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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..abca5ea --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #65411 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/65411) diff --git a/old/65411-0.txt b/old/65411-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 496a853..0000000 --- a/old/65411-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,5366 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of Report on the Migration of Birds in the -Spring and Autumn of 1880, by J. A. Harvie Brown - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1880 - -Author: J. A. Harvie Brown - John Cordeaux - P. M. C. Kermode - -Release Date: May 22, 2021 [eBook #65411] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -Produced by: Tom Cosmas produced from files generously provided on The - Internet Archive. All resultant materials are placed in the - Public Domain. - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS -IN THE SPRING AND AUTUMN OF 1880 *** - - - - -Transcriber Note - -Text emphasis is denoted as _Italics_ and =Bold=. Whole and fractional -parts of numbers as 123-4/5. Table of Contents was added for assistance -to the reader. - - - - - REPORT - - ON THE - - MIGRATION OF BIRDS - - IN THE - - SPRING AND AUTUMN OF 1880. - - - BY - - - JOHN A. HARVIE BROWN, F.R.S.E., F.Z.S., - JOHN CORDEAUX, and P. M. C. KERMODE. - - - - LONDON: - - SONNENSCHEIN & ALLEN, 15, PATERNOSTER SQUARE. - - 1881. - - Price Two Shillings. - - - - - Contents - - PREFACE i - EAST COAST OF SCOTLAND 1 - SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES 5 - General Remarks 18 - - EAST COAST OF ENGLAND 25 - SPRING MIGRATION, 1880 27 - SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES 27 - GENERAL SUMMARY SPRING MIGRATION 31 - AUTUMN MIGRATION, 1880 31 - SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES 31 - General Remarks 62 - - WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND 68 - SPRING MIGRATION, 1880 70 - SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES 70 - AUTUMN MIGRATION, 1880 73 - SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES 73 - General Remarks 91 - - WEST COAST OF ENGLAND 95 - SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES 98 - - - - -PREFACE. - - -The following Report contains a Summary of the investigations of a -Committee appointed by the British Association for the Advancement of -Science at Swansea in 1880, an Abstract of which will be presented to -the Association at its next Meeting. - -The Returns relating to Scotland have been arranged by Mr. -Harvie-Brown; those for the East Coast of England, by Mr. Cordeaux; -and the West Coast of England, by Mr. Philip Kermode. - - - - - REPORT - - ON - - THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS - - IN THE - - SPRING AND AUTUMN OF 1880. - - - "I am fixing correspondents in every corner of these northern - regions, like so many pickets and outposts; so that scarcely a - Wren or a Tit shall be able to pass from York to Canada but I - shall get intelligence of it."--Alexander Wilson, in 1808. (_Vide_ - Constable's Edition, 1831, p. xlix.) - - - - -EAST COAST OF SCOTLAND. - - -_Iceland and Faroe._--Schedules, letters of instruction, and -additional remarks were forwarded through Mr. Alexander Buchan -(Secretary, Scottish Meteorological Society, Edinburgh), to three -stations, two of which, Stykkisholm and Reykavik, are in Iceland, -and one at Thorshavn in Faroe. A fourth more northern station is -secured at Fair Island for 1881, Mr. William Lawrence having kindly -undertaken the work.[1] Our Faroe station has failed us this year, -but we hope better things from it next. - -[Footnote 1: At a later date I received a letter (dated 17th March) -from Mr. Lawrence, containing a few items of interest. During the -week previous, "A number of Swans took shelter at Fair Isle, and -a large flock of common Black Crows, with a few Jackdaws amongst -them. The Hooded Crow is the common one here, and we never have the -Black Crow here unless after, or during, gales of wind. Puffins and -Guillemots arrived somewhat later this season, and a large increase -appeared in the number of Gulls. Lapwings appeared, and one Coot was -caught in a very disabled condition. Large flocks of Snowbirds are -seen here. They came very early in winter, but disappeared again till -now, when they have returned. A large flock of Wild Geese arrived -here on the 14th inst. We do not often see them here. Four Swans were -caught; the largest weighed twenty pounds, and the others from that -down to sixteen pounds."] - -Printed schedules, letters of instructions, and additional remarks -were forwarded to twenty-six stations on the East Coast of Scotland -and the Shetland and Orkney Islands, making, with the Iceland and -Faroe stations, thirty-nine in all for 1880. With Fair Isle for 1881 -we shall have forty stations. - -Eight stations on the East Scottish coasts returned filled-in -schedules, against thirteen last year, out of a total of twenty-six. -This shows a falling off from last year. The reasons for this I have -endeavoured to explain in my general remarks further on, under both -East and West Coast. Scarcity of birds is reported from several -stations. - -The stations from which co-operation was asked are the following, -commencing with the most northerly. Those from which returns have -been received are marked with a *; those which sent returns both last -year and this year have two **; those which sent none last year but -have done so this year have a † prefixed; those which sent returns -last year but none this year are printed in _italics_. In future -Reports we will prefix to each station the years in which these -stations make returns. A marked improvement appears, however, in the -returns which we have received, these being fuller than in 1879. - -We would like, however, to direct the special attention of our -reporters, both on the East and West Coasts, to the desirability of -recording exactly the _directions of flight_ of the birds observed in -every case, so far as practicable, arid to minutiæ of dates, even of -single occurrences. Let us also impress that even a single accurate -return, or one entry only in a schedule, is often of value; and even -if solitary occurrences of birds take place at a station, such should -be sent to me, though the schedule be otherwise a blank. The interest -has this season been better kept up on the West Coast stations -than at the East Coast ones, judging from the scarcity of returned -schedules from the latter. When no schedules are returned, I would -esteem it a great favour if the lighthouse-keepers would kindly drop -me a post-card, stating if there is any reason for no returns being -sent, such as pressure of duties, scarcity of birds, or other causes. - -In connection with the migration of 1880, I have to mention that -considerable aid to the work has been given by Mr. James Hardy, of -Old Cambus, Berwickshire. He writes to me (22nd Feb. 1881), "I have -drawn out a scheme of all the memoranda I can find about last year's -migratory birds. I only await a Northumberland and Berwickshire list -to have it ready." Later I received a summary of this from Mr. Hardy, -which will be found at the end of this East Coast of Scotland Report. -As an example of careful and minute field-study it is alone deserving -of the attention of observers, and it proves valuable upon comparison -with the other data. Those reading the lighthouse reports here under -the species, should also compare with Mr. Hardy's local Berwickshire -observations. I beg to propose Mr. Hardy as a member of our Committee. - - -East Coast of Scotland. - - Height of centre of - light above water. - 4. **North Unst. 280 ft. Robert Burnett. - 5. *Whalsey Skerries. 145 Neven Kerr. - 6. Bressay. 105 - 7. **Sumburgh Head. 300 } Wm. Anderson† and - } John Wilson. - -Orkney. - - 8. **North Ronaldshay 140 John Tulloch.‡ - 9. Start Point. 80 - 10. **Auskerry. 110 John MacDonald. - 11. *Hoy Sound (Low). 55 Alexander Harp.§ - 12. Hoy Sound (High). 115 - 13. Cantick Head. 115 - 14. **Pentland Skerries. 170 Donald Macdonald. - -Main Land. - - 15. *_Dunnet Head, Caithness._ 346‖ - 16. Holborn Head. 75 - 17. *_Noss Head._ 175 - 18. **Tarbat Ness, East Ross. 175 William Davidson. - 19. Cromarty, East Cromarty. 60 - 20. Chanonry Point, Elgin. 40 - 21. Covesea Skerries, Elgin. 160 - 22. Kinnaird Head, Aberdeen. 120 - 23. Buchan Ness, Aberdeen. 130 - 24. _Girdleness_, Aberdeen. 185 - 25. Montroseness, Aberdeen. 124 - 26. **Bell Rock, off Fife Coast. 93 James Jack. - 27. **Isle of May, Firth of Forth. 240 Joseph Agnew. - 28. *Inch Keith, Firth of Forth. 220 Robert Grierson - 29. St. Abb's Head, Berwick. 224¶ - -† Records and Schedule dating after 22nd Nov. were filled in by Mr. -John Wilson. Prior to this date they were filled in by Mr. William -Anderson, who has been since transferred to St. Abb's Head. - -‡ No schedule was returned, but one note upon Swans, in a letter, -proves useful (_vide_ Swan). "No birds struck the lights this year." - -§ Schedule returned with the remark, "Nothing of importance has been -observed at this station during 1880." In 1879 a similar scarcity -noted at this locality. - -‖ We have lost a good observer here, Mr. George Maclachlan having -left. - -¶ I am anxious to receive returns from this locality, not having -received any hitherto. I have to thank Mr. W. Anderson for a very -full return at Sumburgh Head up to Nov. 22nd. I hope he will find -St. Abb's as interesting a locality, though, I fear, the Great Siren -horn, with its unearthly shriek, will prove a great scare to migrants -in a fog. - -I am also indebted to many other persons for interesting notes -from various localities, bearing upon the subject of migration. A -selection of these I will take notice of in the following report -separately, under the head "_Notes_," as I consider it advisable to -keep the one set of observations apart from the other. Further notice -of similar observations will be found in my "Third Report on Scottish -Ornithology," now preparing for press and partly read to the Natural -History Society of Glasgow, on Jan. 25th, 1881, being a continuation -of Reports read to the same Society, in 1880 and 1879, and relating -to 1878-79, 1879-80. Many data will be found in these Reports having -close and intimate connection with the Migration Reports proper. - -As nearly as can be ascertained, notes have been kept by our -east-coast reporters upon nine species of waterfowl and thirty -species of land birds. - -The new feature of this Report is the separate treatment of the -spring and autumn migrations, owing to the greater length of time -over which our reporters made notes. Another new feature is the -obituary--or list of deaths--at the different stations. - -In my Report on the East Coast of Scotland, however, I have not -thought it necessary to keep the spring migration distinct, owing to -the comparative scarcity of records on our East Coast, but in my West -Coast Report I do so. Nor have I given an obituary for either coast, -as the numbers on all the Scottish coasts is inappreciable. As will -be seen further on, it is a very different matter at the low-lying -lanterns of the light-vessels off the English coast. At the same time -I sufficiently distinguish between the spring and autumn records, and -where large numbers of birds are killed I make mention of it under -the separate species. - - -SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES. - -I have purposely in one or two instances varied the arrangement -of the statistics under the species,--as, for instance, under the -_Corvidæ_,--thinking that possibly such variation may place in -juxtaposition certain fresh considerations or combinations in our -study, or place these in a clearer light for future comparison. - - -Falconidæ.--Returns from N. Unst, Whalsey Skerries, Sumburgh Head, -Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May, which, be it noted, are all -insular localities. On Sept. 3rd one Sparrowhawk, chasing small -birds, seen on Pentland Skerries at 9 a.m., fresh S.W. and haze. This -appears the earliest date recorded on which the _Raptores_ visit -the islands on predatory raids in autumn. The only record at Isle -of May was in the month of May, when two "falcons" were seen. On -Sept. 13th a Rough-legged Buzzard (?) flew about all day on Whalsey -Skerries, wind light S.E. and haze; and on Sept. 30th a "Glede Hawk" -(from internal evidence probably a Peregrine) flew about; wind fresh -N.E. and clear; seen at 8 a.m. On Oct. 3rd a "falcon" visited the -Pentland Skerries, and flew round for a time; seen at 3 p.m., wind -strong N. and haze; and on the same date and in the same place, two -Sparrowhawks at 1.30 p.m. During Oct. 14th, 16th, and 17th, the -so-called "Glede Hawks" remained preying upon Snow Buntings, and were -joined by a Sparrowhawk (or Merlin ?) on the 17th, wind fresh N. to -W., to strong N.W. At Sumburgh Head, Nov. 28th, a "Brown Hawk" was -noticed at noon, during S.W. wind, with haze and rain; and a "large -Grey Hawk," seen flying S., with fresh N. breeze, at 8.30 a.m. - -_Notes._--It is recorded that a White-tailed Eagle struck on -Girdleness lighthouse a few years previous to 1853 ('The Naturalist,' -1853, p. 139). At North Unst the following species are noted as -resident:--Three species of Gulls, probably Kittiwake, Herring Gull, -and Great Black-backed Gull. Iceland Gulls appear from October -till March, but were scarcer this year than any which Mr. Burnett -remembers. The Black Crow (?), Hooded Crow, Snipe, Starling, Titlark, -and House Sparrow are included amongst residents. An occasional -White-tailed Eagle is seen, and several kinds of hawks. Of all the -sea-birds the Petrel is the only one that strikes on the lanterns. As -it is usually in the morning when the rock-birds are first seen on -arrival in spring, the time of their arrival is supposed to be during -the night, and the direction of their coming is unknown.--(Signed, -Robert Burnett.) Mr. Burnett adds, "The only rare bird I have -heard of in this neighbourhood was a Hoopoe." I paid a visit to -the Isle of May on June 24th, 1880, and made Mr. Agnew's personal -acquaintance. During a hurried visit of less than two hours my -companion and myself rowed round the cliff portion of the island, and -also landed and walked over a considerable part of the lower-lying -portion of at the N.W. end. We saw the following species engaged in -incubation:--Oystercatchers, Eider Ducks, Guillemots, Razorbills, -Kittiwakes, and Rock Pipits. We searched in vain for any species -of Tern; a single Redshank was seen. Mr. Agnew's son saw a Black -Guillemot a few days before, and Mr. J. H. Buchanan, who was out in -the S.S. 'Fiery Cross' the previous Thursday, "thought" he saw one -also. The Agnews cannot say if they breed there or not, but their -being seen there occasionally would make it worth while, if time -permitted, to search carefully the suitable clefts and caverns in the -lower rocks. It was reported to me that the sea-birds have increased -greatly on The May since the Sea-birds Bill came into force. The -eggs, however, are still taken wholesale by fishermen from the Fife -coast and elsewhere. - -Owls.--The only record occurs at Auskerry, where one was seen after -midnight on Oct. 21st, and remained about for some time; exact -species not noted. - -_Note._--Curiously enough, on the same date, numbers of Short-eared -Owls were to be seen in the flesh in the birdstuffers' shops in -Edinburgh. This shows the value of even single records at lighthouse -stations, as, were it not for the above Auskerry record, the other -fact would stand alone. - -Swallows.--During the spring migration these were taken notice of -at Isle of May, Auskerry, and Sumburgh Head. The earliest record is -at Isle of May, on April 30th, when two were seen flying N.W. at 10 -a.m., flying with a light S.E. breeze, and clear. Then at Sumburgh -Head, two on May 16th, one on 19th, and two on 29th, during the -daytime; winds variable, fine, clear to haze, or showery; threatening -but fine on 19th; and two were seen at Auskerry on May 31st at noon, -wind S.S.E., haze. Lastly, on June 2nd, at Auskerry, two were seen -flying S., against a S. gale, with haze; and this last is properly no -doubt assignable to the commencement of the autumn migration. - -Wren.--Recorded at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May only. On October -29th at the former, when one was seen flying about the island; wind -N.E., with snow-showers; and on Oct. 13th, at the latter, with light -E. wind, and clear. - -Goldcrest, _Regulus cristatus_.--The only spring record is on April -12th at Sumburgh Head, where "some" were seen resting on the dykes -between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; wind E., light, with fog. In the autumn -migrations, they are recorded from two stations, _viz._, Tarbat Ness -and Isle of May. They appeared on Isle of May on Oct. 8th, when a -number were seen, having arrived during the previous night; wind -strong S.E., showery. Mr. Agnew notes this as "an early appearance," -and notes also "none seen here last year." On Oct. 15th more -Goldcrests appeared on the same island at 4 a.m., and one was wounded -at the glass; wind variable and light; clear. On Nov. 1st one bird -struck at midnight, in strong N. wind, with snow. - -Robin, _Erithaca rubecula_.--Occurred at three stations--Tarbat Ness, -Bell Rock, and Isle of May. A rush appears to have taken place about -the time of the earliest date--on the 15th August--past the Bell -Rock. "Great numbers along with Wheatears, Redshanks, and many small -birds unidentified, struck the dome and lantern between 1 and 2 a.m.; -wind light N.E. and rain. None were found dead on the balcony, but -many struck; some lightly, and flew away again; others harder, and -were seen fluttering away into the darkness. No doubt many perished -in the sea." The next date is the 18th Sept., at Isle of May, when -one was seen. "None seen last year." On Oct. 13th, on Isle of May, -another large migration was noticed, many being seen upon the island, -having arrived during the night. On Nov. 2nd, at Tarbat Ness, one -struck at 8 p.m.; strong N.W. wind, with showers. - -Wheatear, _Saxicola ænanthe_.--The northernmost locality given is -North Unst, where a few strike the lantern during the season, -but no dates are given. Thence southwards, they are noted at five -other stations, _viz._, Whalsey, Sumburgh Head, Auskerry, Pentland -Skerries, and the Bell Rock. The earliest date is August 4th, at -Pentland Skerries, where one struck at 11.30 p.m.; wind strong E., -and haze. The reporter adds the note:--"Starlings and Wheatears -generally strike at night, when the wind shifts with rain. They -probably leave resting-places, and, when once on wing, are attracted -by the light." On Aug. 14th another single bird struck at 10.15 p.m.; -wind light S.E., and fog: three more on 15th, from 9 to 11 p.m.; wind -the same, with haze. At Sumburgh Head, on Aug. 11th, one young bird -struck; wind light N., and fog. At Whalsey, on 16th, about twelve old -and young were flying round the lantern at 1 a.m.; wind light W., -and haze. At Bell Rock, Aug. 15th, great numbers along with Robins. -At Auskerry, Sept. 5th, three struck at 3 a.m.; wind strong S., with -haze and showers. The latest date recorded is Sept. 13th, at Pentland -Skerries, when two struck at 2 a.m.; wind fresh S.W., and rain. - -Titmice.--At Isle of May, Aug. 10th and 11th, a migration was -noticed: 10th, the first pair came to the lights, and one was -wounded; 11th, great numbers were seen on the island; wind light E., -haze. - -Wagtail.--At Whalsey--the only station returning a record of this -species--large flocks rested, arriving on Aug. 21st; wind light S.E., -with dense fog, which lasted till 28th, on which date they all again -departed. - -Titlark, _Anthus pratensis_.--Noted as leaving Whalsey Skerries in -the first week of September; wind at the time S. to S.E., with from -haze to fog during the days. The note is added, "A few remain." -These are probably Rock Pipits. The only other station whence I -have records is the Isle of May. A very large migration of Titlarks -(called "Woodlarks" in schedule) came during the night of Dec. -21st-22nd; wind light E., and clear; and on the 22nd, "The island was -literally swarming with them; flocks of from twenty to one hundred or -more." Mr. Agnew "never saw so many here before." - -Turdidæ.--Records came in from Sumburgh Head in the north, to Isle -of May in the south, and from Auskerry. One record at Sumburgh -applies to the spring migration, _viz._, on April 1st, when several -Blackbirds (_Turdus merula_) were seen at 10 a.m.; wind squally -S.S.E; changeable weather, with haze and rain. In the autumn -migration we have more returns, but none before Nov. 1st, when the -first Thrush was seen at 2 a.m.; wind strong W., with showers, at -Auskerry. At Isle of May, Nov. 1st, "Mountain Thrush" was seen at -2 p.m.; wind light S.W., and haze. Thereafter on Dec. 15th, at the -same place, a very large flock of "Mountain Thrushes" at 2 p.m.; wind -light S., and snow. Again, on 22nd, two birds of same species,[2] and -one on Jan. 1st; wind light E. to S.S.E., and haze. At Sumburgh Head, -Jan. 14th, 1881, one Blackbird at noon; calm and clear. - -[Footnote 2: There can be little doubt, I think, that Fieldfares are -meant. Ring Ouzels are usually denominated "Mountain Blackbirds." -Indeed, amongst a collection of local names which I have gathered, I -find the name of "Mountain Thrush" applied to the Fieldfare.] - -Corvidæ.--The spring migration is referred to under Sumburgh Head -on April 4th and 5th. On April 4th some Crows ["species not known"] -seen flying S.E.; wind S.S.E., fine. On the 5th a gale blew from -the South. The autumn migration has eight entries under three -stations, _viz._, Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries (five dates), and -Tarbat Ness. Only two species--Ravens and Hooded Crows--are noted. -At Pentland Skerries, two Ravens on Sept. 29th at 3.30 p.m.; wind -moderate S., clear; one on Oct. 9th, wind light E.; and two on Jan. -13th, 1881, at 11 a.m., wind fresh N.E., with showers alternating -with clear. At Sumburgh Head, Hooded Crows arrived on Dec. 5th, and -remained all winter; and five were seen on Dec. 1st, at 2.30 p.m.; -wind moderate W., and showers; and four on Dec. 29th, at 1.30 p.m.; -wind light E., and clear; and two on Jan. 13th, at 11 a.m.; wind -fresh N.E., clear, alternating with snow-showers. At Tarbat Ness -great numbers continued along shore in Jan., 1881, owing to severity -of the weather. - -Starling, _Sturnus vulgaris_.--At Pentland Skerries and Isle of May. -Earliest dates July 5th and 11th, at Isle of May. Latest date (but -only three records altogether) 12th Sept., at Pentland Skerries. Four -struck at 11 a.m.; wind fresh S., clear; Pentland Skerries, on 12th -Sept. Flock of young at 10 a.m.; wind W., clear; remained two days at -Isle of May on same date. Very large flock of young at 7 p.m.; wind -N.W., light and clear, at the same station. - -Chaffinch, _Fringilla cœlebs_.--At Isle of May, Oct. 19th, a few -seen: this is rather later than usual. - -_Note._--The only record on the west coast agrees with this, however, -at Bahama L. V. (_q. v._) - -Linnet, _Fringilla cannabina ?_--The spring migration represented -only at Isle of May by one bird at 7 p.m.; wind light W., clear, on -May 18th; and by two birds at 10 a.m. same night; wind light W., -clear. In autumn, at Sumburgh Head, from sixteen to twenty seen on -Dec. 2nd, at 10 a.m.; wind fresh N., haze and rain; and six on Jan. -3rd, 1881; wind strong S.W., haze. Previous to this latter date the -weather was severe until Jan. 2nd, 1881. Snow and frost all gone on -3rd. "Until of late, birds very scarce." - -Yellowhammer.--At Isle of May, first seen (only record) on Oct. 7th; -wind N.E. gale, clear. - -Snow Bunting, _Plectrophanes nivalis_.--Recorded from the following -stations:--Whalsey, Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, Isle of May, -Inch Keith. In all thirteen entries. Earliest date Sept. 13th, at -Whalsey, when large flocks arrived and stayed thereafter all winter; -wind on Sept. 13th N., with showers. Latest date noted Dec. 29th, at -Pentland Skerries, when large flock seen on island at 11.15 a.m.; -wind strong N.E., hail. Between these dates: Oct. 27th, at Isle of -May, a flock at 2 p.m.; wind E.N.E., and heavy hail-showers. 28th, -Pentland Skerries, a flock on the island at 1 p.m.; wind strong N.E., -and hail. At Pentland Skerries, Nov. 6th, a few--five killed--from -7 to 11 p.m.; wind W., showers. At Isle of May, 13th, a flock at 2 -p.m.; wind light W., clear. 29th, one bird killed at same station at -6 a.m.; wind light W., haze. At Sumburgh Head, Dec. 5th, ten seen at -1 p.m.; wind fresh S.W., haze and rain. At Inch Keith, Dec. 10th, -large flock at 9 a.m., remained twenty-four hours; 15th, very large -flock at 11 a.m.; wind light S., snow. At Pentland Skerries, Dec. -19th, flock at 2.15 p.m.; wind strong S.E., rain. - -_Note._--Mr. Hardy notes the earliest appearance on 18th Oct. in -East Lothian--a single bird near Thornton Loch, on the public road, -a field's-breadth from the sea-side. Wind N. and tempestuous, with -heavy rain. - -Sky Lark, _Alauda arvensis_.--Records from Sumburgh Head, Pentland -Skerries, and Isle of May. Earliest date Oct. 23rd, at Sumburgh Head; -one seen singing for a short time; wind N.W., fine, showers, and -sunshine. Then Dec. 17th, at Pentland Skerries, large flock all day -on the island; wind fresh N.E., clear. Dec. 23rd, Isle of May, all -left, not one to be seen. Latest record Jan. 13th, 1881, Sumburgh -Head; five seen hovering round at 1.30 p.m.; wind light E., cloudy. -14th, two at 11 a.m., rested; wind light N., clear; and on Nov. 2nd, -seven at 9 a.m., flying east or landwards; wind fresh S.E., hazy. On -Dec. 3rd, flocks at 11 a.m.; wind E., flying S. - -Rock Pigeon, _Columba livia_.--At Pentland Skerries, a flock seen at -2 p.m.; wind light S.W., snow on the ground. - -Golden Plover, _Charadrius pluvialis_.--Records reached me from -Auskerry, Pentland Skerries, Tarbat Ness, and Isle of May (ten -entries, of which seven were at Pentland Skerries). Earliest date -July 23rd, when six were seen flying about the island--Pentland -Skerries--at 9 a.m.; wind light E. At Pentland Skerries, Aug. 11th, a -flock flying S.E. at 10.30 a.m.; wind light W., clear. No more till -Nov. 15th, when a flock remained a week at Auskerry, arriving at 11 -a.m., with light N.E. wind. At Tarbat Ness, Nov. 11th, hundreds all -day till 4 p.m.; wind N. to W. with snow. Nov. 21st, at 3.30 p.m., -a flock on island at Pentland Skerries; wind fresh S.W., clear. At -Pentland Skerries, Dec. 16th, a flock flying N. at 10.30 a.m.; wind -fresh S.W., and snow. At Isle of May, Dec. 22nd, one bird. "They are -not seen here every year, and most in severe weather." - -Oystercatcher, _Hæmatopus ostralegus_.--At Sumburgh Head, Aug. 28th, -all left after the fog of 21st--28th cleared away; as did other -species, including Wheatears, Wagtails, and Rock-birds. At Auskerry, -five arrived, with light S. wind and haze, and remained a week. - -Heron, _Ardea cinerea_.--At Isle of May, July 22nd, a flock of six -flying S. at 2.30 p.m.; wind light E., clear. At Pentland Skerries, -Sept. 9th, seven at 5 a.m.; wind light W., clear. At Sumburgh Head, -Sept. 19th, three flying about at 10 a.m.; wind N.W., and haze. At -Auskerry, Oct. 8th, two arrived at 2 p.m.; wind light E., clear; and -remained; and at same station on 21st, twelve arrived at 11.30 a.m.; -wind light N., and remained. - -Curlew, _Numenius arquata_.--One record (April 13th) belongs to the -spring migration. One was seen flying S.E. at 11 a.m.; wind S., and -haze. At Sumburgh Head, Aug. 12th, six seen flying W. and crying -loudly at 12.30 p.m.; wind S.W., and haze. 2nd, seven flying about, -and then taking off W. and crying loudly at 1 p.m.; wind light S.W., -haze. At Auskerry, Oct. 9th, five at 1 p.m.; wind light E., clear; -and remained. At Isle of May, Curlews had been on the island for -weeks. - -_Note._--Mr. Dunn, Dalkeith Gardens, "heard a Curlew when calling, -some 800 to 1000 feet up in the air." It was flying due W. on Dec. -26th. The sky was clear and the sun shining at the time--about 1 p.m. -Wind light from W. in morning; calm at the time. For the previous -six days the wind veered between S. by W. to N., the prevailing wind -being S.W. Weather "very cold that day, and for a few days before and -after." Being a station of the Scottish Meteorological Society, the -above statistics are exact. - -Redshank and Sandpiper, _Totanus calidris_.--At Isle of May, Dec. -27th, three Sandpipers seen at 4 p.m.; wind N.E., haze; and on Jan. -3rd, at same place, a Redshank shot. - -Snipe, _Scolopax gallinago_.--At Auskerry, Pentland Skerries, and -Isle of May. At Isle of May, Sept. 12th, one killed at lantern at 4 -a.m.; wind N.E., fresh, and rain. At Pentland Skerries, Oct. 2nd, -two killed at 8.30 p.m., during strong N. wind, haze, and rain. At -Auskerry, Oct. 21st, two arrived at 3.45, and remained; wind strong -N. At Isle of May, Jan. 12th, a number arrived at night; wind fresh -N.E., and rain. - -Woodcock, _Scolopax rusticola_.--At Isle of May, Oct. 9th, one seen -at 5 a.m.; wind strong N.E., and showers; this is earlier than usual. -At Isle of May, Oct. 19th, more arrived during the night or morning, -with N.E. gale, and showers. At Auskerry, Oct. 21st, one arrived at -3.30 p.m., and remained; wind strong N., with sleet. On Nov. 16th -considerable numbers came during the night. These are the latest Mr. -Agnew remembers to have seen, by several weeks. At Pentland Skerries, -Nov. 29th, one on the island at morn; wind strong W., and clear. - -Goose, _Anser_.--On Oct 14th a flock of "Grey Geese" flying S.E., at -10.45 a.m., past the Pentland Skerries; wind fresh N.W., and showers. -Again on Oct. 24th another flock of the same flying also S.E. at 5.15 -p.m.; wind also fresh N.W., clear. Again on 26th Oct. a flock of the -same flying N. at 6.30 a.m.; wind strong N., and showers; all the -above probably indicating only a local migration--to and fro. At Isle -of May, Oct. 26th, a large flock flying N., with westerly gale. - -_Note._--Mr. Dunn, Dalkeith Gardens, "observed a >-shaped flock of -about forty Wild Geese, about six hundred feet from the surface of -the earth, flying in an easterly direction on the 16th December. -They made a considerable noise in their flight. The wind at the time -was N.W., and for the six previous days it ranged from W. to N., on -one day only chopping round to S., _viz._, on 15th, which was the -day before we saw the Geese. Snow was lying on the ground at the -time, and the next seven days were cold, dull, and stormy, with more -or less snow falling every day. Flights of Geese are not common in -this district, hence the interest taken in the above." Could we get -a number of similar records from inland observers, how useful they -would be for comparison with our coast stations.--[J. A. H. B.] - -Swan, _Cygnus_.--At Sumburgh Head, Jan. 30th, 1881, twenty wild -Swans seen, first a mile off, flying along the shore very slowly, -and lowering, apparently much exhausted. At North Ronaldshay, Dec. -23rd, 1880, sixteen Swans seen; they stayed on a large loch about two -weeks, during a heavy fall of snow, and flew off north when the thaw -commenced. - -Ducks.--Two records on April 1st at Whalsey and Sumburgh Head, -referable to the spring migration. At Whalsey, Eider Ducks (or -"Dunters") arrived about this date, and at Sumburgh Head, Sheldrakes -arrived on this date, at 10 a.m.; wind strong S.S.E., with showers. -In the autumn migration, notes have been taken at Whalsey, Sumburgh -Head, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May (eight entries). Eiders -said to leave about August, and the note is added that, "after the -Ducks have sat eight or ten days, the Drakes all disappear from the -neighbourhood." On Sept. 12th, twelve male Eiders seen at 3 p.m.; -wind S., and fine, with haze. At Pentland Skerries, Sept. 14th, a -flock, mostly males, seen flying E.; wind light E., and rain. Sept. -25th, at same station, a flock of male and female Eiders flying E.; -wind light E., rain. At Isle of May, Oct. 19th, a "small duck." At -Isle of May, Dec. 22nd, "a flock of ducks" swam along shore. At -Tarbat Ness, Dec. 30th, flocks of from eight to ten "ducks" seen from -2 to 3.30 p.m.; wind light N., and snow. At Isle of May, Jan. 13th, -three "Wild Ducks" seen; wind E.N.E., gale, and snow. - -Rock Birds.--Records at North Unst, Whalsey, and Sumburgh refer to -spring arrival. At North Unst, April 25th, innumerable Puffins and -rock-birds arrived; wind fresh N.W., and clear. At Whalsey, March -15th, the rock-birds arrived. At Sumburgh, March 4th, they arrived -about 7 a.m. In autumn, all left Whalsey on Aug. 28th after the fog, -which had hung since the 21st, cleared off. At Pentland Skerries, -July 25th, a flock of Guillemots seen flying E. at 7 p.m., with -moderate E. wind. On Aug. 4th, two flocks flying E. between 3 and 4 -p.m., with light S. wind; and on Aug. 25th, three flocks seen flying -E. between 5 and 8 p.m., with light S.W. airs. - -_Note._--Mr. M. Vaughan--to whom I am indebted for supplementary -notes--writes that Rock-birds, Gannets, and Cormorants were scarcer -than usual in Orkney during the first week in August. I have no -return this year from Dunnet Head, but Mr. Geo. Maclachlan, says, -"There are over 3000 Guillemots hatched here, and I am able to count -(say) 175 in 350." At the Isle of May, Eiders arrived about Oct. 1st, -coming, it is believed, to winter from the Isle of May and Fidra. -They remain till end of March. - -Gulls.--At Sumburgh Head, Oct. 23rd, one Iceland Gull seen at 8 a.m.; -wind N.W., with showers. This is the first seen. They come in October -and leave in April. At same station, Nov. 22nd, another Iceland Gull -at 10 a.m.; wind fresh S.W., and clear. At Tarbat Ness, Dec. 24th, -two ("Iceland Gulls") at 11 a.m.; wind light N.E., and sleet. - -_Note._--These "Iceland Gulls" maybe true _Larus islandicus_ or -Iceland Gull _vera_, but more probably are Glaucous Gulls (_Larus -glaucus_). The incident below related is confirmed by a letter -received from Mr. Jack, the head light-keeper at the Bell Rock -lighthouse:--"Arbroath: A Fact for Naturalists.--Our Arbroath -correspondent writes:--A curious story of a sea-bird is in -circulation here, and I send it you, as it has been related to me -on what seems fairly good authority. The other day a white Sea Gull -of the Kittiwake variety was seen flying about the signal-tower of -the Bell Rock lighthouse. The bird was evidently in distress, and -one of the lighthouse-keepers opening a window, held out his hands, -when it came to him. The bird, in taking a bait fixed to a line, had -swallowed the hook, and the line, with its handle, a stick about a -foot long, was dependent from the bird's mouth. The light-keeper cut -away the string as far down the bird's throat as he could reach, and -the bird flew away evidently relieved.--'Scotsman,' 1st May, 1880." -Mr. Jack writes as follows, 10th May, 1880:--"It is quite true about -the Sea Gull. It was so unusual to see a string attached to the bird, -that I opened the window of my bedroom and leaned out to look at -it, when, strange to say, it came towards me. Without thinking for -a moment that the creature would really come to me, I held out my -hands towards it, when it came close up to me. I took hold of it and -brought it inside, and called to my two assistants (who were looking -out of another window a few feet from mine) to 'look at this.' So -surprised were they both at the whole affair, that after we had -relieved the poor bird, one of my assistants declared that, when he -got on shore in turn, he would state the case to the editor of the -'Guide' newspaper." "Poor little creature!" adds my correspondent, -"it was a pleasant sight to see it on its flight away, and not as it -arrived, weary and worn out." One has only to imagine the Bell Rock -as the Ark in the midst of the waters, and the Gull a Dove. As I am -speaking now of the Bell Rock, I may note here that large numbers -of Long-tailed Ducks are reported by Mr. Jack as frequenting the -vicinity of the rock in winter, constantly uttering their peculiar -cry of "Co-co-candle-wick." Solan Geese are perpetually in sight -summer and winter, flying round the rock or fishing. Mr. Jack also -tells us that single birds of different species come crash against -the dome or windows with terrific force, and rebounding off are -seldom even seen, but leave often their blood and brains scattered -about. - -Skua, _Lestris catarractes_.--Reported as seen at North Unst first on -April 18th. About the same number is counted, _viz._, six or eight -each year. In autumn, at Sumburgh Head, one "Bonzie" was seen flying -W. at noon; wind S.S.W., haze; and the note is added, "The first seen -(in autumn?) for eight years." - -Terns, _Sterninæ_.--Two records referable to spring migration at -Whalsey and Sumburgh Head. Arriving at former about May 15th and -at the latter on May 16th, at 9.40, with variable winds, fine, and -clear. In autumn, records at Whalsey, Sumburgh Head, Auskerry, and -Bell Rock. They disappeared from Bell Rock on Aug. 23rd, "not, -however, from want of food, as plenty soil of herring are around the -rock." They had been about the rock for a fortnight, feeding. They -disappeared from Whalsey, Aug. 25th, after the fog of 21st--28th, -at the same time with Wheatears, Oystercatchers, Wagtails, and -rock-birds. At Bell Rock, Aug. 28th, about thirty old and young were -seen feeding; and on the 29th these all left. At Sumburgh Head, Sept. -8th, a number flying about and crying at 9 a.m.; wind W., light and -haze. At Auskerry, Oct. 1st, four flew round for a little about 1 -a.m.; wind light E., rain. - -_Note._--Mr. J. T. Garriock, to whom I am obliged for a supplementary -schedule from Lerwick, recorded in 'The Zoologist' for 1880 the -arrival of Terns, apparently from the north, on May 22nd, when a -pair was first noticed. In a subsequent letter to me, Mr. Garriock -confirms his observation on the direction of their flight. - -Petrel, _Thalassidroma pelagica_.--Occasionally strikes the lantern -during the season at North Unst, but no dates given. At Whalsey, Aug. -16th, one caught at 1 a.m.; wind light N.W., haze. At Sumburgh Head, -Aug. 3rd, three struck at 11 p.m.; wind N.N.W., dull, and sultry; and -on the 6th, one struck at midnight; wind S., and haze. At Auskerry, -Aug. 16th, one killed at 11.20 p.m.; light S. breeze, fog, and haze. -One struck at Auskerry, Sept. 13th, at 3 a.m.; wind strong S., and -haze. - -Gannet, _Sula bassana_.--At Sumburgh Head, July 20th (earliest date), -great numbers, adult and young, flying in all directions, feeding on -herrings. At Pentland Skerries, July 19th, 30-40, flying E., wind -N.E., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 20th, 50, flying E., wind fresh N., 9 a.m. -to 5 p.m.; 21st, 60, flying E., wind light N.E., clear, 9 a.m. to 5 -p.m.; 22nd, 25, flying E., wind light N.E. airs, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; -23rd, 25-30, flying E., wind E., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; 24th, 40, flying -E., wind S.E., 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., fog, haze; 26th, 60, flying E., wind -mod. E., 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., fog, haze; Aug. 4th, continuous flights, -wind light E., 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., fog, haze; 5th, continuous flights, -wind moderate W., 4.30 a.m. to 8.30 p.m. - -_Note._--Solan Geese were observed daily in flocks going E., from -July 19th to middle of Sept.; and going W. on Aug. 19th, 20th, and -25th. About the middle of Sept. young appeared amongst them. This -note summarises to a great extent the above data. At Tarbat Ness, -Oct. 18th, 19th, and 20th, great numbers flying N., wind S., 8 a.m. -to 4 p.m. Since the return of the schedules Mr. Jack has written -to me that--"On the 5th February, 1881, the Bell Rock station was -visited by the largest flock of birds I have seen this winter, -_viz._. Larks, Rose Linnets, Starlings, and other species which I -did not see well enough to make out. Time when seen, 2 till 5 a.m.; -wind light S.W. on arrival, and on departure fresh N.E. Fog and rain. -Great numbers struck, but none found dead, though doubtless many fell -into the sea. I have observed during the last two winters that the -Golden-crested Wren and the Common Wren have not visited us as usual. -I have seen these small birds thick on the windows, night after -night, during the fall of the year." It is interesting to note here -that between the 2nd and 11th March, 1880, a similar great migration -took place past the Bell Rock, of which an account is given in my -last report for 1879 [_vide_ Zool., May, 1880].[3] At Bell Rock, 18th -Feb., a great number of Larks, 8 p.m., light E.S.E., haze. Great -numbers struck, none lying dead. Apparently this flock was entirely -composed of Larks greatly exhausted. A number seen asleep all night -on window-sashes; left at first streak of dawn. Feb. 19th, a small -number of birds (species not determined) flew about in the rays of -light all night; wind S.E., fresh, haze. 25th, great number of Larks -during the night; wind light W.; striking, but none found dead; -left, flying N.W. March 10th, one Black Crow seen asleep on balcony -rail; left flying N.E., at 7 a.m.; wind fresh W.S.W., haze. 17th, -one "Snowflake" flying from N.W. to S.E.; wind W.S.W., fresh, haze. -In a letter accompanying this later schedule, Mr. Jack writes (28th -March, 1881):--"I am sorry to say our close companions during winter, -Dunters and Sea Pheasants, are still with us in great numbers. This -we know by long observation to indicate that winter is not yet past -for a season, nor can we judge so until they have all been gone for -a week at least. In the fall of the year, when we see them return, -we well know that winter is at hand. When stationed in the Isles of -Shetland I have often remarked, when I heard much howling going on -amongst the seals, that no good weather could be looked for, and I -have never known this to fail." - -[Footnote 3: Later in March this year, _viz._ the 19th, an indication -of a returning (?) migration of Shrikes is found in the occurrence -of one bird at Bath Hill Wood, West Grange, Perthshire, not very far -removed from the Alloa district. It was shot by Mr. J. Livingstone, -and is now in the collection of Mr. J. J. Dalgleish.] - - -General Remarks. - -As already mentioned, we have received fewer returns this year -from the East Coast than in 1879, having returns only from eight -stations in 1880, against thirteen in 1879. This arises principally -from actual scarcity of birds at many stations, and at some, -from extra work devoted to duties of the reporters, owing to -fogs and stormy weather. This scarcity appears to have extended -all along our Scottish E. coast, and even showed itself for some -distance down the East English coast. That, at no time, can our -East of Scotland returns approach in magnitude those of the East -English coast, I fully believe, because, in the weather most -favourable for observation at the stations,--_viz._, foggy or thick -nights,--lanterns placed a few feet above the water, as they are in -lightships, must attract far more birds than higher lanterns at the -lighthouses. The peculiar situations also of many of our Scottish -stations--in the midst of towns (as at Cromarty and Kinnaird Head, -in Frazerburgh), in inland bays and arms of the sea (as at Chanonry, -and at many localities on our west coast)--must very materially alter -the conditions of observation. At our more northern stations the -lighthouses for the most part stand at great elevations, and it is -worthy of note that from such stations as the Bell Rock, Pentland -Skerries, and Whalsey Skerries, on the east coast, and Dhuheartach -and Skerryvore, on the west coast, &c., we have the best filled -schedules, showing that stations upon lower and isolated elevations -are the best points of observation. - -At the conclusion of my report for 1879, under the West Coast -stations, I take notice of the N.W. to S.E. trend of the migration -across Tyree and Loch Assapol in the Ross of Mull, and of the -direction taken by birds across the narrow part of Scotland between -the Firths of Forth and Clyde (_vide_ 'The Zoologist,' May, 1880, pp. -202-204). - -My present impression--from these and many similar observations in -Stirlingshire and the districts named--is, that a semi-circular -migration is probably carried on; birds which strike our coasts at -more northerly points, or start from localities further north in -Scotland itself, at certain points trend more southerly from their -original E. to W. direction; and again, at certain other points, -again trend more easterly from their previous N. to S. direction, -and pass finally, as far as our British Islands are concerned, -from N.W. to S.E. directions. This, of course, is more patent in -some seasons than in others, depending upon prevailing winds and -weather. Birds came to us all through the migratory season from E. -to W. across the North Sea, except in 1879 at the Galloper Bank L.V. -(Zool., May, 1880, p. 203). In 1879, I believe, as further indicated -at the end of my report on the West Coast, that the migration was -compressed by prevailing N.W. winds, and deflected further south, but -in 1880 was more expanded, or less compressed, by prevalence of N.E. -and E. winds, and that therefore the horizontal area of migration -covered a larger surface. In 1880 we thus find birds migrating -from directions south of East to directions north of West across -the English Channel, or crossing from France to England (_vide_ -Cordeaux's Report _antea_). These points are put forward not as -intended to be conclusive, but simply for the purpose of directing -attention for further statistics. I will only further direct -attention here to my "Third Ornithological Report for Scotland, -1880-81," read to the Natural History Society of Glasgow, session -1880-81. - -In our last Report, 1879 (Zool., May, 1880), under our lists of -lighthouses, we gave the descriptions of the lights, whether white -or red, fixed, flash, revolving, or intermittent, or with other -lights or action. What influence in attracting birds these various -descriptions of light have, it would not yet be easy to ascertain, -because--_given_ the different colours and descriptions--we have them -at different localities, which makes it almost impossible to compare -them. However, broadly speaking, we would imagine the _brightest_, -_whitest_, _fixed_ lights to have most influence in penetrating -fog or haze, and therefore of attracting birds. We considered it -advisable to give these descriptions in our first Report, because we -thought that in time such may prove of some value when our knowledge -of migration increases. In the Report for 1880 we have not repeated -these particulars, but, instead, we give, after the name of each -lighthouse station, the heights of the lanterns above the sea, not -because we can positively affirm that the height of any given light -influences the total of birds seen or killed at that light, but -because we believe that this particular may possibly elicit facts -in future. Some of our reporters state extreme height above the -sea as a cause of birds seldom or never striking the glass, or -never being seen hovering round the light. Certainly, returns show -a preponderance of deaths or other records, first, _at lightships_ -(the average height of the lights of which above the sea is only -a few feet); secondly, at such stations--upon isolated rocks--as -the Bell Rock, Dhuheartach, or Skerryvore (the lanterns of which -are not more than sixty or seventy feet above the water); and a -great preponderance above such stations as Cape Wrath (which is 400 -feet above the sea) or other similarly elevated lights. During the -daytime, whilst crossing towards the English coasts and past the -lightships, flocks are usually seen flying low; and across the Firth -of Forth and other narrow estuaries the same thing is observed. -At times birds are seen passing high in air "_almost_ beyond the -range of vision," and when clouds or fogs rapidly lift or clear off -during the time of migration, the said migration appears often to -"cease to mortal vision," indicating, some say, a reascent to higher -levels. Birds also are known to _descend_ upon Heligoland almost -perpendicularly from the sky, indicating, it is presumed, a course -of migration at a great height, and a descent therefrom upon fog- or -haze-covered land to rest or feed. To birds passing through the air -above, a _local fog_ beneath probably indicates _land in the midst -of water_, and, if this be so, hence a descent upon it. The various -numerical returns of those killed at lanterns are probably a good -deal dependent on the height at which birds fly in foggy weather. -We might call this the vertical area of birds' migration flight as -opposed to lateral area. - -Now it seems that light-vessels always return the best-filled -schedules, and therefore a preponderance of birds are noticed all -along the East English Coast, where light-vessels are most abundant. -Whilst upon the East Scottish Coast the returns are infinitely -smaller where there are no light-vessels, but only lighthouses, whose -lanterns are at a greater height; and the question very naturally -arises, "If the Scottish coasts were lighted with light-vessels, -would not the number of records be very considerably augmented?" - - -=Mr. J. Hardy's Notes from Berwickshire and the Borders.= - -Swallows.--Began to take up their residence on May 12th; left -September 26th. Much later elsewhere in central districts. - -Martin.--Returned on May 15th to sea-side nesting-places on rocks and -cavern-mouths. On September 22nd the great body departed, and on 27th -had all left but one. - -Sand Martin.--April 23rd, on sea-coast. - -Starling.--Most of the young birds had left the upper part of -Berwickshire before October 31st. - -Thrush.--March 21st, a few birds scattered here and there; very -scarce. Left mostly by September; only a few later. - -Redshank.--Dispersed before March 18th, when only one was heard. A -pair returned March 20th. June 24th a pair had returned. On July 17th -six or seven frequented the coast. On August 31st a small compact -band noticed. - -Eider Duck.--A flock of six appeared on the coast, March 18th and -22nd. There were eight on March 27th and four on March 30th. - -Wild Duck (_Anas boschas_).--Continued on coast till March 22nd; -greatly diminished by March 27th. One reappeared at sea September -25th. On October 16th they amounted to thirty, and on November 15th -about one hundred were enumerated. In December they nearly all left -the coast. On December 29th only nine remained. - -Great Crested Grebe.--A party of twelve noted for the last time March -22nd, 1880. They reappeared, to the number of fifteen, on December -20th, and continued all winter. - -Raven.--January 24th, one seen; storm of snow. - -Curlew.--March 27th and 30th, most had left the coast; only one bird -left on April 17th. One reappeared June 7th, and more on the 9th. A -great flock on September 20th; shifted their ground before December -16th; only one or two left at the close of the year. - -Pied Wagtail.--February 7th, one first seen; the next arrived March -27th. Left September 24th. - -Wheatear.--March 25th, appeared off coast, but were absent on March -27th. March 29th, a little band of seven or eight arrived, but -disappeared. April 17th, a few appeared inland. Noted again on the -coast July 15th; September 17th, last seen. Were seen at Berwick, -October 14th, but the conditions are very different from here. - -Whinchat.--A family newly hatched on the coast a mile to the south of -this on August 9th; not seen again. - -Stonechat.--Not in some of its old haunts this year. On coast on -Cockburn's-path, April 30th. - -Redstart.--May 2nd. Scarce this year. - -Sedge Warbler.--May 20th, arriving in a band of late migrants. - -Willow Warbler.--April 18th, in garden. April 23rd and 24th, singing -sweetly; last seen September 4th. - -Swift.--May 16th. - -Greater Whitethroat.--May 13th, arrived; 16th, general. August 6th, -haunts the garden; a single bird left September 19th. Observed in -some localities till end of October, but not here. - -Landrail and Cuckoo.--Not heard in the neighbourhood this season. - -Blackcap Warbler.--May 22nd, in Peasedean; not heard on 16th. - -Spotted Flycatcher.--May 25th, numerous arrival along with other -migrants, as was the case last year. Last seen September 5th. - -Black-headed Gull.--June 11th, two returned to the sea-side; more -appeared July 15th, 16th and 17th. By the end of the year the numbers -were reduced to one or two. - -Fieldfare.--October 31st and November 9th, arrived, but few in -number, and only one remained to face the storms of 1881; very -scarce. No Redwings seen here. A great scarcity or total absence is -recorded from a large number of Scottish localities for the past two -years.--_J. A. H. B._ - -Wood Pigeons.--A large migratory band proceeding high over head -flying from N. to S., on October 30th. - -Snow Bunting.--A very large flock of Snowflakes arrived at -Penmanshiel on October 30th, but left after resting a few days. Again -numerous there, November 30th. A few remained at Old Cambus, January -7th, 1881. October 18th, one landed in East Lothian in a storm of -wind and rain from the North, near Thornton Loch. - -Grey-backed Crow.--November 5th, arrived. - -Woodcock.--Did not leave till second week in May. Returned to -Peasedean, November 2nd. One flushed at Blackburn, Chirnside, October -20th. - -Lark.--December 16th, flock of about one hundred seen; most of them -remained and departed in March. - -Grey Linnet.--December 29th, flocks that fully numbered one hundred -birds feeding on the sea-coast ploughed fields infested by wild -mustard. Had all left, except four or five, by January 9th, 1881, -when that number came to the stack- and poultry-yards. - -Brambling.--Only two present in the great snow on January 15th and -19th--at corn laid out for poultry--along with Finches. - -Wild Geese (_Greylag_ probably).--February 8th, first band returning -north. Continued in neighbourhood till April 24th. In autumn return -first seen October 11th and 30th. Did not rest. - -Lapwing.--In inland fields, March 7th. July 15th, returned to -turnip-fields. Disappeared in January, 1881. - -Grey Wagtail.--March 8th, a pair returned. On May 25th several new -arrivals along with a rush of migrants, consisting of Flycatchers, -Sedge Warblers, and Common Martins. - -Waterhen.--March 9th returned to its breeding pools. - -Heron.--April 17th, still three on the coast. On July 15th there were -seven or eight. On August 6th there were sixteen, and on August 31st -twelve. - -Cormorant.--Began to disperse about March 9th, when there were six. -Only one on March 18th, and two on March 25th. March 27th and 30th, -only one. Were not again noted till August 9th and 12th, when only a -pair had returned. Scarcer this winter than usual. - -Rare Birds recorded by others on my List.--Hoopoe in Northumberland. -One Greater Shrike in Berwickshire, others in Northumberland. -Bohemian Chatterer, Kelso; Turtle Dove, Rough-legged Buzzard (one). - - -=Notes from the Faroe Isles.= - -The following notes from Herr H. C. Müller and Dr. Madsen, of -Thorshavn, Faroe, have been received too late for insertion in the -General Report, but not too late for addition as an Appendix. These -notes were all made after the 1st January, 1881. They came to hand on -May 1st, 1881:-- - -_Cygnus musicus._--Five Wild Swans were seen on Jan. 1st, 1881; three -killed at Suderö on 22nd; one seen near Thorshavn on 10th; probably -all belonging to the same flock. Wind S.W., force 3-4. Rain. - -_Numenius arquata._--One killed at Hvidenov, near Thorshavn, on Jan. -30th. Wind S.S.E., force 4. Rain. - -_Columba palumbus_, Linn.--One seen along with _Columba livia_ at -Thorshavn on Feb. 7th. wind E., force 5. Rain and hail. - -_Larus tridactylus_.