18 OCTOBER 1935, Page 16

English Orioles

A detailed, even appearance of two There is no reason

an exciting account, reaches me of the golden orioles in the south of Dorset. to doubt the evidence. The bird is so common in France: towards the north, that its loud note may become as tiresome as the cuckoo's. Personally I was often awakened by it during the War, and saw it often and found the nest. It was peculiarly common round about the die- mantled fortification on the edge of Cologne. The bird is a strong flier with travelling instincts and it has made repeated visits to our southern counties. One would expect it to become a more regular visitor. The bright yellow streaks are apparent in flight, and in association with the size of the bird and the quick wing-beat make it easy of observation. There is no other bird with which it can very well be compared. In summer the note is as distinctive as the form, if only from its loudness and mellow flutiness. In some regards the year seems to be favottrable to immigrants into England. There are rumours of a big influx of that salient, foreign-looking bird, the waxwing. It seems likely that before the winter is over the fir trees of East Anglia (which multiply fast) will be more than usually full of the nests of the crossbill.