8 
its hold of the numerous romantic headlands in Western Scot- 
land, we may expect to meet with stray specimens at that season 
of the year when eagles are most inclined to wander from their 
ordinary haunts. 
THE OspREY (Pandion haliactus). 
About fifteen years ago the osprey frequented Loch Doon with 
some regularity. One bird at least might have been seen fishing 
in the loch, and perching at times on the boulders near its banks. 
This was thought to be a male in quest of prey to carry to his 
mate incubating on an islet in a small loch in Wigtownshire, where 
we have good reason for saying a frequented eyrie still exists. 
THE PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus). 
This handsome falcon, although much reduced in numbers of 
late years, is found in both counties, frequenting places where it 
has been known for many generations. There are still two eyries 
at the Heads of Ayr, and one on Ailsa Craig. Mr Gray has also 
seen one at Burrow Head. In the wilder parts of some of the 
inland districts it is also familiar to game preservers as a destruc- 
tive enemy to grouse and black game. The peregrine is yet 
comparatively common in Kirkeudbrightshire. 
Mr Ewen, of Ewenfield, Ayr, some months ago communicated 
to the Sporting Gazette a somewhat interesting incident which 
occurred within his own observation when out hunting with his 
hawks. His faleoner had let off a two-year old tiercel at some 
partridges, when a wild peregrine made its appearance, intending, 
no doubt, to secure one of the birds. As soon as the tiercel had 
struck his prey to the ground, the wild bird singled out another 
of the partridges, clutching it in the air, and was carrying it off 
triumphantly, when Mr Ewen’s bird caught sight of the stranger, 
and at once gave chase, causing it to drop the partridge; the 
tiercel then pounced upon the falling bird, and caught it before it 
reached the ground. 
THE MERLIN (Falco cesalon). 
Found in both counties, but is less common in Wigtownshire. 
Even in Ayrshire it appears to be in a measure restricted to the 
moors facing the sea. Its favourite prey is the snipe; it also kills 
dunlins, dotterel, and other shore birds. In the cultivated parts 
