MIGRATION IN THE NORTHERN SHIRES.
We propose to bring the present volume to a close by a brief review
of the more salient features of avine migration in the northern
shires, especially as it is presented on the coasts of Lincolnshire
and Yorkshire, and in some of the river-valleys in the south of the
latter county. It is perhaps in the migration of birds that comparisons
become most pronounced between the avine characteristics of the
northern and south-western counties of England. In the latter area, as
we have already pointed out, not only in our volume dealing with the
season-flight of British birds, but in another devoted to bird-life in
a southern county, migration is almost as remarkable for what it omits
as for what it includes; the south-west peninsula of England being
singularly poor in migrational phenomena. In the northern shires, on
the other hand, the story of migration is unfolded every season in all
its wondrous grandeur, and along our eastern sea-board, especially
in autumn, birds in uncounted hosts pass to and fro in a way more
impressive than any words can tell. Another thing, there is infinitely
more local movement amongst birds in the northern shires than in the
southern and south-western counties. The former area is subject to
much greater climatic vicissitudes, to sudden falls of temperature,
and heavy snow-storms, disturbances that have a marked effect upon
birds, and cause them to wander to an extent seldom remarked in the
south-west, where conditions are much more equable and the temperature
uniformly higher. For instance, we believe the isotherm of January in
Yorkshire and Lincolnshire is about 37°, whilst in the south-west of
England it is as high as 43°. In one way the southern counties possess
perhaps an exceptional migrational interest, from the fact that they
are the first point of arrival as they are the last of departure of
birds moving north or south into or from the British area. But many
of the northern shires are exceptionally fortunate, for on their
coast-line breaks that mighty tide of east-to-west migration in autumn,
as also that from the north and north-east at that season, together
with the departures in the reverse direction in spring--movements
which are but faintly or never indicated at all in the south-west of
England. In that remote district the tide of migration from the north
and north-east is comparatively weak and exhausted by the time it is
reached.
In spring, migration in the northern shires is to some extent, and in
certain directions, perceptibly less marked than it is in many of the
southern counties, especially as regards our normal summer migrants. It
is, on the other hand, more emphasized in connection with the spring
departure of birds that breed in northerly or easterly localities
beyond the British area, and also perhaps in so far as it relates to
the coasting migration of certain species. Here in the northern shires,
as elsewhere, the first indication of migratory movement among the
birds is the departure of some of the species that have been spending
the winter in them. But so far as South Yorkshire is concerned, perhaps
we ought to say that migration is absolutely initiated by the return of
the Song Thrush at the end of January or early in February, and of many
Blackbirds at the beginning of the latter month--individuals breeding
in this district, but leaving it in November. The movement may be small
and comparatively unimportant, nevertheless it is to be remarked by the
careful observer of birds. There is also some slight movement north or
north-east of the Redwing and the Fieldfare; whilst Song Thrushes and
Blackbirds that have been wintering in the southern portions of our
islands begin to migrate towards continental and perhaps North British
haunts. The same remarks also apply to the Robin, the Greenfinch, the
Linnet, the Chaffinch, the Tree Sparrow,[3] the Snow Bunting, the
Sky-lark, and the Shore Lark especially. Starlings, Jackdaws, and
Rooks also initiate a migrational movement during February; and there
is also some evidence to show that Sparrow-hawks, Bitterns, Geese,
Swans, many Ducks, Ring Doves, Golden Plovers, Lapwings, Woodcocks and
Snipes, Redshanks, Curlews, Little Auks, the three British species
of Divers, and the Red-necked and Sclavonian Grebes are at least in
movement of a definite character. This applies not only to an actual
departure from our shores, but to a coasting movement across them from
winter stations still farther south. With the exception, perhaps, of
the Shore Lark and the two species of Swans, the migration can only
be regarded as slight, and becomes in the majority of cases much more
emphasized in the following month, more especially as concerns the Song
Thrush, the Greenfinch, the Linnet, the Chaffinch, the Sky-lark, the
Starling, and the Jackdaw among Passerine birds; and the Bernacle and
Brent Geese, the Mallard and other Ducks, the Snipes and the Divers
among others. It will be remarked that the earliest birds to leave are
those that breed in continental areas due east of the British area; the
next species to go are such as have their breeding-places in a general
north-easterly or north-westerly direction. It should also be stated
that many species--especially among the Ducks and Waders--are still
found on passage in the northern shires, long after they have finally
deserted our southern coasts for the season. Thus the Scoters mostly
leave Devonshire during March and April, but they are still passing
the coasts of Yorkshire in May; the Jack Snipe, the Dunlin, and the
Sanderling leave in March; in the northern shires they are still on
passage in April and May.
With the advent of March a further exodus of our winter visitors takes
place, and many of these birds continue to leave throughout this
and the following month. March initiates a migration north of the
Stonechat, the Hedge Accentor, the Goldcrest, the Titmice, the Pied
Wagtail, and the Wren, the Goldfinch and the Brambling, the Yellow,
Common, and Reed Buntings, the Carrion and Hooded Crows, the Jay, and
the Short-eared Owl, the White-fronted, Bean, and Pink-footed Geese,
the Teal and the Wigeon, the Tufted Duck and the Golden-eye, the Gray
Plover, the Turnstone, the Dunlin, and the Purple Sandpiper. This
movement is continued throughout the month and into April, in many
cases gradually dying out in May. Fieldfares and Redwings migrate in
large numbers during April, as also do Goldcrests, some of the Finches,
Snow Buntings, Starlings, Golden Plovers, and Woodcocks; Dunlins
perhaps leave most abundantly in May, as also do Turnstones, Gray
Plovers, Knots, Sanderlings, and Godwits--birds that breed late in the
arctic regions. The coasting migration of the Pied Wagtail, the Hen
Harrier, the Merlin, the Ringed Plover, the Ruff, the Whimbrel, the
Little Stint, and the Curlew Sandpiper is most apparent in April and
May; the Skuas perhaps in April, with the exception of Buffon's Skua,
that is still passing the coasts of the northern shires in May and even
early June.
This grand departure of birds, however, does not appeal to the ordinary
observer one quarter as much as the arrival in spring of the first
Swallow or Cuckoo--birds which he associates inseparably with the
so-called mystery of migration. As it is always more difficult to
detect a departure than note an arrival, all these other birds slip
away during spring almost without being missed, and more especially so
because few of them are familiar species; whilst such that are more
widely known are usually still represented by sedentary individuals.
We allude to such species as Wrens, Robins, Titmice, Greenfinches,
Chaffinches, Hedge Sparrows, and so on. To the ordinary observer, then,
spring migration apparently commences with the appearance of the first
of our usual summer migrants--birds that come to our country to breed,
and leave it again without fail in autumn. This northern movement
is remarked, even in our northern shires, during the latter half of
March. In the north of England, as it is in the south, the Chiffchaff
is perhaps the most constant pioneer of the spring migrants. We have
known this bird arrive in Devonshire as early as the 5th of March; in
Yorkshire we have observed it a week later. These dates are somewhat
exceptional, but we can pretty safely depend upon its appearance
towards the end of that month. The migrations of the Wheatear are
practically coincident in date. In fact this bird, we believe, has been
recorded from the northern shires as early as February, but this is
certainly abnormal. The migrations of both species are, however, much
more marked in April. Another March migrant is the Ring-ouzel, but
these are venturesome birds ahead of their companions, and the usual
date of this bird's arrival in the northern shires is April. Similarly,
the Blackcap has been known to arrive in March, but its normal date is
the first week or so in April. This latter month brings the migrants
back in constantly increasing numbers, amongst which we may mention the
Redstart, the Whinchat, the Willow Wren, the Wryneck, and the Cuckoo.
Now during this month, especially during the latter half, may also be
noticed in their old accustomed haunts the Whitethroat and its congener
the Lesser Whitethroat, the Reed Warbler and the Sedge Warbler, the
Grasshopper Warbler, the Tree Pipit, the Pied Flycatcher, the Swallow,
and the two species of Martins. At the end of the month and early in
May come the Garden Warbler, the Wood Wren, the Tree Pipit, the Spotted
Flycatcher, the Swift, and the Nightjar. The Merlin migrates in April,
as also does the Hen Harrier; towards the end of the month we have the
Quail, the Stone Curlew, the Landrail, the Red-necked Phalarope, the
Greenshank, and the Common Sandpiper. The passage of most of these
birds continues into May, which is the usual date for the arrival of
the Turtle Dove, one of the very last to reach the northern woodlands.
We may remark that many of our more familiar summer migrants continue
to pass the northern shires well into May--individuals bound for higher
latitudes than Britain.
Spring migration is scarcely over for the year when signs of the
return movement begin to be seen. Indications of the southern exodus
first become apparent upon the coast with the arrival usually of a
few northern wading birds by the middle or towards the end of July.
