The Zoologist — February, 1868. 1089 



Wood Wren.— Occasionally observed towards the middle of the 

 mouth. 



Redwing, 8fc. — October 20. A small flock passed over the town in a 

 northerly direction, and on a subsequent day a few fieldfares were 

 observed. 



Wood Pigeon. — October 23. A very large flock rose from an oak 

 wood near Brading, having been disturbed by a passing train : this is 

 recorded, because flocks containing some hundreds are seldom met 

 with in the island. These birds are now in fine condition : a female 

 lately shot weighed a pound and a quarter ; its crop contained both 

 wheat and vetches, in about equal proportions; the moult had 

 apparently but recently commenced about the neck, but the central 

 tail-feathers had attained to within an inch or so of their full length; 

 the third primaries and the first secondaries were the only quills in 

 the course of renewal, and they were but half-grown. 



Martin.— Though the main body has migrated, still martins are to 

 be seen in considerable numbers in the Undercliff, but not out of it; 

 for instance, on the 23rd not one was observed between Shanklin and 

 Eyde, but the following day many were seen at St. Laurence hawking 

 and sporting about in circular and undulating flight, as their habit is. 

 They are, I believe, mostly birds of the season. 



Swallow. — October 24. Though less numerous than the martin, 

 they are still to be met with in the Undercliff, but they are chiefly 

 young birds, the tails but slightly forked. That the mildness of the 

 season is the chief attraction there can be no doubt; but the shelving 

 inland cliffs, full of fissures and holes, afford them ready refuge from 

 the storm, as well as safe roosting quarters. Their food is still 

 abundant, as flies and gnats are swarming. 



Great Northern Diver.— One was seen off Shanklin lately. 



Woodcock. — Have heard of one being found. 



November, 1867. 



Snipe. — November 5. Several snipes seen to-day, there having 

 been a sudden change of wind from south-west to north-east, which 

 has brought the glass down to 43°. 



Sparrowhawk. — November 5. One observed to-day, the first seen 

 for some time, though formerly commonly met with. 



Partridge. — A large covey again observed ; though too wild to be 

 readily counted, I am told that it still contains twenty-eight birds. 

 The flocking together of partridges this season is very remarkable, 



SECOND SERIES— VOL. III. K 



