126 STUDIES IN BIRD-MIGRATION 



5th of November, after which only a few have been 

 observed, and the 1 5th Is the latest date chronicled for 

 its presence on the island. Its habit of frequenting the 

 face of the great cliffs in search of food has previously 

 been alluded to. It is also to be found amid potatoes 

 and turnips in the autumn. 



Sylvia nisoria, Barred Warbler. — This species has 

 so far escaped detection on its passage movements in the 

 spring. The records of its autumn visits have not been 

 numerous, and relate to the occurrence of twelve single 

 examples — adults and young. It is probable, however, 

 that it often escapes notice. 



The earliest date for its appearance is 3rd August, 

 and the latest i6th September. There are, however, 

 only four known instances of its occurrence in August 

 (3rd, 8th, 1 6th, and 26th). It has usually been 

 found amidst cover about unoccupied houses and other 

 secluded places, and has sought the face of the cliffs 

 when disturbed. 



Sylvia sylvia, Common Whitethroat. • — Though 

 abundant on its spring flight northwards, this species 

 is much less so on its return journey in the autumn. 



The earliest date for its first appearance in spring is 

 4th May, the latest loth May, and it occurs throughout 

 the month and during the first week of June. On two 

 occasions Whitethroats have been seen on the exception- 

 ally late dates of i8th and 25th June — probably birds 

 that would never reach their nesting haunts. 



With one exception all the autumn records are for 

 September, and on dates ranging from the 5 th to the 

 30th. The exceptional instance was a single bird on 

 3rd October. Its chief haunts in spring are the sides of 

 ditches, old lichen-covered walls, and the face of the 



