The Zoologist— May, 18G7. 743 



of the swallow in winter. Though the starling is unlike both martin 

 and swallow when handled, except in the shape of the wing when 

 seen at a distance, and where but a momentary view is obtained, the 

 resemblance is very striking. 



Partridge. — On the 13th partridges were first observed in pairs. 

 Last year they were not found paired till the 1st of March. 



Rook. — Rooks had returned to their nesting-trees by the beginning 

 of the month, about the usual time. A writer in the ' Field ' says that 

 the rook does not repair the old nest, but invariably, rebuilds : he 

 endeavours to prove this by saying that he has observed them removing 

 the sticks of the old nest one by one. I have noticed the same thing, 

 but the birds found so engaged have not been the rightful owners of 

 the nest. 



Redlhroated Diver. — One was shot on the 20th. Though many 

 have been observed, comparatively few have been killed this winter, 

 the weather having proved too boisterous for boating on this bold 

 coast. 



March. 



Peewit. — 2nd. An immense flight of peewits observed in the 

 Sandown Marshes, which have been much flooded by the late rains : 

 they have been doubtless driven southward by the severity of the 

 weather. Even in a mild winter few remain in the north j for instance, 

 in 1858-59 they were rarely met with in Morayshire. 



Thrush. — 19th. Heard of a nest being found containing eggs. 



Redstart. — 21st. A female redstart observed in the garden, though 

 the ground was covered with suow, and the thermometer 33° only at 



9 A.M. 



Chiffchaff. — 23rd. Two observed at Bonchurch. 



Rook. — 23rd. Some pairs, probably the j'ounger birds, are later in 

 building than the rest ; for instance, a nest was begun to-day, for I 

 saw the first stick laid most carefully, both birds being present on the 

 occasion. 31st. The nest is apparently more than half finished. 



Robin, &c. — 24lh. A robin's nest found. The wren has also 

 commenced building. 



Willow Wren. — 31st. First seen. 



Henry Hadfield. 



Ventnor, Isle of Wight, April 11, 1867. 



