'2'66 PROCEEDINGS OF THE 



18G9, we took notice of an equal number together at once in the 

 stony bed of the Stinchar, near Daljerrock. 



Ray's Wagtail {Motacilla Eayi). 



A common summer visitant, and found distributed in pairs 

 throughout our district. We have seen it frequenting the pebbly- 

 bed of the Girvan at mid-day throughout the summer months. 

 In the month of July, but more especially in autumn, we have 

 repeatedly observed it on the sea-shore, generally at the mouth of 

 a small rivulet. The plumage of the bird has then lost its lustre, 

 and the bright yellow of the spring dress has entirely disappeared. 



ANTEID^. 



The Tree Pipit (Anthus arboreiis). 

 Found breeding near Girvan. Several pairs may be seen 

 throughout the summer frequenting the outskirts of Killoop 

 Wood. It is also met with at Braehill, and other localities in the 

 district. 



The Meadow Pipit (Anthus prafensis). 



There appears to be a partial migration of this species southwards 

 in autumn, many flocks at that season descending from the higher 

 grounds to the fields skirting the shore. These congregations 

 disappear, and come back in the following spring. The meadow 

 pipit, like some of the buntings and warblers, looks much altered 

 about the close of autumn when the plumage becomes faded. 



The Rock Pipit {Anthus petrosus). 

 Strictly confined to the sea-shore, where it appears to be uni- 

 formly distributed from Ayr to the Mull of Galloway. In some 

 places where the shore is flat it constructs its nest among the 

 rough stones beyond high water mark, and at the line where 

 tufts of grass appear in summer time. In rocky situations it is 

 placed in crevices, sometimes at a considerable height in the front 

 of the precipice. We have taken it in exceedingly picturesque 

 spots on the line of rocks near Carleton Fishery — the nest being 

 often placed under a tuft of wild roses or other flowers, and com- 

 pletely screened from observation. 



