Page:The Zoologist, 3rd series, vol 1 (1877).djvu/305

Rh our rivers, but some had already taken themselves off to the moors. A few Black-headed Gulls had left for their nesting quarters. On the 10th many Kittiwakes were brought to a local birdstuffer, but I found among them only one that had assumed the nuptial attire. Razorbills and Guillemots were at the same time obtained in full summer dress. A Gannet and Manx Shearwater were also shot, and I was informed that hundreds of the latter species might have been seen in the channel off Plymouth. On the I3th I met with many more flocks of Redshanks, and I understand that within the last few years immense flocks have remained on our rivers during the winter. The Lesser Black-backed Gulls had completely taken the place of the Great Black-backed, and were to be seen daily flying in pairs on all parts of the coast and in our harbours, sometimes resting on the mud-banks in large flocks. I am sorry to add that, up to April 1st, numbers were wantonly killed. It is a great pity that gulls and other sea birds should be destroyed so shortly before their breeding time.

I noticed Black Redstarts in two localities near Plymouth until March 17th, but soon alter that dale they had nearly all left the coast. Titlarks were daily to be seen mounting in the air, as in the nesting season, and Mews (Larus canus) were plentiful in our harbours, as they generally are just before leaving for their breeding places.

Mr. Clogg sends me word that he saw a flock of Whimbrels on March 21st, also some Turnstones and a Chiffchaff. I never met with the Whimbrel so early myself, indeed not before the end of April; but Mr. Stevenson, in his 'Birds of Norfolk,' says that it may be occasionally seen in March and April, though of course the main body comes in May. Possibly the birds seen by Mr. Clogg might have wintered in the locality.

I remarked the first pair of Wheatears for the season in the vicinity of Plymouth, on March 26th; and on the 28th many more Redshanks on the mud-banks of the St. Germain's River, hence, as they remain with us during the winter, and I believe until late in spring, I am beginning to hope that, if unmolested, some may at length be induced to nest in the neighbourhood.

On April 10th I observed a Blackcap and Tree Pipit in the neighbourhood of Plymouth, and found Chiffchaffs very plentiful. There were still a few Redshanks on the mud-banks of the St. Germain's River. On the 14th I visited the cliffs of Wembury, at