The Zoologist — Febroaky, 1869. 1545 



Ornithological Notes from the Isle of Wight. 

 By Captain Henry Hadfield. 



(Continued from S. S, 1090.) 



Partridge, — February 10, 1868. First observed in pairs. Partridges 

 are scarce this season : owing to the hot summer the birds were 

 strong on the wing by tlie 1st of September, and very wild, there being 

 no turnips, clover, or cover of any kind for them. 



Jackdaw. — March 2. The jackdaw is now paired. 



Wlieatear. — March 27. First seen to-day near Shanklin. Last seen, 

 on the sea-clifFs, on the 4th of October. 



Razorbill. — Was observed until the first week in April. 



Swallow and Martin. — April 7. Three swallows observed to-day ; 

 there had been white frost on the 5th. Martins not observed by me till 

 the 19th. On the 3rd of November I saw two or three swallows flying 

 about the sea-cliff's at Shanklin ; and on the 9th of December either a 

 swallow or a martin, it being loo distant to determine which. They 

 generally linger about the sandstone-cliffs, near the Chine, long after 

 the main body has migrated, and are, in mild winters, occasionally met 

 with there and in the UnderclifF as late as the first week in December. 

 That these stray birds perish there can be little doubt, for if not im- 

 mature or sickly they would have migrated at the usual time. Both 

 swallows and martins have been scarce : the former are seldom found 

 nesting in the UnderclifF, but the latter usually breed here in con- 

 siderable numbers; during the past summer, however, few nests were 

 to be seen. Probably, owing to the long-continued drought, no 

 material could be obtained; our chalky, friable soil, requiring much 

 moistening and kneading before it can be rendered in any degree 

 adhesive : their only chance of obtaining suitable materials was from 

 oflf the watered roads and streets, and there they meet with constant 

 interruption, and lose the supply of a Sunday. The martin has not 

 the faculty of moistening the sun-baked earth or clay. 



Great Northern Diver. — April 8. Last seen on this coast. 



Redstart. -~kT^xi\ 19. First seen. 



Whitethroat. — April 19. Seen to-day in the garden. 



Hedgesparrow. — April 19. This species has commenced breeding. 



Cuckoo : the Egg Question. — April 25. Cuckoo first heard. Though 

 not wishing to discuss the new but somewhat vexed question, as to 

 the cuckoo's power over the egg, in diversifying the colour at will, 



SECOND SERIES — VOL. IV. I 



