SCOLOPACID^.] 



WHIMBREL. 



NUMENIUS PH.^OPUS (Linnaeus). 



Explanation of Plate. 



Figure 1- (.Shetland, May 25, 1885. In collection of R. W. Cliase, Esq. 

 J) 2.) 



3. Akureyri, Iceland, June 25, 1888. " 



4. Pomerania, May 25, 1887. 



5. Archangel, June 2, 1887. 



6. Iceland, June 9, 1888. 



> In collection of H. Massey, Esq. 



The Whimbrel is a common spring and autumn migrant, a few pairs 

 remaining to breed in the Orkneys, Shetlands, and probably in the Outer 

 Hebrides. 



The late Mr. E. T. Booth observed a pair of these birds apparently breeding on 

 an islet off the west coast of Eoss-shire. He writes * : — " But two or three pairs 

 of Whimbrel which might reasonably be judged to be engaged in nesting- 

 operations were fallen in with during the two seasons (1868 and 1869) in which 

 I devoted particular attention to examining the reputed haunts of these birds. 

 While off the west coast of Ross-shire early in June 1868, in a small fishing-craft 

 during a fresh breeze of wind, a pair of Whimbrels flew up from one of the rocky 

 islets lying outside Loch Ewe, and continued for some time hovering over the 

 boat, calling loudly and evidently greatly distressed by their lonely abode being 

 threatened with a visit. These noisy birds were shortly joined by two or three 

 others which came from some of the adjacent islands. Though several attempts 

 were made, the surf was breaking so heavily round the rocks that there was not 

 the slightest chance of effecting a landing. There did not appear above a quarter 

 or at most half an acre of coarse heather and grass on the summit of this wild and 

 rugged mass of red rock, that rose but twenty or thirty feet at the highest point 

 above the waves, which were constantly breaking around with terrible force. 

 On the following day the attempt to search the spot was renewed, though 



* ' Eough Notes on Birds observed in the British Islands,' vol. ii. 



