED BY REV. F. C. R. JOURDAIN, M.A., M.B.O.U., H.F.A.0.U., AND a NORMAN F; TicEHURST,, O.B.E., M.A., F.R.C.S., M.B.O.U. = — me = See Se ay ConTENTS or NumBer 8, Vor. XXI., JANUARY 2, 1928. . PAGE Notes from the South-Lancashire Coast. By F. W. Holder and R. Wagstaffe as ‘ae mais ae a 190 Notes :— Albino Hooded Crow in Ireland (W. J. Williams) ... aa 195 The 1927 Irruption of the Crossbill 43 one oe 195 Status of Wood-Lark in Pembrokeshire (Bertram Lloyd) ... 196 Reported Breeding of Fire-crested Wren in Lancashire (H. F. Witherby) 197 Waxwing in Perthshire (Lord Scone)... Bg eke - 198 Waxwing in Durham (John Byers) ... ve ys sie 198 Lesser Whitethroat in Pembrokeshire (Ronald M. Lockley) 198 Eccentric Nesting of Mistle-Thrush in Man (P. G. Ralfe) ... 199 Black Redstart in Merionethshire (Gregory Haines) es 199 Average Brood of Swallows in Carmarthenshire during August (J. F. Thomas) a as Mer ae a ite Status of Little Owl in Pembrokeshire (Ronald M. Lockley) 200 Bigamy in the Sparrow-Hawk (Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain) ... 200 Common Heron Rearing two Broods (R. H. Brown and Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain) a ne eee White-fronted Goose in Kent (John E. S. Dallas) Velvet-Scoter Inland in Lancashire (Thos. Baddeley) Slavonian Grebe in Staffordshire (Miss B. A. Carter) Abnormal Clutches of the Wood-Pigeon (Lord Scone) Knot in Bedfordshire (The Duchess of Bedford) Birds at London Reservoirs (John E. S. Dallas) 6 6 0 BON i.e) To) on > Rn WH WH YN DN WN o ae ° n Short Notes :— Red-backed Shrike off Co. Dublin. Goshawk in Yorkshire. Scaup-Duck and Common Scoter Inland in Somerset— Correction. Sociable Plover in Orkney Islands. Little Auk Inland in Kent. On the Decrease of Blackgame in Scotland =~ aes a ees ‘ax fa 2.3 206 Letters :— Nesting of the Sand-Martin (Charles Oldham and R. H. Brown) rer ies sare awe at ie ie 208 ( 190 ) NOTES FROM THE SOUTH LANCASHIRE COAST. BY F. W. HOLDER anp R. WAGSTAFFE. THE following notes consist of observations made by the writers during the period between the latter part of 1924 and the summer of 1927. Some of the records have been obtained on the dune coast between Southport and Formby Point, and others on the Ribble Estuary and Martin Mere. HOOoDED Crow (Corvus c. cornix).—A fairly regular visitor in late autumn to Martin Mere, but rarely staying through the winter. The birds are rare in the spring, two occurring on April 8th, 1925. GOLDFINCH (Carduelis c. britannica)—Nested at Church- town in 1920. TwitE (Carduelis f. flavivostris)—Formerly plentiful in winter about the estuary sea-wall, but less frequently observed of late years. Arrivals noticed on October 17th, 1927. CoRN-BuNTING (Emberiza c. calandra).—Since 1924 this Bunting has wintered freely on Martin Mere, where previously it was best known as a partial migrant. Spring flocking is rare in this district. Between April 21st and May 6th, 1925, a flock of about 150 birds was regularly observed in the reed-beds of the unreclaimed mere, from which occasional visits were made to the waste ground adjacent to the culti- vated area. A nest was observed situated rather low down in the fork of a willow growing on the bank of a broad ditch, the young being successfully reared. SNOw-BuntTinG (Plectrophenax nivalis)—One at ‘Ainsdale beach on March 8th, and two on November Ist, 1925. WuitE Wacrair (Motacilla a. alba).—Usually appears in April, but has arrived twice in March—March 23rd, 1925, and March 2oth, 1927. NutTHATCH (Sitta eu. affinis)—A rare bird in south-west Lancashire. One frequented a garden at Churchtown during the last week in June, 1927. LONG-TAILED TITMOUSE (4¢githalos c. roseus).—Of late years a decidedly uncommon species near Southport. A party occurred at the Shooting Box, Martin Mere, in December, 1926, and one at Churchtown in April, 1927, where our last nest was seen in IgI2. PIED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa h. hypoleuca)—A male in Hesketh Park, Southport, on May 3rd, 1927. GRASSHOPPER-WARBLER (Locustella n. nevia).—In song in a town garden on June 12th, 1926. VOL. XXI.] SOUTH LANCASHIRE NOTES. 19] RinG-Ouzev (Turdus t. torquatus).—Rare on the coast. A pair on the Ainsdale dunes, April 3rd, 1927. nd Back Repstart (Phaenicurus o. gtbraltariensis).—An adult male seen by Mr. S. J. Hunt on the sea-wall, near Southport, October 27th, 1926. House-Martin (Delichon u. urbica)—A late passage observed on Ainsdale beach, June 6th, 19206. SHORT-EARED Owt (Asio f. fammeus).—On June 7th, 1925, we flushed a bird from the low hills at Ainsdale, whereupon it was immediately mobbed by the Terns. We afterwards carefully searched the vicinity, but could not locate a nest. PEREGRINE (Falco p. peregrinus)—Seen at Banks on November gth, 1924, and at Ainsdale on December 6th, 1925, and March 16th, 19206. PINK-FOOTED GOOsE (Anser brachyrhynchus).—During the past winter the Pink-foot was abundant on Martin Mere, the numbers far exceeding those of any individual year during the past twenty. All grey Geese examined by us in the flesh in 1926-27 were, without exception, Pink-footed, and, so far as our experience goes, this species has always been pre- dominant among the grey Geese on this coast. BARNACLE-GOOSE (Branta leucopsis)—Single birds shot on the Ribble Estuary in recent winters were almost certainly individuals from Hesketh Park, Southport, but a skein of five flying west over the Ainsdale dunes on September 7th, 1927, could not have come from local ornamental waters. PINTAIL (Anas a. acuta).—Since 1924 this bird has become a regular visitor to the dune tarns in March and April. Eleven were present with Mallard, Teal and Wigeon on March 4th, 1925. Se aatient SCOTER (Oidemia n. nigra).—Following the westerly gales of December, 1924, scores were washed up dead between Birkdale and Formby. Small parties of Scoters annually frequent the dune beach from early January to March, and courtship flights are frequently observed at that period. We have observed the courtship displays, so well described by D. Gunn, on the Marine Lake, Southport, but weeks earlier than the date he mentions. Large flocks of Scoters on the beach are apparently unusual. On January 23rd, 1927, a heavy snowfall having fallen on the 22nd, there were several hundreds on the beach at Freshfield. From that date to February 13th, the Scoters continued to occur on the beach in large numbers. We have a previous note of a similar assemblage—August 5th, 1923, when weather conditions were summer-like. 192 BRITISH BIRDS. [VoL. XXI. VELVET-SCOTER (Oidemia f. fusca).—A small invasion of storm-driven birds of this species was noticed during the first half of January, 1925. Birds were seen on the beach, the dune tarns, and also on the Marine Lake at Southport, whilst a drake appeared on the Martin Mere Sluice, three miles inland. A drake at Marshside on February 13th, 1927. GOOSANDER (Mergus m. merganser).—Two females were shot at night by a gunner on Martin Mere, December 17th, 1925. aie SHEARWATER (Pujfinus p. puffinus).—A stranded bird at Ainsdale on August 8th, 1926. FuLMAR (Fulmarus g. glacialis)—An adult picked up dead at the foot of the Ainsdale dunes, March 14th, 1926. GREY PLOVER (Squatarola s. squatarola).—The winter flock was treble its usual proportions from January to March, 1925. gle (Calidris c. canutus)—Remarkably abundant throughout the winter of 1924-25. CURLEW-SANDPIPER (Calidris testacea).—Two on the margin of the Hesketh Park lake, Southport, October 7th, 1927. BAR-TAILED GODwiT (Limosa 1. lapponica).—Two which were observed in a flock of seventy birds at Ainsdale on March 14th were in nuptial dress. From 1918 to 1925 the flock that remained through the summer on the Ainsdale coast averaged about fifty birds, but in the summer of 1926 and 1927 only odd birds were observed. The wintering flock in 1926-27 was roughly about 300 birds strong, but on Mad Wharf at Freshfield on February 2oth, 1927, the birds occurred in amazing numbers. The huge flock strung out along the tide margin was estimated to comprise between 1,500 and 2,000 birds. There is usually an influx of these birds noticeable on our coast after a severe frost. BLACK-TAILED Gopwit (Limosa 1. limosa).—Birds were observed at Ainsdale on the following dates: July 26th, 1925 (11) ; August 8th, 1925 (7) ; November 29th, 1925 (3) ; August 1st, 1926 (1), and at Banks on November 16th, 1924 (as july 25th, 1927 12). WHIMBREL (Numenius p. pheopus).—One at Ainsdale atter a north-west gale on November 29th, 1925, which may have remained, for a bird was heard and seen in the same quarter on December 13th, 1925. GREAT SNIPE (Capella media).—One under observation for twenty minutes in a wet pasture at Marshside, March roth, 1920. BLACK TERN (Chlidonias n. mgev).—An immature bird at VOL. XXI.] SOUTH LANCASHIRE NOTES. 193 Ainsdale on July 25th, 1926—our third record for the month. In 1927, adults were at Ainsdale on May 1st and June roth, and at Banks on September 7th. SANDWICH TERN (Sterna s. sandvicensis).—Early arrivals on passage in spring are usually seen in twos and are probably pairs. Their course being as a rule S.E. to N.W., it seems probable that an overland passage is made. The first birds were observed at Ainsdale on April roth, 1925, and April 22nd, 1926, whilst a party of fourteen were resting there on April 17th, 1927. It is certain, however, that only a minority of the Ravenglass birds touch this coast in spring. Adults occasionally appear during the summer months, and passage in late August and September is regular. ROSEATE TERN (Sterna d. dougallii)—The status of this species in south Lancashire is still somewhat obscure. Prior to 1924 we should have described the bird as a casual or wanderer occurring in late July. From June 7th to July 5th, 1925, we frequently watched a pair on the outer hills at Ainsdale, and also on the adjacent shore, but without observing any signs of a nest. In the first half of May, 1926, and again in 1927, odd pairs were seen among the abundant Common Terns, but apparently the Roseates were only loitering on passage. COMMON TERN (Sterna h: hlirundo).—An adult picked up by us on the Ainsdale dunes was dissected, and death was found to be due to the lining of the gizzard having become fixed in the cesophagus: therefore, it seems possible that the Tern ejects the gizzard lining as is the case with the Curlew. Another bird found dead on a nest still retained mottling on the lesser wing coverts. For some years we have carefully watched for first-year birds, and whilst Terns in this phase of plumage are scarce, a few usually summer on the south Lancashire coast. These dark-billed birds are usually much later in arriving than the adults, and our dates for the last three years are: June 7th, 1925; June 30th, 1926; June roth, 1927. The largest party noted consisted of seven birds which were frequently under observation throughout July, 1926, being last seen on August 1st. For some inexplicable reason, the first-year Tern acquires some of the pugnacity of the adult and occasional “ stoops’’ have been made at us while on the beach. SCANDINAVIAN LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus f. fuscus) BritisH LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus f. affinis).—In winter Lesser Black-backed Gulls do not occur on the local coast in the numbers recorded by H. W. Robinson from north 194 BRITISH BIRDS. [VoL. XXI. Lancashire. One or two are seen casually from November to February. We would cite the following records for L. f. fuscus :—December 3rd, 1922 (2); November 11th, 1923 (1); and March 31st, 1927 (1). Adults of the sub- species L. f. affinis seen on passage from March to mid-May are almost invariably in nuptial dress, although one at Banks on March 7th, 1926, still retained the winter head-streaks. KittrwakE (Rissa t. tridactyla)—The appearance of small parties of adult Kittiwakes on Ainsdale Beach in late spring is perhaps worthy of notice. [or the last ten years the birds have paid constant visits in June without lingering. Both adults and birds in the “ tarrock ’”’ plumage occurred on June TOU, L927. GREAT SKUA (Stercorarius s. skwa)—An adult flying south- west was observed at sea about three miles north-east of Beaumaris, Anglesey on July 15th, 1927. ARCTIC SKUA (Stercorarius parasiticus).—Ten birds at Banks on August gth and also on the roth, while one occurred at Ainsdale on August 28th, 1927. QuaIL (Coturmix c. coturnix)—Not known as a nesting species in our area for many years, but a pair remained through the summer of 1926 on Martin Mere. ALBINO HOODED CROW IN IRELAND. A PURE white Hooded Crow (Corvus c. cornix) was trapped at Dunsany, co. Meath, on November 12th, 1927. When alive the irides were pale pink, after death they changed to pale grey. Varieties of the Corvide are fairly common in Ireland, with the exception of Raven, Chough and this species. In fifty years’ experience this is the first variety of the Hooded Crow I have met with, and think it is of sufficient interest to record. W. J. WILLIAMS. THE 1927 IRRUPTION OF THE CROSSBILL*. A FEW more notes on the Crossbill irruption have been received, but most of these are from districts from which we have already published reports. I think it may be said that the immigration has now been well recorded from all parts of the country. Observers should be watchful during the next few months for definite signs of a return movement and also for evidence of nesting, for it must be remembered that in the spring following the last irruption many Crossbills settled down, at all events temporarily, to breed. I have received from Mons. Georges Olivier of Elbeuf some interesting notes on the appearance of Crossbills in Normandy. He writes that on July 17th and 21st two parties were seen near Fécamp (Seine Inférieure) and on the 21st about a dozen birds near Rouen. He had not seen Crossbills in Normandy since the winter Igt1-12. H.F.W. ENGLAND AND WALES. SHROPSHIRE.—Mr. H. E. Forrest writes: “‘ Reports of Crossbills continue to reach me from various parts of Shrop- shire. A flock of thirty to forty were seen attacking garden peas at Brosely in the latter part of September. Two red males were watched tearing cones to pieces at Church Stretton on October 18th ; while on the 22nd a small party was seen, similarly employed, in the general cemetery, Shrewsbury. Miss Francis Pitt has not seen any herself, but hears of them on all sides around Bridgnorth.”’ CARDIGANSHIRE.—Professor J. H. Salter informs Mr. *For previous notes see antea, pp. 90-3, 121-7, 153-5 and 175-7. 196 BRITISH BIRDS. [VoL. XXI. Forrest that on August 6th a single Crossbill—very tired and very tame—was seen in a garden at Tregaron. CoRNWALL.—On July 4th Mr. F. S. Chapman found a dead female on the east shore of the Lizard, and was told that several were seen flying in from the sea early in the morning. DEVONSHIRE.—On October gth Mr. W. Walmesley White saw four, and on November 22nd eight at Budleigh-Salterton, these being the only birds seen since the end of August. NORFOLK.—Correction.—On page 177, line 6, for “ single birds in twos and threes’ read “ birds singly and in twos and threes.” STATUS OF WOOD-LARK IN PEMBROKESHIRE. AN editorial note in Vol. XIX. (p. 313) states that the Wood- Lark (Lullula a. arborea) “ appears to have decreased consider- ably, and to be chiefly known as a winter visitor, so that evidence as to its present status as a breeding species seems to be important.”’ The following observations may, therefore, be of interest. I doubt whether this species has really decreased appreciably since T. Dix described it as “very generally distributed, and a constant resident ’’ (Zoologist, 1866). It is true that M. A. Mathew in his Birds of Pembrokeshire (1894) affirmed that the Wood-Lark was then almost extinct as a breeding species, remarking that during his eight years residence in the county, though he was “constantly driving about,’’ he had never seen or heard one in the summer ; but—except with regard to “ game-birds ’—he is so consistently untrust- worthy in questions of distribution, that his opinion is of little orno value. In any case the present status of the species seems to be much what it was in Dix’s time. Mr. Charles Oldham and I have observed Wood-Larks in June in nearly every part of Pembrokeshire at all suited to their habits, from the coast of the Bristol Channel to the Teifi valley on the northern border ; and in the well-wooded central districts they are by no means uncommon. On June 27th, 1924, near Boncath, we watched a pair at a nest containing two nearly-fledged young, and heard two others singing ; on June 12th, 1927, we watched a pair and heard two others singing near Clynderwen ; while in 1926 and 1927, we noted Wood-Larks in song near Eglwyswrw (2); Manor- bier (2) ; Pembroke, Picton (4) ; Narberth (5), and Letterston (3). Even on the almost treeless moors below Rosebush, some 750 feet up on the slopes of the Precelly mountains, one VOL, XXI.] NOTES. 197 was singing on June 13th, 1927, and another on the 14th (5 miles away). It is unlikely that all or most of these songsters were non-breeding birds ; and a glance at the map in conjunction with the above list will suffice to show how freely the Wood-Lark is now distributed in the county. BERTRAM LLOYD. REPORTED BREEDING OF FIRE-CRESTED WREN IN LANCASHIRE. IN Country Life (September 3rd, 1927, p. 343) and again in The Ibis (1927, pp. 732-4) Mr. H. W. Robinson announces the discovery by Major G. Haines and his niece, Miss Ellis, of a pair of Firecrests (Regulus ignicapillus) about six miles south of Lancaster. The birds were first noticed on June 3rd, 1927, when the observers “‘ distinctly saw the double black head stripes with the white one between.” They were “collecting lichen off the wall and creeper, and flew towards a large ornamental yew-tree on the lawn.” A search was made for a nest and one was found by Major Haines on June 6th. This was “suspended about two feet from the end of an outer branch [of the yew-tree] about twelve feet from the ground.” The nest was made of ‘moss and lichen, but had very few spiders’ webs in its composition.”’ On June 14th, when the nest contained eggs, Mr. Robinson visited the place. One of the eggs examined had a rosy tinge. The birds, however, were so quick that Mr. Robinson failed to identify them, and he adds that the nest ‘might easily have had no connection with the birds seen on the creeper, and might be merely Goldcrests.” On July gth, when the nest contained young, Mr. Robinson went again and saw the parents feeding the young, and states that the markings cf the cock were distinct. “ Still,” he adds, “I was not quite satisfied.’ Later, Miss Ellis examined at close range the hen bird sitting on the nest, and described “‘ her head as resembling that of a little tiger.” On July 18th, on the nest being approached from a step ladder, the young fluttered out but were collected to the number of five and replaced. ‘‘On putting them back,’ writes Mr. Robinson “‘each tiny atom of feathers showed a minute small lemon-coloured tuft on the crown, which is most certainly not found at this stage in the juvenile Gold- crest, moreover the moustachial streak was well developed.” Mr. Robinson does not state who made this observation, but it may, perhaps, be assumed that he did not himself examine the young, though even this is not clear. In his view the Q 198 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXI. fact that the young had a lemon-coloured tuft on the crown clinches the matter of identification, and incidentally shows that the description of the juvenile in Saunders, Dresser and the Practical Handbook is wrong. The description in the Handbook was made from actual specimens, six in number, and these I have re-examined and can only re-assert that the ‘‘lemon-coloured crest ”’ is absent from all of them. Mr. Robinson also states that ‘‘ poor, out-of-date and rather despised old Morris gives the true state of affairs.’’ But it is evident that Morris’s description of the juvenile Firecrest as having a pale lemon crest was based upon an adult female Goldcrest, since he states that the sides of the head are cinereous without any streaks. Morris makes a_ further mistake in describing the adult female Firecrest as having a fiery crest like the male, whereas it is yellow. It is a great pity that one of the young was not taken and preserved in some Museum. This would have afforded de- finite, scientific proof of the statements made and could not have endangered the status of the bird. As this definite proof is wanting, we have thought it best to quote all the essential evidence in order that our readers may judge for themselves whether the first breeding of the Firecrest in this country is established. At the same time we would point out that the discrepancy in the description of the young does not necessarily condemn the record. H. F. WITHERBY. WAXWING IN PERTHSHIRE. SINCE the middle of November, 1927, a Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus) has frequented the garden at Dalguise, Perthshire. It is very tame, and seems to feed principally on the berries of the guelder rose (Viburnum viburnum). SCONE. WAXWING IN DURHAM. On November roth, 1927, I saw a Waxwing about two miles from the coast near Sunderland. 233 Gannet Diving from Surface of Water (H. M. W allis) sue ea 234 Black-throated Diver in Co. Galway (W. J. Williams)... 234 Grey Plover, Little Auk and Red-throated Diver in Stafford- shire (John R. B. Masefield) ... ae 234 Great Skua turning Gannet over in the Air ae W.S. S. Clough) . —e. 235 Short Notes :— Waxwings in England and Ireland. Late Swallow and Martin in Carmarthenshire. Spoonbillsin Devonshire. Bitternsin England and Wales. Common Scoter in London. Leach’s Fork-tailed Petrelin Surrey. Cock Pheasant Incubating. ... 235 Reviews :— The Birds of the Island of Bute. By J. McWilliam... “6 237 Fiskehejven. By Vagn Holstein .. 239 The Ramblings of a Bird-Lover. By Charles E. “Raven, D.D. 239 R ( 210 ) “BRITISH BIRDS”? CENSUS OF HERONRIES. WITH the number of competent observers at present available it seems possible to undertake a census of British heronries on a more comprehensive and accurate basis than has up to the present been attempted. There has, of course, been a good deal of work done already, some of it of considerable value. The late Mr. J. E. Harting long ago conducted such an enquiry through the Field; Mr. Frank Bonnett compiled a useful list which was printed for private circulation in 1912 ; in Scotland Mr. Hugh Boyd Watt, and in Ireland Messrs. Ussher and Warren tackled the subject with a considerable degree of success. Various county histories, including many volumes of the Victoria County Histeries, contain useful information regarding the number, size, history and location of the local heronries, and this of course applies particularly to works devoted to the avifauna, some of which, like Mr. H. S. Gladstone’s Birds of Dumfriesshire, are models in that respect. Even if all these had been exhaustive and unimpeachable, which they are not, there would still be room for a census as complete as possible now, for changes in recent years have been very considerable, and ought to be recorded before it is too late. We are therefore including in every copy of this issue a Schedule and a postcard, which last we hope that every reader of BritisH Birps will fill up and return to the office, stating for which particular heronry or heronries or areas he or she intends to send in returns, and how many additional Schedules (if any) are required. The Schedules themselves are to be kept and returned by the beginning of August, or as soon as the breeding season is definitely closed. A separate Schedule is to be used for every heronry, and heronry for the purposes of this census must be taken to mean any locality where the Heron breeds, even if there is only one nest. It is intended to cover every part of England and Wales, and as regards Scotland, whether all of this country can be included will depend upon the extent of co-operation promised. We feel sure that it will be possible to include at all events the southern areas of Scotland, and we shall be glad to hear from all who can undertake to make a census of any heronries in any part of Scotland. Whilst it may be necessary to restrict the area of the census in the interests of completeness, it must be particularly emphasized that data relating to questions 7-17 inclusive will be equally valuable whatever area they refer to, in the VOL. XXI.] CENSUS OF HERONRIES. 211 United Kingdom or even abroad, provided of course that they are confined to Ardea cinerea cinerea and that the locality is properly indicated. In order to be of value it is essential that returns should be as complete as it is possible to make them. The half- dozen questions of primary importance ought not to be difficult to answer, and it is hoped that as many readers as possible will take an active part, and enlist any reliable helpers they can, to whom we shall be glad to send out Schedules on receipt of the name and address. It is particu- larly desirable that question 6 should be properly attended to, as no accurate handling of densities will be possible unless it is known what areas, if any, have not been worked. Marked Herons show a high recovery percentage, including some particularly interesting ‘records, and if the census is accompanied by a special effort on the part of ringers to deal with as many of this species as possible this year, they will, no doubt, be rewarded by results which will at the same time enhance the value of the census and illuminate some obscure aspects. Any help in the way of references, lists of heronries in any part of the country with information concerning them, etc., will be welcomed ; observers are by no means expected to confine themselves to their home locality if they can report anything of interest from elsewhere. Queries or difficulties should be notified as soon as they arise, so that any of general concern can be dealt with in BritisH Birps. It may prove desirable to repeat the count next year, but readers are urged to do their utmost to ensure that the present response shall be adequate. Mr. E. M. Nicholson has consented to assist in working up results, a summary of which will be published in British BrrDs as soon as possible after the close of the enquiry. THE EDITORS. ( 212 ) THE “ BRITISH BIRDS’? MARKING SCHEME.