256 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



LAND BIRDS AT SEA. 

 By Lieut. Robert E. Vaughan, R.N. 



The published notes in the 'Zoologist' under the above 

 heading by Surgeon K. Hurlestone Jones, R.N. (ante, p. 51), and 

 Mr. Malcolm Burr (ante, p. 144) greatly interested trie, and have 

 caused me to read up my own note-book and write a few words 

 on the subject, more especially as I can add some fresh species 

 to the list. 



Dr. Hurlestone Jones mentions having recognized eleven 

 species, while Mr. Burr makes mention of six. My list of land 

 birds contains fourteen species, of which six have appeared in 

 the two previous lists, and bring the total number under obser- 

 vation up to twenty-three. 



My observations are of a recent date, extending from 

 Sept. 10th to Oct. 16th, 1899, whilst travelling between Aden 

 and Plymouth, and during the season of autumnal migration. 



I happened to be returning to England from Australia in 

 H.M.S. 'Royalist,' a small vessel, barque-rigged, and conse- 

 quently supplied with numerous spars and ropes, which would 

 form ample and convenient resting-places for any chance avian 

 visitors, or passengers, as I may call some of them, seeing that a 

 few remained on board for about a couple of days. 



We left Sydney, Australia, on July 7th, and on the 8th, at 

 sunset, a Noddy Tern (Anous stolidus) settled on one of the 

 boats' davits and went to sleep, where I succeeded in capturing 

 it. This is somewhat of a digression, but is worth recording. 

 The Noddy is essentially a pelagic bird, which, being the case, 

 I think makes its occurrence on board all the more noticeable, 

 as it could have slept on the water in comfort, as the weather 

 was fine. In fact, this is the first time during some years afloat 

 that I have seen any sea bird settle on a vessel at sea, though 

 when at anchor it is not unusual for some of the Laridce to 

 settle for a while, 



