BLACKCA P.
Uu expected broad, though coarsely put together, is compact, and yet sufficiently serviceable to perform its
required duty; the accommodation for the juveniles, however, when compared with that provided by various
other small birds, can only be described as second class.
The eggs vary greatly, and to describe them in a'few words is almost hopeless. The ground is usually of
a pale yellowish or dirty'white tint, scrawled, spotted, orblotchod with irregular markings of dark red and
yellowish brown. I have occasionally come across a nest where the whole of the clutch of four or five
eggs closely resembled variegated brown marble.
In the nestling plumage the young are similar to tbe female; the general tint of tbe feathers, however, is
somewhat more dingy.
GARDEN-WARBL Kit.
CURKOCA HOXTWSIS.
U l U H its note is detected, tbe Garden-Warbler rarely intrudes itself sufficiently to attract observation.
In several of the southern counties this species is by no means uncommon, though its presence is wddom
or never noticed by tlie natives of the district. When making inquiries in any remote locality concerning
the various species of Warblers, I have repeatedly remarked that (with tho exception of any exceedingly
abundant local variety, such as the Heed- or Sedge-Warblers) this family was less known than any class
At the time of its arrival, which usually takes place towards the latter end of April, though prolonged
by stranglors lill well on in May, this species may be mel with along rou-rli hedgerows, aud also in gardens
and plantations, in the neighbourhood of the south coast. By the end of the second week in May, all hut tho
residents have passed on towards their inland quarters. During the summer mouths this species frequents
situations where thick cover abounds in woods ami tangled thickets, extending its rounds only so far as
the shelter is deusc and enables it to creep about without any considerable exposure to view.
The Garden-Warbler is one of our most pleasing songsters; the note, however, is scarcely so attractive
as that of the Blackcip or .Nightingale, and few hut close observers of bird life are acquainted with either
the s|H'cies or its note.
The nest, winch much resembles that of several others of the family, is usually well concealed in
brambles or low bushes, though the bird at times is true to its name, ami rears its young among cultivated
shrubs, or even the straggling roots of fruit-plants in gardens. The e^s correspond to a certain degree
in eulonring w ith those of the Blackcap ; the markings, however, are by no means so distinct and bright,
or tbc tints so rich ; they have, in fact, a mure washed-out nr faded appearance.
I never positively identilied the Garden-Warbler beyond tbe Scotch border, though repeatedly expending
considerable time aud trouble in endeavouring to obtain a satisfactory view of any of the family that came
under my notice in the sheltered valleys near tic coast of East Lothian. In certain parts of Yorkshire this
Warbler is by no means uncommon, though retiring (as usual) and hut little known. 1 met with several pain
in the cast of Norfolk, and also in Sulfolk. In the southern counties the bird is perhaps more numerous
than in any other part of the British Islands.
When collecting previous to its departure iu the autumn, the Garden-Warbler is at tine's exceedingly
abundant for a few days in the vicinity of the south coast. The earliest arrivals make their appearance
by the latter end of July or the beginning of August, and for several weeks a constant succession of these
birds may be noticed frequenting any gardens when' fruit can be obtained. For older-berries they have a
particular fancy; I have at times remarked their beaks aud plumage deeply stained by the juice of the
ripe berries. The majority of Warblers of this genus may ho attracted by banging small bunches of fruit
among bushes or the lower branches of trees. By this means it is possible to gain an insight into their
habits, and a chance of watching the actions of these usually retiring birds, as well as identifying some
rare species.