The Scottish Naturalist. 85 



Greater Willow-Wren [Sylvia sibilatrix).— Very rare. In some years 

 I have seen several, but none for long. I once got a nest, differing from that 

 of the common Willow- Wren (S. Trochilus), in being lined with grass. Eggs 

 in both very similar. 



Turtle Dove (Columba Turtur). — In 1869, I heard a peculiar sound from 

 the spruces in Keithhall grounds, like the words chung chung, mournfully pro- 

 longed, altogether unlike any note known to me of the Woodpigeon. On April 

 30th, 1870, a bird flew slowly past me and then turned on the wing so as to come 

 very near me. It seemed little bigger than a Missel Thrush, but had a Pigeon's 

 flight and appearance, and I could see a black patch on the neck. A few 

 months after I was informed of the curious call of a bird in the woods of Fyvie, 

 which was described to me by the word Chung, the same as that to which I had 

 in my journal compared the Keithhall sound. 



Black Cap (Sylvia alricapillaJ.—A fine male was shot by Mr. Sym, 

 Gourdas, Fyvie, about the end of last month. I saw the specimen stuffed in 

 Aberdeen. It has once or twice been procured in Banffshire. 



Quail (Cotumix communis). — An irregular and unusual visitant. I have 

 eggs said to have been found near Banchory Ternan, in Kincardinshire. A 

 party or brood for some time haunted a corn-field not far from Kintore, in Sep- 

 tember, 1869. My attention was drawn to the spot by their curious twittering 

 call. 



Spotted Crake fCrex porzana). — I am not aware that this bird has ever 

 been seen or identified ; but some eggs were got in a grass field in Manar, near 

 Inverurie, much smaller than those of the Common Landrail, and the markings 

 of a brighter red. One was given me. 



Water Rail ( ' Rallus Aquaticus). —Supposed to be very rare, and not known 

 to breed here ; but I have seen a specimen shot on the farm of Balhaggardy, 

 near Inverurie, in the autumn, and one was seen on a milldam at the home 

 farm of Manar, in December 1869. 



Golden Eagle ( Aquila Chrysa'etns). — One frequented the Don, not far from 

 Inverurie, for some days, from February 27th, 1869, when I first saw it. The 

 severity of the weather had probably driven it from the inland mountainous parts. 

 One was seen on the Hill of Bennochie, in the Garioch district, in June, 1870. 



Pied Woodpecker ( Picus Pipra). — An occasional winter visitant at irregular 

 intervals. I never observed it until 1868, when I saw one in October, and during 

 the winter months 1868-9 they were by no means scarce in this neighbourhood 

 and, by accounts I got, were more plentiful on Speyside. A pair lingered in 

 Manar Woods, till far on in May, 1869, but it was not ascertained that they 

 bred. 



Great Shrike (Lanius excubitor). -Not ascertained to visit this district 

 every winter, but I have met with it for several different years, and usually in 

 severe or snowy weather. I have seen it as early as October, and once in March, 

 but most commonly in the depth of winter. 

 Balbithan House, Keith-hall, by Inverurie. 



