The Zoologist/4th series, vol 4 (1900)/Issue 707/Bird notes from North-East Lincolnshire during the Autumn Migration of 1899, Haigh

by George Henry Caton Haigh

 

THE ZOOLOGIST

 

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No. 707.—May, 1900.

 

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BIRD NOTES FROM NORTH-EAST LINCOLNSHIRE
DURING THE AUTUMN MIGRATION OF 1899.

By G.H. Caton Haigh.

 

The autumn migration of 1899 resembled that of the previous year in the absence of any of those great migratory movements generally called "rushes," but differed in the absence of that quiet daily inflow of birds which characterised almost the whole of that season.

A remarkable feature in the past autumn was the scarcity of all Waders except Curlews, Grey and Golden Plovers, and Knots.

The first movement of land birds occurred on Aug. 23rd, but only comprised two or three species, and was scarcely noticeable. Throughout September very little migration took place. West and south-west winds prevailed during the whole month, the latter half of which was decidedly stormy.

The principal movements of the season occurred during October and the first half of November at four separate periods or rushes, namely, Oct. 4th to 9th, 17th to 21st, 27th to 30th and Nov. 7th to 10th. Much migration was, however, in progress all through October and the early part of November. October opened with much rain, and a gale from the east, which changed to south-west on 2nd and 3rd. The rest of the month was fairly calm, with south and south-west winds during the first half, and easterly winds from 14th to the end; while November, up to the middle of the month, was characterised by light south wind and dull weather. Among the rarer visitors may be numbered the second Lincolnshire example of the Barred Warbler, the Arctic Bluethroat, Red-necked Phalarope, Spotted Redshank, Wood-Sandpiper, and Great Snipe, as well as such unusual migrants as the Wood-Wren, Grasshopper-Warbler, and Barn-Owl.

There are also some notable absentees, such as the Ring-Ouzel, Great Grey Shrike, Pied Woodpecker, and Wood-Pigeon. On the whole, however, the amount of visible migration was below the average of recent years.

 

Turdus viscivorus, Linn. Mistle-Thrush.—Appeared on the coast in great numbers, taking part in the "rush" of small birds of Oct. 4th and 5th; again numerous on 9th, and finally was still more abundant in the movement of Oct. 17th to 21st.

T. musicus, Linn. Song-Thrush.—A very small migration compared with that of 1898. A good many appeared in turnip and potato fields near the coast on Sept. 11th, and again in the hedges, with Redwings and Blackbirds, on Oct. 21st, 27th, and 30th; and a few were still present on Nov. 3rd.

T. iliacus, Linn. Redwing.—A very heavy immigration commencing with the "rush" of Oct. 4th to 9th in small numbers, but appearing in great abundance on that of Oct. 17th and following days, and lasting until about Nov. 10th.

T. pilaris, Linn. Fieldfare.—I saw a single bird in a hedge near the coast at North Cotes in October, but no more had appeared up to Nov. 15th, when I left Lincolnshire. On my return I found Fieldfares fairly numerous on Dec. 13th, and very large numbers appeared on Dec. 24th and 25th.

T. merula, Linn. Blackbird.—Several Blackbirds appeared in the neighbourhood of the coast on Oct. 5th, and a much larger flight on the 9th. Both these flights consisted of adult males and females in about equal numbers. On 17th and 18th another very large arrival took place, again consisting of adults of both sexes, accompanied, however, on the latter day by a few young cocks. On 2lst scores of young black-billed cocks appeared with very few hens. Young cocks were still very abundant on 27th, with a good many old cocks and a few hens. On 30th many cocks, old and young, but females were more numerous than on previous days. On Nov. 3rd swarms of Blackbirds, almost all females. Nov. 7th, again many young males, and on 10th young cocks abundant, with a few old cocks and hens. On the whole I believe the passage of Blackbirds was heavier than usual.

Saxicola œnanthe (Linn.). Wheatear.—Wheatears appeared very early, and I saw many along the sea-bank on July 29th. I saw no more until Aug. 23rd, when one or two appeared. On Sept. 1st and 2nd they were very numerous, and again on 15th. On Oct. 4th I noticed a single bird on the sea-bank, and on 5th three more stragglers appeared.

