365 
YORKSHIRE NATURALISTS AT SALTBURN, 
(Continued from page 337). 
VERTEBRATE ZOOLOoGY.—Mr. H. B. Booth, F.Z.S., reports: — 
On Sunday the shore below Huntcliff was explored. The 
Jackdaws had all left, and the chief ornithological attraction 
was the colony of two to three hundred pairs of Herring 
Gulls on the cliffs, with their young in various stages of growth. 
Most of the youngsters could fly, but several were being fed 
by their parents, and still unable to fly. One pair of birds was 
undoubtedly still incubating ; probably the first nest had come 
to grief. Near to the Saltburn end of the cliffs was a fairly 
large colony of House Martins, which had built all their nests 
near to the top of the cliff, and immediately below the vegetation 
line. A pair and another family of Rock Pipits were noted. 
No waders were seen, although the rock-strewn shore was an 
ideal place for such species as the Purple Sandpiper, Turnstone, 
Oystercatcher, etc., which no doubt would all be in evidence a 
few weeks later. Over the sea a mist prevented observation ; 
but three Cormorants were seen flying south. One or two 
Lesser Black-backed Gulls were noted, and several Black-headed 
Gulls (both mature and immature) were at the Saltburn and 
Skinningrove ends of the shore; but not any in between. A 
discussion took place as to why such noble cliffs should not be 
tenanted by more sea-fowl ? There were plenty of ledges for 
Guillemots, and apparently much more suitable nesting sites 
for Puffins than on the Flamborough cliffs, and apparently 
equally as good fishing grounds in the neighbourhood. The 
difference between the two places was chiefly a geological one, 
and surely birds are not geologists ?* The Huntcliff cliffs are a 
splendid site for a Peregrine Falcon’s eyrie and yet why do 
they not nest there? The only reason the writer could perceive 
was the scarcity of the pigeon tribe. 
In the wooded ravine immediately behind the Skinningrove 
end of the cliffs there was a fair sprinkling of Linnets. We 
noticed a Spotted Flycatcher capture a Magpie Moth after 
several abortive attempts. 
The Monday’s ramble through the Skelton Valley was too 
hurried to do it justice. It is a place that would amply repay 
a visit in spring. The Goldcrest, Dipper and Tree Sparrow 
(near Kirkleighton) were noted. It appeared to the writer 
that the Chaffinch was not quite so common (though not by any 
means rare) in this district, compared with its great abundance 
elsewhere in Yorkshire. -This is also a district where Starlings 
commonly perch upon sheep’s backs. This habit requires 
further and general observation. Even in our county it 
* Why not ? Some birds are said to be quite sensible.—Ed. 
1915 Noy. 1. 
