9846 Birds. ' 



daily on the watch, neither the young birds nor the old have been 

 again seen near the nest, nor do they resort to it to roost. 



Nighljar. — September 9. One seen on the sea-cliffs near Luccombe, 

 about 7 p. M. 



Bluelhroated Warbler. — September 18. Observed, at 6 p. m., near 

 Bonchurch, the bluethroated warbler taking a bath in the road-side 

 brook ; it stood knee-deep in the stream, where it continued to dip and 

 splash about the water till disturbed by the passing carriages, but 

 always returning to renew its ablutions, though constantly interrupted 

 by foot-passengers, too, not one of whom as much as noticed it. A 

 robin having alighted by the stream, a fight ensued, when the latter 

 was speedily discomfited and driven away. After its bath, perched on 

 a birch overhanging the brook, it was for some time engaged in 

 preening its feathers. It was found to-day within twenty yards of the 

 spot where originally seen, and from what I hear it seldom wanders 

 far from the pond : that it is the same bird there can be no doubt. 

 Though its song was occasionally heard, it was not so prolonged as in 

 the spring. In a former note I remarked its comparatively small size, 

 and still think it fully a third less than the redbreast, and a much more 

 active and restless bird. The tail, which has been renewed, is now 

 perfect. It is much to be regretted that it has no partner ; but as to 

 its pairing with the common robin, that seems hopeless, as they are for 

 ever fighting. Could a female be found I should have little doubt as 

 to their breeding or becoming naturalized. 



Brown Linnet. — September 23. About sunset a flock of some 

 hundreds of linnets rose from a withy-bed, where I have lately observed 

 them alight to roost; but to-day the flocks had united, and,. when 

 disturbed continued their aerial manoeuvres till they succeeded in 

 regaining the cover. This early flocking together is somewhat 

 remarkable. A wheatear seen on the cliffs. 



Yellow ^Frt^<rt/7. —September 25. A small migratory party of these 



elegant birds was seen flying, to the eastward. Several had previously 



been observed taking the same course. 



Henry Hadfield. 

 Venluor, Isle of Wight, September 30, 1865. 



The Lesser Kestrel at Cambridge. — I learn from a correspondent at Cambridge 

 that a specimen of the lesser kestrel (Falco cenchris, Naum.) has been placed in the 

 hands of that well-known naturalist, Mr. Baker, for preservation : I hope Mr. Newton 

 will examine the bird and report: it is the first instance of which I am cognizant of 

 the occurrence of this species in Great Britain. — Edward Newman. 



