Page:The Zoologist, 3rd series, vol 2 (1878).djvu/265

Rh wind and weather, for the rest of the season. February was a most unusually mild month, many days being equal in temperature to what we expect at the end of May. This spring-like weather had the effect of inducing an earlier migration of the more hardy species. The same phenomena were observable, although to a less extent, on our own shores, and I noticed that the immense flocks of Golden and Green Plover frequenting our Lincolnshire marshes broke up and took their departure some time in advance of the average period.

Mr. Gätke's notes commence with the end of January, and are continued as follows:—

"January, night, from 27th to 28th. Turdus pilaris, countless flights.

"29th, from 9 a. m. and earlier to 4 p. m. Colymbus septentrionalis; an uninterrupted stream of birds from N.N.E. to S.S.W. passing to the east of this island ; constantly from eight to twelve in the field of the glass.

"February 2nd, wind E. in the morning, N. and N. by E. in the evening. Turdus merula, from twenty to forty, as I fancy from the north.

"7th. Commencement of spring migration. Birds moving northward again ; wind westerly. Motacilla sulphurea, first migration; Sturnus vulgaris, flights twenty to sixty; Corvus, coming, ten to twenty. Night, 7th to 8th. Alauda arvensis, a great many.

"8th. Alauda arvensis, off island, passing fishing-boats all day E. by N.

"9th, wind N.W. and N., fog ; midday somewhat clear. Alauda arvensis seen passing overhead in great numbers, E. by N.; Turdus merula, some; Sturnus vulgaris, some.

"10th, wind W. and mild. Alauda arvensis, during night and day; Columba palumbus, one; Turdus musicus, a few.

"13th, wind S. Columba palumbus, ten to twelve.

"14th to 15th, S.W., night. Charadrius auratus and Tringa alpina.

"15th, W.S.W. Alauda arvensis, great numbers at sea, N.E.; Anthus pratensis.

"16th to 17th, W., foggy. Alauda arvensis, a great many.