Pratincola rubetra (Linn.). Whinchat.—Numerous on turnip fields near the coast on Sept. 1st. On Sept. 11th and 20th, one seen each day.

P. rubicola (Linn.). Stonechat.—A single bird—a female—on a hedge in Thoresby Field on Sept. 25th.

Ruticilla phœnicurus (Linn.). Redstart.—A single bird near the coast on Sept. 13th. On Oct. 4th and 5th a good many in company with Redwings, Pied Flycatchers, Wrens, and many other small birds. This is an unusually late date for the passage of the Redstart.

Cyanecula suecica (Linn.). Arctic Bluethroat.—On Oct. 4th I shot a young female of this species near the sea-bank in the parish of Marshchapel. It is seven years since I last saw a Bluethroat on this coast.

Erithacus rubecula (Linn.). Robin.—A few Robins came in on Sept. 9th, but the first important immigration took place on Oct. 4th, and a somewhat smaller one between Oct. 17th and 21st, while a few stragglers remained until the 27th.

Sylvia cinerea (Bechst.). Whitethroat.—Many Whitethroats appeared on Aug. 23rd, with Hedge-Sparrows and Willow Wrens. Aug. 28th, several in the hedges, and from this date until Sept. 9th a few were always present; while on Oct. 4th I shot a single straggler.

S. curruca (Linn.). Lesser Whitethroat.—Always a scarce bird on migration. I shot one near the coast on Sept. 14th, and a second on Oct. 4th.

S. hortensis (Bechst.). Garden-Warbler.—I shot one on some thorns near the coast at Tetney on Oct. 18th, an unusually late date.

S. nisoria (Bechst.). Barred Warbler.—On Oct. 17th I shot a young female of this species. It was in a thorn-hedge not far from the coast at Marshchapel. The weather had been fair and bright since the 15th, with light east wind, and white frost at night.

Regulus cristatus, R.L. Koch. Goldcrest.—The Goldcrest appeared in very small numbers this year. On Oct. 4th I saw a single bird on a hedge at North Cotes, and this bird remained about the same spot until the 13th. On the 17th and 18th Goldcrests were thinly scattered everywhere along the coast, though by no means numerous. By the 21st only three or four remained, and on 27th two only were seen.

Phylloscopus rufus (Bechst.). Chiffchaff.—I shot a Chiffchaff on the very unusual date of Nov. 10th, on a hedge close to the coast.

P. trochilus (Linn.). Willow-Wren.—A few Willow-Wrens appeared on the coast on Aug. 23rd, most of them frequenting the larger hedges. On Sept. 9th I shot an example of a small race of the Willow-Wren which occasionally occurs on migration.

P. sibilatrix (Bechst.). Wood-Wren.—I shot a Wood-Wren near the coast on Aug. 28th. This bird very rarely occurs on passage.

Acrocephalus phragmitis (Bechst.). Sedge-Warbler.—Last seen on Sept. 8th; one shot in a clover field near the sea.

Locustella nævia (Bodd.). Grasshopper-Warbler.—On Sept. 14th I shot one of these birds among the long grass in the bottom of a hedge near the coast. On 16th I saw another almost at the same spot, but failed to shoot it, as it was impossible to make it leave covert for more than a few feet at a time. I have never seen this species on migration before.

Accentor modularis (Linn.). Hedge-Sparrow.—The migration of this bird commenced just a month earlier than usual. A considerable number appeared on Aug. 23rd, but almost all left by the 28th. On Oct. 4th, and again on the 9th, large immigrations took place.

Parus major, Linn. Great Titmouse.—The passage of both the Great and Blue Titmouse proved quite a feature in the migrations of the past autumn. This bird first appeared on Oct. 5th, and from that date until Nov. 10th was to be found daily in the trees and hedges near the coast in considerable numbers.

P. cæruleus, Linn. Blue Titmouse.—Like the last named, occurred in great numbers, generally in small parties of from two or three to half a dozen frequenting the hedges or the thornbushes on the drain sides. It appeared earlier than the Great Titmouse, two or three coming in on Sept. 14th. I saw no more until Oct. 4th, when they were very numerous, and from that date to Nov. 10th they were present in the coast district in great abundance.

