The Avifauna. 113 



than those to which it is accustomed. During the 

 severe storm of 188 1 numbers flew into Edinburgh, 

 no doubt in search of food and attracted by the black 

 ground, when, on being chased by boys, they never 

 attempted to use their wings, but fluttered helplessly 

 about till they were captured. 



Wood-Pigeons, though not in great numbers, are 

 found in the environs of Craigmillar. A few pairs nest 

 in the dense foliage of the lime-trees at The Inch, 

 where they are allowed to harbour and breed without 

 restraint. Their nests, however, are very frequently 

 robbed by magpies. In one of these limes we have 

 several times removed the eggs of the wood-pigeon, 

 and deposited those of a tame one. Though the 

 young birds were successfully reared, no sooner were 

 they able to provide for themselves than they bade 

 good-bye to the woods, and took up their abode in a 

 dovecot close by. 



The Starling is numerous in the Craigmillar dis- 

 trict, and may be seen feeding in large flocks in the 

 irrigated meadows and grass fields. There are few 

 birds more interesting than the starling, and it is 



