GOLDEN-CRESTED WHEN. 
399 
Hitherto I had always considered, and indeed had 
found, the Regulus to be a permanent resident, even du- 
ring the severest winters; but what took place last sea- 
son, proves, that even those species which under usual cir- 
cumstances, constantly inhabit their native localities, are 
compelled, by unusual and peculiar contingencies, to vary 
their habits, and become subject to those laws which direct 
the migratory movements of the feathered race. As I be- 
fore mentioned, about Christmas their numbers appeared 
reduced to the usual standard, and they remained subject 
to observation till after the first severe snow-storm, which 
we experienced in the beginning of January 1823. They 
appear, however, to have had some presentiment of what 
was about to follow, as they left the country to a bird, 
during the short interval of thaw which took place previous 
to the commencement of the second storm, so severely felt 
throughout the northern parts of England, and a great 
part of Scotland. Expecting their return in spring, at the 
usual time they begin to breed, I looked for their re- 
appearance with considerable interest; not a single pair, 
however, could I discover in all their accustomed haunts, 
long after the usual time of nidification, and when our 
plantations are wont to be alive with the stridulous song of 
the male ; nor was a single Regulus visible in any part of 
Northumberland till October last, when a few arrived at 
the time I have before stated the strangers annually make 
their appearance, some of which I perceive still remain 
with us. 
During an excursion in Scotland, in August and Sep- 
tember 1823, I did not neglect to look for them in every 
likely locality, and in places where I had previously seen 
them very plentiful, but without success. Titmice I found 
abundant, particularly the Parus ate7' (Cole-mouse), which 
inhabits all the fir-forests and plantations; but I could no>t 
