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NOTES ON A FLOCK OF PALLAS' SAND 

 GROUSE IN EAST YORKS. 



W. H. ST. QUINTIN, J. P., M.B.O.U. 



I BELIEVE that, early in the summer, a few examples of Pallas' 

 Sand Grouse were reported from the Eastern Counties. 

 But I have not seen notices of any considerable numbers having 

 been seen anywhere in these islands, as in 1888. However, a 

 flock of between 30 and 40 individuals of this species was 

 noticed early in June, on the northern slope of the wolds, above 

 the village of Knapton ; and it is interesting to note that in 

 spite of change of season and varying conditions as to crops of 

 arable land which they have frequented, a considerable number 

 of them remained at any rate until the beginning of the present 

 month (October). I did not happen to hear of the birds till the 

 end of August ; but on the 29th I went up to the fields which 

 they had been generally seen upon — ' old seeds, ' and turnip fields, 

 where, owing to the droughty season, the crop had partially failed, 

 leaving the ground bare ; and my companion saw nine of them, 

 though I, at some little distance, was not so fortunate. They 

 rose quite 80 yards off", and dashed off with a sweeping flight 

 over the brow of a little hill, and we could not find them again 

 that day. 



On September 5th and 19th they were found again, on the 

 latter date 20 or more in one straggling flock ; and on October 

 ist about nine were flushed. But they always rose very wild, 

 and never gave us an opportunity of watching them. Probably 

 they generally saw us at a distance and squatted, and remained 

 invisible until they felt themselves being approached too closely. 

 On several occasions their chattering cry was heard as they 

 flew. There are two dew-ponds near the locality, and probably 

 the birds drink at each of them. But unfortunately the ponds 

 are newly bottomed with chalk-grit, and I have searched in vain 

 for footprints on the margins. However, seven birds were 

 seen to rise from one of these ponds on one occasion. I have 

 never been able to trace their movements after they have 

 been flushed. Probably they always flew to some other suitable 

 ground, where they were not recognised. Nor can I hear that 

 they have been noticed elsewhere in the district. Their habit of 

 rising wild, and quickly putting a fence or rising ground between 

 themselves and the person disturbing them, has caused them no 

 doubt to be overlooked. 



Naturalist, 