--Four seen at Thorshavn at 10 a.m. on Feb. 10th. -Wind E., force 3-4. Snow. - -_Alauda arvensis._--One hundred in a flock seen at Thorshavn at 9 -a.m. on March 8th, 1881. Wind S.W., fine. For the five days previous -storm from S.E. - -_Vanellus cristatus._--Four seen same time as the above noted Larks, -in and after similar weather. - - - - -EAST COAST OF ENGLAND. - - -Printed forms of enquiry and letters of instruction were sent to -thirty-seven lighthouses and light-vessels on the east coast of -England, and, through the kind co-operation of Mr. Cecil Smith, to -two of the principal lighthouses in the Channel Islands: independent -reports have also been received from four stations on the east -coast; and my best thanks are due to T. H. Nelson and C. Donald -Thompson, Teesmouth; M. Bailey, Flamborough; Wm. Eagle Clarke and H. -Bendelack Hewetson [Leeds]; notes from Spurn Point. J. H. Gurney, -jun., Northrepps, and Major C. Russell, Essex, for supplying notices -of the movements of birds in their respective districts. These -reports have either been treated separately or incorporated with -the nearest lighthouse. I have also received many interesting notes -from Mr. Gätke, on the migration of birds over Heligoland from the -commencement of June to the end of December, which are especially -welcome as a most valuable addition to the report. Special thanks I -also must tender to those various observers in the lighthouses and -light-vessels scattered along the east coast. Altogether, out of -forty-four stations, returns have been sent in from thirty-eight; -two other stations report no birds seen during the autumn, from the -circumstances of their situations in the midst of houses; and only -from four have no returns been made. The observations are in many -respects an improvement on those of the preceding year, exhibiting in -a marked degree the intelligent interest taken by the observers in -their work--work which it must be remembered is entirely voluntary, -and often carried on under circumstances of considerable difficulty -and discomfort. - -The east coast stations are as follows, those making returns being -marked with a *:-- - - 40. *Longstone, on the most easterly of the Farne Islands; white - light, revolving every 30 seconds. - 41. *Farne Inner, two lights; white, revolving every 30 seconds. - 42. *Coquet Island, coast of Northumberland; two white lights in - same tower. - 43. *Souter Point. Nil return--no birds seen. - 44_a_.*Teesmouth, No. 5 Buoy, Lightvessel; one white light, fixed. - 44_b_. *Teesmouth. - 45. *Whitby, High Light; white, fixed. - 46. *Flamborough Head; two white, one red flash, revolving every half - minute. - 47. *Spurn Point; red and white sectors. - 48_a_. *Spurn (Newsand), Lightvessel, 6 miles S.S.E. of Spurn Point; - white, revolving every minute. - 48_b_. *Great Cotes. - 49. *Outer Dowsing, Lightvessel, 53 miles E.S.E. Spurn; red light, - revolving every 20 seconds. - 50. *Inner Dowsing, Lightvessel, 17 miles E. Sutton, on Lincolnshire - coast; green, 20 seconds. - 51. *Dudgeon, Lightvessel, 35 miles E. Skegness, Lincolnshire coast; - white, fixed. - 52. *Lynn Well, Lightvessel, off Nook of Longsand, Lynndeeps; one - white, revolving 20 seconds. - 53. *Hunstanton, Lighthouse; white, fixed. - 54. *Cromer, Lighthouse; white, revolving each minute. - 55_a_. *Northrepps. - 55_b_. *Leman and Ower, Lightvessel, 48 miles E.N.E. Cromer; two white, - one fixed, one revolving. - 56. *Hasborough, Lightvessel; two white, fixed horizontal, north end - Hasborough Sound. - 57. *Hasborough, Lighthouse; white, fixed. - 58. *Newarp, Lightvessel, 12 miles N.E. Winterton; white, three quick - flashes, 36 seconds in a minute dark. - 59. *Winterton, Lighthouse; white, fixed. - 60. *Cockle, Lightvessel, 3 miles E. Yarmouth; white, revolving each - minute. - 61. *Corton, Lightvessel, 4 miles E. Lowestoft; red, revolving 20 - seconds. - 62. *Lowestoft, Lighthouse. Nil return--no birds seen. - 63. Orfordness, Lighthouse; white, fixed. - 64. *Shipwash, Lightvessel, 8 miles S.S.E. Orfordness; white, fixed. - 65. Cork, Lightvessel, 5 miles off mouth of Harwich River. - 66. *Languard Point, Lighthouse, entrance to Harwich River; returned - by Major Russell. - 67. *Galloper, Lightvessel, 40 miles S.E. Orfordness; two white, - horizontal, fixed. - 68. *Kentish Knock, Lightvessel, 33 miles N.E. North Foreland; white, - revolving each minute. - 69. *Swin Middle, Lightvessel, off Thames; white, revolving every - minute. - 70. *Tongue, Lightvessel, off Thames; two lights, fixed: higher - white, lower red. - 71. Nore, Lightvessel, entrance to Thames; white, revolving 30 - seconds. - 72. *North Foreland, Lighthouse; white, fixed. - 73. *Goodwin, Lightvessel, Goodwin Sands; white, revolving, three - quick flashes in succession, 86 seconds dark. - 74. *Gull, Lightvessel, Goodwin Sands; white, revolving 20 seconds. - 75. *South-sand Head, Lightvessel, Goodwin Sands; white, fixed. - 76. *East-side, Lightvessel, Goodwin Sands, 13 miles E. Deal; green, - revolving 15 seconds. - 77. South Foreland, Lighthouse; white, fixed. - 78. *Heligoland. - 79. *Casquets, Lighthouse, off Alderney; white, triple, flashing - every 30 seconds. - 80. *Hanois, Lighthouse, Hanoveaux Rocks, W. end Guernsey; one red, - revolving 45 seconds. - -As many of the reports range over a twelve-month, it is necessary to -divide the remarks on the separate species into spring and autumn -migrations. The numbers of species noticed are very greatly in excess -of 1879. - - -SPRING MIGRATION, 1880. - -SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES. - -Pied Flycatcher, _Muscicapa luctuosa_ (_atricapilla_, Linn.).--At -Heligoland, Mr. Gätke reports, May 4th, great many fine old males; -5th, the same; 15th, E., many females, few males; 19th, S.S.E., all -females. - -Blackbird, _Turdus merula_.--At Cromer L.H., Feb. 12th, two killed -against lantern, with thirteen Larks at midnight o.m. - -Redbreast, _Erithacus rubecula_.--At Whitby L.H., March 1st, -daylight, a flock of Robins. - -Bluethroat, _Ruticilla suecica_.--At Heligoland, May 22nd, all -males--perhaps one in ten a female. - -Redstart, _Ruticilla phœnicurus_.--At Heligoland, May 1st to 10th, -all males. Thenceforward females increasing. May 4th, E. by S. or E. -by N., millions all males; 19th, all females. - -Wheatear, _Saxicola ænanthe_.--At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., April 23rd, -W.S.W., many, with Wagtails, passing to land. At Heligoland, March -31st, S.E., to April 3rd, S.E., male birds; and to May 1st, when -females began to arrive. May 13th, E., all females. - -Greater Whitethroat, _Sylvia rufa_.--At Cromer L.H., May 18th, 10 -p.m., four killed and stunned against lantern. - -Wren, _Troglodytes parvulus_.--At Whitby L.H., March 22nd, E., -several at daylight. At Cromer L.H., May 16th, 4 a.m., one killed -against lantern. - -Pied Wagtail, _Motacilla lugubris_.--At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V. (see -Wheatear). At Whitby L.H., May 9th, daybreak, many. - -Sky Lark, _Alauda arvensis_.--At Cromer, Feb. 12th (see Blackbird). -Feb. 16th to March 24th, several with Starlings killed and stunned -during night. - -Short-toed Lark, _Calandrella brachydactyla_.--At Heligoland, May -18th, a fine male captured. - -Tree Sparrow, _Passer montanus_.--At Outer Dowsing L.V., April 18th, -11 a.m., sixty to S.E.; two came on board. April 26th, 3 p.m., -hundreds to W.N.W.; ten came on board. From the position of this -light-vessel it will be apparent that in the first instance the -Sparrows were making for the coast of Holland, and on 26th for the -English coast. - -Starling, _Sturnus vulgaris_.--At Cromer L.H., Feb. 16th to April -10th, several struck lantern and killed along with Larks. - -Carrion Crow, _Corvus corone_.--At Cockle L.V., June 8th, six to S.E. - -Cuckoo, _Cuculus canorus_.--At Farne Inner L.H., May 26th, W. strong, -one seen. At Hunstanton L.H., April 18th, heard close to lighthouse. - -Swallow, _Hirundo rustica_.--At Farne Inner L.H., May 15th, two -passed. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., May 9th, 2 p.m., two from S.E. to -N.W.; May 22nd, great many S.E. to N.W., fresh breeze from W. At -Hunstanton L.H., April 17th, one to S.; 19th, five to S. At Leman -and Ower L.V., June 9th, five on board at sunset; 21st, one at 11 -a.m. At Cockle L.V., June 23rd and 24th, 4.20 a.m., two each day to -W. At Corton L.V., May 22nd, one to W.N.W.; 20th, two to W.N.W. At -Kentish Knock L.V., May 26th, 10 a.m., two very high to N.W. At East -Goodwin L.V., May 4th, 10 a.m., four S. to N. The observations tend -to confirm what I have observed and remarked upon, that the Chimney -Swallow in spring migrates in pairs; even when in flocks the pairs -may be distinguished, as the males and females keep close company. - -Swift, _Cypselus apus_.--At Whitby L.H., May 14th, several at noon to -N.W. At Spurn L.H., June 7th, 7 p.m., fifty perched on gallery, none -killed. At Hunstanton L.H., May 17th, one. - -Wood Pigeon, _Columba palumbus_.--At Hasbro' L.V., May 28th and 30th, -one each day to E. - -Dotterel, _Eudromias morinellus_.--At Spurn L.H., May 15th, four seen -near Kilnsea; 25th, small flock of eight. - -Ringed Plover, _Ægialitis hiaticula_.--At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., -April 2nd, first arrival at their breeding quarters on neighbouring -sand, where about ten couples nest each year, leaving with the young -in the autumn. - -Limicolæ.--From the 1st to the 18th of May, northerly and easterly -winds blew persistently day and night on to the Lincolnshire coast; -the consequence was that we had an almost entire dearth of all those -many flocks of shore birds--as Godwit, Grey Plover, Knot--which visit -the Humber mud-flats during the first fortnight in May, on their -passage to the north. On the opposite coast of Yorkshire, under -shelter of the sandy promontory of Spurn, they assembled in large -numbers, feeding daily on the great expanse of muds left uncovered at -ebb, and at flood crossing to the sands on the sea side of Spurn. A -correspondent writes that, on May 7th, "countless thousands of waders -lined the beach, like wreck, on the sea-side about a mile above -Spurn; there were more than had ever been seen at once before." - -Anatidæ.--At Flamborough L.H., July 2nd, a flock of Grey Geese were -seen flying N. At Goodwin L.V., June 6th, 7.30 a.m., a flock flying -to the E. Mr. Gätke reports from Heligoland that, on May 19th, three -Snow Geese, _Anser niveus_, passed boat quite close, "whiter than -snow, bills and feet redder than oranges, but alas! no gun at hand." -King Eider, _Somateria spectabilis_, is reported from the Farne -Isles on May 29th, and during the summer (Zool., 1880, p. 514; 1881, -p. 62). On Feb. 27th, 1880, large flocks of Widgeon came into the -Tees, and thirteen were shot by one discharge of a single-barrelled -shoulder-gun. At the Outer Dowsing L.V., April 18th, Wild Ducks -were seen migrating to N.W.; and on April 30th, every hour during -day, to N.N.W. At the Goodwin L.V., May 19th, shoals of Ducks from -W. to E. From the Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., May 25th, 11.30 a.m., my -correspondent writes, "Saw two Sheldrakes leave their nest with ten -young ones at low water; had to travel half a mile before they -reached the water; the male kept about six yards behind the young, -the female leading; they were fifteen minutes in reaching the water; -appeared just hatched; cock bird often looked behind to see nobody -was coming." With reference to the spring migration of Wild Geese, -Major Russell sends me the following notes from a correspondent on -the Essex coast, whose house is situated on the south slope of a -steep high hill:--"The Grey Geese were seen on Saturday, Feb. 21st, -from 600 to 1000 flying in a triangular form, in a N.E. direction. -I have repeatedly seen them sometimes passing for whole days, and -have always noticed that we have never had any winter to speak of -afterwards. They generally fly about a mile high. We very seldom see -them going south. I suppose because the days are shorter, or possibly -some may go another way; but they generally go north about this time -of the year. I used to try to shoot them with a rifle to see what -sort of Geese they were." - -Alcidæ.--At Longstone L.H., March 9th, Guillemots and Razorbills -assembled; 24th, Puffins. At Flamborough L.H., May 3rd, hundreds of -Puffins arriving throughout the day, and on the same day a great -number of Guillemots. From May 28th to June 2nd, great numbers of -Guillemots and Razorbills were seen all day in the neighbourhood of -the Spurn L.V., at sea six miles S.S.E. Spurn Point. The Guillemots, -Razorbills and Puffins are later in their arrival and departure at -the southern than their northern breeding-stations. - -Pelecanidæ.--At Longstone L.H., March 9th, numbers of Gannets flying -N. At the Farne Inner L.H., April 16th, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., -Gannets were seen flying N. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., March 15th, -twelve Cormorants came into Tees, about fifty in every year at this -time, leave again after breeding-season till next March. - -Laridæ.--At Farne Islands, April 8th, Gulls commenced assembling at -their nesting-quarters. At Whitby L.H., Feb. 18th, Herring Gulls -first appeared on the cliffs near lighthouse. July 4th, first young -was seen on the wing. Sept. 2nd, all left, both young and old. At -Spurn L.V., May 28th to June 2nd, large numbers of Gulls were seen -all day in the neighbourhood, along with Guillemots and Razorbills; -these birds were probably not migrating, or even contemplating such -a movement, but wanderers from Flamborough, following the shoals -of small fry which approach the Humber about that period. At the -Longstone L.H., April 29th, W., weather fine, first Sandwich Tern -seen, and the last seen Sept. 8th. The Arctic Tern was first seen -May 10th; last, Sept. 14th. At the Farne Inner L.H., Sandwich Terns -were seen on May 12th, and the Arctic May 15th, both species leaving -together on Aug. 28th. The Siberian Herring Gull, _Larus affinis_, -was seen at Heligoland on June 5th, and the Caspian Tern, _Sterna -Caspia_, on the 22nd, the first Mr. Gätke has got there. July 23rd, -repeatedly seen. - -GENERAL SUMMARY SPRING MIGRATION. - -Compared with the autumn notes on migration, the spring reports are -very meagre, and few and far between. This is probably due to the -fact that in the spring birds migrate, with rare exceptions, at -night; and, as the weather is then finer, and the nights clearer and -shorter, they do not run their heads so much against the lanterns of -lighthouses and lightships. The spring migration is also carried on -much more leisurely, migrants proceeding by easy stages northward, -and we have none of those great rushes which are so characteristic -of the autumn migration, when, with sudden changes of weather, flock -after flock pour continually during the whole day and night on to our -east coast. In the spring also the males of the Insessores migrate -some time in advance of the females, as is very clearly shown in the -Heligoland notes, as well as by the well-known arrival of our summer -immigrants, as the Nightingale, Whitethroat, &c. The notes on spring -migration taken in 1879, as well as in 1880, seem to point to the -conclusion that, during the vernal migration, migrants strike the -lanterns of lighthouses from 11 p.m. to the dawn of day, the majority -after midnight; and not in the early hours of night, as is the case -in the autumn. - - -AUTUMN MIGRATION, 1880. - -SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES. - -White-tailed Eagle, _Haliæetus albicilla_.--At Heligoland, Sept. -10th, S.S.E., windy, eight or ten. - -Peregrine Falcon, _Falco peregrinus_.--At Heligoland, Oct. 24th, "all -latter time and _F. æsalon_, scattered." As in every autumn a few on -passage have been recorded in the eastern counties; one, an immature -male, was shot near Spurn on Jan. 1st, 1881. - -Hobby, _Falco subbuteo_.--At Heligoland, June 19th and 20th, S.E., -some. - -Kestrel, _Falco tinnunculus_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 25th, S., very -little wind, a great many, few old. - -Sparrowhawk, _Accipiter nisus_.--At Heligoland, enormous numbers -crossed in the autumn, commencing Aug. 7th, eight or ten young birds; -from thence to Sept. 18th, almost daily in greater or less numbers, -all young birds. Sept. 29th, evening, the first old birds. Oct. -9th, young interspersed with old; 20th, many; 28th, still daily. An -enormous majority of these must pass down the European coast, as -the notices on our east coast are few and far between. At the Outer -Dowsing L.V., Oct. 8th, one at sunset flying round lantern. At Leman -and Ower L.V., Oct. 6th, 4.30 p.m., one to S.E. At Corton, L.V., Oct. -9th, one settled on ship. At Heligoland, Mr. Gätke says Sparrowhawks -often arrive towards evening. - -Common Buzzard, _Buteo vulgaris_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 18th, many. - -Honey Buzzard, _Pernis apivorus_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 10th, with -Sparrowhawks. - -Rough-legged Buzzard, _Buteo lagopus_.--At Heligoland, June 19th and -20th, some. There was a considerable flight on to the east coast -in October, Mr. J. H. Gurney recording (Zool., 1880, p. 570) about -a dozen in Norfolk between Oct. 16th and the end of the month. Two -were shot Nov. 1st on the Lincolnshire coast near Mabblethorpe, and -one at Spurn later in the season. Several others have been recorded -from time to time in the 'Field' and local papers, as either seen -or obtained in various parts of England and Scotland. The following -notices from the lighthouses may or may not refer to this species. -At Whitby L.H., July 24th, 9 a.m., a large Hawk going S. At Hasbro' -L.H., Oct. 24th, 11 a.m., four very large birds with heavy flight to -S. At Kentish Knock, L.V., Oct. 13th, one very large Hawk soaring -overhead. At Corton L.V., Oct. 19th, a large brown Hawk about -ship--may perhaps have been a female Kestrel. - -Hen Harrier, _Circus cyaneus_.--At Heligoland, Oct. 20th, some. - -Long-eared Owl, _Asio otus_,--At Heligoland, Oct. 22nd, some. -At Spurn, Oct. 28th, one shot. At Hasbro' L.V., Sept. 30th, 10 -a.m., o.m. from E. to S.W., horned owl--probably this species. The -Long-eared Owls arrive on our east coast, as a rule, later than _Asio -accipitrinus_, and in much less numbers. - -Short-eared Owl, _Asio accipitrinus_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 25th, -S., very little wind, great many. Oct. 20th, again great many; 22nd, -thousands. On our east coast they arrived in very considerable -numbers in October. At Inner Farne L.H., Nov. 16th, 4 p.m., one. -At Coquet Island L.H., Oct. 7th to Nov. 16th, with northerly and -easterly winds, and from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., eight. At Teesmouth 5 -Buoy L.V., Oct. 4th to 27th, twelve, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., going E. -to W. At Teesmouth, Oct. 3rd to 24th, nine. At Spurn, Sept. 29th, -one shot; Oct. 19th and following week, many; 27th, several. On -Lincolnshire coast, Oct. 19th and following week, very great many. At -Inner Dowsing L.V., Nov. 4th, 7.30 a.m., one N.E. to S.W. At Dudgeon -L.V., Oct. 5th, noon, one to W.; 23rd, 10.20 a.m., one to S.W. At -Lynn Well L.V., Oct. 5th, 11 a.m., one; 4 p.m., one Grey Owl N.W. to -S. At Leman and Ower L.V., Oct. 1st, one caught at noon. Many also -arrived about Oct. 19th on the Norfolk coast. I have no notices of -Short-eared Owls south of Yarmouth. The "great rush" took place on -night of Oct. 18th or morning of 19th, the Woodcock arriving at the -same time with a north wind. Heavy snow from north on Oct. 20th. The -"great rush" over Heligoland was on Oct. 22nd. - -Barn Owl, _Aluco flammeus_.--At Yarmouth, Oct. 19th, morning, one -seen coming in from the sea. - -Tengmalm's Owl, _Nyctala Tengmalmi_.--On Oct. 22nd a very fine -example of this small Owl was shot at Saltfleet, on the Lincolnshire -coast; wind strong from the north on 21st. Another was shot in -Felyingdales, Yorkshire, near Robin Hood's Bay, late in December. At -Heligoland, Nov. 22nd and 23rd, Hawk Owl, _Surnia funerea_, was seen -flying about, but never within shot. - -Great Grey Shrike, _Lanius excubitor_.--At Heligoland, Oct. 14th, -N.W., windy, four fine old birds, pure white underneath; 16th, some; -17th, some; major, one. Nov. 10th, one fine old male. There was -a very considerable immigration on to the east coast in October. -At Spurn, one was seen during the first week in October, and -subsequently in that month and early in November, many. The last -from that locality I have a note of was a female, shot at Patrington, -Holderness, on Jan. 20th, 1881. At Whiteley Sands, Northumberland, -one early in October. One shot near Hartlepool Nov. 17th. One at -Flamborough Head first week in October. Mr. J. H. Gurney has also -recorded three shot in Norfolk in October; and many others have -been mentioned in the 'Zoologist' and 'Field' as occurring in -various parts of the country. One also was shot at North Kelsey, in -Lincolnshire, at the end of February. - -Spotted Flycatcher, _Muscicapa grisola_.--At Heligoland, June 3rd, -some; July 13th, some; Aug. 25th, many; Sept. 3rd, N.W., 11 a.m., -some; 9th, great many; 16th, some; 26th, less, passage varying -over four months. At Farne Inner L.V., Sept. 15th, great many -Flycatchers.[4] At Swin Middle L.V., Aug. 28th, o.m., many with -Starlings round lantern. - -[Footnote 4: The term "Flycatcher" seems to be used somewhat -indiscriminately for many of the small insect-catching birds. Some -of these in this case are probably--as they are associated with -Wheatears--Redstarts. At the Longstone L.H., also on the same date, -several Redstarts appeared, both species migrating together and at -the same time.] - -Pied Flycatcher, _Muscicapa luctuosa_ (_atricapilla_, Linn.)--At -Heligoland, Aug. 11th, E., fine, great many young birds, first -arrivals, and so on to 24th, when they passed in "countless numbers"; -27th, still passing, but in less numbers; Sept. 8th, many; 13th, -great many with others in potato-fields; 26th, less numerous; 27th, -few. From Aug. 11th to end of Sept., about forty-seven days; "great -rush" on Aug. 24th, none recorded from English coast. - -Red-breasted Flycatcher, _Muscicapa parva_.--At Heligoland, Sept. -26th, one shot in Mr. Gätke's garden, and another obtained Oct. 21st. - -Mistletoe Thrush, _Turdus viscivorus_.--At Casquets L.H., Alderney, -Oct. 2nd, 11 p.m. to 2 a.m., with Ring Ouzels and Larks going W., six -Mistletoe Thrushes striking. - -Song Thrush, _Turdus musicus_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 16th, some -numbers with Ring Ouzels; 24th, many of both; 25th, both all day; -Oct. 6th, with Redwings, and on 16th with Redwings and Fieldfares; -20th, with Blackbirds and Redwings; 22nd, few; altogether, between -Sept. 16th and Oct. 22nd, large numbers crossed the island. On the -English side of the North Sea, Thrushes occurred at twelve stations -covering the entire length of coast. At Farne Inner L.H., Oct. 29th, -several. Nov. 20th, 22nd, 23rd, all day, with Blackbirds, Fieldfares, -and Redwings; 26th, with Blackbirds. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Oct. -22nd, several and a few Redwings going E. to W., great many stopped -on board and appeared very tired, early part of day foggy; 25th, -several S.E. to N.W. At Whitby L.H., Nov. 23rd, snow, large flocks -at intervals flying high. At Flamborough L.H., Oct. 21st, day and -night. At Spurn L.H., Oct. 5th and 7th, many. At Great Cotes, about -Oct. 19th, many. Dec. 9th, second arrival. At Cromer L.H., Aug. 3rd, -midnight, three killed. Sept. 25th, 1.30 a.m., two killed. Dec. 10th, -8 p.m., two killed. At Leman and Ower L.V., Sept. 28th and 29th, -during night. At Hasbro' L.H., Oct. 26th, 10 p.m., with a great many -small birds, some killed. At Corton L.V., Oct. 22nd, continuous after -daylight, E. to W., with Larks and Blackbirds, and again Nov. 7th. At -Galloper L.V., Nov. 1st, 9 a.m., forty S.E. to N.W.: 2nd, 10 p.m. to -sunrise, with Larks, Starlings, and Blackbirds, from E.S.E. to N.W., -about 120 killed; 9th, about eighty to N.W. during night. At Kentish -Knock L.V., Oct. 10th, one. At Gull L.V., Oct. 25th, with Larks and -Linnets continuously all day. "Great rush," 19th to 26th Oct. There -was a "second rush" Dec. 9th and 10th, preceding the outbreak of -Arctic weather on Dec. 13th. Line of migration E. to W., S.E. to -N.W. Time over which migration extended (exclusive of occurrences in -December, as probably referring to local movements caused by severe -weather) from Aug. 3rd, Cromer, to Nov. 26th, Farne Islands, or 126 -days. - -Fieldfare, _Turdus pilaris_.--At Heligoland, Oct. 16th, N.W. and -easterly, in great numbers high overhead; 25th, some; 28th, numerous; -and after this Fieldfares, Thrushes, and Blackbirds occasionally -till first week in December. On the East Coast of England occur at -ten stations from Farne Islands to Yarmouth. At Inner Farne L.H., -Oct. 25th, forenoon, flocks to W.; 27th, same; Nov. 16th, flock. At -Coquet Island L.H., Oct. 26th, 7 a.m., half-a-dozen. At Teesmouth 5 -Buoy L.V., Oct. 25th, 9 a.m., three, S.E. to N.W. Nov. 5th, 10 a.m., -great many to W.; 20th, 11 a.m., large flocks from E.; 27th, great -many E. to W. At Flamborough L.H., Oct. 21st, day and night, five -killed. At Spurn L.H., Oct. 26th, 27th, 28th, great many. At Great -Cotes, Dec. 9th, many, "second rush." At Corton L.V., Oct. 5th, one -over ship, E. to W. Jan. 15th, 12.45 p.m., high overhead, W.S.W. At -Galloper L.V., Nov. 1st, 9 a.m., fifteen, S.E. to N.W. At Yarmouth, -Oct. 17th and 18th, early morning, very high. Mr. T. Southwell, of -Norwich, saw a large flock near that city on Sept. 9th.[5] Excluding -Great Cotes as referring perhaps to local movement from outburst -of severe weather in the North, the Fieldfares were seen on their -migration, first near Norwich, Sept. 9th and last at Teesmouth, Nov. -27th--eighty days. "Great rush" Oct. 21st to 28th. - -[Footnote 5: A flock of twenty-five were Seen at Woodham Mortimer, -Essex, on Sept. 6th. See 'Field,' Oct. 2nd.] - -Redwing, _Tardus iliacus_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 6th, first flocks. -Oct. 16th, N.W. and easterly, in great numbers, very high; 20th, -many. English coast five stations from Farne Island to Yarmouth. -At Farne Inner L.H., Oct. 29th, many. At Spurn L.H., Oct. 5th, -plentiful. At Great Cotes, Dec. 9th, many, "second rush." At -Hunstanton L.H., Sept. 18th, 10 p.m., one caught. At Yarmouth, -Oct. 17th and 18th, with Fieldfares, very high. From Sept. 6th, -Heligoland, to Oct. 29th, Farne Islands, fifty-four days; "great -rush" middle of October. - -Blackbird, _Turdus merula_.--At Heligoland, Oct. 19th, some; 20th, -many; 28th, numerous. At Farne Inner L.H., Oct. 21st and 29th, one -each day; Nov. 20th, 22nd, 23rd and 26th, many; "great rush" on -these four days. At Coquet L.H., Nov. 20th, all day. Dec. 19th, -many, with Larks and Plover. At Whitby L.H., Aug. 1st, at daylight, -the first seen this year. Oct. 24th and 26th, several at daylight. -At Flamborough L.H., Oct. 21st, day and night. At Spurn L.H., Oct. -27th, old cocks. Nov. 20th, Blackbirds in considerable numbers, with -Thrushes, Redwings, and Fieldfares. At Great Cotes, Sept. 27th, young -cocks. Oct. 19th, many. At Outer Dowsing L.V., Oct. 22nd, 3 p.m., -four old males, E.S.E. to W. Nov. 26th, 1 p.m., three males, E.S.E. -to W. At Cromer L.H., Nov. 6th, three. At Hasbro' L.H., 11 p.m., two -struck, killed. At Corton L.V., Oct. 22nd, continuous after daylight, -E. to W. Nov. 7th, 11 a.m. to sunset, with Thrushes; 9th, W. by N., -several flocks to S.W., very low. At Galloper L.V., Oct. 22nd, 8.40 -a.m., about four hundred and three hundred Starlings to S.W.; 31st, -sixty; Nov. 2nd, about one hundred during night, thirty killed, to -N.W. at sunrise; 6th, 10 p.m. to sunrise, about fifty; 9th, 10 p.m. -to sunrise, sixty. At Casquets L.H., Alderney, Oct. 13th to 17th, -Blackbirds at midnight. Are noticed at thirteen stations from the -Farne Islands to Alderney. Great numbers appear to have crossed; at -Heligoland commenced passing later than any other of the _Merulidæ_. -There was a "great rush" on to the English coast, especially over the -Corton and Galloper light-vessels, from Oct. 19th to 22nd; a "second -rush" northwards of Spurn on Nov. 20th. Migrate both by day night; -direction of flight E. to W. or S.E. to N.W. - -Ring Ouzel, _Turdus torquatus_.--At Heligoland began moving very -early in the season. Sept. 9th, some, with _T. musicus_; 24th, many; -25th, great many, whole day, passing on. Oct. 7th, many, young birds; -27th, some. None recorded at any station on the English coast, which -is rather remarkable.[6] At the Casquets L.H., Aug. 16th, midnight, -misty, "Ring-Thrushes," four striking. Sept. 6th, midnight, N.E., -rain, four struck. Oct. 2nd, 11 p.m., rain, four struck, and again on -the 7th, 3 a.m., rain, four struck. Ring Ouzels were moving along the -French coast as early as Aug. 16th; over Heligoland Sept. 9th to Oct. -27th. A very fine example of _Tardus Naumanii_ (the first that has -occurred there), a young bird, was captured on Oct. 10th; N.E., windy. - -[Footnote 6: Lord Lilford (Zool., 1881, p. 24) records the first Ring -Ouzel of the season in North Northamptonshire on Sept. 21st; and two -are also recorded in 'The Zoologist' (1881, p. 26), as seen near -Harwich, Oct. 10, 1880.] - -Hedgesparrow, _Accentor modularis_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 26th, -pretty large numbers, first comers. Oct. 5th, great many in garden; -8th, great many; 9th, same. At Spurn L.H., Oct. 17th, very abundant. -At Great Cotes, Sept. 21st, in bean-fields near coast. Not observed -at any other stations. - -Redbreast, _Erithacus rubecula_,--At Heligoland, from Sept. 9th to -Oct. 9th, great numbers passing over island. At Coquet L.H., Sept. -10th and 16th, 10 a.m., one each day. Oct. 23rd, 5 p.m., one caught -on glass. Dec. 28th, noon, one. At Whitby L.H., Sept. 27th, 10 -a.m., a large flock of small birds containing many Robins remained -a few hours and then went S. At Hunstanton L.H., Sept. 5th, one. At -Northrepps, Norfolk, Oct. 14th and 15th, many noticed, evidently -immigrants. At Hanois L.H., Guernsey, Aug. 14th, midnight. Redbreasts -with many other birds, some killed. - -Bluethroat, _Ruticilla suecica_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 9th, E., fine, -several; 17th, N.E., wind, much rain, many. - -Redstart, _Ruticilla phœnicurus_.--At Heligoland, Aug. 12th and -13th, young birds. Sept. 3rd, 11 a.m., N.W., great many; 8th, many; -9th, great many; 16th, many, about half old birds; 17th, enormous -numbers, same; 25th and 26th, many. At Longstone L.H., Sept. 15th, -several on reef. At Farne Inner L.H., Sept. 15th, many "fly-catchers" -with Wheatears (see notes, Flycatcher, _M. grisola_). At Teesmouth, -many amongst the bents which grow upon the Tees breakwater early in -September (not previously noted in this locality). At Flamborough, -last week in August, great many. At Spurn, Sept. 3rd, many, left to -a bird night of 3rd. At Northrepps, Aug. 30th and 31st, "swarming." -At Yarmouth, large numbers first week in September. At Shipwash -L.V., Aug. 30th, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., large numbers to W.N.W. The -immigration of this species is very interesting from the large and -unusual numbers which can be traced along the east coast from the -Farne Islands to the Shipwash L.V., off the mouth of the Thames. They -arrived along the entire length of the coast during the latter part -of August and early in September. At the Shipwash L.V., the most -southern station, they were going W.N.W., and at all other stations, -after touching land, evidently followed the coast-line to the south. -The migration was confined very closely to the coast, the birds going -but a short distance inland. In nearly every case they migrated in -company with or at the same time as the Wheatear. - -Stonechat, _Saxicola rubicola_.--At Heligoland, Aug. 11th, young. -Sept. 3rd, 11 a.m., great many; 9th, same. Oct. 1st, 2nd and 3rd, old -birds. - -Whinchat, _Saxicola rubetra_.--At Heligoland, Aug. 23rd, great many -young birds, the first of them; 24th, also great many. October, first -week, old birds. Mouth of Deben river, Suffolk coast, Nov. 1st. - -Wheatear, _Saxicola œnanthe_.--At Heligoland, July 5th, small -flights, young birds; 24th, same. Sept. 16th, great many, about half -old birds. At Farne Inner L.H., Aug. 10th, several. Sept. 15th, -forty to fifty. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Aug. 30th, 10 a.m., fog, -two came on board. Sept. 10th, great many Wheatears from S.E., and -"several small birds of a dark green colour" (Redstarts?), some on -deck. At Teesmouth, Sept. 10th, an unusually large number along -the banks between Hartlepool and Sneaton Snook, also Redstarts. At -Flamborough, last week in August, in great numbers, with Redstarts. -At Spurn, Sept. 3rd, with some Redstarts. Oct. 27th, last seen, an -old bird. At Great Cotes, September, first fortnight, very great -many. At Northrepps, Aug. 30th and 31st, great numbers and Redstarts. -Altogether there was a very large immigration on the east coast from -the Farne Islands to Yarmouth the last week in August and early in -September. - -_Saxicola deserti_, Rupp.,[7] a fine old male, in perfect summer -plumage, occurred at Heligoland on June 23rd, wind W., calm, warm. -_Saxicola leucura_, Aug. 11th, E., fine, one, undoubtedly, but not -shot. - -[Footnote 7: It is worthy of note that on the same day a fine example -of _Papilio podalirius_, the scarce Swallow-tail, was taken on the -island. This butterfly was added to the British list on the authority -of Haworth, but no authenticated British specimen is known: its -occurrence on Heligoland adds to the probability of its capture in -England, [_Saxicola deserti_ also occurred at Alloa, in Scotland, on -Nov. 28th, 1880.--J.A.H.B.]] - -Sylviidæ.--Of the small warblers, _Hypolais icterina_, a fine -male occurred in Heligoland on June 3rd; the same day some Willow -Wrens and one _Sylvia viridanus_, a fine female, shot in Mr. -Gätke's garden, making the third Heligoland example. On July 13th, -Whitethroats; 24th, young Willow Wrens. On Aug. 24th, great many, -also some Whitethroats and Garden Warblers; 27th, Willow Wrens in -less numbers, and again in increased numbers on Sept. 3rd; on the -9th Chiffchaffs commenced migrating, also a great many Willow Wrens -and Whitethroats came; on the 15th, forenoon, Willow Wrens and Sedge -Warblers, great many in potato-fields; again, on 16th, S.E., calm, -sunny, warm, Willow Wrens, Chiffchaffs and Garden Warblers, great -many, less numbers of Blackcaps; 17th, Willow Wrens, Chiffchaffs -and Garden Warblers, less of the latter; 25th, westerly. Willow -Wrens, and great numbers of Chiffchaffs, Garden Warblers, Blackcaps -and Whitethroats; the same day, _P. superciliosus_, one fine bird -shot; besides this a large _Phylloscopus_, with very conspicuous -wing-bar, was seen. Again, on the 26th, another _P. superciliosus_, -and in the evening many Chiffchaffs, Garden Warblers and Blackcaps; -27th, Chiffchaffs, Garden Warblers, Blackcaps and Whitethroats; -28th, some Chiffchaffs; 30th, Chiffchaffs, Garden Warblers, one -_P. superciliosus_ seen, a grey _Phylloscopus_ seen, _tristis ?_ -Some more Chiffchaffs, with many other birds, Oct. 8th, and one _P. -superciliosus_; Chiffchaffs again on 9th, 10th and 11th; 13th, Willow -Wrens, great numbers all this latter time also. After the middle of -October the migration of the _Sylviidæ_ appears to have ceased. At -Flamborough a Willow Wren was caught on the morning after the great -storm on the night of Oct. 28th, and at Spurn on morning of 28th a -female Blackcap was shot by Mr. W. Eagle Clarke. - -Golden-crested Wren, _Regulus cristatus_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 9th, -great many, first comers; 25th, some; 27th, 29th and 30th, some. -Oct. 4th, great many; 5th, also many with some _R. ignicapillus_, -Fire-crested Wrens, first comers; 8th, great many Golden; 11, also -great many; 22nd, daily some. At Longstone L.H., Oct. 22nd, one. At -Farne Inner L.H., Sept. 15th, 9 a.m., E.N.E., six. Oct. 12th and -13th, several all day. At Coquet Island L.H., Oct. 14th, N.W., one. -Nov. 9th, 11 p.m., N.W., gale, one caught on glass. At Flamborough -L.H., Oct. 8th, hundreds seen. At Spurn L.H., Sept. 15th, E.N.E., -first seen. Oct. 5th and 7th, plentiful; 15th, about a dozen, one -caught; 17th, several; 26th, one seen. At Hasbro' L.V., Oct. 17th, 3 -p.m., E.S.E. to W.N.W., two. At Cockle L.V., Aug. 18th, one caught on -deck. Oct. 9th and 18th, one each day also. On Suffolk coast, mouth -of Deben, Nov. 1st, Goldcrests. At Kentish Knock L.V., Oct. 1st, one; -10th, two on board. At Shipwash L.V., Sept. 1st, 6 to 8 p.m., large -numbers to N.W. Dec. 8th, 10 a.m., flock to W.S.W. At Hanois L.H., -Aug. 14th, o.m., N., Goldcrests, some killed. First observed at the -Guernsey lighthouse, Aug. 14th; last at Coquet Island, Nov. 9th. -Migration extending over eighty-eight days. - -Wren, _Troglodytes parvulus_.--At Farne Inner L.H., Nov. 23rd, -several. At Whitby L.H., Sept. 27th, 10 a.m., Wrens with many other -small birds, remaining a few hours and then going south. At Spurn -L.H., Sept. 21st, one caught on lantern. At Great Cotes, early in -October, many. At East Goodwin L.V., 10 a.m., four from N.W. came on -board. - -Paridæ.--Oct. 14th, N.W., windy. Great Titmouse (_Parus major_), -some; Blue Titmouse (_P. cæruleus_), a great many passed over in the -afternoon of Oct. 10th, N.E., windy; and again a great many on the -11th, under the same conditions. At Great Cotes, Oct. 14th, Great -Tit, many; Blue, some; and Coal Titmouse (_Parus ater_), a few. -Dec. 9th, _P. major_, several, "second rush." Migratory flocks of -the Long-tailed Titmouse (_Acredula rosea_) occurred near Cromer in -October. - -Motacillidæ.--At Heligoland, Aug. 27th, Blue-headed and White -Wagtails (_Motacilla flava_ and _alba_), great many young birds. -Sept. 1st, _M. flava_, pretty large numbers with other birds, all -restless, passing over; 9th, E., fine. Yellow Wagtail, _Budytes_ -(_M. Raii_), great many; 15th, forenoon, _M. flava_, astounding -numbers, late in afternoon in great flights overhead, going north to -south; 27th, _M. alba_, some. The only migration of Wagtails over -Heligoland in August and September, with one exception, appears to -have been confined to these two well-known European species--the -Blue-headed and White Wagtails of the Continent. The Grey Wagtail -(_M. sulphurea_) was first observed at Great Cotes first week in -October, and on Norfolk Coast, Sept. 25th. - -Tree Pipit, _Anthus trivialis_.--At Heligoland, Aug. 22nd, young -birds; 23rd, same; 24th, same, but less numbers; 26th, Meadow -Pipit (_A. pratensis_), great many (oftentimes with smart breeze), -also many Tree Pipits; 31st, Richard's Pipit (_A. Richardi_), one. -Sept. 1st, Tree Pipits, pretty large numbers; 9th, E., fine. Tree -and Meadow Pipits, great many, and two _A. Richardi_ seen; 15th, -forenoon, Richard's Pipit, some, once seven together, none shot; late -in afternoon. Meadow Pipits, great flights. Tree Pipits less; 16th, -Tawny Pipit (_A. campestris_), two; 27th, Meadow Pipits, a few. Oct. -6th, Meadow Pipits with Larks in great flights passing overhead. At -Coquet L.H., October, 9 a.m., half a score Titlarks. At Spurn, Sept. -6th, migrating with Swallows, but in separate flocks, bents full of -Titlarks arriving from sea, came from N.E., wind W. At Leman and Ower -L.V., Sept. 13th, Titlarks, numbers on board, fifteen caught. At Swin -Middle L.V., Aug. 29th, 6 p.m., two Titlarks and six species of small -birds on board, left for W. At Casquets L.H., Aug. 18th, 2 a.m., -about fifty struck. Sept. 6th, midnight to 3 a.m., twenty struck. -Rock Pipit (_A. obscurus_), Sept. 28th, first seen on Lincolnshire -coast; Sept. 22nd, on Norfolk coast. - -Shore Lark, _Otocorys alpestris_.--At Heligoland, Oct. 4th, about -twenty; 5th and 6th, some; 17th, twenty to forty; 19th, great many; -20th, flights from twenty to one hundred; 21st, great many; 23rd, -still larger flights; 26th, a few. Also great numbers in November and -up to Dec. 18th; on Nov. 15th, thousands, in flights of hundreds. -On the English coast the occurrences of the Shore Lark have been -numerous. At Farne Islands, one shot in the autumn. At Scarborough, -Mr. Roberts states that since the severe weather in January, 1881, -Shore Larks in small flocks have visited the coast, and several have -been shot and taken to him. At Spurn, Dec. 12th, flock of thirteen -seen. My informant, who is well acquainted with the bird, says, -"resting apparently as I was within six yards of them." At Skegness, -Lincolnshire coast, last week in October, eight shot. Near Bedford, -Oct. 28th, several seen, two shot ('Field,' Nov. 6, 1880). On Norfolk -coast a flock at Blakeney, which remained near the place for two -months, and others near Yarmouth. At Dover two procured in December. - -Sky Lark, _Alauda arvensis_.--The entrances of the migration of the -Sky Lark at the East Coast stations are far too numerous to note -separately. In many cases they occupy a large portion of the returned -schedules, and individually far outnumber any other species. At -Heligoland the migration commenced Sept. 25th, already great many -overhead; 27th, 9 to 10 p.m., passing. Oct. 5th, morning, great many; -6th, afternoon, great flights overhead; 19th, late in forenoon, great -flights passing on; 20th, with Starlings, hundreds of thousands -passing overhead and over the sea; 21st, same; 27th considerable -passage in the night; 28th, many thousands over the sea; and after -this in flights through November and December. On our East Coast they -are noticed at thirty-one of the stations making returns, from the -Farne Islands to the Casquets, Alderney. At Farne Island L.H., Sept. -30th to Oct. 31st. At Coquet L.H., Dec. 19th. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy -L.V., Sept. 25th to Nov. 21st. On Oct. 24th, all day, "great rush." -Nov. 21st, "second rush." At Teesmouth, Oct. 6th to 30th. At Whitby -L.H., Oct. 14th to Nov. 23rd. At Flamborough in October. At Spurn -L.H., Sept. 15th to Jan. 13th. At Spurn L.V., Oct. 6th to 27th--from -9th to 15th every day continuous. At Great Cotes, September, last -week, every day and on to Nov. 4th. At Outer Dowsing L.V., Oct. 13th -to Dec. 6th; "great rush," Oct. 13th to end of month; "second rush," -Nov. 12th. At Inner Dowsing L.V., Oct. 27th to Jan. 4th. At Dudgeon -L.V., Oct. 4th to Dec. 15th; "great rush," Oct. 17th and 20th, and -night of 27th. At Lynn Well L.V., Oct. 5th to 23rd, on seven days -great numbers; 11th, 12th and 13th, continuous during day ("great -rush"); after this, from Oct. 23rd to Jan. 3rd, in less numbers. On -Jan. 1st, 2nd and 3rd, with Knot; sixteen Larks and fifteen Knots -killed against lantern. At Hunstanton L.H., Oct. 8th, great many. At -Cromer L.H., Sept. 20th to Jan. 2nd, eleven struck and killed. At -Leman and Ower L.V., Sept. 28th to Oct. 27th, on eleven days, day and -night; Oct. 23rd, 26th and 27th, "great rush." At Hasbro' L.V., Sept. -1st to Oct. 22nd. At Hasbro' L.H., Sept. 13th to Dec. 27th, thirty -killed. At Newarp L.V., Sept. 24th to Oct. 17th. At Cockle L.V., -Sept. 27th to Oct. 22nd; Oct. 11th and 22nd, continuous. At Corton -L.V., Oct. 7th to Nov. 7th; Oct. 22nd, continuous. At Galloper L.V., -Oct. 9th to Nov. 11th, on seventeen days in large flocks, up to five -hundred in a flock; Oct. 31st, 11 p.m., half a gale, thirty killed; -Nov. 2nd, 10 p.m. to sunrise, about same number, and many on night -of 6th, with other birds. At Kentish Knock L.V., only on Oct. 17th. -At Shipwash L.V., Sept. 18th, Oct. 4th and 8th, Nov. 22nd; all day, -continuous on Oct. 4th. At Swin Middle L.V., Oct. 21st to Jan. 12th. -At Tongue L.V., Sept. 27th to Oct. 30th; "rush," Oct. 22nd. On Sept. -27th, hazy, fifty in ship round lantern at 11 p.m.; when stars came -out they left. At Goodwin L.V., Sept. 27th to Nov. 7th. At Gull L.V., -Oct. 18th to Nov. 2nd. At South-sand Head L.V., Aug. 27th to Nov. -9th. At East Goodwin L.V., Oct. 8th to Jan. 12th. Enormous numbers -crossed at these four Goodwin Stations. At Casquets L.H., Oct. 2nd, -11 p.m. to 2 a.m., sixty killed. - -The migration of the Lark was carried on all hours of day and night -in all weathers from Aug. 27th to Jan. 12th. The "great rush" took -place during the last fortnight in October, more crossing probably -on the 22nd than any other day, and at Heligoland on 20th and 21st. -A "second rush" a month later, on or about Nov. 21st, and a "third -rush" on the outbreak of severe weather in the second week in January -this year. General line of direction E. to W., sometimes N.E. to -S.W., but generally, like the majority of immigrants this season, -with a strong trend from points south of east. It is remarkable, -as shown by the returns, how frequently Larks are associated in -migration with Starlings, either in separate flocks or together; in -fact, the two species seem to be inseparable. In a large majority of -instances these two meadow-feeders are associated as if impelled to -migrate by a common cause. - -Wood Lark, _Alauda arborea_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 28th, four. - -Snow Bunting, _Plectrophanes nivalis_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 17th, -a few first arrivals; Oct. 20th, great many; 20th and 26th, a few; -Nov. 20th, still great numbers, but very few old birds. At Farne -Inner L.H., Oct. 28th to Dec. 20th; "rush," Nov. 16th, and again -Dec. 20th. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., from Nov. 7th to the end of -month, nearly on every day, immense numbers passed; all came from -N., and were going S.W. At Flamborough, Oct. 8th, first seen; Jan. -13th, great many flocks. At Spurn L.H., third week in October, a few; -29th, many, after great gale from E. and N.E. At Great Cotes, early -in November,--1st to 5th,--many; 24th, enormous flocks. At Yarmouth, -middle of October. At Harwich, Oct. 30th, many in Orwell river; Nov. -4th, first flock seen near Dovercourt (Zool., 1881, p. 26). None -are recorded from stations south of Harwich. The flocks consisted -mainly of the young of the year and old females; very few old male -birds. The immigration of Snow Buntings on to the north-easterly -coasts in four distinct rushes, _viz._, at the end of October, in -November, December, and January, has been attended with corresponding -depressions of the barometer and outbursts of Arctic weather, _viz._, -the great gale E. to N.E., Oct. 28th, with heavy snow in Scotland; -Nov. 18th to 20th, sharp frosts and heavy snow-storms; Dec. 14th and -15th, the same; and Jan. 11th and 12th, same. Mr. Gätke has observed -for some years a very marked decrease in the number of Snow Buntings -crossing Heligoland. There has been a very great increase in the -number arriving on our east coast for the last six or seven winters, -and it is probable that, like the Shore Lark and other Arctic birds, -the line of migration now runs further to the west than formerly. - -Other _Emberizinæ_ occurred as follows:--At Heligoland, Oct. 11th, -Ortolan Bunting, _Emberiza hortulana_, many young; 24th, same; Sept. -1st, pretty large numbers; 8th and 9th, many; 15th, great many in -potato-lands; 29th, Reed Bunting, _E. schœniclus_, many; Oct. 4th, -great many; 6th, same; 8th, great many; 11th, same. Yellow Bunting, -_E. citrinella_, 28th, many; and same and Corn Buntings up to Nov. -20th, few old birds. Little Bunting, _E. pusilla_, Sept. 26th, one; -30th, one; Oct. 11th, one. On the east coast of England, at Great -Cotes, Sept. 30th, _E. schœniclus_, many. At Spurn, Oct. 26th, a few -seen. At South-sand Head L.V., Aug. 29th, four to south. - -Chaffinch, _Fringilla cœlebs_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 17th, great -many beginning to pass; 25th, enormous numbers passing on high -overhead in a westerly direction; 26th, hundreds of thousands high -overhead; 27th, some; 28th, thousands so high overhead that they -cannot be seen, only their call-notes heard, all day long; Oct. 6th, -7th, and 8th, great many; 11th, same; 27th, still many passing. Great -numbers have also arrived on the east coast; they are noticed at -fourteen stations, from the Farne Islands to the Goodwins. At Farne -Inner L.H., Sept. 1st, 2 a.m., one killed against glass, S.W., misty. -At Whitby L.H., Sept. 27th, "Finches," "great rush," with many other -species. At Great Cotes, Oct. 13th, very large flocks of females -and young of the year about this date. At Dudgeon L.V., Oct. 16th, -one male caught on deck; 28th, same; Dec. 5th, one same, going W. -At Lynn Well L.V., Oct. 5th and 23rd, many S.E. to N.W.; 25th, in -smaller flocks to N.W. At Northrepps, Oct. 13th, Mr. J. H. Gurney saw -a huge flock in a stubble-field on the cliff, which he thinks must -have come in from the sea. At Leman and Ower L.V., Oct. 19th, 8 to -12 p.m., o.m., six caught on deck. At Newarp L.V., 2 to 3 p.m., Oct. -6th, 14th, and 18th, each day to S.W. At Cockle L.V., Oct. 6th, two -on board caught. At Corton L.V., 7 p.m., several males alighted on -deck; 15th, 6 p.m., one male caught. At Galloper L.V., Oct. 9th to -Nov. 6th, on several days, sometimes with Larks, twelve Larks, nine -Chaffinches killed night of Oct. 9th, o.m., heavy rain. At Kentish -Knock L.V., Oct. 7th, two at sunrise to S.W.; 15th, two, male and -female, caught; 17th, W.S.W., three or four hundred very high to S.W. -At Swin Middle L.V. Sept. 18th, sunrise to 10 a.m., Chaffinches with -Linnets to W. At Gull L.V., Sept. 28th, 9 to 11 a.m., continuous -flocks of Linnets, Starlings, Chaffinches, and Mountain Sparrows -to W., many of each on deck. The main immigration of the Chaffinch -was from the middle of September to end of October, the bulk of the -immigrants crossing south of Yarmouth. The "great rush" on or about -Oct. 13th. - -Brambling, _Fringilla montifringilla_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 25th, -many; 27th, some; Oct. 8th, great many; and on 27th, still more, and -also good many throughout November. On the English coast few have -been observed. At Flamborough, Jan. 13th, some large flocks. At Leman -and Ower L.V., Oct. 6th, one male caught. - -Tree Sparrow, _Passer montanus_.--None are recorded as passing -Heligoland. On our east coast they were observed at eleven stations, -but none are recorded north of Spurn. In North-east Lincolnshire, -Oct. 13th, very large flocks were seen about this date. At Dudgeon -L.V., Oct. 5th, "Sparrows" to W. At Newarp L.V., Oct. 25th, six -going W. by N. At Corton L.V., Oct. 7th, several alighted on ship -for a short time, going E. to W. At Kentish Knock L.V., Oct. 9th, -seven on board till squall had passed. At Shipwash L.V., Nov. 28th, -flocks to N.N.W. At Tongue L.V., Sept. 28th, 11 a.m., o.m., about one -hundred Sparrows on masthead; Oct. 24th, twenty to W. at noon. At -North Foreland L.H., from October to third week in December, hundreds -"mixed" were seen. At Goodwin L.V., Sept. 28th to Nov. 5th, on five -days, often with Larks to W. At Gull L.V., Sept. 28th, continuous -with other birds from 9 to 11 a.m. to W.; Oct. 16th, from 9 a.m. to -3 p.m., continuous to W. At East Goodwin L.V., Sept. 25th, Oct. 9th, -and 11th, flocks flying about ship; 17th, flock from N.W. to S.E.; -Jan. 8th, about one hundred from W. to E. towards French coast. From -Sept. 25th to Nov. 28th, the majority passing across at the most -southern stations the four lightships on the Goodwin Sands. It is -possible that some of the entries of "Sparrows," where not distinctly -specified, may refer to the Common Sparrow, which is now recognised -as a regular immigrant. - -House Sparrow, _Passer domesticus_.--At Heligoland, Mr. Gätke says, -"Up towards the end of July all young Sparrows disappeared from the -island," and "up to middle of September nearly all old Sparrows had -also quitted the island." Oct. 10th, "Sparrows latterly influx," from -which it appears that the local Sparrows leave, the young first, -then the old, and their place is taken by a fresh arrival. At Spurn, -last week in Nov., Mr. Hewetson saw an immense flock--hundreds upon -hundreds--on the shore, evidently quite fresh arrivals; amongst them -was a Reed Bunting. At Outer Dowsing L.V., Sept. 26th, 5 p.m., twenty -House Sparrows came on board, travelling from S.E. to N.W.; and on -Oct. 2nd, at 4 p.m., eight going E.S.E. to W. At Kentish Knock L.V., -Oct. 10th, one Common Sparrow; and on 12th, two, till squall had -passed, then to S.W. At Casquets L.H., Alderney, Oct. 13th to 17th, -at midnight, Common Sparrows with Thrushes, Blackbirds, Starlings, -and Wood Pigeons, to English coast. - -Greenfinch, _Coccothraustes chloris_.--At Heligoland, Oct. 27th, -many; Nov. 20th, great many. At Corton L.V., Oct. 31st, one, a male, -caught. - -Goldfinch, _Carduelis elegans_.--At Heligoland, Oct. 27th, some; also -through November and December; on Dec. 17th, great many. At Great -Cotes, some small flocks in North-east Lincolnshire in October and -November, more than have been seen for many years. On Suffolk coast, -mouth of Deben, Nov. 1st, seven. - -Siskin, _Carduelis spinus_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 16th, a.m., -"flights in my garden of (say) fifty; p.m., flights of hundreds"; -17th, "hundreds of thousands"--"flights like clouds"; 25th, many; -Oct. 7th, great many; 27th, many still passing; Nov. 4th, W., still -some flights. On English coast of Spurn, Oct. 27th, small flock seen. -At Northrepps, Sept. 16th, seen by Mr. J. H. Gurney. Have also been -reported as more plentiful than usual in other parts of country. - -Lesser Redpole, _Linota rufescens_.--In Lincolnshire there were very -considerable numbers in our east coast marshes early in October; -in one instance, on the 7th, I saw a flock of two hundred in a -stubble-field near the coast. At Spurn, Oct. 28th, Mr. Wm. Eagle -Clarke saw a flock near Kilnsea. - -Linnet, _Linota cannabina_.--At Heligoland, Oct. 4th, great many, -first comers; 6th, some; 28th, with Twites, great many. On the -English coast, Whitby L.V., Sept. 27th, with many others. At Corton -L.V., Oct. 5th, one E. to W. At Swin Middle L.V., Sept. 18th, sunrise -to 10 a.m., with Chaffinches to W.; and on previous day, Sept. 17th, -all day to N.N.W. with Swallows. At Gull L.V., Sept. 26th to Oct. -25th, on six days with other birds to W. and S.W.; continuous all day -on Oct. 24th and 25th. At South-sand Head L.V., Oct. 18th and 21st, -Linnets with others all day; 26th, all day with others to W. and N.W. -Immense numbers appear to have crossed from Oct. 1st to 26th at the -stations off the Essex and Kent coasts; none, or very few only, at -stations north of this. - -Twite, _Linota flavirostris_.--Is not recorded on the English coast. -At Heligoland, Oct. 16th, many passed, first comers; and on 17th, -great many; 20th, great many; and on 25th, 26th, and 27th, lesser -flights; 28th, many with Linnets. - -Bullfinch, _Pyrrhula europæa_.--At Heligoland, Oct. 7th, one, young; -8th, one, young, in garden; 10th, some; 11th, a few; 19th, some; -25th, a few; and through November and December in small parties of -ten to twelve; have not been seen on the island for ever so many -years. At Spurn, some were seen last week in November; and during the -last fortnight in the same month, many in North-east Lincolnshire. -Mr. J. H. Gurney, writing from Reigate, Jan. 4th, 1881, says, "There -are more Bullfinches in this part of Surrey than I think I ever saw." -Extraordinary numbers were seen in Mayo and Sligo, Ireland, in the -last autumn and winter (See 'Zoologist,' 1881, p. 133). - -Crossbill, _Loxia curvirostra_.--At Heligoland, Oct. 7th, one young -bird. - -Starling, _Sturnus vulgaris_.--Next to the Lark, this species -undoubtedly takes the second rank numerically amongst the migrants. -The young birds crossed Heligoland in large numbers from June 15th -to July 5th. The old birds beginning to move about Sept. 11th, and -from that time to Oct. 27th, enormous numbers passed. On the English -coast they are recorded at twenty-five stations, from the Longstone -to the Hanois L.H., Guernsey. At Longstone L.H., Nov. 19th, large -flocks to W. At Farne Inner L.H., Sept. 30th, to Nov. 13th (Oct. -15th, rush), when they passed all day westward. At Coquet L.H., Oct. -1st and 11th. