74 THE BIRDS OF OXFORDSHIRE. 



species in the winter of 1 849-50 only one specimen^ according 

 to the Rev. A. Matthews, was killed in Oxfordshire [Zoologist, 

 p. 3799). An example shot many years ago in an orchard at 

 Standlake is now preserved in a house in that place (Warner 

 MS.), and another was shot close to Banbury about twenty 

 years ago (W. Wyatt), probably in 1866-67, in which winter 

 there was a notable immigration of Waxwings into England. 

 On the 13th of February, 1886, one was watched for half an 

 hour, while frequenting some thorn bushes in the grounds of 

 a house on the outskirts of Banbury, by Mr. W. Wyatt, who 

 is acquainted with the bird from having preserved specimens 

 of it, and who communicated the fact to me two days later. 



THE PIED WAGTAIL. 3 ^ 



Motacilla lugiihris. 

 The Pied, or Water, Wagtail is resident as a species, but by 

 far the larger proportion of individuals are migratory. A few 

 always pass the winter with us, remaining even during the 

 most severe seasons. At that time they haunt the pens where 

 sheep are folded on the turnips, the straw yards where cattle 

 are wintered, and, occasionally, the borders of streams so long 

 as these remain unfrozen ; in hard frosts they may often be 

 seen running about the village streets, or fluttering up under 

 the eaves of the cottages in search of any insects harboured 

 there. Towards the latter part of February, if the weather is 

 open, we first notice some movement among the Wagtails, and 

 their clear ringing cry often draws attention to birds passing 

 high overhead, singly for the most part, but often following 

 closely one upon another. By the third week in March the 

 migration is in full swing, and little parties of Wagtails, the 

 males in beautiful fresh spring dress, haunt the fields where 

 spring ploughing is in progress, their bright black and white 

 plumage contrasting pleasingly with the deep red of our rich 

 arable land as they run nimbly over the newly -turned furrow- 

 slices^ and their sprightly actions and sharp lively notes. 



