James Hooper

“ The bittern was so common in Feltwell Fen that a keeper there has shot five in one day, and his father used to have one roasted for dinner every Sunday. I have found the eggs of Montagu's harrier, and know those who remember the time when the hen harrier and short-eared owl bred regularly in Roydon Fen, and who have taken the eggs of the water-rail in what was once Whittlesea Mere.' He devoted much attention to the preservation of birds. ”

“ When the Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists' Society was founded in 1869 Southwell became an active member; he was president both in 1879 and 1893 and his contributions to the 'Transactions,' over one hundred in all, covered a wide range, and are mostly of permanent value. From his earliest years he showed a keen interest in birds. 'I have myself,' he wrote, 'talked with men who have taken the eggs of the avocet and black-tailed godwit, and who have seen the bustard at large in its last stronghold. ”