:20 Yorkshire Naturalists’, Union : Annual Report, 1932. 
their nests in the great' overgrown spruce, trees. I was unable to visit 
Park House Ghyll, near Gisburn, but I gather that they have done badly 
there from Mr. Stanley Crook, in ‘ The North-Western Naturalist ' for 
June, 1932 (p. 125), who reports, ‘ Only about three or four pairs nesting 
at Bolton-by-Bowland, April 17th. Two adult birds found dead at foot 
of nesting trees (shot?). Many Carrion Crows about. ( N.B . — This 
heronry is now mid -way between Gisburn and Bolton -by Bowland — - 
formerly it was in Gisburn Park.) One or more pairs were nesting in 
Grass Woods, but owing to the height and density of the larches, it was 
extremely difficult to locate them (R. Butterfield). The pair in Westy 
Bank Wood, Bolton Abbey, again attempted to nest (at the other end 
of the wood), and with rather more success ; but it is not quite certain 
if the young succeeded in getting away (Rev. C. F. Tomlinson). 
Rooks. — Although still a very common bird, there is good evidence 
to prove that it is a decreasing species in Mid-Wharfedale, and possibly in 
Mid -Airedale also. The substantial rookery in the grounds of Ilkley 
Hall, which had decreased to 59 nests in 1929, had further decreased to 
eight nests in 1931. This year it became extinct. A few pairs of the 
birds returned, and commenced repairing old nests : but left in their 
isolation. In Ben Rhydding village, where we had eight scattered nests 
last year, against 19 in 1930, we had not a single nest in 1932. Near 
the Ilkley Viaduct there was a slight increase, viz. 18 nests against eight 
last year, and 13 or 14 in 1930. Mr. G. Veale, who has for several years 
counted the Rook’s nests between Ilkley and Threshfield and Grassington, 
reports that with one or two exceptions, there is a continued decrease in 
numbers. The chief exception is in the village of Addingham, where 
they have increased. At the Steeton rookeries, Mr. Sam Clough informs 
me that there were 251 nests, a decrease of 24 on the year ; but Mr. 
Clough has not shot any young Rooks for the last two seasons. Before 
that they were regularly shot annually. 
Great -Crested Grebes. — A pair have returned, and successfully 
nested on the water at Coniston Cold, after an absence for three seasons. 
There is good evidence that a pair have nested on Eshton Tarn, for the 
first time to the best of my knowledge. I spent a short time at Fairburn 
this season, but on a casual observation, the Great Crested Grebes, 
although still comparatively numerous, appeared to be still decreasing 
in numbers. 
Other Nesting Notes. — Near to Ben Rhydding a pair of Spotted 
Flycatchers hung about from the beginning to the 17th of September, 
.at first with four, but later with three young ones ; evidently a second 
brood, which is rare with this species. Near to the same spot, and most 
probably belonging to the same pair of birds, on June 4th, there was a 
nest containing four eggs. More nests of Kingfishers have successfully 
got away near Ben Rhydding this season than for several years, and I am 
given to understand it has been the same around Cottingley in Airedale. 
For a few years the Green Woodpecker has frequented the district around 
Buckden and Hubberholme. This year it appears to have increased there, 
and was very noisy. This year this species has successfully nested near 
Hebden Bridge. A young one (badly damaged)- y^as picked up in 
Crimsworth Dean on June 27th, and another one has since been found 
(W. R. Verity). The last of our local Swifts left very early on August 
13th, and in the midst of a heat wave, when winged food appeared to be 
superabundant. The following day (14th) a young Swift fell out of a 
nest. It was fully feathered, but was only about three-quarters adult 
size, and was unable to fly. It was kept until the next day, when, as 
its parents did not return, and there was no possible chance of keeping 
it alive, it was put out of its misery. 
No Shovelers were seen at Coniston Cold this year, but a pair were 
noted at Fairburn on April 30th. The Black -headed Gulls did not appear 
to be nesting at Fly Flats reservoir this summer, probably due to the 
The Naturalist 
