MISCELLANEOUS NOTICES. 45 



two or three killed here in their breeding plumage, one of which I have in 

 my collection. — Idem. 



Snoivy Old, (Strix nyctea.) — A bird of this species was seen by a boatman, 

 sitting on the ground, on the Cornish side of the River Tamar, under St. 

 Germains, who knocked it down with a stick, in December, 1838. This bird 

 is now preserved in the Rev. W. Hoar's collection. Stoke, near Plymouth. — 

 Idem. 



Pugnacious disposition of the Robin, (Erythaca rubecula.) — The following fact 

 came under my own observation last winter, 1849-50: — Having heard of, read, 

 and seen a great deal of its pugnacious quahties, both with its own species, 

 and also with other small birds with which it might come in contact, I thought 

 I would try it with one of its own species stuffed, of which I have a A'ery 

 fine one. I first of all placed it inside the window, so that the Robin in the 

 garden could see it, and he immediately flew to the window and commenced 

 pecking at the glass; but not succeeding in getting at the stuffed bird, he flew 

 away for about a minute, then returned and commenced pecking again at the 

 glass, through which he could see the bird. I then placed the stuffed Robin 

 outside, on the window sill, and went and hid myself, so that I could see what 

 the Robin would do, now that he could get at it; he very soon returned, and 

 commenced pecking at the stuffed bird most furi«usly. At last he knocked it 

 off the sill of the window; he followed it as it fell down, and seemed to be 

 quite pleased at being victorious, and continued pecking at, and pulling feathers 

 out of it, while it was lying on the ground. I then came out of my hiding- 

 place and frightened him away, or else he would soon have spoiled my bird. — 

 George B. Clarice, Wohiirn, Beds. January IQth., I80I. 



The Green Sandpiper, (Totanus ochropus.) — A fine specimen of the young, 

 of this bird was shot early last August, at Escrick, and was preserved by me. — 

 David Graham, York, January 6th., 1851. 



The Shoveler Duck, (Anas clypeata,) near York. — A fine male specimen of 

 this very beautiful duck was shot at Riccall, about the 28th. of March, 1850. 

 It was rather curiously marked, having some dark spots on the usually perfectly 

 white neck. It is a rare bird in this district. — Idem. 



The Fork-tailed Petrel, (Thalassidroma Leachii,) near York. — A specimen of 

 this rare Petrel was picked up, or rather caught alive, by the late Mr. Christie, 

 of Kirkhammerton, in an exhausted state, after having been pursued and attacked 

 by some Rooks, who had at last got it on the ground, and would soon have 

 made an end of it, had not Mr. Christie come to the rescue. — Idein. 



Bar-tailed Godwit, (Limosa rufa.) — Six very fine specimens of this bird, 

 which is very rarely obtained in this district, were on sale in the York market 

 on the 2oth. of January, 1851; four of which came into my possession. They 

 were obtained in the neighbourhood of Perth. — Idem. 



