Birds. 1319 



An observation of M. Julian Deby in the concluding part of 

 his paper on the birds of Belgium, appears to throw some light upon 

 this circumstance. That gentleman remarks (Zool. 1251) that the 

 dotterel does not return through Belgium in the spring. It would, 

 therefore, appear that this species, though passing in its southward 

 migration along the coasts both of Belgium and England, returns to 

 its breeding grounds by a more westerly route, altogether avoiding the 

 former country. 



Ringed Plover, Charadrius hiaticula. This species is found on 

 our coast, throughout the year, and breeds with us, generally on the 

 beach, but occasionally in sandy places further inland. Its numbers 

 are increased in spring and autumn by migratory bodies, respectively 

 proceeding northward and southward, and it is probable that a much 

 greater proportion of these birds go to the south of this district in 

 severe than in mild winters. 



Kentish Plover, Charadrius Cantianus. The Kentish plover is not 

 a common bird in Norfolk, but occasionally occurs in spring and au- 

 tumn, most frequently in the months of April and September. 



Gray Plover, Squatarola cinerea. Not uncommon in autumn and 

 winter, but arriving later than the golden plover. 



Specimens sometimes occur as late as the last week in May, when 

 they have acquired the full plumage of the breeding season. 



Peewit, Vanellus cristatus. Common throughout the year, and 

 nests with us, but is less numerous than formerly. 



Turnstone, Strepsilas interpres. The turnstone is found on our 

 coast, but not in large numbers, arriving in autumn in the month 

 of August, and returning northwards in spring, at which season we 

 have observed it as late as the 26th of May. In severe weather most 

 of these birds leave us for more northern districts. 



Sanderling, Calidris arenaria. The sanderling is found on our 

 coasts, but like the preceding species, only in limited numbers. It 

 arrives early in autumn, and by the 25th of October, as is accurately 

 observed by Mr. Yarrell, it has obtained its full winter plumage. It 

 is occasionally seen as late as the last week of May. 



The numbers of this species are somewhat smaller on the coasts of 

 Norfolk, in the depth of winter than in spring and autumn. 



Oyster Catcher, Hmmatopus ostralegus. Common throughout the 

 year on the coast, where it breeds, but is probably less numerous than 

 formerly. 



Common Crane, Grus cinerea. A bird of this species, ascertained 

 by dissection, to be a female, was shot by a labourer at- Kirkley, near 



