Some recent changes in Labifs and food of Biitish Birds. 991 



Certainly a straggler may appear in new places any time in 

 winter. Thus finding new haunts and extending their area of 

 permanent occupation with us. 



The Pied Oyster catcher Ostralegus haematopus seems 

 stationary so far as 1 can make out. 



XIV. Tentatrices. Dunlin sandpiper Tringa cinclus seems to 

 have increased in numbers and extended itself. All over in date of 

 appearing to leaving. There is also a point by which one fre- 

 quently extends up the water in autumn and stays sometimes 

 after the others leave. Probably their food is later in maturing 

 there. Great Curlew Nuitienius arquata seems also to hold its 

 ground. It is of comparative recent introduction. Has remained 

 at least stationary for 50 years. Some individuals seem to remain 

 behind the others. The Grey Redshank Tattler Totanus calidris 

 has been in my time an irregular visitor. For many years absent 

 a pair commenced to appear several years ago. Since then they 

 have nested and generally appear to increase. Common Snipe 

 Scolopax gallinago has reappeared on low ground even to nest 

 of recent years. 



The Jack Snipe Scolopax gallinula appears at lower levels. 



In the European Woodcock Rusticola sylvestris we have an 

 example of a bird which only at one time appeared as a casual 

 visitor. Gradually increased as a regular visitor of migration. 

 Until it has become generally established as a resident bird. A 

 migration also going on among them. 



XV. Latitrices. Corn Crake Crex pratensis from almost dis- 

 appearing has become at least a visitor here. The Green footed 

 Gallinule Gallinula cJiloropus has also increased and extended 

 its range of late years. It seems liable to meet with misfortune 

 in these extended nesting places. I noticed this in a recent 

 summer where this one extended a nest from lower ground and 

 the Bleater snipe from higher ground that both failed to bring 

 up young. 



XVI. Aucupatrices. Grey Heron Ai^dea cinerea has 

 remained about the same in habits and numbers since I recollect. 

 It seems that it spreads over its old grounds. Although inquiries 

 show fewer nesting places in Scotland. 



XVII. Cribratrices. The Geese, Anserinae, make their perio- 

 dical appearance going south in Autumn and north in Spring in 

 similar fashion since I recollect. While Ducks, Anatinae, indicate 

 no marked change. 



XVIII. Urinatrices. I have no representatives of these. 



XIX. Mersatrices. The Brown Headed Mew Gavia ridibuncla 

 continues to make inward incursions from the sea but has not 

 made any material advance or retirement I know of. The Silvery 

 Gull Larus argentatus makes periodical appearances inland. But 

 no material change. 



