SAN D-M A R T I N. 
HIRUNDO RTPARIA. 
According to my own observations, Sand-Martins are met with in most parts of the British Islands, wherever 
localities suitable for their breeding-operations can be discovered. 
Severe weather in the spring is by no means uncommon after the arrival of this diminutive traveller • 
the Sand-Martin, however, proves itself a remarkably hardy bird. I have more than once noticed hundreds’ 
winging their way through a heavy snowstorm in the month of April, and apparently none the worse if 
the sun broke through on the following day. These birds are the first of the family to make their appearance 
in the spring. The greater number of those that visit the British Islands probably reach their quarters within 
a fortnight after the first arrivals. With the exception of a few single birds and some straggling parties, I have 
never remarked this species while on their passage towards our shores. On the 28th of August, 1882, I 
observed some hundreds of Sand-Martins at sea, a few miles oil the Sussex coast. The day was°fine, with a 
light breeze from the south ; and a continued stream of these birds passed the boat, flying due south. Towards 
the afternoon, numbers were noticed a few hundred yards at sea ; these were keeping a course along the shore, 
and, as far as I was able to judge, were not then intending to make the passage of the Channel. 
Ilickling Broad in the east of Norfolk, owing to the extent of surrounding marsh-land and the large beds 
of reeds and other aquatic plants, is a favourite haunt of the Sand-Martin. During fine and bright weather 
large numbers are constantly to be seen hawking for insects over the surface ; while here and there small 
parties may be observed perched on the stems of the reeds. At times large flocks settle on the grass-marshes, 
where they remain resting for hours. In stormy weather they are usually absent, particularly if the gale 
should continue for any length of time. On their first arrival I have watched thousands huddled together on 
low reeds facing a blinding snow-squall. It is seldom they are much affected by the weather; but the severe 
storm of June 8th, 1871, cut them up considerably. I collected between forty and fifty perfectly helpless from 
the effects of the cold, and brought them indoors. With but few exceptions they all recovered, and were able 
to take their departure towards evening, when the weather moderated. On the 9th of August 1881, during a 
strong southerly breeze, I noticed immense numbers of these birds sitting on the ground on one of the hills * 
on Ilickling Broad. The whole body were facing the wind, and endeavouring to obtain shelter behind the 
patches of flags and rushes, as well as the low turf bank built round the marsh to keep back the water during 
high tides. 
In the choice of breeding-places this species is influenced by the nature of the soil, being forced to select 
situations in which it is able to excavate to a sufficient distance to form its nursery. Sand-pits are frequently 
resorted to ; and in many parts of the country their borings may be observed in railway-cuttings. I have also 
seen large colonies in river-banks at times but a few feet above the level of the water. In 18G5 and I860 I 
* A “ hill ” in the feu and broad country is simply a piece of open marsh-land. It is not necessarily of any elevation, and is frequently below 
the level of the surrounding broad or river, the water being kept back by a turf bank, usually termed a “ wall.” 
