Strix flammea[The Barn Owl].
This bird, though common in England, is very rare with us. I know of only four being procured within twenty-four years. One is in my own collection.
Strix aluco[The Tawny or Brown Owl].
Almost equal in numbers to the long-eared owl, which is plentiful.
Strix nyctea[The Snowy Owl].
One of the most magnificent of the owl tribe. What a splendid and showy bird! I think the term “glistening” or “spangled” might, with all truth and justice, be applied to this shining species. What a noble-looking bird! What beautiful eyes! the pupil dark, and the iris like two rings of the finest burnished gold, set, as it were, in a casket of polished silver. I am glad, nay proud, of being able to give this king of British owls a place in my list, and of being able, perhaps for the first time, to say that at least one pair have been known to breed within the district. A few miles west of Portsoy, and not far from Cullen, stands the bold and towering form of Loggie Head. In connection with this rocky promontory, and about midway up its rugged height, there is a narrow cave or chasm called “Dickie Hare.” In this cave a pair of these owls bred in 1845. Unluckily, however, for them, a party of fishermen belonging to Cullen, returning one morning from their vocation discovered their retreat, by observing one of the birds go in. This was too good to lose sight of, so up the dangerous and jagged precipice scrambled one of the crew, and managed to reach the aperture where the bird disappeared; but instead of only one, as he expected, he was not a little surprised to find that he had four to deal with, two old and two young ones well fledged; and the apartment was so narrow that only one person could enter at a time, so that help was out of the question; and his ambition grasped the whole. What was he to do, or what could he do? Turn?—then the birds would have flown. No! but, just as I would have done had I been in his place, he set upon them all; and, after a prolonged and pretty severe battle, in which he got himself a good deal lacerated and his clothes torn by the claws of the birds, he succeeded in capturing them all alive, except one of the young ones, which fell a sacrifice to the struggle. The state of excitement which the little town was in as the man landed with his prizes, and the news of his morning’s achievement spread, may in some measure be imagined, but can hardly be described.
Strix passerina[The Little Owl].
I give this bird a place on the authority of a Mr. Wilson, who informs me he saw one in a wood near this place.
Muscicapa grisola[The Spotted Fly-Catcher].
It is somewhat strange, but not less strange than true, that this sylvan and garden-loving species should also be found nestling and inhabiting our wild and rocky ravines; yet such is the case. I have met with them twice.
Muscicapa atricapilla[The Pied Fly-Catcher].
I have a specimen of this bird, a male, in my possession, which was shot about thirteen miles from this place.
Cinclus aquaticus[The Dipper, or Water-Cockie].
Every means has been put in requisition to destroy this little bird. It was abundant thirty years ago; but it is now rarely to be seen. It was supposed to destroy the young salmon, hence it has been shot down wherever found. But I have never as yet found anything appertaining to fish in its stomach, and I have dissected about forty,—water insects and their larvæ being what I have most frequently observed.
Turdus viscivorus[The Missel Thrush].
About twenty years ago such a bird was scarcely known among us, but now it bids fair to outnumber the common species; for as the one gains ground, the other seems to lose it.
Turdus pilaris[The Fieldfare].
A winter visitor. We call them “Hielan’-pyats,” that is “Highland piets.” They arrive in October, and depart in April. Some seasons they occur in thousands, but in others only sparingly.
Turdus musicus[The Song Thrush or Mavis].
Usually very common in this neighbourhood, but becoming superseded by the missel thrush. (For its singing propensities seep. 269.) There is one fact in connection with the rearing of these birds which I must not omit to mention,—namely, that if any of the young refuse to open their mouths to receive food when offered, the old one knocks them soundly on the head with his bill until they did so. I have observed this frequently, and was not a little amused at it.
Turdus iliacus[The Redwing].
A winter visitor, like the fieldfare, but not nearly so numerous.
Turdus merula[The Blackbird, Blackie].
Generally distributed, but not in great plenty in any place. White varieties have occasionally been met with, as well as pied. When the winter storms send the thrushes to the sea-shore to seek for food, this bird betakes himself to farm-steadings and stable-yards, so that he never suffers so much as the thrushes do.
Turdus torquatus[The Ring Ouzel].
Rare. A few breed now and then among the higher districts of the county.
Accentor modularis[The Hedge Sparrow].
Generally distributed, but nowhere in abundance.
Sylvia rubecula[Robin Redbreast].
This rather bold, red-breasted gentleman, or cock-robin as we call him here, is somewhat more numerous than the last.
