22 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 



Golden Plover {Charadrius pluvialis). — We saw none ourselves, 

 either in 1891 or 1892, but in September, William Moir shot 

 two in the " scattald " between the two stone walls near the 

 churches — a favourite place for newly arrived migrants. 

 Golden Plover appear to be decidedly scarce in autumn in 

 Dunrossness. 



Ringed Plover {/Egialitis hiaticuld). — Abundant earlier in the 

 year, but in 1891 decidedly scarce as resident birds. Only 

 one seen in 1891 in autumn till the 27th October. But 

 plentiful at Sumburgh and Virkie Voe on the 27th — doubtless 

 migrants. In 1892 they were again scarce up till late in October, 

 and again were very numerous at Virkie Voe on 17th, and at 

 Sandwick on 20th. 



Lapwing ( Vanellus vulgaris). — Decidedly a scarce bird around 

 Quendale on migration. Four or five seen at Loch Brow the 

 day before the gale culminated on the 14th October 1891, and 

 an odd small flock afterwards. In 1892 a single bird seen 

 near Quendale House, and four at Loch Spiggie, 3rd and 6th 

 October. 



Turnstone (Strepsilas interpres). — I have received a Turnstone in 

 its flesh, shot at Quendale by Captain Macfarlane. Of course 

 it is a species which, with many others, may be expected to 

 appear there. This, however, is my first positive record from 

 Quendale. 



Oyster Catcher (Hcematopus ostralegus). — A few seen in 1892 on 

 the Quendale Holms, most likely resident and old birds in 

 pairs. 



Woodcock (Scolopax nistiaild). — Several were observed on Fitful 

 Head after my departure; and W. Youngclause writes us, 31st 

 October 1892: "Since the rush of these Chaffinches" (viz. 

 5th and 6th October), "I have seen no new birds, except one 

 Woodcock, which I started on the 20th inst. from the corner 

 of one of the parks close to the houses. 



Common Snipe (Gal/inago calestis). — Local sportsmen distinguish 

 the dark-coloured home-bred Snipes from the lighter coloured 

 foreign birds. Abundant. "A flight," writes Captain Mac- 

 farlane, "came in at the latter end of September, amongst 

 which a number of very heavy [i.e. large ? ] birds were noticed." 

 This occurred before my arrival, and my host (Captain Mac- 

 farlane) being at the time physically unfit for working the 

 marshes, no specimens were obtained. From what I heard 

 subsequently, there seems to be little reasonable doubt that 

 these were Great Snipe, and it would have been possible to have 

 killed two or three couple at that time, or even more. In 1891, 

 Snipe were fairly abundant; but in 1892, Snipe were quite 



