THE NATURALISTS^ JOURNAL. 
45 
The Jay. — I shall be much obliged if any reader who has 
taken eggs and nests of the Jay, or who has noted the birds 
themselves, will send me particulars of the same, either by letter 
or through the columns of the Naturalists’ Journal. 
Upcetne Road , Chelsea. H. T. Booth. 
The Nightjar near London. —In reply to E. J. F.’s query in 
last month’s Naturalists’ Journal, I would remind him that 
the Nightjar, differing as it does from nearly all other birds, is 
not common anywhere. I generally note a pair each year on 
Wimbledon Common, Surrey, and I have seen it at Epping 
Eorest. I have no other records near London. 
H. T. Booth. 
E. J. F., in the September number of the Naturalists’ 
Journal, asks for information concerning the appearance of the 
Nightjar near London. I have often seen these birds in Epping 
Forest in small numbers flying at dusk and hawking for 
moths, &c. The nearest part to London that I know of where 
they may be seen is in the Public Park, at Wanstead, which 
is quite close to the busy town of Stratford in the East-end of 
London and but a few miles from the City. I have for several 
summers seen them in this Park, but only in small numbers. 
They usually arrive here in May and depart in September. As 
far as this county (Essex) is concerned, they are regular summer 
visitors, but only sparingly distributed, and I do not believe they 
are to be found at all common within 20 miles of London. 
A. F. Gates. 
I cannot say that the Nightjar is common here, but several 
specimens are shot annually in the breeding season. This place 
being about five miles from London. 
Highgate , B. R. Harrison. 
[We wish the “ several specimens ” could be spared, and this 
useful bird might then be more common than it is. The species 
is more abundant about Epsom and Ashtead than in any locality 
nearer London.— Ed.] 
Blackcaps and Nightingales’ Arrival. —In reply to E„ 
J. F.’s query, I heard the Blackcap for the first time this season 
on April 10th, and the Nightingale on the 22nd. Of course 
Highgate being rather a cold spot, they would not arrive here 
quite so early as in some more southern districts. 
B. R. Harrison. 
[The above dates correctly indicate the times of arrival of 
these birds. The Blackcap has occasionally been known to 
remain with us throughout the winter.— Ed.] 
A Lover of Nature writes as follows to the “ Daily News ” 
of October 4th.—A cormorant, diving in search of its food, 
accidentally with the lower part of its beak struck against an 
open oyster, which immediately closed, and held it fast in its 
