112 THE ZOOLOGIST. 
its Ornithology. Would that he had left us more notes than those which 
appeared in ‘The Zoologist’ five-and-twenty years ago.—K. CamBripGu 
-Puinuies (Brecon, 8. Wales). 
Ornithological Notes from the Isle of Wight.—Early in November 
last a Stone Curlew was procured ; though not a common bird with us, it is 
occasionally met with in winter. Swallows and Martins were observed 
in the Undercliff till the first week in November, but they had all left 
Malvern by October 9th; they had been observed to resort to some lofty 
elms to roost. A Ringed Guillemot, a male, was shot off Ventnor early in 
January : a rare species on this coast, not more than three or four instances 
of its capture being recorded. This bird is in a transition state of plumage, 
more white than black on one side of the head, with which the bridle is 
blended; but on the reverse side of the head and neck it is well defined, so 
is the white encircling the eye. A bird has been observed of late (though 
not distinctly) skulking among the garden shrubs—the Whitethroat, 
I believe. The winter has been a mild one in the Undercliff: thermometer 
down to 32° twice only during the day, viz., on January 13th and 14th,— 
Henry Haprievp (High Cliff, Ventnor). 
Early Nesting of the Long-eared Owl. — On dissecting a female 
Long-eared Owl, sent for preservation on February 10th, I was surprised 
to find it showed signs of having recently laid and incubated. I found the 
ovary contained two eggs about ready for exclusion, besides others which 
were large, but not too far advanced. From these facts I conclude that the 
bird laid its first egg about February 3rd, and, as this species continues 
laying and sitting the whole season, the male taking part in the incubation, 
I think it is a very early commencement.—H. Barser (Lincoln). 
Heron preying on Field-mice.—As a proof that “all is fish that comes 
to the net” of the Heron, my brother-in-law writes me this morning 
(February 18th) that, having lately killed a Heron, it disgorged, on being 
picked up, four field-mice. I have known of rats having been thrown up, 
and in one case a Water Rail; but field-mice appear to me as somewhat 
unusual food.—E. Campripnee Puiruivs (Brecon, S. Wales). 
Interbreeding of the Thrush and Blackbird.—I was under the 
impression that this subject had been well-nigh exhausted, but, as Mr, 
Christy has quoted another case, let me just say that I perfectly agree with 
hin that a female Blackbird was in this instance mistaken for a Thrush. 
Should any more instances be brought forward, let me ask that the length 
of tail of the supposed hybrid be accurately described, as without this—to 
my mind—distinguishing mark (the shorter tail of the Thrush being plainly 
discernible) I for one shall still adhere to my total disbelief in wild-bred 
hybrids, more especially those between the Thrush and Blackbird.— 
E. CamBripce Putires (Brecon, 8. Wales). 
