(or ad a ane Bs AST, ee * “a ane. “ * RR wS o. , r: e Loy a aed ~ ~ - A a Aa NG iwithewse, ihe Pater wy Fi ates Neopet A adel <4 Ae) seta otal”, tele bie et, “ aw os Pa heh hes Rial hr ie et -# * rae aaa + ee sree lias toy =:*: ete og wpe a no Se oe ee en ne ae ee eX ek eee ee ere re x = DRITDABINDS WITH WHICH WAS INCORPORATED IN JANUARY, 1917, ‘“ THE ZOOLOGIST.”’ AN ILLUSTRATED MAGAZINE DEVOTED CHIEFLY TO THE BIRDS ON THE BRITISH LIST EDITED BY H. F. WITHERBY MBE. F.Z.S. MB.O.U. HLF.A.O.U. 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. Volume XXV JUNE 1931— MAY 1932 H. F. & G, WITHERBY 326 HIGH HOLBORN LONDON LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. PAGE MontaGcu’s HARRIER, ACTION-PHOTOGRAPH — [*vonttispiece Plate 1. Female Montagu’s Harrier about to alight at the nest. (Photographed by Walter Higham.) I Fig. 1. The flow of the air-stream round a wing, seen end on, in normal flight a ‘at ho 3 Fig. 2. The flow of air round a wing, seen end on, in “stalled ’’ flight ”’ a me oes cae 3 EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES OF THE RINGED PLOVER. Fig. r. Ringed Plover: About to retrieve egg outside nest. (Photographed by George Marples) 35 Fig. 2. Ringed Plover : Egg outside nest found and bird proceeding to brood it. (Photographed by George Marples) ~ az on wan ae 36 Plate 2. Ringed Plover—Upper : Sand-hidden nest discovered Middle: Probing in ne 4x for hidden eggs... | Lower : Kicking sand away (Photographed by George Marples.) Plate 3. Ringed Plover—Upper : Digging out second egg . Middle: Second egg ex- 41 tracted ‘ ae Lower: Proceeding to brood i re (Photographed by George Marples.) MISTLE-THRUSH DECORATING NEST WITH FEATHERS 56 -UCKOO’S EGG IN NEST OF REEVE ... 57 BREEDING OF THE WHIMBREL IN INVERNESS-SHIRE. Nest of Whimbrel in Inverness-shire, June ~ — (Photographed by A. H. Daukes) ... | ... . 63 Breeding Ground of Whimbrel in Inverness-shire, June, 1931. (Photographed by A. H, Daukes) ... 64 Ta 4a) ne a ae iv LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. BLACK-HEADED GULLS ROLLING EGGS AND OTHER OBJECTS BACK INTO THE NEST MOVEMENTS OF RINGED BIRDS FROM ABROAD TO THE BRITISH ISLANDS AND FROM THE BRITISH ISLANDS ABROAD :— Starling—Map to show origin of winter visitors to British Islands Linnet—Map showing recovery positions of birds ringed as nestlings in Great Britain Meadow-Pipit and Tree-Pipit—Map showing recovery positions of birds ringed as nestlings or as native in Great Britain Pied Wagtail—Map showing recovery positions of birds ringed as nestlings in Great Britain... Wood-Warbler—Map showing recovery positions of birds ringed as nestlings in Great Britain ... Song-Thrush—Map showing recovery positions of birds ringed as nestlings (one adult) in Great Britain = + Blackbird—Map to show origin of winter visitors to British Islands Wheatear and Whinchat—Map showing recovery positions of birds ringed as nestlings in Great Britain Swallow—Map showing recovery positions of birds ringed as nestlings (one adult) in Great Britain ... DoMESTIC FowL’s EGG WITHIN AN EGG, RECON- STRUCTED FROM FRAGMENTS MOVEMENTS OF RINGED BIRDS FROM ABROAD TO THE BRITISH ISLANDS AND FROM THE BRITISH ISLANDS ABROAD—(continued). Cuckoo— Map showing recovery positions of birds ringed as nestlings in Great Britain PAGE 150 I10 118 IIg BEAL I22 123 125 126 127, 140 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. Common Heron—Map showing recovery positions of birds ringed as nestlings ‘i Mallard—Map to show recovery positions in July and August of birds ringed as young in Great Britain Mallard—Map to show origin of winter visitors to Great Britain Teal—Map to show recovery positions between April and October of birds ringed as hand-reared adults and young in Great Britain Teal—Map to show origin of winter visitors to the British Isles ... Wigeon—Map to show recovery positions Cormorant—Map to show recovery positions of birds ringed as nestlings Gannet—Map to show recovery positions of birds ringed as nestlings at Bass Rock and Ailsa Craig ... . o rr Lapwing—Map to show recovery positions ... Curlew—Map to show origin of winter visitors to the British Islands SHORT ACCOUNT OF THE PRESENT STATE OF BIRD- LIFE IN THE TEESMOUTH. oe Maps of Tees Bay (low tide) and chief flight ines in ok Ses bay ue e Y THE BREEDING-HABITS OF THE STORM-PETREL. Adult Storm-Petrel outside Nesting-site, Skokholm. (Photographed by H. A. Wallace) ... e Plate 4. Nestling Storm-Petrels. Upper: Innest F, 4 days old, showing bald spot on crown, also discarded egg-shell. Lower : From nest E, 7 days old, showing typical attitude with beak resting on ground. (Photographed by H. Morrey Salmon) Vv PAGE 193 210 “te vi LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. THE FLEDGING-PERIOD OF THE BARN-OWL. Plate 5. Young Barn-Owls. Upper: Eldest (left) 28 days, middle 25 days, youngest 1g days old. July roth. Centre: Eldest (left) 35 days, middle 32 days, youngest 26 days old. July 17th. Lower: Theeldest angry, 42 daysold. July aki (Photographed by W. Wilson) MOVEMENTS OF RINGED BIRDS FROM ABROAD TO THE BRITISH ISLANDS AND FROM BRITISH ISLANDS ABROAD—(continued). Woodcock—Map to show recovery positions Sandwich Tern—Map to show recovery positions abroad of birds ringed in Great Britain as nestlings Common Tern and Little Tern—Map to show recovery positions of birds ringed in Great Britain as nestlings Black-headed Gull—Map to*show recovery positions abroad of birds ringed in Great Britain as nestlings Black-headed Gull—Map to show one of winter visitors to the British Isles.. ; Common Gull—Map to show origin of winter visitors to the British Isles ; ae Herring-Gull—Map to show recovery positions British Lesser Black-backed Gull—Map to show recovery positions abroad of birds ringed in England as nestlings 3 Kittiwake—Map to show recovery positions of birds ringed as nestlings on the Farne Islands, Northum- berland Razorbill—Map to show recovery positions abroad of birds ringed in Sutherland as nestlings Guillemot—Map to show recovery positions PAGE 276 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. vil PAGE Land-Rail—Map to show recovery positions abroad of birds ringed as nestlings (one adult) in the British Isles ... tes ie ap ai a ©= B08 PTARMIGAN’S NEST IN LonG HEATHER - «. 306 LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL INCUBATING, SKOKHOLM. (Photographed by R. S. Pollard)... ee i, RIS GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL APPROACHING NEST, SKOKHOLM. (Photographed by BR. S. Pollard)... 312 THERRING-GULL ALIGHTING NEAR NEST, SKOKHOLM ... 313 r \ - =_ . 5 = _— = 7 \ ¢ amlell Ns ee Na SN = ee \ Aaa WY Were 4 DANISH BIRDS ANIEUSTRATED- MAGAZINE DEVOTED CHIEFLY TOTHEBIRDS ss ONTHEDRISH USL MONTHLY. 1s9a YEARLY-20. 326HIGHHOLBORNIGNDON. HFéG-WITHERDY A FASCINATING NEW BIRD BOOK WATCHINGS AND WANDERINGS AMONG BIRDS By H. A. GILBERT and ARTHUR BROOK Authors of ‘Secrets of Bird Life” and ‘‘ Secrets of the Eagle” With 30 photographs. 10/6 net. (Postage 6d.) “Their wanderings took them to the coast of Pembrokeshire, to mid-Wales, to the Orkneys and to the haunts of the Golden Fagle in Scotland, and to the lake district of Hungary, where nest the Spoonbill, the Glossy Ibis and the Great White Heron. This varied experience, added to enthusiasm and a power of accurate observation, has resulted in a first-rate record of bird work. Readable to a high degree, the book tells us just the sort of things we like to hear about: some of our rare birds, and further, propounds a number of interesting bird problems. . . it is well worth buying this particularly thoughtful book.” —T he: Spectator. “Mr. Brook’s photegraphs are a delight.”—Morning Post. ARROWSMITH, 57 GOWER STREET, LONDON,W.C.1 NIGHTINGALES Will any ornithologist or bird-lover who knows of nests of Nightingales with young in suitable situations for photography during the coming summer kindly com- municate with Oliver G. Pike, The Bungalow, Leighton Buzzard, who is making a special photo- graphic study of this bird. Mounted and signed en- largements will be presented of all birds photographed. THE FAUNA OF BRITISH INDIA, including CEYLON and BURMA. Published under the authority of the Secretary of State te India in Council. Medium 8vo., with two coloured plates and 94 text illustrations. COLEOPTERA STAPHYLINIDA, Vol. 2, 15s. LONDON: TAYLOR & FRANCIS, Red Lion Court, Fleet Street, E.C.4 4 teb¢be0e™ British Birds, Vol. XXV., Pl. Female Montagu’s Harrier about to alight at the Nest (Photographed by Walter Higham). Gy DRITDSABIRDS ITH WHICH WAS INCORPORATED IN JANUARY, 1917, ‘‘ THE ZooOLocIsT.” EDITED BY we. WIilLoUERBY,. M.B.-E., F.Z.S.,.M.B.0.U.,H.F.A.0.U. ASSISTED BY EV. F.C. R. JOURDAIN, M.A., M.B.O.U., H.F.A.O.U., F.Z.S., AND NORMAN F. TICEHURST, O.B.E., M.A., F.R.C.S., M.B.O.U. CONTENTS OF NUMBER I, VOL. XXV., JUNE I, 1931. PAGE a Remarkable Action-Photograph of a Montagu’s Harrier. By Lieut. R. R. Graham, R.N., M.B.O.U. : 2 orth Sea Migrants, 1930. By Capt. D. K. Wolfe Murray, F.2.5. 6 sie Display of the Mallard. By Henry Boase 12 anx Ornithological Notes, 1929 and 1930. By P. G. Ralfe 18 potes :— | Hawfinch in Perthshire (Lord Scone).. = 22 Crossbills in Gloucestershire and Breeding i in " Surrey (Guy | Charteris) ; 2 Direcion of Movemen’ 4 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL XaQve wing is then in what is known as a “ stalled” condition, and is not only pushing air along in front of it but is also dragging the turbulent wake along behind it. The reaction of the air upon the wing in the opposite direction is therefore back- wards, once more at something like go° to the mean surface. Now this Harrier, descending steeply on to its nest, would require above all else a strong force acting upwards and backwards along the path of descent in order to ensure a gentle landing ; so its wings are held by the muscles at the only angle which can produce such a force—flat against the air-stream. I feel pretty sure that at the moment the photograph was taken the wings were being flapped in a downward and forward direction, for, held steady, at the low speed required for landing, they would not displace air in sufficient quantity or at great enough velocity to produce the amount of reaction required. This downward and forward stroke would not greatly alter the speed of the air-stream over the inner parts of the wings, for the reason that, being close to the pivots at the shoulders, those parts cannot be moved very far; but towards the tips of the wings the reaction will be greatly increased. They are therefore the more important parts, and in this connexion it is interesting to note that the primary feathers are separated (owing to their being emarginated), forming a number of “slots”. These slots greatly increase the efficiency of the wing-tips, just as the Handley-Page slot does for aeroplanes. The actual manner in which the slots operate, and the several duties which they probably perform, can only be described at some length, and to attempt to do so here would merely entail tedious repetition of the paper which was published in British Birds for June and July, 1930. (Vol. XXIV., pp. 2-21, 34-47 and 58-65.) It is probable that birds seldom require to use their wings as air-brakes in such a drastic manner as the Montagu’s Harrier was evidently doing, but I have seen at least one other photograph in which the covert-feathers are similarly displaced. Air-brakes as well as slots are incorporated in certain of the latest designs of aircraft, notably the Puss Moth. [Epirors’ NotE.—We are greatly indebted to Mr. Walter Higham for allowing us to reproduce here this beautiful and interesting photograph of which Mr. Graham has given us so lucid an explanation. Concerning the taking of the photograph Mr. Higham writes as follows :— VOL. Xxv.] REMARKABLE ACTION-PHOTO. 5 “ This flight-picture of the female Montagu’s Harrier was obtained last summer in Norfolk. The result was achieved by constructing the ‘hide’, or ‘blind’, a considerable distance from the nest, much further than is customary in ordinary photography of birds at the nest. This was done to enable the occupant of the ‘hide’ to get a better view of the surroundings, and also to get a chance of the bird alighting in the front of the nest as well as from the sides and rear. As readers no doubt know, the Montagu in practically every case alights against the wind, and once the direction of this has been discovered the photographer has a very good idea at which point the bird is likely to appear in the viewing aperture of the ‘ hide’. This certainly makes it easier, but in the photograph in question it was difficult, as the slight breeze that was in -evidence was blowing direct into the front of the ‘ hide’. As a consequence, the bird came from behind, right over the hide, and there was no warning of her approach except by ‘watching the heads of the youngsters, which were scarcely old enough to take a great deal of notice of ‘mother’ in (the air. The breeze was so slight that it was hardly perceptible and certainly did not unduly affect the plumage of the bird.* The ‘explanation of the position of the wings and feathers I must ‘leave to Mr. Graham, who, I feel sure, will be able to enlighten ‘us on this interesting subject.’’] * Mr. Higham’s last paragraph raises a point about which there /may be some doubt. No breeze can ever possibly blow a bird’s feathers ‘up from behind, because the bird is “ carried’’ by the air and super- imposes its own speed upon that at which the air is travelling. A ‘| bird in flight detects wind merely by the fact that it carries him in the direction in which it is flowing at the speed of the wind; he does ‘not feel it in the same manner as we do. All he actually feels is the “bumping ”’ effect due to eddies in the wind, an effect which is familiar ‘to all who fly in aeroplanes.—R.R.G. (6) NORTH SEA MIGRANTS, 1930. BY Caprain D. K. WOLFE MURRAY, F.z.S. THE year 1930 proved to be the best for birds scen since these records were commenced in 1927.* Several new species were added to the list, the most noticeable being Golden Eagle, Merlin, Sooty Shearwater, Ivory-Gull and Grey Phalarope. The Golden Eagle was seen flying south at about 600 feet, and was watched until out of sight. It was, I think, a young bird, as there was a good deal of white about it. I may add that I am quite familiar with the bird in Scotland. The Sooty Shearwater was feeding in our wake in company with Fulmar Petrels. It was very tame, and alighted on the water within three yards of the ship. I think I saw the same bird again next day, but not being quite certain I made no entry of the fact. The Ivory-Gull was also seen at very close quarters, as it was in company with Kittiwakes. It was a pure white bird with a black bill. Its cry was very similar to that of an immature Common Gull. The Surf-Scoter was identified by the characteristic white patches on the head and neck. As there appear to be few records of Carrion-Crows posi- tively identified, I may mention that I was able to catch one of those entered as it was roosting aboard, and so was able to make quite certain of its identity. The return of the Golden-crested Wrens was interesting, as they were entirely absent during 1928 and 1929. Chaffinches were less abundant than usual, but more Buntings were seen than in any previous year. The Lapwing invasion in September was on a wide front and in vast numbers, as thousands were seen on the same date in September on the Norfolk coast. The total number of species noted in the year was 56. No entries appear for May, as I was ashore on leave for that month. Date Species No. Lat.(N.) Long.(E.) baci ag Visibility JANUARY. ist Little Auk (AEN GUG\ i eee el 54° 20’ 4° co’ W. mod. Mod. * For observations in 1927 see Vol. XXI., pp. 252-255; in 1928 and 1929, Vol. XXIV., pp. 114-119, and for a chart of the area see Vol. XXIV., p. 120. COL. XXV.] Yate Species 8th ‘Ist ‘8th “8th 9th oth s5th ‘6th J Chaffinch (F. celebs) ... Grey Phalarope (Ph. fulicarius) Sky-Larks (A. arvensis) Starling (S. vulgaris) Coot (F. atra)... Meadow-Pipit (A. pratensis) Dunlin (C. alpina) ... Tree-Pipit (A. trivialis) Redwing (LT. musicus) Blackbird (IL. merula) Starling Sky-Lark Rook (C. frugilegus) Brambling ... (F. montifringilla) Blackbird ’ Sky-Lark Starling oui Meadow-Pipit Common Scoter (O. nigra) Starling Hooded Crow (C. cornix) . Brown Owl (S. aluco) Hooded Crow Redwing Fieldfare (T. pilaris) ... Redwing Robin (E. rubecula) Common Wren (T. troglodytes) NORTH SEA MIGRANTS, 1930. Wind and No. Lat.(N.) Long.(E.) Force ANUARY (continued) “y 55° 00’ 4° 55’ S.W. fresh ay FEBRUARY. 41. 55° 20’ 5° oo’ S.E. light e) MARCH. I 54° 10’ 4° 10’ Var I 55° 40’ 6° 20’ S.E. mod. zB ° £ ° , be r «55° 35’ 6° 20’ E. light oe 6 2 6 ° ¢ ° ‘ ba 4 55 40° 6° 25’ S.S.E. light I I I | : » 54° 30’ 4° 30’ S. light 4 54° 40’ 4° 30% S. light APRIL 1 ° * 40 , - 55° 00’ 4° 00’ Var. 1) I 2 56° 00’ 5° 40’ S.S.E. mod. 40 22 6° oo’ E. light Visibility Good. Good. Good. Good. Good. Low. Fog. Mod. Good. Low. Low. 8 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV. Wind and visipility Lat.(N.) Long. (E.) porce Species No. APRIL (continued) Corn-Bunting (E. calandra) Tet Pied Flycatcher | (M. hypoleuca) 1 BR LO) 5° LO oe. lebt Good. NUINGE: oth Manx Shearwater (P. puffinus) I Chiffchaft 60 miles N. by E. of Spurn Light Ho. 16th (Ph. collybita) 1 56° 00’ 4° 00’ N. light Good. 17th Starling ee 56° 00’ 4° 00’ N. light Good. zoth Song-Thrush (immature : bird) as I BS Gy | al Xe) SUSE AWE, Ivesloue Good. 22nd Spotted Flycatcher : (Me siviataye.. |i 55° 30’ 4° 10’ S.W. light Good. 26th Swift (A. apus) 1 5435) Ato” Var. Good. JUL, Ist Swift sad 54 45 4 tO S55. E. fresh Mod. 2nd Common Scoter 5 54> S00 Ae rs” Nal Low. 3rd_s Starling I Bl 55) Al BO)” S), Ihiedoue Good. 6th Swift sie I ) Turtle-Dove F-54257 22 20° SW. light Low. (S. turtur) ... 1 J 22nd Common Cross- bill (2 imma- ture, r adult) 3 54 20° 3° 40" Var. Mod. 24th Sandwich Tern (immature)... 1 54° 40’ 4° 00’ N.E. mod. Mod. AUGUST. 6th Willow-Wren (Ph. trochilus) 1 55. 15’ 4° 30’ S.W. mod. Good. 8th Common Crossbill (L. curvirostra) 4 55 20° 5° 00’ W. light Good. tith Curlew (N. avquata) 6 56° 05’ 4° 40’ N.W. light Low. 13th Curlew... ota. 5 56° 10’ 4° 20’ N.W. light Good. 14th Lesser Whitethroat (S. curruca) I 50 10° 4° 20° Var. Low. 18th Wheatear I (42. enanthe) I 55° 35’ 6° 00’ S.E. mod. Good. SEPTEMBER. 8th Merlin Caught previous to my joining ship. Kept for (F. @salon) I2 weeks. 13th Dnunolin... AG I 55 00° 3°40" E. mod. strong Low. VOL. XXV.] NORTH SEA MIGRANTS, 1930. 8) Date ° Species No. Lat{N.) Loug.(E ay nee Visibility SEPTEMBER (continued) 14th Kestrel (F. tinnun- culus) fe eS Wheatear Dunlin oe l Common Sandpiper Pac inal : 54° 55’ 3° 40’ Var. light Low. White Wagtail (M.alba) ... 1 Blackcap (S. atricapilla) 1 Golden Eagle (A. chrysaetus) 1 | 18th House-Martin - (D. urbica) ... I 55° 00’ 4° 25’ S.W. strong Low. 2ist Swift at 55° 00’ 4° 20’ N.W. mod. Low. 22nd Meadow- -Pipit | 2 55° 00’ 4° 20’ S.W. light Low. 23rd Wheatear gag ty raat: Lapwing | (V. vanellus) 8 é; Redstart » . Ba? sa* ao ro’ SoWomod. Poor. (Ph.phenicurus) 1 Sky-Lark ma. Kestrel re 2 26th Sparrow- “Hawk ) (A. misus) ... I Meadow-Pipit I Snow-Bunting | datas ? { 54° 55’ 4° 20’ S.E. light Good. Diver (C. stellatus) 2 Surf-Scoter (O.perspicillata) 1 27th Redwing = (151) THE FEEDING-HABITS OF THE SPARROW-HAWK. BY J. H. OWEN. Durinc the last twenty years I have paid considerable attention to the habits of the Sparrow-Hawk (Accifiter n. nisus) and have found it a matter of difficulty to accumulate material worth publishing on its feeding-habits, except during the period when it has young in the nest. A Hawk must have a moderately flat surface to feed on. Hence, if using a branch of a tree, it needs one of at least I5 inches circumference. Even a young Sparrow-Hawk, not long out of the nest, can manage on a branch of this size, though of course it finds a great deal more difficulty in making a meal in such a position than an old bird does; in fact, I have seen a young bird drop its prey and lose it while using such a position. On the other hand, I have watched old birds, and particularly the male, completely devour a small bird on a much thinner branch. During the incubation-period it is practically invariably the rule for the male to do all the hunting and from time to time bring the catch near the nest for the female. When he gets into the wood he calls and waits for the female to answer. If he gets no answer he continues to call, and after a time comes nearer the nest and repeats. This goes on for several minutes sometimes if there is no response, and at last, if his mate does not respond, he eats all or part of his yame on a perch at some distance from the ground. As the perch selected is usually a dead branch, with the end broken off, an observer has a good chance of viewing the proceeding from somewhere near the nest. After he has saten what he wants he spends a few minutes preening and senerally tidying himself up. Then he calls again and erhaps repeats his call after a pause. After that, sometimes 1e will come to the nest and visit his mate for a very short ime, or he may leave the neighbourhood at once, while ometimes he will perch, preferably again on a dead branch, ind rest or sleep for a period up to approximately one hour. ‘hen he goes off on the hunt again. Although I have known . male bring a second offering in just under an hour and the en accept it after refusing the first, I should say that, in eneral, the male comes in with a capture about once in hree hours. Though I have a good deal of evidence for his statement it must be taken with reserve, for it would 152 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV, require an immense amount of time to make sufficient observa- tions to justify a true average. If the female accepts the food the male brings, how she will dispose of it depends very much on the nature of her surroundings. Sometimes she will do as the male and eat it on a favourite branch at some distance, not usually outside thirty yards radius, from the nest. Sometimes the Sparrow-Hawk will use an old nest of a Hawk, Wood-Pigeon, Jay or Magpie as a dining table. Such a nest (it would be more correct to call it a platform) is often covered with feathers and often contains remains of skulls and legs of the birds devoured there. Often splashes of whitewash about and below these dining places draw atten- tion to them and thus to the fact that there is a nest some- where near. I have often also found Kestrels using an old Magpie’s nest in this way. Usually when these elevated positions are used the prey is of small size, 7.e., Blackbird, Thrush, young Starling downwards. A larger bird, such as a Wood-Pigeon, may be eaten on the ground at the very foot of the nest-tree, or the hen may have to go quite a long way from the nest for — her meal. In cases of this sort I think the male has usually got a wounded bird and the hen goes to the place where he has finally finished it off. She then half drags and half carries the prey as far as she can towards the nest-tree and when she cannot get any farther she makes her meal. I have frequently found places where a Sparrow-Hawk has fed on the ground on birds of many species, from Cuckoos to Wood- Pigeons. At the same time I must emphasize the fact that the male is mostly a small game hunter and the majority of the birds he catches are Finches, Warblers, or other small birds up to the size of a Blackbird. From the time that Sparrow-Hawks begin to build in early March, or even before that, until the young have left the nest, it is usual for the hen to have one or more favourite feeding places. I have already noted those in the trees. If the feeding places are on the ground, various types are used. A large grass-covered mole-breeding mound is a very favourite site, or a stump of a tree may be used, a pile of faggots or a collection of branches cut from the top of a felled tree and piled in a heap. In 1931 I came across a very good example of the last- mentioned site. I thought I saw signs that a Sparrow-Hawk was beginning to build on a platform of sticks in the top of a OL. XXv.] SPARROW-HAWK’S FEEDING HABITS. 153 arge hawthorn bush in the middle of a wood, and a few yards from this I came on a pile of branches that had obviously seen used several times as a feeding-place. This find made t pretty certain that a nest had been started. When a search through the wood revealed two more such feeding-places at 10 great distance I was satisfied that the Hawks would nest m the platform. A visit to the wood a week later showed that considerable additions had been made to the platform. The feeding-place first found was covered with feathers and the skin of a short-tailed field-mouse lay among them. A search among the pile of sticks brought to light a few pellets. It was obvious also that the Hawk, or Hawks, used to perch for long periods on the decaying branches, as not only were the pellets there, but parts of the surroundings were liberally sprinkled with whitewash. Neither of the other feeding- places had been used since my last visit and they were never used again. In May I began to visit the nest and wood regularly and frequently. After a spell of a few fine days the feeding-place would be covered with feathers, and often legs of Blackbirds, Thrushes and Starlings were to be seen. I also frequently found parts of the larger bones and especially the bills of Finches. On the whole, the feathers showed that the food consisted chiefly of Warblers, Tits, Hedge-Sparrows and Finches, with House-Sparrows occurring more frequently than any other ; this might be expected, as there was a large farm just one field away from the wood in a south-westerly direction and the wind was frequently from the farm to the wood. Sometimes Tree-Sparrows could be identified, for that bird was quite common in the neighbourhood. The effect of wind is easily explained. Sparrow-Hawks hunt up or across wind; but rarely, if ever, down wind. Hence, when the male brings food to the wood, he is usually coming down wind. The feeding-place should therefore be up wind as regards the nest. This also explains why there is usually more than one feeding-place for a nest. The Sparrow-Hawk began to lay on May 11th and produced four very fine eggs. For some reason they did not hatch although the bird incubated them for more than five weeks. She was always an unusually timid bird and the very frequent visits to the nest may have kept her off the eggs too much. Finally she deserted, but something had eaten the eggs when I went to investigate the reason for not hatching. Even then the feeding-place was resorted to for a few more days before 154 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV. being deserted, and was thus used for four months regularly and probably something like three hundred birds were devoured there. I may add that I never saw any indication of game or poultry among the remains. The bird, or birds, always used one particular branch as a perch when feeding. On my first visit this was still covered with bark. By July not only was the bark gone, but more than an inch of rotten wood was worn away by the efforts of the birds in breaking up victims on it. Such feeding-places are fairly common and I saw several more during 1931, but this was the only case, so far as I could be certain, where only one place was used. In the other cases two or three alternative places were used accord- ding to the direction of the wind. After the hatching of the young practically all the food is broken up on the nest. Moreover, even after the young have flown they and their parents use the nest as a dining-table for some three weeks longer. After the family is scattered and until some time in February, I do not think that male and female work much in conjunction, but each does its own hunting. Then if the — prey is caught in the open one of a number of things may be done. A small bird may be taken into a wood or clump of trees to be eaten. Sometimes it is carried to a fence in the field where it was caught and devoured there. It is very rare for a Sparrow-Hawk to make a meal right out in the open away from cover. If the place of killing is a rushy field or heather-covered ground, the victim is eaten in an open space, but well screened from observation by the rough herbage. I have very often walked right on top of Sparrow- Hawks engaged in meals in such situations. It is rather curious that the spot chosen in a rushy field is usually mound- shaped, if such a place is to be found. Every year in April I see quite a number of such feeding-places in the Perry Valley in Shropshire. In a single field, for instance, I have found a dozen or more of these mounds covered with feathers of birds eaten by Sparrow-Hawks and Peregrine Falcons. During the winter Sparrow-Hawks will sometimes make rather extensive flimsy platforms in trees in the woods. What the object of them is I have never been able to make out to my satisfaction. They do not seem to be used for dining-tables, but I have occasionally found bodies of birds and small mammals lying on them. These, however, may have been left by stoats, for I know that stoats sometimes store away VoL. xxv.] SPARROW-HAWK’S FEEDING HABITS. 155 a small rabbit, or other kill, in an old Blackbird’s nest for example. In such cases the rabbit is curled round in the nest and left until needed. Usually, however, the stoat covers or partly covers his food, and I have never yet seen any attempt to cover the bodies I have found on the Hawk platforms and, for this reason, I am inclined to think that Hawks and not stoats are responsible. It is certain that Hawks often use old nests of Hawk, Jay, Pigeon and other birds to feed on during the winter and I have seen nests that, from the abundance of feathers on and about them, must have been made use of on many occasions. This makes the non-use of the platforms as dining-tables all the more inexplicable. It is true that sometimes these platforms are later on used as the foundation of nests, but rarely in the spring following that in which they were built. For example, the platform of the nest of 1931 near the feeding-place which I have described so fully above was made in the winter of 1929-30. It was between four and five feet long and two feet wide and the largest I have ever seen. The nest was made in just one end of it in 1931. (156) RECORDS FROM THE NORTH ATLANTIC, 1931. BY T. G. LONGSTAFE, m.p. THE following notes were made in 1931 on a voyage from the Faeroes to Greenland, and back again on the same course. Comparison should be made with Nicholson’s paper in British Birds, Vol. XXII., pp. 122-133, November, 1928. It is obvious to me that not even Kittiwakes follow ships across the Atlantic. Besides distributing its own refuse, the passage of a ship disturbs the water and must bring many marine organisms to the surface; I think this is the main reason why so many sea-birds fly towards any ship they meet in the course of their normal wanderings. Fewer birds were met with on the homeward voyage; this may have been partly due to the rough weather encountered, though I am convinced they had moved off. POSITIONS AT NOON. June 14th, 10° 40’ W., 61° 50’ N. Wind S.E., strong; rain. June 15th, 19° W., 61° 40’ N. Wind N.E., moderate ; some sun. June 16th, 27° 45’ W., 61° N. Wind N.N.E., strong; some rain. Jume 17th, 35° W., 60° N. Wind S.W.; cold ; -drizzle. June 18th, 42° 25’ W., 59° 20’ N. Wind S., strong; sunny. July 23rd, 43° W., 58° 40’ N. Wind N.E.; fair. July 24th, 35° W., 60° N. July 25th, 28° 50’ W., 60° 50’ N. Gale, N.E.; heavy sea. July 26th, 21° 40’ W., 61° 20’ N. Overcast; some rain storms. July 27th, 14° W., 61’ 40° N. Wind N.W., strong ; rainstorms. July 28th, Thorshavn, Faeroes. GANNET (Sula bassana).—June 12th, two, halfway between Norway and Orkney. July 26th, one, mature, reported 6 a.m. (about 200 miles Ss. of Iceland). SHEARWATER (Puffinus sp.).—Smaller and “ quicker- flying ’’’ than Great Shearwaters. Crown, nape, back, wings appeared uniform black; throat and all under-parts white. June 18th, 7 p.m. (50 miles from Cape Farewell), met four. July 25th, 11 a.m. (250 miles S.W. of Iceland), one amongst Great Shearwaters. GREAT SHEARWATER (Puffinus gravis)—None seen on western voyage; compare Nicholson (antea, Vol. XXIL., Dp 132): July 23rd (Cape Farewell, 50 miles), 8 a.m., a dozen feeding. July 24th (250 miles E. of Cape Farewell), ro a.m., small flock feeding ; 1.45 p.m., passed flock over 100 ; 5.30 p-m., none in sight. VOL. xxv.] NORTH ATLANTIC RECORDS 1931. 157 July 25th (250 miles S.W. of Iceland), 9 a.m., one ; II a.m., twenty feeding; 4 p.m., none. FULMAR PETREL (Fulmarus glacialis)—From June 12th off southern Norway up to Disko Bay, on June 27th, the Fulmar was seen every day. Usually six to twelve were in the wake and the others around.~ On June 14th and 17th throughout days of southerly gale with rain and low visibility they were the only birds seen. One dark phase was seen on June 12th off S. Norway and another on June 18th off Frederikshaab. Off the Sukker- toppen and Holstenborg coasts (65° to 68° N.) the dark phase seemed as common as the light. On the return voyage they were also seen daily, though perhaps fewer in number, except that on July 24th at 1.45 p.m. we passed through a flock of over a hundred feeding. On July 26th from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. only one was following in our wake, and at 6.15 p.m. two. On July 27th the numbers were: 8.45 a.m., two; 10.30 a.m., three ; 3-30 p.m., four. CuRLEW (Numemus arquata).—July 27th, 10.30 a.m. (about 200 miles S. of Iceland), one bird, too large for a Whimbrel, battling with rain and strong N. wind, which it tried to face over the ship; flew on S. (Hebrides, 300 miles). July 29th, one flying S. (between Faeroes and Shetlands). ARCTIC TERN (Sterna macrura).—June 15th, 9.45 a.m., one flying E.; noon (100 miles S. of Iceland), three flying N.E.; 6 to 7 p.m., parties of four, seven, three and two crossed our course flying N.E. against the wind. KITTIWAKE GULL (Rissa tridactyla).—June 15th (100 miles S. of Iceland), 9 a.m., one following ship; I p.m., one adult, two immature; 2.15. p.m., five flew over N.E.; 3 p.m., two adults, one immature; 7 p.m., one adult. June 16th (200 miles S.W. Iceland), 9 a.m., ten adults, two immatures ; II a.m., seven adults ; noon, twelve mixed ; 12.45 p.m., twenty mixed; I p.m., twenty-six, about half adults ; 4.30 p.m., nine immatures resting on ship, more adults on wing; 9 p.m., only six immatures remaining about ship, rest gone. June 17th, none seen or reported all day. June 18th (50 miles S. of Cape F arewell) noon, two adults and three immatures; 8.30 p.m., two adults. July 26th (100 miles S. of Iceland), 5 p.m., one flew N. over ship. M 158 BRITISH BIRDS. (ViOk. XIV, July 27th (about 150 miles W. of Faeroes), 8 a.m., one reported by Chief Officer; 3.30 p.m., three flying N., well astern. GREAT SkKUA (Stercorarius skua).—June 12th (halfway between Norway and Orkney), one passed us. June 15th (100 miles S. of Iceland), 10.15 a.m., one ; noon, two; 2 p.m., three; 3 p.m., three; 4 p.m., four. We seemed to overtake these birds. They often settled in the wake for longish periods, then caught us up again. June 16th (200 miles S.W. of Iceland), 12.45 and 4.30 p.m., one. July 16th, on entering heavy pack off Frederikshaab (50° W. 62° N.) one rose from drifting log and flew S. July 28th, a few in Faeroe waters. July 29th, more to the N. and to the E. of the Shetlands. POMATORHINE SKUA (Stercorartus pomarinus).—June 15th, 7.30 p.m. (over 100 miles S. of Iceland), two passed flying June 16th, 4 p.m. (over 200 miles S.W. of Iceland), one “ twist-tailed ’’ reported. ARCTIC SKUA (Stercorarius parasiticus).—June 15th, 10 a.m. (100 miles S. of Iceland), one flying E. June 16th (200 miles $.W. of Iceland), 11 a.m., one light phase; noon, one dark phase; 12.45 p.m., one light ; 1.30 p.m., one darker; 2.50 p.m., one very light ; 4.30, one dark and one light ; 5 p.m., one very dark settled alongside, while a light one flew around ship. Birds gave the impression of being on passage towards Iceland, flying easily against a stiff N.E. breeze. They were passing, not following, the ship. None met on homeward voyage. LONG-TAILED SKUA (Stercorarius longicaudus).—June 6th, noon (200 miles S.W. of Iceland), one passed flying N.E. PUFFIN (Fratercula arctica).—June 15th, 2 p.m. (100 miles S. of Iceland), one settled alongside. July 26th, 4.30 p.m. (almost same spot!), one settled alongside. (159) SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES ON THE ‘‘BRITISH BIRDS ’’ CENSUS OF HERONRIES. BY E. M. NICHOLSON. THERE has been a disappointing falling-off in the number of records received in connection with the Census of Heronries since the publication of the first Supplementary Report in May, 1930 (antea, Vol. XXIII., pp. 324-337). No doubt diversion of attention by the Great Crested Grebe Enquiry has been partly responsible, but it is to be hoped that the value of keeping careful annual records of the progress of as many heronries as possible will not be forgotten. The present notes are concerned only with information about sites not hitherto recorded in British Birds. Information which some correspondents have kindly sent in about already recorded sites will be used in the next Supplementary Report, which will appear when the volume of data justifies it. An exception is made in favour of Mr. Glegg’s letter on the Tollesbury heronry, since this raises a question of accuracy which deserves immediate attention. DEVON. Mr. W. Walmesley White sends details of a heronry which escaped census enumeration at Tracey, Honiton, south-east Devon. It has existed since about 1919 only, and contained (1931, March) three nests, two in spruce and one in silver fir. There is a large rookery within a quarter of a mile which is much older than the heronry; relations are apparently amicable. There are neighbouring heronries at Salston and Stedcombe Wood. SOMERSET. In the Supplement to his paper “‘ The Heron (Ardea cinerea) in Somerset” (Proc. Somerset Arch. & N.H.S., LXXVI., Pp. 32), Mr. B. W. Tucker gives an account of a recently discovered heronry at Withypool on the Barle, Exmoor. It has existed since about 1920, and there have usually been two to three nests. In 1930 two pairs reared broods, while a third pair vanished after building, probably having been shot. The nests are in oaks, and on May 2gth, 1930, each of the broods consisted of two fully-fledged young. The site is one of the loftiest in England and Wales, being 800 ft. above sea- level. It is only some two miles from the solitary nest at Exford, not tenanted in 1930. 160 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV. A further solitary nest was found in 1930 about 12 ft. up in an apple tree in an orchard at East Huntspill (/.c.). It was a new nest, very badly made, and significantly close to the site at Edington, which was deserted by 1930. SUSSEX. The Hon. Guy Charteris has obtained through the owner, Viscount Gage, particulars of an important unrecorded. heronry on an island in a pond at Firle Park, Lewes, Sussex. The first nests were built somewhere about 1920, and since 1926 there have been approximately twenty nests annually, including the census year, 1928 and 1931. The nests are in yew and ilex trees. It is worth noting that the heronry at Plashett Park, 6 miles north of Firle, which had 20-25 nests in 1923, came to an end about 1926 —that is, about the time when the Firle colony reached its present size. There is accordingly a presumption that the colony migrated to Firle from Plashett, which itself was a recent site, occupied only since 1907. The previous history is obscure, but it is satisfactory to find this evicted colony flourishing again, and the discovery suggests that wherever a site has recently been deserted renewed search is desirable in the surrounding district in case the birds may have settled somewhere else. This additional quota makes Sussex by a good margin the second county for Heron population accord- ing to our present knowledge. Essex. Mr. W. E. Glegg writes as follows :— SUPPOSED HERONRY IN TOLLESBURY REED-BED. “On the appearance of Mr. E. M. Nicholson’s ‘ Supplementary Report on the British Birds Census of Heronries’ (antea, Vol. XXIII., PP. 324-337), my attention was arrested by No. 12 of the extinct Essex heronries. It is given equal place with the well-authenticated heronries of the past, square brackets not having been employed. | On page 337, however, Mr. Nicholson writes that ‘the statement (Harting, 1911) . . . deserves verification both as a possible ancestor of the St. Osyth colony and as an apparently isolated instance for this country of any important heronry using a reed-bed as a site’. One can only assume that Mr. Nicholson was not satisfied with the statement, and if this is so square brackets should have been used. It is only within the past few weeks that I have had time to investigate the matter. In the first instance, it is important to know the nature of Mr. Harting’s statement. He was responsible for the article on the Heron in The Encyclopedia of Sports and Games, 2nd Ed., 1911, Vol. 2, p- 410, where, after discussing the nature of the nesting-sites of the species, he concludes with the words ‘ or amongst reeds as at Tolles bury, in Essex, where they were formerly numerous’. No statemen™ its VOL. XXV.] CENSUS OF HERONRIES. 161 is made with regard to the origin of the information. The first step was to ascertain if anyone possessed knowledge of the past existence of the heronry. Although he had already given the late Mr. Miller Christy and myself all available information, I wrote to Dr. J. H. Salter of Tolleshunt D’Arcy. His views cannot be disregarded for he has lived in the district since 1864, and knows intimately the Old Hall Marshes, which would be the most likely locality in the neigh- bourhood of Tollesbury. Not only is Dr. Salter a sportsman, but he also takes a keen interest in birds and possesses one of the best collec- tions in Essex. He writes to me to the effect that he has never heard ot Herons breeding among reeds at Tollesbury and that he does not believe it. In the light of this information it must be assumed that if such a heronry ever existed, the record must be of a historical nature and thus could not have been the immediate ancestor of the St. Osyth heronry—incidentally, Mr. Nicholson attributes this to the extinct Brightlingsea heronry—which commenced about 1872. Having accepted that the record, if true, must be of a historical nature, it is essential that its origin should be ascertained, for it could not be accepted ornithologically as it stands. Knowing that Miss E. M. Harting, daughter of the late J. E. Harting, was closely in touch with her father’s work and also that she still possessed many of his papers, [ invited her assistance. She informs me that so far she has been unsuccessful in tracing the origin of the statement, but adds that she finds that her father in his Ad Handbook of British Birds, 2nd ed.,1901, added the following annotation to his article on the Heron: ‘ nests on the ground have often been met with; sometimes on cliffs, as on the Findhorn ; on rocks, as at Ardnamurchan; on ruined walls, and occasionally, as in Ireland, on bare hill-sides. Formerly among reeds on Whittlesea Mere, drained in 1851 ’ Until such time as confirmatory evidence comes to light, the existence of the Tollesbury reed-bed heronry must be considered as doubtful. August 12th, 1931. WILLIAM E. GLEGG.” I am in general agreement with what Mr. Glegg says about the Tollesbury heronry. Although his accuracy often left much to be desired, Harting had an exceptional knowledge of the special literature of hawking, and it seems not im- probable that the reference came from that direction. As Mr. Glegg emphasizes, it is not to be traced through normal ornithological channels, and the probability that this heronry came to an end before or not long after 1800 makes verification difficult. But the question is worth clearing up, because, although abroad large heronries in reed-beds are not excep- tional, the only authentic British instance is that at Whittlesea, near Peterborough (Newton, [bis, 1868, p. 325, footnote). This reference, given to me by the Rev. F.C. R. Jourdain, shows the source of Harting’s statement. I hope that Mr. Glegg will continue his inquiries, perhaps through local antiquarians, and that he will succeed in establishing the truth of the statement about Tollesbury. Meanwhile, I agree that the record should go in square brackets. GREAT CRESTED GREBE ENQUIRY. WiTH reference to this enquiry, a good many observers have not yet sent in their schedules and are now urged to do so in order that the great labour of collating the information may be commenced without delay. All schedules and communications with reference to the enquiry should be addressed to Mr. T. H. Harrisson at Pembroke College, Cambridge. GROSSBILLS BREEDING IN DORSET, HAMPSHIRE AND SURREY. In August, 1927, I came to live at Southbourne, Bourne- mouth, and noticed Crossbills about within a few days of my arrival. They were present all through the winter and at least one pair brought off young within the Bournemouth town boundary in 1928, while others nested at Canford, inside the Dorset boundary (Dr. F. Penrose). In the following year (1929) they were again present in considerable numbers, and were to be heard and seen daily throughout the greater part of the year from that time till now, though less noticeable in the height of summer. They were obviously breeding in the town of Bournemouth, and in the spring of 1931 a pair actually nested and brought off young in a small pine in my garden. In Dorset, on the heathlands to the east of the county near the Hants boundary, breeding was definitely proved to have taken place in I91I, 1928 and 1931. In the last season no fewer than seven nests were found, one containing five eggs, but the birds suffered severely from the depredations of Jays. I think there is little doubt that breeding has taken place in south Hants regularly from 1928 to the present time and probably also in east Dorset, though there is some fluctuation in the numbers nesting. Whether this species bred regularly in the district prior to 1928 is less certain, but the late Edward Hart assured me many years ago that few seasons passed without a nest being reported to him. F.C. IR, JOURDAIN: On April 20th, 1931, Miss E. P. Leach, my wife and I, watched a Crossbill (Loxta c. curvirostrva) on to its nest in a fir tree overhanging a road near Ringwood. The hen bird fed the VOL. XXV.} NOTES. 163 young in the nest and then brooded them, but as their heads did not appear above the rim of the nest they must have been recently hatched. We were informed by residents that they had been watching a fledged brood being fed by old birds a short while previously and that in 1930, when many more Crossbills were in the neighbourhood, they also saw a brood. Dr. T. Longstaff informs me that Crossbills nested at this spot in 1925, and that in 1930 he was shown a nest between Brockenhurst and Lyndhurst. Mr. H. T. Gosnell informs me that he saw two nests in east Hampshire in 1931 as well as several family partiés in April and May. Mr. J. Beddall Smith tells me that he knew of five nests this year (1931) in western Surrey and considered some eight to ten pairs were breeding in the district. H. F. WITHERBY. NESTING-HABITS OF MARSH-TIT. OF seventy-three nesting-boxes put up, six were occupied this year (1931) by Marsh-Tits (Parus p. dressert), the clutches being ten, nine, eight, eight, eight, six. I would mention that I have not previously had personal experience of this species laying so many as ten eggs ; in fact, I think it rarely happens that eight is exceeded. Another clutch of eight was found in a hole hewn out by one or probably both birds, the nesting-site having been under observation for some weeks previously. Mr. R. Ware, who has had considerable experience of this species, was present at the time the eggs and nest were inspected, and when the bird was seen and its alarm-note identified. Both the nest and eggs were typical. Unlike the Willow-Tit (Parus a. kleinschmidti), the Marsh-Tit, I believe, only occa- sionally excavates the whole of its nesting-chamber, and it may be of interest to place on record this definite instance of its so doing. D. W. MUSSELWHITE. (In the north of England clutches of ten occur with some frequency, and I have two records of eleven, one from Oxfordshire and one from Buckinghamshire.