BIRDS OF DUMFRIESSHIRE 
105 
[Regarding the occurrence of the American Red- 
winged Starling {Ageloeus phoeniceus, Vieillot) at 
Kirkconnel in the winter of 1887*, Dr. Anstruther 
Davidson writes me that the bird was seen by him, 
and was brought to his notice by Mr. J. Harkness, 
in whose yard it was found. "It was not in a 
condition to preserve, and I have nothing but the record 
that it was found in the winter of 1887." This bird was 
probably one of a small consignment from America, turned 
down at Inverary in October, 1886, by the Duke of Argyll. 
Thriving well through the winter, they were kept in con- 
finement till May, 1887, when seven couple were liberated. 
They were seen for a few weeks in the vicinity, but then 
disappeared, and subsequently " one or two were reported 
as having been seen and shot in different parts of 
Scotland."t 
The occurrence of this species being due to importation, 
it cannot be regarded as a genuine visitor to the county. 
It is an inhabitant of the United States, migrating south- 
wards to Central America.] 
THE STARLING. Sturnus vulgaris, Linnseus. 
Local name — Sturlin. 
" The Starling flew to his mother's window stane, 
It whistled and it sang ; 
And aye the ower-word} o' the tune 
Was — 'Johnie tarries lang ! ' " 
" Johnie of Breadislee.'' Ancient Nithsdale Ballad, 
A very common resident throughout the county, but subject to partial as 
well as general migrations. 
At the end of the eighteenth century there is reason to 
beheve that the Starhng was quite common. 
* Trans. D. and G. Nat. Hist. Soc, April 20th, 1905. 
t Fauna of Argyll, 1892, pp. 80, 81. 
t Refrain. 
