141 
ORNITHOLOGICAL NOTES, FROM REDCAR 
for i TE9T+p2. 
THOMAS H. . NELSON, M.B.0O.U., 
Redcar. 
Marcu 1891.—As is usually the case as soon as the close-season 
commences, Golden Plover (Charadrius pluvialis) assembled on the 
low lands near the coast ; a N.E. gale and snowstorm on the 8th 
March brought down these birds in large flocks, as also numbers of 
Wood Pigeons (Columba palumbus). The snowfall continued until 
the 11th, and small birds were hard pressed for food, but by the 
13th the fields were clear once more. On the 2oth the first 
Wheatears (Saxicola enanthe) and Whinchats (Pratincola rubetra) 
made their appearance. Pied Wagtails (Aotacilla lugubris) were 
also noted. 
n the rst April a Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps griseigena) 
and three Red-throated Divers (Colymbus septentrionalis), in full 
plumage, were seen near East Scar. Early in this month Cormorants 
(Phalacrocorax carbo), which leave this district in winter, were 
observed flying backwards and forwards from the cliffs S. of 
Huntcliffe to the mouth of the Tees, the white patch on their thighs 
being distinctly visible. 8th.—Strong E. gale and rain. Several 
Woodcocks (Scolopax rusticola) were on the sand-hills, probably 
awaiting a favourable opportunity for crossing the sea on their 
return to the breeding-grounds in the North of Europe. During 
the easterly gales, which continued up to the 13th, there was 
Considerable mortality amongst Puffins (/vatercula arctica) and 
Guillemots (Zomvia troile), many of each species being washed up 
on the beach, the former all being in winter dress, whilst the latter 
had assumed the brown head and neck indicative of the breeding- 
plumage. 22nd.—A solitary Shore Lark (Osocorys sernaideae was 
27th.—Swallows (Hirundo rustica), House Martins (Chelidon 
urbica), and Sand Martins (Coti/e riparia) arrived in considerable 
numbers. Ring Ouzels (Zurdus torguatus) were noticed on 
the Cleveland moors. On the 30th a Landrail (Crex pratensis) 
was picked up in a field near Guisbrough. On the 28th 
I found several newly-formed Ring Dotterel (Zgialitis hiaticula)’s 
nests, and on the 3rd May one of these contained the full comple- 
ment of four eggs. I observed the first Redshank (Zofanus calidris)’s - 
nest, with four eggs, on the r1th. Sedge Warblers (Acrocephalus 
Phragmitis) were heard and seen on the 5th, and, on the same date, 
several Terns, probably Serna macrura, were passing at sea to the 
May 1802, 
