“ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES SOUTH LONDON SUBURB 1874-1909, | Smithsonian Institution ibrartes Alexander Wetmore 1940 Sixth Secretary 1 953 cy ‘NONIVL AYAM SALON NOILLVYOIN AHL HOIHM WOW NAGUYD AHL ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB, 1874-1909. A ‘SUMMARY? OF 235 YEARS’ OBSERVATIONS, WITH SOME. FACTS AND FANCIES CONCERNING MIGRATION. BY F. D. POWER, M.R.C.S. E EMITHSCi\i45 . LONDON: | Ifenry J. GLAISHER, 55-57 WIGMORE STREET, W. REBACE: NATURE Study at the present day is happily becoming exten- sively recognised as a valuable subject in the education of the young, and very properly so; for, apart from the interest that is sure to attract the youthful mind as the wonders of Nature’s ways are taught and explained, a still more important gain will probably result as knowledge grows, and that is—the habit of observation. This habit, though acquired in the first place in regard to one object, may be expected eventually to extend to all creatures and things with which the individual comes in con- tact; and, furthermore, from accurate observation, inferences may be made and deductions drawn that may well lead to hght and truth—surely the highest aim of education! Should the following record of my notes stimulate or help one person in the habit of observation, my effort will not have been useless. PD POWER BRIXTON, April 1910. Accidental Visitors Allgreen Parakeet - Autumn Visitors Barn Owl - Blackbird = - Blackcap - Black-headed Gull - Blue-tit - Brambling Brixton - Brockwell Park Budgerigar - Bullfinch - Bunting, yellow Buzzard - Canary Chaffinch 3 migration of Chiffchaff = - Cole-tit - Common Gull 5» Sandpiper bern Whitethroat Creeper Cross-bill - Crow, Common 7 Hooded Cuckoo : Curlew Dabchick - Daw - - Diver - Dove, Collared » Ring - », stock so TI = Duck, Wild - PN DES Duck, Pochard », Scaup- ss Shoveller a deal Dunlin - - Fieldfare - Finch tribe Flycatcher, Spotted Garden Warbler Geese, Wild - Goldfinch - Gold-crested Wren Godwit - Great Tit - 5, Spotted Woodpecker », Black-backed Gull Greater Whitethroat Grey Wagtail Grebe, Little Greenfinch - Green Sandpiper - » Shank », Woodpecker Gull, Black-headed »» Common » Herring 5, Lesser Black-headed », Greater Hawfinch~ - Hawk, Sparrow », Kestrel »> Merlin ,, Buzzard Hedgesparrow Heron - - Herring Gull Hoodie - - House Martin Illustrations :— Dulwich Wood Dulwich Park and Lake - Cox’s Walk, Lordship Lane Brockwell Park—Small Lake Garden from which chief notes were taken Jackdaw - : Jay > - Kestrel - - - Kingfisher - - Landrail - - Lapwing - - Lark, Sky - - s» Migration of >» Wood - - Lesser Redpole = - ss Spotted Woodpecker ss Black-backed Gull »» Whitethroat Linnet - - - Little Grebe - - Long-tailed Tit = - Lory, Blue Mountain Magpie - - - Mallard . - Marsh-tit - - Martin, House - » Sand Meadow Pipit - Merlin - - - Missel Thrush - Moorhen - - Migrations, arrivals on departures - 53 the line aa against wind af by day and night - 36 special features of swallow tribe - 50 chart during 25 years Nightingale - - Nightjar - - Notes on Migration Nutcracker - ~ Nuthatch - - 16 32 49 56 - Frontispiece INDEX—continued, PAGE Occasional Visitors Ousel, Ring - - Owl, Tawny - - », Short-eared - ah deplan) - Parakeet, All-green Rosella Parrot tribe - - +» Blue Mountain Lory Partridge —- - Peewit - - - Pheasant . - Pied Wagtail . Pipit, Meadow - »» Tree - - ss Red-breasted Plover, Green - + Ringed - Pochard - - Quail - - - Raven - - - Redwing - - Red-poll - - Redstart - - Redshank = - - Red-backed Shrike Red-breasted Pipit Reed Wren - - Residents - - Ring Dove - - sae Ousell- = - ss Plover - - Robin - - - Rook - - - 5, Migration of - Rosella Parakeet - Sand Martin - - Sandpiper, Common Ap Green Scaup - - - Sedgewarbler - Short-eared Owl - Shoveller - - Shrike, red-backed Siskin - - - Sky-lark - - Snipe - - - INDEX—consinued. PAGE Sparrow, House - - - - 14 Visitors. occasional - - Tree : = : - 14 ss summer - Sparrowhawk - - - - 46 »» various i Spoonbill = = “'#" “f= (= 453 sy) ° fwanter =p Spotted Flycatcher - : 2 ee pe a BS yeaa pied = Stonechat - - - > - 41 ‘ wane : i Stock Dove - - = $ - 49 % ae ; : i _ 9 ” j f i zi en Visitors - . : “lee! Warbler, Grasshopper - Swallow - - s = - 34 Migration of - - - 60 es pines ee ; 3” gra Swill: (we. te eee 36 se er ue ar 9 Sedge - = Table showing wind and migration Wheatear - - - during 25 Octobers- - - 61 Whimbrel - -~ - Tawny Owl - - > = - 47 Whinchat - = z Teal - - - 3 3 = 845 Whitethroat, Greater - Tern, Common - = : - 40 ae Lesser - Thrush, Missel —- - 3 4 eel Wild Duck - = < ae Song - = = =P ALL Willow Wren - - Tit, Great - - C : “ld Winter Visitors - : » Blue - - - = - 20 Woodlark = - = 3, Cole - - - = - 20 Woodwren - - - x» Marsh - - : = = 043 Woodpecker, Great Spotted », Longtailed - : z = 43 re Lesser Spotted Tree Creeper : = ¢ - 24 fA (Grecniaae ;, Pipit - = = : a 33 Wryneck — - a = »» Sparrow - = : sh Al Wren, Reed - = = Tufted Duck - - : - aco » Willow - > Turtle Dove-" - - = = 38 »» Wood =e Turtur Risoria - - = Sa ss Common - Twite - - - < : = 5 :, Goldcrested - Visitors, accidental - - - 50 VYellowhammer ~ - 59 autumn - = > = 40 Yellow Wagtail - - ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES. BRIXTON at the present day, constituting as it does part of Greater London, would probably not be considered a lhkely spot to provide a very large measure of Natural History observa- tions,—at any rate on Ornithology. Nevertheless, the greater portion of the following records emanates from one garden in that suburb—a most fortunate and favoured point of observa- tion from the fact that it is in a line of migration, which, if not very marked when the birds are arriving in spring, is most pro- nounced and unmistakable at the time of the autumn passage. The district has, however, altered very greatly during the last 30 years— possibly more than any other suburb of the Metropolis. What httle waste land existed in 1874 between Brixton and Herne Hill is now covered with houses; in fact, the two suburbs are continuous, and Herne Hill can no longer claim to be in the country. Even Dulwich Hamlet is fast losing its old village appearance, though exhibiting the least change of any of the neighbouring suburbs, and is still notable for its grand old elms. The changed character of Brixton and its surroundings has had a marked effect on bird life ,—more especially shewn in the yearly diminishing record of breeding species; a fact very evident in the ten-year summaries had drawn up when arranging these notes. But a falling off is observable also among the migrants with regard to the number of species that appear, although, I think, not in the actual numbers of birds that pass over us. Apart from the many migrants, it is owing to our local parks and commons and the still-existing woods of Dulwich and Sydenham that so many birds are still attracted, and that the breeding species are even now fairly numerous. Brockwell Park, an old estate containing some fine trees and a delightful old garden, formed a great attraction and refuge for birds before it was thrown open to the public; and, although it doubtless still attracts many species for food or 7 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. temporary rest, only a comparative few now make it a home. Even the long-established Rookery has been broken up within the last few years, and now the Thrush tribe alone seems to flourish there in its former numbers, together with some Finches and Tits. Dulwich Park, with its shrubberies, fine trees, and above all its large lake and well-wooded island, has greater attractions for bird life than Brockwell, and is—or rather was—a safer and quieter refuge. Was, I say, for until the rowing boats were placed on the lake in 1904, we had, owing to its quiet sheltered position and attractive island, a tempting restmg-place for the passing or wearied migrant. So much was this the case, that I have seen on and about this comparatively small sheet of water, 7 species not observed elsewhere in the district. In one day in October, 1898, there were 5 Scaups and 4 Shovellers on the lake, and the Tufted Duck nested on the island for 3 or 4 years. Moreover, in spring and autumn the Common Sand- piper was a regular visitor, and the Kingfisher not uncommon at the latter season. The Dabchick, too, appeared both in spring and autumn, and the Moorhens could be tamed to feed almost at one’s feet. The latter are now as wild as the wildest, and I have seen few Wild Duck—2 or 3 Mallard only, and one solitary Tufted—since the advent of the boats. These facilities for boating have been only too well appreciated py the public, some beginning this exercise as early as 6 o’clock. and the saddened bird-lover has now little chance of even an early morning note of extra interest. Besides the above-mentioned Parks, those at Battersea and St. James’ have furnished me with a few records, and, in addi tion to the commons of Clapham, Tooting and Streatham, | have included some few notes from the more distant one of Mitcham, although it is not quite fairly in the district. All these have, however, like the Parks, suffered ornithological loss of late years by reason of the great advance of building around, and consequent increase of population; so that no one of these areas now possesses the necessary quiet to induce birds to settle and still less to stay and breed. Mitcham Common, that up to ten years ago not only attracted, but held many nesting species, is over-run with golfers and others; and, although many birds are attracted, few now stay for breeding purposes and many others rest there only for a few hours. ) In the following pages it will be observed that the major portion of the records of breeding species has been made in Dulwich Wood and its surroundings, and at the present time this district is practically the only source of such notes. With 8 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. the migrants, however, it is different, and my own garden at Brixton still holds the first place in furnishing me with abund- ant observations, by reason both of the quantity of such birds and the variety of species which cross it. In accounting for the fact that the migrant species observed from my garden form so large a number (83) of the birds to be presently specified, a reasonable explanation seems as follows :— It is, I believe, generally accepted that migrating flocks on reaching our East coast cross the country for the most part along the course of the rivers; and, judging by the great flights —the wind being favourable—I see at Brixton, it would appear that my position is one in the line taken by birds that reach the Kentish coast to the South of the Thames mouth, and that these travellers follow the course of the river, and thus pass over this south-western suburb, just South of the Metropolis ; in no other way can I account for the numbers that are some- times seen. Many, doubtless, cross London itself unhindered by the noise and traffic, and I have, in fact, on a few occasions seen flocks of Chaffinches passing in the neighbourhood of London Bridge; the mass, however, I am inclined to think avoid the Metropolis. Some details of this westerly passage over Brixton will be given at the end among the notes on migration generally; but before proceeding to enumerate the various species seen here, I will endeavour to give some idea of this migratory movement when a great passage 1s in progress. Given a fair morning, between the second week and end of October, following one or two days of W.N.W. wind—stili holding from the same quarter—the passage of birds from about 7.30 to 10.30 a.m. is remarkable. Flock after flock crosses my garden with steady flight, and apparently the fixed purpose 1s to get as far West as they can whilst the wind continues fav ourable. When this wind is of a light character, and the sky clear, the birds will be about 30 or 40 yards up, but on a duli morning with blustering wind they come low, just over the trees and house-tops; even then their steady progress will be just as marked as on a fine, calm morning. The flocks vary greatly in size, from half a dozen to fifty and upwards, and in times of fog they pass above it, and, of course, are then only traceable by their notes. Of these hosts, Chaffinches exceed all the other species put together. Next to them in numbers come Larks, closely followed by Starlings. The Corvi, chiefly Rooks, are, I think, next best represented, and after them I should reckon Green- finches and Bramblings as most abundant, the latter, thougn, 9 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. being always associated with Chafhnches. The rarer Finches, Wag-tails and Pipits are very irregular in appearance, and not seen every year. Of the Thrush tribe, Fieldfares and Redwings are always travelling when seen, but Blackbirds and Thrushes are never actually so doing, although at the time of passage of other species they become suddenly common in the parks and gar- dens. With Robins or Wrens it is the same. Hedge-sparrows, on the contrary, are often on the move westward from garden to garden, usually in parties of 4 to ©. Tits—chiefly Great and Blue—which often travel together, are at times joined by the Coletit, and, still more rarely, by the Marsh and Long-tailed. Restless and undecided as their move- ments seem to be, by careful watching it will be noticed that these movements from tree to tree are always taking them in a westerly direction; such Tits, I should observe, are the October or foreign Tits. The partial migration in July and August of the locally-bred birds is of quite a different character; these are changing their quarters leisurely, and feeding as they go The migration above described is the autumnal movement only; in spring, except for the Swallow tribe, I see very little of the actual arrivals. The migration of Hirundines differs in some respects from that of other birds, and will be described later on, but they alone afford me regular notes when the wind is W. or N. of W., between the third week of April and end of May. Their direction at this time of year is N. of W., whilst those departing take a south-west course, it appearing some- thing of an anomaly that the lines taken by arriving and depart- ing birds should be so nearly similar. The illustrations are from photos taken in the district by members of my family, and by the Chaucer Post-card Publish- ing Company of Herne Hill, who very kindly gave me permis- sion to reproduce them here. The number of species observed, and now to be reviewed, is 125. They will be most conveniently considered under the following heads :— I. Residents, comprising 29 species. Il. Summer visitors, numbering 37 species—of which 17 have been found nesting, though only 13 do so now; Q are seen only ‘occasionally ; and © are reckoned accidental. III. Winter migrants, 18. IV. Occasional 24;—9 summer; I5 autumn and winter. V. Accidental 26;—6 summer; 20 autumn and winter: VI. Various, 6. 