Buteo vulgaris, Leach. Common Buzzard.—Numerous in the pine forests of Lucerne, Chamonix, and Grindelwald. A Buzzard was constantly to be seen soaring over Lake Lucerne, rising to a great height, and then descending almost to the surface of the water, after the fashion of an Osprey when in search of fish. In Ireland the Buzzard has been rapidly decreasing of late years, and is now very rare. It formerly bred in Donegal, Londonderry, Antrim, and Down.[1] One was observed on June 4th, 1889, at Powerscourt Waterfall, Co. Wicklow, by Dr. C.J. Patten. Sir W. Jardine describes the Buzzard as "a fine accompaniment to the landscape, whether sylvan or wild and rocky."
General distribution.—Inhabits the greater part of the European continent. Breeds in Sweden as high north as lat. 66°. Plentiful in Palestine in winter. Occurs also in North Africa, and rarely in Egypt. The American Buzzard is a different species.
Asio accipitrinus, Pall. Short-eared Owl.—One was noticed in the valley of Grindelwald in July, 1897. On account of its occurring at this time of year it probably bred there. In Ireland this species is a regular winter visitor in limited numbers, migrating before the breeding season.
General distribution.—Widely distributed and migratory in its habits. At one season or another it frequents the whole of Europe and the greater part of Asia (China, India, Palestine, and Egypt), Algeria, and Morocco. It is also found in many parts of South America. In North America it is a summer visitant. Mr. Darwin met with it in the Falklands.
Order Passeres.
Lanius collurio, Linn. Red-backed Shrike.—Many were observed in Lucerne, Basle, and neighbouring districts in Switzerland. In Basle this bird was often seen perched on the posts which supported the vines grown in the open air. It also frequently alighted on the telegraph-wires. In Ireland this species is excessively rare.[2] Only one specimen has been recorded, viz.
