24 THE BIRDS OF RAINHAM. 



WHEATEAR. 



Saxicolo cenanthe (Linn.). 



The Wheatear, coming in March, is the first spring 

 arrival which attracts our attention ; more often seen 

 on the marsh than on the plough land. I have 

 noticed some few in summer time flitting along our 

 marsh walls showing their conspicuous white tail 

 coverts, probably breeding in the blocks of stone used 

 for supporting the embankment. 



GRASSHOPPER- WARBLER. 

 Acrocephalm ncevius (Boddaert). 



Some six years ago before the cold wet summers set 

 in, our woods were alive with ' cricket birds/ their note 

 could be heard on a summer evening in all directions ; 

 in consequence of the cold and wet lasting year after 

 year they have become scarce, and last year not a 

 * cricket bird ' was to be heard, they have, in fact 

 totally disappeared. 



A singular variety was obtained June 5th, 1869, 

 back greenish brown, with darker markings, breast 

 greenish yellow without spots, a male, shot singing. 



SEDGE-WARBLER. 



Acrocephalus schoenobcenus (Linn.). 



Comes in April, heard and seen in our marshes, 

 frequents ditches which are overrun with brambles or 



