Fortune : Birds requiring Protection in Yorkshire. 85 



years. Of course, I do not advocate the protection of the birds 

 so far as the Ducks, Plovers, &c., are concerned, as the county 

 is visited by such enormous numbers of migrants in the autumn 

 and winter months. 



Kittiwake. — I am inclined to think the numbers of this bird 

 are slig-htly increasing-. Nevertheless, as we have only one 

 breeding-place in the county, protection afforded to both birds 

 and eggs for a number of years could only do good by increas- 

 ing the numbers of the most beautiful of the gull tribe 



Black-headed Gull. — These birds are endeavouring to found 

 colonies in several places in the county, and would do so were 

 their eggs not so persistently taken. The eggs should be pro- 

 tected, as the birds are harmless to both agriculturists and 

 game preservers — indeed, to the former they are good friends. 



These are a few species requiring, in my opinion, special 

 protection. Of course, there are many more needing it, but 

 not to such a great extent as these. Owls, Woodpeckers, 

 Kestrels, &c., might be mentioned, but, as a rule, these nest 

 on large and well-preserved estates ; and thus, more or less, 

 effective protection is afforded them, and more especially so, as 

 the owners are beginning to recognise the good qualities of the 

 Kestrel and the Owls. 



Other birds should receive protection from the gunner. I 

 will only refer to some. The Golden and White-tailed Eagles, 

 the Osprey, Harriers, Bitterns, &c. Of course, some will say, 

 Why protect these ; they are not likely to nest in our county? 

 I admit this, but in the case of the Eagles they are chiefly 

 young birds, and would, if not molested, probably find their 

 way back to their old haunts to occupy some of the ancient 

 deserted eyries, and thus help to keep these noble and interest- 

 ing birds as inhabitants in our islands. 



The same of course applies to the Osprey. I think I am 

 right in saying that Ospreys have practically ceased to nest in 

 Scotland, which is a great pity. They ought to receive pro- 

 tection throughout the whole of Britain. Parliament should 

 pass a law scheduling certain species for absolute protection in 

 the kingdom. 



To Harriers and Bitterns the same remarks will not hold good, 

 as there are many suitable places in the county for both species 

 to nest, and from the number reported every year as shot, it is 

 pretty certain that were this persecution withdrawn we should 

 soon be able to number them among our breeding species. 

 Many others could be mentioned, if space permitted. 



1906 March i. 