Records kept along the coast also show that Wheatears, Swallows,
Martins, Pied Wagtails, Song Thrushes, Robins, Goldcrests, Wrens,
Whitethroats, Starlings, Cuckoos, and Landrails are certainly on the
move. In August migration becomes stronger, not only as regards birds
that are coming into our area for the winter, or simply passing over
it to more southern latitudes, but also those that, having bred in this
country, are now leaving it for winter quarters beyond the English
Channel. Among Passerine birds that are now entering the British area
may be mentioned the Missel-thrush, the Song Thrush, the Redwing, and
the Blackbird. Each of these, however, will continue to arrive in much
greater numbers during September and October, the migration dying down
again in November. Stonechats are now returning to us, as also in small
numbers are Robins and Hedge Accentors, both of which will arrive in
greater abundance during the two succeeding months. The same remarks
almost exactly apply to the Titmice, the Goldcrest, the Wren, and the
Pied Wagtail. Amongst the hard-billed Passeres such birds as Linnets,
Greenfinches, Chaffinches, Yellow Buntings, and Tree Sparrows are also
returning; as are also Sky-larks, Starlings, Rooks, and Short-eared
Owls. Among the Duck family and the Waders, the Bernacle and Brent
Geese, the Mallard, the Teal and Wigeon, the Scaup and the Scoters;
Plovers, Turnstones, Woodcock and Common Snipe, Ruffs, Redshanks,
Curlews, Godwits, Dunlins, Knots, and Sanderlings are now migrating,
but their numbers will enormously increase during the two, or in some
cases even three, succeeding months. But few of our own summer birds
depart from the northern shires in August, but there is certainly a
coasting movement apparent among most of the species--individuals
coming from more northern areas and passing over Britain to winter
homes in South Europe and Africa. There can be little doubt, however,
that many individual Whitethroats, Willow Wrens, Spotted Flycatchers,
and Turtle Doves move south from their summer haunts in the northern
shires during August. During this month the Swift and the Cuckoo leave
us, although some few of the latter may remain into September. Speaking
of Swifts brings to mind a very extraordinary migration of this species
that we witnessed in the early part of August, 1879, on the Yorkshire
coast at Flamborough. There must have been tens of thousands of birds
passing down the coast just below the lighthouse; all day the birds
kept migrating on in a leisurely sort of way, feeding as they went, and
a very large percentage consisted of young ones. During late August
many bands of Terns migrate south along the Yorkshire coast, not only
from the Farne Islands, but from more northern stations still.
[Illustration: Migrants at a Lighthouse.]
During September most of our own summer migrants disappear, but the
Ring-ouzel, the Whinchat, and the Wheatear prolong their passage into
October, as also does the Whitethroat, the Chiffchaff, the Willow Wren,
the Sedge Warbler, the Swallows and Martins, the Common Sandpiper, and
some others, but all in a more or less exceptional manner. Up to the
end of this month birds are constantly pouring into our islands from
the north and north-east; in October the general trend of migration
falls to nearly due east, and from this date onwards some of the most
wonderful scenes imaginable are to be witnessed upon many parts of our
eastern coast-line, more especially between Spurn in Yorkshire and the
Wash in Lincolnshire. Our own observations principally refer, so far
as this grand avine movement is concerned, to the latter district.
Here season after season we have watched during the late October and
early November days that wonderful influx of feathered life that breaks
like the waves of the ocean upon the shore, often in such multitudes
as to defy estimation. Indeed, we know of no other place on the entire
coast-line of the British Islands where the fascinating phenomenon of
migration can be studied to better advantage. Along this coast, at
intervals during the autumn, birds literally pour in from across the
North Sea, or are tempted to loiter upon it when following the entire
line of our eastern sea-board to winter quarters far to the south of
the British archipelago. Few wilder districts can be imagined, few more
monotonous, and even dreary, than the vast expanses of mud and sand
that fringe the Wash. At high-water the tide comes up close to the
huge banks that extend along the coast here, erected for the purpose
of keeping out the sea from the adjoining farms; although it is said
that these earth-works are the remains of Roman roads. At low-water the
sea is several miles from the banks, and the vast expanse of mud is
scored in many directions with tortuous streams and long narrow pools.
In summer few birds frequent the place; in autumn it is a grand resort
of birds, being in the direct pathway of that vast stream of migrants
that flows across the wild North Sea from regions possibly as remote as
Siberia.
[Illustration: The Hooded Crow.]
Although a very large proportion of indigenous British birds are
migratory--probably the greater number--a great many of these undertake
their annual journeys in such a very modest and undemonstrative way
that they escape general notice. On the other hand, there are a certain
if small number of species that migrate in such vast numbers that
even the most casual observer cannot fail to remark the fact. Of this
small proportion the Goldcrest, the Sky-lark, and the Hooded Crow are
certainly amongst the most prominent. The migrations of the first-named
bird in autumn are sometimes on a prodigious scale. The autumn of 1882
was remarkable in this respect, especially as regards the Yorkshire and
Lincolnshire coasts. This migration appears to have first been recorded
from Redcar on the 13th of August. During this month the birds came
in comparatively small numbers, which did not appreciably increase
during September, but in October they poured across the North Sea in
countless thousands, and from all parts of the east coast came reports
of the unusual visitation. Two nights in October were especially
remarkable for the marvellous migration waves of this tiny bird, which
not only spread across England, but reached Ireland, and possibly spent
themselves in the Atlantic beyond! So far as concerns our own special
length of coast-line, the migration appeared to reach its climax on
the 8th and the 12th of October, when vast numbers were recorded from
Whitby lighthouse; at Flamborough it was reported in unusual abundance
between the 7th and the 14th; at Spurn on the 7th and 8th, crowding
into the hedgerows and fields near the sea; whilst on the Lincolnshire
side of the Humber the 8th was remarkable for these migrants, many of
which actually sought refuge amongst the piles on the quays and in the
timber yards at Grimsby; in the district of the Wash the poor little
birds came on to the coast in a more or less exhausted condition three
or four days later, many migrating at night. One favourite line of
migration into inland districts of the northern shires, not only of
this species, but of Titmice, Chaffinches, Bramblings, and some others,
is along the Humber, and down the valley of the Don, which brings them
into the coppices and fields of South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire.
We have upon many occasions, during the twenty years or so that we
resided in Sheffield, met with these waves of migrant Goldcrests and
Titmice in the birch and alder coppices of the Rivelin Valley. This
district, as the crow flies, is sixty miles from Spurn, at the mouth of
the Humber, and about thirty miles from the head of that vast estuary,
with an abundance of suitable haunts by the way. Yet this vast tract of
intervening country has not absorbed the waves of birds, and we have
found them literally swarming in these Rivelin coppices during October.
It is also somewhat remarkable how confined these waves of birds in
many cases are. For instance, we never met with these birds in numbers
at all indicating a strong migration anywhere beyond the somewhat
narrow limits of this rock-girdled valley. To have reached it the birds
must absolutely have passed over Sheffield in incredible numbers; they
also appeared in rushes, that corresponded with similar extensive
incursions on the distant coast.
The Sky-lark is perhaps even more interesting in its autumnal invasion
of the coasts of the northern shires. Every autumn, especially
towards the end of October or early in November, incredible numbers
of Sky-larks cross the German Ocean both by day and by night, and
land in the district of the Wash, to name but one locality, although
similar phenomena may be witnessed here and there from one end of our
eastern coast-line to the other, from September onwards. Year after
year have we seen this autumn invasion of the Sky-lark. Day and night
the migration continues, the birds coming in from the sea in flocks and
smaller parties, flying at a moderate height, say from thirty to fifty
yards above the earth, and in a by no means hurried manner. We have
repeatedly noticed a few birds commence to warble the moment they left
the sea and reached the land. Many thousands of these birds continue
their way south along the coast, doubtless in some cases to follow the
rivers inland; others fly inland over the fields, continuing the exact
direction of the course followed over the sea. In the same district the
autumnal passage of the Hooded Crow is little if any less impressive.
This migration usually commences about the middle of October, and lasts
about a month. The arrival of this bird in the Wash district is almost
regarded with as much interest as the appearance of the Swallow in
spring. Fishermen and farmers in the locality say that the two birds
are never seen in the air together, meaning by this that the Swallow
has gone to the south before the Crow comes in from the east. Unlike
the two other species we have just alluded to, the Hooded Crow migrates
exclusively by day--at least that is our invariable experience. During
the periods of its passage the bird may be remarked coming towards the
land from the sea in parties, in twos and threes, and now and then in
a large open flock, flying at a moderate height and in a somewhat slow
and deliberate manner. Hundreds of thousands of this species must enter
the British Islands by way of the Wash alone. Many of these do not
penetrate inland far, but live during the ensuing winter on the farms
and saltings; others, however, follow the river-valleys to more central
areas. It is interesting to remark, however, that the Hooded Crow does
not migrate down the Humber and the Don valley to South Yorkshire,
where at all seasons it must be regarded as a rare bird.
