1»0 MISCELLANEOUS NOTICES. 



The Mountain Finch. (Fringilla montifringilla.) I have received upwards 

 of three dozen of these birds, this winter, which are far from being uncom- 

 mon in this neighbourhood, some occurring every year ; I never, however, 

 knew them so plentiful as this season, — T. C, Luton, Bedfordshire, January 

 28th, 1855. 



Tlie Hawfinch, (Coccothraustes vulgaris.) — Six Hawfinches have come 

 under my notice, within a week. Five of them were in company with Field- 

 fares. — Idem. 



The Hawfinch. (Coccothraustes vulgaris.) — On Friday last, three fine speci- 

 mens of the HaAvfinch {Coccothraustes vulgaris) were obtained in this neigh- 

 bourhood, driven here, no doubt, by the cold weather. — John W. Eccles, 

 Medstead, Alton, Hants, Feb. 13th, 1855. 



The Hawfinch. — The Hawfinch is frequently found in the grounds at 

 Hawnes Park, Bedfordshire. I have one specimen that was shot there last 

 December, and I saw several others at the same time. There are generally 

 three or four there every year; but I have not yet discovered whether they 

 breed there or not.— J. C. T., St. Peter's College, Feb. 23rd, 1855. 



Anecdote of a Sparrow hatching for Moths. — As I was walking once on a 

 high steep bank, covered with bushes, near our town, beating with a stick 

 for Moths; a large Moth flew out, and was immediately pursued by a Spar- 

 row, and captured. It, however, escaped from its enemy, and at once flew 

 off, pursued by the Sparrow for a long way. The Sparrow was, however, 

 obliged to give up the chase, and returned to his old post. — George King, 

 Ipswich, Jan. 15th, 1855. 



Tlie Dartford Warbler. (Melizophilus Provincialis.) — This very beautiful 

 and elegant little Warbler is not, so far as I am aware, generally known to 

 be an inhabitant of this county, although recorded as found in Devon and 

 Cornwall ; and I have now the high gratification of saying, that I this day 

 found a specimen frozen to death near this place. I also have several times 

 seen a bird which I considered to be this species ; and Mr. Octavius P. Cam- 

 bridge, of Bloxworth House, informs me, that it frequents and breeds on 

 Bloxworth Heath ; and he has specimens of the bird, nest, and eggs, in his 

 museum, obtained from that place. It is a very delicate bird, and suff"ers 

 much from frost. — Jno. E. Daniel, Wool, near Wareham, Dorset, Feb. 

 14th, 1855. 



Arrival of the Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) at Ipswich, in 1854 — When out on 

 the 16th of April, 1854, I saw a Cuckoo flying westward from the sea ; and 

 returning homewards a few hours afterwards, I observed several Cuckoos 

 settled on a large tree. I thought it very early. — George King, Ipswich, 

 January 15th, 1855. 



Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius minor) near Lewes. — My brother and self 

 succeeded in obtaining several specimens of the IJttle Ringed Plo\er, [Char- 

 adrius minor,) and also a very good specimen of the female Sfnew, {Mergus 



