MIGRATION ON THE COAST. 293 
panies, are hungrily feeding on the mud-flats ; 
Goldcrests, perhaps, are swarming on the thorn- 
bushes. Overhead, Sky Larks are arriving in 
countless numbers from over the sea, often 
breaking out into gladsome song as soon as 
the welcome land is reached; whilst Rooks, Ring 
Doves, Jackdaws, and Finches of various species, 
arrive from time to time. This state of things 
continues through October, and well into Novem- 
ber, the steady influx of birds from time to time 
culminating in an overwhelming rush. It should 
also be remarked that in some years birds are 
more numerous than others, and the duration of the 
migration of any particular species varies a good 
deal, sometimes lasting but a few weeks, sometimes 
as many months. The autumn migration of birds 
lasts for about five months, beginning in July, and 
continuing to November. Of the two seasons of 
passage, perhaps the autumn movement will prove 
the most interesting to the ordinary observer of 
bird-life on the coast. Birds are much more 
numerous in autumn, and travel slower. The 
movements of birds during winter along the 
coast, are also intensely interesting, but this 
scarcely comes within the scope of the present 
chapter. 
We cannot well conclude this brief account of 
Bird Migration on the coast without some allusion 
to those perils which beset the birds on their 
journeys, and which arise principally from light- 
