110 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



Notes from Barnstaple. — 



AVES. 



Greenland Jyr-Falcon (Hierofalco candicans). — On March 13th, 

 1903, an adult male was shot on Lundy Island by Mr. Penington. He 

 then sold it to Mr. Hoyle, of Instow, who stuffed the bird. Nearly 

 twelve months afterwards it was bought for £10 by the curator of the 

 Exeter Museum, where it is at present. 



Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus). — This bird used to breed on 

 the cliffs with the Guillemots, but of late years it has been ruthlessly 

 shot down at every opportunity ; consequently the bird seems to have 

 left us, and moved into Somerset. The last I saw was during April, 

 1903, at Santon. 



Dipper (Cinclus aquaticus). — Quite a common species, especially on 

 the River Yeo, where last year I found several nests. One was placed 

 in a peculiar position. It was inside a hollow tree which was three or 

 four feet away from the river. The birds went in and out by means of 

 a hole on the river-side of the tree. But the nest was not built just 

 within the hole, but a considerable way up the trunk. Thus, when the 

 parent birds wished to leave their offsprings, they had first to quit the 

 nest, then to drop down the trunk, and finally out the hole ! I have 

 found nests, however, in most unfavourable places, where they must 

 have been noticed by every rustic that came near. 



Chiffchaff (Phylloscopus rufus). — One of the commonest of our 

 migrant natives. Last year their numbers seemed to have increased. 

 A habit which the Chiffchaff appears to be rapidly developing is that 

 of catching flies on the wing. I have watched them for hours feeding 

 in this way, but when thus engaged their flight is always short, 

 barely a yard from its perch, then back again, like the Kingfisher 

 when fishing. 



Goldcrest (Regulus cristatus). — A common bird, usually to be found 

 in the dense fir-plantations, where, if it were not for its shrill " tsik 

 tsik," it might easily be passed over. On May 13th, 1903, I dis- 

 covered a nest, with eggs, lodged in the middle of a thick ivy-bush 

 which was clinging to a young oak not ten feet high ; but it was safely 

 interwoven among the. ivy-stems. 



Lesser Whitethroat (Sylvia curruca). — Not so often met with as is 

 the Common Whitethroat ; indeed, I think it is even considered rare 

 in North Devon. Yet last year I frequently met with it,' and was 

 fortunate enough to find two nests — one on May 17th, and the other 

 a few days later, both with fresh eggs in them. 



Starling (Sturnus vulgaris). — Always plentiful, especially during 

 winter, when large congregations move about. It has been said that 



