[21] Under date of Nov. 7th, at Happisburgh L.H., an Owl, flying about in the glare of the lamps, was seen to pounce on a Starling and carry it off. Mr. F. Spurr writes, "this latter, a fine Horned Owl, has taken to visit the lighthouse regularly; he takes his post just beneath the strong rays of light, and from thence pounces on the small birds when they are frightened by the glare." He goes on to say that he had seen it perched on the rail of the balcony, when its eyes shone like living coals; just such a light as is visible in the eyes of the night-flying moths when they settle on the pane.
Falconidæ.—Circus, Harrier, Redcar, Sept. 21st, six on Tees Breakwater. Buzzards or "very large Hawks," Spring, Farn L.H., March 10th, "one large Hawk, feeding on Blackbird"; May 18th, large Hawk; June 18th, very large Hawk, driving the Terns from their nesting-place; also on 19th. Autumn, from Sept. 6th to Jan. 12th, 1884, numerous Buzzards, and "very large Hawks" are recorded at ten stations between the Farn Islands and Yarmouth; the majority between Sept. 6th and Oct. 20th. There appears to have been a rush of the larger Falconidæ on Sept. 21st. At the Spurn L.H., on Sept. 21st, two Common Buzzards; 14th, 1 a.m., Honey Buzzard caught against lantern, and another on 17th, shot near Kilnsea. Farn L.H., 23rd, one very large Hawk, "back and wings dark brown, belly greyish white, beak slate-colour." Whitby L.H., Jan. 12th, 8.30. a.m., one very large Hawk, "dark colour, with long, square tail, the largest I have ever seen." Accipiter nisus, Sparrowhawk, numerous through September and to Oct. 14th, and after this in less numbers to Nov. 20th; rush, Sept. 21st, with other Falconidæ. Heligoland, Rough-legged Buzzard, Oct. 12th and 13th, one each day; Nov. 2nd, some; 19th, four to six. Sea Eagle, Haliaëtus albicilla, Sept. 21st, some. Sparrowhawks, from Sept. 21st to Nov. 1st.; Oct. 4th, first old birds. As a rule Sparrowhawks pass late in the afternoon. Peregrine Falcon, Oct. 12th, a few. Kestrel and others, Sept. 22nd, "more than ever, with Sparrowhawks and Merlins."
Phalacrocorax carbo, Cormorant.—Tees L.V., March 7th, flock of twenty-five; 24th, fifty.
Sula bassana, Gannet.—Spring, Farn L.V., Feb. 25th, many going N. Longstone L.H., March 22nd to April 15th, daily to N., and from this date every day till May 30th, never more than nine in a flock; great numbers of young also seen off Farn Islands, Redcar and Whitby, first three weeks, in October, generally moving in northerly directions. Redcar, Oct. 26th and 31st and Nov. 2nd and 10th, great numbers to S.E. Hanois L.H. (Guernsey), Nov. 24th, all day passing.
Ardea cinerea, Heron.—Languard L.H., June 25th, a pair very high to S.W., and several seen off Farn L.H. in August.
Botaurus stellaris, Bittern.—Early in January, 1884, a Bittern was shot near Thornton College, North Lincolnshire, and two others are reported as seen.
Anser, Geese.—Languard L.H., March 11th, sixteen Grey Geese, very high to S.W. Whitby L.H., June 20th, nineteen going N., and on July 8th, 5 p.m., a large flock from N. to S.W. Redcar, Sept. 21st, twelve Grey Geese to E.; and at some stations also in October and November, having probably reference to change of feeding-ground. A large flock of Brent Geese, Bernicla brenta, were seen off the Farn Islands on March 23rd, at 6 p.m., and in the autumn a few on Sept. 26th, at the Tees L.V.
Cygnus, Swans.—At Tees L.V., March 25th, one. Outer Dowsing L.V., 14th, three from N.W. to E.S.E. Spurn, May 13th, three to S.; and on 15th, two in Humber. Llyn Wells L.V., Sept. 16th, three to W.S.W. It is possible all these may have reference to escapes or strays from private waters.
Tadorna cornuta, Common Sheldrake.—Tees L.V., Jan. 13th, flock of three hundred. "Never saw so many together before." Nov. 28th, flock of about one hundred.
Mareca penelope, Wigeon.—Redcar, Aug. 20th, two flocks; Sept. 20th, flock of one hundred Teal at sea. Farn L.H., Dec. 12th, hundreds of Wild Duck, Anas boschas, off island.