128 STUDIES IN BIRD-MIGRATION 



24th being the earliest date for its advent, and are in 

 progress throughout September and during the first 

 half of October — the latest date for its presence being 

 29th October. In 1908 both sexes were numerous on 

 24th and 25th October. Some males in October have 

 their heads clad half In black and half in reddish-brown 

 feathers. 



Like most of its congeners, it seeks cover on arrival 

 in the autumn, and must be sought for amid the shelter 

 afforded by plots in the cultivated area. 



Sylvia borin, Garden - ]Varbler. — The earliest 

 record for this bird's arrival on its spring passage is 

 24th April, and from 9th May to loth June it is seen in 

 small numbers only — chiefly during the middle weeks 

 of May. 



It is quite abundant, however, in the autumn on its 

 way south. Its visits at this season, usually commencing 

 during the first week of September, continue throughout 

 the month, and until the nth October on the part of 

 stragglers. In the autumn of 19 10, an early season, the 

 first immigrants were seen on 17th and 27th August. 

 As in spring, single birds are observed ; but these are 

 now frequently widely distributed, and hence quite 

 numerous. 



It autumn it is decidedly skulking in its habits, and 

 is not easily put on the wing when detected among cover, 

 such as potatoes, which are its favourite haunt. In 

 spring it seeks the scanty shelter afforded by the 

 withered grasses of the ditches. It also frequents the 

 cliiTs at both seasons. 



Sylvia subalpina, Subalpine Warbler, — The second 

 British example, an adult male, occurred on 6th May 

 1908 — a great day for migratory visitors to Fair Isle 



