THE BIRDS OF CARMICHAEL PARISH 215 



were two nests of this species this season near to his house- 

 one 200 yards below it, the other about a quarter of a mile 

 farther up the glen. 



ROCK DOVE, Columba livia, J. F. Gmelin. Common in the parish, 

 as there are good colonies in pigeon-houses at Westmains, and 

 dovecots at Eastend. Whatever may have been their state 

 formerly, they are now quite undomesticated, and forage for 

 themselves. 



BLACK GAME, Tetrao tetrix (L.) Fairly abundant. Chiefly in 

 evidence when snow lies on the ground, as then it descends 

 to lower grounds to feed on haws, etc. During the early 

 spring this species assembles in flocks, and the cocks may be 

 heard uttering their characteristic notes, as also seen performing 

 their strutting antics, to prove themselves attractive to the 

 hens. This species perches readily on high and slender twigs 

 of beech and birch. Frequently have I watched small parties 

 perched on the feathery sprays of a birch at the foot of the 

 Manse garden, picking off the seeds. As late as June 12, 

 1897, a gray hen, accompanied by a male, rose off a nest 

 which she was preparing, and another was seen sitting on a 

 nest on June 21, high up on Lochlyock Hill. 



RED GROUSE, Lagopus scoticus (Latham). There is a good and healthy 

 stock on Tinto and the heath lands of the district. In late 

 seasons, in company with Black Game, this species feeds largely 

 upon the ungarnered oats. 



PHEASANT, Phasianus cokhicus (L.) Is strongly in evidence, being 

 extensively reared for sport from gathered as well as purchased 

 eggs. The majority have the white collar more or less distinct, 

 and white and piebald individuals are not uncommon. Ac- 

 cording to " S. A.," its introduction to Pettinain took place 

 about 1835, "a vast number" having been "brought from 

 England," which "are now finding their way into the adjoining 

 parishes." Under Carluke (" S. A."), "Pheasants," it is said, 

 "have increased much of late " (1838). 



PARTRIDGE, Perdix dnerea (Latham). Common, prolific, and 

 robust, though during severe winters many perish. Gray 

 (" B. W. S.") states that Alston knew in the Upper Ward of a 

 brood of 20 young being reared by a pair. I have been 

 told (Mr. J. Wylie) of a nest near Happendon, Douglas, in 

 which were laid 27 eggs; of these, 25 were hatched out, and 

 23 young were reared. This season a bird laid 15 eggs in a 

 nest in the Manse garden (where there is a nest every spring), 

 of which only one egg was infertile. Though eggs hatched out 

 well this season, most of the old birds have no following of 