Sylvia phœnicurus[The Redstart].
Frequents our gardens, and breeds there.
Sylvia tithys[The Black Redstart].
I am only aware of two of these birds having been seen in our county.
Sylvia rubicola[The Stonechat].
Sylvia rubetra[The Whinchat].
Neither of these birds are very numerous with us; but they may occasionally be seen in suitable localities,—the first is with us all the year, and the other, though migratory, is occasionally seen in winter.
Sylvia œnanthe[The Wheatear].
A summer visitor. Wheatears generally appear on the sea-coast first, from whence they disperse inland. They are called with us the “Stone Chatterer.”
Sylvia phragmitis[The Sedge Warbler].
Comparatively rare. It is only of late years that this bird has visited us. How pleasant and enchanting it is to wander by the margin of the running stream either at latest even, or at earliest morn, or even during summer’s midnight hours, and hear the sedge warbler pouring forth his long harmonious song,—himself all the while hid in some neighbouring bush. Seepp. 51,125.
Sylvia atricapilla[The Blackcap].
Rarer even than the last. A most noble songster, though I prefer the thrush.
Sylvia cinerea[The Whitethroat].
More numerous than either of the two last. It arrives about the same time.
Sylvia sibilatrix[The Wood Wren].
Very rare. It is only seen at intervals, though it is supposed to breed here.
Sylvia trochilus[The Willow Wren].
Common throughout the whole county. It is found in plantations, whins, brooms, and in gardens and orchards. It generally nests on the ground. It is a very lively songster.
Sylvia rufa[The Chiffchaff].
The only bird of this kind that I have seen, is one that I took myself in the Duff House policies.
Regulus cristatus[The Golden-crested Regulus or Wren].
Wherever there are suitable woods, this bird is to be found among us in pretty fair numbers.
Parus major[The Great Titmouse],
Parus cæruleus[The Blue Titmouse],
Parus ater[The Cole Titmouse], and
Parus caudatus[The Long-tailed Titmouse].
These birds all exist in the county in about equal numbers. It is rather an interesting and pleasant sight, and one which I have often witnessed, to see small bands of these lively, active little birds, together with the goldcrests and creepers, all in company, foraging about amongst the leafy trees in winter; the tits on the branches, the creepers on the trunk, and, if there is no snow on the ground, the goldcrests generally lower down, near about the roots. All is life, bustle, and animation, each cheering the other with its tiny note. Seep. 69.
Parus palustris[The Marsh Titmouse].
This bird is very seldom seen among us.
Parus cristatus[The Crested Titmouse].
This rare British Tit is an inhabitant of the higher and middle districts of the county, where it breeds occasionally.
Bombycilla garrula[The Waxwing].
This bird is an occasional winter visitor. Some seasons large flocks appear, then only a few; then, again, perhaps none; and this may be the case for many succeeding seasons.
Motacilla yarrelli[Pied Wagtail].
Wherever there is a stream or a quarry, you will meet, in summer, with a pair or two of these active little insect-eaters. During winter, they are invariably to be seen on lawns, or about mills and farm-steadings. They remain with us all the year round.
Motacilla boarula[The Gray Wagtail].
This is our yellow wagtail, being known by no other name. Though generally distributed throughout the country, it is not nearly so abundant. It sometimes breeds in company with the sand martin.
Motacilla campestris[Ray’s Wagtail].
Only an occasional visitor with us. They breed plentifully amongst the hillocks which stretch along the line of coast between the Don (Aberdeenshire) and Newburgh,—then again from Peterhead to Fraserburgh.
Anthus arboreus[The Tree Pipit].
This bird is frequently seen; it breeds near Inverkeithnay, Rothiemay, and Inveraven.
Anthus pratensis[The Meadow Pipit].
Plentiful throughout the whole county.
Anthus obscurus[The Rock Pipit].
Known all along our coast.
Anthus ricardi[Richard’s Pipit].
I have only seen this bird once, at the foot of the Knock Hill.
Alauda arvensis[The Skylark or Laverock].
Universally distributed along the whole length and breadth of the county. It is, I think, the most numerous bird we have. Towards the months of October and November a great diminution of its numbers takes place. But a little after New Year’s Day they again begin to make their appearance. Where they have been in the meantime, I have never been able to ascertain; one thing is certain, however, that I have seen them returning from the east and from the north, in immense numbers. (Seepp. 127,269.)
Alauda arborea[The Wood Lark].
