J. E. LITTLEBOY BIRDS OBSERVED IN 1879. 71 



ooncTonors, in tliat it is not given to congregate "with others of its 

 kind, and that it resorts to inland A\'uti>rs rather than to the sea. 

 It is seen for the most part in spring and autnnin, at which seasons 

 it visits us when on its way to and from the northern countries in 

 whicli it breeds." 



0. — Thk Water-Rail {Rallm aquaticus). — A water-rail frequented 

 the stream at Huuton Bridge for several days during the month of 

 August, and was generally observable on the grass-])lot early in the 

 morning. It is a graceful bird, somewhat larger than the dabchick 

 and standing decidedly higher. Its prevailing colour is a light 

 brown, many of its feathers being marked with black, and its 

 breast shading off into a light slate colour. 



6. — The Gtoldex Plover [Charadrius pluvialis). — Mr. Harold 

 Procter informs me that he observed a flight of golden plovers on 

 the 25th of February, near the Hoo, Great Gaddesden. Mr. R. T. 

 Andrews, of Hertford, reports that a considerable number were seen 

 on Xovember 21st, near the Rye Common. Mr. H. G. Fordhara 

 states that several were observed flying over Odsey Grange towards 

 the south-west on February 9th, that on November 15th a large 

 flock was seen at Ashwell North Fields, and that a nearly equal 

 number visited the same place on December 22nd. The golden 

 plover is common in Yorkshire and in parts of Cambridgeshire, but 

 is said to be only an occasional visitant in Herts. It is remarkable 

 that so large a number should have been reported from various 

 parts of the county during the past year. If, as its name {pluvi- 

 alis) would seem to indicate, it evinces a partiality for rainy 

 weather, the occurrence may perhaps be easily accounted for. 



7. — Thk Pochard {Fiiligula fenna). — Three pochards are re- 

 ported by Mr. Henry Manser as having wintered on the lake at 

 Hoddesdon. I am also informed by Mr. Abel H. Smith that they 

 are fairly plentiful in the neighbourhood of Sacombe. The pochard 

 is abundant in Norfolk ; it is a winter visitor, and but rarely builds 

 in this country. It is readily identified by its prevailing grey, 

 varied by exquisite pencillings of a darker shade. It is stated by 

 Meyer that "the female bird usurps the prerogative of choice, and 

 is said to select her own mate." 



8. — The Teal {Nettium Crecca). — Mr. Abel H. Smith reports 

 that teal were plentiful near Sacombe about the beginning of the 

 year. Although not previously reported since our register was 

 commenced, it is probable that these small but beautiful ducks are 

 by no means specially rare in Herts, and I have already reported 

 them as having been shot many years ago at Great Munden. 



The mention of the teal completes the enumeration of species new 

 to our register, and raises the number of birds at present recorded 

 to one hundred and eighteen. There is therefore plenty of room 

 for further additions. 



I have again recorded a few particulars respecting the periods of 

 arrival in this county of migratory birds, together with sundry 

 ornithological notes kindly forwarded to me from various quarters 



