Page:The Zoologist, 3rd series, vol 2 (1878).djvu/63



the first half of the past year showed, so far as this county is concerned, a dearth of ornithological occurrences, the last six months have afforded but little more of special interest, and I have delayed my notes in consequence.

Golden Oriole.—I am informed on, I believe, reliable authority, that early in the spring a pair of these birds were seen on the Caistor Road, near Yarmouth, flying in and out of a plantation by the wayside, one bird striking the observer as particularly brilliant in colour as they flitted on in front of his vehicle, thus affording him a good opportunity of determining a species so attractive in plumage as not easily to be mistaken.

Norfolk Plover.—I am glad to report, with regard to this interesting species, that protection in the breeding season is effecting the desired object, and considerable numbers are again to be met with in their chief haunts in this county. A pair have also been known to rear their young this summer in a very favourable locality some twelve miles from Norwich, where they had not been known to breed for many years.

Great Gray Shrike.—From Mr. Anthony Hamond, of Westacre, I learn that two pairs of these birds were seen at Massingham, in West Norfolk, during the summer, but he is not aware that they attempted to nest there. Rh