ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES, ETC. 59 



of the plumage commenced, her eggs were smaller than the usual 

 size, and she never afterwards exhibited any inclination to sit on 

 them. She has laid one small egg this year. 



Black Kedstart, Sijlvia titliys. 



A female of this bird was shot in March, 1857, on the rocks 

 near Cullercoats, by Mr. Hamlin, who likewise shot a male of 

 the same species in the same locality, about twelve months 

 before. Both specimens are in my possession. 



Spoonbill, Platalea leucorodea. 



A fine crested male specimen of this bird was shot by Mr. E. 

 Crawshaw's man, at Holy Island, in March, 1857. 



This is, I believe, the first time that the Spoonbill has been 

 taken within our district. I may mention, however, that I have 

 in my possession a specimen of this bird which was shot in 

 Cumberland in the year 1833. 



Red Crested Pochard, Anas ferina. 



On the 17th of March of the same year, the same person 

 shot on Fenham Flats, near Holy Islard, a mature female of the 

 Red Crested Pochard. I had the opportunity of examining this 

 bird when fresh. This is the first time this rare duck has oc- 

 curred in this part of the country. It is now in the possession 

 of Mr. Crawshaw. 



Common Crossbill, Loxia curvirostra. 



I procured a nest with three eggs of this species, from a wood- 

 man of the name of Grundy. He took it on the 1st March, 

 1856, near Crawcrook, Durham, in a spruce fir. It was placed 

 near the top, and about eighteen inches from the stem. The 

 female bird was observed carrying building materials on the 24th 

 February, and was traced to the nest ; she was accompanied by 

 the male. Both birds were shot, and I had the satisfaction of 

 seeing them. 



This is, I believe, the first time that a nest of the Crossbill 

 has been taken in this neighbourhood. Grundy, later in the 



