40 BIEDS OF MIDDLESEX. 



Yarrell says: " Another example has since been 

 seen in the Eegent's Park." And a third, a female, 

 was shot in a brick-field at Shepherd's Bush. 



Stonechat, Saxicolaruhicola. Found here through- 

 out the year, but less common in winter, the greater 

 number departing as that season approaches. The 

 song and call-note of this bird are not unlike those of 

 its congener the Whinchat. The food also is similar, 

 and consists of grubs, small beetles, and flies. One 

 day in May I found a nest of this species, being 

 attracted to the spot by the actions of the old birds. 

 It was built in an old stone wall, but at such a 

 distance from the hole or crevice by which the birds 

 entered, that I was unable to see whether there 

 were eggs or young. As I approached the wall, the 

 old birds retired to a little distance, the male uttering 

 an angr}^ note ; but no sooner had I discovered the 

 nest, and commenced trying to dislodge a stone to 

 obtain a better view, than the hen bird immediately 

 returned, flew up against me, threw herself on the 

 ground at my feet with all her feathers ruffled, at 

 the same time uttering a peculiar angry note. I 

 once thought to catch her, but she eluded my grasp, 

 although continuing near me, and expostulating as 

 before. I was so pleased vv^ith this show of affection 

 that I at once desisted from examining the nest, 

 and retired to some distance to watch the birds 

 further. After some time, they both perched on 

 the wall, close to the nest, and the hen, after some 



