Page:The Zoologist, 3rd series, vol 1 (1877).djvu/458

432 the toe, though dry and healed. The unusually worn state of the tail-feathers and primaries, in connection with the injured foot, seemed to indicate a narrow escape from a steel fall-trap, and the bird was in poor condition. Another is said to have appeared in the same locality at the same time, but was not procured.

Black-headed Gulls. — As an evidence of the extreme mildness of the weather at that time, a flock of about a hundred of these gulls were observed, on the 6th of this month, hovering over their usual nesting-haunt at Scouhon Mere ; but, though seen in smaller numbers on the following day, they did not remain. I know of no record of their appearance at this spot so early, though occasionally a few have made their appearance by the middle or end of February, the usual dale of return being between the first and second week in March. This mild period, however, was succeeded, on the 27lh, by a heavy fall of snow and a severe frost.

Water Rail. — On the 23rd a bird of this species was picked up dead at Northrepps, under the telegraph-wires, most probably migrating, as no suitable haunt for it exists within several miles.

Gray Shrike. — One was shot at Hunstanton about the second week in this month, in the same place where a specimen was procured the previous year.

Norfolk Plover. — An unusually light-coloured bird of this species and under-sized as well, was shot, on the 16th, at Shimpling, near Diss.

Hawfinch. — Two killed this month at Waclon and Hemblington, and two or three were seen about Feltwell.

Lesser Spoiled Woodpecker. — About the 13th an adult male of this species was shot at Elmham.

Common Buzzard.— One trapped at Northrepps on the 14th, and another was seen going south, at a great height, on the 27lh.

Raven. — A single bird seen at Northrepps, going inland.

Raptorial Migrants. — Mr. J.H. Gurney, Jun., has already recorded (p. 260) the appearance of a Kite and two Buzzards at