Birds. 2597 



Dartford Warbler (Melizophilus provincialis). In June, 1834, a 

 pair of these birds were killed near Stow Wood, in the parish of 

 Beekley, in this county, by Mr. Burney, of Exeter College : on the 

 same occasion he observed several other specimens, and also found a 

 nest with eggs belonging to the species. This is the only instance 

 which has come to our knowledge of the capture of the Dartford war- 

 bler in this neighbourhood. Although we have repeatedly searched 

 the locality in which they were seen by Mr. Burney, we have not 

 hitherto been successful in finding any. 



Bearded Titmouse [C alamo philus biarmicus) . A specimen of this 

 bird was shot near Oxford some years ago, and preserved by Mr. 

 Wheeler, of that place. — R. Tt has also been met with on the banks 

 of the river Kennet, in Berkshire. — Dr. T. 



Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrula). This beautiful species 

 has several times been killed in this neighbourhood. A specimen in 

 our collection was shot in Kirtlington Park, near this village. 



Wood Lark (Alauda arbor ea). This appears to be a very local 

 species, the only place in this county where we have seen it being on 

 the Chiltern Hills, near Stokenchurch. We have placed it in this 

 class, as we have not been able to learn whether it resides here 

 throughout the year, and our own observations certainly incline us to 

 believe that it only occasionally visits that neighbourhood, being 

 found at uncertain periods in small flocks of five or six together. 



Cirl Bunting {Emberiza Cirlus). A few specimens of this bird 

 have been brought from the neighbourhood of Oxford to Mr. Forrey, 

 for preservation ; but as it is now some years since he left that place, 

 we are unable to give the precise dates of their capture. The same 

 cause has in other instances also prevented our assigning the exact 

 date of the occurrence of other birds enumerated in this list : for the 

 most part, however, we are well assured of the authenticity of the 

 facts, having ourselves examined many of the specimens while fresh. 



Common Crossbill (Loxia curvirosira) . On the 19th of July, 1838, 

 a small flock of crossbills came to this village, and remained here un- 

 til the middle of the following December. During their stay in the 

 neighbourhood they were often in our garden, diligently examining 

 the cones of the spruce fir. At all times their loud and musical 

 whistle gave immediate notice of their approach, and, as they never 

 became at all shy, the whole party might easily have been destroyed. 

 The plumage of the young birds, when they first appeared, was of a 

 dingy green colour, speckled throughout, much like the common 

 woodpecker of the same age ; the old males at that time exhibited 

 VII 2 M 