There are many other migrants that enter our islands by way of the
Wash, some of them specially interesting. One of the most remarkable
of these is the Short-eared Owl, another the Woodcock. Very often
these two birds arrive together, making the sea passage from the
Continent during the same night. The Woodcock, however, appears to fly
high; the Owl at no great distance from the water. Large numbers of
wading birds also pass along this low coast in autumn; in October the
mud-flats there used literally to swarm with them. Here might be seen
great flocks of Knots and Dunlins assembled upon the marshes, whilst
on the banks of the many tidal streams and pools Redshanks, Curlews,
Bar-tailed Godwits, Plovers, and Sanderlings, in parties or singly,
might be watched. Keeping us at a more respectful distance were large
flocks of Brent Geese, whose noisy clamour came clanging in fitful
clashes across the mud-flats; whilst Wigeon, Scoters, and various other
Ducks bore them more or less close company. After a migration night
it was a most fascinating experience to wander out at dawn among the
birds. As we reached the second of the banks nearest to the sea, that
crosses the mile or so of straight road that leads from the cockle and
shrimp famous village of Friskney, we often used to flush Woodcocks
from the ditches at the bottom of the tall white-thorn hedges, and
this fact we always regarded as a sure indication that the past night
had been a favourable one for migrants. Then more Woodcocks would be
flushed from the long dry grass, on the sea-banks; perhaps an Owl; but
the latter birds we found to have a greater preference for the large
flat turnip-fields just over the earth-works. Then perhaps the warbling
cry of the Sky-lark would sound from the still dusky sky--the note of
tired pilgrims that had been winging their way across the wild sea
whilst men slept, and music which never failed to inspire a feeling of
sympathy in us. Poor tired and hungry little birds--we always wished
them well. Sometimes we should find the bushes and even the long
grass on the banks crowded with tired Goldcrests; some of them, poor
little mites, so weary that we have stood and watched them sitting
fast asleep or swaying on the twigs utterly overcome with fatigue and
hunger, quite exhausted and apparently indifferent to their own safety
any longer. Then on some lowering November afternoon an occasional
flock of Snow Buntings would suddenly appear on the wild salt-marshes,
little strangers from an ice-bound region far away to the north. They
would settle upon the weed-grown places, or perhaps amongst the drift
and tangled sea-weed upon the shore, and there busily search for food.
On other days, earlier in the autumn, vast flights of Finches would
arrive, and occasionally immense numbers of such familiar species as
Hedge Accentors, Redwings, and Fieldfares; whilst far overhead at
intervals during the short autumn days, company after company of Golden
Plovers would be noted either flying down the coast towards Norfolk
or passing inland. A gale, especially about the time of a new moon,
would be sure to bring us interesting birds to the coast. Then the
Fork-tailed Petrel would as likely as not be driven ashore; and at such
times we have seen Stormy Petrels flitting about over the roofs of the
cottages at Friskney--lost birds that had rashly entered the enclosed
waters of the Wash and been blown before the stiff nor'-easter right on
to the land. Now and then a Fulmar would be caught in the flight nets,
and Little Gulls and Great Gray Shrikes appear, whilst the late autumn
days sometimes brings a succession of flocks of Ring Doves and many
odd Bitterns. Now and then a rare Lapland Bunting is detected along
the shores of the Wash; we have shot it there in November close to
Wainfleet haven. The Shore Lark is also occasionally met with in this
district.
The mortality amongst these autumn migrants can scarcely be
over-estimated. Young birds of course predominate in every species,
and it is among them that the death-rate is highest. Gales and dark
nights, with driving rain or fog, are exceptionally fatal to these
journeying birds across the German Ocean. Some of the scenes at the
lighthouses and light-ships along the coasts of these northern shires
are most impressive on such nights as these. The lost bewildered birds,
attracted by the glare of the flashing brilliant lamps, crowd round
the lanterns, and many of them not only kill themselves by dashing
against the glass but are observed to fall exhausted into the sea
below. Birds of many species compose these lost and bewildered flocks.
Adversity makes strange companions, as the old saying has it, and never
perhaps was it better illustrated than by a crowd of birds at the
lantern of a lighthouse. Significantly enough, the return passage in
spring is invariably undertaken by numbers scarcely a tithe as great as
in autumn--the bulk of the little pilgrims having met their fate either
on passage or during the intervening winter.
In the northern shires birds of some species or another are almost
constantly moving about throughout the winter months. Even in inland
localities this fact is abundantly apparent to the most casual
observer of birds. Rough weather and snow-storms are almost invariably
accompanied or heralded by wandering flocks of Lapwings and Larks;
Finches and Fieldfares are constantly moving about as the food supply
becomes exhausted or inaccessible in various districts; Ducks and
other water-fowl change their haunts as frost compels them. We might
also here allude to the considerable amount of vertical migration
that takes place in the northern shires--that movement between the
uplands and the low-lying country and littoral districts, undertaken
by such species as Twites, Merlins, Meadow Pipits, Lapwings, Plovers,
Curlews, Mallards, and some few other Ducks. This movement has already
been described in detail in our accounts of these various species, so
it is not necessary to treat with it here at greater length. It is,
however, a migrational movement of no small interest, though not a
little overlooked by ordinary observers. Thus does the migration of
birds progress, in spring and in autumn, across these northern shires,
the phenomenon being very similar in its general aspects from year to
year. Variety is, however, furnished in the numbers of the several
species that so migrate, in the dates of their movements, and also in
the occurrences of those abnormal migrants for which these shires have
an exceptionally abundant share. We have not space here to chronicle
the species that have paid these shires such abnormal visits, but the
subject is certainly an interesting one and worthy of passing mention
at least.
We propose now to devote the concluding pages of the present chapter
to a brief résumé of the various ornithological events that so thickly
dot the field-naturalist's calendar, more especially as they relate
to South Yorkshire. There is a great charm about the observation of
these events, that from year to year take place in sequence that is
as remarkable for its order as for its punctuality; a greater charm
even in recording them season after season as the birds unfold their
story with the passing months. For a dozen years or more we kept such
a record, dealing more especially with the environs of Sheffield;
season after season we noted the arrival and departure of the migratory
species, the resumption and the cessation of song, the varying food
from month to month, the pairing and nest-building, the rearing of the
young; the flocking in autumn, the disbanding in spring, the habits of
birds at nightfall, their awakening from slumber, their various local
movements about the country-side, their actions generally in sunshine
and in storm, by daylight and in darkness throughout each month, each
week, each day, and not unfrequently each hour of the twenty-four. From
a store of notebooks which has accumulated through these long years
we will draw our information, that shall carry the story of the birds
onwards in a cycle through the months from January to December.
The northern shires are not specially remarkable for avine song during
the winter months, and here we have a deficiency that contrasts
very strongly with that musical abundance of some of the southern
counties. As Waterton remarked long ago, our three best-known perennial
choristers are the Robin, the Wren, and the Hedge Accentor, of which
trio the first is certainly the most persistent, as it is perhaps
the sweetest and most musical, whilst the last is the least so. The
Starling, however, is a very fair winter singer. The voice of the
Missel-thrush is also heard throughout January, but now and then we
have a day perhaps when he is silent, sure sign that music is on the
wane. Towards the end of the month the Song Thrushes are back again
in their accustomed haunts, and on exceptionally fine and sunny days
may be heard to sing a little; the Blackbird, however, is invariably
silent. Another irregular singer in January is the Sky-lark. It
requires a warm and spring-like day indeed to woo him into voice,
still his song must not be overlooked at this season. So far as most
birds are concerned, January is a typical winter month. There are few
signs among the birds here in South Yorkshire to indicate any change
of seasons. At the end of the month Sparrows may be remarked at their
old nests, and many Hedge Accentors undoubtedly pair at this time. The
Titmice are still leading a nomad life; but the Rook and the Starling
seldom fail to visit their nesting-places each morning. The Finches
are of course still in flocks, but a rapid abrasion of the pale edges
to the feathers is remarkable, sure sign that the nuptial period is
now approaching. This is specially the case with Chaffinches and
Bramblings: Greenfinches abrade later. Yellow Buntings are still in
flocks upon the fields; the Meadow Pipit, yet gregarious, is upon the
lowlands. The Moorhen, however, is about to pair; most other of our
familiar birds are still displaying characteristics of their winter
life.
In February, however, there is a marked change in the habits of
many birds, and the few signs of approaching spring rapidly develop
themselves. Perhaps these indications are most eloquently expressed in
song. During this month the Blackbird regains his voice, irregularly
it is true, but the fact is obvious nevertheless. The Song Thrush
has now fully regained its matchless varied song; the Sky-lark sings
more frequently, and our winter singers are in constant voice. Many
Kestrels return to their accustomed summer haunts this month; and the
Missel-thrush pairs at the beginning of it. Many Robins also pair;
and the Titmice may be heard uttering their love-notes amongst the
trees. Starlings are now in pairs; and odd pairs of Sparrows actually
commence nesting. March brings still more important changes among the
birds, and by many of their ways and movements we read the unerring
sign of spring's approach. Among other things may be mentioned the
nest-building of the Rooks, the resumption of song by the Chaffinch
and the Yellow Bunting, the flocks of both species now disbanding.
