36 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST 



and several old-established quarters have been deserted. Both 

 first and second clutches of eggs from some of the nests were, 

 in 1 9 14, pilfered by the Grey Crows or Gulls. 



Common Heron {Ardea cinerea). — Herons have been seen in 

 numbers not exceeding three or four every October or November for 

 the past four years. They have also been seen in May and July, 

 but they are infrequent visitors. 



Squacco Heron {Ardea ralloides). — One was seen at a small 

 loch not far from the lighthouse on 5th June 19 13, and stayed 

 there for over a week. 



Gannet (Sula bassand). — This, one of the noblest of birds, 

 never touches land here unless sick or wounded. Only a few passing 

 birds are seen in January and early February, and then generally in 

 breezy weather. Gradually they increase in numbers, until for a few 

 days they pass westward in thousands. An east and west passing 

 will then continue all summer. In this regular summer procession 

 they generally pass westward in flocks of from twenty to thirty birds. 

 Some flocks fly only above the surface of the water, others at a fairly 

 high altitude. The eastward coming birds are oftener single or in 

 smaller flocks. They seldom pass over the land, but round the 

 extreme point of the Butt, before changing their course to east or 

 west. Parties have never been observed going to or coming from 

 Sulesgeir, the famous gannetry about 40 miles north from the Butt, 

 but they have been noted as coming from the direction of Stack 

 of Skerry, though their usual course is up and down the Minch. 

 In October and afterwards they pass in gradually lessening numbers, 

 till, in December, a single bird is but rarely seen. 



Grey Lag Goose {Anser cinereus). — Seen passing every winter 

 in November and December, but they seldom rest here. A few 

 nest in the moor some miles inland. 



Brent Goose {Bernicla brenta). — Brent Geese are frequently 

 seen during the winter months in flight, or resting in the pasture- 

 land, and by the seashore. 



Barnacle-goose {Bernicla leucopsis). — The same remarks apply 

 to this species. 



AVhooper Swan {Cygnus musicus). — On the small lochs around 

 a few are seen every winter, four or five at times staying for days on 

 end. From December to March is the period of their accustomed 

 visits. 



Sheldrake {Tadorna cornutd). — Birds of this species are seldom 

 seen here, but the appearance of a female with young chicks in July 

 1 91 2 was proof that they breed in the vicinity. 



