80 J. E. LITTLEBOT BIRDS OBSERVED IN 1879. 



iN'ovember in the meadows near Hamper Mills, and Mr. BaiTaud 

 noticed a similar number on the loth of ]^ovember in the Bushey 

 Meadows. 



The Lapwing ok Peewit ( Vanellus cristatus). — Lapwings are, 

 this year, extremely abundant in all parts of the county. 



The Crested Grebe [Podn-qjs cnstatm). — A crested jj;rebe is 

 reported by Mr. Manser to have frequented the lake at Hoddesdon 

 during the month of January. 



The Wild Duck {Atias Boschas). — Mr. Abel H. Smith reports 

 that a brood of young ducks was hatched on the river Beane, near 

 Sacombe. When first found the old duck attempted to divert 

 attention from her young by shamming injury, but finding that 

 they were unmolested she returned to them. On the 7th of De- 

 cember a mallard was seen by Mr. W. P. M. Copeland, on the 

 Gade near Russell Parm, and a flock of five was noticed about the 

 same time on the canal near King's Langiey. Wild ducks are 

 also reported as numerous on the Gade at Great Gaddesden. 



The Tufted Duck {FuUgula cristata). — The tufted duck is 

 reported from three different localities. A fine drake fi'cqueuted 

 the lake at Hoddesdon for several days about the end of January. 

 It is thus described by Mr. Henry Manser: "He is jet black, 

 with distinct panels of pure white, one on each side, a curling 

 ci'est on the back of the head, rather like that of the peewit, and 

 splendid yellow eyes, almost golden." A female was shot near 

 Sacombe; and Mr. John Evans reports that a pair was seen in the 

 meadows between Nash Mills and King's Langiey, the drake being 

 secured by his keeper. 



In di'awing my notes to a conclusion. I will attempt briefly to 

 summarise what appear to be the distinct ornithological pecu- 

 liarities of the present year. The extraordinary diminution in the 

 number of small birds may probably be regarded as one of its 

 leading characteristics ; I have before alluded to the excessive 

 mortality among the Thrush family, and the same remark is 

 equally applicable to other species. The entire absence, during the 

 winter, of the hawfinch and the ring-ouzel, notwithstanding the 

 abundance of the former at the commencement of the year, is very 

 noticeable. The scarcity of the partridge, the unusual abundance 

 of the woodcock and snipe, and the occurrence of the golden 

 plover in such large numbers and in so many diff'erent localities 

 throughout our county, are also prominent features in the year 

 1879 that it seems desirable to record. 



It only remains for me to thank our various correspondents, 

 both ladies and gentlemen, for the information so kindly forwarded, 

 and again to remind our members that the interest of future notes 

 must mainly depend on a continuance of their contributions. 