P. palustris, Linn. Marsh-Titmouse.—I saw a Marsh Titmouse in a hedge by the roadside at Holton-le-Clay on Nov. 14th, and shot one in Fenby Wood on Dec. 28th.

Troglodytes parvulus, Koch. Wren.—A few Wrens came in on Oct. 4th, and their numbers had increased somewhat on the 5th. On the 9th they were very abundant everywhere near the coast; again on 21st a good many appeared, and the passage finished about the 27th.

Motacilla lugubris, Temm. Pied Wagtail.—Many young birds on grass-land near the coast on Sept. 2nd. Again many on Sept. 9th and 11th; on the latter date a few were old males. On 16th a few, all young birds; and on 20th many, both old and young. From this date no more appeared on the coast, but on Oct 11th at Wyham, and on 14th at Wold Newton, both on the top of the wolds, I observed numbers of Wagtails, both old and young, feeding among the sheep, folded on turnips.

M. melanope, Pall. Grey Wagtail.—A pair of Grey Wagtails appeared on Waith Beck on Sept. 24th; Oct. 4th, a single bird at one of the fish-ponds at Grainsby, and on 18th several on one of the marsh-drains near the coast.

M. raii (Bonap.). Yellow Wagtail.—One young bird on Aug. 9th. Several on Aug. 28th and Sept. 4th. Abundant on the 9th, and from this date they became gradually scarcer until the 22nd, after which I saw no more. All were young birds.

Anthus trivialis (Linn.). Tree-Pipit.—One shot in a hedge near the sea at North Cotes on Oct. 4th.

A. pratensis (Linn.). Meadow-Pipit.—I noticed many of these Pipits along the sea-bank on Aug. 28th, and again on Sept. 2nd. On Sept. 4th their numbers had increased to hundreds everywhere near the coast, and the species continued very abundant until the 20th.

A. obscurus (Lath.). Rock-Pipit.—Two or three Rock-Pipits appeared on the foreshore at North Cotes on Sept. 22nd. A considerable immigration on Oct. 4th, and a still greater one on 17th.

Muscicapa atricapilla, Linn. Pied Flycatcher.—Three Pied Flycatchers came in with the "rush" of small birds on Oct. 4th—the only ones seen during the autumn.

M. grisola, Linn. Spotted Flycatcher.—The majority of these birds left about the second week of September, but I saw half a dozen in the garden at Grainsby on the 24th.

Hirundo rustica, Linn. Swallow.—Thousands roosting in the reed-beds on Madams Crike on Sept. 4th. Swallows became scarce about Oct. 9th, but I saw three or four flying over the village of Tetney on the 18th.

Chelidon urbica (Linn.). House-Martin.—A House-Martin flying about the house at Grainsby on Nov. 5th.

Ligurinus chloris (Linn.). Greenfinch.—A good many near the coast on Oct. 13th, and very abundant from the 17th to the 30th.

Carduelis elegans, Steph. Goldfinch.—Very scarce; one on the sea-bank on Nov. 10th.

Passer domesticus (Linn.). House-Sparrow.—Very large flocks in the hedges near the coast on Oct. 5th, and again on 21st.

Fringilla cœlebs, Linn. Chaffinch.—A large flock at Grainsby on Oct. 15th. On 17th many—apparently all males—about the sea-bank and neighbouring hedges.

F. montifringilla, Linn. Brambling.—One (a female) on a hedge near the sea on Oct. 4th. Two, both females, at Grainsby on Oct. 11th. A considerable number in a mixed flock of Linnets, Greenfinches, and Twites on Dec. 20th.

Linota cannabina (Linn.). Linnet.—Many on grass-land near the coast on Sept. 15th. Large mixed flocks of Linnets and Twites on the North Cotes foreshore on Oct. 9th and 18th.

L. flavirostris (Linn.). Twite.— Many small flocks along the shore on Oct. 5th, and on 9th and 18th very abundant, associating with Linnets on the foreshore.

Emberiza citrinella, Linn. Yellowhammer.—Many small flocks in the vicinity of the coast on Dec. 20th.

