VOL XV.] FIELD-xNOTES ON THE BLACKCAP. 81 



nest and went to her. The remaining youngster stayed where 

 it was, and was fed in the nest by both parents who could 

 not persuade it to leave. 



From my observations the male birds of this species appear 

 ready and able to sing while engaged in doing all manner of 

 things. Several instances of this are mentioned already, 

 so it may be of interest here to note one or two other cases. 

 On May 30th, 1920, I watched a male, who was shy at my 

 nearness to his nest, trying to summon up sufficient courage 

 to return and feed the young with a very large green cater- 

 pillar he was carrying. Every now and then he gave vent to 

 his feelings by uttering snatches of song, which sounded very 

 subdued and muted owing to his beak being so very full. 

 Again, on the 8th of July, 1920, a male was seen escorting 

 and feeding a fully-fledged youngster, enlivening the proceed- 

 ings by bursting into song at intervals as he searched for 

 food. 



The song period in this locality appears to last from the 

 time of arrival to the middle of July. 



By the middle of August the southward movement has 

 begun, and although a male and one young bird were observed 

 on August 22nd, 1920, no others were noted after that date. 



