Edwin Philip Butterfield

“ After reviewing all the information to hand regarding the distribution of the Stonechat in Yorkshire, it cannot be said with exactitude to be common in any district, and, contrary to what one might expect, as it was formerly thought to be more of a sub-alpine species, it is more common in the extreme east than in the west, more especially the north-west fells, where it appears to have almost died out as a nesting species, occurring occasionally on migration, but chiefly in spring ”

“ As might be expected from such a diversity of physical conditions, the climate varies greatly, being dry and bleak in the east, comparatively mild in the central vale; whilst the elevated portions of the west and north-west are marked by a tolerably healthy climate, but are swept by high winds, and have a heavy rainfall. ”

“ Oxley Grabham, who resides in the north-east district, remarks, in the 'Yorkshire Weekly Post,' Oct. 10th, 1900, that it is "very local and sparsely distributed" in Yorkshire; so, if it were once fairly common at Flamborough Head, it would appear to be dying out there. The Stonechat is mentioned in the list of birds given by the Rev. E.M. Cole, M.A., for the vale of York, in the excursion circular of the Yorkshire Nat. Union; but, again, nothing is said whether as a breeding species or on migration. Mr. Boyes, of Beverley, in a letter recently, informs me that "it is fast dying out here. ”