Clarke : Notes on Bieds in Dutch Brabant. 101 



before flitting to another part of the steamer. On coming within 

 sight of the Dutch coast it left the vesseL This bird was no doubt 

 migrating. Although frequently observed in the vicinity of 

 villages, it was not nesting during our stay. 



Woodchat Shrike {Roodkoppuje Klaanwier). — A male observed on the 

 17th. This was the only occasion on which the species was 

 observed. According to Mollen it breeds not uncommonly near 

 the villages. 



Spotted Flycatcher. 



Pied Flycatcher. — Many were seen together on the 14th in a plant- 

 ation near Waalre — the only occasion. 



Golden Oriole iWielewaat). — This beautiful bird arrived at Yalkens- 

 waard on the 11th. After this date we heard its oft-repeated wild 

 flute-like song, and caught occasional glimpses of its rich dress. 



Mistletoe Thrush {Be Groote Lijster). — One nest found ; the bird was 

 not observed. 



Song Thrush {Zam/lijster). — Strange to say, neither the bird nor the 

 nest seen. Eggs were observed in a local collection. 



Blackbird [Zwarie Lijster). — Not common. 



Eing-Ouzel {Domini). — A straggler seen on the heath on the 11th, a 

 very late date. It is observed here as a bird of passage only. 



Hedge-Sparrow {Boeren-nachlegall). — This familiar bird was con- 

 spicuous by its rarity. Not a single bird was observed, but a nest 

 and eggs found, unmistakably belonged to this species. 



Redbreast {Roodborstje). — Another rarity. Bird again not seen, but 

 a nest with eggs was observed in the possession of some boys. 



Nightingale. — First heard singing on the evening of the 12th ; after 

 this it became one of the commonest songsters both by day and 

 night. 



Bluethroat (Blaauiihorsije). — The bluethroat found in Holland is 

 the one with the white spot in the centre of the blue on the breast. 

 It is not uncommon, but is seldom seen, for frequenting the willow- 

 garths, it is able to pop out of sight instantly. Several nests with 

 eggs were obtained on the 1 1th, all of which latter were considerably 

 incubated, proving the species to be an early breeder. The site of 

 the nest (which is composed of bents, grass and moss, lined with 

 fine grass) is at the foot of trees, on the side of a grip or bank. 



