84 TOUR IN SUTHERLANDSHIRE. 



these coasts. I am confident that, at different times, almost 

 every known kind of shore-bird could be procured. 



99. The Oyster-catcher breeds here and remains during the 

 winter, always finding a good supply of food. 



100. The Curlew, too, breeds on all the high moors, and 

 takes to the shores in the winter. 



101. The Dunlin, and 



102. Common Sandpiper, also breed near most of the lakes 

 and streams. 



103. The Jack-snipe is said to breed in one or two localities, 

 as is also 



104. The Great Snipe, (Scolopax major) ; but I never was 

 quite satisfied with the authenticity of these accounts, 

 particularly as regards the jack-snipe ; for the very man 

 whom I was" referred to as having seen this bird breeding 

 (Mr. lioss, the keeper at Tongue) distinctly assured me 

 that it never had been seen in that country in the breeding 

 season. 



105. The Common Snipe breeds in every locality suited to 

 its habits. 



106. The Woodcock, of late years, has commenced breeding 

 also in most of the large woods, laying four large eggs, similar 

 in colour to those of the snipe. 



107. The Redshank breeds also very commonly in all 

 marshy parts of the hills. 



108. The Greenshank is not so common, but I saw it 

 breeding about Loch Naver, Loch Laighal, and in many 

 other places throughout the county. 



109. The Water-rail is not uncommon in the winter, but 

 from its retired habits is seldom seen : it may perhaps breed 

 in the larger tracts of reeds and rushes, though I have never 

 heard of its nest being found. 



110. The Whimbrel breeds in the northern and most 

 retired parts of the country ; I saw several on the island of 

 Handa in the month of June. 



111. The Heron is common everywhere, though the only 

 breeding-place that I know of is near Loubcroy, on the Oykel 

 Eiver, where these breed on an island in a loch situated some 

 two miles from the roadside. 



112. The Bittern is rare : but I have heard its cry near 

 Shinness, on Loch Shin. 



113. That very pretty and elegant little bird the Red- 

 necked Phalarope is found in the breeding season, but only 



