A I'isit to a Bird Sanctitnry . 
at all times elusive, seems to become absolutely silent, and it 
does not fii;ure on the list. In fact some of the inhabitants 
ima.^ine that they leave the district in spring', to return later. 
There is no doubt, however, that they do nest in the neighbour- 
hood, probably in the thick tops of some of the large Scotch 
firs. The Thrush and Blackbird were numerous, nests of both 
being seen, and a few Starlings and Sparrows were observed 
in the neighbourhood of houses. Commonest of all, the beauti- 
ful Chaffinch was everywhere, his fine colour scheme being 
displayed to advantage against tlie luxuriant greenery. The 
only other fincli noted on this occasion was the Lesser Redpoll, 
though the Bullfinch frequently takes toll of the cottars' fruit 
buds, and is persecuted accordingly. Of the Buntings the 
Yellow was common, and one or two Reed Buntings were seen 
on marshy ground near Loch Vennacher. Larks were in 
evidence mounting from the grass parks, and the Meadow Pipit 
or Titlark was very plentiful. Also frequently noted was the 
characteristic action of the Tree Pipit, uttering his cheerful burst 
of nuptial song as he mounted rocket-like from some tree, to 
subside slowly with fluttering wings. The striking white rump 
of the VVlieatear caught the eye as he sped with lowly flight over 
the stonecrops on the moors, and the harsh " tack-tack ' of the 
Stonechat was heard from fence or spray as he scolded the 
encroaching pedestrian. We expected to have the Whinchat 
also on the list, but missed him on this visit. The Wren, 
Hedge-sparrow and Robin were all common, and nests were 
numerous. The handsome Redstart (two nests) was also here 
and there. Indeed one of the last-named birds which had crept 
in through an open window was actually handled, and its beauti- 
ful plumage noted before it was liberated. Pied Wagtails were 
numerous, with a sprinkling of the more dainty Grey. The 
Swallow-tribe was represented by all three of the British species, 
viz : the Swallow proper, the House Martin and the Sandmartin. 
A considerable colony of the last was noted inhabiting a high 
sandy bank on the side of Loch Katrine. Keeping company 
with the swallows, but far transcending them in powers of flight, 
were a few Swifts. The voice of the Cuckoo was silent for but 
few hours out of the twenty-four, and many were seen, often in 
pairs, but sometimes singly pursued by an agitated Titlark or 
Other small bird. Tits were numerous, the Great, Lesser and 
