152 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 



be so plentiful farther north, and remain in this area so very 

 rare. 



ALPINE SWIFT, Cypselus melba. A bird of this species 

 was caught, apparently exhausted, at a high window on 

 25th August 1892. I kept it overnight and allowed it to 

 escape in the morning. On comparing it with good illustra- 

 tions and descriptions of the Alpine Swift, I have no doubt 

 whatever as to its proper identification. 



SHELD-DRAKE, Tadorna cormita. On the 1 2th September 

 1892 I shot an immature female in a marsh near the river 

 Ayr. It is of interest to note that the marsh in question is 

 situated fully 24 miles from the sea-coast. 



SHORT-EARED OWL, Asia accipitrinns. This bird, which 

 is somewhat rare even in autumn, has nested once to my 

 knowledge in this district, namely during the period of the 

 recent Vole Plague. 



TAWNY Q\\L,Asw otns. This species of Owl is also un- 

 common, although much is done to encourage its protection. 



RAVEN, Corvus corax ; PEREGRINE FALCON, Falco pere- 

 gt-inns ; COMMON BUZZARD, Bntco vulgaris.- -These are 

 occasionally seen on the hills, although they do not breed. 



PIED FLYCATCHER, Muscicapa atricapilla. On the 22nd 

 April 1895 a young male of this species was obtained here. 

 It is the first and only occurrence of the Pied Flycatcher in 

 this locality known to me. It may be of interest to note 

 the early date, as the Spotted Flycatcher is seldom observed 

 here before the second week of May. This fact leads me to 

 think the bird was a wanderer, or perhaps on migration. 



YELLOW WAGTAIL, Motatilla rail. Has been observed 

 for two successive years in the same field in about the second 

 week of May. On both occasions it paid a very short visit, 

 and was no doubt on migration. 



TUFTED DUCK, Fuligula cristata. On 4th May 1896 

 I had a very good view of a male and female of this species 

 swimming together and by no means shy on a pond in 

 this neighbourhood. About a week later I observed the 

 female at the same place, but could not discover the male. 



