14 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 



and distribution somewhat broken, so far as we could observe. 

 We have quite failed as yet to record the Tree Sparrow from 

 Shetland. 

 Chaffinch {Friiigilla coslebs). — The Chaffinch stands in our autumn 

 lists as the first bird taken note of. When we visited Shetland 

 in October 1891, Chaffinches were by that time in large flocks 

 (9th October) in the corn-fields, and sheltering from the gale 

 under the " kail -blades." They were, however, all migrants. 

 In 1892, the first observed was shot amongst a flock of 

 Twites (5th October) ; and immense flocks afterwards of 

 hundreds and thousands were seen for the space of a few days. 

 Same day one Brambling seen amongst them ; and on 8th at 

 least one sixth were Bramblings. From the association, we 

 think there is no doubt about the Scandinavian origin of these 

 flocks. All disappeared as suddenly as they arrived, and 

 stragglers only were met with after the 10th October 1891. 



Brambling {Fringilla montifringilld). — First seen in 1892 — a single 

 bird amongst a lot of Chaffinches — on the 6th October. Then 

 on the 8 th — wind north — close to Loch Spiggie, a large flock 

 of mixed Chaffinches and Bramblings, the latter composing 

 about one-sixth of the whole — several thousands in the flock. 

 Wind had been N. or N.N.E., veering and backing, but always 

 to the N. Suddenly shifted to S.E. and blew hard on night of 

 5th to 6th, but alas ! only for too short a spell. 



Linnet (Linota cannabina). — Not observed in 1891. But in 1892 

 one small flock was identified by us, 17th October, near 

 Scatness. 



Twite (Linota flavirostris). — Very abundant. In small flocks 

 seldom exceeding fifty individuals. Frequent the cabbage- 

 yards, feeding on seeding sorrel, especially in the unoccupied 

 "plantie cruives," and in numerous small flocks on the stubbles. 

 Not so often seen on the " scattald " or " fields " at this season, 

 except where the " plantie cruives " exist. Observations the 

 same in 1891 and 1892. 



Corn Bunting {Emberiza miliaria). — Not at all abundant, and ex- 

 tremely local ; so far as our opportunities gave us of observation. 

 Rarely seen on the farm-lands at this season, but a consider- 

 able flock — probably all for many miles round — sheltered 

 during the day, and roosted at night among the reeds of Hill- 

 well Loch in 1891. In 1892 — but why, we know not — their 

 numbers appeared to be not more than one-third of those in 

 1 89 1, and besides they were not so persistent in their chosen 

 roosting-place. 



Reed Bunting (Emberiza schcenidus). — Not observed in 1891. 

 One single female bird was shot on 8th October 1892. 



