216 BIRDS OF THE ESTUARY. 



marshes, but it is extremely probable that they 

 remain to breed in the locality. 



Among uncommon birds, it is pleasant to 

 know that the bittern can occasionally be 

 included. Dr. Butler has a fine specimen 

 stuffed and set up, which he obtained on the 

 marshes, and writes under date of January 

 22nd, 1912, ' on referring to my game book I 

 find my bittern was shot on January I3th, 1909. 

 There seems to have been a cold snap of 

 weather at the time.' It may be some time 

 before another example either of the bittern or 

 the marsh harrier are seen ; although observers 

 with glasses are more common now than five 

 years ago. 



Speaking of disappearing birds prompts one 

 to notice those which are becoming more 

 familiar. Two which can be cited are the 

 Reed Warbler and the Sedge Warbler. During 

 the past summer or two I have located many 

 nests of each species in a swamp which I will 

 not particularise. In the case of the Reed 

 warbler this place has only been occupied 

 lately, so that I hope to find them again next 

 season. The nest is quite unmistakable being 

 suspended between reed stalks or willow branches. 



Every angler can hear the sedge warbler as 

 late as ten o'clock ; so much so that in Devon- 

 shire its song at that time probably accounts 

 for rumours of nightingales. But I never knew 

 any person thoroughly familiar with the 

 nightingales' notes who could make such a 

 mistake. 



