180 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



Wheatear (Saxicola cenanthe). — In April, 1895, numbers 

 occurred for the first time in the district, and were seen for one 

 day only. In spite of a keen look-out every spring it was not 

 until the autumn of 1904 that the bird was rediscovered. About 

 a score of birds were then found frequenting a rabbit-haunted 

 plateau in Windsor Park, and I thought had probably bred there. 

 In spring (1905) half a dozen birds returned to the same spot, 

 but, although one or two remained throughout the summer, I 

 could find no trace of their nesting. With the exception of one 

 or two recent individual appearances of the bird around the 

 reservoirs on migration, this is the only spot where they are 

 likely to be found. The country around Staines is not suited to 

 their needs. 



Whinchat (Pratincola rubetra) .— A summer migrant, breeding 

 round the sides of the reservoirs, but seeming to avoid the parts 

 occupied by the Stonechat. 



Stonechat (P. rubicola). — A resident that has considerably 

 increased in numbers. Frequents the sides of the reservoirs, 

 nesting in the grassy slopes, often quite close to the road. The 

 bird is remarkably tame, and pays no heed to the traffic, though 

 very wary in approaching the nest. Two broods are reared, the 

 first nest being commenced early in March. 



Eedstart (Ruticilla phoenicurus) . — Never very plentiful around 

 Staines, and is becoming rarer. In Windsor Forest, however, it 

 breeds regularly, and this spring I saw one there as early as the 

 19th March— an exceptionally early date. 



Eedbreast (Erithacus rubecula). — Common resident, subject 

 to considerable local movements. 



Nightingale [Daulias luscinia). — Not so many as formerly, 

 but still occurs in large numbers. The bird returns year after 

 year to the same spot, and, if it has not been disturbed, rears its 

 young within a few yards of the previous season's home. The 

 song is often not commenced until some days after arrival. 

 Sings quite as much during the day as at night, and it has struck 

 me that the Nightingale must need much less sleep than many 

 other birds. When the young birds are in danger the male utters 

 a hoarse croak somewhat similar to the Eed-backed Shrike's. 



Whitethroat (Sylvia cinerea). — Common during summer; 

 sometimes the foster-parent of young Cuckoos. 



