K P ( ) T r E I) R E D S T1 A N K . 
TOTJNUS FUSCUS. 
I CAN say but little, derived from personal observation, eoneerning the distribution of the Spotted Redshank 
over the British Islands, having only met witli this species in Norfolk and Sussex. In the former county 
tliese birds frequently resort to Breydon mudflats, and a few occasionally are either seen or heard flying 
over the marshes around Ilickling Broad. It is many years since I met with these Redshanks in 
Sussex, though early in the autumn of 1859, and again in 1861 and 1862, single birds and now and then 
small flocks were observed about the muddy edges of the backwaters in the marshes near Rye and Winchelsea. 
The pools inside the shingle-banks opposite Lancing and the muds in Shoreham Harbour also attracted a 
bird or two, though their visits were seldom of long duration, the numbers of prowling gunners tliat have 
always infested that locality speedily driving tliem to more retired spots. 
These birds appear to he by no means abundant in any part of the country I have explored, a small 
flock often or twelve being the most I have ever met with in company. This juvenile party, all exhibiting 
the immature plumage of the first autumn, took up their quarters on the mudflats in the Nook at 
Rye Harbour for three or four days after tlie 16th of September, 1859 ; though repeated attempts to get 
within range Avere made, only a single specimen Avas obtained, the first shot having put them on the alert 
and rendered a near approach an impossibility. During that AA^eek an immense number of Waders Avere 
scattered over the saltwater flats, as well as around the backAvaters and dykes on the reclaimed ground; 
the pools also in the hallast-holes * in the marshes proved most tempting feeding-grounds. On referring to 
my notes, I find that specimens of the folloAving species Avere obtained on tiie 16th of September : 
Spotted Redshank 1, Green Sandpiper 3, Wood Sandpiper 17, Black-tailed Godwit 3, Snipe 1, Curlew 
Sandpiper 17, Little Stint 10, Little Grebe 1. 
On a single occasion only have I observed above one or two in company on Brevdon : at daybreak on 
the morning of the 26th of August, 1873, after a heavy thunder-storm in the night, when thousands of 
a ers attracted by the lights of the town had been beard calling over Yarmouth, a dozen at least, all youno- 
of the year, were detected scattered here and there in the ranks of an immense gathering of the commoner 
species. On first reaching our shores in autumn the immature birds are exceedingly fearless and while 
circling over the flats readily respond to the call-note and, flying toAvards the punt, offer the easiest shots 
imagina e. The call of this bird is most difficult to imitate correctly, and I liave met Aiith but one or 
two gunners Avho could successfully accomplish it : the attainment, however, appears to be of little service 
as the bird is attracted quite as easily by the note of tlie Common Redshank or the call of the Grey 
lover. Though this species is occasionally met with in winter, I liave never fallen in with even a single bird 
* merever the shingle had been transported from the banks for the formation of the railway, the rain-water coUected in pools in the 
avations, and as reeds and rank grass increased, and shelter was afforded, these spots (which were termed ballast-holes by the natives) proved 
exceedingly attractive to Waders and Wildfowl. names; proved 
