988 William Wilson. 



While, in Aberdeen County two are protected that is the Jay, 

 Garrulus glaiidarius, and Chough Fregilus graculus with the view 

 of encourag-ing them to remain in it — Starling 8turnus guUatus 

 again is of modern appearance and increase. Reaching from being 

 migratory here to be permanently resident. Following after the 

 virtues of the Rook without the vices. 



■ VII. Cantatrices. — We have a great body sufficiently in 

 favour or able to defend themselves as matters had stood. 



Of which the White-Breasted Thrush Turdiis torquatus has 

 appeared earlier in Spring, and so far as my experience has gone 

 they are not so bad as they once were for pilfering the fruit of 

 gardens. In short they have better adapted themselves to 

 unmolested conditions. Probably it is not very long since they 

 may have established themselves. In some parts for certain. The 

 Song Thrush Turdus musicus seems to have decreased and to have 

 become more retiring in habits. The Hedge Chanter Accentui' 

 modidaris seems to have given some place to the House Sparrow 

 Passer domesUcus about Gardens where the latter has appeared. 

 There is the Whin- and Black-headed Chat, Fruticicola rubetra 

 and ruhicola which seem to be becoming less numerous. 

 While the White-rumped Stonechat Saxicola oenanthe which has 

 been mentioned as an early spring arrival 1840 is one of the latest 

 in my time. Has a tendency to wander on to moors in the Autumn 

 — I can point to no drastic change on the interesting Family of 

 Warblers Sylvinae beyond that they appear and sing very much 

 in accordance with the season. The Wagtails Motacillinae are 

 similar beyond, that an ocasional Pied Wagtail MotaciUa yarrelU 

 is to be seen so far North as this through the winter. 



As regards the Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis it maintains 

 its numbers and habits. Also, at certain times has become a close 

 attendant of agricultural operations ■ — as well as called the 

 Heather — or Mountain Linnet of many places. Seems to have 

 extended; although so much taxed with the bringing up of 

 young Cuckoos. The Sky Lark Alauda arvensis stands about 

 the same beyond that of recent years it sometimes sings in the 

 fall of the year. We believe this is worthy of notice. We know 

 of no general change in the Tit family Parus. 



VIII. Deglubitrices. — I believe the Reed-Bunting Emheriza 

 schoeniclus has decreased and become more retiring in habits in 

 my time. The Snow-Bunting Plectroplianes nivalis does not come 

 down to my grounds so regular or so frequent as it once did. 

 Whether they are decreasing or finding their food on high ground 

 in winter or move elsewhere I know not. Both the Brown- and 

 Mountain Linnets Liuiiota cannabina and montium seem to be 

 also receding. 



While the House Sparrow Passer domesticus has extended. 

 Adapting itself to trees and feeding on invidious forms of lower 