Avine song is everywhere on the increase; the Blackbird is getting
into finer and more frequent voice, the Hedge Accentor and the Wren
are particularly musical; whilst during this month we may find the
first nests of the Song Thrush and the Missel-thrush, the Robin and
the Hedge Accentor. In the northern shires, however, these early birds
not unfrequently suffer for their precocity, and a late fall of snow
destroys many nests and eggs. The Dipper is now full of nuptial song,
and the Gray Wagtail resorts to the streams where shortly it will rear
its young. There is also a considerable migrational movement going
on among Pied Wagtails, and Yellow Wagtails in some numbers appear
upon the fallows. The Bramblings leave their winter quarters in the
shrubberies, and the numbers of the Redwing visibly decline. The first
indication of our summer birds of passage is given by some venturesome
Chiffchaff or Wheatear; the flocks of Lapwings are dispersing to their
breeding-places; so too are the Mallards. March is generally a cold and
cheerless month in the south of Yorkshire, and the advance in bird-life
is not unfrequently checked by spells of winter weather.
We find abundant recompense for this, however, in the avine changes
associated with April. The Missel-thrush now finally becomes mute; but
every other singing species is full of song. Now the Yellow Bunting and
the Greenfinch are in fine voice, the Sky-lark warbles incessantly,
and the avine calendar is punctuated with the note of the Cuckoo once
more. Most of our resident birds are now nesting; migrants appear one
after the other as the month slips away--Willow Wrens, Whitethroats,
Blackcaps, Redstarts, Ring-ouzels, Tree Pipits, Swallows, and Martins
among the rest. Grouse are now breeding.
[Illustration: 1. The Chiffchaff. 2. The Wheatear.]
Bird-life in May perhaps reaches the zenith of its activity. It is a
month of song and a month of love, during which the nests of nearly
all our commoner birds may be found. It also marks the arrival of the
last of our summer migrants--the Swift, the Wood Wren, the Flycatcher,
the Nightjar, and the Turtle Dove especially. Merlins, Plovers,
Twites, and Ring-ouzels are nesting on the moors; Sparrow-hawks and
Kestrels in the woods; where also Pheasant, Jay, and Magpie are deep
in family cares. Away on the distant coast we also know that sea-fowl
are busy too, crowding on sea-cliff and islet, repairing to the sands
and shingles, for the sole purpose of reproduction during this and
the three succeeding months. Inland bird-life again presents marked
changes in June. The Common Sandpiper, which we know came back in
April, is now nesting by the side of upland waters; the Nightjar and
the Turtle Dove are breeding. One significant fact the chronicler of
avine annals will not fail now to remark is the slight cessation in the
glorious concert of the woods and fields. There is a decided decrease
in song, especially among our earliest breeding birds. Each may and
will be heard to warble on every day of June, but certainly not in such
abundance as characterized their melody in May. The Cuckoo is also in
less splendid voice, and not unfrequently cries in a treble series of
notes instead of the normal double one. As birds are notably later
here than in south-western counties, we shall also find that June is
certainly a more musical month in Yorkshire than it is in Devonshire.
With the advent of July, however, the beginning of the end arrives.
Thrush, Blackbird, and Robin sing fitfully, as also do the Blackcap
and Whitethroat and many others. By the end of the month much song has
ceased, Tree Pipits and Chaffinches especially becoming mute. Some
birds are still busy with their second or even third broods, but the
moulting season is coming on, and that is ever a time of moping and
of silence. This month also marks the flocking of many birds, notably
the Ring-ouzel, the Rook, the Twite, the Meadow Pipit, the Lapwing,
and the Curlew. Tits are also to be seen in family parties, as are
also Jays, Magpies, and Starlings. August is much of a repetition of
July among our common birds in inland northern districts. Moulting
is nearly universal; there is almost a complete cessation of music,
and gregarious instincts are becoming stronger. Already some of our
summer birds are gone before the middle of the month, especially the
Cuckoo and the Swift. Birds now congregate upon the hay-meadows, and
vast flocks of Sparrows and other Finches resort to the ripening corn.
Migration, of course, is more apparent along the coast; but from
time to time, during the stillness of the night, a flock of Waders
or Ducks may be detected passing onwards to the south. Towards the
close of August the Robin, having passed through his moult, in small
numbers regains his song; and the last few days almost invariably
reintroduce us to the glad wild lay of the Missel-thrush. The Wren
is a very irregular singer yet; but the Starling resumes his music,
whilst the Yellow Bunting and the Greenfinch during the first fortnight
lose theirs for the winter. The Chiffchaff also is an irregular singer
during August.
In September we have migration once more in full progress. Day by
day our summer visitors are now deserting us; birds that spend the
winter gregarious are closing up fast into flocks; Pipits, Twites, and
other moorland species come down to the lowland fields; the Swallows
and Martins congregate into those vast companies that invariably
herald their departure. Song Thrushes in great numbers frequent the
turnip-fields, as also do Meadow Pipits and Hedge Accentors; by the
end of the month Missel-thrushes are in flocks upon the fields, as
also are Starlings and Sparrows. Now the Ring-ouzels speed away to
the south, and the Blackbird shows a far too unwelcome partiality for
the fruit-garden. All the Warblers are migrating fast; the Rooks and
Jays complete their moult, as also do the Chaffinch, the Redpole, and
the Yellow Bunting. October, nut-brown October, finally clears away
the last of our summer visitors, and brings us bird guests from the
far north-east. One of the most familiar of these is the Redwing;
they return with pleasing regularity to their old haunts. Now the
coppices begin to swarm with migrant Goldcrests and Titmice; the
Merlins leave the moors finally for the winter; a few Fieldfares come
to us; the Stonechat quits the moorland roughs; the parties of Jays
disband; flocks of Finches resort to the stubbles; the Yellow Bunting
is gregarious once more; many of the Red Grouse resort to the highest
parts of the moors; Pheasants are still moulting; Woodcocks and Jack
Snipes appear in their accustomed winter haunts. On every side are
indications of avine habits and movements characteristic of winter. The
Robin, the Wren, and the Missel-thrush are now in charming voice, but
the Starling is only an occasional singer, as is also the Sky-lark.
[Illustration: Fieldfare and Titmouse.]
With November we welcome the principal arrival of the Fieldfare; the
large flocks of Missel-thrushes disband; Song Thrushes, and Blackbirds
decrease in numbers almost imperceptibly. The Robin now shows a
marked tendency to leave exposed haunts, and to draw near to houses
and gardens; the Goldcrests disperse, the Titmice are nothing near
so gregarious; the House Sparrow deserts the fields and takes up its
residence about farmyards and homesteads; the uplands are now almost
entirely deserted; and shrubberies are filling rapidly with their mixed
avine populations characteristic of the winter; the Yellow Bunting
and the Lesser Redpole are still upon the stubbles left unploughed,
whilst the Pied Wagtail resorts to them as soon as the share turns
over the earth. In November the flocks of Bramblings return to the
beech-woods for the winter, and bird-life generally becomes much more
localized, crowded into areas where food and shelter chance to be
found most easily. December is but an emphasizing of the preceding
month. The Kestrel is now very rarely seen about the South Yorkshire
woods and fields. Now come the periodical snow-storms that usually
punctuate a Yorkshire winter, and with them bird-life becomes more or
less disorganized. We have now much wandering to and fro, the recurring
frosts drive birds from their usual haunts, and we meet with species
in localities where they are seldom seen at any other time. Many
birds change their food at such times; but others, not so adaptable,
perish in large numbers, especially Redwings. From time to time flocks
of Plovers or strings of Geese may be seen crossing over from one
sea-board to the other, and the whole month is filled with considerable
unrest among the feathered tribe. Avine song in this dreary month is
principally confined to the Missel-thrush, the Robin, the Wren, and the
Starling; more rarely the Sky-lark and the Hedge Accentor sing. And so
the month draws on, and gradually completes the cycle of the year with
the advent of January, the latter bringing with it a few slight changes
that indicate the beginning of another round of avine phenomena.
THE END.
INDEX
Accentor, Hedge, 182, 183;
migration, 265, 269, 279;
in turnip fields, 290;
nests in January, 286;
song in March, 286;
in December, 203;
perennial song, 283.
Africa, 16, 29, 51.
Andes, 17.
Anglia, East, 73.
April, bird movement in 286;
song in, 286.
Armin, Stack, 253.
Ashopton moors, 66.
Asia, 16.
Atlantic, 88.
August, bird-life in, 289.
Auk, 228, 231, 232, 241, 250.
Auk, Great, fate of, 39.
Auk, Little, migration, 264.
Bamford, 53, 138.
Banks, 159.
Bass Rock, 240, 244-250.
Bawtry, 149.
Beauchief woodlands, 132.
Beilby on the Dipper, 18.
Bell Hagg, 138, 155.
Bempton, 240, 242.
Bernacle, migration of, 264.
Berwick, 214.
Bewick, 18.
Bird-catcher, mischief done by, 166, 169.
Bittern, 125;
migration, 264, 280.
