94 Transactions of the [Sess. 



advantage very early in the morning or towards the close of even- 

 ing, is not distinguished by much variety, being merely a repetition 

 of the same wild note — a sound, though monotonous, admirably 

 in accordance with the dreary character of the surroundings amidst 

 which it is uttered. 



Eeverting once more to the valleys, we find that on the rivers 

 the Water Ousel and Common Sandpiper are of frequent occurrence, 

 the latter migrant more particularly. The former harmless creature 

 is unfortunate enough to come under the ban of gamekeepers and 

 others who are interested in salmon-fishing, and is consequently an 

 object on which to exercise their spleen, the supposed destruction 

 of ova being the cause of resentment. But of all the absurd perse- 

 cutions with which we are unhappily too conversant in Scotland, 

 this seems to be the least justifiable, our most eminent naturalists 

 having pointed out over and over again that the damage done is 

 more imaginary than real. The Pied and Grey Wagtails are a 

 most elegant addition to the fauna of the district, the last named 

 being on the whole a closer sojourner by the sides of streams than 

 the other, as well as a more frequent percher upon trees. While 

 passing through the forest near Faskally, we had an opportunity of 

 verifying the marked animosity of small birds to the Owl species. 

 A loud and angry chattering suddenly arose in a bare part of the 

 wood, and on moving in the direction of the sound, the cause was 

 at once apparent. A large Tawny Owl having, xmfortunately for 

 itself, ventured into the open, its presence was at once the signal 

 for all the small birds in the immediate vicinity (Chaffinches, Tits, 

 Blackbirds, &c.) to assemble in force, and endeavour, by dint of 

 loud screaming and fluttering, to drive it away. The poor wretch 

 seemed most uncomfortable under the trying ordeal, and flew from 

 tree to tree in vain endeavours to get rid of its tormentors, but they 

 persistently followed ; and although it was doubtful if they actually 

 touched it, yet by their yelpings, so to speak, they contrived to 

 make themselves sufficiently insufferable. At last a haven of refuge 

 opened to it in the shape of a dense clump of Spruce-firs, into which 

 it flew, and thus eluded further pursuit. Small birds evince this 

 inherent dislike to predatory species in the case of Hawks as well, 

 by frequently chasing them from place to place, but not always 

 with impunity, as the Hawk does not labour under the same disad- 

 vantage as the Owl in daylight ; consequently he often turns the 

 tables on his pesterers, and becomes the pursuer instead of the pur- 

 sued. In the Pass of Killiecrankie and the woods of Bonskeid the 

 Tree-pipit abounded, a lively although not gaily attired species, 

 whose pleasant little song is always an agreeable forerunner of 

 genial summer weather. The Common Wren betrayed its exist- 

 ence — which, from the nature of the covert it frequents, would other- 

 wise be overlooked — by its song, unusually loud when we consider 