* PROGRESS FOR 1927. BY H. F. WITHERBY. ALTHOUGH the number of birds ringed in 1927 was rather less than in the previous year, the total is nevertheless the second largest since the scheme was started. NUMBER OF BiRDS RINGED. In 1927 ae he 21,625 Ini rg0g ) =. Pap In rors” 5,937 ee QIO” Las 7,910 ~ TOEQ) a 3,578 ip OEE As TOMRoi- © yo mGee 4 5,276 EOE ee 11,483 LOOT 8,997 5 FOES. ais 14,843 oy O22 woes 9,289 LORA. 13,024 ) SO2S ia 12,866 3 LOEB Gx 7,707 24 18,189 EE Ole sae 7,107 3 O25) as 18 233 sg SEO? Bre 6,926 5. OZOT Des 23,432 Grand Total ws a 209,069 The number of ringers is very satisfactory and I am glad to say that more scientific societies are taking up the scheme. The four leading “ringers ’’ are the same as last year, except that Mr. Boyd has changed places with Mr. Mayall. Dr. Moon again heads the list with a slightly smaller total than his “record” in 1926. His total of two thousand seven hundred and seventy-nine includes forty-nine species, of which Song-Thrush (607), Blackbird (420), Lapwing (352), Willow-Warbler (187) are the largest numbers, while Pied Flycatcher (74) and Curlew (26) may be mentioned. Mr. Boyd’s total of seventeen hundred and forty-one includes forty-six species, of which * For previous Reports see Vol. III., pp. 179-182, for 1909; Vol. IV., pp. 204-207, for 1910; Vol. V., pp. 158-162, for 1911; Vol. VI., pp. 177-183, for 1912; Vol. VII., pp. 190-195, for 1913; Vol. VIII., pp. 161-168, for 1914; Vol. IX., pp. 222-229, for 1915; Vol. X., pp. 150-156, for 1916; Vol. XI., pp. 272-276, for 1917; Vol. XIII., pp. 96-100, for 1918; Vol. XIII.,, pp. 237-240, for 1919; Vol. XIV., pp. 203-207, for 1920; Vol. XV., pp. 232-238, for ro2r; Vol. XVI, pp. 277-281, for 1922; Vol. “VIL pp: 231-235, for 1923); Vol. XVIII., pp. 260-265, for 1924; Vol. XIX., pp. 275-280, for1g25 ; Vol. XX., pp. 236-241, for 1926. VOL. xx1.] “ BRITISH BIRDS ’? MARKING SCHEME 213 Mallard (440) is the largest number, and Starling (245), Swallow (204), Greenfinch (164) and Turtle-Dove (21) are notable. Mr. Mayall has ringed a total of sixteen hundred and seventy-four of thirty-seven species, the greatest number being Swallow (285), House-Martin (221), and Song-Thrush (273), while Red-backed Shrike (21) may be mentioned. Lord Scone, who has ringed thirteen hundred and fifty-six of forty-five species, has devoted great attention to Woodcock (249), has ringed seven species of Duck (wild bred birds), and sixty-four Wood-Pigeon. Colonel] Pollitt has ringed no less than fifty species in his total of twelve hundred and nineteen. Of these, Lapwing (205) is the largest number, but Snipe (110) and Heron (61) the most remarkable. The Messrs. Duncan’s total of just over one thousand contains a number of sea-birds such as Shag (259), Herring-Gull (116), Razorbill (56), Manx Shearwater (32). St. Edmund’s School, under Mr. Jones’s guidance, have ringed nearly one thousand of thirty species, of which Rook (129) and Jackdaw (73) are the most notable. Mr. Brown’s list comprises forty-eight species, of which Lapwing (206) is the largest number, while Heron (20) and Redshank (27) may be mentioned. Mr. Robinson’s list includes Gannet (100), Lesser Black-backed Gull (229), while Woodcock (86) must be mentioned. In Mr. Morshead’s list I notice Red-backed Shrike (19). Among those ringers new to the scheme we have to welcome the Clifton College Scientific Society, Messrs. J. Knox, A. P. Meiklejohn, the Oxford Ornithological Society, Messrs. D. J. Robertson, G. O. Budd, and S. T. C. Turner, Wellington College, and Mr. H. Went. Among species which have been ringed in larger numbers than before may be mentioned Carrion-Crow, Rook, Jackdaw, Red-backed Shrike, Heron, Shag, Curlew, Redshank, Snipe and Woodcock. Mr. T. K. Craven has ringed thirty-five Ring-Ouzels, a bird to which not much attention has been paid, though it might yield interesting results. It is to be hoped that Mr. Lincoln’s article on Traps for Bird Ringing (antea, pp. 134-150) will be found useful, and that more ringers will specialize in this branch of the work. There is no doubt that most valuable results could be obtained by regular trapping at a number of “ stations,’”’ and I hope that some of our readers, who have not yet done any ringing, will be induced to take up this important work. é In my last report I mentioned that, on Mr. E. M. Nicholson’s initiative, an exhibit of “ ringing ’’ had been placed in Hasle- mere Museum, and I am pleased to say that during the year 214 BRITISH BIRDS. [VoL. XXI. several other Museums have organised similar exhibits, viz., Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh, Norwich Castle Museum, Hancock Museum, Newcastle, Reading Museum, and the Hereford Museum, while the British Museum (Natural History) are preparing such an exhibit. I hope that more Museums will follow suit, as such exhibits are not only interesting and educative, but also help to make known more widely the objects of ringing birds and the importance of reporting those found with rings. The average percentage of recoveries of birds ringed up to the end of 1926 is approximately 2.7, and while in some species the percentage has dropped, in others it has risen. Perhaps the most notable and unaccountable drop has been in the Woodcock. Among the interesting recoveries reported since my last report, I may mention two Starlings trapped by Mr. Boyd in Cheshire in winter and found in Schleswig-Holstein and Denmark in summer ; a number of trapping and retrapping records of various species made by Mr. Boyd, Messrs. J. N. D. and T. L. Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, Mr. P. E. A. Morshead, the Rev. E. Peake and others; Mr. J. F. Thomas’s valuable work in connection with ringing Wheatears and catching them up again. A Razorbill ringed by Messrs. W. and A. B. Duncan in Sutherland in July, 1927, and reported from the Oslé Fjord in October is interesting, as we have already a record of a Guillemot performing exactly the same journey. A record has also come to hand of a Gannet ringed by Mr. H. W. Robinson at the Bass Rock, in August, 1927, being found near Fredriksstad, Norway, in November. There is a previous record of a Gannet ringed on the Bass being found in Norway. A Ring-Ouzel ringed in Yorkshire, also by Mr. Robinson, in May, 1927, was reported from Navarra, north Spain, on September 14th. A Moorhen ringed in Stirlingshire, in June, 1927, and reported from co. Tyrone in November is of some interest. A number of other species (especially Lapwing and Curlew) ringed in Scotland and England have also recently been reported from Ireland. Some very interesting results of ringing Mallard and Teal have been reported, while the Wigeon hatched and ringed in Cumberland and found in spring in north-east Russia (antea, pp. 97-8) is a striking example of the value of the ringing scheme. This and other records of ringed ducks go to show that these birds spread from their birth-places much more widely than do other birds, so far as we know at present. VOL. Xx1.] “ BRITISH BIRDS ’? MARKING SCHEME 215 This important fact could scarcely have been suspected, and certainly not proved, without the help of ringing. If, as it would seem to be by the records, this is a general habit in certain species of ducks, we may, perhaps, find here a reason for the fact that so many species of ducks are not differentiated, some over their whole range, others over a great part of it. That different geographical forms of a species often join up on migration and in winter quarters is, of course, well known, as is the fact that occasional stragglers (e.g., Wagtails) breed in the area occupied by another sub-species, but it is obvious that if interbreeding of individuals from widely spread areas were habitual, as it would seem to be in certain ducks, differentiation depending upon segregation in the breeding season could not be per- manently established. I hope that in the future great efforts will be made to ring large numbers of ducks of all species, both adult and young. News has just reached me of a most remarkable trans- atlantic migration of Lapwings, of which I have not yet got full details, but must make preliminary mention now. Canon A. G. Bayley of Bonavista, Newfoundland, writes me under date December 31st, 1927, and encloses the foot of a Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) with one of our rings numbered X5046. This Lapwing was ringed as a nestling by Dr. H. J. Moon at Ullswater, Cumberland, in May, 1926. That a Lapwing ringed in this country should appear in Newfoundland is sufficiently remarkable, but Canon Bayley states that “thousands” of these birds arrived there in December. This is amply confirmed by Mr. F. A. Bruton, who informs me that he has heard from Mr. J. L. Paton, President of the Memorial College of St. John’s, that numerous Lapwings were reported during December from a number of places in Newfoundland on the east coast, in the centre and on the west coast. I hope shortly to receive more exact information with regard to dates and other details of this migration, which, in view of the numbers concerned, is un- doubtedly the most remarkable transatlantic migration of any species of bird ever observed. That large numbers of Lap- wings should have safely accomplished such a journey is nothing less than astounding, and it is to be hoped that when we receive full details of this extraordinary event it may be possible to assign a cause more nearly than just to say that it was in some way connected with abnormal weather conditions. The Lapwing has previously only occurred on the American continent as a very rare straggler, and only once before in 216 BRITISH BIRDS. [YOL: xT. Newfoundland, this being a single bird in November, 1905. Another straggler was found dead in Nova Scotia in March, 1897, three have been recorded from Long Island, New York, and two from Greenland. That one bird of the present large migration should have been found with a ring adds greatly to the value of the present remarkable record, and this is due to the hard work of our ringers, who, by marking such large numbers, have made this chance possible. It is fitting that this bird should have been one of the record number ringed by Dr. Moon in 1926, Tae “ringers ”’ have expressed their gratefulness to the “Marking Scheme ” for having provided them with a plea- surable and educative occupation for hours and days they wished to devote to some kind of bird-work in the field, but, apart from this, the valuable scientific results, which have gradually accumulated as a consequence of this work, are certainly a still greater incentive to renewed and, we may hope, still more successful efforts in the future. I would particularly draw my readers’ attention to the proposed Census of Heronries referred to on another page of this issue, and the importance of ringing as many of these birds as possible during 1928. NUMBER OF BIRDS “ RINGED.” Dr. H. J. Moon (2779), Messrs. A. W. Boyd (1741), A. Mayall (1674), Lord Scone (1356), Lt.-Col. G. P. Pollitt (1219), Messrs. W. and A. B. Duncan (1006), W. S. Jones (St. Edmund’s School Nat. Hist. Soc.) (998), R. H. Brown (983), H. W. Robinson (666), P. E. A. Morshead (660), Mr. P. K. and Miss J. M. Chance (658), Mr. J. Bartholomew (529), Lon. Nat. Hist. Soc. (490), Mr. H. B. P. Kingham (429), Mr. and Mrs. R. O. Blyth (427), Mr. R. M. Garnett (423), Perthshire Nat. Hist. Soc. (379), Messrs. J. F. Thomas (307), T. L. Smith (277), H. G. Watson (271), Miss E. C. Sharp (245), Mr. T. Kerr (240), Oxford Orn. Soc. (226), Messrs. J. R. B. Masefield (206), E. Cohen (206), R. Carlyon- Britton (181), T. K. Craven (178), B. D. Nicholson (165), Mrs. T. E. Hodgkin (164), Miss F. K. Staunton (157), Mr. J. N. Fletcher (126), Rev. E. Peake (108), Messrs. W. D. Shaw (108), T. L. S. Dooly (98), Miss J. M. Ferrier (97), Mr. J. H. Methold (85), Dr. J. N. D. Smith (83), Messrs. H. S. Greg (76), A. P. Meiklejohn (76), Miss I. Mayne (73), Clifton College Scientific Soc. (72), Major W. M. Congreve (69), Wellington College (67), Messrs. R. E. Knowles (67), S. T. C. Turner (64), Miss L. W. Streatfield (60), Mr. and Mrs. W. P. G. Taylor (59), Messrs. C. F. Archibald (57), J. V. Stevens (55), Mrs. A. H. M. Garner (48), Messrs. F. J. Mitchell (47), F. Howard Lancum (46), H. S. Gladstone (43), G. Townsend (41), Major M. Portal (39), Messrs. A. H. R. Wilson (37), H. Went (37), Mrs. A. Mackenzie (37), Messrs. A. HI. Greg (34); J.D. Clarke (33) Dir. IN. El. Joy, (3it)) Messrs. Wolk. Philipson (31), E. P. Chance (29), Sir S. Bilsland (28), Messrs. J. F. Madden (25), Miss M. H. Greg (24), Messrs. D. J. Robertson (24), J. Vincent (24), R. H. Hellyar (21), and others who have ringed under twenty each. VOL. XX1.] “ BRITISH BIRDS ” MARKING SCHEME 217 'NUMBERS OF EACH SPECIES ‘“ RINGED.” ’09-’20 *Crow, Carmion ., 22 Rook ae os 250 Jackdaw .. oa EOS *Magpie .. a3 22 i: ae ree Starling .. «+s FLOF Greenfinch »» 2979 *Goldfinch vs EO Twite .. os AS Redpoll, Lesser .. 139 Linnet .. a Ay Bullfinch.. «« 235 Chaffinch .. «93226 Sparrow, House.. 466 Sparrow, Tree .. 225 Bunting, Yellow 506 Bunting, Reed .. 399 Lark, Sky «=. 1620 Piput, Uree +s 245 Pipit, Meadow ..1287 Wagtail, Yellow.. 111 Wagtail, Grey .. 114 Wagtail, Pied .. 767 eCreeper, tee 5. 12 Tit, Great os OO att, Bine.. «. 669 Tit, Goal. . << TOS Tit, Long-tailed... 41 Wren, G.-crested 42 Shrike, R.-backed 172 Blycatcher, 5S. .. goo *Flycatcher, Pied 6 Chiffchaff ss 89 Warbler, Willow 2078 Warbler, Wood .. 132 Warbler, Reed .. 283 Warbler, Sedge .. 304 Warbler, Garden 181 Blackcap.. ++ 135 Whitethroat +s 5O7 Whitethroat, L... 169 Fieldfare ae “OF Thrush, Mistle .. 661 Thrush, Song 10339 Redwing .. és ee Ouzel, Ring is soe Blackbird . .6062 Wheatear wa 2S Whinchat .. 466 Stonechat w« £6 Redstart... s« 2356 Nightingale cs re Redbreast Ree 29 | 16 494 22 23 18 25 37 166 43 28 24 866 478 3) 27 560 55 672 "26 7, 46 253 234 14 25 Total 250 986 218 BRITISH 709-20 °2I 22 Sparrow, Hedge ..2070 246 221 Wren Ay taicoteyey ais}! Dipper 2 052) 0S 8 Swallow --7597 382 821 Martin ~ S71 I44 2415 Martin, Sand > 798' 37 ws *Swilft OF 27) 72 Nightjar =e 5 7 5 Wryneck . aan 22 8 Cuckoo . 124 20) ro *Owl, Little to 72 6 Owl, Long-eared .. 32 10 12 Owl, Barn.. 2 38h 14 2 Owl, Tawny +. 025, TS. ma! *Merlin 16) = 6 Kestrel 5 59° 12 3 *Buzzard .. nc 2 in 3 Hawk, Sparrow 67, 4 9 Heron, Common .. Ilr — 6 Sheld-Duck Fil 1 — Mallard ~. O45, ar 58 Teal 40 = I Wigeon .. 2 ro2: I 15 Duck, Tufted 65 — 4 Cormorant -- 563 — — Shag ancy) 18) Se Gannet , .. 198 — 26 Shearwater,Manx 72 — — Wood-Pigeon eee) 63930 26 Dove, Stock 57 26 Gy. Dove, Turtle ohn Kol 12 Oystercatcher 5 iteyt oh .Plover, Ringed ~alO2, 30) LO Plover, Golden 49 4 I Lapwing --4158 220 345 Sandpiper, C. 222 Os) 24 Redshank .. be stim ey OS Curlew, Common.. 228 36 67 Snipe, Common .. 220 19 18 Woodcock.. SOS) wr OnmEsi Tern, Sandwich .. 762 30 77 Tern, Common’... 3998 706 2 Tern, Arctic 3) ago) 24 2 Tern, Little SO 4 es 9 Gull, B.-headed 11961 5 — Gull, Common > ola, —— | 26 Gull, Herring 512 6 9 Gull, L. Blk.-bkd..3169 197 455 Gull, G. Blk.-bkd.. 78 — 2 Kittiwake CANS Razorbill .. 69 — 18 *Guillemot .. 23 — 106 Puffin 20 CO == 8 Moor-Hen .. 5 Shine) | 3 33 * Of species so marked from 1913 to 1920. BIRDS. [VOL. XXI. ‘a3 "24 «4°25 « °26 «('247 «6Total 409 463 487 462 492 4850 321 331 343 213 212 2632 IG 55 48 55° 76 Agr 889 1055 1173 1328 1378 14623 296 900 959 849 517 5781 T59) 234 (27D 748. 300 2560 7 “87, 287. 50° 5m ace ie) 7 4 7 I 96 2 20, as 2s) a25 308 22, 20)" 23,530) 32-287 Fr §26) 388" S308 at 164 7 — 12 S 8 84 13 5: Eo 9). To), 59 if 28 52° 35) 47 ~320 Ais” 120) 22 = eee ues 96 20 «28 63° 93° ~~48° 326 2 3}? 6) nn 55 LOh 2 920" 8 Or ese T4 “28 38.090, “o7 “gab 4 = 6 I 4 87 T8o 281 127 477 588 2307 = “Ig5 248. 313" 38: 784 — = Ln ee Ss 70 — 8 = 23 2 596 46 20 5 8I 276 504 iON 425) LOO TOO moos 9 13 3 2 32) sien 6r 181 184 202 168 1067 15 TO) TO 35 16 Ig!t r3. 10 35 Sd 57 Sie 20) 70) SAT OT 7G soy; AT) 75 59) 22) SO Aro 2 5 12 I | 81 358 597 778 1136 1694 9286 37. 44 «+4 6-40. 545 32539 460)" 78> tog) oor Fhe) vento Ya} anrofey anakey 7546) 8 50 93% 40 183° 569 28) 57) 84) 273) (404) 260 153 92 421 148 225 1908 44 425 632 882 227 6916 I @) Gs) IK) 190) I 20) §25 3 OF257, = 3 — %F 54 12034 36) 950) 105 923) 846) ees 20 43) +10) 246) 266" so2m 120 565 197 I0L 287 5091 3 33 35 28 20 T99 86 115 — 15 15 258 42 95 8 7 7a Bee 255 563 — I 32 4980 45 19 2 27. 82 ros2 25: 43 5S OR 78) | Gam no record was kept of the number ringed VOL. Xx1.] “ BRITISH BIRDS ’”? MARKING SCHEME 219 SOME PERCENTAGES OF RECOVERIES. N ated ood Reena i 0 — rpeaesé. Recovered Recoveries Rook: ... arr 733 - I 3 Bo toe Aeron) INSINGW. Aug. 4 - - 2 54° 35. 4°50’. | Calm Sep. 22 ~ I 6 BOr TOG aces N.N.W., strong wind D. R. WoLre Murray. VOL. XXI.] NOTES. 229 ENGLAND AND WALES. CHESHIRE.—On August znd and 4th Mr. H. G. Attlee saw five near the source of the River Goyt. SUSSEX.—From September 4th to 13th the same observer saw small numbers at or near St. Leonards. GLAMORGANSHIRE.—In the last week of July Miss E. C. Ware saw a small party near Caerphilly. Two of these were noted as feeding on insects on leaves of a blighted plum tree. HOUSE-SPARROWS ROOSTING IN A LAMP. I wisu to call your attention to an ingenious habit of the House-Sparrow (Passer d. domesticus). On a number of occasions in November and December, 1927, observations were made separately by Mr. C. F. A. Pantin, of the Marine ™ ) jBwmume® \ a HAD — Ah 4 Biological Laboratory, and myself, on Plymouth Hoe. The Hoe is illuminated at night by a score or so of powerful electric lamps, each surmounted by what was once a reflector Round the lower edge of the reflector, as will be seen by the attached diagram, is an inwardly projecting flange about 3 ins. deep. 230 BRITISH BIRDS. [voL. XXtI. Our attention was independently attracted by twitterings, and we both discovered a large number of Sparrows roosting on this flange in the comfortable warmth of the lamp. They are in complete obscurity until a quarrel disturbs the whole lot, and they fly out round the lamp. Occasionally, a tail may be seen projecting, so that presumably they face away from the light. I examined other lamps, but was unable to find Sparrows roosting in any but that which occupies the centre of the Hoe. Mr. Pantin also observed them in that lamp, and informs me that all the other ones observed are extinguished at II p.m., only the central one remaining alight all night ! V. C. WyYNNE-EDWARDS. LESSER WHITETHROAT IN NORTH DEVON. DurinG June, 1920, I found four males of this species (Sylvia c. curruca) in full song constantly near Georgeham, Braunton, Arlington Court and Coxleigh Wood, and was convinced that they were summer-residents there; I believe this is a rare species in the district. HuGuH G. ATTLEE. BLACK REDSTART IN CARMARTHENSHIRE. On December 24th and 30th, 1927, I saw a Black Redstart (Pheenicurus 0. gibraltariensis) on the coast near Laugharne. By January 3rd, 1928, it had moved two miles and was then stationed among some sandhills. The white wing-bar was very faint. J. F. THomas. BROODS OF SWALLOWS AND MARTINS IN SUSSEX IN, 1027: In reference to the notes by Lord Scone (antea, p. 156) and Mr. R. H. Brown (antea, p. 178) on the broods of Swallows and House-Martins, I find that near Rye, in 1927, seven pairs of Swallows reared two broods and one pair, three. Two pairs of House-Martins reared three broods, and seven pairs reared two. Nesting did not seem later than usual, a Swallow’s nest being found on May 14th with two eggs. I} Nests containing | Total Average 6 5 a 3 Examined Brood Swallow a ee | 8 | 6 Wo II 4.6 House-Martin... | 0 | aT) 6, 8 12 4.0 D. D. GODFREY. VOL. XXI.] NOTES. 231 SNIPE AND COMMON SANDPIPER AS FOOD OF KESTREL. On June roth, 1927, I examined a “ larder OF a Kestrel (Falco t. tinnunculus) in an old Crow’s nest containing five young birds (differing much in size) and one addled egg. The interesting items were the bastard-wing (and part of the primary-coverts) of a Snipe (Capella g. gallinago) and the complete leg and foot of a Common Sandpiper (Tvinga hypoleucos). I am not aware that the Kestrel has been known to take Snipe (this was close to a boggy moor near Matlock where Snipe bred), or Sandpiper. HuGuH G. ATTLEE. (The Snipe is given under birds occasionally taken in the Practical Handbook, I1., p. 123.—EDs.] WHITE STORK SEEN IN SOUTH-WEST SCOTLAND. In the Dutch ornithological journal, Avdea, Vol. XVI., pp. 134-5 (1927), Heer Piet Lels states that while travelling on the Midland (L.M.&5.) Railway from Glasgow on July 20th, 1927, about half an hour’s run south of Symington, he saw a White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) flying round in a wide grassy valley intersected with small watercourses or drains. When returning next day by the same route the bird was nowhere to be seen. Mr. H. S. Gladstone kindly informs me that in all probability the locality in question lies near Elvanfoot in Lanarkshire, the source of or confluence of the small streams which go to form the Clyde. By a slip of the pen in the heading of the original report it is described as in N.W. England. Heer Lels is familiar with the White Stork, which breeds in his garden in Holland, so it is unlikely that he was mistaken in his identification. F, C. R. JOURDAIN. WHOOPER SWAN IN SHROPSHIRE. A PAIR of Whoopers (Cygnus cygnus) paid a visit to Betton Pool, a large sheet of water three miles south of Shrewsbury, at Christmas, 1927. They were first seen by the keeper there on Christmas Day, and, although very wild, stayed there thrce days. Alarmed by a shooting party on December 28th, they rose from the water trumpeting loudly, and flew right away in a 5.E. direction. Their long yellow bills, with no black at the base, were specially noticeable. It is over thirty years since the Whooper was last recorded in Shropshire, though during that period several parties of Bewick’s Swan have visited the county. H. E. Forrest. 232 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXI. WHITE-FRONTED GEESE INLAND IN CHESHIRE, STAFFS. AND NORTHANTS. On October 16th, 1927, Mr. F. N. Peak and I saw three White-fronted Geese (Anser albifrons) at the most westerly of the large Staffordshire reservoirs, where I saw one on January 2nd, 1924 (Brit. Birds, Vol. XVIII, p. 241); they flew round for a time, showing clearly the black bars on the under parts and the white brows, and finally disappeared in the east. On December 18th, 1927, during a keen frost, I saw two White-fronted Geese rise from the side of Marbury Mere, near Northwich, Cheshire, and fly off to some meadows, whence they returned to the mere later in the day. Again, I am told by Mr. A. G. Haworth that on January 8th, 1928, he had a good view of six of this species at Tatton Mere, Knutsford, Cheshire, both in flight and on the water. The White-fronted Goose is perhaps the most prone of the Grey Geese to visit inland localities. Mr. Kenneth Fisher tells me that the great majority of the Geese that visit the valley of the Nene, near Oundle, in Northants, each winter, are of this species. On December 26th and 27th, 1927, he took me to see the Geese that were then feeding in the flooded meadows ; on the second day we saw from 60 to 70 White- fronted Geese and with them some half-dozen Pink-footed Geese (Anser brachyrhynchus) and possibly a Bean Goose (Anser fabalis) or two, though we did not identify the last named with certainty. A. W. Boyp. WHITE-FRONTED GEESE IN SHROPSHIRE. On December 23rd, 1927, a gaggle of about thirty White- fronted Geese (Anser albifrons) passed over a reach of the Severn at Atcham, near Shrewsbury. They were flying in V formation northwards. Throughout the last half of December there were large numbers of ducks on the Severn here, including besides Mallard and Teal, Pochard, Tufted Duck, and Wigeon ; several of the last named were males in remarkably bright plumage. H. E. FORREST. GADWALL IN SHROPSHIRE. ON December 21st, 1927, while Mr. C. W. Dodson was waiting at a pool near Bishop’s Castle for Mallard, three ducks flew over, one of which he shot. Being unable to identify it he took it to Dr. J. H. Lamb, who found that it was an adult male Gadwall (Anas strepera). He reported it to me, as the species is rare in this district. The weather was severe at the time. I see that in Trans. N. Staff. Field Club, Mr. VOL. XXI.] NOTES. . 233 A. W. Boyd records two pairs on the westernmost of the Stafiordshire Reservoirs, May 21st, 1927. This is not far from the Shropshire border. H. E. FORREST. RED-CRESTED POCHARD IN CO. CORK. WuiLe flight shooting for duck on the evening of December 2oth, 1927, at Reendonogan Lake, at the head of Bantry Bay, co. Cork, I shot a fine male Red-crested Pochard (Netta rufina). 1 sent the bird to Messrs. Williams & Son, Dublin, for mounting and they confirmed the identification. I may add that Reendonogan Lake is just divided from the sea by a narrow strip of land, on which I was standing on the look out for duck. The bird came by itself in from the sea. Of course all Pochards are mostly freshwater duck, but, as there were some people shooting on the Lake early in the day, this bird was probably frightened out of it and I happened to get it on its way back. According to Ussher (Birds of Ireland), only one was ever obtained in Ireland, and that was shot near Tralee during a very severe winter (188r). «fs he BL, EIDER IN KENT. Ir may be of interest to record my observation of an Eider (Somateria mollissima) on January 3rd, 1928, off the coast of Kent, at Hythe. I had seen many Eiders, previously, off Bamburgh, Northumberland, and also a flock off the S.W. coast of Scotland, when watching with the Duchess of Bedford, on one occasion. Consequently, the moment that I observed a duck with much white plumage, and with the long, dark, narrow face-marking which gives an expression all its own to the Eider, I felt sure of its identity. I confirmed it by noting the exact area of the white on the cheeks, neck and upper back; the dark wing, cut by a conspicuous band of white ; dark tail; and (when it raised itself in the water to shake) the dark lower breast. A. V. STONE. GOOSANDERS IN LONDON. In the first week of January, 1928, Mr. J. Hinton, keeper of the birds in St. James’s Park, noticed on the water two strangers which proved to be Goosanders (Mergus m. mer- ganser). These birds at once took courage from the conduct of the tame water fowl and made themselves thoroughly at home. They have often been seen fishing, even in the very narrow part of the lake, regardless of the passers-by. 234 BRITISH BIRDS. [VoL. XX!. On January 12th I saw a Goosander on the Serpentine in Hyde Park on the east side of the island, just where I had long expected to find Goosanders, and had looked for them almost every morning for the last six winters. This bird, which was also seen by Mr. R. W. Hayman, did not venture near the banks and did not stay long. There appear to be no previous records of the occurrence of this species in central London ; but, judging by what has recently happened elsewhere, it seems likely that these visits will be followed by others. A. HOLTE MACPHERSON. GANNET DIVING FROM SURFACE OF WATER. On August 6th, 1927, I was overlooking a creek at Scapa Flow and saw an adult Pomatorhine Skua (Stercorarius pomarinus) attacking an adult Gannet (Sula bassana) which seemed gorged and somewhat inactive. At successive efforts to escape on the wing the aggressor got above, and descended almost upon the victim’s back, driving it down to the water where it sat quiescent whilst its enemy hovered close above it. When. however, the Skua let down the full length of its legs and talons to within an inch of its back, the Gannet dived. On rising it was again attacked in the same manner and again dived. This performance was repeated about four or five times close below the parapet of the road on which I was walking. The action in diving seemed less vigorous than the leap upward and turn-over of a Shag, but was quite effective. This is the only time I can recall seeing a Gannet dive from the surface. When taking sand-eels close inshore in Carbis Bay, St. Ives, in extremely shallow water (say twenty-four inches), Gannets will circle close above the water and plunge in their normal, headlong manner, taking no harm. H. M. WAL_LIs. BLACK-THROATED DIVER IN CO. GALWAY. A BLACK-THROATED Diver (Colymbus a. arcticus) was shot near Eyrecourt, co. Galway, on December 29th, 1927. The back and wing had traces of the summer plumage, otherwise the bird was in full winter. Black-throated Divers are very rare visitors to Ireland. W. J. WILLIAMS. GREY PLOVER, LITTLE AUK AND RED-THROATED DIVER IN’ STAFFORDSHIRE. THE recent severe weather has brought three northern birds to our county :— (1) A Grey Plover (Squatarola squatarola) was caught VOL. XXI.] NOTES. 235 by Mr. D. P. Taylor in his garden at Oulton Heath, near Stone, Staffordshire, on the evening of November 2oth, 1927. It survived some days, but eventually died. This is the first authentic record with data of the occurrence of this species in north Staffordshire, but it has been observed several times on the shores of large reservoirs in the south of the county. (2) A Little Auk (Alle alle) was picked up dead near Cheadle, Staffordshire, on December 27th, 1927. (3) A Red-throated Diver (Colymbus stellatus) was found exhausted, but still alive, in the town of Stone, Stafford- shire, about 4 a.m. on January 2nd, 1928. It was fed, but only survived two days, and was found to have been injured internally, probably by telegraph wires or in its fall. It may be interesting to note that our Staffordshire list of birds contains records of almost all our rarer stragglers, as several of the flight lines of both summer and winter migrants cross our county. Joun R. B. MASEFIELD. GREAT SKUA TURNING GANNET OVER IN THE AIR. BETWEEN Hermaness and the Muckle Flugga Rock on July 4th, 1927, was witnessed the following incident :—It was a day of brilliant sunshine and crystal clear atmosphere, and the writer and his wife were on the Motor Relief Boat of the Muckle Flugga Lighthouse Station, about half a mile from the rock, when a Gannet (Szla bassana), in full adult plumage, was seen to dive and rise to a height of approximately 60 ft. on its way back to the Gannetry. Meanwhile, a Great Skua (Stercorarius skua), having observed the successful exploit, swooped down from an altitude of some 4o {t. immediately in its wake, flattened out and upsoaring with momentum, seized the tail-feathers of the Gannet and turned it rump over head. The Gannet, with a loud note of alarm, when almost upside down disgorged the fish so recently swallowed, and the Bonxie, having cvershot its victim, turned, and nose- diving, caught the fish before it reached the water. Both birds flew off as though nothing untoward had happened. The whole episode was clearly seen by two observers at 200 yds. range. When the comparative sizes and weights of the two birds are considered, the courage and ingenuity of the Skua will be appreciated. J. W. S. CLouGu. WAXWINGS, IN ENGLAND AND IRELAND—Mr. W. S. Medlicott writes that he saw a Bombvycilla garrulus near Goathland on December 26th, 1927. “It was feeding on 236 BRITISH BIRDS. [VoL. XXI. hawthorn berries. Mr. K. C. Crosbie reports (veld, 19g-1-28, p. 80) one found dead in Upper Wharfedale on December 2oth. Miss B. C. Paterson informs us that she and Miss Brown saw two Waxwings on January 2nd, 1928, near Stocksfield, Northumberland. Mr. Henry B. Rathbourne reports that a Waxwing was picked up dead during Christmas week, 1927, on Boa Island, Lower Lough Erne, co. Fermanagh. LATE SWALLOW AND MARTIN IN CARMARTHENSHIRE.— Miss E. Falkener reports (veld, 12-1-28, p. 67) the presence of a Swallow (Hirundo rustica) at Laugharne on December 12th, 1927, and of a Delichon urbica on December 7th. SPOONBILLS IN DEVONSHIRE.