BIRD NOTES 51 



been stuffed for a Herring Gull, was discovered to be 

 the Yellow-legged Gull (Lams cachinnans\ a species 

 new to the British list. 



THE GREY WAGTAIL 



The similarity of the Grey Wagtail (Motacitta 

 melanope) to its congeners, and the comparatively 

 little notice given to the various species by local 

 gunners, may account for the infrequency of its 

 recognition. The Messrs. Paget refer to it as not 

 uncommon in winter the season of the year when 

 it is to be met with. It was often met with near the 

 town refuse-heaps by the side of the Bure since 

 built upon where various insects and grubs were 

 almost certain to be met with all winter through. 

 The bird's comparatively longer tail, and more 

 dipping flight, attracted the attention of an ob- 

 servant young gunner, who secured examples. A 

 striking habit of the species is its propensity for 

 persistently frequenting certain resorts ; if constantly 

 disturbed, it invariably returns to the same locality. 

 The presence of some small crustaceans near my 

 boathouse doors on Christmas Day 1899 attracted a 

 Grey Wagtail, which, although repeatedly disturbed 



