Birds. 1253 



common with us, and might be placed amongst the accidental 

 stragglers. 



Lesser Black-backed Gull, Larus fuscus. Not uncommon. Pe- 

 riodically on our shores; not yet noticed inland. I believe the 

 metropolis of this species to be Southern Europe, though some birds 

 seem to breed as far north as Norway. 



b. Water-birds, which on their passage frequent heaths, marshes, 

 rivers, lakes, or woods, and are only accidentally found on the 

 sea-shore. 



Great Plover, (Edicnemus crepitans. Not uncommon. I believe 

 a few nestle on our heaths. 



Golden Plover, Charadrius pluvialis. Very common in some 

 parts of the country in spring and autumn. Immense numbers are 

 killed to supply the town markets. Gregarious on heaths and sandy 

 plains. 



Common Crane, Grus cinerea. Rather scarce. Vast flocks are 

 seen every year flying across the country. This bird is exceedingly 

 shy, and when settled on the ground very difficult of approach. 



Little Bittern, Botaurus minutus. Amongst reeds near streams 

 and rivers, also in extensive marshes. It is not common, and appears 

 in August, September, and spring. 



White Stork, Ciconia alba. Seen in April and in August on its 

 way to and from its breeding station, (Holland and Northern Ger- 

 many.) This bird migrates by day and rests by night. 



Green Sandpiper, Totanus ochropus. (See \ The Zoologist,' Div. 

 vi. Group c). 



Black-tailed Godwit, Limosa melanura. Not uncommon. Seen 

 in spring and autumn in the Brussels market, but not as an article of 

 food. 



Great Snipe, Scolopax major. In marshes and on river-banks. 

 Not common in Belgium. Found in greater numbers in some parts 

 of France. This bird runs some time before rising, when hunted by 

 dogs, and is often very difficult to find. It never nestles here. 



Common Snipe, Scolopax Gallinago, Very common during the 

 first and latter parts of the shooting season. Seen singly, in couples, 

 or in small parties in damp pastures, low woods and marshes. I be- 

 lieve it never nestles with us. This bird may often be heard on a 

 clear night, uttering whilst in flight its two or three peculiar, and to 



