290 
ORNITHOLOGY OF ST. ANDREWS. 
Ivy Wren, Anorthura troglodytes .—Very abundant. Its song is very similar 
to that of the Redbreast, but more shrill and lively. A pair of these interesting 
little birds build annually among the Raspberry-bushes in the garden. We have 
also every year two or three of their nests built of withered Beech-leaves in the 
Juniper and other bushes, which however are never inhabited. I have always 
observed the nest to be lined with feathers. In one of the many severe days 
which we have had during the past winter, I saw five or six of these little birds 
in the afternoon creep into a Swallow’s nest built on the house here, where they 
would probably remain during the night, protected from the stormy blasts. 
Kingfisher, Alcedo ispida. —A single specimen of this splendid little bird (the 
only one that I know of having been seen in this neighbourhood) was shot on the 
Kinnes-burn (see p. 43) about half a mile from St. Andrews, in the spring of 
1834. The specimen, which was stuffed, is still in the possession of the person 
wRo shot it. 
Ring Pigeon, Columba palumbus. —Very common. During the late storm, 
when the ground was covered with snow, immense flocks of this Pigeon visited 
the gardens here, and made great havoc among the vegetables which were above 
the snow, and the leaves of which they devoured. But when the snow began to 
melt they betook themselves to the Turnip-fields, where they were equally, if not 
more destructive, as they not only devoured the leaves but hollowed-out the sides 
of many of the Turnips also.* 
Peewit Lapwing, Vanellus cristatus. —Abundant during the summer months. 
I first observed it here last year on the 27th of March, on which day there was a 
considerable fall of snow, and it took its departure about the beginning of 
November. This year I saw one on the 12th of February, when the ground was 
covered with snow, and on the 5th, 8th, and 12th of this month I saw flocks of 
them flying north. 
Chimney Swallow, Hirundo rustica. —I first observed the Swallows here in 
1836 on the 25th of April, and last year they were three days later in making 
their appearance, namely, on the 28th of April. On the 30th of September last 
year I observed them congregating in great numbers, as if preparing to take their 
departure for a warmer clime. I did not see them after that day. 
Corn Crake, Crex pratensis. —Heard the cry of this bird for the first time in 
1836 on the 16th of May. I however heard him some days sooner last year, 
namely, on the 13th of May. 
Hooper Swan, Cygnus ferus. —Several flocks of this large and magnificent bird 
were seen passing over the river Eden during the late storm. One particularly 
numerous flock was observed very close on shore and near the ground, about 
Is our correspondent certain of this ? If so, the fact is new to us.—E d. 
