The Avifauna. 103 



the landrail, but is frequently seen at Duddingston 

 Loch. 



The Spotted Crake is a rare visitor to this 

 locality. In 1890 one was found on the road near 

 Liberton, its death having evidently been caused by 

 its flying against the telegraph wires. 



The Dabchick or Little Grebe breeds every 

 season at Duddingston Loch. For years we have 

 tried to get a specimen of an adult male, but have 

 not yet succeeded, though we have followed them 

 for hours with a boat. So expert are they at diving, 

 that before the boat could be got within shot of one, 

 down he would go ; and while rowing near the spot, 

 and watching for his reappearance, he would be 

 discovered far out of shot in the rear. A dabchick 

 was found near The Inch recently, having also met 

 its death by flying against the telegraph wires. 



The Goatsucker or Night-Jar, though unknown 

 to many on account of its nocturnal habits, is found 

 in this district. We have often seen one at dusk on 

 a clothes-pole in the laundry green at The Inch. 



The Peregrine Falcon we have twice seen at 