—Mr. V. H. Dand_ states (Field, 5-1-28, p. 23) that nine Platalea leucorodia visited the estuary of the Axe on September 28th, 1927, and stayed three days. BITTERNS IN ENGLAND AND WALES.—Perhaps a rather unusual number of Botaurus stellaris occurred in December, 1927, and January, 1928. Mr. Owen Wynne tells us of three near Exeter during the hard weather in December. One is reported from Cornwall at the end of December, another from Sussex on January 7th, and two from Carmar- thenshire (Field, 19-1-28), while Mr. T. W. Harrisson tells us of one at Chilbolton, Hants, in January. CoMMON SCOTER IN Lonpon.—Mr. D. Seth-Smith in- forms us that a specimen of Oidemia n. migra was captured alive at Primrose Hill on December 2gth, 1927. LEAcH’s FORK-TAILED PETREL IN SURREY.—Mr. D. Seth- Smith informs us that a specimen of Oceanodroma lL. lecuorrhoa was captured alive in a snow-drift at Dorking on December 27th, 1927. It died two days later and was sent to Mr. Seth-Smith for identification. Cock PHEASANT INcuBATING.—Mr. H. M. Prichard informs us that one of the keepers on the Penrice Castle Estate, Reynoldston, Glamorganshire, found a_ cock Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) sitting on four eggs among bracken. Next day the bird was again found on the eggs and continued to brood them till they were hatched out. For more than a week afterwards he was observed mothering the chicks, but afterwards was lost sight of. Such cases, though uncommon, have been recorded on a good many occasions, and are not due to hen birds assuming the male VOL. XXI.] NOTES. 237 plumage as might be suspected. It would be interesting to examine the generative organs of a male which has exhi- bited this extraordinary trait. In Brit. Birds, X., p. 69, the late Mr. Heatley Noble records a case in which a cock had hatched off a brood of seven eggs, and references will be found to six notes on the subject in the Fed and also to a photograph of an incubating cock which appeared in Country Life, June 30th, 1906, in an editorial note appended to Mr. Noble’s record. Mr. J. G. Millais, in the Nat. Hist. of British Game Birds, p. 86, says that instances of cock Pheasants taking their turn on the eggs when the hen is absent are too numerous to particularize and that cock Pheasants have often been seen attending broods of young birds. REVIEWS. The Birds of the Island of Bute. By J. McWilliam. 8vo. pp. 128 with map and 9g illustrations. As we still lack the long-expected work on the Vertebrate Fauna of the Clyde area, it is a matter for congratulation that we now possess a carefully written and reliable account of a small portion of it. Mr. McWilliam’s book does not deal with the county of Bute, but only with the island of that name: a somewhat restricted area, as it is only sixteen miles in length, and averages about four miles in width. As might be expected the avifauna is not rich in species, only 168 being recorded, and the rarer stragglers are conspicuous by their absence. In his distributional notes Mr. McWilliam makes numerous refer- ences to the Isle of Arran and Pladda and we think he might also have added a few words on those species which have occurred there, even though they have not been recorded from the island of Bute itself, such as Pallas’s Sand-Grouse, the Spotted Crake and the Quail. Many other species which occur in the Clyde area are certain to be met with in Bute sooner or later. At present there is no definite record of any species of Grey Goose, and even such widely distributed species as the Fulmar Petrel, the Lesser and Sandwich Terns, Buffon’s Skua, the Phalaropes and the Bittern, are all absent from the list. Among the breeding species the scarcity of the Corn-Bunting (Emberiza calandva) and the Ring-Ouzel (Turdus torquatus) is re- markable, for the natural conditions and situation would seem to be favourable to both species. There seems no adequate reason for the Grasshopper-Warbler (Locustella nevia) to be common on Arran and decidedly rare in Bute, while the Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla f. vay) which is not rare in Ayrshire has only occurred a few times on Bute. Although the number of breeding forms is small, on the other hand the number of individuals is great, and as Bute enjoys a wonderfully mild and equable climate, the bird population is large. One striking feature is the presence of the Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) in con- siderable numbers. The number of breeding pairs is estimated at from 175 to 330, showing a remarkable increase on the figures for 1903 when there were only about 40 or 50 nests. In view of the 238 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXI. diminution of Black-game in other parts of Scotland it is satisfactory to find that here they are at any rate holding their own. We should like to call attention to two useful features in this work. The varying fertility of a species in different parts of its breeding range is a subject which has been much neglected, and the author has collected some useful data on the average number of eggs laid by certain birds in this area. On the whole the tendency seems to be to lay fewer than the normal number of eggs in the case of those species which show variation in this respect. There is also some very valuable information as to the bird pop- ulation and the effect of game preservation on bird life. Without going into details as to the figures on which the results are based, we find that Mr. McWilliam thinks that the total number of birds on the island may reach the surprising figure of 400,000. As Bute is only about sixty square miles in extent, this gives some 6,000 to 7,000 birds to the square mile, or one bird to every twenty-two square yards. There is little doubt that the number of our birds is greatly under- estimated by most people, and for comparison with estimates from other districts these figures will be very useful. Another valuable feature is the game list supplied by the Marquess of Bute (p. 123), from which it appears that a total bag of 96,033 head of game was obtained in twenty-eight years. Deducting the 5,013 hares and roedeer, there still remain 91,020 birds, of which the largest items are 50,139 Red Grouse, and 10,993 Snipe, both of which species are still plentiful, though the numbers of Grouse are subject to considerable fluctuations. Side by side with this may be read the vermin list of the head-keeper in North Bute for one year, which reaches the total of 1,352. After deducting 1,088 mammals we have 264 larger birds left (Hooded Crows, Jackdaws, Hawks of various species and Gulls). This represents roughly about five birds per week all the year round, so that it does not require much calculation to realize the enormous effect of game pre- servation on the avifauna of a given district. This is of course accent- uated in the case of an island, where the influx from outside to fill up the gaps is almost negligible. The book is carefully prepared, but there are a few points to which attention may be drawn. There is no index of species, but a table of contents on p. 5, in which the Chiff-chaff figures as the ‘‘ Chaffinch.”’ The identification of birds from colloquial names in old lists is often unsatisfactory, but when Blair, early in the nineteenth century, wrote ‘‘ Marrets, Ailsa Black Sea Cocks and Sea Parrots,” it was the last named which were the Puffins and not the “ Ailsa Black Sea Cocks,’’ which were probably Guillemots. In the paragraph on the Brent Goose it is clearly stated that three specimens in the Bute Museum are of the pale breasted “ variety.’’ The statement which follows that “at present it is supposed that the two types represent little more than individual variation ’’ is exactly the reverse of the case, as it is now known that the two sub-species (not varieties) have quite different breeding ranges, and do not, as was formerly supposed, breed together in Spitsbergen. The Light-breasted Brent (B. bernicla hrota) should be added to the island list. There is no mention of the Firecrest, but it is said to have occurred in Bute on the authority of Mr. A. R. Reid (Zool. 1907, p. 15). Writing of the Turnstone (p. 94), the author says: “ The egg is so conspicuous that a mistake could hardly be made.’ Here we are in doubt as to whether the writer means “‘ characteristic,’ as the eggs are often carefully hidden beneath stones or vegetation and have been found well down in a Puffin’s burrow. F. C. R. JourpDain. a a en niin, a~£, VOL. XXI.] REVIEWS. 239 Fiskehejren. By Vagn Holstein. (4to. Gads Forlag, Copenhagen, 1927. ; THIS OO ated quarto volume of 08 pages is devoted to the life history and status in Denmark of the Common Heron (Ardea cinerea). It is illustrated with a map on which the breeding places are shown, four coloured plates to illustrate the plumages from the downy stage to maturity, and other uncoloured plates from photographs. The letterpress is in Danish, and includes a list of heronries with historical notes. There is also a synoptical table showing a comparative census of these colonies in 1912 and 1927, from which we note that the number of breeding pairs has increased from 610-710 pairs in 1912 to 1,362- 1,410 in 1927. While in 1912 there were but two colonies of 80 to 100 pairs, there are now no fewer than 7 heronries of 80 to IIo pairs, and one of 175 nests. These figures may be compared with work on the same lines by Watt in Scotland, and more recently by De Chavigny in France, and Brouwer in Holland. Among other points of interest, we note that the author estimates the incubation period at 28 days, slightly longer than the result obtained by W. Evans trom incubation by a hen (25-26 days). Some of the courtship attitudes are figured in the plate to face p. 44. By watching at night from 9.30 p.m. on June 30th to 2.30 a.m. on July Ist, 1927, the author ascertained that the young were fed at different nests in a colony on twenty-three occasions. In the case of one nest the nestlings were fed on two occasions, viz., at 9.35 p.m. and 1.20 a.m. There are also interesting notes on the causes of the mortality among young birds, but we have failed to find any definite evidence on the question of a second brood, and though in some cases the eggs are laid on consecutive days, there are also numerous instances of much longer intervals on record. The great merit of this work consists in the fact that it is the result of original observation and field work, and though there are still many points which need elucidation, it marks a great advance upon our previous state of knowledge, and suggests fresh lines of research. F. C. R. Jourpar. The Ramblings of a Bird Lover. By Charles E. Raven, D.D., Canon of Liverpool. Sixty-seven photographs by the author. (Martin Hopkinson & Co., Ltd. 10/6.) Tuts book is well named, for it consists to a considerable extent of the relation of observations and experiences among birds gleaned during brief, and often accidental, interludes in a busy life. Though necessarily disconnected, it is an eminently readable book. Every page glows with the intense enthusiasm of the author for his favourite hobby, and anyone, be he the veriest dabbler in the study of birds, cannot but be infected with the same spirit while reading the descrip- tions of the first meetings with hitherto unknown species. It naturally covers a very wide range of species, the localities visited ranging from Handa to north Wales, and from county Cork to Texel, and though much of the ground has been covered many times already and there is little that is actually new in the ascertained facts, they have been so well put together, told so charmingly, and are so ably commented upon, that their relation is never wearisome. The chapter on the early life of a young Cuckoo, though the story is now a well-worn one, 1s one of the best in the book, and is as graphic and as vivid an account of this avian tragedy as can be found anywhere. 240 BRITISH BIRDS. VOL, XXI.] The author not infrequently refers to the value of an amateur’s casual observations; few people have the time and opportunities for systematic research on single species, so that it is perfectly true that, to a great extent, our knowledge of life histories and animal psychology must be built up upon such casual observations. One striking example of such is given in the preface and, by his fortune in making it, the author has added a new and significant fact bearing on one of the problems of migration. Of course it is well known that most, if not all, the waders are capable swimmers and will take to the water when hard pressed, but it does not appear to be known, except of course in the case of the Phalaropes, that they will do so from choice and under perfectly normal circumstances. Canon Raven, however, describes how he came, a mile or moze from the coast of Cork, and in a broken, lumpy sea, upon a couple of Knots “swimming lightly and high and as to the manner bom,’ where there can be little doubt they had settled voluntarily. After being photographed at ten yards distance “‘ they sprang up and flew easily away.’ It has frequently been suggested in connection with the visits of trans-atlantic migrants to this country that in many cases their sea passage must have been “assisted ’”’ by indirect human agency, but who can doubt after Canon Raven’s observation that, at any rate among the waders, the journey can be accomplished without it. One word must be said about the large number of illustrations from the author's camera. There are some that are strikingly good, but as a whole they do not come up to the standard of those in Jv Praise of Bivds. Those of the nestlings particularly are mostly too small to bring out the detail properly, they are too crowded, and consequently too closely cut. With some of the others there seems to have been something wrong with the exposure, or else the method of reproduction does not do justice to the originals. No doubt the difficulty of combining unfavourable lighting with the necessary rapidity of exposure accounts for the lack of depth of focus in others. NE Pn, OE A. bane Bird and Mammal Skins with data. Stuffed Birds. No Lists. WANTED.—Taxidermist. Permanency. F. H. L. WHISH, Taxtpermist, LYMPSHAM, SOMERSET LE GERFAUT REVUE BELGE D’ORNITHOLOGIE | (Fondée en 1911.) Le seule publication scientifique belge traitant des oiseaux, specialement des oiseaux de la Belique. Abonnement 25 francs belges - 5 Belgas par an. Direction: Square Prince Charles 21, Bruxelles-Laeken (Belgique) STEVENS’S AUCTION ROOMS, LTD. ESTD, 1760, 38, King Street, Covent Garden, London, W.C,2. Periodical Sales are held at the above Rooms, of NATURAL HISTORY SPECIMENS, including BIRDS and BIRDS’ EGGS, CABINETS, etc. Also BOOKS relating to Natural History. Catalogues of sales posted on application, WHELDON & WESLEY, LTD. have in stock nearly all the books and journals required by ornithologists. The collection of old and rare works is one of the largest in the country. New books and journals supplied to order. Books not in stock sought for. Just issued: Zoological Catalogue, Part I, Vertebrata; Part II, Faunas. Bookbinding in all its branches undertaken. Libraries and parcels of books purchased. LONDON:—2, 3, & 4, Arthur St., NEW OXFORD STREET, W.C.1. Telephone: ~Gerried 1412. NATURALISTS. CABINETS and APPARATUS of every kind for Collectors of Birds’ Eggs, Insects, &c. A LARGE STOCK OF BIRDS’ EGGS (also in Clutches) and BRITISH and EXOTIC BUTTERFLIES, &c. NESTING BOXES OF VARIOUS PATTERNS. which should be fixed up in Gardens or Shrubberies by Lovers of Birds before the Breeding Season. All Books and Publications (new and second-hand) on Natural History supplied. 36, STRAND, LONDON, W.C.2., ENGLAND. NEW BOOKS. THE BIRDS OF THE MALAY PENINSULA | A GENERAL ACCOUNT OF THE BIRDS INHABITING THE REGION FROM THE ISTHMUS OF KRA TO SINGAPORE WITH THE ADJACENT ISLANDS By HERBERT C. ROBINSON, C.M.Z.S., M.B.O.U. Late Director of Museums, F. M. States. TO BE COMPLETED IN FIVE VOLUMES. Imperial 8vo, Cloth Bound, Gilt Top. Each Volume contains Twenty-Five Full-Page Plates in Colour by H. GRONVOLD. Volume 1. THE COMMONER BIRDS (now ready) Price 35s. neT PER VoLUME OR &7 7S. NET PER SET. Field says: ‘‘ The work is very thoroughly done. All ornithologists will be grateful to the Government of the F. M. States for issuing this great work.” SHOOTING WITH SURTEES The Shooting Exploits of John Jorrocks, Jogglebury Crowdey, Facey Romford and other famous Sportsmen, the whole being a Collection of Extracts relating to the ; fy Gun from the Works of ROBERT SMITH SURTEES, * witha “WHO’S WHO” forming a mine of information. Edited and Compiled by HUGH S. GLADSTONE, with Colour and othér Plates. Demy 8vo, Croru, Girt Top. - - - 25s. net. Country Life says: “Mr. Surtees showed us human nature. Captain Gladstone shows us Mr. Surtees—or more of Mr. Surtees than anyone has shown us before.” THE BIRDS OF BUTE By JOHN MORELL McWILLIAM, B.A., F.R.P.S.(Edin.) Demy 8vo, Puorocrapus anp Map. 8s. 6d. net. No book having been published of recent years on the birds of this part of the Clyde area, this carefully compiled work should prove of great value to all ornithological students. Field says: ‘ This book will be welcomed by all ornithologists.” H. F. & G. WITHERBY, 326, High Holborn, London. NANA KM /ROIDYW BRUSH BIRDS ANITEUSTRATED: MAGAZINE DEVOTED CHIETLY:TOTHEBIRDS “ss ON THEBRIISH UST MONTHILY-1s94 YEARLY. ‘S26HIGHHOLBORNICNDOM. HFeG-WITHERDY. Stevens’s Auction Rooms Ltd. (Estd. 1760) 38, King Street, Covent Garden, London, W.C.2. TUESDAY, MARCH 13th, 1928 at One o’clock precisely. An important and valuable Collection of Birds’ Eggs formed by the late J. B. Verel, Esq., of Norwich, all in clutches, carefully identified and fully labelled, and the Mahogany Cabinet of twenty- eight drawers graduated in depth, in which they were contained. Natural History Books including a fine copy of Dresser’s “Birds of Europe’ with Supplement in 9 vols.; ** The Eggs of the Birds of Europe’ in 2 vols. bound in half red morocco, Butler. Lepidoptera Exotica, etc. British Lepidoptera: the Collection of the late Dr. T. W. King, of Dorking, arranged in two Mahogany Cabinets (of 40 and 20 drawers) by Brady. The Collection of the late H. Marsh, Esq., with the Cabinets of 30, 15 and lesser number of drawers. Also other Entomological and Ornithological Cabinets, Exotic and British Insects, Shells, Apparatus, etc., and General Natural History Specimens. ON VIEW DAY PRIOR AND MORNING OF SALE. Catalogues on application. ey Birds at the Nest. By DOUGLAS DEWAR 7s. 6d. net In his new book Mr. Dewar, the well-known writer on bird life, here deals with birds during the nesting season. The work is a comprehensive study of parent birds and nestlings, written with the object of dispelling some of the prevailing misconceptions about the habits of nesting birds. A list of Mr. Dewar's books on birds, together with particulars of other volumes on the subject, will be sent gratis on request. JOHN LANE THE BODLEY HEAD LTD. VIGO STREET LONDON, W.1. W. F. H. ROSENBERG, 57, Haverstock Hill, London, N.W.3, England Telephone: Primrose Hill 0660 begs to announce the publication of a new Price List of Birds of the World, including over 4,000 species. The List is conveniently arranged, with Index to Families, and will be sent post free to readers of “* British Birds "’ on mentioning that publication. BRITSABIRDS ‘ ” Wits wuicu was INCORPORATED IN JANUARY, 1917, ‘‘ THE ZOOLOGIST. EDITED BY H. F. WITHERBY, M.B.E.,F.Z.S.,M.B.O.U. ASSISTED BY REv. A. Gry JOURDAIN, M.A., M.B.O.U., H.F.A.0.U,, AND Honan Ee “HoyuRsT, O.B.E., M.A., F.R.C.S., M.B.O.U. Mie: _ ‘s « ws {Contents oF N@wBER 10, VoL. XXI., Marcu 1, 1928. Ss PAGE Ornithological Report from Norfolk for 192 3 B. B. Riviere, PECS., P28. MBO ew. se : 242 Birds Observed in the North Sea, ae By Capt David K. Wolfe Murray, R.A.R.O. ... 252 Obituary—The late James Eamded Hordiaw ke te as An Unrecorded Somerset Heronry. By Stanley Lewis, M.B.0.U. 257 Notes :— “ British Birds ’’ Census of Heronries ( (Editors) ae i. 258 Crossbills Breeding in Denbighshire (M. V. Wenner).. re 259 Rapid Succession of Broods of Cirl Bunting sai mond Carly on- Britton) ... is “se one mae 259 Robin Taking Fish from Tank R. Eindéat) aa ive Ae 260 Nightjar with Unfledged Young and Eggs (H. G. Attlee) ... 260 Dark-breasted Barn-Owl in Rutland (E. St. George Betts)... 261 Hobby and Swift (H. G. Attlee) rah es sae in «6 ZOE Records of Gadwall in Co. Down (Honble. Charles Mulholland) 262 Surf-Scoter in Forfarshire (Lord Scone) oes as mene | BROS Smew in London (L. Parmenter) a sed tes eae 262 Smew in Middlesex (L. Parmenter) ... ns ‘ sx 2O2 Early Nesting of Little Grebe in Kent (D. D. Godfrey) sah 262 Early Nesting of Stone-Curlew in per i i er Britton) ... as6 Rs 263 Kentish Plover in Norfolk i in Winter (Clifford otic aes 263 Short Notes :— Two-barred Crossbill in Co. Antrim. Late Stay of Ring-Ouzel in Westmorland. Albino Red-necked Grebe in Lincolashive and other Albinistic Birds. 263 Letter :-— House-Sparrows Roosting in Lamps (F. Howard Lancum) ... 264 T ( 242 ) ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT FROM NORFOLK FOR 1927. BY B. B. RIVIERE, t-R:C.S),, 82.5.0, 5.0.05 In submitting my report on the birds of Norfolk for 1927, I have again to thank a large number of correspondents who have sent me notes, whilst for details of weather conditions I am indebted to Mr. A. W. Preston’s monthly records and annual summary published in the Eastern Daily Press. Although the year was by no means devoid of interest from an ornithological point of view, its passing must be hailed with relief on account of the execrable weather for which it will long be remembered. The lack of sunshine, the severe frosts in April and early May, a rainfall of 36.90 inches—iI0.42 above the normal—and the blizzards, snow- storms, and floods with which the year ended, are sufficient to render it notable even in the annals of this fickle climate, and constitute a record which one hopes may long remain unbroken. The open weather with which the previous year ended continued through the remainder of the winter, and there was frost only on a few days, in January, with a light fall of snow on 21st and 22nd. Wild fowl were not much in evidence, but at the Hickling Coot shoot, on February 18th, a record bag was made, 1,175 being picked up at the end of the day (J. Vincent). Waders were on the move early in March, and a great passage of Curlews was heard over Norwich on the night of March 8th (G. S. B. Long). Almost the only spell of warm sunny weather during the year occurred in the third week of April, but this was followed by sharp frosts which lasted into early May, and caused great damage to the fruit crops. Of the commoner summer migrants, first arrivals were noted on the following dates :—Chiffchaff, April roth (B.B.R.); Willow-Wren, April 11th (L. Lloyd); Blackcap, April 30th (B.B.R.) ; Swallow, April 18th (F. A. Bainbridge); Sand- Martin, April 13th (L. Lloyd); House-Martin, April 28th (B.B.R.); Cuckoo, April roth (E. Ellis); Turtle-Dove, April 30th (B.B.R.) ; Spotted Flycatcher, May 1st (B.B.R.) ; Swift, May 2nd (E. Turner). I have before in these notes (Brit. Birds, XVIII., p. 282) referred to the E. to W. passage of Swallows along our northern coast-line which is regularly observed during May and follows the same course as that of the autumn migration. That Ps VOL. XXI.] REPORT FROM NORFOLK. 243 these birds do not travel up the coast from the south is shown by the fact that the movement appears only to be in evidence to the west of Weybourne, somewhere between which point and Cley they seem first to touch the coast-line. For the past three seasons Mr. W. S. Sharman has recorded the same E. to W. migration at the Lynn Well lightship at the mouth of the Wash (Riviere, Brit. Birds, XX., p. 259), whilst this year I have been fortunate in obtaining notes from his brother, Mr. S. G. Sharman, an equally keen observer, who is stationed at the E. Dudgeon Light, some thirty miles at sea to the east. Here Swallows were observed travelling due E. to W. almost daily, in all weathers and with the wind in any quarter, throughout the whole of May and the early part of June, and I think this evidence points conclusively to this being a regular spring passage across the North Sea from the Continent to the Norfolk coast. This E. to W. migration in spring of species which follow exactly the same route in autumn is, perhaps, difficult to understand, but is none the less an established fact. It was accepted as such nearly fifty years ago by the authors of the British Association Migration Reports (v. 1883, p. 60), from the evidence of the records from east coast light stations, and has since been confirmed by similar records in the Reports of the B.O.C. Migration Committee, but it appears to have been lost sight of by some modern writers on migration. With the advent of June commenced the heavy rains which persisted throughout the remainder of the year. The rainfall for the month was 4.80 inches, the highest since 1860, that of September was 7.15 inches, which is a record for this month, whilst November with a total of 5.17 inches was the wettest since 1878. The effect of these June rains upon the young Partridges was disastrous, and following upon two bad years has so reduced the stock that in many districts Partridge shooting was abandoned this season altogether. A noteworthy feature during the month of June was a great passage of Swifts which took place along the Norfolk coast- line. Dr. S. H. Long, who was staying at Blakeney Point, noticed them passing E. to W. every day between June rzth and June igth. On June 18th numbers were passing the Lynn Well light-vessel from E. to W. and N.E. to S.W. (W. S. Sharman), whilst on 28th and 29th Mr. A. H. Patterson observed an almost continuous flight down the coast-line from N. to S. at Yarmouth. Similar passages of Swifts have been observed in Norfolk as early as mid-July, but a migration upon such a scale at a time when the species is 244 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXI. normally settled at its breeding quarters would appear somewhat of an anomaly. An unusually large migration of Crossbills, to which reference will again be made in my classified notes, took place during July. With August came the usual nocturnal migration of Waders, which, attracted by the lights of the towns, are heard calling overhead on dark and misty nights, and on August 25th the autumn passage of the Passerine migrants was heralded by the first arrival of Wheatears at the Lynn Well lightship (W. S. Sharman). From then onwards an ever-increasing migration was observed each night at this station, culminating on the night of Septem- ber 6th in a great rush of Wheatears, Redstarts, Pied Fly- catchers, Tree-Pipits, Willow-Wrens, Garden-Warblers and Whitethroats, the wings of all of which species were sent to me by Mr. Sharman from birds which had killed themselves against the lantern on this night. Along the coast-line this immigration was equally in evidence. On September 5th the “‘ bushes” at Blakeney Point were tull of birds, amongst which Col. W. A. Payn identified Wheatears, Whinchats, Pied and Spotted Flycatchers, Redstarts, Willow-Wrens, Common and Lesser Whitethroats, Garden-Warblers, Tree- Pipits, Linnets, Reed-Buntings and two Wrynecks. Large numbers of Redstarts and Pied Flycatchers were noted by Chestney, the watcher at Scolt Head, on September 6th, whilst Mr. Patterson reported numbers of Redstarts and Pied Flycatchers in St. George’s Gardens at Yarmouth on the same day. The wind during the period of this migration was from an easterly quarter, the weather map showing an anti-cyclone stationary over the British Isles and the greater part of western Europe. On September 14th, with the wind N.E., another arrival of the same species of birds, together with some Black Redstarts, was noted by Miss Ferrier at Blakeney Point, on 15th and 16th at Scolt Head by Dr. S. H. Long, and on 16th and 17th, with the addition of several Bluethroats, by Col. W. A. Payn at Cley. The first big “ rush ” of late autumn migrants, also coinciding with anti-cyclonic conditions over western Europe, was observed at the Lynn Well light on October 7th, 8th and goth and consisted of Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Linnets, Bramblings, Robins, Skylarks, Blackbirds, Redwings, Thrushes, Hooded Crows and Lapwings (W. S. Sharman). Further large migrations occurred at this station of Thrushes, Redwings, Blackbirds, Starlings and Waders on November 7th, 8th and oth (wind N.E. 4-5), of Hooded Crows, Rooks, Lapwings, Starlings, Skylarks, Blackbirds, Thrushes and Fieldfares continuously VOL. XXI.] REPORT FROM NORFOLK. 