KXOT. 
a low note, evidently unwilling to quit the spot, as the decoys showed no signs of shifting their 
quarters. At last they got on wing and flew a short distance, returning, however, immediately and 
sleeping round with repeated calls, attempting to induce their late companions to make their escape. 
In order to obtain a further insight into the proceedings of these infatuated birds, I recalled the men 
towaids the boats ; though the main body continued hovering round, thi’ee or four settled at once, 
and the unmistakable signs of perplexity they exhibited were comical in tile extreme. Turning their 
heads uith necks outstretched to at least twice the ordinary length, they intently regarded for a few 
moments first the immovable dummies, and next the occupants of the punts; then after a few low 
calls had been exchanged, they rose on wing, and joined the remainder of the flock.” 
I often noticed that other Waders which had remained in company with the dummies exhibited great 
reluctance to seek their own safety without giving ample warning of impending danger : Knots, how- 
ever, were invariably the last to move away. 
The seductive marshes round the broads in the east of Norfolk, after the manner of other districts, 
do not appear to possess any great attractions for this species; at times I recognized a few straggling 
parties of from two or three to half a dozen, the largest flock that came under my notice being seen on 
Eush Hills, near Ilickling Broad, on the 3rd of March, 1873. These birds, numbering about a score, were 
in company with some half-dozen Curlews, and exhibited, of course, at this season the full winter dress. 
Though seldom visiting the inland broads of the eastern counties. Knots, together with Bar-tailed Godwits, 
usually resort during the winter to Breydon mudflats. This favourite feeding-ground would undoubtedly 
draw a far larger number of birds were it not for the constant persecution to which they are exposed. 
Though frequenting the southern and eastern coasts during winter, these AVaders do not entirely desert 
the shores of the Highland firths at that season ; occasionally, however, they disappear for some weeks. 
Early in March 18G9, and all through the month, I found immense flocks of Knots about the muddy 
creeks and harbours on the northern shore of the Dornoch Firth. Owing to the absence of gunners the 
birds were unusually fearless for this time of year, and had slaughter been my object, innumerable chances 
for heavy shots were presented. 
It is only on the Norfolk and Sussex coasts that I have met with opportunities for carefully watching 
the arrival of the spring flocks. With a north-east breeze Knots that have passed the winter further south 
often commence flying over Breydon mudflats as early as the first week in May, a few small parties 
occasionally showing themselves in the latter end of April. The first arrivals seldom exhibit any great 
amount of colour, and birds in perfect red plumage are not to be looked for before the 8th or 'oth of 
the month. All through May they continue passing; tlie numbers seen, however, vary considerably, the 
wind, as with all AA'aders, greatly influencing the course followed. 
In 1870, though on Breydon daily (with the exception of the first week) throughout May, I only 
remarked one bird, which was shot on the 9th, in full summer dress. In 1871 a few fine specimens 
were obtained on the 12th, 16th, and 26th; while in 1873 only half a dozen, in company with a small 
party of Bar-tailed Godwits and Grey Plovers, made their appearance on the mud-banks. These birds 
were discovered on the flats early in the morning of May 15th, and no specimens of which I was in need 
coming in view, the flock was left for a time undisturbed. Spreading out at last over the mud in 
search of food, the Knots gradually approached to within about forty yards of the punt, when, by the 
help of the glasses, I ascertained that one of their number showed a particularly dark red colourinc^. 
A shot fired on the upper part of the water put the whole party on wing before there was time to aim 
the hig gun. For some hours they remained absent, and on arriving again in the vicinity of their old 
quarters evinced considerable mistrust; in all probability a warm reception had been accorded them 
elsewhere, as a couple of Plover were missing. Though attracted by the dummies, which had been 
