104 BIRD-LIFE IN A SOUTHERN COUNTY. 



special cause to mention this species here, because 

 a pair of these Buntings were the first birds we 

 detected when making our acquaintance with 

 Slapton Ley seven years ago, as we approached 

 the water-side from the east or Dartmouth. They 

 were most obtrusive, flitting from one perch to 

 another, and keeping before us for a long way 

 until they finally went off in a dipping flight 



across the lafye. It is almost needless to say that 



\ 

 Gulls may often be seen above this sheet of water, 



and that round its banks Plovers and Sandpipers 

 often congregate. The Little Grebe also frequents 

 the ley. 



In autumn and winter the number of birds 

 upon Slapton Ley largely increases. During a 

 favourable season Ducks of various species pour in 

 from the north and east, and sometimes Swans 

 descend upon its ample expanse of water. One 

 of the most abundant of the Duck tribe is the 

 Wigeon, and in lesser numbers Tufted Ducks and 

 Scaups, Pochards, Mallards, Golden-eyes, and 

 Teals. Less frequently the Smew is seen; whilst 

 at this season a vast influx of Coots often occurs. 

 The brown sighing reeds now no longer echo with 

 the Sedge Bird's melody as they did in their early 



