Yorkshire Naturalists' Union : Annual Report, 1917. 39 



Stone Cuklevvs. — Stone Curlews have turned up well, 

 in fact more than have ever been seen for 10 years, although 

 late in arriving. One nest was destroyed in ploughing a field 

 of turnips. In these districts the weather has been most 

 disastrous for all birds, and migrations most irregular — in fact, 

 the Turtle Dove, usually last to arrive, turned up on April ist. 



Black Headed Gulls. — It was not until the 21st of April 

 that we heard that the eggs of the Black Headed Gull could be 

 taken until June 21st. We at once put ourselves in com- 

 munication with the largest Gullery in Yorkshire, and through 

 the generosity of the owner, the agent, and watcher, we were 

 able to bring about 1,500 eggs into the market, which were 

 sold at id. each in Bradford and York. The price in London 

 at the same time was 4/6 per doz. We were much disappointed 

 at the quantity of eggs as we fully expected between four and 

 five thousand, but the usual numbers of birds were not there. 

 Another Gullery of between four and five hundred birds 

 vielded nearly three hundred eggs, which were taken but not sold. 



It is satisfactory to know that we have provided a number 

 of eggs for the poor people ; the small balance in hand after 

 payment of expenses was given to the gatherer. 



Prosecution. — My attention was called to a note in the 

 Yorkshire Herald of a Bittern having been shot. The Nor- 

 thallerton Police took the necessary prosecution and the 

 defendant was fined £1 and costs. 



Finance. — Our expenses have been very small, but we 

 shall require the balance we have in hand, and more, after the 

 war, for strict protection. 



CASH ACCOUNT. 

 Receipts. 

 Balance brought forward 

 Mr. W. H. St. Quintin 

 Mr. L. Gaunt ... 

 Mr. Johnson Wilkinson 

 Dr. Bishop (1916) 

 Dr. Bishop 



Mr. F. H. Edmondson 

 Hon. G. Milnes Gaskell (Donation) 

 Mr. A. H. Lumbv 

 Mr. E. W. Wade"' 

 Mr. W. H. Parkin 

 Mr. G. T. Porritt 

 Mr. Sydney Smith 

 Rotherham Natural History Society 

 Bank Interest ... 



£31 2 10 



1918 Jan. 1. 



