OCCASIONAL NOTES. 175 
Birps on tHE East Lorsian Coast 1n Fesruary.—Since the late 
frosts have subsided, shore-birds have somewhat decreased on this coast; 
a sufficient number of species still remain, however, to allow of many 
interesting observations. The Merlin, Falco @salon, is at present compara- 
tively common in the neighbourhood of the Tyne-mouth and Scoughal rocks, 
between the Seacliff estate and Dunbar. On the 15th I observed several of 
them hunting in the vicinity of the rocks at low tide. The Peregrines. 
I am glad to say, are still frequenting the Bass Rock, and I had lately an 
opportunity of observing one of the birds, as it flew past me within easy 
gunshot and continued its flight seaward in the direction of the island. 
Ishould think it probable that they make a prey of the Pigeons which 
frequent Tantallon in some numbers, and breed among the ruins. There 
is also a breeding place of the Kestrel on this part of the coast, and the 
birds are generally to be seen in the neighbourhood. Of sea-birds nothing 
of any importance has occurred this winter. The Glaucous Gull, Larus 
glaucus, has often been shot near Seacliff. One part of the coast to the 
west of Dunbar is very rocky, and this is a favourite resort of the Purple 
Sandpiper, Tringa maritima. It is to be met with every now and then in 
small flocks at the water’s edge, either when the tide is flowing or receding. 
Dunlins, Sanderlings, and other waders are also common, and met with in 
large flocks. Large numbers of ducks and geese have been shot on the 
coast during its hard weather. The Bean Goose, dAnser segetum, is rather 
common. [I lately observed a flock of nine resting on the rocks at low tide. 
The birds appeared to be comparatively tame, allowing me to make a near 
approach. This bird is mentioned by Mr. Gray, in his ‘ Birds of the West 
of Scotland,’ as frequenting the sands in the neighbourhood of the Tyne 
Estuary at nightfall, and at daybreak retiring to the Lammermuirs.— 
C. E. S. Cuampurs (339, High Street, Edinburgh). 
Rare Brirps 1n BeprorpsHire.—I herewith send you notes of the 
rarer species of birds shot in the neighbourhood of Bedford during the last 
few months. As this county seems never to have been worked at all, I have 
made mention of some birds which are of frequent occurrence, but yet, 
owing to a strange lack of ornithologists in a very rich district, have never 
been recorded. There cannot be a greater proof of the paucity of observers, 
than the fact that Mr. A. G. More, at the time he was employed in tracing 
the distribution of birds in the nesting season, had no correspondent in 
this county. Mr. A. Covington, taxidermist, Bedford, has kindly furnished 
me with many particulars of rare birds which were brought to him for 
preservation. In September last a Greenshank was put up out of a ditch 
in Goldington, and shot. The Ringed Plover was exceptionally abundant 
last autumn; no less than seven were sent to be stuffed in one week. A 
Black-headed Gull was shot near Castle Mills in August last. This county 
