1 8 THfc BOOK OP MIGkATORY BIRDS 



Another rare bird is the Shoveller, one of which species 

 was shot this winter. Indeed, amongst the natives of the 

 island it is affirmed that this bird bred here a few years 

 ago. One man states that he received the sum of ten 

 shillings for a single nest of eggs, whilst individuals 

 inform me that they used often to find the eggs near the 

 keeper's cottage at the Snook end. It comes now but 

 rarely. 



Of the Pintail, or what the fishermen call the long- 

 tailed duck the male of which has most gorgeous 

 plumage two have been taken since Christmas last. 



Lord William Percy, of Alnwick Castle, shot the last 

 frdm a coble outside the bar. It is curious to note the 

 vernacular term applied to these ducks, for instance the 

 male is called by the natives "Jacky Foster" and the 

 female "Jennie." 



Richardson's Skua is a winter visitant, and is easily 

 distinguished from the others of the species by its swifter 

 flight and darker plumage. Its eggs are somewhat similar 

 to the true gulls. Very rarely does it take the trouble to 

 seek food for itself, but lives almost exclusively on the 

 depredations of the gulls and terns. This species of gull 

 usually derive their entire food from the pursuit of other 

 birds, using what they are made to disgorge. I spent a 

 most agreeable half-hour in mid-winter watching the 

 manoeuvres of this bird in its method of prey-seeking. 

 Its rapid, darting flight was most noticeable, ami its 

 general method of attack proved most interesting. It is 

 not of the diving species, as has been affirmed by some 

 writers. 



The Scaup (pochard) may be seen at any time during 

 the winter months, in various places on the coast, and the 

 red-headed scaup is also seen here, but rarely. These 

 birds are known locally by the term * 'covey." 



The Snow-Bunting may be singled out as an exceed- 

 ingly shy visitor, save in hard winters, though it occurs 

 all along the Yorkshire coast. Several w r ere discovered 

 here during the snowy weather in early February, 1909. 



