BIRD NOTES 149 



them, Thomas drew up to the walls, and in spite 

 of the severity of the night, slept there. Waking 

 before daylight, he found his way at daybreak to 

 the spot, and managed to get a shot at what he 

 now saw to be Snipe. There were hundreds; and 

 at one pull he killed several scores, " covering, 1 ' 

 as my informant said, "the punt floor with them, 

 half fillin' it ! " 



THE CUELEW 



In August large female Curlews, occasionally with 

 long bills, frequent Breydon; sometimes the flocks 

 are of considerable size. I am of opinion that 

 a few non-breeding birds remain in the vicinity 

 all summer, betaking themselves to the marshes, 

 and even farther afield, for short periods, returning 

 at intervals to their favourite ooze. Nereid worms, 

 mollusca, shrimps, small crabs, and tiny flounders 

 are its usual prey. A tame Curlew became 

 exceedingly partial to small dead mice, soaked and 

 knocked about until considered fit for swallowing. 

 A Curlew was set upon by a small hawk. The 

 wader squatted upon the mud, presenting its bill 

 to its tormentor, a process that had the effect 

 of either wearing out the latter's patience or of 