245 between November 12th and November 15th (wind N.E.5 to W. light), and of the same species of birds together with Redwings, “ Finches”’ and Snipe on November 18th, roth and 20th (wind E.S.E.). Towards the end of November, attracted possibly by the flooded state of the county after the heavy rains, extraordinary numbers of Snipe began to come in. At Elmham Mr. O. Birkbeck and another gun killed sixty on November 26th and fifty-two on November 28th, whilst on the latter day, at Swanton Morley, Mr. E. C. Keith with two other guns and the aid ot one beater accounted for no less than 210, all of which were killed driving. Even this remarkable bag was not allowed for long to remain a record, for at Whitlingham Sewage Farm on Mr. Russell Colman’s shoot at Crown Point, where eighty-five had been shot on December 17th, 226 were killed by five guns on December 20th, these again being practically all driven birds. This last bag appears to be a record for England, Wales and Ireland, the only larger total for one day of which I can find a record being 249 which were killed on the Island of Tiree, Inner Hebrides, on October 29th, 1906 (H. Gladstone, Record Bags and Shooting Records, p. 78). The conditions under which the Crown Point bag was made were certainly ideal. On December 15th very severe weather, with continuous hard frost and falls of snow, set in and lasted until December 21st, and during this period Whitlingham Sewage Farm was probably the only open feeding ground remaining in the whole county. The previous record for this shoot, made under somewhat similar weather conditions, but in a season when Snipe were not nearly so abundant, was 144 on December 5th, 1925 (R. Colman). During November unusually large numbers of Teal also put in an appearance, and another Norfolk shooting record was broken at Ranworth on November 21st with a bag of 294 duck. Sorted into species these proved to consist of 136 Mallard, 127 Teal, 18 Shoveler, g Wigeon, and one each of Tufted Duck, Pochard and Gadwall, and one Goosander. The proportion of Teal is extremely high, and it is owing to their presence in such exceptional numbers that this record bag was made possible, for out of the previous highest day’s total for this shoot, which was 222, no less than I99 were Mallard (Capt. H. Cator). Woodcock were more abundant than usual, and remained throughout the severe weather at the end of the year, but though some good bags were made, these did not approach the records of 1923-24. The thaw which set in on December 246 BRITISH BIRDS. [vVoL. XXI. 2Ist gave way on the 25th to renewed frost, with blizzards, heavy snowstorms, and a violent gale from the N.E., and the year closed with the country under deep snow, and with the flooded river valleys vast sheets of ice. Driven off the sea by rough weather, and unable to find open water inland, vast packs of duck, during this period, were on the wing all day over the Broads district and along the coast-line, whilst thousands of Wood-Pigeons arrived in the county and began to clear up the acorn crop. Before closing this brief survey of the year, attention may be drawn to the wholesale destruction of sea birds and duck of all kinds which is being caused by the presence of oil in the North Sea. Probably as a result of the wreck of the Dutch tanker “ Georgia,” which went aground and was broken up on Haisboro’ sands on November 2oth, oiled birds both dead and dying were cast up in hundreds along the coast line during the rest of this month and throughout December. A correspondent informed Mr. A. H. Patterson that he had picked up 100 at Overstrand alone, whilst in the ten days between November 24th and December 2nd, Miss J. Ferrier found no less than sixty-eight cast up at Hemsby, these latter consisting of twenty-six Guillemots, twenty-five Razorbills, eleven Common Scoters, one Puffin, one Herring Gull, one Red-throated Diver and one Little Auk. Amongst the rarer birds which were noted during the year may be mentioned an Ortolan Bunting, several Waxwings, a Honey-Buzzard, Red-footed Falcon, Ferruginous Duck and White Stork, further particulars of which will be found under their appropriate headings. CLASSIFIED NOTES. HAWFINCH (Coccothraustes c. coccothraustes)—The Haw- finch is by no means a common breeding species in Norfolk at the present time, and the discovery on May gth of two nests, each containing four eggs, in the same cedar tree in a garden in south Norfolk, as recorded by Dr. S. H. Long (Eastern Daily Press, May 14th), must surely be an unique occurrence. CROSSBILL (Loxia c. curvirostra)—The unusually large immigration of Crossbills, which was recorded from many parts of the British Isles during the late summer and autumn, came under observation in Norfolk in July, which is the month in which these birds most often arrive upon our coast- line. On July 1st and 2nd flocks of eleven and five respectively EEE St‘ rt YO OO ONS VOL. XXI.] REPORT FROM NORFOLK. 247 alighted on the E. Dudgeon lightship, and after a short rest left to the W.S.W. (S. G. Sharman). Two also arrived during the month on the Lynn Well lightship, where, though in sight of land, they remained for a week and eventually died (W. S. Sharman). One was brought into Yarmouth on a fishing boat on July 21st, and on 27th another (moulting from juvenile to first winter plumage) was picked up dead at Haisboro’. On July 20th a flock of five was seen by Chestney the watcher at Scolt Head, whilst all through the menth flocks, up to thirty in number, were observed in the neighbourhood of Yarmouth, Bradwell and Belton, by Mr. A. H. Patterson and Mr. E. Ellis. This immigration, which I believe to have been the largest since 1909, should lead to a large increase in the number of pairs breeding in the county in 1928. Siaete Buntinc (Emberiza hortulana).—An adult male was killed at Cley on September 8th (F. E. Gunn). WAXWING (Bombycilla garrulus)—A few Waxwings put in an appearance in the last two months of the year. One was picked up under the telegraph wires on Blakeney Point on November 28th. Two were seen in Yarmouth by Mr. E. Ellis on December gth, and two were obtained at Poring- land on December 20th. REDWING (Turdus musicus)—As already recorded (Brit. Birds, XX., p. 250), a Redwing ringed at the Zoological Station at Heligoland on April 14th, 1924, was recovered near Norwich on February 3rd, 1927. RinG-OvuZEL (Turdus t. torquatus).—An exceptionally early bird was seen near Acle on February 2nd (J. Ferrier). ReEDSTART (Phemicurus ph. pheenicurus)—The nesting of the Redstart, in any except the south-western division of the county, is nowadays of such rare occurrence as to be worth recording. At Taverham, where a pair has been suspected of breeding during the past few years, a nest with five eggs was found on June 14th (L. Lloyd), whilst another pair almost certainly bred at Keswick (G. Gurney). BLUETHROAT (Luscinia s. ga@tkei)—A few Bluethroats appear to have arrived with the “rush ” of small migrants which took place between September 14th and 17th. One es obtained on 16th and another on 17th at Cley (W. A. ayn). SHORT-EARED OWL (Asio f. flammeus)—Only one nest was reported this year, this being in the Broads district. Although the birds were constantly seen throughout the summer, the nest of the pair which bred at Scolt Head in 1926 was not 248 BRITISH BIRDS. [VoL. XXI. found until this year. It contained one addled egg, and was surrounded by the wings of Common Terns, amongst which the Owls must have played great havoc. KESTREL AND LONG-EARED OwL (Falco t. timnunculus and Asio o. otus)—On June 16th, in a small wood in the Broads district, I was shown a brood of young Kestrels in a somewhat unusually situated nest, this being within a shallow hole, scraped out probably by a rabbit, under a heap of dead rushes. Nearby in the same wood a Long- eared Owl was brooding half-grown young ones, also on the ground, under a dense tangle of undergrowth. RED-FOOTED Fatcon (Falco vespertinus)—On July 5th the keen eye of Mr. Peter Meiklejohn of Gresham’s School, Holt, detected a Red-footed Falcon hanging amongst other suspected enemies to pheasant-rearing in a keeper’s “ larder ”’ at Bayfield. It was in an advanced state of decomposition, having been shot about a month previously, but appeared to be a male in first summer plumage, having the general coloration of an adult male, but with the axillaries and under wing-coverts buff, barred with dark brown. Common Buzzarp (Buteo b. buteo)—I am informed by the Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain that a Common Buzzard fre- quented a wood near Denton throughout the past summer. This is an unusual season for the occurrence of this bird, which, though it nested in the county in days gone by, is nowadays only met with as a spring and autumn passage migrant and occasional winter visitor. MARSH-HARRIER (Circus @. cruginosus).—Early in May a male and what appeared to be three females arrived in the Broads district, and in due course a nest with three eggs was found, upon which one of the females brooded. After sitting a fortnight, however, she deserted, and the eggs were found to be infertile, and this, together with the fact that the male was never seen to bring her food, makes it probable that she was unmated. The last occasion when a pair of these birds nested in Norfolk was in 1921. MontaGu’s HARRIER (Circus pygargus).—Montagu’s Harriers were singularly scarce in Norfolk in 1927. It is possible that these birds resented the presence of the four Marsh-Harriers at their favourite breeding ground during the summer; but, whether for this reason or for some other, only one nest was found within an area where there have been five or six each season for the past six or seven years. It is possible that a pair or two may have nested elsewhere in the county, but if so they were not recorded. VOL. XXI.] REPORT FROM NORFOLK. 249 Honey-Buzzarp (Pernis a. apivorus).—As already recorded by the Hon. J. J. Stourton (Field, January roth, 1928) a male Honey-Buzzard was shot at Cawston on December 23rd. This is a remarkably late date, the latest previous occurrences of which I am aware being one which was killed at Downham Market on November 6th, 1876 (Stevenson, Norf. & Norwich Nat. Soc. Trans., Tey PD. 3e2), and one which is noted in the diary of W. Lowne, the Yarmouth bird stuffer, as having been caught at sea on November 25th, 1882. The vast majority of Norfolk records are for the month of September, though one or two have occurred in May and June. The present specimen, which I had the opportunity of examining, was in perfect condition and appeared to be in first winter plumage, having no grey upon the head, and showing no sign cf moult. OsprEY (Pandion h. halietus)—One was seen at Hickling at the end of May, whilst a bird which from the descripticn given must certainly have been an Osprey was seen fishing on Hingham sea mere on September 11th (A. B. Longe, Eastern Daily Press, September 17th, 1927). WHITE STORK (Cicoma c. ciconia).—On the afternoon of June 14th a White Stork arrived on Breydon, where it remained till dark. It appears to have left again during the night, for on the following morning it could not be found, and was not seen again. SPOONBILE (Platalea 1. leucorodia) —On April 6th a Spoonbill arrived on Cley Marsh, where it remained with only occasional short absences until the beginning of August, a second bird joining it for a few days in the second week in July. Another, or possibly the same bird, was seen on Breydon between May 13th and May 2oth. GARGANEY (Anas querquedula)—Only one nest of Gar- ganeys was reported from the Broads district this year, and this hatched out successfully. FERRUGINOUS Duck (Nyroca n. nyroca)—A female in juvenile plumage was shot at Hickling on November 24th (E. C. Saunders). SURF-SCOTER (Oidemia perspicillata)—Miss J. Ferrier informs me that on November 16th, amongst Common Scoters close in-shore off Hemsby beach, she detected three drakes with conspicuous white patches on the nape of the neck, which she considers to have been Surf-Scoters. This rare duck has never been obtained in Norfolk, and the only other record is of a flock of seven which were seen by Miss Turner off Scolt Head on October 2nd, 1925 (Brit. Birds, XIX., p. 234). 250 BRITISH BIRDS. VOL. XXI.] RED-NECKED GREBE (Podiceps griseigena).—Mr. J. R. B. Masefield records in British Birds (Vol. XXI., p. 98) having seen a Red-necked Grebe on “one of the Norfolk Broads ”’ in mid-June. This is a most unusual date for the occurrence of this Grebe, which is a winter visitor to Norfolk, and so far as I am aware has never previously been met with in the three months between April and August. RED-NECKED PHALAROPE (Phalaropus fulicarius)—A fe- male Red-necked Phalarope arrived on Salthouse Broad on June 5th and was joined by a male on the 6th. On the following day both birds had disappeared. BLACK-TAILED GopwIT (Limosa 1. limosa).—Four Black- tailed Godwits, which arrived at Hickling early in May, remained until the third week in June. Their behaviour, and their constantly frequenting a certain part of Rush Hills, raised hopes that one pair at least would breed, but these hopes, alas, were not realized. GREAT SNIPE (Capella media).—One was shot at Blakeney on October 5th (F. E. Gunn). SANDWICH TERN (Sterna s. sandvicensis)—The number of Sandwich Terns nesting in the county has now been main- tained at about the same level during the past three years, though their distribution amongst the three principal Tern colonies varies each season. This year, Blakeney Point was the most favoured colony, holding between 400 and 500 pairs. At Salthouse Broad 200 nests were counted, whilst at Scolt Head, where the majority bred in 1925 and 1926, there were only twenty-one nests. At Blakeney Point about 50 per cent. of the nests appeared to have clutches of two, and there was one clutch of three, whilst a count of the 200 nests at Salthouse on June 6th showed one clutch of three, sixty clutches of two, and the remainder singles (S. H. Long). The first bird arrived (Salthouse) on April 15th, and the first egg was laid at Salthouse on May 15th, and at Blakeney Point on May 17th. ROSEATE TERN (Sterna d. dougalliw).—Two pairs of Roseate Terns bred in one of the Tern colonies this year and both nests hatched off successfully. LITTLE GULL (Larus minutus)—An immature bird fre- quented Hickling during May and June. A considerable immigration seems to have taken place on the Suffolk coast in the autumn, seven adults having been seen in Lowestoft Harbour by Mr. F. C. Cook on August 28th, and four more on October 2nd. On November 15th two were seen at Yar- mouth harbour mouth by Mr. C. G. Doughty, and on December 17th one on Salthouse Broad by E. Ramm. VOL. XxI.] REPORT FROM NORFOLK. 251 BLACK-HEADED GULL (Larus r. ridibundus).—A ringed specimen obtainedin Breydon on January 28th, 1927, proved to have been ringed by P. Skovgaard at Filsand, Denmark, on June 17th, 1926 (P. E. Rumbelow). ; The increase in the number of nesting colonies of this species in Norfolk during the past few years has been some- what remarkable. In 1918, when Mr. R. Gurney contributed to the Transactions of the Norf. & Norwich Nat. Soc.(Vol. X., p. 424) his valuable paper on “‘ The Breeding Stations of the Black-headed Gull in the British Isles,” the only occupied colonies in the county were at Scoulton Mere, Hoveton Broad, Alderfen Broad, and Mow Creek, Wells. To these may now be added the following nesting-sites, together with the year in which they were first colonized :—Breckles (1922), North- wold Fen (1921, deserted in 1925), Salthouse Broad (1923), Cley Marsh (1923), Scolt Head (1924), Blakeney Point (1925), and Hickling (Rush Hills, 1927). COMMON GULL (Larus c. canus).—A ringed bird recovered in Breydon on December 12th, 1927, was ringed by P. Skovgaard at Vresen, Denmark, on July 20th, 1927 (P. E. Rumbelow). LittLeE Auk (Alle alle)—A few were picked up during November and December as is usually the case, but there has been no notable ‘“‘ wreck” of these little birds since January, Igr2. ( 252 ) BIRDS OBSERVED IN THE NORTH SEA, 1927. BY CapTAIN DAVID K. WOLFE MURRAY, R.A.R.0. WuiLE I have been at sea with the North Sea fishing fleets for over four years and spent, on the average eight months a year afloat, it. was not until late in the winter of 1925, when I met Dr. Lowe of the Natural History Museum, and was talking to him of the number of land birds one saw at sea, that he suggested that I should keep a bird log. Accordingly I began to keep rough notes on birds seen, but these notes were at first very scrappy, and further, very disjointed, owing to my being much ashore during the next year. During 1927, however, I made a sincere effort to record every bird seen, together with the ship’s position and the force and direction of the wind, giving too, whenever possible, the direction in which the bird was travelling. This latter point is one very difficult to fulfil, except in the case of Geese and the larger waders, who indicate their presence by calling as they fly. Small birds, flying mute, are extraordinarily hard to pick up, and so, until they actually appear on board, their presence is seldom realised. Again, the birds which so arrive are nearly always weary stragglers and may come from any direction, though they always arrive aboard head-to-wind, and since wind directions vary much from day to day, this can give no accurate, or even approximate, indication of their original course. Those cases in the log in which the birds’ line of flight is definitely stated, were occasions on which birds were seen flying high and held their course all the time they were in sight. The ship’s position is that obtained at noon on the date of the bird being seen, corrected up to time by dead reckoning in single entries, and the average given when many entries occur. Date Species Nos, ati IN. Long. 2: Wind JANUARY. 22nd Brambling (F. montifringilla) 90 55°25 4°40 Nil. Skylark (A. arvensis) I MARCH, Ist Starling (S. vulgaris) 3 53° 30° 463° 20’ «698S.S. W. strong, 3rd_ Chaffinch (F. celebs) I 5a° 40 «5° to’ Sa by W. mod. > 4th Starling... I do. do. do. strong. 8th Rook (C. frgilegus) 2 54° 35 «64° 20’ «= SSW. light, Starling ... 15 13th Rook oe O I 54° 57 «4° 30° E. by N.. mod, voL. xxi.] BIRDS OBSERVED IN NORTH SEA. Nos. Lat. N. Long. E. MARCH—continued. Date Species 16th Pipit (Meadow) (A. pratensis) Chaffinch aad 2oth Chaffinch 21st Starling 22nd Wood-Pigeon (C. palumbus) 23rd Chaffinch ... ser Starling 27th Greenfinch (C. chloris) 28th Hooded Crow (C. cornix) Chaffinch os 29th Hooded Crow Chaffinch Hedge-Sparrow (P. modularis) Starling Redstart (P. phenicurus) (4)Dunlin (C. alpina) ... Brambling ... see Grey Wagtail (M. cinerea) Blackbird (T. merula) 30th Chaffinch as Starling tst Chaffinch Rook Starling ... er 8th Robin (E£. rubecula) Chaffinch ses (2)Starling ... een Golden-crested Wren (R. regulus) Tree-Sparrow (P. montanus) toth Tree-Pipit (A. trivialis) Brambling ... Chaffinch Hedge-Sparrow Greenfinch ... Sparrow-hawk (A, nisus) 11th Chaffinch “f Skylark Greenfinch ... 19th Wheatear (GE. cenanthe) I } 54° 30° I I 55° 20° I do. I 55° 40° 5 Io do. 3 56° 00° I do. 3° I 5 2 42 I 55° 50° I 8 I I I do. 13 APRIL I 30°'5" J | | | 56° 00 , J 56° 5 4° 35. 6° 00’ do. 6° 00’ do. 5° 30° do. f 5° 40 do. 7° 20 7° 15 253 Wind E. by N. mod. do. S.E. mod. do. W.N.W. strong. N.W. mod. W.N.W. mod. WNW. do; N. by W. light. (4) Was already well advanced into summer plumage. (7) This position is only 40-50 W. of Danish coast. 254 BRITISH BIRDS. Date Species Nos. Lat. Ni Tong. MAY. 5th Pied Flycatcher I (M. Leroi) I Redstart... I Garden-Warbler 55° 40°" |G? bo" (S. borin) I Ring-Ouzel (I. torquatus) 6th Lesser Whitethroat i) (S. curruca) 2h Peregrine { 55° 50° 7° 00’ (F. peregrinus) I Meadow-Pipit = I JUNE. 3rd Lapwing (V.vanellus) 1 5a? 50" . 5° 20° 17th Swift (A. apus) 2 54° 55 6° 40’ 18th Turtle-Dove (S. turtur) I do do. 26th Swallow (H. rustica) 2 BA Bor AP go: JULY. 8th Whimbrel (N. RBH) I 54° 40° 4° 40° gth(*)Whimbrel 4 54° 50° 4° 45° 19th Redshank (IT. totanus) To §5° 25" 4° '50 22nd Starling ... ae 2 55° ae! 4? Zot 30th Garden-Warbler I 54° 40° 4° 30 AUGUST. 1st (2)Whimbrel ... 5 54° 50° 4? TO" 5th Wheatear ... 54° 35’ 4° 50’ Ashore from pera 11th to September SEPTEMBER. roth Snow-Bunting (P. nivalis) I yet On Meadow-Pipit is 3 Joes 40 Fieldfare (TI. pilaris) I 22nd Golden-crested Wren 1) Sanderling (C. alba) I . Kestrel os 50°10 «445 (Ff. tannunculus) I 24th Swallow a) House-Martin (D. urbica) I Bova 3° sor Tree-Pipit ane I Warbler. Unknown b OCTOBER. 9th Chaffinch 50-60 Brambling 30-40 }55° 10’ 4° 30° (?)Golden-crested Wren 10-20 (*) (*) (*) Flying high, calling and going S.E. Flying S.S.W. Only seen at night. [VoL. XXI. Wind N.N.E. light. Nil. S.S.W. fog. do. do. W. gale. E.N.E. foggy. do. mod. N. fog and rain N.N.W. light. S. light. Nil., foggy. S. by E. mod. 14th. N.W. mod. N.N.W. strong. S.E. strong. bo Or Or VOL. XxI,] BIRDS OBSERVED IN NORTH SEA. Date | Species Nos. Lat. N. Long. E. Wind OCTOBER—continued. rith Chaffinch 20-30 2 20! © go! = Brambling .. : do. 555 i a 14th Starling... 4 | ; F Golden- crested Wren I 55°00’ 4°20 N.N.W. mod. Skylark tee 5 i 15th Starling 6 Thrush I Redwing ‘ (ex ig 4 55° 5’ 6g t0’,—s EE. by NN. light. Snipe - I Robin ae I Golden- crested Wren I j 16th Starling : 6. Chaffinch I r 55°10 4°10 W.byS.strong Redwing Tea 17th Starling 3 55° 15 4° 00 do. mod. 18th Starling 6 do. do. W.by W.strong 2zoth Starling I 55°00 «694° 35.) SON.N.W. Mod. 22nd Starling ; es Wood-Pigeon I ‘i 5a 45) 4? 30" «S.5.W. sivong. Brambling ... I 23rd Starling... a Hooded Crow I 54°50. 4°10 «6S.E. gale. Sparrow-Hawk I if 24th Starling 16 } Redwing ... I f do. do. do. mod. Brambling ... 2 25th Starling ... trot Gol gS SW. Beton. 30th Mistle-Thrush (T. viscivorus) I 55° 25° 5°00 W. by S. mod. NOVEMBER, Ist Starling 60-70 | Rock-Pipit ee ae CL. ee I 55°15 4°30 = S.W. mod. Redwing ... I J o es Sone oa es 55° 25’ 4°40’ W. by S, mod. r ma » 30749 Yss° 30" 4° 30" do. do. 5th Starling... ae 6 55. 307 4° 00’ W. by N. light. 6th Fieldfare ... aie 2 55° 20° «63° 50° ~W. by S. mod. DECEMBER. 3rd Starling... wits a Brambling ... it Shag (P. aristotelis) I | 54°10 4° 00°°~=6UNil. (4)Scoter (Surf ?) (2? O. perspicillata) I 19th Chaffinch ... I seo ao 65° 10" - EB. mod. 31st Great Crested Grebe ‘ (P. cristatus) 20-30 Thames Estuary — Total of different species observed 46 species. (1) The Scoter was black all over, with white bands on head and upper neck. ( 256 ) OBITUARY. THE LATE JAMES EDMUND HARTING. By the death of James Edmund Harting we have lost one of the most prominent of the naturalists of the nineteenth century, who, though more particularly devoted to Ornithology was also an expert writer on Falconry, Angling, and Anti- quarian lore. Born at Chelsea in 1841 and educated at Downside School and London University, he at first took up his father’s profession of Solicitor, but, finding the Law distasteful, made up his mind to follow his true bent for Natural Science. As early as 1866 he published The Birds of Middlesex, while in 1869 he wrote his first article for The Field, and was on the staff of that paper during a period of over fifty years until his death at the age of 87 on January 16th, 1928. He was for long Editor of its Natural History Section, and also took over that of Shooting, besides being constantly available for answers on more general matters. From 1877 to 1896 Harting edited The Zoologist and in 1882 was appointed to organize the Zoological Library at the newly- built Natural History Museum in South Kensington. Later he exchanged this post for that of Librarian and Assistant Secretary to the Linnean Society at Burlington House, and there remained a genial and courteous helper to all who needed his aid until his retirement in 1902. Throughout all this period he kept up his devotion to sport, and was a welcome guest at many a country place for his charm, coupled with his skill as a shot. He was obliged to decline an invitation to accompany the late King Edward when Prince of Wales to India, but was appointed by the Government Secretary of the Vole Plague Commission (1893) and had previously helped to draft the 1873 Wild Birds’ Protection Act. As early as 1880 he was one of the chief British supporters of Falconry, and is said to have been the founder of the short-lived ““New Hawking Club” at Epsom Downs. Some of his chief works were :—British Animals extinct within Historic Times, The Birds of Shakespeare, A Handbook of British Birds (two editions), Our Summer Migrants, Recrea- tions of a Naturalist, Hints on Shore Shooting, Hints on the Management of Hawks, and, greatest of all, Bibliotheca Accipi- tvarva with its wealth of information for the Falconer. As a kindly and trusty friend many will regret the loss of Harting, and as a great authority on Wading Birds all orni- thologists will find his name on the roll of eminent naturalists. AELE, ( 257 ) AN UNRECORDED SOMERSET HERONRY, BY STANLEY LEWIS, M.B.0.v. In view of the forthcoming census of British Herons, the present time seems very opportune to place on record for the first time the presence of an old-established Heronry of my acquaintance at Banwell, Somerset. It is a surprising fact that up to the present time no writer on Somerset ornithology has made any mention whatever of this Heronry. Messrs. D’Urban and Mathew in their list of West-country Heronries, 1895, do not allude to it ; it is not chronicled in M. A. Mathew’s “ Revised list of Birds of Somerset ”’ ; neither had it come to the knowledge of the Rev. F. L. Blathwayt when he published his list of birds (1906) for the Victorian History of Somerset ; the late James Turner’s “* Notes on Somerset Birds’ from 1865 to 1911 also yields a blank. The most recent writer on the subject, the late Dr. J. Wigles- worth, was residing well within two miles of this Heronry when he wrote his “ Heronries of Somerset ’’ (1918), but did not include it, so I may reasonably infer that it was entirely unknown to him. This Heronry is composed of about fifteen pairs of birds, the nests are placed in Scots firs, with mixed deciduous trees, such as oak, yew, ash, and sycamore, near by, which encircle for a short distance the rising ground of Banwell Wood near the top or “ plain,” the name by which the meadow on the summit is known, and lies north of the main road leading from Banwell Castle to Banwell Village. The nesting trees occupy a very commanding position, and the incubating birds must enjoy an unbroken view of the surrounding moorland stretching away to the shores of the Bristol Channel. Through the courtesy of Mr. J. R. Statter, I have been able to gather some information respecting the age of this Heronry. These woods, well over one hundred acres in extent, were for many years in the possession of Mr. J. Simpson, owner of Banwell Abbey, but were subsequently sold and now form part of the estate of Mr. R. Calvert, of Banwell Castle. From interviews with very old residents, I gathered the important information that Herons nested in these woods well over fifty years ago, and in larger numbers than at present, the “plain” then being well fenced in and stocked with deer. It is a strictly preserved Heronry, and probably vies in antiquity with that at Brockley Park six or seven miles away, U * BRITISH BIRDS” CENSUS OF HERONRIES. ALTHOUGH a large number of correspondents in all parts of the country have already promised to make observations in connection with the census of Herons’ nests in 1928, announced in the last number of British Birds (antea, pp. 210-II), many more observers are required to ensure the census being carried out with thoroughness. Many readers may intend to make observations and have as yet neglected to inform us of the district they intend to explore. We would particularly request everyone who can make observa- tions or can give us any information about heronries, or even single nests of Herons, to communicate at once so that we may know how well the ground is covered. We are pleased to state that the fullest co-operation of Scottish ornithologists has been promised through Miss L. J. Rintoul and Miss E. V. Baxter, who have kindly undertaken to organize the enquiry in Scotland. All offers of help in that country which reach us will therefore be forwarded to them. Similarly other ornithologists have undertaken to organize the enquiry in their counties and even in larger districts. It is, however, obvious from information already received, that, owing to the very considerable changes which have taken place during recent years in the status of the Heron as a breeding bird, no existing lists of heronries are reliable, and observers in all parts of the country are much required to bring to light new or unrecorded breeding places, as well as to give details of the present status of those heronries which are mentioned in various works. Some of our readers may be able to help in discovering unknown breeding sites by appealing for information in the local press, and we would again urge those who can make observations, whether positive or negative, to inform us of the district they intend to cover. THE EDITORS. CROSSBILLS BREEDING IN DENBIGHSHIRE. ON the 20th July, 1927, a small party of six Crossbills (Loxia curvirostra) came to Garthmeilio, Llangwm, Denbighshire, and in the course of the next few days their number increased to 30-40 which remained for months in the immediate neighbourhood, mostly frequenting the coniferous plantations, VOL. XXI.] NOTES. 