ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM A SOUTH LONDON SUBURB. 
There is a continuous arrival of Martins—with the 
Swallows—for about six weeks in spring, most marked during 
the first fortnight in May. The Martins are the later in com- 
ing, and the majority appear to put off their journey until 
nearly the end of the month. I have always fancied, more- 
over, that these late comers travel faster than the parties arriv- 
ing earlier in the month, giving one the impression that they 
are not only making up for the delayed passage, but have the 
furthest to go for their breeding quarters. 
SAND MARTIN (Non-resident). 
A comparative rarity, there being no breeding place, to 
imy knowledge, anywhere near; and the bird has been seen 
only when on spring and autumn migration. At the former 
period, in some years, one or two have appeared in Dulwich 
Park, taking a turn or two round the lake before passing on. 
The earliest date of arrival | have is April 10th. The evidence 
of autumn migration is still more imperfect, but from the latter 
end of August to the third week in September, small parties may 
sometimes be seen hurrying W. or S.W. across the district. In 
1877, I observed one of these travelling companies as early as 
July 6th; and, in 1899, I watched 15 of these birds hawking 
over the lake in St. James’ Park so late as October 5th; this 
is the latest note I have ever made with regard to the species. 
SWIFT (Resident). 
A fairly numerous species, but now nesting only in the 
Crystal Palace district, and very probably in the upper regions 
of the Palace itself. So recently as 1886, at least 6 pairs 
nested in Josephine Avenue. These were reduced in 1892 to 
2 pairs, with 1 pair in the adjoining Church Road; but for the 
last ten years I have no evidence of any breeding nearer than 
College Road, Dulwich. I have twice seen April arrivals, 
viz.:—on the 27th in 1go1, and on the 24th in 1902; but the 
usual time of appearance is during the first week in May, with 
—as in the case of Swallows and Martins—a later rush of 
individuals at the end of the month, and, like them, invariably 
taking a W. or W.N.W. course. With regard to the autumn 
passage, family parties have sometimes been observed passing 
S.W. as early as the second week in July, but the mass of 
local birds leaves about mid-August, with occasional stragglers 
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