I have seen but one of these birds, in the avenue of Duff House. It was alone and in song at the time—May 27, 1850.
Emberiza nivalis[The Snow Bunting].
Seen in large flocks during winter, and exhibiting a motley mixture of pure white, jet black, dull tawny, and deep chestnut,—a beautiful band across the wings being conspicuous only in flight. They arrive about the beginning of November, and depart about the first of April. They sing beautifully, in a sweet low lilt.
Emberiza miliaria[The Corn Bunting].
This bird is not very numerous with us.
Emberiza schœniclus[The Black-headed Bunting or Ring Fowl].
It frequents the mosses. I have found their nests in bushes, amongst reeds, or on the ground. It is called the “Moss Sparrow” by the country people. I once saw a black variety of this bird, and another almost yellow.
Emberiza citrinella[The Yellowhammer].
More numerous than either of the two last. The common name here is “Skite.” It is not particular as to the place where it builds its nest. I have seen one built in a rut on a cart-track, close by the wayside. On passing afterwards, I found the nest had been destroyed by a cart-wheel passing over it.
Emberiza Cirlus[The Cirl Bunting].
Very rarely found in this quarter.
Fringilla cœlebs[The Chaffinch]. Abundant.
Fringilla montifringilla[The Brambling].
A winter visitor. A few may be met with every season.
Fringilla montana[The Tree Sparrow].
To be found in several localities throughout the county.
Fringilla domestica[The House Sparrow]. Numerous.
Fringilla chloris[The Green Finch].
Pretty generally distributed throughout the country, and especially in woody places. The bird is easily tamed.
Fringilla coccothraustes[The Hawfinch].
A rare bird with us.
Fringilla ciris[The Painted Finch].
A migratory species. Only one specimen has been seen.
Fringilla carduelis[The Goldfinch].
These birds have in a great measure been captured by the bird-catchers. (Seep. 270.)
Fringilla spinus[The Siskin].
Fewer than before. They have been thinned by the bird-catchers. A tamable bird.
Fringilla cannabina[The Linnet].
There is no house bird that possesses so many names as this one. It is the rose lintie so long as it retains its red breast; but when that is gone or wanting, it is then the gray lintie, the whin lintie, the brown lintie, and so on. Cultivation is driving the linties away, by tearing down every whin, knoll, and brae, where it is possible for the plough and spade to work their way.
Fringilla linaria[The Lesser Redpole].
This is found most plentifully in the higher districts of the county; but in severe winters, large flocks of them descend to the lower grounds.
Fringilla borealis[The Mealy Redpole]. A rare species.
Fringilla montium[The Twite].
Another mountain as well as sea-shore rocky species. It is the most elegant of all our linnets.
Loxia pyrrhula[The Bullfinch].
This is another prize for the trapper. But great numbers are annually destroyed by gardeners and nurserymen, who believe that they are destructive. Yet their principal food consists of insects; and insects are also the chief food for their young. I hope a better day will arrive for these lovely little birds, when they will be cherished and encouraged rather than hated and destroyed. The bullfinch is easily taught to whistle, or to “pipe” familiar tunes.
Loxia curvivostra[The Crossbill].
This bird is on the increase. They nest with us, and have done so for some years. There is a great diversity of colour and size amongst them.
Loxia pytiopsittacus[Parrot Crossbill].
While walking one morning round the Whinhill, and just as I reached the south side, I was rather surprised at hearing the voice of what I knew to be a stranger. On looking to a low, bare wall, about three or four yards in front of me, I beheld, in all his pride and beauty, a male parrot crossbill. This is the only instance, to my knowledge, of its existence amongst us.
Loxia leucoptera[White-Winged Crossbill].
About fifty years ago, a large flock of these birds suddenly made their appearance on the “Castle trees,” in this neighbourhood. Their strange appearance and gaudy plumage soon attracted notice,—nearly the whole town flocking to see the “foreigners.” They appeared quite exhausted, many of them dropping from the trees.
Sturnus vulgaris[The Starling].
The starling has been rapidly increasing of late years. At one time single starlings were rarely to be seen, whereas flocks of this bird now appear towards the close of every season.
Sturnus predatorius[The Red-Winged Starling].
A pretty bird which occasionally visits this county.
Pastor roseus[Rose-Coloured Pastor].
This is another rare beauty, occasionally seen in this county.
Corvus corax[The Raven].
A few of these birds inhabit the precipitous parts of the coast, where they breed in company with the falcon, kestrel, gull, guillemot, etc. The raven will tame pretty well; it will talk hoarsely, and do mischievous tricks.
