SAXBT : BIRDS OP SHETLAND. 



145 



Knot, Tringa Canutus. Tolerably numerons. I have seen tliem at all 

 seasons, and in summer have obtained adult birds in brilliant chestnut plu- 

 mage, as well as young ones barely fledged. Two eggs supposed to belong 

 to this species were brought to me a few years ago. I had myself searched 

 the spot, but unsuccessfully a short time previously, my suspicions having 

 been excited by observing the birds in the immediate neighbourhood. The 

 day after the eggs were taken both birds disappeared ; the eggs closely 

 resemble the figure in Mr. Morris's work, but are slightly darker. 



Little Stint, Tringa minuta. Regularly visits us in winter, but in 

 small numbers. 



Purple Sandpiper, Tringa maritima. Yery abundant in winter, and 

 often remains until very late in spring. I strongly suspect that three eggs 

 taken in the island of Hoonie belong to this species. 



Water Rail, Rallus aquaticus. Lately ascertained to be a regular 

 winter visitor, but by no means common. 



Graylag Goose, Anser ferus. Bean Goose, A. segetum. and White- 

 pointed Goose, A. alhifrons. All visit us in winter, but usually in small 

 numbers. 



Brent Goose, Anser hernicla. Not uncommon in winter.] 



Widgeon, Anas Penelope. Regularly, but in no great numbers. In cold 

 backward seasons I have several times procured the eggs. 



Common Scoter, Anas nigra. Occasionally seen, but seldom obtained. 



Longtailed Duck, Anas glacialis, (Calloo). Occurs on most parts of 

 the coast, but very difficult to shoot. 



Pochard, Anas ferina. Rather common upon the rocks, but less fre- 

 quently met with upon salt water. Usually occurs in small parties. 



Scaup Duck, Anas marila. Visits us regularly, but never, as far as I 

 am aware, in very large flocks. Occasionally observed here in summer. 



Tufted Duck, Anas fuligula. Not very plentiful. I have more than 

 once seen it in summer, but there is nothing to prove that it ever breeds 

 here. 



Goldeneye, Anas dangula. Common. A few are nearly always to be 

 seen here in summer, and eggs have been brought to me which precisely 

 resemble those figured as belonging to this species. 



Sclavonian Grebe, Fodiceps cornutus. Although I have seen this bird 

 almost every winter, it appears to be very uncommon. 



Little Grebe, Podiceps minor. Not unfrequently met with in ^^'inter. 



Great Northern Diver, Colymhus glacialis, (Lnmer goose). Common 



