36 AN EAST COAST NATURALIST 



shore, flying low in the dim light of early morning, 

 after their night's rest upon the coast and marshes 

 of north and north-west Norfolk. After the day's 

 fishing in this neighbourhood they pass along north- 

 ward before sunset. At times there is a counter- 

 movement, when the birds, having been inland all 

 day, they pass high overhead at sunset, in huge 

 V-like flocks, to spend their night upon the 

 sea. 



Knots, Whimbrel, Curlews, and many others, 

 flying overhead noisily as they do, in order to keep 

 in touch the members of their respective flocks, are 

 heard on dark, foggy nights in the periods of 

 migration. Their calling is heard abovehead even 

 by dwellers in inland cities. 



I have seen perching birds make the land in the 

 autumnal migration, settle immediately upon the 

 sands, even below high-water mark, and, tucking 

 their heads under their weary wings, drop off to 

 sleep in a moment. Aboard the lightships tired- 

 out birds frequently settle upon bulwarks, ropes 

 anywhere, in fact, that offers foothold; huddling, 

 too, in corners and drop at once into profound 

 slumber. 



On 10th May 1900 a bunch of thirty Grey 



