106 THE ORNITHOLOGIST. 



favourite spot for these birds. A pair were obtained in the 

 same place last year, on May 11th. The Pevensey levels are 

 also mentioned by Knox in regard to the occurrence of this 

 species in Sussex. 



From May 15th onwards, a number of young herons, 

 covered with undeveloped quills, continually invaded the dykes 

 and shallow pools here* in search of eels. This is frequently 

 the case during a dry season, like the present one, when the 

 water has become low. These birds must chiefly hail, I think, 

 from the Heronry at Brede. On these partial migrations in 

 search of food, many are shot by the farmers, who esteem them 

 good eating. 



The breeding numbers of the Redshank have decidedly 

 decreased here. Increased drainage and the dry weather of 

 the last two summers have done a great deal towards the 

 banishment, not only of this species, but especially of the Coot 

 and Little Grebe. The Little Grebe is locally known as 

 " Spider Diver." Many parts of the large dykes and pools, 

 that were, only a few years back, favourite breeding resorts of 

 these three species of birds, have dried up, and are now nothing 

 more than thick reed beds. In these reedy places, the Reed 

 Warbler has found a home. Any sudden noise will cause this 

 bird to sing vehemently, while the footsteps of a passer-by 

 invariably draws from him a song. 



When considering the decrease of the Redshank, the taking 

 of their eggs for eating, by the country people, must not be 

 lightly disregarded. The immediate locality of the nest is 

 soon discovered, for no bird, with the exception of the Lapwing, 

 betrays the whereabouts of its nest more readily than does the 

 Redshank. It flies overhead in concentric circles, uttering 

 alarm notes, which are for all the world, in tone, like a string 

 of plaintive sobs, that become wilder and more heart-rending 

 as the nest is approached. A short search will soon find the 



eggs. 



On May 22nd, a pair of Thicknee Plovers appeared on the 

 Lydd Beach. After carefully watching them for some days, 



*" Here," in this article refers to the Lydd Beach, and its immediate 

 neighbourhood. 



