M E A D O W - P I P I T .
ANTIIUS I'RATEiXSIS.
T H I N are few birds an generally distributed over the 0001107 f r o m n f ) r t h , n s m , t l ' the Moadnw-Pipit. The
salt marshes and furze-covered downs of Sussex seem as well suited to its requirements as the moors and stony
hillsides of Sutherland.
In many parts of the British Islands this species may lie met with during the winter; a considerable
number, however, take their departure towards the south during September and October. There is little
doubt that the majority making this movement cross the Channel towards the continent, though at what
point they accomplish the passage I am unable to state. I have watched the migration in many parts of the
country and for a number of years. In the north of Scotland I remarked iiumcnso flight) of these birds
passing from north to south over the cast of Itoss-shirc from the 15th to the 30th of September 1868. These,
I believe, must have been migrants from across the North Sea, as Blackbirds aud Thrushes in thousands
were passing at the same time, and Redwings also showed themselves in small (locks. I noticed a week or
so later that the usual natives of the district had not disappeared from their accustomed haunts, and
were to be met with in about the same numbers as previously. For several consecutive days after
October 20, 1872, small scattered parties of Meadow-Pipits continued flying in a southerly direction along
the denes near Yarmouth, and also at times penetrating among the houses aud up the streets towards the
east of the town. During a squall of wind and rain, one poor bird, evidently worn out by a long journey,
was blown against the glass of a window and fell in the garden below, where it was immediately attacked by
a Robin and driven into some thick bushes. Annually during September and October large bodies make
their appearance in the vicinity of the Sussex coast. At this season 1 repeatedly noticed them approaching
and hovering for a few moments round the Lark-glasses which were some years ago so commonly seen in the
neighbourhood of Brighton.
For at least six weeks, countless Meadow-Pipits may he met with almost daily in this locality ; their
numlirrs, however, vary considerably, according to the weather. After the beginning of November, though
flocks occasionally show themselves, it is evident that the greater part of the birds composing the autumnal
(lights have taken their departure. Having observed but a few stragglers at sea in the autumn, I should
he of opiuion the main bodies commence the passage before it is fairly light White the flight lasts, large
flocks and single birds may he noticed on fine mornings with a light breeze steadily making their way along
the coast. One day the multitudes pass west; and on the following it is quite possible they may be flying
towards the east. After carefully watching and noting down their movements during several years, I consider
it impossible to state with certainty the course these small birds may follow; but, as a rule, it is most
frequently either against or across the wind. The flight of Pipits, Wagtails, and the Swallow tribe is at this
season exceedingly coafusing, and much concerning their movements still remains to be learned. Though