304 BIRDS OF ARRAN. 



numbers in autumn only. I have never observed it in 

 spring. 



LAPWING ( Vanellua cristatus). Formerly a summer visitant 

 for two months, after which it immediately disappeared. It 

 is now, however, seen from April to September. 



TURNSTONE (Strepsilas interpres). This bird lingers every 

 year on the shores of Bute and Arran, and also on the shores 

 of the Kyles, until the end of May, by which time it has 

 nearly assumed the breeding plumage, and is then a most 

 attractive bird. 



OYSTER-CATCHER (Hcematopus ostralegus). This beautiful 

 wader is common on all the islands, breeding in suitable 

 places in Bute, Arran, the Cumbraes, Pladda, and Inch- 

 marnoch. I have found the eggs on the Lesser Cumbrae, 

 near the ruins of the old castle. 



COMMON HERON (Ardea cinerea). Common on all the 

 islands. There are two heronries within the county limits, 

 one at Brodick, in Arrau, with a considerable number of 

 nests, the other at Mountstewart, near Rothesay, in Bute. 

 The last named has been long known, and is mentioned in 

 Mr. Blain's manuscript. 



BITTERN (Botaurus stellaris). Very rare. A specimen 

 killed near Whitehouse, Arran, about the year 1835, is 

 referred to by the writer of the New Statistical A ccount of t/ie 

 Parish of Kilbride. I suspect it is now never seen. 



CURLEW (Jfuifpnius arquatd). Abundant in all the islands. 



WHIMBREL (Nvme.nius plueojws). Only a stray visitant 

 early in May, and not often obtained, its stay being of short 

 duration. 



REDSHANK ( Totanus calidris). Breeds in limited numbers. 

 In autumn it is very common along all the shores. 



COMMON SANDPIPER (Totanus hypoleucos). Very common 

 everywhere. 



GREENSHANK (Totanus glottis). Only a stray winter 

 visitant. 



BAR-T4ILED GODWIT (Lirnosa rufd). Occurs in small 



