108 BIRDS OF NORFOLK. 
of marshes between Norwich and Yarmouth, once so 
noted for our grallatorial residents, the lapwing has 
become almost as scarce as the redshank, and the ruff is 
no longer seen. The two former, however, still find 
congenial quarters in that wilder district bordermg on 
the Bure, where, closely massed together, the Broads, 
large and small, have suffered but little change in their 
normal features. Here, too, at Hoveton, is shown what 
protection, aided by such natural advantages, may effect 
even now for the wilder denizens of the marsh, and 
whilst other localities are all but deserted, Mr. Blofeld 
is more than repaid for his watchful care, in listening to 
the mingled notes of his protegés, and observing their 
habits on his own estate. 
At the close of the breeding season both young and 
old leave the warrens and high grounds, and are found 
in flocks in the low meadows (to which they are par- 
ticularly partial when slightly flooded), and on all parts 
of the coast. Many are seen throughout the winter, 
though constantly shifting their ground, and in very 
severe frost they would seem to leave us for awhile ; but 
are seldom absent for any length of time. That the 
number of our residents is largely increased in autumn 
and winter by migratory flocks from the north, we have 
the evidence of their unmistakeable cries, mingled with 
the whistle of the golden plover as they pass in masses 
over our cities by night (see ante p. 70); and on various 
dates in September, October, and November, Mr. Dowell 
has observed this species arriving in small flocks on the 
coast at Blakeney, at times, during heavy north and 
north-east winds “coming over” all day; and after re- 
cruiting their strength proceeding further inland. Their 
numbers at times also, late in the season, are far beyond 
the amount we might presume to be reared in these 
parts under the most favourable circumstances, and 
the Yarmouth gunners regard their abundance in winter 
