THE BIRDS OF FAIR ISLE 127 



cliffs. In the autumn, when cover is to be had, it 

 has been found amid standing corn, and not unfrequently 

 among cabbages. 



Sylvia curruca. Lesser VVhitethroat. — Much more 

 abundant and frequent in appearance than the last- 

 named species. Indeed, it is, along with PhylloscopMs 

 trochiliLS, the commonest of the Warblers visiting the 

 island. 



In spring its first appearances date from 23rd April 

 to 9th June ; the average date for its arrival on passage 

 being 7th May. It has been seen as late as 20th June 

 — probably a laggard, non- breeding bird. 



In autumn the earliest record of its return is 20th 

 August, the average 25th August, and the latest 

 17th October. It is frequent throughout September, 

 and has many times occurred during the first week of 

 October. 



In the autumn this little bird is very partial to the 

 cover afforded by the plots of potatoes, turnips, and 

 cabbages, especially the latter. In these it lies very 

 close, and when disturbed it darts forward with a jerky 

 flight, during which it usually spreads its tail, and 

 reveals its identity among Warblers by the display of 

 the whitish outer tail-feathers. In spring the sides of 

 ditches, the large boulders above high-water mark, and 

 the face of the cliffs are its chief resorts. 



Sylvia atricapilla, Blackcap.- — Has appeared in 

 spring on its northward journey at dates ranging from 

 28th April to 15th June, but is not much in evidence 

 until after mid- May, and then onwards until the first 

 week of June. The average date for its first appearance 

 is nth May. 



The autumnal visits commence late in August, the 