10 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. ead Eee STOEN TS. First comes the Thrush tribe — Missel, Blackbird, and Thrush. All three are quite as common, I think, as 30 years ago, the two latter being particularly plentiful in the local parks. MISSEL THRUSH. The Missel Thrush breeds sparingly in the neighbourhood, but in Brixton itself I have no record of it so doing since 1900. The average date of the first song I find to be February 13th, and it is not often to be heard after the middle of May. In the early months of the year a very common sight is that of the association of three of these birds, but that it is scarcely of an amicable character may be known by their many harsh utterances; the entire performance being, doubtless, the rivalry of two male birds for a female. The Blackbird and Thrush are both profusely common and still nest in Brixton gardens. The parks and woods are, how- ever, their chief resorts; Dulwich Park being especially fav- oured. In the early April and May mornings I am sure a dozen or more of both species may be heard singing at one time. IRE CO'S El. The Thrush begins its song much earlier than the Black- bird, about mid-November, if mild; certainly before December is out his voice will be heard. At this time the staves will be short and the melody broken, but after the New Year the song steadily improves, and should be perfect early in February. Then to the end of May it is at its best, though there will be very much fewer birds singing by that time. Those with second or late broods will keep in song throughout June, and occasionally one or more may be heard throughout July and even in the first week of August. These last songs will, how- ever, be confined to the early mornings. Roughly speaking, there are barely 4 months in which the. song is not heard As a migrant, it is not very noticeable—that is, as a traveller—but in August we get many in the suburban gardens through the dispersal of the locally-bred birds, and in October a marked addition to our numbers by the advent of the foreign Thrushes. BLACKBIRD. The Blackbird is, I think, quite as abundant here as the Thrush. Its song is rarely heard before February, and usually about the second week; the average date, by my notes, being 11 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. the oth. Twice only have | heard the bird singing in January —in 18096, as early as the 2nd; and, strange to say, in good voice, for the first utterances are as a rule short and imperfect. Only exceptionally is the song continued into July; in fact, the majority of birds are silent after the first week in June, and the August trial song of the young males is not so often heard as among the young Thrushes. The actual arrival of foreign birds in autumn is not often witnessed, but the presence of strangers in the parks and gar- dens at the end of September and in October is always evident, these being, I believe, invariably black-billed birds. Several varieties have come under my notice here, those with a few white feathers in head or neck being not uncommon, but a very pretty specimen having a symmetrical greymantle over the shoulders appeared in Dulwich Park in 1892. In 1909 a white headed bird was several times observed about Loughborough Park. THE WNSECTARATERS: Of this group there are five residents: — Robin, Hedge- sparrow, Wren, Meadow Pipit, and Pied Wag-tail. ROBIN. The Robin is abundant everywhere, and particularly so in Dulwich Wood, which is a favourite breeding place; in August the young birds swarm there, and are the chief tenants of the then almost deserted wood. It is not a common bird in the suburban gardens in sum- mer, and nests in them very sparingly, but by the end of August a few come to the gardens for their winter residence ; it is then that the song is so noticeable, and is apparently in connection with the strife that occurs among these birds in settling the area of their winter quarters, concerning which they are very jealous. This matter settled, the fightings and challenging songs become much less frequent. The Robin is one of the few species that sing all the year round. HEDGE-SPARROW. The Hedge-sparrow occurs in about the usual numbers. The song is first heard in January—average date, the 27th— and is continued up to June; often to be resumed in October, though not invariably. There is a marked advent of these 12 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. birds in the autumn, and in the month of October parties of 3 or 4 may frequently be seen journeying westward as they pass from tree to tree, whilst numbers remain about the sub- urban gardens for some days. On the 5th October, 1904, Kennington Park seemed to be alive with them. WREN. The Wren is to be found fairly commonly, and is most usually detected by its note; otherwise, owing to its creeping habits, the bird would often be overlooked. A few years back it used to breed in the old gardens towards Camberwell, but now nests, to my knowledge, no nearer than Dulwich Wood. Much in the manner of the Robin, it returns to the villa gar- dens for the winter months, and may be observed diligently examining the various growths on the walls and fences for in- sects and their eggs. Many of these autumn visitors are doubtless foreign migrants. The song is rarely heard before the middle or end of March, and continues vociferous until the young have flown; occasionally its lively utterance may be heard in mid-winter. MEADOW PIPIT. Of this species the nearest known breeding habitation is Mitcham Common, where twenty years ago it was rather plenti- ful. At the present time, owing to the very much greater use of the Common by the public, and the never-ceasing golf, only a few pairs are to be found nesting. The song commences about the second week in March, and ceases with the flight of the nestlings. The passage of a few in small parties, in autumn, was formerly observed yearly, but during the last ten years has only twice been noted, viz. in 1898 and 1902. The reason for this is not quite clear, for, although the species is locally much less common owing to the encroachments on its haunts, the flocks I used to see passing W. in October were foreigners, apparently bent on travelling far beyond our dis- trict. As a spring migrant, it has seldom been seen, but in March, 1897, I came upon a party of 10 on Tooting Common ; these, after being twice disturbed, rose high in the air and went off N.W. PIED WAG-TAIL. Not plentiful as a resident, but breeds yearly in Dulwich Park, nesting in the ivy and honeysuckle-covered tree stumps. It is also to be seen on Tooting Common in summer. As a 15 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. migrant over my garden, it appears both in early spring and autumn, passing invariably to N.E. at the former and S.W. at the latter period, generally as single birds, and never more than two together; the March movement is far more irregular than that of October. In the late autumn of 1903, when the lake in Dulwich Park was cleaned, the exposed black mud brought together an unusual number of these birds to so suitable a feed- ing ground, and this they occupied daily until the operation was finished. THE PINCH TRIBE: Of these, six make their homes in the neighbourhood, viz.:—Sparrow, Greenfinch, Chafhnch, Redpoll, Bullfinch, and Hawfinch; the nesting of the three last, however, always of rare and uncertain occurrence, is especially so at the present day. SPARROW. Although a pilferer and a bully, it is nevertheless a very useful bird in early summer, working early and late for insect food on behalf of its young ones. The parent birds must destroy an incalculable number of aphides and caterpillars that affect not only the flowers, bushes, and shrubs, but also those to be found on trees of large growth. In Dulwich Wood, in the month of May, I have observed half a dozen or more birds busy in a single oak top searching for the larve of the de- structive green Tortrix. Except for the good the Sparrow does while the young require insect food, I fear there is little to be said in his favour for the rest of the year. As is well known, he nibbles off the tips of carnations, nips off the crocuses, and picks holes in many other flowers. In -August, when the ants “swarm,” the bird becomes an expert fly-catcher, and from every tree and almost every branch that commands a view of the slowly-rising winged hordes, both old and young are engaged in the capture and feasting. At times there is in Sparrows a marked antagonism to the presence of birds of other species; this is especially notice- able in the autumn, and to a less degree in spring. They will then chase Starlings, Thrushes, and even the tame Pigeons, whilst the wandering Tits and Hedge-sparrows have often a very unhappy time of it; the Robin, though, I believe, 1s always unmolested. On one occasion a passing Rook was so persecuted that it “cawed” angrily; and I once saw a Jay undergo a similar experience. 14 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. Many varieties have come under my observation here. A very pretty brown bird — similar in colour to a “cinnamon” canary —I noted in.Dulwich Park for four years. It was a male and never varied much, merely becoming lighter in colour and cleaner-looking in the spring. In 1903 T saw a pure white bird for one day only; this, too, was in Dulwich Park, where, in that same year, there were two other birds showing white to a large extent about the head, neck, or back. A bird with a pale grey back I watched for nearly a twelve-month in our streets. Still slighter varieties, such as those with a single white feather in tail or wing, are yearly to be seen. GREENFINCH. This breeds now sparingly in the local parks, and, more- over, in ever-lessening numbers. The song begins about the end of March, and the well-known “wheeze” with the nest- building, whilst the queer wavering flight—-so like that of a Noctule Bat—is exhibited, I believe, only after the hen bird begins to sit, for this performance, with the accompanying stuttering song, is not seen in the early days of courtship. The song itself is not often heard after mid- summer, but the annoy- ing “wailing note, uttered by the birds when in anxiety about their young, is often continued much later. Formerly a regular westerly passage of small parties in October was witnessed yearly, but has occurred only irregularly during the last ten Gas or so; still, there is always an increase in the number of these birds about our gardens and the parks in that month. The species is particularly fond of sunflower seeds, and in October wandering individuals soon discover my plants. CHAFFINCH. The Chaffinch is now by no means a plentiful species as a breeding bird, although distributed fairly about the district. The song “begins between the middle and end of February, as a rule, and continues until June. The bird would be commoner with us but for the bird-catchers who, formerly at any rate, infested the birds haunts on Sundays with their caged decoys and limed twigs; no bird, I believe, answ ering more readily to the song- challenge than the unfortunate cock Chaffnch. The species, ~howev er, is to be seen in abundance here at the time of the enormous migrations that take place in October. This passage—or rather a view of it—depends upon the prevailing 15 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. wind at the time of the movement. Should a W. or N.W. wind blow in the first few days of October, and keep in that quarter, a daily passage in a direction W. or W. by N. may be witnessed through nearly the whole month; if, however, E. or S.E. winds occur, the movement will be scarcely, if at all, noticeable. On a favourable occasion flock after flock, containing half a dozen to fifty or more birds, will pass in an almost continuous stream for hours—.e., from 8 a.m. to noon or thereabouts. One of the most remarkable of these passages occurred in 1902, when the first flock passed over on the 7th October, and others almost daily until the 5th of November — exactly a month; during this time many thousands must have passed before my eyes—probably only a tithe of those travelling when I was unable to watch their progress. In that year the heaviest “rushes” were between the 2Ist and 20th, and throughout this time the wind was chiefly W. by N. Exactly the contrary took place in 1889, when there was only one day of marked migration, and in 1908, when only two days showed any passage; but throughout the Octobers of those years the prevalent wind was E. or S.E. I imagine that the absence of visible migration during these unfavourable winds is due to the fact that the birds pass over at a great height—in fact, out of sight—in a region where they find a suitable half-facing wind. In support of this theory I would say that on several occasions it has hap- pened that my attention has been called to the passing of these birds by their faint call note, and after careful scrutiny I have ‘discovered them so high overhead as to be mere specks in the blue; in such cases the direction of the wind below was un- favourable, whilst higher up was a contrary current that suited. This Chaffinch migration is the most regular and evident than that of the other foreign visitors which pass over the dis- trict, but all the species that pass over us in autumn are gener- ally — indeed, almost only—seen when a W. or N.W. wind prevails. This fact will be more fully dealt with in the notes on migration, further on. HAWFINCH. Although this always seems to be rather a scarce bird, it is more generally distributed than supposed, and for this there are several reasons. In the first place, it is particularly shy ; secondly, its note—a short “tick ”—Jis neither loud nor re- markable, nor is the song attractive enough to arrest attention. 16 ‘d0OOM HOIMTNG 7 7 r ' oe: fs 9 et cd a ; ; yw” * ‘ hl er " : e : i ' p tf a pi Ry t 1 a =P * > . » 4 . oe ‘ 7 © _ - 5 ss rs v 1 Ie Vr ) — ve 5 : ‘ n y= he ; ; ‘rp y ~_ . be : : ni ™ _ he - 7 40" - - =e _— - A ho ~ s : : i 7 T v. > i + 7 : or * r s - a - il = 7 tT ad * ) t ‘ - =. 4 : ‘ - a Pen , oe a! = / = yy “ i) 1 va t ‘ wy u ao At) a = ride @\u Lt i 3 Tae 2 - Lee , THE > io Ay, cn i s, : - ian iy ee 2 fl ce cay ha dt h as a naan i J ue 7 : 7 ay , ——a 7 Ce re i‘ eers mah Ay “ ' in . aA i, i = Po Sat RR Ae 7 ets “s hoe y Be PISO = cs Sey 7 ‘ oo ‘ - sala ui af i ’ 7 ' fom i ‘ y < P nat i t, 0, : i ° : A w i ‘ Tove ty 5 i ‘ : Sa. y e oa 7 - * ' ( ; ' 7 a - a pe _ rs Ne ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB: In the third place, in flight it always passes quickly and stealthily, and when on the wing, unless seen clearly—a some- what rare event, among the tall trees to which it most resorts— might easily escape notice. I claim the species as a resident without having, so far, discovered a nest, because | meet with examples every spring and early summer, especially in Dulwich Wood, where they are generally to be found in pairs, and may sometimes to be “ stalked” and watched when in song. Thus it seems certain that several pairs must nest yearly in Dulwich and Sydenham Woods, and in the grounds of the Crystal Palace. This last spring these birds appeared to be more plentiful than usual, since I rarely visited the wood between 17th March and 4th May without meeting one or more. BULLFINCH. I include this among the residents, although I have only one record of the bird having actually bred here; this was in Dulwich Wood in 1go1, the nest being discovered by the keeper, who reported the safe uprearing of the young birds. In this wood two or more pairs are to be seen every spring, especially in April, when the wild cherry trees are in flower ; one day, four years since, I came upon four birds busily picking at the buds and blossoms, and littering the ground with their pluckings. During the first few years of my residence, I used regu- larly to find one or more about my garden, or passing over m the month of October, but for ten years or more I have made no such note. The species, in common with several others, finds every year fewer inducements to visit the district, owing mainly to the decay or disappearance of so many attractive trees and shrubs, by reason of the ever- encroaching bricks and mortar on previously attractive ground. (ESSEBIe TUE DIPOLE: This species has bred, and, I firmly believe, does so still occasionally, in the Sydenham district. Although of irregular appearance, it has been observed at all times of the year, and at the present time quite as frequently as thirty years ago. The seeds of the birch are a great attraction, and it is in and about these trees, which are fairly plentiful in Dulwich Wood that I most usually find the birds. One November I discovered I4 in one tree-top; this, however, is one of the few occasions in which I have seen any number