_CONCLUSION._
EDWARD’S labours were now drawing to a close. He had fought the fight
of science inch by inch, until he could fight no more. He had also
fought the fight of honest poverty—a great triumph and a great glory.
The honest man, though e’er sae poor,
Is king o’ men, for a’ that.
It is said that the man who can pay his way is not poor. Edward could
always do that. He was in no man’s debt. He had lived within his means,
small though they were. Towards the end of his life, he could only earn
about eight shillings a week. But his children were now growing up; and
as he had helped them in their youth, they now helped him in his age.
He had become prematurely old. His constitution had been seriously
injured by his continuous exposure to the night air. He had repeated
illnesses—inflammations of the throat and lungs, inflammations of the
stomach and bowels—each attack rendering him weaker than before, until
at last he altogether gave up his researches, and confined himself to
shoemaking,—occasionally attending as curator at the museum.
[Sidenote: _CRAVING FOR NATURE._]
Yet he never could get rid of his love of Nature. He continued to
admire the works of the Creator as much as ever. On recovering from
one of his illnesses, he went to Huntly for a change of air. His wife
accompanied him. When she proposed doing so, he asked the reason. “O!”
she replied, “just to keep ye company, and to help ye.” Accordingly
she went with him. While at Huntly, he felt his old craving for Nature
returning upon him. He wished to go out and search the woods, the
mosses, and the burns, as before; but his wife never left him.
Whenever he indicated an intention of penetrating a hedge or leaping a
wall, she immediately interfered. The hedge would tear his clothes, and
she could not accompany him in jumping dykes. He demurred, and said,
that if he went across, he would “come back again.” But that did not
suit her purpose, and she would not let him go. As evening approached,
she said, “We’ll awa back noo.” He protested that he would rather stay
out. “No, no,” said she, “I’m no gaun intill a hole like a wild beast;
and, besides, the nicht air would kill me.” In fact, as he afterwards
observed, “he had fallen into the hands of the Philistines.”
[Sidenote: _TRAPS AT TARLAIR._]
Edward still took pleasure in wandering along the coast, and surveying
the scenes of his former exploits. One day he took a friend round to
Tarlair, to look at the rock from which he had fallen. Standing on
the high ground above the shore, and looking down upon the rock-pools
beneath the promontory, he observed: “I set many of my traps down
there. I filled them with seaweed, and sometimes with a piece of dead
fish. The sea came in and filled my traps, and sometimes brought in
many rare Crustacea. I set my traps along the coast for about ten
miles, from Portsoy to Melrose Head. Many a time have I scrambled
amongst these rocks. But when I took ill, and the inflammation went to
my brain, I had to leave all my traps, and there they are still.”
“What a fine chance that will be for some future Ichthyologist,” said
his friend; “he will find the traps ready-made, and perhaps full of new
species of crustaceans!” “Weel,” said Edward, “it may be sae; but I
dinna think there’ll be sic a feel as me for mony a lang year to come!”
Although he had long given up searching along shore for new specimens
of Fish, Crustaceans, or Molluscs, yet he had still another discovery
to announce. There was a new fish remaining in his possession which had
been entirely lost sight of. He had taken it in 1868, whilst searching
amongst the rock-pools at the Links. He kept it alive for two days,
and when it died he put it into a bottle, intending to send it to Mr.
Couch; but somehow or other the bottle got lost, and, though he turned
the house almost upside down, he could never find it.
[Sidenote: _THE NILSSON’S GOBY._]
Only about a year ago, while turning over his papers to find the
letters referred to in the preceding pages, he found the bottle
containing the new fish at the bottom of the box. How great was his
delight! But what was he to do with it? Mr. Couch was dead, all his
fish friends were dead, and he did not know to whom to apply, to name
the new fish. But as he was about to proceed to Aberdeen to see Mr.
Reid, who was so kind as to offer to paint his portrait, he took the
fish with him. Mr. Reid procured an introduction for him, through Dean
of Guild Walker, to Professor Nicol of Marischal College. The Professor
did not at first recognise the fish, but on referring to his works
on Ichthyology, he found that it was a specimen of Nilsson’s Goby, a
species not before known to have been taken in British seas.
Notwithstanding the thousands of specimens and the hundreds of cases
that Edward had been obliged to part with during his successive
illnesses,[58] he has still sixty cases filled with about two thousand
specimens of natural objects. During his lifetime he has made about
five hundred cases with no other tools than his shoemaker’s knife and
hammer, and a saw; and he papered, painted, and glazed them all himself.
[Sidenote: _EDWARD’S DISCOVERIES._]
As to the number of different species that he has accumulated during
thirty years of incessant toil, it is of course impossible to form an
estimate, as he never kept a log-book; but some idea of his persevering
labours may be formed from the list of Banffshire Fauna annexed to this
volume.
Many of his discoveries have already become facts in history, but a
large proportion of them can never be known. His specimens were sent to
others to be named, but many of them were never afterwards heard of.
This was particularly the case with his shrimps, insects, zoophytes,
corals, sponges, sea-slugs, worms, tunicata or leathern-bag molluscs,
fossils, and plants. “Had any one,” he says, “taken pity on me in time
(as has sometimes been done with others), and raised me from the dirt,
I might have been able to name my own specimens, and thereby made my
own discoveries known myself.”
Many of Edward’s friends told him that he should have extended his
inquiries into Aberdeenshire and the northern counties; and that he
should have explored the coasts of the Moray Firth in all directions.
Others told him that he should have written and published much more
than he did, or was ever able to do; and that he should have given many
more facts to the public. The only reply that he gave to such advisers
was, that he had neither the opportunity nor the means of doing so,
having to work for his daily bread all the time that he was carrying on
his researches.
[Sidenote: _AT LAST ACCREDITED._]
He had another difficulty to contend with, besides his want of time and
means. When he did publish what he had observed with his own eyes, and
not in books through the eyes of others, his facts were often disputed
by the higher class of Naturalists. He was under the impression that
this arose from the circumstance that they had never been heard
of before, and that they had now been brought to light by a poor
shoemaker—a person of no standing whatever. This deterred him, in a
great measure, from publishing his observations, as he did not like his
veracity to be called in question. And it was not until years after,
when others higher up the ladder of respectability had published the
same facts, that his observations were accredited,—simply because they
could no longer be denied.
