BIRDS OF THE HUMBER DISTRICT. 119 



Early in the autumn the Godwits commence their 

 return southward, and in much greater numbers than 

 is tl.e case during the spring migration. By the 

 second week in August I have met with birds on our 

 flats in every stage of plumage. 



We sometimes find this species inland, feeding in 

 the pastures in the marshes at some distance from 

 the coast*. 



The Godwits which visit our foreshore in the spring 

 and autumn feed largely on an annelid, Arenicola 

 piscatorum, or some allied species, which they obtain 

 by boring. With the aid of my telescope I have 

 frequently observed their manner of feeding. They 

 advance rather quickly over the flats, and at the same 

 time keep rapidly thrusting their long bills into the 

 ooze, as if feeling for some concealed creature. It is 

 easy to see when any are successful, as instantly every 

 motion displays extreme energy, the bird's head 

 itself being half buried in its eagerness to grasp and 

 hold its wriggling prey. Often when the bill is with- 

 drawn I have seen a huge lob- worm, held crossways, 

 dangling from it. This requires some little mani- 



* Mr. Pennant, in his ' British Zoology,' says "that these 

 birds are taken in the Lincolnshire fens in the same season, and 

 in the same manner, with Ruffs and Reeves, and when fattened 

 are esteemed a great delicacy, and sell for 25. 6d. or 3s. a piece." 

 In the " Boston Corporation Records/' 1597, appears the follow- 

 ing entry : " To be sent to the Lord Treasurer as a present, 1 

 dozen Godwights, 5 dozen Knots, and 1 dozen Puets, at the 

 Corporation charge." 



