ORNITHOLOGY OF RIDING MILL ON TYNE. 93 



several species of Tcenia, besides Filarice, of large size, and in 

 surprising numbers, are found in the intestines of this bird. In 

 addition, both the Blackbird and Fieldfare are frequently found 

 to have a Filaria under the tendon of Achilles. I have never 

 seen the occurrence of parasites in this part of the frame 

 mentioned by other observers, but in some years the Blackbird 

 seems to be as often saddled with this uninvited gaest as not. 



Ring Ouzel, T. torqualus, L. — Barely seen near Riding Mill, 

 but is occasionall}' found on the higlier ground — e.g., near Healey, 

 and towards Blanchland ; in the former place it occurs sparsely, 

 but will probably be found to breed near the latter. 



Dipper, Cinclus aquaticus, Bechst. — Resident and common 

 up all the smaller streams, but not so often seen on the Tyne. 

 Were it not that the statement still "periodically" finds its way 

 into print, and that much ignorance on the subject yet prevails 

 amongst persons of the gamekeeper class, it would hardly be 

 worth while to mention that the instances of this bird being found 

 to have been feeding on the ova of fish are so few as to form the 

 rare exception. 



Wheatear, Saxicola oenanthe, L. — A summer visitor, and one 

 of the first to make its appearance, my earliest record being 

 March 21, 1876. Rare near Riding Mill ; a pair or two two breed 

 near Healey, and it becomes commoner the higher the altitude, 

 and the opener and stonier the ground. 



Whinchat, Pratincola rubetra, L. — A summer visitor ; not 

 uncommon, but local. Seems to be more abundant near Dipton 

 House than anywhere else, where a few pairs may often be met 

 with during the summer. 



Stonechat, P. rubicola, L. — A resident, but in small numbers. 

 A fine old male in my collection was shot at Healey, Dec. 21, 1877. 



Redstart, Ruticilla i^lioenicurus, L. — A summer visitor, but not 

 abundant. Earliest record, April 23, 1878. 



Redbreast, Erithacus rubecula, L. —An abundant resident. 



Whitethroat, Sylvia rufa, Bodd. — One of the most abundant 

 summer visitors. Earliest record, April 27, 1876. 



Lesser Whitethroat, S. curruca, L. — An uncommon summer 

 migrant. I have only thrice seen the nest near Riding Mill. 

 Earliest record, April 27, 1872. 



Blackcap, S. atricapilla, L. — A summer visitor, more abundant 

 near Riding Mill than anywhere else I know. I found, without 



