BIRDS. 



99 



We know also that a few are certainly found breeding much 

 farther north than the limits of my present consideration, as for 

 instance on the sandy ground at more than one locality in the north- 

 east of Dee. 



Mr. Nichol Simpson says of it : Not uncommon in the county of 

 Kincardine " and "breeding annually here and there." But Dr. T. F. 

 Dewar, Mr. Milne, and a good deal more evidence contravert that 

 dictum; and Dr. Dewar merely marks it recordedj^ without further 

 notes ! 



It has been reported from the banks of the May Water (Ochil 

 Hills), a pair in 1901 {Trans, and Proc. Perth. Soc, etc., vol. iii. p. 112), 

 by Mr. White. 



In 1896 the Rev. Mr. Dobbie found it nesting a few miles north of 

 Perth, but "very locally," and he justly remarks: "It is often con- 

 founded with the Grey Wagtail," which many believe to mean the 

 female Pied Wagtail ! So there is abundance of scope for confusion 

 by imperfect observers ; and may I add — in imperfect English names. 



Anthus pratensis (L.). Meadow-Pipit, 



Resident. Abundant. Breeds. Not truly gregarious. 



The commonest bird of the moorlands, extending its distribution 

 from ground close above the top fringes of sea-cliff on the coasts, to 

 the far upper moors and mosses, such as the great Moor of Rannoch, 

 etc. Universally dispersed wherever the localities are suitable. 



Retires in very severe winters to the coast-lines, and I have seen 

 it on occasions more abundant there than its congener the Rock- 

 Pipit at that season, hunting like the latter amongst the sea-tangles 

 for insect food. Mr. Milne marks it as " fairly common " about 

 Fordoun in likely places. 



The fact of Meadow-Pipits perching upon trees is not often 

 recorded in Scotland, but it is quite a common practice certainly in 

 some other countries. Thus I saw many perching on trees and 

 bushes, remaining for long periods in these positions, and many were 

 shot. They were often seen perched beside their near relatives the 

 Red-throated Pipits, and both species were shot in the position. 

 This was during the course of the spring migration at the great bend 

 in the course of the Petchora river in north-east Russia in 1875. I 

 think the habit is, however, a somewhat local one. Mr. F. Coburn 

 records an instance of the occurrence from Bolton-le-moor (Zool., 

 1898, p. 215, q.v.). It is possible that in this country individuals of 

 perching Pipits may belong to the allied form, and it might be worth 



