CHIFFCHAFF. 45 
are fir plantations, and is plentiful in Delamere Forest 
and the neighbourhood of Alderley Edge and Chelford. 
The nest has often been taken on the fir-crowned sand- 
stone ridges in Wirral, at Storeton, Bebbington, Burton, 
and elsewhere In the Hill Country the conditions are 
better suited to its requirements, and the conifers in 
the wooded upper valleys of the Goyt and Dane afford 
it abundant nesting-places. Mr. J. J. Cash has found 
the nest at Middlewood, near Stockport, and Mr. S. 
Radcliffe informs us that, although he has never 
found a nest, he sees the birds every breeding season 
in Arnfield Clough, Longdendale. 
In most years large numbers of migrants arrive in 
autumn from the continent of Europe; and although 
in some seasons but few visit us, the Goldcrest is 
usually plentiful throughout the county from the end 
of October until March. During the winter this species 
is by no means confined to fir-woods. Combined flocks 
of Goldcrests, Titmice, and Creepers may often be seen 
at this season, moving slowly in loose formation, in 
the woods, along the hedgerows, and even in gardens. 
At Ince, Mr. R. Newstead has observed it feeding 
extensively on the American blight (Schizonewra 
lanigera).” 
CHIFFCHAFF. 
PHYLLOSCOPUS RUFUS (Bechstein). 
As a general rule, the Chiftchaff is more local and far 
less abundant than the Willow Wren, although it is 
met with in suitable situations throughout the county. 
In the forest at Delamere this order is reversed and 
1 Brockholes, op. cit. p. 6. 2 Dobie, op. cit. p. 289. 
