AUTUMN AND WINTER BIRD LIFE OF THE FAIRLIE SHORE. 181 



ScAVP-DvcK, FuUgula marila {[Ann.). — On 16th February, 1907, 

 after a spell of stormy weather, Mr. Alexander Ross and I 

 saw a party of six in Fence Bay — the only occurrence I 

 know of. 



Golden Eye, Clangula glaucion (Linn.). — Not very common ; a 

 few about Brigaird Point from October onwards, generally 

 adult males. 



Red-Breasted Merganser, Mergus serrator, linn. — A common 

 bird here all the autumn, and slightly less so in the winter. 

 Many young birds, unable to fly, are regularly seen in August 

 and September. 



RiNG-DovE, Columba palumbus, Linn. — Not so common as it 

 used to be, owing, I am told, to the farmers having ceased 

 to sow rape after the potato crop ; but it still remains 

 numerous enough for all concerned. 



Stock-Dove, Columba cenas, Linn. — Only within recent years 

 has this species become common here, as it was 

 entirely unknown fifteen years ago. It is now well known, 

 and flocks of 15 to 25 birds are often seen feeding in the 

 fields. Together with the Ring Doves, they come down to 

 the shore shortly after sunrise, to pick gravel and drink the 

 brackish water, and are frequently seen crossing Fairlie 

 Roads to the Cumbraes. 



Rock-Dove, Columba livia, Gmelin. — On 2nd January, 1905, 

 I flushed one from the shore at the Green Point. 



Red-Grouse, Lagopus scoticus (Latham). — Although I never 

 actually observed this bird on the shore, it occurs very close 

 to it, and may be heard from there. The Black Grouse is to 

 be met with further inland. 



Pheasant, Phasianus colchicus, Linn. — Frequently visits the 

 shore. 



Partridge, Perdix cinerea, Latham. — Common close by the 

 shore. 



Corn-Crake, Crex pratensis, Bechstein. — I have heard this bird 

 calling at Hunterston as late as the 6th August. 



Water-Rail, Rallus aquaticus, Linn. — I know of only two 

 occurrences of this species. One was shot by Mr. Neilson on 

 7th November, 1903, at Poteath ; and another was obtained 

 by Mr. R. Garry in February, 1907, at Fencefoot. 



