The Birds of the West of Scotland, Including the Outer Hebrides

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1871 edition. Excerpt: ... BIRDS OF THE WEST OF SCOTLAND. RA PTORES. FA LCOXID.E. THE GOLDEN EAGLE. AQUILA CHRYSAETOS. Iolair dhubh. There is perhaps no feature in the history of British birds more to be regretted than the gradual disappearance of many species that were once familiar residents. Among these, the Golden Eagle stands pre-eminent as deserving the sympathy of all true naturalists, subjected as it has been to a relentless and continual persecution, which only excites our wonder that the noble bird has so long survived. It is certainly not a false sentiment that urges the ornithologist of our own times to lift up his voice against the destruction of a class of birds whose very presence gives a character to some of the finest scenery in Britain; and every true lover of nature will, I feel sure, join him in the hope that it may not yet be too late to bring back from the verge of extinction the bird that has so long occupied the foremost rank in Scottish ornithology.. As might be expected, the western counties form the only resting place now in the breeding season for this splendid bird. Even there, however, it is by no means certain that the number of eyries will increase, unless the proprietors of the various lands thus frequented unite in determining that eagles are to be spared. That such a feeling already, to some extent, exists is beyond question; but without the cordial co-operation of all, it is doubtful, looking to the wandering habits of the bird in the autumn and A winter seasons, whether much good could be accomplished. Not long ago a correspondent wrote to me that a gentleman of his acquaintance, in roaming over his Highland estate, was in the habit of pointing out with a strong feeling of sadness the deserted eyries of the eagles, and looking...