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Nov. 27th, large flocks from -S.E. to N.W. At Whitby L.H., July 23rd, one hundred young birds to S. -At Flamborough L.H., great numbers in November. At Spurn L.H., Oct. -14th to Nov. 27th, Oct. 23rd and 24th, and Nov. 27th to 30th, all day -from N. to S. At Spurn L.V., Oct. 17th, thirty came on board; 27th, -Starlings and Larks; two dozen caught going S. At Inner Dowsing L.V., -Jan. 4th, one dead on deck at sunrise. At Hunstanton L.H., Oct. 8th, -4 a.m., o.m., rain, E., hundreds with Larks round light, fifteen -killed. At Cromer L.H., Jan. 3rd, 1881, 3 a.m., one killed. At Leman -and Ower L.V., Sept. 28th and 29th, and Oct. 19th, during night; At -Hasboro' L.H., Sept. 13th and 14th, 11 p.m. to midnight, with Larks, -twenty stunned, young birds; 27th, midnight, four killed, young; -Dec. 27th, midnight, with Larks and Blackbirds. At Newarp L.V., -Oct. 13th to 25th, on three days to W. At Corton L.V., Sept. 27th, -Oct. 4th, and Nov. 17th, E. to W. At Galloper L.V., Oct. 13th to -Nov. 11th, nearly every day large flocks going N.W., day and night, -sometimes alone, at others with Larks and small birds. At Kentish -Knock L.V., Oct. 8th, 10th, and 13th, to W.S.W., with Larks and many -other birds. At Shipwash L.V., Sept. 21st to Nov. 23rd, on several -days, sometimes with Larks N. and N.W. At Swin Middle L.V., Aug. -28th, flocks to W. with other birds; and Oct. 30th, to W. with Larks. -At South-sand Head L.V., Oct. 10th, continuous with others; also on -17th, 18th, 22nd, and 26th, to W. At East Goodwin L.V., Sept. 24th -and 25th, hazy, flocks about ship with Sparrows on 25th; Oct. 16th, -hundreds E. to W. At Casquets L.H., Oct. 13th to 17th, midnight, -rain. Starlings amongst other birds to N.W. At Hanois L.H., Guernsey, -Aug. 14th, night, with many others; Dec. 2nd, midnight, o.m., half -a dozen struck. The young migrate first; the old in October and -November. Have crossed in the greatest number at the more southern -stations, travelling all hours of the day and night in westerly and -north-westerly directions; constantly associated with Larks in their -migrations. The majority crossed from Oct. 19th to 26th. Again there -was a "second rush" near the end of November, and a third the second -week in January, before the outbreak of severe weather. - -Rose-coloured Starling, _Pastor roseus_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 17th, -one, a young bird, occurred. - -Grey Crow, _Corvus cornix_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 24th, commencing -with flocks of thirty to forty, and passing at intervals to end of -October, sometimes in immense numbers; Oct. 7th, towards evening an -enormous flight, during night fifty caught by lanterns; and after -this passing in smaller numbers to Nov. 2nd. On the English coast -they were noticed at seventeen stations, extending from the Farne -Islands to the mouth of the Thames. At Farne Inner L.H., Oct. 21st to -Nov. 20th, to W. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Sept. 10th, two E. to W.; -Oct. 12th, great many E.S.E. to W.N.W. At Teesmouth, Sept. 25th, two -seen; Oct. 16th and 20th, many. At Whitby L.H., Oct. 24th and 26th, -with Blackbirds at daylight. At Flamborough L.H., Oct. 8th, enormous -numbers seen. At Spurn, Oct. 12th to Nov. 9th, great many. At Great -Cotes, Oct. 9th, 5.30 p.m., gale from N.E., large flock came in, -travelling from E. to W., very high. At Lynn Well, L.V., Oct. 10th -to 14th, continuous every day from S. to N.W.; again 22nd and 23rd, -all day S.E. to N.W. At Hunstanton L.H., Oct. 10th, 11th, and 12th, -many E. to W., wind E.N.E. At Northrepps, Oct. 13th, many to N.W. At -Leman and Ower L.V., Oct. 21st, 5 p.m., to N.W. At Cockle L.V., Oct. -11th, continuous to W.N.W., and E.N.E. At Corton L.V., Oct. 10th, -very high, E. to W., wind E.N.E.; 11th, continuous 9 a.m. to noon. -At mouth of Deben, Oct. 29th to Nov. 1st, in numbers. At Galloper -L.V., Oct. 24th to Nov. 9th, many flocks. At Shipwash L.V., Oct. -12th, 30th, and Nov. 3rd, flocks N.W. and N.N.W. At Swin Middle L.V., -Oct. 22nd, noon to 3 p.m., with Rooks. At South-sand Head L.V., Sept. -16th, ten "Crows" to N.W.--may have been _Corvus corone_; Nov. 4th, -two hundred Crows to N.W. The majority of the Hooded Crows arrived -from Oct. 8th to 23rd, the greatest number on any given day probably -on the 11th. The main body passed on to the east coast between -Flamborough and Yarmouth, with northerly and easterly winds, and -travelling from E. to W., N.E. to S.W., and S.E. and S. to N.W. - -Rook, _Corvus frugilegus_.--Enormous as have been the number of Crows -crossing the North Sea the Rook has probably quite equalled them. -None were noticed at Heligoland, or indeed at any station north of -the Humber; but from Spurn to the Southsand Head they are recorded at -sixteen stations, from Oct. 10th to Nov. 12th, the greatest number -crossing undoubtedly on Oct. 21st, and the majority during the autumn -at the more southern stations. Comparing the immigration of the Grey -Crow with the Rook we find that the former crossed more to the north -than the latter did. Thus Grey Crows are recorded from the Farnes to -the mouth of the Thames: the majority into Holderness, Lincolnshire -and Norfolk; the Rooks from Spurn to the South Foreland, the majority -into the southern counties. Each, however, came from, and travelled -to, the same points of the compass--E. to W., or N.E. to S.W., or -S.E. and S. to S.W. - -Daw, _Corvus monedula_.--At Great Cotes, Oct. 19th, several, with -Rooks, coming in from the sea. At Northrepps, Oct. 14th, going N.W. -At Galloper L.V., Oct. 17th, 7.45 a.m., Rooks and Daws, three to four -hundred. - -Jay, _Garrulus glandarius_.--Nil Return. There was, however, a -considerable influx into North-east Lincolnshire on or about the last -week in October. - -Pie, _Pica rustica_.--At Northrepps, Oct. 17th, Mr. J. H. Gurney -observed two high up, going E. - -Swallow, _Hirundo rustica_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 16th, passing S. -At Farne Inner L.H., Oct. 1st, several all day. At Coquet L.H., July -10th, numbers; Sept. 20th, 6 p.m., four. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., -July 27th, 6 to 7.30 p.m., wind S.W., moderate, six large flocks, -fifty to sixty each, north to south; Sept. 15th, 4 p.m., large -flocks to S. At Whitby L.H., Sept. 22nd, 4 p.m., last seen going S. -At Flamborough L.H., Sept. 17th, midday, great many. At Spurn L.H., -Sept. 6th, all day young Swallows passing along Spurn promontory -towards S., each flock followed by Pipits. At Hunstanton L.V., Sept. -28th, large flock on lighthouse. At Leman and Ower L.V., July 29th, -6 a.m., numbers passed, some alighting on board, one struck and -killed. At Hasboro' L.H., Sept. 1st, 2 a.m., fog, flock, several -caught as they beat against lantern. At Winterton L.H., Sept. 3rd -to 9th, round lantern every day. At Swin Middle L.V., Sept. 15th, -all day to N.W.; 17th, with Linnets all day to N.N.W.; 18th, sunrise -to 9 a.m., two hundred to W. At North Foreland L.H., July 28th, 10 -a.m. to 3 p.m., passing; 29th, six passed; Swallows also in numbers -from five to forty were seen flying round lantern during the last -week in September. At South-sand Head L.V., Sept. 23rd, twelve to W, -At Casquets L.H., Oct. 7th, from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m., S.S.E., rain. -Swallows, Landrails, Water Rails, Woodcocks, King Ouzels, and Common -Thrushes were seen round light; amongst the birds striking the glass -were one hundred Swallows. At Hanois L.H., Guernsey, Sept. 30th, -a flight passed south. Swallows were noticed migrating at fifteen -stations on the east coast and in the Channel from July 10th, at -Coquet Island, to Oct. 7th, at the Casquets, the greater part in -September. Migrate both by day and night, and in very considerable -flocks; general direction north to south, but at Swin Middle L.V., -S.E. to N.W. Swallows remained very late in the autumn of the past -year in some localities. In North-east Lincolnshire, Nov. 9th, a -pair seen. In Essex, Nov. 4th. In 'The Zoologist' for 1881, p. 62, -the editor records the late stay of the Swallow at eight stations, -all southern ones except Dublin, from Nov. 22nd to Dec. 11th. It is -rather remarkable that, in North-east Germany, Swallows are recorded -in the German newspapers as taking their departure nearly a month -before the average time. - -Martin, _Chelidon urbica_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 1st, with Swifts -passing on overhead, N.W., clear, little wind, warm. At Outer Dowsing -L.V., Sept. 21st, sunset, two flying round lantern. At mouth of -Deben, Nov. 1st, many Martins and Sand Martins seen. At South-sand -Head L.V., Sept. 1st, twelve to S. One was seen at Henley-on-Thames -on Dec. 18th (Zool., 1881, p. 62). - -Swift, _Cypselus apus_.--At Heligoland, June 1st, some passing; Sept. -1st, passing on overhead; 16th, great many. At Whitby L.H., Sept. -16th, 4 p.m., flock to S. At Spurn L.H., Aug. 27th, 6.30 a.m., great -number to S.; Sept. 6th, again migrating; on June 7th, at 7 p.m., -fifty were seen perched on gallery of lighthouse. At Cockle L.V., -July 11th, two to N.W. Very few have been observed in comparison with -the enormous flight which passed up the coast in the autumn of 1879. - -Nightjar, _Caprimulgus europæus_.--At Hasborough L.V., Sept. 24th, 10 -p.m., one killed against lantern. Occurs every year at Spurn in the -autumn as a migrant. - -Cuckoo, _Cuculus canorus_.--At Heligoland, June 3rd, one old bird. At -Whitby L.H., July 4th, one caught, a young bird. At Spurn, Sept. 7th, -one seen, young. At Cromer L.H., July 28th, midnight, stunned. - -Wryneck, _Jynx torquilla_.--At Heligoland, Aug. 13th, one young bird. - -Hoopoe, _Upupa epops_.--One recorded in the 'Field' of Nov. 6th as -shot at Redcar, middle of September. At Bridlington, Sept. 15th, -one. At Holt, Norfolk, Sept. 22nd, one, a male, in a turnip-field. -At Woodham Mortimer, Essex, one shot Sept. 20th. At Crofton, near -Wakefield, Oct. 29th, one shot and another seen. - -Bee-eater, _Merops apiaster_.--At Tetney Haven, seven miles S. of -Grimsby, one on Aug. 16th (Zool., 1880, p. 511). - -Great Spotted Woodpecker, _Picus major_.--At Spurn, Oct. 27th, one -shot, a few red feathers on the crown of the head, and in an advanced -state of moult. At Great Cotes, Dec. 8th, one. - -King Dove or Wood Pigeon, _Columba palumbus_.--At Heligoland, Sept. -25th, twenty to thirty. At Tongue L.V., Dec. 30th, 2.30 p.m., nine -"Pigeons" going N. At Casquets L.H., Oct. 13th to 17th, midnight, -Wood Pigeons from French to English coast going N.W. - -Turtle Dove, _Turtur communis_.--At Flamborough, first week in -October, one. At Great Cotes, Oct. 8th, N.E. gale and rain, one seen. -At Casquets, Sept. 7th, 10 p.m. to 3 a.m., fifteen striking. - -Golden Plover, _Charadrius pluvialis_.--At Heligoland, July 3rd, E., -passing over day and night in great numbers; 4th, about twenty young -birds; 23rd and 24th, young birds; Aug. 10th, flights of hundreds, -all young; 12th and 13th, northerly, fine, many high overhead; Sept. -3rd, great number of waders during night; 8th and 9th, great many; -16th, a.m., flights of dozens, p.m. flights of hundreds; Oct. 28th, -many thousands over sea. At Farne Inner L.H., Aug. 12th to 28th, -flocks to and from land every day; Nov. 23rd and 24th, all day. At -Coquet Island L.H., Nov. 21st and Dec. 10th, all day. At Teesmouth, -Sept. 25th, twenty seen. At Spurn L.H., Sept. 5th, flocks "Plover" -N. to S. during day. At Great Cotes, Dec. 9th, immense flights, -old birds. At Dudgeon L.V., Aug. 7th, 3 a.m. to midnight, in small -parties, general direction W.; 25th, some; Oct. 28th, about one -hundred to W. None at southern stations.[8] The young birds of the -year migrate across Heligoland as early as the first week in July, -and so on into August. The old birds later and in separate flocks. -The migration of old birds as seen at Spurn going towards the -north is exceptional, the rule on the east coast being a few old -black-breasted birds in August and September, often with Lapwings, -then flocks of young birds, and later in November the "great rush" of -old birds. - -[Footnote 8: My friend Major Seddon, of Waltham, informs me that, -when at Spurn with his yacht, on the night of Aug. 22nd, he saw -thousands of Golden Plover passing north along the sea-shore in -detached flocks, flying in lines and arrow-heads; he was near enough -to see that the upper parts were speckled with the "golden drop," -and the under parts mottled black and white, as if changing from the -summer to the winter dress.] - -Grey Plover, _Squatarola helvetica_.--At Heligoland, June 15th, -16th, and 17th, repeatedly; not mentioned afterwards in report. At -Spurn L.H., July 25th, three on the muds; Aug. 29th, two. On Essex -coast, Aug. 14th, Major Russell saw a flock or two, all having black -breasts. The young arrive in August and September; old birds later in -October and November; a few old birds having black or mottled breasts -are often seen in July or early in August. Some birds of the previous -year, or in their second summer, sometimes remain on the coast during -the summer. - -Lapwing, _Vanellus vulgaris_.--At Heligoland, July 3rd, with many -others high overhead, day and night; 4th, in astounding numbers -with Curlews. At Farne Inner L.H., Aug. 12th to 28th, with Golden -Plovers to and from land daily. At Coquet Island L.H., Nov. 16th -to Dec. 30th, on several days; "rush," Nov. 21st and Dec. 10th. At -Spurn L.H., Sept. 5th, flocks N. to S. during day. At Great Cotes, -Oct. 20th, gale from N., flocks E. to W. At Outer Dowsing L.V., June -21st, two came on board; left at 9 a.m. for W. At Dudgeon L.V., Aug. -7th, 3 a.m. to midnight, "Plovers," small parties, general direction -W. At Lynn Well L.V., Nov. 7th and 23rd, Dec. 20th and 29th, S.E. to -N.W. At Hasboro' L.H., Nov. 15th, Gulls and Plovers to S.; Dec. 17th, -"Plovers" to S. At Cockle L.V., July 10th, two Lapwings to N.W. At -Galloper L.V., Oct. 28th, 9.20 a.m., thirty "Pewit" to N.W. At Swin -Middle L.V., Sept. 20th, "six birds like Crows."[9] At Casquets L.H., -Oct. 7th, 12 p.m., flock to N.W. Appear to have crossed at irregular -times, and at some stations in considerable numbers; from July 3rd, -at Heligoland, to the end of December, at Lynn Well and Coquet Island. - -[Footnote 9: To which my correspondent quaintly adds in a note, "the -six birds like Crows which passed on the 20th, cried 'pee-weet' as -they passed."] - -Dotterel, _Eudromias morinellus_.--At Heligoland, July 24th, one -shot. At Teesmouth, a dozen seen about middle of September. Very -rarely observed at British stations during the autumn migration. - -Ringed Plover, _Ægialitis hiaticula_,--At Heligoland, July 1st, -great many with Redshanks the whole day passing on high overhead; -3rd, same, day and night; 5th, same. At Swin Middle L.V., very large -flocks of "Ox-birds"[10] passed, going N.W., in October, November, -December, and January. - -[Footnote 10: Dunlin ?] - -Oystercatcher, _Hæmatopus ostralegus_.--At Coquet L.H., Aug. 16th, -N.E., great numbers all day. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Aug. 16th, -flock of "Mussel-crackers." At Hunstanton L.H., from Aug. 2nd for -several weeks, large flocks of Oystercatchers and Curlews passing -S.W. at ebb, returning E. at flood. - -Dusky Redshank, _Totanus fascus_.--At Heligoland, June 15th, 16th, -and 17th, repeatedly. Redshank, _T. calidris_, July 1st, great many -whole day passing high overhead, and on 3rd, day and night, with many -others; 5th, also many; Aug. 10th, one Dusky Redshank, a young bird; -shot; Sept. 3rd, night, great many _Totani_ and _Tringæ_; Sept. 8th, -great many also. - -Knot, _Tringa canutus_.--At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Sept. 10th, first -seen. At Teesmouth, July 30th, ten or twelve old birds. At Spurn, -July 24th, one, an old male, in somewhat faded plumage, killed -against telegraph-wire. At Great Cotes, Aug. 16th, large flocks of -young birds in the Humber; November, first week, old birds. At Lynn -Well L.V., Jan. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd (1881), 9 p.m. to midnight. Knots -with Larks, fifteen killed. - -Curlew Sandpiper, _Tringa subarquata_.--At Heligoland, July 4th, some -few. - -Purple Sandpiper, _Tringa striata_.--Several in October and November -at Spurn, also on Lincolnshire and Norfolk coasts. - -Temminck's Stint, _Tringa Temmincki_.--Sept. 29th, seen on North -Norfolk coast. - -Sanderling, _Calidris arenaria_ At Spurn, Aug. 16th, in small flocks, -young birds. In September and October, first fortnight very numerous, -afterwards less. - -Grey Phalarope, _Phalaropus fulicarius_,--On Lincolnshire coast, Oct. -21st, one, a female. At Harwich river, Nov. 17th, one seen. - -Woodcock, _Scolopax ruisticula_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 25th, -six to eight shot; 29th, some; Oct. 15th, six to eight; 16th, -afternoon, about twenty shot; 21st, N.E. and N.N.E., stormy, some -with Blackbirds; 22nd, S.W., squally, very great many flying about, -seventy to eighty shot; Nov. 9th, S.W., one dozen shot during day; -19th, still some. At Farne Inner L.H., Oct. 20th to 29th, N. or E., -on six days, one or two; Dec. 27th, one. At Coquet Island L.H., -Oct. 30th, 7 a.m., one; Nov. 10th, 3 a.m., N.W., one killed; 16th, -9 a.m., two. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Oct. 13th, 22nd, and 26th, -9 to 11 a.m. one or two each day going E. to W. At Teesmouth, Oct. -5th, 6th, 19th, and 20th, one each day. At Flamborough L.H., Sept. -2nd, one seen near lighthouse; Oct. 19th, great flight, twenty shot, -"small and very dark-coloured birds." At Spurn L.H., Oct. 5th, two; -19th to 22nd, upwards of one hundred shot near Spurn; 27th, five -seen. On Lincolnshire coast, Oct. 19th, near Skegness, forty-three -shot, seventy altogether during week. At Outer Dowsing L.V., Nov., -23rd, N.W., 2 p.m., three from E. to W.; Dec. 6th, 2 p.m., two, -same direction. At Inner Dowsing L.V., Oct. 29th, one dead on deck -at sunrise. At Lynn Well L.V., Oct. 28th, one with a Lapwing killed -at midnight. Near Cromer, Oct. 19th, great flight, twenty shot in -neighbourhood. At Corton L.V., Nov. 9th, noon, five to N. very low. -On Essex coast, many seen between Oct. 29th and Nov. 1st; three -came on board a smack off mouth of Deben. At Casquets L.H., Oct. -7th, 11 p.m. to 3 a.m., with other birds round lantern. Woodcocks -began moving early in September; the "great flight" on to the east -coast from Flamborough to Yarmouth was on the night of Oct. 18th or -early morning of 19th, north-east gale, with snow in the north, and -was followed by other flights on the next two or three days. Over -Heligoland the great flight was on the afternoon of Oct. 22nd, with -wind S.W., and squally. They were observed at fourteen stations, from -the Farne Islands to the Casquets; are reported as scarce north of -Flamborough and south of Essex, the main stream evidently coming into -Holderness, Lincolnshire, and Norfolk. - -Great Snipe, _Gallinago major_.--At Farne Inner L.H., Nov. 3rd, one -on island. - -Common Snipe, Gallinago cælestis.--At Farne Inner L.H., Nov. 27th to -Dec. 27th, many. At Great Cotes, "great flight" from Oct. 20th to end -of month, only remaining a day or two. On Essex coast, Oct. 29th to -Nov. 1st, large numbers, but only remaining a few hours. - -Jack Snipe, _Gallinago gallinula_.--At Farne Inner L.H., Nov. 9th, -two to N.W.; 18th, two, same. At Great Cotes, Nov. 2nd, first seen. -On Norfolk coast, Sept. 30th, one seen; are very scarce on the east -coast this winter. - -Bar-tailed Godwit, _Limosa lapponica_.--At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., -Sept. 17th, flock of twenty. At Teesmouth, Aug. 16th and 23rd, Sept. -1st and 5th, flocks each day. On Essex coast, Aug. 14th, a few of the -immature second year birds--probably had remained on the coast all -through the summer. - -Curlew, _Numenius arquata_.--At Heligoland, July 4th, "astounding -numbers early in the morning"; July 5th, some; Aug. 11th, 12th, and -18th, many passing overhead. At Farne Inner L.H., September, several. -At Coquet L.H., July 30th, two seen; 31st, one score, northwards. -At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Sept. 15th, great many. At Whitby L.H., -Aug. 2nd, 11 a.m., flocks going south, "supposed to be young birds." -At Flamborough, great numbers last week in August. At Spurn L.H., -Sept. 8th, four round lantern going N. to S.; 17th, 3 a.m., with -Plover, two Curlews killed. At Hunstanton L.H., large flocks on -coast from Aug. 2nd; Oct. 6th, o.m., rain, 7.80 p.m., one struck and -caught. At Cromer L.H., Aug. 21st, 11.30 p.m., two struck, stunned. -At Hasborough L.H., Oct. 8th, noon to 3 p.m., E., flights going S. -At Winterton L.H., June 17th, 11 p.m., one seen going to W., passed -close to lantern; Sept. 12th, 10 a.m., a dozen to W. At Kentish Knock -L.V., Aug. 6th, one very high to W. At Swin Middle L.V., Aug. 26th to -Sept. 17th, on five days at about 3 p.m., going N.W.; Jan. 2nd and -3rd, fog, on both nights, many with other birds round lantern; killed -three Curlews, one Duck, thirty-two Larks, two Ox-birds; total, -thirty-eight. At North Foreland L.H., July 27th, four to N.W.; Sept. -9th, five to N.N.W.; Dec. 4th, thirty to forty about. At North-sand -Head L.V., Aug. 1st, noon, "shoals" E. to W. At South-sand Head L.V., -Sept. 3rd, twenty to W.; 27th, twenty or thirty to W. At East Goodwin -L.V., Sept. 6th, eight N. to S. The main body migrates in August and -early in September; general direction E. to W., or up the coast from -N. to S. - -Whimbrel, _Numenius phæopus_.--At Teesmouth, July 4th, several -flocks; 21st, eight or nine flocks. At Spurn L.H., July 25th, -several. At Great Cotes, passing in July, August, and September, very -high to south. - -Heron, _Ardea cinerea_.--At Coquet L.H., July 28th, 5 p.m., one: Aug. -13th, 3 a.m., two; Sept. 4th, 6 a.m., two; Dec. 26th, 9 a.m., one. At -Teesmouth, Redcar, Sept. 21st, five; 24th, one; Oct. 23rd, 4 p.m., -N.E., mod. gale, two. At Flamborough L.H., June 12th, two. Only at -the more northern stations. That some arrive on the east coast in the -autumn there can be no doubt; a few years since one was brought in -alive to Grimsby, taken at sea on board one of the Hamburg boats. - -Water-Rail and Land-Rail, _Rallus aquaticus_ and _Crex -pratensis_.--At Casquets L.H., Oct. 2nd, 11 p.m. to 2 a.m., some -killed; Oct. 7th, 11 p.m. to 3 a.m., several with Water Rails, some -killed. - -Whooper, _Cygnus musicus_.--At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Oct. 29th, -10.30 a.m., wind strong from N.N.E., six, all white. At Flamborough, -during the severe weather early in January, 1881, several flocks -came into Bridlington Bay, numbering from six to twenty in a flock. -At Spurn, Dec. 31st, two Whoopers, one shot. Several in the Humber -during the first half of January. At Inner Dowsing L.V., Jan. 21st, -1 p.m., five N.E. to S.W. At Corton L.V., Jan. 10th, 1881, a flock -of about thirty very high to N.W. The severe weather commencing Dec. -30th brought considerable numbers of Wild Swans on to our east coast. - -Wild Geese, _Anser_.--Under this general term numbers of Geese are -recorded at east coast stations. At Heligoland, Sept. 6th, great many -overhead; Oct. 19th, great flights. _Anser brachyrhynchus_, Oct. -15th, one young bird shot. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Sept. 15th, -flock of fifteen "Grey Geese" N. to S.; 25th, six "Grey Geese" to -S. At Teesmouth, Oct. 16th, 7 a.m., flock; 19th, 7 a.m., same. At -Flamborough L.H., several flocks "Grey Geese" early in October. At -Outer Dowsing L.V., Dec. 2nd, 11 a.m., five Wild Geese N.N.E. to S.W. -At Lynn Well L.V., July 3rd, eight Grey Geese E. to W.; Oct. 3rd, -twenty to south. At Winterton L.H., June 19th, 7 p.m., fifty flying -very low. At Gull L.V., Sept. 21st, forty to S.; Oct. 19th, 10 a.m. -to 3 p.m., three flocks to S.; 30th, flock of forty to W. At East -Goodwin L.V., Nov. 22nd and 23rd, two small flocks E. to W. and N. -to S. At Casquets L.H., Sept. 7th, 2 p.m., Geese going W. Migration -south in September and October, the main body in the latter month. -At Winterton a flock was seen on June 19th, and a small flock at the -Lynn Well L.V., July 3rd, which looks very much as if some remained -on the English coast throughout the summer, as is the case with the -Scoter and many of the _Limicolæ_, as Grey Plover, Godwit, Knot, and -Whimbrel. - -Egyptian Goose, _Anser ægyptiacus_.--At Farne L.H., Nov. 2nd, N.N.E., -squally, 10 a.m., two seen flying northward. My informant also says -that he shot a pair on the island in October, 1876. - -Snow Goose, _Chen hyperboreus_.--At Heligoland, Dec. 25th, "one on -cliff, not shot, no doubt about it." - -Brent Goose, _Bernicla brenta_.--At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Sept. -25th, 11 a.m., first seen; Nov. 21st, flock of sixteen to W. At -Spurn, great many in Humber, inside Spurn, in December and January; -amongst these there was an unusual number of the white-bellied -variety. On Essex coast, Oct. 6th, first heard of; 20th, one hundred -or more seen on Buxby Sand. - -Anas.--Under the general head of "Wild Duck," immense numbers of -Ducks have been observed at various of the east coast stations. At -Farne Inner L.H., Nov. 1st, "Mallard" flock to N. At Coquet L.H., -Aug. 20th, large flocks all day to S.; Oct. 6th, one Eider; 22nd, -N.; Dec. 23rd, N.; 31st, N.W., large flocks all day from N. to S. At -Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Aug. 16th, six Teal; 26th, large flock from -N.E.; Sept. 10th, twenty-six Sheldrakes, same day large flock of -Widgeon; Oct. 12th to 22nd, immense number of Widgeon; Dec. 16th, -large flock of Teal to S.E. At Teesmouth, Oct. 28th, Ducks in endless -flocks morn and noon, all kinds, N.E. hurricane, hail, snow, rain. At -Flamborough, Jan. 3rd to 7th, both Geese and Ducks to south in great -numbers. At Spurn, Nov. 4th, great number of various sorts in Humber; -and during the last half of December and in January, enormous flocks -of various sorts driven into the river by stress of weather. At Outer -Dowsing L.V., July 20th, 28th, and Aug. 10th, about 7 p.m., forty or -fifty each day S.E. to N.N.W. At Lynn Well L.V., Sept. 25th, great -quantities S.E. to N.W. At Winterton L.H., Aug. 23rd, twenty-one -Sheldrakes to E. On Essex coast, Aug. 7th, Widgeon, six young birds -seen; 28th, many, wind N.N.W. veering to N.N.E. At Galloper L.V., -Nov. 9th, twenty "Smee Ducks"; Widgeon during night, At Kentish Knock -L.V., Sept. 29th, calm, "Wild Ducks," flock at midnight N.E. to S.W. -At Swin Middle L.V., Aug. 31st to Sept. 20th, on fourteen days "Wild -Ducks" all going N.W. or N.N.W.; Sept. 5th, "great rush." At North -Foreland, Sept. 25th, twenty to thirty to N. along shore; Oct. 6th, -thirty or forty to S.W. At Goodwin L.V., Sept. 27th to Oct. 29th, -"Wild Ducks" going E. to W. or N.N.W.; Nov. 4th to 29th, from N.W. to -S.E. Migration extending from about the middle of July to the end of -October. The greater part arriving in September and October, not only -from the north and north-east, but also from S.E. and S.S.E. on to -the English coast. - -Black Scoter, _Œdemia nigra_.--The migration of this species appears -greatly to have exceeded that of any other Duck. They have been seen -in large numbers during the autumn at various stations on the coast -and at sea, passing as a rule towards the south. At Teesmouth, Oct. -2nd, two Black Scoters seen. At Lynn Well L.V., Oct. 17th and 24th, -large flocks of Scoters all day from S. to N.W. and S.E. to W. The -direction in this case caused by birds passing over from North-west -Norfolk to Lincolnshire coast. Jan. 1st, one killed against lantern. -At Newarp L.V., Sept. 22nd to Oct. 15th, several days, flocks going -to S.W. At Cockle L.V., Sept. 27th, 6 to 10 a.m., in large flocks to -N.W. At Corton L.V., Nov. 16th, noon, hundreds N. to S.; Dec. 12th -to 28th, numerous flocks from N.N.E. to W.S.W. and S.E. to N.W. At -Tongue L.V., Dec. 29th, 9 a.m. to noon, several flocks to W. At Gull -L.V., July 22nd and 23rd, flocks to S.E.; Aug. 20th to Dec. 3rd, on -several days to W.S.W. and S. At South-sand Head L.V., July 21st, two -flocks, thirty and fifty to S., and from this to Oct. 16th, frequent -flocks going as a rule S. At East Goodwin L.V., July 5th, 6th, 9th, -and 10th, first two days, small flocks E. to W.; on the 9th, a -thousand or more going N. to S. - -Colymbidæ.--At Farne Inner L.H., Sept. 10th, two. Great Northern -Diver, _Columbus glacialis_, Nov. 2nd, six "speckled" about -island. At Teesmouth, several Red-throated Divers, _Colymbus -septentrionalis_, early morning. Mr. J. H. Gurney informs me that -when Mr. F. D. Power was off Cley, on the Norfolk coast, this autumn, -on Oct. 1st, he saw a remarkable flight of Red-throated Divers along -coast eastward; they flew forty to fifty yards high, but rarely came -near the boat; one shot had a perfect red throat. - -Podicipitidæ.--At Hunstanton L.H., Sept. 2nd, 9 p.m., o.m., Little -Grebe, _Podiceps fluviatilis_, struck and caught. At Hasboro' L.H., -Dec. 3rd, 2 a.m., fog, Little Grebe killed, being the second in -eighteen months. Sclavonian Grebe, _Podiceps auritus_, one, a female, -was shot near Easington, Spurn, on Jan. 11th, 1881, and Great Crested -Grebe, _P. cristatus_, in Whitby Harbour on the 16th of the same -month. - -Alcidæ.--At Heligoland, Nov. 26th, Common Guillemots in great numbers -on the cliff, their breeding quarters; Dec. 10th, early morning, -cliffs covered; 13th, thousands, at least half black-bearded. - -Cormorant, _Phalacrocorax carbo_.--At Hunstanton L.H., Aug. 24th, -eight passing E. - -Gannet, _Sula bassana_.--At Spurn L.V., Oct. 1st to 16th, many to -S. At Outer Dowsing L.V., Oct. 27th, 9 a.m., eight to S. At Cockle -L.V., Oct. 16th, several; 25th, fifteen to W.; 27th, great numbers. -At Corton L.V., Oct. 16th, many to S. At Casquets, Aug. 22nd, and on -Dec. 8th, manly to N.N.W. Was seen off the Casquets as early as Aug. -22nd. The main migration appears to have taken place in October, from -N. to S. along the east coast. - -Sterninæ.--At Heligoland, July, Caspian Tern, _Sterna Caspia_, -frequently seen. At Farne Inner L.H., Aug. 28th, both the Sandwich -and Arctic Terns left the islands. At the Longstone L.H., on the -extreme outer reef of the Farnes, the Sandwich Tern was seen last -on Sept. 8th, and the Arctic Sept. 14th. At Coquet Island L.H., -Aug. 14th, N.N.E., great number of Terns all day about island. At -Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Aug. 16th, great numbers this day; 29th, same. - -Larinæ.--At Heligoland, the Siberian Herring Gull, _Larus affinis_, -was seen off the rock on June 5th, N.W., strong. Little Gull, _Larus -minutus_, Sept. 5th, enormous numbers on the water. Ivory Gull, -_Larus eburnea_, Nov. 4th, westerly, seen on water. At Farne Inner -L.H., Sept. 10th, the Gulls left islands. At Whitby L.H., Sept. 2nd, -Gulls had all left, both young and old. At Filey, Ivory Gull, _Larus -eburnea_, a fully mature example, a male, was shot in September; -a young bird in the spotted plumage was also obtained in the same -month. At Flamborough, Sept. 5th to 6th, Lesser Black-backed Gulls to -south all day; wind S.W. by W.; equal proportion of young and old. At -Spurn L.V., July 29th and 30th, "Smelt Gulls" all day; Sept. 28th, -large numbers of Gulls continuous to south. At Lynn Well L.V., Aug. -21st, 22nd, and 23rd, great quantities all day from S.E. At Yarmouth, -Mr. J. H. Gurney, writing Jan. 26th, 1881, says, "A correspondent at -Yarmouth had recently twenty-seven Glaucous Gulls in the flesh, seven -of which were mature." At Hasboro' L.H., Dec. 18th, 8 p.m., "Little -Gull" struck and broke its neck. At Cockle L.V., Oct. 16th, Gulls -during day; 27th, same. At Shipwash L.V., Nov. 29th, 10 a.m., large -numbers to W. At South-sand Head L.V., July 29th, an unusual number -seen. - -Stercorariinæ.--At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Aug. 29th, two Skuas -passed. At Redcar, Sept. 16th, twenty Richardson's Skuas passed; -Oct. 28th, Mr. T. H. Nelson, writing in the 'Field' newspaper for -Nov. 6th, 1880, states that, during the night of the storm on Oct. -28th, he saw considerable numbers of the Pomatorhine Skua, amounting -to several hundreds, flying close to the esplanade at Redcar, and -struggling to make headway against the gale; they consisted almost -entirely of mature birds of the white-breasted variety, only three -or four being dark birds, but whether immature or adult he could not -ascertain. At Spurn L.V., Aug. 1st to Sept. 24th, a few Skuas passed -going S.; Oct. 1st to 16th, many passed same direction. At South-sand -Head L.V., July 29th, an unusual number of Skuas seen. - -Procellariidæ.--At Coquet L.H., July 22nd, 11 p.m., misty, one Petrel -caught against glass of lantern, examined and set at liberty. At -Redcar, Oct. 28th, two Stormy and one Fulmar Petrels picked up during -great gale. At Flamborough, first week in October, Stormy Petrel. At -Spurn, Oct. 28th, Stormy Petrels after great gale. At Galloper L.V., -Nov. 6th, 2 to 4 p.m., twelve Stormy Petrels about ship. At Gull -L.V., Oct. 9th, 2 a.m., N., several struck glass, none killed. - -Independent of these very numerous notes on known species, the -schedules contain many notices of birds the species of which were -either not known or not recognised. At the Hasborough L.H., Oct. -26th, 10 p.m., E., o.m., a great many various small birds; eight -killed were Larks and Thrushes. At Swin Middle L.V., Sept. 9th and -12th, flocks of small birds passed all night to N.W. At Hanois L.H., -Sept. 8th and 27th, fog and rain, evening to 9 p.m., great rush of -small birds of many sorts. - - -General Remarks. - -The report for 1880 compared with that of the previous year shows -very similar results, as in 1879 a considerable proportion of the -immigrants crossed at the more southern stations, or at the narrowest -portion of the North Sea. If we divide the east coast into three -divisions, one north-easterly from the Farne Islands to the Humber, -mid-east from the Humber to Yarmouth, and south-eastern forward to -the South Foreland, we find that in 1879 the main body of migrants -passed in the south-eastern division; in 1880 they have been -tolerably equally distributed over the mid and south-eastern. During -the principal month of migration, October, the wind blew persistently -day by day and week by week from northerly and easterly quarters, -and to this cause we may fairly attribute the deflection of migrants -to the south. In support of this I may quote the letter of Mr. Thos. -O. Hall of the Longstone Lighthouse, who, writing under date Feb. -15th, 1881, says:--"The chief flight undoubtedly took place on the -15th and 16th of October, at which time I was on shore. I have been -resident on the Farne Islands thirteen years, and during that time -never remember seeing so few birds as we have had this autumn. I -have remarked that when the flight takes place with the wind at E. -or N.E., the body of birds is to the south of us about Whitby and -southward." - -Notwithstanding the enormous number of immigrants arriving, as shown -in our returned schedules from each station, we may be quite certain -these returns only represent an almost inappreciable percentage of -the actual number on passage. On days of uncertain light or on clear -fine starlight nights, when migration is carried on at a considerable -height, immense numbers of birds might pass any station for hours -without a chance of observation; and it is quite possible that, if -the whole three hundred miles of coast were studded with floating -posts of observation at the distance of half a mile, equal average -results would have been obtained, our present stations on the -light-vessels affording no more especial line of advantage than any -other imaginary line drawn across the North Sea. Incredible although -it may appear, we believe that the vast majority of the immigrants -coming to us in the autumn in one broad front from east to west are -such as cross with the intention of remaining the winter in some part -or other of the British Islands, and naturally take the place of our -own resident summer species which have left, or are about leaving us, -for the south. - -As in 1879 the main line of migration has been a broad stream from -east to west, and covering the whole of the English east coast, this -is the line mainly followed by the _Passeres_. Taking this line as a -basis, we find birds also occasionally coming from points north of -east; but in the vast majority of instances the migration has had -a decidedly southerly trend, coming from points south of east, and -even direct from the southward. Again, there is in the autumn always -a steady stream of migrants which closely follows the coast-line -from N. to S., composed of birds either moving from more northerly -districts of our islands, or of such immigrants coming from the east -as strike the coast in more northern latitudes and then follow it to -the south. The great wide E. to W. stream of migration is composed -of some few well-known species which regularly come to us in the -autumn, the great body undoubtedly remaining to winter; placed -in order of rotation according to their numerical superiority or -otherwise, we find _Alauda arvensis_, _Sturnus vulgaris_, _Corvus -cornix_ and _frugilegus_, the _Turdidæ_, including two native and two -northern species, with sparrows, linnets, and chaffinches compose -the bulk of the immigrants. Others, as _Ruticilla phœnicurus_, the -_Saxicolæ_, and other soft-billed insect-eaters, although coming from -the eastward, persistently follow the coast-line to the south. All -the _Limicolæ_ and other shore birds, as well as the Geese, Ducks, -Divers, Gulls, and sea-fowl generally, move from north to south as a -general rule, the sea-fowl at some distance at sea, the waders along -the coast. Although so far we have no stations, excepting Heligoland, -on the European coast of the North Sea, we may, I think, fairly -presume that there is similarly another stream of birds passing -down the coast-line of Europe. Migration as observed on that island -for many years points to the undoubted fact that the line followed -by birds is, as a rule, from E. to W., and doubtless some portion -of these Heligoland birds keep moving westward or south-westward, -till eventually they strike our east coast. There are, however, -many species which make Heligoland the western boundary of their -autumn wanderings, and crossing, as they do, that island in enormous -numbers, must eventually follow the coast-line to the south, for -the simple reason that they never occur on our own coast, except as -very rare or occasional wanderers; such are _Motacilla alba_ and -_flava_, _Ruticilla suecica_, _Emberiza hortulana_, _Plectrophanes -lapponicus_, _Anthus Richardi_, and, in a less degree, _Muscicapa -luctuosa_ and _Otocorys alpestris_. These all, then, must pass -southward along the European coast, as do doubtless an immense -majority of those countless Sparrowhawks, Siskins, and more familiar -birds which cross the island in the autumn migration; and just as -occasionally some species, whose line of migration lies farther to -the eastward still, turn up as wanderers to the old rock from the -regular track, so do occasionally now one and now another of the -regular Heligoland immigrants get blown across to one side. - -The observations taken at some of our southern stations both in 1879 -and 1880 show that, in the autumn, there is what may be called a -double stream of birds crossing each other near the entrance of the -English Channel, that is, from the Essex and Kent coast towards the -S.E. on to the French and Belgian coast, and again in the opposite -direction from the Belgian land to the coast of Kent. During the -severe weather in the early part of 1881, as well as in December, -flocks of birds came to us direct from the French coast, or from the -south to the north. These must be considered purely local migrations, -caused by outbursts of severe weather. - -It is a curious fact that in nearly every case of birds passing -the Casquets L.H. in the past autumn, they were travelling in a -N.W. direction, or from the French to the English coast, a line of -migration which does not seem to be in proper accord with what we -should imagine migrating birds would or rather ought to take. On -reference to the chart of the Channel it is apparent that any flocks -leaving the French coast at or near Cape de la Hague, and crossing. -Alderney, when once off the Casquets might as readily and easily -steer for the Start Point on the English side as across the wide -break in the French coast for Port Sillon, each being about equal -distances from the Casquets. - -As in 1879 birds have crossed in all hours of the day and night, -and in all winds and weathers, the returns also show, as did the -preceding, that they seldom fly dead to windward, except with light -breezes, and that strong head winds are prejudicial to their passage. -The line of flight mostly adopted is within three or four points -of the wind; they will go on well, even with a beam wind or some -points short of beam, if not too strong. Small birds have often much -difficulty in making head against a strongly-opposing wind. Mr. John -Cutting, writing from the light-vessel on the Galloper Bank, says, -that out of the number of small birds passing that station in October -and November against strong adverse winds, he could not think they -would ever reach land, they made such very slow progress, the wind -being too strong and the distance from land so great. Even such -strong-winged birds as the Grey Crow do not always cross in safety; -I have been told by an old fen farmer that, many years ago, when a -great gale swept the Lincolnshire coast, at the time the Hooded Crow -crossed, the coast was subsequently strewed with their bodies cast up -by the sea. - -Birds are noticed at the stations as sometimes flying high, sometimes -low; often it will be observed with northerly and easterly winds they -will fly high, and with winds in opposite quarters, low. The state -of weather at the time of migration has more, we think, to do with -the height at which birds travel than the direction of the wind. -On clear light nights they travel high, as a rule, but in fog, and -thick murky weather, rain or snow, not far above the waves. On thick -nights, indeed, lost birds will wheel for hours round a lightship, -but with the first break in the clouds or streak of early dawn are on -their course again. At the Casquets, which is a revolving light, the -larger birds follow the rays, but do not often strike the glass. - -With such favourable passages as light head winds afford, our -immigrants are so little fatigued that they will not alight on -reaching land, but keep on their course into the interior. I have -watched for hours flock after flock arriving on the east coast, -coming directly from westward, Rooks, Starlings, Lapwings, and Snow -Buntings, and keeping on in a direct westerly direction as far as -the eye or a good glass were able to follow. Often, too, when on -the hills, miles from the sea, I have seen migrating flocks passing -inland. Larks in straggling flocks, carrolling cheerily as they pass; -there is no bird which migrates so cheerily and light-heartedly as -the Lark, ever ready to burst into song on the least occasion. At -other times, with adverse winds, I have watched migrants scarce able -to struggle on shore dropping in the first shelter, or even on the -bare wind-swept coast. At Lynn Well light-vessel large numbers of -migrants passed day by day, and for the entire day, during October, -from S.E. or S.S.E., and even S. to N.W. From the position of this -station off Lynn Deeps at the bottom of the Wash, under the shelter -of the north-westerly trend of the coast, these migrants must have -first crossed the northern part of the county of Norfolk, without -alighting, on their way to the fens of Lincolnshire and Cambridge, -and this both by day and night. - - "Yet stoop not, weary, to the welcome land, - Though the dark night is near." - -It is very remarkable how suddenly the stream of migration commences -running, and how suddenly it stops again. We watch, at early morning, -a flock of Larks or Hooded Crows come to land; others soon follow, -and then for some hours--it may be from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.--there is a -constant arrival of migrants; and then migration, at least for that -day, is over, and not a single wanderer will be seen. - -As a rule, the young of the year migrate some weeks in advance of the -old birds; this holds good with all orders and species. In the spring -the males often migrate in advance of the females. - -The time of migration of any particular species extends over a -considerable period; sometimes it is over in four or five weeks, -in other cases going on for months, and even half a year; for, -practically, such birds as the Lark and Starling are migrating all -the year round. In every case the migration of a set species will -continue, day by day, or week by week, till it attains the maximum -by a "great rush," the main body passing, and then gradually falling -off, till the migration of that species is completed. - -Independent of the normal or ordinary migration, we have frequently -local migrations, due to sudden changes of weather, or in search of -fresh feeding-grounds. These "great rushes" of immigrants, coming -helter-skelter on to our east coast, are often accompanied or -followed very closely by outbursts of severe weather; and a sudden -increase of cold in winter will almost clear a whole district of its -birds; in fact, all birds are very susceptible to changes of weather, -and, if closely watched, will indicate by their movements the coming -change. On Jan. 12th, in this year, when in the Humber marshes, I -noticed Larks and Snow Buntings passing from N. to S. from 9 a.m. to -2 p.m., separate flocks for some hours, and after 11 p.m., when the -snow commenced, continuous. - -Birds in the early autumn do not, it is evident, migrate for lack -of food, for the young of the _Limicolæ_ are on our coast at a time -when the supply of insect-food in high northern latitudes is the most -abundant; and our own insect-eating birds are often away long before -there is, or can be, any falling off in food. On the same grounds it -is not changes in the seasons which can induce young birds, having no -knowledge from experience, to return south in the heat of the Arctic -latter-summer; as to the _how_ and the _why_ of the whole matter, -we must be content for the present to say nothing, but continue to -collect facts. - -In 1880 the main body of the migrants crossed between the 15th and -end of October, the greater number perhaps on the 17th of that month. - - - - -WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND. - - -Printed forms, letters, and remarks were forwarded to thirty-eight -stations on the west coast of Scotland and the Isles, being two more -than in 1879, _viz._, Bahama Lightship and Langness Lighthouse, both -in Isle of Man.[11] - -[Footnote 11: Mr. Philip Kermode received the Isle of Man returns, -and forwarded them to me afterwards for incorporation with the -Scottish ones.] - -We have received in all returned, filled-in schedules from twenty-six -stations, being two more than last year. - -Only four stations have not sent in returns, which sent them in last -year,[12] but, to make up for this, we have gained six from stations -which sent us none last year,[13] besides adding one from one of the -new stations.[14] - -[Footnote 12: Devaar; Pladda; Lamlash; Little Ross.] - -[Footnote 13: Stornoway; Ushenish; Kyleakin; Lismore; Turnberry; -Douglas Head.] - -[Footnote 14: Bahama Bank (L.V.).] - -A marked improvement is apparent in these returns, and it is evident -that very general interest is being taken in the work. Altogether, -our west coast returns are quite satisfactory, and it gives us -much pleasure to think that the first year's reports have really -interested our obliging correspondents. We hope that the present -general report will succeed in enlisting the whole body in the -service. We can as yet only repeat, that we believe that interesting -and curious results will in time be arrived at; but we deprecate any -attempt at present to arrive at these, desiring first a firm basis -of facts to build upon, which can only be obtained by continued -attention and careful record, for a few years longer, of a large mass -of statistics. - -The stations from which co-operation was asked are the following, -commencing with the most northerly--Cape Wrath. Those from which -returns have been received are marked with a *; those which sent -returns both last year and this have two **; those which sent none -last year but have done so this year have a † prefixed; those which -sent returns last year but none this year are printed in _italics_. -Stations added this year have the date, 1880, preceding them. - - -West Coast of Scotland. - -Mainland. - - Height of centre of - light above water. - - 81. **Cape Wrath. 400 ft. John M'Gill. - 82. **Rhu Stoir. 195 William Wither. - -Outer Hebrides. - - 83. **Butt of Lewis. 140 George Edgar. - 84. †Stornoway. 56 John Grierson. - 85. *Island Glass. 130 William Innes. - 86. **Monach Island. { Upper 150 } James Youngclause. - { Lower 62 } - 87. †Ushenish. 176 Peter Carrie. - 88. Barra Head. 683 - -Mainland, Skye, and Inner Hebrides. - - 89. Rona, Skye. 222 - 90. †Kyleakin, Rosspire. 53 David M'Culloch. - 91. **Isle Ornsay, Skye. 58 James Loughten. - 92. **Ardnamurchan Point, 180 David Laidlaw. - Argyleshire. - 93. {Hynish Signal Tower, Tiree. } 150 William Crow. - 94. {Skerryvore, off Tiree. } - 95. **Dhuheartach, S.W. of Ross of - Mull. 145 James Ewing. - 96. **Sound of Mull, Mull. 55 William M'Lellan. - 97. Corran Ferry, Loch Eil. 38 - 98. †Lismore Island, Oban. 103 Alexander Murray. - 99. *_Fladda, Easdale._ 42 - 100. **Rhuvaal, Islay. 147 David Spink. - 101. *_M'Arthur's Head, Islay._ 128 - 102. **Skervuile, Jura. 73 John Ewing. - 103. **Rhinns of Islay. 150 Andrew Lyall. - 104. **Lochindaul, Islay. 50 William Maill. - 105. Mull of Kintyre. 297 - 106. Sanda, Kintyre Sound. 165 - 107. _Devaar, Kintyre._ 120 - 108. _Pladda, Arran._ 130 - 109. _Lamlash, Arran._ 46 - 110. †Turnberry, Ayrshire. 96 Andrew Nisbet. - 111. **Corsewall, Wigtown. 112 Robert Laidlaw. - 112. **Loch Ryan, Wigtown. 46 Ralph Ewing. - 113. **Portpatrick, Wigtown. 37 James Beggs. - 114. **Mull of Galloway, Wigtown. 325 N. Morrison. - 115. _Little Ross, Kirkcudbright._ 175 - 116. *Point of Ayre, Isle of Man. 106 James Blythe. - 117. †Douglas Head, Isle of Man. 104 Alexander M'Donald. - 118. Chickens Rock, Isle of Man. 122 - 119. *1880.--Bahama Bank, Isle of Man (L.V.)‡ -- Johns. - 120. 1880.--Langness Lighthouse, do. - -‡ Light-vessels being only a few feet above the sea, I have not -indicated the exact elevation, which, however, is usually about 30 -feet. - - -SPRING MIGRATION, 1880.[15] - -[Footnote 15: In writing out the data of the spring migration, I take -the most southerly stations first, reversing the sequence of the -autumn records.] - -SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES. - -Strigidæ.--At Skerryvore, one Brown Owl appeared on 10th May, at 2.30 -p.m., in showery weather. - -Falconidæ.--At Douglas Head,[16] one "Black Hawk" (Sparrowhawk?) was -noted at 8 a.m., in clear weather, with light E.N.E. breeze. - -[Footnote 16: It is noted on the schedule from this station that -the lighthouse, "being inland, little or any observations on the -migration of birds can be noted accurately."] - -Hirundinidæ.--The earliest date on which Swallows are recorded from -any west coast stations is April 7th, and this at one of our most -northerly stations, _viz._, Butt of Lewis. This is followed by April -17th at Douglas Head, one of our most southern stations in the Isle -of Man; seen at 12 noon; wind light S.E. breeze, clear or showers; -these were not again observed. Again, on April 24th, their arrival -is recorded at Rhinns of Islay. Thereafter none are noted until -6th May, at Loch Ryan, in Wigtownshire, when a flight of fifty was -observed, followed by twenty and fifteen on the 8th and 11th: winds -from N.W. through N. to E. and fresh, clear to haze. At Skerryvore, -one was seen on 10th May, in calm, hazy and rainy weather. On 11th, -12th and 13th, eight flew about the Point of Ayre. On 24th, four -were seen _flying south_ past Ardnamurchan station. On 22nd, one at -Monach Island; winds from S.W. to N.W., fresh. The remaining records -are in June. On June 14th, at Ardnamurchan, two again seen flying -southwards; and on 22nd, at Skerryvore; calm, hazy weather. Possibly -these June records of birds flying south may belong to the autumn -migration. It thus appears that a spring _rush_ took place in the -earlier part of May--from the 6th to the 14th. About the same time, -_viz._, May 20th, a flock of "Martin Swallows," _Hirundo urbica_, -appeared at the Butt of Lewis during light W. wind, with haze; they -stopped about three hours and then flew off, going S.W. - -_Note._--Swallows and Martins were first observed at Ballina, Co. -Wicklow, Ireland, by Mr. E. Warren, on April 19th. - -Swift, _Cypselus_.--First noted at Ballina by Mr. Warren, on May 12th. - -Wheatear, _Saxicola œnanthe_.--Records from three stations only in -spring, _viz._, Skervuile, Monach, and Butt of Lewis. Earliest date -at Skervuile (most southern of the three). May 1st, where one was -seen at lantern at midnight; wind light S. Next date is May 4th, at -Monach, when about twenty, mixed with Larks and Wagtails, were seen -and two killed between 8.30 p.m. and 3 a.m.; wind light from N. to W. -The latest and only other record dates May 20th, at Butt of Lewis, -where five were seen; wind light W., clear. - -Wagtail, _Motacilla Yarrellii_.--Two stations, _viz._, at Kyleakin -and Butt of Lewis. At Kyleakin, April 1st, twenty-six rested at 4 -p.m., wind E.S.E., haze; 2nd, twenty-four rested at 8 a.m., wind -S.E., haze. At Butt of Lewis, April 13th, a flock at 7 a.m., stopped -a few days and left flying south, light E. wind, clear; and a few -days later, "one lighter than the rest" left, going south. At -Kyleakin, April 17th, twelve were seen flying S.E. at 7 a.m., light -breeze, with fog; and on 18th, at 1 p.m., twelve more rested and then -flew off south, wind light S.W., and fog. - -Starling, _Sturnus vulgaris_.--I have but few records of the spring -migration, _viz._, from Lochindaul, Fladda, and Dhuheartach. The -earliest at Fladda, April 4th, when twenty-four were seen at 10 a.m., -breeze fresh, with showers, and clear. At Dhuheartach, April 13th, -between midnight and 8 a.m., three birds rested; night foggy, and -wind light N. At Lochindaul, May 18th, some were seen, wind moderate, -and weather foggy. - -Skylark, _Alauda arvensis_.--At Dhuheartach and Monach, April 13th, -ten at night, wind light N., cloudy, seven killed; and May 1st, one -at midnight, wind S., haze; and at these stations, on May 4th, -flock, mixed with Wheatears and Wagtails, from 8.30 p.m. till 3 a.m., -wind light W. to N., haze and rain. - -Cuckoo, _Cuculus canorus_.--The following are the stations where it -was noted as first seen or heard, commencing in the south:--At Point -of Ayre, May 1st, light airs and haze. At Lochindaul, May 16th, E., -clear; the reporter adds, "but is earlier in Islay." At Rhinns of -Islay, April 21st, wind light W. At Skervuile, May 10th, first seen, -wind N., clear. At Stornoway, May 4th. At Kyleakin, May 5th. At Rhu -Stoir, June 15th, wind light N., haze. - -_Note._--First noted at Ballina, Ireland, by Mr. Warren, on May 12th. - -Oystercatcher, _Hæmatopus ostralegus_.--At Lochindaul, Dhuheartach, -and Island Ghlais. At Dhuheartach, April 14th and 17th, 8 and 10 -a.m., ten and seventeen resting or feeding, wind light N.W., haze or -fog. At Lochindaul, May 20th and 21st, 10 a.m., resting, light wind, -fog. At Island Ghlais, June 30th, 6 p.m., two feeding, calm, and -heavy showers. - -Curlew, _Numenius arquata_.--So far as a spring migration can be -separated by the data at command, the whole season has apparently -being occupied by Curlews in moving about, the results are as -follows:--Beginning on 16th, south, we find spring records at -Lochindaul, Rhuvaal, Dhuheartach, Monach, and Skerryvore. The first -note dates March 1st, at Rhuvaal; eight seen, S.W. gale and rain. The -second at Dhuheartach, April 13th, 4 p.m., when three were seen, wind -light, cloudy. Thereafter at Lochindaul, May 14th. At Skerryvore, May -23rd. At Monach, June 13th. At Lochindaul, June 14th. At Skerryvore, -June 23rd. Winds variable E., N.W. to S.W. - -Whimbrel.