220 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST 



Lapwing ( Vanellus vanellus). This species is abundant during 

 summer and autumn, and a limited number remain all winter. 

 They begin to nest towards the end of March, and should their eggs 

 be taken, they will lay again and again ; but if their eggs have 

 been taken once or twice, there may then be only two in the clutch. 

 They begin to flock in August, and by the month of October the 

 bulk of them have taken their departure. I have noticed that they 

 have become somewhat scarcer in recent years. 



Turnstone (Strepsilas interpret). Turnstones are common in 

 small flocks all round the coast of the island during autumn and 

 winter. A good many remain all summer, but although they are 

 in full breeding plumage, they do not pair or nest. During stormy 

 weather when there is a heavy surf, they repair to the machars and 

 the fields, where they turn up the cow-dung to get at the grubs, 

 insects, etc. 



Oyster-catcher (Hcemafopus ostralegus). Resident throughout 

 the year, but more numerous in winter. They nest all round the 

 coast, and their eggs being large, are much sought after by the 

 natives for food. They feed mostly along the sea-shore, but I have 

 often noticed them seeking food among the rotting sea-weed which 

 has been put on the fields for manure. They can swim well when 

 put to it. When skinned like a rabbit and well cooked, the flesh 

 is fairly good eating. 



Grey Phalarope {Phalaropus fulicarius). An immature bird 

 of this species was shot on Runnach bog in September 18S6, and 

 another was seen by me at Heanish in November 1890. These 

 are the only occurrences so far as I know. 



Red-necked Phalarope (Phalaropus hyperboreus). A few 

 pairs of this species arrive regularly about the last week in May and 

 the first week in June, and remain to breed. When they first 

 arrive they remain for about a week on small moorland farms, where 

 they swim about and feed on leeches, etc., which they find in the 

 shallow water. They do not dive right under water, but only 

 "dook" down with their tails up in the same manner as widgeon. 

 They also snap up any flies they can find on the surface. They are 

 very tame, and will allow one to approach within a few yards of 

 them, and I have seen them photographed several times on the water. 

 After a week or so they seek their nesting-places. As soon as the 

 young birds are strong enough to travel, they leave the island. 



Woodcock (Scolopax rusticula). A regular autumn and winter 



