THE SNOW BUNTING 93 



hurries north as soon as the frost subsides, to be driven back 

 again by the next snowstorm. In this country we must not 

 look for the Snow Bunting in the inland districts; the 

 weather must be severe, and the frost long continued indeed, 

 that drives this charming little bird so far from the coast. It 

 comes in October, and loves to frequent the wild, rough 

 ground near the sea the weedy salt-marshes, reclaimed land, 

 and extensive sand dunes that skirt the waves are its 

 favourite haunts. During exceptionally severe winters I have 

 known parties of these birds visit our inland woods and 

 fields, and for the time being unite with flocks of Bramblings ; 

 but they never stay long, and are off back again to their 

 usual haunts at the first sign of a thaw. A flock of Snow 

 Buntings is one of the prettiest sights to be seen along the 

 wild bleak coast in winter. Like big black and white butter- 

 flies they flutter along close to the ground before the observer, 

 or nestle among the shingle for shelter from the storm. It 

 is a pretty sight to watch these charming little arctic strangers 

 on a lowering day in midwinter, when each moment we expect 

 to see real instead of feathered "snowflakes" coursing through 

 the air. They seem to bring the romance of the arctic regions 

 with them, and as we watch them fly in undecided course 

 along the shingly beach our thoughts turn unconsciously 

 towards the North Pole and its many mysteries. Any one of 

 these little black and white strangers fluttering before us 

 may have been born at the very Pole itself. It is probably 

 much more familiar with the aspect of the country there than 

 it is with this bit of rough Lincolnshire salt-marsh. Its race 

 has solved the problem ages ago which all the skill and learn- 

 ing, pluck and endurance, of man has hitherto failed to 

 accomplish. These little birds are perfectly at home amongst 

 the snow. They run along the surface with dainty steps like 

 a Wagtail, or if occasion requires hop just like a Sparrow. 

 In some parts of England the early arrival of the Snow 



