THE BIRDS OF NORTH UIST 253 



reported from Newton and other parts of North Uist. These 

 occurrences, however, lack confirmation.] 



Aquila chrysaetus, Linn. Golden Eagle. Used to breed in 

 North Uist. Occasional reports of this bird's appearance to be 

 had, but none authentic during the last twenty or thirty years. 



Haliatus albidlla. Linn. Sea Eagle. Formerly breeding on 

 Lee, where the old nesting site may still be seen. No authentic 

 reappearance has been reported during recent years. 



Accipiter nisus. Linn. Sparrow-hawk. One was killed at 

 Scolpaig some twenty years ago. In 1907, during August, a single 

 bird was seen at Griminish Point. These two are the only examples 

 of which I know. 



Falco candicans, Gm., Greenland Falcon; and Falco islandus, 

 Gm., Iceland Falcon. Neither of these two falcons has been seen 

 during recent years, though examples were obtained near Langass 

 and Newton, so I am informed, towards the close of the nineteenth 

 century. 



Falco peregri?ius, Tun. Peregrine Falcon. (B.) Fairly 

 common. A decreasing resident. Sound of Harris and the Lees 

 form their favourite nesting sites. 



Falco cesalon, Tun. Merlin. (B.) Common. Never a day 

 passes without seeing at least a pair of these sporting little birds. 

 Meadow-pipits form their staple prey, though I have frequently seen 

 Golden Plover and on one occasion a Mallard attacked. 



Falco tinmmciilus, Linn. Kestrel. (B.) Common. Numbers 

 subject to decided fluctuations, though never as numerous as the 

 Merlin. 



Phalacrocorax carbo, Linn. Cormorant. (B.) This species is 

 resident in small numbers, the majority breeding on the more 

 remote islands. Commoner during the winter months, at which 

 period they are seldom seen beside the sea, but more frequently 

 on the numerous lochs which are found throughout the island. 



Phalacrocorax graculus, Linn. Shag. (B.) A more common 

 resident than the above. This bird is held in great esteem by the 

 natives, who make soup out of it if properly made it is very like 

 the best hare soup. 



Sula bassana, Linn. Gannet. Very common. Especially 

 abundant owing to the fact that St Kilda is only some 38 miles 

 from Griminish Point. During the breeding season, however, not 

 a single bird is to be seen. Immature birds are washed up dead 

 every autumn, these mostly in first and second year plumage. 



Ardea cinerea, Linn. Common Heron. (B.) Common. A 

 few pairs nest in the vicinity of Loch Eport but there are no 

 S3 2G 



