The Zoologist— May, 1867. 739 



scarce, not to say rare, species : it was shot on our shore about two 

 years since, by a tradesmen of the place. 



December. 



Land Rail. — 1st. When partridge-shooting to-day, on Niton farm, a 

 land rail rose from the same field of turnips, on the hill-side,, where 

 one was found on the 8th of November. As frosty nights and cutting 

 cold winds have not yet caused it to migrate, it may possibly remain 

 through the winter. 29lh. It was again found among the turnips. 

 Though 1 have endeavoured to protect it, it was shot on the 31st by a 

 brother-sportsman, who assures me that he has also met with it in the 

 winter in Ireland. 



Gray Phalarope. — 4th. A few of these birds still linger on our 

 shores, possibly too weak to resume their southern migration : two 

 were observed this morning cowering under a rock, to shelter them- 

 selves from the storm of wind and rain. 



Kitiiwake. — 10th. Five or six kittiwakes were shot off Shanklin, 

 and many more were seen. It being so common a species with us 

 during the winter, the remark of Macgillivray, " Kittiwakes arrive along 

 our coasts in the end of April, and disappear in October," could have 

 had no reference to the channel coast. Two black scoters were 

 observed : though occasionally met with it is not a common species on 

 this coast. 



Common Gtdl.-La.rge flocks have been seen of late in different 

 parts of the island, frequenting the ploughed lands : two shot on the 

 10th proved to be birds of the season, in the transition state of 

 plumage, as described by Temminck, after the autumnal moult; 

 their beaks were black. 



Gannel. — First observed on this coast on the 13th of the month. 

 On the 28th I saw a dozen or more fishing off Dunnose, their headlong 

 plunges sending the spray some feet into the air. A black scoter, 

 nearer shore, was taking its evening repast, but how different its manner 

 of diving, seemingly sinking without effort and leaving no trace 

 behind. 



Redlhroated Diver.— Though not seen in such numbers this winter 

 as the last, they are generally to be met with from sunrise to about 

 noon, in Sandowu Bay, their usual resort, and I have heard of several 

 being shot. They are principally killed for the sake of the skins. 

 Guillemots and razorbills frequently seen in the bay. 



Rook.—Uih. Rooks were observed this morning in considerable 