Corvus corone[Carrion Crow], and
Corvus cornix[Hooded Crow].
Both occur in about equal numbers. (Seep. 271.)
Corvus frugilegus[The Rook].
Many large rookeries exist in the county. (Seep. 126.)
Corvus monedula[The Jackdaw].
Very plentiful. (Seep. 25.)
Corvus pica[Magpie].
One of the most bashful of birds. It is very sparingly distributed, and in some places is scarcely known. Our keepers both shoot and trap them wherever found.
Picus major[Greater Spotted Woodpecker].
Several pairs of this showy bird have been procured within our district. It is also found in the higher parts of the county. A specimen was shot near Banff, and when dissected, its stomach was found crammed with two species of grub, of a creamy or grayish colour. It contained also several beetles and a small spider.
Picus minor[Lesser Spotted Woodpecker].
More rare than the last. One sent to me, fourteen years since, from Mayen, where it was shot, and another seen on the Lodge hills, are all that I am aware of. Very probably others have occurred.
Yunx torquilla[Wryneck].
The late Professor Macgillivray, of Marischal College, Aberdeen, informed me that one was taken at or near Portsoy, by a pupilof his. One, now in the Banff Museum, was taken six years ago, about fourteen miles from the town.
Certhia familiaris[Creeper].
Wherever there are suitable woods, these birds are sure to be found. We sometimes read and hear as extraordinary occurrences, that nests have been found in the hearts of trees that have been sawn up. Now, to those acquainted with the facts, these occurrences are easily accounted for. I know a tree myself which containstwonests, both with eggs. About seventeen years ago there was in the side of this tree a small aperture, about six feet from the ground, which led downwards to a cavity in the centre of the trunk. The opening was so narrow outwardly that it only admitted two of my fingers, but widened as it proceeded to the bottom, a distance of about eighteen inches. In this hole, at the time referred to, a pair of creepers built their nest and laid eggs, after which they disappeared. Next season a pair of blue titmice acted in a similar manner; and they also disappeared, doubtless in consequence of being tormented by boys, and of the narrowness of the entrance. The growth of the tree caused the hole to get less and less every year, and it has been for several years so completely closed that the point of the finest needle cannot be inserted. The tree, a sturdy beech, has the two nests and eggs in its very core. It is thus evident how easily these “extraordinary occurrences” may be accounted for.
Troglodytes Europæus[Wren].
The dear little wren, the lion of small birds, with his short, jerking little tail, I have known and admired from childhood. Who that has trod the woods in spring or summer has not heard a very loud, though by no means inharmonious song, proceeding from some bush or bank, and not admired it?—and who is there, if he did not know the bird, that would not be surprised beyond measure at so small a creature being able to make such a loud noise? Of all the deserted nests I have ever met with, those of the wren would, I am sure, count twenty per cent over any other species. I am unable to account for this, but perhaps it arises from their building several before they get one to please them. I once found one of their nests in an old tin kettle, which had become fixed amongst the branches of a holly. The wren, like other birds, does not sing so well in confinement. When in their native haunts, there is a pathos in their voice and a music in their melody, which makes the heart thrill with pleasure.
Upupa epops[Hoopoe].
Three or four of these pretty birds have occurred here: one was taken at Duff House, in 1832, by a Mr. Mackay, in such a state of exhaustion as to allow itself to be captured by hand; another was seen by myself, a few years back, in the same place; and two others are said to have been since obtained in other parts of the county.
Cuculus canorus[Cuckoo].
This is another sweet and darling gem. Well do I remember, when only a little fellow, rummaging about the Den of Rubislaw, near Aberdeen, how surprised I was on hearing the sound of “Cuckoo, cuckoo,” from a small plantation close by, and how overjoyed I was when I obtained a sight of the bird; and now that I am old, the sweet voice of the harbinger of sunny days still cheers me. They are not very numerous with us along the sea-coast, but are very frequent in the higher districts. They generally appear about the end of April. It is said that they can retain their eggs for a number of days after they are ready for extrusion. I will relate, without comment, a circumstance of this sort which came under my own observation:—A female specimen, shot in a garden here, was brought to me to be preserved. On dissecting it, I was agreeably surprised at finding in the oviduct an egg as perfect as if it had been obtained from a nest.
Coracias garrula[Roller].
I am only aware of one specimen of this pretty and rare bird being obtained in our county; it was a splendid specimen killed on the hills of Boyndie.
Merops apiaster[Bee-Eater].