--"May fowl" arrived on Monach, on their way north, upon -May 8th, when three were seen flying about, wind light N., clear. On -May 25th, several parties of from three or four to six seen flying -between Monach and Haskeir rocks, wind fresh S.W., clear. The note is -added, "Arrive in May, leave in July." - -_Note._--Mr. R. Warren notes their first appearance at Ballina on May -1st. - -Snipe.--At Dhuheartach, April 13th, three Snipe killed, strong N. -breeze, cloudy. - -Corn Crake, _Crex pratensis_.--The Corn Crake was heard at Kyleakin -on June 11th, and at Stornoway on May 4th, clear and fine; and at -Lochindaul on May 18th, at night. - -_Note._--At Ballina it was first noted by Mr. Warren on May 2nd. - -Wild Goose.--At Rhu Stoir, May 12th, 10 a.m., twelve Wild Geese seen, -three males and three females; light N. airs, clear. - -Ducks, _Anatidæ_.--At Rhuvaal, Island Ghlais, and Rhu Stoir. At -Rhuvaal, March 8th, great numbers daily seen, where, however, they -became scarcer between April 20th and 30th. At Rhu Stoir, June 18th, -10 a.m., six Eiders, three males and three females, wind light N., -clear; and July 28th, 8.30 a.m., thirty "Wild Ducks," wind N.E., haze -and rain. - -Terns.--Two evidently paired birds seen at Rhu Stoir on May 18th, -light to fresh variable winds. On May 26th, about 2 p.m., some -scores of Terns were seen at Monach during S.W. gale, and were the -first that arrived to breed there; and on June 14th, lots of nests -containing two to three eggs were seen. At Skervuile, May 10th, Terns -were first observed this spring, wind light E., and haze; and by -31st great numbers had passed; some were again seen on June 18th, in -similar weather. At Rhinns of Islay, May 12th, three seen at noon, -fresh E. breeze; and all during June, large numbers of "Tick Terns" -fishing in Lochindaul. At Stornoway, June 5th, they kept arriving at -all hours, and were the first to come to the breeding grounds. - -_Note._--Mr. J. T. Garriock notes the spring arrival of Terns -at Lerwick, in Shetland, _from the north_, on May 22nd, in 'The -Zoologist' (_q. v._, 1880, p. 302); and, in a letter to me, he -substantiates his observation. Mr. Robert Warren notes the first -appearance of Sandwich Terns at Ballina, Ireland, on March 24th, and -of Common Terns on May 14th. - - - - -AUTUMN MIGRATION, 1880. - - -SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES. - -Falconidæ.--Two Sparrowhawks appeared at Rhu Stoir, in attendance -upon flocks of Finches and Larks, on Oct. 20th, during light variable -breezes, with snow. Also at Skerryvore, a Hawk--probably of the same -species, or a Merlin--lived on the small birds on Oct. 14th and 15th; -whilst at Dhuheartach a Hawk makes a regular visit, to prey upon -the birds which rest on the rock. (See our first Report for 1879, -'Zool.,' May, 1880, p. 190.) - -Swift.--At Ushenish, North Uist,[17] June 13th, 1 p.m., five Swifts -seen flying south, with S. wind, and haze. - -[Footnote 17: Though this dates early, I cannot but assign it here, -and not to a spring movement.] - -_Note._--Mr. R. Service notes the species as unusually abundant in -1880. He observed a large flock of Swifts on Aug. 4th, proceeding in -a southerly direction. The most of the local birds, however, still -remained on the 11th. - -Swallows, _Hirundinidæ_.--Swallows were no longer seen after July -16th, at the Point of Ayre, Isle of Man, on which day twenty young -were noticed, until again on Aug. 15th, when eight were seen flying -about. At Turnberry, from thirty to forty were seen during the -daytime on Aug. 26th, in light E. airs; and again fifty to sixty on -Aug. 31st, and forty to fifty on Sept. 2nd. Numbers were also seen at -Mull of Galloway and at Loch Ryan. Swallows collected on Oct. 4th and -flew away S.W., whilst at Portpatrick great numbers were seen resting -and then flying off S. on Oct. 15th. This S.W. corner of Scotland -appears to be a point of departure of the species, and of several -others; and I would invite special attention at stations all along -the Wigton coast-line.[18] All the above observations on the autumn -movements of Swallows were made during the daytime, and in light E. -to N.E. winds. A rush appears to have taken place end of August and -beginning of September, and a later one as late as the middle of -October. - -[Footnote 18: See R. Gray and Thos. Anderson's 'Birds of Ayrshire and -Wigtonshire,' p. 5.] - -_Note._--In 1879 the most northerly station was Ardnamurchan, and the -appearance of Swallows much more general. The earliest record in 1879 -of autumn migration was on July 29th, and the latest Sept. 25th, as -against this year, July 16th and Oct. 15th. Careful attention to the -collecting of migrants at these Wigton headlands would surely result -in some interesting data. Mr. Robert Service writes me that all the -headlands, also along the Stewartry coast-line, are gathering-places -for the land-birds before proceeding southward. At daybreak, in -September or October, Mr. Service has often watched departing flights -of birds going off southward or seaward, over the Solway Firth. Large -congregations of Swallows were observed by me at Kinross on telegraph -wires on Aug. 3rd, and I was told that they congregate in the same -place every autumn before leaving. There must have been many hundreds. - -The following really belongs to the East Coast Report, and comes in -under Mr. Hardy's notes from Berwickshire and the Borders:--Mr. Hardy -has abundant evidence of the departure of Swallows in the border -counties. He writes to me as follows:--"Old Cambus, Oct. 28th.--On -Sept. 25th and 26th Swallows were here, and a pair of Martins were -then on the coast, seven having been seen on the 26th. The main party -assembled on the coast on the 21st and 22nd, and were not again -visible, excepting this small party. I went down to the cave where -the nests were, and evidently they were feeding young birds there. On -the 30th they had not left a steading about a mile above Gilsland. -They were present on Oct. 2nd and 3rd near Rosely Castle, eight miles -south of Carlisle. On the 4th they were assembling on the roof of the -Mansion House of Marchmont, Berwickshire, in great numbers, during -snow and sleet. The 'Kelso Chronicle' of Oct. 15th says, 'Swallows -were absent three weeks from Kelso, but again, in Kelso and the -country round, their presence that week had been conspicuous. They -had assembled in flocks.' The same paper of Oct. 22nd states that, -'On Oct. 17th a good many Swallows were flying about Jedburgh.' At -Brampton, Cumberland, they were seen on Oct. 16th, 'circling round -the church for several days previous.' On Sept. 22nd, Swallows still -at Horsley, in the valley of the Eye, and a Martin still had young in -a nest in the corner of a window." - -Besides the above, it is worth while to take notice of an account -of migration that appeared in an early volume of the 'Proceedings -of the Zoological Society,' relating to the South-west district of -Scotland:--"An extract of a letter from Capt. Fayrer, C.M.Z.S., was -read. It was dated on board H. M.'s Packet 'Arrow,' Port Patrick, -Oct. 23rd, 1831, and referred to the migration of certain birds from -that neighbourhood. That of the Larks commenced about Oct. 12th. -'Their numbers,' says Capt. Fayrer, 'are beyond anything I would -venture to state, but millions They start at daylight, steer directly -across to the Capelona Islands, off Belfast Loch, and seem to prefer -the wind directly against them. Very large flocks of Starlings have -arrived within the last few days; they start before sunrise, but -steer to the southward. The Lapwings have also arrived, but these -birds do not take their flight till day has set well in; they appear -to go directly across. I see all these birds at each end of their -passage (twenty-one miles), and few, I think, perish." (P.Z.S., 1831, -p. 145.) - -Wren.--Returns from Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, Skervuile, and -Turnberry. The earliest date available was at Dhuheartach, Aug. -18th, when one was seen flying S. at noon, during light S.W. wind -and haze. None are again reported until Oct. 1st, when "Wrens" were -seen mixed with Larks and Thrushes; winds variable, light, and haze. -Then at Skerryvore, Oct. 9th, one flying about at 11 a.m., light N.E. -breeze, clear; and at Turnberry, Oct. 12th, one struck the lantern at -midnight, wind light N.E. airs. In the autumn migration of 1879 (_q. -v._, _loc. cit._) records came from Monach Island and Dhuheartach. -Earliest Aug. 17th, latest Dec. 9th. - -Goldcrest.--At Turnberry, Sept. 24th, 3 a.m., one struck, but was not -killed, wind light S., and haze; and at Corsewall, Sept. 27th till -30th, there appears to have been a migration. On 27th, two were seen -to strike the lantern at 2 a.m., in fresh south breeze and haze; on -28th, two also struck in clear weather, light S. breeze; and on 30th, -eight remained around the lights from 8 p.m. till daylight, wind -light S.E., and haze. From the Mull of Galloway, the negative note -is given, "None seen this year." In 1879, numbers were reported (see -Report, 1879) at Mull of Galloway on July 18th--only date. - -_Note._--Mr. E. Warren, _in lit._, notes the unusual scarcity of -Golden-crested Wrens at Ballina at the end of July, 1880. - -Robin, _Erithaca rubecula_.--The most northern station where it is -noted is Cape Wrath, where one bird arrived upon Oct. 20th, and -remained until Jan. 11th (when the schedule was returned), or later. -It came at 11.30 a.m., with an E. wind and snow. My correspondent -adds, "It is much thought of." I have ten records from eight -stations, _viz._, Cape Wrath, Stornoway, Kyleakin (2), Isle Ornsay, -Dhuheartach, Rhuvaal, Lismore, and Turnberry. These date from Aug. -18th (Dhuheartach) and Sept. 4th (Kyleakin) to Dec. 31st (Stornoway), -where one was observed for several days previous to that date. Other -dates are, Sept. 8th, (Isle Ornsay), 24th (Turnberry), Oct. 20th -(Cape Wrath, as above), Nov. 7th (Kyleakin and Lismore), Dec. 15th -(Lismore), Dec. 27th (Rhuvaal). All the observations were made during -the daytime, except at Lismore and Turnberry. In August the wind at -Dhuheartach was light S.W. on 18th, with haze; the one Robin seen -flew off S. after resting. At Kyleakin, Sept. 4th, four birds seen -were flying S.W., wind light W., clear. At Turnberry, Sept. 24th, -one struck at 3 a.m., in light S. breeze, and haze. At Isle Ornsay, -one seen. At Cape Wrath, in October. At Kyleakin, Nov. 7th, three, -wind S.E., clear; and numbers seen at Lismore mingling with Starlings -and Larks all night, wind strong S.W., haze and rain. At Rhuvaal, -Dec. 27th, after stormy weather, two flew about and stayed for a few -days; and at Stornoway, Dec. 31st and a few days previously, one -was seen. On 15th, numbers were round the lights at Lismore, along -with Thrushes, Blackbirds, Grey and Green Linnets, in large flocks, -wind strong N.E., and snow. In 1879, Robins were not reported from -stations further north than Kyleakin. - -Wheatear, _Saxicola ænanthe_.--I have eight or nine records from -three stations on the west coast in autumn, _viz._, Butt of Lewis -and Dhuheartach. The earliest date is Aug. 13th, when one was seen -at Dhuheartach between 7 and 8 p.m., arriving with light N. wind, -and remaining; and about one hundred, mostly young birds, left the -neighbourhood of the Butt of Lewis, where--about a mile from the -lighthouse--they had been collecting for some days before. Up to -Aug. 17th and 18th, a few--seven on 17th and six on 18th--were seen -at Dhuheartach about 8 a.m., wind light and haze, where they rested -and flew off south. On Aug. 19th, one was killed on the lantern -of Douglas Head lighthouse at 11 p.m., wind E.N.E., and haze. At -Dhuheartach, Sept. 10th, thirty rested, light S. wind, and haze; -and between Sept. 16th and Oct. 1st, large numbers were seen at the -lantern of the Butt of Lewis lighthouse, and many were caught and -released. Skerryvore was the most northerly station in 1879. Aug. -15th was the earliest record in 1879, and the latest on Sept. 28th. - -_Note._--Late occurrences of the Wheatear are noted by Mr. Hardy in -Berwickshire. On Sept. 17th they were seen at the shore and not again -afterwards, but a few were present at Berwick, behind the pier, -on Oct. 12th. This is the latest date I have on the east coast of -Scotland. I place the note here--under the west coast report--for -special comparison with the following:--Wheatear.--An unusually -late stay of this species is recorded by Mr. Service in Wigtonshire -(_vide_ 'Zoologist,' Feb. 1881, pp. 54, 55). Since the note appeared -in 'The Zoologist,' I have had some more correspondence regarding -these late Wheatears--7th December. Mr. Bruce is strongly of my -opinion, that these birds _were really migrating_ when they flew -away northwards, as they were seen still carrying on when fully a -mile away. Before this they had remained for two or three days with -Bullfinches. About six weeks afterwards "these same Bullfinches" -took a similar route and disappeared; they were seen departing. I am -inclined to agree with my friend and fellow-worker, Mr. Cordeaux, -that these Wheatears probably belonged to the larger race, which have -more arboreal habits than our own. If this is so, the observation -made by Mr. Bruce still further bears out the probability of their -foreign origin. As regards the more arboreal habits of the larger -race, I have explained elsewhere ('Ibis,' 1876, p. 310) that arboreal -habits of such species as Gulls, Curlews, Snipe, Snow Buntings, &c., -in North-east Russia, are probably brought about by the flooded -conditions of the country there, at the time of the arrival in -spring of these migrants. The habit no doubt grows and even becomes -hereditary, and is carried into other countries and other climes in -autumn. Larger races usually indicate more northern extension, and, -in my opinion, abnormal arboreal habits of certain species indicate -that they are natives of a land subject to constantly recurring -floods. For these reasons I am still inclined to adhere to my opinion -that these Wigtonshire Wheatears, at the late date of Dec. 9th, 1880, -were resting during their regular migration, and departed again -upon an extension of that same migration. They were, in my belief, -strangers, and not bred in the country. - -Hedgesparrow.--See under Linnet. - -Wagtail.--At Dhuheartach, a rush of Wagtails was observed upon Aug. -17th, 18th, 24th, and 26th, wind light and from S.W. on 17th and -18th, when twelve were seen each day flying in a south-easterly -direction--to E.S.E. and S.E. on 24th--when two or three rested upon -the rock. We had no records of this in 1879. - -Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Ring Ouzels.--Numerous returns from eleven -stations, _viz._, Rhu Stoir, Butt of Lewis, Stornoway, Monach, -Kyleakin, Rhuvaal, Lochindaul, Corsewall, Point of Ayre, Douglas -Head, and Bahama L.V. Earliest date July 19th, at Point of Ayre, when -about 160 young Thrushes (_Turdus musicus_) were seen to go off at -9 a.m., flying S. Latest dates Jan. 8th, 9th and 10th, 1881, when -large flocks of Blackbirds, Thrushes and Snow Buntings flew about all -day; and all left on the 10th when the haze and fog cleared away; -fresh E. breeze during this time. Between these dates, a migration -appears to have taken place on Sept. 21st to 30th, shown, however, by -records from only one station, _viz._, Stornoway. There, a good many -Blackbirds and Thrushes arrived on Sept. 21st and left on 30th. These -were accompanied also by Stormcocks (_Turdus pilaris_, or Fieldfare); -weather and wind not noted; but see notes from Mid-Atlantic, _infra_. -On 29th also, a number of Thrushes seen hovering round the lights at -Douglas Head, along with Starlings and Blackbirds, in fog and haze. -A desultory migration appears to have been carried on throughout -October; I have the following records:--At Rhu Stoir, Oct. 1st, -forty, besides Linnets, stayed four days (this comes also under the -rush at end of September), wind variable, light breezes. At Bahama -L.V., Oct. 8th, three were killed at 10.20 p.m., wind light E.N.E. -breeze, and cloudy. At Butt of Lewis, in the north, Oct. 15th, a good -many arrived and stayed till Jan. 15th, 1881, or later. At Kyleakin, -Oct. 20th, two were seen flying south, with strong S.E. wind; and a -few at Lochindaul. At Corsewall, one seen on 7th and one on 8th, one -killed; strong N.E. wind and haze. In November, the earliest dates -occur at the most southern stations; thus at Point of Ayre, Nov. 2nd -and 3rd, about three hundred Blackbirds and Thrushes, mixed with -Starlings, kept about the locality till 4 a.m. on the 3rd; wind S. to -S.E., very foggy. The direction of flight on departure was not noted, -but they were seen to pass off about 7.30 a.m. Also at the Bahama -L.V., on the 3rd, five were killed and others fell overboard. At -Corsewall, on the same dates, one and two were seen, wind fresh E., -and haze. At Kyleakin, Nov. 4th, seven Blackbirds seen flying south -at 9 a.m., wind S.E., and sleet; again on 11th, two seen flying S., -wind E., haze. At Monach, Nov. 16th, one in the garden, wind S. to -N.N.E., strong, with sleet and snow. In December, at Monach, a few -Blackbirds were seen. Thus on Dec. 3rd, one male seen resting on the -lantern at 10 p.m., wind strong W., haze. Another female on Dec. 4th, -2 p.m., flying about the garden, wind fresh S.S.W., haze and rain; -and two Blackbirds, accompanied by Starlings, at 1 p.m., wind fresh -S., clear in the garden and on the shore. As already noted, a still -later flight was noted in January, 1881, at Point of Ayre, Isle of -Man. - -_Note._--Thrushes, amongst other birds (_vide_ Robins, Linnets, -Snipe, Wagtails, &c.), were recognised by Capt. Roy in Mid-Atlantic, -400 miles on this side of Newfoundland. To Mr. Robt. Gray I am -indebted for some interesting and useful notes regarding the -occurrences of birds in Mid-Atlantic:--"The ship 'Rutland,' -of Greenock, Capt. Roy. When about 400 miles on this side of -Newfoundland, during continued heavy gales from the east, Capt. Roy -observed numbers of birds taking refuge on the 20th September. He had -had head-winds all the way home to England, and birds more or less -numerous round the ship till the 25th October. When he was 400-500 -miles from Ireland, a violent storm arose and blew prodigious flocks -of birds before it. The deck and rigging were covered. Many died, and -many were killed and used as food. The survivors, after staying a few -days, were carried off by the force of the wind. Capt. Roy observed -one Robin, lots of Linnets, Snipe, Thrushes, Wagtails, &c. Heavy -rains accompanied the storm." Mr. Gray continues, "My brother-in-law, -on his way to Boston in one of the Cunard steamers, saw a Jackdaw and -a Starling come on board on Oct. 23rd, during a gale from the east, -when 550 miles from the Irish coast, easterly winds having prevailed -for several days. On Oct. 24th, 850 miles from land, one Starling -perched for a few minutes. A small bird like a Linnet hovered about -the rigging, but did not perch. One Water Rail was captured and -detained ten days, 1200 miles from land, and two Sandpipers. Writing -again on Dec. 21st, he tells me that on the outward passage, lat. 42° -N., long. 54° W., he had in view at one time from five to six hundred -Gulls, various species--an extraordinary number to be so far from -land. When about 1080 miles from Ireland, going out, two _Crossbills_ -flew on board. Both were captured." - -Thomas Anderson (son of Thomas Anderson, joint author with Mr. Robert -Gray of 'The Birds of Ayrshire and Wigtownshire') and Mr. Gray inform -me, a good observer, and who has for many years kept a bird-log, at -Mr. Robert Gray's request. Being chief-engineer on board a Cunard -liner, he has crossed the Atlantic some four hundred times, during -most or all of which time he has kept careful notes. It is hoped that -he or Mr. Gray will give us the benefit of these notes before long, -as they cannot fail to be of great interest and use to students of -migration. - -Mr. T. E. Bruce, of Slogarrie, observed some Missel Thrushes flying -south on March 4th, 1881, and on the same day Snow Buntings. Great -storm of snow on March 4th and 5th, from N.E.; this no doubt a local -and temporary migration caused by the severe weather. The Missel -Thrushes having previously arrived on spring migration, compelled to -return again. - -Corvidæ.--The returns are from Monach, Sound of Mull, Rhinns of -Islay, Portpatrick, and Bahama (L.V.) Earliest at Portpatrick, Aug. -16th, flocks flying round between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., wind light -E., and clear (probably only a local movement). Latest at Monach, -Dec. 29th, when about a dozen were seen at noon flying south over -the island. At Sound of Mull, in October, about two hundred "Daws" -are reported flying N.E. on the 9th, wind light E. and clear; and at -Rhinns of Islay, on the 10th, flocks of Black Crows (Rooks ?) seen -flying W., wind light, clear. At Bahama L.V., on 24th, one flying E. -at 7.25 a.m., wind N.W., and showery. But in November there appears -to have been a rush; also on Nov. 5th, ten "Crows" seen at Bahama -L.V. flying W.N.W. at 8 a.m., wind moderate N.W. by N. (the strength -registered is 4); and at the same station, on the 25th, about two -hundred and fifty "Crows" were seen flying from E. to W., with a -W.S.W. wind, strength 6, and weather gloomy. In my return from Monach -I find that six "small black Crows," which may have been either Books -or Jackdaws, were seen passing over the island, flying north-west or -north, in the direction of the Lews, driven along by a strong S.S.E. -gale upon Nov. 20th. - -_Note._--In 52° 50′ north lat. and 22° 21′ west long., being 475 -miles off the Irish coast, after six weeks' easterly gale and winds, -wind E.S.E. for ten hours previous, two Books flew to the barque -'East.' One fell exhausted on deck, and the other into the sea. -The former was shown to me by the Captain--Capt. Younoun--on board -the 'East' at Granton. The above, as related to me, was upon Nov. -19th; and it may be interesting in connection with this to read the -notes supplied by Mr. R. Gray, as given under Thrush. Of a later -observation at Monach, on Dec. 29th, I have already spoken. - -Starling, _Sturnus vulgaris_.--I have received many returns of this -species, as is usually the case in autumn. Commencing at our most -northerly stations, I have returns from Cape Wrath, Rhu Stoir, -Stornoway, Island Ghlais (or Glas), Monach, Kyleakin, Fladda, Rhinns -of Islay, Lochindaul, Corsewall, Point of Ayre, Douglas Head, and -Bahama (L.V.) The earliest dates are August; arrive and remain -all the season afterwards at Lochindaul; but at Rhinns of Islay, -adjoining, arrive in September and remain; resident thereafter. -At Corsewall, Aug. 4th, a flock flying south, fresh S. wind. At -Kyleakin, Sept. 12th, three, moderate S. wind, and haze. At Cape -Wrath, Sept. 14th, twenty young, flying from E. to W. (see remarks on -occurrences in Mid-Atlantic, under Thrushes, antea, p. 80); on 17th, -a large flock at 10 p.m., wind strong S., with haze and rain; stayed -a few days and then left. At Corsewall, Sept. 28th, a flock flying -S., strong breeze, clear. Sept. 29th and 30th, a number seen hovering -round the lights of Douglas Head Lighthouse at midnight, with -Thrushes and Blackbirds, and none seen after daylight came in. At -Kyleakin, Nov. 3rd and 5th, forty adult and young rested, wind light -N. to light S., clear, and sleet. Also on Nov. 2nd and 3rd, whilst -numbers were striking all night till dawn at Corsewall, a large -number were flying round Point of Ayre lights, mixed with Thrushes -and Blackbirds, and thirty-six were killed; and on same date, one was -killed at lantern of Douglas Head: and six killed and fell overboard -at Bahama L.V., out of a large flock of mixed Thrushes and Starlings. -At Monach, Nov. 6th, one adult rested, wind light N.W., drizzle. At -Monach, Nov. 17th, twenty-four young, N.N.E. gale, sleet and snow; -left on 18th. At Stornoway, Dec. 19th and 20th, large flocks, wind -E., sleet and rain. At Monach, Dec. 27th, a flock of young birds, -along with a large flock of Larks, flying about the garden and shores -at 1 p.m., wind S., fresh and clear; and again on Jan. 14th, 1881, a -great many flocks, mixed old and young, at 10 a.m., flying to and fro -between the island and North Uist, apparently being local movements -caused by heavy snow in Uist. In 1879, the most northerly record -comes from Ardnamurchan, whereas this year, as is usually the case, -they are much more general. The earliest date in 1879 was Aug. 14th, -at Loch Ryan and M'Arthur's Head, whilst this year it was the 4th, -at Corsewall. The latest in 1879 was Dec. 18th, at Skervuile. This -year, in December, at Stornoway. - -Finches, _Fringillidæ_.--At Rhu Stoir, Sept. 17th, large flocks -at 10 p.m., strong S. wind, haze and rain; stayed a few days with -Starlings and then left. Crossbills (_vide_ Mr. Anderson's notes on -Mid-Atlantic, antea, p. 80). Mr. Robt. Gray afterwards informed me -that the two Crossbills captured are of the American species (_Loxia -leucoptera_), judging from Mr. Anderson's description. The same -species was captured by the late Dr. Dewar on board ship (Royal Phyl. -Soc, and 'Birds of West of Scotland'); and at same locality Finches -were seen on Oct. 20th, light variable winds, and snow. Only returns -in 1879 were from Dhuheartach on Aug. 24th, and Oct. 4th and 8th. - -Tree Sparrow.--On Lismore, Nov. 15th, a small flock observed, strong -N. wind, clear. - -Chaffinch.--Only one record on west coast is given, _viz._, at Bahama -L.V., Oct. 11th, when one is recorded flying N.W. at 8 a.m., wind -E.N.E., and haze. - -Linnets.--Returns from Skerryvore, Lismore, and Point of Ayre. -Earliest date Sept. 12th, when a rush appears to have taken place -past Point of Ayre between that date and Sept. 29th; principally, -however, on Sept. 12th and 20th, when young birds to the number of -fifty or sixty--on the 20th mixed with Hedgesparrows--were seen -flying W. on both days about 8 a.m., wind light W., clear. They -appeared plentiful also on the 28th, but a few only seen on 29th. -Again in same locality there appeared to be a rush on Oct. 18th -and 24th, when twenty and one hundred Greenfinches were seen, in -light and fresh W. wind; and at Skerryvore, Oct. 14th, twelve "Grey -Linnets" flew about the rock, wind light E., with haze. On Nov. 13th, -a small flock frequented Lismore during the day, wind strong S.W. to -W., and rain; and at the same station, Dec. 15th, both Grey and Green -Linnets, mixed with Robins, Larks, Thrushes, and Blackbirds, flew -about; wind strong N.E., and snow. In 1879, Sept. 9th is the only -date given at Rhuvaal and Lamlash. - -Snow Bunting, _Emberiza nivalis_.--Records have been kept at Rhu -Stoir in the north, and southward at Monach, Dhuheartach, Corsewall, -and Point of Ayre. The earliest occurrence was at Dhuheartach on -Sept. 19th, when one bird was seen; wind fresh W. From Oct. 1st to -8th, at Rhu Stoir, about forty arrived and stayed till the latter -date; wind on day of arrival N.W. gale with sleet. On Oct. 1st, at -Monach also, they were first seen, one at 10 a.m.; wind fresh S.S.W. -and cloudy. At Point of Ayre from fifty to sixty were seen at 7.30 -a.m., mixed with Thrushes and Blackbirds, fresh S.E. wind, clear, -on Nov. 2nd and 3rd. On Nov. 6th, at Monach, one at 10 p.m., N.W. -wind and drizzle of rain. On Nov. 16th a few seen at 2 p.m. during -a S. to N.N.E. gale, and the latest record is at Corsewall, on Jan. -5th, 1881, when one was seen and struck the lantern at 3.30 a.m., -light N.E. wind, haze. In 1879 most northerly station, Monach Island. -Earliest date same as this year (1879, Monach; 1880, Dhuheartach). -Latest date in 1879, Dec. 10th (Corsewall), against Jan. 5th, 1881 -(Corsewall), in 1880. - -_Note._--The unusually large and sudden immigration of Snow Buntings -into Great Britain attracted general attention. From the middle of -November onward they were extremely abundant, and they ushered in the -severe winter and low temperatures of January, 1881. - -Sky Lark, _Alauda arvensis_.--A good many returns from the following -stations:--Rhu Stoir, Kyleakin, Dhuheartach, Skervuile, Rhinns of -Islay, Turnberry, Corsewall, and Bahama L.V. The earliest, Sept. -30th, at Corsewall, at 9 p.m., when two were seen, which remained -till dawn on the lantern along with Golden-crested Wrens. The latest -at Turnberry on Jan. 4th, 1881, when one struck at 8 p.m., light -N.E. wind with haze. In October, on the 1st, at Skervuile, some were -seen mixed with Thrushes and Wrens; winds variable and light, with -haze. On the 3rd, at Turnberry, two struck, and one killed between -10 and 11 p.m., wind light E. and clear. On 12th, at Bahama L.V. a -flock seen flying W. at 9.20 a.m., wind light N.E., with haze. On -13th twenty seen at Dhuheartach at 1 a.m., wind light N., cloudy. On -Dec. 27th a large flock was seen flying about the garden and shores -at Monach along with young Starlings and two Blackbirds, at 1 p.m., -wind S., fresh breeze, clear. In 1879 the most northerly station was -Dhuheartach. Earliest date in 1879, Sept. 19th; latest Dec. 6th; but -it must be remembered in this and all such comparisons that in 1879 -our returns' were sent in sooner than in 1880. - -_Note._--Local migrations of large extent, brought on by heavy falls -of snow and consequent scarcity of food, have been frequently noted -this season. When crossing the Firth of Forth on the 15th December I -saw many large flocks of Larks, both in the morning and afternoon, -flying steadily from N.N.W. to S.S.E. or N.W. to S.E. Many Larks -were afterwards seen feeding near Leith, and notice of the fact sent -to the papers by another witness. The line of flight, as I have -said, was from N. of West to S. of East. I note the fact as having -significance, even in a local migration, at this locality. - -Rock Pigeon.--July 10th, sixteen Rock Pigeons at Island Ghlais, -flying S., 8 p.m., light N., haze and showers, refers probably to a -local migration. At Skerryvore two "wild pigeons" (Rock Doves?) seen -during calm hazy weather on June 24th. - -Lapwing, _Vanellus cristatus_.--At Rhuvaal, Lochindaul, and -Portpatrick. Aug. 4th, at Lochindaul, large flocks seen all through -the month after this date: resident. Sept. 1st, two killed at -Rhuvaal, 11 p.m., strong S., haze. Sept. 9th, flocks flying S. at 9 -a.m. at Portpatrick; wind S.E., hazy. Sept. 15th, Lochindaul, flocks -all day; strong N. wind, clear. One at Monach on Dec. 27th, wind S., -flying S. More northerly in 1879, _viz._, Rhu Stoir and southwards. -Earliest date Aug. 20th; latest Dec. 11th. - -_Note._--In Ireland Lapwings began to assemble on the shores by July -22nd, as observed by Mr. Warren. - -Golden Plover, _Charadrius pluvialis_.--Only two records this year -from Island Ghlais and Point of Ayre: Dec. 3rd, twenty to thirty at -9 a.m. flying S.W., light airs, showers, at the former; Jan. 12th, -1881, at the latter, a flock flying E., wind strong E., clear. Two or -three flocks were seen upon Monach on Dec. 27th, at 1 p.m., flying -along to shore, wind S., fresh breeze. A considerable movement -appears to have been observed at Monach on this date. In 1879 three -stations, most northerly being Skerryvore. Earliest date July 27th, -at Portpatrick; latest on Oct. 18th, at Skerryvore. - -Ringed Plover.--On Aug. 13th twelve "Dotterels" arrived upon -Dhuheartach. These remain on the rock all winter, unless driven off -by severe weather. - -Heron.--Two Herons seen at 2 p.m. at Rhu Stoir, N.W. gale, snow -showers. At Monach four Herons rested on the shore on Oct. 28th, -about 2 o'clock, wind strong N.E., with snow showers; they had left -by next day. Common and of daily occurrence at Kyleakin. - -Curlew, _Numenius arquatus_.--Of this species we have many records, -and it does not seem easy to distinguish between migration data and -residence. However, I give the leading points for further comparison. -They occurred, or are recorded, at Cape Wrath, and thence south at -Island Ghlais, Monach, Kyleakin, Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, Rhuvaal, -Skervuile, Lochindaul, Portpatrick. Point of Ayre, and Bahama L.V. -They seemed to fly in all directions, indicating to a great extent -only local migration. From April and May, on through June and July, -and all the autumn months they occur rather distinctly as resident, -or as passing flocks, and it seems almost impossible to separate the -movements in the end of summer which should be assigned as part of -the spring migration from those in the beginning of autumn which more -rightly belong to the autumnal migration. As will be seen, however, -I have attempted to do so, assigning all June records to the former -and July records to the latter. The earliest record, then, in autumn -stands as July 15th, when forty were seen flying W. at 4.20 p.m. at -Island Ghlais, wind light N., clear. The latest recorded are on Dec. -25th, 26th and 27th at Rhu Stoir, flying south; winds N. or light and -variable with showers. The general courses pursued were southerly -or from N.W. to S.E., or from N.E. to S.W., some flying direct W., -however, and others direct S.; but at Portpatrick, on Aug. 19th and -23rd, flocks were seen flying north and also south, indicating a -local migration. On Aug. 19th the wind was light S., haze, and on -23rd light E., clear. Numbers passed Dhuheartach between Aug. 12th -and 17th, all going in southerly directions, from S. to S.W. and -S.E. On Monach they were unusually abundant this year all September, -and more than a dozen were shot. "Bushes," so far as such data are -of value, appear to have taken place in August, 12th to 17th, or -even later,--say to 23rd,--and locally, at Lochindaul, on Aug. 4th -and 5th, and in September, as 10th and 25th, at Dhuheartach, and -"unusually abundant all September on Monach." In November, on the -3rd, at Bahama L.V., Curlews were flying round the vessel all night. -On Aug. 15th four seen circling round Dhuheartach in calm, clear -weather, and on the 18th two seen flying south in light W. wind and -haze. On Nov. 2nd, at Douglas Head, one was killed on lantern at -10.30 p.m., wing strong S.E. and haze. On Nov. 6th one "Sandpiper" -was killed at lantern at Island Ghlais in a fresh W. breeze. In -1879 most northerly station was Island Ghlais; this year much more -general. Earliest date in 1879, Aug. 3rd; latest Nov. 20th. - -Snipe.--I have returns only from three stations, Island Ghlais, -Kyleakin and Douglas Head. The earliest at Kyleakin, Oct. 11th, when -two appeared in light E. wind and rain; at the same station, Nov. -16th, one was killed on lantern at 2 a.m., in light S. wind and haze. -At Douglas Head, Nov. 18th, one killed at midnight in snow, N.E. -breeze. At Island Ghlais, Nov. 27th, one was killed during a W. gale -and haze and rain. - -Woodcock, _Scolopax rusticola_.--Commencing in the north we have -records of occasional birds at Cape Wrath, Rhu Stoir, Island Ghlais, -Kyleakin, Ardnamurchan, Lismore, and Point of Ayre. The earliest -occurrence is noted at Island Ghlais, Sept. 23rd, seen half a mile -from lighthouse. Then we have occurrence at Point of Ayre, where -one was killed at the lantern on nights of Nov. 2nd and 3rd, at 7 -o'clock, light S.E. wind, very foggy. At Lismore, Nov. 20th, one -seen at 11 a.m., light N.W. wind, clear. The rush appeared most -conspicuous from Dec. 10th, when one was killed at Ardnamurchan, at -5.30 a.m., in strong W. wind, with thick rain; at Kyleakin, Dec. -11th, when two were seen at 2.30 p.m., moderate N.E. wind, snow lying -on the ground; and at Rhu Stoir, Dec. 25th, 26th and 27th; on 25th, -three, flying south, light N. wind, snow; 26th, one, variable, and -light showers of snow; 27th, two, light, variable and clear; lastly, -at Rhu Stoir, Jan. 12th, two, light S.E. wind, clear. - -_Note._--Northernmost Station, Island Ghlais, 1879. Earliest record, -Oct. 11th (Rhinns of Islay), 1879; latest record, Dec. 12th, 1879. So -long ago as the date of the "Lays of the Deer Forest," 1848, numbers -of Woodcock are recorded as settling about the lamps of the northern -lighthouses, and evidence is given from Cape Wrath (_loc. cit._, -'Notes,' vol. ii., p. 262). - -Wild Goose.--At Portpatrick, Aug. 6th, one was seen flying S.E., in -light E. breeze; at the same station, Jan. 13th, ten were observed -flying S., with a strong N. breeze. At Point of Ayre, Jan. 11th, -about twenty were seen flying S., with light N.E. breeze. At Monach, -Nov. 30th, eight were seen at 8 p.m., flying westward, and settled -on some rocks off the island, wind S.E., fresh, rain; and Jan. 9th, -1881, fifteen at 9 a.m. flying northwards, wind S., light, clear. -At Douglas Head, Dec. 17th, eight Geese were seen flying from E. to -W. at 12 a.m., calm, clear. At Butt of Lewis, Jan. 6th, six Wild -Geese at 9 a.m., light S.W. wind, clear; came to the village about -a mile off, stopped two days; left, going S. At Island Ghlais, Jan. -4th, fifty Wild Geese flying S., 1 p.m.; wind N., fresh, clear. At -Rhuvaal, Dec. 12th, six dozen seen, after stormy weather, in light -S.W. breeze. - -_Note._--On Jan. 29th, 1880, four dozen, old and young, resident on -Islay, were by Feb. 15th, 1880, reduced to about two dozen. It is -recorded in the Wernerian Societies Memoirs, in a report from the -light-keeper at Lismore lighthouse (which report was not published in -full), that most birds of a flock of Brent Geese were killed against -the building, and that one bird passed through quarter-inch glass -"like a shot" (Mem. Wern. Soc, read Jan. 24th, 1835). - -Swan, _Cygnus_.--At Rhu Stoir, Dec. 25th, 2 p.m., flying S.E., light -N. wind, snow storm. (At Loch Inver, Jan. 1st, 1881, two seen at a -loch there.) At Butt of Lewis, Jan. 16th, two, stayed four days at -a village four miles off and left on 20th or 21st, flying S.; wind -N.E., sleet. - -Ducks, _Anatidæ_.--At Monach, Skerryvore and Dhuheartach. At -Dhuheartach, Oct. 12th, nineteen Eiders--sixteen males and three -females, noon, fresh N. wind, clear; engaged in fishing. At Monach, -Oct. 27th, two flocks of Eiders, male and female, 3 p.m., wind N., -cloudy; "first arrival here from breeding-grounds." At Dhuheartach, -Oct. 28th, forty fishing round, light N.E. wind; Oct. 29th, the same -flock. These remain all the season, usually arriving about Oct. 12th, -but they do not land here; later in arrival this year. - -Great Northern Diver.--At Monach, May 25th, two--male and -female--Great Northern Divers seen, wind S.W., fresh, clear. These -birds are seen at intervals all through the year, three being the -largest number Mr. Youngclause has seen at one time; he has shot -three during the last five years. - -Red-throated Diver.--At Monach, May 22nd, twelve were seen feeding in -pairs along the shore; wind N.W., fresh, showers. - -Rock Birds, _Natatores_.--Razorbills, Guillemots, Puffins. In -speaking of these I believe the simplest way will be to take the -spring and autumn migration together, and I here simply write down -the results as they appear in the schedules. Cape Wrath, April 20th, -about 1000 Razorbills, 2000 Puffins, and 2000 Guillemots arrived -to breed; wind S., showers. Aug. 29th, about 2000 Razorbills, 4000 -Puffins, and 4000 Guillemots left; wind S.E., clear. Or in other -words, about twice as many left in autumn as came in spring. "These -birds have building cliffs about three miles east of the Cape. -The time of the day they come is not known, nor the directions -in which they come and go. They come in one night, and go in one -night." At Island Ghlais, July 10th, about ninety Puffins, 4 p.m., -flying S., haze, doubtless a local migration for food; July 11th, -about 200 Puffins, 1 p.m., wind N., flying S.W., clear; July 22nd, -numbers feeding on herring-soil in shore; Aug. 9th, numbers feeding -on herring-soil in shore. At Ushenish, May 30th, numbers passing; -local migration, strong S. wind. At Kyleakin, May 10th, numbers of -Guillemots passing E. all day; strong E.N.E. wind. At Skervuile, July -21st to 27th, Marrots seen. Those seen at Island Ghlais are almost -undoubtedly bred at the Shiant Isles (see former Report, 1879). - -_Note,_--I have no return this year from Dunnet Head, owing to the -absence of Mr. Geo. Maclachlan, the new keeper not having sent me -one, which I much regret. - -Gulls.--At Cape Wrath, April 12th, 300 "Sea Gulls" arrived here for -breeding on the cliffs below the lighthouse, between 7 a.m. and 8 -a.m., wind E., clear; July 12th, from 300 to 800 Sea Gulls leave and -passed to W., between 3 a.m. and 10 p.m., wind E., haze and rain; -April 20th, 200 Kittiwakes arrived; Aug. 29th, 600 Kittiwakes left, -wind S.E., clear. At Island Ghlais, July 22nd, 500 to 600 Gulls and -Kittiwakes, Puffins, &c., feeding, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; wind S., light, -clear; probably from Shiant Isles. (See Mr. Anderson's notes on Gulls -in Mid-Atlantic, under Thrush, _antea_ p. 80). At Sound of Mull, Aug. -13th, 200 Kittiwakes, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., flying N.W. in flocks of -twenty to thirty; light W. wind, clear. At Rhuvaal, March 1st, about -four dozen, 10 a.m., S.W. wind to gale, rain and sleet; May 1st, -about one dozen, 9 a.m., S.W. wind, clear; Oct. 13th, twelve, flying -S., 7 a.m., variable, light, haze; Nov. 1st, Gulls (and Curlews), -9 a.m., W. wind, clear. At Skervuile, June 8th, one Black-headed -Gull, 9 am., N.W. wind, light breeze, rain, "not often seen here;" -July 17th, "Boatswain Bird," 10 p.m., first seen, also Kittiwakes; -July 21st to 27th, "Boatswain Gulls" seen; Aug. 2nd, great numbers -of ditto seen. At Corsewall, Nov. 1st, one Kittiwake seen, 9.45 -p.m.; fresh E. breeze. At Stornoway, July 21st, a flock, apparently -migrating, flying N., 9 p.m., light N.E. wind. - -Terns.--At Monach, Aug. 15th to 20th, great flocks were congregating -previous to departure; winds light, clear; and by 20th all were gone, -except a few detained by late young ones (see spring migration, -under Tern). They are also reported to have left the neighbourhood -of Stornoway lighthouse by Aug. 15th. On Aug. 26th, sixteen "Sea -Swallows" arrived at Bahama light-vessel, at 2.20 p.m., in hazy -weather; wind light S.E. by E. - -Gannet, _Sula bassana_.--In the same way I give the data as shown in -the schedules. At Cape Wrath, April 14th, 800 to 900 flying E., for -breeding at Souliskerry, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; wind E., clear. At -Douglas Head, April 18th, one, light N.E. wind, clear; July 14th to -Aug. 28th, 60 to 900 daily, flying W., 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. _Note._--I -am informed by Mr. Gray that Mr. Anderson traced the Gannet as far -south as the latitude of South Spain, where one day the ship passed -through acres of them; they seemed dead beat, as if after a toilsome -flight during a succession of autumn gales. At Rhu Stoir, July 1st -to Aug. 31st, large flocks going N. daily along the coast, largest -numbers about end of July; generally passing between 7 and 9 p.m.; -none seen going south. At Butt of Lewis, April 13th, three Solan -Geese seen, 9 a.m., the first seen; May 20th to Sept. 15th, increased -daily till May 20th, and then on till middle of September, it would -be impossible to count them from dawn till dusk: they passed in long -strings of fifty to sixty in a flock at not more than a quarter of -hour's interval between the flocks; they all flew west. A number -(about one-fifth of the whole) fly east, and take no notice of the -others in their flight; these are single birds: not one seen after -Oct. 15th. At Island Ghlais, July 12th, 150 Solan Geese "flying S. -and N.," 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., light airs, W., clear; July 13th, 200 -"flying S. and N.," 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., fresh N. wind; July 15th to -31st, 1600 to 2000 flying both N. and S., variable; daily average -about 100. (_Note._--The expression "flying S. and N." probably means -_from S. to N._) At Skervuile, March 1st, at 8 a.m., S.W. gale, rain -and sleet; Oct. 26th, last seen 10 a.m., fresh N.E. wind, clear. At -Lochindaul, May 14th, one seen fishing, wind E., clear, dry. - -Cormorants.--At Cape Wrath, April 16th, thirty "Scarts" arrived, -10 a.m., E. wind, showers. At Stornoway, Sept. 14th, seven flying -S.W. at noon, light S.W. wind, clear; Sept. 21st, flock of ditto at -2 p.m., light W. wind, flying S.W., raining; Oct. 26th, flock of -ditto flying W., 11 a.m., N. gale, snow; Dec. 24th, flock of ditto -flying S.E., N. wind, fresh, snow. The above probably refer to local -migrations. - -Unidentified.--At Portpatrick, between Oct. 7th and 28th, a migration -appears to have gone on at intervals of small birds: thus on the 7th -"flocks of small birds," at 7 a.m., strong N.E. breeze, clear, flying -S.W.; the same on the 14th, flying S.W., in light easterly wind, and -clear; the same on the 15th, flying W., in light S. winds, clear; -the same on the 28th, light N.E. wind, hazy, direction and flight -not noted. Again, flocks of small birds on Dec. 25th, at the same -station, flying E., were observed, in strong N. breeze; and flocks -flew round all day on 26th, in light E. wind, and clear. In August, -on the 25th, at 5.45 p.m., fifty-two (species unknown) seen flying -S.S.W., at Bahama L.V., light E. by S. wind. - -General Remarks. - -In our general remarks, in 1879, we took notice of the scarcity of -birds at many important stations, such as the Butt of Lewis, Monach -Island, &c. This season shows a considerable increase upon last -year's returns, and the horizontal lines of migration--or rays of -the fan--seem to have spread out wider and reached farther north in -1880 than in 1879; and this increase of observations on the west -coast, be it noted, is irrespective, apparently, of the scarcity -upon our Scottish east coast. We also receive accounts of immense -numbers of birds being seen this season in Mid-Atlantic, the dates -of their appearance there agreeing very accurately with dates of -observations at the land stations. In the 1879 migration the scarcity -was accounted for by the prevalence of N.W. winds deflecting the -lines, and passing down _upon the right shoulders_ (so to speak) of -the passing birds.[19] - -[Footnote 19: Even the strong-winged Wild Geese and Swans are -observed when flying well up in the wind to drift to one side a -little, having the appearance of flying _left-shoulder first_ instead -of head first.] - -This year the prevailing winds and gales were from east and -north-east, and while these winds do not appear to have compressed -_the horizontal lines so much_ as the north-westerly did in 1879 the -birds appear to have passed at greater elevations, and been borne -away in the gales far out to sea. The migration does not appear to -have come in such great throbs or rushes in 1880 as in 1879, but -to have been more dispersed and more regular; this, no doubt, is a -natural consequence of the waves being more spread out in 1880 than -in 1879. The great easterly gales continuing for weeks together over -the Atlantic and North of Europe, so disastrous to our shipping, -undoubtedly carried many migrants far to the westward, and the -mortality amongst them must have been very great indeed, if we judge -from the few records that have reached us from sea-going vessels. -These easterly gales also have, no doubt, affected the direction of -the migration to a considerable extent, and indications of its agency -may be found in the occurrence on our shores of certain wanderers -from foreign lands, such as the Esquimaux Curlew, on September -21st, in Kincardineshire (_vide_ Zool., 1880, p. 485); a Red-legged -Hobby, on September 20th; a Turtle Dove in Kincardineshire; and -Great Snipes, Great Grey Shrikes,[20] &c., about the same dates -(_loc. cit._). These gales may be said to have continued almost -without cessation during the whole migrating season, all through -September, October, November, and December. In November a new bird -to our British list occurred,--the Desert Wheatear, _Saxicola -deserti_, Ruppell,--as will be found duly recorded by Mr. John James -Dalgleish.[21] It was obtained near Alloa on November 26th. Its -native haunts are far to the southward and eastward, and in North -Africa, Egypt, Persia and India. - -[Footnote 20: Unusually abundant in Heligoland.] - -[Footnote 21: Proc. Ryl. Phyl. Soc. Edin., 1880-81, vol. vi., p. 64.] - -Mr. Cordeaux has already shown to us the apparently abnormal -statistics on the south coast of England, birds crossing towards -England and flying north-west all through the migratory season -between August 16th and December. I am inclined to look upon -these data as indications of the wide-spread waves of the general -migration, extending both farther north and farther south. According -to the amount of pressure at the starting-points [or possibly the -increased area northward occupied in a particularly fine nesting -season, as in 1880] will the wideness of the area be which is passed -over by the migratory flocks. I think the rules known to apply in the -dispersal and extension of range of species are, in some respects, -applicable also to the greater and more extensive waves of migration. - -I could say more regarding the peculiarity of nesting sites being -occupied year after year by the same pairs of birds, or of well-known -sites being vacated for a few seasons, and again occupied; or I might -dilate upon some curious statistics of the continuous recurrence of -foreign species at the same localities, or along the same line of -country, but I fear to occupy space with theory only, until we have a -larger accumulation of solid material. - -As regards severity of weather apart from winds, unusually early -winter was reported from Scandinavia, it having begun there in -October (_vide_ 'Field,' Oct. 16th, 1880, p. 590). - -Attention should be drawn also to the admirable work being done on -the subject of migration by Mr. J. J. Dalgleish (Bull. Nuttall. Orn. -Club), and by Mr. Percy E. Freke (Sc. Proc. Ryl. Dub. Soc, vol. ii., -n. s., p. 373, and vol. iii., n. s., separate?). These gentlemen also -now propose to colour, or have already finished, maps showing the -distribution of the occurrences of American birds in Europe recorded -in their papers, which cannot fail to be of much service in our work. -We would like to see not only American species mapped out in Europe, -but rare European occurrences in Great Britain. - -Finally, in endeavouring to arrive at conclusions regarding the -causes of migrational phenomena in 1880, we have taken into -consideration--1st. The value of the heights of lanterns above the -sea, as against the colour and intensity of lights in 1879; and we -have taken more account of the vertical area of birds' flight in -1880 than in 1879. 2ndly. We have compared the effects of prevailing -north-west winds in 1879 pressing laterally upon the lines of -migration to those of 1880, which being easterly and north-easterly -have had the contrary effect of spreading out the migration again, -or at least has not deflected it to the same extent; and also, the -effect of causing birds to migrate at greater elevations, and, where -the gales have been most severe, to bear them away above the range of -vision and carry vast numbers out to sea, until, weary and exhausted, -they have ceased to be able to guide themselves, and again, -involuntarily, lowered, to be picked up senseless and stunned on -board the ships, or to perish in thousands in the ocean. And lastly -we have hinted at the wideness of the migratory waves depending upon -the pressure at the starting-points, or upon the larger north and -south area occupied in the breeding-season of 1880, besides some -other minor details. - - - - -WEST COAST OF ENGLAND. - - -Forms of enquiry and letters of instruction were sent to thirty-nine -lighthouses and light-vessels on the west coast of England; from -twenty-nine returns have been received; from five, letters mentioning -the scarcity of birds. - -The following are the stations from which co-operation was asked, -commencing with the most northerly. Returns have been received from -those marked with an *, and from those marked with a † letters -without returns:-- - - 110. †St. Bees: on the Head, L.H. Fixed; visible 25 miles. Robert - Pizey. - 111. *Morecambe Bay, L.V.; revolving red light, flash every 30 seconds. - Fog signal, one blast every 2 minutes. Henry Clavell. - 112. *Air, L.H.; on the Point. Fixed, visible 9 miles, white, except - over West Hoyle Bank, between the bearings of S.E. 1/4 S. and - W. 3/4 S., where it shows red. C. H. Aveston. - 113. Menai, L.H.; on Trwyn du Point. Fixed, red; visible 9 miles. - Bell in fog; three times in quick succession every 15 seconds. - 114. *Skerries, L.H.; Highest Island. Fixed, visible 16 miles. Fog - signal, one blast every 3 minutes. J. Garrett. - 115. *Holyhead Breakwater, L.H.; 66-1/2 feet above high water. Red; - flashes every 7-1/2 seconds; visible 13 miles. Appears as a - fixed red light at a distance of 3 or 4 miles. Bell in fog - (three times in quick succession) every 15 seconds. Fog - horn nearly continuous _when mail packets passing into - harbour_. Richard Prichard. - 116. *North Stack, Fog Horn Station, L.H. Bell sounded during fog; - small white light revolving in 1-1/2 min., occasionally shown - 40 feet above sea and 30 yards N. of S. Stack L.H. Gun - fired every 10 minutes during fog when mail packets - approaching. John Harvey, gunner. - 117. *South Stack, L.H.; on S. Stack rock off N.W. point of Holyhead - Island; revolving every minute; visible 20 miles. W. R. - Burgess. - 118. *St. Judwall, L.H., 151 feet above high water, occulting, light of - 8 seconds duration, followed by eclipse of 2 seconds, white - and red; also a fixed red light (not occulting) from a window - 16 feet below the high light. William Davies. - 119. *Caernarvon Bay, L.V.; revolving with white and red flashes at - intervals of 20 seconds, in order of two white and one red; - visible 10 miles. Fog signal, one blast every 2 minutes. - W. Bowen. - 120. *Bardsey, L.H. Fixed; visible 17 miles. Fog syren one blast every - 5 minutes. Thomas Bowen. - 121. Cardigan Bay, L.V. Red; revolving every 30 seconds; visible 10 - miles going in. - 122. Bull Point, L.H. White triple flashes. Fog signal, three blasts - quickly every 2 minutes. George Knott. - 123. *South Bishop, L.H.; revolving every 20 seconds; visible 18 miles. - Gong in fog. John White. - 124. *Smalls, L.H. Fixed, white; visible 17 miles. Bell sounded during - foggy weather, and a rocket every half hour. W. Boulton. - 125. *Great Castle Head, L.H. (2). Fixed, white, 112 and 76 feet above - high water. - 126. *Milford (Low), L.H. Fixed, red. G. Baker. - 127. Milford (High), L.H. Fixed, red, 48 feet above sea. - 128. *Caldy, L.H., S. of Island. Fixed; visible 20 miles; bright to - seaward, red in direction of Old Castle Head and Woolhouse - Shoal. W. Ebben, P. K. - 129. *Helwick, L.V.; revolving every minute; visible 10 miles. Fog - horn, blasts of 5 seconds duration at regular intervals of - 2 minutes. Thomas Cornell, mate. - 130. *Scarweather, L.V.; revolving red, three times a minute, 38 feet - above level of sea; visible 10 miles. Fog syren, two blasts - quickly every 2 minutes. Henry Jenkins. - 131. *Nash (Lower W.), L.H. Fixed; visible 17 miles. John Richards. - 132. *Nash (E. or high), L.H. Fixed; visible 19 miles; red. Hy. - Nicholas. - 133. Breaksea, L.V. Flashing every 15 seconds; 38 feet above sea; fixed - red light at a lower elevation. Gong in fog. - 134. *Flatholm, L.H., S. point of Island. Fixed; visible 18 miles. - W. Dale, P. K. - 135. *Usk, L.H., W. side of entrance to river. Fixed; visible 11 miles; - white and red. Amos Russell. - 136. †Avon, L.H., E. of entrance. Fixed; visible 13 miles; white - seaward. William Taylor. - 137. *Burnham, L.H. (2). Upper intermittent; visible 15 miles. Lower, - fixed; visible 9 miles. William Lewis. - 138. *Bideford, L.H. (2). Low light visible from half-flood to - half-ebb, 14 and 11 miles. Leading lights for crossing the - Bar. Edward Roberts. - 139. Lundy Fog Gun Station. During fog and thick weather, rocket - every 10 minutes; explodes at height of 600 feet. John - Morgan. - 140. *Lundy, L.H., 1/2 mile from S. end of Island (2), in one tower. - Upper visible 30 miles, revolving every 2 minutes. Low light - fixed, only visible between bearings of S. by E. and N.E. - James Parsons. - 141. †Hartland Point, L.H., 120 feet above high water; revolving, 30 - seconds, two white and one red. Fog signal, blasts of - 5 seconds duration every 2 minutes. John Griffiths. - 142. †Trevose Head, L.H., on N.W. extremity (2). Fixed; visible 20 and - 17 miles. W. Bowen. - 143. *Godrevy, L.H. Flashing every 10 seconds; visible 15 miles. A - fixed red light in same tower, 27 feet below flashing light; - visible from S. by E. to S.E. Richard Trahair. - 144. *Bishop Rock, L.H., on S. W. Rock. Scilly. Fixed; visible 16 - miles. Bell in fog every 10 seconds. - 145. *Scilly, L.H., St. Agnes, on summit of Island; revolving every - half-minute; visible 17 miles. E. L. Davis. - 146. *Sevenstones, L.V. White, revolving. Syren fog signal, three - blasts quickly every 2 minutes. Daniel Norton. - 147. *Longships, L.H., on highest rock off Land's End. Fixed; visible - 16 miles. Bell in foggy weather. William Jones. - 148. †Wolfrock, L.H., 8 miles S.S.W of Land's End, 110 feet above - high-water mark; revolving alternate flashes of red and white; - visible 16 miles. In fog a bell. W. D. Crask. - -To the Elder Brethren at Trinity House our thanks are due for -their kind permission to make use of the light stations for taking -observations; and to the Trinity Superintendents, Mr. Davison -(Holyhead), Mr. Evans (Weyland), and Mr. Tregarthen (Penzance), we -are obliged for willing assistance. - -The observers at the various stations are deserving of thanks for the -pains they have taken to keep an accurate record of the facts coming -under their notice. The reports are all interesting, those which show -a paucity of birds equally with those that record the passing of -many. Excluding the Anatidæ, notes have been taken of about fifty-two -different species. - - -SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES. - -Of the Raptores we have heard but little. A male Falcon (Peregrine?) -was seen at Sevenstones Oct. 13th, at noon, flying S.W., before -a moderate breeze from N.E.; at Smalls, Oct. 7th, a Kestrel was -observed flying round the tower; in Morecambe Bay Oct. 4th, 7.30 -a.m., a Sparrowhawk flying from N.N.E., a gentle E.N.E. breeze, -rested on board the light-vessel. At St. Bees a hawk or two, we -are told, may be seen occasionally; "they build on the cliffs -thereabouts." - -Owl, _Otus brachyotos_.