i6 
YORKSHIRE naturalists' UNION. 
Plovers are found over the whole length of the ])romontory, on 
both sides ; being, however, much more numerous on the sea side. 
Sheld Ducks appear to be increasing. Sixteen adult birds 
were seen together on the margin of the warren pond early in 
June. Oyster catchers do not seem to favour the point for nesting 
purposes, but resort to spots further up the Humber. 
The Peregrines at Bempton nested safely once more, but only 
succeeded in rearing one young one. Photographs of this, 
together with some extremely interesting notes by Mr. Wade, 
have appeared in " The Naturalist." 
On a certain warren, five pairs of Stone Curlews nested in 
security, and one pair on some adjoining waste land. 
With regard to the Hen Harriers, the keeper saw the (J bird 
regularly throughout the summer, and in the first week of August 
saw three birds together, which made him think they must have 
nested, although he did not see the nest 
Several successful j^rosecutions have been undertaken at 
the instance of the- Committee. One at Kirkby Stephen, for 
taking young Peregrines ; one at Skipton, for shooting a Buzzard ; 
and one at Otley, for shooting a white Swallow. In each case 
the magistrates expressed their determination to put down the 
senseless slaughter of rare birds. In the case of the Peregrines, 
the defendant had to release the birds in the presence of the 
Police as soon as they were strong enough to fly. 
Another case of shooting a Buzzard at Arncliffe came before 
the Committee, but it was not possible to obtain sufficient evi- 
dence to warrant a prosecution, although, no doubt, the publi- 
city given to the affair in the dale will have good results. This 
Committee is particularly indebted to the Bradford branch of 
the R.S.P.C.A., who sent one of their Inspectors from Bradford 
into the dale to procure evidence for us. 
These cases bring most effectually to the notice of the public 
the fact that there is an active body of naturalists, which is deter- 
mined to do all it can to preserve the avian fauna of the County. 
The police have seconded our efforts in a thoroughly able and 
whole-hearted manner, and are evidently willing to do all they 
can to help us. If any member of the Union can supply accurate 
information of any infringement of the Protection Acts, in case he 
does not wish his name to be brought into prominent notice, it 
is always possible to obtain the aid of the police to deal with the 
<:ase. 
A large number of posters was circulated and posted in 
various parts of the County, drawing the attention of the public 