—F.C.R.]J.] WILLOW-TIT BREEDING IN MIDDLESEX. IN 1929 and again in 1930 I heard the Willow-Tit (Parus a. kleinschmidtt) in the lower Colne valley. 164 BRITISH BIRDS. (VOL. XV. On April 5th, 1931, I located a possible pair, but could not get them under very close observation. During the next six weeks I made an examination of the hundreds of willow trees in this area, and on May 23rd found the nest, which contained half-fledged young. It was in a hole about 6 feet up in a rotten bough almost over the water. The hole had been excavated by the bird and was about 8 inches deep. I identified the birds at fairly close quarters and found them very shy and very silent. Part of the nesting-material has been submitted to the Rev. F. C. R. Jourdain, who states that it is typical of this species. E. C. ROWBERRY. WILLOW-WARBLER’S NEST IN WALL. On June 3rd, 1931, I found a Willow-Warbler (Phylloscopus t. trochilus) nesting in an unusual site at Ardbrecknish, by Dalmally, Argyllshire. The nest was placed about 3 ft. 6 in. from the ground in a crevice of a garden wall. The wall was of stone and quite bare of creepers. The nest contained seven eggs which hatched on June 5th. E.G. Hore WILLOW-WARBLERS UTILIZING MATERIALS FROM NEST OF ANOTHER SPECIES. On May 6th, 1931, near Brighouse, I saw a pair of Willow- Warblers (Phylloscopus t. trochitlus) demolishing the old or deserted nest of some other species which was in the fork of an ash some 20 ft. above the ground. I watched and discovered that pieces of dry grass, bents, etc., were being removed to a spot on the ground some 15 yards distant. JOHN “C. Ss, Srris: HOOPOE NESTING IN SOMERSET. THE Hoopoe (Upupa e. epops) has been observed on several occasions, if one may rely upon the evidence, in the well- wooded portions of the Mendips which overlook the low moorlands of Cheddar, Draycott and Rodney Stoke. The records from here, and as far as | am aware from other parts ‘of Somerset, are of single birds, and breeding has never hitherto been recorded. » At the end of March, 1931, a Hoopoe was seen by quite a few people at the very foot of the Mendips near Axbridge, and there is strong evidence that it appeared further east, near Cheddar. The bird was reported to have arrived in VOL. XXV.] NOTES. 165 the last week of March and remained until the second week of April, in a four miles line between Compton Bishop and Cheddar. Simultaneously with this occurrence another Hoopoe was observed and accurately described by several residents at Weare, about a mile away on the lowlands south of the Mendips. I was frequently making enquiries in the neighbourhood, and on April 2oth was informed by a young friend that he had seen two Hoopoes together in an orchard. This was the first intimation of two birds being present, and clearly proves that in some way one bird was attracted to the other, probably by its notes, across the intervening flats from the foothills of the Mendips. Moving about one and a half miles south-west, they took up breeding-quarters in an orchard at Badgworth. A natural hole in an apple tree was selected and a clutch of eggs deposited. I saw nesting-material carried on May 12th, and building was still in progress on May 16th. Both birds were seen on May 19th; on May 28th the nest contained eggs. Enquiries were made by more than one person as to the whereabouts of the birds, but as this seemed only to be known to myself and a friend we were determined to observe secrecy and give the birds as much protection as possible in the hope that they would hatch out, but on June 6th the eggs were wet and cold and seemed deserted. On June r4th the eggs were still deserted, and a large slug occupied the nest. On this date one of the birds was seen in a meadow three hundred yards from the nesting-place, and it seemed probable that the other bird had “met its fate’. I made every enquiry, but elicited no information as to what had happened to it; if shot, it was an atrocious act indeed. It did not come into the hands of local taxidermists. STANLEY LEwIs. LARGE NUMBER OF CORMORANTS IN MIDDLESEX. I vISITED the Littleton Reservoir in company with Mr. J. B. Watson on September r8th, 1931. We noticed a number of Cormorants (Phalacrocorax c. carbo) standing on the point of the mole, and, when they were flushed and could be counted in flight, found there were twenty-seven of them. The number suggests a pretty considerable southern move- ment. Only one of the twenty-seven remained, the others flying away south-east. On September 23rd and 24th only one Cormorant was on the water. J. P. HarDIMAN. 166 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV. FULMAR PETRELS IN WIGTOWNSHIRE. On July 5th, 1931, I saw two Fulmars (Fulmarus glactalts) on a ledge of the cliffs near The Mull of Galloway lighthouse, whilst a third was sailing about the cliff face. The two on the ledge were facing one another and frequently reaching towards one another with bills agape in the characteristic fashion of courting pairs of this species. It seems probable that this was a breeding pair and, if so, apparently the first to reach the western mainland of Scotland. W. B. ALEXANDER. FULMAR PETREL CALLING IN FLIGHT. WHEN on the island of North Rona on September Ist, 1931, I heard a Fulmar (Fulmarius g. glactalis) calling on the wing over the ruined village on three separate occasions during the day. The note was a low, husky “ payer-o,” uttered in full flight, with the beak very slightly opened. I have never before heard a Fulmar make any noise while in the air other than a slight nasal grunt, only audible at two or three yards, and apparently caused by the sudden expulsion of air through the nostrils. The fact that this bird had a young one quite ready to fly, but unable to do so because it was surrounded by the four walls of the ancient chapel, may account for this unusual demonstration. T. H. HARRISSON. BLACK-NECKED GREBE IN INNER LONDON. ON September 28th, 1931, when passing the Round Pond, Kensington Gardens, at 9 a.m., I saw a Black-necked Grebe (Podiceps n. nigricollis) swimming about within twenty yards of the edge of the pond. The bird was extraordinarily tame and was diving for food repeatedly. This makes an addi- tional record for Kensington Gardens to that reported by Mr. A. Holte Macpherson on December 3rd, 1930. His bird, however, was on the Long Water. My bird’s stay was of short duration, as it had disappeared the next morning. G. CARMICHAEL Low. TURITLE-DOVE IN SKYE. On September 5th, 1931, I observed a Turtle-Dove (Strepto- pelia turtur) in the northern part of the Isle of Skye. Two Turtle-Doves were seen near the same place by a reliable observer a few days before this date. AUDREY SETON GORDON. VOL. XXV.| NOTES. 167 LITICE STINT IN SURREY. I HAVE already recorded (antea, Vol. XXIV., p. 166) that on September 30th, 1930, a Little Stint (Calidris minuta) appeared at the reservoirs at Barn Elms. On September 22nd, 1931, another bird of the species was seen at the same reservoirs by Dr. G. Carmichael Low and myself. It was exceedingly tame and allowed us to approach as near as six or eight feet. Upon returning to the spot after a short interval we were unable to find the bird either there or elsewhere, from which we inferred that its visit to the reservoirs had probably been a brief one. I think it was an immature bird. F. RK. FINca. SPOTTED REDSHANKS IN CORNWALL. ON September 4th, 1931, I saw a couple of Spotted Redshank (Tvinga erythropus) on the saltings at Moditon Ham, on the Tamar. The large size, much darker plumage—particularly on the head—and lack of wing-bar on the secondaries readily distin- guished them from the Common Redshank, which is very numerous in this locality during autumn and winter. In addition, the sharper, more staccato flight-note was distinctive. P. H. T. HARTLEY. BLACK TERNS IN CORNWALL IN AUGUST. IN the afternoon of August 24th, 1931, four Black Terns ‘Chiidonias niger)—in various states of transition from summer plumage—were watched for about half an hour at Porthnanven, near Cape Cornwall. They were wheeling over the broken water at the tide edge—in which much seaweed letritus was floating—and continually hovering to pick some substance delicately from the surface. A gale, with rain, was blowing from the east all the morning, veering to the N.E. in the afternoon. While Black Terns appear to be seen in Cornwall in spring airly often, their occurrence in autumn is rarely recorded. P.. T. Haeraey. BLACK GUILLEMOTS IN KIRKCUDBRIGHTSHIRE. JN June 28th, 1931, we visited Ross Head, near Kirkcud- right, where Razorbills and Guillemots breed on the cliffs, md amongst the many birds of these two species on the 168 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV. water below the cliffs there were a good many Black Guille- mots (Uria grylle). We counted four in view at one time and estimated that we saw at least ten different individuals. It seems highly probable that these were breeding birds, but there appears to be no record of the breeding of this species in the Solway district, and the status of the Black Guillemot in Kirkcudbrightshire is given as an occasional visitor, chiefly in winter, by Misses Baxter and Rintoul. W. B. ALEXANDER. Jc. DS Woon, MOORHEN USING BLACKBIRD’S NEST FOR BREEDING. Durinc April, 1931, I noticed a Moorhen (Gallinula ch. chloropus) sitting in a Blackbird’s nest in a roadside hedge near Whittington, in Shropshire, as I drove by in a motor. Later in the day I examined the nest, which had _ been untouched by the Moorhens. A day or two later the Moor- hens had added to it considerably. Six eggs were laid, and then while the hen was sitting her mate would bring material © and hand it to her to put on the nest. It was extremely interesting to notice how both birds “ froze ’’ when anything passed along the road, as the nest was very open and easy to see. The birds’ proper habitat was a pond about 30 yards away, but at that time there was no cover of any sort on or near the pond. I have been told that all the eggs hatched. J. H. OWEN. SONG-PERIOD OF MArsuH-Tit.—With reference to Mr. J. Walpole-Bond’s article (antea, Vol. XXIV., p. 321) and the song-period of the Marsh-Tit (Parus p. dresser), Mr. Clifford Oakes informs us that he heard one singing normally, repeatedly, on September 6th, 1931, near Mytton, Lancashire. Mr. Oakes remarks that he has never previously heard the species singing in September. CONTINENTAL ROBIN IN SHETLAND.—A Robin picked up at Bixter on May oth, 1931, proved to be of the typical form Enthacus r. rubecula (Scot. Nat., 1931, p. 112). THE MOULT OF THE WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN SHEAR- WATER.—In Alauda (Série II., No. 2, Juin 1931, pp. 230-249), under the title ‘‘ Contribution a l'étude de la mue des Puffins”’, M. Noel Mayaud gives a detailed account of the VOL, XXV.] NOTES. 169 moult of Puffinus puffinus mauretanicus. This is founded on thirty-seven specimens obtained between June 23rd and September, all but two of which were in moult. Very useful figures are given to show the succession of the moult in the remiges and rectrices. The outer primaries, M. Mayaud finds, fall quickly one after the other, so that in August and early September these birds often have three outer primaries in various stages of growth, and in conse- quence, when they are on the water on a calm day they have to flap along the surface for ten yards or so before getting up in the air, and once, ina flat calm, M. Mayaud observed one which failed to get up. M. Mayaud concludes that P. p. mauretanicus, which breeds earlier than the Manx Shearwater, also moults earlier than that bird, but he is wrong in stating that the Manx Shearwater does not begin to moult before September or perhaps the end of August. Since the publication of the Practical Handbook | have examined twelve Manx Shear- waters taken from July 2oth to September 6th and found them all to be moulting to a varying extent, chiefly on the head, neck and under-parts, but in all these birds there was no trace of moult in any part of the wings, nor the scapulars, back or tail, these parts not having yet commenced to moult. All these birds were clearly commencing the moult and their :genital organs showed that some had bred, while others -appeared to be birds of the previous year which had not yet bred ; none were birds of the year. Dr. C. B. Ticehurst’s statement, quoted by Mr. Lockley (Brit. Birds, Vol. XXIV., p. 207), that adults on August 16th ‘had completed their moult, is certainly puzzling. H.F.W. BLACK-TAILED GODWITS AND BLACK TERNS IN SUFFOLK.— Mrs. H. M. Rait-Kerr informs us that she saw near Aldeburgh, ‘Suffolk, three Black-tailed Godwits (Limosa limosa) in ‘reddish-brown plumage on August z2oth, 1931, and in the ‘same neighbourhood twenty-four Black Terns (Chlidonias niger) on August 19th and three on the 2oth. REVIEW. ‘Nature Photography. By Oliver G. Pike. Illustrated. (Chapman & Hall.) 12s. 6d. net. : AFTER two short chapters devoted to the growth, interest and use of ‘Nature Photography and a general idea of the work involved, Mr. Pike 170 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV. proceeds with hints on apparatus and then gives chapters on how it may be used in photographing birds in different types of country and varied conditions. These chapters are written in a discursive style with plenty of anecdote, and though this plan makes the book a pleasant one to read, it detracts from the practical value of the work, as so many really useful hints are hidden away in the narrative. Further chapters deal with high-speed photography, photographing nests, and the photographing of mammals and insects, while another, full of hints, is devoted to wild-life cinematography. The book is made still more complete by the inclusion of a brief chapter on big- game photography by Major A. Radclyffe Dugmore, two chapters by Mr. F. Martin-Duncan, the one on photographing marine life and the other on low-power microscopy, and a chapter on photographing plant- life by Mr. E. J. Bedford. Finally, Mr. Pike winds up with much expert advice on preparing the exhibition print. Nature photographers of all inclinations are thus provided for. Though the advice and hints are not set out in a very practical and compact form for easy reference, there is no lack of them and they are born of long and hard experience. We are told what to do and how to do it, as well as what not to do, and this applies not only to the actual camera work, but also to the use of such accessories as hides of various kinds for various conditions, periscopes for observation, mirrors for throwing light and so on, as well as to methods of overcoming the innumerable difficulties which must crop up in work of this kind. The numerous photographs reproduced in the plates illustrate all the subjects dealt with in the book and are fine examples of the nature photographer’s art.—H.F.W. LETTERS. AN EGG WITHIN AN EGG. To the Editors of British BirDs. Srrs,—It so happened that, after reading the letter on this subject {antea, p. 140), I had to consult The Gentleman’s Magazine (Vol. XIX.), 4749. It was curious therefore to come across the following (p. 204) : “ The Egg of a Swan with another in it. Given by Sir Tho. Brown, M.D., of Norwich, to the Royal Society, who hath also observed the like both in hens and turkeys.’’ A description follows and a footnote is added : “ See an account of a double egg in our Mag. for Dec. 1747, Pp. 573, and Feb. 1748, p. 82”’ ; these accounts refer to double Hen’s eggs. HuGH S. GLADSTONE. CAPENOCH, THORNHILL, DUMFRIES., October 3rd, 1931. NORMAL FLIGHT-SPEEDS OF BIRDS. To the Editors of BritisH BirRDs. Srrs,—In the third week of September I was passenger in a motor- car that travelled from Carlisle to Berwick-on-Tweed, and during the course of the journey the following flight-speeds of certain species were obtained. The motor-car is a new model and the speedometer, VOL. XXV.] LETTERS. 171 I think, fairly reliable. The day was fine, with no wind, and in each case the bird was flying parallel with the road and for a distance of at least one hundred yards. Rook (Corvus frugilegus) re ae «+» 35 M.P.H. Jackdaw (Coleus monedula) ... a Sea O eed Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) an ae Kee 3B Fe Yellow Bunting (Emberiza citrinella) ... 400 BO ce Blackbird (Turdus merula) rey mre 2 20 Heron (Ardea cinerea) ... he tee i. 2) Wood-Pigeon (Columba palumbus) re PBA S YS be ae R. H. Brown. CONTESTS FOR NESTING-SITE BETWEEN SPOTTED FLYCATCHERS AND SWALLOWS. To the Editors of BritisH Birps. Sirs,—In British Birds, Vol. XX., p. 105, I mentioned a contest that spring (1926) between a pair of Swallows (Hirundo r. rustica) and Spotted Flycatchers (Muscicapa s. striata) in Westmorland for possession of a beam inside a barn as a nesting-site, in which the Swallows won. On visiting the place again this year (1931), I was informed by the gamekeeper who occupies the adjoining cottage, that this fight for possession has taken place every year since then, including the present year, and that each time the Swallows remained in posses- sion and reared two broods. H. W. Rosrnson. BREEDING OF CORMORANTS IN ST. JAMES’S PARK. To the Editors of Britisu Birps. Sirs,—The nesting of the pair of Cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) on the lake in St. James’s Park and the rearing by them of a brood of 'two young, is, I imagine, of sufficient interest to be worth recording. KXeeper Hinton informs me that the pair were young when placed on \the lake some eleven years ago. They must, therefore, be about ‘twelve years old. For two or three years past, during the summer ‘months, the female was frequently to be seen toying with twigs, but ‘it was not till the present season that nesting was undertaken in earnest, when a substantial structure of twigs was erected on the ‘rock in the S.E. arm of the lake. Sitting commenced about August ‘Sth. The nestlings are now about a fortnight old. LONDON, 24th September, 1931. H. A. F. Macratu. THE MANX SHEARWATER’S FLEA. To the Editors of BritisH Birps. Sirs,—In British Birds, Vol. XXIII, Pp. 213, Mr. R. M. Lockl states ag Pee “oars Shearwaters (Puffinus p. pega) a frequently infested with rabbit-fleas in cases wh , is shared with rabbits. pt ee Mr. Lockley tells me that he assumed they were rabbit-fleas whi is in all probability correct, but as there is also another speck bag attached to the Manx Shearwater (or, at anyrate, to the Shearwater and birds such as the Puffin, of like habitat), when visiting Mr. Lockley 172 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV. at Skokholm in August, 1931, I collected some nesting material, down, sand, etc., from under nestling Shearwaters. On examination later this was found to contain a number of fleas, which, through the good offices of my friend, Mr. H. M. Hallett, F.E.S., were submitted to Dr. K. Jordan at the Zoological Museum, Tring, who identified them as Ornithopsylla letitie Roths., obtained once previously only on the Scilly Isles. I believe I am correct in saying that this flea was discovered by Dr. N. H. Joy some years ago on a Puffin at the Scilly Isles, and that he expressed the opinion that it would probably be found to be attached to the Manx Shearwater. H. Morrrey SALMON. October 9th, 1931. GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKERS BORING IN TELEPHONE POLES. To the Editors of BRitIsH BirpDs. Sirs,—About ten years ago I saw an exactly similar case to that described by Mr. Pring (antea, p. 131), near Cheddar, Somerset. Three poles were badly bored amongst the cross-pieces at the top, but the - holes were not completed or usedas nesting-places. Great Spotted Woodpeckers, which breed in the immediate well-wooded vicinity every year, were responsible. STANLEY LEwis. 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. A Complete Book Service for Ornithologists NEW, SECOND-HAND, OUT-OF-PRINT, OR RARE Foyles 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 and you will receive an intelligent reply. Two million volumes on every conceiv ible subject in stock, in Twenty-five Departments. Thirty catalogues issued, any of which will be sent gratis and post free if you will outline your interests. Special Dept. for books on the Natural Sciences including a section for Ornithology. FOYLES FOR BOOKS Charing Cross Rd, London, W.C.2. Gerrard 9310 (7 lines) WATKINS & DONCASTER Manufacture and Stock CABINETS and APPARATUS of every kind for Collectors of Birds’ Eggs, Insects, &c. A LARGE STOCK OF BIRDS’ EGGS (Singles and Sets) and BRITISH and EXOTIC BUTTERFLIES, &o. NESTING BOXES OF VARIOUS PATTERNS. Priced CATALOGUE OF APPARATUS AND SPECIMENS PER RETURN All Books and Publications (new and second hand)on Natural History supplied P.O. Box 126. Telephone: Temple Bar 9451. 36, Strand, London, W.C.2, England 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. THE ART OF BIRD ~ WATCHING A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO FIELD OBSERVATION E. M. NICHOLSON Author of “ Birds in England,” “ How Birds Live,” etc. PHOTOGRAPHS, MAPS AND TEXT FIGURES The results of bird-watching have been described in many books, but methods and technique have been taken very much for granted, though both are becoming special- ised. The author has worked as an expert bird-watcher, both at home and abroad, and describes practically and explicitly how it should be done, whilst some of his methods, diagrammatically illustrated, are included here for the first time. 10/6 net. THE BIRDS OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS By the Hon. MASAUJI HACHISUKA, r.z.s., F.R.<.s. Member of the Ornithological Society of Fapan ; Member of the British Ornithologists’ Union ; Corresponding Fellow of the American Ornithologists’ Union. Limited Edition of 250 Copies To be Completed in Five Parts The Work will be illustrated by 15 Plates in Colour, numerous Half-tone Reproductions and Coloured Maps. Super-Royal 8vo. (10” X 7”). Price per Part 25/- Net. PART I NOW READY. PART II IN PREPARATION. SECOND EDITION REVISED AND MUCH ENLARGED THE LITERATURE OF THE CHARADRITFORMES FROM 1894 TO 1928 WITH A CLASSIFICATION OF THE ORDERS AND LISTS OF THE GENERA, SPECIES AND SUB-SPECIES By G. CARMICHAEL LOW, M.A., M.D., M.R.C.P., M.B.O.U. Demy 8vo. 12/6 Net. A compilation of the chief references of the Natural Order Charadriiformes (Bustards, Snipe, Plover and Wading Birds) for the last thirty-five years. H.F. & G.WITHERBY,326 HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON DNUIDSH BIRDS ANIEUSTRATED ‘MAGAZINE DEVOTED CHIEFLY TOTHEBIRDS “= ONTHEBRIISH UST” Mi .\ MONTHLY-1s94. YEARLY-20. S26HIGHHOLBORNIENDORe TF éG-WITHERBY. Second Impression with end-paper Map DREAM ISLAND A Record of the Simple Life by Revs AOCK LEY: Demy 8vo., with Sketches by D. Lockley, 8s. 6d. net. The lover of Nature and the wide sea-spaces has here a book after his own heart. A small island off the Pembrokeshire coast ; a wonderful bird-sanctuary ; a farmer - cum - fisherman’s life holding glimpses of adventure and wonderful opportunities for observing the wild life of this lone domain. This book tells the tale of what most of us miss—work that one loves, life without interference, the daily fruition of one's dearest ambition, the perfect marriage of the real and ideal. WESTERN MAIL. 10/6 net. H. F. & G. WITHERBY, Publishers, 326 HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON LE GERFAUT REVUE BELGE D’ORNITHOLOGIE | (Fondée en 1911, La seule publication scientifique belge traitant des oiseaux, spécialement des oiseaux de la Belgique. Abonnement 25 francs belges - 5 Belgas par an. Direction: Square Prince Charles 21, Bruxelles-Laeken (Belgique) THE BATELEUR A QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF AFRICAN ORNITHOLOGY Annual Subscription 16/- Post Free. Address all MSS, Correspondence, Subscriptions, etc., to : Lieut.-Colonel H. F. STONEHAM, O.B.E., F.Z.S., M.B.0.U., C.F.A.0.U., &c. KITALE, KENYA COLONY, BRITISH EAST AFRICA. FOR SALE: BRITISH BIRDS, Vols, I—XVIII. First-class Condition. What Offers ? A:P.W., 15 Bateman St., Cambridge. BRITDSABIRDS WITH WHICH WAS INCORPORATED IN JANUARY, 1917, ‘‘ THE ZOOLOGIST.” EDITED BY 2 KF, WITHERBY, M.B.E., F.Z.S.,M.B.O.U.,H.F.A.O.U. ASSISTED BY Rev.zB. CG. R JOURDAIN, M.A., M.B.O.U., H.F.A.O.U., F.Z.S., AND se NorMANSF, TICEHURST, O.B.E., M.A, F.R.C.S., M.B.0.U. we = CONTENTS OF NUMBER 7, VOL. XXV. DECEMBER I, 1931. es PAGE Movements of Ringed Birds from Abroad to the British Islands and from the British Islands Abroad. By H. F. Witherby and E. P. Leach... ae ue erg os nae shai 174 A Short Account of the Present State of Bird-Life in the Teesmouth. By W. K. Richmond, B.a. vgs ai ane 193 Notes : Notes on the Birds of Cornwall (L. Parmenter) ... wh 198 Red-backed Shrike in Co. Cork (G. R. Humphreys) ... vs 199 Woodchat Shrike Seen in the Isle of Wight (H. M. Livens) 199 Blackcaps Nesting Twice in One Season (N. F. Ticehurst) ... 209 Wryneck in Co. Clare (G. R. Humphreys) ... Er + 200 The Cries of the Hobby (J. Walpole-Bond) sa oe 200 Overlooked Buckinghamshire Sea-Eagle (H. S. Gladstone)... 202 Sheld-Duck Breeding in Hollow Tree in Somerset (Stanley Lewis) ... re ais ee ee MONTHLY. 1394 YEARLY-20. 526HIGHHOLBORNIGNDON. > TEFéG-WITHERBY. Second Impression with end-paper Map DREAM ISLAND A Record of the Simple Life . by Re MoM. DOCKKREY Demy 8vo., with Sketches by D. Lockley The lover of Nature and the wide sea-spaces has here a book after his own heart. A small island off the Pembrokeshire coast ; a wonderful bird-sanctuary; a farmer - cum - fisherman’s life holding glimpses of adventure and wonderful opportunities for observing the wild life of this lone domain. This book tells the tale of what most of us miss—work that one loves, life without interference, the daily fruition of one’s dearest ambition, the perfect marriage of the real and ideal. WESTERN MAIL. 8/6 net. H. F. & G. WITHERBY, Publishers, 326 HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON 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 thirteen plates (1 coloured), 61 text illustrations, and folding map. COLEOPTERA: LAMELLICORNIA, Part III, 30s. LONDON: TAYLOR & FRANCIS, Red Lion Court, Fleet Street, E.C.4 TRAPS for RINGERS CICERI & CO., LTD. General Wireworkers, 39-43, WHARFDALE ROAD, KINGS CROSS, LONDON, N.1, Supply the following wire bird traps as recommended by Mr. W. B. Alexander in British Birds, Vol. XXV, p. 204. Prices including Carriage and Packing in British Isles. No. | Potter Traps 16/6 “Government” Traps on .- 40/- No. 2 Potter Traps 19/- Gathering Traps to fit any size trap 5/- Single compartment Potter rap 5/6 : Any other Pattern desired can be supplied. FOR SALE: BRITISH BIRDS, Vols, I—XVIII. First-class Condition. What Offers ? A:P.W., 15 Bateman St., Cambridge. Began 342 BRITDBADBIRDS WITH WHICH WAS INCORPORATED IN JANUARY, I917, ‘““ THE ZOOLOGIST.” EDITED BY H. F.WITHERBY,M.B.E., F.Z:S,.M.B.O.U.,H.F.A.O.U. * ASSISTED BY Rev, F.C. R. JouRBAfN).MiA., M.B.O.U., H.F.A.0.U., F.Z.S., AND NORMAN F. + Tickiruxsy, 0.8. E., M. he, F.R.C.S,, M.B.0.0. CONTENTS OF NUMBER 8, VOL. XXV., JANUARY I, 1932. PAGE On the Breeding of the Storm-Petrel, with special reference to its Incubation- and Fledging-Periods. By R. M. Lockley.. 206 The Birds of Lundy Island from 1922 to 1931, with special reference to Numerical Fluctuation. By T. H. Harrisson, MBiOU, ss : re “ee - ce pee On the Normal Flight- auaad of Birds. By B. B. Roberts ... 220 Notes :— Waxwings in Norfolk (R. M. Garnett) 223 Iceland Redwings in Ross-shire (H. W histler) 223 Iceland Redwings in Ireland (G. R. Humphreys) 223 Stonechats Rearing Three Broods (H. Bentham) 224 Clutch of Eight Eggs of Stonechat (G. Tomkinson) 224 Alpine Accentors in Sussex (J. Walpole-Bond) 225 Size of Swallow Broods in Cheshire (A. W. Boyd) oe 226 Hoopoe, Stonechat and late Swallow in Orkney (A. Wood) 227 Small Eggs of Peregrine Falcon (G. Tomkinson) 227 Systematic ‘‘ Beating ’’ by Herons (J. Ritchie) ‘ 228 Madeiran Fork-tailed Petrel in Ireland (G. R. Humphrey s) 228 Short Notes: Barred Warblers in Isle of May and Suffolk. Late Wryneck in Surrey. Fork-tailed Petrels in Hertford, Dorset, Devon, Kent and Sussex. Littie Auk in Carmarthenshire Er 229 Reviews :— The Art of Bird-Watching. By E. M. Nicholson ... Ve 229 A Bird-Painter’s Sketch Book. By Philip Rickman — 232 The Birds of the Air or British Birds in their Haunts. By Allen W. Seaby - ‘ wee ia 232 Nature by Night. By Arthur R. Thompson... ie ae 9 RS The Grey Squirrel. By A. D. Middleton... ws nee 233 Birds in Local Reports and Transactions ... gan ss 233 = (206) ON THE BREEDING HABITS OF THE STORM-PETREL, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ITS INCUBATION AND FLEDGING-PERIODS. BY Re Me EOCKEEY. (Plate 4.) THE readiness with which the Storm-Petrel (Hydrobates pelagicus) deserts its egg when its nest is opened has made it difficult to obtain data relating to the incubation- and fledging-periods. In 1930 a series of nests under observation on Skokholm were deserted. In 1931, with the exercise of even greater care and the very minimum of interference, six complete results were obtained from ten marked nests. TABLE OF ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE. Last Young se gi es meee ge i Bigdonean Arrived. Yy. ound. Sop Mee 1927 = = —= October 30th 1928 April 29th May 12th June tst November 7th 1929 . 26th aq dee tba) ep tla October 25th 1930 ” 26th org! May 31st November 2nd. 1931 : 30th sy wen elo} So Sisal October 21st As will be seen in the above table the adults arrive very faithfully during the last week of April. They are noticed at once by their crooning notes, uttered from the nesting crevices towards evening and throughout the night up to two hours before sunrise. NESTING SITES. The sites selected include almost every variety of crevice and cranny afforded on the island from high-water mark to within a foot of the highest point, 175 feet. The old herring- bone pattern stone hedge-walls are much favoured, as are the crevices in talus and debris on the cliffs, and among the boulders along the shore. Small passages and byways among the rabbit-warrens are also occupied. The Petrel’s beak in spring is sometimes coated with earth, and this is the only evidence I have of their probable burrowing ability. These small burrows in the turf and light soil can only have been made by the Petrels or the island mice, and on the whole I suspect the former. Of unusual sites, I have one record of a bird incubating its egg in the centre of a stretch of sand, approximately two feet square, beneath high boulders, and another of an egg placed in a wood-pile. voL. xxv.] HABITS OF STORM-PETREL. 207 POPULATION ON SKOKHOLM. To arrive at an estimate of the number of nests on the island, as far as possible those in the hedge-walls were counted carefully. They amounted to just over 200. The nests on the cliffs and elsewhere were roughly calculated at 300, giving a minimum of 500 breeding pairs, or at least one thousand adults. I am not aware from any published record of any other island where this species is as numerous. CALL-NOTES. The characteristic note, uttered constantly in the evening and at night from the nesting-place, is not very loud, yet has a penetrative quality which enables the observer to hear it at 75 yards distance. It consists of a harsh, purring “arr,” long sustained, and abruptly ended with “ chikka,”’ almost, indeed, a hiccough. Mrs. Seton Gordon's “ burr-r-r-r-r-chee-ka”’ is admirable, though the “ chee-ka” should, I think, be quickened. This typical note is rarely uttered on the wing, and then only in moments of excitement, when two or three birds are chasing each other, and exceptionally as a call by a bird on the wing to its sitting mate. The rule is silence on the wing. Beyond the indescribable monosyllables dealt with under “courtship”? and the note expressing anger as described below, the only other note which the adults ‘utter is the very rare “ kwic-drr, kwic-tirr’’, given on the wing over the nest in September, a soft, faintly-heard note. Except for the date, there is no other evidence that this may be intended as a note of enticement to the nearly fledged young. The new-born nestling frequently utters a_ plaintive “ teep-teep’’, especially when being fed at night, and’ it will attract attention by day in this manner should it be alone in the nest. By the time it has reached feathering age it will rattle off the “ feep-teep ”’ in one long-sustained “‘ tee-e-eep ”’ when handled, and this note, expressive of anger, is also uttered at times by the adult under the same circumstances. ARRIVAL FLIGHT. There is no assembly of adults on the sea near the island before sunset. Actually | have never seen a Storm-Petrel by day within ten miles of the island. Nevertheless, as soon as it is dark in May, they begin to arrive from the sea. They spend much time flying around and above their nesting- holes before entering. The flight has been aptly described 208 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV. as resembling that of the House-Martin. The long wings give the. effect of a very graceful sweeping flight when an adult is released in daylight and flies purposefully straight to sea. When flying at night near the nesting-site, the effect is bat-like, due to the frequent turning and doubling. COURTSHIP: Some form of courtship is carried out on the wing as well as in the nest. At night in June, 1931, I frequently noticed that a pair would fly around in a circle near or above the site of the nest, one apparently pursuing the other. As they kept fairly strictly to the same circle and continued thus to fly steadily for several minutes, the action was very noticeable. On one occasion two birds appeared to be pursuing a third, and all three were evidently excited. They kept strictly to the defined circle, the leader uttering the characteristic note, which seemed to me to have an unusually vibratory tone. As I have said, they are markedly silent on the wing as a rule. What form of courtship is carried out in the nest is very difficult to imagine, but since the paired birds croon to each other, and utter a variety of monosyllabic exclamations, as well as indulge in some scuffling (as heard with my ear to the nesting-hole), evidently some ritual is performed there. It must be added here that the Storm-Petrel is extremely active in all its movements at night. It runs along flat and perpendicular surfaces with the greatest ease and some speed, beating its wings rapidly to help, and in this manner can actually negotiate the surface of an overhanging cliff, wall or boulder, the beak being used where necessary. Before the egg is laid the procedure seems to be forthe paired birds to spend roughly one day in every three at the nest. Arriving early in the night from the sea, the pair will spend perhaps a whole hour in flying about their chosen home. They appear, when not performing the “ circle” ritual, to be hawking for moths and_night-flying insects, but so far I am quite unable to prove definitely that they take anything on the wing. About midnight they enter the nest and begin crooning to each other, as often in duet as singly. They remain in the nest for the next twenty-four hours, starting to croon shortly after sunset on the following day, and continuing intermittently until well after midnight, when, without more ado, they suddenly slip out and fly straight away to sea. My observations tend to prove that VOL. XxV.] HABITS OF STORM-PETREL. 209 they do not necessarily return the next evening, and mat, if they do, they may not stay over the following day. More often, they do not appear to visit the nest for perhaps two or three nights. I can only surmise that they spend this period feeding far out in the ocean somewhere. INCUBATION. Laying begins at the end of May, and is general by mid- June, continuing into July. As the same site is occupied year after year, the egg is often laid beside the discarded \dult Storm-Petrel outside Nesting-site. Skokholm. (Photographed by H. A. Wallace.) shell of the egg hatched the year before. Exceptionally, ] have noticed the shell removed after hatching and carried into the passage or dropped outside entirely. The egg is generally laid on the bare earth without much attempt to form a “scrape” for it, but I have a few records of bowl- shaped scrapes, the deepest quite half an inch in soft, damp earth. I have never seen any nesting materials added, and consider that anything in the way of dried grass and feathers has been entirely accidental. Of twenty-one eggs examined seven were zoned with fine reddish spots, the rest were pure white. 210 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV. Incubation is shared equally, judging by observations on a nest in 1930. In this case the female (presumably, 2.e., the bird, subsequently ringed, which was found on the new- laid egg) sat for the first two days, then the male for three, then the female for another day, after which the egg was left cold for two days, then the male sat for one day, the egg being totally deserted thereafter. This experience led me to be very chary of handling the adults, and in 1931 I left them more or less severely alone after the date of laying had been noted, and until it became necessary after four weeks to look out for the chick’s appearance. It will be seen that the incubation-period varied between 38 and 40 days. The shortest time of 38 days is probably nearest the true period, as in this case (nest E below) the minimum of disturbance was probably experienced. I have a note that in the case of both nest A and C, the egg was left cold for one day early in the period. Gus Incuba- Young Fledg- Average Nest. ee Hatched. tion Bird ing Incuba- ; Period. Left. Period. tion A June 2nd July 12th 4odays Sept. 6th 56 days Period B » 27th a. DUE SHON ay eZ Otho 39-5 day Ss (C 25 aga Pee EDA sn J) ote TOR es Average D », 4th Py EE ON os 1 LOthh GAR. Fledging ajuly ust, Ate. Sth 33) 5; Oct, 2st) 540, Period a} oun AGO sor 8s 2S OO mane 61 days. FLEDGING-PERIOD. The newly-hatched chick is remarkable in that it has a very distinct bald crown to its head, which persists for the first fortnight. After the first five days the down on the forehead and around the crown has already grown enough to hide completely this curious baldness. The day-old chick is very feeble, and for some days it appears barely able to lift up its head, which it supports by resting the point of the bill continually on the ground. One parent broods it fairly regularly by day during the first fortnight, but there- after it is only occasionally kept company by day, being fed once each night at about 12 p.m. At five weeks the quills are well-sprouted under the thick double-down, which now gives the bird the appearance of a ball of blackish-brown wool. At seven weeks the first plumage is nearly complete. As will be seen in the above table, there is a wide variation in the fledging-periods recorded. The discrepancies are not easily explained and may be due to a number of associated British Birds, Vol. XXV., Pl. 4 NESTLING STORM-PETRELS. Upper: In nest F, 4 days old, showing bald spot on crown, also discarded egg-shell. Lowey - From nest E, 7 days old, showing typical attitude with beak resting on ground, ( Photographed by H. Morrey Salmon.) 4 ‘ voL. xxv.}| HABITS OF STORM-PETREL. 211 factors, such as food supply, parental attention, and tem- perament. At present I am quite at a loss to explain why one nestling should fly two weeks before another (nests E and F). The records were scrupulously kept, and taken at sunset each day. I have long been aware that the adults will sometimes omit to visit the nestling, in the early stages perhaps for a single night occasionally, later for two or three nights at a stretch. To some extent they shun the land on very bright moonlit nights, though they are not so particular as the Manx Shearwater (Puffinus p. puffinus) in this respect, and then the nestling has to fast. From September 5th to 16th I kept a record of the visits to nest F. The young bird there was visited at night only on the 5th, 7th, roth, r1th, 12th and 15th. On the 15th one parent stayed all day in the nest. JI continued the record irregularly thereafter until the bird flew, and was able to prove that the nestling can easily sustain a six days’ fast. As far as I could ascertain, [ found that the parents leave the nestling in the same apparently callous way as does the Shearwater. During the 21 days of October the bird in nest F was not visited on more than seven occasions and probably less. The method of checking the visits was by placing matchsticks or light stalks and twigs in the entrance to the nest, the parents easily brushing these aside when entering. The fully fledged Petrel has seldom any difficulty in reaching the sea. I have taken them at this stage out of the nest and allowed them to fly off, which they do with ease and grace, though they have never tried their wings before. I have also released them within six inches of the sea. They showed an eagerness not to touch the water, and each time flew away without doing so, and as long as I could watch them they flew in a zig-zag course straight out to sea, low over the waves. (212) THE BIRDS OF LUNDY ISLAND FROM 1922 TO 1931 WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO NUMERICAL FLUCTUATION. BY 105 lel JEVAIRURUUSSIOUN wiih (oer In early June, 1930, V. C. Wynne-Edwards, J. H. Comyns and the writer visited Lundy, an island of rather over a thousand acres, lying twelve miles out in the Bristol Channel. Our primary objective was to take a bird census of the whole island,* but we were able to make a number of other and more general observations. The present notes are based on these, supplemented by unpublished material kindly supplied by others who have visited the island during the last ten years. A fair amount has already been written on the birds of Lundy, but as the present contribution includes twenty-six species not previously recorded, it is clear that much remains to be done. 7 L. R. W. Loyd (B.B., Vol. XVI., pp. 148-159) brought all published information. up to date in 1922, and supple- mentary notes—mostly referring only to one or two species— have since been published by E. W. Hendy (Vol. XVI., Dp: 214), No Hi. Joy (Vol. XVI; 7p. 138), Ts kW. Love (Vol. XVII., p. 158) and S. Lewis (Vol. XVIII., p. 78). This article brings all records after 1922 up to date. The most striking features of the island bird fauna— as shown by the last ten years’ observations—are the marked instability of the summer population, and the very considerable migration of autumn and _ other seasons. Table I demonstrates the constant flux and change in breeding species. It is especially noticeable that only one, the Landrail, has decreased, while over twenty per cent. are erratic and irregular nesters, and well over half show notice- able annual fluctuations in numbers. Whether such fluctua- tions are peculiar to Lundy, to isolated islands, to large areas, or are universal, only a close study of many districts on lines far more elaborate than usually undertaken by ornithologists, can show. There can be little doubt that such studies would prove highly profitable. *Details of this census will be published in a forthcoming number of the Journal of Ecology. VOL. Xxv.] BIRDS OF LUNDY ISLAND. 213 TABLE I. FLUCTUATIONS IN BREEDING SPECIES ON LUNDY, 1922-1931. NO CHANGE. CHANGE. ‘ i Increased No marked fluctuations. roi ri ei oe aeger “20 siderable Erratic vecently Decreased. P ~ Ee oe fluctua- __ breeders. estab- Nets oe tions. lished. Linnet Raven Wheatear Goldfinch Carrion- Landrail Chaffinch Pied Wagtail | Oyster- Yellow Crow (extinct) Rock- Whitethroat Catcher Bunting House- Pipit Song-Thrush | Kittiwake Yellow Sparrow Blackbird Swallow Razorbill Wagtail Stonechat Robin Swift Puffin Goldcrest Hedge- Wren Cuckoo Willow- Sparrow Manx Peregrine Warbler Martin Shear- Falcon Blackcap Shag water Kestrel Sand-— Ring- Herring- Buzzard Martin Dove Gull Cormorant Mallard Lapwing Lesser Turtle- Great Black- Dove Black- backed Common backed Gull Snipe Gull Guillemot Pheasant (intro- duced) Totals. 10 11 5 ro 10 I 21 species. 26 species. The ratio of stable to unstable species is thus 21 : 26. A comparison with work carried out on North Rona in 1931, and shortly to be published elsewhere, provides an interesting comparison. There the ratio was I1:13 (t.€., 22:26). The similarity in this ratio of two islands so far apart can hardly be pure coincidence. The absence of certain species common on the mainland, notably Jackdaw, Starling, Yellow Bunting and Stock- Dove, is a striking feature ; it will be more fully discussed in our census paper. The data obtained on migrants is chiefly of interest as demonstrating a considerable passage movement of many species across the mouth of the Bristol Channel. Moreover, this movement includes a number of birds seldom noted on the mainland of South Wales, Devon or south-west England. The absence of records for Redstart, Redshank, Golden Plover, and Common Gull is noteworthy. 214 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XX. I am most grateful to those who have allowed me to use their unpublished notes, and particularly to Dr. T. G, Longstaff and F. W. Gade for collecting data from other observers, and to J. G. Davies—who made special notes on nesting species in 1931 on my behalf. Whenever the records are not those obtained by Messrs. Wynne-Edwards, Comyns and the author, the person responsible is indicated by initials, as follows: J. G. Davies, Charles S. Elton, F. W. Gade, Rk. Hall E. W. Hendy, Dr TG. Longstatt, sir 3: Renishaw, and H. Revell. Where only a name (no initials) is given the record is a published one, as referred to above. General remarks on the status of the species in England are based on A Practical Handbook of British Birds. D. L. Lack kindly corrected the MS. and proofs. CLASSIFIED NOTES. [The total species for Lundy is now 115. Resident species are not mentioned unless there is anything of significance to be noted con- cerning them. Species previously unrecorded are marked with an asterisk. ] RAVEN (Corvus c. covax).—Four pairs in 1930, as in 1922 (Loyd). Only two pairs in 1931 (J.G.D.). CARRION-CROW (Corvus c. covone).—I estimated about sixteen pairs in 1930. In 1931 there were believed to be nearly forty pairs nesting (F.W.G.), while sixteen were seen on the wing together (J.G.D.). Loyd found only six in 1922. *Rooxk (Corvus f. frugilegus)—Some appear to visit the island from the mainland almost daily; the distance is at least twelve miles. T.G.L. notes up to twelve in mid-September, 1926. During my 1930 stay twelve were seen on June 8th; eight on 9th; one on roth: five on 11th. Twenty on September 2nd, 1930 (E.W.H:). - Not mentioned by Loyd. JACKDAW (Corvus m. spermologus)—The absence of this as a nesting species is one of the most striking and puzzling features of the island. Two were seen on August 31st, 1926 (S.R.), four with Rooks on June 8th, and one June roth, 1930; several in June, 1931! CEGDs), *MAGPIE (Pica p. pica).—A single bird frequented the quarter-wall copse from May, 1930, onwards, and is still there at the time of writing (September, 1931) (F.W.G.), STARLING (Sturnus v. vulgaris) —None breed. Westcote recorded a roost here just three hundred years ago, in 1630. Loyd saw a small party on June 25th, 1923, and T.G.L. one on September 6th, 1927. I found the remains of several dead birds in June, 1930, and several thousands roost in Mill Combe in late winter (F.W.G.). GREENFINCH (Chloris ch. chloris)—One. August 31st, 1926 (S.R.). GOLDFINCH (Carduelis c. britannica)—No record since 1922, when Loyd noted a nesting pair. LINNET (Carduelis c. cannabina).