: BIRDS. 55 
217. Tadorna cornuta (Gm.). Common Sheldrake. 
Resident in extremely limited numbers, its breeding stations 
being confined to the sandhills bordering the estuaries of 
the Humber and Tees. In autumn and winter it is more 
common, being sometimes observed in large flocks, and 
stragglers are occasionally seen on inland waters. 
218. Tadorna casarca (Z.). Ruddy Sheldrake. 
Accidental visitant from South and East Europe and North 
Africa, of extremely rare occurrence. 
Cottingham, one killed some years ago, seen by H. B. 
Hewetson (MS.). 
219. Anas boscas Z. Mallard. 
Resident, local but fairly abundant. In winter large numbers 
arrive from the north, usually in November, the species 
then becoming very generally distributed, and much more 
numerous. Formerly six decoys existed in the county, 
but the only one now worked is that at Hornby near 
Catterick, on the estate of the Duke of Leeds. In 1800 
the decoys of Watton and Scorborough were destroyed by 
the Beverley and Barmston Drainage Scheme ; the former 
had an area of about rooo acres of water, and has been 
known to yield nearly 400 ducks in one day. The two 
other Holderness decoys—Home and Meaux—ceased to 
exist about the same time. One on Coatham Marsh at 
the Tees mouth was in existence as late as 1872. 
220. Chaulelasmus streperus (Z.). Gadwall. 
Casual visitant of very rare occurrence in winter. The 
following are the occasions :—At Swillington, prior to 1840; 
Stockton-on-Tees, one, Feb. 18, 1843 ; at Doncaster, a pair 
in the spring of 1844; on the Humber, a pair, March, 1851; 
at Hornby, one in the decoy, season of 1856-7 ; at Selby, 
in 1858; at Skerne near Beverley, a male, Jan. 31, 1871 ; 
Hempholme in Holderness, in 1876 ; and near York, four 
females seen, one shot, Dec. 15, 1880. 
221. Spatula clypeata (Z.). Shoveller. 
Winter visitant, but not numerous, most frequent in Holder- 
ness and in the vicinity of the Humber; of rare occurrence 
inland. Hewitson (Eggs of B. Birds, 1856, vol 2, p. 400) 
says:—‘Mr. Henry Milner tells me that it breeds on 
Hornsea Mere,’ and I am informed by Mr. F. Boyes that 
the keeper told him he once found a nest, and that he has 
himself observed the bird there in the breeding season on 
more than one occasior. 
