Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 2 (1898).djvu/541

Rh example.— (Grainsby Hall, Great Grimsby, Lin colnshire).

Crossbills in Hants.—In connection with Mr. G.G. Corbin's interesting account of the occurrence of Crossbills (Loxia curvirostra) in South-west Hants (ante, p. 482), it may be worth noting that I saw a pair of these birds in the south-east part of the New Forest, close to a Scotch fir plantation, on May 19th of this year, a date that makes it probable that they had bred or were breeding in the neighbourhood. The male was in the orange-red plumage.— (Beaulieu, Hants).

The Cirl Bunting in Wales.—In Capt. Swainson's interesting note on the increase of this species (Emberiza cirlus) in Breconshire (ante, p. 478), he quotes from the first edition of my 'Manual of British Birds,' completed in 1889. If he refers to the second edition (pt. vi. April, 1898, p. 211), he may be pleased to learn that "in Wales it has decidedly spread of late, and is known to have nested in Brecon, Glamorgan, Cardigan, and Denbighshire, while it has occurred in other parts of the Principality."—

Owls and Kestrels.—Referring to Mr. L.E. Adams's "Plea for Owls and Kestrels" (ante, pp. 449, 450), it may be mentioned an order has been obtained by the West Suffolk County Council (a copy of which is enclosed) protecting these birds throughout the year, the taking of their eggs being also prohibited.— (Tostock Rectory, Suffolk).

Scoters in Hants and Isle of Wight.—Respecting the note by Mr. J. Whitaker as to Scoters in Notts (ante, p. 482), I may state that during Aug. 6th and 20th of this year I saw daily from half a dozen to a dozen Common Scoters (Œdemia nigra) lazily winging their way from Hayling Island (near Portsmouth) to the Isle of Wight, and when on the island, on one or two occasions, I saw them too. They are called in the south "Isle of Wight Parsons," and, I was informed, are found at Hayling Island and the Isle of Wight all the year round, so doubtless breed there. Whilst on an ornithological ramble at Hayling, I observed the Curlew Sandpiper and the Rock Pipit. This also between the dates already mentioned. I had always understood the Scoter was a rare bird to the south, excepting at certain seasons; but that it is not the case is evident from my own observations, and from what I learned as the result of careful enquiries.— (5, Glenferrie Road, St. Albans, Herts).

Phasianus colchicus in Yorkshire.—The true old-English Pheasant is getting now so scarce that its occurrence is almost worthy of record. I do not think I have shot more than half a dozen in my life. On Nov. 8th Mr. Richard Hill, of Thornton, near Pickering, very kindly brought me a