178 THE MIGRATION OF BRITISH BIRDS 



rare. In Scotland at that time but four instances of its 

 occurrence had been recorded, viz. once in StirHng- 

 shire, twice in Perthshire, and once as an abnormal 

 migrant to the Orkneys. Now the bird has gradually 

 increased its range northwards over Scotland, and is 

 known to breed at least as far north as the shores of the 

 Moray and Dornoch Firths ! The occurrence of this 

 species in Ireland in the north-east alone might appear 

 almost like a southern emigration from Scotland, but 

 fortunately we have positive evidence that the bird had 

 not then appeared in the latter country. There is a 

 strong probability that the range of this Dove in Ireland 

 is not yet accurately determined. The Great Crested 

 Grebe {Podiceps cristatus) has within quite recent years 

 apparently extended its breeding range northwards into 

 Scotland. The Woodcock {Scolopax rusiiatla) seems 

 also to be extending its breeding range in our area, but 

 this may be due to closer observation on the part of 

 naturalists. The table opposite contains the species 

 that are increasing their range in the British Islands. 

 This list of birds in the actual process of extending 

 their range numbers twenty-nine species. Of these 

 eight are Summer Migrants to our islands (indicated 

 SM in the table opposite), and the remaining twenty- 

 one are Residents, or species of which individuals 

 may be found in our area throughout the year indi- 

 cated R in the table opposite). Dealing first with the 

 summer migrants, we find that in all cases the birds 

 that arc so steadily increasing their northern range 

 in our area did not emigrate across that area to Scan- 

 dinavia, where, however, in no less than six instances out 

 bf the eight given their range extends much further north 



