MIGRATION IN THE BRITISH ISLANDS. 247 



that have been winteru-ig in this area begin to pass 

 towards the continent. The most noticeable of 

 these are such species as Blackbirds (Merulcnnerula), 

 Thrushes (Turdu.s musicus), Redwings {Tiirdus 

 ///r/c^/.v),. Field fares {Tnrdns pilaris), Pied Wagtails 

 {Motacilld i/arre//i), Meadow Pipits {Antlms pra- 

 ten.sis), Larks {Alauda arven.sis), Rooks {Corvus 

 frugilegus), Hooded Crows {Corviis comix), various 

 Finches, such as House-sparrows {Passer do??iesiicns), 

 Linnets {Liiiota can)iahina),^td\)o\QS {Linota nifes- 

 cens and linaria), and Snow^ Buntings {Emberiza 

 nivalis). All these birds continue now^ at intervals 

 to pass out of our islands for the next two months, 

 sometimes leaving in considerable flights which last 

 almost incessantly for days together ; whilst as the 

 spring advances, Starlings {Sturnus vulgaris). Gold- 

 crests {Regulus cristatus), and other birds begin to 

 move, and the great departure of Ducks (Anatid^) 

 and Waders (Charadriid^) commences. Many 

 of these birds compose the great autumn wave of 

 Eastern Migrants, but the numbers that return in 

 spring are rarely so marked. Instances of great 

 vernal rushes, however, have been recorded. For 

 example, it is reported from the Swin Middle Light- 

 vessel, stationed some twelve miles oiF the Essex 

 coast, that on the night of February 14th to i^^h, 

 1885, great numbers of Larks were passing towards 

 the south-east ; ninety of them came on deck, 

 numbers fell into the water, and "• for two hours 

 the Larks were like a shower of snow." These 

 birds were evidently migrating out of England 