—Nearly forty pairs were nesting in June, 1930. Several parties in late June, 1931 (J.G.D.). *CROSSBILL (Loxia c. curvivostra)—August 30th, 1927, in Gannet’s Combe (T.G.L.). One killed at end of August, 1930 (F.W.G.). Male VOL. xxv.| BIRDS OF LUNDY ISLAND. 215 and female in Mill Combe on September 4th, 1930 (E.W.H.). This is a particularly erratic species in the south-west of England. HovuseE-Sparrow (Passer d. domesticus).—Between 1922 and 1930 has increased from five to twenty-two pairs, all in the village area except one pair in the ruined quarter-wall cottages. During his 1923 visit Loyd remarked ‘‘ numbers more than doubled ’’ as compared with 1922. One hundred were seen on September 7th, 1926 (T.G.L.). YELLOW BuntinG (Emberiza c. citrinella)—Loyd found six to eight Pairs in 1922. None have been noted since ! Snow-BuntinG (Plectrophenax mn. nivalis)—January Ist, 1927 (R.H.). Se Bits (Alauda a. arvensis).—In addition to movements of breeding birds, there is a good deal of passage migration in September (E.W.H. and T.G.L.). TREE-Pipir (Anthus ¢. trivialis)—Probably several in early September, 1926 and 1927 (T.G.L. and C.S.E.). No records by Loyd, but seen on June 11th and 12th, 1914, by Hendy. MEAbDow-P pir (Anthus pratensis).—There is a considerable passage migration in September. In summer this species forms over half the total nesting population of all land birds. YELLOow Wacrtait (Motacilla f. vayi)—One pair in June, 1930. This is a rare nesting species in Devon and Cornwall. WuitE Wacrtait (Motacilla a, alba).—Several, September 4th to 6th, 1927 (T.G.L.). Three on September 3rd, and several September 7th, 1930 (E.W.H.). GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN (Regulus yr. anglorum).—One pair in 1922 (Loyd). Two April 2nd, 1927 (F.W.G.). None in 1930 and 1931. RED-BACKED SHRIKE (Lanius collurio)—September 2nd, 1927 (C.S.E.). The only previous record is for June 1st, 1922 (Loyd). This is a rare bird in Devon. SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa s. striata)—Does not breed, but regular on passage in spring and early September (T.G.L. and E.W.H.). Not present in June, 1930 and 1931. *PIED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa h. hypoleuca).—Male, May 4th, 1927 (F.W.G.). Females and immature birds seen September 2nd, 3rd, 6th and 7th, 1930 (E.W.H.). These records are of much signifi- cance, for the species is considered particularly scarce in Devon and Cornwall. *CHIFFCHAFF (Phylloscopus collybita).—September 3rd, 1926 (T.G.L.). A large passage movement of Phylloscopi, apparently including this species, on April 30th, 1931 (F.W.G.). No other records except for an unreliable statement by Ross (quoted by Loyd). WILLOW-WARBLER (Phylloscopus t. trochilus)—Though none. were nesting in 1922, there were four pairs—all on the east side—in 1930. But in 1931 none were present after April 30th, when there was a big passage movement of Phylloscopi until mid-September, when a large influx was observed (F.W.G.). *SEDGE-WARBLER (Acrocephalus schenobenus).—One seen, but not singing, in St. John’s Valley, during early June, 1930. Four on September 8th, 1926; one September 2nd to 4th, a927 (L.G.3..). Probably one September 2nd, 1930 (E.W.H.). A number in early September, 1931 (F.W.G.). Loyd had no records ! ; Bracxcap (Sylvia a. atricapilla).—One singing in Mill Combe during June, 1930. Loyd gives three records, and Lewis found two males in June, 1924. 216 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV. *LESSER WHITETHROAT (Sylvia curruca).—September 2nd, 1927— one (T.G.L.). Records of migratory Lesser Whitethroats in south- west England are not numerous. MistLE-THRusH (Turdus v. viscivorus)—A juvenile on September 3rd, 1926 (T.G.L.). The only other record is for June 11th, 1914 (Hendy). RING-OvuzEL (Turdus t. torquatus)—Occurs almost annually as an early spring migrant, but none in 1931 (F.W.G.). This passage, and its absence in autumn, corresponds with the migration routes as given in the Practical Handbook. WHEATEAR (CEnanthe e. enanthe).—There was still some migration of this species in mid-June, 1930. There were more than thrice as many in 1930 as in 1922; in 1923 Loyd found only one pair. In 1931 there were apparently only a few nesting (J.G.D.). *GREENLAND WHEATEAR (Cinanthe @. leucorrhoa).—September 3rd and 5th, 1926 (T.G.L.) and October 3rd, 1926 (H.R.). August 29th to September 7th, 1927 (T.G.L. and C.S.E.). Probably several in early September, 1930 (E.W.H.). WHINcHAT (Saxicola vy. yubetva).—Does not breed. September 3rd and gth, 1926; August 27th to September 8th, 1927 (I.G.L.). _ There are but few records of migrant Whinchats travelling down the west coast route, so perhaps these are Irish birds. STONECHAT (Saxicola t. hibernans).—There has been an increase of about fifty per cent. over Loyd’s 1922 figure. In 1931 it was “ very commons 9 (G2): HEDGE-SpARROW (Prunella m. occidentalis) —A remarkable increase has occurred. There were apparently none before 1922, when Loyd found two pairs, both near the village. There were over ten times this number along the east side in 1930. SWALLOW (Hirundo r. vustica).—In June, 1930, a pair was building in the ruined quarter-wall cottages, though there were none in the church porch, where Loyd noted it in 1922. Several pairs in mid- June, 1931 (J.G.D.). Numerous on passage. HovusE-Martin (Delichon u. urvbica)—About half a dozen pairs in June, 1930, some of which were almost certainly nesting, mostly on the small limestone area opposite Rat Island. A big increase was observed in 1931 (F.W.G.). SAND-MARTIN (Ripavia vy. viparia)—Three or four pairs were apparently nesting in June, 1930; Lewis suspected breeding in 1924. None stayed throughout the summer of 1931 (J.G.D.). SwiFt (A pus a. apus).—Several pairs in 1930 were probably breeding in the limestone area above the Rattles. One pair was present in Aone. anojse (I) CD) NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus e. euvopeus).—September 2nd, 1927—two in Gannet’s Combe (T.G.L.). The migratory routes of this species are still very uncertain. Cuckoo (Cuculus c. canorus).—TYhe presence of only one pair is curious in view of the abundance of Meadow-Pipits. Apparently there has never been more than one pair. *LONG-EARED OwL (Asio o. otus).—One caught in a rabbit snare in winter, 1929-30, stayed until early spring (F.W.G.). BarRn-Owt (Tyto alba ? subsp.)—One on November 3rd, 1928 (F.W.G.). This date makes one regret that the bird was not carefully examined, for it might well have been of the Dark-breasted race. VOL. XXV. | BIRDS OF LUNDY ISLAND. 217 The only other record is of a pair present from July, 1922, to July, 1923 (Loyd). ; ; PEREGRINE Fatcon (Falco p. peregrinus).—In 1930 an eyrle near the west end of the quarter-wall, and another on Gannet’s rock. In 1931 one eyrie was disturbed by photographers, and the birds deserted the other pair reared their young (J.G.D.). It seems that Peregrines frequently cross to the mainland for food in autumn when the Kitti- wakes (their staple summer diet) have left, and the Starlings not yet arrived. ro, Kestrev (Falco t. tinnunculus).—Two pairs In 1922 (Loyd), 1927 (T.G.L.), and 1930. They feed chiefly on dorbeetles, and are thus largely dependent on sheep and cattle (C.S.E.). Pigmy shrews are also taken (R.H.). a! Buzzarp (Buteo b. buteo).—Apparently only one pair in 1926 (T.G.L.). In 1930 there were probably four (two nests located for certain) ; in 1931 three eyries were found (J.G.D.). Loyd found only two or three in 1922, but there were four in 1923. Only one cast, out of many examined in September, contained mammal remains—the mass of food being beetles (T.G.L. and C.S.E.). Sparrow-Hawk (Accipiter n. nisus).—The pair reported from the north end by Loyd is not there now nor have any individuals been noted by other observers. I know few places less suited to a Sparrow- Hawk. *Kire (Milvus m. milvus).—Three drifting over the island in April 28th, 1929 (F.W.G.). Mr. Gade has given me full particulars and descriptions of these birds. There can be no doubt as to their identity. *HERON (Ardea c. cinerea).—June 28th and August 29th, 1927 (F.W.G. and T.G.L.). No other records ! *BITTERN (Botaurus s. stellavis).—September 24th, 1930—one, probably a bird of the year, caught and later liberated (F.W.G. and Field, i.xi.30). MALLARD (Anas p. platyrhyncha).—Since Loyd’s record of pairs believed to be breeding in 1920, t921 and 1922 there are no records unt.l June, 1931, when a pair was seen on several occasions (J.G.D.). CorMORANT (Phalacrocorax c. carbo).—Only a few seen in 1927 (T.G.L.). In 1930 I found only five pairs, all on Gannet’s Rock, and in 1931 there were fifteen nests, all at the same place (J.G.D.). Yet in early September, 1930, there were many Cormorants and very few Shags (E.W.H.). There were about twelve pairs in 1922 (Loyd). SHAG (Phalacrocorax a. ayristotelis)—Noted as common in 1927 (T.G.L.). I counted thirty pairs, scattered all round the island, in 1930, and in 1931 J.G.D. found groups of up to twelve pairs all round the cliffs. In 1922 there were only about twelve (Loyd) (and ¢f., Cormorant). GANNET (Sula bassana).—After nearly twenty years’ absence, a pair attempted to breed in 1922 (Loyd). R.H. believes that a pair may have nested in 1927, and while on the island in September of that year T.G.L. was informed that two pairs had bred! Unfor- tunately there is no more direct evidence. A few are present in September every year, and adults frequented the north end during June, 1930 and 1931. STORM-PETREL (Hydrobates pelagicus).—In the Practical Handbook the possibility of nesting at Lundy is suggested. Since 1924 no one has even noted this bird at sea, far less on the island itself. 218 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV. MANX SHEARWATER (Puffinus p. puffinus)—Three nocturnal attempts to find a breeding-site in June, 1930, failed, and no one on the island could direct us. In June, 1931, J.G.D. heard the call of birds flying round the south end at night, but was unable to find any nesting colony. It is difficult to believe that there can be a very large number breeding at the present time. *RED-THROATED Diver (Colymbus stellatus)—September Ist, 1926 (S.R.). Rinc-DoveE (Columba p. palumbus).—September 3rd, 1926, and September 2nd, 1927 (T.G.L.). Two pairs bred for the first time in 1930, and in 1931 J.G.D. found several. *Stock-DovE (Columba enas).—The only record for the island is of a bird on September 4th, 1926 (T.G.L.). The absence of this as a nesting species is curious. *RoOcK-DovE (Columba 1. livia) —T.G.L. informs me that he identi- fied a Rock-Dove at the North Light on August 31st, 1927. TURTLE-DOoVE (Streptopelia t. turtuy)—One on passage in Mill Combe on June gth, 1930. During June, 1931, several pairs were to be seen feeding on the arable area at the south end, but apparently none bred (J.G.D.). OYSTER-CATCHER (Hematopus o. ostralegus).—Only a few birds stay into September—two in September, 1927 (TI.G.L.), and one in September, 1930 (E.W.H.). There was apparently an increase of breeding pairs in 1931 (J.G.D.), and a decrease in 1927 (T.G.L.). In 1930 there were rather more than in 1922. For several days in succession in early September, 1931, one fed among the tame geese of the village (F.W.G.). RINGED PLOVER (Charadrius h. hiaticula)—September 2nd, 1926 (S.R.) and September 1st, 1927 (T.G.L.). Lapwinec (Vanellus vanellus)—Commenced to breed—at Pondsbury —in 1927 (F.W.G.). Three pairs in 1930 and 1931. Several were seen in September, 1927 (T.G.L.),and Loyd noted a single bird in May and early June, 1922. *TURNSTONE (Avenaria 1. interpres).—September 4th, 1926 (S.R.). *SANDERLING (Cyvocethia alba).—September 3rd, 1926 (T.G.L.). DUNLIN (Calidris alpina).—A small party frequented the tiny pool by the church in September, 1930; there were four from the 2nd to 6th, three on the 7th, and two on the 8th (E.W.H.). A considerable number appeared early in the second week of September, 1931 (F.W.G.). *PURPLE SANDPIPER (Calidris m. maritima).—One picked up dead on January 6th, 1931 (F.W.G.). COMMON SANDPIPER (Tvinga hypoleucos).—-Remarkably scarce. There is no record since the single one given by Loyd for May 12th, 1922. *WOOD-SANDPIPER (Ivinga glaveola)—One haunted two small pools by the Church all day on June 8th, 1930 (as already recorded, B.B., Vol. XXIV., p. 83). F.W.G. informs me that in mid-September, 1930, he saw another wader which he believes to have been of this species, though he was unable to obtain full identification details. CuRLEW (Numenius a. arquata)—Present on passage every September; twenty-two on September 4th, 1930. Not in early June, 1930, but J.G.D. noted several in late June, 1931. These birds frequent the top of the island beyond the Half-way wall (E.W.H. and F.W.G.). VOL. xXxv.|}| BIRDS OF LUNDY ISLAND. 219 WHIMBREL (Numenius ph. pheopus).—September Sth, 1926 (T.G.L.). Loyd gives only May records. _ CoMMON SNIPE (Capella g. gallinago).—One pair probably bred in 1930. Single birds seen in June, 1930, and one heard drumming in May by Commander Pidcock, R.N. Also one seen on September 3rd and 4th, 1927 (C.S.E.). The only other record is for April, 1906 (Joy). *Jack Snipe (Lymnocryptes minimus).—September 4th, 1927 (C.S.E. and T.G.L.). The date is an interesting one. ts *Woopcock (Scolopax rv. rusticola)—September 7th, 1927 (T.G.L.). *SANDWICH TERN (Sterna s. sandvicensis).—One between the island and the mainland. September 8th, 1930 (E.W.H.). : BLACK-HEADED GuLL (Larus ry. vidibundus).—Very scarce. No records since those of Hendy (June 19th, 1914) and Loyd (June goth, 1922). nee BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus marinus).—I estimated fifty pairs breeding in 1930—a remarkable increase on Loyd’s 1922 figure of about seven pairs. In September, 1930, E.W.H. wrote me “ has increased since I was here in 1924, and now occurs all round cliffs”’. In 1931 J.G.D. found only twenty pairs, but some may have been missed. The success of this species on Lundy is largely due to the utilization of the Puffin as a staple item in its summer diet (cf. Loyd, B.B., Vol. XVI., p. 157, and Vol. XVIL., p. 159). KitTIWwAKE (Rissa t. tridactyla)—Very abundant in summer, but entirely absent in September (T.G.L. and E.W.H.). They usually leave about August 25th (R.H.). Loyd noted a very marked increase in 1923, and F.W.G. a decrease in 1931. The first young in 1931 were seen on June 27th (J.G.D.). *ArcTIC SKUA (Stercorarius parasiticus).—September 8th, 1926 (1.G.L.). There is a record of one seen out at sea between Barnstaple and Lundy in August, 1925 (Joy). RazorBiLL (Alca torda).—A very few stay until September— September 3rd, 1927 (T.G.L.), and September 4th, 1930 (E.W.H.). Loyd noted a remarkable increase in 1923, and F.W.G. a decrease in 1931. J.G.D. writes ‘‘ probably the commonest bird on the island’. GutLLemor (Uria a. albionis).—The only record of one remaining into September is for 1926, when T.G.L. saw a juvenile on the 6th. *LITTLE AuK (Alle alle).—September 7th, 1926 (S.R. and vy eh This is a very early date. PUFFIN (Fyvatercula a. grabe).—A remarkable increase occurred in 1923 (Loyd), but in 1930 it was limited to two large colonies at the north end (cf. Loyd’s notes). There was a considerable decrease in 1931 (F.W.G.). LAND-RarL (Crex crex).—Prior to 1924 several pairs were noted, and one was still present in 1929, but by 1930 it had become extinct. On migration September 3rd and 8th, 1926 (T.G.L.), and May 8th, 1927 (R.H.). *WaTER-RAIL (Rallus a. aquaticus).—One stayed the winter 1927- ee 7 became so tame that it would enter the house for food (P.W.G.). MoorHEN (Gallinula chloropus)—None for some years. *Coot (Fulica a. atra).—One stayed from December 23rd, 1927, to January 8th, 1928 (F.W.G.). PHEASANT (Phasianus colchicus)—A number were introduced a few years ago. There were five pairs in 1930, but in 1931 only two or three (J.G.D.). (220) ON THE NORMAL FLIGHT-SPEED OF BIRDS. BY B. B. ROBERTS. Tue following notes may be of interest in accentuating or _ modifying certain points suggested in a recent paper on normal flight-speeds, by T. H. Harrisson (1). During the last four years I have been collecting data on flight-speeds of birds, and since I have used the same methods as he described, it will be enough to say that the records were obtained with two reliable speedometers (Jaeger and A.T.) from a motor-car, and that all the observations have been made for a distance of at least 60 yards and usually for more than roo yards. Nearly all the speeds were taken with an assistant, and in no case was there any appreciable wind. All speeds are given in m.p.h. Unfortunately, in only a few cases did I make notes as to the nature and circumstances of flight. RESULTS. The result of these observations is the following list of 70 records for 24 species. Hooded Crow (Corvus cornix) ... 29 Carrion-Crow (Corvus corone) ... 20, 25, 22, 25, 29, 32, 31, 25 Rook (Corvus frugilegus) Bao Ss By 2S Magpie (Pica pica) ae Pom (Chased) Starling (Stuynus vulgaris) .». 23, 41, 29, 28, 43 (flock to roost), 41 Chaffinch (Fringilla celebs) Host SO oh a IS YellowBunting(Emberiza citrinella) 30, 28 (two playing) Sky-Lark (Alauda arvensis) ... 28, 22 (straggling flock) Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea) 28 Song-Thrush (Turdus philomelus) 28, 29 (chased) Blackbird (Turdus merula) soe XO, WO, AS, 3S}, Wheatear (Ginanthe wnanthe) ... 32 House-Martin (Delichon urbica)... 46 (chased), 25 Swallow (Hivundo rustica) So) 27 Sion SS) Wood-Pigeon (Columba palumbus) 51 (chased*), 47, 23, 43 Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) 27, 35 (alarmed by car, not chased) Oyster-Catcher (Hematopus ostvalegus) 35 . Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus) ... 28, 33 (zig-zag and somersault) 41 (flock migrating) Curlew (Numenius arquata) oan 0) Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)... 15, 29 b Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) 30, 25, 28, 21 Herring-Gull (Larus argentatus)... 21,36, 30, 27 Red Grouse (Lagopus scoticus) ... 47 Partridge (Pevdix perdix) «=? 40 (Chased), 35, 25,735, 20) 33 * Average of about 47 m.p.h. with this one acceleration up to 51 m.p.h. for 10-15 seconds. vot. xxv.] FLIGHT-SPEED OF BIRDS. 221 DISCUSSION. For comparison of these speeds with those obtained by T. H. Harrisson, a table is given below summarizing results for species for which I have three or more records. Beside them are tabulated his results. The columns headed “average” and “ maximum ”’ are not based on migratory flight-speeds, and do not include any disturbed or chased birds :— Maximum, Minimum. Average. No. of Observations, Toro. Bbuk, 1.nen, Boek. Taw. BBR. Tae. 6©6BLBLR, Rook “-« 85 35 24 2, 30:2 “30 8 4 Starling oe (305 24 25 28 8628 32.4 7 5 Chaffinch ... 29 35 25 29) 27-2 27.2 3 4 Blackbird ... 30 33 29 26 20.7. 28.8 3 5 Swallow se eae 38 23 2 273) (22.00 Sit 3 Wood-Pigeon 51 47 27 23 42.6 37-6 8 3 Herring-Gull 20 36 7) 21 18.3 2855 3 4 It will be seen that many of my speeds are faster than Harrisson’s, but all are less than those obtained by R. Meinertzhagen (2). I have only one migration record, and that is for a flock of Lapwings at 41 m.p.h. compared with 28 or 33 m.p.h. for normal everyday movement. The following instances of Rook speeds are interesting in this connexion. Rook (Corvus frugilegus). 40.25 m.p.h. all migrating (average of 5 observations) Meinertzhagen. 30.25 , mone ,, ( ny ie OO 5 ) Harrisson. 31.00 ” ” ” ( ” ” 4 ” ) Roberts. This gives interesting confirmation to Harrisson’s theory regarding a difference between normal and migratory speeds. His suggestion: “ It seems possible that figures for dusk flights to roosts in certain species would more nearly approximate to those obtained for migration’ is confirmed by a record of my own. STARLING (Stuynus vulgaris). 28.0 m.p.h. none migrating (average of observations) Harrisson. 32.4 », r» - ( mtnsae 5 » ) Roberts. 41.0 ,, dusk flight to roost (1 observation) Roberts. All other Starling observations as summarized by Harrisson confirm this, except Meinertzhagen’s 13 mnon-migrating records. Q 222 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV. The following table shows the range between maximum and minimum for normal flight-speeds, again referring only to birds for which I have three or more records :-— Species. Range in m.p.h.* Wood-Pigeon ere ee 1240 (2a tonean) Herring-Gull ee 2) 5) (20 tons Oo) Stanlime ss. ne Ve) ts (2e> tom) Carrion-Crow sits ee) LZe(2ontoEs2) Swallow ... ree past) SL (eta) Ranunid oe; ua.. ae ven) - LO) (250035) Black-headed Gull Ay 9 (2 to 30) Rook anc $06 be &) (27 tor ss) Chaffinch ... “gc ans S. (27tOr 35) Blackbird ... a (26) to) 33) The evidence of these very incomplete notes seems to point to the fact that individual variation is considerable, as already suggested by Harrisson for Starling, Wood-Pigeon, etc. It is significant that he gives the range of variation for Wood- Pigeon as 24, Starling 25, Rook 11, Swallow 9—all quite close to my records. I suggest that a point of great interest in the question of flight-speeds is the maximum air speed of which each bird is capable in level flight. If the individual variation is as great as it appears, it is clear that we cannot arrive at any real average for a bird’s normal, or “ cruising’’, speed until the different types of flight have been clearly separated. We can only obtain the rough limits within which we may expect to see them flying with the data at present available, and before any study of the subject can be really complete, intelligent notes as to the type and circumstances of flight are essential. REFERENCES.—(1) T. H. MHarrisson. British Birds, Vol. XXV., pp. 86-96. (2) R. Meinertzhagen. Jbis, 1921, pp. 228-238. * These figures are increased very greatly when the records obtained by other observers are included. < WAXWINGS IN NORFOLK. SoME Waxwings (Bombycilla garrulus) have reached Norfolk during the last few weeks. On November 3rd, 1931, one was picked up alive at Kelling, under telegraph wires, by the local police constable, but it died and was unfortunately taken by a cat. Some wing-feathers which I found, however, proved the species. On November 22nd I watched two for a considerable time, close to my house in Kelling, and made the following observations: The only note uttered sounded like “‘ Sivr-r-r-ip”’, a soft, sibilant note, not unlike that of a Redwing, but in a lower key. This was uttered when the bird was at rest in an elm tree, and with the mandibles slightly opened. On one occasion a bird dropped down to a dog-rose bush and, hovering, took a berry without perching. Later, however, both birds perched in the same bush and took hips, which they swallowed whole, the larger ones with apparent difficulty. The most interesting fact noticed was that both birds frequently rose into the air above the elms and took some small insects (probably gnats) just as Starlings will take the queen black ants during their nuptial flight in August. I could distinctly see, through field-glasses, the widely opened bill. The sun was shining brightly at the time, and many gnats were dancing around me. The Practical Handbook records insect food in summer, but apparently there are no records of such food being taken in this country during winter. R. M. GARNETT. ‘Mr. G. C. Wynne records (Field, 28.xi.31, p. 828) that he saw two Waxwings at Warcop, Westmorland, on November roth, 193I.] ICELAND REDWINGS IN ROSS-SHIRE. I have received in the flesh two Redwings which were killed - at the light at Tarbatness Lighthouse, Ross-shire, on October 18th, 1931. They are a male and a female, each with wing- measurement of 122 mm., and from their dark coloration, both above and below, evidently belong to the Icelandic race, Turdus musicus coburni. HuGuH WHISTLER. ICELAND REDWINGS IN IRELAND. BEARING in mind the inclusion of this geographical race in the Bnitish list (Brit. B., Vol. XX., p. 14) I have endeavoured 224 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV. to obtain specimens of Redwings from the Irish light-stations since I took up this migration work in 1928. So far, only two or three specimens have been received in the flesh, and a number of legs and wings. The specimens received in the flesh were the common form, but Mr. Witherby agrees with me that the following wings were taken from specimens of the Iceland Redwing (Turdus musicus coburnt) :— October 29th, 1930. Wing, length 128 mm., from Aran North light-station, co. Galway. October 18th, 1931. Wing, length 125 mm., from the Black- rock light-station, co. Mayo. ; Six other wings received, while exceeding 120 mm. in length, cannot with certainty be ascribed to the Iceland form in the absence of the actual specimens themselves. G. R. HUMPHREYS. STONECHATS REARING THREE BROODS. A patR of Stonechats (Saxicola t. hibernans) which nested near my house at Tadworth, Surrey, successfully reared three broods during 1931. I observed the young of the first brood on May 28th, and judged that they had probably vacated the nest a week previously. Unfortunately, I failed to record the number of the young and their subsequent movements. The second brood, consisting of four young, left the nest on or about July rst, and were attended by the adults for at least a week after that date. These young birds were not seen in the immediate vicinity of the nest after July 4th, but they certainly remained in the neighbourhood until July 2oth. The four young of the third brood were still in the nest on August 22nd, but had flown the following day. I should perhaps add that I satisfied myself that no other pairs of Stonechats were breeding within a mile of the spot. HowarpD BENTHAM. CRUTCH OF FIGHT EGGS OF STONECHAT: Durine April, 1931, my son and I spent several days locating all the pairs of Stonechats (Saxzcola t. hibernans) on a large common in Worcestershire. By the evening of April 21st we had found the nests of seven out of the eight pairs present. The next morning my son and small daughter set out to find the nest of this pair and eventually watched the hen into a low gorse bush. From this they flushed the bird from a nest, which to their astonishment contained eight eggs. VOL. XXV.] NOTES. 225 Three of these were pressed into the lining of the nest, presumably so that the bird could cover them all. The eggs were uniform in coloration and shape, and incubation had just started in all but one, which was addled. This is the first authentic clutch of eight I have ever heard of, and out of over 150 nests we have found of the Stonechat only two have had even as many as seven eggs. G. TOMKINSON. ALPINE ACCENTORS IN SUSSEX. ON three days during April, 1921, I had the pleasure of watching, often at very close quarters—and so clearly identi- fying—an Alpine Accentor, Prunella c. collaris, on the Head- land at Seaford. The first meeting was on April 7th, when, as I walked the beach, a rather slim-looking, insignificant and dull-coloured little bird was detected a good way ahead flitting along close in under the bluff. Its flight and general “cut” partook to some extent of those attributes of the Hedge-Sparrow, with a “ dash” of Pipit thrown in; and I recognized it instantly as a species hitherto unknown to me. Opportunely it alighted on a “fall”, and then a nearer approach, combined with binoculars, at once revealed its true identity. It was absurdly tame, if nervous, especially of a Kestrel, which at the time was hovering above the cliff. Constantly on the search for food amongst the boulders of broken chalk littering the base of the bastion, the little stranger now and then, especially when it spied a lurking insect (I suppose) some way off, moved so very nimbly that even at distances of only about twelve paces I was for some little time puzzled as to whether it hopped or ran, so crouching was its gait. Eventually, however, I felt no doubt whatever on the score of hopping (or jumping) being the mode of progression. Between whiles the bird liked to stand on a block or boulder, or, as on further acquaintance (April 18th and 20th), on some irregular grassy slope at the summit of the steep; in fact, it mostly patronised the crown of the Head. But it always stood very low ; so low, in fact, that squatting was immediately suggested, though I do not believe that that posture was ever actually adopted. Be that as it may, practically no leg was ever seen, generally only the feet, which were often splayed, being on view, whilst sometimes none of these appendages was visible, Perhaps this species’ legs are markedly short—out of proportion, in fact, to the rest of the body. When thus at rest, far from looking even tolerably slim, the bird assumed a puffy, dishevelled, not to 226 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV. say dumpy, sort of appearance, by reason of most of its feathers seeming to lie loosely and, so to speak, disjointedly on it; the flank-feathers, for instance, were pushed out and then slightly up and over the margins of the wings. The description of the flight has already been given. There remain, however, to be discussed other field-impressions jotted down at the time, often, too, at close range. In size, then, the bird was appreciably larger than the Hedge-Sparrow. Its main colour-tone was greyish-brown. But it had a dirty white, black-spotted gorget ; pale spots on the wing-coverts ; cinnamon-rufous flanks; pale tips to the rectrices, which showed little, if any, ashen hue; and whitish eyebrows. Except for the colour of the flanks, which was obvious even at fair range with the naked eye, none of these features was conspicuous—indeed, without glasses, the superciliary streak was difficult to determine. To the above it may be added that the irides were light brown, and the legs and feet brown, tinged in certain lights, with pink, whilst the upper mandible looked black, except for its base, which was certainly yellowish, as was most of the lower mandible. On March 16th, 1922, I again met with P. c. collaris in Sussex—this time, on the cliff at Rottingdean. JOHN WALPOLE-BOND. SIZE OF SWALLOW BROODS IN CHESHIRE. THE following table records the size of broods of the Swallow (Hirundo r. rustica) in the neighbourhood of Great Budworth, Cheshire, in 1931. Swallows were fully as plentiful as in 1930. The wet, inclement weather during the summer undoubtedly was effective in reducing the number of nestlings reared, and I found more addled eggs than usual—though in each year broods of four nestlings with one addled egg have been frequently observed. There were more broods of one, two and three than in any of the four previous years (cf. antea, Vol. XXIV., p. 160) and the average brood for the month of June was smaller than in any of these years, but, as usual, larger than the average of broods in the later months. Broods Average Total Average Month. examined Broods of Brood number _ brood Gyagl AB ile G) for of for the ringed. month. byoods. year. June See 7 BeOS 624) 2) Sad, ) July nee 14 i 38° fF 8 BETS 06 3.98 PNUUIPADISIE gag AIP i lo Wey ae 2 s:92 4) September 3 - It I — — 3.00 A. W. Boyp. ~) VOL. XXV.] NOTES. 227 t HOOPOE, STONECHAT AND LATE SWALLOW IN ORKNEY. On September roth, 1931, a Hoopoe (Upupa e. epops) was found in Sandwick, Orkney, and brought to me for identifica- tion. During October and November, 1931, a pair of Stonechats (Saxicola torquata? subsp.) have frequented my garden near Finstown. As I have only once before—February, 1930— seen the bird in Orkney, I thought it worth reporting. In the morning of November 8th, 1931, for ten minutes or more, I noticed a Swallow (Hivundo r. rustica) hawking flies round my house. At the time the sun was shining brightly and there was a strong southerly wind blowing. This is the only Swallow I have seen this year, and surely must be a late record of the bird so far north. A. Woop. (The Stonechat and Swallow are recorded as breeding in small numbers in Orkney, while the Hoopoe is a scarce straggler there.—EDs.] SMALL EGGS OF PEREGRINE FALCON. Mr. OwEN’s description and measurements of the eggs of the Peregrine Falcon (Falco p. peregrinus) in the 1930 clutch of five (antea, p. 133) have interested me a good deal. As I have found a series of four eggs, all small, at an eyrie in Wales during the last five years, it might be of interest to give the measurements, which are as follow :— 1927. 1928. 1929. 1930. 1931. mm. mm. mm. mm. mm. mm. mm. mm. mm. mm. 49-78 X 37.59 48.76X 36.57 46.22 36.57 45.21 X 34.54 47-24 X 34.03 48.76 X 36.57 47-75X 37.08 46.22X 36.06 45.72X 35.05 48.26 33.52 50.29 X 38.06 50.29X 39.11 46.73 360.06 45.72 35.56 47.24 X 34.03 Yl Sar da Wa 37.08 49.78 X 37:59 41.14X 37.08 46.22X 34-54 47-24X 35.05 giving an average for the twenty eggs in five seasons of 47.32 X 36.09. The average during the five years give my eggs asslightly longer, but slightly narrower than Mr. Owen’s clutch of five. But my clutch of four in season 1930 have an average of 45.7 X 34.9, which is considerably smaller than Mr. Owen’s clutch of five, averaging 46.5 x 36.3. In 1929 there was one particularly small egg which appears almost round, 41x37. Except this one egg, which has the ground-colour almost covered with purplish undermarkings, they all have a white ground with beautiful red markings. G. TOMKINSON. 228 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV. SYSTEMATIC “ BEATING ” BY HERONS. Mr. Wn. Bruce, a keen bird observer, tells me that on October 4th, 1931, he saw in a field of recently cut oats, twenty-five Herons (Ardea c. cinerea) lined out in advance formation, walk systematically across the whole field. On reaching the far side, they turned about and retreated in similar fashion. Again, on October 25th, he saw fourteen Herons performing a similar evolution. They seemed to be beating the ground for a food supply of voles and rats. The field was adjacent to the river Earn at Forteviot. J. Rivcerg, MADEIRAN FORK-TAILED PETREL IN IRELAND. A SPECIMEN of this rare visitor—the first occurrence in Ireland—and the fourth for the British Isles—was obtained on the Blackrock, g miles off the coast of Mayo, on the night of October 18th, 1931, by Mr. D. J. Sullivan, assistant light- keeper at that light-station. The bird was sent to me in the flesh labelled ‘“‘ Petrel’’, along with wings and legs of a Field- fare (Turdus pilaris) ; five Redwings, including one undoubted Turdus musicus coburm, and a Jack Snipe (Lymnocryptes minimus), killed striking the lantern on the same _ night, 8 p.m. to 12 midnight. A second Petrel, apparently a Storm-Petrel, is also recorded in the schedule, as well as Wrens, Blackbirds, Redshanks and a Sparrow-Hawk observed round the lantern. There was a mist at the time, the wind being recorded as light air from the east. After I had identified the specimen it was handed to Messrs. Wiliams & Son, of Dublin, to prepare the skin, and on dissection it proved to be a female. The skin was subse- quently submitted to Mr. H. F. Witherby, who confirms that this is a Madeiran Fork-tailed Petrel (Oceanodroma castro). Mr. Witherby remarks that while the tail is only very slightly forked, the characteristic white bases of the tail- feathers are very marked in this specimen. The measure- ments taken by Mr. Witherby are: Wing 159; tail outer feathers 78 ; central 74; tarsus 22 ; middle toe and claw 22 ; and bill 15 mm. The specimen will be added to the collection of Irish birds in the National Museum, Dublin. G. R. HUMPHREYS. BARRED WARBLERS IN ISLE OF MAY AND SUFFOLK.— Miss L. J. Rintoul and Miss E. V. Baxter record (Scot. Nat., 1931, p. 165) that when they arrived on the Isle of May on VOL. XXV. | NOTES. 229 August 26th, 1931, they found a Barred Warbler (Sylvia n. nisoria) and one was seen on the 28th. A second bird was identified on the 29th and on the 3Ist none were seen. On September 2nd at least six were present. Mr. F. C. Cook writes (Field, 7. xi. 31, p. 698) that he saw a Barred Warbler near Lowestoft on September 16th. Late WrYNECK IN SuRREY.—Mr. Howard Bentham informs us that on October 3rd, 1931, he observed a Wryneck (Jynx torquilla) near Epsom Downs. The bird was sunning itself on the top of a small bush and he was able to obtain an excellent view of it. FORK-TAILED PETRELS IN HERTFORD, DORSET, DEVON, KENT AND SuSSEX.—Miss G. Lister informs us that a Leach’s Fork-tailed Petrel (Oceanodroma I. leucorrhoa) was picked up on November 12th, 1931, by Mr. H. E. Seebohm on his estate, Poynders End, near Hitchin, Herts., and that another specimen, a male, was found dead on November 15th, 1931, by Mr. T. A. Colfox at Abbotsbury, Dorset. Both were in perfect plumage, but the Abbotsbury bird was emaciated. Another is recorded as having been picked up in a field about four miles from the sea at Salcombe on November 18th (Field, 5. xii. 31, p. 862). The Rev. J. R. Hale informs us that one, which proved to be an adult male, was picked up dead in a hop garden at Horsmonden, Kent, on November 13th. The stomach of this bird, Mr. Hale informs us, contained a number of small molluscs. This is an interesting fact, as usually birds picked up as the victims of gales have their stomachs empty. Another is reported as having been picked up on November 11th at Burpham, near Arundel (H. C. Jeddere-Fisher, Field, 19.xii.31, p. 934). LitTLE AUK IN CARMARTHENSHIRE.—Miss E. Falkener informs us that on November 4th, 1931, after a gale, she found a Little Auk (Alle alle) alive on Pendine Sands, sheltering in some small drift-wood. Miss Falkener took up the bird for examination and it appeared quite sound. It then flew away several yards, but shortly afterwards returned to the same place. REVIEWS. The Art of Bird-Watching. By E. M. Nicholson. (Witherby.) ros. 6d. net. Illustrated. : Tuis is a practical and stimulating book which can strongly be recom- mended to the attention of bird-watchers. It is something more than 230 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV. that, for it raises fundamental questions of aim and methods. To these I shall return. Here let me say that on the practical side the book will make a special appeal to those interested in the biology of field work ; it gives good detailed accounts of bird census work, ringing and trapping, and of the study of the inter-relations of birds, other animals and plants, now familiar as ecology. Generally useful are the hints on field equipment, method, and subjects for study. From the wide range of matters dealt with it is possible here to select only a few for adequate comment. Among these I include the subject of the bird-watcher’s chief implement, his field-glass. It would be an interesting and lively experience to hear the comments of a dozen representative bird-watchers and opticians on Mr. Nicholson’s views (p. 21). He condemns outright the non-prismatic pattern, chiefly on the ground that one sees through it two intersecting circles instead of one. But that is only the case when the instrument has no bending bar. If the non-prismatic glass has its defects, it has one merit : good illumination and, according to an expert optician, it distorts an approaching object less than the prismatic. Still, most will agree with Mr. Nicholson that the best all-round glass is a prismatic 6 or8 . After using (and losing) a Goerz 8x and a Ross 10x, both prismatic, I find myself with a 5 non-prismatic, with bending bar, for tent work, and a 12x prismatic for long work. The first has served its purpose well. With the second I find it sometimes difficult to “ pick up’’. But, whatever the glass, one has to sacrifice something. Hence vast scope for differences of opinion. I know of one man who professes to prefer a telescope to any form of binocular. Mr. Nicholson selects certain subjects for detailed treatment. Among these is the difficult one of bird utterances (pp. 60-70). He gives an excellent study syllabus, and raises the question of the method of recording, which is fundamental. For indicating length, stress and pitch he recommends the signs invented by Mr. Rowan. To the reader they would be easier to follow if each sign were attached closely to the corresponding syllable instead of being suspended at an appreciable distance above the word. In the form given they also create difficulties for the printer. Mr. Nicholson makes no suggestion as to how the specific quality of the sounds uttered by birds is to be symbolized. At present we depend on similes and our own notation. From a scientific point of view that is inadequate, for a bird is physically incapable of uttering certain of our sounds, e.g., the labial P, which we nevertheless use in recording its sounds; and it utters, or at least seems to me to utter, sounds for which we have no equivalent. The first condition of a satis- factory treatment of bird utterance is a careful phonetic study, and then the choice of a set of phonetic symbols, one symbol for each distinct sound, a new symbol for sounds purely avian. That could be done only by a capable field-naturalist who had gone through the usual phonetic course prescribed by a University. I would add to Mr. Nicholson’s study syllabus the recording of the movements of the mandibles in utterance. I have found them useful in determining a sound not within hearing, and sometimes also in establishing the specific quality of a sound group when modified by change of one sound element or by stuttering in excitement or by extreme change of pitch. Such records would help also to check a tendency to credit birds with more notes than they actually possess. I turn to the thorny problem of bird mentality. Mr. Nicholson very properly points out that the bird-watcher “‘ should take the trouble VOL. XXV.] REVIEWS. 231 to gain something like a true idea of bird-mind, since the only alternative is to use a false one”’ (p. 180). What he says further is equally. to the point, especially with respect to the law of economy of hypothesis, which here means that bird behaviour should be interpreted in terms of the lowest grade of mentality that will fit the facts. That follows from the very definition of a cause as the least antecedent that will account for the given result. But there is yet another question that might be raised, still more fundamental. It is whether the field- naturalist qua field-naturalist need concern himself, or is well- advised to concern himself, with the direct study of mind at all. That it is possible to study animal behaviour without reference to mind, and in terms only of physical stimulus and reaction, no one will deny who admits the continuity of physical process from sense organ to effector (muscle or gland). Granted, then, that the field-worker qua field-worker can avoid the mental reference in his work, should he do so? It is no part of my business as reviewer to discuss this question on its own merits. But something may be said of it as part of the general question of the scope of the bird-watcher’s work raised by Mr. Nicholson. The specific job of the field-worker is clearly the scientific study of the physical reactions of animals under natural conditions. That is what he mainly does and is alone in doing. To this he can and should add the record of perceptible external physical stimuli. That leaves the account still incomplete, even on the physical side. There remains, firstly, the internal physical stimuli and the physical pro- cesses in the nervous tracts or conductors. The study of these internal processes the field-worker qua field-worker wisely leaves to the physiolo- gist, who, working by methods of his own, thus completes the behaviour account on the physical side. There remains, secondly, the mental account. Now nothing can be known of the sub-human mind except by inference from physical behaviour or physical structure. This inference is the peculiar job of the psychologist working with a tech- nique totally different from that of the field-worker, a technique that involves special training and knowledge. This being so, it is a strange reflection upon the status of psychology that, whereas the field-worker would not dream of pronouncing upon the internal physical processes which he cannot perceive and therefore leaves to the physiologist, he has usually no hesitation in pronouncing boldly and abundantly on those internal mental processes which equally he cannot perceive. Field-work, physiology, psychology, each has its own technique and demands a special training. Not only is the field-worker not equipped qua field-worker for psychological inference, but attempts on his part to explain the physical by the mental have often the unfortunate effect of leaving him content not to pursue the external physical stimulus. Hence his own due account is left incomplete on the physical side. What psychology has suffered from most is incomplete physical data. I may add that it took me personally some years to decide to cut the mental factor out of my field-work. Once the decision made, there came a sense of release. One was left with observ- able facts and was quit of problems for which, under the given condi- tions, there could be no solution. What is said in the preceding paragraph is in nowise inconsistent with Mr. Nicholson’s advice to bird-watchers to make themselves familiar with the problems and results of modern comparative psycho- logy. There is at present a regrettable gap between the work of the 232 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV. psychologist and that of the field-worker. The latter knows little of the vast amount of valuable experimental work done by the former, and the psychologist seems unaware of the considerable output of first-class observational field-work. It is to be hoped that one effect of the creation of that ‘‘ Society of Bird-Watchers’’ that Mr. Nicholson contemplates will be the bridging of the gap. Whether the bird- watcher is contributing facts to biology, in the field of distribution, or to psychology, in the vaster field of behaviour, one of the conditions of his efficiency is contact with workers in other parts of his field. F. B. KirKMAN. A Bivd-Painter’s Sketch Book. Written and illustrated by Philip Rickman. (Eyre & Spottiswoode.) 30s. net. THOSE who have visited Mr. Rickman’s exhibitions will know that he can draw birds very well, and not only that, but that he can compose and paint a very nice picture. This volume is welcome in giving us a more intimate and varied view of his work. The delicate sketches in monochrome are especially attractive and have been very well repro- duced. In some of these Mr. Rickman has caught attitude and general appearance very well, as in the Great Crested Grebes, Shovelers and Smew; in others, such as the Dunlin and the Moss Pond at Netherby, we have delightful little finished sketches, while yet in others we have detail and attitude combined, as in the studies of young Wood- cock and the page devoted to Snipe. Here and there, as in the Raven and Bullfinch, there is a tendency to an unnatural smoothness, which we hope Mr. Rickman will not cultivate. Of the coloured plates, the Smews and Goldeneyes on the edge of the tide and the Pheasants on the plough are perhaps the best pictures, but the Scottish moss in spring with a Snipe drumming in the sky makes a strong appeal by its naturalness. That the artist can master detail is shown by the series of Pheasant feathers in colour. The text to accompany such sketches is always a difficulty, and Mr. Rickman’s detailed descriptions of the species depicted, with a few, rather trivial, notes on their habits, is not, we think, the best solution that could have been devised. A more informal collection of notes on what he had seen while making his sketches, such as the curious attitude adopted by young Woodcock and the actions of the old birds which he watched pairing, might have been more appropriate and interesting. It is, however, for the sketches themselves that the book will be valued, and for these we have nothing but admiration. The Birds of the Air or British Birds in theiy Haunts. By Allen W. sedby. (Anic& C. Black.) Uilistraited: 5si met. THE author’s pen and ink sketches distinguish this book from so many similar rather trivial accounts of birds seen in various parts of the British Islands. Most of the sketches are good,and many of them are really excellent, and most characteristic of the species depicted. These drawings are certainly generously distributed throughout the book, and it is perhaps rather ungracious to suggest that weshould have appreciated a still greater proportion of space to have been so occupied. Mr. Seaby takes us from the Scilly Islands to the most northern point of the Shetlands and writes pleasantly of the birds he saw in the widely different haunts in which he sought them out. He has certainly covered a great deal of ground and gives a “ snapshot”’ of a large number of species, but it is usually not more than a brief view before TT ami cm VOL. XXvV.] REVIEWS. 