Zoological Obserbations during the 
Spring and Summer of J893. 
BY R. NEWSTEAD, F.E.S., 
CURATOR OF THE GROSVENOR MUSEUM, CHESTER. 
S the past season has been such a remarkable one, it has 
been thought advisable to place on record notes of special 
interest relating to birds and insects. The observations on the 
birds have, without exception, been made during my daily walk 
to and from the City and Saltney. I am unable to say how 
these notes compare with former years; as, although I have 
always taken a keen interest in the arrival of our feathered 
friends, systematic notes have not been kept. It will, however, 
be interesting to compare them with Mr. A. O. Walker’s 
[Anfe p. yo], as observed at Colwyn Bay. As regards the 
insects, it will be seen that the field of observation covers a 
wider area. 
BIRDS. 
The following were first heard singing on the eiles given 
below :— 
Jan. 20.—Blue Tit. 
»  27-—Skylark, and at intervals during the month. 
», 30.—Redbreast. 
» 30.—Marsh Tit, and often during February and 
March. I think these birds must nest either in 
or near Curzon Park. Their call-note or song 
much resembles that of the Chiff-chaff. 
Feb. 2.—Hedge Sparrow, and at intervals during the 
month. 
» 8 —Song Thrush. On the roth many were singing 
at 7 a.m., during a heavy gale of wind. 
» 16.—Lesser Redpoll. Undoubtedly a stray speci- 
men, as I have not hitherto seen the species 
near the city. 
» 22.—Great Tit. Very appropriately. called the ‘‘ Saw 
Sharper” in Norfolk. 
Mar. 7.—Chaffinch. 
» 17-—-Yellow Bunting. 
»  24.—Chiff-Chaff. 
» 25.—Gold Crested Wren. 
» 25.—Common Wren. 
Apr. 18.—Willow Wren. The American Zoologists con- 
sider this the best British Song Bird. 
» .18.—Swallow first seen*. 
* My Father saw the Swallow, at Ince, about the 2nd of April. 
