How far Troglodytes hirtensis, the Wren found on St. Kilda, is justified in being advauced to specific rank may be open to argument, though the best authorities appear to look with disfavour on such an advancement; but, touching rightful pretensions to whatsoever eclat there may be associated with the discovery and re-discovery of the little bird on the island, there is surely no room for two opinions.—H.S. Davenport (Melton Mowbray).
Scoters in Summer.—Early on the morning of June 7th, when a few miles off Southeruess, hundreds of Scoters were flying round the yacht. Four Velvet Scoters (Œdemia fusca) were detected, and no doubt there were others. In July, when sailing over the same spot, I observed the birds again, and I have often seen numbers of them in summer in the same locality. On the evening of June 13th, whilst fishing in Wigton Bay, a pair of Red-throated Divers (Colymbus septentrionalis) were seen. The birds were in full summer plumage, being apparently paired, and from their manners, had I been a little further north, I should have had no doubt as to the existence of a nest not far off. I visited several old nesting places of the Chough on the Kirkcudbrightshire coast, but not a bird of the species was to be seen, and I fear they have gone, never to return. Talking to an old fisherman, who was a close observer of birds, I gathered that fifty or sixty years ago they were common in several localities. Latterly they seem to have been driven away by the Jackdaws, which have increased in numbers.—J.J. Armistead (Solway Fishery, Dumfries).
Ivory Gull on the Solway.—On Aug. 3rd, when riding at anchor in the Solway Firth, I had the gratification of observing one of these rare birds (Pagophila eburnea) from my yacht. We had just had tea, and the scraps had been thrown overboard for the birds, which soon came round the yacht in considerable numbers. They were a mixed lot, by far the largest proportion being of the Black-headed species, interspersed with a few Common Gulls, and also some representatives of the Herring and Lesser Blackbacked kinds. One bird of a creamy-white colour attracted my attention, and as it came round for the third time, I distinctly saw that it had black feet; its bill was dusky, as far as I could see. Something suddenly alarmed the birds, and they retired to a distance and settled on the water, and I had not another good opportunity of observing the stranger that day. Next morning, however, on turning out early to weigh anchor, I saw it again. This time it was feeding on the ooze, in company with some Blackheaded Gulls, about one hundred and fifty yards away. It bore a striking resemblance to a white Pigeon, and a novice would have had the impression that one of these birds was feeding amongst the Gulls.—J.J. Armistead (Solway Fishery, Dumfries).
