201 MISCELLANEOUS NOTICES. 



be in that case more satisfaotovrly conjectured, having regard to the slippery nature of their 

 prey ; but having paid particular attention to the matter, I consider it rests in conjecture only. 

 At some future time I may have some more to say on the subject, but for the present shall 

 confine myself to this general observation. — Idem. 



The Buzzard. — An incident occurred to me last year which I thought might be interesting 

 to some of the readers of ''The Naturalist." It was a fine day in the middle of the summer, 

 when, walking to the head of the valley of Easdale, in Westmorland, I saw a fine specimen 

 of the Buzzard, (Buteo vulgaris^) curving about the crags on the east side of the valle\\ The 

 bird seemed alarmed by the appearance of myself and servant, and was very irregular in its 

 flight. At that time— being able to imitate the cry of the Buzzard — I thought I would try 

 if I could attract the feathered sovereign of that rocky ten-itory, so I ordered my man to lie 

 down upon the heather, and I soon followed his example. After remaining quiet for a minute 

 or two, I commenced the cry, and it was a beautiful sight to see the bird gradually ascend 

 and wheel round to a iwint immediately over my head. This position I could not witness 

 myself, but it was observed by my attendant. The Buzzard gradually descended to within four 

 or five yards of my cranium, when the witness, becoming alarmed for the safety of my apparrcl 

 or my person from the shock of the Hawk's attack, immediately arose, and scared the creature 

 away. Had I remained still much louger, no doubt the bird would have dropped upon me, 

 carrying away a portion of my arm, or talons filled with hair ; wliich might look more ridiculous 

 to the observer, than be pleasant to the sufferer, I liave in my possession a Buzzard, taken 

 from a nest in Lonsealo Fell, the nose of Skiddaw, about two years since: it is very tame for 

 a bird of that species, and will eat its food in my presence. The bird Avill not refuse to 

 accept meat when offered to it by the hand. I do not think it would be happy to associate 

 with its own class, it has become so far domesticated. This does not shew much nobility 

 about the Buzzard, or inclination to roving habits; but it seems as if the creature preferred 

 solitude in a hay chamber, resting near a barred window, to the independent habits of the 

 untamed Hawk. — C. W. Eqthery, Keswick, May, 1852. 



Heronry. — In the list of Heronries still to be found in England, which has appeared in your 

 interesting magazine, "The Naturalist," no mention is made of one at Chilham Castle, in Kent, 

 the seat of J. B. Wildman, Esq. There, however, the Herons have a colony, to which they 

 return almost invariably on the same day of the month every spring. — J. Pembekton Bautlett, 

 Fordingbridge, Hants., March 10th., 1852. 



Additional JTeronry. — In addition to the list of Heronries mentioned at page 60 of vol. i., and 

 elsewhere, in "The Naturalist," may be addtjd one in the domains of Warwick Castle, the truly 

 magnificent seat of the Earl of Brooke and Warwick. Of this I was informed by some friends 

 of mine;, who had been there a few years ago, and also a fortnight back, whilst there, by one 

 of the gardeners at the Castle, but unfortunately time would not allow of my visiting it. — W. B. 



In addition to those already enumerated in "The Naturalist," a Heronry is still in existence 

 at Wolverton Wood, near Lynn.--T. Southwell, Lynn, Norfolk, May 14th., 1852. 



Occurrence of the Bee-eater, (Mcrops apiaster,) in Aberdeenshire. —h. fine specimen of this 

 rara avis was shot about thrtx; weeks ago, (about June Wi.) by the gardener at Kinmundy, 

 (nearly the extreme north-east point of the county,) and is at present in my hands: it was 

 gorged with bees when sliot. The plumage is remarkably brilliant and perfect.— Thomas 

 Fergusox, Glasgow, June 25th., 1852. 



We hav(! to apologize for the non-appearance of the above in the August number. It was 

 overlooked in the confusion consequent on a change of residence~B. K. M. 



Chiff-chaff, (Sylvia hippolais.) — One of these interesting little fellows was shot here on the 

 22nd. of March; wind in tlie south at the time. I have the skin by me now, which I intend 

 sending to a gentleman at St. John's, New Brunswick, along with several others that I have. 

 — Geoege B. Clarke, Wobuni, Beds., April 12th., 1852. 



Note Ml the Starling, (Stumus vulgaris.) —A dark cream-coloured Starling was shot by a 

 cousin of mine, near Colchester, this autumn, and is now in his collection.— E. B. P., Shelly, 

 Stoke-by-Nayland, January 2nd., 1852. 



