NOTES FROM S.W. SUTHERLAND. 505 
Arasaig and South Morar the Rock Dove seemed common. This 
bird has a much more rapid flight than either the Ring Dove or 
the Stock Dove. 
The Pheasant breeds and increases fast all along the west 
coast, the climate appearing to suit it, and the Black Grouse is 
common. Strange to say, the Red Grouse at Arasaig and South 
Morar are few in number, the climate or some other cause 
preventing their increase, although the heather, &c., appears to 
be admirably adapted for the birds; even this year broods were 
very few and far between. On the higher hills to the west of Loch 
Morar the Ptarmigan is found. Partridges are more plentiful on 
the low grounds. ‘The Scotch Partridge is certainly smaller than 
the English bird. On the hills above Arasaig and South Morar 
a few Golden Plover may be found, while the Ringed Plover is 
plentiful on the sea-shore. ‘This bird seemed to have greatly 
increased in numbers after the 20th August; dressed as Snipe it 
is an excellent bird for the table. 
I saw a few Lapwings, with their young in immature plumage, 
at South Morar, but the birds were not yet in flocks. The 
’ Sanderling was plentiful on the sea-shore at South Morar after 
August 20th. The Oystercatcher, or “‘Sea-pie,” was also very 
plentiful on the shores of South Morar. Its plaintive whistle was 
constantly heard at night. It proved an excellent bird for the 
table, and not at all fishy. It increased in numbers after the 
middle of August, and was then to be seen in small flocks. 
On September 3rd I noticed that Herons were getting more 
plentiful, as if congregating towards the coast. Previous to the 
20th of August solitary Curlews, or two or three together, used to 
frequent the shores and fields; after that date their numbers 
increased, and flocks of forty to fifty were constantly seen feeding 
in the meadows round Traigh House, South Morar. In the 
months of August and September the Curlew is very good eating, 
tender and of excellent flavour. After they leave the meadows 
and get down to the shore they become coarse and fishy. It is 
capital sport stalking Curlews, but two guns are requisite for 
success. Occasionally a Whimbrel was killed with the Curlews, 
but this bird was not plentiful. 
Redshanks were observed coming in about the end of August, 
with rapid flight and uttering their peculiar cry: they are excellent 
eating, equal to any Snipe. ‘The Greenshank was seen in twos 
37 
