Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 6 (1902).djvu/236

194 last, Mr. Harper, Secretary of the Bradford Scientific Society, sent me a photograph of a nest which he alleged to be that of a Lesser Redpoll (Linota rufescens), built on the ground amongst bracken. Being uncertain whether the species had been properly identified, I wrote him about the matter, as I surmised it might turn out to be the nest of a Twite, and asked for more details. He, however, remained unshaken in his belief of the accuracy of his observation, intimating his intention of forwarding an egg for determination. The egg was duly received on Feb. 14th, and there can be no doubt but that Mr. Harper was correct in naming it as that of the Lesser Eedpoll; and he further stated that within a very limited area there were five, if not six, nests, all built on the ground amongst bracken. For obvious reasons it would not be prudent to reveal the exact locality, but within a short distance of the station chosen was a plantation which seemed much more suitable for nesting purposes. In this district I have never met with nests on the ground, and never many nests together, and it only serves to show how species may vary in their habits in different localities.— (Wilsden).

Ravens Nesting in Co. Antrim.—Whilst exploring a range of precipitous inland cliffs to-day (April 20th)—the exact spot I think it perhaps best, in the interest of ornithology, not to advertise—I came upon the nest of a Raven (Corvus corax), containing four almost fully-fledged young birds. The parent birds kept flying about the cliffs overhead, uttering their loud croaking sound all the time I was in the vicinity of their nest. Aided with a pair of powerful field-glasses, I was able to make a close examination of the nest and the four wide-open mouths clamouring for food, and when one of the parent birds came in sight they all made a scramble to get on to the edge of the nest, two being successful, and afforded me the pleasure of a good view. The nest—an immense structure of sticks almost white with droppings—was placed in a niche in an inaccessible part of the cliff, about thirty feet from the ground. On the mountain-side close by I found a freshly-killed lamb, with its eyes torn out and partly disembowelled, at the sight of which a keeper on the estate, who accompanied me, vowed he would shoot the "vermin." However, after a little persuasion, I got his promise to leave them unmolested, and allow them to finish their business in peace. I was informed by an old resident, it is now over thirty years since Ravens bred in the locality.— (Charlevoix, Marlborough Park, Belfast).

Condor laying in Confinement.—A Condor (Sarcorhamphus gryphus), kept at the Natural History Museum, Newcastle-on-Tyne, laid its first