Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 5 (1901).djvu/503

Rh two eggs which I felt certain were those of the Marsh-Warbler (Acrocephalus palustris). Subsequently, Mr. H.W. Marsden, of Clifton, was kind enough to confirm my opinion when I forwarded him the specimens, which my friend allowed me to keep. Being questioned as to how he came by them, he stated that he found the nest about two or three feet from the ground in a dense bed of nettles not far away from water. I do not think he observed the bird, being unaware of the rarity he had discovered. The nest contained five eggs, two of which he looted. My friend said he thought they were "rather handsome Blackcaps"! The same gentleman found two other nests in the locality containing young birds, which he believes to have also been Marsh-Warblers' nests. I refrain from giving the exact locality of this rare bird's breeding haunt, in order that it may not be exterminated by ruthless persecution.— (Martock, Somersetshire).

Waxwing at Scarborough.—On Nov. 23rd I saw a Waxwing (Ampelis garrulus) feeding on the haws of a thorn-hedge near Oliver's Mount, Scarborough. The bird was very tame, and allowed me to watch it for some time. The berries on which it was feeding were swallowed whole, and, from the rapidity with which it ate, it must have been very hungry. Owing to the absence of a black throat, I judged it to be a bird of the year. The easterly gales of the previous week had no doubt something to do with its presence in this country.— (20, Queen's Square, London).

Notes on the Swift and the Number of Days taken in Incubation. In some notes on this bird (Zool. 1900, pp. 479-81) I was unable in that year to give the exact number of days taken in the incubation of the eggs, owing to my absence from home during several days whilst the birds were in course of observation. During the present year I was similarly unfortunate, the eggs having been laid some days earlier than last year. This necessitated the robbing of the first laying.

April 20th.—First Swift observed flying over Wyre Forest, Bewdley; remarkably early.

June 2nd.—Two eggs taken from the nest in the roof of my house at Clent.

June 10th (7 a.m.).—Nest still remains empty.

June 11th (7 p.m.).—One egg in nest; both birds in nesting-hole, but I do not think incubation has actually started.

June 12th (7.15 a.m.).—One egg only in nest, and one of the birds in the nesting-hole. Zool. 4th ser. vol. V., December, 1901.