BIRD-LIFE BY RIVER AND STREAM. 85 



between lofty hills and gorges to the English 

 Channel ; the Exe flows sluggishly over wide and 

 open country to the sea, its banks at low water 

 presenting miles and miles of mud and marsh 

 and salting, with many a treacherous bar and 

 sandbank thrown in. The character of the bird- 

 life changes accordingly, and, as might naturally 

 be expected, the flat coast affords the greatest 

 diversity so far as birds are concerned. A wide 

 flat estuary seems always to be an ideal place for 

 birds. That of the Exe appears to be specially 

 favoured, for not only is it comparatively well 

 sheltered, but it abounds in the favourite food of a 

 great variety of species. Moreover, it is a place 

 that seems specially attractive to rare birds 

 wandering along our coast-line. Many species of 

 Gulls and Terns congregate in this favoured spot, 

 especially during the non-breeding season, and at 

 the periods of spring and autumn migration. It is 

 no uncommon sight, especially when small fish 

 such as sprats are exceptionally plentiful, to see 

 these birds congregating in thousands in this 

 estuary. The Common and Arctic Terns may be 

 regularly counted upon in this district during their 

 passage, especially in autumn ; and in rough 



