OBSERVATIONS ON BIRDS IN MID-WALES. 249 



and Phil. Soc, vol. xxxiii. 1878-9, p. lxxii). Another was stranded 

 at West Kirby on Feb. 17th, 1893, and is preserved in the Brown 

 Museum, Liverpool. We are informed by the Rev. G. H. Staite, 

 of West Kirby (in lit.), that this example " was stranded with 

 another much larger one, which had been so mutilated, evidently 

 by some mischievous person, as to be useless. The weather had 

 been stormy. The Dolphin was taken, as the tide was receding 

 fast, off the south of West Kirby village. It was quite vigorous, 

 and lived till next day." 



OBSERVATIONS ON BIRDS IN MID-WALES. 



By J. H. Salter. 



(Concluded from p. 224.) 



FuLICARLE. 



Water Rail, Rallies aquaticus. Doubtless a common resi- 

 dent, though only noticed during the shooting-season, when many 

 are obtained. 



Spotted Crake, Porzana maruetta. Probably breeds spar- 

 ingly, as a few are always shot in September and October. Mr. 

 F. W. Fielden has met with five examples. There are three in 

 the possession of Capt. G. W. Cosens, and one at Gogerddan. 



Corncrake, Crex pratensis. Fairly numerous. An injured 

 bird has been known to stay the winter. 1892, May 1st; 1893, 

 April 21st; 1894, April 21st. 



Moorhen, Gallinula chloropus. Not numerous, as suitable 

 ponds and streams are scarce. 



Coot, Fulica atra. Scarcely known as a resident, as lakes 

 with suitable covert are wanting. Occurs in winter on the 

 Dovey, and in flocks on the sea. 



Gavle. 



Black Tern, Hydrochelidon nigra. An example obtained by 

 Mr* Hutchings in spring, one of two which frequented a sheltered 

 inlet in front of the College. 



Common Tern, Sterna fluviatilis. A passing migrant, seen 

 chiefly in May. Its appearance at the lakes in the hills is 

 regarded as a sign of bad weather. Breeds on the coast of 

 Anglesey, but apparently not on the shores of Cardigan Bay. 



