THE BIRDS OF COOKHAM AND THE NEIGHBOURHOOD. 29 
April, at which time a few pairs are observed on Cockmarsh 
Common. Ihave never succeeded in shooting one myself, but in 
the Formosa collection is a fine pair; and Mr. Briggs has shot 
them at the above-mentioned time of year in the neighbourhood. 
In Leicestershire I used to find the Wheatear very common, and 
a “‘Utick’s” nest was often found in our cricket-field at Lough- 
borough Grammar School. 
Pratincola. 
37. Pratincola rubicola. The Stone-chat. 
This bird, which commonly goes by the name of the “ Furze- 
chat,” is not uncommon in its favourite localities during the 
summer months, and may generally be found on Maidenhead 
Thicket. It has, however, never yet fallen under my notice 
during the winter, though Mr. Kennedy was fortunate enough 
to meet with a pair in January, 1866. 
38. Pratincola rubetra. The Whinchat. 
The Whinchat is sparingly found near Cookham during the 
summer, and, unlike the Stonechat, which affects the high ground, 
it is generally seen in the fields of standing grass, especially 
towards dusk. In such situations I have often shot it. With 
the Stonechat, it is often seen sitting on the telegraph wires, or 
on the palings by the side of the railway. 
‘ 
Fam. SyivicouipZz. 
Sub-fam. Moracii1inz. 
a. Motacilla. 
89. Motacilla Yarrellii. The Pied Wagtail. 
This bird is met with all the year round near Cookham, and 
breeds plentifully. Nor is it particular in the choice of a site for 
nest, which is generally placed in the thick ivy climbing round the 
walls of the gardens at Formosa. I have seen one in a fig-tree 
against the wall, while another pair of birds selected a flower- 
basket on the lawn at Formosa, and built their nest in the mould. 
The Cuckoo shows great partiality for laying in the Wagtail’s 
nest, the two latter above-mentioned being both visited by one of 
these birds. In the nest, in the fig-tree I saw a young Cuckoo 
comfortably seated, while a cat destroyed the nest in the flower- 
