OBSERVED IN HERTFORDSHIRE IN 1883 . 
87 
Great Gray Shrike ( Lanius JExcubitor). —A great gray shrike is 
reported, by Mr. R. W. Brett, as shot on the 16th of December in 
the neighbourhood of Hertford. A second was observed by Mr. 
Marlborough R. Pryor, on the 26th of December, flying off with a 
shrew-mouse in its claws. It will be noticed that I have been able 
to report one or two occurrences of this comparatively rare bird 
during three consecutive years. It may fairly be considered as a 
regular winter visitor to Hertfordshire. 
The Wagtails (Motacilla lugubris and Jf. sulphurea).- —The gray 
wagtail, Jf. sulphured, was tolerably abundant in October, but 
became much scarcer as the year advanced. It is a regular winter 
visitant in Herts, and may generally be met with in this neigh¬ 
bourhood from October to March, both inclusive. The pied-wagtail, 
Jf. lugubris , left us as usual in October, but returned very early in 
the present year. I think it will be found that although the pied- 
wagtail leaves our valleys regularly in the autumn, it is only a 
semi-migrant. I am informed by several farmers that it is to be 
seen, throughout the winter, on turnip-lands or wherever sheep are 
folded. Mr. Cordeaux* 4 remarks that “ the increased cultivation of 
turnips in Lincolnshire has induced this species to become a winter 
resident there, which it formerly was not, the roots of those vege¬ 
tables sheltering the eggs or larvae of insects, which it picks out.” 
It is probable that the same reason will account for its tarriance 
during the winter in our own county. Both species may frequently 
be seen wading on the borders of streams, and it is said that they 
are expert fishers. 
Goldfinch ( Carduelis elegans ).—Mr. A. E. Gibbs writes to me 
that on the 18th of January an unusually large flight of these 
beautiful little birds was observed on Bernard’s Heath. Several 
were taken and mounted. 
Lesser Redpoll ( linota rufescens). —The usual autumnal flight 
of redpolls passed over our district early in October, but very few 
have since been met with. 
Tree-Sparrow (. Passer montanus). — On the 15th of November, 
and on one or two previous days, I was fortunate in identifying a 
few tree-sparrows on the alders near the stream at Hunton Bridge. 
It is extremely likely that they may have visited us on many 
previous occasions; but this is the first time I have been able 
positively to recognise them. 
Greater Spotted Woodpecker ( Pious major). —-A specimen of 
this species was shot by Mr. Stannard on the 12th of January in 
Hazelwood Park. A second was observed in December by Mr. H. 
Procter, near Berkhamsted. 
Skylark {A laud a arvensis). —Skylarks are reported from all parts 
of the county as having commenced to sing from the beginning to 
the middle of January. A peculiar variety, almost yellow in 
colour, was observed both by Miss Selby and by Mr. Bright’s 
keeper, during the summer, in the neighbourhood of Aldenham. 
* YarrelTs ‘ British Birds,’ 4th edition, vol. i, p. 543. 
