432 THE ZOOLOGIST 



Ornithological Notes from the Wilsden District (Yorkshire).— 



Pratincola rubicola. Stonechat. — A male bird was seen near Keighley 

 last Easter. It is somewhat curious that this species should so seldom 

 make its appearance in this district, which seems so very suitable in every 

 respect, and scarcely at any other season except early spring, and excep- 

 tionally rare as a nesting species. 



Sylvia curruca. Lesser Whitethroat. — Although regarded as being 

 generally distributed in Yorkshire, it is a very rare and local visitant to this 

 neighbourhood, only two instances having come to our knowledge— one 

 found by two of my sons in Beckfoot Lane, near Bingley, some years ago ; 

 and, curiously enough, I found a nestling last year (1899) within a few yards 

 of the same place. 



Phylloscopus rufus. Chiffchaff. — Exactly the same remarks apply to 

 this species as the Stonechat. A few years ago a clutch of eggs were 

 brought to me, which had been taken in Bingley Woods, which bore 

 a striking resemblance to this species, and might have been so ; if so, it is 

 the only instance known to me of its breeding here. 



P. trochilus. Willow-Wren. — A gamekeeper was describing a nest 

 to me the other day which he had found built against the trunk of an oak 

 at least two yards from the ground, and in all probability was referable 

 to this species. I have found the nest in two instances built at some 

 distance from the ground. 



Locustella nmvia. Grasshopper-Warbler. — One of my sons heard 

 this bird last May in the Aire Valley, near Bingley. It may breed here 

 more commonly than is supposed, but I have never been so fortunate as to 

 find its nest. 



Lanius exciibitor. Great Grey Shrike. — One was shot in the Goit 

 Stock Valley last autumn, and another killed in the same valley some twenty 

 years ago ; these, with one seen near Shipley by my brother and myself, are 

 the only records. 



Muscicapa atricapilla. Pied Flycatcher. — One (male) observed last 

 May (1900) by one of my sons near Bingley. Occasionally seen on migra- 

 tion, but very rarely breeds. It is, however, local but abundant in the next 

 valley ( Wharfedale). 



Coccothraustes vulgaris. Hawfinch. — Saw two individuals last year 

 (1899) in Bingley Wood. One of my sons and myself, a few weeks ago, 

 found two nests within a short distance of each other in Wharfedale. 

 There is no doubt about its extending its range northwards, as it is much 

 more common than even a few years ago. 



Carduelis elegans. Goldfinch. — Seen by one of my sons near Bingley 

 last winter. Rather an irregular winter visitant with us. It is said to 

 have nested here formerly, but does not now. 



