BIRDS OF LEICESTERSHIRE. 29 



screams. It also bred abundantly, and may do so still, at 

 Morpilers, where James Harley lived. 



Wryneck, Jynx torquilla. — Rare in the northern portion of 

 the county. I have not known the nest to be found. 



Hoopoe, Upupa epops. — A pair occurred at Loughborough 

 at the end of April, 1885, as recorded by me in * The Naturalist,' 

 No. 128. 



Barn Owl, Strix flammea. — I have frequently seen this species 

 when sugaring for moths, and once observed it flying in the 

 daytime near Cotes Abbey. 



Long-eared Owl, Asio otus ; Short-eared Owl, A, brachy- 

 otus. — I always considered the former bird to be the most 

 common, but I have not often met with either species. 



Tawny Owl, Strix aluco. — The commonest of the Owls; 

 the old timber in the parks, and pollard willows of the Soar 

 Valley, affording numerous nesting sites. 



Peregrine, Falco peregrinus. — I have twice seen this species 

 near the Soar mouth, but never in the breeding season. 



Merlin, F. cesalon. — Has been reported to have bred on 

 Pocketgate Rocks ; Jhe eggs were taken, and resembled Merlin's, 

 but of course this is not conclusive evidence. 



Osprey, Pandion haliaetus, — Has recently occurred on the 

 Trent near Donington Park. 



Heron, Ardea cinerea. — Nests sparingly near Long Whatton, 

 and also near Castle Donington. In August, this year, I 

 observed five Herons rise from a drain flowing into the Soar 

 near Loughborough. 



Bittern, Botaurus stellaris. — As this species occurs every 

 winter in the Trent Valley, I have no doubt it is occasionally 

 found near the Soar mouth. I examined a fine specimen caught 

 near Long Eaton, but whether on Leicestershire ground or not 

 I cannot say. 



Canada Goose, Bernicla canadensis. — The Garendon flock 

 has existed for many years, and I have frequently seen them 

 miles away from home. 



Ducks. — Several species of migratory Ducks are to be found 

 passing up the Trent Valley in the autumn, consequently they 

 fly over the northern portion of the county. Amongst those 

 I have seen or known to be shot are odd specimens of Common 

 Sheldrake (Tadorna cornuta), Long-tail (Harelda glacialis), 



