72 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 



SHAG, Phalacrocorax graculus. Extremely abundant, more so than 

 the last species, and resident all the year round. 



GANNET, Sula bassana. Was observed fishing off the island during 

 the period covered by our visit. They were most numerous 

 during the earlier part of September, after which their numbers 

 gradually decreased, though a few were still present in the first 

 week of October. According to Mr. George Stout, the bird is 

 occasionally seen during winter, but such visits are by no means 

 of common occurrence. 



HERON, Ardea cinerea. The Heron was occasionally observed, 

 being probably on passage. Five or six were present on our 

 arrival, and afterwards single birds were seen until 23rd 

 September. On this date six appeared, but these, like their 

 precursors, soon passed on, to be followed again by odd birds 

 down to the date of our departure. During their short sojourn 

 these visitors frequented the rock pools at the southern end of 

 the island. 



WILD GOOSE, Anser sp. We were informed that " Wild Geese" are 

 not uncommon during the autumn, and two were reported to 

 us as having been seen on 2nd October. 



Mr. Tulloch includes the White-fronted Goose (Anser albi- 

 frons) in the list of Fair Isle birds observed by him. 



MALLARD, Anas boscas. A few frequented the pools on Sukka 

 Moor, or were seen on the sea close to the island, at intervals 

 throughout our stay. A party of nine, noted on i yth September, 

 was the largest number observed. Mr. George Stout informs 

 me that though it is not regularly present during the winter, yet 

 it is sometimes common enough at that season. 



TEAL, Nettion crecca. A few, chiefly single birds, came under notice 

 between 6th and igth September, and frequented ditches 

 among the crofts or the lochans at the north end of the island. 

 Two were observed in the south harbour on i6th September. 

 None were seen later. 



WIGEON, Mareca penelope. From gth September onwards small 

 parties, never exceeding six individuals, were observed in the 

 lochans and drains, or on the sea off the mouths of the burns, 

 where they consorted with Mallards. According to Mr. George 

 Stout, Wigeon are sometimes common enough in winter, but 

 are not regularly present. He saw thirty on 2yth October. 



EIDER DUCK, Somateria inollissima. Abundant and nesting, but 

 less numerous in winter. It was common just off the island 

 throughout our visit. In the middle of September chicks 

 only a few days old were seen ; and during the month males 

 in interesting stages between eclipse and full plumage were 

 frequently observed. 