together here. In March 17 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. and April, pairs are to be found underneath the trees, search- ing for fallen seed; at this time they are very tame, and if disturbed will soon return, the male bird showing nesting tend- encies by the frequent utterance of his yet imperfect song. In 1876, from July 20th to August 8th, a pair frequented my garden and began to build in a thick pear tree, but, being pestered by cats, relinquished their plan, much to my disap- pointment. In the autumn of 1870, I saw three birds in the solitary alder in Brixton Churchyard, and single birds, in the later months of the year, are often attracted by the inhabit- ants of my aviary, on which they have several times been captured. SKYLARK. A few pairs still breed in Dulwich Meadows, the nearest suitable ground we have at the present day. The song may be heard as early as February, if mild; but scarcely with any regularity before the end of March; it is continued throughout the summer, but becomes less frequent in July. In August and September it is heard perhaps less than at any other time of year, for on any fine day in autumn or winter the bird may delight us with its song, though a short and imperfect one, and with the accompanying “rise” feeble compared with the sum- mer effort. The autumn migration is always observable, though in very fluctuating or uncertain nmbers; in some years only a few stragglers, and in others innumerable flocks. The beginning of the movement is shown by the appearance in the early morn- ings of September of a few solitary examples moving in various directions—this being probably the partial migration of home- bred birds;. but by the end of the first week in October the passage of large flocks of foreigners occurs — most marked when the suitable W. or N.W. wind is blowing — their most usual direction being S. of W., thus differing slightly from the more westerly point to which other species are at the same time making ther way. With Larks, the migration is usually over by the third week in October—any later passage being of rare occurrence. The years 1888, 1891, and 1892 were noteworthy, not only for the immense numbers but for the size of the flocks — often containing fifty to seventy birds — that passed almost daily for a fortnight or so in the middle of that month. In 1888 this great passage followed a few days of N.W. wind, and that or a directly westerly breeze continued throughout the movement. In 1801 the wind was generally 18 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. W., but chiefly S.W., and strong when the movement occurred. In 1902 the largest of all the migrations was observed; it continued from the 13th to 26th, the wind throughout being W. or S.W. Large flights, too, have passed, chiefly S., over this district in the depth of winter, when snow has fallen heavily in the north. On December 16th, 1874 continuous flocks passed at mid-day for nearly an hour. On November 28th, 18g0, I roughly counted a thousand flying in an intermittent stream in the course of twenty minutes. In February, 1895, from 18th to 21st., during arctic weather, a large number passed S.; this being the latest note of such a movement I have ever recorded. Ie IM EIS Of these, there are three resident species—the Great and the Blue (both numerous everywhere) and the Coletit (much less common). The breeding haunts of the latter are limited to the Sydenham district, in which are to be found the conifer- ous trees to which the species is so partial. GREAT TIT. The Great Tit infests, I might say, the Dulwich Woods. Its clear, ringing spring note may be heard sometimes in January, but by mid-February its “song” is well developed and continues, through March and onwards, until the family Gares are too pressing, About the middle of ‘July these families move further afield for food, and at this time visit the suburban gardens, travelling quickly from one to another, the frequently-uttered call-note keeping the wanderers together. In October come the true passage birds, which are often very numerous, and at this season appear to be chiefly seed- hunters. I find they are the first birds to discover and attack my sunflower heads, but thistles and “hardheads” also undergo a careful inspection. The winter months are enlivened by a few residents, who are regular visitors to the bird tray or scrap heap. Hemp seed is a favourite bait, but a still greater attrac- tion is the hanging bone, lump of suet, or cocoanut. Once only has the bird nested in my garden; that was 15 years ago when a pair built a bulky, mossy nest in a gap in a brick wall. The nest was, however, forsaken, probably owing to too much inspection. 19 ORNITHOLOGICAL | Motes FROM A SOUTH ER SUBURB. BEOE TIT. The Blue Tit is equally common with the above, and has to my knowledge bred twice in Brixton gardens during the last seven years. Its lively spring note is usually heard in January, early or late in the month, according to the character of the season; and this note becomes almost a monotonous reiteration in February when the elms come into flower; these birds evidently find much insect life to their liking in the ex- panding buds. This species 1s, to my mind, the most lively, bustling, and acrobatic of all the Tits, preferring, to all appear- ances, to feed in quaint attitudes. They abound in Dulwich Wood in spring, and many remain to breed there. Their lively music becomes hushed when the large family requires constant attention, but when the full-fledged young are able to travel about with their parents these become fussily noisy in their anxiety to keep their progeny together. In October a good many appear in the Sibeel attracted by the sunflower and other seeds; these are probably foreign migrants. Throughout the winter a few—usually in pairs— may be seen at the bird table, or searching for insects and their eggs along the walls; at the former they show both pluck and pugnacity, and will face any bird except their big cousin, phe) Great Vit, COLLET T. The Coletit is a much scarcer bird, but owing to its high- pitched love-call is not likely to be overlooked; this note is seldom heard before April. They certainly breed sparingly in the Sydenham district, although I have never Sea in find- ing a nest. The species is very partial to trees of the fir and pine tribe, in which it doubtless finds a special and appropriate food. A few—on the move—appear in our gardens in Sep- tember and October, but in the winter months the bird is of rare occurrence here. STARLING. The Starling is common, and is truly a most cheerful song- ster in the early spring. It breeds in considerable numbers in the roofs of the houses around, but of course by far the larger number nest in the holes in the old tree trunks in the parks and woods to the south of us. In February the yellow bill is acquired, and the birds begin courting and even building if the 20 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB weather is open. The song, with its shake, trill, and accom- panying flutter, is at its best in these days, and is also best studied when the performer is perched on a_ house-top or chimney-pot; the bird throughout this ecstatic effort showing indifference to close observation or approach. Early in May the parent birds, when passing to and from their ever-hungry family, first utter a peculiarly harsh cry which is very similar to the note of the young when they first take flight to the neighbouring trees, and which they emit for the next few weeks when further afield in flocks. This flocking of a number of families is a very marked feature in the species, a general assembly not only feeding together in the meadows, but like- wise resorting to the oak trees of which Dulwich Wood is chiefly composed. In these they find a great supply of food - of the caterpillar kind, chiefly the larva, T believe, of the de- structive Tortrix viridana. Asa rule, the majority of young leave the nest between the 15th and 20th of May, ak iheae first grey-brown plumage remains for only a few weeks; the spotted feathers come gradually, and, when p artially and irregu- larly acquired, the birds present a very strange-looking appear- ance. In late summer, Starlings exhibit fine fly -catching powers, wheeling and diving with great adroitness in the capture of the winged ant or daddy- longlegs, In hard weather they are among the most amusing of visitors to the scr ap heap, owing to their bustling activity and frequent squabbles—in the course of which two birds will often rise face to face in the air for several feet ; I have had as many as forty together on my garden path at one time. The immigration of foreign Starlings in October is in some years a wonderful sight. It occurs variously between the second and fourth weeks of the month, and is entirely depend- ent—-so far as viszéZe migration is concerned—on the direction of the wind. I have zever seen a flock passing except against a W. or N.W. wind, and the height at which they are trav relling would seem to be regulated by the strength of this wind ; when very light the flocks may be a hundred yards high, and when very breezy they will come as low as the house-tops. ROOK. The old-established Rookery at Herne Hill began falling off in numbers about the time that Brockwell Park was thrown open to the public. Possibly the various road-makings and improvements in the neighbourhood induced decay in the trees 21 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. used by the birds, and caused these wise creatures to abandon what had been so long their home. From thirty odd nests in the seventies, they became reduced to 5 in 1900, and this year (1909) not one remains. A few pairs migrated to Dulwich Road, but the major portion of the colony took up their quarters in some fine elms in Dulwich Meadows, with one solitary nest close to the gates of Dulwich Park. The bird is, | think, quite as plentiful as it was thirty years ago. In February or early March they begin to repair or build their nests, and by April the hen bird commences the task of incubation. At the end of that month the clamorous cries of the young whilst being fed will be heard, and shortly after the first perchers may be observed; by the middle or end of May the young leave the nest and forage with their parents in the fields and meadows around. Large immigrant flocks are to be seen in most years in October; they take the same route as other winter visitors, viz., W.N.W., and, like them, seem to require the wind to be blowing from that quarter. The birds come, of course, what- ever the weather or wind, but the fact remains that if E. wind prevails in October there is no wzszZe migration of Rooks or any other species. A regular habit of local Rooks in the winter months is the morning and afternoon flight from and to their roosting place. Here it is eastward in the morning as soon as it 1s light, and westward in the afternoon from 1.30 to.4 pm. The route varies a little, but the habit never. The only abnormality I have noticed in this district was a white- winged specimen, on Mitcham Common in 1802. CROW. This is still a resident, two or three pairs breeding annually about Dulwich Wood and district, and the species is to be seen throughout the year; our public parks make for safety, for the birds are not molested. The Crow is most in evidence in spring, for then, at the time of courting, it is very noisy. It is also clamorous when first escorting its young family on forag- ing expeditions. DAW. Few, if any, breed now in the neighbourhood, although for several years a pair nested regularly in the steeple of a church on Brixton Hill, and thirty years ago one or more pairs used to breed in Brockwell Park, at that time a private pro- perty. In some few years I have observed the bird joining in the October migration, generally in parties of three or four, and 22 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. usually associated with Rooks; but in October, 1890, and again in 1893 the movement was more marked than before or since, and in these years they were in larger parties, without the Rook admixture. Though the species is seldom observed here in the summer months, on July 5th, 1890, I noticed an extra- ordinary and clamorous party of fifteen crossing my garden. JAY. A resident and breeding species, although in much dimin- ished numbers during the last 15 years or so. I reckon that three or four pairs at the most nest in Dulwich Wood at the present time. It is in the early spring that they are most in evidence, for their cries and “ songs,” as well as squabbles, during court- ship are many and frequent; furthermore, the bird 1s much tamer at this time than usual. It is when seeking partners that the most varied notes are heard, for then the male, from a tree-top, will crow — just like a Crow, but fainter — chuckle, and even laugh, but these utterances occur only at this time, and cease with nidification. All the rest of the year the chief note is the harsh scream possible only to a Jay or Parrot. When the nest is finished, and the hen bird sitting, no bird is more sly- or quiet, so careful are they both to “conceal the whereabouts of the nest; in fact, the bird might be non-exist- ent, and is seen only by chance. When the hungry young need much food, the old birds—possibly only the male—wander from the wood along the hedges and even into suburban gar- dens, robbing the nest of any bird they can surprise or over- come. In the early morning a noisy Blackbird or still more noisy and militant Missel Thrush, will draw one’s attention to these attempted or successful robberies, and the then silent Jay may be seen hurrying away from the spot; this I have wit- nessed in the main roads at Clapham and Streatham. By the end of June, the birds disappear from our immediate neigh- bourhood, making, apparently, a partial migration with their young to the woods and orchards further away; but in Sep- tember they return, and remain with us through the winter. LEE WVOODPECKERS. These, as might be expected, are uncommon so near Lon- don. The only species I can claim as resident is the Lesser Spotted, and this is becoming every year more rare. Among the “accidentals” I have notes, however, of the occurrence of the Great Spotted and the Green species. 