24 G BIRDS OF MIDDLESEX. 



I have seen a Redtbroated Diver in winter plumage 

 that was killed on the Thames, between Richmond 

 and Twickenham, nearly opposite Eel-Pie Island ; 

 and birds of this species have frequently been seen, 

 and occasionally shot, on Kingsbury Reservoir, 

 during winter. The last which came under my 

 notice was killed there on the 9th February, 1864. 



Family Larid.^. 



Common Tern, Sterna liirundo. Provincial, Sea 

 Swallow. During the periodical migrations in spring 

 and autumn we are visited b}^ several species of 

 Tern, of which the most numerous is Sterna hirundo. 

 These birds generally arrive with an east wind, and, 

 if not disturbed, remain upon the river and about 

 the reservoirs for some days. The first flocks arrive 

 during the first week of May, and consist almost 

 entirely of old birds. In August, on the return south- 

 wards, young as well as old birds are seen. At night 

 I have seen them roosting upon boats, and upon posts 

 projecting above the water below high-water mark. 

 The flight of all the Terns is exceedingly graceful, 

 and there can hardly be a prettier sight, or one more 

 interesting to the ornithologist, than a flock of these 

 birds fishing in undisturbed enjoyment. 



A peculiar trait in the character of Terns is, that 

 when one is killed or wounded its companions fly 

 screaming towards it, and the quickness with which 



