Page:The Zoologist, 4th series, vol 5 (1901).djvu/180

156 June 11th.—Cuckoo the sole occupant of nest, and fully fledged.

June 14th.—Cuckoo out of the nest and screeching.

It may be interesting to state that I have a series of excellent photographs illustrating the various stages described above, which will be subsequently published.— (St. Albans, Herts).

Varieties of the Dunlin (Tringa alpina).—Referring to the communication upon this subject by Mr. J. Backhouse (ante, p. 91), as far as I have been able to ascertain, no Dunlins of the larger variety stay in our part (North Yorkshire district) to breed. In 1899 I found a clutch of four eggs of Tringa alpina on the south bank of the River Tees, this being the only occurrence recorded of the Dunlin breeding there. The parent birds belonging to this nest were, I found, those of the smaller variety. For years I have sought to procure in this district an example of the large variety in good summer plumage, but have hitherto failed to do so. In early August I have shot, on the Humber, the Tees, and the Northumberland coast, several Dunlins, but invariably found them all of the small form, which is known to breed with us. Towards the latter end of August I have obtained the large form of Dunlin, which had by that time lost most of its summer plumage. A good specimen of the small variety in summer plumage can be readily procured on the coast in spring, but the large forms seem to leave us before they attain their full nuptial dress. I am, of course, aware that a very considerable range exists in the quality of the summer plumage of shore-birds, and also of the exceptions which occasionally take place. For instance, I have in my collection a Golden Plover in perfect summer dress, which was shot Feb. 22nd, 1900; and also a Grey Plover in full breeding plumage, shot Sept. 2nd, 1899. Both these birds were procured near the River Tees. The disappearance of the larger variety of the Dunlin during the months of June and July seems to lead many people to suppose that with us in Yorkshire they are only migratory. I have found several nests of the Dunlin on the uplands of the North of England, and from close observations always observed them to belong to the smaller race. Out of the individual Dunlins found on the Yorkshire coast during June and July, I have never been able to observe a single representative of the large form.— (Redcar, Yorks).

Wildfowl on the Hampshire Avon during the Winter of 1900-1.—That the number as well as variety of Wildfowl frequenting this neighbourhood have decreased, when compared with many years ago, is an undoubted fact. The comparative mildness of some winters is perhaps one of the causes for this decrease, but other agencies must considerably help in the diminution. It matters not what the temperature of the season may be, the immense flocks of Wigeon and Teal are never seen as they were formerly,