TJic Avifauna. loi 



The Missel-Thrush, though not nearly so com- 

 mon as the preceding species, is nevertheless abun- 

 dant. It is fond of fruit, and does no little mischief 

 to strawberries in the Craigmillar market-gardens. 



The Fieldfare is generally regarded as the fore- 

 runner of hard weather, and is one of our most familiar 

 winter visitors. Fieldfares are frequently seen in the 

 district in large flocks. 



The Redwing is also a winter visitor, and one 

 which soon suffers from severe weather. During frost 

 redwings flock in large numbers to the irrigated 

 meadows, a part of which we always keep flooded in 

 a storm, for the express purpose of feeding the birds 

 which congregate there in thousands. 



The Blackbird is very common ; and albinos 

 and pied specimens are occasionally seen around 

 Craigmillar. 



A few Woodcock are shot here every season. We 

 have never known them to nest in the environs of 

 Craigmillar, though they do in many parts of England 

 and Scotland. 



Snipe are plentiful, and at nights feed in large 



