90 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



wire ; it was in full summer plumage, the back nearly black, and 

 only a little buff on the margins of the feathers, the moult 

 perhaps being retarded by disease. This telegraph-wire along 

 the coast is the death of many immigrants, and on September 4th 

 Mr. Clarke picked up, under the wire near Kilnsea, a fine specimen 

 of the Great Snipe quite warm. 



Geese passed over last autumn, as usual, but travelling from 

 S.E. to N.W., which country people and marshmen here aver 

 indicates a mild and open season — a prediction since verified in 

 an unusual degree. 



ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES FROM REDCAR. 

 By T. H. Nklson. 



The annual southward migration of feathered visitors from 

 northern climes commenced last autumn on the north-east coast 

 of Yorkshire about the usual time, although in the case of some 

 species it occurred from a fortnight to a month earlier. The 

 route followed by most of the winter migrants which pass Eedcar 

 is from E. and S.E. to N. and N.W., a N.E. wind being most 

 favourable for observation, as bringing the flocks in-shore for 

 shelter. As the prevailing winds during the latter part of summer 

 and the first half of autumn were from E. to N., perhaps a 

 greater number of migrants came under notice than would have 

 been the case if the wind had been off-shore. 



A few Godwits and Whimbrels are generally seen early in 

 July, and last year was no exception to the rule, the first bird 

 being observed on the 4th of that month. Ducks began their 

 migration very early ; soon after the middle of August a great 

 rush took place, caused, no doubt, by the severe weather which 

 we experienced towards the end of summer. Oystercatchers were 

 more abundant than I have known them to be for some years, as 

 also were Knots and Grey Plovers ; but Godwits were very scarce. 

 The majority of these waders only remain with us for a few days 

 en passant, and by the end of October very few are to be seen. 

 The Tees-mouth is being rapidly "played out" as a resort for 

 shore-birds ; and no wonder, considering the ceaseless persecution 

 to which they are subjected ; whilst the feeding-grounds are year 



