BIRDS. 121 



very good eating. It seems, however, to be less abundant in 

 N. Eonaldsay and the Westray group. In September 1882 

 Mr. Cowan shot an albino at Finstay. 



Emberiza citrinella, L. Yellow Bunting. 



When Baikie and Heddle wrote, the Yellowhammer was a rare 

 bird even in winter. Since then it has become abundant and 

 resident through most of the South Isles, especially during the 

 last twenty-five to thirty years, the sowing of whin hedges and 

 making of small plantations no doubt having encouraged it to 

 breed. Mr. W. Eeid says that its nest was not a rarity even 

 as far back as 1855. Now, Mr. Eanken says, he sees many 

 birds about Kirkwall, and often finds their nests. 



Mr. Watt, however, tells us that as yet the Yellowhammer 

 is unknown at Skaill, but that he sees plenty when driving into 

 Kirkwall through the parish of Firth. 



In Eousay we found it, in 1883, resident, but by no means 

 common, nor did we perceive that many additions arrived in 

 winter. 



In 1888 we saw the Yellowhammer in Hoy and on the Main- 

 land ; around Kirkwall it may be called common. 



Emberiza schceniclus, L. Reed-Bunting. 



Mr. Watt of Skaill informs us that in a copy of Pennant belong- 

 ing to Low there is a pencil note thus : " The Eeed Sparrow. 

 At Whiteford Hill, July 1778." 



In March 1845 the late Mr. Eanken shot a male and pre- 

 sented it to the Kirkwall Museum. 



Since 1 848 this species has become more numerous, though 

 by no means common as yet. Mr. W. Eeid informs us that the 

 Eeed Bunting breeds every year now at Crantit, near Kirkwall. 

 Mr. Moodie-Heddle found a nest at Melsetter in 1865. 



Eeferring to the pair that are recorded by Baikie and 

 Heddle as breeding at Muddiesdale in 1845, it does not appear 

 that the nest was found, though the late Mr. Eanken con- 

 sidered, from its cry and manners, that it (the female) evidently 



