The Natural History of Selborne

On the 27th of February 1788, Stone-curlews were heard to pipe; & on March 1st, after it was dark some were passing over the village, as might be perceived by their quick, short note, which they use in their nocturnal excursions by way of watch-word, that they may not stray, & lose their companions.  Thus we see, that retire whithersoever they may in the winter, they return again early in the spring, & are, as it now appears, the first summer birds that come back. The smallest uncrested wren has been deemed the earliest migrater, but it is never heard ’till about the 20th of March.  Perhaps the mildness of the season may have quickened the emigration of the curlews this year.  They spend the day in high elevated fields & sheep-walks: but seem to descend in the night to streams & meadows, perhaps for water which their upland haunts do not afford them.