BIRDS. 
161 
was found on another island adjoining, wliicli is now in 
the collection of Mr. Alex. Brown, who obtained it. A 
nest was found also at Syre, Strathnaver, in the spring of 
1886 (Capt. S. G. Eeid's Journals, 1886). 
Mr. Osborne records this owl as breeding in the county, and 
although it is not numerous, it cannot be described as an un- 
common species. In the autumn and beginning of winter 
it is occasionally found amongst turnips, but generally 
frequents moors and open wastes. As many as sixteen or 
seventeen of these birds have been found in a turnip field 
on the north coast, evidently having just arrived there on 
their migration southward (O. MSS., 1868). 
ISTumerous examples were sent to Mr. L. Dunbar between 
1878 and 188.3 ; and, dating from August 21st to January 
31st, show that the most were sent from the north coast 
and fewest from the east. There is a preponderance of 
adult females, and all sent appear to have been adults. 
Two specimens are in the Welbeck Abbey collection. 
^53- Syrnium aluco {L.). Tawny Owl. 
Resident, but not very common ; of most frequent occurrence 
in the wooded districts of the south-east. Breeds near 
Balnacoil, Dunrobin, and Eosehall, in which latter place it 
was unknown forty years ago, when Mr. Macleay of Inver- 
ness was a boy there. Mr. Crawford includes it as breeding 
at Tongue in the north. 
This species is mentioned in Dr. Sinclair's List. 
One, an adult male, was sent to Mr. L. Dunbar, shot 
15th April 1880 by Mr. Donald Boss, gamekeeper, Berrie- 
dale, and is now in the Duke of Portland's collection. Mr. 
L. Dunbar adds the remark that it " breeds there " — i.e. 
near Berriedale. In the list of the collection at Welbeck 
Abbey this bird appears with the note " of the grey colour " 
L 
