Birds. 1387 



Of the birds which remain in Norfolk throughout the year, we shall 

 merely remark that several species which are now included in this 

 class will probably be ascertained by future observations to belong to 

 one or other of the two migratory divisions of which we shall next 

 speak. 



The first of these, consisting of birds which migrate to our coast in 

 autumn and form a temporary addition to the permanent residents of 

 their own species, comprises several of the smaller land birds, amongst 

 which may more particularly be noticed the meadow pipit and skylark, 

 which are constantly observed to arrive in considerable numbers. 

 They travel in flocks, which vary in numbers from two or three to fifty, 

 arriving commonly with easterly and north-easterly winds, and flying 

 rather high in calm, and low in stormy weather. They are observed 

 at all times of the day, and their movements are also well-known to 

 take place by night, as they are disturbed at clay-break in flocks upon 

 the shore, and we have repeatedly observed their arrival at a very early 

 hour of the morning. We may add that they sometimes come in con- 

 tact with the floating-lights which are placed at various parts of the 

 coast. The gold-crest and the kingfisher also belong to this division, 

 the migration of the latter taking place somewhat earlier in the sea- 

 son than is the case with most of the other species. 



We can say nothing as to the corresponding departure in spring of 

 any of these species, but it is highly probable that their movements, 

 being in a great measure nocturnal, may take place at that season un- 

 observed. 



Some species of resident birds appear to be subject to short inland 

 migrations, but our knowledge of these being very limited, we have 

 not thought fit to include them in the above analysis, but shall con- 

 tent ourselves with a short notice of them in this place. 



Amongst them are several species of the finch tribe and the song- 

 thrush, and by close observation others might doubtless be detected. 

 It is remarkable that the latter bird, whose migrations in this country 

 thus appear to be of the least decided nature, should in several parts 

 of the continent be a regular migrant, for we find it mentioned by M. 

 Deby (Zool. 861) as a bird of regular double passage through Bel- 

 gium, and it is stated by M. Douval-Jouve (Zool. 1118) to be the 

 bird of passage par excellence in Provence. We suspect that it is 

 also an autumnal migrant, though not in large numbers, to the coast 

 of Norfolk, and it is so mentioned by Sir Thomas Browne. 



Before dismissing the subject of the resident birds, it may be re- 

 marked that while the preservation of game has tended to diminish the 



