490 THE ZOOLOGIST. 
considerable numbers. I noticed a pair of them on May 21st, building 
their nest at the extremity of a lofty pine branch. It was extremely 
difficult of access, being no less than fifty feet from the ground, and when 
I eventually succeeded in reaching it, I found that it had been plundered 
by Magpies. Subsequently, however, I saw several young Siskins, lately 
flown from the nest. The song of the male bird is very curious, and is 
frequently uttered on the wing, as the bird hovers and flutters in a manner 
similar to the Greenfinch. Since the beginning of the autumn the number 
of Siskins has largely increased, considerable flocks having arrived from the 
north.—A.Ltan Extison (Shillelagh, Co. Wicklow). 
Blackcap and Grasshopper Warbler in Wicklow.—The Blackcap is 
not uncommon in the woods about here, and was more numerous this year 
than before. J frequently heard and saw the birds in Coollattin Wood, and 
have watched the male in the early morning sitting on top of one of the 
small trees in a young plantation, and uttering his fine warble for a 
considerable time. I have heard him repeat with precision the notes of the 
Thrushes which were singing close by. On April 27th I noticed the 
appearance of the Grasshopper Warbler in this locality. The bird is a 
regular summer migrant here, but very local and sure to escape notice if 
not closely watched for. On the above-mentioned date I saw several of the 
birds, being attracted by their whirring notes, among the furze on an 
uncultivated hill side. They did not, however, make any stay in this spot, 
but apparently removed to the swampy valley along the River Derry, where 
they may be heard occasionally through the summer, especially where there 
are thick furze clumps.—ALLaNn Extison (Shillelagh, Co. Wicklow). 
Ring Ouzel Breeding on the Malvern Hills.—I first observed these 
birds here on the 27th of August—earlier by a fortnight than reported by 
Mr. W. Edwards, a naturalist long resident in the place. They were 
feeding on the berries of the mountain-ash, high up the hill. Though 
seated within a few yards of the trees, they continued to alight, with a flight 
sweeping and rapid. The berries were greedily devoured, the trees on the 
hill-side being speedily stripped. The Ouzels now frequent the plantations 
near the town, and have a screeching alarm-note when disturbed. They 
have been known to build here, Mr. Edwards having found the nest in the 
furze, high on the hill. Though a little larger than that of the Blackbird, 
it is alike in shape and material; and the eggs are the same, except having 
a few red spots at the broad end. Comparatively few Ouzels visited the 
hills, Iam told, before the planting of the mountain-ash, which is now a 
common tree in these parts. A stray bird or two of this species has been 
observed here during winter.—HzEnry HapFIecp (Veutnor). 
The Tawny Pipit and Citril Finch at Brighton.-.-Three Tawny 
Pipits (dnthus campestris) were caught on the downs to the north-east of 
