312 THE ZOOLOGIST. 
‘Proceedings of the Zoological Society’ for 1873.—R. Bowprer SHARPE 
(in ‘ Nature’). 
Thrush’s Nests without the usual Lining..—On April 7th last I 
found two nests of the Song Thrush, both containing eggs, and neither of 
them having any of the usual lining of rotten wood or mud. They were 
exactly like the nest of the Blackbird. Some years ago I found a similar 
nest of the Thrush. The only mention I can find of such nests is in 
‘The Zoologist’ for 1887 (p. 268), where Mr. Whitaker records having 
found three similar nests.—E. W. H. Buaae (Cheadle, Staffordshire). 
Jackdaws nesting on open Boughs.—Mr. Blagg’s query (p. 231) as to 
whether Jackdaws actually build their nests on open boughs, is one which 
I have for a long time been puzzled with. When on a visit in Leicester- 
shire, in 1882, I was surprised to see that two or three pairs of Jackdaws 
had taken possession of some nests in the middle of a small rookery, and 
I was unable to decide whether these nests had been built by the Jackdaws 
or only appropriated by them. I hardly think they will independently 
build their nests on open tree-boughs [but see editorial note, p. 231.—Eb.], 
and in the case just cited I came to the conclusion that the scarcity of their 
favourite nesting-resorts was the cause. If I mistake not Mr. Blagg’s 
country is rather hilly.—C. KE. Srorr (Lostock, Bolton). 
Stone Curlew breeding in Notts.—I am glad to say that there have 
been two pairs of these birds nesting this summer within a few fields of 
my house; and though one nest was accidentally destroyed by the plough, 
I feel sure the other pair got safely off with their young.—J. WHITAKER 
(Rainworth, Notts). 
Little Bittern in Sussex.—A female specimen of Ardetta minuta was 
brought to Mr. Bristow, taxidermist at St. Leonard’s-on-Sea, for preserva- 
tion, about the second week in May. It was shot near the Lifeboat House, 
in the Guildford Level, near Rye Harbour. Mr. Dresser, in his ‘ Birds of 
Europe,’ makes no mention of its ever having been obtained in Sussex ; but 
Yarrell (4th edition) includes this county amongst others in which it has 
been met with.—TuHomas Parkin (Fairsest, High Wickham, Hastings). 
Goldeneyes at Rainworth, Notts.—One Sunday, in February last, on 
looking out of my window, I was delighted to see, within twenty yards of 
the house, a pair of Goldeneyes on the water here.. I had the pleasure of 
watching them for more than half an hour, during which time they were 
constantly diving, and seemed by their actions to be obtaining plenty of 
food. On going out a short time afterwards, they rose and flew away to 
the west. From what I could see they were both in immature plumage,—- 
J. Wurtaker (Rainworth, Notts). 
Nesting of the Lesser Black-backed Gull.—Owing to absence from 
England I have only recently read Mr. Willis Bund’s article (p. 181) on 
