i02 CLARKE AND NELSO'N : THE BIRDS OF YORKSHlkfe. 



The Nightingale has, however, occurred and bred more than 

 once in the neighbourhood of Thirsk, the most northern Hmit 

 of its range, save one, or perhaps two, exceptional instances to 

 which allusion will be duly made. 



Regarding its occurrence at Baldersby Park, the writer has 

 been kindly informed by the Hon. Francis H. Dawnay that in the 

 summer of 1868 a Nightingale was constantly heard to smg 

 and attracted a large number of people in the evenings, some 

 driving many miles to hear it. It always sang in the same part 

 of the woods, and it is thought it had a nest near. But this 

 gentleman says this is not the first time he has heard of its 

 appearance here. In May and June 1881 one frequented a 

 wood near Bagby, about three miles from Thirsk, as I was 

 mformed at the time by Mr. Robert Lee. 



Finally, Sir Ralph Payne Gallway, Bart., tells me that a 

 Nightingale frequented the home wood at Thirkleby Park about 

 twelve years ago [1874]. He heard it himself, and the fact is 

 particularly impressed upon his memory, for the people from 

 Thirsk, three-and-a-half miles distant, used to make excursions 

 to hear the bird. — W.E.C. 



An instance of the Nightingale's nesting at Normanby in 

 Cleveland, some seven miles W. of Redcar, in a locality much 

 further north (indeed in almost the extreme N.E. corner of the 

 county) than any recorded at the period referred to by Mr. 

 Eagle Clarke, has been known to me for some time; I am' 

 indebted to the Avell-known veteran Yorkshire sportsman, Mr. 

 Thomas Parrington, for a circumstantial account of the occur- 

 rence, which is so interesting that no apology is needed 

 for quoting it in extenso. The letter is dated February 

 1 8th, 1 90 1, and runs as follows: — 'I will tell you all I know, 

 about the visit of the Nightingale to Normanby. The year I 

 cannot remember, it would be in the early 'forties'; the two 

 birds came and settled in the garden at Normanby House, the 



Trans. V. N. U. , IS'JS (pul). 1901). Series B 



