Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 4 (1900).djvu/435

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
THE BIRDS OF GREAT YARMOUTH.
401

P. palustris. Marsh-Titmouse.—F.C. I have no doubt this species is migratorial. Found on the marshy districts north and south of the town.

P. cæruleus. Blue Titmouse.—C. Much more in evidence in late autumn than at any other time. Local, "Pick-cheese."

P. cristatus. Crested Titmouse.—A. In the autumn of 1888 or 1889 (date unfortunately lost), I saw a bird which was unmistakably of this species among the firs on Caister Road. I had a gun at the time, and made two unsuccessful attempts to assassinate it with big shot. I followed it from tree to tree; becoming myself fast upon a nail protruding from a rail, it eluded me whilst endeavouring to extricate my nether garment. Has not hitherto been obtained in Norfolk. Has occurred, according to Babington, in Suffolk.

Sitta cæsia. Nuthatch.—R.R. Not uncommon in the Fritton woods and neighbourhood.

Troglodytes parvulus. Wren.—C. The autumnal additions appear to strike the coast higher up, and to work southward by land; then not in any numbers. Local, "Jenny Wren."

Certhia familiaris. Tree-Creeper.—R.R. Have observed it in the Fritton district.

Motacilla lugubris. Pied Wagtail.—C. Although not so numerous with us as formerly, a few remain in winter, a number arriving from the south in spring. Local, "Penny Wagtail."

M. alba. White Wagtail.—R. Two male examples obtained here on April 24th, 1888; a third on May 1st of the same year; another was taken alive at Lound, April 25th, 1896, and lived for some time in confinement.

M. melanope. Grey Wagtail.—R. The Messrs. Paget speak of it as not uncommon in winter. I have observed it in late autumn, recognizing it by its longer tail and more dipping flight as compared with others of this family. An example feeding against my boat-house doors, Dec. 27th, 1899.

M. flava. Blue-headed Wagtail.—R. Mr. E.T. Booth watched some on the edge of Breydon (Nor. N. S.). The second for the county was shot in April, 1851. One or two others recorded for district. Nest containing four eggs found at Herringfleet, June 16th, 1842, attributed to this species by the late Mr. Fisher.

M. raii. Yellow Wagtail.—C. Abundant in some years on