Towards the close of his labours, Edward, on looking back, was himself
surprised that in the midst of his difficulties—his want of learning,
his want of time, his want of books—he should have been able to
accomplish the little that he did. He had had so many obstructions
to encounter. His bringing up as a child, and his want of school
education, had been very much against him. Then he had begun to work
for daily bread at six years old, and he had continued to labour
incessantly for the rest of his life. Of course there was something
much more than the mere manual labourer in him. His mind had risen
above his daily occupation. For he had the soul of a true man. Above
all, he loved Nature and Nature’s works.
[Sidenote: _SELF-RELIANCE._]
We need not speak of his stern self-reliance and his indomitable
perseverance. These were among the prominent features of his character.
Of his courage, it is scarcely necessary to speak. When we think of
his nightly wanderings, his trackings of birds for days together, his
encounters with badgers and polecats, his climbing of rocks, and his
rolling down cliffs in search of sea-birds, we cannot but think that he
taxed his courage a great deal too much.
A great point with him, was his sobriety. For thirty-six years he never
entered a public-house nor a dram shop. He was not a teetotaller.
Sobriety was merely his habit. Some of his friends advised him to take
“a wee drap whisky” with him on cold nights; but he never did. He
himself believes that had he drunk whisky, he never could have stood
the wet, the cold, and the privations to which he was exposed during so
many years of his life. When he went out at night, his food consisted
for the most part of plain oatmeal cakes; and his drink was the water
from the nearest brook.
He never lost a moment of time. When his work for the day was over, he
went out to the links or the fields with his supper of oatmeal cakes in
his hand; and after the night had passed, he returned home in time for
his next day’s work. He stuffed his birds, or prepared the cases for
his collection, by the light of the fire. He was never a moment idle.
[Sidenote: _EDWARD’S FAMILY._]
Another thing must be mentioned to his credit,—and here his wife must
share the honour. He brought up his large family of eleven children
respectably and virtuously. He educated them much better than he
himself had been educated. They were all well clad and well shod,
notwithstanding the Scottish proverb to the contrary.[59] Both parents
must have felt hope and joy in the future lives of their children.
This is one of the greatest comforts of the poor,—to see their family
growing up in knowledge, virtue, industry, well-being, and well-doing.
We might say much of Edward’s eldest daughter, who has not only
helped to keep her parents, but to maintain her brother at school and
college. It is families such as these, that maintain the character and
constitute the glory of their country.
But to return to Edward and his culture. In one of the earliest letters
which the author addressed to him, he made inquiry as to the manner in
which he had become acquainted with the scientific works which are so
necessary for the study of Natural History. “You seem to wonder,” he
said in his reply, “why I did not mention _books_ in my memoir. You may
just as well wonder how I can string a few sentences together, or,
indeed, how I can write at all. My books, I can tell you, were about as
few, as my education was brief and homespun.
“I thought you knew—yes, I am sure you knew—that any one having the
Mind and the Will, need not stick fast even in this world. True, he may
not shine so greatly as if he were better polished and better educated;
but he need not sink in the mire altogether.
[Sidenote: _HIS POWER OF WILL._]
“You may very likely wonder at what I have been able to do—being only a
poor souter,[60]—with no one to help me, and but few to encourage me in
my labours. Many others have wondered, like yourself. The only answer
I can give to such wonderers is, that I had the WILL to do the little
that I have accomplished.
“If what I have done by myself, unaided and alone and without the
help of books, surpasses the credulity of some, what might I not have
accomplished had I obtained the help from others which was so often
promised me! But that time is past, and there is no use in saying
anything more about it. If I suffered privations, I had only myself and
my love of Nature to blame.”
He was sometimes told that it was his “pride” which prevented him from
being assisted as he should have been. His answer was, that he did not
know anything about pride. But if it consisted in not soliciting aid
when in want, and in endeavouring to conceal his poverty even when in
need of help,—in order that the world might not know of the misery
which himself, his wife, and his family suffered,—then he did not
hesitate to say that he and his wife were proud. They never refused a
kindly gift, but they always refused public charity.
[Sidenote: _NEVER DESPAIR!_]
“Although,” he says in a recent letter, “I have not known the pangs
of want for some time, thanks to my children, I could scarcely have
failed to do so in the years that are past. It would have been beyond
the common run of things, if I had not. What working-man, especially
what journeyman shoemaker, could have brought up and educated a large
family, without at times feeling privation and the pressure of poverty?
There are other trades which have their dull seasons; but, unlike most
other tradesmen, shoemakers are not, from their low pay, able to lay
anything by, even when they have plenty of work. And, as a matter of
course, this made the struggle, when it did come, all the worse to bear.
“From these facts and others which I have told you before, I say, and
am ready to maintain against every opposition, that no one who steps
this earth, or even crawls upon it, need ever despair, after what I
have done, of achieving whatever of good they have once set their minds
on. Firmness of purpose and the Will to do and dare, will accomplish, I
may say, almost anything. The Will is the key that opens the door to
every path, whether it be of Science or of Nature, and every one has it
in his power to choose the road for himself.”
[Sidenote: _MONEY CONSIDERATIONS._]
Notwithstanding Edward’s power of will and indomitable perseverance,
and the amount of useful scientific work which he has accomplished, it
was easy to see that he was rather disappointed at the results of his
labours. It is true that his zoological labours did not enable him to
earn money: indeed, he had not worked for money considerations. Natural
science is always unremunerative, especially to those who have to work
for their daily bread.[61] Nor had his self-imposed labours lifted him
above his position in any way. He began life as a shoemaker, and he
continued a shoemaker to the end. Many called him a fool because he
gave himself up to “beasts.” He himself says, “I have been a fool to
Nature all my life.”
“If it had not been for the industry of my children,” he says, “my
wife and myself would have been in starvation these many years back,
as all that I have been making could scarcely have kept myself in
bread. So that is something. But if ever I complained about my life, I
never meant it to be in that way. Had the object of my life been money
instead of Nature,—had I pursued the one with half the ardour and
perseverance that I did the other,—I have no hesitation in saying that
by this time I would have been a rich man.
