iiS ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 



Crossbills on the North-East Coast. Mr. A. G. Gavin records 

 that a number of Crossbills have been caught at Fraserburgh ; and 

 fishermen have caught a number at sea. One fisherman reported 

 that there were " hundreds " drowned, not being able to continue 

 their flight to land. Mr. Gavin, with whom I have been in direct 

 correspondence, informs me that these are the first that he has any 

 knowledge of as having ever been seen upon this bleak north- 

 eastern district of Aberdeenshire. Eight birds are reported as 

 frequenting the gardens about Wick and feeding entirely upon 

 green-fly (D. M'Lean in lit., 22nd July 1909). J. A. HARVIE- 

 BROWN. 



Albino Reed Bunting 1 in Solway Area. I was shown a bird 

 in December that almost proved a puzzle as to identity. It was 

 absolutely pure white, except that there was one minute feather on 

 the shoulder of one wing, brown. The bill was that of a Bunting, 

 and so were the legs and feet, and also the wing formula. So, 

 with a little comparison, it was seen to be a Reed Bunting (Emberiza 

 scha'nidus). It is in the possession of the tenant of Brae of 

 Lochrutton, and makes a very pretty and interesting specimen. It 

 was described as having a novel and conspicuous appearance when 

 seen flying amongst a great flock of other small birds in dark winter 

 weather. ROBERT SERVICE, Maxwelltown. 



Greater Wheatear at Mull of Galloway : a Correction. I 

 am sorry that a mistake has been made regarding the date of 

 the occurrence of Saxicola leucorrhoa recorded in the " Annals " 

 for January (p. 55). The bird was obtained on i2th September, 

 not 1 2th August as stated. ANNIE C. JACKSON, Swordale. 



Great Spotted Woodpecker near Penpont, Dumfriesshire. I 



watched a bird of this species for fully fifteen minutes on 23rd 

 December 1909. There were 4 inches of snow on the ground at 

 the time. HUGH S. GLADSTONE, Thornhill, Dumfriesshire. 



Great Spotted Woodpecker in Forth and Dee. On i2th March 

 1909, a Great Spotted Woodpecker was .brought to Mr. Mowat, 

 Teacher, Dunipace School, and was preserved by him for the 

 School Museum. One was seen in Carron Glen on i8th July 

 1909. 



In 1908, Mr. A. Macdonald wrote from The Public School, 

 Durris, Aberdeen, to Mr. Lawson, Manager, Braemar, about a bird 

 which appeared to be a Great Spotted AVoodpecker. This now 

 1909 seems to have been correct, and this spring 1909 the 

 bird continues, and it may be nesting. J. A. HARVIE-BROWN. 



Greenland Falcons in Scotland. During the past winter we 

 have had quite a visitation of Greenland Falcons, Falco candicans. 

 Not only have they been observed in Scotland, but Ireland has been 

 similarly favoured by the visits of no less than six, and as in Scotland, 



