2528 The Zoologist — March, 1871. 



Blackthroated Direr at Folkestone. — A specimen of the blackthroated 

 diver [Colymbus arcticus) was shot by Mr. Frederick Tolputt, of Folkestone, 

 on the 11th of February. It was observed by that gentleman swimming in 

 front of the harbour, and shortly after secured. It proved to be a female in 

 perfect spring plumage. The bird measured from tip of beak to tail two 

 feet two and a half inches, and weighed three pounds two ounces. It is to 

 be added to the collection of Mr. V. Knight, of Folkestone, who is also the 

 possessor of the Northumberland bustard, of which I forwarded you an 

 account. — Charles Gordon; Museum, Dover, February 15, 1871. 



little Gull iu East Yorkshire. — A few days ago an adult little gull 

 (Larus minulus) was shot on the east coast near Skipsea, a village iu this 

 Eidiug. This species, like the shore lark, appears to be yearly becoming 

 commoner, not I believe through any increase iu the numbers that now 

 visit us, but rather from the greater interest that is gradually being 

 manifested in all matters relating to birds. — F. Boijes; February 14, 

 1871. 



Leadenhall Market. — On the 11th of February I noticed the following 

 birds for sale iu the market: — One pinkfooted goose, two whitefrouted 

 geese, seven hoopers, one Bewick, four goosandei*s, besides several shel- 

 drakes and three bitterns : these latter had been received from Holland, 

 the othei-s from Norfolk and Lincohishirc. — A. H. Sinee. 



Wild-fowl ill the Southauiptoii Maters.— We have had great numbers 

 of wild-fowl about these waters during the severe winter, and there are still 

 numbei-s of ducks, &c., to be seen in this neighbourhood. Brent geese have 

 been particularly numerous. I had a wild swan to preserve, an immature 

 bird, shot out of a little party of three. One specimen of the longtailed 

 duck has also been obtained. But, although I have kept a sharp look out 

 for rarities at the game-dealers, &c., I have seen nothing else. JMountain 

 finches and siskins have been rather numerous ; the latter are obtained 

 in this neighbourhood every winter, arriving early in November. — T. H. 

 Goailey : 4, Strand, SouthawjHon, February 12, 1871. 



Wild-fowl on the Girondc. — I have just returned from a trip to Bor- 

 deaux by sea from Liverpool, and wliile steaming down the Gironde 

 observed very large flocks of wild ducks on the waters of that fine river ; 

 amongst them I observed a totally different bird from the rest, and using 

 our captain's binocular I was enabled to pronounce it a very fine smew. 

 I do not know if it is customary to find these birds associating with the 

 common wild duck, but I could not perceive any other smew amongst the 

 crowd of ducks, and never have seen them in company before : I should 

 be glad to know if it is an ordinary occurrence. — W. Taylor ; Chad Road, 

 Edgbdstou, Birminfihai)>, February 6, 1871. 



Two more Bustards. — Mr. Blackmore, of Salisbury, informs me that 

 two bustards, a male and female, were seen at Winterbourne Stoke, on 



