THE BIRDS OF RENFREWSHIRE 27? 



Spotted Redshank are from Balgray and Waulkmill Glen reservoirs, 

 where it has been recognised probably oftener than elsewhere in Scot- 

 land. One bird was seen in October 1898 ; two in September 1899 ; 

 one from August till October 1909 ; one in full dusky plumage in June 

 1910; in the same year from one to three birds were observed on 

 many occasions between 14th August and 30th October; and finally 

 in 1913, two were seen on 7th September and one a week later. 

 This is not a really difficult bird to identify in the field. Its legs 

 and bill are appreciably longer and more slender than those of the 

 Common Redshank, while in flight it lacks the prominent white 

 bar across the wangs, so characteristic of the latter. Its note, too, 

 is quite distinct, an assertive "tew-ee." The Greenshank, in 

 small numbers, comes regularly in autumn, from 5th July onwards, 

 to the larger sheets of water. Occasionally present in the winter 

 months, it is rare in spring. Mr John Lang informs us that it has 

 occurred several times on the shore between the Cloch and Wemyss 

 Bay, where he has also observed the Bar-tailed Godwit, of which 

 an example was seen at Waulkmill Glen Reservoir in September 

 and October 1909; another at Balgray in September 1911; and 

 a third at Waulkmill in September 1913. It has also been seen 

 by Mr Malloch on the Langbank foreshore. Of the much rarer 

 Black-tailed Godwit, an example was shot on the Renfrewshire 

 side of the Clyde opposite Dumbarton in 1867; one at Castle- 

 Semple in 1869; and one at Loch Libo in 1899. One was 

 observed, after the Loch Libo example was obtained, at Balgray in 

 1899; one at Waulkmill in 1909; and four at Balgray in 1911. 

 These last four remained together for about a week, and two of 

 them for a fortnight. The *Curlew is a familiar and pleasing 

 feature of the uplands in spring and summer, and of the estuary 

 at other seasons. The Whimbrel is occasionally seen by the 

 shore between the Cloch and Wemyss Bay (Mr John Lang). 

 Inland it has been noted on passage from time to time, mostly 

 single birds in early summer, rarely in autumn. 



Larid^, 



A Black Tern, flying to and fro with Swallows, was under 

 observation for several hours at Darrockstock Dam, Foxbar, near 

 Paisley, on 19th April 191 1 {Glasgow Naturalist, iii., p. 96). The 

 *CoMMOM Tern is common in the estuary, and often visits inland 

 lochs and streams. A small colony nests at Loch Thom, and in 

 some seasons a pair or two at Roebank Reservoir and Brother Loch. 

 Gray wrote, " I have often observed, during April and May, many 

 45 2F 



