76 Transactions. 



Moniaive — surely a remarkable record for an inland parish such 

 as Glencairn. The Black-Headed Gull {Lams Redibundus) 

 abounds during the summer months, and largo numbers annually 

 breed on the little rocky islet in Loch Urr. During winter 

 they leave the district, although a few may return during 

 seasons of exceptional mildness. The Common Gull 

 {Lams Canus), though not nearly so numerous as Ridihundus, 

 occurs in considerable numbers during summer, but is less common 

 in winter. The Great Black-Backed Gull {Lams Mariinis) is not 

 infrequent as a visitor during the winter and spring months. 

 When seen it is usually in the vicinity of the river, and, being 

 anything but dainty in its tastes, it doubtless helps to keep our 

 waters pure and sweet. It is not a lovable bird, however, and, as 

 it is the last on our list, we half regret having adopted an arrange- 

 ment which compels us to close our references to the Birds of 

 Glencairn with one that is so ill-favoured. 



Note. — Glencairn and Tynron being conterminous parishes, a 

 comparison of the two lists may not be without interest. The 

 Tynron list comprises eighty-six birds ; the Glencairn list ninety 

 nine birds, or one hundred inclusive of one doubtful. Three 

 species included by Mr Brown in his Tynron list are absent from 

 my Glencairn list, while sixteen species recorded for Glencairn are 

 absent in Tynron. Of these fully one-half are water birds, clearly 

 showing that the want of a loch of any considerable size is the 

 reason why Tynron, a district otherwise admirably suited to bird 

 life, falls so far short of Glencairn. 



II. The Birds of Upper Nithsdale. By Anstruther Davidson, 

 M.D., of Sanquhar. 



For the last three years I have been carefully observing- and 

 recording the numbers and habits of the avifauna of tliis district. 

 Some of these records I have transcribed for your benefit to-night, 

 chiefly those dealing with the numbers and distribution of our 

 native Inrds. It would serve no good purpose to enumerate the 

 migratory species, as these are almost similar to migrants in other 

 localities, only a very few notable captures liaving- been recorded, 

 so I will proceed to the account of the birds that breed in Upper 

 Nithsdale, including thereby the parishes of Sanquhar and 

 Kirkconuell. 



