THE BIRDS OF FAIR ISLE 115 



male on 29th September 1909. Two of these visitors 

 were found amid rough grass, while the last- mentioned 

 example was seen feeding on a stook of oats. 



Emberiza pusilla, Little Bunting. — Until the Fair 

 Isle investigations were instituted, this species was 

 regarded as one of the rarest casual visitors to our 

 islands. Through them it has been proved to be a 

 bird of double passage, and not uncommon in the 

 autumn. 



The earliest dates on which it has been observed in 

 the fall range from i8th September to lOth October, 

 and the passage lasts until nth November. It is never 

 numerous, but as many as six have been seen on a 

 single day ; and these probably represented only a small 

 proportion of those present. 



It has been observed on three occasions in spring — 

 namely, on 14th April 1907; on 12th May 1908; and 

 two on 18th May 1909. 



In the autumn it chiefly resorts to the stubbles, 

 where it finds congenial company in the hordes of 

 Twites, amid which it is most difficult to detect. The 

 call note is not unlike that of the Yellow Bunting, but is 

 shorter and fainter. When taking flight the tail is 

 spread, and the white outer tail-feathers are then 

 conspicuously displayed. 



Emberiza schceniclus, Reed-Bunting. — Is a bird of 

 double passage, occurring regularly in small parties at 

 both seasons. 



The earliest date for its appearance in spring is 

 2nd March, the latest 6th June, and the average 4th 

 April. The period covering its main movements is from 

 9th April to 19th May. The numbers which arrived on 

 1 2 th May 19 10 and succeeding days were simply pheno- 



