52 THE LIMICOLZ OF THE CLYDE AREA. 
been unable to notice any increase in numbers on the Mearns 
and Eaglesham uplands. It must be borne in mind that a 
choked drain or an irrigated meadow may mean the presence 
of a pair or two of redshanks, where there would be none if 
the water were confined to its proper channel. 
Spotted Redshank (7. fuscus (L.))—A rare autumn visitor, 
and it has been observed once in midsummer. All our records 
for this species in the Clyde area are from East Renfrewshire. 
One bird was seen at Balgray Dam in October, 1898, and a pair 
at the same place in September, 1899. A single bird was 
observed many times at Waulkmill Glen Dam from August to 
October, 1909. In 1910, also at Waulkmill, one bird was seen 
on 26th June, while from 14th August till 30th October 
spotted redshanks were constantly present, mostly at Waulk- 
mill but occasionally at Balgray, the numbers varying from 
one to three birds. The example noted on 26th June was in 
fulldusky plumage. All the others were either in change or had 
assumed their light winter dress, though some of them were 
pretty dark, for instance, the pair in September, 1899, were 
beautifully spotted. In summer the dusky plumage of this 
species separates it from all its congeners. In autumn the 
longer bill and legs and the absence of white on the wings in 
flight distinguish it from the common redshank, with which 
it may be confused. It has a very distinct note, an assertive 
** tew-ee,” once heard not likely to be forgotten. Its habits are 
similar to those of the common redshank, but I once saw one 
catching small fish, in search of which it waded into the water. 
At each capture it brought its victim ashore, gave it two or 
three taps with its bill, and swallowed it. 
Greenshank (Z. canescens (J. F. Gmelin) )—A well-known 
bird of passage appearing by inland waters from the 5th of 
July till December, and occasionally, in January and February. 
It has been observed in April at Kilchattan Bay, Bute, but as 
a rule it is seldom seen in spring. It occurs at the coast as 
well as inland in autumn, but it is probably more partial to 
fresh water than to salt. It is noticed nearly every autumn 
at Balgray Dam. In our area six is about the greatest number 
seen together at one time, but two or single birds are more 
frequent. It is one of the wariest of our waders, but it is 
easily identified by its size (considerably larger than a com- 
mon redshank), white underparts, and mealy appearance of the 
