FASCICULA 135 



as requiring investigation. On July 5th, 1902, a creeper 

 and a cock blackcap were both so engaged there together. 



The creeper's favourite nesting site is the cavity 

 between some old stump and the loose unattached bark — 

 a most insecure position, since there is no solid founda- 

 tion, the nest-material being simply wedged in. Other 

 nests are in the cracks or crevices of split trees — equally 

 destitute of foundation. Eggs are laid in April, and 

 young near ready to fly by May 20th. The beautiful 

 woods of Ashiesteel on Tweed are a favourite resort. We 

 found two nests there on May 8th, the creepers at that 

 date sitting hard. 



In the rough weather of winter they withdraw to 

 the shelter of deep pine-wood. There, amid massive 

 spruce and fir ; and in company with gold-crests, kitty- 

 wrens, and tits of all the five species found here, they defy 

 even the severest winters. 



Wryneck. — Wholly unknown in the north. In forty 

 years' observation, I have neither seen nor heard it, 

 ancl its unmistakable cry can scarce be overlooked. In 

 Southern Norway it arrives by the end of April, and 

 its loud " Hoo, hoo, hoo," repeated ten or a dozen times, 

 can be heard at half a mile. 



Nuthatch. — Also unknown in the north. 



Crossbill. — This is certainly a bird of the Borders ; 

 but very local, and most difficult of observation. My 

 brother Alfred paid special attention to it ; yet failed to 

 ascertain definitely the fact of its breeding here, though 

 it constantly frequented the same woods from February 

 to April, and this during several years. Houxty wood 

 is an ideal resort, yet I have never detected the bird 

 amid the tall and thickly-growing spruces. 



Nightjar.— This is quite the last to arrive of all our 



