Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 5 (1901).djvu/225



chief feature of the last autumn passage was the almost total absence of visible migration—indeed, the scarcity of the smaller land birds was quite unprecedented in my experience. The number of shore birds also was far below the average.

The prevailing winds were from the W. and N.W., and the weather on the whole was unsettled and showery. The only movement which amounted to a "rush" occurred in mid-October, lasting from the 13th to the 20th, and consisted almost exclusively of our common winter visitants, most of which were present in their usual numbers.

No rare birds were met with in the district, but among the scarcer visitors may be mentioned the Bittern, Red-necked Phalarope, Wood-Sandpiper, and Little Auk.

The list of absentees is more noteworthy, comprising the Stonechat, Kingfisher, Great Titmouse, Goldfinch, Short-eared Owl, Buzzard, and Wood-Pigeon. I have never previously known the Kingfisher to be absent from the coast during the autumn migration, and the same remark applies to the Short-eared Owl. The Wood-Pigeon was omitted from my last year's notes, but a considerable immigration took place after they were written, about the middle of January. This year my keeper, Zool. 4th ser. vol. V., June, 1901.