12 



The Natuealist. 



Bats. — Small bats have been seen on the wing at Blubberhonses, but 



the species not identified. 

 Mole. — Occurs about Blubberhouses. 

 Fox. — Not uncommon. 



Stoat and Weasel. — Have been observed about Dob Park Wood. 

 Otter. — The reservoir keeper has on several occasions seen this 



animal on the river below Lindley reservoir. 

 Water Vole. — Observed in Thackray Beck. 

 Field Vole.— Has been found near Lindley. 



Hare and Babbit. — Common, especially the latter, on the rough 

 bracken-clad slopes about Swinsty. 



BIRDS. 



The avifauna is a varied one, and its special features or character- 

 istics are those of a sub-alpine region, traversed by a trout stream 

 and fringed by moorlands. This is testified by the presence of the 

 dipper, the grey wagtail, and the sandpiper on the river ; and the 

 ring ouzel, the red grouse, the golden plover, and the curlew on 

 the moors. The reservoirs form an additional feature, being 

 attractive to numbers of wild fowl in the winter, and no doubt some 

 species of wading birds also find their margins an attractive half-way 

 house when on their annual spring and autumn migrations. 



Clarke has paid some attention to the ornis of the valley, and 



the result is a list of 85 species, which may be tabulated as follows : — 



Eesidents \ na ^ a- 



... J c^c^ C annual breeding species, 



bummer visitants ... 22 J 



Winter visitants ... 5 



Casual visitants ... 11 

 The species treated as casual visitors are the pied flycatcher, the 

 mealy redpoll, the cormorant, the heron, the wild goose, the Canada 

 goose, the mute swan, the goldeneye, the ringed plover, the terns, 

 and the gulls. 



The absence of rarities from the list is accounted for by the fact 

 that accidental visitors can only be expected to fall under the notice 

 of those living in the district, and as yet Washburndale has not 

 boasted of a resident naturalist. Hence the list is not graced by the 

 presence of anything remarkable, nor can this be wondered at since 

 it is the production of one whose visits, like those of rare birds and 

 the proverbial angels, are few and far between, and chiefly when on 

 angling bent. 



Missel Thrush. — Common in the wooded parts. 



Song Thrush. — Common in summer in the woodlands and in the 

 cultivated portion of the valley ; less common in winter. 