233 we pass on to the next attraction. These sketches, both verbal and line, may lead a reader to begin to study birds, and this, we assume, is the object of the book, which is thus welcome. Nature by Night. By Arthur R. Thompson. Illustrated. 12s. 6d. (Ivor Nicholson & Watson.) Mr. THompson is an entomologist, and this has led him out at night and thus into a field of observation which has certainly been much neglected. More than half the book is devoted to mammals, and here the author seems to have met his best success both in observations and photographs, and especially with badgers. Two chapters are devoted to birds, but there is little novelty in the observations made, and except for a series of Barn-Owls in a loft the photographs are daylight ones, while those of the Eagle-Owl and White-fronted Goose appear to be from captive birds. Other chapters are devoted to reptiles, amphibians and insects. The photographs throughout the book are excellent and very well reproduced. Those of the badgers, which are among the few taken by flashlight, are most attractive and interesting. The Grey Squirrel. By A. D. Middleton. (Sidgwick & Jackson.) 4s. 6d. net. Illustrated. Mr. Mippieton has contributed a valuable scientific paper on the grey squirrel to the Proceedings of the Zoological Society, and the present work is a more popular account of our knowledge of the animal in this country. Ornithologists will be specially interested in what the author has to say about the grey squirrel’s habit of eating the eggs and young of birds. Lists are given of eighteen species of birds whose eggs or young have been observed to have been taken, but Mr. Middleton states that there are no quantitative data, so that a reasoned discussion of what effect the squirrel has upon bird populations in woodland districts is impossible. He states, however, that in many such districts the grey squirrel has reached an average population of two per acre, and, quoting Mr. E. M. Nicholson’s estimate that five breeding pairs of all species per acre is a heavy bird population for woodland, he concludes that it would not be a formidable task for a pair of squirrels to eat every egg five birds could lay ina season. That such a thing ever occurs is, however, not likely, as eggs and young birds appear to form only occasional items in the grey squirrel’s diet, and the chief harm it does is to fruit, corn, and trees. It is interesting to note that this squirrel peels the bark from deciduous trees, whereas the red squirrel specializes on conifers. Ornithologists will probably agree that the grey squirrel is an alien animal that we can well do without, but more observations are certainly required before we can say exactly what effect it has generally on birds, and particularly in those districts where it is numerous, and at those times when vegetable food is scarce. BIRDS IN LOCAL REPORTS AND TRANSACTIONS. Report of the Oxford Ornithological Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, 1930. THE activities of this Society continue to enlarge and its Reports become of increasing importance. Mr. W. B. Alexander’s appointment in 1930 to carry out a three-year programme of research in economic 234. BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV. ornithology and to act as director and supervisor of the Society’s organized activities in the field was an important step forward. With a constantly changing undergraduate membership it is most important that continuity and progress shall be maintained by active permanent officials, and Oxford is fortunate indeed to have both Mr. B. W. Tucker and Mr. W. B. Alexander. The county reports contain much information of interest on local distribution, fluctuations in numbers, dates, and so on, of common birds, as well as notes of wider interest on rarer birds. A separate section is reserved for eight species to which special attention has been directed, and this has points of considerable value. The following items of special interest, all of which were in 1930 except those dated 1929, may be noted: in Oxfordshire a Golden Oriole on May ist, a Great Grey Shrike from May 3rd to 11th, several Black Redstarts (January, February, March and November), a Gadwall on November roth, 1929, Ruffs so early as March 12th two years running, a Common Sandpiper wintering two years, and the breeding of the Tufted Duck at Eynsham Hall in 1926 and subsequently. In Berkshire a Grey Wagtail nesting near Reading for the fourth consecu- tive year, a Dipper seen on November 12th and a Common Scoter in August. In Buckinghamshire the chief event recorded was the nesting of the Common Sandpiper near Leighton Buzzard in 1929. Tvansactions of the Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists’ Society for 1929-30. The President, Mr. G. H. Gurney, takes as his subject for the yearly address ‘‘ The Mentality of Birds, with some notes on Sexual Selection ’’, which is founded upon observation of birds in captivity. The report of the Committee on “‘ Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk in 1930”’ is full of notes on the status of the more interesting breeding birds and references to the occurrence of rarities. Under Broadland, which refers chiefly to Hickling, the Bittern, Bearded Tit, Marsh- and Montagu’s Harriers and Short-eared Owl did well during the year; on Scolt Head Island there were two nests of Roseate Terns, about five hundred pairs of Sandwich Terns and twenty-two nests of Oyster- Catchers; from Cley we have brief notes by Mr.R. M. Garnett of many birds observed during the year. Several beautiful photographs, well reproduced, adorn the Report. The London Naturalist for the Year 1930. The Ornithological section of the London Natural History Society continues to be very active. Under Records for 1930 we find grouped under counties condensed notes, very useful for reference, of birds new to previously published lists, as well as records of interest, many of the latter coming from the London reservoirs. A well drawn-up paper on “‘ Birds of the Harrow District, 1925-1930’ is contributed by Mr. T. H. Harrisson, who, with his brother, certainly made very good use (from our point of view) of his time at the school. The carefully annotated list of birds includes no less than 157 species recorded by the author and his friends in six years within a radius of five miles of Harrow-on-the-Hill. A notable point brought out by Mr. Harrisson is that in the period covered a definite increase has been noted in twenty-seven nesting species and a decrease in only seven. Mr. Harrisson suggests as a tentative theory that this may be due to the rapid increase in houses and housing estates and a consequent concentration in remaining untouched areas—a driving inwards VOL. XXV.] REVIEWS. 235 rather than outwards. This appears to have forced certain species to occupy unsuitable terrain and, if Mr. Harrisson’s theory is correct, one can scarcely expect such an increase to be more than temporary. It is to be hoped that systematic observations bearing on this interesting question will continue to be made. Cardiff Naturalists’ Society, Report and Tvansactions, Vol. LXII., 1929. In this Report, published in 1931, we find a paper by Messrs. G, S. Ingram and H. M. Salmon on the birds which have been observed, chiefly by the authors in the last ten years, at the Llanishen Reservoirs on the outskirts of Cardiff. A Scandinavian Lesser Black-backed Gull (Larus f. fuscus) is noted as identified on October 12th, 1930, while one on January 20th, 1929, has already been recorded in our pages (Vol. XXIII., p. 251). A further paper by the same authors, entitled ‘ Ornithological Notes, 1928-9"’, gives details of the more interesting occurrences reported in the period. Report on Somerset Birds, 1930. By Rev. F. L. Blathwayt. and B. W. Tucker. This report, as usual, is well and carefully drawn up, and has a number of useful and interesting items. The Willow-Tit (Parus a. klein- schmidti) was satisfactorily identified, and can now be definitely added to the county list, though its status and distribution are still to be determined. The Crossbill (Loxia c. curvirostra) is definitely recorded as breeding near Wellington, the nest being found and the bird watched on to it, while in Ashton Park two birds were observed in the act of pairing and a male was seen a month later feeding a striped bird. Black- caps are reported in February ; the Peregrine again nested in an inland locality ; three Grey Phalaropes are recorded in addition to those already mentioned in these pages (Vol. XXIV., pp. 166 and 226); and the Tufted Duck is considered to be now well established in the county as a breeding-species. Mr. Meeson’s notable discoveries of the breeding of the Garganey and Spotted Crake have already been recorded in our pages (Vol. NXIV., pp. 54 and 56). Report of the Cambridge Bird Club, 1930. Cambridge are fortunate in having a very keen band of ornithologist undergraduates now in residence. Besides general observations on birds in the county, special enquiries are being conducted on corporate lines concerning the local distribution of certain species and flight- lines and roosts. Careful observations have also been made, with very useful results, on migrant waders at the Cambridge Sewage Farm. Mr. D. L. Lack has already published in our pages two accounts of these observations (Vol. XXIV., pp. 145 and 280), but further details will be found here. We are glad to see that it is intended to issue shortly a county list, which if done in sufficient detail will be a very welcome piece of work. Data on the local status of regular residents and winter visitors are being collected with this end in view. Report on the Birds of Wiltshire for 1930. Edited by the Rev. M. W. Willson. i Tuts is the second year of the Reports on Wiltshire birds, as revived by Mr. Willson, who, we are glad to see, has an increased number of observers. No striking events are chronicled, but there are a number of useful distributional notes. The Dipper has been recorded to breed 236 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV. in ten different localities in the two years, Peregrines frequented Salisbury Cathedral in autumn but did not breed, and an Eagle, thought to be a Golden, was seen in the north of the county in April, and another at a great height over Salisbury in June. Report of the Marlborough College Natural History Society for 1930. This contains not only the usual year’s list of observations but a revised ‘‘ Hand-List of Birds of the Marlborough District’’. This has been carefully compiled by L. G. Peirson and N. T. Walford, and contains 206 forms. The Practical Handbook order and nomenclature has been followed, and dates of arrival and departure of migrants, dates of laying, periods of incubation and fledging and number of broods are given in condensed form, besides an estimate of general status. Birds not now found in the district and those which have occurred less than five times are printed in small type. The limits of the district are unfortunately not given. This list thus brought up to date will prove of the greatest use. Eton College Natural History Society Report, 1930-1. The chief ornithological item in this report is a ‘‘ Hand-List of the Birds of Eton ’”’ (a limit of three miles from Eton College being fixed) compiled by G. B. Blaker and J. R. W. Blathwayt. In a number of the commoner species the number of nests found is given or fairly exact facts are stated with regard to status, but in many of the scarcer birds we should have liked more precise details. The Grey Wagtail, for instance, is described as ‘“‘an uncommon resident’’ but nothing is said of actual nests; and the Willow-Tit is “ probably a common resident’’, but no evidence for this is given; of the Pied Flycatcher G. B. Blaker states, ““ seems to have nested at Eton ever since 1860. Recently it has nested in the Vice-Provost’s garden, and I have several times seen a male of this species by Sheep’s Bridge’’. The 1860 record is well known, but the rest of the statement in its present form is valueless, and should not have been made without the necessary evidence. We hope that Mr. Blaker will not delay in giving us the full facts. There are a number of other statements in the list which lack proper data or for which no authority is given, and we hope that this may be remedied in future editions. The Heron in Somerset—Supplement. By B. W. Tucker. This contains information supplementary to that in the same writer’s main report published in 1929. Additional details are given of heronries formerly listed, as well as news of a small overlooked colony on Exmoor and a curious case of an isolated nest in an orchard. A separate part deals with ecological data under various headings and an excellent map of all the heronries of the county adds much to the value of this as well as of the main paper. pe Se ee ee ee amnamariat aeeaamn mena manne 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. FOYLES announce a very special offer! From time to time Foyles are able to offer an exceptional Book Opportunity which eclipses even their normal low-priced Bargains, This remarkable offer here will appea immensely to every Ornithologist and represents value which should certainly not be missed. THE IBIS Bound half-leather volumes in excellent condition, eh including the following issues—Sixth series, ba 4,5, 6; Seventh series. Vols. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6; Eighth series, Veils: I. a 3 Comprising in all a complete run, from 1892 to 1904. complete Call and see pi excellent collection of Books on Dosethcleary or write for Catalogue 637, sent free on request. + FOYLES for BOOKS Charing Cross Road (Gerrard 9310) London, W.C.2 WATKINS & DONCASTER Manufacture and Stock CABINETS and APPARATUS of every kind for Collectors of Birds’ Eggs, Insects, &c. A LARGE STOCK OF BIRDS’ EGGS (Singles and Sets) and BRITISH and EXOTIC BUTTERFLIES, Gc. 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To bring together in one volume, in a practical manner, for the use of the expert, all the informa- tion respecting the distinctive characters of the species added to the British list since the publica- tion of Canon Fowler’s great work, which is now out of print and out of date. The author has added some 50 species to the British list, and by noting essential characters only. avoiding any repetitions, and, wherever possible, using characters which can be illustrated by figures, he has been able to condense the descriptions of about 3560 species into one volume. There are included the many species new to science which have been described as British by Dr. Sharp, Mr. Britten, and several others. Aedeagi are figured when necessary; the work will therefore prove of service to the most advanced worker. Of the 2040 figures in Volume 2, 1650 have been drawn by the author with the aid of the camera-lucida, whilst nearly all the remainder are reproductions of the beautiful outline figures representing typical species of the genera of British beetles in that fine old work, Spry and Shuckard’s British Coleoptera Delineated. Two Volumes, Super Royal 8vo. With 170 Plates. £3/3/- net. (Postage |/-) Prospectus on Application. H. F. & G. WITHERBY 326 High Holborn, London, W.C. DRUISH BIRDS ANTEUSTRATED ‘MAGAZINE DEVOTED CHIEFLY TOTHEBIRDS MONTHILY-1s94 YEARLY-20. S26HIGHHOLBORNIOND Ox HFeGWITHERBY-. THE ART OF BIRD WATCHING A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO FIELD OBSERVATION BY E, M. NICHOLSON Author of “ Birds in England,” “ How Birds Live,’’ ete. PHOTOGRAPHS, MAPS AND TEXT FIGURES The Auk says :— ‘Tt is largely to bird watching that ornithology looks for its advancement to-day It is, therefore, high time that we develop well-trained bird watchers, field students, or whatever we may call them, who shall know what to look for and how to record their observations . ee “We know of no recent book that deserves the careful attention of our field students more than this volume of Mr. Nicholson’s, and none that is more suggestive or informing as to what to do in the study of live birds and how to go about it.”’ 10/6 net. H. F. & G. WITHERBY, Publishers, 326 HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON The Old Manor House CLEY-NEXT-SEA NORFOLK 4 good bedrooms, 2 reception, &c. Ready to step into, very comfortable. ‘To let, April-July. Apply C. D. BORRER. TRAPS for RINGERS CICERI & CO., LTD. General Wireworkers, 39-43, WHARFDALE ROAD, KINGS CROSS, LONDON, N.1, Supply the following wire bird traps as recommended by Mr. W. B. Alexander in British Birds, Vol. XXV, p. 204. Prices including Carriage and Packing in British Isles. No. | Potter Traps 16/6 “Government” Traps Da .. 40/- No. 2 Potter Traps 19/- Gathering Traps to fit any size trap 5/- Single compartment Potter Trap 5/6 Any other Pattern desired can be supplied. BRITISHBIRDS WITH WHICH WAS INCORPORATED IN JANUARY, 1917, “ THE ZOOLOGIST.” EDITED BY H. F.WITHERBY, M.B.E.., F.Z.S.,M.B.O.U.,H.F.A.O.U. ASSISTED BY REV. F. C. R, JOURDAIN, M.A., M.B.O.U., H.F.A.O.U., F.Z.S., AND NORMAN F. TICEHURST, O.B.E., M.A., F.R.C.S., M.B.O.U. CONTENTS OF NUMBER g, VoL. XXV., FEBRUARY I, 1932. ————— PAGE The Hunting of the Sparrow-Hawk. By J. H. Owen aoe 238 The Fledging-Period of the Barn-Owl. By W. Wilson a 244 Movements of Ringed Birds from Abroad to the British Islands and from the British Islands Abroad. By H. F. Witherby and) EE. i) Wweach... ~ ae oo wie an) BS Notes : Late Breeding in Norfolk and Suffolk in 1931. (H. J. K. 3urne) ... a ued a FF xe sinls axe 269 Waxwings in County Durham (G. W. Temperley) ... ns 269 Blue Tits Tearing Paper (A. Astley) ... ah ae ses 271 Willow-Warbler in Gloucestershire in Winter (H. H. Davis) 271 Two Historical Kentish Specimens (Dr. J. M. Harrison)... 272 Grey Plover in Middlesex (A. H. Macpherson) 272 Little Gull in Middlesex (J. P. Hardiman) 272 Coot Defending its Nest (L. A. Hawkins) 272 Short Notes :— Early Whitethroat’s Nest in Norfolk. TWwo Song-Periods of Blackcap as Possible Evidence of Second Brood. Great Grey Shrike in Hampshire. Martins in Devonshire in January. Late Swift in Warwickshire. Spotted Redshank in Sutherland ... “ns he a ae ‘ni as 293 Review : Beasts and Birds as Farm Pests. By James Ritchie, m.a., Gy BRS. As ae aes ome hy sea se 274 Letters :— Lundy Birds (C. Oldham) oe os ae oo on 275 Woodcocks in Lundy (H. W. Mapleton-Bree) uae aes 276 An Omission from A History of the Birds of Norfolk (B. B. Riviére) ; cee Ess ae ee re ios 276 (238) THE HUNTING OF THE SPARROW-HAWK. BY J. H. OWEN. ALTHOUGH the Sparrow-Hawk (Acctpiter n. misus) is shot down on sight and killed whenever the opportunity offers, it is quite a common sight to see one hunting in well-wooded districts at almost any time of year. This is especially the case in territory that is not in charge of game-keepers, and there is far more unkeepered ground now than in pre-war days, particularly where estates have been broken up. In spite of this, many observers have little idea of the many variations in the method of the bird’s attack. Before going into particulars it is necessary to consider the Sparrow-Hawk’s limits of speed. I used to consider that for a short distance it could be as high as 120 miles per hour, but further investigation inclines me to regard go as a more likely maximum, and this is probably too high. I should put the minimum as low as 15, for it is considerably slower than the flight of an ordinary House-Sparrow. Much motor-cycling and comparison of the pace of birds with that of the cycle has made me reduce my ideas of the speed of birds very con- siderably. My rough estimate is: small birds, 18-25; medium, 23-32; heavy (Stock-Dove, Partridge, etc.), 28 upwards. From this I put a Sparrow-Hawk’s hunting flight at about 45, the chasing flight at 50 and over, a short dive at very much more. Suppose a Sparrow-Hawk wishes to hunt at some distance from its headquarters and at a particular place. To reach that place it moves with a rapid glide, very close to the ground, and as straight as an arrow across the fields. When a hedge is reached the bird just glides up, over and down again, and flies on as before. The usual method, once the hunting-ground is reached, is to follow a fence, flying fast and low, and every now and then slipping over to the other side and back again. This change of sides is made about every eighty yards. If some unfortunate small bird is perched on an outstanding twig the hawk’s pace seems to increase greatly. It swoops over the bird and as it passes it drops a foot and picks the victim up with absolutely unerring skill. The hawk may then stop in a few yards and eat its prey by the side of the fence, or it may carry it off to some regular feeding-place. A Sparrow-Hawk’s sight is so wonder- ful that these twists over the fence may be made to get out of sight of a bird already spotted or to search both sides of the fence that is being worked. The flight is mostly done by gliding and it is amazing how few wing-beats can be seen in the course of a hunt. _ vot. xxv.] HUNTING OF THE SPARROW-HAWK. 239) If a Sparrow-Hawk has no particular ground in mind, or is working a district where small birds are not too plentiful, it very often makes a kind of prospecting flight over the ground first. This flight consists of a glide some thirty yards long, then three or four rather slow wing-beats followed by another glide. A point I have noticed about these flights is that whereas the female’s altitude is usually 80 feet or more, the male very often is as low as 30 feet. Sometimes one can follow this prospecting flight until the bird is lost in the distance. At other times one sees it changed into the hunting flight, which is much more rapid. From the description given above of the Sparrow-Hawk’s usual method of hunting small birds, it will be readily under- stood that the victim is taken by surprise; it is a victim before it is aware that it is being attacked. But surprise is nearly always a helping factor to the Sparrow-Hawk. Even when it has to catch a flying bird it usually obtains an advantage by having already accelerated and so reaching the bird chased before it has had a chance of getting up speed, as, for instance, when it dashes into a crowd of Sparrows, Finches, or Buntings in rickyards or stubbles and takes one of them as they rise. Many times I have been amazed that the hawk has not spitted itself in a thick hawthorn fence in the headlong crash with which it has entered after a victim. Although a Sparrow- Hawk can with great ease pick up a bird from the ground (such as a Lark dusting in the road), I am of opinion that it greatly prefers a bird not on the ground. One day last summer I went to look at some Pheasant chicks and have a chat with the keeper. He told me that for some days a cock Sparrow-Hawk had been visiting the pens and had gathered a Sparrow or Chaffinch at each visit. At no visit had it attempted to take a Pheasant or a bird on the ground. That it took these birds in full view of a man is quite in keeping with the well-known boldness of the bird. I remember a male picking up a Sparrow out of the middle of poultry as they were being fed and within a few feet of the person distributing the food. Several times I have had accounts of hawks actually chasing birds into occupied rooms and have seen several that had killed themselves against windows in the chase. Twice, when I was a boy, did I see one caught on limed twigs as it struck at a caged call-bird. I have only once seen one pause as it picked a bird off: on that occasion a male took a House-Martin off a nest under the eaves of a barn, but even then the pause was very short. 24() BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV. I have also seen one take a young Moorhen that was swimming across a small pond, without even making a splash. That alone will show the accuracy and precision of the timing of the swoop. Sometimes it will kill its victim at once; at another time, possibly because it is not really hungry, the wretched captive may be shrieking in its grip for many seconds ; this is true of small birds such as Finches. Surprise is even more important when an attack is made on a larger bird. More than once I have seen a Sparrow- Hawk swoop on a Lapwing near or on the nest and clutch it before it had a chance to move. I have seen Sparrow- Hawks try to catch Lapwings on the wing, but never yet have I seen one successful. I have heard keepers say that they have seen Sparrow-Hawks catch Partridges in full flight late in the season, but I cannot claim to have done so myself. I have seen them catch Partridges on the wing, but on those few occasions the bird caught was not full-grown. On the other hand, I have often seen Partridges caught on the ground, or before they had gone more than a yard or two. It is curious that I have seen more Partridges taken by Sparrow-Hawks in the period February—April than at any other time of the year. Im most @f the cases the Partridge has been running or dusting and the hawk has slipped over the hedge and been on top of it before it could move. Sparrow-Hawks must of course often take young, really small, Partridges, but it is astonishing how often the old birds will fight them off. I have more than once seen a hawk give up its hopes of a meal off young Partridges after being beaten off by an old one two or three times. I have also watched wild Pheasants drive a hawk off once or twice and yet lose a chick to the hawk. Sparrow-Hawks seem extraordinarily fond of any kind of pigeon-flesh, and I have often seen one struggling with a live Wood-Pigeon ; yet I think that nearly all adult pigeons captured are either taken by surprise or are pricked birds. Sparrow-Hawks are very fond of taking young Wood-Pigeons from the nest at almost any age. They probably take a proportion of immature birds by chasing, and it is possible that they get an occasional adult in this way if the pigeon’s wings are in an advanced stage of moult. Then very few of the primaries are left, and if a couple of them were knocked out the pigeon would be unable to fly ; as it is their flight is very laboured. It is hardly so much a matter of speed as ability to twist and swerve that is needed. On several occasions I have seen hawks striking at decoys put down for voL. Xxv.| HUNTING OF THE SPARROW-HAWK. 24! Wood-Pigeons, but there again it was using surprise on an unsuspecting bird as a factor towards success. a At times Sparrow-Hawks really do get birds by chasing them. These aerial courses are most interesting to watch. ~ very grim affairs, too, when the hawk is all out for kill. Ihave described in British Birds (Vol. XIX., p. 312) how I saw a hen Sparrow-Hawk catch a Snipe. That Snipe had ftiewn several hundred yards when the hawk caught it, but how far the hawk actually chased it I cannot say ; neither can I say how long the Snipe had been aware it was being chased before it was captured. But I know that at the moment of capture the hawk’s speed was quite three times that of the Snipe. Sometimes the chase affords a humorous incident. Such an occasion was at Halston in Shropshire when a cock Sparrow-Hawk was chasing a Blackbird with evil intent along a lane. The Blackbird was swerving and twisting all over the place and was all but caught when it slipped under a large, low holly-bush in the hedge and up through it and on again into an adjoining wood. The hawk was under the bush only inches behind the Blackbird, yet it did not seem to be able to make out at all where its intended victim had got to and stayed there on the ground quite a time looking about and puzzling it out. I was sitting on a stile a few yards from where the chase ended, on the opposite side of the lane, and had a splendid view of the whole performance. ‘ If a Sparrow-Hawk chases a small bird the latter must be very fortunate to escape. Even among branches the hawk can follow, twist and turn with wonderful ease. One day I was ferreting on a hill-side in Radnorshire when a Sparrow-Hawk glided down the hill past me towards a clump of alders at the bottom. Whether it had spied birds down there from the top of the hill or not I cannot say, but no sooner had it reached the trees than it was chasing a Chaffinch. The Chaffinch made an excellent fight for life, twisting and turning, shooting up and down among the alders, but no bend or twist made an appreciable gain and the hawk caught up at a terrible rate in any few yards of straight flying. It was soon all over, and the hawk feathered and ate the Chaffinch in the middle of the clump and in full view of us a bare hundred yards away. I am sure that sometimes a Sparrow-Hawk will chase in fun and not with full intent of catching. I have watched several chases that have given me this impression, and I can say that however much the hawk enjoys it, the bird 242 BRITISH BIRDS, [VOL. XXV. chased equally dislikes it. The scared noises that the hunted birds made on these occasions are not to be found in their ordinary vocabularies. I have twice watched a Sparrow- Hawk chase a Green Woodpecker. The first time I am certain that it was a grim jest on the part of the hawk, but the frantic screams of the woodpecker showed how little it appreciated that form of sport. The hawk then kept a short distance from the woodpecker and, to me, never seemed to try for a capture. Near Felsted, last July, I saw another Green Woodpecker chase, but this time the hawk meant capture and made one. Again the noises the woodpecker made in that last frenzied minute were simply dreadful. It made a wonderful, but vain, effort to escape through a small wood, but the hawk was practically its equal in twisting and turning through the branches. Sometimes a flock of birds finds a good feeding-ground and remains there while the food lasts. A few years ago a small flock of Goldfinches found such a feeding-ground, but unfor- tunately a Sparrow-Hawk had also taken up quarters there. It caught quite a large proportion of the flock of Goldfinches and I saw its methods. It skimmed from its head-quarters towards the feeding birds and they were never aware of it until it was too late. Then they always tried to get to the shelter of a huge blackthorn thicket, but invariably lost one of their number on the way. Curiously enough the rest of the flock did not desert the place until the majority had been captured, and even then for all I know it may have been that they had used up the food supply and not because of the hawk. If a Sparrow-Hawk attacks a flock of birds, with the object of securing one, curious things may be seen occa- sionally. Near Halston I watched a hen Sparrow-Hawk _ strike at a covey of young Partridges on the wing; one of the covey seemed to imagine that it was selected for a victim and flew wild and wide of the rest, and it was this bird that was gathered by the hawk. I have seen this sort of thing happen often, but especially in flocks of Sky-Larks. Another point that has struck me several times, again most often with Sky-Larks, is that the hawk seemed to be definitely chasing one bird and would suddenly deviate from its course to take a different bird; a bird, too, nowhere nearly in the original line of flight of the hawk. I often wonder what is the limit in size of the bird a Sparrow- Hawk will tackle. I have twice known one dive at a cock Pheasant. On the first occasion it hit the Pheasant and knocked out a few feathers, The Pheasant did not wait to =e voL. Xxv.| HUNTING OF THE SPARROW-HAWK. 245 argue the point but scurried off in a most undignified manner. There was reason for this attack as the Pheasant was walking under the hawk’s nest, which was a bare six feet from the ground in a small spruce. It may be that the attack was merely intended as a warning. The second occasion could not be excused in this way. I was Partridge-driving with a party on October 16th, and a hawk dived at a cock Pheasant that was put up. The Pheasant had got up speed, yet the hawk was much faster and overtook it, but did not actually hit it. This was probably a case of “ ragging ”’. Friends have given me details of two cases of Sparrow- Hawks striking at Tawny Owls. In one case the hawk brought the owl to ground, but my friend went up and disturbed them. Both birds flew away, and both were probably more or less damaged, as breast-feathers of the hawk and feathers from the back of the owl were scattered about. This would indicate that the owl had adopted its usual method of defence and, twisting on its back, had struck upwards with the feet. I have never had the good fortune actually to see Sparrow- Hawks take mammals, although I have had plenty of evidence that they occasionally do so. Friends have given me accounts of hawks flying at stoats and squirrels. These I judge to have been more in the nature of ragging than attempts to secure a meal. In all these incidents the animals were in trees. The stoat always made off after the first stoop, but a squirrel seemed able to stand about three. I have myself witnessed similar affairs with large rabbits. These sights are extremely interesting and amusing and I will describe one. I was sitting on a fence on the edge of a wood and noticed an old rabbit sitting outside a warren in a hedge- row on my right and about 150 yards away. Suddenly a Sparrow-Hawk glided from the wood along the hedge. It dipped over the hedge close to the rabbit, dived down over the rabbit, almost touching it, back over the hedge and into a tree 100 yards further on. The rabbit instinctively crouched as the hawk passed, then came upright again, thudding the feet as it did so. Ina short time the hawk came back again and the episode was repeated. When the hawk came the third time the rabbit shifted a couple of yards. After the fourth he went indoors. The first time I saw one of these incidents I was amazed that the rabbit did not go to ground immediately, but it is evidently able to stand at least four such attacks, (244) THE FLEDGING-PERIOD OF THE BARN-OWL. BY W. WILSON. (Plate 5.) A NEST with five eggs of the Barn-Owl (Z'yio a. alba) was found on June 11th, 1931, high up in a barn where the rafters joined the wall. The first young one was hatched next morning, June 12th, the second on June 15th, the third on June 21st,and the fourth on June 24th. On the 27th four young were out, the remain- ing egg being addled. The eldest was then fifteen days old whilst the youngest was only three days. There was very little difference in appearance except size, all being a light pink colour with very little down; they were quickly photo- graphed and returned to the nest. Our next visit was paid a fortnight later, on July roth, when the young were 28, 25, Ig and 16 days old. The three elder ones were covered with thick white down, whilst the first tiny quills were showing on the wings and tails of the two eldest ones, but the youngest had not grown at all, and was presumably not getting enough food. A week later it had died. On July 17th (ages 35, 32 and 26 days) the wings and tails of all three were growing rapidly and their faces were free from down, but their legs were not yet strong enough to enable them to stand up. On July 24th, when 42, 39 and 33 days old, the young birds had their wings, tails and faces well-feathered, and they could now stand upright and run quite weil with their wings raised to help them balance. This was the first time we heard them hiss: they lowered their heads, spread their wings and hissed at us furiously. They left the nest after this, and on our next visit we could not find them, and it was not until the ninth week that we were able to catch one and photograph it. They were now completely feathered, with no trace of down left and they could fly strongly. This gives a fledging-period of from seven to eight weeks for the eldest, but we did not get the exact date. Since then we have seen them hunting at dusk, and it has not been possible to photograph them again. British Birds, Vol. XXNV., PI. 5. Upper i Centre : Lower ; YOUNG BARN-OWLS. Eldest (left) 28 days, middle 25 days, youngest 19 days old. July roth. Eldest (left) 35 days, middle 32 days, youngest 26 days old. July 17th. The eldest angry. 42 days old. July 24th. (Photographed by W. Wilson.) (245) MOVEMENTS OF RINGED BIRDS FROM ABROAD TO THE BRITISH ISLANDS AND FROM THE BRITISH ISLANDS ABROAD. BY H. F. WITHERBY anp E. P. LEACH. (Continued from page 192.) WHIMBREL (Numenius ph. pheopus). RINGED ABROAD AS NESTLING. Ringed. Recovered, Sk. X6872 Husavik, Iceland 5-7-29. Lancs. 26.4.31. KNOT (Calidris c. canutus). RINGED ABROAD AS MIGRANT. Ringed. Recovered. H. 603824A Mellum, N. Sea, Germany 13.8.31. Lincs. 25.10.31. COMMON SNIPE (Capella g. gallinago). RINGED ABROAD, Ringed. Recovered. Sk. H582 Sjalland, Denmark 18.5.27. Bedford. 2012529; B. C6638 Knocke, Belgium 4.9.30. Anglesey 26.7 30. FAZROE SNIPE (Capella g. f@voeensis). RINGED ABROAD AS NESTLINGS. Ringed. Recovered. Sk. G5303 ~Husavik, Iceland 2.7.29. Mayo 5.11.29. Sk. G3880 Myrasysla, Iceland 25.6.28. Mayo —.2.30. Sk. 11685 Near Myvatn, Iceland —.—.31. Roscommon —.12.31. WOODCOCK (Scolopax r. rusticola). Dr. Landsborough Thomson has quite recently given a very exhaustive account of the results of ringing Woodcock (Vol. XXIII., pp. 74-92), and since then only three records of birds ringed here and recovered abroad have come to hand. Of these, the one from Perthshire to Belgium appears to have travelled in an unusual direction. To those mentioned by Dr. Thomson as ringed abroad and recovered here a good many have been added from Sweden and one from Norway. It will be noted that of the ten “ foreigners '’ reported six have been found in Ireland. Ss 246 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV. WOODCOCK (continued). RINGED GREAT BRITAIN AS NESTLINGS. Ringed. Recovered. Sligo, Ireland 1919. Frederikstad, Norway 2OAuz ie Perthshire 25.4.27. Antwerp, Belgium 0.11.20; Stirlingshire 3.5.12. Cétes-du-Nord, France 17 MA, 13, Northumberland 1905. Ditto —.12.07, Dumfriesshire 22.7.29. Finistere, France Tt Apts 31 Perthshire 22.429. ‘Loire Inférieure, France O2.20) Yorkshire 274.03, (andes, France LOs00 03. Sligo, Ireland 1919. Ditto 16.11.19. Ditto 1914. Vizcaya, Spain ie ey Kincardineshire 13.6.11. Asturias, Spain ALN: Galway, Ireland 1910. Minho, Portugal 28.12.10. RINGED ABROAD AS YOUNG. Ringed. Recovered. R. 4629 Petrograd, Russia 16.7.13. Kent 155 ALC WS St. A2130 Jamtland, Sweden 1.6.28. ‘WPenthe: Ti? 205 Si, Rea Iya) 27.6.29. Roscommon 13.1.3I. of Agsz7r Ditto 1.8.28. Galway [O.1.29: St. Azg1g Ditto Py (VP), IDs 212.20" St. Azogr Ditto Pio AO). INIBRY Tio lat 2 Os St. A589 Jénképing, Sweden 25.5.25. Warwick. —.12,27. St. A256 Ditto AT oe Devon. NOM. 27" RINGED ABROAD AS ADULTS. Ringed. Recovered. O. Srtor Stavanger, Norway 2.11.25. Monaghan 12.12.25. H. 24311 Heligoland 20,4623 by Lome Sil 28- / ae , WOODCOCK. + Recovered here -Ringed tn British /sles as nestlings.@ Ringed here as young. Recovered in British /sles © Ringed here as adults. Recovered /reland voL. xxv.| MOVEMENTS OF RINGED BIRDS. 247 SANDWICH TERN (Sterna s. sandvicensis). Thanks to the efforts made by some of our readers in ringing large numbers, the recoveries abroad of British-bred Sandwich Terns have accumulated rapidly during the last three years, and the list and map below give a good idea of the extent of their migrations. The Schleswig record, supported by others in a northerly direction within Great Britain, suggests that a preliminary movement northwards is not unusual. The bird reported from Natal is noteworthy and comparable with the Swallows, except that we may safely assume that the Tern did not proceed overland. The bird found in July and the two in May in West Africa, and perhaps the August bird off Algiers, indicate that some young birds in any case stay south, but the six-year-old bird reported from Cape Colony in August must be regarded as an exception. RINGED GREAT BRITAIN AS NESTLINGS. Ringed. Recovered. Norfolk 10.6.30. Schleswig-Holstein 23.8.30. Ditto 7.7.30. Somme, France 2.9.30. Ditto 28.6.30. Calvados, France —.10.30, Fife 30.6.23. Finistére, France 20.9.26. Northumberland 9.7.13. Morbihan, France —.9.13. Cumberland 25.60.10. Gironde, France 28.3.14. Norfolk 17.6.25. Oporto, Portugal 5.10.27. Northumberland 15.7.14. Algarve, Portugal 30.9.14. Norfolk 28.6.30. Ditto 25.11.30. Ditto 30.6.28. Algiers P1.8,29. Northumberland 9.7.13. Ivory Coast, W. Africa O20. Norfolk 13.7.29. Ditto —.2.30. Ditto 28.60.30. Ditto 2.5.37. Ditto 30.6.28. Gold Coast, W. Africa 29.12.31. Ditto 27.6.31. Ditto 29.10.31. Ditto 27.031. Ditto 29.10.31. Lancashire 18.6.23. Portuguese W. Africa 18.5.24. Ditto 12.6.27. Ditto —.12.30. Ditto 5-6.29. Ditto —.7.30. Ditto i 2.6.29. Ditto —.4.31. Ditto 2.6.29. Ditto —.4.31. Ditto 2.6.29. Ditto ca. 11.31. Ditto 8.6.30. Ditto 20.3.31. Ditto 23.6.30. Ditto 21.12.31. Ditto 8.7.33. Ditto —.10.31. Norfolk 30.6.28. Ditto 5.1.29. Ditto 30.6.28. Ditto —.1.29. Ditto 7.7.30. Ditto 27.4:31. Cumberland 12.6.17. South West Africa 23.2.31 Northumberland 8.7.19. Cape Colony, S. Africa —.8.25. Norfolk 1.7.29. Ditto ra Lancashire 5.6.29. Natal, S. Africa MTSi, 248 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV. SANDWICH TERN (continued). RINGED ABROAD AS YOUNG. Ringed. Recovered. Sk. S620 Jylland, Denmark 22.6.30. Yorks. 24.8.30. Sk. 54378 Ditto 16.7.30. Norfolk 12,10,30. LE NOS 72 Zeeland, Holland 29.6.12. Dxto aloy agp —— — Cae Oe ee see LE oe ot} 2: is Biotin (TaWarsaw e Se Na \ B ba Orenbery r Yi " Bosch A on == SANDWICH TERN. Map fo show recovery positions abroad of birds ringed in Great Britain as nestlings. COMMON TERN (Sterna h. hirundo). The recoveries of Common Terns have always, for some reason, been disappointing, and records of British-bred birds are comparatively few and do not extend further than the south-west of Spain. RINGED GREAT BRITAIN AS NESTLINGS. Ringed. Recovered. Ixent 30.6.12. Eure, France ioe ee Cumberland 14.7.10. Finistére, France PIS 18) UP. Lancashire 7.8.24. Vendée, France Oct, LO24: Caithness 13.7.31. Charente Inférieure 5.903 Le Cumberland 30.7.09. Coruna, Spain 21.9.09. Ross-shire 5.8.11. Douro, Portugal ii LOw ie Renfrewshire Pari, IDI Ko) LEP HO) IIe Northumberland 27.60.14. Ditto 8.9.14. Cumberland 237.10. WItO 12.9.10. Ditto 14.7.10. Huelva, Spain 28.10.13. VoL. Xxv.| MOVEMENTS OF RINGED BIRDS. 249 COMMON TERN (continued). RINGED ABROAD AS YOUNG. Ringed. Recovered. Hs. B7108 Nr. Kokkola, W. Finland 18.7.30. Northumb. _ 16.9.30. St. D3607_ Kristianstad, S. Sweden 15.6.30. Lincs. 29.8.30. H. 1058 Mouth Elbe, Germany 7.7.12. Norfolk 20,82. ARCTIC TERN (Sterna macrura). RINGED ABROAD AS YOUNG. Ringed. Recovered. G. 7823B Gotland, Sweden 28.6.30. Yorks. 21.8.30. it, 2342 Sylt, Schleswig-Holstein 27.6.11. Ditto 20:5.01 COMMON or ARCTIC TERNS. RINGED ABROAD AS YOUNG. Ringed. Recovered. H. 16204 Trischen Is., Schleswig-Holstein 19.7.13. Essex 8.9.13. H. 16348 Ditto 19.7.13. Norfolk 16.9.13. H. 1809 Neuwerk Is. ditto 227.12. Essex E3.0.03. H. 17003 Ditto 27.7.53. Kent 20.9.13. LITTLE TERN (Sterna a. albifrons). RINGED GREAT BRITAIN AS NESTLINGS. Ringed. Recovered. Suffolk 27.6.12. Vendée, France 270.12, Yorkshire 10.7.14. Portugal 29.9.14. COMMON AND LITTLE TERNS. Map to Show recovery positions of birds ringed in Great Britain as nestlings. + Cammon Tern. + Little Tern. 250 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV. LITTLE GULL (Larus minutus). RINGED GREAT BRITAIN AS ADULT. Ringed. Recovered. Lincolnshire 25.2.15. Jylland, Denmark 3 2.16. BLACK-HEADED GULL (Larus r. ridibundus). British-bred Black-headed Gulls reported from abroad represent rather less than 5 per cent. of the total recovered. Mr. H. W. Robinson (British Birds, Vol. VIII., p. 209), in summing up the results of ringing this species up to that date (1915), referred to their movements as a “ scattering with a decided southward tendency ’, and the few further records which have come to hand since that date do nothing to upset that conclusion. The limit of the normal southward movement of our native birds is probably south-west Spain. The single record from Senegal may perhaps be regarded as unusual, though three ringed in Sweden and Holland have © reached the west coast of Morocco. The remarkable journey of the Yorkshire Black-headed Gull to the Azores, and the still more remarkable ones of the Rossitten birds to the Barbados and Mexico must come within the category of “lost ’’ birds. We have no recovery from the Mediterranean, and this is noteworthy in that records of Black-headed Gulls from other North Sea regions are fairly numerous, especially in the Gulf of Lions. The bird ringed as a young one in June in Cumberland and found in north France in July shows a remarkably rapid movement. The Black-headed Gulls ringed in their breeding-places abroad and reported in the British Islands number 191 and make the longest list of any species in this series of articles. We have thought it best to publish this long list and that of the Common Gull in full as they contain much data previously unpublished here, and that these lists are now as complete and accurate as possible we have once again to thank the directors of the ringing stations concerned. Such a large number of records gives us a very good idea of the area of origin of our visitant Black-headed Gulls. The main area is evidently represented by the shores of the Baltic, Sweden, Denmark, north-west Germany and Holland. It may be remarked that while most Baltic Black-headed Gulls go to the North Sea, many from Rossitten, Estonia and Finland travel southward through the Continent as far as the shores of the Mediterranean. The records from Bohemia, Silesia, Saxony, Bavaria and Switzerland are VoL. Xxv.| MOVEMENTS OF RINGED BIRDS. 251 particularly interesting, as they show that a certain number of Black-headed Gulls visit us from further to the south-east than any other winter visitor of which we have ringing records. While many Black-headed Gulls from southern Germany travel to the North Sea, English Channel and Atlantic, some go southward to the Mediterranean, but those ringed in Hungary find their way to the Adriatic and Mediterranean and have not been recorded from the western coasts of Europe. The dispersal of these visitors over the British Islands does not seem to bear any relation to the district from which they come. Their distribution may be summed up thus: none in Scotland, about 764 per cent. in the eastern half of England, about 20} per cent. in the western half and Wales, and about 3 per cent. in Ireland. If we disregard those which have been found in London reservoirs, only some ten birds have been reported from non-coastal counties. Of the eastern birds, about 76 per cent. have occurred from Norfolk southwards and chiefly from that county, Essex and Kent, while about 24 per cent. have been recorded between Lincoln- shire and Northumberland, Yorkshire being the favourite county. One hundred and eight out of the total of one hundred and ninety-one have in fact been reported between Sussex and the Wash. RINGED GREAT BRITAIN AS NESTLINGS. Ringed. Recovered. Cumberland 31.5.13. Heligoland res ae Ditto 13.6.10, Groningen, Holland 16.2,.13;. Ditto 11.6.11. Calvados, France 2.10.12; Ditto 13.6.12. Manche, France 7 No Ditto 19.6.12. Cétes-du-Nord, France 25.12.12. Dorset 29.6.10. Ditto rE a G2 Ditto 9.7.13. Finistére, France —.1.14. Cumberland 12.6.11. Ditto ff Oe Ditto £1.6.10, Ditto T.E2.10: Ditto 13.6.10. Morbihan, France deg Ree Oh Ditto 8.6.12. Ditto 30.12.12. Ditto 15.6.12. Vendée, France 14.11.12. Ditto 17.6.12. Charente Inférieure, France 20.11.14. Ditto 13.6.10. Ditto 1.4.03, Ditto 5.6.12. Gironde, France 26.5573. Aberdeenshire E2.7.00,, Ditto 16.100. Cumberland 6.6.12. Vigo, Spain D3.02.12. Ditto 31.5.13. Oporto, Portugal 22.0 ,08. Ditto i2.6.13. Ditto ps I Ditto 13.6.12. Lisbon, Portugal 28.11.14. Cheshire 21.6.14. Ditto —.3.16, Norfolk 13.6.25. Ditto 18.10.28. Dorset 5.6.12. Ditto —.2.13. Cumberland 10.6.10. Cadiz, Spain FQ T. 1G Yorkshire 1.7.11. Azores Riese. Cumberland 7-6.13. Senegal, W. Africa Autumn, 1914. 