REPORT OF ORNITHOLOGICAL SECTION. 
*IN comparing the work done by the several 
4 Sections of our Society, it would be hard to 
say which has best proved the worth of its exis- 
tence. There is one great drawback to the 
notices in our Section, that in the case of 
migration or habits of birds, we cannot bring 
——_ J the first swallow we see in the year, and thus 
prove it wasa Seals and not a Martin, nor can we bring home rare 
birds such as Crested Larks, to show up as notices. So we are 
reduced to birdSeggs, and in this limited branch most of the work 
this year has been done. 
Looking over the forty species, whose dates of breeding were 
given in, we find that nests like those of Cirl Buntings, Grey Wag- 
tails, Barn Owls, and Wood Wrens do occur round Cheltenham, 
though decidedly uncommon, and not to be found except by thorough 
searching. 
The notices on migration and habits in general of birds are 
somewhat scanty, and it is to be hoped that more will be forth- 
coming in the year 1890, for they are far more valuable than mere 
collections of birds’ skins or blown eggs. 
In addresses and field days we came off rather poorly, though 
the quality of Mr. Fowler’s lecture on the habits of observation, 
made up in part for the loss of quantity from others. The field day 
at the Crippetts was unsuccessful, chiefly because undertaken too 
late in the season. 
The Prize for the greatest number of marks gained by notices 
was awarded by Mr. Tanner to V. C. Rolt, the books given being 
“A Year with the Birds,” and “ Tales of the Birds,” by the lecturer 
mentioned above. 
In conclusion we can only draw attention to the notices added 
after this Report, to prove that during the past year the Ornitho- 
logical Section has done some really useful work. 
