234 THE ZOOLOGIST. 
Notes from Shipley District.— 
March 29th, 1908.—Fairly large flocks of Pied Wagtails noted on 
the River Aire between Saltaire and Bingley, as usual, at this time of 
year, composed mostly of males. On the 3lst Pied Wagtails were 
simply swarming—hundreds were seen on the same stretch, also one 
or two Grey Wagtails. One Sand-Martin—an exceptionally early 
arrival, particularly so when we consider the Arctic weather we have 
had this spring. This bird seemed strong on the wing, securing its 
food off the stream, hovering like a Wagtail, and picking something 
as it floated down stream; although I was within two yards of it 
frequently whilst thus engaged, I could not make out any fly on the 
water. 
April 2nd.—On same ramble, when only very few Pied Wagtails 
were noted, and these seemed in pairs; wind 8.8.W. and decidedly 
warmer, later inday N.W. NoSand-Martin. Perhaps it had returned 
south, as Seebohm pointed out that birds frequently arrived too early 
in the extreme north, before the break-up of ice and frost-bound land ; 
consequently they had to return on account of food-supply. I believe 
we get a few stragglers in this country, too, that arrive too early. 
5th.—In a small plantation quite near the River Aire, where 
previous notes were made, one brown Wren, with a small party of 
Marsh-Tits. I might mention here that the Chiffchaff does not 
breed in Upper Airedale; so I longed to hear the song of this (to us) 
rarer visitor. However, patience has its limitations, even to a bird- 
watcher—but sing it would not—the smallness of the wing seemed 
to help me in deciding it to be the Chiffchaff. At the sides of the 
river and in the fields adjoming were many Pied Wagtails ; one big 
flock rose high in air, and away up stream. On the 7th and 8th, on 
the same ground, scarcely a bird to be seen. 
12th.—Reversed the walk, starting at Bingley to Saltaire, with 
Mr. Bedland, of the Bradford Naturalists; very few birds to note. — 
Creepers in full song, and evidently a few pairs still breed here. One 
Sand-Martin within a few yards of the place where one was noted on 
March 31st. 
Birds are exceptionally late this year, and up to this date, with 
the exceptions mentioned, there is hardly a migrant to be seen about 
here.—W. H. Parkin (Studholme, Shipley). 
