'NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 281 



by Mr Anderson at Girvan, about tliree years ago, and is now in 

 Mr Gray's collection. 



The Eedstart (Phccnicura rutidUa). 

 Not common. It is, indeed, even rare in some parts of Ayr- 

 shire. Mr Oliver Eaton, during a long experience as a bird pre- 

 server at Kilmarnock, mentions that he has only had one specimen 

 through his hands; it was shot by himself, at a coal pit at the 

 Grange-, in the end of October, and had been seen there two weeks 

 previously. It frequents sheep farm steadings in retired upland 

 districts, and is often found at an elevation of 1,500 feet above 

 the sea level. 



The Stonechat (Saxicola ruhicola). 

 This lively bird is very abundant on the coast line extending 

 from Ayr to Burrow Head, with the exception of spots here and 

 there where the cliffs are of great height. In sheltered recesses, 

 however, where a breach in the cliffs occurs and vegetation gets a 

 hold, the Stonechat is sure to be there, perching on weeds and 

 bramble stems, and uttering his monotonous " chuck-chuck " as he 

 turns round to look at the intruder. 



The Whinchat (Saxicola ruhetra). 

 Not nearly so common as the preceding species, but nevertheless 

 occurring in considerable numbers. It is seen mostly in pairs, and 

 often draws attention to its movements by its habit of fluttering 

 over a particular spot, and snapping at insects while at rest on 

 grassy stems, etc. 



The Wheatear (Saxicola cenanthe). 

 Very common. On Ailsa Craig it is also numerous, frequenting 

 the summit of the island, where it breeds in crevices and rabbit 

 holes. It sometimes lingers till October, both on the shore and 

 on the upland sheep pastures. 



The Grasshopper Warbler (Salicaria locusiella). 

 This warbler is very common in the neighbourhood of Kilmar- 

 nock. Mr Gray having recently observed this species in the col- 

 lection of Mr Eaton, bird preserver there, made inquiries as to 

 the localities frequented by the bird, and was informed by that 



