Migration in the Northern Shires. 267 



autumn. This northern movement is remarked, 

 even in our northern shires, during the latter half of 

 March. In the north of England, as it is in the 

 south, the Chiffchaff is perhaps the most constant 

 pioneer of the spring migrants. We have known 

 this bird arrive in Devonshire as early as the 5th of 

 March; in Yorkshire we have observed it a week 

 later. These dates are somewhat exceptional, but 

 we can pretty safely depend upon its appearance 

 towards the end of that month. The migrations of 

 the Wheatear are practically coincident in date. In 

 fact this bird, we believe, has been recorded from 

 the northern shires as early as February, but this is 

 certainly abnormal. The migrations of both species 

 are, however, much more marked in April. Another 

 March migrant is the Ring- ouzel, but these are 

 venturesome birds ahead of their companions, and 

 the usual date of this bird's arrival in the northern 

 shires is April. Similarly, the Blackcap has been 

 known to arrive in March, but its normal date is the 

 first week or so in April. This latter month brings 

 the migrants back in constantly increasing numbers, 

 amongst which we may mention the Redstart, the 

 Whinchat, the Willow Wren, the Wryneck, and the 

 Cuckoo. Now during this month, especially during 

 the latter half, may also be noticed in their old 

 accustomed haunts the Whitethroat and its con- 

 gener the Lesser Whitethroat, the Reed Warbler 