23 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER. The Lesser Spotted is now represented here by about two pairs, and, being observable throughout the year, must, of course, breed in the neighbourhood, though I have never been able to locate the nest. The ordinary call of the bird is not loud, but the queer “jarring” note made against a dead bough —the love-call of spring—would arrest the attention of any- one. It is usually first heard towards the end of March, and rarely after the middle of May; both sexes seem capable of making the “music.” On the whole, it is a quiet bird, and easily overlooked even when the trees are bare, for it will cease all climbing movements if it thinks it 1s observed, and, although unmistakable when seen on the wing, its flight is rarely pro- longed for any great distance. The favourite hunting ground for the species is among the ancient elms and oaks still plenti- ful in the Dulwich, Sydenham, and Crystal Palace district, and it is owing to the number of these fine trees that we still have the bird with us as a resident. NUTHATCH. This ought more properly to be mentioned as a past resid- ent, for I have no record of its nesting here since 1901, and have not, in fact, observed the bird more than twice since that date. In looking back, however, only a few years, I can remem- ber when its lively whistle in spring was one of the most regular of the pleasing notes indicative of that season, beginning usually at the end of March or the beginning of April. This was a regular note at the time when Brockwell Park was a private property, but I have never heard or seen the bird there since it was opened to the public. Until 1901—as mentioned above—it nested regularly in Dulwich Wood, in an oak tree within a few yards of the public road. In the grounds of the Crystal Palace I have on several occasions come across the bird, and once on Tooting Common. CREEPER. Never having observed the bird with any regularity, I should scarcely have called it resident; but, from the fact that in 1900 I observed one in the same part of Dulwich Wood from April to September, it may be presumed that it was one of a pair nesting there. Being so feeble in voice and so mouse- like in its movements, the bird might often be present and yet escape notice, and therefore its only occasional appearance 24 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB need be no reason for deeming it scarce. However, in no part of the country have I ever found it common. The earliest note I have of its song is February 25th, 190!. RINGDOVE. Resident in considerable numbers in Dulwich Wood, and in Brockwell and Dulwich Parks, and even in Brixton Road and Coldharbour Lane there have been nests within the last few years. The bird has been much more plentiful here since it became a London resident—as may be witnessed in all the Parks—about 25 years ago, and the local increase in numbers has been especially mar ked during the last 10 years. I have frequently observed one cooing from the roof of my house—a strange tameness for a species sO wary as it 1s in the country, and yet still more wonderful is the absolute fearlessness of the birds in some of the London Parks. The first “coo” may be heard in January, if mild, but more usually about mid-February, and from then onwards throughout the summer into early autumn — the latest = {coos I have noted being October 3rd. The “soar and flap” per- formance is, I think, only exhibited by the male during the time of incubation, beginning usually about the middle or end of March; but I have ‘noted it on one occasion as early as 30th January. At the time of pairing, the male birds will fight fiercely, and many feathers are frequently lost in these en- counters. PHEASANT. Dulwich Wood still harbours a few residents—for one or more may be heard crowing there every year from April on- wards, although the birds are seldom seen On Bath July, 1901, | chanced upon a hen bird with three very young ones threading their way silently through the thick ground herbage in Dulwich Wood. MOORHEN. This bird breeds on all the ponds and lakes in the neigh- ; ae bouring Parks, although in greatly diminshed numbers in Dul- wich Park since the introduction of boating. Previous to that unfortunate (from a Naturalist’s point of view) event, the birds used to become charmingly tame, coming at once to be fed on hearing an imitation of their call, and even bringing with them their young when only a few weeks old. on Oo ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. Often as early as February the males begin their fighting antics, and, probably in connection with late broods, these are renewed in August or September, continuing even into Octo- ber. It is a truly comical sight when two birds sit upright— almost on their tails, as it were-—on the water, and claw and scratch at each other furiously for several minutes. When one gives way—a proceeding often hastened by the intervention of a female bird —the victor will sometimes chase the defeated one relentlessly, both in flight and on foot—over land as well as water; yet I have known no more harm come from these encounters than the loss of a few feathers. The nesting “cluck” usually begins towards the end of March, and the earliest date on which I have seen the young out is May 13th. ‘ As an utterer of the queer “ac ac” or “kek kek,” I have many times heard its voice at night between the end of March and mid-July, the species appearing to wander very much in the spring nights. TUFTED DUCK. Before the advent of boats, this Duck was by far the most plentiful of all wild fowl visitors to the lake in Dulwich Park. Every spring one or more pairs would arrive — usually about the end of March, whilst in 1902 as many as Q birds stayed for some days. From 1901 to 1904, inclusive, one pair remained to breed—4 young being reared in 1901, 2 in 1902, 3 in 1903, and 2 in 1904. The 1901 brood first appeared on the water July roth, all of a dull brown plumage and having dark irides. The male parent left some time before the female, but the young remained on the lake until the first week of September. In this year the first arrivals were on 15th March. In 1902 the first pair appeared 28th March, and several others between 14th and 30th April; the young of the pair that remained to nest left about 28th August. In 1903 the early appearance of a pair in January was remarkable, but they made no stay; however, they reappeared on February 20th, and remained until 28th July, when they left with their young, which had been first seen on the water on Oth June. In 1904, between 10th March and oth May, there were always one or more pairs on the water, the one pair that remained to breed brought out their young on 21st June and, though the parents disappeared in July, the young birds were seen regularly up to the 5th November. In 1905 a pair was occasionally seen between 7th May and 3rd June, but they did not stay to nest, the boats 26 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUYH LONDON SUBURB. being in constant use all day long from early morning. More- over, | have not seen more than a single bird on the Wake since that year. he. SOMMER VISTTANTS: This group, which might be separated into Residents, Non-residents, “ Occasionals,” and “ Accidentals,” will be taken in natural sequence, but to each species will be attached its distinctive title. They number altogether 37, of which 13 still nest in the district ; 9 are reckoned occasional, and 6 accidental; 4 of the latter have only occurred once. RING JOUSEE (-lecidental). One example only has come under my observation. I heard it “chacking” in a garden a few doors off; I could see mor collar, yet l have no “doubt as to the species. This was August 31st, 1Qoo. RED-BACKED SHRIKE (Occasional). A rarity, as might be expected, yet seen by myself on four occasions. On Ist August, 1894, a female or immature bird spent the day in my carden, feeding exclusively on the humble bees which were busy at the hollyhocks. The bird, in order to get at these bees, invariably hovered in front of the flower at which an insect was engaged, and which by a fanning process was driven forth, to be instantly and clev erly taken on the wing; the Shrike then settled on a bare branch or on the garden seat to devour its prey. On May 24th, 1897, on some bushes on Tooting Common, I met with a female ‘bird which, being unusually tame, was probably a freshly-arrived and tired migrant. On 25th September, in the same year, a young bird was for a short time bee-collecting in my garden, as in the first instance. On 22nd May, 18098, I noticed one in Dulwich Park, but it kept to the higher trees, and was too ‘wary to allow a near enough approach to distinguish the sex. SPOTTED FLY_-CATCHER (Resident). This breeds now but sparingly in the district, and seldom appears in our gardens in July and August, as was formerly ‘the habit of the travelling families. Until 15 or 20 years ago these birds were regular spring visitors to the suburb when on 27 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. passage, whilst now it is quite the exception to see even one. In 1882 a pair nested in the Churchyard of St. Matthew’s, and in 1887 and 1894 in a garden in Coldharbour Lane; since then I have no evidence of the breeding of the species nearer than Dulwich. The autumn “rushes” of these birds when depart- ing occur invariably in late August or September; on several occasions I have seen quite a dozen at once in Dulwich Park, where they stayed probably only a few hours, as they were not to be seen the following day. WHEATEAR (Non-resident). For some years the only specimen | had seen was an autumn migrant, on waste ground near Tulse Hill (now built over), the date being September 16th, 1887. In 1904 and 1905 I came across the species in the spring, on Mitcham Common. In the former year—on 6th April— there were three birds together, one being a fine male bird of the larger race; and on the 26th of the month I found a female bird near the same spot. On 31st March, 1905, I met a solitary specimen on the Mitcham golf course. A resident in that neighbourhood, able to visit the Common daily, would! probably find the species a regular visitor. WHINCHAT (Non-resident). This bird was probably a regular breeding species on Mit- cham Common some years ago, but in the years to which these notes apply I have never known any to stay on their spring journey beyond a few days. The greatly-increased population of the district —not to mention the ubiquitous golfers — has. destroyed the quiet of what was previously an ideal nesting place for these lovers of open country. In 1887 I saw two birds on passage, on Clapham Common; and in April, 1888, a single bird there. In 1897, one bird on Tooting Common. April 18th, 1898, a female bird on the railing round the lake: in Dulwich Park. May 12th, 1902—a very wet day —I watched a sadly-bedraggled specimen in a garden in Cold- harbour Lane. I have not seen one in the district since. REDSTART (Non-resident). This is quite a casual visitor, and does not breed, I suppose, within ten miles of Brixton; the nearest spot in my experience being Shirley Woods. The few examples I have seen here have all been in the spring. April 25th, 1888, a fine male on Tooting Common. April roth, 1897, a female at Tooting aS ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. Bec. April 14th, 1900, three in Dulwich Park —two males and one female, one of the former in song; these were gone next day, the place—otherwise suitable—being far too noisy for such a quiet-loving species. April 23rd, 1907, a fine male on the outside of Dulwich Wood. April 21st, 1909, one in short song at the same place. NIGHTINGALE (Non-resident). Now of very rare occurrence, and breeds, to my know- ledge, nowhere nearer than Shirley or Beckenham. Both Dulwich and Sydenham Woods appear suitable enough and are quiet, yet I have never heard nor seen the bird there. My notes on the species are as follows. August 106th, 1889, one seen in an old garden at Camberwell; and on June 14th, the following year, one singing feebly at the same place ; however, I never heard it at other times, and therefore am doubtful as to the bird having nested there. My most note- worthy record is that on the 22nd May, 1891, I heard several singing, though not fully, on Tooting Common in the ev ening ; by “the next ‘day they had passed on. At the same place, on May 14th, 1897, | heard one bird uttering a few broken staves, and this is the last record of sozg in the district. A few days previously, I had heard a bird in fair song by the lake in the Crystal Palace grounds. Of autumn occurrences I have two other notes, viz. one in my garden, July 24th, 1896, and one on the railway bank near Denmark Hill station, on 3rd August, 1904. WOOD WREN (Resident). This, though not a regular visitor, has bred several times in Dulwich Wood. My first meeting with the bird was not until August 1894, when an immature example visited my garden on migration, and the following August I again saw one. However, in 1900 I was delighted fo find it in the spring in Dulwich Wood, and the birds remained to MeStie une following year a pair again nested, and also each year until 1905, when two pairs stayed the summer. The nest is very beautifully concealed in the long rough herbage on the ground, and is not difficult to discover — especially “when the young are hatched—owing to the restless anxiety of the male bird, which, with his reiterated and plaintive “chee,” almost appears desirous of pointing out the whereabouts of his treasures. 29 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. From my notes on this pretty and interesting species I find the following with regard to the duration of the call-note and song :— 1900. First song, May 12th, and “chee” the same day ; the song was continued until the 13th July, but the “chee” not heard after June 27th. 1901 First song, May roth. 1902. “Chee” heard, May 22nd; no song; did not remain LOMMest: 1904 First song, May 11th; first “chee,” on 16th. 1905 First song, May 5th; continued regularly until 13th June, and last heard on the 26th. 1906 May 18th, two singing at once, but neither heard after. 1907. First song, May 11th; “chee,” on 25th. 1908 First song, a very feeble trill, April 30th, and not heard after. 1909 First song, May oth, and regularly until 30th; did not stay to breed. WILLOW WREN (Resident). Breeds in some numbers in Dulwich Wood, and sparingly on Tooting and Mitcham Commons. It is a regular autumn visitor to our Brixton gardens, in August and September, when on its way south. The earliest note of song is April 7th, and the latest April 27th; the average date would be about the 16th, and it usually continued until the middle or even end of July. The autumn migrants appear early in August-—sometimes in the last days of July—and continue to pass through the dis- trict until mid-September, occasionally as late as the third week. The usual note of these is the soft “fuit,” but the young males may be heard trying their voices—the result being but a short and faint representation of the melodious whistling warble of the adult in spring. Like most of the autumn migrants here, the numbers vary greatly in different years, but it is certain that during the last ten years this species has shown itself less regularly and in fewer numbers than formerly. The locality of the nest is somewhat easily guessed, but the structure itself not so readily found, hidden, as it usually is, in the long grass of a bank, and having a tunnel-like approach with but a very small aperture. 