MARSH WARBLER IN OXFORDSHIRE. 309 



the two species. That of the Sedge Warbler is somewhat weak 

 and fluttering, and he rarely flies far, though one day I saw one 

 dance up into the air like a Whitethroat and descend something 

 after the manner of a Tree Pipit ; but the Marsh Warbler flies 

 quickly and lightly, and evidently delights in the exercise. 



On the 22nd I explored a few other likely places, especially 

 at Bourton-on-the-Water, where the clear Windrush is bordered 

 by gardens, meadows, orchards, osier-beds, and everything that 

 could make a Marsh Warbler happy. But though the Sedge- 

 bird was abundant, of the other two species I neither heard nor 

 saw a sign. We must not jump to the conclusion that A. palus- 

 tris is really common, and has been constantly overlooked. 



On Saturday the 26th, my friend Mr. A. H. Macpherson came 

 down from London to see and hear the bird, and to make a 

 thorough search for the nest in the smaller and more practicable 

 osier-bed. He got up at three the next morning, and searched 

 without result till nearly eight ; but he saw the bird well, and 

 heard a few snatches of song. A stray suggestion of his to 

 account for our failure to find the nest (which we found in 

 Switzerland at once and without difficulty), is, I think, worth 

 mentioning, viz., that this is the first visit of the species to this 

 locality,* and that one or more males have arrived as usual first, 

 and have failed to find mates in spite of continual singing. If 

 in consequence of this they sought better luck elsewhere, the 

 cessation of song would be explained ; I have not heard it since 

 the 26th, though the Sedge Warblers have been vociferous all 

 along. 



On July 15th, I made one more attempt to find the nest, in 

 company with Mr. Playne, who bicycled over from Minchin- 

 hampton to help me. We were again, however, unsuccessful, 

 and we can only hope that next May will bring the bird 

 here again, and that we shall have more continuous opportunities 

 of observing it. 



* The osier-bed is of recent planting ; I have myself skated on floods in 

 the very place it now occupies. 





