THE BOOK OF MIGRATORY BIRDS 19 



Not less rare is the Great Grey Shrike, whilst the 

 Spoonbill ranks nearly as rare. The latter is known here 

 by the name "Willick," and good specimens were cap- 

 tured this year in January. 



The Arctic and Sandwich Terns may be seen all the 

 summer, for they make both this island and the Fames 

 their breeding ground. The Roseate Tern is represented 

 by just a couple of pairs on the Knoxes, Fame Islands, 

 during the period of incubation. 



The Razor-Bill, known locally also by the name of 

 "Willick" among the natives (who probably confound 

 this bird with the spoonbill when seen on the wing), has 

 been seen and captured quite recently. 



The Puffin, or sea-parrot, called also "Tommy Noddy" 

 which is probably a corruption of the Scotch, "Tammy 

 Norrie" is very common, and may be descried in com- 

 pany with the Guillemots, both of which breed on the 

 friendly Fames. 



Neither of these make nests. The former usually selects 

 a rabbit burrow, and lays the eggs on the bare ground, 

 some ten or twelve inches from the surface, and woe to 

 the inquisitive person who essays to thrust his hand into 

 the hole, for a decisive peck will instantly be meted out 

 as a punishment. 



Of the Scoter family of ducks, both the common and 

 velvet the latter a fine bird are found here, and pre- 

 served specimens can be seen. The surf-Scoter is never 

 met with. The latter is regarded as an American duck. 



The Merganser has often been seen and captured in the 

 harbour and on the Ross-link side of the island. 



There is a bird which attracts many to this place, viz., 

 the Great Northern Diver, an excellent specimen having 

 been shot this year in January by Lord William Percy 

 beyond the bar, or "right out,** as the fishermen say. 



Cormorants, Eider-ducks, and Shell-ducks may be seen 

 at any time, the former breeding in large numbers on the 

 Fame Islands. 



It should be noted in passing that it is a common 



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