GARDEN- WARBLER. 
CUllRUCA IIORTENSIS. 
Unless its note is detected, the Garden-Warbler rarely intrudes itself sufficiently to attract observation. 
In several of tbe southern counties this species is by no means uncommon, though its presence is se om 
or never noticed by the natives of the district. When making inquiries in any remote locality concerniii, 
the various species of Warblers, I have repeatedly remarked that (with the exception of ay exceeding y 
abundant local variety, such as the Reed- or Sedge-Warblers) this family was less known than any elas 
the time of its arrival, which usually takes place towards the latter end of April, though prolonged 
by stragglers till well on in May, this species may be met with along royh hedgerows and also in gm ens 
aL plantations, in the neighbourhood of the south coast. By the end of the second week m May, " 
residents have passed on towards their inland quarters. During the summer months this speci s tiequyt 
situations where thick cover abounds in woods and tangled thickets, extending its rounds only so 
the shelter is dense and enables it to creep about without any considerable e.xposure to view. 
The Garden-IVarbler is one of our most pleasing songsters; the note, however, is scar^ly so attractive 
as that of the Blackcap or Nightingale, and few but close observers of bird-life are acquainted with eit lei 
the species or its note. 
The nest, which much resembles that of several others of the family, is usually well couceyd m 
brambles or low bushes, though the bird at times is true to its name, and rears its young among cu tiva e 
shrubs, or even the straggling roots of fruit-plants in gardens. The eggs correspond to a certain degyi 
in colouring with those of the Blackcap ; the markings, however, arc by no moans so distinct and ii„ , 
or the tints so rich ; they have, in fact, a more washed-out or faded appearance. 
I never positively identified the Garden-Warbler beyond the Scotch border, though repeatedly expen mg 
considerable time and trouble in endeavouring to obtain a satisfactory view of any of the faniily that came 
under my notice in the sheltered valleys near the coast of East Lothian. In certain parts of Yorkshire this 
Warbler is by no means uncommon, though retiring (as usual) and but little known. I met i\it seveia pairs 
in the east of Norfolk, and also in Suffolk. In the southern counties the bird is perhaps more numerous 
than in any other part of the British Islands. ^ 
When collecting previous to its departure in the autumn, the Garden-Warbler is at times exceedingly 
abundant for a few days in the vicinity of the south coast. The earliest arrivals make their appearance 
by the latter end of July or the beginning of August, and for several weeks a constant succession of these 
birds maybe noticed frequenting any gardens where fruit can be obtained. Eor elder-berries tliey have a 
particular fancy; 1 have at times remarked their beaks and plumage deeply stained by the juice of the 
ripe berries. The majority of AVarblers of this genus may be attracted by hanging small bunches of fruit 
among bushes or the lower branches of trees. By this means it is possible to gain an insight into their 
habite, and a chance of watching the actions of these usually retiring birds, as well as identifying some 
rare species. 
