274 TKOCEEDINGS OF THE 



its hold of the numerous romantic heatUands in Western Scot- 

 land, we may expect to meet with stray specimens at that season 

 of the year when eagles are most inclined to wander from tlieir 

 ordinary haunts. 



The Osprey (PancUon haliaetus). 



About fifteen years ago the osprey frequented Loch Doon with 

 some regularity. One bird at least might have been seen fishing 

 in the loch, and perching at times on the boulders near its banks. 

 This was thought to be a male in quest of prey to carry to his 

 mate incubating on an islet in a small loch in Wigtownshire, where 

 we have good reason for saying a frequented eyrie still exists. 



The Peregrine Falcon {Falco percgrinus). 



This handsome falcon, although much reduced in numbers of 

 late years, is found in both counties, frequenting places where it 

 has been known for many generations. There are still two eyries 

 at the Heads of Ayr, and one on Ailsa Craig. Mr Gray has also 

 seen one at Burrow Head. In the "v^dlder parts of some of the 

 inland districts it is also familiar to game preservers as a destruc- 

 tive enemy to grouse and black game. The peregrine is yet 

 comparatively common in Kirkcudbrightshire. 



Mr Ewen, of Ewenfield, Ayr, some months ago communicated 

 to the Sjwrting Gazette a somewhat interesting incident which 

 occurred within liis own observation when out hunting with his 

 hawks. His falconer had let off a two-year old tiercel at some 

 partridges, when a wild peregrine made its appearance, intending, 

 no doubt, to secure one of the birds. As soon as the tiercel had 

 struck his prey to the ground, the wild bird singled out another 

 of the partridges, clutching it in the air, and was carrying it off 

 triumphantly, Avhen Mr Ewen's bird caught sight of the stranger, 

 and at once gave chase, causing it to drop the partridge; the 

 tiercel then pounced upon the falling bird, and caught it before it 

 reached the ground. 



The Merlin (Falco cesalon). 



Found in both counties, but is less common in Wigtownshire. 

 Even in Ayrshire it appears to be in a measure restricted to the 

 moors facing the sea. Its favourite prey is the snipe; it also kills 

 dunlins, dotterel, and other shore birds. In the cultivated parts 



