OBSERVATIONS AND QUERIES. 35 



at present prevents my doing so. — Julian G. Tuck (Tostock Rectory, Bury 

 St. Edmunds, Suffolk.) 



Notes from Wigan, Lanes. — I may mention that the Rook, which is 

 common around Wigan, has begun to build to-day (March 7th). This is 

 the second time it has made an attempt this year. It was busy with its 

 nest about January 27th, but the following frost and hard weather put an 

 end to its duties till now. On March 3rd a flock of Gulls flew over towards 

 the sea on the approach of a storm. I have seen stragglers fly over before on 

 different occasions, but as it is 12 or 14 miles inland from the nearest sea, it 

 is not of frequent occurrence. I have never been able to ascertain what 

 species they are, but fancy them to be the Common Gull. The Lapwing is 

 numerous about here, flying in great flocks about the ploughed fields. — J. H. 

 Smith. 



Lancashire Bird Names. — I think it would be of interest if readers of 

 the Ornithologist would send a list of local names given to birds in their 

 respective districts. It would be a great addition to the knowledge of all 

 bird lovers to have a good reliable record of the many different names a bird 

 may have in different parts of the country. I herewith send a list of names 

 given to some of the birds around Wigan. A Blackbird is an Ouzel, while 

 the Song Thrush is called a Throstle. The Blue Tit is a Tom Tit. The Great 

 Tit is a Blackcap. The Whitethroats are Peggies, and the Redbreast is 

 called a Cock Robin. The Chaffinch may be either a Pink or a Spink, which, 

 with the Landrail, seems to have earned its name on account of its call, the 

 latter being called a Bakecake or a Corncrake. The Lapwing is another bird 

 which has got its name in the same way ; it is called a Peeweet or a Tewitt. 

 pronounced " Chewitt." The Common Bunting and the Goldfinch share the 

 name of Scribbler, on account of their eggs being scribbled over in the mark- 

 ings. The Meadow and Tree Pipits are also partners under the name of 

 Titlark or Chittie. The Hedge Accentor is a Dunnock. The House Sparrow 

 is a Spadger. The Starling is a Shepster or Sheppie, and the "Wren is some- 

 times called a Jenny Wren. The Pied Wagtail is a Water Wagtail, but in 

 company with other of its species they are called Waggies. The Mistle 

 Thrush is a Shercock, while the Kestrel goes under the name of Kisstrill. 

 The Rooks and Crows are all bundled together as Crows, and the Jackdaw 

 only escapes the same title on account of its peculiar voice. — J. H. Smith 

 (Mariebonne Place, Wigan.) 



Dartford Warbler Nesting in Yorkshire. — Mr. Charles Milburn, 

 of Middlesborough, having recently intimated to me that the Dartford 

 Warbler bred near that town last year, I wrote him for further particulars, 

 and in reply he writes me as follows : — " I found the nest myself on the 1st 

 of June in a large furze brake. There were three eggs, and I took one. I 



