NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF GLASGOW. 285 



notice in our own district. It will, no doubt, however, be found 

 in both counties. 



The Long-tailed Tit (Farus caudatus). 

 Common, frequenting woods and hedge-rows. Very conspicu- 

 ous in autumn and the beginning of winter, when they assemble 

 in troops and travel long distances in company. 



AMPELID^. 



The Bohemian Waxwing. 

 Has occurred in Wigtownshire. A specimen seen and examined 

 by Mr Gray was taken alive at Portpatrick in the winter of 1866. 

 As a rule, this species is but seldom met with in the western 

 counties of Scotland. 



MOTAGILLID^. 

 The Pied Wagtail {Motadlla YarrellU). 

 Very generally distributed. Large flocks gather in some of the 

 shore districts of both counties, preparatory to a general migra- 

 tion. Great numbers of these birds roost in alder bushes growing 

 upon the banks of the Girvan Water throughout the month of 

 September. They come in at nightfall from all parts, and 

 assemble in clusters, taking up their perches five or six on a 

 branch. As many as thirty or forty may on these occasions be 

 dislodged from one bush. After rain, they sally forth in com- 

 panies in the morning to the nearest grass park, where they 

 diligently devour the smaller larvae and insects that may have 

 been disturbed by the shower. 



The Grey Wagtail {Motadlla hoarula). 

 Permanently resident. It is found on the high lands as Avell 

 as the low grounds, and is very partial to clear, running water, 

 frequenting alike the margins of drains, brooks, rivers, and 

 ditches. The situation of the nest varies according to circum- 

 stances. It is found under bridges, in holes of walls and tree 

 roots, sometimes within reach of a flood, and there are two broods 

 in the year. We have seen as many as seven or eight of these 



beautiful wagtails in Girvan Harbour at low tide, and in August, 



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