Blackbird, 56, 141, 184, 172, 173;
migration, 263, 269;
in September, 290;
in November, 291;
song in February, 285;
in March, 285-286;
in July, 289.
Blackbrook, 14, 155.
Blackcap, 183, 184;
migration, 184, 267, 287;
song in July, 289.
Blue Hawk, 64.
Borreay, 253.
Bradfield, 53.
Brambling, 141, 165 fig.; 166, 191, 284, 286;
migration, 166, 265, 275, 292.
Brent Goose, 234.
Brigg, 127, 128.
Brighthelmstone, 57.
Brisson on the Dipper, 15, 16.
Broom Hall, 183.
Bullfinch, 141, 166, 167.
Bullock, 255.
Bunting, Cirl, 170, 194.
---- Common, 170, 214;
migration, 265.
---- Lapland, migration, 280.
---- Reed, 171, 193, 194;
migration, 194, 265;
song, 171;
eggs, 194.
---- Riverside, 193.
---- Snow, 57, 90, 170;
migration, 263-265.
---- Yellow, 116, 170, 171, 194, 284, 290, 291;
eggs, 271;
migration, 265, 269, 291;
song, 281, 286.
Buntings, migration of, 279.
Bustard, 57.
---- Thick-kneed, 119.
Buzzard, 84, 133, 144, 236.
---- Common, 134, 135 fig.; 136.
---- Rough-legged, 66.
Byron, 201.
Caithness, 99, 240.
Capercailzie, 43, 149.
Carron, Loch, 33, 94.
Castleton, 59, 236, 237.
Chaffinch, 164-166, 284, 289, 290;
abrasion of feathers, 284;
migration, 166, 263, 264, 266, 269, 275;
song, 164, 285.
Charadriinæ, 119.
Chiffchaff, 156, 157, 286, 287 fig.;
migration, 267, 271;
song, 290.
Churn Owl, 108.
Cinclus, 17.
Clacharan, 51.
Clumber, 198.
Cockerham Moss, 127.
Connacher, 87, 252, 258.
Continent, 278.
Coot, 193, 195, 197.
Copse, Forest and, 131.
Cormorant, 218, 226.
Corncrake, 176, 177, 178.
Cornwall, 18, 29, 49, 52.
Coulter-neb, 226.
Crag and Sea-cliff, On, 236.
Crake, Spotted, 126, 193;
migration, 126.
Creeper, 154.
Cromartyshire, 33.
Crossbill, 167.
Crow, Carrion, 89, 90, 147;
migration, 265.
---- Hooded, 88, 89, 90, 147;
migration, 265, 273, 276, 277.
Crows, 132, 137, 151.
Cuchullin Hills, 76.
Cuckoo, 47, 59, 116, 153, 176, 180, 286, 288;
migration, 266-268, 271, 289;
voice, 286, 288.
Cuckoo and Meadow Pipit, 47.
Cuckoo's Mate, 153.
Cumberland, 91.
Curlew, 34, 70, 71, 207;
flocking, 289;
migration, 264, 269, 278, 282.
---- Stone, 117, 118 fig., 119, 120, 121;
migration, 120, 268;
protective coloration, 117, 118, 120, 121;
local names, 118, 119;
eggs, 120.
Dartford, 117.
Dartford Warbler, 116, 117.
Dartmoor, 52, 58, 66, 87.
Darwin, 258.
Daws, 237, 250.
December, bird-life in, 292.
Derbyshire, 13, 19, 24, 52, 59, 68, 82, 106, 117, 133, 134, 148,
149, 167, 168, 171, 196, 203, 208, 236, 239, 275;
changing aspects of moors, 35;
varied bird-life, 35.
Derwent, 14, 25, 34, 66.
---- Edge, 53.
Devil's Hole, 237.
Devonshire, 19, 29, 47, 49, 52, 54, 58, 64, 66, 87, 114, 129, 147,
149, 152, 165, 172, 173, 199, 206, 209, 210, 213, 220, 240,
265, 267, 288;
tameness of moors, 35;
lack of bird-life on moors, 35.
Dipper, 14, 15 fig., 16-25, 28, 30, 94, 201;
difficulties of classification, 15, 16;
world distribution, 16;
variety of races, 17;
local names, 17;
song, 19, 24, 286;
evil reputation, 20;
usefulness, 20;
food, 20, 21;
habits and habitat, 20-22;
nest, 22, 23.
Diver, Black-throated, 96 fig.
---- Red-throated, 96.
Divers, 96, 97, 228;
migration, 264;
eggs, 98;
nest, 97, 98.
Don, 14, 25, 208, 275, 277.
Doon, 252, 254, 258.
Dore, 14, 53.
Dor-hawk, 109.
Dotterel, 90, 91 fig., 92, 100;
meaning of name, 92.
Dove, river, 14, 25.
---- Ring, 148;
migration, 264, 280.
---- Rock, 238, 240-241, 250.
---- Stock, 137, 144, 148.
---- Turtle, 148, 288;
migration, 268, 271.
Doves, 132.
Dove Dale, 236.
Duck, Eider, 73, 102, 218, 222, 225 fig., 233.
---- Long-tailed, 233.
---- Tufted, 198, 199 fig., 200;
migration, 265;
nest, 200;
eggs, 200.
---- Wild, 33, 98, 99, 144, 145, 197.
Ducks, 72, 95, 192, 198, 207, 218, 228;
migration, 264, 265, 278, 281, 282, 289.
Dukeries, 198, 199.
Dunlin, 70, 71, 193, 207;
migration, 265, 266, 269, 278.
Eagle, 66.
---- Golden, 82, 83, 236;
food, 84.
---- White-tailed, 82-84;
unclean feeder, 84.
Eccleshall, 132.
Edwindstowe, 142.
Eggs:--
Bunting, Reed, 194.
---- Yellow, 171.
Curlew, Stone, 120, 121.
Diver, 98.
Duck, Tufted, 200.
Fulmar, 258.
Gannet, 247.
Goose, Gray-lag, 73.
Grebe, Little, 195.
Grouse, Red, 45.
Gull, Herring, 250.
---- Lesser Black-backed, 220.
Kingfisher, 205.
Merlin, 62.
Nightjar, 112.
Owl, Short-eared, 125.
Petrel, Fork-tailed, 255.
Plover, Golden, 70.
---- Ringed, 212.
Ptarmigan, 81.
Sandpiper, Common, 31.
Shearwater, Manx, 256.
Sheldrake, 216.
Swan, 198.
Tern, Arctic, 224.
---- Common, 225.
---- Lesser, 211.
---- Sandwich, 223.
Twite, 50.
Whinchat, 175.
Eider, King, 234.
---- Duck, 73, 102, 218, 222, 225 fig., 233.
Endcliffe, 170-171.
---- Valley, 189.
---- Woods, 25.
English Channel, 218, 233, 234.
Europe, 16, 17.
Eve-jar, 109.
Evening-jar, 109.
Exmoor, 58.
Falcon, 59, 60, 62, 63, 84.
---- Peregrine, 59, 76-78, 85, 86, 239, 250.
Farm and Garden, In, 158.
Farne Islands, 212, 213, 214, 217, 221, 225-227, 240, 242, 243, 271.
Faroes, 71.
February, bird-life in, 285.
Fern Owl, 108.
Fieldfare, 172, 182, 292 fig.;
migration, 172, 263, 265, 279, 281, 291.
Filey, 240.
Finches, 48, 164, 170, 279, 284, 289;
migration, 265, 281, 261.
Flamborough, 213, 240, 242, 271, 274.
Flocking, 289.
Flycatcher, Pied, migration, 268.
---- Spotted, migration, 268.
Flycatchers, 141, 183, 271, 288.
Follart, Loch, 102.
Forest and Copse, In, 131.
Formosa, 16.
Forth, Firth of, 209, 210, 216, 244, 248.
Friskney, 278, 280.
Fulmar, 87, 232, 252, 257 fig., 259, 260;
migration, 280;
nest, 258;
eggs, 258.
Furze Kite, 64.
Gannet, 229, 234, 244, 245 fig., 246, 253, 254, 260;
nest, 247-249;
eggs, 247.
Garden, In Farm and, 158.
Geese, 192, 228, 293;
migration, 264.
German Ocean, 218, 276, 280.
Gilgit, 63.
Goatsucker, 106, 107.
Godwit, Bar-tailed, 207;
migration, 278.
Godwits, 266, 269.
Goldcrest, 138, 154, 191, 291;
migration, 265, 268, 269, 273, 275, 279, 291.
Golden-eye, 265.
Goldfinch, 169; migration, 265.
Goosander, 102.
Goose, Bean, 215, 265.
---- Bernacle, 269.
---- Brent, 234;
migration, 264, 269, 278.
---- Gray-lag, 73;
eggs, 73;
nest, 73.
---- Pink-footed, 233;
migration, 265.
---- White-footed, 265.
---- Wild, 34.
Grace Darling, 217.
Grasshopper Warbler, 111, 116;
migration, 268.
Gray-lag Goose, 73;
eggs, 73.
Grebe, 21, 23, 197.
