WASTE GROUND AND SUBURBAN BIRD-LIFE. 47 



The white wagtail (Motacilla alba) has occurred during the 

 spring migration. 



The spotted fly-catcher (Muscicapa grisola) is seen in parties, 

 ranging up to about thirty birds, every autumn in Camphill and 

 the Park, where its habits may be easily studied. 



The linnet {Linota cannabina) has now been ascertained to 

 occur regularly each autumn, and sometimes in winter, in small 

 numbers on waste ground at Hangingshaw. 



The corn-bunting (Emberiza miliaria) has occurred within our 

 limits, near the southern boundary. This is a rare bird in East 

 Renfrewshire in the experience of my friends as well as of myself, 

 and Mr. Morris Young tells me it is surprisingly scarce around 

 Paisley. It occurs sporadically, however, in Lanarkshire, near 

 the city, as at Possil, Cambuslang, and west of Rutherglen. 

 The severe weather in January, 1895, brought the snow-bunting 

 (Plectrophenax nivalis) to our doors, a flock of about a hundred 

 having been observed at Hangingshaw by Mr. H. B. Watt. 



For a notice of the occurrence of the magpie {Pica rustica) I am 

 indebted to Mr. Robert Wilson, who observed one at Hangingshaw 

 in the autumn of this year. 



About two years ago, in midwinter, Mr. Richard M'Kay told 

 me, that on the afternoon of the day on which he reported the 

 occurrence, he had had his attention drawn to an owl sitting on a 

 stack at Clincart Farm, Mount Florida. I have no information 

 regarding the species, but as it was daylight when it was observed, 

 it may not unlikely have been the short-eared owl (Asia accipi- 

 trimis). 



The kestrel (Falco iinnunculus) has been observed several times. 

 Within the past year I have twice seen at Mount Florida the 

 common heron (Ardea cinerea) flying overhead. The mallard or 

 wild duck (Anas boscas) I have also seen twice in the district, 

 passing over at a low elevation. 



A teal (Querquedula crecca) appeared at the Hangingshaw 

 clay-hole ponds in the past autumn, and though much disturbed 

 it remained for a week or two. 



The common curlew (Numenius arquata) I have once observed 

 passing over Polmadie. A single example of the common gull 

 (Lanes canus) has come under my notice in the recreation ground, 

 east of Queen's Park. The herring-gull (L. argentatus) is seen in 