30 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM:-A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. CHIFF-CHAFF (Resident). This is a much scarcer bird than the last, since I never know of more than two, or at the most three pairs remaining to breed in the district. It 1s also much less often seen on the autumn passage, and then usually not until September, at which time the Willow Wren’s passage is almost over. Some years I have heard its song in a subdued form in October—once so late as the 8th. March 23rd, 24th, and 25th are the three earliest dates on which I have heard its note; usually it is not heard until the first week in April. For three consecutive seasons a pair nested in an ivy-covered bank in Dulwich Park; one year the song of the male continued vigorous until the Ist July, and another year up to the 13th of that month—an unusually late date. GRASSHOPPER WARBLER (Accidental). I have one record of this very unexpected species in this neighbourhood. On 30th July, 1894, I discovered one —a chance migrant among a number of plants in pots in front of my greenhouse ; it crept like a mouse between the pots, but I saw it clearly twice, and on one occasion had it almost in my hand. I have never heard the song anywhere nearer than Hayes Common. BLACKCAP (Resident). This, though not a plentiful species, appears in about the same numbers as 30 years ago. Up to 1894 it nested yearly in the old gardens towards Camberwell, but now breeds no nearer than Dulwich, in which district I can still recognise from 4 to 6 pairs every year. The earliest note I have of its song is April oth. It con- tinues to sing, as a rule, well into July, with occasional staves up to the third week in August. The chief note of those ap- pearing in the autumn movement is a “chack,’ the subdued warble of the young males not being so frequent at that time as in the case of its cousin, the Garden Warbler. In 18go, however, I saw and heard one singing faintly at Tulse Hill on 24th October. GARDEN WARBLER (Resident). Rarer than the preceding as a breeding species, but ob- served far more regularly and in greater numbers on its autumn migration through the suburban gardens. Every year its sud- dued warble may be heard, from the first week in August till 31 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. the end of the month, as migrant follows migrant; however, owing to the steady increase of building all “around us, this interesting movement is yearly becoming less marked. Two or three pairs nest regularly in Dulwich “Wood, and the song— the earliest note of which is May 2nd—continues up to about the third week in June, although the rich warble may some- times be heard proceeding from the thick leafage overhead as late as the second week in July. REED WREN (Non-resident now). Up to the year 1895 one or more pairs used te nest in Battersea Park, but I have never observed the bird there since. Of its appearance in my immediate neighbourhood I| have only one note, and that was in 1900, when one sang for one day (April 26th) on the island in Dulwich Park. A little further afield, until some ten years since, the species was fairly plentiful in a willow coppice by the Wandle, near Merton, but the trees were then cut down, and the bird appears to have forsaken that district. SEDGE WARBLER (Non-resident now). Of rare occurrence, but in Dulwich Park, previous to 1904, when boats were first allowed on the lake, a passing migraat was for several consecutive springs to be heard singing for a day or two on the island. In 1901—the only year in which the species stayed to breed—the song was continued from Apnl 20th throughout May and June. It has twice been ob- served by the lake-side during the autumn migration, viz. :— August 26th, 1898, and September 13th, 1901; but the great increase of building all around this formerly attractive park is the chief cause of the yearly diminishing visits of all warbler migrants, both in spring and autumn. September 17th, 1900, a migrant seen in a garden at Lordship Lane. COMMON WHITETHROAT (Non-resident now). Being essentially a bird of the hedgerow, this is only a passing visitor to the suburbs in spring “and autumn. How- ever, until quite recently one or more pairs bred on Tooting Common, and, I imagine, may still do so on Mitcham Common. The usual time of arrival is the third week in April, when the bird’s harsh “cha” may be heard in park or garden, the sony 39 ‘AMVT GNV MWUVd HOLWTNG Ripa ore y wig: i 4 & + cs rH TP} j H ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. itself being very unusual with these passing birds. Last year — 1908 —a particularly energetic songster was to be heard daily for more than a week in Half Moon Lane, Dulwich. When the species bred on Tooting Common, | recorded its song as regular up to the middle of July. The autumn visitors to the gardens are usually seen at end of August or early in September, and are then mute. This bird seems to have a special taste for small bush fruit—te., currants. LESSER WHITETHROAT (Resident). Although less numerous as a species, this is more regularly observed with us than its larger relative, the shrubberies of the large suburban gardens and parks being a special attraction. In Dulwich Park and neighbourhood two or three pairs still nest yearly; these are the nearest known breeding places at the present day. Some fifteen or twenty years ago the old gardens at Camberwell and Brixton, now fast disappearing, were a great attraction, and to these, from 1875 to 1894, the birds came regularly and nested. The usual time of arrival is the last week in April—a day or two later than the preced- ing species—and the song which announces its arrival is con- tinued until about the first week in July. It was formerly a regular autumn visitor to our gardens, but of late years is rarely seen at that time. TREE PIPIT (Resident). Formerly bred sparingly in the neighbourhood of Herne Hill, but for some years not nearer than the outskirts of Dul- wich Wood. It was never a common species here, owing to the absence of open woods, of which the bird is especially fond. In this district I have not heard the song before the third week in April, nor later than July 8th, which, however, would be the usual time for the cessation of song. Some years since, I used to see one or more passing over on migra- tion each spring, and also again in August or September; now such a sight at either period is rare indeed. This change of habit or route seems to have affected all warblers. YELLOW WAG-TAIL (Occasioznal). This has always been a rare bird in the South London district, and I know no instance of the species nesting in the neighbourhood. Between 1875 and 1885 it was observed on 33 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. only five occasions, two of these in spring. On Oth May, 1882, I saw a very tame pair on waste ground near Camberwell. Between 1885 and 1895 it was seen four times on passage, only one of these being in spring. Since 1895 I have only seen four examples—twice in spring viz, May 14th, 1897 one by the water side on Totting Connnom. and on April 25th, 1900, two passed overhead when in Dulwich Park. This year—190g—one passed me in Dulwich, September oth, going S.W. RED-BREASTED PIPIT (Accidental). On March 25th, 1897, I came across a pair of these birds on Tooting Common. They were very tame, and allowed so near an approach that the reddish breast and bright plumage were plainly visible through an opera glass. WHITE WAG-TAIL (Accidental). An unexpected record for the district. On May 8th, 1904, I watched a very bright and well-marked male specimen by the side of the lake in Dulwich Park. It was under observa- tion for some length of time, and fearlessly allowed me to watch it feeding at close quarters. SWALLOW (Resident). These I have never known to nest nearer than Streatham and Dulwich. In both places, two or three pairs still remain to breed, as they did 30 years ago; and therefore it is that a few birds are to be seen hawking over the park lakes, or skimming the neighbouring meadows all the summer through. April 12th is my earliest note of arrival; the usual date being about the 18th. The first migrants are usually single or in pairs, and pass W. or N.W. — chiefly the latter — almost directly against the prevailing wind; but larger parties are to be observed in the later migration during the second and third weeks of May. This belated passage “has been very remarkable on two occa- sions, viz.:— 1891, when more than half the migrants that crossed Brixton did so during the last week in May; and ; was still more exceptional in 1901, when parties of these birds passed over my garden daily from the 13th to the 1oth of June! With the power of wing possessed by these birds, a 34 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. strong breeze or even a half gale against them seems to make very little difference—in fact, it almost appears that the stronger the wind they have to contend against the faster do they tra- vel. When leaving us, some departing companies may be seen as early as the second week in August, but far the larger number between the middle and end of September. Their course is, as on arrival, against the wind, but generally to the S. of W., whereas in spring their course is distinctly N. of W. By the first week in October the main body has passed, but a few stragglers are usually seen until the middle of the month; in 1902 as late as the 27th. MARTIN (Resident). From the first year of my observations here, up to 1896, Martins nested both in Coldharbour Lane and Wiltshire Road, and to a still later date in Josephine Avenue; but for five years or more I have known none to breed nearer than Dul- wich. In 1905 several pairs were nesting in Croxted Road, but year by year fewer make their homes in this much-changed district, and the numbers to be seen sporting over the park lakes are diminishing yearly. The species, however, is still fairly well represented about Tooting Common and its lake, and the presence of these birds in the summer months is 1- dicative of nests near at hand. In 1883 a pair fed their late brood up to the 10th October; and in 1886 a pair endeavoured to bring up their young in Balham at a still later date, feed- ine them assiduously up to the 27th, when a cold and stormy period sent them off before the young were able to fly. As a nesting species it is certainly more plentiful than the Swallow, and is a later migrant both in coming and going. In 1898 [I saw an exceptionally early bird on the 13th April—the earliest note, by the way, of the species | have ever made—but the usual date of arrival is during the first week in May. As in the case of the Swallows, there is invariably a rush W. of later migrants towards the end of the month. Autumn migrants have never been observed before the first week in September, and the chief movement—this, too, in large companies of occa- sionally a hundred or more—is to be seen from the last few days of September until the second week in October. A few stragglers may be seen quite at the end of the month, and in 1902 two birds appeared in Dulwich Park so late as Novem- ber 8th. On October the. 14th, 1907, a remarkably steady stream of some hundreds passed S.W. (wind W.), feeding as they went ; this movement lasted for fully a quarter of an hour. 35 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. There is a continuous arrival of Martins—with the Swallows—for about six weeks in spring, most marked during the first fortnight in May. The Martins are the later in com- ing, and the majority appear to put off their journey until nearly the end of the month. I have always fancied, more- over, that these late comers travel faster than the parties arriv- ing earlier in the month, giving one the impression that they are not only making up for the delayed passage, but have the furthest to go for their breeding quarters. SAND MARTIN (Non-resident). A comparative rarity, there being no breeding place, to imy knowledge, anywhere near; and the bird has been seen only when on spring and autumn migration. At the former period, in some years, one or two have appeared in Dulwich Park, taking a turn or two round the lake before passing on. The earliest date of arrival | have is April 10th. The evidence of autumn migration is still more imperfect, but from the latter end of August to the third week in September, small parties may sometimes be seen hurrying W. or S.W. across the district. In 1877, I observed one of these travelling companies as early as July 6th; and, in 1899, I watched 15 of these birds hawking over the lake in St. James’ Park so late as October 5th; this is the latest note I have ever made with regard to the species. SWIFT (Resident). A fairly numerous species, but now nesting only in the Crystal Palace district, and very probably in the upper regions of the Palace itself. So recently as 1886, at least 6 pairs nested in Josephine Avenue. These were reduced in 1892 to 2 pairs, with 1 pair in the adjoining Church Road; but for the last ten years I have no evidence of any breeding nearer than College Road, Dulwich. I have twice seen April arrivals, viz.:—on the 27th in 1go1, and on the 24th in 1902; but the usual time of appearance is during the first week in May, with —as in the case of Swallows and Martins—a later rush of individuals at the end of the month, and, like them, invariably taking a W. or W.N.W. course. With regard to the autumn passage, family parties have sometimes been observed passing S.W. as early as the second week in July, but the mass of local birds leaves about mid-August, with occasional stragglers 36 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. to the end of the month. I have four notes of late appear- ances in September, viz.:—1881, four passed S.W. on the roth; in 1902, one, on the 4th; in 1903, two hawking over Dulwich Lake, on the 2nd; and in 1905, one seen on the 8th, this last travelling S.E. On August Ist, 1893, an extraordinary assemblage of 150 or more hawked over my garden for about an hour, the attraction being evidently the winged ants that were in flight that afternoon; the Swifts eventually drifted away slowly to the S.E. WRYNECK (Doubtful Resident). Has very seldom been heard in Brixton itself—only about twice in 30 years, and although I hear the bird every spring in the Dulwich neighbourhood—usually Cox’s Walk—I doubt if it remains to breed in the district. My chief reason for this opinion is that I have rarely heard the bird calling after April. However, it very probably nested in 1904, for in that year I heard the note as late as the 25th May. My impression is that, as a visitor to this country generally, it is a much scarcer species than 40 to 50 years ago, but at that time I was in touch with the Kentish orchards, in which the bird finds the trees it most favours in abundance. CUCKOO (Resident). This is, I think, quite as plentiful—in the Dulwich dis- trict, at any rate—as when I began these notes. The parks and woods still attract the birds, though in very variable num- bers; some years being remarkable for their abundance as others are for the scarcity of the species. April 14th is the earliest note of “call,’ and June 15th the latest. Until the last few years the appearance in our gardens of migrants on the eve of departure was a regular event. From the third week in July to the last week in August, one or more were generally to be seen hunting the lime trees for the buff-tip and other caterpillars, and not infrequently visiting my grass plot in search of worms and grubs; about four-fifths of these autumn visitors being birds of the year. The latest old bird noted was on the 16th August, whilst the immature have often been seen in September; in 1900, as late as the 18th. I have four notes of unusual examples seen in my garden—in 1891 an interesting bird in partly grey plumage visited me Septem- ber oth; in 1894 a grey bird, with the brown head and white nuchal patch of the immature plumage, on August 18th; and 37 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. in 1904 a similar bird, on August 16th. In 1896, on August 1oth, a curious incident was witnessed. From a neighbour’s service tree, then in fruit, proceeded a great fluttering, with an accompaniment of screams very similar to those of a young Thrush; in a few minutes out bolted a Cuckoo, followed :n hot haste and apparent rage by a Rosella Parakeet, which, doubtless, had been enjoying the berries until the Cuckoo in- terrupted the meal. NIGHTJAR (Occasional). This has been seen on a few occasions, on migration only, and has never been heard in the district; in fact, the nearest breeding place I know of is Shirley Wood. 1 have only one spring record of the bird’s occurrence here, viz, May 21st, 1903, when an example crossed Loughborough Road just at dusk. There are four notes of its appearance in autumn. September 3rd, 1879, one crossed my garden in the evening; August 15th and 16th, one seen there on two successive even- ings — probably, however, the same bird; September 15%h, 1892, and August 28th, 1895, one bird on each occasion, and all flying over my garden just at dusk. TURTLE DOVE (Resident). Almost a rarity, inasmuch as I have scarcely a dozen ‘e- cords of its occurrence here, and yet it undoubtedly breeds occasionally in Dulwich and Sydenham Woods. I first noticed the bird crossing my garden, September 13th, 1880, and I next saw a pair on Tooting Common at the latter end of April, 1895. August 28th, 1898, I saw one in Dulwich Park. On June 3rd, 1900, one was cooing in Dulwich Wood—this being the first year I had any suspicion of it nesting in the district, whilst on 21st of the same month I saw one in Brockwell Park May oth, 1904, one began its daily cooing in Dulwich W ood, and two migrants passed over my ¢ garden on 16th September. In 1905 the first ‘ ” was heard “May 5th., and in 1906 ap- parently two pairs eee to) breed, the = coo beim anes corded from May 8th to June 2nd; whilst in 1907 one was heard cooing as late as June 29th. The same year an im- mature bird in a state of moult visited my garden daily from the 18th to 23rd of October, on which date it was unfortunately killed by a cat. It proved to be very fat, and, with the excep- tion of the tail feathers, had just completed the moult. 