The Oologists' Record, December i, 192 1. 103 



being a mere depression lined with marsh grass. The eggs appeared 

 to be highlv incubated, and the bird sat very tightly and did not 

 move until nearly trodden upon. We think this is something of a 

 record for Kent in recent years. 



THE CROSSBILL IN COUNTY WICKLOVV. 



A correspondent in County W'icklow secured for us last spring, 

 a nest and three eggs of the Crossbill which were in a Scotch fir 

 tree marked for felling. He stated : — 



" There is no doubt as to their identity, as the birds were in' 

 great distress afterwards, and searched each bough for the nest, 

 and curiously there were two hens and the cock in the search, so 

 that, as you thought might be the case, there are more in the 

 vicinity. The nest was not visible from the ground, and was quite 

 hidden in the foliage, and very inaccessible. We had to cut the 

 bough and lower it by degrees to get the nest. 



One thing especially is noticeable in this case. The parent bird 

 stripped the adjoining trees of cones and left alone the one with 

 the nest ; and surrounding the nest were cones — in fact touching it. 

 Is this instinct to leave food for the young convenient ? This is 

 quite apparent although it may be only an isolated case, and may be 

 a guide to further nests being found. 



I miss these birds' chatter now as they have left me, even the 

 other hen is not to be seen. The nest and tree were only 50 yards 

 from my cottage so that I could sit and watch them for hours."' 



Unfortunately, these three eggs were almost hatched and this, 

 coupled with some damage in the post, made it impossible to save 

 them. 



Our correspondent wrote later : 



" There are still Crossbills nesting near me here, but they are 

 now extremely shy, but quite apparently the}- have made their 

 home here for the summer. The cock sings very beautifulh', but 

 very low, and entirely different from his usual sharp, continuous 

 chatter. 



There is, undoubtedly, another nest as you suggested, close by, 

 but I am sure the eggs must be hatched b\' now (13th March)." 



