of the Island of Raasay. 499 



Skylark. Alauda arvensw. 



A few pairs are distributed over the island, but are not 

 numerous. 



Swift. Cypselus apus. 



Every year in the ]ate spring a few are seen, and again at 

 the beginning of August for a day or two, but none have 

 been known to breed. 



Nightjar. Caprimulgus europceus. 



A sparse but annual visitor. A pair used to nest in the open 

 space of a fir-wood quite close to the house every year. One 

 of the birds was often to be seen late on a summer evening 

 perched on a high garden- wall, which seemed a favourite 

 position for the emission of its peculiar whirring note. On 

 one occasion the bird continued its whirring for a second or 

 two over five minutes without intermission ; this was the 

 greatest length of time so occupied to my knowledge. 



Cuckoo. Cuculus canorus. 



Very plentiful. During some summers it was more 

 numerous than in any other part of the country that I have 

 visited. The Meadow-Pipit's was the favourite nest in which 

 to deposit its eggs. 



Barn-Owl. Stria? jlammea. 



An occasional visitor. I saw the first on January 29th, 

 1897, and others on December 19th, 1900, and January 12th, 

 1901 ; probably the latter was the bird observed on December 

 19th, as it was in the same locality. 



Long-eared Owl. Aslo ottis. 



Generally one brood is found every year, an old Hooded 

 Crow's nest being the favourite site. I never noticed more 

 than one pair. 



Short-eared Owl. Aslo brachyotus. 



Frequently flushed by Snipe- and Woodcock-shooters in 

 the winter. It does not breed on the island at the pre- 

 sent time, but from the keeper's account it used to do so 

 regularly. 