E. schœniclus, Linn. Reed-Bunting.—One on a hedge near the sea-bank on Oct. 18th, and on 21st a good many, both on the hedgerows and among the weeds on the "fitties."

Plectrophenax nivalis (Linn.). Snow-Bunting.—A most insignificant migration; only two or three single young birds on the sands at Marshchapel on Nov. 3rd.

Sturnus vulgaris, Linn. Starling.—Huge flocks of Starlings on Tetney "fitties" and land adjoining on Oct. 4th, and again on 9th. On Oct. 17th thousands passing in from the sea to north-west until about 2.30 p.m. in long straggling flocks. On 21st an immense flock came in from the sea about halfpast four in the afternoon, and passed inland to south-west. By this date there were millions of these birds on the coast marshes.

Garrulus glandarius (Linn.). Jay.—There was probably some immigration of Jays about the end of September, as on 28th of that month I noticed many flocks of these birds, some of them numbering over a dozen individuals, about the hedgerows at Grainsby. I have not permitted the destruction of Jays for many years, and they are now very abundant here, so that possibly these flocks were local birds. I have never met with the Jay actually on the coast.

Corvus monedula, Linn. Jackdaw.—A very slight immigration. On Oct. 21st I saw four Jackdaws among a flock of Rooks coming in from the sea, and going north-west, and on the 30th a few on grass-land near the coast.

C. corone, Linn. Carrion Crow.—On Sept. 13th a Carrion-Crow on North Cotes "fitties," and on 14th three in the same place. Very abundant in the winter; I saw over a hundred come to roost in Autby Wood in the evening of Dec. 29th.

C. cornix, Linn. Grey Crow.—First Grey Crow seen on Oct 3rd, on 9th two, and one each day on 11th and 13th. Many passing north-west over Tetney village on 16th. On 17th flocks of Grey Crows coming in from the sea, and going north-west until about 2.30 p.m.; afterwards single birds until sunset, On 21st a few coming in, and travelling north-west singly, or two or three together.

C. frugilegus, Linn. Rook.—A few coming in with Grey Crows, and going north-west on Oct. 17th. Oct. 21st, small parties coming in until about four o'clock. The morning was foggy, and the Rooks were only visible through occasional breaks in the mist; but the flocks appeared to be going south-west. In the afternoon the fog cleared, and all the Rooks went to north-west. On 30th a few coming in and going west. On Nov. 1st hundreds passing over Grainsby to west all day until dusk, and on 7th a few coming in until 2.30 p.m.

Alauda arvensis, Linn. Sky-Lark.—A very slight visible immigration. A few small flocks coming in on Oct. 9th, and going south-west until two o'clock. Again on 17th small parties coming in, some going north-west, others south-west. On 21st Larks were very abundant on the stubbles both inland and near the coast, and small flocks were going north-west, and about the same number on Nov. 7th. On Dec. 24th, 25th, and 27th straggling flocks were passing north-west over Grainsby in the morning, but on the last-named day a few of the flocks went south.

Cypselus apus (Linn.). Swift.—Several near the coast on Sept. 4th.

Alcedo ispida, Linn. Kingfisher.—Unusually numerous on the drains and sluices near the coast, particularly on Sept. 8th, 14th, and Oct. 18th. The first one was seen on Aug. 28th.

Cuculus canorus. Linn. Cuckoo.—Very few appeared on the coast, and all young birds. I saw one on Sept. 1st, two on 4th, and one on 6th. One of those seen on the 4th belonged to the red form.

Strix flammea, Linn. Barn-Owl.—On the evening of Oct. 1st I saw an example of this very unusual migrant near the coast at Tetney.

Asio otus (Linn.). Long-eared Owl.—I saw a Long-eared Owl perched in a low bush near the lifeboat-house at Donna Nook on Oct. 13th.

A. accipitrinus (Pall.). Short-eared Owl.—About the last week of August I saw, at a birdstuffer's shop in Grimsby, a freshly-skinned Owl of this species, which had been caught on board ship about one hundred miles off the Humber. On Oct. 17th one among North Cotes sand-hills. Oct. 30th, one on the sea-bank, and on Nov. 7th one in a turnip field near the coast.

Buteo vulgaris, Leach. Common Buzzard.—On Oct. 14th a very dark coloured Buzzard passed over the wolds at Beesby at a great height.

