Birds. 933 



but, that it is by grasping weeds, or some other substance, under wa- 

 ter, that it maintains itself in a state of submergence. 



The Common Coot used to frequent, during winter, West-mill Pond, 

 a piece of water which existed till within these two years near Caris- 

 brook Castle. As many as twenty coots usually past the winter there. 

 They were never disturbed, under the impression that they served as 

 a decoy to other wild fowl. 



The Grey Phalarope is found pretty frequently about Yarmouth. 

 In the winter of 1843, Mr. Butler obtained a perfectly white speci- 

 men. I have one which was killed on a pond at Rew Farm, on the 

 Appuldurcombe estate. R. Loe has occasionally met with this pretty 

 little bird in Sandham-flats, and Newchurch marshes. 



Chas. A. Bury. 



Bonchurch, February 26, 1845. 



Notes on the Birds of Belgium. By M. Julian Deby. 



(Continued from p. 863) 



Division III. 



Hobby, Falco Subbuteo. This is the greatest enemy of the pipits, 

 the flocks of which it is often seen pursuing. It passes through Bel- 

 gium during the latter days of August or first fortnight of September, 

 and in spring, in March, April and May. It is one of our rarer Fal- 

 conidae. 



Merlin, Falco Msalon. Feeds chiefly on quails and partridges. 

 Regularly seen in uninhabited mountainous and marshy districts in 

 spring and autumn. Sometimes, but very seldom, a straggler is seen 

 in winter. 



Goshawk, Astur Palumbarius. Very scarce. Leaves in autumn 

 and beginning of winter. Makes sad havoc amongst the tame pigeons, 

 its principal prey. 



Kite, Milvus vulgaris. This scarce and very shy bird is a regular 

 visitant in spring and the first winter months. Its beautiful flight has 

 been admired by every one who has seen it on the wing. 



Hen Harrier, Circus cyaneus. Scarce. Only seen in spring and 

 autumn, in the fields of the flat country. 



Short-eared Owl, Otus brachyotos. Is seen in the whole of Belgi- 

 um, from the last fortnight of September to the first three weeks of 

 November, and again in spring. It is not a rare bird. 



Pied Flycatcher, Muscicapa luctuosa. A silent and solitary bird. 



