Page:The Zoologist, 3rd series, vol 1 (1877).djvu/38

12 the glass in October was this species; wind blowing fresh from the N.E. and S.E.; direction of flight always westerly.

Snow Bunting.—The only Snow Bunting I have seen so far in our marshes was on the 27th of November—a single bird coming across the river from the direction of Spurn. Others were seen in small parties at Spurn, November 16th; and a correspondent, writing from Flamborough (November 22nd), says a flock had been seen on the headland all the week, in company with Larks. Last autumn when the Snow Buntings arrived at Flamborough they were accompanied by Crossbills, a gale from the N.E. blowing at the time, and very cold weather. Just seven years previously my informant had seen Crossbills and Snow Buntings mixed together flying across Lundy Island, and shot examples of both. This was November 22nd or 23rd; sky overcast, wind westerly, and very warm. Mr. W. Lewis, writing from Spurn, says, "This morning (November 24th), in my watch from 3 there have been great numbers round the lantern; wind S., moderate. A few Gray Plover struck; also Dunlin, Blackbirds and Larks."

Woodcock.—There was a large flight of Woodcocks at Spurn on the morning of October 28th; wind N.E., light and misty. Unusual numbers appear to have landed on our N.E. coast about this date. Others came against the glasses of the Hartlepool Lighthouse, at the same time, and under the same circumstances, as the Golden-crested Wrens.

Snipe.—The first flight came on the night of October 24th; the main body, undoubtedly, dining the severe weather of the 8th and 9th of November. On the latter morning I saw many small parties of two, three and six (but not exceeding the latter number), crossing the marshes from N.N.E. to S. and S.W. Saw the first Jack Snipe the same morning. Mr. Bailey, of Flamborough, had in October two Common Sandpipers killed against the glass of the lighthouse, and another which he calls Schinz's Sandpiper(?), also killed against the light. Perhaps we shall hear more of this last bird.

Swan.—On the 16th and 17th of October six were seen at Spurn; also a great many Ducks; wind S.E., moderate. Mr. Bailey, of Flamborough, says they have had numbers of Ducks along the coast.

Little Gull.—Two immature birds, now in the possession of a friend, were shot by Mr. Bailey off Flamborough Head in