THE BOOK OF MIGRATORY BIRDS 57 



to quarters adjacent to the coast. In this same month 

 large numbers of knot, godwit, whimbrel, and mature 

 grey plover arrive ; also the less plentiful green sandpiper, 

 common sandpiper, and greenshank are in strong 

 evidence. At this season oyster-catchers, turnstones, 

 sanderlings, and many other species are to be met with 

 flying the coast-line in search of new quarters. In August 

 also the home-bred mallard have flocked, and daily wing 

 to the estuaries and other safe retreats. 



The beginning of September brings an increase in the 

 number of birds on the coast. Great flocks of gulls and 

 terns, leaving their sea-bound breeding homes for more 

 southern climes, may be seen. At this time the curlew, 

 sandpiper, little stint, and other less numerous birds pay 

 us a passing visit. They stay from a week to a fortnight 

 with us, then depart for the south. By the middle of 

 September the full swing of shore-bird migration is in 

 operation. A noticeable increase in curlews (noted by 

 their different manners and unwary movements) occurs in 

 October. Shore-birds are in this month as numerous as 

 they will be, if no severe weather influences an immigra- 

 tion from the Continent. Thus, in the months of January 

 and February, knots, in very hard winters, congregate in 

 enormous flocks on our coasts. 



In August some local migration of wild fowl takes place. 

 We are in this month visited by the first lots of mallard 

 leaving their breeding haunts, as well as other fowl, such 

 as shovellers, teal, tufted duck, and pochards. A few 

 wigeon probably those which breed in the northern parts 

 of Scotland or at no higher latitude are often met with 

 in England during August. Of course, a few odd pairs 

 breed in England, but the wigeon seen in August un- 

 doubtedly outnumber those which breed in this country. 



October brings with it the arrival of large numbers of 

 wigeon and mallard, but the latter species may be said to 

 come in the largest flocks in November. Grey geese reach 

 us in force during October, and increase until the end of 

 November. Some pass further south. In February they 



