Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 2 (1898).djvu/52

26 brenta with five young birds; and on a small pool of shallow water at Kautokeino found three Phalaropus fulicarius. Are they sure that the identification should not be Anser erythropus and Phalaropus hyperboreus, as neither of the first-named species are known to occur on the European continent as summer breeders? The question is one of considerable interest both to me and to ornithologists generally. If no mistake has been made these observations are of great value. All the other species which they saw are known as Finmark birds. It may be that the three Phalaropes were really fulicarius, either young (not breeding) or already on migration.— (Zoologisk Museum, Christiania).

Winter Notes from Haddiscoe.—A Swallow, and we suppose it to be the last, was busy hawking for flies in the village on November 28th. Rather more Snipe than usual have appeared with us this season on the marshes, besides some thousands of Lapwings, but Golden Plovers have been scarce. Snow Buntings are numerous, and can be seen in very large flocks. The loud whistle of a few straggling Curlews have indicated their presence. Two Whooper Swans crossed the marshes on November 29th, and a specimen of the Eider Duck was shot on Breydon mud-flats. Whilst out on the bicycle on December 5th, I noticed the fir-trees at Herringfleet literally swarming with Gold-crested Wrens; I also heard the note of the Little Spotted Woodpecker, and observed Jays to be fairly common in woods; several Tree Creepers likewise attracted my attention. At Ashby I rode up close to a fine specimen of a White House Sparrow. I have seen three White Sparrows during the last six months, and have also an account of two residing at the railway-station at Great Yarmouth. This variety seems to be locally on the increase at the east end of Fritton Lake, near the decoyman's house. I found a large number of Mallards, Wigeons, Teal, Coots, and Moorhens, resting on the water, seemingly enjoying themselves within a few paces of the deadly decoy-pipes. Whilst crossing St. Olave's Bridge I heard the scream of a Kingfisher; the bird crossed the river and perched upon a yacht. I have seen three Kingfishers lately on the marshes. Fieldfares are scarce, and Redwings less in evidence. Owing to the open weather, Herons, Moorhens, Rails, &c, are having a good time, and few wildfowl have been shot in the district. The game stalls in the marketplace of Great Yarmouth exhibit some Mallards, Golden Eyes, and Tufted Ducks. Woodcocks are conspicuous by their absence. We have had a considerable number of Partridges and Pheasants, whilst Hares have also been found in plenty. The company of Pied Wagtails have been noticed daily, and a Common Redshank came quite close to me on December 15th. The Snipe have now gone further afield, as have also the majority of Lapwings. On December 22nd eight Bean Geese appeared at rather a long range, but with small shot from my small-bore gun I succeeded