The Birds of a Surrey Sinalllwldiiig. 191 



Cuckoos were as plentiful here as ever 1 have known 

 them. The (ireat Creasted Grebe appears to be a species on 

 the increase where there are waters spacious enough to attract 

 it. In conclusion I should say I have heard at least three 

 (.Quails this season and flushed one. 



-<^¥^^ 



The Birds of a Surrey Small Holding, 



By Wesley T. Page, F.Z.S., M.B.O.U., etc. 



While in these notes I shall write principally of the 

 present year, my observations cover the last three years, and 

 while all episodes relate to this year, the demeanour of the birds 

 so referred to covers three years' obser\ations. 



By way of digression I will briefly refer to the point of 

 increase of certain species referred to by Dr. Gosse in " Birds 

 and Peace " in last issue of Bird Notes. 



Goldfinches have been much more plentiful than in any 

 of preceding years (1916, 7 and 8). Till recently they have 

 been distributed among near-by orchards, nesting and rearing 

 their young, but since mid-July small flocks of froiii six to 

 twenty have been daily visitors to my vegetable garden, going 

 and coming at intervals throughout the day, consisting of 

 greypates and adult birds. More particularly have they been 

 in evidence on the patch of rough ground given up to chicken 

 raising; here thistle heads, wild cornflowers, etc. abound, and 

 a pretty sight indeed it has been to see the various small family 

 parties, I believe, feeding thereupon. 



Jays, Owls (three speciesj and Hawks have also much 

 increased 



Jays have not been observed on the holding itself, 

 though occasionally stray ones have been observed upon the 

 fences, but in a belt of trees bordering an adjoining meadow, 

 there one not only hears their pleasant garrulousness, but sees 

 glimpses of lovely blue as they disport amid the branches — so 

 far they have left my peas, etc. alone, as also have the 

 Hawfinches, who are also numerous in the district. 



