360 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



A LIST OF BIRDS OBSERVED IN SHETLAND, 

 MAY AND JUNE, 1897. 



By Bernard A. E. Buttress. 



The following is a list of the birds which I observed during 

 a three weeks' stay in the Shetland Isles. It will be noticed the 

 number of species given is sixty-three ; of these I found the eggs 

 of twenty-seven, while twenty-three of the remainder were un- 

 doubtedly nesting. 



In spite of the law protecting them, I was sorry to find on 

 Foula some thirty robbed nests of the Bonxie (Great Skua), and 

 only two or three containing eggs. I think I am quite within 

 the mark by putting the number of this fine species trying to 

 breed there at forty pairs. 



The occurrence of the Buzzard breeding so far north has not, 

 I think, been for some time noted, although Dr. Saxby, in his 

 book, mentions it as nesting. 



From enquiries made, there are at least five nesting places of 

 the White- tailed Eagle still remaining, most of them in quite 

 inaccessible spots. 



Saxicola oenantlie. Very numerous everywhere. Eggs found. 



Pratincola rubicola. Three pairs on Unst. Nesting. 



Phylloscopus trochilus. Saw a single example at Walls. 



Troglodytes parvidus. Fair scattering, especially round lochs. 

 Nesting. 



Motacilla rail. Approached close to pair at Haroldswick, 

 Unst. 



Anthas trivialis. Noticed three pairs in different localities. 

 Nesting. — A. pratensis. Very abundant in places. Eggs found. 

 — A. obscurus. Quantities on all the shores and cliffs. Nesting. 



Chelidon urbica. Many at Foula ; also in other parts. Nesting. 



Cotyle riparia. Saw several at Symbister, Whalsay. 



Passer domesticus. Several pairs around each house. Eggs 

 found. 



Acanthis flavirostris. Extremely abundant everywhere. Eggs 

 found. 



