Bird-life in 1918.



209



Dipper .—Saw it in North and South Wales, but have not been

in its northern haunts.


Nuthatch .—Well distributed, and as common as usual both sides

of the island where I expected to find it. Pair bred in a suburban

district.


Creeper .—Have seen numbers in several counties, and several

strong broods ; no shortage as far as I can see, but can usually gauge

this better when they are on the shift.


Goldcrest .—Have been unable to go to spots where they are

thick in breeding season. Heard and saw singing cocks in nesting

season, and a brood party passed through an East Anglian garden this

week (August).


Tits.


Greater Tit .—Exceptionally numerous in early winter of 1917

in Suburbia, and very common elsewhere. Has teemed since young

have flown.


Blue Tit .—Much the same applies.


Coal Tit .—Numbers as usual in all respects. Apparently bred

near me in Suburbia, and when I have visited certain spots have met

latterly with numerous parties.


Marsh Tit .—Saw isolated pairs in Suffolk, Essex, and Monmouth.

Have no accounts this season of its nesting.


Longtailed Tit .—Saw it in winter of 1917-18 in certain localities

in usual numbers. An exceptional flock occurred during shooting

operations on an estate in East Anglia.


More Oddments.


Bearded Reedling .—Am not now in touch with any Broad people.


Hedge Accentor .—Excessively numerous, right up into Suburbia,

\yhere good broods appeared early and late. Before moult sets in this

species usually prevents a forlorn appearance, and I see more wild

Hedge-sparrows minus head feathers in the nesting-season than any

other bird I know.


Flycatchers, Shrikes, and Swallows.


Pied Flycatcher .—Prevented from following up such examples

as I have heard and seen. Put one hen out of a stone wall by roadside.



