72 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 



Hen Harrier {Circus cyaneus). — I saw one sweeping over the 

 fields, close to the house, on 16th July 1892. From its light 

 colour and small size, I made it out to be a male. This is 

 the only one I have noticed this season, but in former years I 

 have seen them generally in September. 



Peregrine Falcon {Falco peregrinus). — Always several about 

 during the autumn and winter. The first I noticed for 1892 

 was on 31st August. Since then there have always been 

 one or two with us. On 7th October I shot a young 

 female. 



Merlin {Falco cesaloti). — Common every year during August and 

 September. One or two remain through the winter. The first 

 I noticed for 1892 was a single bird on 21st July. About 

 1 6th August they were very plentiful. On that date I saw four 

 on the sheep dyke within a yard or two of one another. Nearly 

 all the birds seen here are immature. 



Kestrel {Falco tinnunculus). — Not so common here as the last 

 named, but fairly abundant immediately after harvest. I think 

 mostly young birds. I never saw a male in mature plumage. 



Cormorant {Phalacrocorax carbo). — Common, and breeding on the 

 Seal Skerry. On 4th July 1892 I visited the Skerry with 

 my wife and a lady friend. We counted fifty nests, most of 

 which contained three eggs. Only in five were there four eggs, 

 which was the largest number observed. In some nests the 

 eggs were quite fresh, in others hard sat. The Shag {Phalacro- 

 corax graculus) does not breed here, but during the winter 

 months large numbers of these birds roost, along with the 

 Cormorant, on the Seal Skerry. 



Gannet {Sula bassand). — Common, from summer onwards, fishing 

 round the island. What strikes me most is the preponderance 

 of those in the pure adult plumage. 



Heron {Ardea cinered). — Occur here in small numbers every year. 

 The first generally appear early in August. They make the 

 Seal Skerry their headquarters. On a visit there (9th January 

 1893) I counted fifteen rise at our approach: the largest 

 number I have ever seen here at one time. 



Graylag Goose {Anser cinereus). — On the 7th October 1892, 

 during a fearful gale, with rain from the N.W., three of these 

 birds occurred here. They appeared very restless, shifting their 

 ground often, and eventually disappearing on the 9th October. 

 I think this bird must seldom visit the island, as the natives 

 who saw them informed me they had never seen the bird 

 before. The Brent {Bernicla brentd), seems to be the commonest 

 variety seen here. From all accounts, they were fairly plentiful 

 last winter (1891-92), many being shot. 



