512 Miscellanea, by Mr James Hardy. 



accustomed to imitate its trill, by vibrating the closed under lip. 

 It has occurred near Chirnside. On a few occasions Iha'veheard 

 it on Ewesdean Shank, opposite Lucken Arks Wood, among 

 grassy openings surrounded with ferns. Dr. Turnbull notes it 

 as being "rare" in East Lothian. 



Grey Wagtail, (Mbtacilla sulphurea). — A few scattered birds 

 pass the winter on the mountain streams, flowing from the 

 Cheviots. On March 16th, 1876, I noticed three during a long 

 walk from Coldgate Mill to Hell-path on the Caer burn ; and a 

 few days afterwards observed a pair sporting about the roof of 

 Wooler Mill, and by the sides of the dam. The Lill burn is also 

 a winter resort. Occasionally a bird or two may be seen in the 

 Pease dean, during winter. 



Skylark. — In the heavy snowstorm at the close of the year 

 1875, birds were reduced to great straits for a supply of food. 

 On Dec. 20th, when the workers were picking up some turnips in 

 a fold for the sheep, a Lark followed them throughout the whole 

 afternoon. Their legs were wrapped with straw bands, and 

 want had so tamed it, that it began picking at the straw ; and 

 having obtained two or three grains of oats, it evidently expected 

 more by keeping behind them. When they stood it came up on 

 their feet, and allowed itself to be stroked. They offered it 

 crumbs, but it would not have them, but picked up whatever 

 food the fresh turned-up earth revealed. I am informed that the 

 Earl of Home's keeper, in 1875, observed a cream coloured Lark 

 on Drakemire Moor, but he could never catch a sight of it after- 

 wards. 



Bunting, {JEmberiza miliaria). — Whatever may be the case 

 elsewhere, Buntings are seldom seen in North Northumberland, 

 during winter. On March 14th, 1876, I observed one at South 

 Middleton, in a thorn hedge, associated with Yellow-hammers 

 and Chaffinches. 



Black- Headed Bunting, (jEmheriza schceniclus). — A few, during 

 severe winters, still frequent the stackyards on the higher farms. 

 Now that the heaths and bogs are drained this bird has become 

 extremely scarce. I see that a few in summer frequent the bor- 

 ders of Coldmartin Loch, near Wooler ; also Woolerhaugh, near 

 Earle ; and on Doddington Hill, where they are called " Black- 

 caps." In June I saw one or two of these birds at Easington 

 Grange, near Belford. 



Chaffinch, {Frmgilla cmlels). — July 17th, I observed, in the 

 garden, a female Chaffinch chasing a young Blackbird, which 

 fled chattering in alarm, to escape being pecked, 



Brambling, (Fringilla montifringilla) . — Mr Brotherston remarks 

 In a letter : "I believe beech mast is the staple food of this bird. 

 I have seen them feeding on it in the middle of April, when there 



