82 



The Natuhaltst. 



arrival is the 9th of April, and for many years not later than 

 the 28th. 



Stonechat {Saxicola ruhicola) — • 



Breeds occasionally in this district. I have found its nest at 

 Ardsley and on Brierley Common. Mr. Parkin has shot several 

 specimens in the immediate neighbourhood. 



Whinchat {Saxicola rubetra) — 



Is plentiful in the outskirts of the town. It is surprising to 

 find this bird, every spring, visiting exactly the same localities, 

 even the same posts and rails. There are three places I have 

 noted, where, for several successive years, I have observed it 

 some days sooner than in any other part of the district. Any 

 one who has noticed it during incubation, will have been struck 

 with the plaintive notes "Yew-tick, Yew-tick-tick," which it utters 

 when disturbed. My earliest date of its arrival is the 9th of 

 April. 



Wheatear [Saxicola (Enantht) — 



This bird is generally the first of the spring migrants to arrive in 

 the neighbourhood of Wakefield. It occasionally breeds with 

 us ; its nest has been found on the Railway Embankment at 

 Oakenshaw, and at Brierley and Hiendley Commons. The 30th 

 of March is the earliest date I have observed it. Mr. Illing- 

 worth, of Horburv, reports its arrival in 1873, on the 23rd of 

 March, and Mr. Wilcock tells me he saw it adjoining the 

 Newton Moor Nurseries on the 24th of the same month. 



Grasshopper Warbler {^alicaria locustella) — 



Breeds at Haw Park, Ryhill Pits, Nostell, King's Wood, and 

 Bullcliffe Wood. I have always found its nest on the ground, 

 amongst rough grass, the tops of which it draws together so as 

 to form a dome over it, and frequently there is an arched passage 

 constructed, from 12 to 15 inches in length, leading to the nest. 

 When started from its nest, it runs amongst the grass, and from 

 its appearance one would easily be led to suppose it to be a rat. 

 The ornithologist who has once heard its song cannot fail to 

 recognise it again. I have not noted its arrival before the 20th 

 of April. 



Sedge Warbler (Salicaria Phragmitis) — 



Breeds abundantly in the outskirts of the town. I have 