--At North Stack, Oct. 13th, an Owl, probably -the Short-eared, was seen, at 8.55 a.m., flying S.W., before a mod. -N.E. breeze. At Smalls, Oct 15th, a little Horned Owl was observed -resting on the rock; Nov. 6th, at 4 p.m., another on the S.E. rock. - -Fieldfare, _Turdus pilaris_.--Distinguished on one or two occasions; -possibly some of the notes on "Thrush" may refer to this. From Bishop -Rock, Oct. 13th, Fieldfares were seen at 10 a.m. passing W. before a -mod. E. breeze. At Smalls, Oct. 15th, from 1 a.m. to daylight. Grey -Thrushes were noticed, with Redwings, Starlings, and Blackbirds; -breeze gentle to moderate, E.S.E. to S.E. At Air (River Dee), Nov. -7th, "large quantities passed at sunrise." - -Song Thrush, _Turdus musicus_.--Recorded from five stations. At -Caernarvon Bay, Oct. 1st, two were killed; hazy. At South Bishop, -Oct. 5th, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., a mod. N.N.E. breeze, rain and mist. -Thrushes and Blackbirds were passing, and, of the former, seven -killed. At Morecambe Bay, Oct. 8th, 10.20 a.m., one Song Thrush -passed S.S.W., very tired; a strong N.E. breeze. At Nash (E. or -high), Oct. 13th, one was killed; afresh N.N.E. breeze, with mist. At -Bull Point, Oct. 14th, 3 a.m., overcast and misty, light air S.S.W., -one female is reported as striking. At Caernarvon Bay, Nov. 2nd, a -young Thrush and Lark were killed at 9.10 p.m.; gentle E.S.E. breeze, -hazy. At Bull Point, Nov. 3rd, two struck at 2 a.m.; fresh E. breeze, -clear. At the same time there appears to have been a rush farther -south. At South Bishop, Nov. 2nd, from midnight to morning, a fresh -S.E. breeze, very misty, a very great quantity of Thrushes, with -Blackbirds, Starlings, and Larks, of which many were killed; and, -with breeze still S.E., but moderate, continuous flocks of same all -day flying towards N.E.; Nov. 3rd, from 9 p.m. to midnight, a gentle -E. breeze, rather misty, large quantities, with Larks, Blackbirds, -and Starlings (many killed). At Nash (E. or high), Dec. 1st, one was -killed; fresh W. breeze, but clear. At Godrevy, Jan. 14th, 12 to 4 -p.m., Thrushes were seen, with Lapwings and Starlings: this is the -only instance recorded in afternoon, the others being at night, the -weather in most cases misty or hazy, and the wind ranging from N.N.E. -to S.E. - -Redwing, _Turdus iliacus_.--Separately noticed at one station -only--Smalls. Oct. 8th, 7.30 p.m., some were seen among Starlings -and Larks, N.E. to E., misty; twenty of the birds killed. Oct. 9th, -from midnight to 5 a.m., several, with Larks and Starlings; eleven -struck; breeze mod. to strong E. to E.N.E., clear. Oct. 15th, from -1 a.m. to daylight, large numbers, with Starlings, Blackbirds, and -Greenfinches. Oct. 29th, one was caught. Nov. 2nd, several, with Sky -Larks, Starlings, and Blackbirds; sixteen struck and were caught. -Nov. 3rd, three males and five females were distinguished among -Blackbirds, Starlings, and Larks. Nov. 5th, one male; mod. N. breeze. -Except the first, the instances occurred from midnight to sunrise, -with moderate N.E., E., and S.E. breezes, and generally with clouds, -mist, or drizzle. - -Blackbird, _Turdus merula_.--Reported from ten stations. The earliest -date is Aug. 12th, when one was seen at Scarweather at 1 p.m., mod. -S.S.E. breeze; the latest at Skerries, Dec. 4th, when Blackbirds -and Snipe appeared, and a few were killed. The one occurrence only -is noted in August, and we do not again hear of its appearance till -at Skerries, Sept. 27th, 29th, and 30th, when Blackbirds were seen -(the two later dates in company with Starlings). At Caernarvon Bay, -Oct. 1st, Blackbirds and Thrushes were seen, and two killed; light -westerly breeze, hazy. At S. Bishop, Oct 5th, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., -N.N.E., rain and mist. Blackbirds and Thrushes struck, and seventeen -Blackbirds were killed. At Helwick, Oct. 8th, one was killed. At -Caldy, Oct. 10th, one male was discerned flying about the lantern; -a mod. E. by S. gale, squally and cloudy. At Bull Point, Oct. 12th, -two females struck, but were not killed; a mod. E. breeze, clear; -and, on Oct. 14th, one female. At S. Bishop, Oct. 13th, nine were -killed, with five Larks. At Helwick, Oct. 14th, one and a Linnet. -At. Smalls, Oct. 15th, numbers struck, with Starlings, Thrushes, and -Finches; and, at Godrevy, two, with two Starlings and one Thrush, -not killed. At Helwick, Nov. 2nd, several killed, with Larks and -Starlings; and, from midnight to morning at S. Bishop, a fresh S.E. -breeze and very misty, a very great quantity of Blackbirds, Larks, -etc. (see Song Thrush). At Godrevy, Nov. 3rd, one struck, not killed. -At Smalls, Nov. 2nd, two were seen at midnight; 3rd and 5th six (two -males and four females), and one female. At Nash (E. or high), Dec. -1st, one was killed. At Skerries, Dec. 4th, a few. The time of the -occurrences noticed, except of the three in report, which were at -sunrise, was from midnight to morning, and they took place almost -always in cloudy or misty weather, with generally a mod. breeze more -or less easterly, _viz._, N.N.E., through E. to S.S.E. The greatest -number of instances noticed is in October, when we have returns from -seven stations, but the birds are only seen by ones or twos; they -seem to have appeared in numbers from Nov. 1st to 3rd; in December we -have only two instances. - -Then the _Turdidæ_ have been noticed from Morecambe Bay (from St. -Bees we have the general remarks that an occasional Blackbird or -Thrush is to be seen) to Godrevy. The movement appears to have been -pretty evenly distributed, perhaps to have spread gradually from N. -to S., and to have lasted from Aug. 12th to Jan. 14th, being most -active from Sept. 27th to Nov. 27th, with a decided rush on Nov. 2nd -and 3rd. The direction of flight is seldom given, the notices almost -all referring to birds killed or striking. The greatest slaughter -occurred at S. Bishop on Nov. 1st, when, of Blackbirds, Thrushes, -Larks, and Starlings, 162 were immolated, and on Nov. 3rd 172. The -time when the occurrences were observed lies between twilight and -sunrise, but is chiefly about midnight, the weather being generally -hazy, misty, or overcast, with mod. breezes from E.N.E. through E. -to S.E. In the majority of instances the birds were accompanied by -others of their own family, or by Starlings or Larks. - -Stonechat, _Saxicola rubicola_.--At Morecambe Bay, Aug. 29th, 4 p.m., -moderate breeze E. by S., one came on board. The note is added that -it is "very seldom Seen here." This is the only occurrence noted. - -Wheatear, _Saxicola ænanthe_.--At Bishop Rock, Aug. 17th, 1.30 a.m., -three struck the glass, light E. breeze, cloudy; Aug. 22nd, midnight, -mod. E.S.E. breeze, cloudy and misty, Wheatears strike; none killed -on either occasion. - -Chiffchaff and Goldcrest, _Sylvia hippolais_ and _Regulus -auricapillus_,--At Scarweather, July 30th, 1 p.m., a Goldcrest was -seen. At Flatholm, Oct. 14th, a large quantity of Goldcrests and -Chiffchaffs were seen at 9.40 a.m., gentle E. breeze, blue sky, but -clouds and mist. Mr. Dale reports that, at this station, "These -little birds generally make their appearance about the beginning of -October, and remain till about the middle of November. In spring -again, from about March 20th to May. Numbers are killed by striking -the lantern on dark nights." - -Titmouse, _Parus cæruleus_.--At Burnham, Aug. 16th, 3 p.m., mod. -N.N.E. breeze, "a large flock of Blue Tits perched on the trees, &c." -At Caldy, midnight, a Titmouse (species not identified) was seen -flying about the glass. - -Wagtail, _Motacilla_ (sp. ?)--Returns only from Morecambe Bay. Aug. -26th, 6.15 a.m., one alighted on deck; 27th, 7 a.m., one passed E., -and at 8.30 a.m. one E.N.E.; 30th three, and 31st six passed; Sept. -1st two were seen, and on 4th six; 12th, one passed W., a gentle -breeze W.S.W.; 16th, five, S.E., a strong breeze from N.; 27th, -flocks, with Linnets, were observed during the forenoon, a light -breeze S. by W., and several small birds killed. These occurrences -all happened between 5 and 8.30 a.m. In almost every case the weather -was cloudy, misty, or foggy, with gentle breezes, varying, but mostly -E.S.E. or easterly. The direction of flight S.E. and E.S.E. - -Sky Lark and Meadow Pipit, _Alauda arvensis_ and _Anthus -pratensis_,--On two occasions the Meadow Pipit is distinguished; -possibly some of the notes on "Larks" may refer to it. From Morecambe -Bay, Sept. 8th, 6 a.m., four Titlarks are reported flying S.W., a -gentle breeze E.N.E. From Smalls, Nov. 3rd, mod. E. breeze, one -was seen in company with Blackbirds and Redwings. Of Larks, the -earliest appearance noted is Aug. 27th, when, at Morecambe Bay, -seven passed flying S. by E., light E.S.E. breeze; Sept. 1st, 5.30 -p.m., about thirty passed Nash, flying S., a gentle W.N.W. breeze; -and on 3rd, at noon, about twenty passed N., light E.S.E. breeze. -These occurrences are noticed from both stations. At Caernarvon, -Sept. 4th, one was killed. At Lundy, Sept. 9th, a number, with -Chaffinches, were seen, fresh E.S.E. breeze, rain and squally; -these were noticed from both stations. At Scarweather, same day, two -were seen. At Morecambe Bay, a dozen passed flying S. At Skerries, -Sept. 23rd, 9.30 to 11 p.m., many Larks and Linnets were striking, -but none killed. At Scarweather, Sept. 24th, mod. W. breeze, a large -number of Larks. From the two stations at Nash, Sept. 25th, a large -flock of Sky Larks were observed passing N.E. At Skerries, Sept. -26th and 27th, Larks were seen. At Caernarvon, Sept. 29th, 9.15 -a.m., a flock passed S.E. At Caldy, same day, 10 p.m., two male Sky -Larks and a White Gull were flying about the lantern, light S.E. -breeze, fog. At South Bishop, Sept. 30th, four larks were killed, -fog. Through September they appear, as the month advanced, to have -been noticed in greater numbers and farther south. The appearances -are nearly all in the daytime; breezes light or gentle, varying from -W. through S. to E. Direction of flight, when noticed, towards S. -or S.E., except at Nash, where, on Sept. 3rd, some passed N., and -on 25th some N.E. At Godrevy, Oct. 4th, 1 to 2 a.m., mod. E.N.E. -breeze, a Lark, Petrel, and two foreign Wrens were seen, and three -birds killed. At Nash, Oct. 5th, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., continuous flocks -passed S.E., with mod. E.N.E. breeze, and rain; the same direction -followed, though wind veered round to W.S.W. At Helwick, Oct. 8th, -2 a.m., one was killed, strong E.S.E. breeze, rain and lightning. -At Smalls, same date, 7.30 p.m. to midnight, continuous flocks of -Sky Larks, Redwings and Starlings, and about twenty struck; 9th, -midnight to 5 a.m., Sky Larks and Redwings, eleven struck, mod. to -strong E. to E.N.E. breeze, clear. At Nash, Oct. 10th, a flock of -Sky Larks was observed from both stations flying N.W., strong N.E.; -breeze; 13th, with mod. E.N.E. breeze, a like flock going E. At -South Bishop, Oct. 13th, 1 to 4 a.m., light S.E. air, clouds and -mist, five Larks and nine Blackbirds met their fate. At Smalls, Oct. -12th, about thirty struck the roof (with Starlings) from 1 a.m. to -daylight; and at Skerries, at intervals during same day, small flocks -were seen passing towards the land. At Morecambe Bay, same day, -about 10.20 a.m., a flock of Larks passed S.S.W. At Helwick, Oct. -15th, 4.30 a.m., several Larks and Starlings were seen. At Morecambe -Bay, Oct. 16th, 2.30 p.m., a flock passed E.N.E. At Caernarvon Bay, -Oct. 19th, 1 to 4 p.m., continuous flocks passed E.S.E., fresh E. -by N. breeze. At Helwick, Oct. 21st, gentle N.E. breeze, a flock -from S.W. to N.E. At Caernarvon, Oct. 22nd, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., mod. -E. gale, with haze, flocks of Larks and Starlings passed S.E.; -24th, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., similar flocks passed S.S.E., with a mod. -N.N.W. breeze. At Helwick, Oct. 30th, 11 a.m., light N.N.E. breeze, -"several hen Larks" passed from S.W. to N.E. At South Stack, same -day, 7 a.m. to noon, fresh N.W. breeze, clear, continuous flocks -(with Starlings, Linnets, and Chaffinches) passed to N.W. Throughout -October the movement appears to have been active and pretty general -along the coast; the time of occurrence in the greater number of -cases between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.; the direction of flight, when -recorded, generally easterly; in most instances mist, rain and fog, -with--generally--moderate E.N.E. to E. breezes. At Morecambe Bay, -Nov. 1st, five passed S.E., mod. N.N.E. breeze; 2nd, three in same -direction, mod. S.E. breeze. At South Bishop, from midnight to the -morning of 2nd, fresh S.E. breeze, very misty, "a very great quantity -of Larks, Thrushes," &c., and "continuous flocks" all day, flying -towards N.W.; 3rd, 9 p.m. to midnight, enormous quantities, &c. (see -"Song Thrush.") At Caernarvon, Nov. 2nd, 9.10 p.m., a young Lark was -killed, gentle E.S.E. breeze, hazy; 3rd, 1 to 4 a.m., still hazy, -two Larks killed. At Helwick, Nov. 2nd, 1 p.m., fresh S.E. breeze, -"a flock of hen Larks" passed to N.E., and at 8 p.m., several more, -of which some were slain; overcast and misty. At Nash (W. or low), -Nov. 14th, noon, flights of Sky Larks and Starlings passed overhead, -strong W.S.W. breeze, clouds and mist. These are all the instances -reported in November; most of them occurred at night, and, being of -birds striking, the direction of flight is not recorded; the winds -generally moderate and from E. to S.E.; on every occasion with mist, -haze, or fog. After Nov. 14th we have no record till Dec. 3rd, when -flocks of Larks passed Skerries at midnight, gentle S. breeze, misty. -At Scarweather, Dec. 8th, 11 p.m., two Larks, mod. W.N.W. breeze, -gloomy and misty. At Lundy, same day, S.W. breeze, a great number of -Sky Larks were seen, and Mr. Parsons adds, "these are seen daily," -but for how long is not stated. At Caernarvon L.V., Dec. 13th, 2 to 5 -a.m., four young Larks were killed, mod. N. by W. breeze, drizzling -rain. At Milford, Jan. 11th, a quantity of Larks, Plovers, and -Starlings arrived and remained all day. At South Stack, Jan. 12th, -strong N.E. breeze and passing showers of snow, continuous flocks -of Larks and Starlings passed all day; and on 13th, a large quantity -was on the island all day. This is the latest instance recorded. In -all, we have returns from fifteen stations, of which all but Milford -and the two at Nash are off the coast. The direction of flight, -judging from the instances given, seems to have been chiefly towards -S.E. and S. (this would be towards the mainland). The chief movement -seems to have been from Sept. 9th to Nov. 3rd, and increasing towards -November. In the majority of cases, with the breeze moderate, from E. -to S.E. and S.; in some from N. and N.E. to E.; generally with mist -or gloom. - -Yellowhammer, _Emberiza citrinella_.--At Morecambe Bay, Oct. 12, five -passed about midnight, flying S.S.W., gentle breeze from N. to N.E. -by E. - -Chaffinch, _Fringilla cœlebs_.--At Lundy, Sept. 9th, 1 p.m., a great -number, with Sky Larks, fresh E.S.E. breeze, rain. At Smalls, Oct. -25th, mod. W. breeze, till midnight, some struck and fell overboard; -three and a Starling caught. At South Stack, Oct. 30th, fresh N.W. -breeze, flocks, with Starlings, Larks and Linnets, passed flying N.W. - -Mountain Sparrow, _Passer montanus_.--This species is distinguished -only in the returns from North Stack. Sept. 24th, 8.40 a.m., a flock -passed S.W.; 26th, 2.30 p.m., with mod. S.W. breeze, a flock passed -N.W.; Oct. 12th, 8.40 a.m., two flocks flying N.E.; 15th, 7.30 a.m., -six passed S.W., mod. S. breeze; Dec. 24th, 3.10 p.m., fresh N.W. -breeze, thirty passed E.; Jan. 12th, 2.30 p.m., a flock passed S.W., -before a strong N.E. breeze, with snow. - -Common Sparrow, _Passer domesticus_.--At Nash, Sept. 27th, 6 a.m., -a flight passed N.N.W. (observed from both stations), light N.E. -breeze. At North Stack, Dec. 3rd, 11 a.m., a flock of Sparrows was -seen flying N.E., against a mod. S.W. breeze. - -Greenfinch, _Coccothraustes chloris_.--At Smalls, Oct. 15th, 1 a.m. -to daylight, many struck the roof, along with Starlings, Blackbirds, -&c., mod. E.S.E. to S.E. breeze, misty; Nov. 5th, before sunrise, -mod. W. breeze, cloudy but clear horizon, two males and one female -were caught alive, together with Thrush, Blackbird and Starling. - -Linnet, _Linota cannabina_.--From the two stations at Lundy we learn -that, from 8th Sept., a great many Linnets "mixed" have been seen -daily, and on Oct. 30th have left the island. The earliest recorded -is Sept. 1st, when at Skerries, 9 p.m. to 3 a.m., fresh S.W. breeze, -clear, small flocks appeared with Finches, many strike, and a few -are killed; 23rd, 9.30 to 11 p.m., mod. S.W. breeze, clear after -fog, small flocks with Larks, many strike, but none are killed. At -Morecambe Bay, Sept. 17th, 7 a.m., four Grey Linnets pass S.E., mod. -N.W. by W. breeze; 21st, noon, nine going N., light S. by W. breeze, -misty; and on 27th, during the forenoon, fog, flocks of Linnets and -Wagtails pass, and several small birds are killed. At Caldy, Sept. -24th, some Linnets were seen. At Smalls, Oct. 29th, one was caught -with a Redwing, fresh N.E. breeze, cloudy but clear horizon. At South -Stack, Oct. 30th, 7 a.m. to noon, fresh N.W. breeze, Linnets, Larks, -Starlings, and Chaffinches passed in flocks to N.W. From Godrevy, we -hear from Mr. Trahair that "several flocks of Green and Red Linnets -come on the island from September to latter part of December." - -Starling, _Sturnus vulgaris_.--We have more notices of this bird -than of any other. Its occurrence seems to have been general and -frequent. Twenty-two stations have reported on it, besides St. Bees, -whence Mr. Pizey writes, "An occasional Starling or Lark may be -sometimes seen on the lantern-window"; and Trevose Head, where, Mr. -Bowen states, "Starlings and Crows can be observed all the year; -they build their nests about the cliffs." The earliest date given -is July 24th, where, at Scarweather, 11 a.m., a flock was observed, -clear, with breeze from E.N.E. This, however, is the only occurrence -noticed till Aug. 29th, when, at Sevenstones, a large flock passed -S.W. at 5.20 a.m., fog, light N.N.E. air. The next date is Sept. -10th, when, at Nash, a large flock passed overhead at 6 p.m., fresh -S.W. breeze. From this date several instances occur in the Bristol -Channel, but it is Sept. 28th before we hear from a station as -far north as Skerries. The occurrences then become frequent and -general along the coast, increasing to Nov. 3rd, after which they -gradually decrease in numbers and frequency till Jan. 14th, when, -at Godrevy, a great number, in company with. Lapwings, Thrushes, -&c., were seen from noon to 4 p.m., fresh E.S.E. breeze, and clear -horizon. The greatest number of individuals are recorded from Oct. -16th to 21st, and again Oct. 29th to Nov. 3rd; we have the greatest -number of occurrences noted in November, and especially from 1st -to 3rd. In September we have returns from six stations, Flatholm to -Skerries. The flight when noticed being (except in one instance) in -daylight--mostly from sunrise to about 11 a.m. Direction of flight -scarcely ever noticed. Wind various, generally light, and never -exceeding a fresh breeze; weather in some cases clear, but more -generally overcast to misty. The next date, after 10th, is Sept. -17th, when, at Flatholm, fresh W.N.W. breeze, a small flight appeared -and remained on the island till 19th; 22nd, from both stations at -Nash, a flock of young Starlings is reported as flying N.E., fresh -W. breeze, misty; 23rd, a flock of Starlings, mixed, was seen at -North Stack, light N.W. breeze, drizzly rain; 24th, continuous flocks -were seen from Flatholm; after this no further occurrence is noted -in Bristol Channel till Nov. 1st. At Skerries, Sept. 28th, 29th, and -30th, Starlings were seen at sunrise, light W.S.W., S.E. and N.E. -breezes. Throughout October we have constant notices. At Morecambe -Bay, Oct. 1st, two flocks of young, mixed, passed S.W., light W.N.W. -breeze. At Nash, Oct. 3rd, continuous flocks all day passed N., -against a light N. to N.E. breeze; and at Flatholm, 3.30 p.m., mod. -N. breeze, blue sky but cloudy, there was a small flight, and _four -old birds were killed_. At Caldy, Oct. 4th, 8 a.m., strong E. by S. -breeze, about twenty were seen (first appearance). At Lundy, Oct. -6th, strong E. breeze, rain, a great number appeared and were seen -daily till 29th, after which only one or two seen. At Smalls, Oct. -8th, 7.30 to midnight, fresh N.E. to E. breeze, misty. Starlings, -Redwings, and Sky Larks passed in continuous flocks (about twenty -struck). At Morecambe Bay, Oct. 10th, one seen; 11th, one passing -S.E. very tired, fresh E. by N. breeze. On 11th, we first hear of -them so far south as Scilly, where Starlings and Woodcocks passed -at 8.30 a.m., fresh E.S.E. breeze; and on 12th, at Bishop Rock, -Starlings at 10 a.m. These, however, are the only instances recorded -from these two stations. At Smalls, Helwick, and Caldy respectively, -during the nights of Oct. 14th, 15th, and 16th, several struck and -many were killed. At Caernarvon, Oct. 16th, "continuous flocks of -Starlings and Spinxes" (?) passed during the day, gentle S.S.W. -breeze, and hazy. At South Stack, Oct. 17th, 6.30 a.m., light E. -breeze, a very large flock passed. At Morecambe Bay, Oct. 21st, 5.20 -p.m., gentle E.N.E. breeze, clouds but clear horizon, two to three -hundred passed W.N.W. At Caernarvon Bay, Oct. 22nd, mod. E. gale, -hazy, a flock with Larks passed S.E.; and on 24th, during the day, -similar flocks S.S.E.; wind now mod. and from N.N.W. At Flatholm, -same day, 8 a.m., gentle E.N.E. breeze, small flights appeared and -remained till Oct. 26th, at 7.30 a.m., when they departed S.W., -fresh W.S.W. breeze, cloudy. At South Stack, Oct. 29th, 7 a.m., -fresh N.N.E. gale, clear, very large flocks passed; 30th and 31st, -fresh N.W. breeze, continuous flocks passed to N.W. At Sevenstones, -Oct. 30th, 3.30 p.m., light E. air, clear, several flocks were seen -flying to W. and N.E. At Nash, Nov. 1st, 9 a.m., gentle N.N.E. -breeze, clear, a flock of Crows and Starlings passed overland. At -Smalls, same day, from sunset to midnight, three were seen about the -lantern. At Morecambe Bay, Nov. 2nd, 4 p.m., from two to three dozen -passed, flying S.; and at the same hour, at Helwick, a flock of male -Starlings passed, flying from S.W. to N.E., and at 8 p.m. several -were killed. At Longships, 7 p.m., a few fluttered against the glass; -at Caldy, 10.30 p.m., one was noticed flying about the lantern; at -Godrevy, 11 p.m., four struck, several others hovering around; and at -Smalls, before midnight, mod. E. breeze, misty and drizzling, eight -were seen with other birds. At South Bishop, from midnight (of 1st), -when they first arrived, till morning, a very great quantity, with -Thrushes, &c.; and all day after, continuous flocks of same flying -towards N.W. Again, on the 3rd, enormous quantities of Starlings came -at midnight (of 2nd) and continued till morning, and at 6 a.m. the -Starlings began to fly E. At Caernarvon also, Nov. 3rd, nine young -Starlings were killed, gentle E.S.E. breeze, hazy; and at Smalls, -before sunrise, twenty-three female and four male Starlings, among -Blackbirds and Thrushes, were counted; several struck and went -overboard. At Nash, 9 a.m., large flights passed overland, with -Crows; and at Godrevy, 2 a.m., two, with Thrushes and Blackbirds, -struck. Thus there appears to have been a decided "rush" lasting from -Oct. 29th, 7 a.m., to Nov. 3rd, 9 a.m. From Nov. 1st to 3rd alone, -we hear from no less than eleven stations. It was on the 2nd and -3rd that the slaughter, already mentioned (see "Song Thrush"), took -place at South Bishop, and Starlings were numbered among the slain. -On Nov. 6th, eight were killed at Lundy, many others striking; and -after this we have almost daily returns from the two stations at -Nash, of flights, the direction, when noticed, being overland. At -Helwick, Nov. 15th, a flock passed N.E. At Bull Point, Nov. 18th, a -flock was seen flying E. At Godrevy, Nov. 29th, mod. S.W. breeze, -clear, a flock flying S. Throughout December we have almost daily -returns from Nash, of flights passing overland (on 10th and 25th -they are noticed as passing S.) At Godrevy, Dec. 2nd, 5 to 8.30 -p.m., light S.S.W. breeze, misty, seventeen male and female, mixed, -struck. At Caernarvon Bay, Dec. 16th, 1 to 4 a.m., strong W.N.W. -breeze, three killed; 27th, 9 to 11 p.m., gentle E. by N. breeze, two -young Starlings were killed; 28th, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., gentle N.N.E. -breeze, misty, flocks passed, flying N.W.; and on 31st, between 10 -and 11 p.m., strong N.W. by N. breeze, misty, three were killed and -fell overboard. At Lundy, Dec. 25th, fresh N.N.W. breeze, clear, a -great many Starlings came on the island during the night. At Nash, -Jan. 7th, 2 a.m., fresh E. breeze, misty, several struck; 11th, 10 -a.m., misty, some seen with flocks of Plovers and Peewits. At Milford -(Low), same day, a quantity with Plovers and Larks arrived, and -remained all day. At South Stack, Jan. 12th, fresh N.E. breeze, with -passing showers of snow, a large quantity of Starlings and Larks, old -and young, passing all day; 13th, on the islands all day. At Godrevy, -Jan. 14th, noon to 4 p.m., fresh E.S.E. breeze, clear, a great number -with Thrushes and Lapwings were seen. - -Chough, Hooded Crow and Rook, _Fregilus graculus_, _Corvus cornix_ -and _Corvus frugilegus_.--From Caldy Mr. Ebben reports, "The Chough -breeds upon the island, and never goes away." We do not hear of it -from any other station. The Hooded Crow is only once distinguished, -but may perhaps be referred to under the general style of "Crow," -the Rook being sometimes distinguished by that of "Black Crow." At -S. Stack, Oct. 22nd, 11.30 a.m., fresh E. breeze, clear, a flock -passing to N.W. Of the Rook or, indeed, of Crows generally, the first -appearance noted is Sept. 9th, when "Black Crows" were seen at Caldy, -9 a.m., a strong breeze E. by S., misty. At N. Stack, Sept. 12th, -6 p.m., three Black Crows flying N.E., before a mod. S.W. breeze; -19th, 5.20 p.m., four passed S.E., a fresh N.W. breeze; 24th, 9 a.m., -ninety were seen flying E., before a strong W. breeze. From this -station we have no further record till Dec. 20th. At Nash, Sept. -10th, 3 p.m., about 100 Rooks passed N.; 13th, from the low station, -hundreds were seen flying overland; 22nd, 9 a.m., a flight of young -Rooks, Starlings and Jackdaws flying N.E., fresh W. breeze; 24th, at -noon, a flock passing S.E.; 30th, 3 p.m., from both stations we hear -of a flight passing N.E.; Oct. 2nd, 2 p.m., fresh N. breeze, misty, -large flock of Crows pass S.W.; the only instance reported from Nash -for October. At Morecambe Bay, Oct. 3rd, 5.30 p.m., fifteen common -Books passed, flying E.N.E., fresh N.E. breeze; 5th, same hour, mod. -gale E. by N., overcast, misty and rainy, twelve going E.S.E.; 10th, -11 a.m., fresh E.N.E. breeze, two passed S. by E. At Bull Point, -Oct. 12th, 7 a.m., fresh E. breeze, two dozen Black Crows, old and -young, seen flying W., before fresh E. breeze; only record of a W. -direction of flight. The next occurrence dates Nov. 1st and 3rd, 9 -a.m., when, at Nash, large flights, with Starlings, passed overland. -We next hear, on 13th, of similar flights flying overland at noon; a -fresh W. gale, mist and showers. From the low station (only) we have -like returns on 20th, 24th, 25th, and 28th, 29th, 30th, between 9 -a.m. and noon, winds various, clouds or mist. There are no returns -from any other station. At the same station, Dec. 1st to 10th, 9 -a.m., mod. breezes, more or less W., overcast and misty, like flights -overland. At Holyhead, Dec. 16th, 9 a.m., flights of Black Crows -passed E. across the bay, against a strong E. breeze. On Dec. 18th, -from both stations at Nash, and on 20th, 23rd and 25th, from the low -stations (9 a.m.), flights of Crows and Starlings are reported; winds -various, generally mist. On Dec. 25th, the high station reports such -a flock passing S. at the same hour, fresh E. breeze, clear; and on -28th, 30th and 31st, same hour, with breezes from W.S.W., E. and N., -overcast, showery or misty, flights of Crows and Starlings were seen -from both stations. At N. Stack, Dec. 20th, 9.5 a.m., a flock passed, -flying E., fresh N.W. breeze; 30th, 2.15 p.m., a flock flying S.E., -fresh N.W. breeze. This is the latest return. Besides Caldy and Nash, -in the Bristol Channel, the returns are from four stations off the -coast, _viz._:--Bull Point, N. Stack, Holyhead, and Morecambe Bay. -The direction of flight is from E.N.E. through E. to S.E. At Nash -the direction seems to vary greatly, but is mostly reported as being -"overland." - -Common Wren, _Troglodytes vulgaris_.--At Scarweather, Aug. 10th, one -was found in the morning lying dead on deck, W.N.W. breeze. At Nash -(W. or low), Sept. 8th, in the early morning, one struck; mod. N.E. -breeze, clouds and mist. At Smalls, Sept. 14th, 1 a.m. to daylight, -gentle E. breeze, overcast, but clear horizon, a Wren, Starling and -Larks struck; and on 15th, about same time, gentle breeze, E.S.E. to -S.E., Blackbirds, Starlings, Thrushes, Greenfinches, and Wrens, a -large number striking the glass, but very few the roof. - -Swallow, _Hirundo rustica_.--Earliest notice, Aug. 31st, from Caldy, -as also the latest, Nov. 11th, "when Swallows disappeared." At Caldy, -Aug. 31st, Swallows seen from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., N.N.E. to N. wind, -blue sky, but clouds; Sept. 5th, mod. W.S.W. breeze, about twenty; -and on 17th, at noon, W. wind, a few noticed. At Nash (E. or high), -Sept. 15th, large flocks passed E., a strong N. breeze and rain; and, -the note added, "not seen after this date"; 21st, 26th and 30th, -Swallows are reported from Caldy, with various winds, not strong, -and generally with clouds and mist. At Morecambe Bay, Sept. 24th, -mod. W. breeze, cloudy, but clear, two dozen were seen flying S.E. At -Caernarvon Bay, Sept. 25th, mod. S.W. breeze, clear, a flock flying -S.W. At S. Bishop, Sept. 28th, light N.E. air, twenty were seen. In -October we have only two dates. At Godrevy, Oct. 12th, 1 p.m., a -small flock hovering about the island, fresh N.E. breeze, clear; and -at Helwick, 4.30 p.m., fresh E.N.E. breeze, misty, a flock passed, -flying from S.W. to N.E. At Caldy, Oct. 18th, Swallows seen. The -eight stations reporting give each but a solitary instance, except -Caldy. Five of the stations are off the coast; the remaining three -in the Bristol Channel. The direction of flight is not once reported -from Caldy. When from the other stations reported it is S.E. or S.W., -except at Helwick, N.E.; Oct. 12th, at 4.30 p.m. This would be the -course to the nearest land. - -Swift, _Cypselus murarius_.--At Flatholm, Sept. 15th, 10 a.m., mod. -W.N.W. breeze, clouds, but clear horizon, a large flight appeared; on -16th, they disappeared. - -Golden Plover, _Charadrius pluvialis_.--Earliest record Sept. 5th, -when, at Caldy, two Plovers were seen; mod. W.S.W. breeze. The next -occurrence noted is at Scilly, Oct. 4th, Plovers and Lapwings; mod. -E.S.E. gale, rain. At Nash (E. or high), Oct. 14th, fifteen or -twenty; 21st, a large flock passed W.; Nov. 20th, 10 p.m., six flew -round the light several times. We have no further record till from -both stations at Nash, Jan. 3rd, several were observed flying W.; -10th, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., gentle N.E. breeze and mist, flocks of -Plovers and Peewits, overland, passed S.W. Also, at Scilly, 4 p.m., -Plovers and Lapwings; and on 11th, calm and misty, flocks of Peewits -and Starlings passed N.W. At Milford (Low) a quantity of Plovers, -Larks and Starlings arrived, and remained all day. From Bardsey we -hear that, on Feb. 11th, flocks of four or five Golden Plovers were -seen flying about the Island; fresh N.E. gale. Except at Nash, Nov. -20th, and Scilly, Jan. 10th, these occurrences were all noticed from -8 a.m. to 11 a.m., and on every occasion with mist or rain, and with -light or gentle E. breeze (except at Caldy, W.S.W.). The direction of -flight, recorded only from Nash (E. or high), is W., except on Jan. -10th, S.W., and 11th, N.W. - -Lapwing, _Vanellus cristatus_.--Earliest notice at Sevenstones, Aug. -26th, 10 a.m., fifty were seen flying to S.W., light N.W. breeze, -haze. The next is dated at Scilly, Oct. 4th, Lapwings and Plovers -were seen at noon, a mod. E.S.E. gale, rain. We next hear from -Caldy, Nov. 3rd, when one was seen flying near the light; a strong -E. breeze, mist. Another space of time, and at Nash, Nov. 21st (E. -or high), 8 a.m., a large flock is seen overland, mod. E. breeze; -and at Burnham, 8 a.m., large flocks of Peewits were noticed flying -from N., light N. breeze, mist. We do not again hear till Dec. 20th, -when, at Lundy, a number of Lapwings were seen at 9 a.m., mod. E.N.E. -breeze; and the other Lundy station reports, "about thirty came on -the island during the night." Again, on the 30th, Mr. Parsons notes a -flock came on the island the night previous. At Skerries, Dec. 29th, -light S.E. breeze, misty, rain, a few Lapwings about all night. This -is the only record from a station further N. than Bristol Channel. At -Nash (E. or high), Jan. 3rd, gentle E. breeze, mist, a large flock -of Peewits passed W.; 6th, a similar flock, N.W.; 10th, during the -day misty, light N.E. breeze, flocks of Peewits, with Plovers, passed -overland S.W.; and on 11th, at 10 a.m., misty and calm, flocks, -with Starlings, passed N.W. At Scilly, same day, 4 p.m., Lapwings -and Plovers were seen. At Sevenstones, Jan. 11th, two large flocks -passed W.; a light W.N.W. breeze, hazy. At Godrevy, Jan. 14th, we -first hear of a great number seen during the day, with Starlings, -Thrushes, &c.; fresh E.S.E. breeze, clear, frost, and a little snow -on the ground. Of the nine stations reporting, Nash has the most -instances; the greater numbers occur in January. The direction of -flight when noticed, from N.W. through W. to S.W., the wind, except -at Sevenstones, being from N.E. and E.S.E., but more generally E.; -force, mostly two to five. - -Sanderling, _Calidris arenaria_.--At Godrevy, Sept. 10th, 11.30 p.m., -two were killed; light S.W. breeze, clear horizon. - -Oystercatcher, _Hæmatopus ostralegus_.--At Air, Aug. 6th, a large -quantity seen about 1 p.m., gentle E.S.E. breeze, mist; Oct. 4th, a -large quantity flying E. throughout the day, light S.E. breeze, mist; -Oct. '29th, 10.30 a.m., with mod. N. gale, clear, a similar flight E. -From Bideford, Sept. 1st, we have the following record:--"Hundreds -of Sea-pies, Common Gulls, Curlews, and a few Shags, visit the -mussel-beds all the winter, being seen every day and night from -half-ebb to half-flood, coming from N.W. in all weather." - -Heron, _Ardea cinerea_.--From Helwick only have we any record, Sept. -26th, 6 a.m.: "A flock flying from S. to N.W."; cloudy, but clear -horizon, with light W. breeze. - -Bittern, _Botaurus stellaris_.--Of this now rare bird we have a -solitary instance. At Godrevy, Jan. 14th, two were seen during the -day (with numbers of Lapwings, Starlings, and Thrushes); may they -live long and be happy! - -Curlew and Stint, _Numenius arquata_ and _Tringa_ (sp. ?).--At Air, -earliest date Aug. 9th, 10 p.m., clear and calm, a large quantity -passed; and Godrevy, Jan. 11th, the latest. At Noon, Aug. 14th, three -were seen at Bishop Rock. At Bideford, Sept. 1st, some seen, and -thereafter daily, with hundreds of Sea-pies and Gulls, from N.W. At -Usk, Sept. 8th, we hear of their appearance, when through the day -they were seen in great numbers with Gulls, E. and N.E. breezes; -10th, mod. S. breeze, they were observed through the day with Gulls -and "Pearls" (_Tringa ? minuta_) in great numbers; 17th, from 5 -a.m. to 9 a.m., W.N.W. to N.W., two; they appeared in very large -flocks; and from Sept. 24th, to Oct. 8th. At Morecambe Bay, Sept. -12th, 6.30 p.m., one was seen flying S. against a moderate breeze. -At Nash, Sept. 15th, 9 a.m., two passed N.E., strong N. breeze and -showers; 18th, 6 p.m., two passed N.W., before a mod. N.W. gale, -showery (these are noticed from both stations). At Skerries, Sept. -26th, light S.W. breeze, Curlews were seen at sunrise. At Air, Oct. -4th, a large quantity going E. all day; misty Through November and -December we hear from Usk of large flocks (with numbers of Stints). -At Skerries, Dec. 4th, 1 a.m., light S. air, misty and rain. Curlews -were seen with Blackbirds and Snipes; 20th, a few all day, mod. -W.S.W. breeze, fine; 29th, light S.E. breeze, mist and rain, a few -all night. At Nash, also on 29th, 4 p.m., four passed W., mod. N. -breeze, drizzle. The only record subsequent to this is from Godrevy, -Jan. 11th, 9 a.m., when four were seen on the island, light E.S.E. -breeze and mist; and Mr. Trahair adds, "they frequent the shore -after the breeding-season." Most of the instances were noticed in -the daytime; the winds various; but in the Bristol Channel, where -recorded (Nash and Usk), from N. to W.N.W., force, four to six; while -off the coast (Morecambe, Air, and Skerries), E.S.E. through S. to -W.S.W., and light. - -Woodcock, _Scolopax rusticola_.--At Lundy, Nov. 19th, 10 a.m., from -both stations, four Woodcocks and three Snipes were seen, mod. N.E. -breeze, clear; and Mr. Parsons adds, "one has been seen once or -twice since." At Scilly, Oct. 11th, 8.30 a.m., fresh E.S.E. breeze. -Woodcocks and Starlings appeared. At Nash (E. or high), Jan. 14th, at -noon, two passed W., with five Wild Geese, before a mod. E. breeze, -mist. At Bardsey, Jan. 20th, gentle E. breeze, with snow; one struck. - -Snipe, _Scolopax gallinago_.--At Nash (E. or high), Oct. 24th, 9 -a.m., two were seen flying W.; gentle N.E. breeze, misty. From the -two stations at Lundy, Nov. 19th, three Snipes and four Woodcocks -were seen. At Skerries, Dec. 4th, 1 a.m., light S. air, misty and -rain. Snipes and Blackbirds were seen, and a few killed. - -Corn Crake, _Crex pratensis_.--At Burnham, Aug. 14th, at mid-night, a -Land Rail was killed; light N. breeze, clear horizon. - -Water Rail, _Rallus aquaticus_.--At Smalls, Oct. 15th, one was seen -on the rock. - -Wild Goose, _Anser ? palustris_.--At Scilly, Sept. 26th, 7 a.m., -calm and cloudy, nineteen were seen. We hear no more till Nov. 3rd, -when, at Helwick, 11 a.m., one was seen passing from S. to N., mod. -E.N.E. breeze; and on Nov. 6th, about the same hour, a flock passed -from S.W. to N.E., mod. N.W. breeze, drizzly rain and showers. At -Morecambe Bay, Nov. 23rd, 9.30 a.m., two flying S.E., strong S. -breeze. At Scarweather, Nov. 10th, 4 p.m., fresh N.W. by W. breeze, -four were seen. There is no return for December. At Nash (E. or -high), Jan. 2nd, 9.30 a.m., two passed W.; and on 14th, at noon, five -and two Woodcocks passed W., mod. E. breeze. At Hartland Point, Jan. -5th, a few were seen flying E. At Sevenstones, Jan. 11th, 4.15 p.m., -light N.N.W. breeze, haze, several flocks passed, flying to westward. - -Sheldrake, _Tadorna vulpanser_.--At Air, March 21st, 1880, at -sunrise, mod. S.E. breeze, clear, about forty-five pairs. Mr. Aveson -adds, "they arrive annually for breeding." - -Wild Duck, _Anas boschas_, _Oidemia nigra_.--Returns from eleven -stations. In some few instances the "Black Duck," probably the Common -Scoter, is separately distinguished, _viz._:--At Morecambe Bay, Sept. -5th, 6.15 a.m., five flying W., mod. W.S.W. breeze, mist; Oct. 1st, 9 -a.m., light W. air, gloomy, misty, six flying W.S.W. At Scarweather, -Sept. 20th, 6 p.m., fresh N.W. by N. breeze, four were seen; Nov. -25th, 3 p.m., mod. W. gale, two passed up N.E.; 30th, 10 a.m., gentle -S. breeze, four were seen. At Burnham, Dec. 21st, 9 a.m., light -N.N.W. breeze, flocks of the Black Surf Duck were seen on the water. -In the other cases the species are not distinguished. The earliest -date given is Sept. 18th, when, at Morecambe Bay, 3 p.m., seven Wild -Ducks passed E., strong W.N.W. breeze; 27th, 7 a.m., six passed N.; -29th, same hour, three passed W., calm and fog. At Caernarvon, Oct. -6th, strong E.N.E. breeze. Wild Ducks passed N.N.E. At Godrevy, Oct. -8th, fresh E. breeze, clear, two flocks of Ducks and Mallards passed -W. during the day; 10th, 7.15 a.m., wind from same quarter, one -flock, S.W. At Nash (E. or high), Oct. 26th, 7 a.m., fresh E. breeze, -two passed W. Throughout November the notices are more frequent. At -Caernarvon, Nov. 1st, 10.40 p.m., fresh N.W. breeze, hazy, one was -killed. At Morecambe Bay, 2nd, 7 a.m., one passed S.E. against a -mod. S.E. breeze; slight fog. At Helwick, 4th, 8 a.m., gentle N.E. -breeze, two flocks passed from S.W. to N.E.; 8th, about same hour, -one Wild Duck passed to S.W., mod. N.E. and N. breeze. At Morecambe -Bay, 9th, same horn-, strong W. by S. breeze, nine passed going N.; -18th, same hour, fresh E. by N. breeze, four going S. From Lundy, -we hear on 18th, 7 and 8 a.m., three Wild Ducks (one male and two -females) seen with Teal. At Smalls, 19th, fresh E.N.E. breeze, two -Grey Ducks from N.W. to S.E. At Helwick, 22nd, 2 p.m., fresh S.E. -breeze, clouds and mist, a flock passed from S.E. to N., fresh S.E. -breeze, clouds and mist; Dec. 4th, strong S.W. breeze, twenty passed -S.E.; 17th, from Holyhead Breakwater, hundreds of Wild Ducks were -seen in the bay during the day. At Godrevy, same day, two flocks of -Ducks and Mallards passed S.W. and W. before a fresh E.N.E. gale, -which moderated and veered round to N.N.E.; Jan. 6th, 10.30 a.m., -strong E. breeze, mist, a flock passed W. At Nash, Jan. 2nd, large -flocks passed S.W.; 13th, 4 p.m., and 14th, 8 a.m., gentle E.N.E. -breeze, mist, a flock passed W. At Milford, 11th, five or six Ducks -passed, going more inland. At Bardsey, 13th, scattered flocks of Wild -Ducks, about seven in number, crossing from mainland, N.N.E. wind, -four; March 18th, 1881, 1.30 a.m., S.S.W. wind, four, three Ducks -and one Drake Widgeons are reported. Thus in September we hear only -from Morecambe Bay, and one instance of Black Ducks from Scarweather. -In October the occurrences are more frequent and general, and the -numbers greater; the direction of flight, except at Caernarvon -Bay on the 6th, being W. or S.W., and the wind E. In November the -most instances are recorded, but the numbers of individuals appear -smaller; the direction of flight is N.E., S.E., N., or S., the winds -varying, but more generally N.E., E., or S.E. In December we have -two dates: the 4th, when twenty passed at Scarweather; 17th, at -Godrevy, two flocks were seen; and at Holyhead, hundreds in the bay. -In January we hear from Godrevy, Nash, Milford and Bardsey of flocks -passing. The direction of flight in December and January is generally -S.W. or W., in calm, or E. or E.N.E. breezes. The occurrences (except -the last) are all noticed from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and most about 8 -a.m. In almost every instance it is misty, foggy, or gloomy. - -Teal, _Anas crecca_.--At Godrevy, Sept. 27th, 10.15 a.m., light -S.S.W. breeze, mist, a flock flying N.E.; Oct. 21st, 2 p.m., a flock -flying E. against a mod. E. breeze. At Lundy, Nov. 18th, one male and -two females are reported from both stations; mod. E. breeze, clear. - -Guillemot and Razorbill, _Uria troile_ and _Alca torda_,--We hear -from Lundy that, on Nov. 21st, numbers of Guillemots and Razorbills -came in during the night, and remained during the day; and on the -25th a great many came in during the night, and left in the morning. -On Dec. 25th we have the same return as on Nov. 21st; and Dec. 28th, -10 a.m., strong W.S.W. breeze, a great many came during the night. At -Godrevy they are reported to be generally seen about. - -Cormorant, _Phalacrocorax_.--At Bull Point, Dec. 21st, light S.S.W. -breeze, one (species not identified) flying W., and low to the water. -Mr. Roberts reports that, at Bideford, "a few Shags visit to feed -on the mussel-beds all the winter"; and, at Godrevy, Mr. Trahair -says, "the Cormorant, or Shag and Large Gull(?), resort all the year -round." At Trevose Head they are reported as residents of the cliffs -all the year round. - -Gannet, _Sula bassana_.--At Morecambe Bay, earliest notice Aug. -26th, one flying N.N.W. before a mod. E.S.E. breeze. At S. Stack, -during August and September, a great many were seen passing from -N.E. to S.W. At Caernarvon Bay, Sept. 9th, fresh S.E. breeze, two -flying S.; and on 11th, mod. W. by S. breeze, two flying S.; 25th, -one flying W.S.W., mod. S.W. breeze: these occurrences noted about -10 a.m. in clear weather. At Helwick, Sept. 19th, 6.30 a.m., one -male flying W., fresh W.N.W. breeze. At Sevenstones, Sept. 28th, -light E.S.E. breeze, gloomy, eight, mixed, flying to N.E. At Helwick, -Oct. 4th, 6.40 a.m., fresh E.S.E. breeze, gloomy, two flying S. to -N.E. No further occurrences are reported till Nov. 20th, when, at -Scarweather, two passed up S.E., mod. N.E. breeze; and on 21st, with -S.E. breeze, four passed S.E.; 27th, strong W. breeze, seven passed -in different directions; Dec. 6th, two passed N.E., mod. W.N.W. -breeze; 12th, four N.E., a fresh W.N.W. breeze. These instances all -occurred in the daytime. Mr. Trahair reports that, at Godrevy, "from -middle of December to middle of January several about, not flying -in any particular direction"; and, again, "a great number of sprats -about,--the Gannets appear to be after them,--more so than on the -coast, through the influence of the weather." - -Tern, _Sterna_ (? sp.).--At Air, Oct. 12th, a large quantity of Sea -Swallows seen, mod. N.E. breeze, gloomy, clear; the same on Oct. -12th, gentle E. breeze. - -Gull, _Larus argentatus_, _L. canus_, _L. tridactylus_.--From S. -Stack we hear that, on Aug. 10th, Gulls left after breeding. At -Bideford, Sept. 1st, hundreds of common Gulls are reported as coming -every day (presumably from this date) from N.W., with Sea-pies and -Curlews, from half-ebb to half-flow. At Bishop Rock, Sept. 6th, in -calm weather and clear, a "Mackerel Bird" (? young Kittiwake) struck -(11 p.m.), but was not killed; and on 7th, 1.30 a.m., another struck. -At Usk, from Sept. 7th to Oct. 8th, large numbers of Gulls (on one -occasion three varieties) seen, with Curlews and Stints. At Caldy, -Sept. 9th, Grey Gulls seen; 10th, about a hundred Gulls, with the -note, "Bred on the island, and constantly passing." At N. Stack, -Sept. 11th, fourteen (six males and eight females) flying S., mod. -S.W. breeze. At Nash, Sept. 13th and 20th, 6 p.m., from both stations -large flocks were seen passing W., with fresh W. and W.N.W. breeze. -At N. Stack, Sept. 17th, twenty-five (thirteen males and twelve -females) are reported as flying N.E., before a strong S.W. breeze; -25th, a flock flying S., mod. S.W. breeze. At Caldy, Sept. 29th, 10 -p.m., one White Gull appeared; fog and light S.E. breeze. Except Usk, -the only notices in October are from Nash, where at both stations, -on five or six occasions, flights of Gulls and young Gulls were seen -passing N. or N.W.; wind various, but more or less easterly. At -Caernarvon Bay, Sept. 30th, 4.15 p.m., a flock passed E.S.E., with -strong S.W. by W. breeze. We have no return in November. In December -one occurrence alone is noted:--At Nash (E. or high), Dec. 16th, 10 -a.m., four passed N., fresh E.N.E. breeze; Jan. 9th, a small flock -of Gulls passed N. At Bull Point, Jan. 11th, 4 p.m., twenty-six Grey -Gulls passed, flying S.W., rather high; mod. N.W. breeze, cloudy, -squally, and snowy. At St. Bees, Mr. Pizey, speaking of the scarcity -of birds, says, "Even the Common Gull only makes an appearance just -before heavy weather, or in following the plough, and then in but -small numbers." From Godrevy Mr. Trahair reports, "Very few Skua -Gulls (Lestris) observed this season." - -Petrel, _Thalassidroma pelagica_.--At Godrevy, Sept. 28th, 9 p.m., -one struck, fog, light S. breeze; Oct. 4th, from 1 to 2 a.m., mod. -E.N.E. breeze, one was seen with a Lark and Wrens. Mr. Trahair adds, -"Breeds on the island, most plentiful in July; never seen in daytime, -except among loose stones, where they breed." - -*Dotterel, _Charadrius morinellus_.--Reported to be seen at Smalls, -every day from October to January, with various Gulls. - -Besides the above, we have a few instances of birds unknown, of -which, perhaps, the most puzzling is reported from Longships, -Sept. 8th, midnight, mod. S.S.E. gale, misty, with showers, "one -strange bird, the shape and size of a Starling, pattern and hue of -a Partridge, with its legs covered over with stiff feathers." At -Godrevy, Oct. 4th, two foreign Wrens (? Goldcrests) killed, with -Lark and Petrel. At Skerries, Oct. 13th, 16th and 17th, flocks of -small birds passed during the day, flying E. At Smalls, Oct. 26th, -before sunrise, birds unknown passed; Nov. 3rd, before sunrise, -continuous flocks were flying round the light, three struck and fell -overboard, mod. E. breeze, cloudy, but clear horizon. At N. Stack, -Nov. 12th, 7.35 a.m., fresh W. breeze, cloudy, two flocks of birds, -name unknown, flying N.E.; 26th, 3 p.m., mod. S.W. gale, drizzling -rain, fifty grey birds passed, also flying N.E. On Jan. 16th, we hear -from Longships, that at 8.15 a.m., gentle W. breeze, cloudy, but -clear horizon, "flocks of small birds were noticed at sunrise passing -westward, leaving the land, upon a change of weather from a sharp -frost and snow, and a change of wind from E. to W." - -The stations are not all equally favourably situated for observing, -and a general scarcity of birds is reported from the following:--St. -Bees, Mr. Pizey writes that, for over five years that he has been -there, he has remarked "the extreme scarcity of birds of any sort As -for flocks of birds I have never witnessed them here, an occasional -Robin, Blackbird or Thrush being all the variety we see Common -Sparrows few in number." Mr. G. Knott says, "very few birds are seen -at Bull Point." From Flatholm and Usk we hear "very few land-birds -are seen, and at the former only Gulls, and they in the three winter -months alone." "The lighthouse at Avon is so close to the docks and -village that no birds come to the light "; and that at Burnham, -having "only four panes facing west, does not attract many birds." -"The land-birds to be seen in the immediate neighbourhood of Trevose -Head are very scarce." From Wolf Rock Mr. Crask writes, "Hardly ever -any birds come nigh us but Gulls, which come by thousands after fish; -the only others ever seen being Starlings, and these few and far -between." - -Some stations report a marked scarcity during the past, in comparison -with other years. Thus, from Holyhead, Mr. Prichard writes, "Being -a very mild winter have not seen anything of note; not a bird -striking this winter." At Bardsey the inhabitants say they "never -observed so few birds before;" and Mr. Bowen suggests that "the -fog-horn sounding may prevent birds striking." With respect to this -we hear from Skerries that "few birds have been seen since they had a -fog-horn." At Morecambe, Caernarvon, and other stations where there -are fog signals, however, we hear of birds striking or killed. At St. -Judwalls the entire absence of Starlings for the whole winter was -remarked. (Pigeons were seen here from second week in May to first -week in August.) From Nash it is reported that "during November and -December sea-birds were very scarce, and all birds singularly scarce -at latter end of October, and extremely so during the nights both -of September and October; and, again, all sea- and land-birds have -been more scarce during the nights of the present winter than ever I -recollect" (John Richards). Mr. Nicholas attributes it to the very -mild winter. From Smalls we hear that during December no birds were -seen about the lighthouse. From Hartland Point Mr. Griffiths writes, -that "for twenty-five years he had always seen and caught birds, but -not this year; nor have any struck, as in other years." At Burnham -(Aug. 14th) and at Usk (September) a Land Rail only bird killed. - -Concerning the circumstances under which birds strike, the returns -bear out the conclusions expressed in last year's report, that dark -or cloudy nights, with fog, haze or rain, are most hazardous. Three -or four exceptional instances are recorded of striking in daylight. -October and November appear to be the most dangerous months, and -South Bishop the most deadly station. Mr. T. Bowen writes, from -Bardsey, that "birds strike in general with the wind; without, very -rare exception." Mr. Crask, from Wolf Rock, in reply to a question on -which side they strike, writes, "when they strike the lantern it is -generally N.W." Other stations have not noticed. - -Of the species reported on, the Starling has received by far the most -notice; and next come Larks, Crows, Wild Ducks, Gulls, Thrushes, -&c. Possibly some of the notices may refer to local migrations, or -movements from one feeding-ground to another. - -The notices of the _Anatidæ_ are all in the daytime. The direction of -their flight (seldom recorded) is, sometimes, directly N. and S.; -but, to judge merely from the few recorded instances, the prevailing -direction at the following stations is N. or north-easterly--towards -the land: Caernarvon, Helwick, and Scarweather. At Smalls it appears -to be, towards the Bristol Channel, S.E. At Nash, Godrevy and -Sevenstones it is W.; while at Morecambe Bay it varies very greatly. -The lines followed by the _Insessores_ are difficult--with data -supplied by one year only--to make out, but seem to be towards the -mainland or along the coast. The following are the chief instances -where the direction is reported as being from the land:--South Stack, -Oct. 29th, 30th, 31st, Starlings flying N.W.; Bull Point, Oct. 13th, -Black Crows flying W.; South Bishop, Nov. 2nd, Blackbirds, Larks, -Starlings and Thrushes flying N.W.; Scilly, Oct. 13th, Fieldfares -flying W.; and at Wolf Rock, Jan. 16th, and Sevenstones, Jan. 11th, -two large flocks of Lapwings flying W. - -The returns seem to support the conclusion expressed in last year's -report as to birds preferring to migrate with a "beam" wind, or even -a point or two abaft of beam. - - * * * * * - -Erratum.