292 The Zoologist — July, 1866. 



basking upon the rocks or in small quiet bays. The small flocks 

 which now remain seem to be chiefly composed of adult females and 

 last year's birds. 



Oyslercatcher. — On the 19th I saw the first o} stercatcher upon the 

 rocks off* the south point of Baltasound. It seemed to be much 

 fatigued, and remained near the same spot for two days, when other 

 individuals arrived. The latter were comparatively fresh, having come 

 with fine weather, but the first one reached the island in the middle of 

 heavy rain and a gale from S.W. 



Lapwing. — Tlic arrival of the lapwings escaped my notice this year; 

 however, on the 16th 1 saw several pairs at their breeding-grounds. 



Pereyrine Falcon. — Two peregrine falcons have been frequently 

 seen in the Burrafirth Cliffs during the last fortnight, as if with the 

 intention of breeding there. A man vvho took three eggs of this species 

 near the same spot, a \'b\\ years ago, states that he found theui lying 

 upon a narrow rocky ledge, without any nest. Last week I was 

 walking acios.s the wet meadows at Upsal, the lapwings mobbing me 

 in their usual manner, when suddenly their cries ceased, and most of 

 them flew off in a hunied manner, as though alarmed ; innnediately 

 afterwards I saw a peregrine make a stoop at one of their number and 

 miss it, the lapwing having risen to avoid the blow. The pursuer 

 instantly changed his course, and appeared to have given up the 

 chase, but he was only making the usual sweep in order to get above 

 his victim, who had now performed a similar manoeuvre, and was high 

 in the air among his companions. Contrary to my expectation, the 

 falcon passed among them without bestowing the smallest notice; 

 then he soared high above, stooped at the same bird, missed as before, 

 and describing a wide circle, made a third and e(pially unsuccessful 

 attempt. After several repetitions of nearly the same scene, the oidy 

 difference being that the flock had by this time left their persecuted 

 friend to himself, the latter began to exhibit signs of fatigue : the 

 falcon, making uide sweeps, ascended with comparatively little 

 exertion, while the lapwing, although able to rise more perpendicularly, 

 soon found to his cost that such a mode of flight was far too trying for 

 long continuance ; accordingly, like a bullied witness in a court of 

 justice, he suddenly threw off" all attempt to onimanceuvre, and too late 

 sought safety in honest flight. Poor inexperienced fellow ! the attempt 

 to combat his skilled antagonist upon equal terms was now bringing 

 down the reward of presumption. Down came the learned sergeant — 

 I mean the peregrine: iu a few brief moments the victim was dashed 



