S A N D - M A R T I N .
HIRUNDO niPARIA.
Aocoaiiixu to inj own observations, Sand-Martins am met with in most parts of the British Islands, trimmer
localities suitable Tor their breeding-operations ran lie discovered.
Severe weather in the spring is by no means uncommon after tile arrival of this diminutive traveller;
llic Snnd-Mnrlin, however, proves itself a remarkably hardy bird. I have more than once noticed hundreds
winging their way through a heavy snowstorm in the month of April, and apparently none the worse if
the sun broke through on the following day. These birds are the flr-t of the family to make their appearance
in the spring. The greater numher of those that visit the British Islands probably reach their quarters within
a fortnight after the first arrivals. Wilh the exception of a few single birds and some strangling parlies, I have
never remarked this species while on their passage towards our shores. On the 2flth of August, 1*S2, I
observed some hundreds of Sand Martins at sea, a few miles off the Susses coast. Tho day was line, with a
light breeze from the south ; and a continued stream of these birds passed the boat, flying due south. Towards
the afternoon, numbers were notieisl a lew hundred yards at sea ; these were keeping a course alung the shore,
and, as far as I was able to judge, were not then intending to make the passage of the C'luo I.
llickling Broad iu the east of Norfolk, owing to the extent of surroun line; niar-li-l mil and the large beds
of reeds and other aquatic plants, is a favourite haunt of the Sand-Martin. During fine aud bright weather
large muuliers are constantly to be seen hawking for insects over the surface; while here and t h e n small
parties may he observed perched on the stems of the reeds. At times large Hocks settle on the [II— Mil nil! •
where they remain resting for hours. In stormy weather they an' usually absent, particularly if the gale
should continue for any length of time. On their first arrival I have watched thousands huddled together on
low reeds faciei; a blind inn -iioe.-., | o • I I i- si dnin tln-j an' much all'ecled by the weather; but the severe
storm of .lime Kth, 1571, cut them up considerably. I collected between forty aud filly perfectly helpless from
the effects of the cold, and brought them indoors. With hut few cxis'ptions they all rrenvered, and were able
to take their departure towards evening, w hen the weather moderated. I )a the Itth of August ISs-l. during a
strong southerly breeze, 1 noticed immense numbers of these hints sitting on the ground on one of the hills *
on llickling Broad. The whole body wen' facing the wind, and endeavouring to obtain shelter behind the
patches of Hags and rushes, as well a* the low turf bank built round the marsh lo keep hack the water during
high tides.
I n the choice or breeding-places this species is influenced by the nature of the soil, being forced to select
situations in which it is able to excavate to a sulllelent distance lo form its nursery. Sand-pits an' frequently
resorted to; anil iu many parts id' the country their borings may be observed in railway-cuttings. I have also
seen huge colonies in river-banks at times hut a few feet above the level of the water. In I860 and 1SH0 I