70 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 



Linnet (Linota cannabind). — On the 19th October 1892, several 

 small flights of Linnets near the Mill Loch. This is the only 

 time I have identified the Linnet in North Ronaldshay. 



Lesser Redpole {Linota rufescens). — Four in Holland Garden, 

 15th September, a few near the Mill Loch, 18th October 

 1892 ; and a single bird in the garden, 13th January 1893. 



Twite (Linota flavirostris). — Common, and breeding all over the 

 island ; nesting almost invariably in young corn or grass fields. 

 Have observed no difference in numbers at any time, only 

 during the winter months they collect in small flocks of a dozen 

 or so about the stack-yards. 



Common Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra). — One, a female, caught 

 close to the Lighthouse, on 7th July 1892, by the daughters 

 of Mr. Ross, the chief light-keeper. 



Common Bunting (Emberiza miliaria). — Fairly common, fifteen 

 or sixteen pairs breeding here. Seem all to collect about the 

 corn-stacks at Holland Farm during the winter. No perceptible 

 increase or decrease in numbers. 



Snow Bunting (Plectrophanes nivalis). — The first I saw here for 

 1892 were on 19th September, when I noticed three or four 

 small flights, numbering from five to a dozen birds. A flock 

 of forty at the north end of the island on 21st September, and 

 a flock of several hundreds on 27th September. On the 19th 

 October, and for some time after this date, they were simply in 

 thousands — required to be seen to be believed. 



Skylark (Alauda arvensis). — Very common, and breeding every- 

 where throughout the island. From my observations, much 

 scarcer during the winter months. 



Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris). — Very abundant, breeding in 

 all the old stone walls, and under large stones and boulders on 

 the beach. Large flights roost during the early autumn in the 

 reed beds of the Mill Loch. Only small numbers seem to remain 

 here for the winter. 



Gray Crow (Corvus comix). — I have only seen two this winter 

 (1892): one on 26th November, and another some time 

 in October. The natives assure me they sometimes occur in 

 great numbers in October and November. This is not to be 

 wondered at, when the large quantity of "braxy mutton " which 

 is always more or less plentiful around the shore is taken into 

 consideration. Their scarcity this year is all the more strange, 

 as I understand the percentage of deaths among the shore 

 sheep has been large. 



Raven (Corvus cor ax). — This bird is generally to be seen here 

 during the autumn months. I have noticed a few birds every 