[Sidenote: _THINGS HE HAS NOT DONE._]
“But it is not the things I have done that vexes me so much, as the
things that I have _not_ done. I feel that I _could_ have accomplished
so much more. I did not want the will, but I wanted the means. It
is that consideration that hurts me when I think about it, as I
sometimes do. I know what I have done, and from that I can conceive
how much more I might have done had I got but a little help. Think
yourself—only think for a few moments—of a poor illiterate working man
struggling against every sort of privation for so many years, with
no other object in view but simply to gain a little knowledge of the
works of creation,—think of that, and say if I can be blamed because
I occasionally grieve that I had no help, when it would have enabled
me to do so much more than I have already done. For these reasons I
sometimes consider my life to have been a blasted one—like a diamond
taken from the mine, and, instead of being polished, crushed to the
earth in a thousand fragments.”
[Sidenote: _EDWARD AT HOME._]
Still, Edward must, to a great extent, have enjoyed a happy life. He
was hopeful and cheerful. He had always some object to pursue, with a
purpose. That constitutes one of the secrets of happiness. He had an
interesting hobby: that is another secret. Natural History is one of
the most delightful of hobbies. He had the adventure, the chase, the
capture, and often the triumph of discovery. He must have found great
delight in finding a new bird, a new star-fish, a new crustacean,
a new ascidian. It must also have been a pleasure to him to be in
correspondence with some of the most enlightened men of the time; to
have received their congratulations upon his discoveries; and to have
been rewarded with the titular honours which they had to bestow.
But what did they think of him at home? A man may be a well-disposed
man out of doors, yet altogether different in his domestic circle.
Follow him home, and see what he is there. We have seen that Edward was
a happy father and a happy husband. His children, as we have said, were
brought up well and virtuously. There was no better conducted family in
Banff. When young they assisted him in his labours amongst his fishes
and crustaceans; and, when old, they were proud to help him in all
ways. Is not this a great feature in a man’s character?
What did his wife say of him? When reminded of his wanderings about at
night, and asked what she thought of them, she replied, “Weel, he took
such an interest in beasts, that I didna compleen. Shoemakers were then
a very drucken set, but his beasts keepit him frae them. My man’s been
a sober man all his life; and he never negleckit his wark. Sae I let
him be.” Wise woman!
Scotch people are very reticent. They rarely speak of love or
affection. It is all “understood.” It is said that a Scotchman will
never tell his wife that he loves her, until he is dying. But you can
always tell, from the inside of a house, what the woman is, and how her
husband regards her. In these respects, it may be said, that Edward,
though poor and scrimp of means, has always enjoyed a happy home; and
that is saying a great deal.
[Sidenote: _HIS OUTSIDE HELPERS._]
It is not, however, the amount of love and respect with which a man
is regarded at home, that satisfies him,—so much as the esteem with
which he is regarded by his fellow-men. When a man works gratuitously
for science, and labours for the advancement of knowledge, he seems
entitled to admiration and respect. But Edward did not think that his
labours had been properly recognised. This seems to have vexed him very
much. He had often been promised aid in the shape of books. But no such
aid ever came. “All my honours,” said he, “have come from a distance.
I have kept the museum of the Banff Institution for about twenty-one
years, for I may say almost nothing; and though the Linnean Society
thought me worthy of being elected an Associate, the people here did
not think me worthy of being an honorary member of their Society.
Still, I am not complaining. The people of Banff had no right to make
me a gentleman.”
The truth is, that it was a misfortune for Edward to have lived so far
from the centre of scientific pursuits. Banff was a place comparatively
unknown. In the pursuit of science, a man requires fellowship. He
especially requires the fellowship of books. Banff could do little for
him in this respect. Had he lived in a larger town, with a library at
his command, he could have acquired the friendship of scientific men,
who are rarely disposed to be narrow in their “encouragement of native
genius and talent,” however poor the student may be.
[Sidenote: _HIS FAILURES._]
But it was difficult for Edward to remove to any other place. He
had his family to provide for, and he had not the means of removing
them elsewhere. He was tied like a limpet to its rock. Still, he did
all that he could to improve his position where he was. He tried to
secure an appointment in connection with the police; but having no
influence, he failed. He applied to the London College of Surgeons for
a curatorship, but Mr. Quekett having informed him that it was only a
fourth portership that was wanted, he failed there too. Then he studied
electricity, for the purpose of assisting a doctor in electrifying his
patients; but thinking that he might kill more than he could cure, he
gave up the idea of proceeding further. He next tried photography, but
not being provided with sufficient capital, he gave up that too. The
last application he made was for an appointment as sub-curator of the
City Industrial Museum of Glasgow, but he received no encouragement.
[Sidenote: _RESIGNATION._]
After abandoning photography as a means of subsistence, he returned to
his old trade. “As a last and only remaining source,” he said in June
1875, “I betook myself to my old and time-honoured friend, a friend of
fifty years’ standing, who has never yet forsaken me, nor refused help
to my body when weary, nor rest to my limbs when tired—my well-worn
cobbler’s stool. AND HERE I AM STILL on the old boards, doing what
little I can, with the aid of my well-worn kit, to maintain myself and
my family; with the certainty that instead of my getting the better of
the lapstone and leather, they will very soon get the better of me.
And although I am now like a beast tethered to his pasturage, with a
portion of my faculties somewhat impaired, I can still appreciate and
admire as much as ever the beauties and wonders of Nature, as exhibited
in the incomparable works of our adorable Creator.”
[Illustration: “AND HERE I AM STILL.”]
FOOTNOTES:
[58] After parting with the greater part of his third collection in
1867, Dr. Gray of the British Museum wrote to him: “I wish I had known
that you had one or more collections to dispose of, as I should have
been very glad to have purchased specimens of the Mollusca, Annelids,
Star-fish, Holothurea, Echina, and small fishes of the coast of
Banffshire, as I like to get specimens from the different parts of the
coast. Should you have any more, please let me know.” But the request
came too late.
[59] “The Smith’s meer and the Shaemakers’ bairns are aye the worst
shod.”
[60] _Souter_—a shoemaker. _Ne sutor_, etc.
[61] We are sorry to observe that the late Mr. Jonathan Couch, for
whom Edward made so many of his researches at Banff, died in reduced
circumstances,—rendering it necessary for his daughters to go out in
search of employment.
THE FAUNA OF BANFFSHIRE.
[Only a selection of the Fauna is given in the
following pages. Had the Insects, Reptiles, Starfishes,
Zoophytes, Molluscs, Plants, etc., which Edward found
in Banffshire, been given, it would have more than
filled the present volume.]
SELECTIONS FROM THE FAUNA OF BANFFSHIRE,
BY THOMAS EDWARD, A.L.S.
MAMMALS.
