54 
Woodcock. Scolopax rusticola. As a result of the se 
Chiffchaff. Phylloscopus collybita. I found a nest 
_ find the exact spot. However, some weeks later the nest” 
WHITLOCK: BIRD-NOTES FROM THE MID-TRENT VALLEY. 
upwards and at an angle to the plane of the body. I 
position seemed to act as an aid in keeping the bird below 
surface. At the place of observation the river-bed deepe 
very gradually towards the centre. 
weather, Woodcocks were common in Nottingham Mar 
The majority, however, came from a distance. About 
third week in February one dealer received 180 in a si 
Scotland. They were of the small red-brown race, and in very 
poor and emaciated condition. 
wing. Vanellus vulgaris. We had large numbers u 
four eggs. I intended watching the period of incubatio 
this case, but on passing the place a week later I noticed 
egg had disappeared. Thinking the remainder would 
likely to follow, I took them home for the benefit of a 
inmate. A few days afterwards I found a second nest som 
thirty yards distant from the previous one, containing 4 si 
egg. I was surprised, however, by the fact that the full clute . 
was not completed within the next week. I took this 
home also, and found it matched the three a the first 
both in shape, size, and markings, and have little doubt that 
had been removed to the second nest by the parent birds 
consequent, perhaps on my taking too great an interest in th 
ormer. 
With regard to spring migrants, the Yellow Wagtails (aot 
rai) and Sand Martins (Cofile riparia) arrived 
vitae early date, being first observed by the i 
account of the cold and strong east wind. I noticed a W 
Wagtail ( Motacilla alba) the following day. It was no 
May 1st that I saw the first House Martin (Chelidon urb 
two eggs at the foot of a young sapling, on May 2nd. In 
same wood another pair of birds were breeding, but I ¢ 
N 
