79 



NOTES ON AND ADDITIONS TO 

 THE AVI-FAUNA OF UPPER TEESDALE. 



J. BACKHOUSE, Jux., F.Z.S., M.B.O.U. 



Since writing the article on this subject, which appeared in The 

 Naturalist oi October and November 1885, a few more species have 

 been added to the list, and other strangers have also been reported 

 but unfortunately not identified. 



Last summer the writer spent a considerable amount of time in 

 the Tees Valley, but, though constantly on the look-out for birds, 

 comparatively little of interest was noted. The following diary extracts 

 may, however, be of value, so are given for what they are worth. 



June 4th. — Dipper's nest, with two perfectly fresh eggs, found at 

 Cauldron Snout — the nest placed v/ithin reach of any heavy flood, 

 such as are so frequently caused by severe thunderstorms. 



June 6th. — Heard a Dipper singing beautifully as it flew past me; 

 a pretty warbling kind of song. 



June 24th. — A Peregrine Falcon seen by my father flying over 

 from Yorkshire ofl" Mickle Fell. 



June 27th. — Whinchat heard producing a most peculiar note, just 

 like the scream of a young hawk, though, of course, not so loud. 

 When at length caught sight of, the bird was seated on the topmost 

 ■spray of a small hazel-bush, and could be seen calling. It was 

 •evidently a note of alarm, but one quite new to me. Every now and 

 then it made ordinary remarks, and then the call would be repeated. 

 Nor was this the first time this call had been heard, for on two or 

 three previous occasions, whilst passing by the same place, similar 

 cries were noted, but were supposed to be those of a Sparrow Hawk 

 .at a distance. 



June 29th. — Examined a Gannet which had strayed on to Cross 

 Fell during the spring migration. 



The stuffer also reported a Green Sandpiper killed by the ' Wheal ' 

 in August or September 1884, by Mr. Charlesworth, of Wakefield. 

 As this occurrence was likewise reported by another reliable person, 

 there can be little doubt as to its authenticity. 



July 6th. — Was shown by Mr. Wearmouth an adult Pochard, 

 which had been captured by his uncle in 1868, at California Dam. 



Besides the three last-named birds, which are ail new to the 

 Teesdale list, I have examined (through the kindness of Mr. Wear- 

 mouth) a Common Scoter and a Great (Jrey Shrike, the property 



March 1888. 



