Page:The Zoologist, 1st series, vol 4 (1846).djvu/138

1304 towards the end of summer or rather later ; a considerable number were obtained in the autumn of 1841 in almost all the different stages of plumage, from the birds of the year to those which had acquired the full adult plumage.

The last example of which we are aware occurred in September, 1844, and is noticed at page 793 of the 'Zoologist.'

Marsh Harrier, Circus æruginosus. Breeds in most of the marshy districts of the county, where it was formerly very common, but has now become much less so. It remains in Norfolk through the year.

Hen Harrier, Circus cyaneus. The hen harrier is also found in Norfolk throughout the year, and nests in the more marshy districts, but is not a numerous species.

Montagu's Harrier, Circus Montagui. A few pair breed in some of the fens in the south-western part of Norfolk, and remain in the county throughout the year.

An example was killed at Brundall on the 10th of June, 1845, and four others were observed near the spot at the same time, and for several days afterwards.

Scops Eared Owl, Scops Aldrovandi. There are two well-authenti- cated instances of the occurrence of this bird near the town of Yar- mouth, and we know of two specimens which are said to have been killed near Norwich.

Long-eared Owl, Otus vulgaris. This owl is a regular and rather numerous autumnal visitant. Some few remain throughout the year, chiefly frequenting the vicinity of our northern coast, and nesting in those parts of the fir-plantations in which the trees are young and thick.

Short-eared Owl, Otus hrachyotus. The short-eared owl is also a regular and numerous autumnal visitant, arriving on our coast about the third week in September. A few pair stay through the year and breed in the fenny parts of the south-west of Norfolk. Their eggs have also been occasionally taken in the neighbourhood of the coast.

Barn Owl, Strix flammea. Common throughout the year and breeds with us. We know an instance of a pair of these birds having nested and brought up their young, three in number, in a state of con- finement.

Tawny Owl, Syrnium stridula. Common throughout the year, and breeds in the county. We have known this owl to nest in a deserted rabbit or fox's hole on the side of a wooded hill near the coast. The nest was about two feet from the mouth of the hole.

Snowy Owl, Surnia nyctea. Two instances are on record of the