158 



THE ZOOLOGIST. 



that has come under my observation for over thirty years, and these 

 were all in the autumn, although it is said to nest occasionally near 

 the river farther down towards the sea, but I have no positive proof 

 of the truth of such a statement. A local paper reported Hoopoes as 

 having been seen several times, but I knew of two broods — one of 

 three and the other of five cygnets — of the Mute Swan that were bred 

 upon the river, and the birds seen were undoubtedly referable to this 

 species, as I believe they escaped all local sportsmen. I heard of only 

 one Bittern having been killed, about Christmas, but since that time two 

 of this interesting and beautiful species frequented a quiet part of the 

 river for several weeks, where they were protected, and I trust are 

 now alive enjoying the freedom they deserve. For a short time two 

 or three small parties of Golden Plover were seen passing to and fro, 

 but at the same time unusually large flocks of Lapwings were observed, 

 and apparently accompanying them Peregrine Falcons ; one or more 

 of the latter were often in attendance, and it was an interesting spec- 

 tacle to see how the Plovers, by some wonderful instinct and fore- 

 knowledge, seemed to anticipate the arrival of their enemy long before 

 it came into view, the whole flock, with screaming commotion, soaring 

 to a great height, knowing that to be the safest position from the 

 deadly grip of their powerful pursuer. Notwithstanding the cruel 

 persecution waged against this noble Falcon it is far from extinct 

 about this locality, where wildfowl or Pigeons are plentiful. I may 

 also note that in the autumn an Osprey was seen on more than one 

 occasion, and keenly sought after unsuccessfully by local gunners, but 

 for three consecutive days in December it or another was seen on a 

 certain part of the river, and being unmolested, let us hope it is 

 still seeking its finny prey elsewhere. I also knew of one Hobby 

 being killed on Sept. 5th, and another seen at the same time, in the 

 usual habit of following the migratory Swallows to their roostings in 

 the reeds prior to their departure southwards. In November a "very 

 large brown Hawk" was shot — I expect it was a female Hen-Harrier 

 — but I did not see it, although some exaggerated notes were sent me 

 regarding its supposed weight and measurement, and how it had dis- 

 turbed the peace of mind of a gamekeeper, who attributed the thin- 

 ning of his Partridge coveys to its depredations. In February a fine 

 bird (female) of this species was killed by a man who was Pigeon- 

 shooting, and he told me it was in pursuit of the quick-flying Doves, 

 but if the statement is wholly correct it seems somewhat at variance 

 with my own scanty experience of past years, as none of the Harriers 

 seem adapted for rapidity of flight, or power of legs and claws for 



