BIRDS 95 



belonging to Mr. H. P. Senhouse, that he met with individual 

 Titys Redstarts in Lakeland in three different springs. Mr. J. 

 W. Harris tells me that he once saw a single Black Redstart in 

 Borrowdale, but he has forgotten the date. By far the most 

 satisfactory occurrence is that of a single bird, undoubtedly a 

 Black Redstart, which was identified by Mr. Tom Duckworth 

 and others in November 1886. This bird appeared at Holm 

 Head, near Carlisle, at the period of autumnal migration, and 

 frequented some heaps of manure in quest of food — a proceeding 

 completely in character with the general habits of this bird. 



REDBREAST. 



Erlthacus rubecula (L.). 



The Redbreast breeds numerously in the larger woods, as well 

 as in our gardens. In autumn a few stragglers frequent the 

 creeks of the salt marshes. The intolerant character of the 

 Redbreast is equally well known with its most attractive traits. 

 Iu September 1883 a pugnacious Robin was repeatedly worsted 

 by a Tree Pipit, which finally drove its rival off the field. The 

 contests between the two were not a little diverting while they 

 lasted. 



Sub-Fam. SYLVIIN^. 

 WHITETHROAT. 



Sylvia cinerea (Bechst.). 



On its first return in April this warbler is shy and silent, 

 furtively searching for insects among the bare branches of the 

 smaller trees, and so little conspicuous that only naturalists 

 would detect its presence. After a day or two of warmer 

 weather the Whitethroat breaks into song, but does not at first 

 display its full vigour, unless the season happens to be genial. 

 In 1891, it was not until the 27th of May that I noticed the 

 Whitethroats chorusing loudly in flight, singing as they started 

 into the air, and descending to the hedges with the tail depend- 

 ing at an angle; this occurred near Cockermouth in bright 

 sunshine, which no doubt stirred into life their latent amatory 



