96 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



the 24th there were again three, after which only the breeding 

 pair. 



19th.— Sky-Lark singing (E. K. P.). 



20th. — Kingfisher on Penn Ponds (E. K. F.), and at Oxted 

 (C. H. B.). 



March. 



1st. — Rooks building at Milford (G. B.), and at Oxted 

 (C. H. B.). 



2nd. — Coots paired, and ten Tufted Duck on Hammer Pond 

 (G.D.). 



3rd. — Although several pairs of Books have commenced build- 

 ing at Oxted, the majority still roost near Woldingham, about 

 three miles distant (C. H. B.). 



4th. — Eight Crested Grebes — pairing— on Wimbledon Park 

 Lake. 



6th. — Wind S.W.* Male Wheatear on warren in Richmond 

 Park (E. K. F.). This was reported in the ' Field ' at the time, 

 and I believe was the earliest for the year. Bucknill says in his 

 book : — " Out of a number of records of its first appearance (the 

 notes coming from all parts of the county), few are earlier than 

 30th March, and I think it may be concluded that its general 

 period of arrival is about the week of which that date is the 

 middle day." Of course the 6th is a very early date for Surrey, 

 but in the neighbouring county of Sussex they frequently arrive 

 at the beginning of March (cf. Borrer's ' Birds of Sussex,' p. 58). 

 I have myself several early dates for Surrey, but none earlier 

 than this. 



10th. — (Golden Pheasant flushed by foxhounds from gorse on 

 Winterfold Hill— H. Russell.) 



11th. — Goldfinch at Broadham Green ; this bird has not been 

 so abundant as during winter 1904-5 (C. H. B.). Two female 

 Wheatears at Richmond. Magpies and Great Crested Grebes at 

 Virginia Water. 



12th. — Greenfinch singing (G. D.). 



24th. — A female Great Spotted Woodpecker " hammering " 

 in Richmond Park. It is generally stated that the males alone 

 " hammer," but this bird certainly had no crimson on the nape. 



* The wind had been from the south or south-west for three days before 

 this. 



