On Birds in North Northumberland, by T. H. Gibb. 139 



The Common Sandpiper (Tringa hypoleucos) is widely dispersed 

 throughout Northumberland ; almost every stream being peopled 

 by them from well nigh its source to its confluence with the ocean. 

 I have observed how careful the old birds are of their nest; 

 and how persistently they will endeavour to lure you away from 

 its proximity ; exemplifying therein as much forethought and 

 intuitive wisdom, as is shewn by the Partridge or Lapwing, 

 birds pre-eminently clever in this trait. 



The Tree Sparrow (Fringilla montana) is but seldom met with, 

 and I cannot say whether it breeds in Northumberland or not ; 

 for no specimen has come under my notice, except during the 

 winter months. As might be supposed it appears not to court 

 the company of F. domestica ; usually preferring the companion- 

 ship of the finches. One was killed a few days ago near Eshot 

 Brocks, by Mr Longstaffe, out of a large flock of Mountain 

 Finches and Green Linnets. 



Honey Buzzard (Falco apivorus). — During the spring of 1876, 

 one of these comparatively rare birds was shot near Felton. 

 When first seen it was hovering over a dying lamb, but not pro- 

 bably with any intention of preying upon it ; as it appeared 

 simply to be attracted by the sick animal's bleating wail. Some 

 observers think the Honey Buzzard the commoner bird amongst 

 its congeners ; but, whatever it may be in other parts of our 

 land, in Northumberland it is certainly not so, for here it may 

 be described as one of our rarer falcons. 



Eotjgh-legged Buzzard (Falco lagopus).—Al&vge number of 

 these birds arrived here during the autumn of 1876 ; many of 

 which remained with us for a lengthened period. One haunted 

 the river Aln for several weeks, and afforded me many opportu- 

 nities of observation. On one occasion I obtained a splendid view 

 of this bird. It sprang rather warily from the ground as I ap- 

 proached, and flew at once to a tall hedge n6t far off, from which 

 vantage ground it eyed me keenly. Not satisfied with its safety, 

 it again took wing, and rising in graceful spiral curves in the 

 air till it attained no mean elevation, and then stretching away 

 westward it settled on an ash tree. Though lacking the dash 

 and boldness of many of the Eaptores, this Buzzard is very 

 majestic in its flight; and when soaring aloft during its 

 hunting expeditions, few objects in bird life are more beautiful. 

 Several specimens have been captured ; one near to Felton by 



