Scot. Nats No. 179 (Sep-Oct 1929), 157-162.
Scot. Nats No. 206 (Mar Apr 1934), 51-54.
Scot. Nats No. 238 (Jul-Aug 1939), 96-98.
Red-throated Diver
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 frequent and I have seen several birds shot at the river mouth.
Little Grebe
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 in the deep water above the salmon ladder, frequent during the greater part of the year, and as many as 5 have been seen together.
Great Crested Grebe
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 can often be seen out to sea during the winter.
Hamilton 1934-39 often seen in large flocks.
Gannet
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 from the mouth of the Esk it has been observed several times fishing offshore.
Cormorant
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 common at the river mouth, often coming right into the fresh water.
Grey Heron
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 twice seen wading in the river.
Hamilton 1934-39 not seen again.
Pink-footed Goose
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 flocks are often seen flying over.
Shelduck
Hamilton 1929-33 4 ads appeared at the river mouth on 18 May 1931 and one was still about on 25 May. During 21 Aug-6 Sep 1933 several immature birds frequented the mud near the river mouth, so many as 5 being seen at a time. Shore shooting soon drove them away.
Hamilton 1934-39 observed again.
Wigeon
Hamilton 1929-33 a single bird seen on 13 Sep 1932, was about for 3 days when it was joined by another. On 17 Sep 1932 a small flock arrived. Again present during 1933 in the same season.
Hamilton 1934-39 observed again.
Teal
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 two have been seen on the pool above the falls in the Haugh.
Hamilton 1934-39 observed again.
*Mallard
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 numerous on the sea at the Esk mouth during the winter and spring months. Single birds are often met with on the pool above the falls in the Haugh. At the same place a Mallard with a brood of young have been seen.
Pintail
Hamilton 1929-33 a m was observed on 25 Nov 1931 amongst the usual flock of Mallard at the river mouth. It was seen for several days while the tide was suitable. On 2 Mar 1932, a male again appeared and was seen on the 3 following days. On both occasions also seen on Duddingston.
Shoveler
Hamilton 1929-33 3 (2mm) were seen on 27 Oct 1931 amongst the flock of Mallard at the mouth of the Esk.
Hamilton 1934-39 observed again.
Pochard
Hamilton 1929-33 on 15 Feb 1933 a single male was observed at the pool above the salmon ladder. It remained till 7 Mar and seemed quite tame. It possibly was an injured bird. I have watched for it at the sea for years in vain.
Hamilton 1934-39 during Feb 1936 a flock appeared several times on the sea at the mouth of the Esk. All the lochs were frozen over. In Sep 1937 a pair appeared in the river.
Tufted Duck
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 a male has been seen on the pool above the falls in the Haugh. During the severe frost of February [1929] several were about the beach and the river, but this species is not common.
Hamilton 1929-33 has not been seen since 1929.
Hamilton 1934-39 a few was in the river Sep 1937 - a duck that is seldom seen there.
Scaup
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 numerous on the sea at the Esk mouth during the winter and spring months. Single birds are often met with on the pool above the falls in the Haugh.
Eider
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 in Sep 1928, several put in an appearance at the mouth of the Esk, including a few adult males. This is the only time I have seen this species here.
Hamilton 1929-33 now very frequent. Flocks of 50 are often observed for days. It seems to have extended its range up the Forth. Local shore-shooters have also remarked about the prevalence of this duck now.
Hamilton 1934-39 often seen in large flocks.
Long-tailed Duck
Hamilton 1934-39 6 birds seen off the river mouth during Mar 1936. Seen several times since then.
Common Scoter
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 much in evidence during the past winter [1928/29]
Velvet Scoter
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 much in evidence during the past winter [1928/29]
Goldeneye
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 numerous on the sea at the Esk mouth during the winter and spring months. Single birds are often met with on the pool above the falls in the Haugh.
Red-breasted Merganser
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 occasionally seen flying past or fishing close to the river mouth.
Hamilton 1934-39 often seen in large flocks.
Kestrel
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 often observed near Inveresk Church, and also at the links by the sea.
Merlin
Hamilton 1934-39 seen at the mouth of the Esk chasing Dunlin on 12 Feb 1936. It landed on a stone on the beach.
Peregrine
Hamilton 1934-39 on 24 Oct 1938 a bird passed over the river mouth.
Grey Partridge
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 occasionally met with during autumn in fields bordering the Esk.
Pheasant
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 occasionally met with during autumn in fields bordering the Esk.
Water Rail
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 during Jan 1924, for more than 2 weeks one frequented the side of the Esk.
Corncrake
Hamilton 1934-39 during May 1937 a bird was heard several times and twice flushed from the grass in a field bordering the Esk near Inveresk Church. I was quite pleased to get this record as the field is now converted into a golf course and there is no other place within the area where it is likely to be heard again.
*Moorhen
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 common in the deep water above the salmon ladder, and can often be seen with their chicks.
