many instances might be quoted as proving that it frequently takes place to a certain extent, and generally on migration. It is perhaps as often noticed in the Chaffinch as in any bird, but the Brambling, Bittern, Blackbird, and Shore-Lark, among British Birds, may be cited as examples (cf. Zool. 1870, p. 2367).
On looking back at the past history of the Little Auk in the eastern counties, as recorded by the late Henry Stevenson, my father, and others, it would seem that Norfolk has had at least five great irruptions, and all in different months—viz. October, 1841; December, 1848; November, 1861; January, 1895; and February, 1900. Their visits were probably in part due to prolific breeding seasons, but still more to rough weather and unfavourable winds at sea. Without the latter, the Little Auks, however numerous at a distance from land in the German Ocean, might have lived to return north again, as they did in November, 1899, when there were not sufficient gales to cast them on the shore. It is probable that in 1841 there was the greatest visitation there has ever been, though not duly chronicled (cf. Prof. Newton's article in 'Science Gossip,' March, 1895), but 1900 and 1895 must have run it close.
March.
Mr. Patterson has already given a good account of birds seen in the spring, but the following additional notes have been made at his instigation by Mr. Jary, the watcher on Breydon Broad:—March 9th, S.W. A good many Wigeon. 13th. S.W., strong. 300 Wigeon and Mallard. 19th. N.E., strong. A Cormorant [on this day a Cormorant was brought alive to Mr. Patterson]. 27th. S.W. 28th. About 2000 Starlings on a marsh [A.P.]. 29th. Wedge flights of Starlings moving seawards [A.P.].
The following notes are from the Rev. M.C. Bird:—March 12th. Forty-four Wild Swans left Hickling Broad, where they had been some days. 17th. A pair of Great Titmice shot in the act of taking Bees from a hive.[1] 21st. Hundreds of Wood-Pigeons.
- ↑ Some Tits at Keswick once behaved in this manner, attacking and killing Bees as they went in and out of the hives; but Mr. Forrest has recorded a Great Tit's nest as actually in an active hive (Zool. 1900, p. 143).