I give this species a place here from having heard that a greenish bird, somewhat less than a thrush, with a longish bent bill, and with two feathers of the tail longer than the rest, was killed in a garden between Huntly and Dufftown, about seven years ago. It has since been found at the hills of Boyndie, about two miles from Banff.
Alcedo ispida[Kingfisher].
Several of these sparkling gems have been taken here at different times. (Seep. 52.)
Hirundo rustica[Swallow], and
Hirundo riparia[Martin].
These birds are in about equal numbers. The latter generally nestles in the corners of windows, the former in barns, etc.; they also breed along the sea-shore wherever there is a cave or projecting rock suitable. White and cream-coloured varieties are sometimes met with.
Hirundo urbica[Sand Martin].
Wherever there is a bank of any height and not too hard, whether along the sea-shore or river-side, or a quarry or sand-hole, a colony of these active little creatures are almost sure to be met with during summer. It is surprising to see how they perforate these places, and the depth to which they will sometimes go, especially when we consider the remarkably feeble instruments with which they do it—namely, a very small and slender bill, and feet equally small and tender.
Cypselus apus[Swift].
Of all our migratory species this is generally the last to arrive, and the first to depart. Next to the skylark, the swift appears to ascend highest in his aerial flights; and a very beautiful sight it is to see it, on a clear, still evening, gambolling about so far above the earth, and, it may be, screaming its farewell requiem to the departing sun. The swift is the first to depart, towards the end of August or beginning of September, and it returns about the middle of May; the sand martin next, or about the second or third week in September, and it usually returns about the third week in April; and the swallow and house martin commonly about the first week or middle of October, and it reappears about the 1st of May. Before I part with this interesting tribe I must become a little arithmetical. We are frequently told, and justly, of the great benefit swallows and other insect-feeders do, by the countless herds of noxious creatures which they destroy. I will relate an instance of my own experience in this respect. Picking up a swallow which had been shot by a friend, I found that its mouth was crammed with gnats and flies. Some of them were alive. They all seemed attached to the mouth by a glutinous fluid. The bird had apparently been catering for its young. Being desirous of making a further examination, I wrapped it in paper and put it in my pocket. On reaching home I opened the paper, when a number of the gnats buzzed out into my face, much to my regret; but I succeeded in counting upwards of 70, and I am quite sure there were more than 100 in all. Now it is a well-known fact that both birds assist in rearing their young. Well, say that they visit the nest every ten minutes (which is under the mark), and that every time of doing so, each bird conveys 70 insects; this in an hour amounts to 840; in a day of twelve hours, which is but a short day for a swallow at that season of the year, to 10,080; in a week of seven days, to 70,560; and in a fortnight, to 141,120. But if we carry the calculation a little further, by supposing that the birds rear two broods in a season, although the number is often three, we have, at the ratio at which we have been counting, a total of 282,240 insects destroyed in one year bytwo birds alone, while rearing their two broods!
Caprimulgus Europæus[Nightjar].
Of late years this species would appear to have become more numerous, but it is still very far from plentiful.
Columba palumbus[Ring Dove].
Or, as we have it,Cushie Doo. This bids fair to become one of the greatest pests of the farmers. The wild pigeons have increased amazingly within the last few years, and the damage they do is incalculable. This increase is caused by the almost total destruction of the hawk tribe, which tended greatly to thin their numbers.
Columba livia[Rock Dove].
A few pairs breed in the caverns along our coast. It is a rare case, however, to get a pure specimen; as domestic pigeons from the farms near, sometimes breed with them. I have seen white specimens, as well as those of a sand colour.
Columba turtur[Turtle Dove].
Three or four specimens of this species are said to have been seen, and some of them obtained, within the county; but whether wild ones, or individuals that had escaped, has not been ascertained.
Phasianus colchicus[Pheasant].
Introduced, but seems to thrive very well; it is a beautiful ornament to parks and woods. Partially pied varieties sometimes occur, and another called the “silver pheasant.”
Tetrao tetrix[Black Grouse].
Exists chiefly in the higher districts.
Tetrao Scoticus[Red Grouse].
Exists on all our moors and hills, but not in great numbers.
Tetrao lagopus[Ptarmigan].
Less frequent than either of the two last. Ptarmigans inhabit the summits of our highest mountains; they are seldomer seen than those which frequent the lower ground. Like all others of the grouse tribe, they are yearly decreasing in number.
Perdix cinerea[Partridge].
