OMNITHOLOGY OF OXFOBDSHIBE. 17 



15th. — Two Blackbirds, old and young, had a prolonged 

 running fight, with occasional halts. When they faced each 

 other, one of them (at least) sang a few high-pitched shrill notes. 



19th. — A small flock of Siskins in alders at South Newington. 



20th. — Had news of many Crossbills seen in a plantation of 

 spruce and larch at Wardington. 



21st. — Blackbird sang well ; very early. 



22nd. — Received two Crossbills which had been shot a few 

 days ago at Wardington. They had been killed too long for 

 preservation, or for the sex to be ascertained. Dusky birds with 

 dark feather-centres, and the feathers of the crown and (but less 

 so) mantle with yellow edges. Rump of one bird yellow ; of the 

 other, shot away. 



23rd. — One crocus bloom out. 



24th. — A pair of Starlings investigating a former nesting-hole 

 in the roof of a thatched cottage. 



30th. — Pied Wagtail singing well. 



31st. — Wood Pigeons numerous. I saw two or three large 

 flocks ; one flying to the Tew Woods late in the afternoon 

 numbered three hundred at least. Jays have been rather numer- 

 ous since the end of October. With few exceptions the Jay (on 

 account of the absence of woods, and scarcity of even small 

 plantations) in this immediate district, is an autumn visitor for 

 the winter. 



February 19th. — Bullfinches made a heavy onslaught on the 

 plum buds ; they chose the best-flavoured plums. 



2lst. — Hard frost and snow. 



22nd. — Thermometer down to 25° (at four feet from the 

 ground) last night. Wind N.E. lately. 



24th. — Apricot blossom expanded. 



25th.— -White frost, 25°. 



March 2nd. — Cold and stormy for some days ; daffodil in 

 flower. 



3rd. — News from Mr. Darbey, of Oxford, that he received 

 " the other week" a particularly fine Peregrine Falcon, shot near 

 Woodstock ; also that he had been told that another frequented 

 the same neighbourhood. 



4th. — Frost and snow. 



9th. — Wintry weather, and N.E. winds lately. 

 Zool. 4th ser. vol. IV., January, 1900. c 



