INTRODUCTION. 



In enumerating the various species recorded, I 

 liave thought it expedient to follow some fixed plan 

 or system, and I have adopted that pursued by 

 Mr. Yarrell as being the most simple and natural 

 of modern systems. Those who desire to see 

 figures of the birds here noticed may refer to the 

 ' History of British Birds ' by that author, where 

 they will be found faithfully and beautifully de- 

 lineated. 



It will be seen, from the following pages, that 

 no less than 225 species of birds have been found 

 in Middlesex. Of these 60 are resident, 68 migra- 

 tory, and 97 rare and accidental visitants. 



The woods around Hampstead, Highgate, Edge- 

 warebury, Stanmore, Pinner, and Harrow, still 

 afford protection to various members of the Hawk, 

 Owl, Crow, and Woodpecker families, in spite of 

 the persecution they are constantly receiving at the . 

 hands of keepers, birdstuffers, and mere collectors. 

 The Warblers are found suddenly scattered over 

 the country at the period of their vernal migration. 

 Wheatears and Stonechats then appear on the fal- 

 lows ; Whinchats in every grass-field ; Willow 

 Wrens and noisy Whitethroats in the green lanes ; 



