2 
M EADOW-PIPIT. 
l)c found; and not unfrequently, as previously remarked, a considerable body of Pipits may be detected 
harbouring in some open spot where food is obtainable during severe weather. From observations made in 
various parts ot the country, I conclude that numbers of the Pipits landing on our coasts in March and Api*il 
arc on their way to more northern breeding-grounds. 
A few extracts from my notes for 1882 will show the line of flight followed by these birds along the coast 
of Sussex and the wind and weather at the time the observations were made : — 
“ Sept. 12. The morning was still and fine, with a light breeze from the north. Meadow-Pipits 
continued flying in large and small bodies for several hours along the coast between Shoreham and Brighton. 
The whole number pursued a course parallel with the shore from west to east. I watched these flocks of 
Meadow-Pipits streaming past for several hours, and detected but few strangers in their ranks besides an 
occasional Pied Wagtail. Swallows and Martins were also making their way east. 
“ Sept. 13. Weather excessively cold; fresh north-west breeze. I did not notice a single Pipit on the 
move, though several small parties were harbouring in the stubbles and in some of the fields of coarse grass 
near the coast. 
“ Sept. 11. Wind changeable from south and west. A few Pipits continued to pass east. During the day 
a severe thunderstorm broke over the district, accompanied by hail and heavy rain. 
“Sept. 17. Light breeze from north-west; weather fine. Immense numbers of Pipits seen along the 
coast from Lancing to Newhaven, the downs on the summit of the cliffs in some parts perfectly swarming 
with this species. The birds were mostly stationary ; but a slight movement from east to west took 
place.” 
During the next week there was no general flight, though the numbers met with on certain days varied 
considerably. 
“ Sept. 29. Strong wind from the south-west. Small flights of Pipits making their way towards the west. 
“ Oct. 2. Strong wind west-south- west. Very few Pipits seen ; those recognized were moving both east and 
west. There were, however, numbers of Larks and thousands of Swallows flying east before the strong wind. 
“ Oct. 3. Wind west and north-west; weather fine. Numbers of Pipits flying west. 
“ Oct. 9. Wind south ; weather fine. Small parties of Pipits flying west. 
“ Oct. 10. Wind south-east ; weather fine. A few Pipits flying east. 
“ Oct. 13. Wind north-cast ; weather fine. Some Pipits making their way due east, and others following 
an exactly opposite course ; many small flocks stationary in the stubbles. 
“ Oct. 20. Wind south ; weather fine. Numbers of Pipits moving east. 
“ Oct. 28. Wind east ; heavy rain. Large flocks of Pipits harbouring in the stubbles and rough meadows 
near the coast ; none seen on flight. 
“ Nov. G. Wind south ; fine still morning. A flock of from forty to fifty Pipits were pecking about on 
the shingle-banks between Shoreham and Lancing. At times they would tiy down to the large heaps of 
sea-weed recently east up by the gales, and then betake themselves to the scanty vegetation on the higher 
portion of the beach or some brackish pools on the opposite side of the sea-wall. Small parties of Chaffinches 
and Greenfinches were in company with the Pipits ; the finches, however, did not follow them down to the 
sea-weed, but remained searching for food among the various seed-producing plants on the higher ridges of 
the beach. These Titlarks appeared remarkably sociable, as when disturbed from the shore they joined a 
large flock of some hundreds of Twites, and after a short flight settled with them on the saltings. 
“ Nov. 10. Wind west. But one or two Pipits seen along the coast from Shoreham to Lancing. 
“ Nov. 11. Wind west ; weather fine. I remarked a good many single Pipits on the highest portions of 
the Downs, near the Dyke ; there were also a few scattered along the sides of the hill roads.” 
During the winter months, Meadow-Pipits not unfrequently resort to localities that are damp or flooded. 
