Page:The Zoologist, 1st series, vol 4 (1846).djvu/210

1376 Water Rail, Rallus aquaticus. Common, breeding in several parts of the county, and remaining throughout the year.

We know an instance of a water rail being found dead, with a fish of the kind called Miller's thumb (Cottus gobio), fixed in its throat, in a vain attempt to swallow which, the bird had been choked.

Moorhen, Gallinula chloropus. Very common throughout the year, and breeds in Norfolk. We have taken the eggs of this spe- cies in a fir plantation, which was situated at least a quarter of a mile from the nearest piece of water.

Common Coot, Fulica atra. Common throughout the year, especially in the district of the broads. In the autumn coots as- semble in flocks, and frequently repair to the salt marshes in the neighbourhood of the coast. When thus collected, they appear to have a curious method of repelling the attacks of birds of prey. "Upon the appearance of a kite or buzzard," says Sir T. Browne, "they unite from all parts of the shore in strange numbers ; when, if the kite stoops at them they will fling up, and spread such a flash of water with their wings, that they will endanger the kite, and so keep him off again and again in open opposition." We have never had an opportunity of verifying this assertion by our own experience, but a somewhat similar occurrence is related by Messrs. Sheppard and Whitear in their 'Catalogue of Norfolk and Suffolk Birds' in the fol- lowing words: "The larger kinds of gulls often attack and devour coots. We have observed the latter, on the approach of their enemy rush together from all quarters, and form a close, round, compact body, appearing like bees in the act of swarming. The gull kept ho- vering over their heads, and friquently dashed within a yard or two of them. Whenever he flew to a distance the coots dispersed, and again at his return flocked together."

Gray Phalarope, Phalaropus lobatus. One or two specimens generally occur every autumn^ in the months of October and Novem- ber ; and this species occasionally, but less frequently, also visits us on its passage northwards in spring.

Red-necked Phalarope, Phalaropus hyperboreus. Occasionally, but very rarely occurs in a similar manner.

Gray-legged goose, Anser ferus. This species is said to have for- merly visited Norfolk, but we never remember to have seen a speci- men taken in the county. We are, however, informed that it is still occasionally, though very rarely met with.

Bean Goose, Anser segetum. Not uncommon in autumn, winter,