Ornithological Notes, by Mr. Bobert Gray, F.R.S.E. 259 



Grey Phalarope (Phalaropus lobatus). — A specimen, in 

 poor condition, was killed on Gullane Sands, by Mr. Scott 

 Skirving, in October last. It is a somewhat curious fact 

 that many specimens of this Phalarope have been killed 

 during the past two winters on the banks of the Nith, near 

 Dumfries : one was shot near New Galloway, which is still 

 further inland, on 23rd October, 1874. 



Bean Goose (Anser segetum). — A very large flock of 

 Wild Geese, presumably of this species, was seen in East 

 Lothian, on 12th April, 1874, flying northwards. The birds 

 attracted great attention; they were travelling at no in- 

 considerable height, and occupied a large tract of the sky 

 from the point of observation. The line formed must have 

 extended nearly a mile : it was unbroken, and contained 

 three separate < shaped companies — the whole creating a 

 spectacle of unusual interest. 



Pinkfooted Goose (Anser brachyrynchus). — Two very 

 fine specimens, which I examined in the flesh, were shot at 

 Gosford, on 1st January, 1875, and were stuffed by Mr. Small 

 for a gentleman who purposed using them as decoys. This 

 species frequently occurs on the Forth during winter, many 

 examples having of late years come under my notice. 



Bernicle Goose (Anser leucopsis). — This species has 

 been very abundant on the coast during the present winter, 

 near Gullane. Four specimens were shot, two of them at 

 Castlemains, on 16th October, and sent to Mr. Small for 

 preservation. I was informed that a flock of about two 

 hundred was seen near North Berwick about the same time. 

 The first specimen was obtained on 19th September. I have 

 always looked upon this bird as a scarce species in the East 

 of Scotland. 



Egyptian Goose (Anser Egyptiacus). — A fine male was 

 shot near Dunbar on 8th December, 1873, and forwarded to 

 me by my friend Mr. Jaffray, who informed me that a 

 female was shot at the same time and place. The two birds 

 came from the south, and were observed travelling together 

 along the shore, and apparently making for the estuary of 

 the Forth. They were shot in a salt-water creek where they 

 had alighted. 



Shoveller (Anas clypeata). — A young male was shot at 

 Gullane by Mr. R. Scot-Skirving, in October, 1874. The 

 species seems regularly to frequent the Forth, chiefly in the 

 months of November and December. I have seen various 



1H 



