Clarke and Eoebuck : Vertebrate Fauna of Yorkshire. 169 



152^ Asio accipitrinus (Pall). Short-eared Owl. 



A specimen, shot at Spurn, by Clarke, in October, 1879, is in the 

 Arctic form of plumage, described by Seebohm (British Birds, i. 

 72). 



Falco Bparverius L American Kestrel. 



In the Zoologist for 1883, p. 126, Mr. James Backhouse, Jun., 

 records the occurrence of this species near Helmsley, in May, 1882. 

 We have very carefully investigated the evidence adduced, and 

 regret that we are unable to accept the bird as a member of the 

 Yorkshire fauna, as there are certain features in the case which are 

 in our opinion fatal to its claim for admission. 



186. Pandion Jialiaetiis (L.l. Osprey. 



During the autumns of 1882 and 1883 this species appears to have 

 been much more frequently observed than it has of late years, when, 

 indeed, it was comparatively almost unknown. 



187. Phalacroco7'ax carbo (Ij.). Cormorant. 



This bird ceased to breed at Huntcliffe (not ^n^cliffe, as stated in 

 the Handbook), near Saltburn, some years ago, but now breeds in 

 the cliffs near and at Kettleness (T. H. Nelson, MS.). 



190. Ardea cinerea L. Heron. 



Mr. H. B. Hewetson informs us that there is a Heronry at Nostell 

 Priory, the seat of Mr. Kowland Winn, M.P. ; and Mr. Backhouse, 

 Jun., of one, numbering about fifty nests, at Moreby Park, near 

 York. 



193. Ardea gar zdta Ij. Little Egret. 



Additional occurrence : Aike [incorrectly spelt Ake] Carr, near 

 Beverley, one obtained about 18-10 (Ruskin, The Eagle's Nest, 

 p. 170). 



196. Ardetta mimta (L.X Little Bittern. 



Additional occurrence : Goole, a young male obtained, September 

 23rd, 1881, now in the possession of W. E. Clarke (Bunker, Nat., 

 1881, p. 66.) 



199. Botam'us lentiginosus {yioni.). American Bittern. 



Additional occurrence : Harsley Castle, Welbury, near Northaller- 

 ton, one shot by the Hon. W. Dawnay, October 27th, 1882, which 

 was examined by Mr. J. Harrison, of Wilstrop. 



206. Anser segetum (Gm.). Bean Goose. 



Mr. Boyes is of opinion that the immense flocks noted as formerly 

 visiting the Wolds, were not of this species, but were composed of 