259 but also visiting the surrounding bare hillsides, where I found them feeding among flocks of Linnets and Goldfinches. Afte1 the great gale of the end of October, 1927, most of the Cross- bills left, but a few remained, and at the end of January, 1928, I discovered a pair nesting in a spruce in one of Garthmeilio coverts 15-20 feet from the ground, the nest being placed on a horizontal branch much closer to the main trunk than is described as usual by ornithologists. The hen had only CROSSBILLS AT NEST IN DENBIGHSHIRE, JAN., 1928. (Photographed by M. V. Wenner.) just begun to sit on a clutch of four eggs, and it was very interesting to observe the affectionate behaviour of the cock bird, he paying frequent visits to the nest and constantly “showing off’ to his mate In the short time at my disposal, between discovery of the nest and having to go abroad, I was lucky enough to secure several snapshots of the nesting birds of which I enclose one. M. V. WENNER. RAPID SUCCESSION OF BROODS OF CIRL BUNTING. On July 2nd, 1927, I found the nest of a Cirl Bunting (Emberiza ciylus) in west Sussex containing three young. These left the nest on July oth. On July 19th a new nest had been built and clutch of three eggs laid; the three young leaving 260 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XX. the nest on August 11th, thirty-three days after the previous brood left ; the total days for incubation and fledging being twenty-three. An earlier nest containing one addled egg of the same pair was also found, pointing to three broods having been reared. Perhaps I should add that this is an isolated pair and that all three nests were within some thirty yards of one another. As many pairs in this neighbourhood have fresh eggs up to mid-August, and some commence nesting in mid-May, the species would appear to be undoubtedly treble-brooded. RAYMOND CARLYON-BRITTON, ROBIN TAKING FISH FROM TANK. On December 15th, 1927, my gardener, Arthur Goode, and my chauffeur, Edmund Plumridge, were standing together by the lily tank in my garden at Stratford-on-Avon, when they observed a Robin (Erithacus rubecula) perched upon a rock which overhung the water. Suddenly, to their surprise, it swooped down on to the pond, submerging its head, and reappeared with a tiny fish in its beak. This fish, a minute roach, struggled for a second or two in the Robin’s grip, was then dropped on the ground, there pecked, and ultimately swallowed whole. On a later occasion, when drawing off the water together, both men saw a Robin, presumably the same bird, make a dart at some object in the tank, but this time no capture resulted. The fact that a bird of this species should thus emulate the Kingfisher strikes me as being so remarkable that I pass on the record in the hope of learning whether similar exploits have before been brought to your notice. R. Hupson. NIGHTJAR WITH UNFLEDGED YOUNG AND EGGS. On July 16th, 1920, I flushed a hen Nightjar (Caprimulgus e. euvopeus) among the sandhills at Braunton Barrows, Devonshire. She kept jerking up a few inches above the sand, lying with wings fully extended and beating frantically on the ground, head raised and tail “‘fanned’’ out, calling every half second with a short, inward cluck, ‘“‘ tuk.” I then saw that what seemed to be a piece of rotten, worm-eaten wood, was a young Nightjar, 54 inches long, lying perfectly still and not even blinking for some five minutes. Close to its tail was a single egg, which appeared to be fresh. On the roth, on revisiting the place, it was some time before I could distinguish the youngster, which refused to stir until VOL. XXI.] NOTES. 261 touched, when it fluttered some ten yards and would not budge again. We found another egg, quite fresh, on the spot it had been resting on. The mother bird was seen near by, rising and dropping with a quickly repeated “‘ Tuk,” but this time without the wing and tail display. H. G. ATTLEE. ~ [Irseems possible that the egg found on the 16th was infertile as there was apparently only a single young bird, but on the other hand from observations made by Dr. Heinroth on a pair which reared two broods in captivity, the two eggs of the second brood were laid on July 3rd and 5th, when the young of the first brood were only thirteen days old. During the incubation-period of the second clutch, the young of the first brood were fed by the male. For details see jowurn. f. Orn., 1909, pp. 56-83.—F. C. R. JouRDAIN.] DARK-BREASTED BARN-OWL IN RUTLAND. A BRIEF note upon a Dark-breasted Barn-Owl (Tyto alba guttata) seen by me on December 26th, 1925. may be of interest. On that day, at 3 o’clock in the afternoon, I watched one of these birds under excellent conditions quartering the grass fields close to the confluence of the small river Chater with the Welland, near to the village of Tinwell, and unaffected, apparently, by the broad daylight. Viewed from a short distance, the bird’s breast appeared to be of a uniform dark buff hue, and I may add that this pronounced colour was evenly distributed, and, to the best of my judgment, as deep as that of an authentic preserved example of this form of Barn-Ow] in the Birmingham Museum. The latter specimen was originally in the Chase collection and was shot by Mr. Field, of Lyndon House, Olton, Warwick- shire, on February 6th, 1886. E. St. GEORGE BETTs. HOBBY AND SWIFT. ON July 25th, 1924, I was witness of a fine chase by a Hobby (Falco subbuteo) of a Swift (A pus apus), as seen from a Midland express in Leicestershire. When first seen the Swift was quite low, and though it might have been ‘put down,” I think this was the beginning of the chase, as the Hobby was then at a considerable distance away from and above it. The Hobby, aiter a sweep or two round, stooped almost above the train and they were lost to view, but, by crossing to the other side, I was then able to see three or four mag- nificent stoops. The Swift was hopelessly outclassed even at the first (I reckoned the Hobby to overhaul it in but five or six times the distance between them at the commencement of the stoop) 262 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXI. and only saved itself by inches; at the last the Hobby seemed to catch up in only two or three times the distance between them. The birds were then far behind, but I could no more see the Swift, and the Hobby changed its glorious stoops for a straight-ahead flight in the track of the train. HuGu G. ATTLEE, RECORDS OF GADWALL IN CO. DOWN. As the Gadwall (Anas strepera) is described by R. J. Ussher, both in The Birds of Ireland and in his List of Insh Butrds (1908), as a scarce and irregular or uncertain visitor, I thought it might be of interest to transcribe from my game-register the dates and numbers of this duck shot on the Downpatrick Marshes. They are as follow :—1913, December rgth, one ; 1918, none; Ig919, March ist, two; 1920, none; 1921, February 21st, four; December 13th, ten; 1922 and 1923, none; 1924, November 7th, four; 1925, January 24th, nine; December Ist, one; 1926, December 20th, three ; 1927, December 3rd, eighteen. CHARLES MULHOLLAND. SURF-SCOTER IN FORFARSHIRE. On March ist, 1927, a male Surf-Scoter (Oidemia perspicillata) was obtained in Montrose Basin, and is now in Montrose Museum. As far as I am aware, this is the first record for Forfarshire, and for the whole faunal] area of “‘ Tay.’’ SCONE. SMEW IN LONDON. On February 7th, 1928, I saw a Smew (Mergus albellus), a red-headed bird, on the east end of the Serpentine in Hyde Park. The Tufted Ducks around it did not seem to pay any attention to it. On the following morning I saw it again, this time near some Mallards which did not take any notice of it, L. PARMENTER. SMEW IN MIDDLESEX. THE Smew (Mergus albellus), though regularly recorded in Essex and Surrey, is uncommon in Middlesex, and particu- larly so away from the Thames valley reservoirs. It may therefore be worth recording that I saw a brown-headed bird of this species on Ruislip Reservoir on January 22nd, 1928. It was very nervous and frequently flew from one end of the reservoir to the other. L. PARMENTER. EFARLY NESTING OF “LITLE. GREBE. IN’ KENT: On March 27th, 1927, I found a nest of a Little Grebe (Podiceps ry. ruficollis), containing two eggs, in Romney Marsh, Kent. I think this is exceptionally early. VOL. XXI.] NOTES. 263 It is interesting to note that a friend, Mr. G. Crosbie-Hill, also found a Little Grebe’s nest, with two eggs, on the same day, less than half a mile away. It seems possible that, in this district at any rate, the Little Grebe starts nesting earlier than is generally accepted. D. D. GODFREY. (The earliest date for eggs of which I have any note Is March 3rd, 1897, near Harrogate, (B. of Yorks, Il. p. 748). This is of course quite an abnormal date, and the next 1s on March 16th, 1882, near Marlborough. Records of full clutches during the first days of April are more numerous, see Zool., 1889, pp. 231 & 261.—F.C.R.J.] EARLY NESTING OF STONE-CURLEW IN SUSSEX. On April 28th, 1927, I found a pair of Stone-Curlew’s (Burhinus @. aedicnemus) eggs in west Sussex in a very advanced state of incubation. As the eggs are laid on alternate days, and the incubation-period is twenty-five to twenty-six days in this species, this clutch must have been complete by about the first week in April. RAYMOND CARLYON-BRITTON. KENTISH PLOVER IN NORFOLK IN WINTER. A KEntTISsH Plover (Charadrius a. alexandrinus) was secured by Edward Ramm, the well-known Cley gunner, in Blakeney harbour, Norfolk, on December 30th, 1927. Nowadays this bird is a rare visitor to Norfolk, and has not, I believe, been previously recorded from the county in winter. Mr. Witherby kindly examined the specimen and says it is of the typical race, and “if sexed correctly is a male in first winter plumage.” CLIFFORD BORRER, TWO0-BARRED CROSSBILL IN Co. ANTRIM.—In my last notes on the Irruption of the Crossbill (antea, p. 227) I stated that we had not had this species reported in the British Islands during its present irruption. I regret to have overlooked a record by Mr. J. A. Sidney Stendall in the Irish Naturalists’ Journal, 1927, p. 255. Mr. Stendall states that on August 3rd, 1927, Dr. C. J. Milligan, of Belfast, had sent to him an adult male Loxia leucoptera bifasciata, which had been secured the previous day in co. Antrim. The bird was too badly shot for preservation, but Mr. Stendall has examined the wings and head, as well as some of the brightly coloured body-feathers. Mr. Stendall informs me that the specimen was secured near Crumlin out of a flock of some fifty Cross- bills, probably mainly of the common species, but that it was not possible to make certain of this. H.F.W. 264 BRITISH BIRDS. [VoL. XXI, LATE Stay oF R1InG-OUZEL IN WESTMORLAND.—The Rev. E. U. Savage informs us that on November 2gth, 1927, Mr. James Macdiarmid, gamekeeper at Barbon Manor and a trustworthy observer, saw a Ring-Ouzel (Turdus torquatus) on the Fells on the borders of Westmorland and Yorkshire. The bird was near to him on a wall so that identification was easy. ALBINO RED-NECKED GREBE IN LINCOLNSHIRE AND OTHER ALBINISTIC Brrps.—Mr. B. A. Pye has sent me an entirely white Grebe, which was shot by Mr. Dick White at Clee- thorpes, Lincolnshire on December 29th, 1927. I passed the bird on to Lord Rothschild, who informs me that it is a-specimen of Podiceps g. griseigena and the first British-teken albino of that species he has heard of. The bird had a slight creamy tinge on the mantle, but was otherwise pure white, and when it reached me on January 3rd the feet were of a palish yellow, and bill yellow at the base and yellowish-horn at the tip. It was exhibited at the meeting of the British Ornithologists’ Club on February 8th. Miss P. H. Arundel informs me that she saw a cream- coloured Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) at Nostell Lake, Yorkshire, on February 2nd, 1928. Miss V. M. Peel saw a Blue Tit (Parus ceruleus) at Swansea in February which had the head, wings and tail of a pale creamy-grey, rump very pale yellow and “ the dark lines round the crown and down the breast fainily visible.’ Messrs. Hunter & Son send a photograph of a Mistle-Thrush (Turdus viscivorus) shot near Belfast recently which appears to be entirely white. H.F.W, LETTER. HOUSE-SPARROWS ROOSTING IN LAMPS. To the Editoys of BririsH Brirps. Sirs,—With reference to Mr. V. C. Wynne-Edwards’s note as to the roosting of House-Sparrows on the flanges of electric standard lamps (antea, p. 229), I beg to point out that this may be witnessed on any winter night in any of the London Parks. With the Metropolitan Sparrows this is a habit of long standing, as I first noticed it many years ago. As recorded by your correspondent, it is noticeable that these birds sit with their backs to the lights, for one usually sees an irregular circle of protruding tails. F, Howarp LANcumM. DartForD, Kent. February 4th, 1928. 7 <—— That Book you want! Foyles hold a considerable stock of Second-hand Books on Ornithology, and can supply any Scientific Book that is in print and most of those that are cut of print. They have a Special Department for this class of literature under a Manager who has experience and knowledge of the Natural Sciences. Call and consult him, or write asking for Catalogue 611. Books sent on approval. Special Offer of Pycraft’s ‘‘ CAMOUFLAGE IN NATURE.” Reveals subterfuges well-nigh incredible. With 64 illustrations. Published 21/-. Offered at 13/- post free. Quote Offer 611. FOYLES, | 19-125 Charing Cross Rd.,London,W.C.2 STEVENS’S AUCTION ROOMS, LTD. ESTD. 1760. 38, King Street, Covent Garden, London, W.C.2. Periodical Sales are held at the above Rooms, of NATURAL HISTORY SPECIMENS, including BIRDS and BIRDS’ EGGS, CABINETS, etc. Also BOOKS relating to Natural History. Catalogues of sales posted ou applieation. WHELDON & WESLEY, LTD. have in stock nearly all the books and journals required by ornithologists. The collection of old and rare works is one of the largest in the country. New books and journals supplied to order. Books not in stock sought for. Just issued: Zoological Catalogue, Part I, Vertebrata; Part II, Faunas. Bookbinding in all its branches undertaken. Libraries and parcels of books purchased. LONDON:—2, 3, & 4, Arthur St., NEW OXFORD STREET, W.C.1. Telephone :—Gerrard 1412. WATKINS & DONCASTER, NATURALISTS. CABINETS and APPARATUS of every kind for Collectors of Birds’ Eggs, Insects, &c. A LARGE STOCK OF BIRDS’ EGGS (also in Clutches) and BRITISH and EXOTIC BUTTERFLIES, &o. NESTING BOXES OF VARIOUS PATTERNS. which should be fixed up in Gardens or Shrubberies by Lovers of Birds before the Breeding Season. All Books and Publications (new and second-hand) on Natural History supplied. 36, STRAND, LONDON, W.C.2., ENGLAND. NEW: BOOKS. THE BIRDS OF THE MALAY PENINSULA A GENERAL ACCOUNT OF THE BIRDS INHABITING THE REGION FROM THE ISTHMUS OF KRA TO SINGAPORE WITH THE ADJACENT ISLANDS By HERBERT C. ROBINSON, C.M.Z.S., M.B.O.U. Late Director of Museums, F. M. States. TO BE COMPLETED IN FIVE VOLUMES. Imperial 8vo, Cloth Bound, Gilt Top. Each Volume contains Twenty-Five Full-Page Plates in Colour by H. GRONVOLD. Volume 1. THE COMMONER BIRDS (now ready) Volume II. BIRDS OF THE HILL STATIONS (in the press) Price 35s. ner PER Votume or £7 78. NET PER SET. Field says: “ The work is very thoroughly done. All ornithologists will be grateful to the Government of the F. M. States for issuing this great work.” SHOOTING WITH SURTEES The Shooting Exploits of John Jorrocks, Jogglebury Crowdey, Facey Romford and other famous Sportsmen, the whole being a Collection of Extracts relating to the Gun from the Works of ROBERT SMITH SURTEES, with a “WHO’S WHO” forming a mine of information. Edited and Compiled by HUGH S. GLADSTONE, with Colour and other Plates. Demy 8vo, Crorn, Gitt Top. . - - 25s. net. Country Life says: “Mr. Surtees showed us human nature. Captain Gladstone shows us Mr. Surtees—or more of Mr. Surtees than anyone has shown us before.” THE BIRDS OF BUTE By JOHN MORELL McWILLIAM, B.A., F.R.P.S.(Edin.) Demy 8vo, Paorocrapns anD Map. 8s. 6d. net. No book having been published of recent years on the birds of this part of the Clyde area, this carefully compiled work should prove of great value to all ornithological students. Field says: ‘This book will be welcomed by all ornithologists.” H. F. & G. WITHERBY, 326, High Holborn, London. OS — ee a BRITISH ~ BIRDS ’_ ANIEUSTRATED-MAGAZINE DEVOTED CHIETLY: TOTHEBIRDS sn ONTHEBRTISH EST.” APRIL 2, ‘ee Vol. XXI. 1928. gE: ._—: a | ines AE iy > ae ey er a MONTHLY. 1594. YEARLY-20. -326HIGHHOLBORNICNDON. HFéG-WITHERBY. Birds at the Nest By DOUGLAS DEWAR 7s. 6d. net In his new book Mr. Dewar, the well-known authority on bird life, gives a comprehensive study of parent birds and nestlings during the nesting season, written with the object of dispelling some of the prevailing misconceptions about the habits of nesting birds. A list of Mr. Dewar's books on birds, together with particulars of other volumes on the subject, will be sent gratis on request. JOHN LANE THE BODLEY HEAD LTD, VIGO STREET as LONDON, W.I. W. F. H. ROSENBERG, 57, Haverstock Hill, London, N.W.3, England Telephone: Primrose Hill 0660 begs to announce the publication of a new Price List of Birds of the World, including over 4,000 species. The List is conveniently arranged, with Index to Families, and will be sent post free to readers of “ British Birds ”’ on mentioning that publication. BIRDS OF THE OCEAN Aconvenient handbook for the identification of sea-birds in any part of the world. Fully illustrated. 25s. net By W. B. ALEXANDER, M.A. (Cantab.) PUTNAM ... 24 BEDFORD STREET, W.C.2 That Book you want! Foyles hold a considerable stock of Second-hand Books on Ornithology, and can supply any Scientific Book that is in print and most of those that are cut of print. They have a Special Department for this class of literature under a Manager who has experience and knowledge of the Natural Sciences. Call and consult him, or write asking for Catalogue 611. Books sent on approval. Special Offer of Pycraft’s ‘‘ CAMOUFLAGE IN NATURE.” Reveals subterfuges well-nigh incredible. With 64 illustrations. Published 21/-. Offered at 13/- post free. Quote Offer 611. FOY LES, | 19-125 Charing Cross Rd.,London,W.C.2 BRITSABIRDS ; ”” Wirtu WuHIcH was INCORPORATED IN JANUARY, 1917, ‘THE ZOOLOGIST. EDITED BY H. F. WITHERBY, M.B.E.,F.Z.S.,M.B.O.U. ASSISTED BY Rev. F. C. R. JOURDAIN, M.A., M.B.0.U., H.F.A.0.U., AND NORMAN. £2 TICEHURST, O.B.E., M.A., F.R.C.S., M.B.O.U. a ~ CONTENTS oF NUMBER II, VoL. XXI., APRIL 2, 1928. PAGE Notes on the Food of Certain Birds. By Charles Elton sss 266 Rooks Nesting in Stag-headed Trees. By J. M. Dewar, M.D. 268 George Shield, 1804-1880. By Hugh S. Gladstone, M.A., M.B.O.U. 270 Recovery of Marked Birds P- rye: eae a aa 272 Notes :— The 1927 Irruption of the Crossbill ; 279 The Incubation- and Fledging-Periods of some British Birds (Raymond Carlyon-Britton and R. H. Brown) ... ies 281 ‘““ Assisted Passage ’’ of Greenfinches across Atlantic (Charles E. Alford) aAC ia “ee Be ia ae ais 282 Rustic Bunting in Orkney (Jos. Armitage) ... ay es 282 Peregrine Falcon attacking Heron in Wiltshire (W. D. Shaw) 283 White-tailed Eagle in Bedfordshire (The Duchess of Bedford) 283 Garganey in the Outer Hebrides in November (H. E. David) 284 Early Nesting of Little Grebe in Hertfordshire (Dr. Ernst Hartert) ae aa eis axe “ 285 Lapwings in London (Col. H. A. F. Magrath) ime ee 285 White Lapwing in Cheshire (Richard E. Knowles) ... aay 285 Turnstone in Derbyshire (Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain) ee 286 Little Gull in Hampshire (Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain) ves 286 Glaucous Gull in Sussex in August (D. D. Godfrey) oe 286 eegers <— Birds in Fog (Dr. Sydney H. Long) ... ee = — 287 A Receding Migration (Thos. L. Johnston) ... bes ose «=: 287 The Smallest Book on Ornithology (Hugh S. Gladstone) ... 287 Review :— Birds of Western Canada. By P. A. Taverner. soe ee 288 ( 266 ) NOTES ON THE FOOD OF CERTAIN BIRDS BY CHARLES ELTON. SINCE exact information about the food-habits of British birds is greatly required, the few notes given below seem worth recording. For the identification of most of the insects I am indebted to Mr. O. W. Richards, who has also contributed several of the observations. Dr. G. H. Carpenter kindly identified the springtails. HovusE-SPARROW (Passer d. domesticus).—Catching and eating winter-gnats (Tvichocera sp.) at Headington, Oxford, November, 1922. Eating small Typhlocybid hoppers, and aphids, on walls and tree-trunks in a Hampstead garden, autumn, 1921. (O. W. Richards.) Prep WactTalL (Motacilla alba yarrellii) and WHITE WaAG- TAIL (M. alba alba).—A small flock seen catching and eating flies (Dilophus febrilis Linn.) which were flying about in great numbers over grassland on Lundy Island, north Devon, September 4th, 1927. This fly is the species which is pro- bably one of the most important agents in fertilising fruit blossom in England (see F. W. Edwards, Ann. Applied Biol., Vol. 22, p. 263, 1925). Rocx-Pirit (Anthus s. petrosus).—Seen eating large quanti- ties of winged ants (Myrmica ruginodis Nyl.) which were dancing in a swarm on the top of a sea-cliff on Lundy Island, August 31st, 1927. Ants of various species are extremely abundant on the island, and at this time many of them were swarming in the winged state. BLuE Tit (Parus c. obscurus).—One was watched for several days in a garden at Picket Hill in the New Forest, visiting a Scots pine and extracting the seeds out of the old, open, brown cones. This was in August, 1927,when there was a rather large crop of old cones on the trees. It was also noticed that there were huge numbers of two species of springtail (Entomo- brya mvalis Linn. and Anurophorus laricis Nic.) living between the scales of the cone, so that careful observation of the bird was required in order to find out whether it was eating the insects or the seeds. In this case the wing of the seed could be seen fluttering down after the bird had eaten the seed itself. GREAT Tit (Parus m. newtoni).—Eating dead hive bees outside a hive, University Museum, Oxford, January, 1926, and again in January, 1928. (O. W. Richards.) VoL. XxI.] THE FOOD OF CERTAIN BIRDS. 267 WHEATEAR ((Enanthe cnanthe).—On Lundy Island in August, 1927, these birds were abundant, but some difficulty was found in defining what type of ground they actually used for feeding. They did not feed among the heather, or on the grazed grassland, but rather on little patches of boggy ground, e.g., where streams ran through the heather, with short turf or other vegetation, or wet mud, by the edges. Several birds were watched feeding on insects in one of these places; the only things to be seen on the wet mud were small flies. These, when identified, were found to belong to two species, Sciara Thome Linn. and Ectomus alpinus Hal. Rosin (Erithacus rubecula)—Seen to pick up the larva of a moth, Adela viridella, on the ground, in an oak wood near Oxford, October, 1922. The bird dropped the larva when startled, and so the latter could be identified. The interest of this observation is that this larva is protectively coloured, and very difficult to see, but the Robin apparently found no difficulty. (O. W. Richards.) GREEN WOODPECKER (Picus v. virescens).—Seen eating flies which were running about on {fresh cow-dung, in a flood-plain meadow by the River Cherwell, Oxford, April, 1926. The flies were Borborus equinus Fall.—a very common species that breeds in cow-dung. Woop-PIGEON (Columba p. palumbus).—On June 6th, 1927, Mr. V. C. Wynne-Edwardes and myself watched a flock of thirty-five Pigeons eating the seed-heads of buttercups in a grass field on the University Farm, near Oxford. They could be seen pecking off these seed-heads, and examination showed that no other species of plant had been touched. The buttercups in this field were chiefly Ranunculus bulbosus, the few plants of R. acris which were also present had not been touched because the seeds were not yet abundant, the latter species flowering later than the former. The birds had only been eating the green seeds (which incidentally tasted very acrid to us), and the number which had been destroyed was very great, amounting to something over a third of the heads. It would be interesting to find out whether this is a common habit of the Wood-Pigeon in spring, as if it turned out to be so, the effect would be distinctly beneficial to grassland in England. ( 268 ) ROOKS NESTING IN STAG-HEADED TREES. BY J. M. DEWAR, ™.p. SINCE the year 1925 Rooks (Corvus f. frugilegus) have nested in stag-headed trees near the city of Edinburgh. Whether they did so before 1925 I cannot say, as in that year my attention was first attracted to the subject by reading McDiarmid’s Sketches from Nature (1830: 209). McDiarmid, whose observations were made in Dumfriesshire, thought that the birds preferred to nest in stag-headed trees. At the present time there are many stag-headed trees in the southern and eastern suburbs of Edinburgh, but Rooks nest in cnly a small number of these trees, so that I hardly think the Rooks can be said to show a preference in this locality. Also, most of the Rooks nest in healthy trees of which there is plenty. . I should perhaps explain that a stag-headed tree is one in which the top branches are dead and project like antlers above the leafy canopy. Stag-headedness is a definite sign that the vitality of a tree has been injured, and after the appearance of stag-headedness death of the whole tree follows in the course of some years. Hereabouts the affected trees are beeches and oaks. I have not seen any nests in stag-headed oaks, all being in beeches. In an early stage of the tree’s decline there is a sufficiency of healthy, plant branches for the Rooks to nest on in a normal manner and for the provision of a leafy canopy adequate to conceal the nests during the period of brood- care. In the middle stage the whole tree is stag-headed and there are no pliant branches. The nests are built on rigid forks, close to the main stem, at a level which is much lower than normal, and the moribund branches develop so few leaves that the nests are more or less exposed during the period of brood-care. In the penultimate stage of dying the tree has only a single living branch. This branch arises from the trunk fairly low down and carries at its summit a scanty brush of stems on which is placed the nest. Few leaves come out from the brush and they fail to hide the nest. In two instances of this nature the results have been success- ful, although in advance the appearance of the nests suggested speculative building. Indeed, nesting in stag-headed trees, as far as I have observed it, has been devoid of accident, and it is noteworthy that all the stag-headed trees I have VoL. xxI.]| ROOKS IN STAG-HEADED TREES. 269 been watching survived without injury the great gales of January 28th and April zoth, 1927, when many apparently healthy trees were blown down. In 1927 eight nests were noted in solid forks of stag- headed beeches. Seven of these nests produced young. The eighth nest was at the lowest level and was abandoned presumably on account of its poor elevation. There were also about twenty nests in other stag-headed trees, but these nests were placed in healthy parts of the trees. It is thus evident that Rooks do not necessarily nor immediately desert a tree when manifest decay sets in at the top of the tree. It is also clear that the presence of pliant, healthy branches on which to build, and the unfolding of an adequate leafy canopy to hide the nest during the period of brood-care, two of the supposed nesting requirements of Rooks, are not essential to success in breeding. A full canopy may be necessary to protect the young in the nest from the sun’s heat. But nesting in bare or nearly bare stag-headed trees disproves the supposition. Possibly, changed conditions of existence have made the canopy unnecessary. Formerly it may have served a useful purpose, for Bechstein tells us that in his time, at the end of the 18th century, the young were eagerly sought by the Goshawk, the Sparrowhawk and by Owls ( Natwrgeschichte, 11, 1210: 1805). As is well known, certain trees continue to be occupied year after year by Rooks, and it is inferred that the same birds or their descendants nest annually in the same tree. Perhaps attachment to site, as well as absence of danger, leads each tree-group of Rooks to persist in occupying its own tree, even after the tree becomes stag-headed and moribund. ( 270 ) GEORGE SHIELD. 