362 



BACKHOUSE : AVI-FAUNA OF UPPER TEESDALE. 



91. Columba palumbus. Ringdove. 



Exceedingly common in the fir woods, where they regularly 

 breed. 



92. Columba oeuas. Stock Dove. 



A few breed annually in some high scars immediately above 

 Middleton, and odd specimens occur from time to time up the 

 valley. 



93. Phasianus colchicus. Pheasant. 



Occasionally to be seen in High Force Plantation. 



94. Perdix cinerea. Partridge. 



A few pairs may be met with now and again on the moors, 

 and they sometimes breed at Forcegarth Scar, and in Langdon. 



95. Lagopns scoticus. Red Grouse. 



For many years past the Teesdale moors have held a high 

 place in the list of Grouse preserves, and the birds reared upon 

 them are usually numerous and fine. 



A couple of years ago sad havoc was made among the birds 

 by disease, but they are now becoming very numerous again, 

 and much damage may be done by over-stocking, through the 

 destruction of vermin, &c., unless great care be taken. 



One species should never be forced into preponderance too 

 much, or else a true balance, such as nature alone can give, can 

 never be maintained. 



96. Tetrao tetrix. Black Grouse. 



There are three or four plantations specially devoted to the 

 rearing of these noble birds, and I believe that their numbers 

 are increasing steadily. 



97. Rallus aquations. Water Rail. 



A casual visitant of uncommon occurrence. Sometimes seen 

 in the marshes of Cronkley Bridge. 



98. Crex pratensis. Corncrake. 



An abundant species during the summer months ; breeding to 

 an elevation of about 1,000 feet. 



99. Gallinula chloropus. Moorhen. 



By no means common in the valley. One was shot ten or 

 twelve years ago near Cronkley Bridge. 



100. Fulica atra. Coot. 



Has once been shot near to Newbiggin. 



10 1. Charadrius pluvialis. Golden Plover. 



One of the commonest, and to my mind one of the most 

 delightful sounds which greet the naturalist's ear upon the 

 desolate moors, is the melancholy cry of the Golden Plover. 



Naturalist, 