Coot
Hamilton 1934-39 on the morning of 23 Jan 1937, after a strong gale overnight, one was found in a shed attached to a large works at Musselburgh. It was quite uninjured but slightly oiled, and after being cleaned was taken to Gladhouse in the afternoon and released.
Oystercatcher
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 large numbers visit the mud-flats at the mouth of the Esk during the non-breeding season.
Ringed Plover
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 large numbers visit the mud-flats at the mouth of the Esk during the non-breeding season.
Golden Plover
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 large numbers visit the mud-flats at the mouth of the Esk during the non-breeding season.
Grey Plover
Hamilton 1934-39 2 seen at the mouth of the river on 12 Apr 1935, and a single bird at the same place in Oct 1937.
*Lapwing
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 seldom seem on the beach, but frequently by the river near Inveresk Church, where they nest in the neighbouring fields.
Knot
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 large numbers visit the mud-flats at the mouth of the Esk during the non-breeding season.
Sanderling
Hamilton 1929-33 a single bird was observed on 1 Oct 1932 on the left bank at the river mouth. Preferring a sandy shore, this bird is not attracted to the muddy beach at Musselburgh as other waders are.
Curlew Sandpiper
Hamilton 1934-39 during Sep 1935 single birds seen on several occasions, numerous during Aug and Sep 1936.
Dunlin
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 large numbers visit the mud-flats at the mouth of the Esk during the non-breeding season.
Ruff
Hamilton 1934-39 on 1 and 4 Mar 1939 a single bird was seen on the beach at the mouth of the river. I have suspected the ruff being there during previous winters, but never satisfied myself enough to record it before.
Snipe
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 winter Snipe are often met with in the Haugh.
Woodcock
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 several years ago, when a severe frost prevailed, one was about [in the Haugh] for 2 days.
Bar-tailed Godwit
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 large numbers visit the mud-flats at the mouth of the Esk during the non-breeding season.
Whimbrel
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 often observed during autumn, its peculiar cry usually attracting one's attention.
Curlew
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 large numbers visit the mud-flats at the mouth of the Esk during the non-breeding season.
Redshank
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 large numbers visit the mud-flats at the mouth of the Esk during the non-breeding season.
Greenshank
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 one was observed this year [1929] at the Esk's mouth, and another was seen farther along the beach a few years ago.
*Common Sandpiper
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 every year a pair visit the Haugh, where they have nested.
Turnstone
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 fairly numerous this winter, 1928/29.
Hamilton 1934-39 an exceedingly numerous species. Flocks of over 100 are often observed during the winter and smaller numbers are met with in the spring and summer.
Arctic Skua
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 have been observed several times chasing Common Terns that frequent the river mouth in autumn.
Great Skua
Hamilton 1929-33 single birds were seen several times during Sep 1932, off the river mouth. Also present during the same season in 1933.
Black-headed Gull
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 numerous during most of the year ... can usually be seen at the mouth of the Esk and in the river, also the fields bordering.
Common Gull
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 numerous during most of the year ... can usually be seen at the mouth of the Esk and in the river, also the fields bordering.
Lesser Black-backed Gull
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 occasionally seen, but is not common.
Herring Gull
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 numerous during most of the year ... can usually be seen at the mouth of the Esk and in the river, also the fields bordering.
Great Black-backed Gull
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 always on the beach during the non-breeding season.
Kittiwake
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 in Jun 1925, 3 came into the river and started bathing and stayed for 3 days .... perched on the walls of the Esk.
Hamilton 1929-33 now frequently about the mouth of the Esk.
Sandwich Tern
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 only met with by the sea.
Common Tern
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 frequent the river mouth in autumn. Can also be seen far up the river.
[Guillemot
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 it is strange that none has ever been observed.
Hamilton 1929-33 still none.]
Razorbill
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 it is strange that none has ever been observed.
Hamilton 1929-33 on 13 Jan 1930, one was seen at the mouth of the Esk at high tide (the only occasion I have seen this bird). Often seen close inshore at Joppa and Portobello.
Hamilton 1934-39 not seen again.
*Stock Dove
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 frequented the Haugh for a year or two and then disappeared. A few nests were found at the time, and I imagine they were an overflow from Dalkeith Park where they nest yearly.
Hamilton 1929-33 has not been seen since 1929.
Woodpigeon
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 frequently seen during the winter.
Cuckoo
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 seen twice near Inveresk Church.
*Tawny Owl
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 common, and I have found it nesting in 4 different trees in the Haugh.
*Swift
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 can be seen by the river, and nest in the vicinity.
Kingfisher
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 seen daily a few years ago, but lately it has apparently been absent.
Hamilton 1929-33 often seen up the riverside.
Hamilton 1934-39 has been seen fishing in the pools on the beach.
*Bee-eater
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 on 3 Jun 1920, when going along the river side near Inveresk Church ... perched on a fence by the riverside.
