Page:The Zoologist, 1st series, vol 1 (1843).djvu/216

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188
Birds.

differ from that given by other observers, it is too brief, and stands too much alone, to justify any one in contradicting their statements: I offer it then, in the earnest hope that it may induce abler naturalists to inquire into the general accuracy of the short note on the habits of the noble black grouse during the breeding season. During the remainder of my solitary journey through some of the wilder districts in the south, I listened in vain for its well-remembered note, having only once again heard it on the hills on the left bank of the Esk, below Langholm.Archibald Hepburn.

Whittingham, East Lothian,
April 26, 1843.



Note on the occurrence of the Black Redstart near Brighton. On the 16th of October, 1839, I shot a black redstart on the walls of the conservatory at Hove, near Brighton; and, on the 3rd of December following, another on the wall at the back of Mr. Vallence's malthouse; since which I have shot four other specimens, three males and one female, one of the males during the last month; it was remarkably black and bright.—Geo. Swaysland; Brighton, April 12, 1843.

Note on the occurrence of the Golden-crested Wren at Sea. On the 25th of October, 1839, a fisherman brought me two specimens of the common golden-crested wren, which he said he had caught forty miles from land.—Id.

Note on the appearance of the Continental White Wagtail (Motacilla alba) at Falmouth. Observing on the 10th instant, amongst a flock of wagtails, on a beach near here, a bird, the peculiar appearance of which led me to believe it a Motacilla alba, I procured a gun and shot it, when it proved to be that species in perfect summer plumage. This bird I forwarded to W. Yarrell, Esq., who confirms my opinion of it. On the following day I obtained two other specimens from the same place. They are certainly strangers to this neighbourhood, and probably arrived in company with the swallows, which appeared for the first time on the 10th.—James J. Trathan; Falmouth, April 14, 1843.

Note on the occurrence of the Bohemian Chatterer near Teignmouth. A female Bohemian chatterer (Bombycilla garrula) was shot near Kingskerswell, on the 20th of January, 1829, and shortly afterwards a male of the same species at Ashburton.— W.R. Hall Jordan; Teignmouth, April 17, 1843.

Note on the occurrence of the Rose-coloured Thrush at Teignmouth. A specimen of the rose-coloured thrush (Pastor roseus) was shot at Teignmouth on the 17th of July, 18.— Id.

Note on the occurrence of the Brambling or Mountain Finch near Farnham, Surrey. This bird appeared in immense numbers in the neighbourhood of Farnham during the last winter, while for many years previously single specimens had only occasionally been met with.—J. Lewcock; Farnham, April 21, 1843.