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| Nineteenth century study of a hoopoe - a species that has always fascinated birders and non-birders alike |
From a 1913 edition of the Scottish Naturalist journal
Hoopoe off the coast of Caithness
Sir -
It may interest the readers of the Scottish Naturalist to know that a fine specimen of the hoopoe was on 28th August presented to our museum.
The acquisition was obtained under somewhat singular circumstances.
While one of our herring fleet was homeward bound, and about 25 miles east of Wick, the attention of the crew was attracted to an unusual commotion among a large flock of flying herring gulls.
The mystery of the incomprehensible behaviour of the gulls was soon solved.
A hoopoe darted from their midst and flew into the boat for protection.
Their beautiful visitor was woefully exhausted from its struggle to escape from its screaming enemies.
Although the fishermen placed it in a box, and did their best for its recovery, it died shortly afterwards.
The specimen was sent to a taxidermist for setting up.
George Bain
Wick
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