Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 2 (1898).djvu/115

Rh Hobby nesting in Hants.—In reference to the note on this subject (ante, p. 24), I many years ago knew of a pair of Falco subbuteo nesting in the county not far from Stockbridge. The eggs were hatched in the nest of a Magpie, from which I subsequently took one of the young birds, which became very tame, and made a most interesting pet. It lived for several years, but was at last pounced upon by a cat when resting after a heavy meal, and although it succeeded in driving off the enemy, it was mortally wounded in the fray, one of the cat's claws having punctured the skull, as was found on dissection afterwards. The bird was very fond of insects, which formed a portion of its food.— (Solway Fishery, Dumfries).

The Sanderling in Australia.—Referring to my note in 'The Zoologist' (1895, p. 236) on the occurrence of the Sanderling (Calidris arenaria) in Australia, I can now further record having seen and handled specimens of this bird, shot in the vicinity of Point Cloates, as follows:—Sept. 22nd, 1895, one shot by myself; Dec. 30th, 1895, one shot by the Rev. Dr. Maclean; Dec. 12th, 1896, two shot by myself; and Nov. 5th, 1897, two shot and skinned by myself, and forwarded to the Perth Museum, West Australia. From these instances it would seem the bird is a regular visitant to these shores, as the average number of days in a year when I can spare time to walk on the beach with my gun does not exceed six. The Sanderlings shot were always in company with Turnstones and Little Sandpipers (Actodromas australis). I may also mention I shot, on Oct. 22nd last, a Barred-rumped Godwit and Allied Dotterel (Ochthodromus inornatus).— (Point Cloates, West Australia).

Eggs of the Roseate Tern.—Mr. Grabham's remarks in 'The Zoologist' (1897, p. 510) respecting the eggs of Sterna dougalli, I unfortunately did not see until yesterday (Jan. 12th). As Mr. Grabham lives in or near the same city as I do, I am sorry he did not arrange to see my eggs of the Roseate Tern before stating he could not diagnose between the eggs of that Tern and those of allied species, and I feel sure had he seen my specimens he would not have made that declaration. I have conversed with other clever, if not eminent oologists respecting the eggs of this species, and they held the same opinion as Mr. Grabham evidently does, until they saw my series, when they were convinced as to their distinctness; and I shall be pleased to show Mr. Grabham my series. In forming my opinion I do not altogether rely upon the specimens in my possession. I will offer to make the attempt to pick out the Roseate Tern's eggs from a large drawer in which are placed two or three genuine eggs of that Tern among a large number of eggs of the Common and Arctic Terns, and I have little fear of being unsuccessful; but I must stipulate that the eggs are not what are called authentic American-taken specimens. Mr. Howard 2