3 2 S 



NOTES ON 



THE BIRDS OF CENTRAL RYEDALE, 



NORTH-EAST YORKSHIRE. 



CHRISTOPHER \V. SMITH, 

 Harome, near Helmsley. 



Ryedale extends from the north-west to the south-east, a distance 

 of 24 or 26 miles; and from the north-east to the south-west, about 

 18 or 20 miles. As a whole it is a highly picturesque district of 

 moorland hills and deep vales, watered by the river Rye and its 

 tributaries, the Dove, Riccal, Hodge, and several smaller streams. 

 That portion of it to which I have applied the name of ' Central 

 Ryedale ' is the district immediately surrounding the village of 

 Harome, which is situated in a position nearly equi-distant from the 

 north-western and the south-eastern extremities of the vale. Central 

 Ryedale is a purely agricultural district, the fields and hedge-rows of 

 which are well studded with trees, and interspersed with beautiful 

 woods and plantations. It is bounded on the north, west, and 

 south by heather-covered hills ; while through its centre flows the 

 river Rye, which is a favourite haunt of several species of water- 

 loving birds. In the following paper I have endeavoured, as briefly 

 and plainly as possible, to give an account of those species of birds 

 which have been observed in the so-called ' Central Ryedale.' As a 

 rule I have confined my notes to the birds which have come under 

 my otvn observation. Those of which I have received information 

 from others are indicated by the prefix of an asterisk. 



Turdus viscivorus L. Missel Thrush. (Local name, Golden 

 Thrush). This species is resident ; fairly numerous ; and breeds 

 regularly in the district. 



Turdus musicus L. Song Thrush. (Local name, Throstle). 

 Resident ; fairly numerous ; breeds regularly ; increasing in 

 numbers. 



Turdus iliac us L. Redwing. A regular winter visitor, some- 

 times in considerable numbers. 



Turdus pilaris L. Fieldfare. (Local name, Felfer). A regular 

 winter visitant, generally in large numbers. 



Turdus merula L. Blackbird. Resident ; numerous ; and 

 breeds regularly. 



Turdus torquatus L. Ring Ouzel. A regular summer 

 visitor to the moorlands from six to twelve miles distant from 

 here. 



Nov. 1889. 



