British Birds, Field Notes, etc. 
109 
niaj' become acquainted with their interesting life historj'. I 
do not think I ought to generalise more upon this point, not 
being an Kxhihitor I must leave it for others to touch upon such 
details. However, only steady, shapely and richly coloured speci- 
mens should be chosen ; a bird that is unsteady is likely to 
receive but scanty notice from the judge. 
f To be continued). 
Britisb 35iiDs, jfielC) IRotes, etc- 
Abnormal Pugnacity : Have other members of the 
F.B.C. noticed an extraordinary amount of fighting between 
the male birds of almost all species this season ? 
A few days ago I watched two tiny cock Wrens fighting on 
the paths a few yards from where I was standing. So fierce was 
the battle that they actually allowed me to pick them both up. 
I had one in each hand, and on putting them close 
together thej' tried to continue the battle. 
On releasing the bold warriors they flew at once to a tree 
and commencing singing, I conclude shouting defiance at each 
other. 
A few days before this, cock Chaffinches were also fighting. 
I drove the victor away ; he was sitting on the vanquished one's 
body pecking his head, and the poor combatant was so injured 
as to be unconscious. I put him in a basket and after the night 
he flew away. I hope he had the good sense to keep away. 
Possiblj' there is a shortage of hens, as I see no other reason for 
so much warfare. 
The following birds arrived nearly together about April 
26th : — Blackcaps, Redstarts, Greater and Lesser Whitelhroats, 
Willow and Grass-hopper Warblers, Gold-crested Wrens, and 
Wagtails. E. Warren Vkrnon. 
Blackbird feeding Thrush : On June ist as I was 
cycling along one of our Derbyshire roads, I saw in an adjoining 
field a thrush and a blackbird. Both looked to be fully matured, 
the breast of the thru.sh being very golden in the sunlight, while 
the beak of blackbird was of the deepest amber. The thrush 
