66 WHITLOCK: BIRD NOTES FROM THE MID-TRENT VALLEY. 
Lapwing (Vanellus cristatus). Breeding birds were numerous, and 
we had large numbers wintering in the district up to the end of 
the year. In addition to these, I observed considerable migra- 
tion on the 18th November, and still greater on the 25th. On 
the latter day, for three or four hours, flocks were passing every 
few minutes ; at one time six distinct flocks were in view at the 
same momen 
Amongst oe smaller waders, we had the usual black-breasted 
Dunlins (Z7inga alpina), and I also saw a poor cripple in winter 
plumage in April. The Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucus) 
was very common on return migration, and I saw a single 
example of the Green species (He/odromas ochropus) in the 
spring, and also a few Ringed Plovers (#gtalitis hiaticula). 
Turtle Dove (Zurtur communis). This species continues to 
increase. I found eggs by 31st May. 
Turdinze—Fieldfare (Zurdus pilaris). During the frost in the 
early part of the year we had a very large flock, which haunted 
a field where sheep were regularly fed. I observed many flocks 
passing to N.E. in March and April. They were very numerous 
again in October, far more so than the Redwings (Zurdus 
zliacus), which of late years have become comparatively scarce. 
Throughout October, Blackbirds (Z: meruda) and Thrushes 
(Z. musicus) were very abundant, especially about the 2tst. 
A pair of the latter which breed in my garden had six eggs. 
Hirundines. We had afew House Martins and Swallows lingering 
about till the last week in October. I saw a pair of the former 
sai their young in September, and an individual of the 
latter as late as November 7th. 
Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa grisola). This species is generally 
said not to indulge in song. This is not correct. I had several 
opportunities of hearing a male in my own garden. Certainly 
the song is very unpretentious, and pitched in so high a key as 
to remind one of the squeaking of a bat. The character of the 
song is a little bit like that of the Redbreast. I was surprised 
to hear this same individual singing again in September. 
Nightingale (Dau/ias /uscinia), I was sorry to pick up an example 
from under the telegraph-wires which pass a wood where three 
or four pairs breed every year. I noticed one nest. 
Coal Tit (Parus ater). Just after I had examined the above victim 
and was sitting on a bank side, a Coal Tit flew from out of the 
wood and hopped into a hole within a few inches of where 
I was resting. Carefully enlarging the hole, I discovered a — 
large brood of young, just hatched. 4 
