i66



Mr. Hugh Whistler,



to be doing quite well when I saw it. I am glad to be able to

state that the Kestrel is certainly on tlie increase there.


Although the Spotted Flycatchei '{Miiscicapa grisolci) seemed

scarcer than usual down in Sussex last year, I was pleased to find

them fairly numerous in Suffolk, but I noticed more in the latter

half of my visit than I saw promise of at first. They were

common in the locality of “ the Island,” and seemed to like a

young tree which overhung the water, from wdience they were

accustomed to dash out after passing flies. I remember one in

particular which generally took up his stand on a tenuis net and

occasionally used to chase passing Swallows. I always wondered

whether he was trying piracy! Many years ago, on a former

visit, I saw a nest of this species built in a rose tree, climbing

up the house at which I stayed. This was the only Flycatcher’s

nest I ever saw there.


I saw a good number of Missel Thrushes ( Turdus vis civ or us)'

about, in almost every instance in pairs. Song Thrushes (71

vmsicus ) and Blackbirds (71 merula ) were very common, and

seem to be on the increase there, as in many other localities. If

anything one saw less of our sable friend than of the Song

Thrush. Robins were very common. To my mind the Hedge

Sparrow {Accenior viodularis) locally known as the “ Hedgepoke,”

a name which is very descriptive of its way of threading in and

out of hedges, is rather a mournful looking little bird as he

silently hops along the ground, occasionally flirting his wings.


The Nightingale ( Dciulias luscinia ) though undoubtedly a

constant visitor to the neighbourhood, confines himself to the

small copses which are few and far between. One nest I remem¬

ber was found close to the Island, near the Rectory, in an over¬

grown ditch.


Once or twice I saw a Resser Whitethroat ( Sylvia curruca)

after insects, hovering or perching by a window of the house

where I was staying. Reed Warblers frequent a water-course

between the Rectory and South Elmham Hall, whence their eggs

have been taken.


Redstarts (Ruticilla phcenicnra) were frequently to be seen

on the road leading from St. Margarets to St. Peters, and also at

Flixtou. I was very pleased to see, two days before my departure.



