RED-NECKED PHALAROPE. 



SCOLOPACID^.] 



PHALAEOPUS HYPERBOREUS (Linn^ds). 



Explanation of Plate. 



Figure 1. Lapland, June 22, 1889. 

 „ 2. Greenland, June 16, 1886. 



„ 3. Iceland, May 21, 1886. y In collection of H. Massey, Esq. 



„ 4. Tornea Lappmark, June 14, 1886. 

 „ 5. Ditto. June 21, 1891. ^ 



This species is best known as an irregular spring and autumn migrant 

 to the British Islands, although it still breeds in the Shetlands, Orkneys, and 

 Outer Hebrides. 



The late Dr. Saxby has published an interesting account of his first discovery 

 of the eggs of the Red-necked Phalarope in Unst, Shetland. He writes * : — 



"June 24th, 1867. — About eleven o'clock this morning I started for , 



determined to make a thorough search for Phalaropes' eggs. The marshes 



lie close to , among some low meadows about a quarter of a mUe from 



the sea ; and on arriving at a rushy swamp about a hundred yards in length, 

 which is the only place where the birds are seen, except in the deep biu'n 

 which runs from it, I at once began wading. Soon I discovered several 

 pairs of Phalaropes scattered among the rushes at one end of the swamp ; 

 and as they kept very close to the little squashy islands which rose up here 

 and there, I examined those spots very carefully, but nothing in the shape 

 of a nest was to be found, either there or at the edge of the water, where 

 the grass was long and of tempting appearance. Having spent about two 

 hours in this way without the smallest success, I very reluctantly turned my 

 steps homeward, and, after proceeding about a mile, sat down to eat my lunch, 

 and to write in my pocket-book a few particulars as to the appearance and 

 habits of the birds. I then took time to think over the matter quietly. The 



* ' Birds of Shetland,' pp. 215-218. 



z2 



