Ornithology of the Crimea ^c. 235 



They were equally, if not more abundant in the Sea of Azov, 

 which swarms with tish ; and the long sandy spits, so remark- 

 able a feature in that sea, are most suitable to their habits. 

 Captain Sherard Osborn observed them breeding in the Sivash ; 

 and Captain Blakiston remarks ('Zoologist,' 1857, p. 5678) 

 " that the numbers of these birds about Balaklava must be 

 greatly increased at the commencement of winter." This 

 accession of numbers is no doubt caused by the birds fre- 

 quenting the Sea of Azov being driven out of their summer 

 haunts by the annual formation of ice in that sea. 



I saw a few Pelicans at Ismid ; but the Sea of Azov is where I 

 found them in the greatest abundance. Immediately after the 

 capture of Kertch and Yenikale, the allied squadron proceeded 

 with all speed to Berdiansk, on the north coast of the Sea of Azov, 

 in pursuit of four Russian war-steamers which had escaped from 

 Kertch, and which on their arrival were burned by their crews. 

 The squadron anchored ojff the lighthouse at the end of the 

 Berdiansk Spit, fully six miles from the mainland. The boats 

 were hoisted out and armed, and proceeded to destroy a 

 number of small vessels which were anchored inside the Spit. 

 I obtained a seat in the ' Stromboli's' gig, which was sent ahead 

 of the other boats to sound. The whole shore of the spit was 

 covered with birds in thousands, all Grallatores and Natatores. 

 1 particularly observed Terns, Redshanks, Sandpipers, and 

 Plovers ; but of what particular species I had no opportunity of 

 judging, as at that time shooting, at any thing smaller than a 

 man was forbidden. The Cormorants were in dense masses, 

 sitting on the sandy beach, and, owing to the effect of the 

 mirage, appearing at a distance as large as men — so much so 

 that many on board the squadron thought they were Russian 

 soldiers, and expected a warm reception. There were also flocks 

 of Pelicans in great numbers, and so tame that they would 

 hardly make way for the boats to pass. One might almost have 

 touched them with a boat-hook. They evidently were not 

 accustomed to be molested. It was a rare opportunity for an 

 ornithologist to see so many of these magnificent white birds 

 at such close quarters ; but my attention was soon directed to 

 other things. The attraction the spits offer to these birds is no 