MELES TAXUS [_Badger or Brock_]. See p. 102.
Sparingly met with in our wooded districts.
MUSTELA MARTES [_Pine Marten_].
Found chiefly in the higher parts of the county. One
was observed, in 1848, to descend from a tree in the
hills of Boyndie, and go into a rabbit’s hole. The hole
was stopped up, and a spade was brought to dig the
animal out. It had, however, escaped by another outlet
from the burrow.
MUSTELA PUTORIUS [_Polecat or Fumart_].
See page 116.
MUSTELA VULGARIS [_Weasel or Whitret_].
More frequent than the polecat. Whilst the latter would
seem to delight more in plantations and whins, the
other would appear to think more of old dykes, grassy
hillocks, and small cairns of stones. Both are very
destructive, killing much more than they devour. See p.
111.
MUSTELA ERMINEA [_Ermine or Stoat_].
This species is often mistaken for the weasel. They
are very similar during summer, their colours being
then the same. In winter, however, the ermine changes
to a pure white, excepting in a portion of the tail,
which is always black. In this state they are all
but universally called “_White_,” or rather “_Fite
Futrates_.” The true weasel never changes.
LUTRA VULGARIS [_Otter_].
Often met with in suitable localities along the
sea-shore, as well as by many of our streams and
streamlets. See p. 115.
CANIS VULPES [_Fox, Tod Lowric, or Reynard_].
A well-known animal, especially in the country
districts. See pp. 109, 219.
FELIS CATIS [_Common Wild Cat_].
The wild cat is now, perhaps, extinct with us, though
at one time it was frequently found in the woods
and rocky glens of the more alpine portions of the
interior. One which I had the pleasure of seeing, and
which was killed in Glen Avon, measured over four feet
in length, and was well proportioned in every other
respect. It was altogether a very formidable looking
animal.
TALPA EUROPÆA [_Mole or Mowdiewort_].
This harmless creature is often met with. It is very
useful to agriculturists by turning up the fertile
soil, yet they constantly wage war against it. Pure
white varieties are sometimes met with.
ERINACEUS EUROPÆUS [_Hedgehog_].
Even since I remember, “hedgey” was altogether unknown,
or at least very seldom seen, in Banffshire. Now he is
plentiful, and seems to be still on the increase. See
p. 102.
VESPERTILIO PIPISTRELLUS} [_Bat or Backie_].
VESPERTILIO DAUBENTONII }
These are both to be found here. The first is the most
common. It appears that we have another species of bat
here. It is larger than either of the other two. I have
met with it in our woods.
SCIURUS VULGARIS [_Squirrel_].
It is only of late that this agile and tricky little
quadruped has become domiciled in this county.
MYOXUS AVELLANARIUS [_Dormouse_].
I am not quite sure whether we have this animal or not;
I think I have taken it, but am not able to ascertain
the fact with certainty.
MUS MUSCULUS [_Common Mouse_].
There is no doubt about this sly little domestic.
Specimens of various colours—such as white, gray
stripped with white, reddish, and yellow—sometimes
occur. Musical individuals of the genus are not
infrequent. See p. 110.
MUS SYLVATICUS [_Long-tailed or Wood Mouse_].
Is to be found in almost every conceivable situation,
except in towns.
MUS MESSORIUS [_Harvest Mouse_].
This sleek little thing, the smallest of British
quadrupeds, is now well ascertained to be a native of
Banffshire. I have myself taken it several times.
MUS RATTUS [_Black Rat_].
This, the native British rat, though at one time
very abundant, is so no longer. It has been expelled
or driven back, as the Celts have been by the
Scandinavians, by the Norway rat. The black rat is
seldom seen now. Pure white varieties have been found.
MUS DECUMANUS [_Norwegian Rat or Rottin_].
Very plentiful, and bids fair, erelong, to extirpate
his weaker relative, the Black Rat. See p. 113.
ARVICOLA AMPHIBIA [_Water Rat_].
To be found on the banks of all our streams. It is
sometimes turned up with the plough, at a considerable
distance from the water. It is a curious circumstance
that the water rats of England are mostly of a light
brown colour, whilst those of Scotland are usually jet
black.
ARVICOLA AGRESTIS [_Short-tailed Field Mouse_].
Plentiful, and very destructive to young trees.
ARVICOLA PRATENSIS [_Meadow Mouse_].
Like the last in appearance and habits. It is
recognisable by its much longer tail.
SOREX ARANEUS [_Common Shrew_].
Plentiful.
SOREX FODIENS [_Water Shrew_].
Found along burnsides, and occasionally in ditches.
SOREX REMIFER [_Black Water Shrew_].
Not so frequently found as the last. The water shrew
is very difficult to be taken. I never could manage
to trap any of them. They baffled all my ingenuity.
My only resource was the gun, and even with it I have
often had enough to do. I have sat for from six to
seven hours without moving, watching for an opportunity
of shooting the water shrew, and been doomed to
disappointment at last.
LEPUS TIMIDUS [_Common Hare or Maukins_].
Very plentiful in the low grounds. See pp. 106, 274.
LEPUS VARIABILIS [_Blue or Alpine Hare_].
This species is only to be met with in the hills
and mountains, except when driven down by stress of
weather. In very severe winters they occasionally
descend in great numbers to the lower part of the
county, at which time they are of a pure white.
LEPUS CUNICULUS [_Rabbit_].
Very plentiful, in every conceivable spot, from the
rocky shore, the sandbank, the quarry hole, the stony
cairn, the old dyke, the garden, the orchard, and the
open field, to the thickest woods. White, black, cream
coloured, stripped, and pied varieties, occur. See pp.
106, 275.
CERVUS ELAPHUS [_Stag, Red or Highland Deer_].
This, perhaps the fleetest, as he is the noblest of
our wild animals, still holds his place in the county,
though not now so numerous as he used to be.
CERVUS CAPREOLUS [_Roe Deer_].
The roe seems to be more widely distributed than the
red deer; and whilst the latter usually inhabits the
more sequestered heath, grassy dells, and wooded glens
of the higher lands, the other is mostly found in the
plantations and copses of the lower levels. See p. 106.
PHOCA VITULINA [_Seal or Selch_].
Stray individuals of this aquatic tribe pay us a visit
now and then. They are common in Cromarty Firth.
DELPHINUS PHOCÆNA [_Porpoise or Sea Hog_].
This is another watery visitant, much more frequently
seen than the seal.