252 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV, BLACK-HEADED GULL (continued). RINGED GREAT BRITAIN AS ADULT. Ringed. Recovered. Sussex 22.2.29. T*yen, Denmark 10.9.3L. SSS = A = —S_ Beh pay soe = .... Assouan = | = Timbucktuo Air asa pebege) = = x Khartoum — Fashoda — aS BLACK-HEADED GULL. Map to show recovery positions abroad of birds ringed in Great Britain as nestlings. RINGED ABROAD AS YOUNG OR IN BREEDING-SEASON. Ringed. Recovered. Hs. C9364 + Nr. Helsingfors, Finland 1.6.30. Yorks. 20, 12-80. Hs. C7119 ‘Ditto 18.6.29. Norfolk 2X0) 112 7X0). Hs. Crooo5 Ditto 8.6.30. Ditto 2AmIEs iin Hs. Co561 ~— Ditto 12,6:.20) Essex 10.5.30. Tse Cronos Wiutco 12.6.30. Surrey NOLOsa ie Hs. 9449 Ditto 5.6.30. Gloucester. if Waa IP 169) Oesel, Estonia 17.6.23. Lancs. —.5 or 6.24. T. 453 Ditto 17.6.26. Norfolk 28. Tees TE OS Ditto 25.6.25. Suffolk 2225 i708 Ditto 24.60.26. Surrey 20M021277., R. 1289 Rossitten, If. Prussia 16.7.08. Norfolk 15.10.09. R. 26323 Ditto Puig uk, MONEYS Helena. fia 120M Ditto 16.7.08. Suffolk 20) eto. I, inieazeyn ID tio) gues, erate Sv ieAs R. 6839 Ditto TO: ale eOLISSex Si2ar2. R. 9989 Ditto OG, lalenohis, “eZ h Ets 9330) Ditto 5.7.06. Isle of Wight 2.3.10. R. 19357 HiddenseeIs.,Pomerania 9.6.14. Yorks. —.II.14. R. 17795 Ditto 29.6.13. Norfolk 14.2.14. R. 11351 #£Zingst, Pomerania 2 One. DIEGO 29.12.19. R. 25459 °#Ditto 25,0 Om DTGLO Blo etc Fe 425 DIEtO 25.0. 030) sDIGLO Se nici 9/ RS 26120 SDitto 28.06.25. Ditto —.12.25. R. 35769E Ditto —.6.25. Ditto —.12.25. VOL, Xxv.]| MOVEMENTS OF RINGED BIRDS. 253 RINGED ABROAD AS YOUNG OR IN BREEDING-SEASON (continued). R. 25111E Zingst, Pomerania 15.60.14. Essex 24.10.15. R. 11600 Ditto 29.6.13. Ditto ALI II R. 11426 Ditto 25.6.13. Ditto —.2.17. it: PUTS Ditto 29.6.13. Kent 202 03% R. 35929 Ditto 25.60.25. Hants. —.9.27. R. 17880 Ditto 8.7.13. Cornwall Feats Oe R. 11499 ~#Ditto 25.6.13. Wales 16,10:03. G. 11171C Ostergétland, Sweden 11.6.29. Middlesex 15.12.29. St. A1g4 Ditto 19.6.25. Essex —.3.26. St Ine , D2326 . D948 . K5608 . 16525 . K4589 . D3513 . D8471 . D8842 . 5647 . D3505 . Doo15 . D3516 . Dg592 . 50198 . 52967 . 52096 . 52115 - 53428 . 50028 . 51682 42757 . 52544 - 52449 . 52636 - 50033 . 52430 . 2574 . 52482 - 53373 . 51966 . 50087 . 40214 . K2032 . Ik1066 eGo . X7882 . X7860 . K6496 . XOI75 . D2684 . D2391 . X5019 . 4700 - X5245 . D5608 . D9479 . D320 . K1573 5 IDireKeryy BRITISH BIRDS. RINGED ABROAD AS YOUNG (continued). Tylon, Halland, Sweden 26.6.29. 27.60.28. —.7.26. —.7.25. 25.06.29. —.7.26. BTA MOV 25% 23.6.28. Ania 2ijis O27 8.7.20. ATA T7220. 59.29. OA 7 Ante 2s Tfe2 2 ise 520: AR Onz 2 Ne2se W728 ee23 30.06.23. 22,0122. 30.06.23. 16.6.23. 7.23) Te 2R% Tey7e28 is 22,Oe22) epee Hees Ne7n2se 30.06.23. 30.06.23. On: (7/2 HOG, 2A. Wty PA72- 30.06.25. 8.7.26. Ox72ZOx 19.7.27. On7n2a. 12.6.30. 20.60.28. 359.25). —=.7:24. BujA25e 28.06.28. 25.0.30. OM /A2i7a 22.6.20. 22.60.20. Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Saltholm, Denmark Ditto Ditto Ditto Vrdj I., Sjalland Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Roskilde, Sjzlland Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Dybso, Sjzlland Ditto Ditto Glan6, Sjelland Ditto Ditto Sjelland Ditto Jylland, Denmark Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Fyen, Denmark Laaland, Denmark Ditto Kent Ditto Ditto Sussex Cornwall Pembs. Essex Ditto Hants. Wexford Yorks. Norfolk Ditto Essex Ditto Ditto Ditto Kent Ditto Sussex Lancs. Yorks. Lincs. Wash Ditto Norfolk Ditto Ditto Ditto Ditto Cambs. Ditto Sufttolk Ditto Essex Kent I. of Wight Ditto Hants Lincs. Sussex Essex Lincs. Norfolk Kent Norfolk Yorks. Durham Lincs. Norfolk Middlesex Kent Cornwall Norfolk Lancs. Suffolk [VOL. XXV. 19.1.30. Ty 7Sh ole 25.9.26. 6.2.29. SAS le TOs. 277. Py Wit 7X0). Za 2O 3.8.29. Z.B.20's Tele 20 20.12.26. ——.2.29. 2221.30. 260.1.30. WEIR PA0) 15.2.29. 20.5.29. 1362.20" 12,.6,31. Beleza. —,1.24. 8.3.24. 500.23. —-4.23. 29.12.22. Ant25 23 3,24. 10.10.25. —.1.30. —.1.24. 2.3.29. lets OF 14.2.24. 8.3.24. II) 744 —.2.24. O22 7. Biemee22e P37 PAPAS). 5.3.29. —.12.206. 5220. 15.2.29. 9.1.29. ZAR E27 22.10.30. SU 220. TeQueiyis —.5.29. OSA. i 2e2Or TOs 3 ile WA MOA F377 5.3.29. T3520. voL. xxv.| MOVEMENTS OF RINGED BIRDS. 259 RINGED ABROAD AS YOUNG (continued). Pn. 53082 Laaland, Denmark 10;7.23. Suffolk £5,12;20. Sk. K2318 Ditto —.7.22. Gloucester. 30.5.25. R.. 36534E Schleswig-Holstein 20.7.25. Kent 14.12.25. R. 36545E Ditto 20.7.25. Gloucester. 6,122.26, R. 30760D Mecklenburg, Germany 30.6.23. Norfolk L5.l2.23, H. 708 Ditto 2.4.00: DyrEto 5.12.20; R. 4975 Ditto 4.7.11. Hants. S.2:72. Hi. 233 Ditto —.7.12. Ditto —.5.14. H,. 23912 ~=Ditto ey eee Ditto 7 pe ir a H. 228 Ditto 29.6.12. Ditto 24.5.14. IL. 42236 Texel, Holland THoO.26, Lines. 18.2.29. pin j (, ise. ‘ oO AIR GULL. Map to show origin of winter visitors to the British Isles © © Ainge here as young Recovered /n British Isles August lo May (/June, July). HERRING-GULL (Larus a. argentatus). Judging by the results of ringing, both here and on the Continent, Herring-Gulls of the typical form make no real migratory movements. As Dr. Landsborough Thomson has stated (Problems of Bird-Migration), British-bred birds tend to wander southwards in autumn, but within the limits of the British Isles and the immediately surrounding seas. Dr. Thomson considers that those ringed in Holland, Denmark and north Germany show even less movement than ours, and in any case it may be said that they show no more. The two birds ringed as immature were caught on the beach at night with the aid of dazzling lights and were possibly native to the countries they were subsequently reported from. RINGED GREAT BRITAIN AS NESTLINGS. Ringed. Recovered. Aberdeenshire 29.6.12. Heligoland G29. 12. Forfarshire 30.6.25. Nord, France 17.5.26. Caithness 4.7-12. Pas-de-Calais, France 17.9.12 260 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV. HERRING-GULL (continued). RINGED GREAT BRITAIN AS IMMATURE. Ringed. Recovered. Aberdeenshire 7.9.10. Jylland, Denmark 6.5.12. Ditto 7.10.10. Thuringia, Germany PGI 6) 3h 33- RINGED ABROAD AS YOUNG. Ringed. Recovered. Sk. 5038 Jylland, Denmark 57-20. "Moms: 25 Sie ie L. 25867 #Texel, Holland Sy Ay, !Dyne xo) 19.4.29. L. 70955 +#Ditto 22.6.29. Lincs. 24.8.29. L. 65037 #Ditto 23.6.28. Norfolk 22.9.28. L. 54540 #Ditto MmeMO7, — laX(ernite AnOeoiin L. 65011 Ditto 2316.25 DITO —.9.28. L. 61042 Noord Holland 22.7.28. Norfolk 5.9.28. LE AOS Ditto Pasi ity INEVIE Bi 10 mints L. 51096 Zeeland, Holland 18.7.26. Sussex Talezon —— / | HERRING-GULL. + Recovered here Ringed Scotland @@Ringed here as young. Recovered England August fo April LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus fuscus greilsit). The Lesser Black-backed Gull is our only strictly migratory Gull. It must be classified as a summer visitor equally with a Chiffchaff or Blackcap. It is possible that, like those species, an occasional individual stays over the winter, but there is no proof of this. It must be remembered that Lesser Black-backed Gulls of the British form which have been recorded from time to time in winter, may have originated from the Faeroes, where the breeding bird is like ours, and whence, as will be seen below, we have records of ringed birds. There is no doubt that the main winter quarters of our breeding birds are the Atlantic coasts of the Iberian Peninsula. It would seem from the recovery dates that our birds only pass through the west coasts of France and do not winter VOL. Xxv.] MOVEMENTS OF RINGED BIRDS. 261 there. Comparatively few get as far as north-west Africa (three, west Morocco), while one has reached the Canary Islands, another the opposite African coast and two as far south as Senegal. This, perhaps, marks the normal southern limit of our bird asa migrant, though, as Mr. D. A. Bannerman informs us, there are reliable records of the subspecies from the Gulf of Guinea as far as Nigeria. A certain number of our birds are also found in the Mediterranean, and it is probable, judging by the south- westerly position of the localities, that these birds found their way via the Straits of Gibraltar and not overland. The bird which reached Sardinia may be classsed, failing further evidence, among other cases of unusual wandering. That some birds stay south during the summer or very late in spring would seem certain. Such cases are: in the bird’s first year, Senegal, April 18th ; Valencia, April 4th ; Algarve, July 19th; Vendée, May gth; Loire Inférieure, July 2oth, May 3rd and April roth ; in the bird’s third year: Charente Inférieure, April 26th, and Finistére in June, but this last was a very short way from its birthplace in the Scilly Islands. RINGED GREAT BRITAIN AS NESTLINGS Ringed. Recovered. Northumberland {Farne Is.] 4.8.14. Manche, France Z.LO,0A. Ditto 2.8.14. Finistére, France 18.9.14. Ditto 2.8.14. Ditto —.7.15. Ditto 1.8.14. Minho, Portugal 21.10.14. Ditto 3.8.14. Ditto 20.10.14. Ditto 3.8.14. Ditto —.9.14. Ditto 3.8.14. Oporto, Portugal 4.12.14. Ditto 4.8.14. Ditto 26.10.14. Ditto 6.8.14. Ditto 19.10.14. Ditto Be-75. Ith E52. 0A, Ditto 2.8.13. Ditto —.11.13. Ditto 2.8.13. Ditto Bet leks. Ditto 2.9.13. Ditto 20.00.03. Ditto 2.8.13. Douro, Portugal 17.10.15. Ditto 2.8.14. Ditto 2 t A. Ditto 2.8.14. Ditto EZ. Lista, Ditto Z.o,ta. Ditto SO. 20. Eet Ditto 3.8.14. Ditto 15.10.14. Ditto 5.8.14. Ditto —.I1.17. Ditto 7.8.14. Ditto 29.9.14. Ditto 4.8.14. Lisbon, Portugal 30.9.4. Ditto 6.8.14. Ditto 15.10.14. Ditto 3.8.14. Ditto 16.10.14. Ditto 3.8.14. Ditto O/0, 15. Ditto 3.8.14. ‘Ditto 30.10.14. Ditto 6.8.14. Ditto 5-11.14. Ditto 8.8.14. Ditto —.ii.14, Ditto 8.8.14. Ditto 28.11.14. Ditto 2.8.14. Ditto —.12.14. T BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV. RINGED GREAT BRITAIN AS NESTLINGS (continued). 262 Northumberland {Fare Is,] 2.8:13: Ditto POs Ditto 2.0.08" Ditto PLoy I 3. Ditto 260.8.18. Ditto Fp fey Wile Ditto 5.8.14. Ditto 2.8.14. Ditto June, 1909. Ditto Z.OnAs Ditto Ptoy tay Ditto PIAS) M2 Ditto 3.8.14. Ditto 3.8.14. Ditto 4.8.14. Ditto 8.8.14. Ditto 129. LA. Ditto ; 2. 8.0A. Westmorland [Foulshaw Moss] 30.7.20. Ditto TOn E22: Ditto 27 2Os Ditto TSie2ee Ditto 24.06.10. Ditto (O7/itlsy Ditto Piaiie Pa. Ditto WO 7/710) Ditto 30.7.20. Ditto 24.60.10. Ditto AL7p MP: Ditto ZorOnles Ditto Tele 7feiit(e): Ditto 25.06.13. Ditto So7/ 1b Sh Ditto PNA GP PSPS. Ditto LOW 27 Ditto Same Ditto Ze Onise Ditto LP fae Ditto DAO Th P22 Ditto YO) .7/ PAO), Ditto Orja5e Ditto 25.0.13. Ditto Te Ihc Ditto Wer Ditto TiOw AAs Ditto 9.8.24. Ditto BG) GD Ditto PAO) GPP. Ditto (6). 47/185} Ditto Sr 7 aSe Ditto Sigal}: Ditto ey ple Ditto Witte Ditto 9.8.24. Ditto 2510.03. Lisbon, Portugal £728. Lat Ditto 16.10; E3: Ditto —.2.14. Ditto 22 Tes". Ditto Quiltetor Algarve, Portugal BAwtstet Ae Ditto 28.9.14. Ditto (suo). Ditto Autumn, 1909. Casablanca, Morocco Deze ae Cape Juby, Rio de Oro 03) Giese Canary Is. Ball bale Senegal, W. Africa 18.4.15. Straits of Gibraltar SB igline Murcia, Spain 15.11.10. Valencia, Spain 4.4.15. Dist. Oran, Algeria 15.12.14. Sardinia 5. Liew Haugesund, Norway —.9.20. Finistére, France DavOnZee Morbihan, France Teele Ditto BOW ZAt Loire Inférieure, France 22. Onlos Ditto 4.8.20. Ditto TO-AL22. Ditto Baby 7p Charente Inférieure, France Tho 236 Ditto ZozALmes Ditto —.9.12. Ditto NOr2e Fe Ditto Paap P at Gironde, France Zeros: Ditto 23.0.3. Santander, Spain LO3-23- Asturias, Spain PSV OVP Vigo, Spain SuzaiuAn Minho, Portugal 22,0403. Oporto, Portugal 9.10.22. Ditto 22, LO.22) Ditto DT 2.20) Ditto —.10.15. Ditto PAE It TS Ditto B°LO.27- Ditto 25.10.10. Ditto Ant labArs Ditto Tal lae Douro, Portugal 18.9.23. Lisbon, Portugal —.9.22. Ditto 20M LO: Ditto Zilia WAS Ditto —.9.13. Ditto S23. Ditto —.12.14. Ditto 25.2.25. Ditto ity fase T voL. xxv.| MOVEMENTS OF RINGED BIRDS. 263. RINGED GREAT BRITAIN AS NESTLINGS (continued). Westmorland [Foulshaw Moss] 1.8.30. Lisbon, Portugal 2.1.32. Ditto 19.7.20. Algarve, Portugal g.10.20. Ditto 14.7.16. Ditto 22.10.16. Ditto 20.7.16. Ditto LO:7.17- Ditto 5.8.30. Ditto ¥. 02.30. Ditto 24.6.10. Huelva, Spain 19.3: 01. Ditto 25.6.13. Ditto 8.12.13. Ditto 1.7.11. Cadiz, Spain 20.3.14. Ditto 9.7.20, Ditto Agee, Ditto 20.7.16. Valencia, Spain SMe ae yo Ditto 16.7.15. Dist. Oran, Algeria —.12.17. Scilly Is. 8.7.24. Finistére, France —.6.27. Ditto 2.7.25. Ditto 17.9.25. Ditto 1.7.24. Loire Inférieure, France 20:77:25. Ditto 8.7.24. Vendée, France 9.5.25. Ditto 16.7.14. Minho, Portugal —12.14. Ditto 21.6.23. Lisbon, Portugal 28.9.24. Ditto 1.7.24. Algarve, Portugal 26.10.24. Ditto 24.6.24. Cadiz, Spain —.3.25. Lundy 25.60.31. Oporto, Portugal 24S. 3s Argyllshire 4.7.10. Douro, Portugal 16.12.10. Cumberland 14.7.25. Lisbon, Portugal 19.11.25; Ditto T4725. Ditto 29.11.26. Ditto 4.7.30. Ditto 19.10.30. Ditto 25.7.29. Casablanca, Morocco 3.2.30. Lancashire 23.6.30. Mazagan, Morocco —.1.31. Cumberland 4.7.26. Senegal, W. Africa —.3.27. RINGED ABROAD AS YOUNG. Ringed. Recovered, Pn. 648 Feroes, N. Atlantic 3.7.20. Lanarks. 3.6.28. Pn. 53828 Ditto 17.7.25. Inverness. —.10.25. Pn. 53894 Ditto 30.6.26. Dublin 25.9.26. Pn. 51096 — Ditto 21.7.24. Londonderry ? date. = Tidesti Dongolak dSus Ai =c wee 3 aed fomerned BRITISH LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL Map to show recovery positions abroad of birds ringed in England as nestlings. 264 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV. SCANDINAVIAN LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus f. fuscus) RINGED AS YOUNG. Ringed. Recovered. R. 7918 Oland, Sweden 24.6.12. Essex J4,2.04, GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus marinus). RINGED ABROAD AS YOUNG. Ringed. Recovered. Sk. K6121 Husavik, Iceland 27.6.28. North Uist” ~ 371720. KITTIWAKE (Rissa t. tridactyla). Since the last reference in these pages to the crossing of the Atlantic by Kittiwakes (Vol. XXIV., p. 239), two more ringed on the Farne Islands by Mrs. T. E. Hodgkin have been reported. One of these was referred to as a possible Kittiwake on the page quoted above, and has now been satisfactorily cleared up by Mr. M. Rogers, who obtained the bird at Twillingate, Newfoundland, on December 24th, 1930. The other was recently reported by Mr. C. H. Phillips, who informed us that the bird was caught on board the S.S. “ Arctic Queen”—a “‘factory”’ fishing ship—in Davis Strait, the ring taken off and the bird released. A great congregation of sea-birds cotmes to this ship to feed on the offal which is thrown overboard, and this Kittiwake was caught while attempting to snatch a cod’s liver from the hand of one of the men working on the catch. The position was about one hundred miles west of Disko off the west coast of Greenland. Unfortunately, the exact date is unknown, but it was in the middle of July, in the height of the breeding- season, and it seems unlikely to have been a breeding bird so far from land. Moreover, Mr. Phillips informed us that the bird had some brown on it, so that for a bird in its second summer it was probably backward. There is therefore not yet proof that British-bred Kittiwakes which cross the Atlantic breed on the other side. Recently Mr. T. H. McKittrick, Jnr., has published an interesting series of observations of the Kittiwake in the Atlantic (Ibis, 1931, pp. 654-661). Twenty-three days’ observations on various voyages from December 18th to March 8th between the English Channel and New York, and again on a more northerly course to Canada in the first week of October, show that Kittiwakes were present every day all the way across. But between New York and England none were observed in mid-Atlantic on June Ist and 2nd. It is to be remarked, however, that Mr. E. M. Nicholson saw Kittiwakes in mid-Atlantic, but much further to the north between the Shetlands and Greenland, on June 8th and oth (B.B., Vol. XXII., p. 127). Mr. McKittrick suggests from VoL. xxv.| MOVEMENTS OF RINGED BIRDS. — 265 his observations that Kittiwakes from Europe and North America are in contact from October to March, if not longer, and sometime later proceed east and west to their breeding- places, and that this mingling leads to a certain number crossing from one side to the other. This is certainly quite a possible theory, but the facts about the Kittiwakes ringed on the Farne Islands tend to show a more regular and less fortuitous migration. No ringed Kittiwakes have been reported other than these five trans- atlantic birds, and they represent no less than 3.5 per cent. of the Kittiwakes ringed on the Farnes between 1923 and 1929. Taking some of the years separately we find that— in 1929 only 35 were ringed and 2 of these have been reported ; in 1924 only 15 were ringed and 1 reported ; in 1928, 30 were ringed and 1 reported. Fifteen were ringed in each of the years 1926 and 1927 and none of these have been reported; none were ringed in 1925 and only a very few in 1923. As Mrs. Hodgkin was able to ring 40 in 1930 and Ior in 1931, it is to be hoped that more records will come to hand. It may be of some significance that so far none have been reported in their first year—a most unusual occurrence. RINGED GREAT BRITAIN AS NESTLINGS. Ringed. Recovered. Northumberland 2.7.29. Davis Strait, 69° 10’ N. 58° 17’ W. (Farne Is.) —.7.31. Ditto 30.6.24. Labrador 28.10.25. Ditto 28.6.23. Newfoundland 12.8.24. Ditto 23.6.28. Ditto 10.12.30. Ditto 1.7.29. Ditto 24.12.30. nd | a KITTIWAKE. Map to show recovery positions of birds ringed as nestlings on the fFarne /s/es,Northumberland. 266 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL, XXV. RAZORBILL (Alca torda). That Razorbills from west Sutherland regularly visit the coasts of southern Norway has already been commented on. It will also be seen from the lists below that a Guillemot and a Puffin have made the same journey, while another Guillemot has travelled there from Yorkshire. In an interesting paper recently published by Mr. H. Tho. L. Schaanning of the Stavanger Museum (Den Internasjonale Ringmerkning av trekkfugler og de foreliggende resultater for Norge) it is shown that no less than forty-four Guillemots ringed in the breeding-season at Heligoland have been reported between September and February on the coasts of southern Norway—250 to 340 miles to the north of where they were ringed. It seems evident that there is some great attraction for “ Auks ” which draws them to these coasts. Mr. Schaanning informs us that large numbers of Guillemots, Razorbills and Puffins are shot in October and November, which is the season for the ‘‘ Alkejatet”, a regular sport from Oslo to Bergen. It is to be noted, however, that some proceed southwards in winter, as is evidenced by ringed Guillemots from Heligoland to our south coast, and from Ayrshire to north Spain, as well as the Puffin from South Wales to south- west France. RINGED GREAT BRITAIN AS NESTLINGS. Ringed. Recovered. Sutherland 7.7.27. Nr. Oslo, Norway m6 TO27. Ditto 29.6.20. Nr. Haugesund, Norway 210120: Ditto 3.7.30. Stavanger, Norway Ts less Ditto 3.7.30. Prov. Kristiansand, Norway 26.10.30. Ditto DOs IDiliewo: 26.10.30. Ditto 2 pO, WWhtisitte 15.10.30. Ditto Aeypsten Dhar)? Bi. LOL3O: Ditto 2.7.30 Ditto 25-5.31. Ditto 3.7.30. Jvlland, Denmark Fal Les 3Ox ail ‘ Ini se! Ml a =) RAZOR BI. Map to show recovery positions abroad of birds ringed in Sutherland as nestlings. VOL. Xxv.]| MOVEMENTS OF RINGED BIRDS. 267 NORTHERN GUILLEMOT (Uria a. aalge). RINGED GREAT BRITAIN AS ADULT. ‘Ringed. Recovered. Sutherland 29.6.23. Nr. Oslo, Norway SE T225. RINGED GREAT BRITAIN AS NESTLING. Ringed. Recovered. Aberdeenshire 11.7.10. Géteborg, Sweden 20.00, 0O. RINGED ABROAD AS YOUNG AND ADULT, Ringed. Recovered. H. 41013 + Heligoland 0.7.28. Sussex T2 2.20; H. 39883 Ditto 28.6.27. Hants. LO.1.29; SOUTHERN GUILLEMOT (Uria a. albionis). RINGED GREAT BRITAIN AS NESTLINGS. Ringed. Recovered. Yorkshire 15.7.18. Prov. Kristiansand, Norway 22.10.18. Ayrshire 17.6.23. Vizcaya, Spain i ee | | GUILLEMOT. § tinged here as young Recovered England in winter frecovered here in winter Ringed Scotland (U.a aalge/. + Recovered here in OctaJan. Ringed Great Britain(U a albion/s). PUFFIN (Fratercula a. grabe). RINGED GREAT BRITAIN AS NESTLING. Ringed. Recovered, Sutherland 24.60.27. Prov. Kristiansand, Norway 22.10.27. RINGED GREAT BRITAIN AS ADULT. Ringed. Recovered, Pembrokeshire 2.7.28. Gironde, France December, 1929. 68 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV. i : Ut (| --—__ rk i i ae LAND-RAIL. Map to show recovery positions abroad of birds ringed as nestlings (/adult)in the British /sles. ; LAND-RAIL (Crex crex). Unfortunately, the Land-Rail has decreased so greatly in — this country that few have been ringed. The recorded recoveries have all been in September and in western or western-central France. It is to be hoped that records will accumulate so that we can get a better idea than possible at present of the direction and extent of the bird’s migrations to and from the British Islands. RINGED GREAT BRITAIN AS NESTLINGS. Ringed. Recovered. Kirkcudbright 17.6.29. Calvados, France 8.9.29. Co. Down 20.7.29. Indre-et-Loire, France 5.9.29. Perthshire 28.6.30. Creuse, France 14.9.30. Cumberland 8.7.12. Gironde, France PANO) 507), RINGED GREAT BRITAIN AS ADULT. Ringed. Recovered. Aberdeenshire 3.9.10. Creuse, France —.g.II. MOOR-HEN (Gallinula ch. chloropus). RINGED ABROAD AS MIGRANT. Ringed. Recovered. L. 54617 ~&#Lightship off Flushing, Holland 16.3.28. Worcester.. Bi 220; COOT (Fulica a. atra). RINGED GREAT BRITAIN AS ADULT. hinged. Recovered. Kent 23.3.30. Pas-de-Calais, France T5728 le 1931. Tue following cases of late breeding in the season of 1931 in south Norfolk and north Suffolk, though not remarkable individually, show that late breeding was not uncommon In the past wet season. Greenfinch August 14th 4 Eggs (incubated). (Chloris ch. chlorts) Ditto «3 @ist 4 Eggs (incubated). Linnet (Carduelis c. » sgh 4 Eggs (incubated). cannabina) Ditto September 5th ie (5 or 6 days old). Bullfinch (Pyrrhula August 15th 4 Eggs (incubated). p. nesa) Ditto , 22nd 3 Eggs (fresh). Hedge-Sparrow ~~» i290 3 Eggs (incubated). (Prunella m. occidentalts) Ditto ,, 22nd 4 Young (week old). Moor-Hen (Gallinula September 13th 5 Eggs (fresh). ch. chloropus) H. J. K. BURNE. WAXWINGS IN COUNTY DURHAM. On November Ist, 1931, a small flock of seven Waxwings (Bombycilla garrulus) was observed on a patch of scrub consisting largely of Guelder-rose bushes (Viburnum Opulus L.) near Rowlands Gill in the Vale of Derwent. Within a week the flock had increased to 30, and on November roth, when I visited the spot, I counted 75 birds. The maximum was reached on November 24th, when there were well over roo birds. From that time onwards the flock dwindled in numbers, and on the last two days on which they were observed, December 5th and 6th, only three were seen. When the birds arrived the scrub was richly red with an abundant crop of ripe Guelder berries; but few remained unpicked when the birds left. The Waxwings spent most of their time feeding upon these berries, hanging from the slender twigs with tit-like antics; but one observer noted that they “took insects in the air not unlike the Spotted Flycatcher”. They were also seen feeding on the ground in 270 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV. a garden adjoining the scrub, but what they were finding there was not noted. When on the wing the birds packed closely together like Starlings and alighted on trees, all facing one way like Redwings. What became of the flock is not known. So far no reports have come in of birds having been seen locally elsewhere than on this small patch of scrub, though, judging from the constantly varying size of the flock, it must have had other feeding-grounds in the vicinity. The only other records of Waxwings I have received are: One seen near Darlington, co. Durham, on October 25th. Four seen in Harwood Dale, near Scarboro’ in mid-November. Five seen in Newton Dale, near Pickering (Yorks.), December 13th. GEORGE W. TEMPERLEY. (For other notes on this subject see p. 223. Miss E. Trotter has described to Mr. Jourdain a bird, which was clearly a Waxwing, seen by her in a garden at Bournemouth on December 27th, rogr, but so far mo others: haye bees definitely identified in the neighbourhood. Mr. T. A. Coward records (Fte/d, 2.1.32, p. 16) that two trequented gardens near Altrincham, Cheshire, for a week or more at the end of November. Mr. Coward observed one of the birds frequently offering a haw to the other, from which he suggests they were a pair. Mr. Coward also states that Waxwings have been seen near Liverpool, and that numbers have been reported in the Orkneys. Mr. H. B. Booth states that ten were reported from near Berwick on November roth (Nat., 1932, p. 14). Dr. E. Hartert informed us, and Dr. E. Stresemann has now published (Ovm. Monatsb., 1932, p. 19), that Waxwings have occurred in extraordinarily large numbers in Germany. They first appeared in Courland on the Baltic coasts in October, and by the end of November their numbers had increased to such an extent that some 700 were actually ringed by the Rossitten station. In Heligoland they were noted about the same time and continued to arrive in November, about seventy being observed in all. In Berlin they were first seen on November 8th, and up to the time of writing (mid-December) were to be observed in flocks of twenty- five to fifty birds. The southernmost point from which Dr. Stresemann had information was from Harz, where some were noted on November 23rd. The Mealy Redpoll also appeared in the autumn of 1931 in large flocks in north Germany. We shall be glad to have notes of any further occurrences of Waxwings.—EDs. | VOL. XXV.} NOTES. 271 BLUE TITS TEARING PAPER. I HAVE recently come across a considerable nuntber of examples of a habit of the Blue Tit (Parus c. obscurus) which is new tome. All the cases have occurred in and around the Lake District, and the habit seems to be prevalent over a very wide area. In a number of instances the birds have entered rooms 1n houses through open windows, and have stripped the wall- paper from the walls around each picture nail and along the lintels of the doors; in fact, wherever a foothold was obtain- able. The paper has been cleanly stripped away, pieces up to an inch in length, and an eighth to a quarter of an inch in width being torn off and dropped to the floor. In one house, besides the wallpaper, books on shelves and a large Bible open on a desk were also attacked and much damaged, and in the adjoining garage notices nailed up were torn to ribbons. In another case a room was entered and a lamp shade of thick parchment-like paper was pecked away all round the edge, and in another house a pad of blotting-paper on a writing-table was much mutilated. The notices in a church porch and in a school classroom have been attacked whole- sale, and in many cases torn to shreds. Finally, a poster of the Empire Marketing Board pasted up on an outside wall was badly torn, and in this case three or four Blue Tits were watched in the act. In every case mentioned it has been definitely proved that Blue Tits were the culprits, though in two cases the evidence is only circumstantial. It would be of interest to know the reason for this curious habit, and whether it has been noticed elsewhere. A. ASTLEY. ‘Reference should be made to similar actions by Great Tits described by Miss A. Hibbert-Ware, Vol. XXIIL., Pp. 35.—EbDs.] WILLOW-WARBLER IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE IN WINTER. On December 4th, 1931, I watched a Willow-Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus) in a hedgerow overhanging a deep watercourse near Stoke Gifford, Gloucestershire. Being quite indifferent to my presence, I was able to keep the bird under observation at close quarters for some con- siderable time. The general coloration was decidedly greenish, tinged yellow ; this and the pale brown legs seemed sufficiently convincing that it was a Willow-Warbler and not a Chiffchaff. The bird is possibly wintering, since I found it in the same place again on December 7th. H. H. Davis. to 12 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV. TWO HISTORICAL KENTISH SPECIMENS. AT the auction at Lullingstone Castle, the seat of the late Sir William Hart Dyke, which was held on December gth and roth, 1931, there were two lots of ornithological interest. The first was a male Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus) and the second a duck Goosander (Mergus merganser). The Little Bittern was killed on the lake at Lullingstone about 1860 and is in good condition, but the Goosander is sadly faded. Both birds are recorded by Dr. N. F. Ticehurst in his book A History of the Birds of Kent, and are now in my collection. JAMES M. HARRISON. GREY PLOVER IN- MIDDLESEX. On December r2th, 1931, Mr. J. P. Hardiman and I saw a Grey Plover (Squatarola s. squatarola) at the Littleton Reser- voir. The bird circled over the water calling loudly, and then came for a few moments near enough to show us its black axillaries. _ | There appears to be only one previous record of the Grey Plover being seen in Middlesex (B.B., Vol. XVI., p. 26), though on December 20th, 1930, I heard one at Staines (B.B., Vol. XXIV., p. 355), and Mr. W. E. Glegg tells me that he had a similar experience there on November 15th, 1931. A. HoLTE MACPHERSON. LITTLE. GULE IN MIDDEESEX: On December 14th, 1931, after a day of heavy south-west gales, Mr. A. Holte Macpherson and I visited the Littleton Reservoir. We had prolonged views, at close range, of a Little Gull (Larus minutus) flying with Black-headed Gulls. The bird was in first winter plumage. There are five other Middlesex records, but only one in the present century, namely the bird seen at the Staines Reservoir by Mr. Macpher- son and Mr. F. R. Finch in October, 1928 (B.B., Vol. XXIL., p- 146). J. P. HARDIMAN. COOT DEBENDING TTs NESE: On July 4th, 1931, I was walking along in shallow water at Blagdon Lake, Somerset, when a Coot (Fulica a. atra) came to meet me about ten yards from its nest and tried to drive me away. The nest was built in about a foot of water, in a clump of flags surrounded by a fairly wide area of water containing low weed and rushes. At first the bird swam around a few yards away, doubling backwards and forwards, calling from time to time, and coming closer as I approached the nest. Finally it took up a pugnacious attitude about ‘ 4 VOL. XXV.] NOTES. 273 a yard in front of me; with body tipped backwards, wings slightly spread, head thrown back, and open beak. I put down a hand towards the bird, and it jumped up out of the water, scratching with its claws. Then it fell back, to jump up again very soon. I presented my foot and it fought it in the same way for a little time, often staying with its breast pressed against my toe in the intervals between jumps. From time to time it took fright and dashed away a few yards, but a move towards the nest would bring it back half-flying. There were three “ chipping ’’ eggs in the nest and two or three young hiding near by. Later the same day I went back to take some photographs. When I bent down to expose the nest the Coot climbed up my back and pecked. It also climbed up my arm. I set up the camera about eight feet from the nest, and after a few attempts to dislodge me the bird went back to the nest and called up her young. It was ready to attack whenever I made any considerable movement. The next day I visited the nest again. The young birds were out on the lake with the other parent, and my bird was sitting on one egg. After fighting my feet, it struck at a hand I put down. This time it did not scratch but raised a small bruise. I think it must have hurt itself, for it never came less than two or three yards from me again. At no time did the bird behave like one doing the “ broken wing trick”’. The mate was always well out on the lake, calling occasionally. When last seen both birds were feeding four young. I have no positive evidence as to whether the pugnacious bird was the male or female, but although the male Coot assists in incubation, the fact that the pugnacious bird was constantly at the nest perhaps points to its being the female. L. A. HAWKINS. EARLY WHITETHROAT’S NEST IN NORFOLK.—Mr. H. J. K. Burne informs us that he found in south Norfolk on May 3rd, 1928, a nest containing four eggs of the Whitethroat (Sylvia c. communis)—a very early date. Two SONG-PERIODS OF BLACKCAP AS POSSIBLE EVIDENCE OF SECOND Broop.—The Rev. E. Peake writes that notes kept by him during twelve years show that, both at Oxford and Bluntisham (Hunts.), the Blackcap (Sylvia a. atricapilla) has two periods of song, April into May and mid-June to mid-July. Mr. Peake thinks this suggests the probability of the Blackcap being double-brooded, and gives an instance of young hatched at Bluntisham as late as August 3rd, 1929. 274 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV. GREAT GREY SHRIKE IN HAMPSHIRE.—Mr. H. T. Gosnell informs us that he and Mr. Carlyon-Britton saw a single Lanius excubitor on December Ist, I93I, on a common in east Hampshire. The bird was at the same spot on the following day. MARTINS IN DEVONSHIRE IN JANUARY.—Miss V. Curry writes that she saw three Martins (Delichon urbica) near Salcombe on January 4th, 1932. Miss Curry remarks that they were apparently finding plenty to eat. LATE SWIFT IN WARWICKSHIRE.—Miss B. A. Carter informs us that she saw a Swift (A pus apus) flying about with two Martins at Sutton Coldfield on October 29th, 1931. SPOTTED REDSHANK IN SUTHERLAND.—Mr. F. Spencer Chapman informs us that on November 24th, 1929, he saw a bird at very close quarters feeding on the shores of a loch about a mile from the sea at Durness, which he identified as a Spotted Redshank (Tvinga erythropus). Mr. Chapman had made acquaintance with the bird previously on the Solway, and from his description of the appearance of the bird and its note there is no doubt that his identification was correct. The bird was seen again subsequently, but not after November 28th. REVIEW. Beasts and Birds as Farm Pests. By James Ritchie, M.A., D.Sc., F.R.S.E. (Oliver & Boyd), 1931. 8vo, pp. xil., 270. 12s. 6d. TuHIs is a thoroughly practical, common-sense work, dealing solely with such mammals and birds as are either definitely injurious to the farmer, or at any rate of doubtful utility. In estimating its value, however, two considerations must be borne in mind. _In the first place it is written from the north British standpoint. There are, of course, many references to the south country fruit-grower or farmer, and there is a chapter on birds and the garden, but, in the main, the book is a broad-minded study of the effect of certain forms of animal life on the economic welfare of the Scottish farmer and forester. The first section of the work deals with mammals and lies to some extent outside the scope of this review, but it is very significant that while nearly three pages are devoted to the red squirrel, the grey squirrel is dismissed with only a single page. In any future edition we hope that some practical hints on trapping this obnoxious alien will be added. Turning to the section dealing with birds (pp. 89-260) we find on the whole a very fair statement of the case. No method of ascertaining the food of any given species is entirely satisfactory. Recorded field- observations are in most cases so incomplete and defective that they may lead to absolutely wrong conclusions. Observations on refuse of food are in some cases, such as analysis of pellets of Owls, extremely VOL. XXV.]} REVIEW. 275 valuable, but at best can only touch the fringe of the general enquiry. Examination of crop and stomach contents seems to hold out the greatest promise, and when carried out with large series distributed over the whole year and from various localities would seem to go far towards the solution of the problem. Even here the results can be worked out on different lines, and in theory the volumetric method, advocated and employed by Dr. Collinge, has many advantages over the quantita- tive analysis. As Dr. Ritchie points out, the adjudication to the “beneficial ’’ or ‘‘ injurious ’’ column in the case of insects may be a matter of opinion in some cases ; in others the destruction of a single individual may well counterbalance the loss of 100 grains of wheat, so that the problem is by no means solved by the assignment of the material collected under the three heads of injurious, beneficial and indifferent. Recent researches by Groebbels and others have shown that the process of digestion is so rapid in certain species that stomach examina- tions, unless carried out on an enormous scale, can give little idea of the actual food consumed. ; In some details Dr. Ritchie’s conclusions seem to require some modification. Thus he regards the Sparrowhawk as a nuisance to agriculture, mainly on the ground of its staple diet of small insectivorous birds. Yet he follows Dr. Collinge in treating the Little Owl as ‘“‘a most valuable aid in the destruction of farm vermin’’. Apart from the fact that the Sparrow-Hawk is nowhere numerous, while the Little Owl, in spite of persistent killing done by gamekeepers, is now present with us in England in enormous numbers, there is no doubt that the Little Owl takes a heavy toll of small birds, although it is true that some pairs do confine themselves mainly to insects, earthworms, etc. The statement that the majority of our Greenfinches migrate overseas from September to March also needs much qualification. Incubation in the case of the House-Sparrow is not performed exclusively by the female. The severe condemnation of the Blackcap is somewhat surprising after the mild treatment accorded to the Hawfinch and Blackbird, and the statement that the Merlin feeds on birds ‘‘ more useful than itself’’, such as Meadow-Pipits, Wheatears and Larks’’, is astonishing in view of what has already been written on the Sky-Lark on pp. 193, 200, 202, etc. Still, apart from details on points which must always be to some extent matters of opinion, we can confidently recommend this work as an unbiassed and in the main reliable and practical study of the whole question, free from the sentimentality of the Michelet school of writers, and based on a study of the large and growing literature of the subject. F. C. R. JourpDain. LETTERS. LUNDY BIRDS. To the Editors of BritisH Brrps. Sirs,—In his paper on the Birds of Lundy (antea, pp. 212-219) Mr. Harrisson comments on the absence of information about Redstart (Phenicurus p. pheenicurus), Redshank (Tringa totanus) and Common Gull (Larus c. canus) during the last ten years. Perhaps all are regular visitors on passage. Twenty-five years ago, i.e. in 1907, I was on Lundy with T. A. Coward from August 28th to September 4th. A 276 BRITISH BIRDS. VOL) SXVe Redstart was seen near the Manor House on August 30th. A Redshank passed over on the 29th, and several Common Gulls were daily about the cultivated ground near the village. Among other species in our total of fifty-one were Hooded Crow (Corvus c. cornix), one consorting with a Carrion-Crow (Corvus c. corone) on the western cliffs, August 30th and the two following days ; Rook (Corvus f. frugilegus), a dozen in the fields at the south end, daily ; Starling (Sturnus v. vulgaris), many; Yellow Bunting (Emberiza c. cityinella), one in the Manor House garden, September rst; Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla f. vayi), half a dozen among pasturing cattle, August 29th and subsequently ; Whinchat (Savicola r. rubetra), several near the south end ; Hedge-Sparrow (Prunella m. occidentalis), a few ; Teal (Anas c. cvecca), one flushed from a pond, September 3rd ; Ringed Plover (Charadrius h. hiaticula), odd birds passing; Turnstone (Avenaria 7. interpres), single adult, September 1st ; Common Sand- piper (Tvinga hypoleucos), two, September 1st; Whimbrel (Numenius pb. pheopus), passing, daily. CHAS. OLDHAM. WOODCOCKS IN LUNDY. To the Editors of BRITISH BIRDs. Sirs,—In Mr. T. H. Harrisson’s article on the birds of Lundy I notice that there is apparently only one record of the Woodcock (antea, p. 219). 1 well remember that when a boy, living in Somerset, I was told by a neighbour—a Lieut.-Col. Luttrell—that in former years he had enjoyed very good Woodcock shooting on Lundy in the month of November. He said the flight of these birds only remained there for a few days, but the fact of their being found there at this season in numbers was sufficiently well known to west-country sportsmen to make it worth their while to make a trip over to the island for the sake of the shooting. It would seem that the Woodcock has altered its line of migration in this particular district since those days. H. W. MAPLETON-BREE. AN OMISSION PROM A AYSTORY OF THE BIRDS OF NORFOLK, To the Editors of BritisH BirDs. Sirs,—I find that in my book, A History of the Birds of Norfolk, mention of the Northern Willow-Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus eversmanni) has been omitted. It appears that an account of this subspecies was written by me and inadvertently mislaid, probably during revision of the MSS. before going to press. An additional page (58a) with an account of this bird has been printed and will be sent free of cost on application to Messrs. H. F. & G. Witherby, 326, High Holborn, London, W.C.1, to those possessing a copy of A History of the Birds of Norfolk B. B. Riviere. seit 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. FOYLES announce a very special offer! From time to time Foyles are able to offer an exceptional Book Opportunity which eclipses even their normal low-priced Bargains. This remarkable offer here will appeal immensely to every Ornithologist and represents value which should certainly not be missed, THE IBIS Bound half-leather volumes in excellent condition, including the following issues—Sixth series, Vols. 4, 5, 6; Seventh series. Vols. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6: Eighth series, Vols. er 3. 4, @entoviss ing in all a complete run, from 1892 to 1904, complete Call and see Foyles excellent collection of Books on tle ge or write for Catalogue 637, sent free on request, : FOYLES for BOOKS Charing Cross Road (Gerrard 9310) London, W.C.2 WATKINS & DONCASTER Manufacture and Stock CABINETS and APPARATUS of every kind for Collectors of Birds’ Eggs, Insects, &c. A LARGE STOGK OF BIRDS’ EGGS (Singles and Sets) and BRITISH and EXOTIG BUTTERFLIES, aoc. NESTING BOXES OF VARIOUS PATTERNS. Pricep CATALOGUE OF APPARATUS AND SPECIMENS PER RETURN All Books and Publications (new and second-hand) on Natural History supplied P.O. Box 126. 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The author has added some 50 species to the British list, and by noting essential characters only, avoiding any repetitions, and, wherever possible, using characters which ean be illustrated by figures, he has been able to condense the descriptions of about 3560 species into one volume. There are included the many species new to science which have been described as British by Dr. Sharp, Mr. Britten, and several others. Aedeagi are figured when necessary; the work will therefore prove of service to the most advanced worker. Of the 2040 figures in Volume 2, 1650 have been drawn by the author with the aid of the camera-lucida, whilst nearly all the remainder are reproductions of the beautiful outline figures representing typical species of the genera of British beetles in that fine old work, Spry and Shuckard’s British Coleoptera Delineated. Two Volumes, Super Royal 8vo. With 170 Plates. £3/3/- net. (Postage 1/-) Prospectus on Application. H. F. & G. WITHERBY 326 High Holborn, London, W.C. BROISH BIRDS ANIEUSTRATED “MAGAZINE DEVOTED CHIEFLY TOTHEBIRDS se ONTHEBRISH IST MONTHLY. 1s9a. YEARLY-20- ‘S26HIGHHOLBORNIENDON. HFeGwiThERDY NOW READY Reports on the Migration of Birds published by the State Biological Institute of Heligoland, No. 3. ATLAS DES VOGELZUGS NACH DEN BERINGUNGSERGEBNISSEN BEI 'PALAEARKTISCHEN VOGELN [ATLAS OF BIRD-MIGRATION FROM RINGING . STATISTICS] By Dr. E SCHUZ (Rossitten) and Dr. H. WEIGOLD (Hannover) Size 13 By 1] mncues 150 Prates or Mars 167 Paces or Text (1N GERMAN) Price 96 Reichmarks In exceptional cases the work will be supplied to ornithologists at the reduced price of RM.66 on application to SraaTLICHE BIoLOGISCHE ANSTALT AUF HELGOLAND. A landmark in the history of Bird Research Of exceptional interest to “ringers” An indispensable work for every ornithologist This work represents the result of years of labour in gathering together ringing statistics. All records of ringed birds showing significant movement are plotted on the maps. Each plate consists of one or two maps and a map is usually devoted to each species, but in some cases several maps are required. The text gives the sources of the data, a very full bibliography, and a list of ringing schemes. Publishers: R. FRIEDLANDER & SOHN, BERLIN N.W.6. KARLSTR. 11 LE GERFAUT REVUE BELGE .D°ORNITHOLOGIE = unite en edt) La seule publication scientifique belge traitant des oiseaux, spécialement des oiseaux de la Belgique. Abonsement 25 francs belges - 5 Belgas par an. Direction : Square Prince Charles 21, Bruxelles-Laeken (Belgique) TRAPS for RINGERS CICERI & CO., LTD. General Wireworkers, 39-43, WHARFDALE ROAD, KINGS CROSS, LONDON, N.1, Supply the following wire bird traps as recommended by Mr. W. B. Alexander in British Birds, Vol. XXV, p. 204. Prices including Carriage and Packing in British Isles. No. | Potter Traps 16/6 “Government” Traps ns .. 40/- No. 2 Potter Traps 19/- Gathering Traps to fit any size trap 5/- Single compartment Potter Trap 5/6 Any other Pattern desired can be supplied. DRIEABIRDS VITH WHICH WAS INCORPORATED IN JANUARY, 1917, ‘‘ THE ZOOLOGIST.” EDITED BY H. F.WITHERBY, M.B.E.. F.Z.S.,M.B.O.U.,H.F.A.O.U. ASSISTED BY REv. F.C. R. JOURDAIN, M.A., M.B.O.U., H.F.A.O.U., F.Z.S., AND NORMAN F, TICEHURST, O. B.E., M. ec F.R.C.S., M.B.O.U. CONTENTS OF NUMBER I0, VOL. XXV., MARCH I, 1932. — PAGE Notes on the Tree-Sparrow. By A. W. Boyd vas ve 278 The “‘ British Birds’’ Marking Scheme. Progress for 1931. By H. F. Witherby can ae ar — aK em 256 The Breeding-Habits of the Corn-Bunting (as observed in Sussex) with some Notes on its Song, Cries and General Deportment. By John Walpole-Bond Bie iss “0 202 Notes :— Courtship of House-Sparrow (E. Hardy) coe ai ere OD Richard’s Pipit in Gloucestershire (O. H. Wild)... Pe 307 Alpine and Rock-Pipits in Cambridgeshire (D. Lack) cx. SOE Firecrest in Worcestershire (H. G. Alexander) oie a. 302 Great Grey Shrike in Norfolk (R. M. Garnett) one iw. 202 Migration of Waxwings =F ae ne wes nde 303 Merlin Taking Young from Nests (J. Armitage)... ee 303 Scaup in Inner London (Dr. G. Carmichael Low) ... pa 304 Great Northern Divers in Worcestershire and Derbyshire (E. St. G. Betts and ©. BB. Chambers) ... sae as ON Ruff in Norfolk in February (R. M. Garnett) eas err 305 Temminck’s Stints in Kent (H. G. Alexander) -_ cas 305 Baillon’s Crake in Merioneth (E. H. T. Bible) ee Ric 305 A Ptarmigan’s Nest in Long Heather (Seton Gordon) ... 305 Quail Breeding in Denbighshire (Major W. M. Congreve)... 