Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 4 (1900).djvu/449

Rh seen on the marshes in 1774, and several others killed in 1808, state that two or three are generally shot every spring on Breydon; the latter statement might apply to the present day, save that, happily, they are more frequently allowed to depart in peace. During the last twelve summers Mr. J.H. Gurney states that ninety-three Spoonbills have visited Breydon (Nor. N.S. vol. vi. p. 514). Sixteen were seen there on May 13th, 1894: and on May 5th, 1895, twelve appeared. On May 10th, 1899, I rowed to within a short distance of six which were feeding in a flock on the edge of a mud-flat. Twelve on Breydon, June 4th, 1900; and subsequently several others. Local, "Banjo-bill."

Anser cinereus. Grey-lag Goose.—R.R. A winter migrant, once nesting in the fens. Messrs. Paget refer to it as "very common," which is far from being the case in the present day. Stevenson records single examples as follow:—November, 1847, at Horsey; April, 1849, on Breydon; September (?), 1854, Yarmouth; March, 1862, on Caister marshes; and in March, 1864, at Ludham—two examples; and a third at Horsey same year. One was killed by a gunner named Gibbs on Sept. 24th, 1881. Babington speaks of several flocks seen on Breydon, Sept. 24th and 25th, two birds being shot (B. of S.).

A. albifrons. White-fronted Goose.—N.C. An uncertain visitor; I find generally two or three examples brought to market every winter, usually immature.

A. segetum, Bean Goose.—F.C. "Less frequently met with" [than Grey-lag] (Paget). An uncertain winter visitant; in some years none, in others several. Several seen late in January, 1892.

A. brachyrhynchus. Pink-footed Goose.—N.C. Have observed it occasionally in the market. In some years none; in very severe weather more frequent than any of the preceding. Five were shot out of a flock, Feb. 14th, 1879; I also saw two immature, Dec. 11th, 1880. Two on Dec. 20th, 1890.

Bernicla ruficollis. Red-breasted Goose.— A. "Mr. Wigg," says the Messrs. Paget, "accidentally bought a specimen of this bird in the market, which, to his constant regret, he plucked and cooked."