234 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST 



In his paper on birds observed in the Spey Valley in the 

 autumn of 1889, published in the Scottish Naturalist for 1S91, W. 

 Evans records that on 4th September, he saw two young Crossbills 

 being fed by their parents in the forest near Carrbridge. Eds.] 



The Nightjar in Edinburgh. On the evening of 2nd June, 

 whilst walking through the King's Park from Duddingston, about 

 9.30 p.m., with my friend Mr David Hamilton, and just as we entered 

 on the side path leading from near Samson's Ribs to St Leonard's 

 gate, we were not a little surprised to see a Nightjar flitting about 

 in the dusk, scarcely thirty yards in front of us. It landed several 

 times on the path, and we saw it darting up from the ground at the 

 moths which were flying about in considerable numbers. We only 

 had it under observation for a minute or so, as, unfortunately, two 

 people coming from the opposite direction disturbed it. It flew off, 

 passing quite near between us and the boundary wall of the park, 

 and enabling us to distinctly see its long-pointed wings. In its 

 flight it continued darting about a few feet from the ground, but we 

 soon lost sight of it in the growing darkness. I understand there 

 are only a few records of this bird for Midlothian. J. Kirke Nash, 

 Edinburgh. 



Hoopoe off the coast of Caithness. It may interest the 

 readers of the Scottish Naturalist to know that a fine specimen of the 

 Hoopoe was on 28th August presented to our Museum, the acquisi- 

 tion of which was obtained under somewhat singular circumstances. 

 While one of our herring fleet was homeward bound, and about 25 

 miles east of Wick, the attention of the crew was attracted to an 

 unusual commotion among a large flock of flying Herring Gulls. 

 The incomprehensible behaviour of the Gulls was soon solved, as the 

 Hoopoe in question darted from their midst and flew into the 

 boat for protection. Their beautiful visitor was woefully 

 exhausted from its struggle to escape from its screaming enemies, 

 and although the fishermen placed it in a box, and did their best for 

 its recovery, it died shortly afterwards. The specimen has been 

 sent to a taxidermist for setting up. George Bain, Wick. 



Black Grouse on Inchkeith, Firth of Forth. When 

 taking a walk round the island on 4th May, I was much surprised 

 to flush a Greyhen. The bird was in fine plumage, and remained 

 for a whole month with us. I often saw it, but it appeared to be 

 quite alone. Wm. Begg, Inchkeith Lighthouse. 



Spotted Redshank in Solway. A fine example of the 



