BACKHOUSE : AVI-FAUNA OF UPPER TEESDALE. 



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destruction ; and while such numbers of Meadow Pipits remain 

 in Teesdale as there are at present, I cannot think that any 

 serious loss would be noticed through allowing them to live and 

 bring up their young in peace. 



79. Tinnunculns alaudarius. Kestrel. 



This is another species which I feel compelled to plead for. 

 Surely it has been strangely overlooked, that the chief food of 

 this species is not Grouse, but mice ! 



Both Kestrels and Owls eat hundreds of these little pests, and 

 in that way do far more good than the harm of enjoying a Grouse 

 now and again. 



The Kestrel breeds not unfrequently on the crags round the 

 upper reaches of the Tees. 



80. Ardea cinerea. Heron. 



Occurs every now and then on out-of-the-way streams, but is 

 nowhere common. 

 8r. Anser brachyrhynchus. Pink-footed Goose. 

 Seen occasionally on migration. 



82. Cygnus olor. Mute Swan. 



One shot near Middleton years ago (Wearmouth). 



83. Anas boscas. Mallard. 



Frequent on the various waters — California Dam, Cronkley 

 Tarn, &c., in autumn and winter. 



84. Spatnla clypeata. Shoveller. 



Has been found on the 'Wheal' in winter. 



85. Querquedula crecca. Teal. 



May be seen on Cronkley Tarn, California Dam, the Wheal, 

 &c., from time to time. 



86. (Edemia fnsca. Velvet Scoter. 



A drake of this species was killed more than forty years ago 

 in the Tees, near to Cotherstone, and was afterwards examined 

 by INIr. J. H. Gurney, of Norwich, to whom I am indebted for 

 the information. 



87. Mareca penelope. Widgeon. 



Of frequent occurrence on the high tarns. 



88. Clangula glaucion. Goldeneye. 



Has been observed on Coldberry Dam in winter. 



89. Harelda glacialis. Long-tailed Duck. 



A bird — presumably of this species — -was seen on the Tees, 

 between Newbiggin and Middleton, two or three years ago by 

 my friend Mr. Wearmouth. 



90. Mergus merg-anser. Goosander. 



I have seen a specimen shot on the Wheal in winter time. 



Nov. 1885. R 