B. lagopus. Rough-legged Buzzard.—On Dec. 24th one of these birds passed over me at Grainsby, almost within gun-shot.

Accipiter nisus (Linn.). Sparrow-Hawk.—A few young birds in the hedges and along the sea-bank at North Cotes on Sept. 22nd. On Oct. 17th one or two, and on 21st many SparrowHawks along the coast. On Dec. 29th Sparrow-Hawks were exceedingly abundant; I saw over a dozen at Grainsby in about an hour in the morning, and many came in to roost in Autby Wood at night.

Falco peregrinus, Tunst. Peregrine.—On Dec. 29th a Peregrine flying over Fenby Wood in the morning, and another, or perhaps the same bird, in the afternoon. Dec. 30th, one at Grainsby.

F. æsalon, Tunst. Merlin.—A little cock Merlin in the cow marsh at Tetney on Oct. 16th, and a young female at Grainsby on Dec. 24th.

F. tinnunculus, Linn. Kestrel.—Two or three Kestrels about the sea-bank on July 29th, and a good many on Sept. 4th and 22nd; and two or three each day on Oct. 17th and 21st.

Ardea cinerea, Linn. Heron.—Several Herons, all immature birds, appeared on the creeks at Tetney on July 29th.

Anser brachyrhynchus, Baill. Pink-footed Goose.—First flocks seen on Oct. 4th. During the severe weather on Dec. 13th and 14th the coastguards at North Cotes reported many Grey Geese on the coast.

Anas boscas, Linn. Mallard.—Thousands of Ducks were seen going up the Humber by coastguards and others on Dec. 14th, soon after the commencement of severe weather.

Spatula clypeata (Linn.). Shoveler.—One shot at Tetney on Sept. 1st was probably a home-bred bird.

Nettion crecca (Linn.). Teal.—Not so numerous on the "crikes" at Tetney as usual. A few appeared on July 29th, and a good many on Aug. 16th.

Mareca penelope (Linn.). Wigeon.—One shot at Tetney on Sept. 1st.

Columba œnas, Linn. Stock-Dove.—Two small flocks at Grainsby on Nov. 4th and 5th. On 7th I shot a young bird close to the sea-bank at Tetney, and on Dec. 30th I shot four out of a flock of about one hundred of these little Pigeons.

Turtur communis, Selby. Turtle-Dove.—I shot a young Turtle-Dove from a hedge near the sea at North Cotes on Sept. 29th.

Crex pratensis, Bechst. Corn-Crake.—Last saw one in a turnip field at Cadeby on Oct. 11th.

Porzana maruetta (Leach). Spotted Crake.—On Oct. 4th I shot a Spotted Crake at Tetney.

Rallus aquaticus, Linn. Water-Rail.—First appeared near the coast on Oct. 27th, when I shot one at Tetney.

Charadrius pluvialis, Linn. Golden Plover.—On Oct. 4th I shot a couple of young birds—the first seen on North Cotes sands. Oct. 5th, several flocks of forty or fifty birds each on the sands. Very abundant on Oct. 9th; many flocks of from fifty to several hundred birds each on the sands and land near the sea. Again on 21st and 30th great numbers on the coast. On the latter day I killed eight out of one of the flocks, and found both old and young birds among them.

Squatarola helvetica (Linn.). Grey Plover.—A few on the coast on Sept. 2nd. On 14th a good many, all adults in full breeding dress. On Oct. 13th a great immigration of young birds all along the coast.

Vanellus vulgaris, Bechst. Peewit.—Very little visible migration, and Peewits appear less numerous in the district than usual. Small parties going west on Oct. 9th until about 2.30 p.m.; some large flocks on the coast with Golden Plover on the same day. Again, on Nov. 10th many flocks coming in, and going to north-west. On Dec. 11th—the second day of the hard weather—the gamekeepers reported large flocks of Peewits going south over Grainsby.

Strepsilas interpres (Linn.). Turnstone.—A couple of young birds on North Cotes sands on Sept. 13th.

Hæmatopus ostralegus, Linn. Seapie.—A large flock appeared on Tetney Sands on Sept. 2nd.

