Mr A. Craig, Jan., on the Birth of Glcnurqultart. 11 1 



Creeper (Certhia familiaris). 

 Very common; seen at times singly and in pairs, but 

 more frequently keeping company with the tits and gold- 

 crests — the latter searching the branches more particularly, 

 while the creeper turns his attention to the main stem. 



Cuckoo {Cticulus canorus). 



Heard during the season in all parts of the Glen, but is 

 more plentiful along the hill-sides of Abriachan. The young- 

 birds seem comparatively fearless, and will permit a near 

 approach ; but the old birds are very wary indeed, necessitat- 

 ing a good deal of strategy on the part of the observer, should 

 he desire to get close to them. 



ISTiGHTJAR (Ca'pTimidgiis etcrojjceus). 



The keepers sometimes come upon these birds in June and 

 July, during the day, among the heather, but only by chance, 

 as they don't care to rise unless in danger of being trod upon. 



Swift {Cypselus apus). 



A few pairs come regularly to the Glen, and build some- 

 where about the high parts of Balmacaan House. They are 

 also to be seen flying in the vicinity of Drumnadrochit 

 village, but are not numerous. 



Chimney Swallow {Hirundo rustica). 

 Not so plentiful as the next species, the 



House Martin {Chelidon itrUca), 



which is a favourite there, as it is everywhere else. It builds 

 in great numbers among the ruins of Urquhart Castle, chieHy 

 amidst the battlements on the top of the old tower. 



Sand Martin {Cotile riparia). 



The commonest of all the swallows. On their first arrival, 

 they fly over the waters of Urquhart Bay, and also over Loch 

 Meikley, a pretty lake about six miles up the Glen. They 

 have numerous breeding stations about the sides of the 



