376 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



As I have my doubts as to this, I have made but a passing 

 mention of it. 



Common Buzzard {Buteo vulgaris). — A rare visitant. Two 

 birds were observed by several people in Holywell Dene early in 

 May, 1904, and one of them was shot. A male of the dark form 

 was shot in Holywell Dene in December, 1907, by Mr. Eichard- 

 son. It is now in my possession. 



Rough-legged Buzzard {B. lagopus). — This species has only 

 once occurred within the district. A very fine specimen (imma- 

 ture male) was shot on Nov. 15th, 1910, by R. Dixon, of Seaton 

 Delaval. He had observed it for a fortnight flying about among 

 the trees near Delaval Hall. Several local gunners were, of 

 course, out after it. He could always tell where it was by the 

 commotion caused among the Books. When shot it was flying 

 from a large beech-tree, among others, forming a small copse 

 near the Hall. It is a very fine darkly-marked bird (' British 

 Birds,' December, 1910). 



White-tailed Eagle {Haliaetus albicilla). — A very rare 

 winter visitant ; the first example procured here was shot about 

 1874 by a Mr. John Armstrong off the rocks near the point to 

 the north of Cullercoats Bay. This specimen was only " winged," 

 and was kept in confinement at the ' Huddleston Arms Hotel ' 

 at Cullercoats for some weeks. A second example was shot in 

 Holywell Dene on Nov. 25th, 1903. The latter was at first 

 thought to be a Golden Eagle, as is often the case, and was 

 inserted in the local papers as such, but when sent to be stuffed 

 it was identified as a Sea-Eagle. Mr. Siddle, of Holywell, who 

 shot it, tells me that on the first occasion that he had ever 

 handled a gun he walked into the Dene, and was told that there 

 was an Eagle there. Going on, he came upon two men, and saw 

 them creeping up to a gate on which sat the bird itself. At 

 about thirty yards' range steady aim was taken by one — 

 "bang!" The Eagle launched itself into the air. Another 

 report, then two more in quick succession, and still the bird 

 flew on ! It flew some distance towards Mr. Siddle, and settled 

 in a tree close by him. He fired, and it fell to earth with a 

 dull thud. It was set up by E. Duncan, who informs me that 

 it had numbers of shot in it, which had evidently been in several 

 days, and had caused festering wounds. It was a very large 



