OTES 



INCREASE AND DECREASE IN SUMMER-RESIDENTS. 

 An Inquiry Proposed. 



Every year there appear many notes in periodical literature 

 recoiding a diminution or increase of certain summer-birds 

 in various localities. A good many correspondents have 

 written to us from time to time on the subject, but isolated 

 observations in a case of this kind are of little importance, 

 as they may be due simply to local and temporary fluctuations. 



To discover the real meaning of these fluctuations the co- 

 operation of a number of observers over a wide area is 

 absolutely essential. We think that the subject is one which 

 ought to be inquired into, and as a preliminary step we seek the 

 co-operation of every reader of British Birds, and would 

 ask each to fill in the schedule which is sent out with this 

 issue. In this schedule only brief answers are required, and 

 the inquiry has been confined to those species which are most 

 often spoken of as fluctuating in numbers. To make the 

 inquiry satisfactory, the answers in the schedules should 

 be founded on the most careful observation possible. The 

 most valuable information of all is such as is given by the 

 Messrs. Alexander in Vol. II., pp. 322-6, and by Mr. H. G. 

 Alexander in Vol. V., pp. 10.3-5; and it is to be hoped that 

 some of our readers will be able to give the exact number 

 of pairs in certain areas in 1911 and 1912, while others who 

 cannot go so far as this, will give brief reasons for their 

 conclusions. 



Every reader is particularly requested to fill in and return 

 the schedule at once. The Editors. 



EARLY NESTS IN 1912. 



The following notes of early nesting in 1912 may be of 

 interest in connection with the other records which have 

 been published : — 



March 16th, Suffolk : Several Mistle-Thrush with eggs. 

 April 27th, Kent : Bullfinch with five eggs, incubation 

 commenced ; Yellow Bunting with four eggs, incubation 

 advanced. May 1st, Kent : Blackcap with five eggs, incu- 

 bation commenced. May 4th, Kent : Whitethroat with five 

 eggs, fresh. Surrey : Blackcap with five eggs, incubation 

 commenced ; Lesser WTiitethroat with three eggs, fresh. May 



