SAXBY : BIRDS OF SHETLAND, 



125 



beginning to build a nest, or to repair an old one, as early as the month of 

 February. 



Hooded Crow, Corvus comix, (Craa. Hoodie craa.) Very numerous. 



Wren, Troglodytes europcBus, (Robin redbreast.) In steadily increasing 

 numbers. The usual situation for the nest is beneath the overhanging turf 

 at the edge of a low cliff. The eggs being of no value to the Shetlanders, 

 are rarely sought after. 



Rock Dove, Columba livia, (Doo. Wild pigeon.) Breeds abundantly in 

 most of the sea caves, but, owing to the inaccessibility of the ledges upon 

 which the nests are placed, the eggs are but seldom obtained. 



Golden Plover, Charadrius jpluvialis, (Plover.) Very common. In 

 Autumn gathers into large flocks, joining for awhile with others as large, 

 which visit us on their way southwards. Those which remain during the 

 Winter, resort to the sea-shore in hard weather. 



Ringed Plover, CTiaradrms Maticula, (Sandy-loo.) Common upon 

 almost every part of the coast, breeding abundantly both on the sea-beach 

 and far inland, upon low grounds, sometimes also upon stony hills. Collects 

 into flocks after the close of the breeding season and retires to the shore, dis- 

 persing and returning to the breeding grounds early in March. 



Cmlew, Numenius arquata, (Wliaap, Stock-whaap.) Abundant. Remains 

 in families throughout the winter ; these collect into flocks in spring, and 

 pairing commences soon afterwards. The eggs are not often found, but this 

 may be accounted for by the retked nature of the situations in which they 

 are deposited. 



Snipe, Scolopax gallinago, (Snippack, Gowk or gook.) I^Tumerous in all 

 seasons. Breeds in almost every suitable locality. 



Dunlin, Tringa variabilis^ (Plover page.) Tolerably plentiful in the 

 breeding season, collecting into flocks in winter, but seldom to any great 

 extent. 



Wild Duck, Anas boschas, (Stock duck.) Considerable numbers visit 

 us in autumn and many remain to breed. 



Teal, Anas crecca. Seldom numerous, but a few breed here. 



Eider Dugk, Anas mollissima, (Dunter, Dunter-duck.) ISTot so numerous 

 as formerly. Sometimes observed in flocks of considerable size in the 

 winter months ; pairs in March. 



Redbreasted Merganser, Mergus serrator, (Herald duck.) Breeds on 

 most parts of the coast. 



Red-throated Diver, Colymbus septentrionalis (Rain-goose. So called on 



