WILD LIFE IN A WEST HIGHLAND DEER FOREST 9 



Pheasant, Phasianus colchicus. 



Is not a native of the Forest ; but a hen-bird found its way to 

 the foot of Loch Ossian (1300 feet) in autumn a few years ago, and 

 after remaining several weeks disappeared with the advent of the 

 first snow of the season. 



Partridge, Perdix perdix. 



A pair nest annually at Loch Treighead at about 800 feet. In 

 the autumn of 1915 a covey appeared on the 21st of October on 

 ground at the foot of Loch Ossian (1300 feet), and remained there 

 all the winter. This is the only known instance of the visit of this 

 bird to the subalpine zone. 



Black Grouse, Ly runts tetrix. 



Is fairly abundant in the birch wood and on the wooded margin 

 and ravines on Loch Treig side. In the former it nests to the limit 

 of trees at 1 600-1 70c feet. In winter it was observed to feed on 

 the seeds of the birch catkins. 



Red Grouse, Lagopus scoticus. 



Is present in the Forest in considerable numbers and over wide 

 areas, and even nests in open heathery expanses in the birch wood. 

 On the high moorland tracts it occurs up to 3000 feet, but the 

 nest has not been found above 2250 feet. In winter Grouse have 

 been found on ground well over 2000 feet in altitude. At this 

 season the writer has seen them alight on trees and rest there, quite 

 at ease in a crouching position on the branches. 



Ptarmigan, Lagopus mutus. 



Numerous on the higher ground, and breeds just below the cairn 

 (36 1 1 feet) on Beinn Eibhinn. The lowest nest seen by myself 

 was at 2100 feet, but I am told that it has been found, on rare 

 occasions, as low as 1700 feet. Ptarmigan remain in their highest 

 haunts during winter, and seek their food at the foot of rocky 

 faces where the ground is free from snow. 



The following records of altitudinal ranges relate chiefly 

 to Insects, and were made in June 191 7. The Forest is 

 particularly rich in insect-life, and affords exceptional oppor- 

 tunities for research. 



73 b 