DELPHINUS DELPHIS [_Striped Porpoise or Dolphin_].
A specimen of this beautiful porpoise was taken here in
1853.
DELPHINUS TURSIO [_Bottle-nosed Porpoise_].
This species is said to have been taken here, though
there are some doubts as to the fact.
DELPHINUS DEDUCTOR [_Pilot Whale_].
Several of these have from time to time been met with.
There are other species of whales which have been
captured here. One, reported to have been a monster for
size, is said to have been found amongst the rocks,
so far back as about the beginning of last century,
betwixt the Boyne and the point known as the King’s
Head, but of what species is not accurately known. It
is stated in the “Statistical Account of the Parish of
Rathven,” which extends about ten miles along the coast
west of Cullen, that the porpoise, the grampus, and the
spermaceti whale, are frequently seen along the shore.
BIRDS.
AQUILA CHRYSAETOS [_The Golden Eagle_].
The eagle breeds in the highest parts of the county, in
the rocky heights near Ben Avon (see p. 121). They have
also been seen hovering about the sea-braes between
Banff and Portsoy.
AQUILA ALBICILLA [_The Erne or Sea-Eagle_] has also been found.
AQUILA HALIAETUS [_The Osprey, Fish Hawk, or Fishing
Eagle_] has also been found. A very fine male specimen
was shot amongst the high cliffs of Gamrie Head.
Another was seen at Melrose, a few miles from where the
other was obtained.
FALCO PEREGRINUS [_The Peregrine Falcon, Blue or Hunting Hawk_].
The Peregrine is one of our native hawks, and breeds
annually, though very sparingly, and usually in
inaccessible places in some of our highest headlands.
Peregrine falcons have been taken from their nests in
Troup Head. As to the manner in which they devour their
prey, see p. 223.
FALCO ÆSALON [_The Merlin_].
A daring little fellow that breeds on several of
our hills, more particularly on the Knock, the Bin
(Huntly), Auchindoon, and Benvennis. When strolling
along our sea-braes early one morning, I heard a
tremendous noise of rooks and jackdaws ahead of me, and
on coming to the spot I found them attacking a little
merlin. One would have thought that such a host would
have smothered the little creature in a twinkling.
But such was not the case. The crows did not assail
him all at once, nor yet singly; but three, four, and
as many as seven, would be on him at a time, the main
body keeping at a short distance, encouraging their
companions, as it were, with their cawings. After a
while, one of these storming parties would retire,
and then another would sally forth to the charge. The
merlin, however, being of lighter mettle and swifter
of wing, managed, with wonderful dexterity, generally
to avoid their attacks; now rising, now descending,
and now turning in a zigzag direction, first to one
side, then to the other; and succeeding, whilst doing
so, in giving one or other of his adversaries a
pretty severe peck, which had the effect of sending
him screaming away. At last, however, a crow, which
seemed more courageous than the rest, rushed at the
merlin with such fury that I actually thought he
would have swallowed him up at once, or sent him
headlong into the sea. But no! the merlin withstood
the shock, and contrived to deal his assailant a
thrust as he approached and passed him. The merlin
now rose considerably higher, and was followed only
by this single opponent, who returned with redoubled
fury to the combat. Up, up they soar, fighting as
they go. They close, they scream, they grapple, and
their feathers fly like dust. Down they come, locked
in deadly embrace. I run to catch them both. But no!
See! they part, mount again and again, scream, close,
and, as before, fall, but not this time to the earth;
they part and mount again. But ’tis now their last
time; for the hawk, rising several yards above his bold
and venturous antagonist, rushes down upon him with a
yell, such as hawks alone, when irritated, know how to
utter, and with such force that both fell right down
into the sea, above which they were then fighting. I
looked to see them rise again; but they did not. After
a little splashing, all was over with the crow, but
not with the hawk: he was still alive, although in a
very precarious situation, from which he made several
unsuccessful attempts to rise, but could not. It would
seem that in dealing the death-blow to his tormentor
he somehow or other got himself entangled, perhaps by
his talons entering some of the bones of the crow,
from whence he could not extract them. Both met with a
watery grave, for on my leaving the place, they were
both fast drifting seaward, a breeze blowing off the
land at the time, with the crows hovering over them and
still cawing.
FALCO NISUS [_The Sparrow-Hawk_].
This is another daring individual. When standing on
our Links not long since, and speaking to one of our
keepers, something struck me on the breast and fell to
the ground. Instantly, and like a flash of lightning,
down rushed a sparrow-hawk, and picked up a thrush from
betwixt us; it rose with its booty, and was out of
sight before we could raise our guns to fire at it. The
keeper grumbled a great deal at our seeming stupidity.
FALCO TINNUNCULUS [_The Kestrel_].
This mouse-, insect-, and caterpillar-eating bird,
or hawk if you will, is very common with us. When
a boy I kept, amongst a host of others, several of
this species. I remember that when a mouse, a young
rabbit, a leveret, and a middle-sized rat, were
presented at the same time, either of the former was
sure to be pounced upon, whilst the latter usually
lay unheeded. Since then, during my thirty years of
taxidermal practice, I have often dissected this bird,
and found in its stomach the remains principally of
the smaller quadrupeds, insects (chiefly beetles), and
caterpillars. Yet this poor bird is persecuted with as
much severity as birds of the most destructive kind.
FALCO PALUMBARIUS [_The Goshawk_].
One was shot at Tomintoul a short time ago, and two
others—one at Hillton, the other at Macduff. It is
rather a rare bird.
FALCO MILVUS [_The Kite_].
This bird was once plentiful here, but it is now rarely
seen. A splendid specimen was recently shot at Eden,
about four miles from Banff.
FALCO BUTEO [_The Buzzard_]. Occasionally met with.
FALCO LAGOPUS [_The Rough-Legged Buzzard_].
More frequent than the last. One in my collection was
killed on the hill of Dunn, and another in the museum
was shot at Forglen. The nests of this species have
also been found in the neighbourhood, though rarely.
FALCO APIVORUS [_The Honey Buzzard_].
A still rarer species. A splendid specimen was shot at
Gamrie a few years ago. They are usually termed “Gleds”
with us.
FALCO ÆRUGINOSUS [_The Marsh Harrier_].
Specimens of these birds are occasionally shot in this
neighbourhood.
FALCO CYANEUS [_The Hen Harrier_].
