546 The Zoologist— January, 1867. 



Beverley. I saw it, in the flesh, at Mr. Richardson's, in whose hands 

 it had been left for preservation. Mr. J. Boyes had also shot another, 

 a male, which was so shattered as to unfit it for preservation. I never 

 saw but two other specimens of the siskin near Beverley : it is one of 

 our rare birds. 



Shieldrake. — October 24. Mr. F. Boyes shot a young male shield- 

 rake on the River Hull this afternoon. Although this species breeds 

 about Spurn, &c, it is many years since a specimen has been shot on 

 the River Hull. 



Spotted Rail. — As in former years these birds have frequented the 

 banks of the River Hull in no inconsiderable numbers, about a score 

 having fallen victims to the wandering gunners of Beverley. The last 

 specimen I have seen was shot on the 24th of October by Mr. J. 

 Boyes. 



Water Rail. — These birds have been numerous along the banks of 

 the River Hull this year, many having been seen and shot. 



W. W. BOULTON. 

 Beverley, Yorkshire, November 6, 1866. 



Ornithological Notes from North Lincolnshire. 

 By John Cordeaux, Esq. 



(Continued from Zool. S. S. 295). 



August — October, 1866. 



Wood Pigeon. — Small flocks of this species come daily from the 

 upland woods and plantations, during the months of July, August and 

 September, into the marshes, and may then invariably be found on 

 the banks of those drains which are more or less influenced by the 

 tides, and containing a considerable admixture of salt water. From 

 having repeatedly watched these birds I know that they come for miles 

 to drink this water, also to pick up small particles of saline matter 

 from the water's edge. I have never, however, known them resort to 

 these places at any other season of the year except during these three 

 months. The contents of the stomachs of three of these birds which 

 I shot during the first week in August are as follows : — 



No. 1, killed August 4th, 11 a. m. The crop contained 116 grains 

 of wheat; the stomach a mass of partly digested wheat, and small 

 sharp, angular stones. No. 2, August 4lh, 11.30 a.m. Crop 177 