306 Short Notes :— Crossbills Breeding in Hampshire and Dorsetshire. Cit] Bunting in Cornwall. Martins in Devonshire in Winter. Flamingo and White Stork in Aberdeenshire. Fork- tailed Petrels in Somerset and Cheshire. Fulmar Petrel in Cornwall. Black-necked Grebes Breeding in Scotland. Oystercatcher and White W agtails in Middlesex—Correction. Breeding Date of Kittiwake in Cornwall ... se F T= 4.50 1929 May- June 2, TS 64) = 4.00 July i = = 4) 38 <2) im 4.00 33 4.00 Aug. 6 - - 3 3 - 4.00 ; 1930 May- June U7 wel edt 2. 7 2 3.47 July GT = i 93) 2) = Bl 26 3.57 Aug. Zi aT ee Te 4.00 1931 May- June 1% —- —- 6 8 4 - 3.88 July TsTeaee 2002" Se 2 ae 3.18 29 3.62 Aug. © = = = Ss == It is obvious that the amount of sun and rainfall will have some effect on a bird’s fecundity, and with this in view it is well to compare this table with weather records to see if any conclusion may be drawn from the comparison. Mr. Giles Owen, of Barnton, a couple of miles distant from these nests, has for years kept most accurate meteorological observations and has very kindly supplied me with full data. The following are the rainfall and mean average shade temperature for the four months May to August in the four years 1928 to 1931. Rainfall. MEA Sel 1928 Fae BIEL: 56.41° 1929 oreh OZOA' 56.28° 1930 Fo aC 58.25° 1931 See TeX, 57.28° It will be seen that the largest average broods were reared in the summer that was definitely the driest and that in 1931, VOL. xxv.} NOTES ON THE TREE-SPARROW. = 283 with 6.97” of rain in August, there were no third or August broods at all, though in 1929 there were six. August in 1929 (3.6") was no drier than August in 1928 (2.83") and 1930 (3.43”), but it was in the three months previous to August that there was the smaller rainfall. From May to July in 1929 two inches less rain fell than in 1928 and 1930 and 4} inches less than in 1931, and it Is perhaps fair to conclude that good weather in these months has a direct effect on a bird’s fecundity in the month following. The actual temperature does not seem to have had much effect one way or the other, but lack of sun during the wetter periods doubtless combines with excess of rain in producing the results shown. First and second broods do not appear to differ in size. (xi.) Adult at the nest.—Both adults brood the eggs as I have proved by the capture and ringing of both on the nest. Before the young are hatched the sitting bird is shy and fugitive and generally slips off the eggs before any one can reach the nesting-tree, quickly putting the tree-trunk between it and the observer and flying off down the hedgerow. The old birds become bolder when the young are hatched and fly up into the higher branches when the nest is examined and chirrup angrily before flying off. (xii.) Nestlings.—These are very lively in the nest when a few days old. I have seen a long horse-hair protruding from a nestling’s mouth, the other end of which was fast in its crop. (I have seen this on a number of occasions in the nestlings of other birds—more particularly those who use horse-hair as a nest lining.) (xiil.) Use of other, birds’ nests.—Boxes in which birds of other species have had broods are sometimes occupied by Tree-Sparrows later in the season. I have known a July brood which followed a brood of House-Sparrows, and in 1929 (their most fruitful year) eggs were laid in August in three larger boxes previously occupied by two pairs of Starlings and a pair of Little Owls. (xiv.) Dispersal.—After fledging the birds appear to disperse very soon. A few young have been trapped at the end of August, but it is most unusual to see any, young or old, in September. Those seen in October have almost all been in flocks in the fields and none about the nesting-trees. ENEMIES. The ring of an adult ringed in May, 1928, was found in the nesting-box of a Little Owl in July, 1930. 284 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV. Usually the nestlings have been fairly safe from attack, but in 1931 several broods were found killed in the boxes and in one box the entrance-hole had been gnawed and enlarged to double its size and the young killed. I cannot imagine what had done this. FLOCKING. Found in flocks from October to April or May, they habitu- ally are in company with House-Sparrows, Chaffinches, Greenfinches and Bramblings and with Yellow-hammers and Reed-Buntings. ROOSTING. I have few records of their roosting, but have noticed them and Chaffinches in small numbers joining in a large roost of House-Sparrows in big holly bushes in my garden in the fourth week of April. Normally it is not a garden bird at all, though a few come with other Finches to feed in the hen-runs. SONG. The distinctive call-note is heard often enough, but there is little evidence of definite song. On May 5th, 1930, a group of them in a thorn hedge was chattering loudly together in a way I had never heard before; it was quite different from their usual note and had the effect of a rhythmical song. TRAPPING. Tree-Sparrows do not come freely to traps like many Finches. In nine years I have trapped only 79 adults and 35 young birds—not counting nestlings already ringed, which are caught in fair numbers for a few weeks after leaving the nest. INSECTS AND PARASITES. Mr. H. W. Daltry and Mr. H. Britten have identified the following beetles found in the nests :— Quedius mesomelinus, Aleochara diversa, Aphodius mer- darius, Atheta nigricornis, and (hibernating) Adalia bipunctata; and also the dipteron Scatopse notata L. The moth, Endrvosis lactella Schiff, one of the Tineina, abounds in the boxes, and no doubt other moths of the same genus. The boxes are often full of fleas, which Mr. H. Britten has identified as Ceratophyllus. galline Schrank, a flea found | | | VoL. xxv.]| NOTES ON THE TREE-SPARROW. 285 commonly in many nests locally, particularly those of birds nesting in boxes—such as Blue Tit, Starling and Little Owl. Mr. Britten also found in these nests Limothrips cerealium Hal., the corn thrips, which is known to hibernate in nests, and Orchesella cincta L., one of the springtails ; a Gamasid mite was found, but has not yet been identified. No. C5616 G6594 9053 H5366 H5409 115669 H5717 H5826 J5784 J5705 K898o IKX8996 J5926 1.5693 I should like to acknowledge the great assistance I Age. Nestl, Juv. Adult Adult Nestl. Nestl. Nestl. Nestl. Juv. Nestl. Adult Adult Adult Nestl. RINGED BIRDS. Since 1923 I have ringed 610 Tree-Sparrows. The following recoveries are those to which reference has been made. Date ringed. June 14th, 1925 June 18th, 1928 May 2oth, 1928 April 6th, 1929 June tst, 1929 June 29th, 1929 July 12th, 1929 Aug. 12th, 1929 June roth, 1930 May 28th, 1930 May r5th, 1931 May 30th, 1931 July rst, 1930 July rrth, 1931 Date recovered. April 25th, 1926 Jan. 1st, 1929 July roth, 1930 July 2nd, 1929 May 30th, 1931 June 26th, 1930 July 6th, 1930 June 6th, 1930 Nov. 23rd, 1930 July «32th & 13th, 1931 May 26th, 1931 July 4th, 1931 Dec. 31st, 1931 Dec. 31st, 1931 received from my chauffeur, Joseph Ball, birds and keeping the records. Trapped in same place. Found dead a mile away. In Little Owl’s nest near by. Caught on eggs in Box 20. Ringed in Box 17 ; recaptured in Box 18. Trapped in same place. Trapped in same place. Ringed in Box 3; recaptured in Box 16. Found dead a mile away. Trapped in the same place. Caught on 1st and 2nd brood in same box. Caught in same box as K 808o. Shot 600 yards away. Shot 600 yards away. have in ringing these (286) THE “‘ BRITISH BIRDS’? MARKING SCHEME.* PROGRESS FOR 1931. BY H. F. WITHERBY. NUMBER OF BIRDS. RINGED. Trapped. Nestlings. Total. In 1931 a can OA ASS ie} 29,554 In 1900"... 257 Im n@2zo: 5,276 PROMO: ~ o.-) 7,010 oz 5) SG007 (ODE... OMG A, O22 * Fag 200 ‘ROE 2. (2.3 TESS 5, AbO28, Sha. A860 OTS! a, “LA Sa8 A LO2A see LO OG wa LOE 4. 913,024 53 O25. Las’ EO{233 BATONS vias 7,707 4 G20" 8.5 28,482 ; LOLOm © 5,3 7 TOF G OZHE® Sue. 121025 FORE - inc, 26,926 9 HOZS. “ee BAATO yi OHOP. 24 55087 i HOZO as caer mae nears 5 SEO! 8. 3,578 4.8080 3... 20,00 Grand, Total... a cap liOsO5 THE total number of birds ringed is again the highest in the history of our Ringing Scheme, and this notwithstanding the new Instruction 5 banning the ringing of nestlings of certain species, which resulted in some sixteen hundred less of these nestlings being ringed. This rule was on the whole well observed, there being special reasons for most of thuse ringed. This year we have for the first time separated the totals of birds ringed by the trapping method and as nestlings. It is unfortunately impossible to compare results with previous years, but it is obvious that far more birds were trapped in 1931 than previously. About one-third of the total Passeres were ringed by this method. Now that standard traps are available it is to be hoped that this proportion will con- tinually increase. The division of the figures is probably * For previous Reports see Vol. IIJ., pp. 179-182, for 1909 ; Vol. IV., pp. 204-207, for 1910; Vol. V., pp. 158-162, for rgII ; Vol. Vi... pp: 177-183, for 191277 -Vole@VIL., pp. 100-105, for 1918% Vol. VIII., pp. 161-168, for 1914; Vol. IX., pp. 222-229, for 1915 ; Vol. X., pp. 150-156, for 1910 > QVGoimeXxXI., pp. 271-276, for orp; Vol. XII., 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 1921 ; Vol. XVI; pp. 277-281, tor 1922 ; Vol. XVIL,, pp: 231-235, for 1923); Vol. XVIII., pp. 260-265, for 1924; Vol. XIX., pp. 275-280, for 1925 ; Vol. XX., pp. 236-241, for 1926; Vol. XXII, pp: 212-270, for 1027, Vol. XXII., pp. 253-258 for 1928; Vol. XXIII., pp. 258-263, for 1929 ; Vol. XXIV., pp. 234-244, for 1930. VoL. xxv.]**BRITISH BIRDS” MARKING SCHEME. 287 not quite correct because a good many ringers have not separated their totals in the form supplied for numbers ringed. We may hope for more accuracy 1n future in this, and we propose that all birds which can fly (either old or young) and however caught shall be put in the “‘ trapped column, while all nestlings or young birds unable to fly freely shall be put in the “nestlings ’’ column. This form for totals will be sent out to each ringer near the end of the ringing season. pad Dr. Moon has again ringed the largest total, which includes a considerable number of trapped birds, and over eleven hundred nestlings of non-Passeres, mostly Lapwings, but there are also no less than seventy Redshank and sixty-six Curlew. Lord Scone has trapped more birds than anyone except Oxford, and his list includes eight hundred nestlings of non-Passeres, of which the most notable are 181 Woodcock, 147 ducks of eight species, 57 Wood-Pigeons, and 45 Land-Rails. Mr. H. W. Robinson has ringed the greatest number of non-Passerines, devoting himself chiefly to Sandwich and Common Terns and Lesser Black-backed Gulls, while he has also ringed 29 Woodcock. Mr. A. W. Boyd has continued to exploit trapping, in which he has achieved the third largest total and has also ringed no less than 426 Swallows and 126 Tree-Sparrows. Mr. R. G. Williams has 104 Swallows and 128 Linnets in his total. The members of The Oxford Ornithological Society have trapped the greatest number, devoting themselves largely to Starlings, as well as to experimental trapping of Tits and House-Sparrows. They have also ringed go nestling Rooks. Mr. A. Mayall’s list consists chiefly of nestling Passeres and contains the remarkable item of 153 Nightingales, while 187 Swallows and 124 House-Martins should be mentioned. Mr. P. E. A. Morshead has done a large amount of trapping, having the fourth highest total in this branch. Mr. R. M. Garnett has ringed 380 Sandwich Terns and 40 Yellow Wagtails. Col. G. P. Pollitt’s total includes 105 Herons and 339 Swallows, and Mr. R. H. Brown’s 30 Herons and 104 Swailows. Mr. E. Cohen has ringed g2 Mallard and 61 Razorbills and has been very successful in trapping, as also have the Rev. E. Peake, The London Natural History Society, Messrs. W. J. and A. H. Eggeling and others. Perhaps the most unusual list is that of Messrs. T. H. and W. R. Harrisson, who have ringed 176 Rooks (152 trapped), 33 Fulmars, 23 Leach’s Petrels, 10 Kittiwakes and 14 Razorbills. Others 288 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV. who have ringed a number of cliff-breeders are: Mr. J. Cunningham, who is one of our very few Irish ringers (13 Kittiwakes, 10 Razorbills), Mrs. Hodgkin (61 Gannets, ror Kittiwakes), Mr. T. Kerr (17 Kittiwakes, 34 Razorbills, 36 Guillemots), Mr. R. M. Lockley (100 Gannets, 93 Razor- bills), and Miss E. C. Sharp (14 Razorbills). Other items I note are 31 Ring-Ouzels (Mr. T. K. Craven), 77 Pied Flycatchers (Miss E. W. Higginbotham), 83 Ringed Plovers (Mr. G. Marples), 342 Mallard (Rugby School), 223 Swallows (Mr. J. F. Thomas), 194 Lapwings (Mr. J. Bartholomew), 122 Common Terns (Mrs. G. Wilson), 21 Jackdaws (St. Edmund’s School), and a number of Warblers caught at a lighthouse (Mr. J. F. Wynne). The series of papers on birds ringed abroad and recovered in this country and ringed by us and reported abroad has occupied much space, and the ordinary lists of recoveries have been held up in consequence. The great increase in trapping will probably necessitate an alteration in the method of publishing re-trapping records, and in any case in the next lists to be published we must exclude re-trapped birds in order to have space to clear off the accumulation of other reported recoveries. We are again greatly indebted to Miss E. P. Leach for her invaluable work throughout the year in organizing and keeping the records. Owing to the greatly increased number of birds ringed in recent years, this task requires much time and skilled attention, and Miss Leach has been unsparing in her devotion to the work. With the idea of keeping in closer touch with ringers it is proposed to issue periodically a leaflet, which will deal with points of detail and will be sent to all of those to whom rings are issued. VOL. xxv.] ‘‘BRITISH BIRDS”’ MARKING SCHEME. 289 NUMBER z Nest- Trapped. };,, Z. H. J. Moon aOR RrerT Lord Scone... 870 1,849 H. W. Robinson — 1,383 A. W. Boyd 559 777 R. G. Williams 47 2,125 Oxford Om. Soc. go2 2277 A. Mayall 33 1,084 P. Morshead . irs 570 R. M. Garnett... 165 772 G. Py Pollitt — 685 E. Cohen 354 290 Rk. H. Brown -- 605 London N.H.Soc. 313 249 A, & W. Eggeling 271 223 J. Bartholomew — 409 Rugby School... 8 396 T. & W.Harrisson 184 218 Miss Sharp Sr 9230 E,. Peake 349 38 J. Cunningham 121 260 Perths.N.H.Soc. — 376 Mrs. Hodgkin ... 2 368 Mrs, Wilson Chambers: Where ringed, 26.1.32, by Ke ES) ome: Near Wigan (Lancs), PX AMO) Gy, lOny 1B, Sitefovoreval- son. Nr. Glasgow, Nov., 1931, per Shooting Times. R. Nidd (Yorks.), 14.9.31, by T. F. Brewster. Duns (Berwick.), Nov., 1931, per The Field. (Varmland), Sweden, Sept., 1931, by Dr. E. Lonnberg. WIGEON (Anas penelope). Loch Leven (Kinross.), 12.6.30, young, by Lord Scone. Near Youghal(Cork),18.8.31, per Shooting Times. — —_ wa VOL. Xxv.] RECOVERY OF MARKED BIRDS. No. 107516 107519 107722 102033 1020338 102050 102307 102047 102333 108107 LO81go 108187 105110 108853 108899 108832 108870 101403 104133 AE.681 AE.682 AE.689 AG.7O4 AG.702 Place and Date Ringed. 327 Place and Date Recovered. COMMON EIDER (Somateria m. mollissima). Collieston(Aberdeen.),2.6.30, ' ad., for M. Portal. Ditto 2.6.30. Where ringed, 5.6.31, by ringer. Firth of Tay, 28.11.31, by W. Smith. CORMORANT (Phalacrocerax c. carbo). The Ord (Caithness),14.7.31, young, for T. H. and W. R. Harrisson. Mochrum (Wigtown.), 18.7.31, young, by Lord 1). Crichton-Stuart. Ditto e731 Ditto ES.7.31. Ditto 25.6.29. Ditto 18.7.31. Ditto 25.06.29. Dulas I. (Anglesey), 10.7.31, young,for Col.G.P. Pollitt. Ditto TO.7.51. Ditte 10.7.3. Tenby (Pembs,), 25:6.31, young, by W. D. Shaw. SHAG (Phalacrocorax a. Handa, I. (Suth.), 6.7.37, young, by E. C. Sharp. Ditto 6.783 Ditto 6.7535: Ditto 6.7.31. Edrachillis Bay (Suth.), 6.7.27, young, by W. and A. B. Duncan. Brora (Suth.), E. Philpott. 17.9.31, by Loch J.even (Kinross),1.2.32, by W. Telfer. Loch Lomond (Dumbarton.), 5.11.31, by D. Campbell. Solway Firth, 23.9.31, by A. E. Smith. St. Pabu (Finistére), France, 6.11.31, per Chasseur Francais. Lorient (Morbihan), France, Oct., 1931, per The Times. Near C. Ortegal (Galicia), Spain, 27.12.31 by C.Lopez. Dee Estuary (Ches.), Oct., 1931, per The Field. Dinard (Ille et Vilaine), Brance, 29:51.3%, by J. Ruellan. Near Vila do Conde, Portugal, 4.10.31, by A. de Silva. R. Towey, Carmarthen., 28.8.31, by W. V. Morgan. aristotelis). Near Wirkwall (Orkney), 4-12.31, by W. R. Mackin- tosh. Summer Is. (Ross.), 14.9.31, by G. Ross. Ditto 25: LIB i- LochTorridon(Ross.),15.9.31, by J. Beaton. Irvine (Ayr.), 8.2.32, by J. Faddes. ; GANNET (Sula bassana). Bass Rock, 10.8.31, voung, for Mrs. T. E, Hodgkin. Near Alloa (Clackmannan), C@. ¥.10.31, by K. Tallis. MANX SHEARWATER (Puffinus p. puffinus). Skokholm (Pembs.), 9.5.29, ad., by R. M. Lockley. Ditto F5.5.20. Ditto 17.5.29. Ditto 5.5.30. Ditto 5-5-3090. Where ringed, 2g.3.303 4.5.31, by ringer. Ditto 29.3.30 ; 2.5.31. Ditto 5-5. 30's 25.5237. Ditto Eis Gs Ditto LZ5.3Ts 328 No. RS.261 73901 78098 RS.861 RS.3808 AA.2470 P.6879 V.4747 L.4904 Ie. penis T.5679 V.7709 P.4954 S.1019 AN.13¢ X.7300 Z.5668 S.3652 5.3593 T.1428 BRITISH BIRDS. Place and Date Ringed. [VOL. XXV. Place and Date Recovered. WOOD-PIGEON (Columba p. palumbus). Glenorchard (Stirling.), 16.5.30, young, by J. 3artholomew. Near Wells (Sem.); 26/5.29; young, by C. R. Stonor. Near Paisley (Renfrew.), 27.1.32, by Sawers Ltd. Near Shepton Mallet (Som.), Feb., 1932; by J. OA. Rich: STOCK-DOVE (Columba e@nas). Warnell Fell (Cumb.),6.8.25, young, by R. H. Brown. Greystoke (Cumb.), 13.1.32, by A. L. Stanton. TURTLE-DOVE (Streptopelia t. turtuy). Malvern (Wotrcs.), 12.7.31, young, by P. E. A. Mors- head. Eynhallow (Orkney),24.6.31, young, by D.J. Robertson. Newton Arlosh (Cumb.), Ov7-80. young. by. aks) El. Brown. Biarritz (Basses Pyrénées), France, 12.9.31, per Mini- stere du Commerce. OYSTER-CATCHER (Hematopus o. ostralegus). Lytham (Lancs.), 15.9.31, by H. Walsh. Eastriggs (Dumfries.), Sept. or ‘Oct. “r19ogi; by, IME Richardson. RINGED PLOVER (Charadrius h. hiaticula). Domoch (Suns), 20779, young, by A. E. Cohen. Holy Island (Northumb.), 26.6.30, young, by Mrs. iE Hodelan,. Blakeney (Norfolk), 6.6.31, young, by G. Marples. Camber (Sussex), 2.7.30, young, by R. G. Williams. LAPWING (Vanellus Glen Clova (Angus), 4.6.30, young, by T. L. Smith. Near Dundee, QAwseSile young, by H. G. Watson. HCOMEHUStaATe eubNy Ma. 5eaiy young, by Lord Scone. Glenorchard (Stirling.), Aes ci, syoiwbarer loyy II Bartholomew. Ditto 2.0°30, Arnprior (Stirling.), 8.6.26, young, by J. Bartholomew. Kilmacolm (Renfrew.), 7.7.28, young, by Mr. and Mrs, RK. O. Blyth. Ditto On7n29) Gryffe Reservoir (Renfrew.), 12.6.29, young, by Mr. and Mrs. R. O. Blyth. Troutbeck (Cumb.), 13.5.28, young, by R. H. Brown. Tain) (Ross); Tskt3r.. by H. E. B. Macpherson. Where zimged, wa.0.32, ‘by G. Allison. King’s Lynn (Norfolk), 5.8.31, by W. Lloyd. Shoreham (Sussex), 8.1.32, by A. Miller. vanellus). Ballyhaunis (Mayo), 5.12.31, by J. Pruley. Near Carrickmacross (Mona- ~ phan), Nov., ©o3i, by &- Mckenna. Hinojales (Huelva), Spain, Feb.1932,by W. H.Riddell. Ietoyedm Ieimmalexey, arsjieinastir,, lay R. Dowie. Dunsmore (Galway), Dec., 1931, by W. Staunton. Ballyglunin (Galway), 20.10.31, by G. O’Malley. Where ringed, 22.12.31, by Te LS Mackerth: Near Renfrew, 30.1.32, by D. Osborne. Fethard (Tipperary), 10.12.31, by R. C. Rice. Where tiuged, 13-6.31, per H. J. Moon. VOL, Xxv.] RECOVERY OF MARKED BIRDS. No. P.8996 U.83901 1.3414 T.2967 AB.286 79594 79591 AE.449 Place and Date Ringed. 329 Place and Date Recovered. LAPWING (continued). Skirwith (Cumb.), 21.5.31, young, by R. H. Brown. Langwathby (Cumb.), June, 1929, young, by H. J. Moon. Penrith (Cumb.), June, 1930, voung, by H. J. Moon. Ditto May, 1929. Ditto jmime; KOsr. Ditto May, 1931. Ullswater (Cumb.), May, 1931, young, by H. J. Moon. Ditto May, 1931. Ditto May, 1931. Ditto June, 1930. Ulverston (Lancs.), 29.5.28, young, by H. S. Greg. Fallibroome (Ches.), 14.6.31, young, by E. W. Higgin- botham. Littlebourne (Kent), 18.5.27, young, for St. Edmund’s School N.H.S. Rye (Sussex), 26.5.30, young, by R. G. Williams. Preshaw Down (Hants.), 6.6.7, young, by A. W. Boyd. Lége (Gironde), France, 26.10.31, by A. Berron. Ballyhaunis (Mayo),26.12.31, by J. Grogan. Southwaite (Cumb.), Dec., 1931, by T. Jackson. Warrington(Lancs.),25.1.32, by F. Brundish. Killough (Down), 10.2.32, by H. Caven. Tralee (Kerry), 20.11.31, by 21 | es BS aot Villierstown (Waterford), 17.11.31, by I. Villiers- Stuart. Bansha (Tipperary), 26.9.31, per G. R. Humphreys. Clonakilty (Cork), 12.1.32, by C. Harley. Askeaton (Limerick), 29.10.31, by E. Murphy. Castlepollard (Westmeath), 1930, by P. Webb. Craven Arms (Salop), 23.12.31, by H. Maund. Near Canterbury (Kent), 1.6.31, by G. K. Yeates. Buxted (Sussex), by Miss Thomas. St. Gilles-sur-Vie (Vendée), France, Dec., 1931, by M. Chauveau. 23.32.92, REDSHANK (Tringa t. totanus). Langwathby (Cumb.), June, 1931, young, by H. J. Moon. Penrith (Cumb.), May, 1931, young, by H. J. Moon. Ulverston (Lanes.), 25.5.29, voung, by H. S. Greg. CURLEW (Numenius kirkconnel (Dumfries.), 4.6.31, young, by T. K. Craven. Lairdmannoch (Kirkeudbr.), 1.6.31, young, by Mrs. T. E. Hodgkin. Ditto SE 5-32. Langwathby(Cumb.),26.5.29, young, by R. H. Brown. Lytham (Lancs.), 16.10.31, by J. Bonney. Poole Harbour’ (Dorset.), 27.12.31, by E. J. outton. Near Pembroke, Oct., 1931, by R. Williams. a. arquata). Dernacranna (Longford), 30.8.31, by J. Gray. Seascale (Cumb.), by W. Marchant. 16.9.31, Michael (I.0.M.), 30.8.31, by F. Quirk. Ardee (Louth), 7.1.32, by J. J. Campbell. 330 No. AB.493 29623 AB.537 RS.4566 RS.4568 V.3880 FP.5165 W.8825 S.2715 R.9g176 R.g184 BRITISH BIRDS. Place and Date Ringed. [VOL. XXV. Place and Date Recovered. REDSHANK (continued). Penrith (Cumb.), June, 1929, young, by H. J. Moon. Ditto ime; 263 1- settle (Yorks,); uly. Tosi; young, by H. J. Moon. Sawley (Yorks.), 26.6.31, young, by C. Oakes and E. Battersby. Ditto PA SOV GME Woodlawn (Galway), 23.11.31, by W. Finnerty. Belclare (Galway), 16.2.32, by H. Hussy. Mouth of Ribble (Lancs.), 26.12.31, by LT. Chadwick. Frodsham (Ches.), 5.9.31, by F. Wood and F. Jones. Carrigullian I.ough (Down), 30.9.31, by J.Cunningham. SNIPE (Capella g. gallinago). Tiree (Inner Heb.), 25%5.27, young,for Col.G. P. Pollitt. Glenorchard (Stirling), TOLOL2 7 ee VOU) Dye ||. Bartholomew. Lincluden 18.6.30, young, Scone. Near Alderley Edge (Ches.), 25.5.30,young,byE.Cohen. fon lord (Kirkcudbr.), Where ringed, 9.10.31, by E. W. Bovill. Near where ringed, 27.2.32, by W. A. Sangster. Kirkpatrick-Durham (IKirk- cudbr:), 28:8.31, iby 'je McQueen. Near where ringed, 7.12.31, by Capt. A. Pearse, WOODCOCK (Scolopax rv. rusticola). IXirriemuir (Angus), 4.7.30, young, by T. L. Smith. Almondbank (Permtihiss): 2.5.31, young, by Lord Scone. Scone (ertiss) Sete as oie. young, by Lord Scone. Glenfarg (Perths.), 22.5.26, young, for Lord Scone. Dunblane (Perths.), 12.6.28, young, for Lord Scone. Bowhill (Selkirk), 10.7.27, young, for Lord Scone. Port of Menteith (Perths.), Anos YOUNG. Om |: Bartholomew. Alnwick (Northumb.),April, 1930, young, by the Duke of Northumberland. Abbeystead (Lancs.), 1927, young, by H. W. Robin- son. Where ringed, 25.9.31, by ringer. Kilgarvan (Kerry), 25.1.32, by TI. Taylor. Woodstock (Oxon.),27.11.31, by C. S. Callingham. Cappoquin (Waterford), Jan. 1932, by I. Villiers-Stuart. Where ringed, 19.12.31, by J. Bartholomew. Near Galashiels (Roxburgh.), Cus Onsbye a) dls letaumeles Where tinged, 12.12.31, per ringer. Castlecomer (Iuilkenny), Om2.30,, by (Capt, Prior Wandesforde. Botton Head Fell (Lancs.), 20.1632, oye, WN MK Saunders. SANDWICH TERN (Sterna s. sandvicensis). Walney I. (Lancs.), 2.6.29, young, by H. W. Robin- son. Ditto Si7f Bite Ditto 23.6.30. Porto Alexandre, Portuguese W. Africa, Nov., 1931, by G. Reynolds. Ditto; Oct., 193%, by AL de Sena, per Feathered World. Mossamedes, Portuguese We Adricar 21.12.38; by R. W. Robinson. VOL. XXIV.] RECOVERY OF MARKED BIRDS. 331 No. Place and Date Ringed. Place and Date Recovered. SANDWICH TERN (continued). T.3749 Blakeney (Norfolk), 30.6.28, Takoradi, Gold Coast, ' young, by A. W. Boyd. 29.11.31, by Assistant Commissioner Police. P.6358 Salthouse (Norfolk), 27.6.31, Nairn, 16.8.31, by eles young, by R. M. Garnett. Blathwayt. P.6096 Ditto 27.6.31. Porto Alexandre, W. Africa, 19.1.32, by G. Reynolds. P.6290 Ditto 27.6.31. Accra, Gold Coast, 29.10.31, by S. M. Akita. P.6321 Ditto 27.6.3. Ditto, 29.10.31, by YF. T: Laryea. COMMON TERN (Sterna h. hirundo). L.892t Latheron (Caithness.), Royan (Charente Inférieure), 13.97.31, young, for T. Hi. France, 5.9.31, by J. and W. R. Harrisson. Tapon. V.8823 Abbotsbury (Dorset.),3.7.28, Sway (Hants.), 29.7.31, by young, for Oxford Orn. Soc. G. Marples. BLACK-HEADED GULL (Larus r. ridibundus). 76302 Near Chichester (Sussex), Assens, Fyen, Denmark, 22.2.29, ad., by R. Car- 10.9.31, by C. C. Andersen. lyon-Britton. RS.2817. Scawby (Lincs.), 13.6.30, Boston (Lincs.), 4.12.31, by young, by F. K. Staunton. S. Bull. HERRING-GULL (Larus a. argentatus). AE.607. Walney I. (Lancs.), 15.6.30, Near Fleetwood (Lancs.), voung, by H. W. Robin- Betost, iby ahew: NIL son, Atkinson. RR.2863 The Needles(I.O.W.),14.6.27, Cosham (Hants.), 11.10.31, young, by J. M. Chance. by A. Kingston. LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus f. graellsit). AK.326 Lundy, 25.6.31, young, by Oporto, Portugal, 27.8.31, by T.H. and W.R. Harrisson. L. Lencastre. KITTIWAKE (Rissa t. tridactyla). RR.3190 ©6Farne Is. (Northumb.), Twillingate, Newfoundland, 1.7.29, young, by Mrs. 24.12.30, by M. Rogers. T. E. Hodgkin. RR.322t Ditto 2.7.29, Davis: Strait, 69° wot .dv., 58° 17’ W., July, 1931, by C. Hi. Phillips. GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus marinus). ; 104398 Badcall (Suth.), 23.7.27, Near Scourie (Suth.), 4.12.31, young, by E. C. Sharp. by P. Macleod. RAZORBILL (Alea torda). RS.g013 Handa I. (Suth.), 3.7.30, Near Stavanger, Norway, young, by E. Cohen. 15.11.31, by F. Madland. NORTHERN GUILLEMOT (Uria a. aalge). AM.819 Treshnish Isles (Argyll.), Strander, Faroes, 6.12.31, by 7-7-31, young, by T. Kerr. K. Thorleifsson. COOT (Fulica a. atra). 31830 Appledore (Kent), 23.3.30, Lens (Pas-de-Calais), France, ad., by E. F. Wood and 14.7-31, by A. Delattre. i, I. Brooker. PELLETS EJECTED BY INSECIIVOROUS BIR Ds. Mr. W. Ropu of Lakenheath has recently completed an interesting experiment with several species of small, soft- billed birds. For some weeks he kept in captivity a Nightingale (Luscinia megarhyncha), a Pied Wagtail (Motacilla a. yarrelli), a Wheatear (Ginanthe cnanthe), a Whitethroat (Sylvia communis), a Sedge-Warbler (Acrocephalus schenobenus) and a Grasshopper-Warbler (Locustella nevia). He found that all these birds ejected pellets consisting of waste insect parts in the same way that Owls do. The Nightingale ate more than the other small birds and consequently ejected more pellets. He noticed that the Long-eared Owls (Asto otws), which he also reared last spring in captivity, and both an adult captured Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor) and the Red-backed Shrike (L. collurio), as well as all the insectivorous birds mentioned above, turned dull and comatose for periods varying from ten minutes to two hours before discharging the pellets. Mr. Rolph took the small birds from their nests at the age of nine days and lost none of them. After completing the experiment he released them and has been able to observe that some of them, including the Owls, are thriving in a natural state. KATHLEEN FE. EVEetTTs: THE SONG AND CRIES OF THE TREE-SPARROW. Mr. Boyn’s excellent paper on the Tree-Sparrow (P. m. montanus) induces me to send you some notes on this species’ song and cries. Taking the ditty first, this may be described as a jerky, grating and tuneless twitter, sounding like the syllables “ twit-it-1t-1t-1t-chit’”’, repeated over and over again. It may be heard from parties as well as from single birds. In the sense that it sings with frequency, the Tree-Sparrow cannot be called a persistent performer. But it may be heard in voice as early as the end of February and as late as the middle of September.. As to whether in a state of nature it ever mimics the strains of other species I possess no evidence, personal or otherwise, but evidently when in captivity it will sometimes plagiarize, since a specimen kept caged with a Canary-Goldfinch hybrid by Mr. W. R. Butterfield in course of time picked up the “ mule’s ’’ vocal accomplishments. VOL. XXV.] NOTES. 333 Coming now to the Tree-Sparrow’s cries, one may be syllabled as ‘“‘ chu-ip’’, a note which, though rather rasping, is softer and more metallic than the usual very harsh “ chirp ” of the Honse-Sparrow. Another can be rendered as a sharply iterated ‘‘chuk”’ or ‘“‘chik’’, which may often be termed “‘clicky”’. So marked is this ‘‘ clickiness’’ at times that it approaches in timbre some Chats’ utterances. Now and then, too, it becomes well-nigh a chatter. Yet another cry, most often given out by a bird on the wing, can be described as a somewhat hoarse ‘‘ tack”’ or “‘ teck’’. On the whole the Tree-Sparrow is a noisy little bird, especially in the season of reproduction. JOHN WALPOLE-BOND. MIGRATION OF WAXWINGS. For previous notes on this subject, see pp. 223, 269-270, and 303. Farr Iste.—Three Waxwings appeared on November goth, 1931, when there was a big migration, including two Richard’s Pipits, two Scarlet Grosbeaks, thousands of Blackbirds, and enormous numbers of Redwings and Fieldfares (G. Stout, Scot. Nat., 1932, p. 38). ABERDEENSHIRE.—Prof. J. Ritchie states (Scot. Nat., 1932, p. 56) that a Waxwing sent to him on November 8th, 1931, was found dead (probably 6th) at Pennan. About the same time a flock of eight appeared in a garden in Aberdeen, where they were last seen on November 25th. Another flock of about twelve frequented another part of Aberdeen during the same period. FIFESHIRE.—Three were seen on November 12th in his garden at St. Andrews by Major C. H. M. Cheape (Scot. Nat., 1932, p. 56). CHESHIRE.—Mr. E. Hardy informs us that he watched a single Waxwing feeding on cotoneaster berries near Bromborough on December 17th. FLINTSHIRE.—Mr. C. M. Swaine writes that he watched a party of eleven near Hendre, near Mold, on March 14th, 1932. He heard them utter an occasional ‘‘ peep’’ or “ wheep’’, and once a low warble or trill ’’, but most frequently a note ‘‘ that resembled the clicking call of the Redbreast ’’. YORKSHIRE.—Mr. J. G. Davis writes that a party varying between three and nine Waxwings frequented some wild rose bushes on a railway embankment between Ruswarp and Whitby from December 7th to the 28th, while on the 1oth there were two parties, one of six and the other of seven. The birds uttered continuously a trilling note not unlike that of a young Starling. They fed upon the rose berries, which they devoured whole, and often picked them while hovering and without alighting. They constantly flew down to some water. GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER’S METHOD IN BORING HOLE. HiTHERTO I had imagined that a Woodpecker hacked its hole more or less haphazardly in the early stages, and even- tually made it a correct size and shape. To my surprise, however, when visiting a decayed alder stump overhanging the River Taw on February 3rd, 1932 (a stump already 334 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV containing two nesting-holes of the Great Spotted Wood- pecker (Dryobates m. anglicus) where a brood was brought off successfully last season), I discovered the actual beginning of a third nesting-hole. The bird, with faint chippings, which had hardly pierced the bark, had outlined the exact size and shape of the hole required, and was obviously working to plan. The outline was quite distinct and certainly of no greater depth than a quarter of an inch, as I could easily observe through binoculars. A visit on February 7th gave evidence of further activity. The hole was now 1 inch deep, and the edge of the oval firm and sharp in outline. On the gth I observed the hole again and the bird was beginning to work downwards, having bored inwards about 2 inches. F. C. BUTTERS: DRUMMING’ PERTOD OF TESSER SPot fae WOODPECKER. THE following observations on a pair of Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers (Dryobates m. comminutus) were made by myself in my Rectory garden in Gloucestershire in 1931. The birds bred somewhere near at hand, though I did not locate the nesting hole, but these notes refer chiefly to the “drumming ”’ period, and the noise was produced most frequently quite early in the morning, often commencing soon after sunrise. It was first heard on February 14th from a poplar tree, but all other observations recorded here were from a horse-chestnut tree, fortunately growing near my bedroom window. I watched the birds through strong field-glasses, and until the leaves appeared every movement of the birds while ““ drumming ”’ could be followed with great ease, and the very rapid strokes of the bill against the wood, which produces the sound, could be clearly made out. By far the most used “ drumming’’ station was on the horse-chestnut, and always within an inch or two of the same spot, and both sexes produced the noise. All the following remarks apply to the horse-chestnut :— Heard early in morning, March 23rd. Began to “ drum’ regularly on April 6th and kept it up most mornings until May ist. The “drumming” then ceased. On June 23rd parent birds feeding young out of the nest were seen about the garden. Early on July 7th “‘ drumming ”’ began again from the same tree and apparently from the same spot as before, but leaves obscured the vision. This was kept up until July 30th, when it ceased. On October 26th at. 7.5. 4.m., on a very coldjm frosty morning, the female bird started to “drum” on exactly the same spot as in the spring, and kept it up for , VOL, XXV.] NOTES. 335 vabout eight minutes. Suddenly a male Great Spotted \Woodpecker settled on the ‘‘ drumming” branch, drove the ssmaller bird away, and began hacking with his bill (not “‘ drumming ”’) on the exact spot used by the smaller birds. This he did for perhaps one minute. No “‘ drumming ” was heard in the year later than this. F. L. BLATHWAYT. ROLLER IN HERTFORDSHIRE. (On February 6th, 1932, while crossing a ploughed field near Sandon, between Baldock and Royston, I saw a bird flying straight along about ten feet from the ground. It passed within twelve feet of me and its coloration immediately sattracted my attention. The head and belly were greenish- tblue, and the back and wingsa bright chestnut or reddish- ‘brown. The bird was about the size of a Rook, and I recog- mized it as a Roller (Coracias garrulus), which I afterwards «confirmed by examination of specimens. N. K. STONE. ‘It would seem from the unusual date that this bird had wintered in northern Europe. One was recorded in Norfolk ‘in February, 1824. Most occurrences have been in autumn, ssome in spring and summer, but many records are not dated. ‘A previous occurrence in Hertfordshire is dated September g2oth, 1852, Chipperfield Common.—EbDs. | SPARROW-HAWK BREEDING IN MAGPIE’S OLD NEST WITHOUT ADDITION. (ON June 28th, 1926, in a covert not far from Newhaven, I jput a female Sparrow-Hawk (Acctpiter n. nisus) off an old ‘unroofed Magpie’s nest. I expected to find that the hawk ‘had added at least some slight superstructure, but, to my intense surprise, the contents—a newly-hatched nestling sand two chipping eggs—merely reposed on the relics (some mud and a few rootlets) of the original lining. To account ‘for this, I can only suppose that the hawk’s first, self-built ‘home, containing a partial clutch, had been demolished. ‘And yet, in cases where I know that this has happened, the tbird has always “run up” a very small, rough nest (whether. ait used another structure as a foundation or not) for the reception of the rest of its sitting; and, excepting in this ‘instance, I have never known it lay in another species’ nest without making some addition. JOHN WALPOLE-BonD. NOTES FROM STAFFORDSHIRE RESERVOIRS. FoR several years I have given an annual note of observations rade mainly at the most westerly of the large Staffordshire ‘reservoirs. The following few notes cover the twelve months ‘ending in September, 1931, and refer to this reservoir except ‘where it is otherwise stated definitely. Visits have been less 336 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XX¥a frequent than usual. The usual large numbers of duck were present, but call for no detailed record of each species. These, however, were of interest :— SHELD-Duck(Tadorna tadorna).—On July16th,six in a group. Though undisturbed, they rose and flew off east together. GADWALL (Anas strepera).—On August 3rd, among a good many duck, I saw one Gadwall—the first I have seen there since 1928. GARGANEY (Anas querquedula).—Two flew out from a bed of perstcaria—a drake and a duck—on August 3rd. They associated with no other duck and returned to their first resting-place. The Garganey has now occurred here in August in four consecutive years. PocHAaRD (Nyroca f. ferina).—Present on every visit throughout the year. On July 16th there were six on Copmere, further north in the county. GOLDENEYE (Bucephala c. clangula)—About twenty on December 24th, 1930, included six adult drakes. One drake still present on May 3rd. GOOSANDER (Mergus m. merganser).—On December 14th, 1930, five on Gailey Pool; three on March 23rd on the most westerly reservoir. GREAT NORTHERN DIVER (Colymbus tmmer).—Two together on December 14th and 24th, 1930, seen across the reservoir, were almost certainly of this species; their stout bills were clearly seen. SANDERLING (Crvocethia alba).—Mr. F. Fincher tells that he saw a solitary bird on July 14th, 1929. TERN (Sterna sp.)—One Common or Arctic Tern on June 2oth. BLACK-HEADED GULL (Larus r. ridibundus).—Fully 100 on December 24th, 1930, the largest number I have seen there since December 27th, 1926, when there were at least 150. COMMON GULL (Larus c. canus).—On December 14th, one with forty or fifty Black-headed Gulls. A. W. Bova NOTES FROM SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE SEWAGE BAKMS, 103%. TuE following records refer to the same districts as my 1930 notes (Vol. XXIV., p. 279). Unfortunately, observation was interfered with by road-making operations which necessitated a temporary drainage of a considerable portion of the Walsall sewage farm from July to the end of the year. WuiTtE WactalIL (Motacilla a. alba)—One near Kings- winford on March 2gth, and several with Pied Wagtails at Walsall sewage farm on April 16th and 26th, August 16th and September Oth. ~ VOL. XXV.| NOTES. 337 GREENLAND WHEATEAR (Enanthe @. leucorrhoa).—A pair near Walsall on May roth, easily distinguished from the common species by the superior size and brighter plumage. BLACK-NECKED GREBE (Podiceps nigricollis)—One at Walsall sewage farm on April gth. The bird was fairly tame and I had every chance to note the distinguishing features, including the black head and neck, a yellow band from the eye to the nape, rather arched head, very thin beak with a very slight uptilt. RINGED PLOVER (Charadrius hiaticula)—One at Walsall sewage farm on August 16th. Dunn (Calidris alpina).—One on April 12th, seven on ‘April 26th, five on August roth and r1th, two on August 16th, seven on the 20th and one on the 24th, all at Walsall sewage ‘farm. CurLEW (Numenius a. arquata).—Three at Wolverhampton ssewage farm on March 15th. On May 25th two were seen on common near Enville apparently nesting, but on my next wisit on July 22nd they had gone. F. FINCHER. COLOUR OF FEET OF NESTLING DOTTEREL. In A Practical Handbook (Vol. I1., Plate 9) I notice that the llegs and feet of the nestling Dotterel (Ch. morinellus) are ‘depicted as being distinctly yellowish. Surely an error ? ‘At any rate, at the end of June, 1931, Mr. B. G. Harrison sand I examined several nestlings (they were standing, of ccourse) at close range through glasses, and another (which tHarrison found) whilst in the hand, and all these had leaden- ccoloured legs and feet. The beak also is similarly tinted. In the plate referred to it is too brown. JOHN WALPOLE-BOND. LITILE STINT IN CO. DUBLIN IN FEBRUARY. (ON February 13th, 1932, I saw a Little Stint (Calidris minuta) ‘on the shore of the North Bull Bird Sanctuary, co. Dublin. if have no doubt about my identification. I have seen Little SStints before, though, of course, not at this time of the year, sand I got quite close up to the bird. It was with two Ringed [Plovers and the diminutive size at once caught my attention. iL saw its bill and watched it feeding and running on the sand. \When I approached nearer than 10 yards it flew off with the {Ringed Plovers, but did not utter its call as they did. All tthree alighted about 50 yards away, and the Stint ran quickly tto the lee of a large stone on the beach and remained very sstill until I again got quite near. There was a flock of sixty ‘Sanderling and a larger flock of Dunlin not far away, and (I was able to compare the relative sizes of the birds. As I 338 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV, put the bird up twice, I should have noticed had the outer tail-feathers been white as in Temminck’s Stint. P. G. KENNEDY, (So far as we know the Little Stint has only twice pre- viously been recorded in spring in Ireland, viz., a flock of five on Belfast Lough on March 26th, 1838, and a pair at Malahide on May 26th, 1928 (Vol. XXII, p. 44). The middle of February is an extraordinarily early date for the bird to be seen anywhere in the British Isles.—EDs. ] BLACK-TAILED GODWITS IN DEVON IN JANUARY. On January 28th, 1932, when walking down the Exe estuary from Topsham to Starcross, I flushed two Godwits from a shallow freshwater pool on an adjoining marsh. I naturally thought them to be Bar-tailed, which are occasionally seen here in the winter. Through my glasses, however, I was astonished to see the white wing-bars, white upper tail- coverts, black tail and trailing legs, which proved them to be Black-tailed Godwits (Limosa 1. limosa). The birds having settled on the estuary mud not far off, and close under a long high bank, I was fortunately able to get to within about 4o yards of them, and I flushed them, then and afterwards, several times, and so confirmed my first identification. I have noted the Black-tailed Godwit on the Exe estuary regularly every autumn for the past four years—and in parties varying from two to five. But a visit by this species to south Devon in mid-winter seems well worthy of record, and is apparently the first one for the county at that season of the year. R. M. BYNE- CHIFFCHAFF IN WINTER IN MERIONETHSHIRE.—Mr. E. H. T. Bible informs us that a Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus collybita), which presumably wintered in the district, was observed at Aberdovey on January 24th, 1932, and was watched by himself and other observers on a number of subsequent occasions, while on March 5th it was heard to sing repeatedly. LATE SWIFT IN DERBYSHIRE.—Mr. C. M. Swaine informs us that he saw a Swift (Apus a. apus) in company with four House-Martins near Marple on October 11th, 1931. WHITE-TAILED EAGLE IN KENT AND ISLE OF WIGHT.—Capt. G. E. Took informs us that he has examined and confirmed the identification of the White-tailed Eagle (Haligetus albictlla) which was unfortunately shot at Whitfield, near Dover, on March 8th, 1932. Mr. Hollis B. Fowler informs us that a White-tailed Eagle appeared between Ryde and Brading in the Isle of Wight at VOL. XXV.] NOTES. 339 the end of January and was seen by a number of people, in particular by Mr. George Blacklock. The bird was observed almost daily during four or five weeks. It fed, partially at all events, on rabbits caught in wires. The bird was also seen fairly frequently on a large scavenger heap near St. Helens. Mr. Fry saw the bird preening itself in the middle of a large field at Ashey, near Ryde, and immediately col- lected some feathers, which were subsequently compared at the Natural History Museum and proved to be those of a White-tailed Eagle. It seems possible that this was the same bird as the one shot in Kent, and if so it is the more exas- perating, because sportsmen and others in the Isle of Wight took precautions to preserve the bird during its stay there, and for this they must have full credit.—Ebs. QUAIL IN FLINTSHIRE.—With reference to Major Congreve’s note (antea, p. 306) Mr. C. M. Swaine informs us that in August, 1931, he saw near Hendre two coveys of Quail, one consisting of two adults and seven young, and the other two adults and six young. - REVIEW. Atlas des Vogelzugs nach den Beringungsergebnissen bei palearktischen Végeln. [Atlas of Bird-migration based on the Ringing Data for Palearctic Birds.| By E. Schiiz and H. Weigold. Abhandlung aus dem Gebiete der Vogelzugsforschung, Nr.3. Berlin (Friedlander), 1931. Price 96RM. Dr. ScHuz, of Rossitten, and Dr. Weigold, formerly of Heligoland, have collaborated in the production of a truly monumental work— the well-worn phrase here seems amply justified—which must have involved an enormous labour in the collection, checking, sorting and cartographic recording of data from many sources. This is an atlas of bird-migration based upon the results of bird-marking in all countries within the Palearctic region. The whole weighs more than 8 lbs., and measures approximately 13X11X2 inches. It consists of a portfolio, in which is contained a paper-covered volume of 167 text pages together with 150 loose plates printed on separate sheets. Each plate is commonly a single map, but sometimes a group of smaller maps. The aim of the work has been to show on maps all known records of marked birds involving movement of more than purely local extent. It was obviously outside the scope of its plan to give any detailed information about recoveries at or near the place of marking. Yet it must be remembered—without criticizing the work on that account —that positive indications as to the directions and seasons of move- ment form only a part of the results of this method of study. Records showing absence of movement, or showing return to the place of origin, may also have great value, especially if they can be collated for statistical treatment. As a rule each map shows the results for a single species. Where there are few records, however, two or more species may be combined in one map ; on the other hand, where there are very many records, a species may be allotted a series of maps, each dealing with records 340 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV, from a particular area of marking. The maps are printed in black and white, with geographical features in faint outline and the recovery localities of marked birds shown by bold spots. Where several marking areas are concerned, spots of different shapes show which recoveries relate to each, or else connecting lines are used. The dates of recovery are indicated by numerals for the months and by various underlinings of these for the age-years, the month of marking being also given if this falls outside the breeding-season. There are, too, some interesting maps outlining the distribution of marked birds of particular species and origins. The effect of this system varies a good deal according to the circum- stances of each case. In some it is admirably clear, and the reader receives at a glance a graphic impression of the kind of movement that the records show. In other instances the effect is less satisfactory. In a few, owing to the number cf recovery records shown on a single map, and to the variety of the corresponding marking localities, a rather confused impression is given and the significance of the records is ascertainable only by close study and by mentally grouping the data. Again, certain of the maps for species for which there are few records must be regarded as a luxury, having little of importance to reveal. In still other cases the desire for complete comprehensiveness. rather than judicious selection, has led to the complication of a good map by the addition of an odd record for another species. The text gives for each map a general indication of the sources of the data, and this information is supplemented at the end of the volume by a very full bibliography and by a list of past and present marking schemes. It was no doubt impracticable to publish tables of the records and of the authorities for them, yet for some purposes tables would have been more useful than the maps. The plan adopted has the disadvantage that it is not always easy to identify a particular record in the map with its counterpart in the original literature. This is especially the case where some slight error has crept in, as has inevitably happened here and there despite the high standard of accuracy that has in general been attained. The difficulty is increased by the inclusion of many records communicated to the authors in advance of publication by the original authorities; the subsequent appearance of these records may leave it doubtful whether they are additions to the atlas or are already included in it. One is reluctant to seem to disparage in any way the product of so great a labour, for the most part admirably done, but there are some things that must be said. The disadvantages of the format will be obvious: if more flexible paper had been used for the plates they could surely have been conveniently bound, not necessarily in a single volume, and the work thus made less unwieldy. One’s chief regrets, however, must be that the work is so expensive that it will be unavailable to many whom it would interest, and that it must inevitably go rapidly out of date except as a foundation for the new data that are every year accumulating in greater quantity. The text volume contains a list of addenda, and two other lists have already appeared in the journal Der Vogelzug, but the maps necessarily remain static as representations of the records available up to about the middle of the year 1930. Nevertheless, the work presents a useful and vivid summary of the chief additions to knowledge of migration that have so far accrued from the marking method in the Old World. It strikingly demon- strates the amount of work that has already been done by that method, and the great value of its results. Dr. Schiiz and Dr. Weigold certainly deserve both the congratulations and the grateful thanks of all students of the subject.