100 



The Naturalist. 



1863, with scarcely an exception, I have heard the Nightingale 

 every year at New Park Spring or Houghton. As it may be 

 interesting to know where they have recently appeared, I may 

 mention that in 1871 I heard one at Houghton ; in 1872, one 

 at Norroyd and one at Keresforth ; and in the present year 

 (1873) I again heard one at Keresforth. Altogether I have 

 heard thirty-one Nightingales in the neighbourhood of Barnsley 

 since 1842." 



Blackcap {Curruca atricapilta) — 



This bird may be found breeding in any of the following 

 localities : — Kirkthorp, Newmillerdam, Hawpark, and Bullcliffe 

 wood ; at the latter place is plentiful. It is a most delightful 

 songster, and although it certainly has not the wonderful power 

 of voice, nor the long runs in its song which the Nightingale 

 possesses, yet its rich mellow tone makes it a great favourite 

 with bird fanciers. My earliest date of its arrival is the 24th 

 of April. 



Garden Warbler {Curruca hortensis) — 



Is a songster which the Field Naturalist always listens to with 

 pleasure, on account of its charming song. Judging from the 

 depth of its notes, one might suppose it to have got swollen 

 glands, yet its song is full of music, and gives one the im- 

 pression that it proceeds from a much larger bird. It breeds 

 plentifully in the neighbourhood. I have not noted its arrival 

 earlier than the 26th of April. 



Whitbthroat (Curruca cinerea) — 



Breeds very commonly in all the lanes in the neighbourhood. 

 Its song, if it can be called one, is anything but pleasant to the 

 ear, and is usually uttered whilst on the wing jerking up and 

 down in the air. The earliest date I have noted this migrant is 

 April 17th. 



Lesser W mTETHRo at (^Curruca Si/lviella J — 



Was always considered rare in this district until four or five 

 years ago. I was often puzzled with the note of this bird until 

 I found its nest containing eggs. It builds at Stanley, Rings- 

 wood, and in the low bushes surrounding Woolley Dam. I have 

 not observed its arrival here before the 2nd of May. 