Occasionally met with. The male is known here by the
names of gray, blue, and lead hawk; the female by the
name of ring-tail.
FALCO CINERASCENS [_Ash-coloured Harrier_].
I have only met with one of this species here. It was a
first-rate specimen,—a male, and a very pretty bird.
STRIX OTUS [_The Long-eared Horned Owl_].
Plentiful. I once found a nest of this bird with eggs
about the middle of March. See p. 121.
STRIX BRACHYOTUS [_The Short-eared Owl, Woodcock, or Grass Owl_].
A migrating species with us. Specimens are frequently
met with by sportsmen when out shooting snipes,
woodcocks, etc.
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 see p. 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. See pp. 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. See p. 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. (See pp. 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. (See p. 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. (See p. 271.)
CORVUS FRUGILEGUS [_The Rook_].
Many large rookeries exist in the county. (See p. 126.)
CORVUS MONEDULA [_The Jackdaw_].
Very plentiful. (See p. 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 pupil of 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
contains _two_ nests, 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. (See p. 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 by _two 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. (See p. 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 as _Zabrus
gibbus_, etc.
STREPSILAS INTERPRES [_Turnstone_].
An occasional visitor, generally in winter. (See p.
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. (See p.
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 a
_Gammaris 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 of
_Acmæa 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.
IBIS FALCINELLUS [_Glossy Ibis_].
On one occasion I perceived three of these birds
hovering about the coast for a whole day, but I could
not get a shot at them; it was in winter and during a
very severe storm.
NUMENIUS ARQUATA [_Curlew_].
Plentiful in certain localities along the shore in
winter; they retire in spring to the alpine and
sub-alpine districts Their note in winter is simply
“Whaup,” with sometimes a loud scream when come
upon suddenly. In summer, however, and whilst among
the moors and hills, it is more varied, being then
“Poo-l-ie, poo-l-ie,” then “Coor-lie, coor-lie,” with a
long “Wha-a-up” at the end. They are not then so shy as
when seen by the sea-shore.
NUMENIUS PHÆOPUS [_Whimbrel_].
Seldom a summer passes but a whimbrel or two may be
met with along the shore, and sometimes in some of our
mosses. I think they breed with us. They are generally
very shy, and not easily approached. Their call-note
at once distinguishes them from the curlew.
TOTANUS CALDRIS [_Redshank_].
We have this red and long-legged gentleman rather
sparingly with us, but we have him all the year. There
are certain spots coastwise not much frequented, where,
for seven or eight months in the year, you will seldom
if ever fail to meet with a few; and when disturbed
their wild scream accords well with the solitary
places which they frequent, especially where there is
a low hollow murmuring from the ocean. This is another
species, which, lapwing-like, will flap about you when
in the way of their nest, and for noise they exceed
them completely. They generally breed in marshy and
boggy places and about the grassy margins of lochs,
but I have also found them amongst bents and dry sandy
places by the sea-shore.
TOTANUS HYPOLEUCOS [_Common Sandpiper_].
The common sandpiper (or, as we have it,
“Kittie-needie,” from its cry) is one of our summer
birds; there is scarcely one of our streams but has its
“kittie-needies” in the season. They breed on the banks.
TOTANUS GLOTTIS [_Greenshank_].
This is a rarity with us. I have one in my possession,
out of two which were shot in the moss of Banff.
RECURVIROSTRA AVOCETTA [_Avocet_]. More rare than the preceding.
LIMOSA MELANURA [_Blacktailed Godwit_].
Only two specimens have been taken here.
LIMOSA RUFA [_Bartailed Godwit_].
A few of these may generally be observed every autumn,
either by the sea-side or in our mosses. They do not
stop long with us; a few days at most sufficing.
Perhaps we have not suitable localities for them.
MACHETES PUGNAX [_Ruff_].
Rare. Three, I think, have been obtained, all birds of
the year, and all in autumn.
SCOLOPAX RUSTICOLA [_Woodcock_].
Though a pair or two have been known to breed, the
woodcock can hardly rank with us but as a winter
visitor. In some seasons they are more numerous than
in others. Does the snow affect the colouring of this
species? My reason for asking this question is because,
in very severe and snowy weather, I have seen many
of them of a remarkably light colour; but in milder
seasons, and when there were little or no storms or
frost, I have never seen any of them with the same
gray-like coating.
SCOLOPAX GALLINAGO [_Common Snipe_].
Though many of these breed and remain with us all the
year, still we receive great additions annually from
elsewhere, and generally towards the end of autumn; but
neither during summer nor winter are they so plentiful
as they were. Drainage is said to be the cause of their
comparative scarcity.
SCOLOPAX GRISEA [_The Brown Snipe_].
Some specimens of this bird have been met with near
Banff, but it is rarely seen.
SCOLOPAX GALLINULA [_Jack Snipe_].
A winter visitor only, so far as I am aware,—and by
no means so numerous as the preceding. The jack snipe
would appear to be a solitary animal; at least I have
never seen more than two of them together (of course in
winter), but more commonly only one; in fact, they are
nearly always seen single. Unlike the others, however,
I have seen them return to the same spot three times,
after being as often fired at.
TRINGA SUBARQUATA [_Curlew Sandpiper_].
I have only met with one specimen of which I can speak
with certainty.
TRINGA CANUTUS [_Knot_].
A few generally visit us every autumn on their
southward passage. They are remarkably easy of approach.
TRINGA MINUTA [_Little Stint_].
A very fine little fellow. I once had a desperate hunt
after one. (See p. 140.)
TRINGA TEMMINCKII [_Temminck’s Stint_].
Mr. Taylor, gamekeeper to the Earl of Fife, once shot a
specimen on the Deveron bank.
TRINGA VARIABILIS [_Dunlin_].
This bird breeds in a few of our marshy places, and
may now and then be met with along the coast. Towards
autumn large flocks appear, but they do not remain
long. Specimens may be picked up occasionally, during
winter, almost pure white, except the bill, legs, and
feet, which retain their usual colour. This species
appears to differ considerably in size, the legs and
bills included,—the larger birds often having the
shortest bills.
TRINGA MARITIMA [_Purple Sandpiper_].
A rock-loving species whilst with us, never leaving the
rocks unless from necessity. They are gregarious, and
huddle so closely together that I have known as many
as twenty-three killed at one shot. I have killed them
occasionally during summer, their colour being then
of a rufous or rusty character, or more like that of
the dunlin, the purple gloss and dark gray plumage of
winter having all but disappeared.