—A.L.T. 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. 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Photographsand Text Figures. tos. 6d. net. IN NEW JAPAN The Narrative of a Post-War Sojourn. By AYLWIN BOWEN. Demy 8yo. Sketches by H. E. Woodcock. 128. 6d. net. LONDON: 326 HIGH HOLBORN DBRUTISH BIRDS ANIEUSTRATED MAGAZINE DEVOTED CHIETLTY TOTHEBIRDS = ONTHEBRIDH UST” a OA » x : May 2, 1932. MONTHLY: 1s9d. YEARLY-20:s. ‘S26HIGH HOLBORNICNDON- HFéGWITHERBY: NOW READY Reports on the Migration of Birds published by the State Biological Institute of Heligoland, No, 3. ATLAS DES VOGELZUGS | NACH DEN BERINGUNGSERGEBNISSEN BEI PALAEARKTISCHEN VOGELN [ATLAS OF BIRD-MIGRATION BASED ON RINGING DATA FOR PALZARCTIC BIRDS] By Dr. E SCHUZ (Rossitten) and Dr. H. WEIGOLD (Hannover) Size 13 sy.1] 1ncoes 150 Pirates or Mars 167 Paces or Text (In GERMAN) Price 96 Reichmarks — In exceptional cases the work will be supplied to ornithologists at the reduced price of RM.66 on application to STAATLICHE BIOLOGISCHE ANSTALT AUF HELGOLAND, A landmark in the history of Bird Research Of exceptional interest to “ringers” :: An indispensable work for every ornithologist This work represents the result of years of labour in gathering together ringing statistics. All records of ringed birds showing significant movement are plotted on the maps. Each plate consists of one or two maps and a map is usually devoted to each species, but in some cases several maps are required. ‘The text gives the sources of the data, a very full bibliography, and a list of ringing schemes. Publishers: R. FRIEDLANDER & SOHN, BERLIN N.W.6. KARLSTR. 11 Second Impression with end-paper Map DREAM ISLAND A Record of the Simple Life by R. M. LOCKLEY Demy 8vo., with Sketches by D. Lockley The lover of Nature and the wide sea-spaces has here a book after his own heart. A small island off the Pembrokeshire coast ; a wonderful bird-sanctuary; a farmer - cum - fisherman’s life holding glimpses of adventure and wonderful opportunities for observing the wild life of this lone domain. This book tells the tale of what most of us miss—work that one loves, life without interference, the daily fruition of one’s dearest ambition, the perfect marriage of the real and ideal. WESTERN MAIL. 8/6 net. H. F. & G. WITHERBY, Publishers, 326 HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON BRITDEABIRDS WITH WHICH WAS INCORPORATED IN JANUARY, 1917, ‘‘ THE ZOOLOGIST.” EDITED BY H. F. WEEBERBY, M.B.E., F.Z.S.,.M.B.O.U.,H.F.A.O.U. ASSISTED BY Rev. F.C, R. JOURDAIN, M.A., M.B.O.U., H.F.A.O.U., F.Z.S., AND NORMAN F, TICEHURST, O.B.E., M.A., F.R.C.S., M.B.O.U. CONTENTS OF NUMBER I2, VOL. XXV., MAy 2, 1932. ——— PAGE Ornithological Report for Norfolk for 1931. By B. B. Riviére, E.RiC.S.5 B.2i8,, M.BO.0. ».. Tr ne me tne ae Sue Birds of Inner London. By A. Holte Macpherson _... om | 855 Movements of Ringed Birds from Abroad to the British Islands and from the British Islands Abroad. Addenda. By H. F. Witherby and E. P. Leach nai ai ae eae “Sr 357 Notes : Dipper in Co. Durham (G. W. Temperley) ... Bes mas 301 The Sounds produced by the Long-eared Owl (J. Walpole- Bond) ? 361 White-tailed Eagles in Devon (S. Lewis) ee ie rt 362 White Stork in Hampshire (G. M. Mathews) sae Ae 362 Common Scoters in Middlesex (Dr. G. C. Low and W. E. Glegg) ... er ion aise eae ose nt ae 362 Velvet-Scoter Inland in Essex (W. A. Wright) = ae 363 Greenshank in Surrey (Dr. G. C. Low) ase is ww 3903 Black-tailed Godwit in Anglesey (A. W. Boyd) hes ow 363 Short Notes :— Recovery of Marked Birds.—Correction. Barnacle-Goose in Devonshire. Great Crested Grebe Enquiry ... «x 363 Letters :-— “ Pellet ’’ ejected by Song-Thrush (Miss Hilda Terras) ss 6=— BO ‘‘ Drumming ”’ of Great Spotted Woodpecker (M. A. Swann) 304 Colour of Feet and Bill in Dotterel Chick (C. Oldham) Pe 364 A2 (342) ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT FOR NORFOLK FOR 1931. BY 1B} JB}, IRIINGUD IRIS ers. Gy Sy MEO UL, THE year 1931, like its predecessor, was notable for the mildness of its wimter months. The only wintry weather, which occurred in the early part of the year, was between March 7th—11th, when there was a considerable fall of snow, and 30°—38° of frost were registered on the grass in Norwich (J. H. Wills). Another slight snowfall occurred on the night of April 17th, but had disappeared next morning. At the latter end open weather prevailed until the last three days of the year, when there were heavy falls of snow and hard frosts. An abnormally wet and cold summer was followed by an autumn equally exceptional for its long spell of fine, sunny weather. MIGRATION. Observations on migration during the year are, I fear, very meagre, except for those of my correspondent, Mr. S. G. Sharman, at the E. Dudgeon Light-ship, and, in view of the great interest attaching to records of the movements of birds seen at sea, I propose to give them almost in full. Many more spring records are required to complete our knowledge of migration as it concerns this coast, and the following notes from Mr. R. M. Garnett are therefore of particular interest :— March 20th.—Two parties of Rooks were seen to come in off the sea during the morning at Cley from about due north and to pass inland over the marshes. A slight movement of Sky-Larks and Meadow-Pipits along the coast-line from W. to E. March 21st—At 1.15 p.m. Grey Crows, Starlings and Lapwings ~ were seen travelling E. along the coast-line at Kelling. The Lapwings were flying at a great height, and as they passsed over were joined by a flock of between 60 and 80 which had been resting on a marsh, and rose up in wide circles to meet them. March 22nd.,—Grey Crows travelling E., and Starlings, Linnets and Pied Wagtails coasting W. The Lapwing note is, I think, of considerable interest, as hitherto there have been no records of any movement suggesting a return in spring of the vast hordes of these birds which arrive on our coast from E. to W. in autumn (see | A History of the Birds of Norfolk, p. xiiii.). Another movement worthy of record was observed by Mr. G. Marples at Blakeney Point : between June 9th—July 2nd Swifts (almost daily), Starlings (almost daily), Curlews VOL. Xxv.] ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1931. 343 (referred to later under classified notes), Lapwings (on June 25th=30th and July rst), Redshanks (on June 27th and 28th), Whimbrel (on June 23rd and 24th), Oyster-Catchers (on June 22nd and 23rd) and Swallows (on July 1st and 2nd), all being noted passing from E. to W. It is difficult to classify such a movement at this time of year. Similar migrations of Swifts on a very large scale have been noted before at the same season, notably in 1927, when vast numbers passed along our northern coast-line from E. to W., and down our eastern seaboard from N.toS. in the last three weeks of June (Brit. Birds, Vol. XXI., p. 243). One would be inclined to regard these Swifts as late spring passage migrants, but the direction of their flight from N. to S. at the eastern side of the coast-line, and the fact that similar migrations are not infrequently observed as late as July, makes this somewhat doubtful. As regards the other E. to W. travelling birds seen by Mr. Marples, it seems probable that these were early autumn migrants. The following are Mr. S. G. Sharman’s notes from the E. Dudgeon Light-ship, which lies 21 miles N.N.E. of Blakeney. It may be mentioned that in all cases where the direction of flight is given this is ‘‘ magnetic’, the observa- tions being made by compass. March 18th—20th.—‘ Crows” passing S.E. March 21st.—Large flocks of Starlings, and a few finches and waders at night. March 22nd.—Chaffinches flying W.S.W. These two days fine and misty. After this, every day a few Starlings and Chaffinches to W.S.W. April oth-1oth.—Big influx of birds every night, especially on the 8th; Starlings, finches and a few warblers which could not be identi- fied. ‘‘ All the birds I saw invariably flew into the W.S.W. or W., with the exception of Crows, which flew their usual spring way of Du. OF SSH”, May 15th—Willow-Wrens and four Turtle-Doves on board. (Wing sent to me which was that of a Willow-Warbler.—B.B.R.). May 16th.—Five Turtle-Doves on board. May toth.—Blue Tit came on board and flew off to W.S.W. A few Willow-Wrens. : May 21st.—A few ‘‘ Warblers’. May 29th.—A Redstart. “The usual Swallows and Martins made the usual passage E. to W., and were seen in ones and twos practically every day between May 12th and Juner2th. The warblers were fairly plentiful the first three weeks of May, but haven’t seenany since theendof May. Seeing them mostly at night in the raysofthe lantern they are indistinguishable as regards species, and can only identify those which are killed or seen during the day’’. June 25th.—FEleven Curlews, E. to W. 344 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXv.. June 30th.—Lapwings, E. to W. July 1st.—-Lapwings, E. to W. August 14th, 15th, 17th and 18th.—Swifts flying S.W. August 21st—Tawny Owl found on board. When disturbed flew off to S.W. August 28th and 29th.Wheatears in twos and threes flying S.S.W. and S. August 30th-September 2nd.—A few Willow-Wrens occurred each day singly and in twos and threes, and proceeded S.W. or S. September 3vd and 4th.—A few Pied Wagtails and Pipits to W.S.W. cual Sysn Mile September 16th and 17th.—Willow-Wrens and Chaffinches around lantern at night. Calm and misty. October 3vd.—F locks of finches and Starlings passing W.S.W. October 6th.—Ditto; Starlings in large flocks passing almost continu- ously. October 12th.—Large numbers of Starlings, Sky-Larks, Chaffinches and waders at night. Fog. ; October 13th.—Large flocks of Starlings and Chaffinches. Starlings proceeding from S.E. to N.W. November 12th.—Starlings at the lantern at night, but had vanished by daylight. November 14th.—Lapwings in flocks of about twenty all day from NE: to SiW. Novembey 15th.—Starlings and Sky-Larks most of the day flying between S.W. and W.S.W. Three Snow-Buntings came on board and after a short rest flew off to W.S.W. November 16th.—Starlings, Sky-Larks and Chaffinches to S.W. November 17th.—Large flocks of Rooks flying N.W., Starlings and Chaffinches S.W. ‘‘ The Rooks were flying high and the Starlings low, and I actually saw these birds pass over each other’’. Long-eared Owl flying S.W. Ducks and waders at night. November toth.—Lapwings, Starlings and Chaffinches proceeding S.W. Waders at night. November 21st.—Lapwings proceeding S.W. November 25th.—Long-eared Owl flying S.W. November 28th.—‘‘ Crows’’ passing N.W. December 12th.—Herd of about fifty Swans flying W. by S. just clear of the water. December 28th and 29th—Few Starlings and Larks proceeding W.S.W. It may be recalled that in my History of the Birds of Norfolk (p. xli.) I stated that a line of flight from N.E. to S.W. across the North Sea, though usual for many waders, was one only rarely observed in the case of Passerine birds. It is always unwise to generalize, and, curiously enough, Mr. Sharman’s notes from the E. Dudgeon for the past two seasons include many records of Passerine birds travelling in this direction. From this it may, perhaps, be inferred that more birds than I then thought probable do, in fact, make a direct passage from Scandinavia to the Norfolk coast. The nesting season of 1931, though distinctly a poor one for Pheasants and Partridges, seems to have been highly VOL. Xxxv.] ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1931. 345 successful as regards wild ducks. Ranworth and Hickling both beat their own previous duck-shooting records in August, the former with a bag of 436 on August 31st (H. J. Cator) and the latter with 322 on August 4th (Lord Desborough pp. J. Vincent). The Ranworth bag was made up of 367 Mallard, 35 Teal, 23 Shoveler, 5 Gadwall, 4 Garganey, 1 Pochard, and 1 Tufted Duck (H.J.C.), while the Hickling total consisted of 301 Mallard, 11 Teal, 4 Shoveler, 3 Garganey, and 3 Pochards (J.V.). Amongst the more interesting occurrences during the year may be mentioned the nesting of the Blue-headed Wagtail and the probable nesting of the Ruff and Black- necked Grebe, particulars of which will be found under Classified Notes. RAVEN (Corvus corax).—I learn from Mr. H. E. S. Upcher that on December 27th at Sheringham he “ walked right on to’”’ a Raven, which was investigating a dead rabbit, while a few days later it was seen by his keeper being mobbed by Rooks. This is, I think, a very interesting record, for except for a rather doubtful occurrence in 1911 (see A History of the Birds of Norfolk, p. 1) no Raven appears to have been reported in the county since the seventies of the last century. MacPIE (Pica p. pica).—On October 3rd five Magpies were seen by Mr. D. Lack flying across some fields between Holkham Park and the sea—an occurrence somewhat suggestive of a migratory movement. GOLDEN ORIOLE (Ortolus 0. ortolus)—On May 30th a male Golden Oriole was seen by Major and Mrs. Cohen, and heard by Mr. R. M. Garnett, at Kelling. SISKIN (Carduelis spinus).—Siskins appear to have been abundant during the early months of the year and to have stayed rather later than usual. A flock of seventeen was seen at Bawsey by Mr. N. Tracy on March 22nd, and some in the same district by Mr. C. T. M. Plowright on the 23rd. On April 2nd numbers were seen by Dr. S. H. Long in a fir wood at Kelling, and on the same day one was heard singing at N. Wootton (Plowright). COMMON CROSSBILL (Loxta c. curvirostra)—1931 proved an unusually good year for Crossbills, numbers being reported during the nesting season in their usual haunts in the S.W. (N. Tracy and C. T. M. Plowright), while evidence was forthcoming of an extension of their breeding-range to the north. Two separate colonies appear to have nested in fir woods a few miles apart near the northern coast-line, and 346 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV, in one of them, in company with Mr. R. M. Garnett, I saw a nest, on which the hen was sitting, on March 22nd. Unfor- tunately, upon the day of hatching, these eggs were taken, and the lining of the nest pulled out, probably by a squirrel or Jay (Garnett). BLUE-HEADED WAGTAIL (Motacilla f. flava) —On May 25th my friend, Col. H. W. Madoc, who was staying with me, identified a male Blue-headed Wagtail, which appeared to be paired with a female, on some ground where several pairs of Yellow Wagtails were nesting. Unfortunately Col. Madoc was obliged to return home that day, but on the 26th I visited this locality and soon discovered the Blue-headed cock and his mate, and after a time was able to watch the latter on to a nest containing six eggs. The hen was a very drab, pale bird with a faint wash of green on the crown, eye-stripe faintly tinged with yellow, throat dirty white, and under- parts yellow, and whether she was a Blue-headed or Yellow Wagtail I am not prepared to say. That the birds were paired there was no shadow of doubt. The cock twice called the hen off the nest as he flew over, and on one occasion when she joined him “ displayed”’ to her. He also rested on a tussock immediately over the nest, and several times drove off a male Yellow Wagtail which appeared on the scene. The eggs hatched on May 30th, but unfortunately a torrential downpour of rain occurred the same night, and next morning the nest was found to be flooded and the young ones drowned. During next day, June Ist, the same female, accompanied by the Blue-headed male, was watched by a reliable observer building a second nest some 20 yards from the site of the first. This was duly completed, and contained six eggs when I saw it on June 13th. Four young were hatched on June 23rd, and were seen to be fed by the Blue-headed cock on the 25th. Two of the nestlings shortly afterwards disap- peared, but the remaining two, which were then almost fully feathered, were seen by my wife, Miss Barclay, Mrs. Wilson, Mr. Garnett and myself being fed by both parents on July rst. The only previous record of this species nesting in the county is that of a pair, which with their nest and eggs are — now in the Norwich Museum, shot by R. Vincent at Hickling on June 11th, 1894. The female of this pair, which I showed to Mr. Witherby some years ago, was considered by him to be a Yellow Wagtail. VOL. Xxv.} ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1931. 347 GreY WactalL (Motacilla c. cinerea).—It is now three seasons since the pair of Grey Wagtails which nested annually at Taverham Mill since 1923 ceased to do so. I learn from Capt. L. Lloyd, however, that a pair bred this year and reared a brood at Hellesdon, lower down the river. FIRE-CRESTED WREN (Regulus 1. ignicapillus).—One was identified by Mr. R. M. Garnett in a pine wood near the coast on March a2tst (antea, Vol. XXIV., p. 36). GREAT GREY SHRIKE (Lanius exculittor).—One was seen on April 6th at N. Wootton by Dr. C. T. M. Plowright. RED-BACKED SHRIKE (Lantus c. collurio)—On May 27th a male—the wings and skull of which were sent me by Mr. S. G. Sharman—came on board the Outer Dowsing Light- ship, where it died of exhaustion. During the summer Mr. R. M. Garnett showed me two nests of this species, both of which were built in gorse bushes —a rather unusual situation in my experience. WaxwinG (Bombycilla garrulus)—One was received by Mr. E. C. Saunders from Rollesby on April rst. During the late autumn a considerable arrival took place, of which it is pleasant to record that few were shot—a very different story to that one would have had to tell twenty years back ! The first to come under observation was picked up under some telegraph wires at Kelling on November 3rd (R. M. Garnett), this being the earliest date which I can find recorded for a Waxwing in Norfolk. On November 8th four were seen feeding on the berries of a mountain ash in a garden in College Road, Norwich. This was visited almost daily for the next few weeks, seven being seen here on the 29th, and three—for the last time—on December 6th (H. J. Howard). On November 22nd two were seen at Kelling (R. M. Garnett). On December 7th eight were seen by Mr. E. C. Saunders on a thorn tree in Yarmouth, on the 8th six, and on the 13th three in another garden in Norwich (H. J. Howard), while Mr. H. E. S. Upcher reported “ several ’’ at Sheringham at the end of this month. The only specimen I saw which found its way into the hands of a taxidermist was sent in from Rockland during November. BARRED WARBLER (Sylvia n. nisoria)—On August 25th one was seen at Blakeney Point by Miss M. Barclay, and on September 24th and 25th one on Cley beach by Miss Barclay and Messrs. E. C. Arnold and D. Lack. FIELDFARE (Turdus pilaris).—An exceptionally late speci- men was seen at Kelling by Mr. E. Cohen on May 30th, and by Mr. R. M. Garnett on May 31st (antea, p. 106), while an 348 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL, XXV. unusually early autumn immigrant was seen in the “ bushes ” on Cley beach by Mr. D. Lack on September 22nd. CONTINENTAL SONG-THRUSH (Turdus ph. philomelus).— Two interesting recoveries in Norfolk of Song-Thrushes ringed on the Continent were reported during the year. The first, ringed September 15th, 1929, on the Isle of Mellum at the mouth of the river Weser, Germany, was recovered near Diss on March 13th, 1931. The second, which was caught and ringed during migration on Heligoland on October Ist, 1930, was picked up at Witton, having been killed by a motor-car, by Mr. H. A. Greatorex on May 13th, 1931 (antea, p. 124). This seems an unusually late date for a Continental Song-Thrush to be still in Norfolk. Mr. Greatorex, who dissected it, tells me that the ovaries were no larger than mustard seeds. The skin, which he kindly sent me, was that of a typical specimen of the Continental race. REDWING (Turdus musicus).—One was seen by Mr. D. Lack on Cley beach on September 21st—an unusually early arrival. BLACKBIRD (Turdus m. merula).—One ringed as a nestling by Mr. Garnett at Kelling on May aist, 1930, was reported at Castletown-Bere (Cork), Ireland, on January 15th, 1931 (antea, p. 50). ComMMON REpstTArtT (Phencurus ph. pheenicurus).—There is some evidence that the Redstart is slowly increasing as a summer visitor to the N.E.. division of the county, while in the S.W. it has never become really uncommon. On April 26th Mr. N. Tracy heard no less than five males singing in the parishes of Attlebridge, Felthorpe, and Hainford. At Kelling one nest was found and another cock heard singing in the locality (R. M. Garnett). Lastly, I found a pair breeding at Dunston, within 4 miles of Norwich, a locality where, so far as I know, they have not nested for many years. These last were feeding young just out of the nest on June roth. BLUETHROAT (Luscimia svecica).—The only Bluethroat reported to me was one seen by Mr. J. Vincent at Hickling on September 13th. HEDGE-SPARROW (Prunella modularis).—Mr. E. C. Saunders tells me that on October 9th he found unusually large numbers _ of Hedge-Sparrows, suggesting a migratory arrival, in some allotment gardens at Yarmouth. BLACK-BELLIED DIPPER (Cinclus cinclus).—One was seen at Castle Rising on December 15th and 16th by Mr. C. T. M. Plowright. VoL. Xxv.| ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1931. 349 SwaLLow (Hirundo yr. rustica).—Several Swallows were reported in the county during December, the previous month having been one of unusually mild and sunny weather. The latest was.seen at Aylsham on December 17th (G. O. Wheeler, Eastern Daily Press, December 18th). Hoopor (Upupa e. epops).—One was seen at Hickling from September 13th-z2rst (J. Vincent), one at Thornham early in October (V. Ames), and one by Col. Worship at Martham about the middle of the same month. KINGFISHER (Alcedo a. ispida)—One which had killed itself against the lantern of the Inner Dowsing Light-ship on the night of September 17th was forwarded to me by Mr. S. G. Sharman. LONG-EARED Owt (Asio o. otus)—On October 15th Mr. E. C. Saunders of Yarmouth received a Long-eared Owl which had flown on board a herring-drifter 10 miles N.E. of Happis- burgh, where it died of exhaustion. RED-FOOTED FALCON (Falco vespertinus).—At Hickling on September 21st Mr. J. Vincent watched from a distance of 10 or 15 yards a Red-footed Falcon, which, from its conspicuously white forehead and throat and heavily barred tail, he considered to be a bird of the year. It was hawking insects, including dragon-flies, on a newly-mown marsh, and resting meanwhile on a gate post. CoMMON Buzzarpd (Buteo b. buteo)—Unusually large numbers of Common Buzzards were met with during the late autumn. Mr. Gunn received four in November, two of which are in the Norwich Museum, and during the same month several were seen at Cley and Blakeney (W. A. Payn). One was seen by Dr. S. H. Long at Holkham, and one by Col. J. Barclay at Scoulton in December, whilst two regularly frequented Rackheath Park, where orders were given for their protection, from October until the end of the year (Sir E. Stracey)*. MARSH-HARRIER (Circus @. @ruginosus).—Three pairs are known to have nested in the county in 1931—two in the usual locality, and one on a marsh in the Bure valley some miles away (C. Dallas). Two of these nests were exceptionally early so far as past Norfolk records go. The first nest found by Mr. J. Vincent had three eggs on April 18th and six on April 24th. The second pair arrived on this ground on April 2oth (J. Vincent) and their nest contained four eggs when I saw it on May 13th. Unfortunately the cock of this pair disappeared, having probably been shot outside the protected area, and the female appearing unable to procure sufficient food for the young unaided, these died. The nest * There was also an unusual number in Essex in the winter of 1931-2.—Eps. 350 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXv, found by Mr. Dallas contained three nestlings and one egg on May 14th. Montacu’s HARRIER (C. pygargus).—Five pairs bred in their usual locality in the Broads district (J. Vincent). HEN-HARRIER (C. cyaneus).—Mr. J. Vincent reports that a female frequented Hickling throughout the winter, where she was joined by a male towards the end of April. The two were seen together on May 4th, but left a few days later. On March roth one was seen over Cley Marshes (R. M. Garnett), and on November 2oth and 25th one at Scolt Head (J.. Ferrier), SPARROW-Hawk (Accipiter n. misus)—At Scratby on October 26th Miss J. Ferrier watched a Sparrow-Hawk fly straight in off the sea, while on the 28th another—a male in juvenile plumage—was shot as it came in from the sea at Yarmouth (E. C. Saunders). The following occurrence was related to me by Mr. J. Vincent. On April 22nd he saw a female Sparrow-Hawk carrying with difficulty a large bird, which, on being frightened, she let go. The victim proved to be an adult Lapwing which, on being released, flew away and settled on a marsh. Here, later in the day, Mr. Vincent found it in a dying condition, with a deep wound in the back, from which the feathers had also been stripped. OsPREY (Pandion halietus).—The only Osprey reported during the year was one seen over Barton Broad on August 27th (J. Bagallay, antea, p. 58). SPOONBILL (Platalea 1. leucorodia)—The only Spoonbills reported during the year were visitants to Breydon, where one stayed from June Ist—5th, and five were seen on August 28th (W. Bulldeath). FLAMINGO (Phenicopterus ry. antiquorum).—On May 23rd a Flamingo arrived on Salthouse Broad, where I saw it both feeding and on the wing on the 24th. It was seen every day for the next fortnight, either on Salthouse or Cley Marshes, and left on June 7th (R. Bishop). WHOOPER SWAN (Cygnus cygnus).—On May 24th—a most unusual date—I watched an adult on Salthouse Broad. It appeared to be uninjured, and on being put up circled over the broad and settled again at the further end. BARNACLE-GOOSE (Branta leucopsis).—This goose is suffi- ciently uncommon in Norfolk to justify recording a skein of ten seen by Mr. R. M. Garnett on Cley Marsh on November 23rd, and another of six seen at Wells on December 25th (T. Cringle pp. W. A. Payn). VOL. XXV.] ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1931. 351 GARGANEY (Anas querquedula)—The greatly increased number of Garganeys which nested in the county in 1928 and 1929 has been maintained—if not increased—in each succeeding summer. This year the number breeding at Hickling and Ranworth appears to have been well up to that of 1930 (J. Vincent and Capt. H. J. Cator). One pair were again observed on Cley Marsh, where they probably nested, while another pair were seen during the summer, and two shot on August Ist on Scolt Head (S. H. Long). LEACH’S FORK-TAILED PETREL (Oceanodroma 1. leucorrhoa). —One was killed in Blakeney harbour on October 15th (W. A. Payn), and another near Yarmouth on October 23rd (E. C. Saunders). BLACK-NECKED GREBE (Podiceps n. nigricollis)—On August 27th Miss M. Barclay telephoned me to say that she and Mr. W. B. Alexander had that day seen a pair of Black- necked Grebes accompanied by what appeared to be a fully- grown young one on one of the W. Norfolk meres. My wife and I visited this mere on August 30th, and with glasses soon picked up a Black-necked Grebe, which was diving and feeding two young ones as large as itself. The light was extremely bad, the birds being between us and a low sun, but the black head, neck and back, and chestnut flanks of the old bird were at times clearly visible. The young ones in the bad light appeared an almost uniform golden-brown as regards the head and neck, with darker mantles, but their underparts were never visible. These kept up an incessant cry, ‘‘ Chee-chee-chee-chee’’,and each time the old bird came up after diving scuttled across the water to be fed. Just before we left they were joined by a fourth bird. The newcomer neither fed the young nor was fed itself, and the sun being now so low that all four birds looked almost black, it was impossible to say whether this was a second adult or a third young one. Whether these Grebes ever commence their autumnal migration accompanied by their young whilst these are still being fed I do not know, but if indeed these were young Black-necked Grebes, it certainly appears probable that they were hatched somewhere in the neighbourhood. That they were not bred on the mere on which they were seen seems certain, for this has little or no cover, and is, moreover, so frequently under observation that it is impossible they should have escaped notice. There are, however, some private meres near by which are seldom visited, and which are suitable in every way for nesting purposes. The very distinct “‘ golden ’’ tinge of these young birds, anyhow as seen 352 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV. by me in the bad light, certainly does not tally with the description of the juvenile Black-necked Grebe in Witherby’s Practical Handbook, and is, of course, characteristic of the young Dabchick and it is, I suppose, conceivable that a brood of the latter had been adopted, and were being fed, by this pair of Black-necks. Mr. W. B. Alexander’s note of the young bird seen by him on August 27th, taken down at the time, is as follows: ‘“‘ Head and neck golden-brown, darker on crown, mantle and wings blackish, flanks and under tail- coverts whitish’. He tells me he feels sure it was not a young Dabchick, while Miss Barclay, who had more powerful glasses, stated that she could see the upturned tilt of the bill so characteristic of the Black-necked Grebe. As a record of the breeding of the Black-necked Grebe in Norfolk, however, I feel that the verdict must remain “‘ unproven ”’. TuRTLE-DovE (Streptopelia t. turtur).—Last heard cooing on August 15th. A late specimen was shot—in mistake for a Wood-Pigeon (!)—on October 1st at Woodbastwick. DoTTEREL (Charadrius morinellus)—On March 22nd a single Dotterel in winter plumage appeared on a heath near the coast-line, where it remained until the 24th (R. M. Garnett, antea, Vol. XXIV., p. 372). Mr. Garnett kindly showed me this bird on the 22nd. In my experience this is an unusually early date for this species in Norfolk, but it is interesting to note that both Sir Thomas Browne and Messrs. Gurney and Fisher give March as the usual month for its arrival. Rurr (Philomachus pugnax).—Large numbers of Ruffs and Reeves passed through the Hickling area in April, a flock estimated at 100 being seen one day by Mr. J. Vincent. A single pair stayed on a marsh throughout May and June, and although no nest was found Mr. Vincent tells me he feels sure they bred and hatched some young ones, for about mid- June the Reeve used to mob him whenever he went on this marsh. GREY PHALAROPE (Phalaropus fulicarius).—One was seen on Salthouse Broad on November 30th (W. A. Payn). RED-NECKED PHALAROPE (Ph. lobatus)—One was seen swimming in the sea off Cley Beach on September 27th (sk. Mi tGamiett): AVOCET (Recurvirostra avosetta)—No Avocets appear to have visited our coast during the spring passage, but several arrived in the autumn and stayed until unusually late in the season. The first was seen by Mr. A. H. Patterson near Cantley on the Yare on July 23rd, and on August 12th two appeared on Salthouse Broad (R. M. Garnett). On September 13th two were seen flying west along Cley beach voL. Xxv.]| ORNITHOLOGICAL REPORT, 1931. 353 (D. Lack), and on the 25th one was again seen at Salthouse (R. M. Garnett). On October 13th there were three on Salthouse Broad (T. Hyde Parker) and on the 20th the same number on Cley Marsh (F. R. Ratcliff). Of these one disap- peared, but the other two stayed on the marshes throughout the rest of this month and the whole of November, being last seen by Mr. Ratcliff on November 30th. BLACK-TAILED Gopwit (Limosa 1. limosa).—A solitary bird in full breeding plumage, first seen by Mr. Garnett on April rst, spent the greater part of this month on Salthouse Broad, where I saw it on April 22nd. COMMON CURLEW (Numenius a. arquata)—A remarkable migration of Curlew was witnessed on the coast during the last ten days of June. Mrs. G. H. Wilson noted flocks passing E. to W. at Blakeney Point on June 2oth, 23rd, 25th, and 26th, and Mr. G. Marples from the same observation point on June 23rd, 24th, 25th, 26th, 28th and 30th. On the 25th flocks were travelling E. to W. during the greater part of the day at Mundesley (R. C. Bell), while on the same day a flock of eleven passed the E. Dudgeon Light-ship following the same course (S. G. Sharman). It may be recalled that a migration of Curlews in a similar direction on a very large scale was observed on the Norfolk coast on June 25th and 26th, 1929 (antea, Vol. XXIII., p. 287). Woopcock (Scolopax r. rusticola)—An early arrival was flushed by Mr. D. Lack in the “ bushes’’ on Cley beach on September 26th. SANDWICH TERN (Sterna s. sandvicensis).—A fair number of birds arrived at Blakeney Point, but after four pairs had laid one egg each the whole colony left and did not return. The largest number bred at Salthouse, 380 young ones being ringed in this colony by Mr. Garnett, while at Scolt Head over 200 nests were counted by Dr. S. H. Long. Several interesting recoveries of birds ringed as nestlings in Norfolk were reported in 1931 from West Africa (antea, pp. 77 and 331). ROSEATE TERN (S. d. dougallii)—One pair hatched off successfully in the Scolt Head colony (C. Chestney). Arctic TERN (S. macrura).—One, which came into my possession, was picked up dead by Mr. aici: at Salthouse on May 8th. LITTLE GULL (Larus minutus).—On May alts an adult was seen at Hickling by Col. Madoc, J. Vincent and myself, while on September 13th and 21st one in juvenile plumage was seen at Cley by Mr. D. Lack. 354 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV. SCANDINAVIAN LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (L. fuscus).— Mr. R. M. Garnett tells me that he identified an adult of this dark mantled race at Blakeney on July 3tst. Giaucous GuLL (L. hyperboreus).—An immature bird was shot on Cley beach on December 7th (W. A. Payn). IcELAND GULL (L. leucopterus)—An immature Iceland Gull was identified at Weybourne on November 5th by Mr. R. M. Garnett, who described it as “ the size of a Herring- Gull with which it was swimming, oatmeal in colour, with wings extended slightly beyond the tail.”’ (R.M.G. 7m Uit.). LirtLe AvuK (Alle a. alle).—One was seen by Mr. Garnett at Kelling on March roth, while on July 31st, a most unusual date, a fresh specimen was found washed up on the beach at Bacton (J. Beddall-Smith, antea, p. 138). CoMMON CRANE (Grus g. grus).—On the afternoon of May 6th a Common Crane arrived on Salthouse Marshes, where it was seen by Messrs. R. M. Garnett, S. H. Long, J. Vincent and others. It left again early next morning, flying away in an easterly direction (Holman). On May 13th, one, probably the same bird, appeared at Hickling (J. Vincent), after which it was seen no more. From information elicited by Mr. Garnett it would appear probable that this bird was one which had escaped from captivity in Sussex. LAND-RaIL (Crex crex).—One was heard “ craking’’ in a grass field at Hemsby, between May 25th and June 6th, but although a thorough search was made no nest was discovered (Miss J. Ferrier). A number, as usual, passed through during the autumn. I saw two flushed when Partridge shooting at Paston during the latter part of September, while Sir E. Stracey tells me he saw one when shooting at Salhouse on October Ist, and another at Thorpe, within half a mile of Norwich, on October 2nd. CoMMON PARTRIDGE (Perdix p. perdix)—Two examples— both males—of the erythristic variety, called by Brisson Perdix montana, were received by Mr. E. C. Saunders from Bylaugh on December 8th. It is curious how this variety continues to crop up at intervals of a few years, and always within a limited and well-defined area of the county. These two bring the number recorded up to thirty, the last having been shot at Bylaugh on October 5th, 1926. QUAIL (Coturnix c. coturnix).—A pair were seen and heard from time to time during the summer in the neighbourhood of Salthouse, but, so far as I am aware, no nest was found. On September 5th two were shot out of a bevy of about ten, which were flushed in a field of peas at Massingham (Col. O. Birkbeck). (355) BIRDS OF INNER LONDON. BY A. HOLTE MACPHERSON. ADDITIONAL NOTES IN Ig3I. NoTeEs have already appeared in this volume on the occur- rences of a GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN (Regulus r. anglorum) in Eaton Square Gardens (p. 102), and a curiously coloured ScauP (Nyroca m. marila) in Kensington Gardens (p. 304). On February 11th, a MisTLE-THRusH (Turdus v. visctvorus) was singing in Campden Hill Road from the top of a chimney; a strange position, for there are high trees in the neighbourhood. Referring to four WHEATEARS (CEnanthe ce. leucorrhoa ?) in Regent’s Park on May 5th, Mr. D. Seth-Smith writes: ‘‘ They appeared to be very large birds, and as by this date the British breeding Wheatears would be nesting, it is possible that these may have been of the Greenland race”’ (Report to H.M. Office of Works Bird Sanctuary Committee). I saw these birds and was struck by their size and deep buff chests. On April 30th I watched a male REDsTART (Phenicurus ph. phenicurus) in the grounds of Holland House. There was a marked passage of young CuCKOos (Cuculus c. canorus) through London in the second half of August. Mr. R. Hardy-Syms informs me that in the course of about ten days, from August 17th to 27th, he saw certainly three, and probably four, young Cuckoos in the garden of Gray’s Inn. Major A. H. Daukes noticed one on August 18th in his garden in Egerton Terrace, Chelsea. Another was found dead on August 23rd in Green Park. I heard of others being seen about this time just outside the Inner London area. In May a letter appeared in The Times from P. MacAlister, a boy at St. Paul’s School, Hammersmith Road, stating that a pair of KEsTRELS (Falco ¢. tinnunculus) was nesting in the school belfry and had nested there once before. Although enquiries failed to confirm these statements, Kestrels had undoubtedly been seen on many occasions frequenting the school buildings. At the end of September, another pupil at the school, R. A. Beatty, showed me a large portion of the shell of a Kestrel’s egg picked up by him on June 15th on the playing field, which adjoins the school buildings. Mr. L. H. S. Mathews, the Sur-Master, told me that he had often seen the Kestrels perch on the cills of some louver windows, or slits, which ventilate the loft above the school hall and are a considerable height from the ground. On October 8th, accompanied by the two boys, we entered the loft and examined the cills. One of them was occupied by a nest 356 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV. containing two half-fledged pigeons, and lying beside them was a much soiled Kestrel’s egg, which had been incubated. On December 3rd, a SPARROW-HAwkK (Accipiter nisus) was seen to capture a Sparrow in Regent’s Park (D. Seth-Smith,¢.c.). A pair of MALLARD (Anas p. platyrhyncha) appeared again in spring in the small garden of New Square, Lincoln’s Inn. Four eggs had been laid when the drake introduced a second duck, which also laid some eggs. But two more drakes arrived on the scene, and, after many fights, all five birds flew away. Another pair bred by a little pond in the garden of No. 13, Holland Park, where six ducklings were successfully reared. On August 11th, and the next few days, a CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax c. carbo) created much interest by taking up a position each evening on the cross of St. Paul’s Cathedral. Dr. G. Carmichael Low saw a BLACK-NECKED GREBE (Podiceps n. nigricollis) on the Round Pond in Kensington Gardens on September 28th, and Major A. H. Daukes found it there later on the same day. Miss M. Rew saw a TuRTLE-DOVE (Streptopelia t. turtur) in Regent’s Park on May 17th, and on several subsequent occasions in the same neighbourhood. On May ist there was a COMMON SANDPIPER (Tringa hypoleucos) on the Island in the Serpentine. CuRLEW (Numenius a. arquata) were heard at Regent’s Park passing over at night by Miss M. Rew on March 1rth ; and by her brother, Mr. E. Rew, on June 21st. Major A. H. Daukes tells me that from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. on August 26th many flocks of Curlew passed over Chelsea. An injured Woopcock (Scolopax r. rusticola) was found in January on the football ground near the Knightsbridge Barracks. Another was picked up alive on April 11th in Paddington (D. Seth-Smith, Times, April 13th, 1931). One of the adult BLACK-HEADED GULLS (Larus r. ridi- bundus) which frequented the Round Pond began to acquire its dark hood early in November, and by November 26th was in full breeding plumage. The British LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL (Larus ff. graellsiv) was seen during the autumn in Kensington Gardens and St. James’s Park. On October 21st a LANDRAIL (Crex crex) was found alive but exhausted in Orange Street, W.C.2, and was taken to Mr. J. Himton, the bird=keeper in St. Jilames’s Park. iim recovered and was given its freedom. Mr. Hinton reports that on November 2gth, 1930, a Landrail was brought to him, which had been found exhausted in Leicester Square, only a few yards from Orange Street. re eo (357) MOVEMENTS OF RINGED BIRDS FROM ABROAD TO THE BRITISH ISLANDS AND FROM THE BRITISH ISLANDS ABROAD. BY H. F. WITHERBY anp E. P. LEACH. (For previous parts see Vol. XXV., pp. 110-123; 174-192 ; 245-268.) ADDENDA. Tue following additional records, for the advice of which we have to thank many correspondents and ringing stations, are now published in order to make the series as complete as possible. ROOK (Corvus f. frugilegus) p. 113. These records are of great interest, as they are the first to show the breeding area of some, at all events, of our immigrants. RINGED ABROAD AS NESTLINGS, R. D52888 Hannover, Germany 16.5.31. Norfolk 8.3.32. R. D52872 Ditto 16.5.31. Suffolk Z0,11.31. R. D50753 Ditto 16.5.31. Essex —.1.32. STARLING (Sturnus v. vulgaris). p. 113. RINGED ABROAD AS YOUNG OR IN BREEDING-SEASON., G. 5361B Scania, Sweden 8.6.31. Monmouth. 13.12.31. G. 5011B Halland, Sweden 9.6.31. Yorks. 10.1 .32. H. 679114 Westphalen, Germany 9r-5.31. Hants. 26.12.31. RINGED ABROAD. UNCERTAIN WHERE BREEDING. H. 713453 Heligoland 16.10.30. Northants. 29.12.31. L. 98200 Zuid Holland 10.10.31. Staffs. 5. Ie. 30 L. 102852 Ditto 22 10.9%, Ditto YO. 01.31: B. CC344 W. Flanders, Belgium 17.9.31. Somerset. 13.11.31. RINGED GT. BRITAIN RECOVERED ABROAD. BREEDING-PLACE UNCERTAIN, Devonshire 9.1.31. Knocke, Belgium 20.10.31. Norfolk 10.3.31. Blankenberghe, Belgium FALLS SISKIN (Carduelis spins). This is the first Siskin ringed abroad which has been reported here. M.C. Dupond informs me that there is proof from ringing that some of the Siskins found as migrants in Belgium are Scandinavian breeding birds. RINGED ABROAD AS MIGRANT 4 B. A7773 Liége, Belgium £7.10.31. Beds. 7A GY LINNET (Carduelis c. cannabina). p. 117. RINGED GREAT BRITAIN AS NESTLING. Worcestershire 24.5.3t. Gironde, France 6.10 31. MEADOW-PIPIT (Anthus pratensis). p. 120. This is the first Meadow-Pipit ringed abroad which has been reported in this country. = RINGED ABROAD AS NESTLING. Sk. Eur.33049 Eyiafirdi, Iceland 1.7.31. S. Uist, O. Hebrides 8.9.31. A 3 308 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV. FIELDFARE (Turdus pilaris). p. 122. This record was missed and has kindly been pointed out by Mr. Schaanning. RINGED ABROAD AS NESTLING. O. S147 Opland, Norway r4a.7.07. Gloucester. I1.2,109 BRITISH SONG-THRUSH (Turdus ph. clarkei). p. 122. RINGED GREAT BRITAIN AS NESTLING. Cheshire 22.A.37. (Charente; Prance —.10.31. REDWING (Turdus. musicus). p. 124. This record was missed and has been pointed out by Dr. van Oort, to whom we are grateful. RINGED ABROAD AS MIGRANT. L. 15009 Noord Holland TO-5elign. Jersey And Dee BLACKBIRD (Turdus m. merula). p. 124. RINGED ABROAD AS YOUNG. Sk, 10213G Sjelland, Denmark 8.6.31. Norfollx ST 2.3ite Sk. 6555G Ditto 17.6.29. Monmouth. 29.1.32. RINGED ABROAD, PROBABLY AS MIGRANT. H. 720324 Heligoland Ti 0Osn, | Wberdeenia ONnt aim WHINCHAT (Saxicola rv. rubetra). p. 1206. RINGED GREAT BRITAIN AS NESTLING. Yorkshire —.6.31. Algarve, Portugal 20,9. 3 ile CUCKOO (Cuculus c. canorus). p. 174. This record has considerable interest because, although the bird had not proceeded far south, the position from Norfolk is in a south-easterly direction, which, if continued, would reach north Italy, where the Renfrewshire Cuckoo was reported. RINGED GREAT BRITAIN AS NESTLING. Norfolk 29.6.31. Meuse, Brance 20.0 Sle MERLIN (Falco c. @salon). RINGED ABROAD AS YOUNG. G. 10934G Jamtland, Sweden TOM 72 On CuSey: 20.0. 32% SPARROW-HAWIS (Accipiter n. nisus). This interesting record is shown in the Atlas des Vogelzugs, and Dr. Drost has kindly supplied the details. RINGED ABROAD AS MIGRANT. H. 25079 Heligoland 20,00,20, isent Bom27e vot. xxv.| MOVEMENTS OF RINGED BIRDS. 359 BITTERN (Botaurus s. stellaris). RINGED ABROAD AS YOUNG. R. 40698C Kénigswartha, Saxony 23.5.31. Cheshire ZL, 52's SHELD-DUCK (Tadorna tadorna). p. 1706. RINGED ABROAD AS ADULT. H. 34571 Mellum, N. Sea, Germany 9.9.26. Lancs. 12.6.29. MALLARD (Anas p. platyrhyncha). p. 177. RINGED GREAT BRITAIN AS ADULT IN WINTER. Norfolk 30.3.30. Schleswig-Holstein 14.8.31. RINGED ABROAD AS YOUNG. Ld. D1670_—«&L.. Ilmen, Novgorod, Russia 7.7.29. Northumb. 9.11.29. G. 418K Vasternorrland, Sweden 15.7.31. Pembroke. 26.11.31. St. Bio45 Orebro, Sweden 23.6.28. Lincs. 8.1.29. TEAL (Anas c. crecca). p. 179. RINGED GREAT BRITAIN AS ADULTS IN WINTER. Cumberland —.11.30. Warmland, Sweden —.9.31. Ditto —.9.30. Schleswig-Holstein —.12.31. RINGED ABROAD FROM DECOY. Sk. M2280 Fandé, Jylland, Denmark 23.9.3t. Berwicks. —.11.31- Sk. V6403~—~Ditto 22.9.29. Northumb. 