38 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. QUAIL §$ (Accidental). An example of this very unlikely and unexpected bird crossed my garden, low, on the evening of 16th June, 1909. I imagine it must have been an escape from one of the London Markets. The following year, however, | heard one calling in a turnip field so near as Banstead, on the 8th June. LANDRAIL (Occasional). I have not met with the species myself, but a friend heard one calling in College Road, in June, 1901, and the keeper at Dulwich Wood reported one in an adjoining meadow on the gth and roth May, 1905. COMMON SANDPIPER (Occasional). Has been observed fairly frequently. As a spring visitor —on April 20th, 1895, one by the side of the small lake at Crystal Palace; May 4th, 1897, one by the pond-side on Tooting Common; April 27th, 1898, there were three at the lake in Dulwich Park, and two others on the 5th May. In 1901, two in Dulwich Park, April 28th, and one on the 12th and also 16th May; this year (1909), one at the same lake, April 18th and 30th. As an autumn visitor, scarcely so often observed, but has been heard passing over after dark on several occasions in Sep- tember. I saw one once in the month of July—zist, 1899— at Tooting pond, and one at the same place, August 8th, 1891 ; whilst on 8th August, 1905, I saw two by the lake in Dulwich Park. All these were, of course, birds on their return journey from their breeding haunts. GREEN SANDPIPER (Occasional). This is a chance passing visitor of which I have three notes. The first was heard travelling W. at dusk, August 11th, 1880; the second I flushed from beside the lake in Dulwich Park, Sep- tember 2Ist, 1900; and the third I heard passing over, S.W., on the night of August 18th, 1902. GREENSHANK (Occasional). This has twice been heard passing over at the time ot migration, viz.: September Oth, 1880, at 10 p.m.; and on August 18th, 1902, one passed S.W. at night, uttering its far- reaching call. 39 WHIMBREL_ (Occasional). As a migrant it has been heard a few times when on pass- age, both in spring and autumn, viz.:—May 15th, 1875, and in 1876 on August 12th, and again on the 19th—all at night. In 1880 a noisy herd passed N.W. at 10 p.m., August 2Ist, and in 1887 others passed at night on the 25th May. On July 25th, 1894, an apparently large herd passed over my garden, going S.W,. in the afternoon, but so high that I was unable to see them. My latest note on the species is September roth, 1900; some then passed over me, when in Dulwich Park, in the afternoon, but on this occasion also so high as to be invis- ible. GODWIT_ (Occasional). I have five records of these birds being heard on passage, and on spring passage alone, in the years 1877, 1888, 1898, and 1901; always in May, and invariably at night. COMMON TERN (Accidental). One record only. In August, 1882, I saw a solitary example over the river by Battersea Park; I have, however, seen examples higher up the river—at Barnes and Kew—on other occasions. AUTUMN AND WINTER VISITANTS. Of these, there are 18 species to be seen with tolerab!s regularity—at any rate in former years it was so. FIELDFARE. A very irregular visitor, and of late years rarely seen ex- cept when on migration. Formerly, when we had more open spaces, I used to see small parties about Dulwich, and even :: the (then) meadows close to Loughborough Junction. In 1870, during hard weather, I noticed quite a large company on the grass in Battersea Park. Even as a migrant—or when driven | south by hard weather—this bird is now only of very irregular appearance. In autumn their arrival is usually during the last week of October or first week in November, but in 1884 an unusually early flock passed W. over my garden on 16th Octo- ber, whilst, in 1893, remarkably large numbers passed for several successive days. On very few occasions only have I seen any in spring, but I find a note that on April 5th, 1875, 40 or 50 passed S.W. over the garden. 40 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. REDWING. This species has always been more regular than the Field- fare as a migrant over the suburb, and it is earlier both in arrival and departure than that species. The Redwing calls so frequently when migrating, especially at night, whereas the Fieldfare is a comparatively silent traveller, that the former seems to be a commoner bird—as | think it is here. October Ath is the earliest date of arrival, and April oth the latest when seen, but in that year (1903)—as also in 1899—several birds remained late in Dulwich Park, attracted by the abundance of ivy berries. In 1880, on November ist, I witnessed an un- usually large assemblage of freshly-arrived birds in a meadow near Denmark Hill. There were some 300 to 400 birds con- gregated, forming the largest company of the species | ever saw. In very severe weather, Redwings suffer sooner than any species, and are driven by hunger to the holly berries in the suburban gardens. In February, 1895, they were to be seen daily in the hollies close to the old church on Clapham Common whilst any berries remained, being apparently quite indifferent to the passers-by until every berry had been eaten. SHONECHAT. Only an occasional example has come under my notice. On 14th April, 1900, I picked up a female in a dying condition in the roadway on Tooting Common—it had, I imagine, just previously flown against a passing vehicle. Once on Mitcham Common—April 26th, 1904—I saw three birds together—an unusual number; quite three-fourths of the examples I have recorded in this neighbourhood have been seen at that very suitable spot. TREE SPARROW. Until the year 1895, this was almost a regular autumn visitor, small parties passing W. at the time of the general Finch migration. About that time I had an example in my aviary, and the passing wild birds were occasionally arrested and in- duced to settle on the aviary or adjoining trees. In October, 1893, | came across a small company of fresh arrivals settled on Tooting Common. Since 1898, however, I have not a single record of any flock passing on the autumn passage; the few occurrences noted being of solitary, or at most three examples ; moreover, I have no note of the bird at all since October, 1904. 41 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. BRAMBLING. This is another species that formerly—viz., before Brixto2 and Herne Hill became connected by continuous bricks and mortar—passed regularly over my garden on the autumn migra- tion; now, the bird is only of very irregular appearance. At that time, too, I occasionally found a few feeding on the waste eround in the neighbourhood, and even so lately as 1895, during a hard frost in February, a male bird came daily with Chaffinches. to the seeds, etc., scattered on the path for the starving birds. As autumn migrants they were invariably associated with the Chaffinch flocks, but easily identified by their short call-note or occasional “squeak,” being far more talkative when travelling than their cousins. By flight alone, however, there is a diff- culty in differentiating the two species, and my failing powers. of hearing may partly account for my fewer records of late years, especially as the Chaffinch companies show no diminu- tion. Only in late years have | noticed the bird in late spring. On April 15th, 1906; April 22nd, 1907; and April oth, 1908, I came across solitary examples in the birch trees in Dulwich Wood. Further examples this year at the same place, on 25th April and oth May, 1909. LINNET. This is not a genuine resident in the district, so far as my observations go, although it might well breed—and probably does so—on Mitcham Common. In the year 1906 it possibly nested in the Dulwich district, for on a gorse bank near Lord- ship Lane I noted one there in April, and three in the follow- ing June. In my immediate neighbourhood it has been ob- served partly as a migrant, but more frequently as a chance visitor. In the former capacity I have records of small flocks passing W., with other Finches, in the Octobers of 1874, 1876, 1884, and 1887, whilst the so-called chance birds have occurred at all times of the year, though chiefly in the summer months. Some, undoubtedly, have been escapes from confinement. Of the latter class I have the following records:—August, 1899, one in my garden; February 10th, 1890, one singing 1n a neigh- bouring garden; one also singing there on the oth March. From the 26th May till the 11th June, 1892, a fine red-breasted bird haunted my aviary roof daily, and was endowed with a song as fine as his dress. Between 1896 and Igor, in the spring of each year, a bird appeared about my aviary for a few days, no doubt attracted by the inmates. This last autumn (1909) a flock passed W. on 21st October. 42 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. GREY WAG-TAIL. This might be called a bird of the past so far as this dis trict is concerned; but in the seventies—viz., from 1874 to 1878—examples were yearly seen passing over my garden in September at their usual time of arrival in the S.E. counties , in those years, also, I could always find one at a certain “ black- mud” ditch near Herne Hill in the early winter months. Three times I have noted the bird by the lake-side in Battersea Park, and have also met with it on Mitcham Common and by the pond-side at Tooting. This last was in 1900, on the 5th Sep- tember—an early date for it in the south; it is also the last record I have for the suburb. MARSH TIT. This is the rarest of the Tits with us, yet a few examples appear yearly in the suburban gardens during the month of October, associating with other species in overhauling the sun- flower heads and such-like attractions. Less frequently has the bird appeared in the spring, although of late years I have observed it at the end of March or early April in Dulwich Wood. Here, moreover, I have detected examples, both in 1904 and 1905, in the month of July; so that in all probability it nested in the immediate neighbourhood in those two years. LONG-TAILED TIT. These birds, until 1889, were to be seen passing through the suburban gardens, in small parties, in October or Novem- ber during the regular migration of the tribe; now such a pleasing sight is a thing of the past. All recent records have been in spring—formerly a very rare event—and three times during the last five years I have seen pairs in the month of April; some few may, therefore, nest in the district. KINGFISHER. Until the year 1898, I had only once seen this bird here, an example crossing Brixton Road just in front of me on the oth September, 1885; yet between 1898 and 1902 I find re- cords of several occurrences at the lake in Dulwich Park in the months of September and October; also once seen by the lake on Tooting Common, October 7th, 1899. These birds, though, are now rarely seen in Dulwich Park, for, with the installation of boats on the lake, the quiet of the place has 45 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. been destroyed, with the resulting banishment of this and several other interesting species. On 10th September, this year, I watched a comparatively tame example at Dulwich Lake for quite half an hour. PEEWIT. Of this species I know of no nearer breeding place than the Carshalton neighbourhood. I do not think it ever nests now on Mitcham Common, although it is sometimes to be seen there in the summer months, and even so near as Dulwich J noted solitary examples in June, 1900, and May, 1901, in the meadows. Over Brixton proper it has occasionally been ob- served in spring and autumn, though Tate) at the first season, in which I have only two records, viz. : —March 13th, 1890, and March 14th, 1895, when small flocks passed over my garden, high up, and going west. Some of the autumn movement notes are early, for on July 7th, 1897, a company of 38 birds flew N. over my garden, and on June oth, 1905, a party of 9 passed N.W. over Clapham; these birds would, of course, be home-bred local migrants. The later passage of foreign birds in the month of October I have noticed only three times, whilst an occasional solitary bird has passed over during hard weather. A party of 25 foreign migrants passed N.W. over my garden on 10th of last October. DABCHICKs. I have no record of the breeding of this species in ihe district, yet 1t used to appear on our lakes and ponds every spring and autumn, and was a particularly regular visitor to the Dulwich Park lake until boating was introduced, at times making a long stay and becoming comparatively tame. In April, 1898, and again in 1902, examples appeared in full breeding plumage, and stayed for more than a week, whilst on 4th June, 1904, a bird in summer dress took up residence on the lake, and was to be seen almost daily until the Toth August. On April 5th, 1905, a bright specimen was continu- ally ‘ ‘trilling ”’ ie more than an hour. Autumn visitors have been seen in large numbers. On roth October, 1900, there were Q on a pond at Mitcham, and on September 5th, 1901, there were 15 together at the same place. Occasionally I have seen a specimen at one of the small sheltered ponds in Brock- well Park. The species, as is probably well known, breeds on St. James’ Park lake in some years. 44 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB MALLARD. Has been observed on about a dozen occasions, chiefly im spring and the late summer months; in winter once only. it has been more frequently seen passing over than settled, but on April 27th, 1898, three alighted on Dulwich Lake, and two on 23rd April, 1901 ; also one on 2nd of May, 1909. The only winter note is of a female bird on the lake on Tooting Common, December 4th, 1905; it was associating with another and rarer visitor, viz., a male Pochard. This year (1909) a party of six passed N.E. over my garden at dusk, and about 40 yards up. TEAL. This species has been recognised on several occasions. On 12th July, 1897, a party of eight flew over me on Clapham Common, being only about 60 yards up, and going E. In the famous duck visitation of 18098, I found three on the lake in Dulwich Park on Oth October, together with several other species. On October 8th, 1907, when near Queen’s Road, Peckham, I noticed a flock of twenty or more wheeling round and round in the direction of the river. BLACK-HEADED GULL. Before these birds began their yearly visitations to Lou- don—some 20 years ago—TI do not remember to have seen even a solitary wanderer of this species over the suburb; but from that time, and more especially since 1808, they have often appeared passing over Brixton and neighbourhood—sometimes as many as twenty together—chiefly between October and March. I have only two notes of the occurrence of the species in September, yet both of considerable interest, inasmuch as 3 which spent a short time over Dulwich Lake on September 16th, 1900, are the only examples I ever saw there; and still more remarkable was the appearance over my garden on Sep- tember 11th, 1907, of 21 birds which for a quarter of an hour most gracefully exercised themselves in the capture of the winged ants. These Gulls were soaring at an average height of 60 yards, and strangely associated with them, and equally busily feeding, was a solitary Corvus — probably a Crow; whilst, at a lower elevation, a few Starlings and numerous Sparrows were joining in the feast. As for the frequenters of the river, thousands may be seen, especially in hard weather, 45 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. between the bridges, and hundreds, too, in St. James’ Park, whilst it is noteworthy that at the latter- place some half-dozen or so seem to remani all the summer, and presumably breed among the reeds on the keeper’s island. COMMON GULL. This has been recognised—-away from the river—only some dozen times, and on most of these occasions in the month of December. The species, however, seems to have followed the example of the Black-headeds in coming up the river, and one or more are not unusually associated with the smaller species. LESSER BLACK-BACKED GULL. Immature birds have been recognised a good many times, although difficult enough to distinguish from the young Herr- ine Gull. Mature birds have been noted twice only. HERRING GULL. Far more often seen than the preceding, both along the river and overland. Over the river it is almost common, and may sometimes be seen in St. James’ Park, where there are some pinioned examples of this Gull. When seen overland, the species has almost invariably been observed in March cr April, and once or twice in quite large companies. “OGCASIONAL” ViISTLEORS: These are birds seen either but a few times or at uncer- tain intervals. They number 24; 4 are summer migrants, and 15 appear for the most part in autumn. The summer birds have been dealt with already; the others are as follows. SPARROW HAWK. This has been seen on three occasions; on December Oth, 1885, one passed close to me in Acre Lane; a second example I saw on 12th May, 1883, on Streatham Common; on the third occasion one passed over my garden on 15th October, 1909, following in the wake of a flock of Chaffinches migrating S.