166 
J. E. LITTLEBOY-NOTES ON BIRDS 
resident. u The rale amongst migrants,” writes Mr. H. Seebohm,* 
‘ ‘ unquestionably is, tbat whenever the breeding-range overlaps the 
winter range, the birds in the overlapping districts are residents.” 
If this rule did not admit of exceptions we might at once accept the 
woodcock as a resident in our country, but such is not the case. 
The woodcock is an early breeder, and evidence quoted by Mr. 
Seebohm seems to show that birds, batched in our district, leave us 
in August on their journey southward, and tbat their place is not 
filled up by the advent of migrants from Scandinavia and the north 
until the middle of October. Any information tending to throw 
light on this most interesting question would be most welcome. 
The fact tbat the woodcock always migrates by night renders obser¬ 
vations respecting its migratory habits unusually difficult. 
Landrail or Corncrake (Crex pratensis). — Mr. G. Sbrimpton, of 
Port Yale, informs me tbat a corncrake was shot on Molewood 
Load, near Hertford, on the 30th of December. In the year 1884 
I reported tbat a corncrake was picked up dead on the 3rd of 
December, between St. Albans and Colney. These are unusual 
occurrences. The food of the corncrake is mainly composed of 
worms, grubs, and beetles, and it is difficult to understand bow the 
bird shot on the 31st of December could have managed to exist to 
tbat date. It is probable tbat it was saved from starvation by a 
timely death. 
Black Tern (Hydrochelidon nigra). — Two black terns were 
observed by Mr. Henry Lewis, on the 24th of April, between Park 
Street and Moor Mill; one of them was shot and has been mounted 
by Mr. Luff, of St. Albans. Mr. J. Beningfield, of Ware, has 
kindly sent me the following note :—“ Whilst on a survey on the 
banks of the Stort, in the parish of Gilston, on the 13th of last 
May, to ascertain the cause of a large field being, for months past, 
flooded, I observed a pair of black terns flying over the flooded 
land. They were very tame, and frequently came within a few 
yards of me.” Mr. Beningfield also informed me tbat be shot six 
of these birds, some years ago, near Broxbourne. 
Herring Gull {Lotus argentatus). — Mr. Simons, of King’s 
Langley, informs me tbat when driving along the road towards 
Hemel Hempstead in bis cart, on the 23rd of September, be knocked 
over with bis whip a large gull. He took it home with him and 
endeavoured to keep it alive, but without success. It proved to be 
a herring gull. 
Great Northern Diver {Colymlus glacialis ).—I am informed 
tbat a great northern diver was observed on one of the Tring reser¬ 
voirs, by the keeper, on the 15th of last February. I have been 
able to report this bird, the largest of our water-fowl, on but one 
previous occasion. 
Crested Grebe {Podiceps cristatus ).—Mr. Henry Seebobm informs 
me tbat be was fortunate in discovering a nest of this beautiful 
grebe on one of the Tring reservoirs. Several years ago the Bev. 
Harpur Crewe informed me tbat the crested grebe habitually nested 
on these waters. 
‘ British Birds,’ vol. iii, p. 232. 
