BIRDS OF THE DISTRICT. 287 
Mr. W. Kerr (Maesmor) says—‘‘they are a plague;” and 
Mr. Ruppy, that “unfortunately it is commoner than (the 
Thrush, and devours fruits of all kinds.” 
Mr. G. W. Hayes thinks that Thrushes are more common 
than Blackbirds at Ashton Hayes in the breeding season, and 
that in September the gardens are, in a great measure, left by 
both for the potato fields, &c. 
Mr. Wottry Dop says that at Edge Hall there are far too 
many of both Blackbirds and Thrushes in summer, but most of 
the latter disappear in November, leaving the Blackbirds much 
the more numerous through the winter. 
** Turdus torquatus. RING-OUZEL. 
A common summer visitor to the hilly parts of the district, 
where it breeds, ¢.g, Bickerton Hills [Eggs coll. W.H.D.], 
Overton and Helsby Hills [R.N.],. Minera [R.N.], Moel 
Fammau [A.O.W.], the Berwyns [E.C.D.], Vale of Clwyd 
[W.H.H. ] 
Mr. Ruppy notes that it occurs from April to September, 
nests on ledges of rock or under tufts of heather, and is fond of 
Mountain Ash berries. 
Mr. A. O. WaLkER saw one on Moel-y-gamelin on April 3rd, 
1885. 
Not noted at Combermere [Lord C. ], or Colwyn Bay [ A.O.W. ] 
In Wirral “an occasional visitor. In April, 1864, I founda 
nest containing four eggs at Puddington.” (Br. p. 5.) 
* Saxicola cenanthe. WHEATEAR. 
An abundant summer visitor to the sea-coast and hilly parts of 
the district: occasionally seen on the Dee “ Cop” [S. C.] and 
the Golf Links, Queen’s Ferry [H.D.] Common all along the 
Mersey ‘‘Cop” from Stanlow to the Frodsham Marshes [R.N. ] 
Breeds on the coast at Colwyn Bay [A.O.W., R.N. | 
In Wirral “‘ an abundant summer visitor.” (Br. p. 6.) 
* Pratincola rubetra. WHINCHAT. 
A common summer visitor. Abundant on the Dee ‘‘ Cop,” 
where it breeds [S.C.] Common at Ince [R.N.] Wrexham 
[A.D.] Colwyn Bay [R.N.] 
Appears to be commoner than the Stonechat in Cheshire, 
and in Mr. Ruppy’s district, but rarer than that species along 
the Welsh Coast. 
In Wirral “an abundant summer visitor.”’ (Br. p. 6.) 
** Pratincola rubicola. STONECHAT. 
Common, bnt much more so in summer than winter. 
Mr. Ruvuppy notes, ‘very few during winter;” Mr. Darsy 
