158 



CATALOGUE OF THE BIRDS OE SHETLAND. 



By Henry L. Saxby, M.D. 



{Continued from page li^.) 



v.— OCCASIOE^AL VISITORS. 

 Seventy-eiglit species. 



Golden Eagle, Falco cJirysaetos. Although, this nohle bird is reputed 

 still to breed here, I regret that the testimony of competent observers compels 

 me to place it in the list of occasional visitors. Although constantly upon 

 the watch, I have never obtained even a glimpse of it. 



Osprey, F. haliceetus. ivTot unfrequently seen, although very seldom 

 obtained. 



Hobby, F. suhhuteo. Very rare. Seems to occur in autumn only. It 

 is said to be of frequent occurrence, but the inhabitants of these islands are 

 quite unable to point out the distinction between it and the merlin. 



Goshawk, F. palumbarius. The only specimen known to have occurred 

 here is now in my possession. It was shot at Scaw in the winter of 1860- 

 61. In many parts of Shetland the peregrine is called the goshawk. 



Kite, F. milvus. Has not been seen for many years. 



Buzzard, F. huteo. Rare. 



Honey Buzzard, F. apivorus. A specimen occurred in 1862, and is 

 now in my possession. 



Marsh Harrier, F. ceruginosus. Stragglers have been met with at all 

 seasons, but I have no doubt that F. cyaneus has frequently been mistaken 

 for it. 



Eagle Owl, Strix huho. Now very rarely seen. 



Barn Owl, Strix fiammea, and Tawny Owl, S. aluco, have both been 

 seen by Dr. Edmondston. 



Hawk Owl, 8. ulula. This rare species has been twice observed. The 

 skin of one which was shot five years ago in the north of Unst is now in 

 my possession. 



Missel Thrush, Turdus viscivorus. Very rarely seen. 



Song Thrush, T. musicus. A straggler now and then appears in the 

 gardens. 



