BIRDS OF THE COUNTY. 75 



again, on Loch Maddie, the Osprey occasionally frequents a 

 nest built on an old birch-tree in an island. 



4. The Peregrine Falcon comes next to the Osprey. There 

 are few ranges of lofty and precipitous rock where this bird 

 does not breed. The nest is difficult of access, and the old 

 birds shy and wary ; nor are they easily trapped, as they do 

 not condescend to feed on any game which they have not 

 killed themselves : grouse, plovers, and wild-fowl seem to be 

 their principal food. 



5, 6. The Hobby or Goshawk I never saw in this county, 

 though I have no doubt of their being frequent visitors here, 

 particularly the former. The Goshawk seems very rare 

 everywhere in Scotland. 



7. The Merlin, the smallest of our British falcons, is not 

 uncommon ; it builds in the long heather, and preys on small 

 birds, snipes, &c. Bold and courageous, it will sometimes 

 attack birds much larger than itself. Owing to its high spirit 

 and daring the Merlin is not difficult to train for hunting, and 

 this beautiful little bird seems to have baen in former days 

 the peculiar hawk used by ladies : 



A merlin sat upon her wrist, 

 Held by a leash of silken twist. 



Its light weight would weary no lady's arm. 



8. The Kestrel is common everywhere, from north to south 

 of the county; building 'in every cliff and rocky burn. 

 Though ignorant gamekeepers destroy it, the Kestrel, preying 

 principally on mice, does far more good than harm. 



9. The Sparrow-hawk usually frequents the more woody 

 parts of the county. Bold and courageous, it strikes and 

 bears away a common pigeon with apparent ease. 



10. The Kite being a large, greedy bird, and easily caught 

 in traps, is very rare now common as it was a few years 

 ago. In the wooded districts it is still, though but seldom, 

 seen soaring with graceful flight, high in the air. By repute 

 the Kite is a great chicken stealer, and when she has young 

 of her own to provide for, no bird destroys more grouse, 

 young hares, &c. 



11. The Common Buzzard a few years ago was very com- 

 mon, but now has been completely exterminated, excepting 

 in the wilder districts. With its fine soaring flight the 

 buzzard is a most interesting bird. In all its habits it 

 appears to me to resemble the eagle more than any other kind 

 of hawk. 