Pretty common. A very cunning and faithful mother is the female; for when she has eggs she never goes out, if time permits, without hiding them so carefully that it is almost impossible to detect their whereabouts; and if you take her by surprise, away she hobbles on one leg, and a wing trailing on the ground as if wounded. (Seep. 254.)
Perdix rufa[The Red-legged Partridge].
Commonly called the French Partridge; it has been recently found in Banff.
Perdix coturnix[Quail].
That this species is a regular visitor I am not prepared to say; but that it is an occasional visitor and breeds here is beyond all doubt. Nests and eggs of this species are sometimes met with in cutting grass; they are generally passed over as those of the landrail.
Charadrius pluvialis[Golden Plover].
Where moorfowl occur, the golden plover is generally to be met with. When the hills, heaths, and fields are covered with snow, the plover comes down from his alpine abode, and stays at the sea-side, where great numbers fall an easy prey to the gun of the sea-side fowler.
Charadrius morinellus[Dotterel].
Occasionally met with. On once asking an old keeper from the higher grounds as to where this species breeds, he replied, “On the gray slopes of the highest mountains, far above all the other birds, except the ptarmigan.” I am doubtful whether it breeds with us at all.
Charadrius hiaticula[Ringed Plover].
These breed with us, and remain all the year round. I have found their eggs on the sand by the beach, and forty miles inland. They likewise nestle on the shingly banks and islands along our river-courses. They are known here by the names of “sea lark” and “sanny liverock.”
Vanellus melanogaster[Gray Plover].
Rather rare, and I believe only a winter visitor.
Vanellus cristatus[Lapwing].
Found on heaths and moors, and in fields, where they breed. Many of them leave us towards winter. This is another species which endeavours to mislead you when searching for its eggs. Of all our field and heath birds, the lapwing is one of the most useful in destroying destructive insects, such asZabrus gibbus, etc.
Strepsilas interpres[Turnstone].
An occasional visitor, generally in winter. (Seep. 242.)
Calidris arenaria[Sanderling].
A regular visitor, generally arriving in August, a few of them remaining through the winter. I have met with them, too, in summer, when their predominant colour, instead of being whitish, is a most beautiful reddish fawn. On their first arrival here they are very tame, allowing you to approach within a yard or two. (Seep. 175.)
Hæmatopus ostralegus[Oystercatcher].
Why this bird is called oystercatcher, I cannot understand. Had it been named “limpetcatcher” I could have understood it. I have crawled amongst the rocks in order to see them feed; when I have seen the limpet driven from its hold, and scooped out of its shell with as much apparent ease as I could have picked up aGammaris locusta; but I have never seen it attempt to catch an oyster. On this part of the coast its food generally consists of the limpet, and very rarely ofAcmæa testitudinalis. I have counted as many as forty-one of the former in the stomach of a single bird, whilst of the latter I have not met with more than three or four examples. The oystercatcher is a summer visitor with us, arriving here to breed. Now and then it may be seen during winter. Large flocks visit us some seasons, generally in September, and after remaining for a day proceed farther south. “Sea piet” is the name the bird is known by here.
Ardea cinerea[Heron].
We have some small spots where these birds breed, but which hardly deserve the name of heronries. At one time, however,they were in greater numbers. I remember taking from the stomach of one a large water-rat, three middle-sized trout, and fifteen minnows. Some time ago, a person belonging to this town, whilst passing through one of the streets, was startled at being hit on the head by something which had fallen from above, and which proved to be a small fish, the five-bearded rockling, apparently quite fresh. On looking up he saw nothing but a “craigie” passing over the houses, pursued by a number of crows. Of course the fish had dropped from the heron; but the man could not be persuaded that it had not dropped from the clouds.
Ardea purpurea[Purple Heron].
One of these birds is said to have been shot about thirteen miles from hence. My late friend, the Rev. Mr. Smith, saw fragments of the bird some time afterwards, and believed it to be of this species.
Ardea egretta[Great White Heron].
Two of these birds were observed to frequent various parts of our coast about twenty-six years ago; but a specimen has not since been procured.
Ardea stellaris[Bittern].
Three or four of these birds are known to have paid us a visit. One in the Banff Museum, a very pretty one, was killed near Banff about twenty-four years since; another in the Moss of Park, and one or two at Balveny.
Platalea leucorodia[Spoonbill].
One of these rarities was found in a ditch in a wood near here, by a young naturalist; he says it could easily have been shot, for he approached quite close to it, and it did not appear at all shy. It has since been found in this neighbourhood.