\W. 46 ee ieae NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. TSESIRIVE IE. But seldom seen. The following are the only notes. Octo- ber 10th; 1875, one over my garden; December 29th, 1870, one over Barrington Road; April 25th, 1900, one over Brix- ton Road; April 5th and August rith, 1902, on each occasion the bird was seen hunting over the meadows by Burbage Road. TAWNY OWL. This species came into my list so lately as 1906. In the autumn of that year, and again in 1908, a friend, living on the Borders of Mitcham Common, heard this bird on many occasions in September and the early winter months. GOLDFINCH. Of rare occurrence as a wild bird, but solitary examples have on several occasions pitched upon my aviary, owing to the attractions inside that erection. These individuals, hav- ing appeared in nearly all instances in the months of June and July, I feel inclined to classify as escapes. However, | have now and then noted a solitary bird passing over in September or October, when other Finches were on the move, and all such examples I should reckon as truly wild specimens. SUS ISSTNG I have only one record of the occurrence of this species in a wild state. In 1892, two birds passing over the garden in a westerly direction on November Ist, were arrested by the call of those in my aviary, and on this they alighted and rested for a short time. Some three or four specimens have beea caught near my own birds, but from their tameness they were undoubtedly escapes. YELLOW HAAMMER. Has never occurred except irregularly, and does not breed, I believe, this side of Croydon. 1 have no record of any speci- men in my neighbourhood since April 22nd, 1894, when one repeatedly uttered its call-note from a neighbouring garden. All previous occurrences, and they were fairly frequent in the first fifteen years of my residence, were in the early spring months, at the time of the regular local migration of this species. 47 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. THE CORN AND REED BUNTINGS Have never been noted nearer than Wallington and Car- shalton respectively, and are only mentioned to show that they have not been overlooked in this district. GOLDCREST. This may breed in the Crystal Palace district, in which I have most often come across it, but I cannot claim the species as a resident; in fact, during the last ten years I have seen at the most three specimens. In former years it was not uncom- mon in early spring about the large gardens at Clapham Park and Balham—now for the most part ‘covered with buildings,— and I have one record from that part in the month of July,— the only summer note. Most often, however, the bird occurred in autumn as a migrant, and in the late seventies fairly regularly so; since then so rarely that I find only two notes in the nineties and once since (1905). MAGPIE. Very few occurrences have been recorded. I have seen specimens in the high trees at Tooting Bec, and also in Syden- ham Wood, each time in the month of April. GREAT SPOTTED WOODPECKER. A great rarity, as might be expected, but I have the follow- ing records. The first was seen on an oak stem near Champion Hill in August, 1876; the second—nineteen years after—on the outskirts of Dulwich Wood, April 14th, 1905. On 11th April, the following year, in the middle of the same wood, I got close to a fine male bird which was restless and evidently mate-seek- ing, as it repeatedly “jarred” in the same manner as its smaller relative, but im a deeper tone. On March roth, this year, one flew by me at the entrance to Dulwich Wood. GREEN WOODPECKER. This species I have twice found wandering in the district, and on both occasions quite recently. On March 30th, 1905, I heard one “laugh” several times in Dulwich Wood, and in almost the identical part of the wood, in the following spring, one was quite vociferous for some little time. 48 . 4 4 LORDSHIP LANE WALK, COX’S A | ary ORNITHOLOGICAI, NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. STOCK DOVE. This has not come under my notice as a breeding species, nor do | think it ever nests this side of Beckenham, in which neighbourhood it is not uncommon. In the area comprised in these notes, the bird has been seen on several occasions, both in spring and autumn, though rarely in the summer months. On 25th March, 1900, I flushed three from the railway bank by Tooting Common, and, on the 26th of the following month, one flew near me in Dulwich Park. In this place, in r1go1, I saw examples on April 25th and May 25th. On October 6th, 1904, two migrants passed N.W. over my garden, and on Octo- ber 25th, 1905, five passed the same way. In 1908 I saw one bird in Dulwich Park on October 23rd. | might mention, too, that on 28th April, 1900, I inspected one quite closely in St. James’ Park. PARTRIDGE. No longer a resident, but partakes more of the character “accidental.” Has been observed only on three or four occa- sions. RING PLOVER. Of this, as a passing migrant, I have three records, the bird having been heard travelling at night on the 2nd August and Ist September in 1876, and in 1893 on the 22nd of July. CURLEW. Owing to this bird’s clear and far-reaching whistle, it has been identified — chiefly at night— on several occasions, and twice has been actually seen. My first note is July 17th, 1891, when four passed high over my garden, travelling N.W., and the second was April 14th, 1902, when | observed a small com- pany on the bank of one of the filtering ponds near Battersea Park. The travellers passing, recognised by note alone, were as follows:—August 21st, 1878, at 11.30 p.m., and going S.W.; June 30th, 1879, passing W.N.W., at 11 p.m, and August rith of the same year, travelling S.W., at 11 p.m.; October 22nd, 1881, passing S.W., at 10 p.m.; August 27th, 1897, a very noisy party, going N.W., at 10 pm.; and July 18th, 1901, a herd going S.W., also at 10 p.m—this being the last note I find recorded. 49 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. HERON. This powerful-winged wanderer I should have expected to see more frequently than I have done, but three records of its occurrence are all that I can find. On 15th June, 1894, just at dusk, on hearing the well-known note, [ was induced to scan the darkening sky, and then discovered three birds about a quarter of a mile high, winging their way on a W.N.W. course. The second occurrence was also at dusk, on September 15th, 1895, a single bird then passing S.E. over my garden, a hundred yards high; and on the third occasion, September 11th, 1909, a solitary bird passed W. at dusk. The nine summer species—Red-backed Shrike, Nightjar, Landrail, Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Yellow Wag- tail, Greenshank, Whimbrel, and Godwit—and the notes in connection with them, are to be found under the “ Summer Visitants.” ACCIDEN PALS. The 20 accidental species, comprising 6 summer and 26 autumn or winter visitors, are such as the title indicates,— quite unexpected, and with 5 exceptions have only been ob- served once. The 6 summer birds have already been noticed under “Summer Visitants.’ The remaining 20 are:-- BUZZARD, (C2)! “sp: One record. A large Hawk, with characteristics of this tribe, passed over my garden, 80 yards high, on August 22nd, 1894, going S. MERLIN. One occurrence. On January 4th, 1899, one flew in a westerly direction over my garden, sufficiently near to be plainly identified. OWL (SHORT-EARED ?). In the early morning of October 209th, 1890, an Qwl was seen perched on a telephone pole near my garden, and, on being pestered by Starlings, it took flight in an N.W. direc- tion,—passing me within 20 yards. Most probably it was of 50 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. the short-eared species, but it looked very grey, and the spots on the back appeared larger and lighter in colour than usual in this bird; it even occurred to me at the time as being pos. sibly an example of the rare Hawk Owl. BARN OWL. One note only. On the night of 16th July, 1898, one of these birds passed over my garden, uttering its unmistakable screech. WOOD LARK. Of this unexpected species I can actually record one ex- ample. I met with it on a piece of waste land — now built over—near Tulse Hill on September 16th, 1887, — flushing the bird several times. It not only uttered its call-note, but allowed of a close approach and positive identification. TWITE. Recorded once only. On 25th October, 1893, a small party passed N.N.W. over my garden, the species being recog- nised by size and note. There was a strong Finch migration going on at the time. GROSSBILL. Although I have not handled a specimen from this dis: trict, | find records of the occurrence of the bird on three occa- sions, and all in Dulwich Park. On September 4th, 1808, four birds passed me within easy shot, flying in a S.E. direc- tion; the note they made I compared at the time to that of the Temminck’s Stint. The second occurrence was on August 15th, 1899, when I got quite near to a young bird in a tree close to the lake; whilst on the last occasion—September 1oth, 1900—four birds flew across the lake, going S.E., just as the first four were seen. There being a good many pines in the Sydenham neighbourhood and beyond, it is quite possible that the species has bred close at hand. 51 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. RAVEN. One indubitable record, owing to the unmistakable croak- ing of a specimen which passed over me near Balham—some 80 yards high—on January oth, 1894. HOODIE. This has been seen passing over on migration on four occasions, viz.:—-one on November 5th, 1880; one on Octo- ber 11th, 1890; and three on October 27th, 1893. I have a further record of a solitary specimen by the river-side at Batter- sea Park, January 30th, 1902. The fourth migrant occurr- ence was noted this last autumn—seven birds passed W. over my garden on October 20th, “ varrock”-ing loudly. NUTCRACKER. Although a hundred yards or so distant, I am satisfied as to my correct identification of this wandering straggler. On April 14th, 1905, I saw it crossing the golf round near Lord- ship Lane to the wooded rise at Sydenham, where it alighted with a low dip among some fir trees. In the year 1880, the late Mr. Parsloe, a Brixton bird-stuffer, showed me a mounted specimen which he had obtained some fifteeen years previ- ously in the same Dulwich Meadows. DUNLIN. Of the occurrence of this bird I have only three notes, and, strange to say, two of them in the same year. In 1876, I heard the call of passing birds, going W., at 10.30 on the night of April 20th, and again of others on the autumn passage on August 12th, after dark. The third record was on Novem- ber 8th, 1890, when a solitary example crossed my garden, going W., just behind and below a flock of migrant Larks,— a rather extraordinary occurrence. REDSHANK. This species has occurred once only, and was detected by its note. In the forenoon of December 8th, 1880, a noisy party passed in a westerly direction over Brixton, above a thick fog, which accompanied the intense frost then prevailing. 52 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. SNIPE. On February 4th, 1886, at a time of hard frost, one passed N. over my head and only about 30 yards high; this being the only specimen I have seen here. SPOONBILL. This rare visitor I insert on the authority of the late C. P. Johnston, who in August, 1889, saw a spécimen pass over his garden at Camberwell, within 40 yards; it was going N, and he was positive as to the species. SCAUP. This species has actually occurred here once. On Octo- ber 8th, 1898, | found five on the lake in Dulwich Park—two males and three females. These remained on the water the whole day, and, although not very wild, rested well out in the centre of the lake. During that particular month there was an unusual visitation, both in numbers and species, of wild fowl to this country. SHOVELLER. During the remarkable duck visitation to this country in 1898, I found four birds of this species on Dulwich Lake—- three males and one female—on the 8th of October, the same day on which the Scaups appeared. These Shovellers were restless, flying round and round constantly, and on_ several occasions came quite close to me, whilst the Scaups remained in the middle of the lake. Neither species was to be seen the next day, nor have they visited the place since, to my knowledge. POCHARD. This “species has occurred thrice. On February 21st, 1899, an immature specimen arrived on the Dulwich Park lake, and stayed until the 13th March; on December roth, the same year, a fine full-plumaged drake visited the same _ spot for one day. The third record was the appearance on the 4th December, 1905, of a male bird on the lake on Tooting Common, associating itself rather strangely with a female Wild Duck. 53 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB GEESE. On 13th September, 1891, two flew high over my garden —species not distinguishable,— but were to all appearance wild birds; and on 25th May, 1907, I saw five Canada Geese flying at a low altitude near Dulwich; these, however, had no doubt come from Brockwell Park. DIVEN. One —in all probabilty a red-throat — flew W. over my garden, and not more than 50 yards high, on April 12th, 1905 GREAT BLACK-BACKED GULL. Some of the extra-sized immature Gulls occasionally seen may be safely referred to this species, but they are compara- tively rare I have read of the Kittiwake and Little Gull being recog- nised between the bridges, but never had the good fortune to see either myself. The 6 summer visitors classified as “ accidentals ” — viz., Ring Ousel, Grasshopper Warbler, Red-breasted Pipit, White Wag-tail, Quail, and Common Tern—have already been noticed under that group. EVAR KOUS® Of these there are 6—all, of course, escapes. TURTUR RISORIA. I have seen this bird at large on the following occasions April 16th, 1896, one in my garden; March 18th, 1902, a pair ) anal 6 E 7, = 1t m St. James Park; and July 7th, 1905, a single bird in a neighbour’s garden. PARROT TRIBE. Of these, 4 have been observed. 