BIRD NOTES FROM NORTH RONALDSHAY 75 



occurring oftener, as in the island of Sanday they are numerous ; 

 and the distance is so short. 



WATER RAIL (Rattus aquaticus). There seems to have been a 

 regular influx of these birds into North Ronaldshay this winter 

 (1892). The first I saw were on gth November, while snipe- 

 shooting. I shot five, and could, I believe, have killed a dozen 

 more. The marshes were much flooded, and consequently 

 there was little cover. The poor birds took refuge in the loose 

 stone walls, where my old retriever at once spotted them, and 

 stood scratching at the place till I called him away, or the bird 

 bolted through the dyke. After this I saw them in greater or 

 smaller numbers all through November and up to 9th 

 December, when most of them disappeared. Saw one on 1 6th 

 January 1893. Never saw this bird during my former visits. 



SPOTTED CRAKE (Porzana mantetta). On the 8th September 1884 

 I shot one in the Mill Loch, and in the same loch, and within 

 a few yards of the same spot, I shot another (a male) on the 

 27th September 1892. There was a second bird along with 

 this last, but it got into a thick patch of rushes, and the united 

 efforts of my dog and myself were unavailing to turn it out. 



LAND RAIL (Crex pratensis). A very common breeding species ; in 

 fact, I never knew them so common anywhere. Many fall 

 victims to prowling cats. Last seen for 1892 on loth October. 



MOOR HEN (Gallimila chloropus). Common, but seems to entirely 

 disappear during the winter. I have seen six nests at a time 

 in the reed beds of the Mill Loch. 



COOT (Fulica afro). Breeds in most of the small lochs, perhaps 

 from fifteen to twenty pairs, all told. None seen for the last 

 two months (December and January). 



GOLDEN PLOVER (Charadrius pluvialis). Large numbers here at 

 times. The first I saw in 1892 were five on 4th July, after 

 which they came in rapidly, and for the first half of August 

 were here in great numbers. After September they were scarce 

 for a time, but about the end of November again became 

 plentiful, though very wild. One bird with pure white wings 

 remained here part of August and September. 



GRAY PLOVER (Squatarola helvetica]. I shot the only one I have 

 ever seen here, on 3rd September 1892. 



RINGED PLOVER (/Egialitis hiaticula). Very common, and breeding 



wherever there is suitable ground. 

 LAPWING ( Vanellus vulgaris). A common breeding species, but 



most of them leave early in September. 



TURNSTONE (Strepsilas interpres). A few seem to remain here all 

 the year round. I saw five on the Seal Skerry on 4th July 