---- Little, 195;
eggs, 195;
nest, 195.
---- Red-necked, 264.
---- Sclavonian, 264.
Greenfinch, 141, 169, 284, 290;
migration, 263, 264, 266, 269;
song, 286.
Greenshank, 34, 72, 93;
migration, 268.
Grimsby, 275.
Grouse, 34, 59, 60, 287.
---- Black, 43, 121, 149, 150 fig.
---- Red, 38 fig., 39-46, 57, 75;
preservation of, 38, 39;
monogamous, 43;
protective coloration, 43, 44, 79;
migration, 291;
nest, 44;
eggs, 45.
---- Willow, 43, 80.
Guillemot, Black, 103.
---- Common, 103, 231.
---- Ringed, 231.
Guillemots, 218, 229, 231, 240-243, 250, 254.
Gull, Black-headed, 127, 128 fig., 129,130;
nest, 129.
---- Common, 94, 102.
---- Herring, 210, 220, 249,250;
eggs, 250.
---- Lesser Black-backed, 218, 219 fig., 250;
nest, 219;
eggs, 220.
Gulls, 73, 102, 193, 206, 214, 218, 222, 228, 229 fig., 241;
migration, 280.
Halcyon, 202.
---- Days, 202.
Handa, Bird-haunted, frontispiece.
Harrier, Hen, 63-65;
migration, 63, 266, 268.
---- Marsh, 125.
Hathersage, 14, 53.
Hawfinch, 167, 184.
Hawk, Blue, 64.
---- Dor-. 109.
---- Ring-tail, 64.
---- Sparrow-, 61, 65, 66, 133, 136-138, 164, 184;
migration, 264;
nesting, 288.
Hawks, 132, 139, 140, 144, 151.
Heather Lintie, 48.
Heaths and Marshes, 105.
Hebrides, 13, 52, 71, 73, 83, 97, 99, 102, 103, 208, 213, 240.
Hedge Accentor. See Accentor.
Heeley, 42, 159.
Heron, 32, 34, 196, 197, 201.
Highlands, 13, 18, 19, 26, 29, 30, 32, 35, 36, 38, 47, 51, 57, 66,
73, 82, 87, 88, 99, 101, 102.
Himalayas, 16.
Hobbys, 133, 144.
Hollow Meadows, 21, 30, 52, 59, 138, 192, 238.
Holy Island, 216.
Hoopoe, 205.
Hornsea Mere, 195, 201.
Humber, 206, 207, 208, 213, 274, 275, 277.
Iceland, 71.
Ireland, 152, 154.
Isle of Man, 82, 89.
Jackdaw, 142-144, 237, 240, 250;
migration, 264.
Jack Snipe, 127, 181, 291;
migration, 181, 265.
January, bird-life in, 284.
Jay, 132, 139, 140, 142, 149, 180, 184, 265, 288-290;
migration, 265, 291.
Jessop, Francis, 156, 183, 189.
July, bird-life in, 288-289.
June, bird-life in, 288.
Kent, 117.
Kestrel, 62, 65, 82, 113, 133, 136, 137, 184, 239, 285, 292, 293.
King Eider, 234.
Kingfisher, 18, 21, 25, 34, 187, 188 fig., 189, 197;
method of feeding, 21;
legends concerning, 201-204;
nest, 204;
eggs, 205;
note, 205.
Kite, Furze, 64.
Kites, 133.
Kittiwake, 221, 243, 249, 250.
Knot, 207;
migration, 266, 269.
Lagopus albus, 43, 79, 80.
Lake District, 239.
Lambs, destruction of, by Eagles, 84, 85.
Lancashire, 125, 127.
Landrail, 176-178;
migration, 268.
Lapwing, 67 fig., 68-70, 126, 127, 182, 286, 289;
migration, 264, 281, 282.
Lark, Shore, migration, 264, 280.
---- Sky-. See _Sky-lark_.
---- Wood-, 113-115;
nest, 115;
song, 113, 114.
Larks, 182;
migration, 281.
Lii, Stack, 253.
Lincolnshire, 106, 117, 127, 128, 209, 210, 213, 261, 262, 272-274.
Linnæus, on the Dipper, 16.
Linnet, 48, 50, 116, 168, 169;
migration, 263, 264, 269.
Lintie, Heather, 48.
Loch, Mountain and, 74.
Lundy Island, 82.
Macgillivray, 246.
Magpie, 132, 137-140, 180;
flocking, 289;
nesting, 288.
Mallard, 32, 72, 98, 99, 122, 200, 233, 286;
migration, 264, 269, 282.
March, bird-life in, 285.
Marlowe, 203.
Marshes, 105.
Martin, House, 238.
---- Sand, 192.
Martins, 180, 192, 196, 197, 287;
migration, 192, 268, 271, 290.
Mason, Little, 51.
May, bird-life in, 287, 288.
Meersbrook, 14, 159.
Meersbrook Park, 140.
Merganser, 94.
---- Red-breasted, 96 fig., 99, 101.
Merlin, 57, 58 fig., 59-63;
migration, 266, 268, 282, 291;
nesting, 288;
eggs, 62.
Mersey, 206.
Migrants at a Lighthouse, 270 fig.
Migration:--
Accentor, Hedge, 265, 269, 279.
Auk, Little, 264.
Bernacle, 264.
Bittern, 264, 280.
Blackbird, 263, 269.
Blackcap, 184, 267, 287.
Brambling, 166, 265, 275, 292.
Bunting, Common, 265.
---- Lapland, 280.
---- Reed, 194, 265.
---- Snow, 263-265.
---- Yellow, 265, 269, 291.
Buntings, 279.
Chaffinch, 166, 263, 264, 266, 269, 275.
Chiffchaff, 267, 271.
Crake, Spotted, 126.
Crow, Carrion, 265.
---- Hooded, 265, 273, 276, 277.
Cuckoo, 266-268, 271, 289.
Curlew, 264, 269, 278, 282.
---- Stone, 120, 268.
Divers, 264.
Dove, Ring, 264, 280.
---- Turtle, 268, 271.
Duck, Tufted, 265.
Ducks, 264, 265, 278, 281, 282, 289.
Dunlin, 265, 266, 269, 278.
Fieldfare, 172, 263, 265, 279, 281, 291.
Finches, 265, 281, 291.
Flycatcher, Pied, 268.
---- Spotted, 268.
Fulmar, 280.
Geese, 264.
Godwit, 278.
Goldcrest, 265, 268, 269, 273, 275, 279, 291.
Goldfinch, 265.
Goose, Brent, 264, 269, 278.
---- Pink-footed, 265.
Greenfinch, 263, 264, 266, 269.
Greenshank, 268.
Grouse, Red, 291.
Gulls, 280.
Harrier, Hen, 63, 266, 268.
Hawk, Sparrow-, 264.
Jackdaw, 264.
Jay, 265, 291.
Knot, 266, 269.
Landrail, 268.
Lapwing, 264, 281, 282.
Lark, Shore, 264, 280.
Larks, 281.
Linnet, 263, 264, 269.
Mallard, 264, 269, 282.
Martins, 192, 268, 271, 290.
Merlin, 266, 268, 282, 291.
Nightjar, 109, 110, 268.
Ouzel, Ring-, 53, 54, 267, 271, 290.
Owl, Short-eared, 265, 269, 277, 278.
Owls, 278.
Phalarope, Red-necked, 268.
Pipit, Meadow, 46, 47, 282.
---- Tree, 268.
Pipits, 290.
Plover, Golden, 264, 279.
---- Gray, 265, 266.
---- Ringed, 266.
Plovers, 265, 269, 278, 282.
Quail, 268.
Rail, Land, 268.
Redshank, 264, 269, 278.
Redstart, 267.
Redwing, 166, 172, 263, 265, 269, 279, 290.
Robin, 263, 266, 268, 269.
Rook, 264, 269.
Ruff, 266.
Sanderling, 265, 266, 269, 278.
Sandpiper, 271.
---- Common, 29, 268.
---- Curlew, 266.
Scaup, 269.
Scoter, 265, 269, 278.
Shrike, Great Gray, 280.
Skua, 266.
---- Buffon's, 266.
Sky-lark, 178, 264, 269, 273, 276, 279.
Snipe, 264.
---- Common, 269.
---- Jack, 181, 265.
Sparrow, Hedge, 266.
-- House, 263-264 note.
-- Tree, 263, 269.
Starling, 264, 265, 268, 269.
Stint, Little, 266.
Stonechat, 265, 269, 291.
Swallow, 192, 266, 268, 271, 277, 290.
Swan, 264.
Swift, 268, 270 fig., 271, 289.
Teal, 265, 269.
Tern, 271.
Thrush, Missel-, 269, 291.
---- Song, 263.
Titmice, 265, 266, 269, 275, 291.
Turnstone, 269.
Twite, 282, 290.
Waders, 265, 289.
Wagtail, Gray, 24.
---- Pied, 265, 266, 268, 269.
Warbler, Garden, 268.
---- Grasshopper, 268.
---- Reed, 267.
