BIRDS OF THE DISTRICT. 309 
‘Mr. Wottey Dop writes: “I never found the nest of the 
Great Spotted Woodpecker here, but there were more than two 
about last spring (1893). I used to hear them daily, mostly on 
a hollow beech, and my keeper told me he watched them fight- 
ing for a hole in the tree, three together, in April. I did not 
find that any stayed to breed. I do not think this species is 
always here. They frequent hedge-row trees as much as woods. 
In Wales it occurs in Mr. Ruppy’s district ; also at Maesmor, 
where it breeds [W.J.K.], and Llandyrnog [J.B.] 
*Dendrocopus minor, Lesser SporreED WOODPECKER. 
Not common, but has been obtained from many parts of the 
district. It is not included in BrocKuotrgs’ list; but I am 
informed by Mr. W. Cox, Taxidermist, Liverpool, that he has 
received several specimens from Eastham Woods, which is the 
best place he’ knows for Woodpeckers. 
Mr. GARLAND shewed me a hole near his house in the Eaton 
Park, where a brood had been successfully reared by the hen 
bird, after the cock had been accidentally killed. Mr. R. J. 
SmitTH shot one at Saighton [Coll. G. M.] 
At Ince several have been seen or heard since 1884; and 
during the autumn of 1893 one frequented some tall Elms for 
several weeks [R.N.] A specimen from this locality was 
obtained by Mr. R. Newsreap, Senior [Coll. G.M.] In June, 
1886, the late Mr. THompson had one from Tiverton for 
preservation. 
Mr. Wotiey Dop writes: “It is plentiful at Edge Hall, 
beginning to ‘rattle’ in February, and often close to the 
house. I have watched them carefully, and have no doubt that 
the movement of the head in rapping is vertical, and not as 
used: to be said, from side to side.” 
In Wales it has been observed about Llangollen, but is rare 
(T.R.]; also at Nan-y-ffrith [R.H.V.K. ], Glan Conway [C.B.], 
and near St. Asaph [W.H.H. 
Coracias garrulus. RoLLer. 
Mr. A. O. WaLKeR tells me that on January 21st, 1858, he 
saw a Roller which had been shot by Carr. Mostyn at 
Saethaelywyd, near Holywell, in the previous September. 
One shot at Abergele by Mr. C. Jerrreys, October 19th, 
1874 (Field.) 
* Alcedo ispida. -KincFisHER. 
A generally distributed but rather scarce resident. Comes 
close to the city of Chester in the winter, and has nested twice 
‘to my) knowledge within two miles since 1890. Occasionally 
seen on the Dee near Eaton ; and\Mr. ConGREVE has observed 
