BIRD MIGRATION IN THE SPRING OF 1878. 243 
“In April, Rooks, Jackdaws and Hooded Crows, from the 9th to 
the 15th daily, in large numbers. Sazxicola rubicola last seen 
on the 3rd. P. rufus and M. flava, some daily since the 13th. 
Hirundo rustica, first on the 19th, only two or three since. Sterna 
canliaca, daily, lots of them. Charadrius morinellus, three on 
the 17th. Of the Curruca family, not one as yet turned up. 
Wrynecks and Hoopoes, a few. Fringilla caelebs, cannabina and 
chloris, lots for ever so long; montifringilla, less than usual. 
Taken altogether it is undoubtedly bad; if weather does not turn 
warm, with a S.E. and §.S.E. wind, there will be nothing.” 
On the north-east coast of Lincolnshire | have seen fewer 
migrants than has been the case for many previous years. Having 
had but slight intervals of cold N. and N.E. winds, and but few 
days of really bad weather to retard them, the birds have gone 
forward at once, without tarrying in our marshes; consequently 
there has been no accumulation in the coast district as is generally 
the case. This has been particularly apparent with the Fieldfares, 
which not unfrequently hang about in great flocks for weeks before 
taking their departure. This year I have scarcely seen any. 
I extract from my note-book the dates of arrival of our summer 
migrants in this district :— 
On the 7th February Mr. Bailey, of Flamborough, writes, “ I have 
just spoken to one of our fishermen, who has come in from sea, 
who informs me the sea was alive with Guillemots this morning.” 
February 16th. Larks singing at 6.30 a.m. Lovely spring-like 
weather. 
23rd, W.S.W., warm, close, and overcast. Large flights of 
migratory Starlings on the coast. 
28th. Anthus pratensis, have returned to their nesting haunts. 
March Ist. Charadrius pluvialis and Vanellus cristatus, have 
broken up their flocks and left the district; the latter in small 
bands of from twenty to thirty. 
2nd, wind W.S.W. Turdus pilaris, many; Emberiza miliaria, 
flocks twenty to thirty. 
10th, W., very fine and warm. Motlacilla Yarrelli, many ; 
Sazxicola rubicola, one. 
April 2nd. Hooded Crows have departed; only four laggards 
seen after this date. 
9th, strong E. wind, and bitterly cold. Hiruwndo rustica, one. 
