SOME LONDON BIRDS. 
149 
duced. Anyhow, they are firmly established now in 
Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, and breed freely.] 
{57.) Lapwing ( Vanellus vulgaris). — One noticed by my 
brother in March, 1890, flying over the Serpentine, and 
a small flock was observed on the 28th November last, 
flying over Hyde Park in a south-westerly direction. 
(58.) Common Sandpiper ( Tot anus hypoleucus) . — I noticed a 
pair on the banks of the Long Water on 17th May, 
1890. If a stricter watch were kept, it would probably 
be seen that this species passes through London 
regularly every spring. 
(59.) Black-headed Gull ( Larus ridibundus). — Occasional 
visitor to London. A good many are usually to be 
seen during February and March on the Thames near 
Waterloo Bridge, and they were more numerous there 
than usual this year, on account, no doubt, of the 
severity of the weather. Once or twice last winter I 
noticed them over the frozen Serpentine, and three 
were flying just over the chimney-pots of Lancaster 
Gate on the 24th January last. 
{60. ) Common Gull ( Larus cams). — Seen sometimes in winter 
on the Thames near the Temple. 
(61.) Herring Gull ( Larus argcntatus). — An occasional 
visitor. Two birds, believed to be of this species, were 
observed flying over Gloucester Terrace on the 24th 
April, 1887. 
(62.) Kittiwake ( Larus tridactyla). — Sometimes seen on the 
Serpentine, and not unfrequently on the Thames. 
(63.) Dabchick ( Podiccps fluviatilis). — At one time dabchicks 
used to nest on the Round Pond in Kensington Gardens, 
but they no longer do so, and the best place to see them 
is in St. James’ Park, where they are most flourishing. 
[Addendum. (64.) Reed Warbler ( Acrocephalus strcpcrus). — A 
summer visitor which has been recorded as nesting in 
Kensington Gardens. I never had the luck to meet 
with it there till a short time ago (2nd May) when I 
heard one singing in a rhododendron shrubbery close 
to the water]. 
As I have already stated, the above list could be greatly 
extended by including all the species which have been from time 
to time recorded b) r other observers. I am sorry not to be able 
to include the woodcock and some others which have been 
frequently noticed ; but on the other hand one or two London 
rarities are included, notably the pied flycatcher, hawfinch 
and yellowhammer ; the last-named species is very sedentary 
in its habits, and hardly ever makes its appearance in town, 
although it is so very common and numerous throughout the 
country. This list is at any rate sufficiently long to show that 
Londoners have an interesting field for observation and without 
going far from their doors. A. Holte Macpherson. 
