12 SEPTEMBER 1935, Page 16

Odd Migrants

Norfolk itself has recently been the scene of some move- ments, quite new to experience. The strangest perhaps was the arrival on the coast, in a spell of hard winter weather, of a large host of robins from North Europe. They were so exhausted that great numbers perished soon after arrival. The specialists in plumage were able to tell their difference from the English robin. This strange irruption of a bird that of all others perhaps is the most stay-at-home in general habit is proof enough that the causes of migration may be local and temporary. So-called inherited habit, whatever it may mean, is not a complete explanation.