THE BIRDS OF FAIR ISLE 165 



appeared from i6th September to loth October; but 

 its visits after the close of September have been few. 



CoTURNix coTURNix, Quail. — I was shown a clutch 

 of eleven eggs which had been taken in July 1905. 

 The bird breeds not unfrequently on the mainland of 

 Shetland. 



Crex crex, Corn-Crake. — A summer visitor, several 

 pairs nesting, and also a bird of double passage. 



Has arrived in spring from 30th April, and has been 

 observed in autumn as late as i8th October." The 

 records relating to both seasons are many, but it is 

 impossible to say which relate to native birds, and which 

 to travellers. On 15th May 1910, I saw one apparently 

 quite at home amid grass which was flooded with an inch 

 or two of water. 



Rallus aquaticus, Water-Rail. — Some pass the 

 winter in the Isle, others occur on their passages to and 

 from the north. The earliest date for its appearance in 

 autumn is 21st September; and in spring it has been 

 seen down to 25th March. From the skulking nature 

 of its habits, however, it largely escapes observation. 

 It is not unfrequent on the reefs fringing the tide, where 

 it seeks shelter under rocks when disturbed. It is also 

 found on the sides of ditches, and in the autumn will 

 seek cover amid the patches of potatoes and turnips. 



Gallinula chloropus, Water-Hen. — Single birds 

 have occurred as stragglers on the following occasions — 

 on 15th January 1906; 15th February 1908 ; 2nd May 

 1908; 6th May 1911 ; and i6th November 1908. It 

 is a native bird, but not common, in Shetland. 



Fulica atra, Coot. — Has occurred on a few occasions 

 only. Single birds have been observed on 8th January 

 1909; 25 th March 1909; 26th March 1908; 21st April 

 11. L 2 



