172 THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. 



Sandpipers. . . . When about 1080 miles from 

 Ireland two Crossbills flew on board. Both were 

 captured." 



The arrival of a flock of migrants on the coast 

 in a more or less exhausted state is some indication 

 of the loss at sea. Only the strongest have sur- 

 vived the stormy passage, and even many of these 

 are so tired and worn out as to allow themselves to 

 be taken in the hand. On several occasions I have 

 had the good fortune to witness an arrival of Gold- 

 crests [Reguius cristatus), on the east coast of Eng- 

 land. Before sunrise on the chilly late October 

 mornings, I have seen the stunted thorn-bushes on 

 the dunes or links for miles along the coast 

 swarming with these tiny creatures — the smallest 

 migrant in the entire Palaearctic region. Some 

 ha\^e been much more exhausted than others ; some 

 have actually rocked to and fro with weakness as 

 they sat upon the twigs ; but the more robust ones 

 were feeding eagerly, and some even indulged in 

 song ! 



Birds seldom commence an extended migration 

 flight, especially across the sea, until the weather is 

 favourable ; but a sudden change of wind, a gale, 

 or a rain- or snow-storm, or a heavy shower of hail, 

 frequently overtakes them, and beats and chills the 

 very life out of all but the strongest. Even aquatic 

 birds, able to drop on the water and rest whenever 

 they may feel the inclination to do so, are often 

 overtaken by gales, and blown long distances out of 

 their way, even far inland. Small wonder then that 



