2 
LESSER TERN. 
flying a short distance up the course of the river towards the old town of Rye, though they generally showed a 
preference for seeking their prey along the sea-shore. 
fishermen and gunners along the coast-line of east Sussex give the names of Skerrits or 
IS to these birds , some of these men, however, know little or nothing concerning the distinction between two 
or three of the light-coloured smaller species, and speak of them all as Sea-Swallows. I repeatedly remarked 
that the punt and shore-shooters who gained their living in the harbours and estuaries of the west of Sussex 
and parts of the adjoining county were well acquainted with most of the Waders, Gulls, and Terns, as well as 
fowl, being in the habit of procuring specimens for naturalists and collectors, rarities not unfrequently fallin- 
into their hands. ° 
During the latter part of August and September Lesser Terns, both adult and immature, commence to 
make a movement from our shores towards their winter-quarters, and continue, together with those that have 
winged their way across the North Sea from more northern breeding-stations, to pass along through the Channel 
towards the west for some weeks. Rough and stormy weather is sure to drive large numbers, while on their 
way, into the harbours, estuaries, and backwaters along the south coast, and here they remain sheltering from 
the squalls till the gale has blown over, when their journey is resumed. 
The immature birds may easily be recognized during their first autumn by the darker tints of the plumage 
on the back, which at once attract attention when the juveniles are seen in company with adults. 
