404 
Woodcock’s Nest, Mr. F. Norgate informs me that on the 
3rd of May a Woodcock flew from her nest of dried leaves, which 
was placed in a bed of Mercurialis perennis, in a plantation at 
Weston. The four eggs were just chipped when he saw them, 
IIybuid Dove. On the 14th of May, 18G5, a Hybrid Dove — 
a cross between Columha furtur and C. risoria, was caught in my 
garden in the Newmarket Iload, and as no owner could be found ^ 
for it at the time, was kept in my house as a cage pet till its death, 3 
on the 14th of May, 1880, just fifteen years to a day from the date 
of its capture. How old this bird was when I first had it I have 
no moans of judging, as it Avas then in fully adult plumage and 
continued in perfect health till within a Aveek of its death, Avhich 
Avas caused by a soAmro cold affecting the lungs, but Avithout 
shoAving the slightest indication of failing poAvers from advanced 
age. This bird exhibited many characteristics of both parents in 
its plumage, but inclining more particularly to Columha tartar in 
the usual patch of black and A\diite feathers on either side of the 
neck. Its note Avas peculiar, having a loud and resonant “ coo,” , 
differing from that of either the domestic or migratory Dove ; it 
Avas said, by some people, to resemble the note of the Cuckoo. | 
Tufted Ducks, Pochards, &c. Mr. W. E. Clarke very kindly | 
communicated to me the fact that the above species, with Shoveller.?, < 
Avere found nesting this summer on the various meres of the 
Wretham estate, between the IGth and 19tli of May. Tavo pains i 
of Tufted Ducks Avere seen and, on the 17th, a nest of six eggs Avas | 
found, the old bird rising close by. The nest itself AAms composed k 
of grass, but Avithout doAvn, and Avas placed in a tuft of herbage f 
Avithin six yards of the Avater’s edge. 
Of Pochards, fifteen cock 1)irds Avore counted on two of the l 
meres, and tAVO nests of six and seven eggs, respectively, Avere 
found on a small island in one of them on the 19th. Shovellers 
Averc numerous and a nest of six eggs Avas discovered on the same 4 
i.sland, and another on the heath, half a mile from the Avater, Avhich fc 
contained eight eggs. I 
Oreat Crested Grebes. Many pairs of these birds Avere met * 
Avitli on the different pieces of Avater, especially on the Decoy mere £ 
nlfordiiig sheltering reeds, but only one nest Avas found, Avith three j 
eggs partly incubated. 
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