238 



BIRDS. 



[Sylvia hortensis (Bechst). Garden Warbler. 



Mr. A. Craig says of this species that it is 'not very numerous in 

 Glen Urquhart.' 



The late Dr. Gordon of Birnie wrote us : — 



'I have no doubt that a Garden Warbler remained in the 

 garden here (Manse of Birnie) for four or five days in May 1871. 

 Its notes and song, its size and colour, all pointed to its being the 

 Garden Warbler.' 



This species is recorded by Mr. Foljambe as occurring near 

 Grant Lodge {Fauna of Moray), but we have no reliable statistics 

 of later date. Edward mentions it, but also acknowledged receipt 

 of a specimen from Professor Newton, along with a Wryneck (q.v.) 

 and a Lesser Whitethroat {q.v.) — in lit. to A. N., 18th July 1853. 

 We believe these specimens sent to Mr. Edward were wanted by 

 the latter gentleman for the purpose of comparison and identifi- 

 cation of local specimens, but there is nothing to show this in the 

 correspondence which we have been allowed to see by the kindness 

 of Professor Newton.] 



Sub-family PHYLLOSCOPINJE. 



Regulus cristatus Koch. Golden-crested Wren. 



This is a resident species, fairly abundant, and breeding in the north 

 of our area, wherever the locality is suitable for it; it is much 

 more abundant, or, at least, more easily observed in the winter. 



About Guisachan the late Lord Tweedmouth said it is much 

 rarer than formerly, though we saw it there in 1892. 



Southwards it is resident and fairly abundant, some years 

 receiving large accessions in winter from continental sources. 

 The species appears in Edward's and all the earlier lists. Smith 

 says: — 'The Gold Crest appeared here — i.e. Banffshire — a few 

 years ago in a large flock on the links during winter. Its nest has 

 been found in the top of a large whin-bush.' Many records occur 

 of its appearance on our Scottish east coast from north to south 

 in phenomenal numbers on migration. 



Goldcrests are abundant in the young woods of Eothiemay 

 and Lower Deveron, and occur in flocks along with Tits on the 

 reaches of Middle Deveron, and they breed in the Bin-wood and 

 other plantations. 



