76 TRANSACTIONS. 
Moniaive—surely a remarkable record for an inland parish such 
as Glencairn. The Black-Headed Gull (Larus Redibundus) 
abounds during the summer months, and large 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 
(Larus Canus), though not nearly so numerous as Aidibundus, 
occurs in considerable numbers during summer, but is less common 
in winter. The Great Black-Backed Gull (Zarus Marinus) 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. 
Il. Zhe 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 av7 fauna of this district. 
Some of these records I have transcribed for your benefit to-night, 
chiefly those dealing with the numbers and distribution of our 
native birds. 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 having been recorded, 
so I will proceed to the account of the birds that breed in Upper 
Nithsdale, including thereby the parishes of Sanquhar and 
Kirkconnell. 
ae 
: 
