Page:The Zoologist, 1st series, vol 1 (1843).djvu/108

80 pointing out the distinctions between this species and the very common and well-known pied wagtail of this country, various specimens of the true M. alba of Linneus have been obtained in the counties of Middlesex, Sussex and Cumberland.4. Shore pipit, (Anthus aquaticus, Bechstein). It has been ascertained, by a comparison of specimens, that the A. aquaticus of Bechstein is distinct from the rock pipit of British authors; and we are indebted to Mr. H. Doubleday, for the opportunity of recording the shore pipit as obtained in this country.5. Short-toed lark, (Alauda brachydactyla, Temm.) A single example of this species was caught in a lark-net near Shrewsbury, at the latter end of October, 1841. The specimen is in the possession of Mr. H. Shaw, of Belle-vue Villa, near Shrewsbury. 6. The whiskered tern, (Sterna leucopareia, Natterer). One example of this rare tern has been killed near Weymouth. —Wm. Yarrell; Ryder St., St. James's, February, 1843.

Note on the occurrence of Woodcocks at Twizell House, in July, 1842.—

Note on the occurrence of a Woodcock near Torrington, for five successive years.— "In the year 1833 a woodcock with white feathers in the wings was observed in a cover on the manor of Monkleigh, near Torrington, in the county of Devon. The same bird, or one of exactly similar plumage, re-appeared in the same place during the four succeeding seasons, in which period it was so repeatedly shot at by different persons without effect, that at last it acquired among the country-people the name of 'the witch.' In the year 1837, however, it was killed by John Piper of Monkleigh, while following the owner of the property which it frequented, the Rev. J. T. Pine Coffin of Portledge, who has now the stuffed specimen in his possession.

"The white feathers are the primary quills and bastard winglets of each wing, the remainder of the plumage being of the ordinary hue. These feathers are all of a pure