31.1.32- Sk. Mtg2t_ Ditto 10.10.31. Derby. 30.1.32: Sk. Mi44o Ditto 22.10.31. Suffolk —.1.32- Sk. M1597 _ Ditto 28.10.31. Ditto —.1.32- Sk. M2209 _ Ditto 13.9.31. Sussex 15.12.31- Sk. M1356 Ditto 15.10.31. Dorset. 16.1.32- Sk. Mi291_ Ditto 10.10.31. Pembroke. 8.12.31. Sk. M1310 Ditto 11.10.31. Caernarvon.26.12.31- Sk. M1855 _~=—Ditto 5.10.31. Down 19.1.32- Sk. M2287 Ditto 23.9.31. Armagh. —.1.32. Sk. M2036 Ditto 30.10.31. Louth 27 R52. Sk. M1819 _ Ditto 2.10.31. W.Meath 14:2,32. Sk. Mr328 Ditto 12.10.31. Roscommon 1.2.32. Sk. M1180 _ Ditto 26.9.31. Waterford —.1.32. WIGEON (Anas penelope). p. 182. These two records are exceptionally valuable when consi- dered in conjunction with the Warwickshire ringed Wigeon, which was recovered in Uralsk approximately 360 miles north-east of the delta of the Volga in the north of the Caspian Sea, where these birds were ringed. It is a curious coincidence that they were both shot on the same date, though in widely separated localities. RINGED ABROAD DURING MOULT. M. E22930 Delta Volga, Astrakhan 28.8.31. Suffolk E5123. M. Ex8229 Ditto 25-7-31. Kildare Th. 12.31. TUFTED DUCK (Nyroca fuligula). p. 184. RINGED ABROAD AS YOUNG. Sk. V6867. Myvatn, Iceland 7.7.31. Tipperary —.11.13. 360 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV. CORMORANT (Phalacrocovax c. carbo). p. 185. RINGED GREAT BRITAIN AS NESTLINGS, Wigtownshire 25.6.29. Finistére, France Ontmnsine Ditto 25.6.29. Galicia, Spain 27. 02,8 Anglesey 10.7.31. Ille-et-Vilaine, France 29, Uies ra Ditto 10.7.31. Near Oporto, Portugal A, £O.S Ie NORTHERN GOLDEN PLOVER (Charadrius a. altifrons). p. 188. This interesting recovery, reported to us at the time by Mr. R. M. Garnett, was somehow mislaid. RINGED ABROAD AS YOUNG. Sk. A5378 Nr. Laxa, Iceland 5.7.29. Norfolk 21.9.20) LAPWING (Vanellus vanellus). p. 188. RINGED GREAT BRITAIN AS NESTLINGS. Hants. 6.6.27. Vendée, France —.12.31. Perthshire 15.5.31. Huelva, Spain —.2.32. RINGED ABROAD AS YOUNG. St. A2948 Vallnige, Sweden 5.6.30. Cambs. TZ. sae L. 60594 Texel, Holland PAO) {Oyy331, — WONAKRSY. —.1.32. WOODCOCK (Scolopax rv. rusticola). p. 245. RINGED ABROAD AS YOUNG. Sk. 7942A Halland, Sweden 28.7.31. Down Li ab2 one SANDWICH TERN (Steyvna s. sandvicensis). p. 247. RINGED GREAT BRITAIN AS NESTLING. Norfolk 27.6.31. Portuguese West Africa 109.1.32) BLACK-HEADED GULL (Larus r. ridibundus). p. 250. With reference to the entry under R&.38989 Driebitz, Posen (p. 255), the details given are correct according to Mr. Riviére’s original record, published at the time in British Birds, but the Rossitten records prove that the ringing data are wrong, and the record must be cancelled. RINGED ABROAD AS YOUNG. Sk, A2210 Jylland, Denmark GO 7a Uahey: 2312.20" Sk. D1758 Ditto 11.6.27. Pembrokes. —.3.32. R. E54879 Nr. Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein 2.7.30. Sussex —.3.32. NORTHERN GUILLEMOT (Uria a. aalge). p. 267. RINGED GREAT BRITAIN AS NESTLING. Argyllshire 7.7.30, eroes G,12:3tn COOT (fulica a. atra). p. 268. RINGED ABROAD AS YOUNG. Sk. X3577 N. Jylland, Denmark 16.6.29. Monaghan 19.11.31. THE DIPPER IN COUNTY DURHAM. In the Practical Handbook of British Birds, Vol. I., p. 501, it is stated that ‘“‘ the British Dipper (Cinclus c. gularis) is very scarce in . . . Durham’. This statement is certainly misleading, as the Dipper is plentifully distributed on the banks of a large number of our Durham streams. It is only on the lower reaches of our rivers and on oon of their tribu- taries as have been polluted by sewage, or by the waters pumped from collieries, that the Dipper is pee nt. In my experience the Dipper clings to its old breeding haunts on our streams long after increasing industrialism and river pollution have driven out its usual companions, the Grey Wagtail and the Sandpiper—the last-mentioned being always the first of the trio to desert the district. GEORGE W. TEMPERLEY. THE SOUNDS PRODUCED BY THE LONG-EARED OWL. MAINLY a nocturnal ‘“ musician’, the Long-eared Owl (Asio 0. otus) voices a varied vocabulary, some of the sounds produced, moreover, being extraordinary. Taking the adults first, we find used :— I. A cry greatly resembling the squeal of some small mammal in difficulties, as, for instance, when in intense fear or agony. Il. A sound suggestive of caterwauling, with an element of pigs squealing thrown in. NotE.—Both the above are something like the “sharm”’ of the Water-Rail. III. A noise recalling the ordinary growl of a cat. IV. A sort of wail like the baying of a hound heard subdued by distance. V. A muffled moan, which may be syllabled as “ hagh”’ (prolonged). VI. A single, short, lugubrious, bleating hoot or “ halloa’’ repeated time after time at short intervals. VII. A kwaking utterance. VIII. Hissing. IX. Mandible-cracking. X. Wing-clapping, especially in the season of courtship. XI. A sound which may be likened to a number of small pieces of metal being jingled together in a bag for a few seconds. Of the above, I have heard Nos. I., IIT., VII., VIII. and IX. ’ 362 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV: in broad daylight when the “nest’’ has been menaced, though usually only the last three. I may add, however, that only now and again—and then, too, generally when owlets are present—are Long-eared Owls hysterical by day. Owlets, besides employing sounds VIII., IX. and. XI., possess a wail like that of a child in pain as well as a creaking sigh which may more or less be imitated by drawing a slightly muffled slate-pencil sharply across a slate. At times the latter cry recalls a prolonged edition of the “de” ofthe Golden Plover. JOHN WALPOLE-BoND. WHITE-TAILED EAGLES IN DEVON. On March 13th, 1932, Mr. Stuart Lovell and three companions saw two Eagles on the Exmoor coastal road, about one mile from the Hunter’s Lodge, between Ilfracombe and Lynton, north Devon. One of the birds flew over the moorland, while the other flew a little distance over the sea, then returned and alighted on a post, where it remained for some time, giving the observers a near and clear view of it. The descrip- tion given me by Mr. Lovell of these “ gigantic birds’’, as he termed them, leaves no doubt of their being Halizetus albicilla. STANLEY LEwISs. (Mr. H. B. Fowler informs us that the White-tailed Eagle reported from the Isle of Wight (antea, p. 338) was seen again on several occasions about a fortnight after the one was shot in Kent.—EDs.] WHITE STORK IN HAMPSHIRE. DurinG the summer of 1931 a White Stork (Czconza cicontia) appeared at Southwick Village, and was apparently fired at, as it had a broken leg and a tipped wing. After it had been a week about the fields, a man killed the bird to put it out of its misery, it being very emaciated. Thinking it was a Heron (Ardea cinerea) he tied it up in a tree as a scarecrow, where it remained all the winter till March 5th, 1932, when my friend, Mr. J. W. Stares, saw it, and asked for the body, which he brought to me. It may, of course, have been an escape from captivity, but there is no evidence of this. GREGORY M. MATHEWS. COMMON SCOTERKS IN MIDDLESEX. THE Common Scoter (Otdemia n. migra) is not an infrequent visitor to inland waters, especially at this time of year on the spring migration. The numbers are usually small, however, ones, twos, or threes. We were therefore fortunate when on April 3rd, 1932, at Staines, with Mr. F. R. Finch, we saw a flock of no less than sixteen birds of this species, thirteen of these being males and three females. They were VOL. XXV.] NOTES. 363 on the North Reservoir, and once or twice some of the males played up to and pursued the females. G. CARMICHAEL Low. W. E. GLEGG. VELVET-SCOTER INLAND IN ESSEX. ACCOMPANIED by Messrs. E. Mann and R. W. Pethen, I visited the Walthamstow Reservoirs on February 20th, 1932, and we saw a Velvet-Scoter (Oidemia f. fusca). We again saw the bird there on March roth. I informed Mr. A. Holte Macpherson, who, accompanied by Mr. J. P. Hardiman, went to these reservoirs on April 6th and identified the bird as a young drake. Mr. W. E. Glegg recorded the occurrence of three Velvet- Scoters, seen by him in 1929 on these reservoirs (antea, Vol. XXII., p. 375), but added that he knew of no previous inland occurrences of the species in Essex. W. A. WRIGHT. GREENSHANK IN SURREY. On April 3rd, 1932, at 9.55 a.m., I flushed a Greenshank (Trvinga nebularia) from No. 5 Reservoir at Barn Elms. This, at the moment, is partially empty for cleaning purposes and a very attractive area of mud is present at the foot of the concrete emplacement. It was on this the bird was feeding. It flew round several times calling, and then disappeared in a north-westerly direction. So far as I know this is the second record of this species for Barn Elms, A. Holte Macpherson having reported an example on August 15th, 1925 (London Naturalist, 1925, p. 34). G. CARMICHAEL Low. BLACK-TAILED GODWIT IN ANGLESEY. On March 2oth, 1932, Col. G. R. Newton, my wife and | watched for some time a Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa 1. limosa) by the edge of a small land-locked pool by the highway in the Malldraeth Estuary, Anglesey. Within a few yards there was also a passing Greenshank (Tvinga nebularia). The Black-tailed Godwit has been recorded only once before in Anglesey—in May, 1886 (Forrest: Vert. Fauna of N. Wales) ; and there is indeed only one other instance ee . of its occurrence in N. Wales in spring—in April, 1909, Merioneth (Forrest : Handbook to Vert. Fauna). In Lancashire and Cheshire, too, it is rarely seen in spring, far more frequently during the autumn migration. A.W. Boyp. REC OVERY OF MARKED Birps. —Correction. —At the top of page 330 “ Redshank (continwed)’’ should read CuRLEW (continued). In the last entry under Lapwing, p. 329 (ring No. W.5332), the date of ringing should read 6.6.27. BARNACLE-GOOSE IN DEVONSHIRE.—Mr. W. Walmesley White informs us that on March 30th, 1932, a Barnacle-Goose 364 BRITISH BIRDS. [VOL. XXV. (Branta leucopsis) appeared on the Otter estuary, but remained only one day. Mr. White was convinced it was a wild bird, and remarks that this goose is a rare visitor to Devon. GREAT CRESTED GREBE ENQUIRY.—Owing to the very large amount of material sent in, the preparation of the Report on this enquiry has proved to be a lengthy task, but it is hoped that 1t will be ready for publication early in the new volume. LETTERS. “PELLET * EJECLED BY SONG-THRUSEH. To the Editors of British Brrvs. Sirs,—With reference to Mrs. Evett’s note (antea, p. 332) it may be of interest to record that I witnessed a Song-Thrush (Turdus ph. clarket) eject with the greatest difficulty a large “ pellet’’. The bird looked as though it were feeling very ill before the ejection, and for some hours afterwards it was continually opening and closing its beak. The “ pellet’ consisted of two roughly oval, gritty masses, about } inch long, joined together by a worm about an inch and a quarter long. The “ pellets ’’ contained beetle remains and a whole small beetle. Bowdon, CHESHIRE. HILDA TERRAS. “ DRUMMING” OF GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER. To the Editors of BritisH BIirRDs. Strs,—The following note may be of interest to those who are reminded, by the note in the April number, of the old controversy over the “ drumming ”’ of Woodpeckers. Several mornings lately I have heard the drumming of Woodpeckers at Brownsover (near Rugby) and, on March 25th, 1932, I watched a Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dryobates m. anglicus) for about fifteen minutes producing this sound. The bird was pecking the trunk of a holly, but usually left off in order to ‘‘ drum’’, either turning its head to one side or throwing its head back so that its beak was vertical. Once only did it ‘“‘drum”’ while pecking, and then it hammered the wood at one frequency and drummed at about twice the speed. This Woodpecker, at least, was producing the sound vocally. M. A. SWANN. COLOUR OF FEET AND BILL OF DOTTEREL CHICK. To the Editors of BrittsH BirpDs. Sirs,—On the bare, shaly plateau of one of the Cumberland fells, at about 2,400 feet, or just below the summit, I encountered a Dotterel with two downy chicks on June 21st, 1919. The legs and feet of the chicks were, like those of Mr. Walpole-Bond’s birds (antea, P. 337), lead-colour, quite unlike the dull yellow of the old bird. If the colour in the small chicks is constant—and it has never been suggested that there are distinct colour phases—then the “ olive- yellow ”’ of the Practical Handbook, in so far as it relates to such chicks, is incorrect ; but there is some evidence that yellow is early apparent in the juvenile bird, for Coward (Birds of the British Isles and their Eggs) says: “ the legs are at first lead-colour, but soon show yellow on the feet.’” I do not know whether my chicks were of just the same age as Mr. Walpole-Bond’s, and it must be borne in mind that the colours of the soft parts in Limicoline birds may change early in life— a pitfall for the unwary or dogmatic—but the colour of their bills— noted as I held the birds in my hand—was black, as in the adult, and as depicted in the Practical Handbook, whereas Mr. Walpole-Bond asserts that the bill is leaden-colour. CHAS, OLDHAM. , +] : (365) INDEX. Notre.—The nomenclature followed in this volume is in accordance with the ‘‘ Systematic List’ printed at the end of the Volume II. of A Practical Handbook of British Birds and reprinted in A Check-List of British Birds, and the additions and alterations appearing on pages ro1-2 of Volume XXII. and pages 24 and 25 of Volume XXIV. of British Birds. aalge, Uria a., see Guillemot, Northern. Accentor, Alpine, in Sussex, 225. acuta, Anas, see Pintail, @salon, Falco, see Merlin. affinis, Sitta e., see Nuthatch. alba, Crocethia, see Sanderling. ,» Motacilla a., see Wagtail, White. , Lyto a., see Owl, Barn-. albellus, Mergus, see Smew. albicilla, Haliwetus, see White-tailed. albifrons, Stevna a., see Tern, Little. albionis, Uria a., see Guillemot, Southern. ALEXANDER, H. G., The Effect of Severe Weather on Bird-Song, 97; Notes on Firecrest in Worcestershire, 302; Tem- minck’s Stint in Kent, 305. , W.B., Note on Fulmar Petrels in Wigtownshire, 166; Letter on Traps for Bird Ringing, 204. —, —— , and Woop, J. D., Note on Black Guillemots in Kirkeudbrightshire, 167. alle, Alle, see Auk, Little. AtmonD, W. E., Note on The Song of the Mistle-Thrush, 103. alpina, Calidvris, see Dunlin. altifrons, Charadrius a., see Plover, Northern Golden. aluco, Strix, see Owl, Tawny. anglicus, Dryobates m., see Wood- pecker, Great Spotted. anglorum, Regulus r., see Wren, Golden-crested. ,antiquorum, Phenicopterus r., see Flamingo. \apricarius, Charadrius Plover, Golden. ‘apus, Apus a., see Swift. ‘aquaticus, Rallus a., see Rail, Water-. Eagle, a, see arborea, Lullula a., see Lark, Wood-. | arctica, Fratercula, see Puffin. arcticus, Colymbus a., see Diver, Black-throated. argentatus, Larus a., see Gull, Herring-. aristotelis, Phalacrocovax a., see Shag. ARMITAGE, JOHN, Note on Merlin taking young from nests, 303. arquata Numenius a., see Curlew, Common. arvensis, Alauda, see Lark, Sky-. atva, Fulica, see Coot. atricapilla, Sylvia a., see Blackcap. ASTLEY, A., Note on Blue Tits tear- ing paper, 271. Atlantic, North, Records from the, 156. Auk, Little, Early in Norfolk, 138 ; in Carmarthenshire, 2209. Avocet, in Co. Durham Yorkshire, 58, 193. avosetta, Recurvirostra, see Avocet. and BaGGALLay, J., Note on Osprey in Norfolk, 58. BarcLay, Miss M., Note on Red- start alighting on the sea, 8o. bassana, Sula, see Gannet. BENTHAM, Howarp, Notes on Moorhens rearing four broods, 106 ; Stonechats rearing three broods, 224. Betts, E. St. GEorGE, Note on Great Northern Divers- in Worcestershire, 304. BisLE, E. H. T., Note on Baillon’s Crake in Merioneth, 305. bifasciata, Loxia 1., see Crossbill, Two-barred. BisHop, JosEpH, Note on Avocets in Co. Durham, 58. Bittern, Movement of ringed, from abroad, 359. —, Little, in Kent (1860), de Sok 366 Blackbird, North Sea Migrants, 7 ; Recovery of marked, 48, 49, 50, 322 ;; Movements of ringed, to, and from abroad, 124, 358 ; Speed of, 89, 171, 220. Blackcap, North Sea Migrants, 9 ; Nesting twice in one season, 200; Two song-periods of Blackcap as possible evidence of second brood, 273. BLATHWAYT, REV. F. L., Notes on Iceland Gull in Devon, 25; “Drumming ’’ period of Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, 334. BoasE, Henry, Display of the Mallard, 12. borealis, Phylloscopus b., see Warb- ler, Eversmann’s. borin, Sylvia, see Warbler, Garden-. Boyp, A. W., Notes on the Tree- Sparrow, 278; Notes on Little Gull in Cheshire, 24; An un- recorded Cheshire Heronry, 81 ; Little Gull in Carnarvon, 136 ; Size of Swallow broods Cheshire, 226; Staffordshire Reservoirs, 335; Black-tailed Godwit in Anglesey, 363. brvachydactyla, Calandrella b., Lark, Short-toed. Brambling, North Sea Migrants, 7 ; in Norfolk in June, 100; Movements of ringed, from abroad, r1o. britannica Carduelis c., see Gold- finch, British. LCEVIMG fay Sceereepen, lmee=. britannicus, Lyrurus t., see Grouse, Black. Brown, R. H., Letter on Normal Flight-speeds of Birds, 170. bubo, Bubo, see Owl, Eagle-. Bunting, Cirl, in Cornwall, 198, 307. ——, Corn-, North Sea Migrants, 8; Speed of, 88; Breeding- habits, Song, Cries and General Deportment, 292. ——, Lapland, North Sea Migrants, 11; at Isle of Man, 1g. Ortolan, in Pembrokeshire, see 79. ——, Red-headed (New to the British List), in Orkney, 66 ; Description of Plumages, in | BRITISH BIRDS. Distribution and _ Breeding Habits, 68. ——, Reed-, Recovery of marked, 47, 48. ——, Snow-, North Sea Migrants, 9. ——, Yellow, Recovery of marked, 47° Speed of, 88, 171, 220, BuRNE, Hl. J. K, Note on Late Breeding in Norfolk and Suffolk in 1931, 269. buteo, Buteo 6b., see Buzzard, Common. Butter, A. L., Note on Coal- Titmouse brooding eggs of Blue Titmouse, 54; Letter on Probable Crested Tit in Wilt- shire, 84. Butters, Rev. F. C., Note on Great Spotted Woodpecker’s method in boring hole, 333. Buzzard, Common, Taking Dom- estic Duck’s egg, 59; in South Uist, 107; Breeding in South Uist, 80 ; Recovery of marked, 325; in Norfolk and Essex, 349. ——., Rough-legged, Movements of ringed, from abroad, 175. Byne, R. M., Note on Black-tailed Godwits in Devon in January, Bace cabaret, Carduelis 1., see Redpoll, Lesser. calandva, Emberiza, see Bunting, Corn-. cannabina, Carvduelis c., see Linnet. canorus, Cuculus, see Cuckoo. canus, Larus c., see Gull, Common. canutus, Calidris, see IXnot. carbo, Phalacrocovax c., see Cor- morant. cavduelis, Cavduelis, see Goldfinch, castvo, Oceanodrvoma, see Petrel, Madeiran Fork-tailed. F Cave, WALTER F., Note on Golden- crested Wren in Inner London, TOZe Chaffinch, North Sea Migrants, 7 ; Recovery of marked, 47, 319 ; Caught in nest-lining, 60; Speed of, 88, 220 ; Movements of ringed, from abroad, 118. = J INDEX. CHAMBERS, C. B., Note on Great Northern Diver in Derbyshire, 304. CHARTERIS, Hon. Guy, Notes on Crossbills in Gloucestershire | and breeding in Surrey, 22; Incubation-period of Marsh- Warbler, 79; Common Buz- zards breeding in South Uist, 80; Sandwich Tern breeding | in South Uist, 82; a pertin- aceous Pied Wagtail and a Grey Squirrel, 130; Rapid nest replacement by Pied Wagtail, 130. Charts for Ocean Observations, 83, 84. Chiffchaff, North Sea Migrants, 8 ; Movements of ringed, to abroad, 121; in Merioneth- shire in winter, 338. chloris, Chloris ch., see Greenfinch. chlovopus, Gallinula ch., see Moor- hen. chrysaetus, Aquila ch., see Eagle, Golden. ciconia, Ciconia c., see Stork, White. cinerea, Ardea c., see Heron, Com- mon. civlus, E-mberiza, see Bunting, Cirl. citvinella, Imberiza, see Bunting, Yellow. clarkei, Turvdus ph., see Thrush, Song-. clypeata, Spatula, see Shoveler. coburni, Turdus m., see Redwing, Iceland. coccothraustes, Coccothraustes c., see Hawfinch. celebs, Fringilla c., see Chaffinch. ceruleus, Parus, see Titmouse, Blue. collavis, Prunella c., see Accentor, Alpine. collurio, Lanius c., see Shrike, Red- backed. collybita, Phylloscopus c., see Chiff- chaff. comminutus, Dryobates m., see Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted. communis, Sylvia c., see White- throat. CONGREVE, Major W. M., Note on Quail breeding in Denbigh- shire, 306. 367 Coot, North Sea Migrants, 7; Appropriating nest of Great Crested Grebe, 59; Move- ments of ringed, to and from abroad, 268, 360 ; Detending its nest, 272; Recovery of marked, 331. Cormorant, Recovery of marked, 74, 327; Large number in Middlesex, 165; Breeding in St. James’s Park, 171 ; Move- ments of ringed, to abroad, 185, 360; Speed of, 220; in Inner London, 356. cornix, Corvus, see Crow, Hooded. covax, Corvus, see Raven. corone, Corvus, see Crow, Carrion-. coturnix, Coturnix c., see Quail. Crake, Baillon’s, in Merioneth, 305. crecca, Anas, see Teal. Creeper, Tree-, Incubation- and Fledging-periods of, 102. crex, Crex, see Rail, Land-. cristatus, Podiceps, see Grebe, Great Crested. Crossbill, Common, North Sea Migrants, 8; at Fair Isle,25 ; in Gloucestershire, 122; Breed- ing in Surrey, 22, 162 ; Breed- ing in Dorset, 162, 307 ; Breed- ing in Hampshire, 162, 307; Breeding in Western Surrey, 163; Breeding in Somerset, 235; Breeding in Norfolk, 345. ——, Two-barred, at Fair Isle, 25. Crow, Carrion-, North Sea Migrants, 11; Recovery of marked, 45, 319; Attacking Squirrels, 129 ; Speed of, 220. Crow, Hooded, North Sea Migrants, 7; Movements of ringed, from abroad, 113; in Mon- mouthshire, 203; Speed of, 220. Cuckoo, Egg of, in nest of Reeve, 57; Speed of, 90;* Promis- cuous laying of, 132; Move- ments of ringed, to abroad, 174, 358; Recovery of marked, 324; in Inner London, 355. Curlew, Recovery of marked, 76, 329-30; in North Atlantic, 157; Movements of ringed, from abroad, 192; Speed of, 220. 368 Curlew, Stone-, Speed of, 108; in Lancashire, 135; Movements of ringed, to abroad, 187. curruca, Sylvia, see Whitethroat, (essen. curvirostra, Loxia c., see Crossbill. cygnus, Cygnus, see Swan, Whooper. DavuKkeEs, A. H., Breeding of the Whimbrel in Inverness-shire, 62. Davis, H. H., Note on Willow- Warbler in Gloucestershire in Winter, 271. DEwuurRstT, Capr. F. W., Note on Fulmar Petrels breeding in Ross-shire, 134. Dipper, Recovery of marked, 51 ; in Berkshire, 234; in county Durham, 361. , Black-billed, in Norfolk, 348. Diver, Black-throated, in Cornwall, 198. ——, Great Northern, in Worcester- shire, 304 ; in Derbyshire, 304 ; in Staffordshire, 336. domesticus, Passer d., see Sparrow, House-. Dotterel, Colour of feet of nestling, 337) 364. dougallii, Steyna, see Tern, Roseate. Dove, Stock-, Speed of, 90, 93; Recovery of marked, 328. ——, Turtle-, North Sea Migrants, 8; Fledging-periods of, 60, Syovetetel (ont) (eyo) OF uhal ‘Sikavie, uiloysy } Movements of ringed,toabroad, 187; Recovery of marked, 328; in Inner London, 356. dressert, Pavus p., see Titmouse, Marsh-. Duck, Ferruginous, in Isle of Man, Pai ——,, Long-tailed, in Cornwall, 1908. ——, Scaup-, Movements of ringed, from abroad, 185; in London, 304. ——, Sheld-, Recovery of marked, 73, 325; Movements of ringed to and from abroad, 175, 359 ; Breeding in hollow tree in Somerset, 202. ——, ,» Ruddy, Unrecorded specimen from Lancashire, 132. BRITISH BIRDS. Duck, Tufted, Movements of ringed, to and from abroad, 184, 359; Breeding in Oxfordshire, 234. ——, White-eyed, see Duck, Ferru- ginous. Dunlin, North Sea Migrants, 7 ; Movements of ringed, from abroad, Iglt. —, Southern, Movements of ringed, to abroad, ror. eburnea, Pagophila, see Gull, Ivory-. Eagle, Golden, North Sea Mi- grants, 9. ——. Sea-, see Eagle, White-tailed. —--, White-tailed, Overlooked Buckinghamshire record, 202 ; in Kent, 338; in Isle of Wight, 338, 362; in Devon, 362. Egg within an Egg, 140, 170. Eider, Common, in Isle of Man, 21 ; Recovery of marked, 74, 327. Eris, JOHN C. S., Note on Willow- Warblers utilizing materials from nest of another species, 164. Exriison, C. S. S., Note on Courting Display of Song-Thrush, 55. epops, Upupa e., see Hoopoe. evythrinus, Carpodacus e., see Gros- beak, Scarlet. evythrvopus, Tringa, see Redshank, Spotted. eversmanni, Phylloscopus t., see Warbler, Northern Willow-. BvErts, Mrs: ik. ., Note ‘om Pellets ejected by Insectivorous Birds, 332. excubitoy, Lanius, see Shrike, Great Grey. faeroeensis, Capella g., see Snipe, Feeroe. Falcon, Peregrine, with five eggs, 133); small Mees, 227. , Red-footed, in Norfolk, 349. FALKENER, Miss ETHEL, Note on Spoonbills in Carmarthen- shire, 81. ferina, Nyroca f., see Pochard, Common. FERRIER, Miss Jupitu M., Note on Carrion-Crows attacking Squir- rels, 129. INDEX. ferruginea, Casarca, see Duck, Sheld-, Ruddy. Fieldfare, North Sea Migrants, 7 ; Speed of, 89; Late stay of, in Norfolk, 106; Movements of ringed, from abroad, 122, 358. Fincyu, F. R., Note on Little Stint in Surrey, 167. FincHer, F., Notes from South Staffordshire Sewage Farms, 1931, 336. Firecrest, in Worcestershire, 302. Flamingo, in Aberdeenshire, 307 ; in Norfolk, 350. flammeus, Asio f., see Owl, Short- eared. flava, Motacilla f., Blue-headed. Flight-speeds of Birds, 86, 170, 220. Flycatcher, Pied, North Sea Mi- grants, 8. , Red-breasted, Bedfordshire, 54. —-——, Spotted, North Sea Migrants, 8; Movements of ringed, to abroad, 121; Contests for nesting-sites with Swallows, Pat, Fowl, Domestic, Egg within an egg, 140, 170. frugilegus, Corvus f., see Rook. fulicarius, Phalavopus, see Phala- rope, Grey. fuligula, Nyvoca, see Duck, Tufted. Fulmar, see Petrel, Fulmar. fusca, Oidemia, see Scoter, Velvet-. fuscus, Larus f., see Gull, Scandi- navian Lesser Black-backed. see Wagtail, Probable in Gadwall, Movements of ringed, from abroad, 179 ; in Stafford- shire, 336. gallinago, Capella g., see Snipe. Gannet, Movements of ringed, to abroad, 186; in North Atlan- tic, 156; Recovery of marked, 327, Garganey, in Lancashire, 103; in Cornwall, 198; in Stafford- shire, 336; Breeding in Nor- folk, 351. GARNETT, R. M., Notes on Wax- wings in Norfolk, 223; Great Grey Shrike in Norfolk, 302; 369 Ruff in Norfolk in February, 305. ; garrulus, Bombycilla, see Waxwing. , Coracias g., see Roller. gibraltariensis, Phenicurus 0., see Redstart, Black. GILBERT, Capt. H. A., Note on Shoveler and Water-Rail breed- ing in Herefordshire, 23. glacialis, Fulmarus g., see Petrel, Fulmar. GLADSTONE, HuaGu S., Letters on The Red-crested Pochard (~ Curtis’ Duck”’); 3x3 An Egg within an Egg, 170; Notes on Incubation-period of Golden Plover, 82 ; Overlooked Buck- inghamshire Sea-Eagle, 202. glaveola, Tyringa, see Sandpiper, Wood-. Gurce, W. E:, see Low, G: CARMICHAEL. GODDARD, T. RussELt, Note on Nightingale in Co. Durham, 56. Godwit, Black-tailed, in Kent, 24 ; in Orkney (with additions), 28 ; in Suffolk, 169; in Durham, 195; in Devon in January, 338; in Anglesey, 363. Goldfinch, Recovery of marked, 47; Speed of, 38. Goosander, in Kent, 272. Goose, Barnacle-, in Norfolk, 350 ; in Devonshire, 363. Gorpon, Mrs. A. SETON, Note on Turtle-Dove in Skye, 166. ——,, SEton, Note on a Ptarmigan’s Nest in long heather, 305. GosnELL, H. T., Notes on Early Nesting of Red-backed Shrike in Kent, 102; Promiscuous laying of Cuckoo, 132. gvabe, Fratercula a., see Puffin. graelisii. Larus f., see Gull, British Lesser Black-backed. GraHaM, Jas. D. P., Note on Black-necked Grebe in Ayr- shire, 24; Letter on numbers of Smews near Glasgow, 32. ——, Lizut. R. R., R.N., On a remarkable action-photograph of a Montagu’s Harrier (Plate 1), 2; Letter on Chaffinches caught in nest-lining, 60. 370 gravis, Puffinus, see Shearwater, Great. Grebe, Black-necked, in Ayrshire, 24; in Inner London, 166, 356; Breeding in Scotland, 308 ; in Staffordshire, 337; in Nor- folk in August, 351. ——, Great Crested, Enquiry (1931), 28; Nest of, appropriated by Coot, 59; Notices ve Enquiry, HOZ ESO's Greenfinch, Speed of, 88; Move- ments of ringed, to abroad, 117; Recovery of marked, 321. Greenshank, in Surrey, 363. griseus, Puffinus, see Shearwater, Sooty. Grosbeak, Scarlet, at Fair Isle, 25. Grouse, Black, in Anglesey, 25. ——, Red, Speed of, 220. grvylle, Uvia g., see Guillemot, Black. Guillemot, Black, in Kirkcud- brightshire, 167. ———, Northern, Movements of ringed, to and from abroad, 267, 360 ; Recovery of marked, 331. ——, Southern, Movements of ringed, to abroad, 267. gularis, Cinclus c., see Dipper. Gull, Black-headed, Ringed abroad and recovered at Weston super-Mare—a correction, 78 ; Speed of, 90, 220; dxolling eggs and other objects back into the nest, 104 ; Movements of ringed, to and from abroad, 250, 360; Recovery of marked, 331. ——., British Lesser Black-backed, Recovery of marked, 78, 331 ; Movements of ringed, to abroad, 260; Incubation- and Fledging-periods, 310. .Common, Recovery of marked, 78; Speed of, g0; Movements of ringed, from abroad, 256. ——, Glaucous, in Galway in August, 203. ——, Great Black-backed, Preying on Storm-Petrels, 60 ; Numeri- cal Status in Devon, 136; Movements of ringed, from abroad, 264; Incubation- and BRITISH BIRDS. Fledging-periods, 311; Re- covery of marked, 331. ——, Herring-, Speed of, 92, O99 220; Movements of ringed, to and from abroad, 259 ; Incuba- tion- and Fledging-periods, 312; Recovery of marked, 331. ——, Iceland, North Sea Migrants, TON ain IO eyo 215. ——., Ivory-, North Sea Migrants, 10. ——, Little, in Cheshire, 24; in Carnarvon, 136; Move- ment of ringed, to abroad, 250; in Middlesex, 272; im Norfolk, 353. —, Scandinavian Lesser Black- backed, Movements of ringed, from abroad, 264 ; in Norfolk, 4. gustavi, Anthus, see Pipit, Petchora. halieztus, Pandion, see Osprey. HarDIMAN, J. P., Notes on Oyster- catcher and White Wagtails in Middlesex, 24; Large number of Cormorants in Middlesex, 165; Little Gull in Middlesex, BH2), : , see MACPHERSON, AY ODE: Harpy, Eric, Notes on unrecorded specimens of Eagle-Owl and Ruddy Sheldrake from Lan-_ cashire, 132; Courtship of House-Sparrow, 301. Harrier, Montagu’s, Action-photo- graph of, 2; Movements of ringed, to and from abroad, Te Harrison, Dr. JAMES M., Letter, An egg within an egg, 140; Note on Two Historica] Ken- tish Specimens, 272. HarRRIsson, T. H., On the Normal Flight-speeds of Birds, 86; The Birds of Lundy Island from 1922-1931, with special reference to numerical fluctua- tion, 212; Note on Fulmar Petrel calling in flight, 166. ; ———. and HtrRemos H. G., Note on Numerical Status of Great Black-backed Gull in Devon, 136. INDEX. Hartiey, P: H. T., Notes on Spotted Redshanks in Corn- wall, 167; Black Terns in Cornwall in August, 167. Hawfinch, in Perthshire, 22. Hawk, Sparrow-, North Sea Mi- grants, 9; Feeding Habits, 151; Hunting of the, 238; Recovery of marked, 72, 325 ; Breeding in Magpie’s old nest without addition, 335; Taking adult Lapwing, 350; Move- ment of ringed, from abroad, 358. Hawkins, L. A., Note on Coot defending its nest, 272. Heron, Common, Recovery of marked, 72, 325; An Unre- corded Herony in Cheshire, 81 ; Speed of, 90, 171 ; Movements of ringed, to and from abroad, 175; Systematic ‘* Beating ”’ by, 228. Heronries, ‘‘ British Birds’’ Census of, Supplementary Notes, 159. hiaticula, Charadrius h., see Plover, Ringed. hibernans, Saxicola t., see Stonechat. hivundo, Sterna h., see Tern, Common. Hobby, Field Habits and Nesting of the, 142; Cries of, 200, Hort, E. G., Note on Willow- Warbler’s nest in wall, 164. Hoopoe, Early in Cornwall, 28 ; Nesting in Somerset, 164; Late in Orkney, 227. hortulana, Emberiza, see Bunting, Ortolan. IiumpHREys, G. R., Notes on Red- backed Shrike in Co. Cork, 199; Wryneck in Co. Clare, 200; Iceland Redwings in Ireland, 223; Madeiran Fork-tailed Petrel in Ireland, 228. HuRRELL, H. G., see HARRISSON, est, ees hyemalis, Clangula, see Duck, Long- tailed. hyperboreus, Larus, see Gull, Glau- cous. hypoleuca, Muscicapa h., see Fly- catcher, Pied. hypoleucos, Tringa, see Sandpiper, Common. 371 icterica, Emberiza, see Bunting, Red-headed. ignicapillus, Regulus i., see Wren, Fire-crested. immer, Colymbus, see Diver, Great Northern. Incubation-period of Marsh-Warb- ler, 79 ; of Golden Plover, 82. Incubation- and Fledging-periods of Lesser and Great Black- backed Gulls and Herring- Gulls, 310. intermedia, Porzana p., see Crake, Baillon’s. interpres, Avenariai., see Turnstone. ispida, Alcedo a., see Wingfisher. Jackdaw, North Sea Migrants, ro ; Recovery of marked, 45, 319; Note on the nesting, 53 ; Speed Of; 50, 170, JourDAIN, Rev. F. C. R., Notes on Fire-crested Wrens in Hamp- shire, 23; the Red-headed Bunting, 69; Large Clutches of Terns’ Eggs, 82; Crossbills Breeding in Dorset, Hampshire and Surrey, 162; Review of the Literature of the Charadrii- formes from 1894-1928, 138; Review of Beasts and Birds as Farm Pests, 274. KENNEDY, REv. P. G., Note on Little Stint in Co. Dublin in February, 337. Kestrel, North Sea Migrants, 9; Recovery of marked, 72, 325 ; Speed of, 90; Movements of ringed, to abroad, 175 ; Breed- ing in Inner London, 355. Kine, E. L., Notes on Little Tern in Surrey, 24 ; Sandwich Terns in Surrey, 104; Letter on Numbers of Smews in Surrey, Sa. Kingfisher, Recovery of marked, 725 S84, KIRKMAN, F. B., Note on Black- headed Gulls rolling eggs and other objects back into the nest, 104. 372 Kittiwake, Recovery of marked, 78, 331; in North Atlantic, 157; Movements of ringed, to abroad, 264; Breeding date of, in Cornwall, 308. Knot, Movements of ringed, from abroad, 245. kleinschmidti, Parvus a., see Tit- mouse, British Willow-. Lack, Davip, Note on Alpine and Rock Pipits in Cambridgeshire, 301. lagopus, Buteo, see Buzzard, Rough- legged. lapponicus, Calcavius, see Bunting, Lapland. Lapwing, North Sea Migrants, 6; Recovery of marked, 75, 328 ; Speed of, 90, 92, 220; Move- ments of ringed, to and from abroad, 188, 360. Lark, Short-toed, at Fair Isle, 25. , oky-, North Sea Migrants, 7 ; Length of song, 26; Speed of, 20; Recovery of marked, 321. ——, Wood-, Breeding in Cornwall, 198; at Isle of Man, ro. Leacu, E. P., see WITHERBY, H. F. leucopsis, Branta, see Goose, Barnacle-. leucopterus, Larus, see Gull, Iceland. leucorodia, Platalea l., see Spoonbill. leucorrhoa, Oceanodvoma, see Petrel, Leach’s Fork-tailed. ——, Enanthe @., see Wheatear, Greenland. Lewis, STANLEY, Notes on Hoopoe nesting in Somerset, 164; on Sheld-Duck breeding in hollow tree in Somerset, 202 ; White-tailed Eagles in Devon, 362; Letter on Great Spotted Woodpeckers boring in tele- phone poles, 172. limosa, Limosa 1., see Black-tailed. Linnet, Recovery of marked, 47, 319; Speed of, 88; Move- ments of ringed, to and from abroad, 117, 357. Livens, H. M., Note on Woodchat Shrike seen in Isle of Wight, 199. Godwit, BRITISH BIRDS. Lioypb, BERTRAM, Note on Fulmars in Pembrokeshire, 81. Lockey, R. M., On the Breeding Habits of the Storm-Petrel, with special reference to its Incubation- and _ Fledging- periods (Plate 4), 206; Incu- bation-periods of Lesser and Great Black-backed Gulls and Herring-Gulls, 310; Notes on Ortolan Bunting in Pembroke- shire, 79; Black Redstarts in Pembrokeshire, 8o. London, Inner, Birds of, 355. longicaudus, Stercorarius, see Skua, Long-tailed. LonestaFrr, Dr. T. G., Records from the North Atlantic, 1931, 156; Note on Fire-crested Wren in Hampshire, 23. Low, Dr. G. CARMICHAEL, Notes on Oyster-catcher in London, 135; Black-necked Grebe in Inner London, 166; Scaup in Inner London, 304; Green- shank in Surrey, 363. —, , and GLEGG, W. es Note on Common Scoters in Middlesex, 362. Lundy Island, Birds of, from 1922- 1931, with special reference to numerical fluctuation, 212; Birds of, 275 ; Woodcocks in, 276. MAcPHERSON, A. HoLter, Birds of Inner London, 355; Notes on Grey Phalarope in Surrey, 203; Grey Plover in Middlesex, Dg, 5 , and HARDIMAN, J.R., Note on Rare Middlesex 15) bm6 kee cy macrura, Stevna, see Tern, Arctic. Magpie, Recovery of marked, 45 ; Speed of, 88, 220; Sparrow- Hawk breeding in old _ nest of, 335; in Norfolk, 345. Macratu, Cor. H. A. F., Letter on Cormorants breeding in St. James’s Park, 171. » fn Ici ainda INDEX. Mallard, Display of, 12; Nest with eggs in November, 23; Re- covery of marked, 73, 325; Movements of ringed, to and from abroad, 177, 359. Manx Ornithological Notes, 1929 and 1930, 18. MAPLETON-BREE, H. W., Letter on Woodcocks in Lundy, 276. marila, Nyvoca, see Duck, Scaup-. marinus, Larus, see Gull, Great Black-backed. Marked Birds, Recovery of, 45, 72; 319, 363. , see Ringed Birds. Marking Scheme, The “ British Birds,’’ Progress for 1931, 286. MARPLES, GEORGE, Experimental Studies of the Ringed Plover.— The Retrieving, Recognition, Orientation and Rotation of its eggs by the bird (Plates 2 and 3), 343 Notes on Cuckoo’s egg in nest of Reeve, 57 ; Large clutches of Com- mon Terns’ eggs, 82; Letters on Birds in Norfolk, 30; The songs and cries of the Nut- hatch, 107. B. J., Starling Roosts and Flight-lines near Oxfoid, 314. Martin, House-, North Sea Migrants, 9; Speed of, 89, 220; Move- ments of ringed, to abroad, 128; in Devonshire in Jan- uary, 274; in Devonshire in Winter, 307; Recovery of marked, 324; in Derbyshire, in October, 338. ———. Sand-, Speed of, 89; Move- ments of ringed, to abroad, 128. MATHEWS, GREGORY M., Note on White Stork in Hampshire, 362. mauretanicus, Puffinus p., see Shear- water, Western Mediterranean. Mayarrt, A., Note on Size of Clutches of Nightingale, 70. media, Capella, see Snipe, Great. megarhyncha, Luscinia m., see Nightingale. melophilus, Evithacus r., see Robin. ai3 mergansey, Mergus m., see Goos- ander. Merganser, Red-breasted, Move- ments of ringed, from abroad, 184. | Merlin, North Sea Migrants, 8; Recovery of marked, 72, 325; Taking young from nests, 303 ; Movement of ringed, from abroad, 358. merula, Turdus m., see Blackbird. millaisi, Lagopus m., see Ptarmi- gan. minuta, Calidris, see Stint, Little. minutus, Ixobrychus m., see Bittern, Little. , Larus, see Gull, Little. mitrvatus, Parus c., see Titmouse, Crested-. mollissima, Somateria, see Eider. monedula, Coleus, see Jackdaw. montanus, Passer m., see Sparrow, ‘Tree-. montifringilla, Fringilla, see Bram- bling. Moorhen, Rearing four broods, 106; Using Blackbird’s nest for breeding, 168 ; Movements of ringed, from abroad, 268. morinellus, Charadrius, see Dotterel. MurRRAY, CAPTAIN D. K. WOLFE, North Sea Migrants, 1930, 6. musicus, Turdus, see Redwing. MUSSELWHITE, D. W., Note on Nesting-habits of Marsh-Tit, 163. nevia, Locustella n.. see Warbler, Grasshopper-. nebularia, Tringa, see Greenshank. NETHERSOLE-[THOMPSON, DESMOND, The Field-habits and Nesting of the Hobby, 142. NicHoison, E. M., Supplementary Notes on the ‘‘ British Birds ”’ Census of Heronies, 159 ; Letter on Charts for Ocean Observa- tions, 84. NICHOLSON-SMITH, E. W., Notes on Coots appropriating nest of Great Crested Grebe, 59; Swallow’s nest without mud, 80; Swallows ejecting House- Sparrows, I31. 374 niger, Chlidonias n., see Tern, Black. Nightingale, in Co. Durham, 56; Size of clutches, 79; Pellets ejected by, 332. migva, Oidemia m., see Scoter, Common. nigvicollis, Podiceps n., see Grebe, Black-necked. nisorvia, Sylvia, see Warbler, Barred. nisus, Accipiter, see Hawk, Spar- row-. nivalis, Plectrophenax, see Bunting, Snow-. Norfolk, Birds in, 1930, 30; Orni- thological Report for, 1931, 342. North Sea Migrants, 6. Nuthatch, British, in Durham, not in Cumberland.—Correction, 28; Songs and cries, 70, 107 ; in Cumberland, 79; in Dur- ham, 203. nyvoca, Nyvoca n., see Duck, Ferruginous. Obituary— John Hutton Stenhouse, 52. obscurus, Parus c., see Titmouse, Blue. occidentalis, Prunella m., see Spar- row, Hedge-. OLDHAM, CHAS., Letters on Lundy Birds, 275 ; Colour of Feet and Bill of Dotterel Chick, 364. edicnemus, Burhinus, see Curlew, Stone-. enanthe, Ginanthe, see Wheatear. enas, Columba, see Dove, Stock-. olor, Cygnus, see Swan, Mute. Oriole, Golden, in Roxburghshire, 25; in Norfolk, 345. oviolus, Orviolus o., see Golden. Osprey, in Norfolk, 58. ostvalegus, Hematopus o., see Oyster- catcher. otus, Asio 0., see Owl, Long-eared. Ouzel, Ring-, Movements of ringed, to abroad, 124. OwEN, J. H., The Feeding-habits of the Sparrow-Hawk, 151; Moorhen using Blackbird’s nest for breeding, 168; the Hunt- ing of the Sparrow-Hawk, 238 ; Oriole, BRITISH BIRDS. Notes on the nesting of the Jackdaw, 53; on Peregrine Falcon with five eggs, 133. Barn-, Fledging-period of, 244; Recovery of marked, 72, 25. ——-, Eagle-, Unrecorded specimen from Lancashire, 132. ——.,, Little, Recovery of marked,72. Long-eared, Movements of ringed, from abroad, 174; Recovery of marked, 325; Pellets ejected by, 332; Sounds produced by, 361. ———, Short-eared, Migrants, 10; Essex.) 50: —-—, Tawny, North Sea Migrants, 7 = Speediot. 90,935) Ikecoveny of marked, 325. Oyster-catcher, in Middlesex, 24; a Correction, 308 ; Recovery of marked, 74, 328 ; in London, 135; Movements of ringed, to and from abroad, 188; Speed of, 220. Owl, North Sea Breeding in palumbus, Columba, see Pigeon, Wood-. palustris, A crocephalus, see Warbler, Marsh-. parasiticus, Stervcovarius, see Skua, Arctic. PARMENTER, L., Note on the Birds of Cornwall, 108. Partridge, Speed of, 91, 220. parva, Muscicapa., see Flycatcher, Red-breasted. pelagicus, Hydrobates, see Petrel, Storm-. Pellets ejected by birds, 332, 364. penelope, Anas, see Wigeon. perdix, Perdix, see Partridge. peregrinus, Falco p., see Falcon, Peregrine. Perry, R. K., Note on Stone- Curlew in Lancashire, 135. perspicillata, Oidemia, see Scoter, Surf-. Petrel, Fork-tailed, 229; in Dorset, 229; in Devon, 229; in Kent, 229; in Sussex, 229; in Somerset, 308; in Cheshire, 308; in Norfolk, 351. in Hertford, ) | INDEX. Petrel, Fulmar, in Isle of Man, 21; Nesting in East Ross-shire, 26 ; Seen in Pembrokeshire, 81 ; in Lancashire, 83; in Norfolk, 83; Breeding in Ross-shire, 134; im North Atlantic, 157 ; in Wigtownshire, 166; Calling in flight, 166; in Cornwall, 308. ——, Madeiran Ireland, 228. ——., Storm-, Breeding-habits, 206 ; Incubation- and _ Fledging- periods, 209. petrosus, Anthus s., see Pipit, Rock-. Phalarope, grants, 7; at Isle of Man, 21 ; in Surrey, 203. philomelus, Turdus ph., Continental Song-. phenicurus, Phenicurus ph., see Redstart. pheopus, Numenius, see Whimbrel. pica, Pica, see Magpie. Pigeon, Wood-, Recovery of marked, 74, 328; Speed of, 90, 171, 220. pilaris, Turdus, see Fieldfare. Pintail, Movements of ringed, from abroad, 184. Pipit, Alpine, in Cambridgeshire, 301. ——, Meadow-, North Sea Migrants, 7; Recovery of marked, 48 Movements of ringed, to and from abroad, 120, 357. ——, Petchora, at Fair Isle, 26. ——, Richard’s, in Gloucestershire, 301. ——., Rock-, North Sea Migrants, 10; in Cambridgeshire, 301. ——, Tree-, North Sea Migrants, 7 ; Movements of ringed, toabroad, 119. platyrhyncha, Anas p., see Mallard. Plover, Grey, in Middlesex, 272. , Golden, Incubation-period of, 82. ——., Northern Golden, Movements of ringed, from abroad, 188, 360. ——, Ringed, Retrieving, Recog- nition, Orientation and Rota- tion of its eggs, 34; Recovery of marked, 75, 328. Fork-tailed, in see Thrush, Grey, North Sea Mi- | ——, Water-, | Rail, Land-, 375 Pochard, Common, Movements of ringed, to abroad, 184. , Red-crested (Curtis’ ant. pomarinus, Stercovarius, see Skua, Pomatorhine. PowELt, T. G., Letter on the Speed of Stone-Curlew, 108. Duck), premium, Phylloscopus h., see Warbler, Yellow-browed. pratensis, Anthus, see Pipit, Meadow-. PRING, Rev. C. J., Note on Great Spotted Woodpeckers boring in telephone poles, 131. Ptarmigan, Nest in long heather, 305. Puffin, Recovery of marked, 78; in North Atlantic, 158; in Buckinghamshire, 203 ; Move- ments of ringed, to abroad, 267. puffinus, Puffinus p.,see Shearwater, Manx. pugnax, Philomachus, see Ruff. pygargus, Circus, see Harrier, Mon- tagu’s. Quail, in Gloucestershire, 83; Breeding in Denbighshire, 306 ; in Norfolk in summer, 354. querquedula, Anas, see Garganey. Recovery of marked, 78; Movements of ringed, to abroad, 268 ; in Inner London, 350. ee Breeding in Here- fordshire, 23. RAaLFE, P. G., Manx Ornithological Notes, 1929 and 1930, 18. Raven, Recovery of marked, in Norfolk, 345. Razorbill, Movements of siveed, to abroad, 266; Recovery of marked, 78, 331. Recovery of Marked Birds, 45, 72, 319; 319. Redbreast. see Robin. Redpoll, Lesser, Recovery of marked, 321. Redshank, Common, Recovery of marked, 76, 329 ; Movements of ringed, to abroad, ror. 376 Redshank, Spotted, in Fifeshire, 26 ; at Fair Isle, 26; in Cornwall, 167 ; in Durham, 195; in Sutherland, 274. Redstart, North Sea Migrants, 9 ; Alighting on the sea, 80; Movements of ringed, to abroad, 126; Recovery of marked, (50; 32353) 10) immer London, 355. ——, Black, at Isle of Man, 20; in Bedfordshire, 28; in Pem- brokeshire, 8o. Redwing, North Sea Migrants, 7 ; in Suffolk in July, 106; Move- ments of ringed, from abroad, ee tor —, Iceland, in Ross-shire, 223 ; anvelne land 2255e22.3) Reeve, Egg of Cuckoo, in nest of, 57. regulus, Regulus, see Wren, Golden- crested. Reviews :— Memories of Fourscore Years Less Two (1851-1929), 29. Watchings and Wanderings among Birds, 29. Bird Life in Devon, 108. The Literature of the Charadrii- formes from 1894 to 1928, 138. Nature Photography, 169. The Art of Bird-watching, 2209. A Bird-Painter’s Sketch Book, 2eDn The Birds of the Air or British Birds in their Haunts, 232. Nature by Night, 233. The Grey Squirrel, 233. Report of the Oxford Ornitho- logical Society on the Birds of Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, 1930, 233. Transactions of the Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists’ Society for 1929-30, 234. The London Naturalist for the Wiedr WosoN 2ent Cardiff Naturalists’ Society, Report and Transactions, Vol) EX OZOH 23\53 Report on Somerset Birds, TOR OFZ Sor BRITISH BIRDS. Report of the Cambridge Bird Club; t930; 235; Report on the Birds of Wilt- shire for 1930, 235. Report of the Marlborough College Natural History Society for 1930, 236. Eton College Natural History Society Report, 1930-1, 236. The Heron in Somerset— Supplement, 236. Beasts and Birds as Resta 274. Atlas des Vogelzugs nach den Beringungsergebnissen bei palearktischen V6geln, 339. vichardi, Anthus r., see Pipit, Richard’s. RicHMoND, W. K., A short account of the present state of Bird- life in the Teesmouth, 193. vidibundus, Larus y., see Gull, Black-headed. Ringed Birds, Movements of, from abroad to the British Islands and from the British Islands to abroad, I10, 174, 245, 357. 5 , see Marked Birds. Ringers, Notice to, 129. Ringing, Traps for Bird-, 204. riparia, Riparia, see Martin, Sand-. Ritcuiz, Dr. James, Obituarial notice of John Hutton Sten- house, 52 ; Note on Systematic “ Beating ’’ by Herons, 228. Riviere. 93.) By, Ornithological Report for Norfolk for 1931, 342; Letter on An Omission from a History of the Birds of Norfolk, 276. RosBerts, B. B., On the Normal Flight-speed of Birds, 220. Robin, British, Recovery of marked, 50, 51, 324; Move- ments of ringed, to abroad, 126. ——, Continental, North Sea Migrants, 7; in Shetland, 168. Ropinson, H. W., Notes on Garganey in Lancashire, 103 ; Mortality among young Com- mon Terns, 135; Letter on Contests for Nesting-site be- tween Spotted Flycatchers and Swallows, 171. Farm INDEX. Ropinson,H.W.,and SAvaGE, E. U., Note on Large Clutches of Common Terns’ Eggs, 104. Roller, in Hertfordshire, 335. Rook, North Sea Migrants, 7; Recovery of marked, 45, 319; Speed of, 85, of, I71, 2205 Movements of ringed, from abroad, 113, 357. Ross, Miss WINIFRED M., Note on Incubation- and _ Fledging- periods of the Tree-Creeper, 102. ROWBERRY, E. C., Notes on Carrion-Crows attacking Squir- rels, 129; Teal breeding in Middlesex, 134; Willow-Tit breeding in Middlesex, 163. rvubecula, Evithacus y., see Red- breast, Continental. yubetva, Saxicola y., see Whinchat. Ruff, at Isle of Man,21; in Middlesex, 134; Early in Oxfordshire, 234 ; in Norfolk in February, 305 ; Probable breeding in Norfolk, 352. vufina, Netta, see Pochard, Red- crested. vustica, Hivundo r., see Swallow. rusticola, Scolopax, see Woodcock. sandvicensis, Sterna Sandwich. SALMON, H. Morrey, Letter on The Manx Shearwater’s Flea, 171. Sanderling in Middlesex, 134. Sandpiper, Common, Movements of ringed, to abroad, 191; Breeding in Bucks., 234; in Inner London, 356. ——, Curlew-, in Lancashire, 28. ——, Wood-, in Kent in Spring, 60. SAVAGE, REv. E. U., see ROBINSON, s., see Tern, H. W. schinzti, Calidris a., see Dunlin, Southern. scheniclus, Emberiza, see Bunting, | Reed-. : schenobenus, . vee i” 5 eS SS q p= eee dicette iokes Ss oe wh, “ee