90 
J. E. LITTLEBOY—NOTES ON BIBBS. 
attack upon a cock silver-pheasant. A peahen was attempting to 
drive the pheasant away from the crumbs, when suddenly I heard a 
screech and a rush from overhead, and was astonished to see a 
ring-dove darting at the silver-pheasant and continuing to do so 
after the peahen had retreated. The ring-dove carefully avoided 
the return attack, and sheltered itself from the pheasant by making 
use of the rim of a fountain, from which vantage ground it made its 
darts. I was afterwards informed that the pheasant had killed the 
ring-dove’s mate, together with two young ones, and that ever 
since that event the ring-dove had never lost a chance of attacking 
the pheasant, hut always in the most wary manner. 
Geneeal Rem abbs. 
It will he observed that I have little of a sensational character 
to report on the present occasion. The year 1883 has differed 
in many respects from its predecessor. During the winter of 
1882-83 fieldfares were extremely scarce; they have been 
abundant during the past season. During 1882 the larger 
Raptores were reported in unusual numbers from almost every 
part of the county; on the present occasion I have but very 
few to record. In 1882 the occurrence of several sea-birds, rarely 
met with in the midland counties, was a marked feature in the 
ornithological record of the year. In 1883, notwithstanding the 
recurrence of storm and tempest, sea-birds have been scarce within 
the limits of our county; the puffin picked up near Roys ton, and 
the whimbrel shot at Buckland, being the most conspicuous among 
them. Swifts have been extremely abundant. Bramblings and 
snow-buntings have not once been reported, their absence being 
readily accounted for by the mildness of the late winter. 
Perhaps I maybe allowed to state that two “ rarce aves ” have 
occurred during the autumn j ust beyond the boundary of Hertford¬ 
shire. A black redstart was repeatedly observed in a garden almost 
close to Luton, and a waxwing was shot not far from Royston, but, 
most unfortunately for our register, in Cambridgeshire. 
Hitherto I have only recorded birds which have been observed 
since the commencement of the year 1877. I now propose to open 
a supplementary register, and to record well-authenticated occur¬ 
rences prior to that date, and I hope that, in this manner, I may 
be able to add several important species to our present list. In 
making the attempt I have once more to solicit the active co¬ 
operation of all our members, and especially of those who are 
interested in ornithological pursuits. 
