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THE BIRDS OF STRATIIBEG AND ITS NEIGHBOURHOOD, 

 WITH A FP]W REMARKS UPON THEIR HABITS, ETC. 



BY MR. THOMAS EDWARD. 



Thk Loch of Strathbeg, though by no means remarkable for its sublime 

 or romantic scenery, having none of that, nor yet for the great extent of its 

 waters, is nevertheless a most interesting spot to the naturalist, particularly 

 the ornithologist, as being the resort of myriads of wild-fowl during one portion 

 of the year, and the breeding-place of gi-eat numbers during another. Lying 

 as it does in the midst of a comparatively flat, open, cultivated district, and 

 bordering on the coast, the birds flock to it from all quarters during winter, 

 particularly if a storm prevails in the sea; its natural advantages afibrding 

 them both food and shelter. In form it is what might be called pear-shaped. 

 It is said to be betwixt three and four miles in length, and about half a 

 mile in breadth where it is broadest. To walk round it, it is considered to 

 be about seven miles; I should say more; at least 1 have made the tour 

 several times, and I never yet accomplished it in less than a day, and that, 

 too, a long summer one. But, of course, this is no great criterion to go by; 

 for to tell the truth, even on myself, which, by the by, must not always 

 be done, I have been known to take the greater part of two days and a 

 ni"-ht, on more occasions than one, to accomplish that which any clever little 

 fellow would have gone over in less than, or, at least, in about half a day. It 

 must be borne in mind however that the localities alluded to were rich ones, 

 that is in specimens; and I can assure the reader that Strathbeg is not a 

 poor one. But be this as it may, I must say that whoever makes the tour 

 of the Loch, he has had a very good morning's walk. 



From Peterhead it is distant about ten miles, and from Fraserbrough about 

 seven and a half. A stage-coach, from the former to the latter place, once 

 a day, passes at one part, near the parish church of Crimand, at perhaps a 

 a little over a mile from the Loch. It can also be approached from either 

 of these towns along the beach, which is sandy. There are a few small 

 fishing villages between Fraserbrough and the Loch, but I am not aware if 

 any of them could afford anything like comfortable accommodation to travellers, 

 but I should think not. The Loch, and grounds adjoining, except a small 

 portion, belong to the estate of Cairness, but are at present held by Mr. 

 Baunerman, of Crimmonraogate, so that no one carrying a gun can visit the 

 place without permission from that gentleman, or some one for him. 



With these brief remarks I would now at once take the Loch, beginning 

 with its winter appearance, and then go on to its aspect in summer. 



There are certain places of it which always remain open for several days, 

 sometimes weeks, after all the other pieces of water in the neighbourhood 

 are entirely frozen over. To these places all the water-fowl, from far and 

 near, are seen in frosty weather to congregate in prodigious numbers; so great 

 indeed, that the common people who live thereabout, believe, and say it 



VOL. IV. 2 I 