--Page 65, line 3, for N.E., read N.W. - -[Transcriber Note: This correction has been applied.] - -WEST, NEWMAN AND CO., PRINTERS, 54, HATTON GARDEN, LONDON, E.C. - - - - * * * * * - - -Transcriber Note - -Minor typos were corrected. Some station tables split by a page break were -rejoined. - - - - - - - - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS IN -THE SPRING AND AUTUMN OF 1880 *** - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the -United States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for an eBook, except by following -the terms of the trademark license, including paying royalties for use -of the Project Gutenberg trademark. 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A. Harvie Brown</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1880</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: J. A. Harvie Brown, John Cordeaux and P. M. C. Kermode</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: May 22, 2021 [eBook #65411]</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: Tom Cosmas produced from files generously provided on The Internet Archive. All resultant materials are placed in the Public Domain.</div> - -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS IN THE SPRING AND AUTUMN OF 1880 ***</div> - - - -<div class="figcenter" id="cover" style="width: 273px;"> - <img class="w100" src="images/cover.png" width="273" height="442" alt="Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1880, by John A. Harvie Brown, John Cordeaux, and P. M. C. Kermode" /> -</div> - -<div class="bbox" style="width: 30em; background-color: #cccc99; padding: 2em; margin: 2em auto;"> - -<h1><span class="smaller">REPORT</span><br /> - -<span class="vsmall">ON THE</span><br /> - -MIGRATION OF BIRDS<br /> - -<span class="vsmall">IN THE</span><br /> - -<span class="smaller">SPRING AND AUTUMN OF 1880.</span></h1> - - -<p class="tdc vsmall">BY</p> - - -<p class="caption2 pmb2">JOHN A. HARVIE BROWN, F.R.S.E., F.Z.S.,<br /> -JOHN CORDEAUX, and<br />P. M. C. KERMODE.</p> - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p class="tdc smaller pmt2">LONDON:<br /> - -SONNENSCHEIN & ALLEN, 15, PATERNOSTER SQUARE.<br /> - -1881.</p> - -<hr class="r5" /> - -<p class="tdc smaller pmb4">Price Two Shillings.</p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - - -<h2>Contents</h2> - -<table class="tblcont" summary="TOC"> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">PREFACE</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#PREFACE">i</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">EAST COAST OF SCOTLAND</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#EAST_COAST_OF_SCOTLAND">1</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#SEPARATE_REPORT_ON_EACH_SPECIES_1">5</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> General Remarks</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#General_Remarks_1">18</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">EAST COAST OF ENGLAND</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#EAST_COAST_OF_ENGLAND">25</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> SPRING MIGRATION, 1880</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#SPRING_MIGRATION_1">27</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#SEPARATE_REPORT_ON_EACH_SPECIES_2">27</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> GENERAL SUMMARY SPRING MIGRATION</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#GENERAL_SUMMARY_SPRING_MIGRATION">31</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> AUTUMN MIGRATION, 1880</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#AUTUMN_MIGRATION_1">31</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#SEPARATE_REPORT_ON_EACH_SPECIES_3">31</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> General Remarks</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#General_Remarks_2">62</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl">WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#WEST_COAST_OF_SCOTLAND">68</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> SPRING MIGRATION, 1880</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#SPRING_MIGRATION_2">70</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#SEPARATE_REPORT_ON_EACH_SPECIES_4">70</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> AUTUMN MIGRATION, 1880</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#AUTUMN_MIGRATION_2">73</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#SEPARATE_REPORT_ON_EACH_SPECIES_5">73</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> General Remarks</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#General_Remarks_4">91</a></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td class="tdl">WEST COAST OF ENGLAND</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#WEST_COAST_OF_ENGLAND">95</a></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdl"> SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES</td> - <td class="tdr"><a href="#SEPARATE_REPORT_ON_EACH_SPECIES_6">98</a></td> -</tr> -</table> - -<p class="tdc pmt2 smaller pmb2"> Transcriber Note: Table of Contents was added for assistance -to the reader.</p> - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak" id="PREFACE">PREFACE.</h2> -</div> - - -<p>The following Report contains a Summary of the -investigations of a Committee appointed by the British -Association for the Advancement of Science at Swansea -in 1880, an Abstract of which will be presented to the -Association at its next Meeting.</p> - -<p>The Returns relating to Scotland have been arranged -by <span class="smcap">Mr. Harvie-Brown</span>; those for the East Coast of -England, by Mr. Cordeaux; and the West Coast of -England, by Mr. Philip Kermode.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_1">-1-</span></p> - -<h1 class="nobreak"><span class="smaller">REPORT</span><br /> - -<span class="vsmall">ON THE</span><br /> - -MIGRATION OF BIRDS<br /> - -<span class="vsmall">IN THE</span><br /> - -<span class="smaller">SPRING AND AUTUMN OF 1880.</span></h1> -</div> - - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>"I am fixing correspondents in every corner of these northern regions, like so -many pickets and outposts; so that scarcely a Wren or a Tit shall be able to pass -from York to Canada but I shall get intelligence of it."—<span class="smcap">Alexander Wilson</span>, -in 1808. (<i>Vide</i> Constable's Edition, 1831, p. xlix.)</p> -</div> - - -<h2 id="EAST_COAST_OF_SCOTLAND">EAST COAST OF SCOTLAND.</h2> - -<p><i>Iceland and Faroe.</i>—Schedules, letters of instruction, and -additional remarks were forwarded through Mr. Alexander -Buchan (Secretary, Scottish Meteorological Society, Edinburgh), -to three stations, two of which, Stykkisholm and Reykavik, are -in Iceland, and one at Thorshavn in Faroe. A fourth more -northern station is secured at Fair Island for 1881, Mr. William -Lawrence having kindly undertaken the work.<a id="FNanchor_1" href="#Footnote_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> Our Faroe -station has failed us this year, but we hope better things from it -next.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1" href="#FNanchor_1" class="label">[1]</a> At a later date I received a letter (dated 17th March) from Mr. Lawrence, -containing a few items of interest. During the week previous, "A number -of Swans took shelter at Fair Isle, and a large flock of common Black Crows, -with a few Jackdaws amongst them. The Hooded Crow is the common one -here, and we never have the Black Crow here unless after, or during, gales -of wind. Puffins and Guillemots arrived somewhat later this season, and a -large increase appeared in the number of Gulls. Lapwings appeared, and -one Coot was caught in a very disabled condition. Large flocks of Snowbirds -are seen here. They came very early in winter, but disappeared again -till now, when they have returned. A large flock of Wild Geese arrived -here on the 14th inst. We do not often see them here. Four Swans were -caught; the largest weighed twenty pounds, and the others from that down -to sixteen pounds."</p> - -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_2">-2-</span></p> - -<p>Printed schedules, letters of instructions, and additional -remarks were forwarded to twenty-six stations on the East Coast -of Scotland and the Shetland and Orkney Islands, making, with -the Iceland and Faroe stations, thirty-nine in all for 1880. With -Fair Isle for 1881 we shall have forty stations.</p> - -<p>Eight stations on the East Scottish coasts returned filled-in -schedules, against thirteen last year, out of a total of twenty-six. -This shows a falling off from last year. The reasons for this -I have endeavoured to explain in my general remarks further on, -under both East and West Coast. Scarcity of birds is reported -from several stations.</p> - -<p>The stations from which co-operation was asked are the -following, commencing with the most northerly. Those from -which returns have been received are marked with a *; those -which sent returns both last year and this year have two **; -those which sent none last year but have done so this year have -a † prefixed; those which sent returns last year but none this -year are printed in <i>italics</i>. In future Reports we will prefix to -each station the years in which these stations make returns. -A marked improvement appears, however, in the returns which -we have received, these being fuller than in 1879.</p> - -<p>We would like, however, to direct the special attention of our -reporters, both on the East and West Coasts, to the desirability -of recording exactly the <i>directions of flight</i> of the birds observed -in every case, so far as practicable, arid to minutiæ of dates, even -of single occurrences. Let us also impress that even a single -accurate return, or one entry only in a schedule, is often of value; -and even if solitary occurrences of birds take place at a station, -such should be sent to me, though the schedule be otherwise a -blank. The interest has this season been better kept up on the -West Coast stations than at the East Coast ones, judging from -the scarcity of returned schedules from the latter. When no -schedules are returned, I would esteem it a great favour if the -lighthouse-keepers would kindly drop me a post-card, stating if -there is any reason for no returns being sent, such as pressure of -duties, scarcity of birds, or other causes.</p> - -<p>In connection with the migration of 1880, I have to mention -that considerable aid to the work has been given by Mr. James -Hardy, of Old Cambus, Berwickshire. He writes to me (22nd -Feb. 1881), "I have drawn out a scheme of all the memoranda -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_3">-3-</span> -I can find about last year's migratory birds. I only await a -Northumberland and Berwickshire list to have it ready." Later -I received a summary of this from Mr. Hardy, which will be found -at the end of this East Coast of Scotland Report. As an example -of careful and minute field-study it is alone deserving of the -attention of observers, and it proves valuable upon comparison -with the other data. Those reading the lighthouse reports here -under the species, should also compare with Mr. Hardy's local -Berwickshire observations. I beg to propose Mr. Hardy as a -member of our Committee.</p> - - -<table summary="data"> -<tr> - <td colspan="6" class="caption3nb smcap">East Coast of Scotland.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td colspan="3"></td> - <td class="tdc smaller" colspan="2">Height of centre of<br />light above water.</td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">4.</td> - <td class="tdr">**</td> - <td class="tdl">North Unst.</td> - <td class="tdr">280</td> - <td class="tdc">ft.</td> - <td class="tdl">Robert Burnett.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">5.</td> - <td class="tdr">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Whalsey Skerries.</td> - <td class="tdr">145</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Neven Kerr.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">6.</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Bressay.</td> - <td class="tdr">105</td> - <td></td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">7.</td> - <td class="tdr">**</td> - <td class="tdl">Sumburgh Head.</td> - <td class="tdr">300</td> - <td class="tdl"><span style="font-size:2em;">}</span></td> - <td class="tdl">Wm. Anderson† and<br />John Wilson.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td colspan="6" class="caption3nb smcap">Orkney.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">8.</td> - <td class="tdr">**</td> - <td class="tdl">North Ronaldshay</td> - <td class="tdr">140</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">John Tulloch.‡</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">9.</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Start Point.</td> - <td class="tdr">80</td> - <td></td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">10.</td> - <td class="tdr">**</td> - <td class="tdl">Auskerry.</td> - <td class="tdr">110</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">John MacDonald.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">11.</td> - <td class="tdr">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Hoy Sound (Low).</td> - <td class="tdr">55</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Alexander Harp.§</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">12.</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Hoy Sound (High).</td> - <td class="tdr">115</td> - <td></td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">13.</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Cantick Head.</td> - <td class="tdr">115</td> - <td></td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">14.</td> - <td class="tdr">**</td> - <td class="tdl">Pentland Skerries.</td> - <td class="tdr">170</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Donald Macdonald.</td> -</tr> - - -<tr> - <td colspan="6" class="caption3nb smcap">Main Land.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">15.</td> - <td class="tdr">*</td> - <td class="tdl"><i>Dunnet Head, Caithness.</i></td> - <td class="tdr">346</td> - <td>║</td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">16.</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Holborn Head.</td> - <td class="tdr">75</td> - <td></td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">17.</td> - <td class="tdr">*</td> - <td class="tdl"><i>Noss Head.</i></td> - <td class="tdr">175</td> - <td></td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">18.</td> - <td class="tdr">**</td> - <td class="tdl">Tarbat Ness, East Ross.</td> - <td class="tdr">175</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">William Davidson.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">19.</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Cromarty, East Cromarty.</td> - <td class="tdr">60</td> - <td></td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">20.</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Chanonry Point, Elgin.</td> - <td class="tdr">40</td> - <td></td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">21.</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Covesea Skerries, Elgin.</td> - <td class="tdr">160</td> - <td></td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">22.</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Kinnaird Head, Aberdeen.</td> - <td class="tdr">120</td> - <td></td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">23.</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Buchan Ness, Aberdeen.</td> - <td class="tdr">130</td> - <td></td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">24.</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl"><i>Girdleness</i>, Aberdeen.</td> - <td class="tdr">185</td> - <td></td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">25.</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Montroseness, Aberdeen.</td> - <td class="tdr">124</td> - <td></td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">26.</td> - <td class="tdr">**</td> - <td class="tdl">Bell Rock, off Fife Coast.</td> - <td class="tdr">93</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">James Jack.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">27.</td> - <td class="tdr">**</td> - <td class="tdl">Isle of May, Firth of Forth.</td> - <td class="tdr">240</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Joseph Agnew.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">28.</td> - <td class="tdr">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Inch Keith, Firth of Forth.</td> - <td class="tdr">220</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Robert Grierson</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">29.</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">St. Abb's Head, Berwick.</td> - <td class="tdr">224¶</td> - <td></td> - <td></td> -</tr> -</table> - -<p>† Records and Schedule dating after 22nd Nov. were filled in by Mr. John -Wilson. Prior to this date they were filled in by Mr. William Anderson, -who has been since transferred to St. Abb's Head.</p> - -<p>‡ No schedule was returned, but one note upon Swans, in a letter, proves -useful (<i>vide</i> Swan). "No birds struck the lights this year."</p> - -<p>§ Schedule returned with the remark, "Nothing of importance has been -observed at this station during 1880." In 1879 a similar scarcity noted at -this locality.</p> - -<p>║ We have lost a good observer here, Mr. George Maclachlan having left.</p> - -<p>¶ I am anxious to receive returns from this locality, not having received -any hitherto. I have to thank Mr. W. Anderson for a very full return at -Sumburgh Head up to Nov. 22nd. I hope he will find St. Abb's as interesting -a locality, though, I fear, the Great Siren horn, with its unearthly shriek, -will prove a great scare to migrants in a fog.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_4">-4-</span></p> - -<p>I am also indebted to many other persons for interesting notes -from various localities, bearing upon the subject of migration. -A selection of these I will take notice of in the following report -separately, under the head "<i>Notes</i>," as I consider it advisable to -keep the one set of observations apart from the other. Further -notice of similar observations will be found in my "Third Report -on Scottish Ornithology," now preparing for press and partly read -to the Natural History Society of Glasgow, on Jan. 25th, 1881, -being a continuation of Reports read to the same Society, in 1880 -and 1879, and relating to 1878-79, 1879-80. Many data will be -found in these Reports having close and intimate connection with -the Migration Reports proper.</p> - -<p>As nearly as can be ascertained, notes have been kept by our -east-coast reporters upon nine species of waterfowl and thirty -species of land birds.</p> - -<p>The new feature of this Report is the separate treatment of -the spring and autumn migrations, owing to the greater length of -time over which our reporters made notes. Another new feature -is the obituary—or list of deaths—at the different stations.</p> - -<p>In my Report on the East Coast of Scotland, however, I have -not thought it necessary to keep the spring migration distinct, -owing to the comparative scarcity of records on our East Coast, -but in my West Coast Report I do so. Nor have I given an -obituary for either coast, as the numbers on all the Scottish -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_5">-5-</span> -coasts is inappreciable. As will be seen further on, it is a very -different matter at the low-lying lanterns of the light-vessels off -the English coast. At the same time I sufficiently distinguish -between the spring and autumn records, and where large numbers -of birds are killed I make mention of it under the separate species.</p> - - -<h4 id="SEPARATE_REPORT_ON_EACH_SPECIES_1">SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES.</h4> - -<p>I have purposely in one or two instances varied the arrangement -of the statistics under the species,—as, for instance, under -the <i>Corvidæ</i>,—thinking that possibly such variation may place -in juxtaposition certain fresh considerations or combinations in -our study, or place these in a clearer light for future comparison.</p> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Falconidæ.</span>—Returns from N. Unst, Whalsey Skerries, Sumburgh -Head, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May, which, be it -noted, are all insular localities. On Sept. 3rd one Sparrowhawk, -chasing small birds, seen on Pentland Skerries at 9 a.m., fresh -S.W. and haze. This appears the earliest date recorded on which -the <i>Raptores</i> visit the islands on predatory raids in autumn. The -only record at Isle of May was in the month of May, when two -"falcons" were seen. On Sept. 13th a Rough-legged Buzzard (?) -flew about all day on Whalsey Skerries, wind light S.E. and -haze; and on Sept. 30th a "Glede Hawk" (from internal -evidence probably a Peregrine) flew about; wind fresh N.E. and -clear; seen at 8 a.m. On Oct. 3rd a "falcon" visited the Pentland -Skerries, and flew round for a time; seen at 3 p.m., wind -strong N. and haze; and on the same date and in the same -place, two Sparrowhawks at 1.30 p.m. During Oct. 14th, 16th, -and 17th, the so-called "Glede Hawks" remained preying upon -Snow Buntings, and were joined by a Sparrowhawk (or Merlin ?) -on the 17th, wind fresh N. to W., to strong N.W. At Sumburgh -Head, Nov. 28th, a "Brown Hawk" was noticed at noon, during -S.W. wind, with haze and rain; and a "large Grey Hawk," -seen flying S., with fresh N. breeze, at 8.30 a.m.</p> - -<p><i>Notes.</i>—It is recorded that a White-tailed Eagle struck on -Girdleness lighthouse a few years previous to 1853 ('The Naturalist,' -1853, p. 139). At North Unst the following species are -noted as resident:—Three species of Gulls, probably Kittiwake, -Herring Gull, and Great Black-backed Gull. Iceland Gulls appear -from October till March, but were scarcer this year than any -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_6">-6-</span> -which Mr. Burnett remembers. The Black Crow (?), Hooded -Crow, Snipe, Starling, Titlark, and House Sparrow are included -amongst residents. An occasional White-tailed Eagle is seen, -and several kinds of hawks. Of all the sea-birds the Petrel is -the only one that strikes on the lanterns. As it is usually in the -morning when the rock-birds are first seen on arrival in spring, -the time of their arrival is supposed to be during the night, and -the direction of their coming is unknown.—(Signed, Robert -Burnett.) Mr. Burnett adds, "The only rare bird I have heard -of in this neighbourhood was a Hoopoe." I paid a visit to the -Isle of May on June 24th, 1880, and made Mr. Agnew's personal -acquaintance. During a hurried visit of less than two hours my -companion and myself rowed round the cliff portion of the island, -and also landed and walked over a considerable part of the lower-lying -portion of at the N.W. end. We saw the following species -engaged in incubation:—Oystercatchers, Eider Ducks, Guillemots, -Razorbills, Kittiwakes, and Rock Pipits. We searched in vain for -any species of Tern; a single Redshank was seen. Mr. Agnew's -son saw a Black Guillemot a few days before, and Mr. J. H. -Buchanan, who was out in the S.S. 'Fiery Cross' the previous -Thursday, "thought" he saw one also. The Agnews cannot say -if they breed there or not, but their being seen there occasionally -would make it worth while, if time permitted, to search carefully -the suitable clefts and caverns in the lower rocks. It was -reported to me that the sea-birds have increased greatly on The -May since the Sea-birds Bill came into force. The eggs, however, -are still taken wholesale by fishermen from the Fife coast -and elsewhere.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Owls.</span>—The only record occurs at Auskerry, where one was -seen after midnight on Oct. 21st, and remained about for some -time; exact species not noted.</p> - -<p><i>Note.</i>—Curiously enough, on the same date, numbers of -Short-eared Owls were to be seen in the flesh in the birdstuffers' -shops in Edinburgh. This shows the value of even single records -at lighthouse stations, as, were it not for the above Auskerry -record, the other fact would stand alone.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Swallows.</span>—During the spring migration these were taken -notice of at Isle of May, Auskerry, and Sumburgh Head. The -earliest record is at Isle of May, on April 30th, when two were -seen flying N.W. at 10 a.m., flying with a light S.E. breeze, and -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_7">-7-</span> -clear. Then at Sumburgh Head, two on May 16th, one on 19th, -and two on 29th, during the daytime; winds variable, fine, clear -to haze, or showery; threatening but fine on 19th; and two were -seen at Auskerry on May 31st at noon, wind S.S.E., haze. -Lastly, on June 2nd, at Auskerry, two were seen flying S., -against a S. gale, with haze; and this last is properly no doubt -assignable to the commencement of the autumn migration.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Wren.</span>—Recorded at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May only. -On October 29th at the former, when one was seen flying about -the island; wind N.E., with snow-showers; and on Oct. 13th, at -the latter, with light E. wind, and clear.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Goldcrest</span>, <i>Regulus cristatus</i>.—The only spring record is on -April 12th at Sumburgh Head, where "some" were seen resting -on the dykes between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; wind E., light, with -fog. In the autumn migrations, they are recorded from two -stations, <i>viz.</i>, Tarbat Ness and Isle of May. They appeared on -Isle of May on Oct. 8th, when a number were seen, having -arrived during the previous night; wind strong S.E., showery. -Mr. Agnew notes this as "an early appearance," and notes also -"none seen here last year." On Oct. 15th more Goldcrests -appeared on the same island at 4 a.m., and one was wounded at -the glass; wind variable and light; clear. On Nov. 1st one bird -struck at midnight, in strong N. wind, with snow.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Robin</span>, <i>Erithaca rubecula</i>.—Occurred at three stations—Tarbat -Ness, Bell Rock, and Isle of May. A rush appears to -have taken place about the time of the earliest date—on the 15th -August—past the Bell Rock. "Great numbers along with -Wheatears, Redshanks, and many small birds unidentified, -struck the dome and lantern between 1 and 2 a.m.; wind light -N.E. and rain. None were found dead on the balcony, but many -struck; some lightly, and flew away again; others harder, and -were seen fluttering away into the darkness. No doubt many -perished in the sea." The next date is the 18th Sept., at Isle of -May, when one was seen. "None seen last year." On Oct. -13th, on Isle of May, another large migration was noticed, many -being seen upon the island, having arrived during the night. -On Nov. 2nd, at Tarbat Ness, one struck at 8 p.m.; strong N.W. -wind, with showers.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Wheatear</span>, <i>Saxicola ænanthe</i>.—The northernmost locality -given is North Unst, where a few strike the lantern during the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_8">-8-</span> -season, but no dates are given. Thence southwards, they are -noted at five other stations, <i>viz.</i>, Whalsey, Sumburgh Head, -Auskerry, Pentland Skerries, and the Bell Rock. The earliest -date is August 4th, at Pentland Skerries, where one struck at -11.30 p.m.; wind strong E., and haze. The reporter adds the -note:—"Starlings and Wheatears generally strike at night, -when the wind shifts with rain. They probably leave resting-places, -and, when once on wing, are attracted by the light." On -Aug. 14th another single bird struck at 10.15 p.m.; wind light -S.E., and fog: three more on 15th, from 9 to 11 p.m.; wind the -same, with haze. At Sumburgh Head, on Aug. 11th, one young -bird struck; wind light N., and fog. At Whalsey, on 16th, -about twelve old and young were flying round the lantern at -1 a.m.; wind light W., and haze. At Bell Rock, Aug. 15th, -great numbers along with Robins. At Auskerry, Sept. 5th, -three struck at 3 a.m.; wind strong S., with haze and showers. -The latest date recorded is Sept. 13th, at Pentland Skerries, -when two struck at 2 a.m.; wind fresh S.W., and rain.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Titmice.</span>—At Isle of May, Aug. 10th and 11th, a migration -was noticed: 10th, the first pair came to the lights, and one was -wounded; 11th, great numbers were seen on the island; wind -light E., haze.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Wagtail.</span>—At Whalsey—the only station returning a record -of this species—large flocks rested, arriving on Aug. 21st; wind -light S.E., with dense fog, which lasted till 28th, on which date -they all again departed.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Titlark</span>, <i>Anthus pratensis</i>.—Noted as leaving Whalsey -Skerries in the first week of September; wind at the time S. to -S.E., with from haze to fog during the days. The note is -added, "A few remain." These are probably Rock Pipits. -The only other station whence I have records is the Isle of May. -A very large migration of Titlarks (called "Woodlarks" in -schedule) came during the night of Dec. 21st-22nd; wind light -E., and clear; and on the 22nd, "The island was literally -swarming with them; flocks of from twenty to one hundred or -more." Mr. Agnew "never saw so many here before."</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Turdidæ.</span>—Records came in from Sumburgh Head in the -north, to Isle of May in the south, and from Auskerry. One -record at Sumburgh applies to the spring migration, <i>viz.</i>, on -April 1st, when several Blackbirds (<i>Turdus merula</i>) were seen at -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_9">-9-</span> -10 a.m.; wind squally S.S.E; changeable weather, with haze -and rain. In the autumn migration we have more returns, but -none before Nov. 1st, when the first Thrush was seen at 2 a.m.; -wind strong W., with showers, at Auskerry. At Isle of May, -Nov. 1st, "Mountain Thrush" was seen at 2 p.m.; wind light -S.W., and haze. Thereafter on Dec. 15th, at the same place, a -very large flock of "Mountain Thrushes" at 2 p.m.; wind light -S., and snow. Again, on 22nd, two birds of same species,<a id="FNanchor_2" href="#Footnote_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a> and -one on Jan. 1st; wind light E. to S.S.E., and haze. At -Sumburgh Head, Jan. 14th, 1881, one Blackbird at noon; calm -and clear.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_2" href="#FNanchor_2" class="label">[2]</a> There can be little doubt, I think, that Fieldfares are meant. Ring -Ouzels are usually denominated "Mountain Blackbirds." Indeed, amongst -a collection of local names which I have gathered, I find the name of -"Mountain Thrush" applied to the Fieldfare.</p> - -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Corvidæ.</span>—The spring migration is referred to under Sumburgh -Head on April 4th and 5th. On April 4th some Crows -["species not known"] seen flying S.E.; wind S.S.E., fine. On -the 5th a gale blew from the South. The autumn migration has -eight entries under three stations, <i>viz.</i>, Sumburgh Head, Pentland -Skerries (five dates), and Tarbat Ness. Only two species—Ravens -and Hooded Crows—are noted. At Pentland Skerries, -two Ravens on Sept. 29th at 3.30 p.m.; wind moderate S., clear; -one on Oct. 9th, wind light E.; and two on Jan. 13th, 1881, at -11 a.m., wind fresh N.E., with showers alternating with clear. -At Sumburgh Head, Hooded Crows arrived on Dec. 5th, and -remained all winter; and five were seen on Dec. 1st, at 2.30 p.m.; -wind moderate W., and showers; and four on Dec. 29th, at -1.30 p.m.; wind light E., and clear; and two on Jan. 13th, at -11 a.m.; wind fresh N.E., clear, alternating with snow-showers. -At Tarbat Ness great numbers continued along shore in Jan., -1881, owing to severity of the weather.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Starling</span>, <i>Sturnus vulgaris</i>.—At Pentland Skerries and Isle of -May. Earliest dates July 5th and 11th, at Isle of May. Latest -date (but only three records altogether) 12th Sept., at Pentland -Skerries. Four struck at 11 a.m.; wind fresh S., clear; Pentland -Skerries, on 12th Sept. Flock of young at 10 a.m.; wind -W., clear; remained two days at Isle of May on same date. -Very large flock of young at 7 p.m.; wind N.W., light and clear, -at the same station.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_10">-10-</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Chaffinch</span>, <i>Fringilla cœlebs</i>.—At Isle of May, Oct. 19th, a -few seen: this is rather later than usual.</p> - -<p><i>Note.</i>—The only record on the west coast agrees with this, -however, at Bahama L. V. (<i>q. v.</i>)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Linnet</span>, <i>Fringilla cannabina ?</i>—The spring migration represented -only at Isle of May by one bird at 7 p.m.; wind light W., -clear, on May 18th; and by two birds at 10 a.m. same night; -wind light W., clear. In autumn, at Sumburgh Head, from -sixteen to twenty seen on Dec. 2nd, at 10 a.m.; wind fresh N., -haze and rain; and six on Jan. 3rd, 1881; wind strong S.W., -haze. Previous to this latter date the weather was severe until -Jan. 2nd, 1881. Snow and frost all gone on 3rd. "Until of late, -birds very scarce."</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Yellowhammer.</span>—At Isle of May, first seen (only record) on -Oct. 7th; wind N.E. gale, clear.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Snow Bunting</span>, <i>Plectrophanes nivalis</i>.—Recorded from the -following stations:—Whalsey, Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, -Isle of May, Inch Keith. In all thirteen entries. Earliest date -Sept. 13th, at Whalsey, when large flocks arrived and stayed -thereafter all winter; wind on Sept. 13th N., with showers. -Latest date noted Dec. 29th, at Pentland Skerries, when large -flock seen on island at 11.15 a.m.; wind strong N.E., hail. -Between these dates: Oct. 27th, at Isle of May, a flock at 2 p.m.; -wind E.N.E., and heavy hail-showers. 28th, Pentland Skerries, -a flock on the island at 1 p.m.; wind strong N.E., and hail. At -Pentland Skerries, Nov. 6th, a few—five killed—from 7 to 11 p.m.; -wind W., showers. At Isle of May, 13th, a flock at 2 p.m.; wind -light W., clear. 29th, one bird killed at same station at 6 a.m.; -wind light W., haze. At Sumburgh Head, Dec. 5th, ten seen at -1 p.m.; wind fresh S.W., haze and rain. At Inch Keith, Dec. -10th, large flock at 9 a.m., remained twenty-four hours; 15th, -very large flock at 11 a.m.; wind light S., snow. At Pentland -Skerries, Dec. 19th, flock at 2.15 p.m.; wind strong S.E., rain.</p> - -<p><i>Note.</i>—Mr. Hardy notes the earliest appearance on 18th Oct. -in East Lothian—a single bird near Thornton Loch, on the -public road, a field's-breadth from the sea-side. Wind N. and -tempestuous, with heavy rain.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Sky Lark</span>, <i>Alauda arvensis</i>.—Records from Sumburgh Head, -Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May. Earliest date Oct. 23rd, at -Sumburgh Head; one seen singing for a short time; wind N.W., -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_11">-11-</span> -fine, showers, and sunshine. Then Dec. 17th, at Pentland -Skerries, large flock all day on the island; wind fresh N.E., -clear. Dec. 23rd, Isle of May, all left, not one to be seen. -Latest record Jan. 13th, 1881, Sumburgh Head; five seen -hovering round at 1.30 p.m.; wind light E., cloudy. 14th, two -at 11 a.m., rested; wind light N., clear; and on Nov. 2nd, seven -at 9 a.m., flying east or landwards; wind fresh S.E., hazy. On -Dec. 3rd, flocks at 11 a.m.; wind E., flying S.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Rock Pigeon</span>, <i>Columba livia</i>.—At Pentland Skerries, a flock -seen at 2 p.m.; wind light S.W., snow on the ground.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Golden Plover</span>, <i>Charadrius pluvialis</i>.—Records reached me -from Auskerry, Pentland Skerries, Tarbat Ness, and Isle of May -(ten entries, of which seven were at Pentland Skerries). Earliest -date July 23rd, when six were seen flying about the island—Pentland -Skerries—at 9 a.m.; wind light E. At Pentland -Skerries, Aug. 11th, a flock flying S.E. at 10.30 a.m.; wind -light W., clear. No more till Nov. 15th, when a flock remained -a week at Auskerry, arriving at 11 a.m., with light N.E. wind. -At Tarbat Ness, Nov. 11th, hundreds all day till 4 p.m.; wind -N. to W. with snow. Nov. 21st, at 3.30 p.m., a flock on island -at Pentland Skerries; wind fresh S.W., clear. At Pentland -Skerries, Dec. 16th, a flock flying N. at 10.30 a.m.; wind fresh -S.W., and snow. At Isle of May, Dec. 22nd, one bird. "They -are not seen here every year, and most in severe weather."</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Oystercatcher</span>, <i>Hæmatopus ostralegus</i>.—At Sumburgh Head, -Aug. 28th, all left after the fog of 21st—28th cleared away; as -did other species, including Wheatears, Wagtails, and Rock-birds. -At Auskerry, five arrived, with light S. wind and haze, -and remained a week.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Heron</span>, <i>Ardea cinerea</i>.—At Isle of May, July 22nd, a flock of -six flying S. at 2.30 p.m.; wind light E., clear. At Pentland -Skerries, Sept. 9th, seven at 5 a.m.; wind light W., clear. At -Sumburgh Head, Sept. 19th, three flying about at 10 a.m.; wind -N.W., and haze. At Auskerry, Oct. 8th, two arrived at 2 p.m.; -wind light E., clear; and remained; and at same station on -21st, twelve arrived at 11.30 a.m.; wind light N., and remained.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Curlew</span>, <i>Numenius arquata</i>.—One record (April 13th) belongs -to the spring migration. One was seen flying S.E. at 11 a.m.; -wind S., and haze. At Sumburgh Head, Aug. 12th, six seen -flying W. and crying loudly at 12.30 p.m.; wind S.W., and haze. -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_12">-12-</span> -2nd, seven flying about, and then taking off W. and crying loudly -at 1 p.m.; wind light S.W., haze. At Auskerry, Oct. 9th, five at -1 p.m.; wind light E., clear; and remained. At Isle of May, -Curlews had been on the island for weeks.</p> - -<p><i>Note.</i>—Mr. Dunn, Dalkeith Gardens, "heard a Curlew when -calling, some 800 to 1000 feet up in the air." It was flying due -W. on Dec. 26th. The sky was clear and the sun shining at the -time—about 1 p.m. Wind light from W. in morning; calm at -the time. For the previous six days the wind veered between S. -by W. to N., the prevailing wind being S.W. Weather "very -cold that day, and for a few days before and after." Being a -station of the Scottish Meteorological Society, the above statistics -are exact.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Redshank and Sandpiper</span>, <i>Totanus calidris</i>.—At Isle of May, -Dec. 27th, three Sandpipers seen at 4 p.m.; wind N.E., haze; -and on Jan. 3rd, at same place, a Redshank shot.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Snipe</span>, <i>Scolopax gallinago</i>.—At Auskerry, Pentland Skerries, -and Isle of May. At Isle of May, Sept. 12th, one killed at lantern -at 4 a.m.; wind N.E., fresh, and rain. At Pentland Skerries, -Oct. 2nd, two killed at 8.30 p.m., during strong N. wind, haze, -and rain. At Auskerry, Oct. 21st, two arrived at 3.45, and -remained; wind strong N. At Isle of May, Jan. 12th, a number -arrived at night; wind fresh N.E., and rain.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Woodcock</span>, <i>Scolopax rusticola</i>.—At Isle of May, Oct. 9th, one -seen at 5 a.m.; wind strong N.E., and showers; this is earlier -than usual. At Isle of May, Oct. 19th, more arrived during the -night or morning, with N.E. gale, and showers. At Auskerry, -Oct. 21st, one arrived at 3.30 p.m., and remained; wind strong -N., with sleet. On Nov. 16th considerable numbers came during -the night. These are the latest Mr. Agnew remembers to have -seen, by several weeks. At Pentland Skerries, Nov. 29th, one on -the island at morn; wind strong W., and clear.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Goose</span>, <i>Anser</i>.—On Oct 14th a flock of "Grey Geese" flying -S.E., at 10.45 a.m., past the Pentland Skerries; wind fresh N.W., -and showers. Again on Oct. 24th another flock of the same -flying also S.E. at 5.15 p.m.; wind also fresh N.W., clear. -Again on 26th Oct. a flock of the same flying N. at 6.30 a.m.; -wind strong N., and showers; all the above probably indicating -only a local migration—to and fro. At Isle of May, Oct. 26th, a -large flock flying N., with westerly gale.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_13">-13-</span></p> - -<p><i>Note.</i>—Mr. Dunn, Dalkeith Gardens, "observed a >-shaped -flock of about forty Wild Geese, about six hundred feet from the -surface of the earth, flying in an easterly direction on the 16th -December. They made a considerable noise in their flight. The -wind at the time was N.W., and for the six previous days it -ranged from W. to N., on one day only chopping round to S., <i>viz.</i>, -on 15th, which was the day before we saw the Geese. Snow was -lying on the ground at the time, and the next seven days were -cold, dull, and stormy, with more or less snow falling every day. -Flights of Geese are not common in this district, hence the -interest taken in the above." Could we get a number of similar -records from inland observers, how useful they would be for -comparison with our coast stations.—[J. A. H. B.]</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Swan</span>, <i>Cygnus</i>.—At Sumburgh Head, Jan. 30th, 1881, twenty -wild Swans seen, first a mile off, flying along the shore very -slowly, and lowering, apparently much exhausted. At North -Ronaldshay, Dec. 23rd, 1880, sixteen Swans seen; they stayed -on a large loch about two weeks, during a heavy fall of snow, -and flew off north when the thaw commenced.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ducks.</span>—Two records on April 1st at Whalsey and Sumburgh -Head, referable to the spring migration. At Whalsey, Eider -Ducks (or "Dunters") arrived about this date, and at Sumburgh -Head, Sheldrakes arrived on this date, at 10 a.m.; wind strong -S.S.E., with showers. In the autumn migration, notes have -been taken at Whalsey, Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and -Isle of May (eight entries). Eiders said to leave about August, -and the note is added that, "after the Ducks have sat eight or -ten days, the Drakes all disappear from the neighbourhood." -On Sept. 12th, twelve male Eiders seen at 3 p.m.; wind S., and -fine, with haze. At Pentland Skerries, Sept. 14th, a flock, -mostly males, seen flying E.; wind light E., and rain. Sept. -25th, at same station, a flock of male and female Eiders flying -E.; wind light E., rain. At Isle of May, Oct. 19th, a "small -duck." At Isle of May, Dec. 22nd, "a flock of ducks" swam -along shore. At Tarbat Ness, Dec. 30th, flocks of from eight to -ten "ducks" seen from 2 to 3.30 p.m.; wind light N., and snow. -At Isle of May, Jan. 13th, three "Wild Ducks" seen; wind -E.N.E., gale, and snow.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Rock Birds.</span>—Records at North Unst, Whalsey, and Sumburgh -refer to spring arrival. At North Unst, April 25th, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_14">-14-</span> -innumerable Puffins and rock-birds arrived; wind fresh N.W., -and clear. At Whalsey, March 15th, the rock-birds arrived. At -Sumburgh, March 4th, they arrived about 7 a.m. In autumn, -all left Whalsey on Aug. 28th after the fog, which had hung -since the 21st, cleared off. At Pentland Skerries, July 25th, a -flock of Guillemots seen flying E. at 7 p.m., with moderate E. -wind. On Aug. 4th, two flocks flying E. between 3 and 4 p.m., -with light S. wind; and on Aug. 25th, three flocks seen flying E. -between 5 and 8 p.m., with light S.W. airs.</p> - -<p><i>Note.</i>—Mr. M. Vaughan—to whom I am indebted for supplementary -notes—writes that Rock-birds, Gannets, and Cormorants -were scarcer than usual in Orkney during the first week in -August. I have no return this year from Dunnet Head, but Mr. -Geo. Maclachlan, says, "There are over 3000 Guillemots hatched -here, and I am able to count (say) 175 in 350." At the Isle of -May, Eiders arrived about Oct. 1st, coming, it is believed, to -winter from the Isle of May and Fidra. They remain till end -of March.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Gulls.</span>—At Sumburgh Head, Oct. 23rd, one Iceland Gull seen -at 8 a.m.; wind N.W., with showers. This is the first seen. -They come in October and leave in April. At same station, Nov. -22nd, another Iceland Gull at 10 a.m.; wind fresh S.W., and -clear. At Tarbat Ness, Dec. 24th, two ("Iceland Gulls") at -11 a.m.; wind light N.E., and sleet.</p> - -<p><i>Note.</i>—These "Iceland Gulls" maybe true <i>Larus islandicus</i> -or Iceland Gull <i>vera</i>, but more probably are Glaucous Gulls -(<i>Larus glaucus</i>). The incident below related is confirmed by a -letter received from Mr. Jack, the head light-keeper at the Bell -Rock lighthouse:—"Arbroath: A Fact for Naturalists.—Our -Arbroath correspondent writes:—A curious story of a sea-bird is -in circulation here, and I send it you, as it has been related to me -on what seems fairly good authority. The other day a white Sea -Gull of the Kittiwake variety was seen flying about the signal-tower -of the Bell Rock lighthouse. The bird was evidently in -distress, and one of the lighthouse-keepers opening a window, held -out his hands, when it came to him. The bird, in taking a bait -fixed to a line, had swallowed the hook, and the line, with its -handle, a stick about a foot long, was dependent from the bird's -mouth. The light-keeper cut away the string as far down the -bird's throat as he could reach, and the bird flew away evidently -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_15">-15-</span> -relieved.—'Scotsman,' 1st May, 1880." Mr. Jack writes as -follows, 10th May, 1880:—"It is quite true about the Sea Gull. -It was so unusual to see a string attached to the bird, that -I opened the window of my bedroom and leaned out to look at it, -when, strange to say, it came towards me. Without thinking for -a moment that the creature would really come to me, I held out -my hands towards it, when it came close up to me. I took hold -of it and brought it inside, and called to my two assistants (who -were looking out of another window a few feet from mine) to -'look at this.' So surprised were they both at the whole affair, -that after we had relieved the poor bird, one of my assistants -declared that, when he got on shore in turn, he would state the -case to the editor of the 'Guide' newspaper." "Poor little -creature!" adds my correspondent, "it was a pleasant sight to -see it on its flight away, and not as it arrived, weary and worn -out." One has only to imagine the Bell Rock as the Ark in the -midst of the waters, and the Gull a Dove. As I am speaking -now of the Bell Rock, I may note here that large numbers of -Long-tailed Ducks are reported by Mr. Jack as frequenting the -vicinity of the rock in winter, constantly uttering their peculiar -cry of "Co-co-candle-wick." Solan Geese are perpetually in sight -summer and winter, flying round the rock or fishing. Mr. Jack -also tells us that single birds of different species come crash -against the dome or windows with terrific force, and rebounding -off are seldom even seen, but leave often their blood and brains -scattered about.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Skua</span>, <i>Lestris catarractes</i>.—Reported as seen at North Unst -first on April 18th. About the same number is counted, <i>viz.</i>, -six or eight each year. In autumn, at Sumburgh Head, one -"Bonzie" was seen flying W. at noon; wind S.S.W., haze; and -the note is added, "The first seen (in autumn?) for eight years."</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Terns</span>, <i>Sterninæ</i>.—Two records referable to spring migration -at Whalsey and Sumburgh Head. Arriving at former about -May 15th and at the latter on May 16th, at 9.40, with variable -winds, fine, and clear. In autumn, records at Whalsey, Sumburgh -Head, Auskerry, and Bell Rock. They disappeared from -Bell Rock on Aug. 23rd, "not, however, from want of food, as -plenty soil of herring are around the rock." They had been -about the rock for a fortnight, feeding. They disappeared from -Whalsey, Aug. 25th, after the fog of 21st—28th, at the same -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_16">-16-</span> -time with Wheatears, Oystercatchers, Wagtails, and rock-birds. -At Bell Rock, Aug. 28th, about thirty old and young were seen -feeding; and on the 29th these all left. At Sumburgh Head, -Sept. 8th, a number flying about and crying at 9 a.m.; wind W., -light and haze. At Auskerry, Oct. 1st, four flew round for a -little about 1 a.m.; wind light E., rain.</p> - -<p><i>Note.</i>—Mr. J. T. Garriock, to whom I am obliged for -a supplementary schedule from Lerwick, recorded in 'The -Zoologist' for 1880 the arrival of Terns, apparently from the -north, on May 22nd, when a pair was first noticed. In a subsequent -letter to me, Mr. Garriock confirms his observation on -the direction of their flight.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Petrel</span>, <i>Thalassidroma pelagica</i>.—Occasionally strikes the -lantern during the season at North Unst, but no dates given. -At Whalsey, Aug. 16th, one caught at 1 a.m.; wind light N.W., -haze. At Sumburgh Head, Aug. 3rd, three struck at 11 p.m.; -wind N.N.W., dull, and sultry; and on the 6th, one struck at -midnight; wind S., and haze. At Auskerry, Aug. 16th, one -killed at 11.20 p.m.; light S. breeze, fog, and haze. One -struck at Auskerry, Sept. 13th, at 3 a.m.; wind strong S., and -haze.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Gannet</span>, <i>Sula bassana</i>.—At Sumburgh Head, July 20th -(earliest date), great numbers, adult and young, flying in all -directions, feeding on herrings. At Pentland Skerries, July 19th, -30-40, flying E., wind N.E., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 20th, 50, flying -E., wind fresh N., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 21st, 60, flying E., wind -light N.E., clear, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 22nd, 25, flying E., wind -light N.E. airs, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 23rd, 25-30, flying E., wind -E., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; 24th, 40, flying E., wind S.E., 9 a.m. to -7 p.m., fog, haze; 26th, 60, flying E., wind mod. E., 9 a.m. to -7 p.m., fog, haze; Aug. 4th, continuous flights, wind light E., -9 a.m. to 7 p.m., fog, haze; 5th, continuous flights, wind moderate -W., 4.30 a.m. to 8.30 p.m.</p> - -<p><i>Note.</i>—Solan Geese were observed daily in flocks going E., -from July 19th to middle of Sept.; and going W. on Aug. 19th, -20th, and 25th. About the middle of Sept. young appeared -amongst them. This note summarises to a great extent the -above data. At Tarbat Ness, Oct. 18th, 19th, and 20th, great -numbers flying N., wind S., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Since the return -of the schedules Mr. Jack has written to me that—"On the 5th -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_17">-17-</span> -February, 1881, the Bell Rock station was visited by the largest -flock of birds I have seen this winter, <i>viz.</i>. Larks, Rose Linnets, -Starlings, and other species which I did not see well enough to -make out. Time when seen, 2 till 5 a.m.; wind light S.W. on -arrival, and on departure fresh N.E. Fog and rain. Great -numbers struck, but none found dead, though doubtless many -fell into the sea. I have observed during the last two winters -that the Golden-crested Wren and the Common Wren have not -visited us as usual. I have seen these small birds thick on the -windows, night after night, during the fall of the year." It is -interesting to note here that between the 2nd and 11th March, -1880, a similar great migration took place past the Bell Rock, of -which an account is given in my last report for 1879 [<i>vide</i> Zool., -May, 1880].<a id="FNanchor_3" href="#Footnote_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> At Bell Rock, 18th Feb., a great number of Larks, -8 p.m., light E.S.E., haze. Great numbers struck, none lying -dead. Apparently this flock was entirely composed of Larks -greatly exhausted. A number seen asleep all night on window-sashes; -left at first streak of dawn. Feb. 19th, a small number -of birds (species not determined) flew about in the rays of light -all night; wind S.E., fresh, haze. 25th, great number of Larks -during the night; wind light W.; striking, but none found dead; -left, flying N.W. March 10th, one Black Crow seen asleep on -balcony rail; left flying N.E., at 7 a.m.; wind fresh W.S.W., -haze. 17th, one "Snowflake" flying from N.W. to S.E.; wind -W.S.W., fresh, haze. In a letter accompanying this later -schedule, Mr. Jack writes (28th March, 1881):—"I am sorry to -say our close companions during winter, Dunters and Sea -Pheasants, are still with us in great numbers. This we know -by long observation to indicate that winter is not yet past for a -season, nor can we judge so until they have all been gone for a -week at least. In the fall of the year, when we see them return, -we well know that winter is at hand. When stationed in the -Isles of Shetland I have often remarked, when I heard much -howling going on amongst the seals, that no good weather could -be looked for, and I have never known this to fail."</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_3" href="#FNanchor_3" class="label">[3]</a> Later in March this year, <i>viz.</i> the 19th, an indication of a returning (?) -migration of Shrikes is found in the occurrence of one bird at Bath Hill -Wood, West Grange, Perthshire, not very far removed from the Alloa -district. It was shot by Mr. J. Livingstone, and is now in the collection of -Mr. J. J. Dalgleish.</p> - -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_18">-18-</span></p> - - -<h3 id="General_Remarks_1"><span class="smcap">General Remarks.</span></h3> - - -<p>As already mentioned, we have received fewer returns this -year from the East Coast than in 1879, having returns only from -eight stations in 1880, against thirteen in 1879. This arises -principally from actual scarcity of birds at many stations, and at -some, from extra work devoted to duties of the reporters, owing to -fogs and stormy weather. This scarcity appears to have extended -all along our Scottish E. coast, and even showed itself for some -distance down the East English coast. That, at no time, can -our East of Scotland returns approach in magnitude those of -the East English coast, I fully believe, because, in the weather -most favourable for observation at the stations,—<i>viz.</i>, foggy or -thick nights,—lanterns placed a few feet above the water, as -they are in lightships, must attract far more birds than higher -lanterns at the lighthouses. The peculiar situations also of -many of our Scottish stations—in the midst of towns (as at -Cromarty and Kinnaird Head, in Frazerburgh), in inland bays -and arms of the sea (as at Chanonry, and at many localities -on our west coast)—must very materially alter the conditions -of observation. At our more northern stations the -lighthouses for the most part stand at great elevations, and it is -worthy of note that from such stations as the Bell Rock, Pentland -Skerries, and Whalsey Skerries, on the east coast, and -Dhuheartach and Skerryvore, on the west coast, &c., we have the -best filled schedules, showing that stations upon lower and -isolated elevations are the best points of observation.