146 THE ZOOLOGIST. 
keeper had seen him flighting towards the Solway in cones 
with two of his companions. 
Several species of birds ‘appear to be on the increase in the 
area covered by our notes. The Hawfinch has bred in Westmor- 
land for several years past, and is steadily extending its range 
northwards. It has been observed at several different places in 
Cumberland during the past summer, and will probably soon 
become a well-known bird to the kitchen gardener, amongst 
whose pea-crop it plays havoc with its strong stout beak. 
The Greater Spotted Woodpecker is becoming decidedly more 
numerous, a fact which should give dissatisfaction to no one, as 
the species feeds largely on insects and larve which are harmful 
to forest-trees. The Black Grouse appears to be on the increase 
in Westmorland, perhaps also in Cumberland, as also are the 
Lapwing,* Common Wild Duck, and several other less note- 
worthy species. On the other hand, one or two of our resident 
birds are alas! yearly becoming scarcer. In spite of its great 
adaptability, the Common Buzzard will soon become, like the 
Hen-Harrier and the Kite, a memory of the past. Where the 
Raven and Peregrine Falcon hold their own, the Buzzard, 
perhaps owing to her nest being more accessible, is becoming 
yearly less numerous.” [Macpherson, in his ‘ Fauna,’ mentions 
a nest of the Buzzard in Westmorland on a certain low face of 
rock, ‘‘ which is so easy of access that even a child could reach 
it without incurring any risks, and yet the Buzzard has nested 
there on two occasions within the last decade.”’ Itis to be much 
regretted that these noble birds are not allowed to nest and rear 
their young in peace, and add further beauty to their sur- 
roundings. | 
‘‘The Starling is a model of adaptability and perseverance 
among the birds. Sixty years ago he was scarcely known amongst 
us; now he is everywhere, and, not satisfied with a normal 
nesting-time, actually makes a nest and hatches a brood of 
young in December. 
An extremely early nest of the Dipper, locally known as the 
Water-Ouzel or Bessie Dooker [I have heard also Peggie White- 
throat] was recorded from Holme Head, the young birds being 
* Their eggs are protected from April 15th to July 1st by a Cumberland 
County Council bye-law. 
