108 BIRDS OP NORFOLK. 



of marshes between Norwich and Yarmouth, once so 

 noted for our grallatorial residents, the lapwing has 

 become almost as scarce as the redshank, and the ruff is 

 no longer seen. The two former, however, still find 

 congenial quarters in that wilder district bordering on 

 the Bure, where, closely massed together, the Broads, 

 large and small, have suffered but little change in their 

 normal features. Here, too, at Hoveton, is shown what 

 protection, aided by such natural advantages, may eifect 

 even now for the wilder denizens of the marsh, and 

 whilst other localities are all but deserted, Mr. Blofeld 

 is more than repaid for his watchful care, in listening to 

 the mingled notes of his proteges, and observing their 

 habits on his own estate. 



At the close of the breeding season both young and 

 old leave the warrens and high grounds, and are found 

 in flocks in the low meadows (to which they are par- 

 ticularly partial when slightly flooded), and on all parts 

 of the coast. Many are seen throughout the winter, 

 though constantly shifting their ground, and in very 

 severe frost they would seem to leave us for awhile ; but 

 are seldom absent for any length of time. That the 

 number of our residents is largely increased in autumn 

 and winter by migratory flocks from the north, we have 

 the evidence of their unmistakeable cries, mingled with 

 the whistle of the golden plover as they pass in masses 

 over our cities by night (see ante p. 70) ; and on various 

 dates in September, October, and November, Mr. Dowell 

 has observed this species arriving in small flocks on the 

 coast at Blakeney, at times, during heavy north and 

 north-east winds " coming over " all day ; and after re- 

 cruiting their strength proceeding further inland. Their 

 numbers at times also, late in the season, are far beyond 

 the amount we might presume to be reared in these 

 parts under the most favourable circumstances, and 

 the Yarmouth gunners regard their abundance in winter 



