188 CATALOGUE OF BIRDS. 



that such was occasionally the case. Its food, 

 for the most part, I believe, consists of insects, 

 beetles, worms, grubs, and moths, varied of course 

 during the winter by marine animalcules and such 

 refuse as it is able to pick up along the shore. 



A large colony of these birds presents an exceed- 

 ingly lively spectacle about the middle of June ; 

 owing to their nests having been, in many cases, 

 frequently plundered, young of all sizes may be 

 observed, from the small downy chick just breaking 

 the egg-shell to the full-fledged bird that is taking its 

 first flight. 



As will be seen by the specimens in the case, the 

 eggs of this species vary considerably. 



The mature birds were obtained near Lairg, in 

 Sutherland, in June, 1868, the young and eggs being 

 taken at a small piece of water (known in Gaelic by a 

 name that signifies the "Muddy Loch,") near Tain, 

 in Ross-shire, in June, 1869. 



GOOSANDEE. 



Case 244. 



These birds make their appearance during severe 

 weather, frequenting both fresh and salt water; the 

 numbers, however, that arrive are very uncertain, 

 depending greatly on the season, but few being- 

 observed should the winter prove mild. 



If plentiful, they must be very undesirable visitors 

 to a trout stream, as the quantity of fish they are 

 capable of swallowing is something enormous. 



