THE OYSTER CATCHER, OR SEA TIE. 403 



their breeding-grounds in autumn, and returning in tlie 

 spring ; consequently, those coasts from which they never 

 depart afford an asylum in winter to vast numbers of 

 strangers, in addition to their native population. On the 

 coast of Norfolk, for example, they are to be seen in small 

 parties all through the summer ; but in winter, especially 

 if it be a severe one, they may be reckoned by thousands. 

 They here seem to have favourite spots on which to pass 

 the night. One of these is what is called the " Eastern 

 point " of Brancaster Marsh, a place of perfect security, 

 for it is difficult of access under any circumstances, and 

 cannot be approached at all with any chance of conceal- 

 ment on the part of the intruder. Towards this point I 

 have seen line after line winging their way, all about the 

 same hour, just before sunset, all following the line of the 

 coast, but taking care to keep well out at sea, and all advanc- 

 ing with perfect regularity, every individual in a company 

 being at the same height above the water. They are very 

 wary at this season, insomuch that though I must have 

 seen many thousands, and examined upwards of twenty 

 species of sea- shore birds, which had been shot in the neigh- 

 bourhood, not a single Oyster Catcher was brought to me. 



THE COMMON CRANE. 



GRUS CINEREA. 



General plumage ash-grey ; throat, part of the neck, and back of the head, 

 dark blackish grey ; forehead and cere covered mth black bristly hairs ; 

 crown naked, orange red ; some of the secondaries elongated, arched, and 

 lia\ing the barbs of the feathers free ; bill greenish black, reddish at the base, 

 liorn-coloured at tlie tip ; irides reddish brown ; feet black. Young birds 

 liave the crown feathered, and want the dark grey of the neck and head. 

 Ijength five feet. Eggs pale greenish ash, blotched and spotted with broAvn 

 and dark green. 



From the fact of nine Cranes being recorded among the 

 presents received at the wedding of the daughter of Mr. 

 More, of Loseley, in 1567, it would appear that these birds 

 were tolerably common in England at that date. 



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