BIRDS OF MARLBOROUGH. 105 



Saxicola oenanthe. Wheatear. 



To be seen on most of the Downs from the end of March 

 to the beginning of August. 



Salicaria locustella. Grasshopper Warbler. 

 Rare ; but not nearly so rare as it seems, owing to the shy 

 habits of the bird and the care it takes to conceal its nest. 

 Its eggs have been taken on Clench Common and on the 

 Aldbourne Downs, where its single monotonous note may 

 be heard almost incessantly during spring and summer. 



Salicaria phragmitis. Sedge Warbler. 

 Common along the Kennet, and builds in great numbers 

 in the Polton withy-bed. This bird is considered by Yarrell 

 to be a summer visitor only to the British Islands, but has 

 been seen at Marlborough in both December and February. 

 It may be heard singing in the Wilderness all night through 

 from May to August. 



Salicaria arundinacea. Heed Warbler. 

 Is to be found in most of the localities frequented by the 

 last-named bird, but in much fewer numbers. 



Philomela luscinia. Nightingale. 



Scarce, but has been heard singing in Polton Copse and 

 in the Wilderness. 



Curruca atricapilla. Blackcap. 

 Is to be found in most copses about Marlborough. 



Curruca hortensis. Garden Warbler. 

 Not nearly so common as the last species, which it closely 

 resembles in habits, in song, and in its nest and eggs. A 

 nest with fresh eggs has been found in the Forest as late as 

 June 23rd. 



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