154 
BIRDS. 
and crossing Thurso Bay in a direct line ; none seen again 
till driving along the east coast near to Latheron. 
We would not consider the swift common in Caithness 
at the present time, but it is a summer visitant, and also a 
passing migrant. 
133 Cypselus melba (Z.), White-bellied Swift. 
134. Acanthylis caudacuta (iffii/i.)- Needle-tailed Swift. 
Family C APRIMULGIDJE . 
135. Caprimulgus europaeus, i. Nightjar. 
A summer visitant ; occurring pretty frequently in suitable 
localities in the east, and no doubt will increase its range 
with the growth of the young plantations. Up to 1875 
apparently perfectly unknown in Assynt, its last outpost 
being Eosehall at that time. Was first observed at Cashel- 
dhu, near the head of Loch Erriboll, in 1882, when a pair 
was frequently observed, and one was unfortunately shot by 
the keeper — Mr. Murray — in whose hands it now is. The 
first we ourselves ever saw in the west was in July 1883 
at Loch Inver, but they were reported to us as having 
occurred for some few years before that date. In July 
1883 one constantly hawked for insects close round the 
Loch Inver Hotel in the evenings. Once observed at 
Tongue many years ago by Mr. Crawford. 
A regular summer visitant, specimens having been obtained 
from Stirkoke and Watten to Berriedale (0. MSS., 1868). 
One — a male — is recorded by Mr. L. Dunbar, shot by 
Mcol MacMcol, gamekeeper at Sandside, marked as " very 
rare." It was preserved by, — and was, or is now, in the 
possession of, — Mr. L. Dunbar at Thurso, and bears date of 
4th of June 1883. We have also Mr. Eeid's authority for 