54 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. BUDGERIGAR, On August 11th, 1876, one flew very low over Kenning. ton Oval whilst a cricket match was in progress; the only record. ROSELLA. On August roth, 1896, | found one feeding on the ser- vice berries in a neighbour’s garden. ‘This it continued to do happily until an immature Cuckoo alighted on the same tree, upon which the Parakeet attacked the new-comer vici- ously, chasing it for some distance, and all the time frequently uttering a harsh note of anger. BLUE MOUNTAIN LORY (?) This, a large bird with blue head, yellow neck, and ereenish body, was for some time in a etal limes tree; amiemy, garden on May 28th, 1893; and on 7th August, 1902, another example alighted on a poplar close by. TUdebip, ALL-GREEN ” PARAKEET. A greenish bird, larger than a Budgerigar, with a cry like ia ie 7 caak” and having a very Cuckoo- like flicht, I have noted as many as six times. In. each case they were solitary ex- amples, and were observed on the following dates :—Novem- ber ith, 1889; September roth, 1894; August 27th, 1807; and tune 26th, 1899,—all these passed over my garden. In Dulwich Park, I saw. a specimen, October 18th, 1893. This bird was in a bush; in the following April, I saw one flying over the same park. CANARY. Several escapes have come under my notice. In August, 1877, I saw a fine yellow bird in a tree in Water Lane, Brix- ton. On May 3rd, 1801, I caught a blotched male bird on my aviary, and at the same place a female of the same type on December 11th, 1895. On June 5th, 1806, I observed a greenish specimen on the grass in St. James’ Park. 55 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. MI GR ATT ON. INGO TEs. A FEW FACTS AND THEORIES CONCERNING ‘THIS WONDERFUL MOVEMENT. The migratory impulse in birds is so remarkable a habit that it has always been of extreme interest to the Naturalist, and consequently various speculations have been mooted as to the object of the movement, and also as to the “line” or direction taken by the migrants. OBJECT. So far as the object is concerned, the necessity for food and an equable temperature would supply sufficient reasons for a change of locality in the case of both summer and winter visitors. So TETONTE o> The line or direction taken in spring and autumn by the various visitors 1s not always easily followed, for reasons given later, although the gezera/Z direction will be demonstrated. The remarks that follow are founded on more than 40 years’ observation of the arrival and departure of migrants to and from our shores; during which time a careful record has been kept of the direction taken by the birds, and of the prevailing wind at the time of passage. As a result of these observa- tions, it would appear that this passage is not, as might be supposed, an invariable, exact, and simple movement from north to south in autumn and vice versa in spring, in the case of the summer visitors; nor to the east in spring and to the west in autumn with those that spend winter with us. Such a statement would, nevertheless, roughly indicate the line the migrants take. 56 BROCKWELL PARK. etch im eel =F! = t ‘ ee Pee ce | H md { ‘ ’ o” Pt ee | ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. ARRIVALS. First as to the arrivals. These, generally speaking, cross England to the W.N.W., both in spring and autumn, their visible passage depending very much upon the direction of the wind and its varying force at the time this movement takes place; whilst it may be regarded as certain that a gale from any quarter will partly arrest or may totally divert the course of those travelling. This is especially noticeable in the autumn passage, which is always more in evidence than that of spring. DEPARTURES. The departure movement is never, either in spring or autumn, so marked or visible as that of the arrival; chiefly, I believe, because it is a more gradual affair. The spring departure of those that winter with us is especially difficult to follow, and I have been able to note it——-with any semblance of regularity — with the Corvi alone. Of course, by this I mean a visible passage. When residing in Kent, near the east coast, for several years I remarked parties of foreign Rooks and Daws making their journey homewards—e., east- ward—at the end of February and beginning of March; this passage was always an early morning affair and ceased before mid-day. But the autumn departures are very different With regard to the summer visitors, a well-marked succession of the soft-billed birds may be observed every August and September working southward through the country, and yet the only wzszble passage is confined to the Swallow tribe, which passes in a succession of rushes, invariably to the S.W. or 5.E., but chiefly in the former direction. This movement, moreover, is certainly more regular and marked than that of their arrival in spring. FLIGHT AGAINST THE WIND. It used to be supposed, and by many the idea is still held, that birds come and go with the wind favouring them in their proposed direction, but, although this at times may appear to be the case, my observations during these many years have convinced me that migrants travel best and by choice agaznst the wind. Further, upon consideration it will be recognised how reasonable and practical such a habit would be. The birds then face an air that keeps their feathers closely pressed to their bodies, which thus present a smooth surface and a shape best adapted for cleaving the air; whilst, on the other 57 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. hand, a wind behind the travellers would disarrange their feathers,—very unpleasantly so in the soft-plumaged species— and in the case of a strong breeze would tend to chill and tire them. My experience then, mainly in the E. and S.E. counties, has been as follows, viz., that the only vzszble and sustained migration 72 numbers is invariably in an N.W., W., or S.W. direction, almost directly against the wind—even when such approaches a stiff breeze; the birds in their progress meeting the wind on the right or left breast. Thus: Wind N. +—Course N.N.W. » NW , £W.N.W. » WW. — , W.N.W. or W.S.W. Se N= 25 Sip VES By the compass the most favoured course would be expressed —W. by N. Moreover the advance of these flocks is not of a laboured or hesitating character, but straight, steady, and at a uniform pace; the travellers having seemingly a known goal before them, in reaching which there must be no delay. These observations apply not only to arrivals on the coast, but also to flocks travelling inland. This steady, regular movement—the best wind for seeing such being W.N.W.— may be witnessed and verified year by year during the great October migration, and will be found specially marked in the case of the Finches, Larks, Starlings, and Corvi. Now, if in order to witness actual migration the wind must be N.W., W.N.W., W., or W.S.W. (Ct will be most marked under the second condition), and if none is to be seen when the weather-cock points in other directions, it cannot be far wrong to surmise that the many migrants we find in their appropriate haunts, azd which have not been observed on passage, must have found when travelling one of the above- mentioned winds at a higher elevation,—one beyond the like- lihood of observation, and probably even beyond our powers of vision. These contrary currents may often be observed in studying the movement of the clouds, and I have many times seen migrants on passage against this higher wind at such an altitude that, had not my attention been attracted by the travellers’ notes, I should have missed the movement alto- gether. The fact, too, that birds found on the coast when 58 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. the wind is E. or N.E. are often so exhausted as to be caught by hand, and are almost invariably difficult to flush, would seem to indicate that these are tired members of flocks which had been proceeding W. to whom a change of wind to E. had proved detrimental instead of helpful. October, 1908—about the poorest for records of visible migration of any year-—provides strong evidence in favour of the above theory. The wind, except for three days, was chiefly easterly throughout the month, yet, although the mi- grants appeared as usual in their customary haunts, on the few occasions that I witnessed any passage the wind was S.W. In short, whether my contention holds good for all parts of Great Britain or not, the solid fact remains that during all these years I have mever yet in E. and S.E. England witnessed a sustained passage unless the wind was in the N.W. to S.W. quarter. TRAVELLERS BY NIGHT. The mass of migrants presumably crosses the sea by mght or early morning, for not only are they to be found in plenty some morning “where the day before there were none, but the trained ear of the Naturalist will often after dark detect the notes not only of the clear-voiced waders, but also the. softer utterances of Redwings, Larks, etc. Still more forcible evidence of night travel comes to us from the light- houses, around which the keepers frequently report an extra- ordinary and bewildering collection of light-attracted birds, comprising sometimes both land and water species. HOURS OF DAYLIGHT MIGRATION. So far as daylight migration is concerned, it will be found that when a passage occurs scarcely a flock will be observed before 7.30 a.m., and as a rule the movement for the day will be over by 10.30 or so. In extraordinary “rushes,” however, the flocks, although at longer intervals than in the earlier part of the day, will continue to pass until 2, 3, and even 4 p.m. Assuming that these birds have been travelling all night, it is not easily understood why they should not appear with the earliest dawn, and yet a simple explanation may be that as 59 ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. the sun rises they approach the earth more closely. During the dark hours they may have been travelling at a great height, and probably always do so, as they would find less air resistance and possibly fewer dangers at higher altitudes. SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE MIGRATION OF THE SWALLOW TRIBE. The migration of the Swallow tribe,—as witnessed over this district,—differs in some respects from that of all other species, as mentioned previously. Firstly, they appear to be essentially day travellers, since they are to be observed regularly every year on both the spring and autumn passages, though the numbers seen passing depend, as before mentioned, upon the general set of the wind, and the many,—as with all other species,—only when westerly winds prevail. Secondly, their course on arrival is as a rule N.W., and their direction when departing equally as a rule S.W.; ad- verse winds alone causing any deviation, and that but a slight one, from those courses. Thirdly, they travel, as might be expected from their great wing power, far faster than any other bird, often at what might be termed express speed, and apparently with their fastest pace against a stiff breeze. Fourthly, the extended period during which these move- ments continue seems peculiar to the tribe. Arriving parties may be seen any day, the wind being favourable, between mid- April and the end of May; whilst these May “rushes” i have observed in no other birds. The departing flocks also may be observed for some weeks, roughly speaking from mid- August to mid-October; the latest being presumably those that have summered furthest north. In conclusion, I would call attention to the accompanying Chart of 25 consecutive Octobers showing the daily direction and force (3 grades) of the wind, and also the dependence of the evidences of migration (also in 3 grades) upon those con- ditions. 60 i ~ a cell — 7 i = - cn » ty @ or, _ 9 1 7 ese : ! : ne A 2 : ca oO ; & ; ; sles Th = A CHART OF 25 CONSECUTIVE OCTOBERS (1885 To 1909). Wz indicates a light wind, W.. strong wind or breeze, W-ahalf gale or more, m’indicates evidence of a migratory passage, M_a strong or Steady one, Mo great passage or “rush”. ) Bdge sabe M M M M he i M te eet: a M i?) M ) o 3. w |e | sw eee Ie M 0 M M. M M showing on each day the prevailing wind, with its force; and the dependence of the “Migratory Movement’on the direction of the wind. CHIEF CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MONTH Aicveh month. Bar very prregeler. Bind chietly Ghesterly. Mygrahort sell marta Ber reguier « Much East wind. do Migration, chielly abn her caetrcychoric. ‘erly asind, also ‘tr erth. A fine month with considerable Frosh Prevalence of V.Woews/nds Sreot Migration; some almost deity. Low and wacren Bar. Nigrohen notes M o M waw}| Ws] waw w Nw {| NW | Ww w sw ttl 12% :ofler- art ar and much ron M ° M 0 M M M t) oO oO \ Migrahon poor: Nw sw sw ssw se | SW | waw IweSW| wow SW | wnw Wet and beste rous ; irregular Bor watt a r “1 Th =, eT = = a ——-~ tall ide oath, then East wind ond o M o 0 0 ) M M M C) M pee. ee reg< c W high : w w | sw [SN toe SE E E NE ae 2 with = = er el OL mw _|m|™ are chit hy Wore sw WwW W SW Werther and Bor. scille: ef month. Westerly wi 0 M M M ond alos! NE N |ENE | NE ‘sw [xe 0 M 0 ° M_ | wees. Fyree sw w wsw 1895 stad ° ° M N 1896 3 5 = cP i wet maath at first. Westerly winds Sridénce of miprehion. Avery fh Easle [| 1897 Meathe r finer ¢ = = o|2 lz |alz |m jz |Z Jo|m = = = 2 2 SWhigh NE. low NNW | SE |WNWw |whsw] OW Iswronw)wosw| SW M 0 M M M mM M 0 oO SE 0 M a o Po] M : mee) photo = betes fete Pr | ° M 0 0 0 0 M M Ges Sete ete M M M M M ° M M ) ae el Reese 0 ™M M M M M ao edeaet M a 0 M M mest Peete tha epetete fete tetete MIG") oO 0 0 0 0 0 0 x3 (e} ra09 | sw | w_senSWiWSWPhl sw Sw | SW [wr] Sw|sw-| sw [SSW| wow ea MiG?} _o U) 0 M 0 Lm | M 0 ° M M 0) ™M M P) ¢ FB : week of the month almost invariably applies lo the Mr ation of the Swallow tribe; , all the On the few °ccasions, Hal Migration 13 shown with an East wind, he tah? was inve riably ofa tght. characler,aad the Migra}o xy movern er? had already commenced under a Westerly f 1x NOTE The mr during the first A» gales. Migration only tate remarntaile. A fine month ; Ban ever Strong win eth. Wiorstory iéereme well shown a S1k OCCeS Themonth svany and an wawseea! omeur UW wind without goles. Migration elmost centinuous thrnegheds 4 rarld month; chielly Westerly winds, vome exceptionally tine Migratory Passages. Much rain with SW. gales and bres month finer at aad; Bar waerer Migration patchy, auth only hwo sheaaly rsx fine throughout and Bar. remornaly evrea, much light Land M£ wind, calms cad fags prevailedie tile Wigtakon on thd fata chags of We coind. Wild wel aad tempes/wous, Fait of 18 Fax) GIN goles G breEZCS, crtly F Memes arts wand, Migration marke” iravgStat great resk daily From 189 to 227. rest of the month the passage of Finches, Starlings Larks & Corus is chietly indicated. : . a _ a : bd - 7 a | - =, P = Cae | : - -_ i = > a a - > - ® oe a - ata = - = - - a _ > : - i 7 7 = _ oe v7 —- > _ — a - ad " ai 7 = - _ ae -_ - -_ ; - a ou | “a a « - =e a o ; - ~~ — . : _ . - - : a : i. _— S . — - = a wal -_ _~ — . a a — -s JZ - _ 7 tae —- ee 7 : al y = pe _ i - a 7 - _ is ¢ << = vee q 7 4 z ——- : 4 , a a p) - — 'S - - eae — = _— = - - - - 7 —-_ 7 = w= Pia a a — —_ 2. i : . ad > . / i a = = = an oo _ _ _ J fee oa - — . 7 ~ - * = = 1? a a 3 _ - 7 —_ > - ~ — -_ y 2 7 _ ee “7 ai @ 7 - . a @ [+ = aol - a de > — ae c _— es ee : mz - a 7 ms, y ec = _ ¢ - = — : ve * , : 7 _ >: - oi! _ - > | ae ae - . yy Loe he ame - nl ey —_—* = - , ~* -_ —= ro eae = ——_ —_ Ce a) —_s — —_ 7 x = = = @ _ — : \ od - =a ao —_ — 7 — = ~ — < ad a wat ae : > we - —" —o ae i a 7 - —_ tes : ° : ee - —— = ——— ———_ ———— ee ——= > = Se ————— Ee — == - — : = ae a ————s ——— - : ; —— - = = — = — — —— a on ~ - —— = es = —_—— — —- CE gna — — - ee a = eee eee eee = ———————— ————————— =——— en — ————— — ———— a a ———— ee Bis ——— —— ——— —————— ee “nn a —— ee ——— SSS eee ee ee a = a eee eee SS ee _———— SS SS ——— SS ee Lee — eS —— — ——— a = a Ee —_. ~ — en ee — —— =a a a ———— el — —_ — — a = a — —— —— ——— ee oe oS Ww — —— <=