*Skylark
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 common during the non-breeding season on the links near the sea and a few nest in the fields beside the Esk near Inveresk Church,
*Sand Martin
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 can be seen by the river, and nest in the vicinity.
*Swallow
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 can be seen by the river, and nest in the vicinity.
*House Martin
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 can be seen by the river, and nest in the vicinity.
Tree Pipit
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 once heard in market gardens in the Haugh.
Meadow Pipit
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 occurs singly and in small parties, and is often seen on the links at the sea during the winter months, and in the fields bordering the Esk in summer.
Rock Pipit
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 seen on the beach during some winters.
*Grey Wagtail
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 about all the year, nesting annually in the Haugh.
*Pied Wagtail
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 about all the year, once seen with a brood of young.
(White Wagtail)
Hamilton 1929-33 on 8 May 1933 a small party was seen on the Links at the river mouth, evidently on passage. I did not see them again.
Dipper
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 rather a scarce bird in this part of the Esk and I have only observed it twice, during the winter. Water pollution may be one cause of its rarity, yet the stream suits other birds of similar habits; lack of nesting sites may be another.
Hamilton 1929-33 numerous on the upper reaches of the Esk, but on this part I have not observed it since 1916.
Hamilton 1934-39 not seen again.
*Wren
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 about all the year, and nest in the Haugh.
*Dunnock
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 about all the year, and nest in the Haugh.
*Robin
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 about all the year, and nest in the Haugh.
Stonechat
Hamilton 1929-33 a young male was seen by the riverside near Inveresk Church on 11 Nov 1933. The bird [species] has been seen at several places in the vicinity but seems seldom to visit the valley of the Esk.
Hamilton 1934-39 observed again in fields near Inveresk Church and also on the links at the sea.
Wheatear/(Greenland Wheatear)
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 during passage movements both Common and Greenland species are met with on the links at the mouth of the Esk. The Common Wheatear is about during the nesting season (1929).
*Blackbird
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 met with at all times, and nest in the Haugh.
Fieldfare
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 occur in varying numbers during winter months
*Song Thrush
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 met with at all times, and nest in the Haugh.
Redwing
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 occur in varying numbers during winter months
*Mistle Thrush
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 met with at all times, and nest in the Haugh.
*Sedge Warbler
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 summer visitor, and nests.
*Whitethroat
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 summer visitor, and nests.
*Garden Warbler
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 summer visitor, and nests.
Wood Warbler
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 heard for a few days one summer, this being the only record.
*Willow Warbler
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 summer visitor, and nests.
Goldcrest
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 an occasional winter visitor.
*Spotted Flycatcher
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 common during summer and nests freely.
Long-tailed Tit
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 small parties are often seen in the Haugh from Aug-Apr.
Hamilton 1929-33 very frequent up the riverside.
Coal Tit
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 a few are seen some winters.
*Blue Tit
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 in the Haugh all year, where they nest.
*Great Tit
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 in the Haugh all year, where they nest.
*Treecreeper
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 about all the year, and nest in the Haugh.
*Magpie
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 has nested in the Haugh, where a pair can often be seen
*Jackdaw
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 numbers nest in the Haugh, and during the winter are common on the beach.
*Rook
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 a few nest beside the Esk in the middle of Musselburgh, and as there are several Rookeries near this bird is plentiful. On the beach in winter.
Carrion Crow
Hamilton 1934-39 a single bird on the beach Nov 1935.
*Starling
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 numerous from Inveresk Church to the sea.
*House Sparrow
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 nest and are fairly numerous at any time.
*Tree Sparrow
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 nest and are fairly numerous at any time.
*Chaffinch
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 nest and are fairly numerous at any time.
*Greenfinch
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 nest and are fairly numerous at any time.
*Goldfinch
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 during Jun 1921 a pair started to nest in the Haugh, but they suddenly disappeared and were, I think, trapped.
Siskin
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 met with in the Haugh during winter.
Hamilton 1934-39 seen more often than formerly, during the winter months.
*Linnet
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 frequently seen and has nested near Inveresk Church.
*Redpoll
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 met with in the Haugh during winter.
Hamilton 1934-39 seen in the summer, evidently breeding.
Bullfinch
Hamilton 1934-39 on 19 Jan 1937 a female was seen near Inveresk Church. I learned that 2 males were captured the previous day.
Hawfinch
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 On 5 May 1924, one flew down on to the path in the Haugh, where I had an excellent view of it. Another found dead at Carthall, quite near, was brought to me, and both were possibly birds from Dalkeith grounds.
Snow Bunting
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 common on the beach at Esk-mouth some winters. It was numerous in the winter of 1928/29.
*Yellowhammer
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 common and nests.
Reed Bunting
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 scarce for a place seemingly suited for it.
Hamilton 1929-33 only observed twice, has not occurred since 1923.
Hamilton 1934-39 not seen again.
Corn Bunting
Hamilton c1919-Apr 1929 a pair occurred about the Haugh one summer, and this species is occasionally seen at other times.
Hamilton 1934-39 not seen again.