THE ORNITHOLOGY OF DERBYSHIRE. 6 1 



producing counties as Norfolk and Suffolk, where a Magpie 

 is as rare as a Peregrine Falcon. 



The disappearance of the Goldfinch is probably the result 

 of improved methods of cultivation, though the taking of the 

 nest with young for cage purposes has contributed to the 

 same end. 



All the foregoing species may be said to have diminished 

 in numbers or disappeared from the county, but certain other 

 species have increased their range during the latter years of 

 the past century. The most remarkable instances are those 

 of the Hawfinch, Turtle Dove, Red-legged Partridge, and 

 Tufted Duck. It is only within the last century that these 

 birds have established themselves as regular breeding 

 species in the county. Owing to its extreme shyness and 

 caution at the nest, the Hawfinch often rears a brood without 

 attracting attention, until the autumn comes, when its visits 

 to the rows of peas and cherry trees bring down upon it 

 the vengeance of the gardener. In spite of this, its range is 

 e\idently increasing, and although not knoMTi to breed in 

 England till the days of Hewetson and Doubleday, it is now 

 quite a common bird in many parts of England. 



Tiie Turtle Dove has also increased its range to some extent 

 northward. A few have always been found in the south of 

 the county, but they appear to ha\e worked their way up the 

 valley of the Do\e, and though exceedingly local, are numerous 

 in one or two places. 



The Red-legged Partridge seems to be establishing itself 

 as a resident in S.W. Derbyshire, and more nests were found 

 in the summer of 1900 than in any previous year. 



The Tufted Duck is perhaps the most remarkable instance 

 of all. Previous to 1850 there is no record of this bird 

 having bred in our Islands, but about that time a few pairs 

 began to nest in Nottinghamshire, and now the ponds in the 

 " Dukeries " may be said to be the headquarters of the species. 

 In 1876, a nest was identified in Norfolk, where they have 

 since become common, and now Scotland and Ireland have 