</p> - -<p>At the conclusion of my report for 1879, under the West Coast -stations, I take notice of the N.W. to S.E. trend of the migration -across Tyree and Loch Assapol in the Ross of Mull, and of the -direction taken by birds across the narrow part of Scotland -between the Firths of Forth and Clyde (<i>vide</i> 'The Zoologist,' -May, 1880, pp. 202-204).</p> - -<p>My present impression—from these and many similar observations -in Stirlingshire and the districts named—is, that a semi-circular -migration is probably carried on; birds which strike our -coasts at more northerly points, or start from localities further -north in Scotland itself, at certain points trend more southerly -from their original E. to W. direction; and again, at certain -other points, again trend more easterly from their previous N. to -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_19">-19-</span> -S. direction, and pass finally, as far as our British Islands are -concerned, from N.W. to S.E. directions. This, of course, is -more patent in some seasons than in others, depending upon -prevailing winds and weather. Birds came to us all through the -migratory season from E. to W. across the North Sea, except in -1879 at the Galloper Bank <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span> (Zool., May, 1880, p. 203). In -1879, I believe, as further indicated at the end of my report on -the West Coast, that the migration was compressed by prevailing -N.W. winds, and deflected further south, but in 1880 was more -expanded, or less compressed, by prevalence of N.E. and E. winds, -and that therefore the horizontal area of migration covered a -larger surface. In 1880 we thus find birds migrating from -directions south of East to directions north of West across the -English Channel, or crossing from France to England (<i>vide</i> -Cordeaux's Report <i>antea</i>). These points are put forward not as -intended to be conclusive, but simply for the purpose of -directing attention for further statistics. I will only further -direct attention here to my "Third Ornithological Report for -Scotland, 1880-81," read to the Natural History Society of -Glasgow, session 1880-81.</p> - -<p>In our last Report, 1879 (Zool., May, 1880), under our lists of -lighthouses, we gave the descriptions of the lights, whether white -or red, fixed, flash, revolving, or intermittent, or with other lights -or action. What influence in attracting birds these various -descriptions of light have, it would not yet be easy to ascertain, -because—<i>given</i> the different colours and descriptions—we have -them at different localities, which makes it almost impossible to -compare them. However, broadly speaking, we would imagine -the <i>brightest</i>, <i>whitest</i>, <i>fixed</i> lights to have most influence in penetrating -fog or haze, and therefore of attracting birds. We -considered it advisable to give these descriptions in our first -Report, because we thought that in time such may prove of some -value when our knowledge of migration increases. In the Report -for 1880 we have not repeated these particulars, but, instead, we -give, after the name of each lighthouse station, the heights of the -lanterns above the sea, not because we can positively affirm that -the height of any given light influences the total of birds seen or -killed at that light, but because we believe that this particular -may possibly elicit facts in future. Some of our reporters state -extreme height above the sea as a cause of birds seldom or never -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_20">-20-</span> -striking the glass, or never being seen hovering round the light. -Certainly, returns show a preponderance of deaths or other records, -first, <i>at lightships</i> (the average height of the lights of which above -the sea is only a few feet); secondly, at such stations—upon -isolated rocks—as the Bell Rock, Dhuheartach, or Skerryvore -(the lanterns of which are not more than sixty or seventy -feet above the water); and a great preponderance above such -stations as Cape Wrath (which is 400 feet above the sea) or other -similarly elevated lights. During the daytime, whilst crossing -towards the English coasts and past the lightships, flocks are -usually seen flying low; and across the Firth of Forth and other -narrow estuaries the same thing is observed. At times birds are -seen passing high in air "<i>almost</i> beyond the range of vision," -and when clouds or fogs rapidly lift or clear off during the -time of migration, the said migration appears often to "cease -to mortal vision," indicating, some say, a reascent to higher -levels. Birds also are known to <i>descend</i> upon Heligoland -almost perpendicularly from the sky, indicating, it is presumed, -a course of migration at a great height, and a descent therefrom -upon fog- or haze-covered land to rest or feed. To -birds passing through the air above, a <i>local fog</i> beneath probably -indicates <i>land in the midst of water</i>, and, if this be -so, hence a descent upon it. The various numerical returns -of those killed at lanterns are probably a good deal dependent -on the height at which birds fly in foggy weather. We might -call this the vertical area of birds' migration flight as opposed -to lateral area.</p> - -<p>Now it seems that light-vessels always return the best-filled -schedules, and therefore a preponderance of birds are noticed all -along the East English Coast, where light-vessels are most -abundant. Whilst upon the East Scottish Coast the returns -are infinitely smaller where there are no light-vessels, but only -lighthouses, whose lanterns are at a greater height; and the -question very naturally arises, "If the Scottish coasts were -lighted with light-vessels, would not the number of records be -very considerably augmented?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_21">-21-</span></p> - - -<p><b>Mr. J. Hardy's Notes from Berwickshire and the Borders.</b></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Swallows.</span>—Began to take up their residence on May 12th; -left September 26th. Much later elsewhere in central districts.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Martin.</span>—Returned on May 15th to sea-side nesting-places on -rocks and cavern-mouths. On September 22nd the great body -departed, and on 27th had all left but one.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Sand Martin.</span>—April 23rd, on sea-coast.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Starling.</span>—Most of the young birds had left the upper part -of Berwickshire before October 31st.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Thrush.</span>—March 21st, a few birds scattered here and there; -very scarce. Left mostly by September; only a few later.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Redshank.</span>—Dispersed before March 18th, when only one was -heard. A pair returned March 20th. June 24th a pair had -returned. On July 17th six or seven frequented the coast. On -August 31st a small compact band noticed.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Eider Duck.</span>—A flock of six appeared on the coast, March -18th and 22nd. There were eight on March 27th and four on -March 30th.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Wild Duck</span> (<i>Anas boschas</i>).—Continued on coast till March -22nd; greatly diminished by March 27th. One reappeared at -sea September 25th. On October 16th they amounted to thirty, -and on November 15th about one hundred were enumerated. -In December they nearly all left the coast. On December 29th -only nine remained.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Great Crested Grebe.</span>—A party of twelve noted for the last -time March 22nd, 1880. They reappeared, to the number of -fifteen, on December 20th, and continued all winter.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Raven.</span>—January 24th, one seen; storm of snow.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Curlew.</span>—March 27th and 30th, most had left the coast; -only one bird left on April 17th. One reappeared June 7th, and -more on the 9th. A great flock on September 20th; shifted -their ground before December 16th; only one or two left at the -close of the year.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Pied Wagtail.</span>—February 7th, one first seen; the next -arrived March 27th. Left September 24th.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Wheatear.</span>—March 25th, appeared off coast, but were absent -on March 27th. March 29th, a little band of seven or eight -arrived, but disappeared. April 17th, a few appeared inland. -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_22">-22-</span> -Noted again on the coast July 15th; September 17th, last seen. -Were seen at Berwick, October 14th, but the conditions are very -different from here.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Whinchat.</span>—A family newly hatched on the coast a mile to -the south of this on August 9th; not seen again.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Stonechat.</span>—Not in some of its old haunts this year. On -coast on Cockburn's-path, April 30th.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Redstart.</span>—May 2nd. Scarce this year.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Sedge Warbler.</span>—May 20th, arriving in a band of late -migrants.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Willow Warbler.</span>—April 18th, in garden. April 23rd and -24th, singing sweetly; last seen September 4th.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Swift.</span>—May 16th.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Greater Whitethroat.</span>—May 13th, arrived; 16th, general. -August 6th, haunts the garden; a single bird left September -19th. Observed in some localities till end of October, but not -here.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Landrail and Cuckoo.</span>—Not heard in the neighbourhood this -season.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Blackcap Warbler.</span>—May 22nd, in Peasedean; not heard -on 16th.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Spotted Flycatcher.</span>—May 25th, numerous arrival along -with other migrants, as was the case last year. Last seen -September 5th.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Black-headed Gull.</span>—June 11th, two returned to the sea-side; -more appeared July 15th, 16th and 17th. By the end of -the year the numbers were reduced to one or two.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Fieldfare.</span>—October 31st and November 9th, arrived, but few -in number, and only one remained to face the storms of 1881; -very scarce. No Redwings seen here. A great scarcity or total -absence is recorded from a large number of Scottish localities -for the past two years.—<i>J. A. H. B.</i></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Wood Pigeons.</span>—A large migratory band proceeding high over -head flying from N. to S., on October 30th.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Snow Bunting.</span>—A very large flock of Snowflakes arrived at -Penmanshiel on October 30th, but left after resting a few -days. Again numerous there, November 30th. A few remained -at Old Cambus, January 7th, 1881. October 18th, one landed -in East Lothian in a storm of wind and rain from the North, -near Thornton Loch.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_23">-23-</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Grey-backed Crow.</span>—November 5th, arrived.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Woodcock.</span>—Did not leave till second week in May. Returned -to Peasedean, November 2nd. One flushed at Blackburn, Chirnside, -October 20th.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lark.</span>—December 16th, flock of about one hundred seen; -most of them remained and departed in March.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Grey Linnet.</span>—December 29th, flocks that fully numbered -one hundred birds feeding on the sea-coast ploughed fields -infested by wild mustard. Had all left, except four or five, by -January 9th, 1881, when that number came to the stack- and -poultry-yards.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Brambling.</span>—Only two present in the great snow on January -15th and 19th—at corn laid out for poultry—along with -Finches.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Wild Geese</span> (<i>Greylag</i> probably).—February 8th, first band -returning north. Continued in neighbourhood till April 24th. -In autumn return first seen October 11th and 30th. Did -not rest.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lapwing.</span>—In inland fields, March 7th. July 15th, returned -to turnip-fields. Disappeared in January, 1881.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Grey Wagtail.</span>—March 8th, a pair returned. On May 25th -several new arrivals along with a rush of migrants, consisting of -Flycatchers, Sedge Warblers, and Common Martins.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Waterhen.</span>—March 9th returned to its breeding pools.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Heron.</span>—April 17th, still three on the coast. On July 15th -there were seven or eight. On August 6th there were sixteen, -and on August 31st twelve.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Cormorant.</span>—Began to disperse about March 9th, when there -were six. Only one on March 18th, and two on March 25th. -March 27th and 30th, only one. Were not again noted till -August 9th and 12th, when only a pair had returned. Scarcer -this winter than usual.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Rare Birds recorded by others on my List.</span>—Hoopoe in -Northumberland. One Greater Shrike in Berwickshire, others -in Northumberland. Bohemian Chatterer, Kelso; Turtle Dove, -Rough-legged Buzzard (one).</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_24">-24-</span></p> - - -<p><b>Notes from the Faroe Isles.</b></p> - -<p>The following notes from Herr H. C. Müller and Dr. Madsen, -of Thorshavn, Faroe, have been received too late for insertion in -the General Report, but not too late for addition as an Appendix. -These notes were all made after the 1st January, 1881. They -came to hand on May 1st, 1881:—</p> - -<p><i>Cygnus musicus.</i>—Five Wild Swans were seen on Jan. 1st, -1881; three killed at Suderö on 22nd; one seen near Thorshavn -on 10th; probably all belonging to the same flock. Wind S.W., -force 3-4. Rain.</p> - -<p><i>Numenius arquata.</i>—One killed at Hvidenov, near Thorshavn, -on Jan. 30th. Wind S.S.E., force 4. Rain.</p> - -<p><i>Columba palumbus</i>, Linn.—One seen along with <i>Columba livia</i> -at Thorshavn on Feb. 7th. wind E., force 5. Rain and hail.</p> - -<p><i>Larus tridactylus</i>.—Four seen at Thorshavn at 10 a.m. on -Feb. 10th. Wind E., force 3-4. Snow.</p> - -<p><i>Alauda arvensis.</i>—One hundred in a flock seen at Thorshavn -at 9 a.m. on March 8th, 1881. Wind S.W., fine. For the five -days previous storm from S.E.</p> - -<p><i>Vanellus cristatus.</i>—Four seen same time as the above noted -Larks, in and after similar weather.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_25">-25-</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="EAST_COAST_OF_ENGLAND">EAST COAST OF ENGLAND.</h2> -</div> - - -<p>Printed forms of enquiry and letters of instruction were sent -to thirty-seven lighthouses and light-vessels on the east coast of -England, and, through the kind co-operation of Mr. Cecil Smith, -to two of the principal lighthouses in the Channel Islands: -independent reports have also been received from four stations -on the east coast; and my best thanks are due to T. H. Nelson -and C. Donald Thompson, Teesmouth; M. Bailey, Flamborough; -Wm. Eagle Clarke and H. Bendelack Hewetson [Leeds]; notes -from Spurn Point. J. H. Gurney, jun., Northrepps, and Major -C. Russell, Essex, for supplying notices of the movements of -birds in their respective districts. These reports have either -been treated separately or incorporated with the nearest lighthouse. -I have also received many interesting notes from -Mr. Gätke, on the migration of birds over Heligoland from -the commencement of June to the end of December, which are -especially welcome as a most valuable addition to the report. -Special thanks I also must tender to those various observers in -the lighthouses and light-vessels scattered along the east coast. -Altogether, out of forty-four stations, returns have been sent in -from thirty-eight; two other stations report no birds seen during -the autumn, from the circumstances of their situations in the -midst of houses; and only from four have no returns been made. -The observations are in many respects an improvement on those -of the preceding year, exhibiting in a marked degree the -intelligent interest taken by the observers in their work—work -which it must be remembered is entirely voluntary, and often -carried on under circumstances of considerable difficulty and -discomfort.</p> - -<p>The east coast stations are as follows, those making returns -being marked with a *:—</p> - -<table summary="data"> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">40.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Longstone, on the most easterly of the Farne Islands; white light, - revolving every 30 seconds.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">41.</td> - <td class="tdr">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Farne Inner, two lights; white, revolving every 30 seconds.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">42.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Coquet Island, coast of Northumberland; two white lights in same - tower.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">43.</td> - <td class="tdr">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Souter Point. Nil return—no birds seen. - <span class="pagenum" id="Page_26">-26-</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">44<i>a</i>.</td> - <td class="tdr">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Teesmouth, No. 5 Buoy, Lightvessel; one white light, fixed.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">44<i>b</i>.</td> - <td class="tdr">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Teesmouth.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">45.</td> - <td class="tdr">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Whitby, High Light; white, fixed.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">46.</td> - <td class="tdr">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Flamborough Head; two white, one red flash, revolving every half - minute.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">47.</td> - <td class="tdr">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Spurn Point; red and white sectors.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">48<i>a</i>.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Spurn (Newsand), Lightvessel, 6 miles S.S.E. of Spurn Point; - white, revolving every minute.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">48<i>b</i>.</td> - <td class="tdr">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Great Cotes.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">49.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Outer Dowsing, Lightvessel, 53 miles E.S.E. Spurn; red light, - revolving every 20 seconds.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">50.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Inner Dowsing, Lightvessel, 17 miles E. Sutton, on Lincolnshire - coast; green, 20 seconds.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">51.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Dudgeon, Lightvessel, 35 miles E. Skegness, Lincolnshire coast; - white, fixed.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">52.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Lynn Well, Lightvessel, off Nook of Longsand, Lynndeeps; one - white, revolving 20 seconds.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">53.</td> - <td class="tdr">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Hunstanton, Lighthouse; white, fixed.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">54.</td> - <td class="tdr">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Cromer, Lighthouse; white, revolving each minute.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">55<i>a</i>.</td> - <td class="tdr">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Northrepps.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">55<i>b</i>.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Leman and Ower, Lightvessel, 48 miles E.N.E. Cromer; two white, - one fixed, one revolving.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">56.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Hasborough, Lightvessel; two white, fixed horizontal, north end - Hasborough Sound.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">57.</td> - <td class="tdr">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Hasborough, Lighthouse; white, fixed.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">58.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Newarp, Lightvessel, 12 miles N.E. Winterton; white, three quick - flashes, 36 seconds in a minute dark.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">59.</td> - <td class="tdr">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Winterton, Lighthouse; white, fixed.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">60.</td> - <td class="tdr">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Cockle, Lightvessel, 3 miles E. Yarmouth; white, revolving each - minute.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">61.</td> - <td class="tdr">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Corton, Lightvessel, 4 miles E. Lowestoft; red, revolving 20 seconds.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">62.</td> - <td class="tdr">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Lowestoft, Lighthouse. Nil return—no birds seen.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">63.</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Orfordness, Lighthouse; white, fixed.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">64.</td> - <td class="tdr">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Shipwash, Lightvessel, 8 miles S.S.E. Orfordness; white, fixed.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">65.</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Cork, Lightvessel, 5 miles off mouth of Harwich River.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">66.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Languard Point, Lighthouse, entrance to Harwich River; returned - by Major Russell.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">67.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Galloper, Lightvessel, 40 miles S.E. Orfordness; two white, - horizontal, fixed.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">68.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Kentish Knock, Lightvessel, 33 miles N.E. North Foreland; white, - revolving each minute.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">69.</td> - <td class="tdr">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Swin Middle, Lightvessel, off Thames; white, revolving every minute.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">70.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Tongue, Lightvessel, off Thames; two lights, fixed: higher white, - lower red.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_27">-27-</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">71.</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Nore, Lightvessel, entrance to Thames; white, revolving 30 seconds.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">72.</td> - <td class="tdr">*</td> - <td class="tdl">North Foreland, Lighthouse; white, fixed.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">73.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Goodwin, Lightvessel, Goodwin Sands; white, revolving, three quick - flashes in succession, 86 seconds dark.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">74.</td> - <td class="tdr">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Gull, Lightvessel, Goodwin Sands; white, revolving 20 seconds.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">75.</td> - <td class="tdr">*</td> - <td class="tdl">South-sand Head, Lightvessel, Goodwin Sands; white, fixed.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">76.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">East-side, Lightvessel, Goodwin Sands, 13 miles E. Deal; green, - revolving 15 seconds.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">77.</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">South Foreland, Lighthouse; white, fixed.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">78.</td> - <td class="tdr">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Heligoland.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">79.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Casquets, Lighthouse, off Alderney; white, triple, flashing every - 30 seconds.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">80.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Hanois, Lighthouse, Hanoveaux Rocks, W. end Guernsey; one red, - revolving 45 seconds.</td> -</tr> -</table> - -<p>As many of the reports range over a twelve-month, it is -necessary to divide the remarks on the separate species into -spring and autumn migrations. The numbers of species noticed -are very greatly in excess of 1879.</p> - - -<h3 id="SPRING_MIGRATION_1">SPRING MIGRATION, 1880.</h3> - -<h4 id="SEPARATE_REPORT_ON_EACH_SPECIES_2">SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES.</h4> - -<p><span class="smcap">Pied Flycatcher</span>, <i>Muscicapa luctuosa</i> (<i>atricapilla</i>, Linn.).—At -Heligoland, Mr. Gätke reports, May 4th, great many fine old -males; 5th, the same; 15th, E., many females, few males; -19th, S.S.E., all females.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Blackbird</span>, <i>Turdus merula</i>.—At Cromer <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Feb. 12th, two -killed against lantern, with thirteen Larks at midnight o.m.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Redbreast</span>, <i>Erithacus rubecula</i>.—At Whitby <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, March 1st, -daylight, a flock of Robins.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bluethroat</span>, <i>Ruticilla suecica</i>.—At Heligoland, May 22nd, all -males—perhaps one in ten a female.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Redstart</span>, <i>Ruticilla phœnicurus</i>.—At Heligoland, May 1st to -10th, all males. Thenceforward females increasing. May 4th, -E. by S. or E. by N., millions all males; 19th, all females.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Wheatear</span>, <i>Saxicola ænanthe</i>.—At Teesmouth 5 Buoy <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, -April 23rd, W.S.W., many, with Wagtails, passing to land. At -Heligoland, March 31st, S.E., to April 3rd, S.E., male birds; -and to May 1st, when females began to arrive. May 13th, E., -all females.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_28">-28-</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Greater Whitethroat</span>, <i>Sylvia rufa</i>.—At Cromer <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, May -18th, 10 p.m., four killed and stunned against lantern.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Wren</span>, <i>Troglodytes parvulus</i>.—At Whitby <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, March 22nd, -E., several at daylight. At Cromer <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, May 16th, 4 a.m., one -killed against lantern.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Pied Wagtail</span>, <i>Motacilla lugubris</i>.—At Teesmouth 5 Buoy <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span> -(see Wheatear). At Whitby <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, May 9th, daybreak, many.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Sky Lark</span>, <i>Alauda arvensis</i>.—At Cromer, Feb. 12th (see Blackbird). -Feb. 16th to March 24th, several with Starlings killed -and stunned during night.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Short-toed Lark</span>, <i>Calandrella brachydactyla</i>.—At Heligoland, -May 18th, a fine male captured.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Tree Sparrow</span>, <i>Passer montanus</i>.—At Outer Dowsing <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, -April 18th, 11 a.m., sixty to S.E.; two came on board. April -26th, 3 p.m., hundreds to W.N.W.; ten came on board. From -the position of this light-vessel it will be apparent that in the -first instance the Sparrows were making for the coast of Holland, -and on 26th for the English coast.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Starling</span>, <i>Sturnus vulgaris</i>.—At Cromer <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Feb. 16th -to April 10th, several struck lantern and killed along with -Larks.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Carrion Crow</span>, <i>Corvus corone</i>.—At Cockle <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, June 8th, six -to S.E.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Cuckoo</span>, <i>Cuculus canorus</i>.—At Farne Inner <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>. May 26th, -W. strong, one seen. At Hunstanton <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, April 18th, heard -close to lighthouse.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Swallow</span>, <i>Hirundo rustica</i>.—At Farne Inner <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>. May 15th, -two passed. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>. May 9th, 2 p.m., two -from S.E. to N.W.; May 22nd, great many S.E. to N.W., fresh -breeze from W. At Hunstanton <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, April 17th, one to S.; -19th, five to S. At Leman and Ower <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, June 9th, five on -board at sunset; 21st, one at 11 a.m. At Cockle <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, June 23rd -and 24th, 4.20 a.m., two each day to W. At Corton <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>. May -22nd, one to W.N.W.; 20th, two to W.N.W. At Kentish Knock -<span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, May 26th, 10 a.m., two very high to N.W. At East -Goodwin <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>. May 4th, 10 a.m., four S. to N. The observations -tend to confirm what I have observed and remarked upon, that -the Chimney Swallow in spring migrates in pairs; even when in -flocks the pairs may be distinguished, as the males and females -keep close company.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_29">-29-</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Swift</span>, <i>Cypselus apus</i>.—At Whitby <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, May 14th, several at -noon to N.W. At Spurn <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, June 7th, 7 p.m., fifty perched on -gallery, none killed. At Hunstanton <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, May 17th, one.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Wood Pigeon</span>, <i>Columba palumbus</i>.—At Hasbro' <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, May -28th and 30th, one each day to E.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Dotterel</span>, <i>Eudromias morinellus</i>.—At Spurn <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, May 15th, -four seen near Kilnsea; 25th, small flock of eight.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ringed Plover</span>, <i>Ægialitis hiaticula</i>.—At Teesmouth 5 Buoy -<span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, April 2nd, first arrival at their breeding quarters on neighbouring -sand, where about ten couples nest each year, leaving -with the young in the autumn.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Limicolæ.</span>—From the 1st to the 18th of May, northerly and -easterly winds blew persistently day and night on to the Lincolnshire -coast; the consequence was that we had an almost entire -dearth of all those many flocks of shore birds—as Godwit, Grey -Plover, Knot—which visit the Humber mud-flats during the first -fortnight in May, on their passage to the north. On the opposite -coast of Yorkshire, under shelter of the sandy promontory of -Spurn, they assembled in large numbers, feeding daily on the -great expanse of muds left uncovered at ebb, and at flood crossing -to the sands on the sea side of Spurn. A correspondent writes -that, on May 7th, "countless thousands of waders lined the -beach, like wreck, on the sea-side about a mile above Spurn; -there were more than had ever been seen at once before."</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Anatidæ.</span>—At Flamborough <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, July 2nd, a flock of Grey -Geese were seen flying N. At Goodwin <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, June 6th, 7.30 a.m., -a flock flying to the E. Mr. Gätke reports from Heligoland that, -on May 19th, three Snow Geese, <i>Anser niveus</i>, passed boat quite -close, "whiter than snow, bills and feet redder than oranges, but -alas! no gun at hand." King Eider, <i>Somateria spectabilis</i>, is -reported from the Farne Isles on May 29th, and during the -summer (Zool., 1880, p. 514; 1881, p. 62). On Feb. 27th, 1880, -large flocks of Widgeon came into the Tees, and thirteen were -shot by one discharge of a single-barrelled shoulder-gun. At the -Outer Dowsing <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, April 18th, Wild Ducks were seen migrating -to N.W.; and on April 30th, every hour during day, to N.N.W. -At the Goodwin <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>. May 19th, shoals of Ducks from W. to E. -From the Teesmouth 5 Buoy <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, May 25th, 11.30 a.m., my -correspondent writes, "Saw two Sheldrakes leave their nest with -ten young ones at low water; had to travel half a mile before -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_30">-30-</span> -they reached the water; the male kept about six yards behind -the young, the female leading; they were fifteen minutes in -reaching the water; appeared just hatched; cock bird often -looked behind to see nobody was coming." With reference to -the spring migration of Wild Geese, Major Russell sends me the -following notes from a correspondent on the Essex coast, whose -house is situated on the south slope of a steep high hill:—"The -Grey Geese were seen on Saturday, Feb. 21st, from 600 to 1000 -flying in a triangular form, in a N.E. direction. I have -repeatedly seen them sometimes passing for whole days, and -have always noticed that we have never had any winter to speak -of afterwards. They generally fly about a mile high. We very -seldom see them going south. I suppose because the days are -shorter, or possibly some may go another way; but they -generally go north about this time of the year. I used to try to -shoot them with a rifle to see what sort of Geese they were."</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Alcidæ</span>.—At Longstone <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, March 9th, Guillemots and -Razorbills assembled; 24th, Puffins. At Flamborough <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, -May 3rd, hundreds of Puffins arriving throughout the day, and on -the same day a great number of Guillemots. From May 28th to -June 2nd, great numbers of Guillemots and Razorbills were seen -all day in the neighbourhood of the Spurn <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, at sea six miles -S.S.E. Spurn Point. The Guillemots, Razorbills and Puffins -are later in their arrival and departure at the southern than -their northern breeding-stations.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Pelecanidæ.</span>—At Longstone <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, March 9th, numbers of -Gannets flying N. At the Farne Inner <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, April 16th, from -9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Gannets were seen flying N. At Teesmouth -5 Buoy <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, March 15th, twelve Cormorants came into Tees, -about fifty in every year at this time, leave again after breeding-season -till next March.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Laridæ.</span>—At Farne Islands, April 8th, Gulls commenced -assembling at their nesting-quarters. At Whitby <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Feb. 18th, -Herring Gulls first appeared on the cliffs near lighthouse. -July 4th, first young was seen on the wing. Sept. 2nd, all left, -both young and old. At Spurn <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>. May 28th to June 2nd, -large numbers of Gulls were seen all day in the neighbourhood, -along with Guillemots and Razorbills; these birds were probably -not migrating, or even contemplating such a movement, but -wanderers from Flamborough, following the shoals of small fry -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_31">-31-</span> -which approach the Humber about that period. At the Longstone -<span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, April 29th, W., weather fine, first Sandwich Tern seen, -and the last seen Sept. 8th. The Arctic Tern was first seen -May 10th; last, Sept. 14th. At the Farne Inner <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>. Sandwich -Terns were seen on May 12th, and the Arctic May 15th, both -species leaving together on Aug. 28th. The Siberian Herring -Gull, <i>Larus affinis</i>, was seen at Heligoland on June 5th, and the -Caspian Tern, <i>Sterna Caspia</i>, on the 22nd, the first Mr. Gätke -has got there. July 23rd, repeatedly seen.</p> - -<h4 id="GENERAL_SUMMARY_SPRING_MIGRATION">GENERAL SUMMARY SPRING MIGRATION.</h4> - -<p>Compared with the autumn notes on migration, the spring -reports are very meagre, and few and far between. This is -probably due to the fact that in the spring birds migrate, with -rare exceptions, at night; and, as the weather is then finer, and -the nights clearer and shorter, they do not run their heads so -much against the lanterns of lighthouses and lightships. The -spring migration is also carried on much more leisurely, migrants -proceeding by easy stages northward, and we have none of those -great rushes which are so characteristic of the autumn migration, -when, with sudden changes of weather, flock after flock pour -continually during the whole day and night on to our east coast. -In the spring also the males of the Insessores migrate some time -in advance of the females, as is very clearly shown in the -Heligoland notes, as well as by the well-known arrival of our -summer immigrants, as the Nightingale, Whitethroat, &c. The -notes on spring migration taken in 1879, as well as in 1880, seem -to point to the conclusion that, during the vernal migration, -migrants strike the lanterns of lighthouses from 11 p.m. to the -dawn of day, the majority after midnight; and not in the early -hours of night, as is the case in the autumn.</p> - - -<h3 id="AUTUMN_MIGRATION_1">AUTUMN MIGRATION, 1880.</h3> - -<h4 id="SEPARATE_REPORT_ON_EACH_SPECIES_3">SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES.</h4> - -<p><span class="smcap">White-tailed Eagle</span>, <i>Haliæetus albicilla</i>.—At Heligoland, -Sept. 10th, S.S.E., windy, eight or ten.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Peregrine Falcon</span>, <i>Falco peregrinus</i>.—At Heligoland, Oct. -24th, "all latter time and <i>F. æsalon</i>, scattered." As in every -autumn a few on passage have been recorded in the eastern -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_32">-32-</span> -counties; one, an immature male, was shot near Spurn on -Jan. 1st, 1881.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Hobby</span>, <i>Falco subbuteo</i>.—At Heligoland, June 19th and 20th, -S.E., some.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Kestrel</span>, <i>Falco tinnunculus</i>.—At Heligoland, Sept. 25th, S., -very little wind, a great many, few old.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Sparrowhawk</span>, <i>Accipiter nisus</i>.—At Heligoland, enormous -numbers crossed in the autumn, commencing Aug. 7th, eight -or ten young birds; from thence to Sept. 18th, almost daily in -greater or less numbers, all young birds. Sept. 29th, evening, -the first old birds. Oct. 9th, young interspersed with old; -20th, many; 28th, still daily. An enormous majority of these -must pass down the European coast, as the notices on our -east coast are few and far between. At the Outer Dowsing <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, -Oct. 8th, one at sunset flying round lantern. At Leman and -Ower <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 6th, 4.30 p.m., one to S.E. At Corton, <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, -Oct. 9th, one settled on ship. At Heligoland, Mr. Gätke says -Sparrowhawks often arrive towards evening.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Common Buzzard</span>, <i>Buteo vulgaris</i>.—At Heligoland, Sept. 18th, -many.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Honey Buzzard</span>, <i>Pernis apivorus</i>.—At Heligoland, Sept. 10th, -with Sparrowhawks.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Rough-legged Buzzard</span>, <i>Buteo lagopus</i>.—At Heligoland, June -19th and 20th, some. There was a considerable flight on to the -east coast in October, Mr. J. H. Gurney recording (Zool., 1880, -p. 570) about a dozen in Norfolk between Oct. 16th and the end -of the month. Two were shot Nov. 1st on the Lincolnshire coast -near Mabblethorpe, and one at Spurn later in the season. -Several others have been recorded from time to time in the -'Field' and local papers, as either seen or obtained in various -parts of England and Scotland. The following notices from the -lighthouses may or may not refer to this species. At Whitby <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, -July 24th, 9 a.m., a large Hawk going S. At Hasbro' <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Oct. -24th, 11 a.m., four very large birds with heavy flight to S. At -Kentish Knock, <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 13th, one very large Hawk soaring -overhead. At Corton <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 19th, a large brown Hawk -about ship—may perhaps have been a female Kestrel.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Hen Harrier</span>, <i>Circus cyaneus</i>.—At Heligoland, Oct. 20th, -some.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Long-eared Owl</span>, <i>Asio otus</i>,—At Heligoland, Oct. 22nd, some. -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_33">-33-</span> -At Spurn, Oct. 28th, one shot. At Hasbro' <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 30th, -10 a.m., o.m. from E. to S.W., horned owl—probably this -species. The Long-eared Owls arrive on our east coast, as a -rule, later than <i>Asio accipitrinus</i>, and in much less numbers.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Short-eared Owl</span>, <i>Asio accipitrinus</i>.—At Heligoland, Sept. -25th, S., very little wind, great many. Oct. 20th, again great -many; 22nd, thousands. On our east coast they arrived in very -considerable numbers in October. At Inner Farne <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Nov. -16th, 4 p.m., one. At Coquet Island <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Oct. 7th to Nov. 16th, -with northerly and easterly winds, and from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., -eight. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 4th to 27th, twelve, -10 a.m. to 4 p.m., going E. to W. At Teesmouth, Oct. 3rd to -24th, nine. At Spurn, Sept. 29th, one shot; Oct. 19th and -following week, many; 27th, several. On Lincolnshire coast, -Oct. 19th and following week, very great many. At Inner -Dowsing <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Nov. 4th, 7.30 a.m., one N.E. to S.W. At -Dudgeon <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 5th, noon, one to W.; 23rd, 10.20 a.m., one -to S.W. At Lynn Well <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 5th, 11 a.m., one; 4 p.m., one -Grey Owl N.W. to S. At Leman and Ower <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 1st, one -caught at noon. Many also arrived about Oct. 19th on the -Norfolk coast. I have no notices of Short-eared Owls south of -Yarmouth. The "great rush" took place on night of Oct. 18th -or morning of 19th, the Woodcock arriving at the same time with -a north wind. Heavy snow from north on Oct. 20th. The -"great rush" over Heligoland was on Oct. 22nd.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Barn Owl</span>, <i>Aluco flammeus</i>.—At Yarmouth, Oct. 19th, -morning, one seen coming in from the sea.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Tengmalm's Owl</span>, <i>Nyctala Tengmalmi</i>.—On Oct. 22nd a very -fine example of this small Owl was shot at Saltfleet, on the -Lincolnshire coast; wind strong from the north on 21st. -Another was shot in Felyingdales, Yorkshire, near Robin Hood's -Bay, late in December. At Heligoland, Nov. 22nd and 23rd, -Hawk Owl, <i>Surnia funerea</i>, was seen flying about, but never -within shot.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Great Grey Shrike</span>, <i>Lanius excubitor</i>.—At Heligoland, Oct. -14th, N.W., windy, four fine old birds, pure white underneath; -16th, some; 17th, some; major, one. Nov. 10th, one fine old -male. There was a very considerable immigration on to the east -coast in October. At Spurn, one was seen during the first week -in October, and subsequently in that month and early in -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</span> -November, many. The last from that locality I have a note of -was a female, shot at Patrington, Holderness, on Jan. 20th, 1881. -At Whiteley Sands, Northumberland, one early in October. One -shot near Hartlepool Nov. 17th. One at Flamborough Head -first week in October. Mr. J. H. Gurney has also recorded -three shot in Norfolk in October; and many others have been -mentioned in the 'Zoologist' and 'Field' as occurring in various -parts of the country. One also was shot at North Kelsey, in -Lincolnshire, at the end of February.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Spotted Flycatcher</span>, <i>Muscicapa grisola</i>.—At Heligoland, -June 3rd, some; July 13th, some; Aug. 25th, many; Sept. 3rd, -N.W., 11 a.m., some; 9th, great many; 16th, some; 26th, less, -passage varying over four months. At Farne Inner <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. -15th, great many Flycatchers.<a id="FNanchor_4" href="#Footnote_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> At Swin Middle <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Aug. 28th, -o.m., many with Starlings round lantern.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_4" href="#FNanchor_4" class="label">[4]</a> The term "Flycatcher" seems to be used somewhat indiscriminately -for many of the small insect-catching birds. Some of these in this case are -probably—as they are associated with Wheatears—Redstarts. At the Longstone -<span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, also on the same date, several Redstarts appeared, both species -migrating together and at the same time.</p> - -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Pied Flycatcher</span>, <i>Muscicapa luctuosa</i> (<i>atricapilla</i>, Linn.)—At -Heligoland, Aug. 11th, E., fine, great many young birds, first -arrivals, and so on to 24th, when they passed in "countless -numbers"; 27th, still passing, but in less numbers; Sept. 8th, -many; 13th, great many with others in potato-fields; 26th, less -numerous; 27th, few. From Aug. 11th to end of Sept., about -forty-seven days; "great rush" on Aug. 24th, none recorded -from English coast.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Red-breasted Flycatcher</span>, <i>Muscicapa parva</i>.—At Heligoland, -Sept. 26th, one shot in Mr. Gätke's garden, and another obtained -Oct. 21st.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mistletoe Thrush</span>, <i>Turdus viscivorus</i>.—At Casquets <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, -Alderney, Oct. 2nd, 11 p.m. to 2 a.m., with Ring Ouzels and -Larks going W., six Mistletoe Thrushes striking.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Song Thrush</span>, <i>Turdus musicus</i>.—At Heligoland, Sept. 16th, -some numbers with Ring Ouzels; 24th, many of both; 25th, -both all day; Oct. 6th, with Redwings, and on 16th with -Redwings and Fieldfares; 20th, with Blackbirds and Redwings; -22nd, few; altogether, between Sept. 16th and Oct. 22nd, large -numbers crossed the island. On the English side of the North -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_35">-35-</span> -Sea, Thrushes occurred at twelve stations covering the entire -length of coast. At Farne Inner <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Oct. 29th, several. Nov. -20th, 22nd, 23rd, all day, with Blackbirds, Fieldfares, and Redwings; -26th, with Blackbirds. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, -Oct. 22nd, several and a few Redwings going E. to W., great -many stopped on board and appeared very tired, early part of -day foggy; 25th, several S.E. to N.W. At Whitby <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Nov. 23rd, -snow, large flocks at intervals flying high. At Flamborough <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, -Oct. 21st, day and night. At Spurn <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Oct. 5th and 7th, many. -At Great Cotes, about Oct. 19th, many. Dec. 9th, second arrival. -At Cromer <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Aug. 3rd, midnight, three killed. Sept. 25th, -1.30 a.m., two killed. Dec. 10th, 8 p.m., two killed. At Leman -and Ower <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 28th and 29th, during night. At Hasbro' <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, -Oct. 26th, 10 p.m., with a great many small birds, some killed. -At Corton <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 22nd, continuous after daylight, E. to W., -with Larks and Blackbirds, and again Nov. 7th. At Galloper <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, -Nov. 1st, 9 a.m., forty S.E. to N.W.: 2nd, 10 p.m. to sunrise, -with Larks, Starlings, and Blackbirds, from E.S.E. to N.W., about -120 killed; 9th, about eighty to N.W. during night. At Kentish -Knock <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 10th, one. At Gull <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 25th, with Larks and -Linnets continuously all day. "Great rush," 19th to 26th Oct. -There was a "second rush" Dec. 9th and 10th, preceding the -outbreak of Arctic weather on Dec. 13th. Line of migration -E. to W., S.E. to N.W. Time over which migration extended -(exclusive of occurrences in December, as probably referring to -local movements caused by severe weather) from Aug. 3rd, -Cromer, to Nov. 26th, Farne Islands, or 126 days.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Fieldfare</span>, <i>Turdus pilaris</i>.—At Heligoland, Oct. 16th, N.W. -and easterly, in great numbers high overhead; 25th, some; 28th, -numerous; and after this Fieldfares, Thrushes, and Blackbirds -occasionally till first week in December. On the East Coast of -England occur at ten stations from Farne Islands to Yarmouth. -At Inner Farne <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Oct. 25th, forenoon, flocks to W.; 27th, -same; Nov. 16th, flock. At Coquet Island <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Oct. 26th, 7 a.m., -half-a-dozen. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 25th, 9 a.m., three, -S.E. to N.W. Nov. 5th, 10 a.m., great many to W.; 20th, 11 a.m., -large flocks from E.; 27th, great many E. to W. At Flamborough -<span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Oct. 21st, day and night, five killed. At Spurn <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, -Oct. 26th, 27th, 28th, great many. At Great Cotes, Dec. 9th, -many, "second rush." At Corton <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 5th, one over ship, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_36">-36-</span> -E. to W. Jan. 15th, 12.45 p.m., high overhead, W.S.W. At -Galloper <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Nov. 1st, 9 a.m., fifteen, S.E. to N.W. At Yarmouth, -Oct. 17th and 18th, early morning, very high. Mr. T. Southwell, -of Norwich, saw a large flock near that city on Sept. 9th.<a id="FNanchor_5" href="#Footnote_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a> Excluding -Great Cotes as referring perhaps to local movement from -outburst of severe weather in the North, the Fieldfares were seen -on their migration, first near Norwich, Sept. 9th and last at -Teesmouth, Nov. 27th—eighty days. "Great rush" Oct. 21st -to 28th.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_5" href="#FNanchor_5" class="label">[5]</a> A flock of twenty-five were Seen at Woodham Mortimer, Essex, on -Sept. 6th. See 'Field,' Oct. 2nd.</p> - -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Redwing</span>, <i>Tardus iliacus</i>.—At Heligoland, Sept. 6th, first -flocks. Oct. 16th, N.W. and easterly, in great numbers, very high; -20th, many. English coast five stations from Farne Island to -Yarmouth. At Farne Inner <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Oct. 29th, many. At Spurn -<span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Oct. 5th, plentiful. At Great Cotes, Dec. 9th, many, -"second rush." At Hunstanton <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Sept. 18th, 10 p.m., one -caught. At Yarmouth, Oct. 17th and 18th, with Fieldfares, very -high. From Sept. 6th, Heligoland, to Oct. 29th, Farne Islands, -fifty-four days; "great rush" middle of October.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Blackbird</span>, <i>Turdus merula</i>.—At Heligoland, Oct. 19th, some; -20th, many; 28th, numerous. At Farne Inner <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Oct. 21st -and 29th, one each day; Nov. 20th, 22nd, 23rd and 26th, many; -"great rush" on these four days. At Coquet <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Nov. 20th, all -day. Dec. 19th, many, with Larks and Plover. At Whitby <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, -Aug. 1st, at daylight, the first seen this year. Oct. 24th and 26th, -several at daylight. At Flamborough <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Oct. 21st, day and -night. At Spurn <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Oct. 27th, old cocks. Nov. 20th, Blackbirds -in considerable numbers, with Thrushes, Redwings, and -Fieldfares. At Great Cotes, Sept. 27th, young cocks. Oct. 19th, -many. At Outer Dowsing <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 22nd, 3 p.m., four old males, -E.S.E. to W. Nov. 26th, 1 p.m., three males, E.S.E. to W. At -Cromer <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Nov. 6th, three. At Hasbro' <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, 11 p.m., two struck, -killed. At Corton <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 22nd, continuous after daylight, -E. to W. Nov. 7th, 11 a.m. to sunset, with Thrushes; 9th, -W. by N., several flocks to S.W., very low. At Galloper <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, -Oct. 22nd, 8.40 a.m., about four hundred and three hundred -Starlings to S.W.; 31st, sixty; Nov. 2nd, about one hundred during -night, thirty killed, to N.W. at sunrise; 6th, 10 p.m. to sunrise, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_37">-37-</span> -about fifty; 9th, 10 p.m. to sunrise, sixty. At Casquets <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, -Alderney, Oct. 13th to 17th, Blackbirds at midnight. Are noticed -at thirteen stations from the Farne Islands to Alderney. Great -numbers appear to have crossed; at Heligoland commenced -passing later than any other of the <i>Merulidæ</i>. There was a -"great rush" on to the English coast, especially over the Corton -and Galloper light-vessels, from Oct. 19th to 22nd; a "second -rush" northwards of Spurn on Nov. 20th. Migrate both by day -night; direction of flight E. to W. or S.E. to N.W.