142 SCIENTIFIC SURVEY OF BLACKPOOL AND DISTRICT 



The hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes coccothraustes) is well 

 distributed as a breeding species, and the lesser redpoll (Carduekis linaria 

 cabaret) nests freely in most parts of the district, as does the golden crested 

 wren (Regulus regulus anglorum). The willow titmouse (Partis atricapillus 

 kleinschmidti) has not as yet been noted as a breeding species. The woodcock 

 (Scolopax rusticola) nests in all suitable spots, and the black grouse (Lyrurus 

 tetric tetrix) in one area. Whinchats (Saxicola rubretra rubetra) are well 

 distributed, but the stonechat (Saxicola torquata hibernans) is extremely 

 scarce. 



The tree pipit (Anthus trivialis trivialis) is plentiful in most areas, but is 

 rarely seen above the 500 foot level, where it is replaced by the meadow pipit 

 (Anthus pratensis), and the two birds rarely overlap as breeding species. 



Lapwings (Vanellus vanellus), curlews (Numenius arquata arquata) and 

 redshanks (Tringa tot anus) all nest freely in suitable localities. Teal (Anas 

 crecca crecca) are very local, and tufted duck (Nyroca fuligula), though local, 

 are extending their range as breeders. The shoveller (Spatula clypeata) has 

 not yet been known to nest in the Lake District. 



Many colonies of black-headed gulls (Larus ridibundus) exist throughout 

 the Lake District. The dunlin (Erolia alpina alpina) is unknown to the 

 district as a nester. 



Moor-hen (Gallinula chloropus chloropus) and dabchicks (Colymbus 

 ruficollis rujicollis) present a peculiar distribution. In winter they are seen on 

 nearly every lake and tarn, but in spring they desert the open waters in favour 

 of small ponds and ditches. Most of the lakes and tarns are subject to great 

 variations of level owing to frequent heavy rains, and therefore are unsuitable 

 as nesting places. Coots (Fulica atra atra), though common in winter, are 

 very scarce as breeders, and the great crested grebe (Colymbus cristatus 

 cristatus) has only nested once or twice in the Lake District. 



The common buzzard (Buteo buteo buteo), despite much persecution, still 

 holds its own as a breeding species throughout the area. 



Herons (Ardea cinerea) nest freely throughout the district, but since several 

 colonies have been evicted, they are tending to become solitary nesters. Grey 

 wagtail (Motacilla boarula boarula) and dipper (Cinclus cinclus britannicus) 

 are found near every lake, tarn and beck, and nearly every bridge in the district 

 is used as a nesting site. 



Kingfisher (Alcedo ispida ispida), though still very local, are becoming more 

 frequent every year, despite the fact that their brilliant hue renders them very 

 conspicuous to marauding sparrow hawks. 



Skylarks (Alauda arvensis arvensis) are rarely seen in dales where high hills 

 hide the horizon, but wherever the bird can glimpse the far distance it is 

 present. 



Magpies (Pica pica pica), though very common in the south of the Lake 

 District, are very scarce north of Kirkstone Pass : usually about four pairs 

 nest annually. Jays (Garrulus glandarius rufitergum) are also common south 

 of Kirkstone Pass, but almost unknown north of it. 



