2498 The Zoologist — March, 1871. 



Shore Larks.— On the 16th I received four from Sallhouse, and 

 on the 19th four more, some of them fine old males with rich 

 vinous tints on the back and shoulders. On the 22nd Mr. F. 

 Norgate received twelve more from the same place, but all females 

 and mostly young birds, and Mr. H. Upcher had four about the 

 same time. Altogether, up to the close of this month, as far as 

 I can ascertain, at least forty have been shot; and from the gunner 

 who procured most of them 1 learn that they appeared first about 

 the middle of October. He had seen thirteen together on one 

 occasion, but usually six or seven, as if in family groups. They 

 did not mingle with snow buntings or other small birds. I have 

 not heard of them on any other part of the Norfolk coast. 



Winter Visitants. — As though forewarned of Ihe severe weather, 

 our ordinary winter migrants ai)peaved somewhat earlier than usual. 

 A single brambling was seen on the 3rd of October, and a hooded 

 crow on the same date, although some young house martins had 

 not then left the nest. By the 9th of November redwings, fieldfares 

 and the smaller finches appeared in immense flocks, and on the 

 11th we had the first fall of snow followed by two or three sharp 

 frosts at night. 



Peregrine. — A young male shot at Ormesby towards the end of 

 the month. 



Longtailed Duck. — An immature bird in the Norwich Market 

 on the 19th. 



Hen Harrier.— On the 1 8th a young female was sent to Mr. 

 Gunn from Hickling. I may here also correct an error in my 

 previous notes (Zool. S. S. 23G5), having since ascertained that 

 the nestlings of this species sent by Mr. Gunn to Lord Lilford, 

 though delayed on their journey, arrived all safe. 



Velvet Scoters. — This species has been observed in unusual 

 numbers off the coast: two young males were killed at Hun- 

 stanton on the 30th. 



December. 



Goldeneye Ducks.— A young male in the Norwich Market on 

 the 3rd, and a fine old male on the 30th : sharp frost at the 



time. 



Common Buzzard. — One immature was shot near Holt about 

 the first week in this month, and I heard of two others about the 

 same time. 



