mr. a. Patterson’s natural history notes from Yarmouth. 291 
IX. 
NATURAL HISTORY NOTES FROM YARMOUTH, 
li y A. Patterson. 
Read 6th Apr it, 1S'J7. 
BIRDS. 
Rooks. — In April, 189G, a pair of Rooks settled on some trees 
visible from the Market Place, and built a nest. Young were 
batched, but some mischievous person climbed up on the night of 
the 26th May and sawed off the limb. The young were killed. 
They have not attempted to build this year (1897). 
Ringed Plovers. — A bout 150 of these birds in a llock on 
llroydon, May 23rd, 1896. 
Spoonbill. — An example on Breydon, June 6th. Another on 
Breydon, July 15th. 
Kentish Crows. — Six seen by Mr. Bond on the Caister marshes, 
June 22nd. An exceptionally early record. 
Blackbirds. — Owing to the dryness of the season in July, the 
Snails and Slugs in certain districts gathered into the strawberry- 
beds ; thither the Blackbirds followed them to the indignation 
of the market gardeners, who at once accused them of stealing 
Strawberries, and immediately commenced a warfare on them. 
Many scores were slaughtered, and their carcases hung up as a 
warning to others. What was done by Slugs upon the finest of the 
berries was laid to the Blackbirds’ charge. Notwithstanding, many 
quarts of Strawberries perished for want of gathering. It is a great 
pity, this unwise slaughter of useful birds. 
Golden Plover. — Mv earliest record of an autumn visitor was 
on July 14th, when I saw one of these birds on a Bure-side marsh. 
I Ierons. — Was pleased to observe thirty Herons Hying over 
Heigham Sounds on August 4th. 
