mr. a. pattbrson’s natural history notes from Yarmouth. 63 
VIII. 
NATURAL HISTORY NOTES FROM YARMOUTH. 
By A. Patterson. 
Read 27 th March, 1000. 
1899. 
The latter part of March of this year was characterized by unsettled 
weather, snow being frequent. Redwings were not much en evidence 
during the winter until this period, when their notes became familiar; 
these were, no doubt, birds on their northward journey arrested by 
the inclemency of the weather. 
I have but one new species of fish to record, viz., the Gattorugine 
(Blennius gattorugine) [riite May 21st]. 
The majority of my notes, it will be found, refer to occurrences 
of birds, &c., on Breydon. My house-boat being moored in a rond 
in a very interesting corner of that famous “ Broad,” I have 
spent many nights there, hence the opportunities of observation 
afforded me. 
On April 3rd I saw a Hooded Crow on a mud -flat ; an exception- 
ally late bird. For many months a slightly wounded example has 
frequented the Bure marshes. 
April 12th. A Sturgeon, nearly 8 ft. long, weighing about 
6 stones, brought to the Fish Wharf. 
On April 17th, and following day, a Spoonbill came to the 
Breydon mud-flats. Two more on (or about) the 22nd. 
April 26th. A 24-in., 4 lb. 2 oz., Grey Mullet ( Alugil capita) 
taken in a draw-net on the beach. 
The Oyster-catcher has of late years become a much less frequent 
visitor here. Several on Breydon on April 27th. This species, as 
a rule, prefers the beach. 
