34 THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST 



and autumn periods of migration, but at odd times throughout 

 the year. Vast flocks are attracted in winter to the heaps of 

 seaweed round the shores, where they feed on the flies, grubs, 

 etc., to be found there. They begin nesting early in March if 

 the weather be at all favourable, rents and holes in the sea-cliffs 

 being their only resorts as far as I have seen. They were observed 

 to be unusually numerous in Octobers of 1908 and 19 10, and 

 in January 191 3. 



Raven (Corvus corax). — Ravens are seen every year, being 

 common on the moors. In early spring, numbers, probably 

 young birds, make a prospecting tour in search of breeding 

 quarters. One pair nested here in 191 2, but unsuccessfully. 

 They were unpleasantly near the home of the Grey Crows, with 

 whom they had many an aerial encounter. In October 1914 

 a dozen were seen feeding on the blubber of a seal cast up 

 on the shore. 



Carrion Crow {Cofvus corone). — Of this I have only one 

 record — in 1909; but as they have been several times recorded 

 in the Lewis, they may consort with the Hoodies and not be 

 recognised at a distance. 



Hooded Crow {Corvus comix). ^(Zowwcvow all the year, 

 nesting in the cliffs at the Butt and on the east of the island 

 wherever they can do so in safety. They are persistent robbers 

 and freebooters, taking toll of eggs and chicks of birds small 

 and great, from the sparrows and larks to the domestic poultry. 

 They are, however, the much needed scavengers of a district 

 where there are often bones of decaying animals to pick. They 

 have never been observed on passage. 



Rook {Corvus frugilegus). — A few have been seen passing 

 in March and April, but they do not remain in the district. 



Skylark {Alauda arvensis). — Resident all the winter, though 

 few are seen. Bare and dreary though the prospect be, a good 

 day in February tempts them into song. No rush of fresh arrivals 

 is observed, but gradually their numbers increase till every 

 cultivated patch seems to be tenanted. As vegetation is late, 

 they have a long courtship season and begin nesting in May, 

 when there is little or no cover. In May and June they are 

 heard singing at i a.m. Passing migrants visit the lantern with 

 other birds in October and November. 



Swift {Cypselus apus). — Swifts are seen every year, and are 

 much more regular visitors here than the Swallows. In 1909, 1911, 

 and 1914 they were seen in May, in other years in June. The 