1804—1880. IB HUGH S. GLADSTONE, m.a., M.B.0.U. It is only recently that this author’s work has been brought to prominent notice: a copy of part of his projected Ormithologia Britannica having been sold at Messrs. Sotheby’s on May 8th, 1922, which, at the time, was regarded as unique. George Shield was born in Tweedmouth about 1804, and eventually found his way from Berwick to London, where he obtained employment as a tailor. His health, however, broke down and after a few years he settled, with his wife, at Wooler, where he carried on his trade. He devoted much of his time to rambles in the Cheviots and visits to such places as St. Abb’s Head and the Farne Islands. At about the age of forty he retired from his business of tailor and thereafter devoted himself to the study of Natural History. Without instruction he acquired the art of drawing and etching upon steel, as well as mastering the craft of taxidermy. He gained local popularity in Wooler as a lecturer, not only on Ornithology but also’on such diverse subjects as Astronomy, Electricity, Geology and Races of Men. A friend and fre- quent correspondent of John Mackay Wilson—the author of Tales of the Borders—he became himself a noted narrator of a story, and is said to have “ enchained, as by a spell, a youthful audience.’’ At one time he appears to have con- templated the publication of a book on British birds on a scale to rival the works of Selby and of Audubon. The idea was perhaps too grandiose to find favour among the pub- lishers, but some ot the plates which had been finished were published as engravings and as such still adorn the walls of a considerable number of houses in his native county. They were all sketches from the life and were—cr, at least, some of them—remarkable {or their fidelity to nature, besides being of no little artistic merit, and were highly appraised by Dr. James Hardy, the Hon. Secretary of the Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club. For some years he busied himself in writing an “‘ Exposition of the Prophecies of Daniel and St. John,” but none of his papers ever saw the light of publication. The ingenuity and research of the man, who by nature was quiet and unassuming, is made evident by —- ie eee eaggee voL. xx1.} GEORGE SHIELD, 1804—1880. 271 this short notice, and he died on January 29th, 1880, in his seventy-sixth year*. Reference has already been made to George Shield’s projected work on British birds, a specimen of which was sold at Messrs. Sotheby’s on May 8th, 1922, when the opportunity was taken to make the following collation :— ORNITHOLOGIA | BRITANNICA | BY GEORGE SHIELD | Part . . .j]. The above is the title printed in black on pale-brown wrappers which measure 39 X 26ins. There is no place of printing, letter-press, or date but this latter, which has been surmised as “ circa 1830,” may be as justifiably postponed to circa 1845. The plates are coloured and each of them is lettered :— Drawn from nature by Geo. Shield. Engraved by Alexr. T. Aikman, Edinr. The plates, which are numbered, are bound in the following order :— XXVII. Redbreast. Great Titmouse, male and female. Blue Titmouse, male and female. »,O.¢ Rough legged Buzzard, female. XXXII. Spotted Flycatcher, male and female. Black Bird, male and female. Spotted Flycatcher, young. XXXII. Cormorant, of the first year. XIV. Peregrine Falcon, adult female. XII. Common Gallinule, male, female and young. There is not a copy of George Shield’s book in either of the British Museum Libraries, at Bloomsbury or at South Kensington, and it only remains to be added that the copy above described was sold for £13 to a private bidder ; that a second (incomplete) copy was disposed of by Messrs. Sotheby on December 17th, 1924, for £6; that on July 2oth, 1927, they sold a third copy (complete but Jacking the wrappers) which realised {10 ; and that, in August 1927, Messrs. Quaritch advertised for sale a copy (with six plates) at £60, an offer which I believe was accepted by an American collector : ste transit gloria. *An obituary notice of George Shield is said to have appeared in the Newcastle Journal in 1880, but I have been unable to find it and for the substance of this article I am indebted to Mr. George Bolam, whose knowledge of every one connected with the ornithology of the Borders is evinced in his Birds of Northumberland and the Eastern Borders: 1912. No. 74546 27112 79669 RR.1963 (272) RECOVERY OF MARKED BIRDS. Place and Date Ringed. Place and Date Recovered. CARRION-CROW (Corvus c. corone). Near Coventry (Warwick.), Near Birmingham (Warwick.), 10.5.25, nestling, by F. 10.1.28, by F. R. Boucher. Dipple. Near Skirwith (Cumb.), Near where ringed, early 24.5.20, nestling, by R. H. April, 1927, by J. Wales. Brown. Canterbury (Kent), 4.6.26, Near where ringed, 6.7.27, young, by J. Orpwood for by A. F. Skinner. st. Edmund's N. H. Soc. ROOK (Corvus f. frugilegus). Harbledown (Kent), 8.5.27, Near Faversham (Kent), young, by M. N. Hum- 12.2.28, by G. J. Longstaff. phreys for St. Edmund’s IN. HL. Soc. JACKDAW (Coleus m. spermologus). Near Leamington (War- Near where ringed, May, wick.), 25.12.25, ad., by 1927, by ringer. Miss J. M. and Mr. P. K. Chance. Ditto nestling, 27.5.26. Near where ringed, Jan. 1928, by W. A. Lovell. Crags of Lundie (Forfar.), Where ringed, 29.7.27, by 5.6.26, nestling, by T. L. Mis. 2a. Danr: Smith. STARLING (Sturnus v. vulgaris). Aberargie (Perth.), 4.6.24, Dundee (Forfar.), 24.12.27, by young, by J. Robertson J. Bartholomew. for A. H. R. Wilson. Eton (Bucks.), 31.12.25,ad., Near where ringed, Nov., 1927 by A. Mayall. (dead some time), by J. Hawkins and A. Gurney. Near Gt. Budworth (Ches.), Worcester, 3.9.27, by B. Tifsl225, AC.., Dy Aw Vie Adlington. Boyd. Ditto 22.1.27. Near where ringed, 21.12.27, by Mr. Woodcock, per ringer. Carlisle (Cumb.), 6.12.25, Where ringed, 24.5.27 | ad., by J. N. D. Smith. 27.11.27, by ringer; again released. Ditto 10.12.25. Ditto QZ 529-20, 0L. 2s Ditto 3.9.26. Ditto WAGs MS Ser, caught on nest on latter date. Ditto 4.9.26. Ditto 295.27, 5 20 ull. 277 Ditto ditto. Ditto 27eUU 2s Ditto 18.10.26 Ditto T2500 257% Ditto 20.1.27 Ditto ZOWU TAO - =a a= VOL, XX1.] No. RECOVERY OF MARKED BIRDS. Place and Date Ringed. STARLING (contd.). X.3337. Broughty Ferry Pont. Y.5730 W.3889 B.3698 D.3233 D.5278 E.9653 D.7991 D.7992 D.8029 1.8036 E6864 E.9893 1D.6978 F.1403 F.6849 D.8437 iB. 3127 A.8477 D.4826 D.3301 26.1.26, ad., by T Smith. Prestbury (Ches.), 25.12.26, ad., by R. M. Garnett. Near Leamington (War- wick.), 18.5.27, nestling, Miss J. M. and Mr. P. K. Chance. 273 Place and Date Recovered. Blairgowrie (Perth.), 10.9.27, by Mrs. J. Kirkaldy. Where ringed, 21.11.27, by ringer. Bridgwater (Somerset.), 31.12.27, by C. Stagg per G. Francis. GREENFINCH (Chloris ch. chloris). Near Gt. Budworth (Ches.), 10.1.25, ad, by A. W. Boyd. Ditto Z:EL 25s Ditto 15.6.26. Ditto ABieye Holmwood (Surrey),10.6.26, ad., by H. B. P. Kingham. Ditto 13.6.26. Ditto 15.06.26. Ditto 17.6.26. Ditto 20.6.26. Ditto yn PG Near Dundee _ (Forfar.), 10.6.26, nestling, by Miss B.C. Sharp, Malvern (Worcs.), °2.6.27, nestling, by P. E. A: Morshead. Where ringed, twice Dec., 1927, by ringer. Ditto Jan., May, twice Dec., 1926; three times Jan.; May, Nov., three times Dec., 1927; 9.2.28. Ditto 8.2.28. Ditto Ot i227; 2ori26. Ditto 23:0.26; 1.3.28. Ditto 27.3-27 Ditto, twice March, 1927. Ditto, Jan., twice March; June, 1927. Ditto BF 22s Wee. Ditto 5iOs27 5. ire 7. Ditto, twice May; 4.6.27. Thorncliffe, Gt. Malvern, g.0r.27, Ipy Mrs, 0. oF. Wyley. REDPOLL (Carduelis 1. cabaret). Kirkconnel (Dumfries.), 28.6.27, nestling, by T. K. Craven. Near Kaltwhistie (Northumb.), 18.10.27, by T. Ridley, per Cage Birds LINNET (Carduelis c. cannabina). Near Pyrford (Surrey), 18.5.26, nestling, by Mrs. L. E. Taylor. Sandford-on-Thames (Ox- ford.), 8.6.27, young, by A. K. Gibbon for Oxford Orn. Soc. East Horsley (Surrey), 4.8.27, by R. S. Craig. Arengosse (Landes), France, 30.10.27, by L. Lagoffun ; again released. CHAFFINCH (Fringilla c. ca@lebs). Grayshott (Hants.), 22.6.23, nestling, by Mr. and Mrs. R. O. Blyth. Carlisle (Cumb.), 14.12.25, ad., by J. N. D. Smith. Near Gt. Budworth (Ches.), 28.12.25, ad., by A. W. Boyd. Where ringed, 19.2.27, by ringer. Ditto LE. Ditto, 15.6.26; March, June, July, 1927. 274 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXI. No. Place and Date Ringed. Place and Date Recovered. CHAFFINCH (contd.). D.8002 Holmwood (Surrey), 29.4.26, Ditto 232.27, 4 BOLO. 27= ad., by H. B. P. Kingham. D.8004 Ditto ditto. Ditto 232.27 240-27 D.7995 Ditto 14.6.26. Ditto 233.275 D.8034 Ditto 17.6.26. Ditto 2B 27 Ge aes D.8035 Ditto ditto. Ditto QQ27 7. E.6866 Ditto young, 20.6.26. Ditto 2OW 20; 282.257 E.6873 Ditto 23.6.26. Ditto . 28.2,.29 1. E.6878 Ditto 26.6.26. Ditto 232.27. E.6896 Ditto 1527-20) | Dito QTD q E.6898 Ditto 16.7.26. Ditto, twice Feb., 1927.: E.6900 Ditto 18.7.26. Ditto ZOD Qi E.9923 Ditto ad., 26:2.27. — Ditto 1916.27. YELLOW-BUNTING (Emberiza c. citrinella). A.9299 Near Gt. Budworth (Ches.), Where ringed, twice Feb., E224, ad, Wy A AW. Lo2z45 47.255 10.2.28. Boyd. B.9113 Ditto 26.2.25. Ditto, 15.5.20; twice July, 1927. B.9178 Ditto 10.3.25. Ditto 10.2, 2000 B.9175 Ditto ditto. Ditto, 5.7.25; 10.7.26; twice May, 1927; 11.1.28. C.5722 Ditto Ae25. Wrtto LO L225 20.727 C.5784 Ditto 227.25... OUGO pNP WORT CaF Disse7 Ditto E4.0.20: Ditto; 17.15.27; “twice july, 1927. D.5100 Ditto . 7.5.26. Ditto 7 Sods E.4060 Ditto ZO LDIKO 2.27 DOs Teas D.7986 Holmwood (Surrey), 8.6.26, Ditto, twice June, 1926; ' ad., by H. B. P. Kingham. Qi c2ne = (Aeon. fT D.8033 Ditto 17.6.26. Ditto TRO fe ; E.6865 Ditto 20.60.26. Ditto 20:2.27 5 233.27 : E.6876 Ditto young, 25.6.26. Ditto 20.8627) E.6886 Ditto ad., 28.6.26. Ditto Davie hap rey Th D.3171 Penrith (Cum.), 19.5.26, Near where ringed, Jan. 1928, young, by H. J. Moon. by A. Furness, per ringer. PIED WAGTAIL (Motacilla a. yarrellii). E.4886 Harbledown (Kent), 12.7.26, Near where ringed, 7.9.27, young, by J. Orpwood for by Frank Lewis. St. Edmund’s N.H. Soc. E.9580 Near Gt. Budworth (Ches.), Where ringed, 19.12.27, by WA.2.27, ad., by Ay. WY. ringer. Boyd. B.3088 Scone Estate (Perth.); Victoria ‘Court (Perth.), 1216.27, Mestling, sbya 2: 19.1.28, M. McLeod, per Clark for Lord Scone. J. Ritchie. F.5687 Bidston, Birkenhead (Ches.), Milfontes, S.W. coast Portu- 14.7.27, young, by H. gal, 4.1.28, by Hl. EE ©; Went. Gilbert. '% WILLOW-WARBLER (Phylloscopus t. trochilus). E.1719 Grayshott (Hants.), 13.6.26, Where ringed, reported Jan., nestling, by Mr. and Mrs. 1927, but bird may have R. O. Blyth. been dead some months. VOL. 2x1,] No. Z.6715 Y.7028 X.1735 X.2422 Y.6518 X.1997 X.7585 Y.5738 V.1564 W.4891 V.5248 LL.88 Z.2981 2.9538 59421 B.5104 B.8351 D.8729 RECOVERY OF MARKED BIRDS. Place and Date Ringed. 275 Place and Date Recovered. SONG-THRUSH (Turdus ph. clarket). Ambleside (Westmorland), May, 1924, young, by H. J. Moon. Bridge of Earn (Perth.), 9.5.25, young, by A. H. R. Wilson. Near Gt. Budworth (Ches.), 6.12.25, ad., by A. W. Boyd. Ditto 2.0,20. Uplawmoor (Renfrew.), 24.4.26, nestling, by T. Kerr. Scone Estate (Perth.), 29.4.26, nestling, by Lord Scone. Near Dundee _ (Forfar.), 5.5.26, nestling, by Miss E. C. Sharp. Prestbury (Ches.), 12.2.27, ad., by R. M. Garnett. Near Birkenhead (Ches.), 14.5.27, young, by H. Went. Malvern (Worcs.), 8.5.27, young, by P. E. A. Mors- head. Penrith (Cumb.), June, 1927, young, by H. J. Moon. Windermere, 31.10.27, by W. Newby. Near where ringed, August, 1927, by J. T. Davidson. Where ringed, 19.12.27, by ringer. Ditto, twice Jan., 1926; TATE 2y, Bushmills (Antrim), Ireland, Feb., 1928, S. Henry and J. M. Hemphill. Denmarkfield, Luncarty (Perth.), 10.6.27, by ringer. Newport (Mayo), Ireland, 25.11.27, by F. Chambers. Where ringed, 3.7.27, by ringer. East End, Kilkee (Clare), Ireland, 28.12.27, by H. Murnane. Near where ringed, 12.11.27, by E. H. Wheelwright. Kilcumney Hill (Kilkenny), Ireland, Jan., 1928, by Mrs. J. Butler. RING-OUZEL (Turdus t. torquatus). Dent Fell (Yorks.), 23.5.27, by H. W. Robinson. Eugui (Navarra), Spain, 14.9.27, by T. Mendizabel. BLACKBIRD (Turdus m. merula). Wistaston (Ches.), 25.12.23, ad., by Miss E. H. I. Mayne. Cheadle (Staffs.), nestling, by J. Masefield. (Hunts.), 15.6.24, Re B. Bluntisham 30.5.24, nestling, by E. Peake. Torrance (Stirling), 11.5.24, young, by J. Bartholo- mew. 7.5.25. 10.6.26. Near Crewe (Ches.), 1.3.28, by J. E. James. Where ringed, 16.12.27, by ringer. Colne (Hunts.), 23.11.27, by G. E. Gibbs. Where ringed, ringer. 12.2.28, by Stranraer (Wigtown.),24.12.27, by A. Ewing. Morpeth (Northumb.), March, 1927, by A. Wheelans. 276 No. BRITISH BIRDS. Place and Date Ringed. BLACKBIRD (contd.). Y.3388 X.3525 57688 W.5430 (57711) 57714 57732 Y¥.5404 Y.5428 Y.5431 X.2432 W.5404 W.5418 X.2325 X.3723 Y.5702 X.6760 W.8351 W.9685 V.1107 W.6957 W.6701 W.6710 Broughty Ferry (Forfar.), 23.1225) ad. Dye lh We. Smith. Kinclune, Kingoldrum (Forfar.), 26.9.26, immat., by 2. Smith: Near Gt. Budworth (Ches.), 4.12.23, ad., by A. W. Boyd. Ditto 19.2.24. Ditto ditto. Ditto 2,324, Ditto 20.11.25. Ditto 3.1225. Ditto ADP 25. Ditto TOnr-20: Ditto, nestling 22O 2a). Ditto, young. S72 Carlisle (Cumb.), 14.12.25, immat., by 2 IN. «Ds Smith. Ditto, ad., 12.5.27. Prestbury (Ches.), 27.6.27, nestling, fone Ike NYT Garnett. Holmwood (Surrey),10.8.26, ydowuiae, Joy? al 18}, 1Eh Kingham. Trevol (Cornwall), 20.4.27, young, by M. N. Hum- phreys for St. Edmund’s INE SOC; Uplawmoor nestling, (Renfrew.), Dyguedlre Kerr. Holt (Norfolk), 5.5.27, young, by A. P. Meikle- john. Bishop’s Stortford (Herts), 22.5.27, nestling, by C. P. Clarke for Lon. N. H. Soc. Penrith (Cumb.), May 1927, young, by H. J. Moon. Ditto ditto. [VoL. XxI._ Place and Date Recovered. Gourdon, Montrose (Forfar), 24.12.27, by D. Wyllie. Racial, Portadown (Armagh.), Ireland, 30.11.27, by A. E. Smith. Where ringed, twice Dec., 1923 ; 20.3.24 ; twice Nov,., Dees 29255 17-1.20), T5e2.27 = Sil2e278 re- ringed W.5434. Ditto, twice Nov., 1925; three times Dec., 1927. Ditto, 21.12.27; re-ringed W.5439. Ditto; 5.12.25 > ©20,02.27° te- ringed W.5437. Ditto PSU) 771 Near where ringed, 21.11.27, by P. Moore, per ringer. Where ringed, 21.12.27, by ringer. Ditto, twice Dec., 1927. Ditto 2002.27. Ditto, three times Dec., 1927. Ditto LOiOr277. Ditto 26.11.27. Ditto 8.12.26. Ditto P Jey Sy ie Ditto Feb., 1928. Kilmurry, McMahon (Clare), Ireland, 19.12.27, by J.M. Carniskey. Near where ringed, 15.11.27, by R. Deterding. Where ringed, 21.10.27, by A, Andrews. Near where ringed, 10.10.27, by G. Bolton, per ringer. Where ringed, 7.11.27, by G. Moffat. VOL, XXI.] No. B.6839 A.4925 F.2290 E.8015 E.5029 B.2107 C.8008 D.2375 D.4823 D.3250 E.4229 E.9483 E.9612 F.8879 F.8899 D.7772 E.2416 D.6065 F.4401 A.2053 B.3612 C.6570 E.4223 RECOVERY OF MARKED BIRDS. Place and Date Ringed. 277 Place and Date Recovered. WHEATEAR (Cnanthe a. enanthe). Port of Menteith (Perth.), 8.6.26., young, by Sir S. Bilsland. Chaves (Traz - os - Montes), Portugal, Jan., 1927 (date uncertain), by F. A. Mello. REDBREAST (Erithacus rubecula). Ullswater (Westmorland), 5.6.23, young, by H. J. Moon. Ditto July 1926, Ditto, ad., ie era A Ditto May 1927. Cheadle (Staffs.), 4.3.24, ad., by J. R. B. Masefield. Ditto 15.9.25. Eton (Bucks.), 18.7.25, ad., by A. Mayall. Carlisle (Cumb.), 5.12.25, ad., by J. N. D. Smith. Near Gt. Budworth (Ches.), 22.40.25, ad, by A. W. Boyd. Ditto FeUl2O% Ditto 28.11.26. Ditto eee Ditto ree Ditto 20.00.27. Prestbury (Ches.), 30.1.27, ad., by R. M. Garnett. Ditto nestling, 24.6.27. Alloway (Ayr.), 13.5.27, ad., by B. B. D. Nicholson. Dorking (Surrey), 15.7.27, nestling, by H. B. P. Kingham. early 1. Near where ringed, Sept., 1927, by Fleming, per ringer. Newton Rigg, Penrith (Cumb.) 1.12.27, by W. Ballardie. Near where ringed, 17.2.28, by J. Cooper, per ringer. Where ringed, 27.2.28, by ringer. Ditto 16.02.27. Ditto 122.04 9 (Osea. Ditto E2.2;25. Ditto EEL IL.27s Ditto Jan., Nov., 1927; Jan., Feb., 1928. Ditto 11.3.28. Ditto, twice Dec., 1927. Ditto, three times Dec., 1927. Ditto 20.L.28'; 13.228. Ditto, four times Jan., 1928. Ditto E3.00.27; Ditto, early Jan., 1928, by J. B. Langley. Near where ringed, early Oct. 1927, by E. R. Paton. Where ringed, 29.12.27, by C. H. Mortimer. » HEDGE-SPARROW (Prunella modularis). Near Gt. Budworth (Ches.), 12.53.23, ad., by A. W. Boyd. Ditto 17.8.24. Ditto 25.8.25. Ditto 6.10.26. Where ringed, 19.3.23; Nov., Dec., 1924; Jan., Dec., 1925; April, May, 1926; Jan., Oct., 1927; Jan., 1928. Ditto, 21.8.24; 3.10.25 - 15.1.26; Nov., Dec., 1927 > Jan., 1928. Ditto, 24.11.25; Oct., Dec..,. 1927; Jan., 1928. Ditto, March, May, 1927 ; Jan., 1928. 278 No. Place and Date Ringed. HEDGE-SPARROW (contd.). BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXI. Place and Date Recovered. E.4224 Near Gt. Budworth (Ches.), Where ringed, Nov., Dec.,1926; 6.10.26, ad., by A. W. Jan., April, Sept., Nov., Boyd. Dec., 1927, E.4236 Ditto 17.11.26. Ditto WLO2T E.4239 Ditto 20.11.26. Ditto TOu2iTie E.9492 Ditto .- 23.12.26. Ditto 2 QZ F.1154 Ditto nestling, 4.5.27. Ditto 27 TDS C.6145 Prestbury (Ches.), 1.9.25, Ditto OO ena. ad., by R. M. Garnett. D.7739 Ditto 22.8.26. Ditto, Jan., Feb., Oct., Nov., 1927. WREN (Tvroglodytes t. troglodytes). F.6186 Bishop’s Stortford (Herts.), Where ringed, 28.1.28 (dead nestling, by C. S. Clarke some time), by G. N. T. for Won. N, EL. Soc. Jones. E.8855 Cumdivock (Cum.), 31.10.26, Ditto Mh 2e2On eel, 27s ad., by R. H. Brown. DIPPER (Cinclus c. gularis). X.7148 Near Balerno (Midlothian), Gladhouse MJeservoir (Mid- 31.5.26, nestling, by R. G. lothian)\) 27,0027, Dye Wee Willan. Tait. SWALLOW (Hirundo yr. rustica.) 6067 Hafod, Trefnant (Denbigh.), Saltfleet (Lincs.), mid-Aug., 11.6.24, young, by W. M. 1927. Congreve. C.8525 Llanstephan (Carmarthen.), Carmarthen, summer, 1927. 4.8.25, nestling, by J. F. by A. Harris Thomas. MARTIN (Delichon u. urbica). C.8163 Glen Esk (Forfar.), 13.7.25, Arbirlot, Arbroath (Forfar.), young, by H. G. Watson. 1.6.27, by J. Ritchie. D.4515 Ditto 9.7.26. Near where ringed, in its nest, 20.7.27, by ringer. Ieee, ID hae} 12.7.26. Ditto, 25.7.27, by D. Grieg, per ringer. E.6210 Near Leamington (War- Ditto, 7.7.27, by T. Barnett. wick.), 6.7.26, nestling, by Nissi Me wand) TP. Ke Chance. SWIFT (Apus a apus). B.1983 Near Leamington (War- Where ringed, 2.7.27, by wick.), 14.7.24, ad., by P. ringer. K. Chance. C.6288 | C.6290 } Ditto 1337.25.) WIGtO 07.0275 C.6291 | ca } Ditto ditto Ditto 2.7.27. oe } Ditto 8.7.26. Ditto L7.0127. F.3181 Shenfield (Essex), 4.8.27, Woodbridge (Suffolk), 21.8.27, young, by G. P. Pollitt. by E, A. Ward. (To be continued.) THE 1927 IRRUPTION OF THE CROSSBILL*. ENGLAND AND WALES. DENBIGHSHIRE.—Major W. M. Congreve informs us that early in January, 1928, a party of half-a-dozen were seen in larch by Mr. H. Davey at Maes Mynan Hall on the borders of Flintshire near Caerwys. HEREFORDSHIRE.—During July and up to mid-September, when they left, Mr. N. M. Thornycroft saw ten to twelve near Hereford on spruce trees. Mr. B. W. Tucker, as editor of the Annual Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxon, Berks and Bucks, has received notes from this area of which the following are additional to those already published in British Birds. OXFORDSHIRE.—Single bird caught in wire-netting support- ing sweet peas, Bloxham, N. Oxon, July 21st (O. V. Aplin). A number seen by various observers at Headington, near Oxford, from early August onwards. They appear to have fed mainly on larches and other conifers, but Mr. G. Tickner on August 9th or roth watched three young birds and a female feeding on plum trees, turning over the leaves evidently in search for aphids or other insects. Reported also at Checkendon (H. R. Beeton fer J. L. Hawkins). BERKSHIRE.—Observed repeatedly round about Boar’s Hill, near Oxford, {rom August 14th onwards, generally in little parties of about two to four or five. Observed on spruces, apparently feeding on “‘ mealy-bug,” and on pear (G. Tickner). One red cock and three females at Reading in August, apparently feeding on berries (or shoots ?) of yew, and three a few days later on pine in same locality (J. L. Hawkins). Three reported on larches at King Standing Hill, Cholsey, August 16th (J. L. Hawkins); perhaps same locality as reported i in British Birds, antea, p. 92, or at any rate near it. BUCKINGHAMSHIRE.—Three in belt of firs by roadside nea Ivinghoe, October 21st (C. Oldham). Ten in hornbeam near Hambleden, October 16th; four October 31st ; seven November 6th in larch. One red bird seen on each occasion (H. J. R. Pease). * For previous notes see antea, pp. 90-3, 121-7, 153-5, 175-7, 195-6, 280 BRITISH BIRDS. + [VOL, Xext. SOMERSETSHIRE.—Mr. B. W. Tucker sends the following summary of observations by himself and other correspondents. Mr. D. B. Grubb saw a party of eight to ten at Winscombe from late July to early September, all hens or immature, feeding mainly on Scots and Austrian pine, but also on other conifers and wild cherries. On an estate in west Somerset, numbers were estimated at about fifty to seventy in early July. A flock of about two dozen was watched here by Messrs. E. W. Hendy and B. W. Tucker on July 29th, feeding on larch cones. Numbers gradually decreased up to the New Year, after which small parties of from four to nine have been observed at intervals up till at any rate February 29th. The keeper on this estate asserts that Crossbills were present also in the summers of 1925 (about half-a-dozen), 1926 (about a dozen) and 1927 (about a score), a sudden increase taking place in July. The possibility is thus introduced that a small unknown breeding colony may have existed here prior to the 1927 invasion. In August a number were established at Culmhead, Black- down Hills, feeding almost entirely on larches. One juvenile was watched feeding on thistle seeds. One dull red bird observed ; all the rest female or young. Others, apparently on the move, were noted in the same district as follows: two, Castle Neroche, and two near Robin Hood’s Butts on Somerset-Devon boundary, August 3rd ; several, Pitminster, August 5th. A party of six were reported to Mr. A. R. Robinson near Bath in August, and two were reported near Ashcott. In the Exmoor district Mr. N. G. Hadden reports: one, Porlock Weir on August 4th; small flock of six to eight, Pitcombe, August 6th, and small flock near Cloutsham in September. Mr. E. W. Hendy watched a small flock in the same district on various dates between January 13th and Igth. Sixteen was the greatest number observed. They fed entirely on larch cones. Two brilliantly red cocks noted and two less brilliant, the rest female or immature. At Lympsham (locality already reported, antea, p. g2) a bird was watched by Major H. G. F. Royle through glasses, attacking the outer thorny sheath of fully-formed fruit of horse-chestnut on the tree. On January 22nd nearly a score were watched by Messrs. W. R. Taylor, A. C. Leach and L. A. Hawkins in larches at Long Ashton, where they were searched for unsuccessfully in the late autumn and winter. None detected in this locality — since. VOL. XXI.] NOTES. 281 DEVONSHIRE.—On January gth, 1928, Mr. W. Walmesley White saw six at Budleigh Salterton. WILTSHIRE.—From September 23rd to October 2gth (after which they were not seen) Mr. J. F. Wynne saw small parties near Swallowclifie. IsLE or WiGHT.—On August 24th Mr. J. F. Wynne saw a small party at Godshill, and on September 12th one flying out to sea eastward at Shanklin. THE INCUBATION- AND FLEDGING-PERIODS OF SOME BRITISH BIRDS. IN the following cases during 1927, from west Sussex, the period of incubation has been calculated from the day on which the last egg was laid until the day cr days of hatching. The fledging-period from the day or days of hatching until the day or days of departure from the nest :— Incuba- No. of No. of ion- Fledging- Saw : 7 Species period ia POOd - in 'dave of cbusrvation at toleave days im days clutch — nest Starling (S. Ss. vulgaris) ... 12 21 33 April-May 5 2 Starling ... oa 38 — — April-May 3 none Greenfinch (C. chloris) tee. a 17 31 May—June 4 4 Cirl Bunting (E. cirlus) eo 23 July-August 3 3 Cirl Bunting eo — 230r24 July-August 3 2 Woodlark (L. arborea) oo II — May 4 3 Reed-Warbler (A. scirpaceus) ... — 13-14 — June 4 4 Sedge-Warbler(!) A. schenobenus) 12-13 10-11 23 May-June 5 5 Sedge-Warbler(?)... — I2-13 — July 4 4 Song-Thrush (T. clarket) we. 12-13 _~ — March-April 4 ? Song-Thrush +++ 12-13 15-16 28 March-April 4 2 _ Song-Thrush oo — 26 April-May 5 5 ae won 14 26 April—May 4 4 ong-Thrus os I2 12-13 24-2 il— Blackbird Sey as i 2 T. merula a 2 os — Robin(s ) 3 March 3 None (E. r. melophilus) 15 E2 | April-May 5 2 Robin (?) bee I I 2 = a 7 ° . se Bia e ; (P. m. occidentalis) 13 — — i Hedge-Sparrow ... 12-13 — — iy 2 ao Cuckoo (C. canorus) — 220r2 3 — July “ ae Stone-Curlew ; (B. @dicnemus) ... 25-26 _. — May-June 2 (*) First and second broods of same pair of birds. (*) First and second broods of same pair of birds. ' RAYMOND CARLYON-BRITTON. 282 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXI. THE two cases concerning the fledging-period of the Lapwing were obtained through two birds which were ringed as day- old nestlings and caught again when fledged. Incubation- Fledging- Period. Period. Days. Days. Greenfinch (Chloris ch. chloris) cn 13 12 Linnet (Carduelis c. cannabina) sa. II 13 Garden Warbler (Sylvia borin) se 1% 10 Whitethroat (S. c. communis) cf — CT Song-Thrush (Turdus ph. clarket) ... 13 13 Redstart (Phenicurus ph. pheenicurus) — 1 Tawny Owl (Simx a. sylvatica) fs 30 29-31 Merlin (falco c. @salon) ae os — eo, Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) ... ne — 30 and 33 Rk. H. Brown. “ASSISTED PASSAGE ” OF GREENFINCHES ACROSS ATLANTIC, AN interesting case of an “assisted passage’ has recently come tomy notice. On October gth, 1927, the S.S. “ Alaunia ”’ started on her westward voyage {rom Southampton, and on the same day four Greenfinches (Chloris c. chloris) flew on board. One of them disappeared during the voyage, but three remained on the ship until the shores of Newfoundland were sighted, when they apparently flew ashore. They roosted during the voyage on a band round the funnel, on the lee-side, being fed by my informant (a passenger on the vessel) and provided with water by one of the stewards. The weather throughout the voyage was unusually fine. , Such definite evidence that quite small birds can success- fully cross the Atlantic in this manner, under favourable conditions, at least justifies the suspicions already entertained regarding the appearance of other species on both sides of the Ocean. CHARLES E. ALFORD. [Such ‘‘ assisted passages’ must depend upon the ability of the bird to obtain food on board the ship. Even a partially assisted voyage at so comparatively slow a rate of progress without food must endanger the bird becoming exhausted before 1t reaches land.—EDs. | RUSTIC BUNTING IN ORKNEY. On October 13th, 1927, I received from a friend, Mr. A. Wood, Finstown, Orkney, a small Bunting which had been killed and, fortunately, brought home by the cat. Naturally VOL. XXI.] NOTES. 283 it was somewhat damaged, but with care, it made a fairly presentable specimen. a On dissection, it proved to be a male in good condition, the skin being thickly lined with fat. So far as I was able to judge it was an immature Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica), but owing to unavoidable circumstances I was unable to get this verified until February, 1928. - I then forwarded the specimen to Mr. Witherby, who very obligingly examined it forme and confirmed the identification. Jos. ARMITAGE. [Mr. Wood informs us that it was on some day between the 3rd and 7th of October that he found his mieces about to bury a bird killed by a cat. As the bird was unknown to him he forwarded it to Mr. Armitage.—Eps. | PEREGRINE FALCON ATTACKING HERON IN WILTSHIRE. DuRING the afternoon of February 16th, 1928, I was climbing a tall beech in a heronry in Savernake Forest, and had reached a height of some 4o ft., when my attention was attracted by harsh cries and suddenly a Heron (Ardea c. cinerea) and what very soon proved itself to be a Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) swept into view over the trees. I had, a few minutes before, frightened all the Herons away,and apparently only one had been close enough to notice the approach of the Falcon. At any rate, I had a good view, owing to my height, of a battle royal between the infuriated Heron and the Peregrine, which lasted for about two minutes. The Falcon returned to the attack again and again, much to the discomfiture of the Heron, which, redoubling its cries, twisted itself into most remarkable positions in its efforts to strike at its antagonist. However, the Falcon soon retired, though no other Herons appeared. The speed, size, long arched wings, silvery-grey appearance above and black on the head, proclaimed the intruder as a Peregrine Falcon, a species not often recorded in the Marlborough district, the circumstances of this record being especially interesting. W. D. SHaw. WHITE-TAILED EAGLE IN BEDFORDSHIRE. ON February 20th, 1928, ‘a very large Hawk ” was reported to me as having been seen in our park at Woburn for the first time. On the 22nd I had a very good view of it myself, and it has been seen daily by other observers or myself up to the present time, March 11th, 284 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXI. It is, I think, undoubtedly an immature Sea-Eagle (Halizetus albicilla), the only thing making identification at all doubtful, being that it shows absolutely no white in flight. The legs are bright yellow and not feathered on the tarsus, the bill is heavy, a narrow band of bright yellow at the base shading to a bluish-horn colour. The tail is almost triangular in shape and not squared. The general body-colour is an ashy-brown with darker markings, and primaries, secondaries and tail-feathers are a very dark brown. The nape is also a darker brown than the general body-colour. It is fond of sitting on the banks of our ponds, and swoops down over the waterfowl, but has not been known to kill any. ; It has a slow heavy flight, only getting high in the air if it becomes suddenly aware of the proximity of a human being. It has lost some feathers in the left wing by which it might be identified if it meets with its probable fate when it leaves us, it being so unwary that I have been within shot of it on several occasions. M. BEDFORD. [Mr. J. W. Bertram Jones states in the Field (8. III., ’28, p. 390) that he identified a Sea-Eagle early in February in Essex. The bird was striking at wild ducks on a pond, and was seen at short range, but no details of its appearance are given. An Eagle, identified as a Golden Eagle, and apparently a young bird, is stated in Cage Birds to have been shot early in February near Grimsby in Lincolnshire, and had been previously watched by Mr. R. May and others, who were able to note that the tarsus was feathered to the base of the toes and that there was a dark band below a white patch on the tail. Mr. F. S. Chapman informs us that a friend of his saw an Eagle (? species), which was very dark with the tail rather lighter and several feathers missing from it, at the beginning of February at Freckenham, West Suffolk. EDs. | GARGANEY IN THE OUTER HEBRIDES IN NOVEMBER. SHOOTING on November roth, 1927, on Benbecula, a single duck “‘ came over ”’ during the driving of a loch which proved to be a female Garganey (Anas querquedula). The bird, which was in good condition, was sent to Mr. F. Sergent, of Oban, for preservation. It would be interesting to know if a Garganey has ever been seen before in the Outer VOL. XXI.] NOTES. 