214 Notes of Yorkshire Birds. 
This place is situated ab-)v.t four miles from Harrogate, 
and the dates L;iven are those upon which we noticed their 
arrival in this particular area, where they breed annually. 
We notice that the Warblers do not come in until the 
warm weather is fairly assured. The Crrey Wagtails are 
beautiful birds and not common, but a pair breed annually on the 
banks of the stream. 
There has Ijeen a voluminous correspondence in the 
]'urksliirc Post as to whether Missel Thrushes do or do not 
sing; so that the knowledge of bird life here is not all it should 
be.^ 
Apparently there is a shortage of Swallows this season, 
judging by reports; here we have had our full number of pairs 
and I counted on the house forty birds at one time on various 
occasions over the past three weeks. 
The Kingfisher is a native, and can always be found 
" fishing " on the bright sunny days in winter. We had one 
nest containing six eggs, which were duly hatched out, and the 
young ones safely reared and away, which, in face of their 
numerous enemies, is very pleasing". 
Considering the nearness to large towns there is an extra- 
ordinary variety in the wild bird life here. The Barn and 
Eared Owls are fairly common and spend much time in the 
garden which is well-wooded, and I have seen one in broad 
d.-'ylight hunting the pigeons flying overheard. Sparrow hawks 
are common, and Magpies a perfect pest. Woodcock, Snipe 
and Curlew are frequently seen. Wild Duck breed on the banks 
o^^ the stream, as do Water-hens and Ring Ouzels. Yesterday 
a flock of thirty-six wild geese came over the house, flying very 
lew. There are a number of Herons about regularly, and they 
are apparently considerably increasing in numbers. 
In regard to the Woodpeckers it should be mentioned 
that though common in the Midlands they are rarely seen here, 
and the appearance of the Rosy Pastor in the Holderness District 
is quite exceptional. It is good to notice more general interest 
is being taken in bird life, and that regular notes are now printed 
by the leading newspapers in the North; this, combined with the 
fact that the rare birds are holding their own in numbers and 
perhaps increasing, makes the study the more satisfactory. 
