Page:The Zoologist, 3rd series, vol 2 (1878).djvu/267

Rh "In April, Rooks, Jackdaws and Hooded Crows, from the 9th to the 15th daily, in large numbers. Saxicola rubicola last seen on the 3rd. P. rufus and M. flava, some daily since the 13th. Hirundo rustica, first on the 19th, only two or three since. Sterna cantiaca, daily, lots of them. Charadrius morinellus, three on the 17th. Of the Curruca family, not one as yet turned up. Wrynecks and Hoopoes, a few. Fringilla cœlebs, cannabina and chloris, lots for ever so long ; montifringilla, less than usual. Taken altogether it is undoubtedly bad ; if weather does not turn warm, with a S.E. and S.S.E. wind, there will be nothing."

On the north-east coast of Lincolnshire I have seen fewer migrants than has been the case for many previous years. Having had but slight intervals of cold N. and N.E. winds, and but few days of really bad weather to retard them, the birds have gone forward at once, without tarrying in our marshes ; consequently there has been no accumulation in the coast district as is generally the case. This has been particularly apparent with the Fieldfares, which not unfrequently hang about in great flocks for weeks before taking their departure. This year I have scarcely seen any.

I extract from my note-book the dates of arrival of our summer migrants in this district: —

On the 7th February Mr. Bailey, of Flamborough, writes, "I have just spoken to one of our fishermen, who has come in from sea, who informs me the sea was alive with Guillemots this morning."

February 16th. Larks singing at 6.30 Lovely spring-like weather.

23rd, W.S.W., warm, close, and overcast. Large flights of migratory Starlings on the coast.

28th. Anthus pratensis, have returned to their nesting haunts.

March 1st. Charadrius pluvialis and Vanellus cristatus, have broken up their flocks and left the district; the latter in small bands of from twenty to thirty.

2nd, wind W.S.W. Turdus pilaris, many ; Emberiza miliaria, flocks twenty to thirty.

10th, W., very fine and warm. Motacilla Yarrelli, many ; Saxicola rubicola, one.

April 2nd. Hooded Crows have departed; only lour laggards seen after this date.

9th, strong E. wind, and bitterly cold. Hirundo rustica, one.