NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 161 



be hereafter mentioned, probably from a sense of security through 

 being surrounded by water, resort there in flocks of hundreds to 

 pass the night. The Sand Martin {H. riparia) breeds in the 

 banks of the canal, a short distance from the marsh, and hawks 

 for flies over it. The Cuckoo {Cuculus canorus) is a constant 

 summer resident, and, I have no doubt, makes use of the numerous 

 Titlarks, which breed in the drier parts, to rear its young. 



During the winter of 1864 I several times saw the Kingfisher 

 (Alcedo ispida) fishing for Stickle-backs, and darting along the 

 surface of the ditches which intersect and flow from both Possil 

 marsh and the neighbouring Loch Burnie. The Magpie {Pica 

 caudata) frequents the marsh, and breeds in the immediate vicinity. 

 The Starling [Sturnus vulgaris) is a nightly lodger in the bushes 

 throughout most of the year, but may be seen in hundreds, at 

 dusk, during the autumn, darting from every direction to this 

 common centre of attraction. These birds, having remained quiet 

 for some time, as if by a preconcerted signal, but without apparent 

 cause, will rise in a cloud, and, after a few wheels in the air, will 

 again alight. After spending a short time in a low sort of con- 

 gratulory whistling and chattering, they will then settle for the 

 night. The Blackbird (Tiirdus meruld), the Song Thrush {T. 

 musiciis), and the Missel Thrush {T. viscivorus), breed in the hedges 

 and plantations on the banks of the marsh; the Fieldfare {T. 

 pilaris) and the Redwing (T. iliaciis) are constant winter habitants. 

 The Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola) breeds on the margin of the 

 marsh, and the Wheatear (S. oenanthe) is a regular visitor. 



The Whitethroat (Ciirruca cinerea) breeds plentifully amongst 

 the rank grass and bushes; the Wood Wren {Sylvia sylvicola), the 

 Willow Wren {S. trocliilus), and the Chifl" Chaff {S. hypolais), are all 

 found breeding in the neighbourhood, or on the banks of the 

 marsh. The Sedge Warbler {Salicaria phragmitis) breeds very abun- 

 dantly, and its merry song is constantly to be heard both during 

 the day and after dark. It frequently repeats the cry of the 

 Coot, Water-hen, Lapwing, or that of any other bird with which it 

 is associated. The Pied Wagtail {Motacilla yarrellii), the Grey 

 Wagtail {M. boarida), and the Yellow Wagtail {M. rayi), resort 

 to the bushes for night quarters, and breed in the immediate 

 vicinity. The Meadow Pipit {Anthus ptratensis) hrQQdi^ -^\Qnt\i\x\\j 

 in the drier parts, and the Tree Pipit {A. arhoreus) in the surround- 

 ing fields. The Skylark {Alaud/i arvensis) breeds in the drier 



VOL. II. L 



