638 
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS. 
Gurney, will do his utmost to maintain the vigilance which his 
Society has afforded in past years to the birds on this area 
during the breeding season. The Watcher estimates there 
were over 500 nests of the Common Tern, about 100 of the 
Lesser Tern, and some 80 nests of the Ringed Plover last year. 
There were from fifteen to twenty pairs of Shelducks breeding, 
and two pairs of Oyster-catchers. The Watcher is of opinion 
that the number of nests of all species on his ground has 
increased of late years. 
From the Breydon Watcher’s notes we are pleased to record 
that Spoonbills were again seen last year in twos and threes 
during the months of May, June and July, on and off. These 
birds are now rigorously protected in Holland where, of late 
years, they have increased somewhat as a breeding species. 
There are many places in our Broadland district which would 
afford ideal nesting sites for these birds, and if we continue not 
to molest those that come to visit us from over the water they 
may start breeding on this side again at any time. 
Another interesting fact brought out by this Watcher’s record 
is the early date in the summer that birds begin to return south 
from their northern breeding haunts. For example, on July 
8th there is the entry : “ Several birds beginning to come now ; 
some Wimbrel, very many Redshanks, some Dunlin, Ringed 
Plover and young Herons.” By July 19th there were “a lot 
of Whimbrel and hundreds of Redshanks and by August 5th 
there were a lot of Lesser Tern, scores of Whimbrel, Curlew. 
Dunlin and Ringed Plover.” On August 24th a large number 
of Knot arrived. It would seem as if the young of some 
species, e.g., the Knot, begin their journey south almost as soon 
as they are able to fly, otherwise their appearance on our coast 
in the month of August is inexplicable. It is only by the help 
of records such as these that many of the problems connected 
with migration will be solved. — S. H. L. 
The Great Bustard in Captivity. — The following notes 
are a continuation of the observations I recorded at the January 
meeting of the Society in 1909. My three birds continue to 
