MEADOW-PIPIT. 
AN THUS PR ATEN SIS. 
r » - •• - »■«,«- *. 
hillsides of Sutherland. ° 1 S 1C( l im cments as the moors and stony 
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country and for a number of years. In the north of Seotland I remarked immense flights of these birds 
Pc ssing fiom north to south over the east of Ross-shire from the loth to the 20th of September 18G8. These 
I believe, must have been migrants from across the North Sea, as Blackbirds and Thrushes in thousands 
were passing at the same time, and Redwings also showed themselves in small flocks. I noticed a week or 
so later that the usual natives of the district had not disappeared from their accustomed haunts, and 
were to be met with in about the same numbers as previously. For several consecutive days after 
October 20, 1872, small scattered parties of Meadow-Pipits continued flying in a southerly direction along 
the denes near Yarmouth, and also at times penetrating among the houses and up the streets towards the 
east of the town. During a squall of wind and rain, one poor bird, evidently worn out by a long journey, 
was blown against the glass of a window and fell in the garden below, where it was immediately attacked by 
a Robin and driven into some thick bushes. Annually during September and October large bodies make 
their appearance in the vicinity of the Sussex coast. At this season I repeatedly noticed them approaching 
and hovering for a few moments round the Lark-glasses which were some years ago so commonly seen in the 
neighbourhood of Brighton. 
For at least six weeks, countless Meadow-Pipits may be met with almost daily in this locality ; their 
numbers, however, vary considerably, according to the weather. After the beginning of November, though 
flocks occasionally show themselves, it is evident that the greater part of the birds composing the autumnal 
flights have taken their departure. Having observed but a few stragglers at sea in the autumn, I should 
be of opinion the main bodies commence the passage before it is fairly light. While the flight lasts, large 
flocks and single birds may be noticed on fine mornings with a light breeze steadily making their way along 
the coast. One day the multitudes pass west ; and on the following it is quite possible they may be flying 
towards the east. After carefully watching and noting down their movements during several years, I consider 
it impossible to state with certainty the course these small birds may follow ; but, as a rule, it is most 
frequently either against or across the wind. The flight of Pipits, Wagtails, and the Swallow tribe is at this 
season exceedingly confusing, and much concerning their movements still remains to be learned. Though 
Swallows and Martins desert our shores entirely, a certain number of Pipits and Wagtails are at all times to 
