300 BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND. 



river shore. The parent had thrown herself, with her two young 

 behind her, between them and the land; and, at every attempt of 

 the squirrel to seize them by a circuitous sweep, raised both her 

 wings in an almost perpendicular position, assuming the most 

 formidable appearance she was capable of, and rushed forward on 

 the squirrel, who, intimidated by her boldness and manner, instantly 

 retreated; but presently returning, was met as before, in front 

 and on flank, by the daring and affectionate bird, who, with her 

 wings and whole plumage bristling up, seemed swelled to twice 

 her usual size. The young crowded together behind her, apparently 

 sensible of their perilous position, moving backwards and forwards 

 as she advanced or retreated. This interesting scene lasted for at 

 least ten minutes ; the strength of the poor parent began evidently 

 to flag, and the attacks of the squirrel became more daring and 

 frequent, when my good friend, like one of those celestial agents 

 who, in Homer's time, so often decided the palm of victory, 

 stepped forward from his retreat, drove the assailant back to his 

 hole, and rescued the innocent from destruction." 



THE GREENSHANK. 



TOT AN US GLOTTIS. 

 Deoch Bhingh. 



THIS handsome wader, which is a bird of wide distribution, may 

 be said to be somewhat common throughout the western counties, 

 and is in some districts permanently resident both on the outer 

 islands and on the mainland. During winter I have met with it 

 in small flocks, but more frequently stray birds, in suitable localities, 

 ranging from the Mull of Galloway to Cape Wrath. When the 

 breeding season is past, the old birds, with their families, appear 

 to shift southwards, but are replaced by others, probably from 

 more northern latitudes; the number bred in this country being 

 comparatively small. Even at that time of the year, the Green- 

 shank is often found at some distance from the coast, frequenting 

 the shingly banks of rivers and smaller streams, and also inland 

 lochs and mill-dams. Four beautiful specimens are now before 

 me: two of these were shot in the bed of the Girvan water, by 

 Dr Anderson; the others were killed beside a large dam of water, 