GALLINULA CREX [_Landrail_].
“Corn craig” or “crake.” Very sparingly distributed
here. It arrives generally at the beginning of May,
and departs usually in September, but I have seen
it as late as December. These birds often feign
themselves dead, when hard pressed, rather than fly,—a
fact that may seem incredible to those who have paid
no attention to such things. Is it possible that
these birds remove their eggs on its coming to their
knowledge that their nests have been discovered? I
knew of a nest which contained seven eggs. I took one,
and, wishing to get all that the hen would lay, left
the remainder untouched; I also carefully obliterated
all my foot-marks, to prevent others from suspecting
anything if the nest was found. I went back three days
afterwards, when, although there were no signs of human
footprints, all the eggs were gone.
GALLINULA PUSILLA [_Little Crake_].
Only one of this British rarity has been procured
here, so far as I know. It occurred at a place called
Thornton, on the banks of the Isla.
GALLINULA CHLOROPUS [_Moorhen_].
The “waterhen.” In consequence of our having but few
lochs, and those very small, we have not many of this
species. As skulkers, they almost rival the landrail.
RALLUS AQUATICUS [_Water Rail_].
Far more scarce than the last; in fact it is almost a
rarity. Perhaps their skulking habits prevent their
being oftener seen.
FULICA ATRA [_Coot_].
An occasional visitor. On the loch of Strathbeg
(Aberdeenshire), where they are pretty numerous,
they breed, and remain all the year round. In very
wet summers the water of this loch rises at times
considerably above the usual level; on such occasions
I have seen the coot sailing nobly along with her nest
beneath her.
PHALAROPUS PLATYRHYNCHUS [_Gray Phalarope_].
Three specimens were procured on the sands of Sandend.
PHALAROPUS HYPERBOREUS [_Rednecked Phalarope_].
One specimen, a male, was shot on the beach here, in
the spring of 1855.
ANSER.
Of the genus Anser we are remarkably scanty. Several
kinds of geese have from time to time been procured,
and not an autumn or spring passes without many large
flocks being seen passing and repassing, but to what
species they belong it is difficult to say. That the
_Graylag_ (ANSER FERUS), the _Brent_ (A. BERNICLA), the
_Egyptian_ (A. ÆGYPTIACUS), and the _Spur-winged_ (A.
GAMBENSIS), have been met with, is beyond doubt; but
that these are all that have visited us, it is hard to
say. The _Brent_ is very numerous in certain seasons
along the coast.
CYGNUS.
The genus Cygnus is still more scantily represented.
Some of them visit us in passing to and from their
breeding grounds.
ANAS TADORNA [_Common Shieldrake_].
This pretty bird is only a winter visitor with us, and
then not in large numbers.
ANAS CLYPEATA [_Shoveller_].
This pretty bird is quite a rarity here. In the latter
part of the winter of 1837-8, which was of great
severity, a mutilated specimen of the shoveller was
found dead amongst the rocks at Blackpots.
ANAS STREPERA [_Gadwall_].
Another great rarity, so far as I am aware; one, a
female, procured in the Deveron by Dr. Leslie, about
the time the shoveller above alluded to was picked up,
is the only one I know of.
ANAS ACUTA [_Pintail Duck_].
I remember being roused rather early one morning, many
years ago, by a loud knocking at the street door, and
a person calling at the top of his voice, “Rise, man,
Tam! I’ve brought a rare bird t’ ye—a Duke.” Being
awake, I immediately jumped up. On seeing the bird, I
was delighted to observe a beautiful male pintail. It
had been shot that night on the Deveron.
ANAS BOSCHAS [_Wild Duck_].
Plentiful, especially in winter. Among the sandy bents
almost close to the ocean’s verge, and on the tops
of our heath-clad hills and moors, I have found this
species breeding; as well as on a tree about thirteen
feet from the ground, and on a rock in the craigs of
Alvah. This latter nest was placed on a ledge fully
thirty feet above the water, and had eight or nine
feet of perpendicular rock above it. There is a hill
near here, which I believe they used frequently to
nestle on, but which they have now quite deserted—viz.
Fern or Whin Hill, better known as Gallow Hill. It
was on this hill,—or rather piece of ground, for it
hardly deserves the name of hill,—that the celebrated
free-booter M’Pherson finished his earthly career. It
is a rough and stony place where he lies, covered with
heath and whin. The pheasant and wild duck used not
unfrequently to breed on his very grave. On a small
island on the Deveron stood a tall old poplar. About
five feet from the ground it divided into two arms,
one stretching upwards, whilst the other bent over the
river, and it is with this one that I am now concerned.
In 1839 the Deveron, like the other rivers in Scotland,
rose far above its usual height, so far indeed that it
reached the arm of the tree alluded to, on which it
deposited a good deal of rubbish. A female wild duck
built her nest, a few years afterwards, amongst the
_debris_ thus left, and succeeded in rearing a brood
of thirteen young ones. Neither nest nor bird, though
known of by some salmon-fishers who had a station close
by, was disturbed. One morning the female was observed
by these men to leave her nest and fly up and down the
water in an unusual manner. Presently she was joined
by the male, and both disappeared beneath a bank a
little above where the nest was. The fishermen, who
had watched them, observed the female reappear alone,
and, after flying up and down once or twice, again
settled down on the water, just below the tree which
contained the nest. After sailing about for a few
minutes, she was heard to give a “quack,” when down
went something into the water, and presently a young
one was seen by her side. Away she swam with it to
the bank referred to, consigning it to the charge of
the male; after which she returned, and, having again
sailed about for a short time, gave another “quack,”
when down came another youngster, which she also led
away to the bank. In this way she continued until all
were safely removed. The female never gave more than
one “quack,” and she never carried more than one young
one at a time; nor did she return after taking away the
thirteenth.
ANAS QUERQUEDULA [_Garganey_].
Two specimens of this species were shot in December
1840; and one is said to have been obtained at Cullen,
in the spring of 1841.
ANAS CRECCA [_Teal_]. Occasionally met with in winter.
ANAS PENELOPE [_Wigeon_].
One of our rarest duck visitors. A splendid male
specimen was killed at Boyndie in September 1853.
ANAS AMERICANA [_American Wigeon_].
A mutilated male specimen of this rare duck, shot on
the Burn of Boyndie, in January 1841, was for many
years in my possession.