---- Sedge, 268, 271.
Warblers, 290.
Wheatear, 51, 267.
Whimbrel, 266.
Whinchat, 267, 271.
Whitethroat, 267, 271.
---- Lesser, 267.
Wigeon, 265, 269, 278.
Woodcock, 264-266.
Wren, 265, 266.
---- Willow, 267, 271.
---- Wood, 268.
Wryneck, 267.
Migration in the Northern Shires, 261.
Millers Dale, 236.
Minsben's Dictionary, 202.
Missel-thrush, 24, 55, 120, 124, 146, 147, 172, 285, 286, 290;
migration, 269, 291;
song, 284, 290, 291, 293.
Monsal Dale, 236.
Montagu, 64.
Moorhen, 21, 23, 126, 182, 188, 189, 195, 197.
Moorland fires, 41, 42.
Moorlands and Roughs, 35.
Mountain and Loch, 74.
Nests:--
Accentor, Hedge, 286.
Dipper, 22, 23.
Divers, 97, 98.
Duck, Tufted, 200.
Fulmar, 258.
Gannet, 247-249.
Goose, Gray-lag, 73.
Grebe, Little, 195.
Grouse, Red, 44.
Gull, Black-headed, 129.
---- Lesser Black-backed, 219.
Kingfisher, 204.
Owl, Short-eared, 124, 125.
Petrel, Fork-tailed, 254-255.
Pipit, Meadow, 48.
Plover, Golden, 70.
Ptarmigan, 81.
Puffin, 227.
Robin, 286.
Shearwater, Manx, 256.
Sheldrake, 215, 216.
Swan, 198.
Twite, 50.
Wagtail, Gray, 26, 27.
Wheatear, 51.
Whinchat, 175.
Wood-lark, 115.
Newstead, 198.
Newstead Abbey, 201.
Newton, Professor, on the Dipper, 18;
on the Garden Warbler, 183;
on the Kingfisher, 203.
Night-crow, 109.
Night-hawk, 106.
Nightingale, 155.
Nightjar, 106, 107 fig., 108-113, 140, 154, 256, 288;
evil repute, 106, 107;
names, 106-109;
migration, 109, 110, 268;
note, 111;
colour, 111, 112;
nesting, 288;
eggs, 112.
Norfolk, 117, 280.
Norfolk Plover, 119.
North Sea, 272-274.
Northumberland, 213.
Norton Lees, 159.
Norway, 50.
Nottinghamshire, 114, 134, 198, 200, 208.
November, bird-life in, 291.
Nuthatch, 154.
October, bird-life in, 290.
Orkneys, 52, 71, 83, 99, 209, 240.
Osprey, 94, 95.
Ouzel, Mountain, 52.
---- Ring-, 34, 52, 53 fig., 54-57, 59, 171, 184;
flocking, 289;
migration, 53, 54, 267, 271, 290;
nesting, 288;
song, 55.
---- Tor, 52.
---- Water, 18.
Ouzels, 287.
Owl, Barn, 184.
---- Churn, 108.
---- Fern, 108.
---- Long-eared, 137.
---- Short-eared, 122, 123 fig., 124, 125;
migration, 265, 269, 277, 278;
nest, 124, 125;
eggs, 125.
---- Tawny, 144.
Owls, 20, 110, 112, 140, 144, 151, 185, 256;
migration, 278.
Owler Bar, 53.
Oyster-catcher, 104, 210, 218, 226.
Partridge, English, 121.
---- Red-legged, 121.
Partridges, 43, 107, 181.
Passeres, 16, 132, 154.
Passerines, 46, 115, 127.
Peak District, 13, 34, 52, 82, 236, 238.
Pennine chain, 52.
Pentland Firth, 240.
Penzance, 49.
Peregrine, 59, 76-78, 85, 86, 239, 250.
Petrel, Fork-tailed, 232, 254, 255 fig., 280;
nest, 254-255;
eggs, 255, 256.
---- Stormy, 193, 232, 256, 280.
Petrels, 232, 233, 258, 260.
Pettichaps, 183.
Peveril Castle, 237.
Phalarope, Red-necked, 93, 99, 100;
migration, 268.
Pheasant, 43, 107, 121, 132, 135, 142, 145, 148, 149, 151, 288, 291.
Picidæ, 154.
Pigeon, 82, 148.
Pinnacles, 240, 243.
Pipit, Meadow, 46-48, 59, 127, 284, 290;
flocking, 289;
migration, 46, 47, 282;
nesting, 47, 48;
song, 47.
---- Rock, 213, 226.
---- Tree, 114, 175, 287, 289;
migration, 268.
Pipits, 181, 187;
migration, 290.
Plover, Golden, 69, 70;
migration, 264, 279;
nest, 70;
eggs, 70.
---- Gray, migration, 265, 266.
---- Norfolk, 119.
---- Ringed, 104, 193, 206, 207, 210, 211 fig., 212, 218, 225;
migration, 266;
eggs, 212.
---- Stone, 119.
---- Thick-kneed, 119.
Plovers, 34, 59, 66-68, 93, 94, 293;
migration, 265, 269, 278, 282;
nesting, 288.
Pochard, 201, 207.
Pool, By River and, 186.
Protection of birds, 38.
Protective coloration:--
Curlew, Stone, 117, 118, 120, 121;
Grouse, Red, 43, 79;
Grouse, Willow, 80;
Gull, Lesser Black-backed, 220;
Plover, 212;
Ptarmigan, 76-79;
Tern, Lesser, 211;
Tern, Sandwich, 223.
Ptarmigan, 42, 75, 76, 78, 80, 81, 83;
protective coloration, 76, 78;
note, 81;
nest, 81;
eggs, 81.
Puckeridge, 109.
Puffin, 218, 226, 227, 231, 242, 244, 250, 254;
nest, 227.
Quail, migration, 268.
Rail, Land, 176-178;
migration, 268.
---- Water, 125, 126, 193, 197.
Raptores, 61, 65.
Raven, 66, 76, 77 fig., 87, 88, 236.
Rawlinson, 134.
Ray, 183.
Razorbill, 103, 231, 240, 241 fig., 242, 250, 254.
Redcar, 194, 273.
Redmires, 30, 139.
Redpole, 33, 189, 190, 290.
---- Lesser, 168, 169, 170, 291.
Redshank, 33, 72, 94, 126;
migration, 264, 269, 278.
Redstart, 155, 183, 239, 287;
migration, 267.
Redwing, 127, 141, 166, 172, 173, 182, 286, 293;
migration, 166, 172, 263, 265, 269, 279, 290.
Ribble, 206.
Rivelin, 14, 21.
Rivelin Valley, 48, 52, 53, 54, 59, 132, 138, 146, 154, 238, 275.
River and Pool, By, 186.
Robin, 141, 182, 183, 285, 291;
song, 19, 289, 291, 293;
perennial song, 19, 283;
nest, 286;
migration, 263, 266, 268, 269.
Robin Hood, 143.
Rockier, 148.
Rocky Mountains, 17.
Rodd, 50.
Rook, 127, 129, 141, 144, 159, 160, 161 fig., 162, 196, 290;
service to farmers, 160;
flocking, 289;
migration, 264, 269;
nesting, 284, 285.
Ross-shire, 94, 99.
Rough, meaning of, 35 note.
Roughs, Moorlands and, 35.
Ruff, migration, 266.
Saint Kilda, 87, 89, 90, 209, 240, 251-257, 260.
Sanderling, 207;
migration, 265, 266, 269, 278.
Sandpiper, 16, 66, 70, 93, 94;
migration, 271.
---- Common, 28 fig., 29-32, 59, 60, 207;
migration, 29, 268;
nesting, 288;
attachment to nesting-place, 29, 30;
eggs, 31;
note, 32.
---- Curlew, 207;
migration, 266.
Sawbill, 101.
Scandinavia, 17.
Scaup, 207, 233;
migration, 269.
Scolopacineæ, 119.
Scoter, 99, 233;
migration, 265, 269, 278.
Scotland, 27, 30, 51, 52, 133, 152.
Scrapire, 257.
Scully, Dr., 63.
Sea and Shore, On, 209.
Sea-cliff, On Crag and, 236.
September, bird-life in, 290.
Shakespeare, on the Kingfisher, 202.
Sheaf, 14, 25.
Shearwater, 232, 258.
---- Manx, 232, 256;
nest, 256;
eggs, 256.
Sheffield, 25, 30, 34, 46, 53, 59, 106, 117, 141, 154-156, 159,
171, 183, 187, 189, 275, 283.
Sheldrake, 73, 102, 214, 215 fig., 233;
nest, 215, 216;
eggs, 216.
Sherwood Forest, 99, 106, 122, 132, 142, 146, 156, 198.
Shetlands, 29, 50, 71, 83, 99, 152, 209, 240.
Shore, On Sea and, 209.
Shoveler, 200.
Shrike, Great Gray, migration, 280.
Siberia, 273.
Siskin, 33, 167, 170, 189-191.
Skua, 228;
migration, 266.
