Seagulls.



191



her in their fury, and I thought of what would happen if her paw shot

out and caught one of the brave little pair. It was good to see their

joy when the enemy departed. But, alas, our perfect holiday, like all

good things, has come to an end, and we can only now look forward to

another year, and another visit to the Cornish birds.


Adlih.



FURTHER NOTES ON BIRDS IN THE WAR

AREA AND BEYOND.


By Capt. B. Hamilton Scott, R.F.A.


In 1917 I sent a few notes on birds seen in France and Belgium.

Since then the list has gradually increased, and below I give the

number of species up to date.


In February of 1918 I was fortunate in being sent to the South

of France on duty. There, in a very pretty district, 9 miles north-east

of Marseilles, I expected to be able to add considerably to my list.

This, however, was not the case. Among the more interesting species

were the Hoopoes, in fair numbers, usually in pairs, the first being

seen in April. They were not particularly wild, and allowed one to

approach fairly closely. Their prettily contrasted plumage, graceful

crests, and slow undulating flight made them very noticeable features

in a country which at that time was rather lacking in bird life. A

small, rather insignificant Finch of a greenish tint was noticed in small

numbers frequenting the pine woods of the district. It appeared

similar in shape to the Lesser Redpoll, and its note w T hen in flight

resembled that bird. At first sight it was not unlike the Siskin, but

closer inspection showed the black cap wanting, and the beak w r as not

so pointed. In the Natural History Museum at the Palais de

Longchamps, where, by the way, there is a fine collection of birds of

the district and of Provemje, I was able to identify it, according to the

museum labelling, as “ Venturon Citrin (Citrinella alpina). What its

English name is I am unable to find out.*



* [The Citril Finch (Chrysomitris citrinella).— G. R.]



