648 THE BIRDS OF YORKSHIRE. 



which also exuded from their bills, thus proving their direct 

 flight from the Scandinavian fjelds where they had been feeding 

 on berries. 



As a rule this species migrates by day ; on the Cleveland 

 coast, and also at Spurn, the majority alight to rest for a 

 few days, while others pass on without alighting ; and at 

 this period individuals are occasionally reported from inland 

 localities. Like many other shore birds, it figures amongst 

 the casualties at the coast beacons on dark nights, but not 

 so frequently as the Curlew. 



There is no satisfactory evidence of the Whimbrel having 

 nested in Yorkshire, although mentioned by A. G. More 

 {Ibis. 1865, p. 434), on the authority of Mr. Thomas Gough 

 of Kendal, as having been found on the moors adjoining 

 Westmorland ; one or two instances of the alleged discovery 

 of the eggs have been reported to me, but these specimens 

 appear to be merely small examples of the Curlew's, (cf. 

 Field, I2th May 1877.) 



The local vernacular names are : — Curlew Jack, and Half 

 Curlew ; whilst Curlew Knave is an obsolete name used in 

 olden times (cf. Barker's " The Three Days of Wensleydale ") 

 and first mention of this bird. 



BLACK TERN. 

 Hydrochelidon nigra (L.). 



Bird of passage, chiefly on the coast and estuaries, in spring and 

 autumn ; not uncommon. Also occurs inland. 



The first British information concerning this Tern was 

 given by Willughby, thus : — " The Scare Crow — Larus niger, 

 Gesneri. This is (I suppose) the same with that which Mr. 

 Johnson [of Brignall, near Greta Bridge] saith, they in the 

 North call the Scare Crow, and thus briefly describes. It 

 cannot abide the presence of men. Its Head, Neck, and Belly 



