100 
STERNID.E. 
We have obtained specimens of the Black Tern on the 
Thames at various times ; two we shot on the 10th of August, 
1841, near Weybridge, and one on the 12th of May, 1842, 
very near the same spot. This latter specimen we shot out 
of a flock of about twenty individuals, that came flying up 
the river against a very strong wind : the bird was only 
Avinged; and while floating on the surface of the water was 
soon visited by one of its companions, who endeavoured ap¬ 
parently to entice the wounded bird to follow it by uttering 
its plaintive cry, which was repeated by the sufferer. We 
secured our prey alive, and kept it for several months, feeding 
it on minnows, and supplying it with plenty of water. 
The fellow-feeling and sensibility of the Black Tern above 
mentioned, are by no means unusual, as it is well known that 
by leaving one wounded bird of this family (Tern) floating, 
the greater part of a flock may be shot successively ; but 
our thirst for knowledge was perfectly satisfied by obtaining 
one specimen, and the flock, after having recovered from the 
alarm caused by the report of the gun, afforded us by far more 
delight by exhibiting the beautiful evolutions so peculiar to 
this interesting species. It has frequently been observed that 
the Black Tern is so exceedingly quick and dexterous in its 
flight, that hawks find it generally difficult, if not impossible, 
to strike one, and are frequently obliged to give up the 
pursuit. 
During the time of migration the Black Tern flies at a 
great elevation, except where its route lies in the direction 
of a river’s course, in which case it seems to prefer skimming 
over its surface, we consequently meet Avith this species al¬ 
most every spring and autumn, namely, in April, May, and 
August, in our vicinity; the chief numbers perform their 
journeys during the night. 
When this bird rests on the ground, on some thick muddy 
