INTRODUCTION. xxxiii 



coast-lines, even though the latter keep well out to sea. Such 

 species making their way down the east coast would probably 

 pass the shores of Northumberland and Durham, meeting 

 with no obstruction till their progress is arrested by the 

 promontory of Flamborough, where they are observed — and 

 very often shot. On leaving Flamborough they cross 

 Bridlington Bay, and are either seen at Spurn, or, skirting 

 Lincolnshire, pass on for the north coast of Norfolk — a well 

 situated and rich ornithological county. 



Flamborough and Spurn are by far the most favourable 

 points for observing the arrivals of immigrants ; and Spurn 

 is considered far to surpass any portion of the Lincolnshire 

 coast, though the tall cliffs of Cleveland probably offer 

 attractions from their height and the secluded nature of 

 the coast. The winds which bring immigrant birds in the 

 greatest numbers in the autumn are those not favourable 

 to their passage. WTien worn out by a long and adverse 

 journey against contrary winds they drop on the first shore 

 they reach, and the presence of Woodcocks at Spurn and 

 elsewhere on the coast depends on the prevalence of the 

 strong N. or N.E. winds during their passage, which tire 

 them out, and after which they are to be found on the Point 

 in great numbers. On the contrary, should the winds be 

 light and favourable, they simply pass on, dispersing them- 

 selves over the country in suitable situations, and very few 

 would be observed on the coast. 



MIGRATION. 



For this important section, I have, with his kind permis- 

 sion, adopted Mr. Eagle Clarke's views regarding the move- 

 ments for the east coast of England, as set forth in his " Digest 

 of Observations," published in the " Report of the British 

 Association," Liverpool Meeting, 1896. 



Between Britain and Continental Europe travel a host 

 of migrants which are either birds of passage on, or winter 

 visitors to, our shores. The former visit our eastern coast- 

 line in spring when journeying to their northern summer 

 haunts lying to the north-east of Britain, and again in autumn 



