i8 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 



spring from the interstices of the rocks. After the corn had 

 been cut and garnered, these parties collected together and 

 formed immense flocks which chiefly frequented the stubbles 

 and the plots of turnips and potatoes. The great abundance 

 of this species added much to our difficulties in detecting 

 and identifying immigrants, especially among the Finches, 

 which on arrival speedily joined the ranks of the Twites and 

 became practically effaced by their numbers. 



CORN BUNTING, Emberiza miliaria. This is a resident species 

 confined to the crofts, where, however, it is far from common, 

 perhaps on account of the limited area of the island which is 

 suited to its requirements. 



LITTLE BUNTING, Emberiza pnsilla. On 2nd October one was well 

 seen at close quarters as it rested on a stone wall in company 

 with Twites, and its identity satisfactorily established though the 

 bird escaped capture. 



This is only the second occasion on which this species has 

 been detected in Scotland, a previous visitor having been 

 captured by a cat on the Pentland Skerries, and its remains 

 submitted to me for identification. 



SNOW BUNTING, Plectrophenax nivalis. The first of these birds 

 arrived on loth September, and after this date a few were seen 

 daily until the 22nd, on which date they appeared in flocks. 

 A number of this species pass the winter on the island, as well as 

 appearing on passage in both spring and autumn. It was quite 

 abundant during the latter portion of our sojourn ; and a single 

 bird was captured at the lantern of the Skroo Lighthouse on 

 the night of 4th October. I know no other bird whose 

 presence helps to enliven desolate surroundings to the same 

 extent as this ; its delightfully cheery note, its pretty dancing 

 flight, and its beautiful plumage, add a charm to the bleakest of 

 landscapes even in the worst of weather, and their presence was 

 always a source of pleasure to us during our lonely wander- 

 ings in the remoter parts of the island. 



LAPLAND BUNTING, Calcarius lapponicus. The first Lapp-Bunting 

 was heard on yth of September, and its notes awakened 

 pleasant recollections of my introduction to this bird just a 

 year ago at the Flannan Islands. The species did not come 

 under notice again until the iith, when several were seen and 

 one was obtained. From this date onwards old and young 

 birds were observed or heard daily, and in some numbers, 

 down to our departure. Until the corn was gathered, these 

 buntings frequented rough grass in search of seeds, but when 

 the stubbles were available they resorted to them and consorted 

 with the Twites and Bramblings. This bird is an expert 