ANAS MARILA [_Scaup Duck_]. Pretty frequent during winter.
ANAS FULIGULA [_Tufted Duck_]. Very rare.
ANAS CLANGULA [_Goldeneye_].
A regular winter visitor, generally coast-wise, but
they are also met with on mill-dams some miles inland.
ANAS GLACIALIS [_Long-tailed Duck_].
Abundant, but always keeping near the coast. I have
shot them when in their full breeding dress, which
gives them quite a different appearance. In spring
they are very clamorous, pursuing each other through
the water, and diving and skipping about like Merry
Andrews. The noise they make on such occasions is so
loud that I have heard it, on a still morning, nearly
three miles off. They are generally among the first
birds to arrive and the last to leave.
MERGUS CUCULLATUS [_Hooded Merganser_].
I was told by an old gunner and bird-stuffer that he
had shot a specimen of this species, but I cannot vouch
for his accuracy.
MERGUS SERRATOR [_Redbreasted Merganser_].
Not very plentiful. All along the coast, in suitable
localities, they are met with, singly, and two or three
together, rarely more.
MERGUS MERGANSER [_Goosander_].
A winter visitor. The male is a very showy gentleman.
As many as seven or eight specimens were procured at
one shot, on the Deveron. I have seen as many as live
or six together.
PODICEPS CRISTATUS [_Great Crested Grebe_]. An occasional visitor.
PODICEPS RUBRICOLLIS [_Rednecked Grebe_].
Of more frequent occurrence, but generally in immature
plumage.
PODICEPS AURITUS [_Eared Grebe_]. Less frequent than the last.
PODICEPS MINOR [_Little Grebe_].
A winter seldom passes without an opportunity occurring
to obtain this species. It is one of the most expert
divers we have.
COLYMBUS GLACIALIS [_Great Northern Diver_].
Some seasons pretty plentiful. Splendid specimens are
at times procured, but they are generally immature.
COLYMBUS ARCTICUS [_Blackthroated Diver_], and
COLYMBUS SEPTENTRIONALIS [_Redthroated Diver_].
Winter visitors, in about equal numbers. A few of
them gradually fall victims every spring to getting
entangled in the bag-nets set for salmon. They not
unfrequently visit our larger streams, where they make
great havoc among the smaller of the finny tribe.
URIA BRUNNICHII [_Brunnich’s Guillemot_] has been once met with.
URIA TROILE [_Common Guillemot_],
URIA LACHRYMANS [_Ringed Guillemot_],
URIA GRYLLE [_Black Guillemot_],
MORMON FRATERCULA [_Puffin_], and
ALCA TORDA [_Razorbill_].
All these species breed with us, but the black
guillemot only rarely. I have procured several ringed
guillemots both in winter and summer; I have also been
shown places in the cliffs where the fishermen say they
breed.
ALCA ALLE [_Little Auk_].
A winter visitor. In December 1846 a terrific sea-storm
raged here for the greater part of the month; at its
termination I counted between the Burn of Boyne and
Greenside of Gamrie, a distance of about nine miles,
nearly sixty of these little birds lying dead, besides
a number of guillemots and razorbills. Great numbers
were also found dead in the fields throughout the
county.
CARBO CORMORANUS [_Cormorant_].
Frequent, except for a short time during summer. A pair
or two may breed with us, but that is all. Like the
divers, they destroy great numbers of fish.
CARBO CRISTATUS [_Shag_].
Only, I believe, an occasional visitor.
SULA BASSANA [_Gannet_].
A spring and autumn visitor, and occasionally during
summer and winter. When overtaken, as they sometimes
are, by strong north winds, I have known them driven
to great distances inland, where they are frequently
seen lying dead. Immature specimens are now and then
procured during their autumnal passage. From their
different plumage they are looked upon as distinct from
the “solan goose,” as the gannet is here called.
STERNA CANTIACA [_Sandwich Tern_].
An occasional visitor, generally in summer.
STERNA DOUGALLII [_Roseate Tern_].
Two specimens have been obtained between Banff and
Cullen.
STERNA HIRUNDO [_Common Tern_].
STERNA ARCTICA [_Arctic Tern_].
Annual visitors, generally in autumn. During some
seasons they come in immense numbers. Although they
do not breed with us, they do so on part of the sandy
shores of the adjoining counties of Aberdeen and Moray.
STERNA MINUTA [_Lesser Tern_].
This pretty little lady-like bird does not breed with
us, but does so in the places mentioned for the two
preceding. It is only an occasional visitor.
STERNA NIGRA [_Black Tern_].
I know of only one instance of its having been found
here.
LARUS SABINI [_Sabine’s Gull_].
I had an exciting chase after a specimen, but failed in
capturing it; it was the only one I have seen or heard
of here.
LARUS MINUTUS [_Little Gull_].
I believe only two specimens have been met with.
LARUS CAPISTRATUS [_Masked Gull_].
I am informed that two of these birds were killed about
thirty years ago.
LARUS RIDIBUNDUS [_Black-headed Gull_].
Like the common and arctic terns, this species,
although it has no breeding-grounds with us, breeds on
either side in great numbers, and is a frequent visitor
here, chiefly in spring and autumn.
LARUS TRIDACTYLUS [_Kittiwake_].
Breeds with us, but not in such numbers as formerly.
LARUS EBURNEUS [_Ivory Gull_].
Several specimens have been shot near Gamrie. It is a
polar bird, almost pure white.
LARUS CANUS [_Common Gull_].
Abundant during winter and spring. The gull may be met
with all the year round, though I believe it does not
breed with us.
LARUS LEUCOPTERUS [_Iceland Gull_].
Sometimes, during winter, a specimen of this northern
bird may be obtained, but mostly in an immature state
of plumage.
LARUS FUSCUS [_Lesser Blackbacked Gull_].
Met with now and then, but not in great plenty. It does
not nestle here.
LARUS ARGENTATUS [_Herring Gull_].
Breeds at Gamrie Head and at Troup. Numbers are taken
when young by the fishermen and their children, and
brought up quite tame, walking about the villages like
poultry.
LARUS MARINUS [_Great Blackbacked Gull_].
Like his lesser brethren, this gentleman is but a
visitor here, and generally goes before he gets his
black coat.
LARUS GLAUCUS [_Glaucous Gull_].
A female, in an immature state of plumage, was killed
in Gamrie.
LESTUS CATARRACTES [_Common Skua_], and