ON BIRDS OBSERVED IN THE ISLAND OF TIREE 153 



ON BIRDS OBSERVED IN THE ISLAND 



OF TIREE. 



By PETER ANDERSON. 



THE following notes relate to one hundred and twenty-eight 

 species of birds which have come under my notice during 

 twelve years of residence in the island. 



In addition to these, I have from time to time seen 

 birds which I was unable to identify. These latter were 

 chiefly small arboreal species which visit us during the 

 seasons of migration, and which do not remain long here, 

 for there is neither tree nor bush on the island. 



MISSEL THRUSH, Tnrdus visdvorous. Not uncommon in late 

 autumn, winter, and spring. It is generally seen singly or in 

 twos or threes. They frequent grassy fields, and take shelter 

 by the side of old walls and rocks during stormy weather. 



SONG THRUSH, Turdi/s musicus. A regular winter visitor in con- 

 siderable numbers, and usually remains until the latter end of 

 March. It frequents the banks of deep ditches, and old turf 



walls. 



REDWING, Tnrdus iliacus. Common on migration in autumn and 

 spring, and a few generally stay all winter, except in seasons of 

 hard frost. 



FIELDFARE, Turdus pilaris. Arrives here in large flocks in late 

 autumn ; but only stays for a day or two and then continues 

 its journey south. A few make their appearance on the return 

 journey in spring. The Merlin follows the flocks of Fieldfares, 

 and takes a heavy toll of them. 



BLACKBIRD, Turdus meritla. Fairly common during winter and 

 spring, when they are to be seen in all sheltered nooks. These 

 birds leave rather earlier than the Song Thrush. 



WHEATEAR, Saxicola cenanthe. Abundant during summer, arriving 

 about the latter end of March and beginning of April. Breeds 

 mostly in old walls, 



WHINCHAT, Pratincola rubetra. I have only seen one here, and 

 that was in the month of April about eight years ago. 



STONECHAT, Pratincola rnbicola. A regular winter visitor in small 

 numbers. Frequents sheltered nooks among rocks. 



REDBREAST, Erithacus rubecula. I see a few nearly every winter, 

 chiefly about the stackyards. 