285 Hebrides at this time of the year, as surely it must be most unusual for this species of duck to be so far north in November, H. E. DAVID. [So far as we know the Garganey has not been recorded as having occurred in the Outer Hebrides at any time.—EpDs. ] EARLY NESTING OF LITTLE GREBE IN HERTFORDSHIRE. On February 27th or 28th, 1928, one of the keepers at the Tring Reservoirs found on Wilstone Reservoir a nest with two eggs of the Dabchick (Podiceps r. ruficollis), and on March 4th, Miss Barclay-Smith and I saw the full clutch of four eggs, which the bird had just left. On March 11th the nest was forsaken, the water being frozen over from the shore to the edge of the reeds. Two years ago a clutch of eggs, presumably from the same pair, was found about six to eight yards from the present site at an exceptionally early date. I was under the impres- sion that I had sent a note of this to British Birds, but have evidently not done so, and now forget the exact date. ERNST HARTERT. [In the Birds of Yorkshire, I1., pp. 747-8, it is recorded that Mr. J. W. Dent of Rilston Hall, near Harrogate, found on one occasion eggs ina nest on a pond near his house on March 3rd, 1897.—F.C.R.].] LAPWINGS IN LONDON. ON March 12th, 1928, I counted a flock of forty-two Lapwings (Vanellus vanellus) feeding in a snowstorm on the cricket ground in Battersea Park. This must be an unusual occur- rence for London. H. A. F. MAGRATH. WHITE LAPWING IN CHESHIRE. In the spring of 1926 a white Lapwing nestling (Vanellus vanellus) was hatched out on a meadow at the foot of the east Cheshire hills. When fully fledged this bird was the colour of burnt wood-ash, i.e., a very light blue-grey, but practically white. Possibly the change was due to the smoke which blows very frequently throughout the year over these hills from the Staffordshire Potteries. In March, 1927, a Lapwing of similar colour appeared in exactly the same district and was presumably the same bird. Although watched carefully throughout the season until July, when it disappcared, no evidence of its breeding was 286 BRITISH BIRDS. [VoL. XXI. noted either by myself or by two local watchers, though I ringed a light fawn-coloured nestling (L 9268) on the same breeding ground on June 26th, 1928. The former bird generally roosted with four to six other Lapwings of ordinary colour on the hill-sides overlooking the breeding ground. RICHARD E. KNOWLES. TURNSTONE IN DERBYSHIRE. Dr. C. F. Druitt informs me that while shooting on December 26th, 1927, near Swarkeston, a Turnstone (Strepsilas interpres) fell to one of the guns, while another rose and got away. The bird proved to be a female, and its stomach contained skins of large larve and some small pupe. There is only one dubious record mentioned in the Victoria History of the County of Derby, but three were accidentally killed by striking telegraph wires on June Ist, 1906, and another is said to have been killed near Burton in the spring of 1908. F. C. R. JOURDAIN. LITTLE GULL IN HAMPSHIRE. On the afternoon of February 22nd, 1928, I noticed a small Gull hawking over a field on the neck of land connecting Hengistbury Head with the mainland. Its flight was unfamiliar, easy and rapid without the pronounced up and down movement of the Terns, and the dark under-surface of the wings was apparent even without the glass. After watching it for about five minutes it came close overhead and was evidently a Little Gull (Larus minutus) still in winter plumage. It then flew off in the direction of Christchurch Harbour mouth. F, C. R. JOURDAIN. GLAUCOUS GULL IN SUSSEX “IN AUGUSTD. On August 5th, 1927, I saw a Glaucous Gull (Larus hyper- boreus) at Pevensey Bay, Sussex. The bird was in company with Herring-Gulls, a Great Black-backed and two Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Its wings and back were very pale grey and the rest of the plumage pure white, and I think the bird must have been adult, in which case the date of its appearance is remarkable. D. D. GODFREY. VOL. XXI.] LETTERS. 287 BIRDS IN FOG. To the Editors of British Birps. Strs,—It is well known that the sense of orientation in birds is apt to be confused by fog, and the following recent experience of Flight- Lieutenant Frank Long, R.A.F., stationed at Farnborough, 1s interest- ing as bearing upon this problem of the direction-sense in birds. He writes :—‘‘ During the foggy weather we had here at the end of February, a kite balloon was sent up above the fog to get certain meteorological data, and when it was about 1,500 feet up and 200-300 feet above the fog, a Pigeon came along and perched in the rigging, where it remained when the balloon was hauled down to the ground. It was utterly exhausted, apparently having been flying for ages above the fog and afraid to come down through it. Only after resting for some time was it able to fly away. Possibly a lot of birds perish by flying on and on above fog until they are too exhausted to go further, when they must fall, perhaps, into the sea. In anti-cyclonic weather, such as that at the time, when there is no wind on the ground,the wind just above the fog is generally blowing at a velocity of 30-40 m.p.h.; this would mean that a bird of the Pigeon species, if flying down wind, would be covering the ground at a speed of 80-90 m.p.h., that is taking a Pigeon’s speed in still air at about 40 m.p.h. SypDNEY H. Lona. 31, SURREY StT., NORWICH. A RECEDING MIGRATION. To the Editors of British Birps. Srirs,—Towards the end of February, 1928, notably on the night of the 19th, a strong migration of birds was passing over Carlisle in the normal spring direction (N.N.West); the birds recognized being Curlew, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Oystercatcher, Sky-Lark and Common Gull. This movement followed on a spell of fine warm weather and was continued on the following two or three nights. On March toth I again heard a migration proceeding after a big drop in temperature, and to my surprise found that the birds were making in a direction directly opposite to that of the previous fortnight, i.e., S.S.East. This occurrence was also noted by a friend, Mr. R. Robson of Grinsdale, a good observer, who noted the first flights on the roth shortly after dark. The birds appeared to be in great haste and from the volume of sound to be in very close formation. Curlews seemed to be most in evidence. This is the first occasion on which I have noted a return movement of this kind and as the following days were stormy with heavy snow fall that would appear to be the cause. Has a similar phenomenon been noticed in other parts of the country ? Tuos. L. JoHNsTON, THE SMALLEST BOOK ON ORNITHOLOGY. To the Editors of BritisH Brrps. Sirs,—Since you have already published notes by me on this booklet (antea, Vol. XVIII., pp. 258-9 and 319), it may now be of interest to add that I have recently acquired another edition, bound in the original red calf, and published in 1812. This appears to tally with the des- cription I have already given of the 1816 edition, but it is noticeable that a plate of an “ Eagle’’ is included as a frontispiece. A careful examination of the 1810 and 1812 editions reveals that in the 1810 288 BRITISH BIRDS. [vVoL. XXI. edition the first section (A) of eight leaves is complete without the “Eagle ’’ frontispiece, whereas in the 1812 edition the “ Eagle ”’ frontispiece is part of the first section (A) of eight leaves. A similar critical examination of the 1816 French edition has led to the conclus- ion that it was published with a plate of an “‘ Eagle’ and that this is missing from the copy now in the Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh. There is no copy of any edition of this booklet in the British Museum Library, which, however, contains the following 32mo books by Alfred Mills, all of which are bound in the original red calf: Pictures of Roman History in Miniature, designed by A.M., 1809; Pictures of English History . . . designed by A.M. (2 vols.), 1811; Biography of Eminent Persons . . . with portraits from designs by A.M., 1814; Portraits of the Sovereigns of England from drawings by A.M., 1817. There is no doubt that the booklet under discussion was one of a series of miniature books of which another, Costumes of different Nations in Miniature: 1814, is known to me; but to investigate this matter farther in your Magazine would doubtless be regarded as out- side its legitimate scope. HuGuH S. GLADSTONE. CAPENOCH, DUMFRIESSHIRE, February, 22nd, 1928. REVIEW. Birds of Western Canada. By P. A. Taverner (Victoria Memorial Museum Bulletin, No. 41.) pp. 380. 84 colour plates, and text figures. Ottawa. Mr. TAVERNER’S previous work on the Birds of Eastern Canada was a surprising production, but it is completely overshadowed by this new work, which shows a great advance in many ways on the earlier one. Like its predecessor it is published at a merely nominal price (75 cents unbound) and through its circulation, which we understand to have been already very large, should have a great educative influence on the Canadian public. The numerous coloured plates form a striking feature of the book. Many of the figures by Hennessey which appeared in the Birds of Eastern Canada have been retained, but the less satis- factory plates have been replaced by others from designs by Major Allan Brooks. These, as might be expected, are not only accurate, but are far superior artistically. There are also many useful text cuts to aid the reader in identification. The letterpress contains just what is wanted in a book of this kind. There is a general account of the literature, so that the beginner can see at a glance where to find the material for deeper study. There is also a useful key, with directions how to use it, while the descriptions of species, though much condensed, are generally adequate for the specific identification of any bird at all likely to occur. The treatment of subspecific forms is naturally sketchy, as it lies outside the scope of a book intended for the beginner. Each bird biography is business- like, clear and judicial, while the economic status of the more prominent forms receives due recognition. In a comprehensive work like the present there are naturally several points which will require revision in a new edition, and one or two articles are already somewhat out of date, but the Canadian student is heartily to be congratulated on having so reliable a work at his service at so small a cost. F. C. R. Jourparn. 10 APR 1928 PURCHASED 1a or we of Bird and Mammal Skins with data. Stuffed Birds. No Lists. WANTED.—Taxidermist. Permanency. F. H. L. WHISH, Taxipermist, LYMPSHAM, SOMERSET LE GERFAUT REVUE BELGE D’ORNITHOLOGIE | Gondée en 1911.) Le seule publication scientifique belge traitant des oiseaux, spécialement es oiseaux de la Belique. Abonnement 25 francs belges - 5 Belgas par an. Direction: Square Prince Charles 21, Bruxelles-Laeken (Belgique) STEVENS’S AUCTION ROOMS, LTD. ESTD. 1760. 38, King Street, Covent Garden, London, W.C.2. Periodical Sales are held at the above Rooms, of NATURAL HISTORY SPECIMENS, including BIRDS and BIRDS’ EGGS, CABINETS, etc. | Also BOOKS relating to Natural History. Catalogues of sales posted on application. WHELDON & WESLEY, LTD. have in stock nearly all the books and journals required by ornithologists. The collection of old and rare works is one of the largest in the country. New books and journals supplied to order. Books not in stock sought for. Just issued: Zoological Catalogue, Part I, Vertebrata ; Part II, Faunas. Bookbinding in all its branches’ undertaken. Libraries and parcels of books purchased. LONDON:—2, 3, & 4, Arthur St., NEW OXFORD STREET, W.C.1. Telephone: oe eS 1412 NATURALISTS. CABINETS and APPARATUS of every kind for Collectors of Birds’ Eggs, Insects, &c. A LARGE STOCK OF BIRDS’ EGGS (also in CGlutoches) and BRITISH and EXOTIG BUTTERFLIES, &c. NESTING BOXES OF VARIOUS PATTERNS, which should be fixed up in Gardens or Shrubberies by Lovers of Birds before the Breeding Season. All Books and Publications (new and second-hand) on Natural History supplied. 36, STRAND, LONDON, W.C,.2., ENGLAND. H. F. & G. WITHERBY’S NEW SPRING BOOKS A GARDEN BOOK FOR MALAYA By KATHLEEN GOUGH, F.R.H.S. Demy 8vo. Photo- graphic Plates. 16/- net THE BIRDS OF THE MALAY PENINSULA A General Account of the Birds inhabiting the region from the Isthmus of Kra to Singapore with the adjacent Islands. By HERBERT C. ROBINSON, C.M.Z.S., M.B.O.U., C.M.Amer.O.U. (late Director of Museums, F.M.S.) 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JOHN LANE THE BODLEY HEAD LTD, VIGO STREET =. LONDON, W.I. W. F. H. ROSENBERG 57, Haverstock Hill, London, N.W.3, England Telephone: Primrose Hill 0660 Price List of Birds of the World, including over 4,000 species, post free to readers of “‘ British Birds.”’ Every description of collecting apparatus kept in stock. Also available: Price Lists of Eggs, Mammals, Reptiles, Lepidoptera, and books on Natural History. 1 oe 15s. net BIRDS OF THE OCEAN Aconvenient handbook for the identification of sea-birds in any part of the world. Fully illustrated. By W. B. ALEXANDER, M.A.(Cantab.) | PUTNAM . . 24 BEDFORD STREET, W.C2 $ = 15s. net That Book you want! Foyles hold a considerable stock of Second-hand Books on Ornithology, and can supply any Scientific Book that is in print and most of those that are cut of print. They have a Special Department for this class of literature under a Manager who has experience and knowledge of the Natural Sciences. Call and consult him, or write asking for Catalogue 611.. Books sent on approval. Special Offer of Pycraft’s “‘ CAMOUFLAGE IN NATURE.” Reveals subterfuges well-nigh incredible. With 64 illustrations. Published 21/-. Offered at 13/- post free. Quote Offer 611. FOYLES, | 19-125 Charing Cross Rd.,London,W.C.2 BRITSABIRDS WITH wuHicu was INCORPORATED IN JANUARY, 1917, ‘ THE ZOOLOGIST.”’ EDITED BY H. F. WITHERBY, M.B.E.,F.Z.S.,M.B.O.U. ASSISTED BY REYNFUL. KR: JourpalN; M.ASM.B.0.U., H.F.A.O.U., HSPan F. Ti¢EHURSE,/0.B.E., MM., F.R.C.S., M.B.O.U. No — iz rol x ~ = — Se ene et ne oe = = ©) . t & ND = : —— a Bostests oF NUMBER 12, VoL. XXI., May 1, 1928. The Oxford Trapping Station. By E. M. Nicholson and M. W. Willson Recoveries of Marked Birds Notes :— Common and Rough-legged Buzzards and Peregrine Falcons in Hampshire (D. A. Phillips) Early Nesting of Shag in Donegal (C. V. Stoney) ... Kildeer Plover in co. Dublin (W. J. Williams) Black Guillemot in Devon (Ernest Allen) Short Note: Albino Red-necked Grebe in Lincolnshire Letter :— Decrease of Black Game in Scotland (R. T. Fretwell) Reviews :— The Baby Bird and its Problems. By W. Bickerton Birds at the Nest. By Douglas Dewar Index to Volume XXI. aaa oct ro sue AND 303 393 303 303 304 ( 290 ) THE OXFORD TRAPPING STATION. BY E. M. NICHOLSON anp M. W. WILLSON. THE Trapping Station of the Oxford Ornithological Society in Christ Church Meadow was opened on November 16th, 1927. The site is a low mound in the centre of the Meadow, which consists of fifty acres of low-lying ground, waterlogged and partially flooded during the winter months, surrounded by avenues of well-grown timber. A reedy dyke, about four yards broad, crosses the Meadow, and it is at the edge of this we “ue THE OXFORD TRAPPING STATION IN CHRIST CHURCH MEADOW. (Photographed by W. G. H. D. Crouch.) that the trap is placed in the shelter of an alder, the only considerable tree in the open area. The trap is built on the plans of F. C. Lincoln (antea, Vol. XXI., pp. 134-150), and is of the type which he calls the House Trap, with some modifications which will be described later. The cost was about £6. The working is done by certain members of the VOL. Xx1.] THE OXFORD TRAPPING STATION. 291 Oxford Ornithological Society, who visit it in rotation at about 8 and 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and the hour when the Meadow closes. At the time of writing, the scheme has been in operation only for thirteen weeks, and conclusions must, therefore, be of an extremely tentative nature. During that period there were found in the trap 250 birds (of thirteen species); 221 of these were ringed, the discrepancy between the two figures being due partly to escapes, partly to the release of certain species before authority for ringing them had been obtained. The numbers ringed weekly were as follows :— Week No. No. of (Dates inclusive) Ringed Re- Weather Bait Used 1927 coveries Nov. 16-27 9 — Mild ‘Scraps of Nov. 23-29 8 — Mild bread, fish, Nov. 30—Dec. 6 22 — Frosty canary seed, Dec. 7-13 I —_ (Trap closed for and occasion- repair Dec. 7-11) ally grain. Dec. 14-20 38 I Very cold Dec. 21-23 2 (Trap closed till end of vacation) Michaelmas Term — — 1927 80 I 1928 : Grain; some Jan. 24-30 14 2 Mild { hmceeh, Jan. 31—Feb. 6 19 8 Mild ; slight frost | Bread and Feb. 7-13 19 Io Mild ; slight frost grain Feb. 14-20 12 6 Mild | Scones Feb. 21-27 14 6 Mild ; slight frost { Pinhead oat- Feb. 28—March 5 23 28 Unsettled; then fine } meal; bread March 6-12 16 20 very cold ; some snow | and grain. March 13-19 24 41 Snow at first; then | Pinhead oat- fine and warm meal and | bread. Hilary Termig28 141 121 The principal species ringed are the Starling (Sturnus v. vulgaris) (ninety-six, of which fifty-four in November to December 1927) ; Greenfinch (Chloris ch. chloris) (forty-nine, all in 1928 ; twenty-six during the March period) ; Chaffinch (Fringilla c. celebs) (thirty-three, all except four during 1928) ; House-Sparrow (Passer d. domesticus) (fifteen, all in 1927); Reed-Bunting (Emberiza s. scheniclus) (eight), and Yellow-Bunting (E. c. citrinella) (eight, all in March 1928). Probably the most unusual species taken are the Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla), Meadow-Pipit (Anthus pratensis) and Jackdaw (Coleus m. spermologus), but the occurrence of three Robins (Evithacus rubecula) on the first day of working, 292 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXI. and none since, is at any rate psychologically interesting. The column of recoveries enumerates all occurrences of birds previously marked, since the same bird may be retrapped many times. The only species which have so far contracted the “trap habit” to any marked extent are the Greenfinch and the Reed-Bunting. A male Greenfinch, F 6931, ringed on January 31st, returned to the trap no less than twenty-nine times during the period; another fifteen times; another thirteen times in a week. Two male Reed-Buntings have been six times retrapped. Sexes, wherever distinguishable, are particularly noted, and the proportions of males and females trapped present some points of interest, though the numbers are scarcely large enough to warrant the drawing of any very definite conclusions. Among House-Sparrows, Blackbirds (Turdus m. merula) and Great Tits (Parus m. newton), all taken during November and December, females were in a slight majority. Among Greenfinches, Chaffinches, Yellow-Buntings and RKeed-Buntings, the great majority of which were taken during January to March, males were 60 per cent. more numer- ous than females—in the case of Buntings they were six to one. It will be noticed that the proportionate numbers of the different species are not constant within the period. The marked falling-off in the number of Starlings, which formed about 70 per cent. cf the total for November to December, and only about 30 per cent. for Hilary Term 1928, and the corresponding increase of Finches and Buntings, is to some extent explained by the change in the kind of bait used, but the comparative mildness of the weather has been an important factor. The Starling population of the Meadow finds more than enough to support it in the soft mud. The most successful food during the mild weather has been pinhead oatmeal, which appears to be especially attractive to Green- finches. These are not among the dominant birds of the Meadow, and appear to come from a distance in order to visit the trap in growing numbers. Their repeated occurences have made possible some preliminary experiments on their homing ability, a summary of which follows :— HOMING OF MARKED GREENFINCHES. Date Date Distance Date Ring Sex of of Place of and Direc- of Remarks No. Marking Removal Release tion from Return rap 3 F, 6931 3r.0.28 ©2)2/28 St, Michael St. 4m.N,.W. 13.2.28 Do. Do. 15.2.28 Radcliffe Inf, rm.N. 16.2,.28 Do. Do. 1.3.28 Balliol Quad, 4m.N 3.3.28 Do, Do. 9.3.28 Bladon X roads 64m.N.W. 12.3.28 Do. Do, 16,.3.28 Frilford Heath 64m.S.W. 17.3.28 vol. Xx1.] THE OXFORD TRAPPING STATION. 293 Date Date Distance Date Ring Sex of of Place of and Direc- of Remarks No. Marking Removal Release bee from Return rap G,2708 26.2.28 6.3.28 Farmoor corner 4m.W, 7.3.28 Do. Do. 8.3.28 Horton, Otmoor 6$m.N.E. 14.3.28 Do. Do, 15.3.28 3 Pigeon’s Corner gm.E, 16.3.28 _ G, 2710 Do. 3.3.28 Ewelme Downs 13m.S,E, —_— Not yet re- trapped, G, 2765 29.2.28 12.3.28 St. John’s Garden 4m.N, 14.3.28 Do, Do. 15.3.28 Wheatley Bridge 6m™.E. —_— Not yet re- trapped G. 2762 4.3.28 8.3.28 Woodperry 6¢m.N.E. 15.3.28 To comment upon these would obviously be premature ; they are quoted in order to show that either Greenfinches taken haphazard have a remarkable knowledge of many thousand of acres of country, or that they possess and use freely something like a homing sense. Which of the two is involved may be demonstrated partly by releasing birds still farther afield, which we propose to do, and partly by rearing young from the nest and releasing them at a suitable age in order to discover whether they have a similar ability. The Greenfinch, being a very easy species to keep, we should be grateful if any readers of British Birds would act on this suggestion during the spring, and let us know the results of their experiments either with wild birds or controls reared in captivity. The plans given by F. C. Lincoln were found to need modification in practice. The doors proved far from satis- factory. It can be assumed that birds enter on or near the ground, following the trail of bait, and observation shows that many attempts to escape are made at a higher level. It follows that the upper halt of the door, when left ajar in the “‘set ’’ position, is quite useless for admitting birds and can only serve to let them out. This was remedied by making one of the inner pair on a different pattern, about four inches broader for the upper than for the lower half, the change in breadth being effected simply by a double bend in the outer rod at about thirty inches above the ground. The large single door is open to the objection that it blocks the fairway of birds coming in out of all proportion to its efficiency in preventing them from getting out, once they have succeeded in repassing the inner doors. A method by which this might have been avoided is illustrated by the following ground plan, fig. 1 being Lincoln's arrangement and fig. 2 the proposed alternative. It has been found advisable to provide several perches inside, since a few birds have dashed themselves about so violently as to cause a cut or bruise above the bill, which is, however, rapidly healed. An attempt to pad the corners 294 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXI. with small-mesh stop-net failed, owing to the impossibility of finding a net in which no bird could entangle itself. Low perches have been fixed in the ground within the surrounding guard-fence, which is about 3 feet high, sloping outwards. This and the box, attached to a corner post, in which rings, pliers, schedules and site-books are kept, is clearly seen in the accompanying picture, which was taken before the new doors and perches were provided. It must be admitted that the returns have not been, and are unlikely to become, es large as might be expected from private traps worked singly by an equal number of observers. But the co-operative large scale station hasmany advantages, not the least of which is that it allows people to take part /nner Doors afar. Outer Door afar. Outer Door shut,used only for visiting Trap. New Entrance for Birds 8*in height, 6"(n breadth. Fig. 1. Fig. 2. GROUND PLAN. who could not otherwise do any trapping at all, since with ten observers on the rota, the amount of time demanded from each is about an hour and a half every week. Some have already been so far interested as to start private traps of their own, and it is hoped that the trap may become the parent of many others in different parts of the country. These tentative remarks are put forward simply in the hope of inciting other groups of observers to band together for this work, and are in no way final. Apart from the co-operative aspects there are several private observers whose experience of British trapping conditions is much more extensive. In conclusion we should like to record our indebtedness to the Christopher Welch Trustees for the funds out of which the station was built, to the Governing Body of Christ Church, for permission to use the site, and to Mr. J. P. Burkitt, whose ex- cellent advice was responsible for several of the improvements. No. 24863 69703 28959 104090 104753 104756 104160 103285 101203 3 birds 46 birds 24236 71692 70430 ( 295 ) RECOVERY OF MARKED BIRDS.* (Concluded from page 278.) Place and Date Ringed. Place and Date Recovered. TAWNY OWL (Sirix a. sylvatica). Oakmere (Ches.), 25.4.26, Near Delamere (Ches.), nestling, by A. W. Boyd. 12.8.27, by F. England. KESTREL (Falco t. tinnunculus). Near Stromness (Orkney), Near where ringed, 21.1.28, 11.7.27, young, by J. V. by J. G. Marwick. Stephens. BUZZARD (Buteo b. buteo). Lunga Mhor, off Arisaig Near Oban (Argyll.), mid- (Inverness.), 246.25, Oct., 1927, by D. Campbell. nestling, by W. and A. B. Duncan. COMMON HERON (Ardea c. cinerea). Floriston (Cumb.), 30.4.27, Aspatria (Cumb.), 29.6.27, by nestling, by R. H. Brown. E. Midwinter. Boreham (Essex), 21.4.27, Near Whitchurch (Hants.), young, by M. Davies, for 23.2.28, by Sir W. Portal. Col. G. P. Pollitt. Ditto ditto. Near Thame (Oxford.), mid- Sept., 1927, by J. Connor. Otmoor (Oxford.), 19.5.27, Near Weston-super-Mare young, by A. K. Gibbon, (Somerset), 17.12.27, by for Oxford Orm. soc. H. E. Cole. Almondbank (Perth.), Isle of Skye (Inverness.), 6.6.27, nestling, by H. 12.9.27, by D. Campbell. Zimmerman for Lord Scone. BITTERN (Botaurus s. stellaris). Norfolk, 27.5.27. Kessingland (Suffolk), Aug., 1927. MALLARD (Anas p. platyrhyncha). Prestbury (Ches.), June and Where ringed, Sept. and Oct., Aug., 1926 (hand-reared 1926, by ringer. from Cheshire eggs), by R. M. Garnett. Ditto 29.5.27. Ditto, Aug., Sept., Oct., 1927. Ditto ditto. Near where ringed, 8.10.27, by Capt. A. S. Pearse. TEAL (Anas c. crecca). Longtown (Cumb.), 31.3.23, Kolasens (Jemtland), Sweden, ad., by Sir R. J. Graham. May, 1927, by Herr J. O. Wallin, per F. W. Watkyn- Thomas. Ditto 7-4.23. Delta of North Dvina, about 18 kil. from Archangel, Russia, 21.5.27, by P. P. Sushkin. * Correction —Blackbird, antea, p.276, No. Y.5702, date of ringing should be 27.6.26, not 27.6.27. 296 No. BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXI. Place and Date Ringed. Place and Date Recovered. TEAL (contd.). 