A LIST OF BIRDS OBSERVED IN SHETLAND,
MAY AND JUNE, 1897.
The following is a list of the birds which I observed during a three weeks' stay in the Shetland Isles. It will be noticed the number of species given is sixty-three; of these I found the eggs of twenty-seven, while twenty-three of the remainder were undoubtedly nesting.
In spite of the law protecting them, I was sorry to find on Foula some thirty robbed nests of the Bonxie (Great Skua), and only two or three containing eggs. I think I am quite within the mark by putting the number of this fine species trying to breed there at forty pairs.
The occurrence of the Buzzard breeding so far north has not, I think, been for some time noted, although Dr. Saxby, in his book, mentions it as nesting.
From enquiries made, there are at least five nesting places of the White-tailed Eagle still remaining, most of them in quite inaccessible spots.
Saxicola œnanthe. Very numerous everywhere. Eggs found.
Pratincola rubicola. Three pairs on Unst. Nesting.
Phylloscopus trochilus. Saw a single example at Walls.
Troglodytes parvidus. Fair scattering, especially round lochs. Nesting.
Motacilla raii. Approached close to pair at Haroldswick, Unst.
Anthus trivialis. Noticed three pairs in different localities. Nesting.—A. pratensis. Very abundant in places. Eggs found.—A. obscurus. Quantities on all the shores and cliffs. Nesting.
Chelidon urbica. Many at Foula; also in other parts. Nesting.
Cotyle riparia. Saw several at Symbister, Whalsay.
Passer domesticus. Several pairs around each house. Eggs found.
Acanthis flavirostris. Extremely abundant everywhere. Eggs found.
