378 THE BIRDS OF YORKSHIRE. 



have been recognised. In winter some return to the ship at 

 sunset, but in early autumn they are " at home " after the 

 tide begins to flow, when contests frequently take place 

 for the post of honour. 



As previously' remarked the majority of the breeding 

 birds retire southward in winter, returning to their nesting 

 resorts early in spring, though some remain in the Teesmouth 

 neighbourhood during the winter months, and the numbers of 

 those wintering appear to have increased of late years. On 

 26th December 1887, one came on board the Tees Light Vessel. 

 At Whitby, Scarborough, Flamborough, and the Humber 

 (at which latter place the late J. Cordeaux considered they 

 were increasing), they are noted in limited numbers, in winter 

 coming at times to fish close inshore and in the harbours. 

 In spring I have seen Cormorants sitting on the rails at the 

 head of Coatham Pier (now demolished), drying their wings, 

 and sometimes they allowed an approach within thirty or 

 forty yards before taking flight ; occasionally they alight 

 on Salt Scar at low tide, and in March 1899 some used to 

 perch on a portion of a wreck standing out of the water. 



The Cormorant has been caught on fishing lines and in 

 nets shot in deep water ; two were captured at Bridlington on 

 hooks when five fathoms of line were out, and in the Tees Bay 

 they have at times been entangled in the salmon fishing nets. 



This ocean-loving species has been noted at places far 

 removed from salt water and in most parts of the county, 

 an enumeration of which is needless, though one or two 

 instances may be cited : first is that mentioned by Marmaduke 

 Tunstall of Wycliffe-on-Tees, as " shot close to my house 

 (in September 1782), though nearly thirty miles from the main 

 sea " (Tunst. MS. p. 100) ; it is noted in Fothergill's list in 

 Whitaker's " Richmondshire " in 1823 ; Charles Waterton's 

 residence, Walton Hall, was often visited in winter by 

 Cormorants, and, after fishing in the lake, they would preen 

 their feathers on the terrace, within ten yards of the win- 

 dows. Near York one was taken on a fishing line at Kexby 

 (before 1844) ; at various times individuals have been killed 

 from the turrets and walls of Beverley Minster ; at Hudders- 



