500 Mr. C. Collier on the Birds 



Tawny Owl. Syrnium aluco. 



In 1901 a pair took up their quarters in an old hollow tree. 

 They reared three young. 



Hen-Harrier. Circus cyaneus. 



I saw a single bird on October 18th, 1899, and again later 

 in the same year. In 1901 three Mere observed. Formerly 

 this was quite a common species, six pairs nesting on the 

 island, but unfortunately they were all killed. 



Buzzard. Buteo vulgaris. 



A pair used to nest annually in the cliffs on the east side 

 of the island, and two pairs bred there in 1901. In the 

 early autumn the migrants arrive, and a good many remain 

 throughout the winter. On the evening of December 29th, 

 1899, eleven Buzzards were circling over a large pine-wood, 

 their favourite roosting-quarters in rough stormy weather. 



Golden Eagle. Aquila chrysaetus. 



From one to three birds were generally on our ground, both 

 in winter and summer — immature specimens, as a rule. On 

 January 8th, 1900, when returning from Woodcock-shooting, 

 my friend Mr. C. H. Akroyd and I came upon two Golden 

 Eagles gorging on the carcase of a dead sheep in a small 

 corrie ; three Buzzards and seven Ravens were settled on 

 some rocks close by, waiting for their share. A very fine 

 sight it was, when these twelve birds rose and circled round. 

 In December 1896 a friend and I saw a mature Golden 

 Eagle hunting over a hill-side. The bird (a hen, j udging from 

 the size) picked up a mountain-hare in her talons, when she 

 was immediately mobbed by five Havens. We watched the 

 scene for about ten minutes ; eventually the Eagle, when at 

 a height of about 400 feet, dropped the hare, whereupon the 

 Havens at once left her and dived to the ground after it 

 croaking. The fact may be interesting, as there are many 

 disputes as to the carrying capabilities of this species. An 

 immature Eagle which I caught in a hollow by a stream 

 when gorged, and kept for several months, could easily take 

 a dead rabbit to a perch from the ground; she usually 



