SYLVIAD^. 8 1 



Thus Buckinghamshire can claim the discoverer of 

 two British birds, the Reed Warbler and the Lesser 

 Whitethroat. 



Of late years I have remarked the partiality which 

 this species evinces for nesting high up in lilac-trees, 

 and generally at some distance from water. I have 

 had some correspondence with Mr. J. E. Harting 

 on this subject, for he haa remarked the same thing ;* 

 but on comparing notes, and examining a good series 

 of eggs, he and Mr. Blyth have come to the con- 

 clusion that the species thus found nesting in shrubs 

 at a distance from water, is nevertheless identical 

 with vS. amndmacca. It is remarkable that this diver- 

 gence from the usual habits of the species should have 

 been unnoticed by all previous writers, but since the 

 peculiarity was pointed out by Mr. Harting, his ob- 

 servations have been confirmed by other naturalists. 



Nightingale {Philomela luschiid). This, our finest 

 songster, is a regular summer visitor, reaching us 

 about the 25th of April. Males arrive a few days 

 before the females, and directly the former come, 

 many bird-catchers are on the qui vive to capture 

 them, as it is said a male bird will not survive long 

 if taken after the females have arrived and his song 

 has gained him a mate. 



The nest is, in most cases, built upon a bank, but 

 in May 1867 I discovered one constructed of oak- 

 leaves, hair, and wool, placed about two feet from 



* Vide 'The Birds of Middlesex,' pp. 45-47. 

 G 



