The Zoologist — July, 1871. 2653 



Ornitliological Notes from North Lincolnshire. 

 By John Cordeaux, Esq. 



(Continued from Zool. S. S. 2596.) 



April and May, 1871. 



Dates of Arrival of Spring Migrants in N.E. Lincolnshire. — 

 April 8th, chiffcliaff; 10th, chimney swallow; 13th, willow wren, 

 redstart; 17th, yellow wagtail; 22nd, whinchat, house martin; 

 25th, sand martin; 27th, whitethroat; 28th, cuckoo; May 7th, 

 sedge warbler; 8th, garden warbler; 24th, spotted flycatcher. 



Redshank. — April 4th. Are now appearing on the flats, avant- 

 couriers of the various waders which we may shortly expect to visit 

 our coast on their passage to their northern breeding stations. 

 Redshanks, in their habits and mode of feeding, closely resemble 

 the common snipe. I was particularly struck with this resemblance 

 when recently watching a fine old bird boring the "warp" at the 

 foot of the embankment. After watching it for some minutes it 

 appeared suddenly to become aware of my presence, and then 

 remained perfectly stationary with its bill still inserted to the fore- 

 head — exactly the same attitude as I have often seen the snipe, 

 when boring, assume when suddenly surprised. 



Hooded Crow. — April 14th. Hooded crows have flocked much 

 together during the last ten days, preparatory to leaving: this they 

 did about the 14th, which was the last day I noticed them in our 

 marshes ; the wind was then S.W., having gone round from the N. 

 and N.E., where it had stood for some time. A few " gray-backs" 

 lingered behind their comrades quite up to the end of April ; and 

 on the 13th of May I saw a pair iu one of our marsh pastures, 

 which I suspect may have remained to nest, as at the same place, 

 on the 23rd, a single bird flew up and took a direct line for the 

 enclosed and wooded country. I shall look out for the young 

 coming down to the fore-shore to feed, which they will most 

 assuredly do (after the manner of the young carrion crows) if any 

 are bred in the neighbourhood. 



Golden Plover. — The golden plover left about the end of March : 

 a month later — namely, on the 26tli of April — I saw a pair in the 

 full summer plumage; on the 27th and following days five couples 

 also (with two exceptions) in nuptial attire. On the 28th a fine old 

 male iu very perfect plumage was sent me by one of our gunners ; 



second BEBIES — VOL. VI. 2 I 



