Birds. 9727 



A List of Birds noticed in London during 1863-64. 



By F. D. Power, Esq. 



(CommunicaleJ by J. Edmund Harting, Esq.) 



It may appear surprising, but it is nevertheless true, that even in 

 London a naturalist may find much to study and admire, and may 

 observe, within a mile of the city, more tlian twenty species of birds in 

 a state of nature. My friend Mr. F. D. Power has noticed no less than 

 twenty-four species in one square only (that in which he resides), and 

 1 venture to communicate the following notes, which he has sent me, 

 feeling sure they will prove of interest to ornithologists in the country, 

 as well as to those who, residing in Loudon, take a more particular 

 interest in the birds of their own neighbourhood. — J. E. Harting. 



The following account of the birds seen in London is from 

 observations made by my brother and myself during the last two 

 years, and I hope will prove interesting. Several, 1 am sure, are birds 

 which one would not expect to meet with in the " Great Metropolis." 

 There are twenty-four species in all. 



Redwinff.—l have frequently heard these birds flying over on 

 moonlight nights at the time of migration, but never saw one, 

 although my younger brother saw two flying about the trees in 

 Queen Square on one foggy November day in 1863. 



Blackbird. — My brother saw one of these birds in the bushes in 

 Queen Square towards the end of 1863 ; it appeared very tame, and 

 is the only specimen that we have seen. 



Spoiled Flycatcher. — Very common in the square, particularly 

 towards the end of summer. These must be the old birds with their 

 families, preparing to migrate. 



Robin. — As this bird shows itself everywhere, we were not surprised 

 to find it in Queen Square. There are generally one or two to be 

 seen throughout the year. 



Willow Wren. — I saw two in some bushes in the square in the 

 summer of 1863, and heard them sing several times. 



Goldencresled Wren. — One of these was seen in the square in 

 the summer of 1863, but I think this is the only time that it has 

 occurred. 



Great Tit. — Rather common ; we generally see several in the course 

 of the year. 



