9484 Birds. 



observe that a correspondent of the 'Field' states that he has seen 

 squirrels devCJtiring Fungi, and Tschudi says that a careful observer 

 has discovered that they dig up truffles, for which they hunt by scent. 

 Although instances have been recorded of the squirrel destroying 

 young birds and eggs, yet I believe that these are rare and exceptional 

 cases. 



Edward R. Alston. 

 205, Bath Street, Glasgow, 

 February 4, 1865. 



Ornithological Notes from Shetland. By Henry L. Saxby, M.D. 



(Continued from page 9439.) 



Snow Bunting. — Large numbers of snow buntings still continue to 

 arrive. Although there has been but little frost, most of them have 

 already descended to the cultivated grounds, attracted by the grain 

 which the late gales have scattered in only too great abundance. In 

 rough or wet weather tliey are not often to be seen upon the vying; 

 but they do not, like many other birds, seek enclosed feeding-grounds 

 for the sake of shelter from the wind : during the heaviest gales I have 

 watched them closely, and then seen that the stubble alone afforded 

 them quite sufficient protection. At such times they are unwilling to 

 rise, and often permit a very near approach. In fine weather they are 

 more disposed for flight, and then it is that their well-known notes may 

 be heard high overhead almost uninterruptedly from sunrise even until 

 after sunset. I have only upon one occasion heard them late at night, 

 and that was at about eleven o'clock one clear starlight night in 

 autumn. Although the individuals in some of the flocks may now be 

 reckoned by thousands, many will leave us as soon as the frost sets in 

 or food becomes scarce, only to return for a short time on their way 

 northwards in spring. Even in open weather one or two may 

 occasionally be seen upon a corn-stack ; but it is only during heavy 

 snow or severe frost that they visit the farm-yards in any great 

 numbers. As long as they remain upon the hills they are rather shy; 

 but when they are engaged among the stubble it is comparatively easy 

 to approach them, and in the latter situation they are not very readily 

 perceived, often affording the first indication of their presence by 

 rising suddenly within a iew paces of the intruder. When thus dis- 

 turbed a few nearly always remain upon the ground; but the main body, 

 rising in a compact mass, fly 05*10 some more quiet spot, if they have 



