Birds. 1471 



and depart towards March. Many, however, speed further south, for 

 I have several notes of flocks observed on their passage. 



Redwing, Turdus iliacus, Fieldfare, Turdus pilaris. If severe wea- 

 ther sets in some weeks after the arrival of these birds, they journey 

 more south, and again return when it is milder. 



Stonechat, Sylvia Rubecola. This little bird is well-known to re- 

 main the year through (but in lesser numbers in summer), upon 

 the heaths and moorlands of the Peak. Those that leave in summer 

 come down to the more southern parts, and reach Melbourne in the 

 month of April, and again depart in September. One instance, and 

 one only, has come to my knowledge, of a stonechat being killed here 

 in the depth of winter. 



Whinchat, Sylvia rubetra. It appears to me that all the whin- 

 chats do not leave England in winter They arrive here in April, and 

 depart in September ; but I am informed by William Hewett, Esq., of 

 Reading, Berks, that they are seen on the open downs about East 

 Isley at Christmas, so that some merely shift their quarters a little 

 more southward in our own country. 



Pied Wagtail, Motacilla Yarrellii. Some stay the year round, 

 some depart towards October, and we receive fresh visiters again to- 

 wards March. 



Gray Wagtail, Motacilla Boarula. I had long thought this bird 

 a summer visiter, but upon strict investigation, I have made out 

 that he comes to us in October, and departs in March. 



Ray's Wagtail, Motacilla Rayi. This bird arrives here early in 

 April, and departs early in September. Besides those that nestle 

 with us large numbers are occasionally observed in the spring, as 

 though on their route southwards. I once put up more than forty 

 from the grass in one field, in parties of seven or eight at a time. I 

 had long thought that all individuals of this species left our shores in 

 winter for more southern climes, and I feel little doubt that the same 

 opinion was held by most others of my fellow labourers, but I have 

 now good reason to believe that some remain in the warmer parts of 

 this country the year round. William Hewett, Esq., informs me " that 

 the yellow wagtail is found near the Downs, East Isley, Berks, in win- 

 ter, sporting amongst the sheepfolds." Mr. Mason, also of Reading, 

 " shot a beautiful bird of this species close to the town, in December, 

 1845, which he had preserved." 



Meadow Pipit, Anthus pratensis. In average winters is an annual 

 resident, but if severe weather occurs they frequently leave us 



