174 THE BIRDS OF YORKSHIRE. 



up to twenty, but more generally two or three together ; 

 they were mostly females and birds of the year, only very few 

 being old males. In 1889 there were several at Spurn 

 associated with Mealy Redpolls. At Flamborough it is also 

 seen during the autumn migration, and on 21st November 

 1893, three were reported in company with Snow Buntings. 

 On the Cleveland coast it is observed on both the spring 

 and autumn passages ; at the former period very irregularly 

 and only in small numbers, usually at the end of April or early 

 in May ; on ist May 1901, several came with Greenfinches 

 from due east (see Greenfinch). In the autumn migration 

 it is in greater abundance and more regular in its appearance ; 

 on 23rd September 1901, there was a large arrival at the 

 Teesmouth, and many remained for several days feeding 

 on the sand-dunes ; they were also observed at inland 

 localities, and on the 30th of October there was a great 

 flight from due north, with Larks, Greenfinches, and Snow 

 Buntings. 



A variety of a light fawn colour was noted by Mr. W. 

 Morris, near Sedbergh, in October 1905. 



The only local name given by Swainson is Aberdavine, 

 which he interprets to mean Alder Finch ; this is not now in 

 use in Yorkshire, although the Siskin was well known to old 

 bird-catchers about Beverley under the name of Aberdevine. 



SERIN. 

 Serinus hortulanus {Koch). 



Accidental visitant from the Continent, of extremely rare 

 occurrence. 



This Continental species, which is of very rare occurrence 

 in England, was claimed as a Yorkshire bird by the late G. C. 

 Swailes of Beverley, and as the circumstances are exceptional 

 it may be desirable to give his account verbatim, as follows : — 



" I have in a small aviary here a pair of Serin-finches 

 which have this season nested and reared a brood of young. 



