An Ornithological Visit to the Ascrib Islands. 405 



saw a female of this species on Eilean Easlial, or No. 1, 

 counting the islands from the north end. 



2. Anthus obscunis (Lath.) — Rock Pipit. — This species was 

 moderately common on all the islands. 



3. Sturnus vulgaris, Linn. — Starling. — Harvie-Brown says 

 of this species, " a few pairs breed ; broken eggs found." I 

 suspect that the nests were placed among the stones and 

 rubbish on the cliffs of Eilean Craigeach, or No. 2 from the 

 north, although I did not see them. 



4. Corvus comix, Linn. — Hooded Crow. — Harvie-Erown 

 saw two "very much bullied" by the lesser black-backed 

 gulls. The hoodie is an inveterate egg-stealer, and is gener- 

 ally to be found haunting the breeding stations of many of 

 our sea-birds. I have frequently seen it breeding in the 

 midst of a colony of other birds. On a small island in the 

 fresh- water loch above Loch Eynort, in Uist, where there is 

 a large colony of lesser black-backed gulls and grey-lag 

 geese, I have seen the hoodie's nest placed on the ground. 

 On Loch Samalaman, in Moidart, there is a large colony of 

 greater black-backed gulls, and another of herons, and every 

 year there is at least one hoodie's nest in the heronry; nor 

 do the hoodies live at peace with their neighbours. I have 

 seen aerial battles between them each time I have been 

 there. 



5. Phalacrocorax gracnlus (Linn.) — Shag. — Harvie-Brown 

 noticed a small colony on the east side of Eilean Craigeach. 



6. Cohimha livia, Bonnat — Eock Dove.— I noticed two 

 flying about the cliffs on the north-west side of Eilean 

 Craigeach. 



7. Hcematopus ostralegus, Linn. — Oyster Catcher. — Com- 

 mon on all the islands, screaming overhead the whole time 

 of my visit. 



8. Strepsilas interpres (Linn.) — Turnstone. — I did not see 

 any during my visit, but Harvie-Brown saw "one pair in 

 full breeding plumage (17th June), but there was nothing 

 in their actions or behaviour to lead me to suppose that 

 they were breeding. They were very tame and very in- 

 different. I searched a long time in the most suitable 

 ground just above high water mark, but found nothing." 



