Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 4 (1900).djvu/442

408 on the marshes as early as June 22nd, 1896; while in 1894 I saw seven on July 31st. Great gathering on Breydon mud-flats prior to leaving, on March 31st, 1898. Local, "Grey Crow"; "Kentish Crow."

C.frugilegus. Rook.—C. Apparently increasing. Not much molested, as the natives have formed a better opinion of it than formerly. Great flights from over sea in autumn. On some days, as on Nov. 2nd and 3rd, 1899, incessant streams all day long; arriving also after dark. Many assume omnivorous tendencies, patrolling the shore and mud-flats for edible refuse. I once saw one catch a "Tartar" in a live Crab, which seized it by the throat. Have observed departures from Scratby cliffs in March. In April, 1896, several visited a tree near the marketplace. A pair nested, but the young being disturbed, they have not since attempted to nest there.

Alauda arvensis. Sky-Lark.—C. All the year round. Enormous influxes of a dark (Scandinavian) form in autumn. A noteworthy invasion on Feb. 3rd, 1897, when coarse weather from south-east followed. During protracted snows in November, 1890, cabbages in surrounding gardens were reduced to shreds by them; at Belton, during open weather in October, 1896, cabbage patches were ruined by them.

A. arborea. Wood-Lark.—F.C. Mostly observed here in severe weather, in small parties. Seven shot in the snow by a gardener, Dec. 20th, 1890.

[A. brachydactyla. Short-toed Lark.—A. One stated to have been shot on Breydon walls, Nov. 7th, 1889. The bird in question may have been an escape (vide B. of N. vol. iii. p. 410).]

Otocorys alpestris. Shore-Lark.—F.C. Uncertain winter visitor; sometimes occurs in considerable numbers, as in October, 1880. Consorts with Snow-Buntings on North Denes and sandhills. The birdcatchers have learnt to distinguish its call-note and characteristics, and look for it yearly. About sixty were obtained during autumn and winter of 1882, mostly males.

Cypselus apus. Swift.—C. The numbers nesting here do not increase, although gathering in considerable numbers over the Denes in early autumn. A favourite prey is the St. Mark's Fly (Bibio marci). During a set-in of unusually cold weather in August, 1881, numbers of Swifts were picked up dead or benumbed. Local, "Davelin."