76158 79445 78320 78496 78513 RR.1149 36823 104342 102836 104297 104689 101300 101420 IO1296 IO1410 101409 IOI295 101282 101406 Longtown (Cumb.), 3.3.25. Lake Varnern (Varmland), ad., by Sir R. J. Graham. Sweden, 3.9.27, by Einar Lonnberg. Ditto 25.8.25. Between Alloa and Stirling, 5ule25, by |, bs tlames: Ditto 14.10.25. Dalmellington (Ayr.), 2.1.28, by A. B. Money Coutts. Ditto 27.2.26. Glasson (Cumb.), 17.12.27, by R. S. Forsyth. Ditto 5.3.26. Near Muncaster Castle (Cumb.), 1519.27, by W. Marchant. Baugh, Tiree (Argyll.), Where ringed, 25.10.27, by 14.6.27, young, for Col. C. Macdonald. CrP Pollitt: WIGEON (Anas penelope). Longtown (Cumb.), 4.9.20, River Ijma (lat.64.5, long.57), young (hand-reared), by N.E. Russia, 27.5.26, by T. L. Johnston. W. Woulfertt (see B.B., SO ps 08). CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax c. carbo). Badcall Islands (Suther- Island of Coll (Argyll.), land), 24.6.26, nestling, 18.11.27, by D. J. Campbell. by E. C, Sharp. SHAG (Phalacrocovax a. aristotelis). Handa (Sutherland), Where ringed, 24.6.27, by 25.6.23, nestling, by A. E. C. Sharp. W. Boyd. Ditto, ad., 18.6.26, by E.C. Ditto ditto. Sharp. Edrachillis Bay (Suther- Island of Soay, by Mallaig land), 6.7.27, nestling, by (Inverness.), 11.2.28, by W. and A. B. Duncan. R. M. McDonald. Ditto ditto. Lochcarron (Ross.), 14.9.27, by D. MacLean and J. Stewart. Ditto ditto. Loch Fad Dam, Rothesay (Bute), Feb., 1928, by W. H. Constable. Ditto ditto. Near Cummertrees, Annan (Dumfries.), 8.11.27, by J. Nicholson. Ditto ditto. Lake Windermere (Westmor- land), 1.12.27, by R. Cole. Ditto ditto. S. Uist. (Outer Hebrides), 16.9.27, by N. McInnes. Ditto ditto. N. Uist. (O. Hebrides); 14.10.27, by A. Ferguson. Ditto ditto. Harris (O. Hebrides), 11.1.28, by J. D. Disher. Ditto ditto. Lewis (O. Hebrides), 13.1.28, by N. Morrison. VOL. x1.) No. RECOVERY OF MARKED BIRDS. Place and Date Ringed. SHAG (contd.). IO1291 104678 102107 IOTIO5 100899 IO 421 1o210% 100876 101874 102117 IOIII2 101875 101869 100884 101860 101853 101855 101448 103446 104184 104806 104884 IOII5!1 Edrachillis Bay (Suther- land), 6.7.27, nestling, by W. and A. B. Duncan. Ditto ditto. Lunga, Treshnish Isles (Argyll.), 12.7.27, mnest- ling, by W. and A. B. Duncan. Ditto ditto. Ditto ditto. Ditto Sew Ditto Lee Be Ditto ditto. Ditto ditto. Ditto TPF. 27 Ditto ditto. Ditto £3.7.27- Ditto ditto. Ditto ditto. Ditto ditto. Ditto ditto. Ditto ditto. Ditto TOT. Isle of Islay (Argyll.), 3.7.27, nestling, by T. Kerr Tintagel (Cornwall), 25.7.27, nesting, by Ji. M. and P. K. Chance. GANNET (Sula Bass Rock, Scotland, June, 1927, young, by H. W. Robinson. Ditto Aug., 1927. Ditto July, 1926. 297 Place and Date Recovered. Lough Neagh, Ireland, 24.11.27, by E. Castles. River Bann (Armagh), Ire- land, 3.1.28; dead some weeks, by F. Jordan. Off Glenelg (Inverness.), 5.9.27, by P. Mann. Mallaig (Inverness.), 7.10.27, by H. McLellan. Ditto, 22.10.27, by C. Foster. Sound of Arisaig (Inverness.), 17.8.27, by J. M. Shewell. Arisaig, 28.12.27, by H. Mac- donald, per J. Ritchie. Lochbroom (Ross.), 19.12.27, by J. MacLeod. Isle of Mull, 1.2.28, by A. Fletcher. Ditto, early Sept., 1927, by D. McLean. Near Isle of Mull, 1.10.27, by J. G. Robertson. Tiree (Argyll.), 21.1.28, by A. McLean. Tiree, 30.11.27, by D. A. McDonald. Island of Coll (Argyll.), 12.12.27, by H. Macfadyen. Isle of Harris (O. Hebrides), 18.11.28, by J. Lowe. Isle of Barra (O. Hebrides), 19.9.27, by M. MacDonald. Ditto, 8.10.27, by J. McNeil. Ditto, 19.12.27, by M. Mac- Donald. Near Mull, Jan., A. M. McKenzie. 1928, by Looe (Cornwall), 14.10.27, by H. Hocking. bassana). Udny (Aberdeen), Oct., 1927, by Mrs. Gibb. Dalmeny (W. Lothian), 19.10.27, by A. G. Schaw Miller. Bird in Edinburgh Mus. Hourdel (Baie de Somme), France, 17.11.27, by A. Labitte. No. GANNET LOL1g2 104892 65320 74964 74503 77642 RR.1072 79370 74418 RR.4405 (73708) 10 birds Z.4931 W.9862 96000 Y.7602 Y.3429 58912 Vb) G33?) BRITISH BIRDS. Place and Date Ringed. (contd.). Bass Rock, Scotland, July, 1926, young, by H. W. Robinson. Ditto Aug., 1927. (VOLy Soe. Place and Date Recovered. Aljesur (Algarve), Portugal, Dec., 1927, by J. Amado da Cunha. Near Struten lighthouse, Oslo: fjord, Norway, 4.11.27, by S: [stre: WOOD-PIGEON (Columba p. palumbus). Torrance (Stirling), 4.6.20, young, by J. Bartholo- mew. Ditto 25.25). Scone Estate (Perth.), 5.5.24, nestling, Lord Scone. Ditto 8.5.26. Ditto 8.5.27. Meigle (Perth.), 16.5.26, young, by C. W. Walker. Kirkmahoe (Dumfries.), 19.4.27, nestling, by W. and A. B. Duncan. Where ringed, ringer. 1310.27, (Dy: Near where ringed, 17.2.28, by 5 AS White: Ditto, 9.4.27, by ringer. Ditto; 17.10.27. St. Andrews (Fife.), Jan., 1928, by A. Aitchison. Coupar Angus (Perth.); 15.12.27, by A. Watt. Near Castle Douglas (Kirk- TURTLE-DOVE (Streptopelia t. turtur). Near Gt. Budworth (Ches.), 87.25, ad, by A. W. Boyd. Holmwood (Surrey), June and July, 1926, ads., by H. B. P. Kingham. cudbright,) 18.12.27, by W. M. Russell. June, Aug., 1926; June, twice July, 1927. Where ringed, June and July, 1927, by ringer. LAPWING (Vanellus vanellus). Torrance (Stirling.), 5.6.24, young, by J. Bartholo- Ditto 6.6.27. Ditto 13.6.20. Ditto 29.5.25. Ditto 28.5.25. Ditto 220:235 Killearn (Stirling.), 11.6.23, young, by P. C. Macfar- lane. Inagh, Ennis (Clare), Ire- land, 18.11.27, by M. Flynn. Tralee (Kerry), Ireland, 20.02:27, Dy i lanai, Bodmin (Cornwall), late Dec., 1927, by W. }- Olde Helston (Cornwall), 13.1.28, by G. Nicholas. Loirac, Medoc (Gironde), Brance; 22.12:27,, ‘by Ge Grenoilleau. Near Echevarria (Biscay), Spain, 2.1.28, by J. Innes and A. A. Chalke. Newcastle West (Limerick), Ireland, 12.1.28, by %S:. Geary. VOL. XXI.] No. RECOVERY OF MARKED BIRDS. 299 Place and Date Ringed. LAPWING (contd.). Z.4096 Z.1158 ah.9486 2.5543 51377 Z.9276 W.g9701 W.8474 99039 Hareshawmuir (Ayr.), 23.5.24, young, by E. R. Paton. Glen Clova (Forfar.), 25.6.24, young, by J. N. D. and T. L. Smith. Ditto, 7.626, by IE. iE. Smith. Kilmacolm (Renfrew.), 26.6.26, nestling, by Mr. and Mrs. Blyth. Ditto 26.5.23. Macclesfield (Ches.), 19.6.27, nestling, by R. E. Know- les. Kilmarnoch (Dumbarton.), 29.5.27, young, by T. Kerr. Near Beaulieu (Hants.), 15.6.27, young, by Miss and Mr. Chance. Styal (Ches.), 14.6.27, nestling, by Miss M. H. Greg. Ullswater (Westmorland), June 1927, young, by H. J. Moon. Ingleton (Yorks.), July, 1927, ditto. Ullswater (Cumb.), May, 1926, ditto. Penrith (Cumb.), May, 1927. Ditto June, 1927. Penybont (Radnor.), 5.5.27, nestling, by P. E. A. Morshead. Ulverston (Lancs.), 3.6.27, young, by H. S. Greg. Scone Estate (Perth.), 13.6.25, nestling, by D. McClure for Lord Scone. Ditto 28.5.27. Greystoke (Cumb.), 8.6.27, young, by Miss L. W. Streatfield. Place and Date Recovered. Ballynacargy (Westmeath), Ireland, 2.1.28, by W. Masterson. Moneymore (Derry), Ireland, 26.12.27, by J. McOscar. Newtownards (Down), Ire- land, 19.12.27, by W. Plun- kett. Greenock (Renfrew.), 18.9.27, by M. McGilp. Nenagh (Tipperary), Ireland, 13.11.27, by E, N. Denitt. Near Abbeyfeale (Limerick), Ireland, 22.12.27, by C. S. S. Ellison. Bruff (Limerick), Ireland, 26.11.27, by B. Sheehan. St. Servan (Ile et Vilaine), France, 1.1.28, by M. Ber- land. Carmargue (Bouches du Rhéne), France, 28.12.27, by P. Manson. Near where ringed, early Sept., 1927, by J. Clark. Monard (Tipperary), Ireland, 20.12.27, by W. O'Neill. Bonavista, Newfoundland, 27.12.27, by A. G. Bayley. Canton de Navarreux (Basses- Pyrénées), France, 6.11.27, by B. Lacoste. Near Coimbra, Portugal, 4.1.28, by M. F. Gomez. Barcarrota (Badajoz), Spain, 2.2.28, by M. Ortega. Near La Rochelle (Charente Inf.), France, Dec., 1927, by A. M. Robertson. Callan (Kilkenny), Ireland, Dec., 1927, by P. Morris. Near Moyard (Galway), Ire- land, late Dec., 1927, by H. F. G, Irwin. Bruff (Limerick), Ireland, 27.1.28, by W. Hogan. 28026 25083 W .2000 X.9204 X.4303 W.1282 W.7232 W .8681 W.5946 W .6006 Z.3076 X.6173 60352 Y.1698 Z.8821 BRITISH BIRDS. Place and Date Ringed, [VoL. XXI. Place and Date Recovered. REDSHANK (Tringa t. totanus). Near Otterbum by Miss and Mr. Chance. Littlebourne pongbuaialicy WW, als (Siero), (North- umb.), 16.6.26, nestling, (Kent), 18.5.27, young, by M. W. Humphreys, for St. Ed- Yarmouth, Isle of Wight, Phenyl a liye ey A Vale ISS: Marshall. Milton, Portsmouth (Hants), Jan., 1928, by W. J. Atkins. CURLEW (Numenius a. arquata). Lann (Dumfries.), 3.6.22, young, by J. Murray for H. S. Gladstone. Penrith (Cumb.), June, Lo27, syoune, iby, EH. Jk Moon. Drum (Sligo), Ireland, 29.2.28, by J. McCullagh. Tyrone (Ulster), Ireland, 11.11.27, by W. Simpson. SNIPE (Capella g. gallinago). Ulverston (Lancs.), 24.5.27, young, by H. S. Greg. Cark-in-Cartmel (Lancs.), 26.11.27, by W. Wilson. WOODCOCK (Scolopax yr. rusticola). Meigle (Perth.), 11.6.26, 11.6.26, young, by C. W. Walker. scone Estate (Perth.), 19.5.26, young, by A. McInnes for Lord Scone. Ditto, 20.4.27, by D. Mc- Clure, for Lord Scone. Ditto 10.5.27. Witton-le-Wear (Lancs.), I5.6.27, young, for G. P. Pollitt. Cartmel (Lancs.), 29.4.27, young, for A. Porritt. Holker (Lancs.), 2.5.27 ditto. Ditto May, 1925. Witherslack (Lancs.), May, 1927, young, by H. W. Robinson. Annan (Dumfries.), 8.6.27, young, by B. H. Fell for AS edGnrer, Near Mauchline (Ayr.), 14.10.27, by J. Macmillan. Luncarty (Perth.), 26.10.27, by j. S: Shiel) per Phe Field. Fermoy (Cork), Ireland, 20.2.28, by Mr. Devonshire per R. E. Russell. Near Sligo, Ireland, 7.2.28, by A. A. Perceval. Where ringed, 1.12.27, by J. M. Thorman. Grange-over-Sands (Lancs.), 1.2.28, by Shooting Times. Where ringed, 2.12.27, by ringer. Near where ringed, 24.11.27, by ‘ringer. Where ringed, 20.9.27, by A. Machell. Near where ringed, 12.9.27, J. A. Sperling. Hetland (Dumfries.), 17.7.27, Ditto, late November, 1927, b ditto. y J. S. Kerss per Lord Scone. SANDWICH TERN (Sterna s. sandvicensis). Scolt Head (Norfolk), 17.6.25, young, by Miss Beak. dunner: Esmoriz, near Oporto, Portu- gal, 5.10.27, by A. A. Cunha. VOL. XxI.]} RECOVERY OF MARKED BIRDS. 301 No. Place and Date Ringed. Place and Date Recovered. COMMON GULL (Larus c. canus). 28448 Tiree (Argyll.), 18.6.27, Oban (Argyll.), Jan., 1928, by young, by L. Fraser for D. Tyson. G. P. Pollitt. HERRING-GULL (Larus a. argentatus). 27696 Badcall Islands (Suther- Ringford (Kircudbright.), land.), 22.6.27, nestling, 11.1.28, by T. Coates. by Miss E. C. Sharp. BRITISH LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus f. affinis). 24562 Isles of Scilly (Cornwall), Guilvinec (Finistére), 8.7.24, young, by H. W. France, June, 1927, by R. Robinson. Bommier. 26497 Foulshaw (Westmorland), Near Leixoes Harbour, Por- 77.27, ditto. tugal, 3.10.27, by J. R. de Pinho. 26576 Ditto 19.7.27. Gijén (Asturias), N. Spain, 28.10.27, by R. Martinez. KITTIWAKE (Rissa t. tridactvla). 70450 Farne Islands (Northumb.), Grosswater Bay, Hamilton 30.6.24, young, by Mrs. Inlet, Labrador, 28.10.25, T. E. Hodgkin. by G. Budgell. (See B.B., Vol, XX., pi 204.) RAZORBILL (Alca torda). 63990 Handa Island (Sutherland), Where ringed, 24.6.27, by 25.6.23, adi, ‘by A. Wr. Miss E. C. Sharp; re- Boyd. ringed 27690. RR.2424 Bulgach Island (Suther- Oslofjord, Norway, 16.10.27, land), 7.7.27, nestling, by by J. Haugom, W. and A. B. Duncan, MOOR-HEN (Gallinula ch. chloropus). RR.237 Cumdivock (Cumb.), Near where ringed, 25.6.27, 19.7.26, nestling, by R. by ringer. : H. Brown. 27306 Torrance (Stirling.), 3.9.27, Stewartstown (Tyrone), Ire- ad., by J. Bartholomew. land, 26.11.27, by J. H. Hughes. BIRDS MARKED ABROAD AND RECOVERED IN BRITISH ISLES. No. Place and Date Ringed. Place and Date Recovered. STARLING (Sturnus v. vulgaris). Mus. Sandhem, 30 kilometres Leicester, 1.1.28, by W. E. Goteborg, N.W.of Jénképing, Swed- Mayes. Sweden. en, 16.6.26. B.3436 Vogelwarte, Rossitten, Germany, Near Beer (Devon.), Rossitten, OW .27< 29.12.27, by H. R. Dawe. Germania. 46644 302 No. P. Skovgaard, Viborg, Danmark. 8189 H Leningrad, Lesnov Instit. D.437 Mus. Zool. Helsingfors, _Finland. C.1603 Mus. Goteborg, Sweden. D.1869 Mus. Stockholm. A.589 Place and Date Ringed. BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXI. Place and Date Recovered. BLACKBIRD (Turdus m. merula). Near Copenhagen, Den- Near Nottingham, 30.1.28, mark, 27.6.27, young. by W. E. Lyon, per Daily Mail. MALLARD (Anas platyrhyncha). Silscoe (Beds.), 31.1.27, by H. S. Gladstone. Pub- lished in The Field. Lake Luberetzkoie, near Novgorod, Russia, 25.7.26. LAPWING (Vanellus Near BjoOmeborg, S. Fin- land, 27.6.27. vanellus). Near Irvinestown (Ferma- nagh), Ireland, 8.10.27, by Hunter & Son, per Shooting Times. CURLEW (Numenius a. avquata). Oland, Baltic, 24.6.26. Near Carrick-on-Shannon (Leitrim), Ireland,12.2.27, by G. C. Low and A. W. Gillman. Pub- lished in The Times. vy. vusticola). Near Birmingham (War- wick.), Dec., 1927, by Shooting Times. WOODCOCK (Scolopax Near JOnképing, Sweden, 25.5.25, young. BLACK-HEADED GULL (Larus r. ridibundus). Vogelwarte, Rossitten, Germania. P. Skovgaard, Viborg, Danmark X.P.3114 Ditto X.3807 P. Skovgaard, Viborg, Danmark. X.5245 Mus. Goteborg, Sweden. D.2162 Ditto C.2216 Ditto D.3662 Portsmouth (Hants.), Sept., 1927, by W. J. Atkins. Riems Island, Pomerania, TALE Lake Ove, N.W. Jutland, Near Southport (Lancs.), 1.6.27, young. 24.12.27, by F. W. Hold- er. Isle of Vroj, Great Belt Weston-super-Mare (Som- (Baltic), 6.7.27. erset), Dec., 1927, by R. Kemp. COMMON GULL (Larus c. canus). Hjaelm Island, east of St. James’s Park, London, Aarhus, Denmark, July, 16.2.27, by Sir Lional 1925. Earle and W. St. John Fox. Cliffe-at-Hoo (Kent), Oct., 1926, by E. Smith per G. J. Scholey. Island of Tylon, Sweden, July, 1926. Oland, Baltic, 19.6.24. Cheltenham (Glos.), 10.2.26, by L. J. Vernall. Near Maryport (Cumb.), 29.1.28, by M. Kitchin. Ditto TNS PAG fe COMMON AND ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARDS AND PEREGRINE FALCONS IN HAMPSHIRE. On May 22nd, 1927, I saw a Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) in north Hampshire on the borders of Berkshire. I sub- sequently observed this bird on several occasions during the summer. It is most unusual for Buzzards to occur here during the summer months. On December 18th, 1927, I observed a fine Rough-legged Buzzard (Buteo lagopus) on the hills in the same district. These birds occur as regular winter visitors to this district, though the past winter has produced fewer than usual. Several Peregrines (Falco peregrinus) have been reported during the past winter months. The last observed was seen on February 12th,1928, playing with a Kestrel (F. tinnunculus), which it subsequently struck down and killed. Peregrines are regular winter visitors here. D. A. PHILLIPS. EARLY NESTING OF SHAG IN DONEGAL. On March 20th, 1927, Mr. C. B. Horsburgh reports having seen two Shags (Phalacrocorax a. aristotelis) sitting on nests, containing one egg each, on the north-west coast of Donegal. This is by far the earliest record of nesting which I have had for Ireland. C. V. STONEY. [Although the above record constitutes the earliest Irish record, it is remarkable that in the Orkneys eggs have been found as early as February 24th. On the south Devon coast I have seen birds which refused to leave their nests as early as March 3rd, but have no proof that they contained eggs at that date, as all the nests examined were only partially built (cf. B.Br., VII., pp. 96-99).—F.C.R.J.] . KILDEER PLOVER IN CO. DUBLIN. A MALE example in adult plumage of the Kildeer Plover (Charadrius vociferus) was shot on January 12th, 1928, at Naul, Balbriggan, co. Dublin. The bird was first observed running about a grass field in the company of Thrushes. The owner of the land, noticing that it was a strange bird, shot it and sent it to me for identification. It was also seen in the flesh by Mr.C. B. Moffat. This is the first recorded occurrence of this American species in Ireland. W. J. WILLIAMS. BLACK GUILLEMOT IN DEVON. On March 4th, 1928, I saw from Dawlish Warren a Black Guillemot (Uvia grylle), a bird that is very rarely seen in these 304 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL, XXI. parts. The tide was fortunately high, and the bird was so close in that, though when I first saw it I not unnaturally thought it was a badly oiled Common Guillemot, as soon as I got my glasses on to it I could see there was no oil whatever on the bird, and that it was a Black Guillemot, apparently in complete summer plumage. The large white patch on the wing was very distinct and the small size of the bird most noticeable. ERNEST ALLEN. ALBINO RED-NECKED GREBE IN LINCOLNSHIRE.—With reference to the note on this subject (antea, p. 264) several correspondents have pointed out that a previous British- taken albino of this species is mentioned in the fourth edition of “ Yarrell,”’ Vol. IV., p. 127, as having been taken near Beachy Head in 1879. LETTER. DECREASE OF BLACK GAME IN SCOTLAND. To the Editors of BritTisH Brirps. Sirs,—With reference to the note on this subject (antea, pp. 206-7) I have had occasion to observe on some moors in Holstein, north Germany, that Black Grouse are extremely susceptible to changes in their environment. During a period of fuel scarcity the moors in question were more rigorously exploited for peat fuel than ordinarily, and a gocd deal of noisy machinery and many people were employed for this purpose. This caused the Black Grouse to leave these moors, where till then they had been plentiful, and they must have wandered far, as the stock on quieter moors in the neighbourhood was not increased by their numbers. That Forestry Commissioners in Scotland advocate the extermination of Black Game strikes one as a very rigorous and short-sighted measure. In Germany, where afforestation is practised to a considerable extent, the Authorities on Afforestation do not regard Black Game as sufficiently harmful to order its persecution, especially as they are known to feed principally on moorland plants and buds of trees like birches, etc., as also on insects, snails and grubs. Moreover, they prefer living on the open moors and do not much fancy plantations. DUBLIN. R. T. FRETWELL. REVIEWS. The Baby Bivd and its Problems. By W. Bickerton, pp. xvi., 136. With 96 illustrations from photographs, (Methuen.) tos. 6d. net. Tuis is a statement of the principal facts concerning the early life of our common birds, written in a popular style, and well suited to stimulate the interest of a beginner. The claim of the author in the preface, that while approaching the subject from a somewhat unusual angle he is interpreting the simple observations of the field naturalist in the light of the principles of elementary biology, is perhaps rather an overstatement, for generally the author is content to describe the facts without investigating the underlying causes. Greater accuracy in matters of detail would have added considerably to the value of the work. Thus, on p. 28,a table is given of the incuba- tion-periods of some eighteen of our commoner birds. These periods ‘VOL, XXI.] REVIEWS. 305 are extremely difficult to ascertain exactly, and in many cases there are still unexplained discrepancies in the recorded observations. There is, however, no excuse for the quite erroneous statement defining the incubation-period of the Sparrowhawk as twenty days! It has long been known to last for about five weeks, and the painstaking observa- tions of Mr. J. H. Owen have fixed it definitely at from thirty-four to thirty-five days. Some of the other periods are not correctly given : that of the Tawny Owl is certainly under-estimated. Tables showing the comparative sizes of birds taken by measurements of length must always be deceptive, as so much depends on the size of the rectrices. No one would maintain that the Long-tailed Tit is a larger bird than the Reed-Warbler, in spite of the fact that Saunders’s measurements of the former exceed those of the latter. In the dis- cussion on the comparative size of the Cuckoo and its fosterers, probably a trueridea of the proportions would be given by their respective weights. The Roseate Tern is said to have long been on the verge of extinction as one of our native species, only continuing to exist in any strength in one or two strictly protected areas. This is quite the reverse of the truth. The WRoseate Tern exists, as it has done from time im- memorial, in considerable numbers, but it has practically disappeared from what was formerly its main stronghold under strict and undiscriminating protection, though it survives in unprotected areas. Apart from these and other imperfections in detail, the book is interesting and readable, while the illustrations, though somewhat unequal in merit, testify to much persevering field work on the part of the writer. F. C. R. JourDAIN. Birds at the Nest. By Douglas Dewar, 8vo, pp. 272. (Lane.) 7s. 6d. net. Although the subject of this work is much the same as that of Mr. Bickerton’s book the treatment is totally different. It is a serious contribution to the study of bird mentality, but in his zeal to dispel the prevailing misconceptions on the subject, in which the bird is regarded as sharing in the intelligence and feelings of mankind, the author has gone to the opposite extreme and pictures the bird as a mere automaton, controlled by instinct and entirely devoid of intelligence. While admitting that there is a certain amount of truth in this con- tention, the theory is pushed much too far. The differences in degree of intelligence between different species are insufficiently recognized and far too much reliance has been placed on a series of observations from different sources of the behaviour of birds kept under totally unnatural conditions in captivity. ‘‘In aviaries instances of ill- treatment, neglect, and even murder of the young frequently occur.’’. No doubt, and when human beings have been imprisoned under some- what analogous conditions, similar results have ensued, but this proves little or nothing. In a wild state there are species in which the male hardly ever comes into contact with the young. Is it surprising that disaster follows when both sexes are kept together in confinement ? Among many mammals, seclusion from the female is absolutely neces- sary at the time of reproduction, and the interference of man leads to what in a human being might be described as a “brain storm” or temporary insanity. Even in the case of wild birds the same result may be produced by incessant interference. In more than one instance, Ravens, pestered by the attentions of a photographer, have devoured their own eggs, yet this conduct is quite abnormal and could never ‘take place under natural conditions. The Raven which deserted a threatened nesting-site was probably ‘disturbed by the preliminary falls of loose stones, and there is no need ‘to credit it with an acquaintance with the laws of mechanics any more 2A 306 BRITISH BIRDS. [voL. XXI. than to suppose that the bird which springs to sudden flight at the report of a gun has any knowledge of the laws of ballistics or the explosive properties of powder, but it does sense the presence of danger, and adopts the instinctive method of flight. The “ broken wing ” trick is the subject of a chapter in which, after quoting descriptions and explanations from many sources, the author comes to the conclu- sion that the movements in question are purely involuntary and are caused by the partial paralysis due to intense excitement. Mr. Dewar is more familiar with Indian than European birds and here his ignorance has led him into error. ‘‘ Few, if any, individual birds can, while they have young, be surprised by a human being or a four-footed crea- ture sufficiently often to have the opportunity of observing the effect of such behaviour.” Note on eccentric nesting of the Mistle-Thrush in Man, 199. RATHBORNE, HENRY 3., Note on Long-tailed Ducks in Co. Done- galin May, 19. Raven, Flock of, in Isle of Man, 8 ; Breeding in trees in Devon, 13; Tree-nesting in South Wales, 13; Nesting-habits of, 106. vyayt, Motacilla f., see Wagtail, Yel- Ow. Razorbill, Recovery of marked, 89, 301. Redbreast, Food of, 26; Large | clutches of eggs of, 64; Size of clutches of eggs of, 103; | Fledging-period of, 120; Re- covery of marked, 56, 277; | Observed in North Sea, 253; Taking fish from tank, 260; Incubation- and fledging-period © of, 281. Redshank, Recovery of marked, 89, 300; Observed in North Sea, 254. —,, Spotted, in Sussex, 186; the Scilly Isles, 186. Redstart, Breeding-period of, 108 ; Status of, in Norfolk, 247; Observed in North Sea, 253; in Incubation- and fledging-per- | iod of, 282. , Black, in Lancashire, Io1 ; in summer in London, 129; | in Merionethshire, I99; in Carmarthenshire, 230. Redwing, Observed in North Sea, 255. REEVE, JOHN S., Notes on nesting- date of Corn-Bunting, 155; Destruction of Rooks and Jack- daws by fall of tree, 174. BRITISH BIRDS. Reviews :— Photoperiodism, Reproductive Periodicity, and the Annual Migrations of Birds and certain Fishes, Io, Transactions of the Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists, Society, 1925-26, Vol. XII., Pat i 23% Report on Scottish Ornithology in 1925, including Migration, How Birds Live, a brief ac- count of Bird-life in the light of Modern Observations, 71. Days with the Golden Eagle, 104. A Bird Book for the Pocket, 163. Report of the Oxford Ornitho- logical Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire for 1925; the same for 1926, 163. Report of the Marlborough College Natural History So- ciety for 1926, 164. The Birds of the Island of Bute, 237. The Ramblings of a Bird Lover, 239. Birds of Western Canada, 288. The Baby Bird and its Prob- lems, 304. Birds at the Nest, 305. vidibundus, Lavus y., see Gull, Black-headed. RINGROSE, BeErRNARD, Note on Pheasant Chicks swimming river, 48. viparvia, Riparia, see Martin, Sand-. RiviErE, Dr. B. B., Ornithological Report from Norfolk for 1927, Ag Robin, see Redbreast. Ropinson, H. W., Notes on mouth- coloration of nestling Ring- Ouzel, 44; Early Grey Geese in Lancashire, 182; Spotted Redshank and Knot in the Scilly Isles, 186; Letters on breeding of certain ducks in Scotland, 69, 100. Roiiin, C. Noster, Note on Fulmar breeding in Durham, 66. Rook, Number of young reared, 107; Observed in North Sea, -? INDEX. 252; Nesting in Stag-headed trees, 268; Recovery of mark- ed, 270. yubecula, Evithacus, see Redbreast. yubetra, Saxicola r., see Whinchat. yuficollis, Podiceps y., see Grebe, Little. vufitergum, Garrulus g., see Jay. yustica, Emberiza, see Bunting, Rustic. , Hivundo r., see Swallow. yusticola, Scolopax, see Woodcock. SADLER, Ernest A., Note on Griffon Vultures seen in Derby- shire, 96. Sanderling, Observed in North Sea, | 254. Sandpiper, Curlew-, at Manchester Sewage Farm, 160. ——, Green, at Manchester Sewage Farm, 160. sandvicensis, Sterna s., see Tern, Sandwich. Scaup, Supposed nesting of, in Scotland, 39 ; Inland in Somer- set, 184, 206. schinzit, Calidris alpina, see Dunlin, Southern. schenobenus, Acrocephalus, see Warbler, Sedge-. ScHOLEY, Gro. J., Notes on ab- normal laying of Cuckoo, 179 ; Rejection of Cuckoo’s egg by Pied Wagtails, 180. scivpaceus, Acrocephalus, see Warb- ler, Reed-. ScoNnE, Lorp, Notes on Wood- Pigeon Diphtheria in Perth- shire, 19; Swallows and Martins in Perthshire, 156; Great Snipe in Lanarkshire and Forfarshire, 160; Wax- wing in Perthshire, 198; Ab- normal clutches in the Wood- Pigeon, 204; Surf-Scoter in Forfarshire, 262. Scoter, Inland in Somerset, 206; in London, 236. ——, Surf-, Seen on Norfolk coast, 249; Observed in North Sea, 255; in Forfarshire, 262. ——, Velvet-, Supposed nesting of, in Scotland, 38; in Lanca- shire, 192; Inland in Lan- cashire, 204. 184, 317 senator, Lanius s., see Shrike, Woodchat. 7 SERLE, Rev. WILLiamM, Note on Moorhen incubating Partridge eggs, 68. Shag, Recovery of marked, 87, 296; Inland in Surrey, 158; Observed in North Sea, 255; Early nesting in Donegal, 303. Suaw, W.D., Notes on the incuba- tion- and fledging-periods of some British Birds, 120; Pere- grine Falcon attacking Heron in Wiltshire, 283. Shrike, Red-backed, off Co. Dublin, 206. , Woodchat, Nestling plumage, Of, 20. Skua, Great, off Anglesey, 194; Turning Gannet over in the air, 235. skua, Stercorarius s., see Skua, Great. Smew, at North Worcestershire Reservoir, 17; in Middlesex, 262. Snipe, Common, flying upside down, 115; Recovery of marked, 300. , Faeroe, in the Outer Hebrides, ae , Great, in Lanarkshire and Forfarshire, 160; in Lanca- shire, 192; in Norfolk, 250. , Jack, Notes on the breeding i; ze SPARROW, COLONEL R., Note on late nesting of Goldfinch, 121 ; Sparrow, Hedge-, Recovery of marked, 57, 277; Observed in North Sea, 253 ; Incubation- and fledging-period of, 281. ——, House-, Feeding nestling Spotted Flycatchers, OL; Roosting in a lamp, 229, 264; Food of, 266. ——, Tree, White eggs of, 44; Observed in North Sea, 253. spermologus, Coleus m., see Jack- daw. spinoletta, Anthus s., Water-. Spoonbill, in Hampshire, 181, 182; in Devonshire, 236; in Nor- folk, 240. squatarola, Squatarola, see Plover, Grey. see Pipit, 318 STANFORD, J. K., Field-notes from East Suffolk, 74. Starling, Recovery of Marked, 52, 272; Observed in North Sea, 252; Incubation- and fledging- periods of, 281; Marked abroad and recovered in British Isles, 301. stellavis, Botauvus, see Bittern. stellatus, Colymbus, see Diver, Red- throated. STONE, Miss A. V., Note on Eider IMmvi