9778 Birds. 



last-mentioned bird, though I do not consider it by any means rave. 

 From its great siraliarity to the willow wren, I have no doubt it is 

 often overlooked, and at all times it is a shy bird, pouring forth its song 

 from the thick foliage of some tree or bush, carefully protected from 

 observation. 



Covimon JVJiitetkroat (Curruca cinerea). — Probably the most 

 numerous of all our spring birds : arriving with the greatest regularity 

 they appear to disperse at once over the whole face of the country, 

 and as all localities seem to them to be alike, every bush, copse and 

 hedge is speedily tenanted by them. 



Lesser Whitethroat (Curruca sylviella). — This bird was always 

 represented to me as exceedingly rare in these parts; however, by a 

 little careful observation, I am happy to say that such is not at all the 

 case ; in fact, in this district I consider it to be very common. In 

 their habits they are even more shy and retiring than the common 

 whitelhroat, and are thus easily overlooked, though, when once a 

 person is acquainted with their little harsh note, it is astonishing how 

 frequently you may find them. They nest regularly every season in 

 the shrubberies close to my house. 



Wood IVarhler (Sylvia sylvicola). — Easily distinguished from the 

 other willow wrens by its superior size and much brighter yellow 

 markings; it also makes its appearance many dajs later. The eggs 

 are darker and more strongly marked than those of either of its con- 

 geners. 



Willow Warhler (Sylvia trophilus). — Very common, and most evenly 

 distributed over the whole face of the county. 



C'hijfchaff (Sylvia rufa). — Punctual almost to a day, this most 

 interesting little warbler apjiears amongst us as if by magic, its cheer- 

 ful note of " chiff-chaflf" telling us that spring has really commenced. 

 How its tiny little form is wafted with such unvarying regularity over 

 the stormy billows of our Channel will, I trust, ere long, from the atten- 

 tion now paid to that most interesting subject, be cleared from all 

 mystery and doubt. 



Goldev-cresied Regulus (Regulus cristatus). — Constantly resident 

 with us : they seem to delight in plantations of laich or spruce, though 

 the yew-tree is a very favourite resort, especially in the winter. I 

 have found their beautiful nests appended to the under side of the 

 branches of that tree, as well as of the silver and spruce firs. 



Firecrested Uegulus (Regulus ignicapillus). — Has been met with 

 occasionally in this county. Lord Hill has specimens in his collection, 

 killed at Hawkstone : and more recently I have seen two examples 



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