---- Buffon's, migration, 266.
Sky-lark, 19, 52, 114, 115, 127, 178;
migration, 178, 264, 269, 273, 276, 279;
song, 114, 115, 284-286, 291, 293.
Skye, 26, 31, 33, 64, 76, 83, 86, 102.
Sligachan, 87.
Snipe, 34, 70, 71, 147;
drumming, 71;
migration, 264.
---- Common, 126;
migration, 269.
---- Jack, 127, 181, 291;
migration, 181, 265.
---- Summer, 28, 30.
Soay, 253, 256.
Solway, 206.
Somerset, 52.
Song note:--
Accentor, Hedge, 283, 286, 293.
Blackbird, 285, 286, 289.
Blackcap, 289.
Bunting, Reed, 171.
---- Yellow, 281, 286.
Chaffinch, 164, 285.
Chiffchaff, 290.
Cuckoo, 286, 288.
Curlew, 71.
Dipper, 19, 24, 286.
Greenfinch, 286.
Kingfisher, 205.
Nightjar, 111.
Ouzel, Ring-, 55.
Pipit, Meadow, 47.
Ptarmigan, 81.
Robin, 19, 289, 291, 293;
perennial, 19, 283.
Sandpiper, 32.
Sky-lark, 114, 115, 284-286, 291, 293.
Starling, 163, 177, 284, 290, 291, 293.
Thrush, Missel-, 284, 290, 291, 293.
---- Song, 285.
Twite, 48.
Wagtail, Gray, 26, 27.
Warbler, Garden, 183, 184.
---- Grasshopper, 116.
---- Sedge, 127.
Wheatear, 51.
Whitethroat, 289.
Wood-lark, 113, 114.
Wren, 286, 290, 291, 293;
perennial, 283.
Sparrow, in August, 289;
in September, 290;
nest in January, 284;
in February, 285.
Sparrow, Hedge, migration, 266.
---- House, 163, 170, 291;
migration, 263-264 note;
voracity, 163, 170.
---- Tree, 167;
migration, 263, 269.
Sparrow-hawk, 61, 65, 66, 133, 136-138, 164, 184;
migration, 264;
nesting, 288.
Speeton, 240.
Spurn, 213, 272, 274, 275.
Stack Armin, 253.
Stanage Edge, 53.
Starling, 16, 127, 143, 162, 184, 205, 238, 290;
flocking, 289;
migration, 264, 265, 268, 269;
pairing, 284, 285;
song, 163, 177, 284, 290, 291, 293.
Stint, Little, migration, 266.
Stints, 207.
Stonechat, 52, 116;
migration, 265, 269, 291.
Stone-clatter, 51.
Stone Curlew, 117, 118 fig., 119-121;
protective coloration, 117, 118, 120, 121;
local names, 118, 119;
migration, 120, 268;
eggs, 120.
Stone Plover, 119.
Storer, 203.
Stormcock, 56, 172.
Strome Ferry, 33, 94.
Sturnus, 16.
Suffolk, 117.
Sunderland, 214.
Sussex Downs, 57.
Sutherland, 99, 240.
Swallow, 29, 51, 180, 192, 196, 197, 287;
migration, 192, 266, 268, 271, 277, 290.
Swan, 192, 198, 208, 215;
nest, 198;
eggs, 198;
migration, 264.
Swan, Bewick's, 192, 208.
Swift, 185, 196, 239, 288;
migration, 260, 271, 289.
Talisker, 86, 88.
Teal, 73, 99, 193, 197, 200;
migration, 265, 269.
Tees, 208.
Tern, 73, 102, 206, 218, 228, 229 fig., 230;
migration, 271.
---- Arctic, 103, 206, 221, 223;
eggs, 224.
---- Common, 103, 206, 221, 224;
eggs, 225.
---- Lesser, 206, 210, 211 fig., 212;
eggs, 211.
---- Roseate, 221.
---- Sandwich, 206, 221-223;
eggs, 223.
Thick-knee, 117, 119.
Thorne, 127.
Thrush, 16, 54, 55, 57, 141, 171, 177, 181.
---- Missel-, 24, 55, 120, 124, 146, 147, 172, 285, 286, 290;
migration, 269-291;
song, 284, 290, 291, 293.
---- Song, 19, 23, 172, 173, 289, 290;
migration, 263, 264, 268, 269, 291;
nest, 286;
song, 285.
Tit, 191;
flocking, 289.
---- Crested, 154.
Titlark, 34.
Titmice, 34, 141, 154, 183, 190 fig., 191, 284, 291;
migration, 265, 266, 269, 275, 291;
pairing, 285.
Titmouse, 292 fig.
---- Bearded, 154.
Torquay, 87.
Totani, 71.
Totley, 132.
Tringa merula aquatica, 16.
Tunstall, on the Dipper, 18.
Turnstone, migration, 269.
Twigmoor, 127.
Twite, 34, 48, 49 fig., 50, 51, 59, 168, 169;
flocking, 289;
migration, 282, 290;
nest, 50;
nesting, 280;
note, 48;
eggs, 50.
Tyne, 206.
Upland Streams, By, 11.
Vieillot, 255.
Waders, migration, 265, 289.
Wagtail, Gray, 24, 25 fig., 26-28, 30, 180, 189, 194-195, 201, 286;
migration, 24;
nest, 26, 27;
song, 26, 27;
attachment to breeding-place, 27.
---- Pied, 178, 180, 192, 194-195, 286, 291-292;
migration, 265, 266, 268, 269.
---- Yellow, 178, 179 fig., 180, 286.
Wagtails, 187.
Wainfleet, 280.
Wales, 52, 58, 133.
Walton Hall, 196.
---- Park, 193.
Warbler, Dartford, 116, 117.
---- Garden, 183;
migration, 268;
song, 183, 184.
---- Grasshopper, 111, 116;
migration, 268;
song, 116.
---- Reed, 127, 195;
migration, 267.
---- Sedge, 127, 155, 195;
migration, 268, 271;
song, 127.
Warblers, 141, 181;
migration, 290.
Wash, 208, 210, 235, 272, 275-277, 280.
Water-crow, 18, 31.
Water-ouzel, 18.
Water-rail, 125, 126, 193, 197.
Waterton, Charles, 193, 283.
Western Isles, 19.
Wharncliffe, 236.
---- Crags, 106.
---- Woods, 132, 149.
Wheatear, 51, 155, 239, 286, 287 fig.;
migration, 51, 267, 268, 271;
nest, 51;
note 51.
Wheel-bird, 109.
Whimbrel, 71, 207;
migration, 266.
Whinchat, 173, 174 fig.;
migration, 267, 271;
nest, 175;
eggs, 175.
Whitby, 274.
White, Gilbert, 57.
Whitethroat, 115, 268, 287;
migration, 267, 271;
song, 289.
---- Lesser, migration, 267.
Whoopers, 208.
Wigeon, 73, 193, 197, 233;
migration, 265, 269, 278.
Wight, Isle of, 82.
Willow Grouse, 43, 80.
Willughby, 183.
Woodcock, 144, 145 fig., 181, 291;
migration, 264-266, 269, 277, 278.
Wood-lark, 113-115;
nest, 115;
song, 113, 114.
Woodpecker, 132, 151, 154;
absent from Ireland and Scotland, 152.
---- Greater Spotted, 152, 153 fig.
---- Green, 151, 152.
---- Lesser Spotted, 152.
Wren, 16, 22, 47, 141, 182, 183, 251, 252;
migration, 265, 266, 268, 269;
song, 286, 290, 291, 293;
perennial songster, 283.
---- Willow, 155-157, 287;
migration, 267, 271.
---- Wood, 156, 157, 288;
migration, 268.
Writing Lark, 171.
Wryneck, 153, 154;
migration, 267.
Wye, 14, 25.
Wyming Brook, 14, 30, 138.
Yoldring, 171.
Yorkshire, 12, 13, 19, 20, 24, 29, 44-47, 51, 52, 54, 64-66,
68, 71, 106, 117, 125, 127, 133, 134, 147, 148, 152, 154,
155, 165, 167, 168, 170-173, 175, 181, 183, 184, 190,
193-196, 201, 203, 208, 210, 213, 236, 237, 239, 240, 261-263,
265, 267, 271-273, 275, 277, 286, 288, 293.
Yorkshire moors, changing aspects of, 35;
varied bird-life on, 35.
* * * * *
FOOTNOTES
[1] "Rough", a local name for wild, uncultivated, rocky lands on
the borders of the moors, clothed with coarse herbage, bramble,
heath, and a variety of Vacciniaceæ, sphagnum, and other plants.
[2] Conf. _Zoologist_, 1878, p. 29.
[3] We say nothing about the migrations of the House Sparrow,
because at present they are not at all clear. The bird visits
the lighthouses and light-vessels in spring and autumn, but
the movement is not yet clearly defined.
* * * * *
Transcriber Notes
All paragraphs split by illustrations were rejoined. All obvious
typographical errors were corrected. Hyphenation was standardized
to the most prevalent version of word(s).