REPORT ON SCOTTISIT ORNITHOLOGY IN 1920 III 
Whitethroats, and Sedge-warblers were in unusual numbers 
at Duns, and Stonechats had further increased at Corsemalzie, 
“quite ten pairs nested in 1920,” only three in 1919, and none 
in 1918. House-martins were more than usually numerous 
at Largo (Fife); Swifts were in rather greater numbers than 
usual at Muirend (Glasgow); and Curlews were nesting 
more plentifully than before at Corsemalzie and neighbour- 
hood, though they are “always common” in that part. 
From Pladda (Arran) we have a note of Common Terns 
breeding in greater numbers than in 1919, while Woodcock 
were more plentiful at Collessie (Fife) than in any previous 
year. One particularly pleasing fact is that we have 
good accounts of Red-necked Phalaropes and Great Skuas 
nesting in Shetland, where they are undoubtedly increasing, 
thanks to the protection which has been afforded them 
there. 
- Turning now to the notes of decrease in numbers received 
from various localities, we find that up to 25th May no 
Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps, nor Grasshopper-warblers had been 
noticed at Darvel (Ayrshire); Chiffchaffs were likewise 
scarce at Corsemalzie, where only one pair was seen. Here, 
too, Long-tailed Tits, Wheatears, and Whinchats were few, 
Garden-warblers were very scarce at Duns (Berwickshire). 
No Wheatears were seen at Nevay Park (Meigle), and there 
was a decrease in the number which nested in North Uist, 
O.H. (1. 1920, 150). Swallows and Swifts were below their 
average numbers at Collessie (Fife),and no House-martins 
built in that village, which our correspondent tells us is 
most unusual. He adds that all migratory birds seemed 
to be present in smaller numbers than in previous years, 
he never heard a Cuckoo at all, and only once heard a 
Corncrake in 1920. Mr Gordon tells us that he saw no 
Long-eared nor Short-eared Owls at Corsemalzie in 1920, 
“for the first time the Tawny has ousted them.” Golden 
Plover, Dunlin, and Snipe were in smaller numbers than 
usual in North Uist (1. 1920, 150). Young Partridges at 
Corsemalzie were mostly drowned by the wet weather in June 
and early July ; Black Grouse also suffered severely, coveys of 
nine and seven being drowned when quite large ; Grouse were 