Phalaropus hyperboreus (Linn.). Red-necked Phalarope.—A Red-necked Phalarope was netted by one of the Plover-catchers on Oct. 12th at North Cotes, and sent to me.

Scolopax rusticula, Linn. Woodcock.—The first flight came in on Oct. 19th, and another and apparently much larger flight on Nov. 10th. An unusually large number of Woodcocks were present in the coverts about Christmas, and it is probable that a third immigration took place about the beginning of the frost which commenced on Dec. 10th, as I shot one in Waith fen, a long way from any wood, on the 13th.

Gallinago major (Gmel.). Great Snipe.—One sent to me by one of the Plover-catchers, which he shot on Oct. 3rd close to the village of North Cotes.

G. cœlestis (Frenz.). Common Snipe.—The first flight of migrating Snipes appeared on Oct. 30th, when I found many in the neighbourhood of the coast at Tetney. On Nov. 7th a second immigration took place, but on both occasions they were exceedingly wild, and I killed very few.

G. gallinula (Linn.). Jack-Snipe.—A couple of Jacks appeared on Sept. 29th, and a considerable number on Oct. 27th.

Tringa alpina, Linn. Dunlin.—A few on the sands on July 29th. Have been scarcer than usual all the season.

T. minuta, Leisl. Little Stint.—Very scarce; one caught by a Plover-catcher at North Cotes on Sept. 28th was the only one I saw during the autumn.

T. subarquata (Güld.). Curlew-Sandpiper.—I saw a party of four on the shore at Marshchapel on Sept. 18th.

T. canutus, Linn. Knot.—Scarce in the early part of the season. On Oct. 4th there were some large flocks on North Cotes sands, and on 17th thousands of Knot appeared.

Calidris arenaria (Linn.). Sanderling.—Scarce; three on the sands near Saltfleet on Sept. 2nd.

Machetes pugnax (Linn.). Ruff.—First seen on Aug. 16th, a single Ruff near Tetney Lock. On Sept. 11th a Reeve on a fresh-water creek near the coast, and on the 20th a Ruff on the sea-bank at high water.

Totanus hypoleucus (Linn.). Common Sandpiper.—A few appeared on July 29th, and were fairly numerous up to the middle of September on the sides of the marsh-drains. Last seen—a single bird—on Oct. 5th.

T. glareola (Gmel.). Wood-Sandpiper.—On July 29th I saw a Wood-Sandpiper on the side of Madams Crike, near Tetney Lock. It was very tame, and allowed me to watch it within ten yards.

T. ochropus (Linn.). Green Sandpiper.—First seen on July 29th, in company with the Wood-Sandpiper, but these birds were very wild, rising out of gunshot. Numerous on the marsh-drains throughout August and September.

T. fuscus (Linn.). Spotted Redshank.—One of the Plovercatchers sent me three immature Spotted Redshanks, caught by his son on Sept. 1st at Tetney on one of his Plover-pools. On Sept. 14th this same man sent me another—also a young bird—which he had caught on his Plover-decoy at North Cotes; and, finally, a fifth, caught at the same place on Sept. 28th. He told me that he believed all these birds were part of a flock of six which he had seen late in August.

T. canescens (Gmel.). Greenshank.—One or two on Tetney "fitties" on July 29th, a very early date. Last seen, a single bird on Sept. 16th.

Numenius arquata (Linn.). Curlew.—I saw two or three Curlews on July 29th on North Cotes sands. On Aug. 23rd they were numerous, and continued so through the autumn.

N. phæopus (Linn.). Whimbrel.—First seen on July 29th, and a few were present until the middle of September, but in unusually small numbers.

Hydrochelidon nigra (Linn.). Black Tern.—A young bird of this species was shot at North Cotes by one of the Plover-catchers, and sent to me about the middle of October.

Sterna macrura, Naum. Arctic Tern.—Terns were exceptionally scarce this autumn. On Sept. 2nd I saw a few small parties of this species at Saltfleet and Donna Nook.

Podicipes fluviatilis (Tunst.). Little Grebe.—A couple of young birds on North Cotes sluice on Oct. 13th. On 27th an old bird in breeding plumage on a fresh-water creek near the coast.