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ring Ouzel</span>, <i>Turdus torquatus</i>.—At Heligoland began moving -very early in the season. Sept. 9th, some, with <i>T. musicus</i>; 24th, -many; 25th, great many, whole day, passing on. Oct. 7th, many, -young birds; 27th, some. None recorded at any station on the -English coast, which is rather remarkable.<a id="FNanchor_6" href="#Footnote_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a> At the Casquets <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, -Aug. 16th, midnight, misty, "Ring-Thrushes," four striking. -Sept. 6th, midnight, N.E., rain, four struck. Oct. 2nd, 11 p.m., -rain, four struck, and again on the 7th, 3 a.m., rain, four struck. -Ring Ouzels were moving along the French coast as early as -Aug. 16th; over Heligoland Sept. 9th to Oct. 27th. A very fine -example of <i>Tardus Naumanii</i> (the first that has occurred there), -a young bird, was captured on Oct. 10th; N.E., windy.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_6" href="#FNanchor_6" class="label">[6]</a> Lord Lilford (Zool., 1881, p. 24) records the first Ring Ouzel of the -season in North Northamptonshire on Sept. 21st; and two are also recorded -in 'The Zoologist' (1881, p. 26), as seen near Harwich, Oct. 10, 1880.</p> - -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Hedgesparrow</span>, <i>Accentor modularis</i>.—At Heligoland, Sept. 26th, -pretty large numbers, first comers. Oct. 5th, great many in -garden; 8th, great many; 9th, same. At Spurn <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Oct. 17th, -very abundant. At Great Cotes, Sept. 21st, in bean-fields near -coast. Not observed at any other stations.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Redbreast</span>, <i>Erithacus rubecula</i>,—At Heligoland, from Sept. 9th -to Oct. 9th, great numbers passing over island. At Coquet <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, -Sept. 10th and 16th, 10 a.m., one each day. Oct. 23rd, 5 p.m., -one caught on glass. Dec. 28th, noon, one. At Whitby <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, -Sept. 27th, 10 a.m., a large flock of small birds containing many -Robins remained a few hours and then went S. At Hunstanton -<span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Sept. 5th, one. At Northrepps, Norfolk, Oct. 14th and 15th, -many noticed, evidently immigrants. At Hanois <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Guernsey, -Aug. 14th, midnight. Redbreasts with many other birds, some -killed.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_38">-38-</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bluethroat</span>, <i>Ruticilla suecica</i>.—At Heligoland, Sept. 9th, E., -fine, several; 17th, N.E., wind, much rain, many.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Redstart</span>, <i>Ruticilla phœnicurus</i>.—At Heligoland, Aug. 12th -and 13th, young birds. Sept. 3rd, 11 a.m., N.W., great many; -8th, many; 9th, great many; 16th, many, about half old birds; -17th, enormous numbers, same; 25th and 26th, many. At -Longstone <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Sept. 15th, several on reef. At Farne Inner <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, -Sept. 15th, many "fly-catchers" with Wheatears (see notes, Flycatcher, -<i>M. grisola</i>). At Teesmouth, many amongst the bents -which grow upon the Tees breakwater early in September (not -previously noted in this locality). At Flamborough, last week in -August, great many. At Spurn, Sept. 3rd, many, left to a bird -night of 3rd. At Northrepps, Aug. 30th and 31st, "swarming." At -Yarmouth, large numbers first week in September. At Shipwash -<span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Aug. 30th, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., large numbers to W.N.W. The -immigration of this species is very interesting from the large and -unusual numbers which can be traced along the east coast from -the Farne Islands to the Shipwash <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, off the mouth of the -Thames. They arrived along the entire length of the coast -during the latter part of August and early in September. At the -Shipwash <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, the most southern station, they were going -W.N.W., and at all other stations, after touching land, -evidently followed the coast-line to the south. The migration -was confined very closely to the coast, the birds going but a short -distance inland. In nearly every case they migrated in company -with or at the same time as the Wheatear.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Stonechat</span>, <i>Saxicola rubicola</i>.—At Heligoland, Aug. 11th, -young. Sept. 3rd, 11 a.m., great many; 9th, same. Oct. 1st, -2nd and 3rd, old birds.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Whinchat</span>, <i>Saxicola rubetra</i>.—At Heligoland, Aug. 23rd, great -many young birds, the first of them; 24th, also great many. -October, first week, old birds. Mouth of Deben river, Suffolk -coast, Nov. 1st.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Wheatear</span>, <i>Saxicola œnanthe</i>.—At Heligoland, July 5th, small -flights, young birds; 24th, same. Sept. 16th, great many, about -half old birds. At Farne Inner <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Aug. 10th, several. Sept. -15th, forty to fifty. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Aug. 30th, 10 a.m., -fog, two came on board. Sept. 10th, great many Wheatears from -S.E., and "several small birds of a dark green colour" (Redstarts?), -some on deck. At Teesmouth, Sept. 10th, an unusually -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_39">-39-</span> -large number along the banks between Hartlepool and Sneaton -Snook, also Redstarts. At Flamborough, last week in August, in -great numbers, with Redstarts. At Spurn, Sept. 3rd, with some -Redstarts. Oct. 27th, last seen, an old bird. At Great Cotes, -September, first fortnight, very great many. At Northrepps, -Aug. 30th and 31st, great numbers and Redstarts. Altogether -there was a very large immigration on the east coast from the -Farne Islands to Yarmouth the last week in August and early in -September.</p> - -<p><i>Saxicola deserti</i>, Rupp.,<a id="FNanchor_7" href="#Footnote_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a> a fine old male, in perfect summer -plumage, occurred at Heligoland on June 23rd, wind W., calm, -warm. <i>Saxicola leucura</i>, Aug. 11th, E., fine, one, undoubtedly, -but not shot.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_7" href="#FNanchor_7" class="label">[7]</a> It is worthy of note that on the same day a fine example of <i>Papilio -podalirius</i>, the scarce Swallow-tail, was taken on the island. This butterfly -was added to the British list on the authority of Haworth, but no authenticated -British specimen is known: its occurrence on Heligoland adds to the -probability of its capture in England, [<i>Saxicola deserti</i> also occurred at -Alloa, in Scotland, on Nov. 28th, 1880.—J.A.H.B.]</p> - -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Sylviidæ.</span>—Of the small warblers, <i>Hypolais icterina</i>, a fine -male occurred in Heligoland on June 3rd; the same day some -Willow Wrens and one <i>Sylvia viridanus</i>, a fine female, shot in -Mr. Gätke's garden, making the third Heligoland example. On -July 13th, Whitethroats; 24th, young Willow Wrens. On Aug. -24th, great many, also some Whitethroats and Garden Warblers; -27th, Willow Wrens in less numbers, and again in increased -numbers on Sept. 3rd; on the 9th Chiffchaffs commenced -migrating, also a great many Willow Wrens and Whitethroats -came; on the 15th, forenoon, Willow Wrens and Sedge Warblers, -great many in potato-fields; again, on 16th, S.E., calm, sunny, -warm, Willow Wrens, Chiffchaffs and Garden Warblers, great -many, less numbers of Blackcaps; 17th, Willow Wrens, Chiffchaffs -and Garden Warblers, less of the latter; 25th, westerly. -Willow Wrens, and great numbers of Chiffchaffs, Garden Warblers, -Blackcaps and Whitethroats; the same day, <i>P. superciliosus</i>, -one fine bird shot; besides this a large <i>Phylloscopus</i>, with very -conspicuous wing-bar, was seen. Again, on the 26th, another -<i>P. superciliosus</i>, and in the evening many Chiffchaffs, Garden -Warblers and Blackcaps; 27th, Chiffchaffs, Garden Warblers, -Blackcaps and Whitethroats; 28th, some Chiffchaffs; 30th, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_40">-40-</span> -Chiffchaffs, Garden Warblers, one <i>P. superciliosus</i> seen, a grey -<i>Phylloscopus</i> seen, <i>tristis ?</i> Some more Chiffchaffs, with many -other birds, Oct. 8th, and one <i>P. superciliosus</i>; Chiffchaffs again -on 9th, 10th and 11th; 13th, Willow Wrens, great numbers all -this latter time also. After the middle of October the migration -of the <i>Sylviidæ</i> appears to have ceased. At Flamborough a -Willow Wren was caught on the morning after the great storm -on the night of Oct. 28th, and at Spurn on morning of 28th a -female Blackcap was shot by Mr. W. Eagle Clarke.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Golden-crested Wren</span>, <i>Regulus cristatus</i>.—At Heligoland, -Sept. 9th, great many, first comers; 25th, some; 27th, 29th and -30th, some. Oct. 4th, great many; 5th, also many with some -<i>R. ignicapillus</i>, Fire-crested Wrens, first comers; 8th, great many -Golden; 11, also great many; 22nd, daily some. At Longstone -<span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Oct. 22nd, one. At Farne Inner <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Sept. 15th, 9 a.m., -E.N.E., six. Oct. 12th and 13th, several all day. At Coquet -Island <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Oct. 14th, N.W., one. Nov. 9th, 11 p.m., N.W., gale, -one caught on glass. At Flamborough <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Oct. 8th, hundreds -seen. At Spurn <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Sept. 15th, E.N.E., first seen. Oct. 5th -and 7th, plentiful; 15th, about a dozen, one caught; 17th, several; -26th, one seen. At Hasbro' <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 17th, 3 p.m., E.S.E. to -W.N.W., two. At Cockle <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Aug. 18th, one caught on deck. -Oct. 9th and 18th, one each day also. On Suffolk coast, mouth -of Deben, Nov. 1st, Goldcrests. At Kentish Knock <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 1st, -one; 10th, two on board. At Shipwash <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 1st, 6 to 8 p.m., -large numbers to N.W. Dec. 8th, 10 a.m., flock to W.S.W. At -Hanois <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Aug. 14th, o.m., N., Goldcrests, some killed. First -observed at the Guernsey lighthouse, Aug. 14th; last at Coquet -Island, Nov. 9th. Migration extending over eighty-eight days.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Wren</span>, <i>Troglodytes parvulus</i>.—At Farne Inner <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Nov. 23rd, -several. At Whitby <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Sept. 27th, 10 a.m., Wrens with many -other small birds, remaining a few hours and then going south. -At Spurn <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Sept. 21st, one caught on lantern. At Great Cotes, -early in October, many. At East Goodwin <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, 10 a.m., four -from N.W. came on board.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Paridæ.</span>—Oct. 14th, N.W., windy. Great Titmouse (<i>Parus -major</i>), some; Blue Titmouse (<i>P. cæruleus</i>), a great many passed -over in the afternoon of Oct. 10th, N.E., windy; and again a great -many on the 11th, under the same conditions. At Great Cotes, -Oct. 14th, Great Tit, many; Blue, some; and Coal Titmouse -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_41">-41-</span> -(<i>Parus ater</i>), a few. Dec. 9th, <i>P. major</i>, several, "second rush." -Migratory flocks of the Long-tailed Titmouse (<i>Acredula rosea</i>) -occurred near Cromer in October.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Motacillidæ.</span>—At Heligoland, Aug. 27th, Blue-headed and -White Wagtails (<i>Motacilla flava</i> and <i>alba</i>), great many young -birds. Sept. 1st, <i>M. flava</i>, pretty large numbers with other birds, -all restless, passing over; 9th, E., fine. Yellow Wagtail, <i>Budytes</i> -(<i>M. Raii</i>), great many; 15th, forenoon, <i>M. flava</i>, astounding -numbers, late in afternoon in great flights overhead, going north -to south; 27th, <i>M. alba</i>, some. The only migration of Wagtails -over Heligoland in August and September, with one exception, -appears to have been confined to these two well-known European -species—the Blue-headed and White Wagtails of the Continent. -The Grey Wagtail (<i>M. sulphurea</i>) was first observed at Great -Cotes first week in October, and on Norfolk Coast, Sept. 25th.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Tree Pipit</span>, <i>Anthus trivialis</i>.—At Heligoland, Aug. 22nd, young -birds; 23rd, same; 24th, same, but less numbers; 26th, Meadow -Pipit (<i>A. pratensis</i>), great many (oftentimes with smart breeze), -also many Tree Pipits; 31st, Richard's Pipit (<i>A. Richardi</i>), one. -Sept. 1st, Tree Pipits, pretty large numbers; 9th, E., fine. Tree -and Meadow Pipits, great many, and two <i>A. Richardi</i> seen; 15th, -forenoon, Richard's Pipit, some, once seven together, none shot; -late in afternoon. Meadow Pipits, great flights. Tree Pipits less; -16th, Tawny Pipit (<i>A. campestris</i>), two; 27th, Meadow Pipits, -a few. Oct. 6th, Meadow Pipits with Larks in great flights passing -overhead. At Coquet <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, October, 9 a.m., half a score Titlarks. -At Spurn, Sept. 6th, migrating with Swallows, but in separate -flocks, bents full of Titlarks arriving from sea, came from N.E., -wind W. At Leman and Ower <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 13th, Titlarks, numbers -on board, fifteen caught. At Swin Middle <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Aug. 29th, 6 p.m., -two Titlarks and six species of small birds on board, left for W. -At Casquets <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Aug. 18th, 2 a.m., about fifty struck. Sept. 6th, -midnight to 3 a.m., twenty struck. Rock Pipit (<i>A. obscurus</i>), -Sept. 28th, first seen on Lincolnshire coast; Sept. 22nd, on -Norfolk coast.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Shore Lark</span>, <i>Otocorys alpestris</i>.—At Heligoland, Oct. 4th, about -twenty; 5th and 6th, some; 17th, twenty to forty; 19th, great -many; 20th, flights from twenty to one hundred; 21st, great -many; 23rd, still larger flights; 26th, a few. Also great numbers -in November and up to Dec. 18th; on Nov. 15th, thousands, in -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_42">-42-</span> -flights of hundreds. On the English coast the occurrences of the -Shore Lark have been numerous. At Farne Islands, one shot in -the autumn. At Scarborough, Mr. Roberts states that since the -severe weather in January, 1881, Shore Larks in small flocks have -visited the coast, and several have been shot and taken to him. -At Spurn, Dec. 12th, flock of thirteen seen. My informant, who -is well acquainted with the bird, says, "resting apparently as -I was within six yards of them." At Skegness, Lincolnshire coast, -last week in October, eight shot. Near Bedford, Oct. 28th, several -seen, two shot ('Field,' Nov. 6, 1880). On Norfolk coast a flock -at Blakeney, which remained near the place for two months, and -others near Yarmouth. At Dover two procured in December.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Sky Lark</span>, <i>Alauda arvensis</i>.—The entrances of the migration -of the Sky Lark at the East Coast stations are far too numerous -to note separately. In many cases they occupy a large portion -of the returned schedules, and individually far outnumber any -other species. At Heligoland the migration commenced Sept. 25th, -already great many overhead; 27th, 9 to 10 p.m., passing. Oct. 5th, -morning, great many; 6th, afternoon, great flights overhead; -19th, late in forenoon, great flights passing on; 20th, with Starlings, -hundreds of thousands passing overhead and over the sea; -21st, same; 27th considerable passage in the night; 28th, many -thousands over the sea; and after this in flights through November -and December. On our East Coast they are noticed at thirty-one -of the stations making returns, from the Farne Islands to the -Casquets, Alderney. At Farne Island <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Sept. 30th to Oct. 31st. -At Coquet <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Dec. 19th. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 25th -to Nov. 21st. On Oct. 24th, all day, "great rush." Nov. 21st, -"second rush." At Teesmouth, Oct. 6th to 30th. At Whitby -<span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Oct. 14th to Nov. 23rd. At Flamborough in October. At -Spurn <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Sept. 15th to Jan. 13th. At Spurn <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 6th to -27th—from 9th to 15th every day continuous. At Great Cotes, -September, last week, every day and on to Nov. 4th. At Outer -Dowsing <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 13th to Dec. 6th; "great rush," Oct. 13th to -end of month; "second rush," Nov. 12th. At Inner Dowsing -<span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 27th to Jan. 4th. At Dudgeon <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 4th to Dec. 15th; -"great rush," Oct. 17th and 20th, and night of 27th. At Lynn -Well <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 5th to 23rd, on seven days great numbers; 11th, -12th and 13th, continuous during day ("great rush"); after this, -from Oct. 23rd to Jan. 3rd, in less numbers. On Jan. 1st, 2nd -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_43">-43-</span> -and 3rd, with Knot; sixteen Larks and fifteen Knots killed against -lantern. At Hunstanton <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Oct. 8th, great many. At Cromer -<span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Sept. 20th to Jan. 2nd, eleven struck and killed. At Leman -and Ower <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 28th to Oct. 27th, on eleven days, day and -night; Oct. 23rd, 26th and 27th, "great rush." At Hasbro' <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, -Sept. 1st to Oct. 22nd. At Hasbro' <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Sept. 13th to Dec. 27th, -thirty killed. At Newarp <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 24th to Oct. 17th. At Cockle -<span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 27th to Oct. 22nd; Oct. 11th and 22nd, continuous. -At Corton <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 7th to Nov. 7th; Oct. 22nd, continuous. At -Galloper <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 9th to Nov. 11th, on seventeen days in large -flocks, up to five hundred in a flock; Oct. 31st, 11 p.m., half a -gale, thirty killed; Nov. 2nd, 10 p.m. to sunrise, about same -number, and many on night of 6th, with other birds. At Kentish -Knock <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, only on Oct. 17th. At Shipwash <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 18th, -Oct. 4th and 8th, Nov. 22nd; all day, continuous on Oct. 4th. -At Swin Middle <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 21st to Jan. 12th. At Tongue <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, -Sept. 27th to Oct. 30th; "rush," Oct. 22nd. On Sept. 27th, hazy, -fifty in ship round lantern at 11 p.m.; when stars came out they -left. At Goodwin <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 27th to Nov. 7th. At Gull <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, -Oct. 18th to Nov. 2nd. At South-sand Head <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Aug. 27th to -Nov. 9th. At East Goodwin <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 8th to Jan. 12th. Enormous -numbers crossed at these four Goodwin Stations. At Casquets -<span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Oct. 2nd, 11 p.m. to 2 a.m., sixty killed.</p> - -<p>The migration of the Lark was carried on all hours of day and -night in all weathers from Aug. 27th to Jan. 12th. The "great -rush" took place during the last fortnight in October, more -crossing probably on the 22nd than any other day, and at Heligoland -on 20th and 21st. A "second rush" a month later, on or -about Nov. 21st, and a "third rush" on the outbreak of severe -weather in the second week in January this year. General line -of direction E. to W., sometimes N.E. to S.W., but generally, like -the majority of immigrants this season, with a strong trend from -points south of east. It is remarkable, as shown by the returns, -how frequently Larks are associated in migration with Starlings, -either in separate flocks or together; in fact, the two species -seem to be inseparable. In a large majority of instances these -two meadow-feeders are associated as if impelled to migrate by a -common cause.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Wood Lark</span>, <i>Alauda arborea</i>.—At Heligoland, Sept. 28th, -four.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_44">-44-</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Snow Bunting</span>, <i>Plectrophanes nivalis</i>.—At Heligoland, Sept. -17th, a few first arrivals; Oct. 20th, great many; 20th and 26th, -a few; Nov. 20th, still great numbers, but very few old birds. -At Farne Inner <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Oct. 28th to Dec. 20th; "rush," Nov. 16th, -and again Dec. 20th. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, from Nov. 7th -to the end of month, nearly on every day, immense numbers -passed; all came from N., and were going S.W. At Flamborough, -Oct. 8th, first seen; Jan. 13th, great many flocks. At Spurn <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, -third week in October, a few; 29th, many, after great gale from -E. and N.E. At Great Cotes, early in November,—1st to 5th,—many; -24th, enormous flocks. At Yarmouth, middle of October. -At Harwich, Oct. 30th, many in Orwell river; Nov. 4th, first -flock seen near Dovercourt (Zool., 1881, p. 26). None are recorded -from stations south of Harwich. The flocks consisted mainly of -the young of the year and old females; very few old male birds. -The immigration of Snow Buntings on to the north-easterly -coasts in four distinct rushes, <i>viz.</i>, at the end of October, in -November, December, and January, has been attended with -corresponding depressions of the barometer and outbursts of -Arctic weather, <i>viz.</i>, the great gale E. to N.E., Oct. 28th, with -heavy snow in Scotland; Nov. 18th to 20th, sharp frosts and -heavy snow-storms; Dec. 14th and 15th, the same; and Jan. -11th and 12th, same. Mr. Gätke has observed for some years a -very marked decrease in the number of Snow Buntings crossing -Heligoland. There has been a very great increase in the number -arriving on our east coast for the last six or seven winters, and it -is probable that, like the Shore Lark and other Arctic birds, the -line of migration now runs further to the west than formerly.</p> - -<p>Other <i>Emberizinæ</i> occurred as follows:—At Heligoland, -Oct. 11th, Ortolan Bunting, <i>Emberiza hortulana</i>, many young; -24th, same; Sept. 1st, pretty large numbers; 8th and 9th, -many; 15th, great many in potato-lands; 29th, Reed Bunting, -<i>E. schœniclus</i>, many; Oct. 4th, great many; 6th, same; -8th, great many; 11th, same. Yellow Bunting, <i>E. citrinella</i>, -28th, many; and same and Corn Buntings up to Nov. 20th, few -old birds. Little Bunting, <i>E. pusilla</i>, Sept. 26th, one; 30th, -one; Oct. 11th, one. On the east coast of England, at Great -Cotes, Sept. 30th, <i>E. schœniclus</i>, many. At Spurn, Oct. 26th, a -few seen. At South-sand Head <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Aug. 29th, four to south.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Chaffinch</span>, <i>Fringilla cœlebs</i>.—At Heligoland, Sept. 17th, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_45">-45-</span> -great many beginning to pass; 25th, enormous numbers passing -on high overhead in a westerly direction; 26th, hundreds of -thousands high overhead; 27th, some; 28th, thousands so high -overhead that they cannot be seen, only their call-notes heard, -all day long; Oct. 6th, 7th, and 8th, great many; 11th, same; -27th, still many passing. Great numbers have also arrived on -the east coast; they are noticed at fourteen stations, from the -Farne Islands to the Goodwins. At Farne Inner <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Sept. 1st, -2 a.m., one killed against glass, S.W., misty. At Whitby <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, -Sept. 27th, "Finches," "great rush," with many other species. -At Great Cotes, Oct. 13th, very large flocks of females and young -of the year about this date. At Dudgeon <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 16th, one male -caught on deck; 28th, same; Dec. 5th, one same, going W. At -Lynn Well <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 5th and 23rd, many S.E. to N.W.; 25th, in -smaller flocks to N.W. At Northrepps, Oct. 13th, Mr. J. H. Gurney -saw a huge flock in a stubble-field on the cliff, which he thinks must -have come in from the sea. At Leman and Ower <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 19th, 8 to -12 p.m., o.m., six caught on deck. At Newarp <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, 2 to 3 p.m., -Oct. 6th, 14th, and 18th, each day to S.W. At Cockle <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. -6th, two on board caught. At Corton <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, 7 p.m., several -males alighted on deck; 15th, 6 p.m., one male caught. At -Galloper <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 9th to Nov. 6th, on several days, sometimes -with Larks, twelve Larks, nine Chaffinches killed night of Oct. -9th, o.m., heavy rain. At Kentish Knock <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 7th, two at -sunrise to S.W.; 15th, two, male and female, caught; 17th, -W.S.W., three or four hundred very high to S.W. At Swin -Middle <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span> Sept. 18th, sunrise to 10 a.m., Chaffinches with -Linnets to W. At Gull <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 28th, 9 to 11 a.m., continuous -flocks of Linnets, Starlings, Chaffinches, and Mountain Sparrows -to W., many of each on deck. The main immigration of the -Chaffinch was from the middle of September to end of October, -the bulk of the immigrants crossing south of Yarmouth. The -"great rush" on or about Oct. 13th.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Brambling</span>, <i>Fringilla montifringilla</i>.—At Heligoland, Sept. -25th, many; 27th, some; Oct. 8th, great many; and on 27th, -still more, and also good many throughout November. On the -English coast few have been observed. At Flamborough, Jan. -13th, some large flocks. At Leman and Ower <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 6th, one -male caught.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Tree Sparrow</span>, <i>Passer montanus</i>.—None are recorded as -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_46">-46-</span> -passing Heligoland. On our east coast they were observed at -eleven stations, but none are recorded north of Spurn. In -North-east Lincolnshire, Oct. 13th, very large flocks were seen -about this date. At Dudgeon <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 5th, "Sparrows" to W. -At Newarp <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 25th, six going W. by N. At Corton <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, -Oct. 7th, several alighted on ship for a short time, going E. to W. -At Kentish Knock <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 9th, seven on board till squall had -passed. At Shipwash <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Nov. 28th, flocks to N.N.W. At -Tongue <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 28th, 11 a.m., o.m., about one hundred -Sparrows on masthead; Oct. 24th, twenty to W. at noon. At -North Foreland <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, from October to third week in December, -hundreds "mixed" were seen. At Goodwin <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 28th to -Nov. 5th, on five days, often with Larks to W. At Gull <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, -Sept. 28th, continuous with other birds from 9 to 11 a.m. to W.; -Oct. 16th, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., continuous to W. At East -Goodwin <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 25th, Oct. 9th, and 11th, flocks flying about -ship; 17th, flock from N.W. to S.E.; Jan. 8th, about one -hundred from W. to E. towards French coast. From Sept. 25th -to Nov. 28th, the majority passing across at the most southern -stations the four lightships on the Goodwin Sands. It is possible -that some of the entries of "Sparrows," where not distinctly -specified, may refer to the Common Sparrow, which is now -recognised as a regular immigrant.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">House Sparrow</span>, <i>Passer domesticus</i>.—At Heligoland, Mr. -Gätke says, "Up towards the end of July all young Sparrows -disappeared from the island," and "up to middle of September -nearly all old Sparrows had also quitted the island." Oct. 10th, -"Sparrows latterly influx," from which it appears that the local -Sparrows leave, the young first, then the old, and their place is -taken by a fresh arrival. At Spurn, last week in Nov., Mr. -Hewetson saw an immense flock—hundreds upon hundreds—on -the shore, evidently quite fresh arrivals; amongst them was -a Reed Bunting. At Outer Dowsing <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 26th, 5 p.m., -twenty House Sparrows came on board, travelling from S.E. to -N.W.; and on Oct. 2nd, at 4 p.m., eight going E.S.E. to W. -At Kentish Knock <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 10th, one Common Sparrow; and on -12th, two, till squall had passed, then to S.W. At Casquets <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, -Alderney, Oct. 13th to 17th, at midnight, Common Sparrows -with Thrushes, Blackbirds, Starlings, and Wood Pigeons, to -English coast.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_47">-47-</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Greenfinch</span>, <i>Coccothraustes chloris</i>.—At Heligoland, Oct. 27th, -many; Nov. 20th, great many. At Corton <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 31st, one, -a male, caught.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Goldfinch</span>, <i>Carduelis elegans</i>.—At Heligoland, Oct. 27th, -some; also through November and December; on Dec. 17th, -great many. At Great Cotes, some small flocks in North-east -Lincolnshire in October and November, more than have been -seen for many years. On Suffolk coast, mouth of Deben, Nov. -1st, seven.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Siskin</span>, <i>Carduelis spinus</i>.—At Heligoland, Sept. 16th, a.m., -"flights in my garden of (say) fifty; p.m., flights of hundreds"; -17th, "hundreds of thousands"—"flights like clouds"; 25th, -many; Oct. 7th, great many; 27th, many still passing; Nov. -4th, W., still some flights. On English coast of Spurn, Oct. -27th, small flock seen. At Northrepps, Sept. 16th, seen by Mr. -J. H. Gurney. Have also been reported as more plentiful than -usual in other parts of country.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lesser Redpole</span>, <i>Linota rufescens</i>.—In Lincolnshire there -were very considerable numbers in our east coast marshes early -in October; in one instance, on the 7th, I saw a flock of two -hundred in a stubble-field near the coast. At Spurn, Oct. 28th, -Mr. Wm. Eagle Clarke saw a flock near Kilnsea.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Linnet</span>, <i>Linota cannabina</i>.—At Heligoland, Oct. 4th, great -many, first comers; 6th, some; 28th, with Twites, great many. -On the English coast, Whitby <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 27th, with many others. -At Corton <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 5th, one E. to W. At Swin Middle <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, -Sept. 18th, sunrise to 10 a.m., with Chaffinches to W.; and on -previous day, Sept. 17th, all day to N.N.W. with Swallows. At -Gull <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 26th to Oct. 25th, on six days with other birds to -W. and S.W.; continuous all day on Oct. 24th and 25th. At -South-sand Head <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 18th and 21st, Linnets with others -all day; 26th, all day with others to W. and N.W. Immense -numbers appear to have crossed from Oct. 1st to 26th at the -stations off the Essex and Kent coasts; none, or very few only, -at stations north of this.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Twite</span>, <i>Linota flavirostris</i>.—Is not recorded on the English -coast. At Heligoland, Oct. 16th, many passed, first comers; -and on 17th, great many; 20th, great many; and on 25th, 26th, -and 27th, lesser flights; 28th, many with Linnets.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bullfinch</span>, <i>Pyrrhula europæa</i>.—At Heligoland, Oct. 7th, one, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_48">-48-</span> -young; 8th, one, young, in garden; 10th, some; 11th, a few; -19th, some; 25th, a few; and through November and December -in small parties of ten to twelve; have not been seen on the -island for ever so many years. At Spurn, some were seen last -week in November; and during the last fortnight in the same -month, many in North-east Lincolnshire. Mr. J. H. Gurney, -writing from Reigate, Jan. 4th, 1881, says, "There are more -Bullfinches in this part of Surrey than I think I ever saw." -Extraordinary numbers were seen in Mayo and Sligo, Ireland, in -the last autumn and winter (See 'Zoologist,' 1881, p. 133).</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Crossbill</span>, <i>Loxia curvirostra</i>.—At Heligoland, Oct. 7th, one -young bird.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Starling</span>, <i>Sturnus vulgaris</i>.—Next to the Lark, this species -undoubtedly takes the second rank numerically amongst the -migrants. The young birds crossed Heligoland in large numbers -from June 15th to July 5th. The old birds beginning to move -about Sept. 11th, and from that time to Oct. 27th, enormous -numbers passed. On the English coast they are recorded at -twenty-five stations, from the Longstone to the Hanois <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, -Guernsey. At Longstone <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Nov. 19th, large flocks to W. -At Farne Inner <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Sept. 30th, to Nov. 13th (Oct. 15th, rush), -when they passed all day westward. At Coquet <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Oct. 1st -and 11th. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Nov. 27th, large flocks -from S.E. to N.W. At Whitby <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, July 23rd, one hundred -young birds to S. At Flamborough <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, great numbers in -November. At Spurn <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Oct. 14th to Nov. 27th, Oct. 23rd and -24th, and Nov. 27th to 30th, all day from N. to S. At Spurn <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, -Oct. 17th, thirty came on board; 27th, Starlings and Larks; two -dozen caught going S. At Inner Dowsing <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Jan. 4th, one -dead on deck at sunrise. At Hunstanton <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Oct. 8th, 4 a.m., -o.m., rain, E., hundreds with Larks round light, fifteen killed. -At Cromer <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Jan. 3rd, 1881, 3 a.m., one killed. At Leman -and Ower <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 28th and 29th, and Oct. 19th, during night; -At Hasboro' <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Sept. 13th and 14th, 11 p.m. to midnight, with -Larks, twenty stunned, young birds; 27th, midnight, four killed, -young; Dec. 27th, midnight, with Larks and Blackbirds. At -Newarp <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 13th to 25th, on three days to W. At Corton -<span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 27th, Oct. 4th, and Nov. 17th, E. to W. At Galloper -<span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 13th to Nov. 11th, nearly every day large flocks going -N.W., day and night, sometimes alone, at others with Larks and -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_49">-49-</span> -small birds. At Kentish Knock <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 8th, 10th, and 13th, -to W.S.W., with Larks and many other birds. At Shipwash <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, -Sept. 21st to Nov. 23rd, on several days, sometimes with Larks -N. and N.W. At Swin Middle <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Aug. 28th, flocks to W. with -other birds; and Oct. 30th, to W. with Larks. At South-sand -Head <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 10th, continuous with others; also on 17th, 18th, -22nd, and 26th, to W. At East Goodwin <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 24th and -25th, hazy, flocks about ship with Sparrows on 25th; Oct. 16th, -hundreds E. to W. At Casquets <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Oct. 13th to 17th, -midnight, rain. Starlings amongst other birds to N.W. At -Hanois <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Guernsey, Aug. 14th, night, with many others; -Dec. 2nd, midnight, o.m., half a dozen struck. The young -migrate first; the old in October and November. Have -crossed in the greatest number at the more southern stations, -travelling all hours of the day and night in westerly and north-westerly -directions; constantly associated with Larks in their -migrations. The majority crossed from Oct. 19th to 26th. Again -there was a "second rush" near the end of November, and a -third the second week in January, before the outbreak of severe -weather.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Rose-coloured Starling</span>, <i>Pastor roseus</i>.—At Heligoland, -Sept. 17th, one, a young bird, occurred.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Grey Crow</span>, <i>Corvus cornix</i>.—At Heligoland, Sept. 24th, -commencing with flocks of thirty to forty, and passing at -intervals to end of October, sometimes in immense numbers; -Oct. 7th, towards evening an enormous flight, during night fifty -caught by lanterns; and after this passing in smaller numbers -to Nov. 2nd. On the English coast they were noticed at seventeen -stations, extending from the Farne Islands to the mouth of -the Thames. At Farne Inner <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Oct. 21st to Nov. 20th, to W. -At Teesmouth 5 Buoy <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 10th, two E. to W.; Oct. 12th, -great many E.S.E. to W.N.W. At Teesmouth, Sept. 25th, two -seen; Oct. 16th and 20th, many. At Whitby <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Oct. 24th and -26th, with Blackbirds at daylight. At Flamborough <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Oct. -8th, enormous numbers seen. At Spurn, Oct. 12th to Nov. 9th, -great many. At Great Cotes, Oct. 9th, 5.30 p.m., gale from N.E., -large flock came in, travelling from E. to W., very high. At -Lynn Well, <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 10th to 14th, continuous every day from S. -to N.W.; again 22nd and 23rd, all day S.E. to N.W. At -Hunstanton <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Oct. 10th, 11th, and 12th, many E. to W., -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_50">-50-</span> -wind E.N.E. At Northrepps, Oct. 13th, many to N.W. At -Leman and Ower <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 21st, 5 p.m., to N.W. At Cockle <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, -Oct. 11th, continuous to W.N.W., and E.N.E. At Corton <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, -Oct. 10th, very high, E. to W., wind E.N.E.; 11th, continuous -9 a.m. to noon. At mouth of Deben, Oct. 29th to Nov. 1st, in -numbers. At Galloper <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 24th to Nov. 9th, many flocks. -At Shipwash <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 12th, 30th, and Nov. 3rd, flocks N.W. and -N.N.W. At Swin Middle <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 22nd, noon to 3 p.m., with -Rooks. At South-sand Head <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 16th, ten "Crows" to -N.W.—may have been <i>Corvus corone</i>; Nov. 4th, two hundred -Crows to N.W. The majority of the Hooded Crows arrived from -Oct. 8th to 23rd, the greatest number on any given day probably -on the 11th. The main body passed on to the east coast between -Flamborough and Yarmouth, with northerly and easterly winds, -and travelling from E. to W., N.E. to S.W., and S.E. and S. -to N.W.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Rook</span>, <i>Corvus frugilegus</i>.—Enormous as have been the number -of Crows crossing the North Sea the Rook has probably quite -equalled them. None were noticed at Heligoland, or indeed at -any station north of the Humber; but from Spurn to the Southsand -Head they are recorded at sixteen stations, from Oct. 10th -to Nov. 12th, the greatest number crossing undoubtedly on Oct. -21st, and the majority during the autumn at the more southern -stations. Comparing the immigration of the Grey Crow with the -Rook we find that the former crossed more to the north than the -latter did. Thus Grey Crows are recorded from the Farnes to -the mouth of the Thames: the majority into Holderness, Lincolnshire -and Norfolk; the Rooks from Spurn to the South Foreland, -the majority into the southern counties. Each, however, came -from, and travelled to, the same points of the compass—E. to -W., or N.E. to S.W., or S.E. and S. to S.W.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Daw</span>, <i>Corvus monedula</i>.—At Great Cotes, Oct. 19th, several, -with Rooks, coming in from the sea. At Northrepps, Oct. 14th, -going N.W. At Galloper <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 17th, 7.45 a.m., Rooks and -Daws, three to four hundred.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jay</span>, <i>Garrulus glandarius</i>.—Nil Return. There was, however, -a considerable influx into North-east Lincolnshire on or about -the last week in October.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Pie</span>, <i>Pica rustica</i>.—At Northrepps, Oct. 17th, Mr. J. H. -Gurney observed two high up, going E.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_51">-51-</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Swallow</span>, <i>Hirundo rustica</i>.—At Heligoland, Sept. 16th, -passing S. At Farne Inner <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Oct. 1st, several all day. At -Coquet <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, July 10th, numbers; Sept. 20th, 6 p.m., four. At -Teesmouth 5 Buoy <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, July 27th, 6 to 7.30 p.m., wind S.W., -moderate, six large flocks, fifty to sixty each, north to south; -Sept. 15th, 4 p.m., large flocks to S. At Whitby <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Sept. 22nd, -4 p.m., last seen going S. At Flamborough <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Sept. 17th, -midday, great many. At Spurn <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Sept. 6th, all day young -Swallows passing along Spurn promontory towards S., each flock -followed by Pipits. At Hunstanton <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 28th, large flock -on lighthouse. At Leman and Ower <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, July 29th, 6 a.m., -numbers passed, some alighting on board, one struck and killed. -At Hasboro' <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Sept. 1st, 2 a.m., fog, flock, several caught as -they beat against lantern. At Winterton <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Sept. 3rd to 9th, -round lantern every day. At Swin Middle <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 15th, all -day to N.W.; 17th, with Linnets all day to N.N.W.; 18th, -sunrise to 9 a.m., two hundred to W. At North Foreland <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, -July 28th, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., passing; 29th, six passed; Swallows -also in numbers from five to forty were seen flying round lantern -during the last week in September. At South-sand Head <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, -Sept. 23rd, twelve to W, At Casquets <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Oct. 7th, from -11 p.m. to 3 a.m., S.S.E., rain. Swallows, Landrails, Water -Rails, Woodcocks, King Ouzels, and Common Thrushes were seen -round light; amongst the birds striking the glass were one hundred -Swallows. At Hanois <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Guernsey, Sept. 30th, a flight passed -south. Swallows were noticed migrating at fifteen stations on -the east coast and in the Channel from July 10th, at Coquet -Island, to Oct. 7th, at the Casquets, the greater part in -September. Migrate both by day and night, and in very -considerable flocks; general direction north to south, but at Swin -Middle <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, S.E. to N.W. Swallows remained very late in the -autumn of the past year in some localities. In North-east -Lincolnshire, Nov. 9th, a pair seen. In Essex, Nov. 4th. In -'The Zoologist' for 1881, p. 62, the editor records the late stay -of the Swallow at eight stations, all southern ones except Dublin, -from Nov. 22nd to Dec. 11th. It is rather remarkable that, in -North-east Germany, Swallows are recorded in the German -newspapers as taking their departure nearly a month before the -average time.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Martin</span>, <i>Chelidon urbica</i>.—At Heligoland, Sept. 1st, with -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_52">-52-</span> -Swifts passing on overhead, N.W., clear, little wind, warm. At -Outer Dowsing <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 21st, sunset, two flying round lantern. -At mouth of Deben, Nov. 1st, many Martins and Sand Martins -seen. At South-sand Head <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 1st, twelve to S. One -was seen at Henley-on-Thames on Dec. 18th (Zool., 1881, p. 62).</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Swift</span>, <i>Cypselus apus</i>.—At Heligoland, June 1st, some -passing; Sept. 1st, passing on overhead; 16th, great many. -At Whitby <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Sept. 16th, 4 p.m., flock to S. At Spurn <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Aug. -27th, 6.30 a.m., great number to S.; Sept. 6th, again migrating; -on June 7th, at 7 p.m., fifty were seen perched on gallery of -lighthouse. At Cockle <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, July 11th, two to N.W. Very few -have been observed in comparison with the enormous flight -which passed up the coast in the autumn of 1879.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Nightjar</span>, <i>Caprimulgus europæus</i>.—At Hasborough <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. -24th, 10 p.m., one killed against lantern. Occurs every year at -Spurn in the autumn as a migrant.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Cuckoo</span>, <i>Cuculus canorus</i>.—At Heligoland, June 3rd, one old -bird. At Whitby <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, July 4th, one caught, a young bird. At -Spurn, Sept. 7th, one seen, young. At Cromer <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, July 28th, -midnight, stunned.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Wryneck</span>, <i>Jynx torquilla</i>.—At Heligoland, Aug. 13th, one -young bird.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Hoopoe</span>, <i>Upupa epops</i>.—One recorded in the 'Field' of Nov. -6th as shot at Redcar, middle of September. At Bridlington, -Sept. 15th, one. At Holt, Norfolk, Sept. 22nd, one, a male, in a -turnip-field. At Woodham Mortimer, Essex, one shot Sept. 20th. -At Crofton, near Wakefield, Oct. 29th, one shot and another seen.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bee-eater</span>, <i>Merops apiaster</i>.—At Tetney Haven, seven miles -S. of Grimsby, one on Aug. 16th (Zool., 1880, p. 511).</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Great Spotted Woodpecker</span>, <i>Picus major</i>.—At Spurn, Oct. -27th, one shot, a few red feathers on the crown of the head, and -in an advanced state of moult. At Great Cotes, Dec. 8th, one.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">King Dove</span> or <span class="smcap">Wood Pigeon</span>, <i>Columba palumbus</i>.—At -Heligoland, Sept. 25th, twenty to thirty. At Tongue <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Dec. -30th, 2.30 p.m., nine "Pigeons" going N. At Casquets <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, -Oct. 13th to 17th, midnight, Wood Pigeons from French to -English coast going N.W.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Turtle Dove</span>, <i>Turtur communis</i>.—At Flamborough, first week -in October, one. At Great Cotes, Oct. 8th, N.E. gale and rain, one -seen. At Casquets, Sept. 7th, 10 p.m. to 3 a.m., fifteen striking.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_53">-53-</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Golden Plover</span>, <i>Charadrius pluvialis</i>.—At Heligoland, July -3rd, E., passing over day and night in great numbers; 4th, -about twenty young birds; 23rd and 24th, young birds; Aug. -10th, flights of hundreds, all young; 12th and 13th, northerly, -fine, many high overhead; Sept. 3rd, great number of waders -during night; 8th and 9th, great many; 16th, a.m., flights of -dozens, p.m. flights of hundreds; Oct. 28th, many thousands -over sea. At Farne Inner <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Aug. 12th to 28th, flocks to and -from land every day; Nov. 23rd and 24th, all day. At Coquet -Island <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Nov. 21st and Dec. 10th, all day. At Teesmouth, -Sept. 25th, twenty seen. At Spurn <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Sept. 5th, flocks -"Plover" N. to S. during day. At Great Cotes, Dec. 9th, -immense flights, old birds. At Dudgeon <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Aug. 7th, 3 a.m. -to midnight, in small parties, general direction W.; 25th, -some; Oct. 28th, about one hundred to W. None at southern -stations.<a id="FNanchor_8" href="#Footnote_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a> The young birds of the year migrate across Heligoland -as early as the first week in July, and so on into August. The -old birds later and in separate flocks. The migration of old birds -as seen at Spurn going towards the north is exceptional, the rule -on the east coast being a few old black-breasted birds in August -and September, often with Lapwings, then flocks of young birds, -and later in November the "great rush" of old birds.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_8" href="#FNanchor_8" class="label">[8]</a> My friend Major Seddon, of Waltham, informs me that, when at Spurn -with his yacht, on the night of Aug. 22nd, he saw thousands of Golden -Plover passing north along the sea-shore in detached flocks, flying in lines -and arrow-heads; he was near enough to see that the upper parts were -speckled with the "golden drop," and the under parts mottled black and -white, as if changing from the summer to the winter dress.</p> - -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Grey Plover</span>, <i>Squatarola helvetica</i>.—At Heligoland, June 15th, -16th, and 17th, repeatedly; not mentioned afterwards in report. -At Spurn <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, July 25th, three on the muds; Aug. 29th, two. -On Essex coast, Aug. 14th, Major Russell saw a flock or two, all -having black breasts. The young arrive in August and September; -old birds later in October and November; a few old -birds having black or mottled breasts are often seen in July or -early in August. Some birds of the previous year, or in their -second summer, sometimes remain on the coast during the -summer.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lapwing</span>, <i>Vanellus vulgaris</i>.—At Heligoland, July 3rd, with -many others high overhead, day and night; 4th, in astounding -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_54">-54-</span> -numbers with Curlews. At Farne Inner <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Aug. 12th to 28th, -with Golden Plovers to and from land daily. At Coquet Island -<span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Nov. 16th to Dec. 30th, on several days; "rush," Nov. 21st -and Dec. 10th. At Spurn <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Sept. 5th, flocks N. to S. during -day. At Great Cotes, Oct. 20th, gale from N., flocks E. to W. -At Outer Dowsing <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, June 21st, two came on board; left at -9 a.m. for W. At Dudgeon <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Aug. 7th, 3 a.m. to midnight, -"Plovers," small parties, general direction W. At Lynn Well -<span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Nov. 7th and 23rd, Dec. 20th and 29th, S.E. to N.W. At -Hasboro' <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Nov. 15th, Gulls and Plovers to S.; Dec. 17th, -"Plovers" to S. At Cockle <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, July 10th, two Lapwings to -N.W. At Galloper <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 28th, 9.20 a.m., thirty "Pewit" to -N.W. At Swin Middle <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 20th, "six birds like Crows."<a id="FNanchor_9" href="#Footnote_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a> -At Casquets <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Oct. 7th, 12 p.m., flock to N.W. Appear to -have crossed at irregular times, and at some stations in considerable -numbers; from July 3rd, at Heligoland, to the end of -December, at Lynn Well and Coquet Island.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_9" href="#FNanchor_9" class="label">[9]</a> To which my correspondent quaintly adds in a note, "the six birds like -Crows which passed on the 20th, cried 'pee-weet' as they passed."</p> - -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Dotterel</span>, <i>Eudromias morinellus</i>.—At Heligoland, July 24th, -one shot. At Teesmouth, a dozen seen about middle of September. -Very rarely observed at British stations during the -autumn migration.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ringed Plover</span>, <i>Ægialitis hiaticula</i>,—At Heligoland, July 1st, -great many with Redshanks the whole day passing on high -overhead; 3rd, same, day and night; 5th, same. At Swin -Middle <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, very large flocks of "Ox-birds"<a id="FNanchor_10" href="#Footnote_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a> passed, going N.W., -in October, November, December, and January.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_10" href="#FNanchor_10" class="label">[10]</a> Dunlin ?</p> - -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Oystercatcher</span>, <i>Hæmatopus ostralegus</i>.—At Coquet <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Aug. -16th, N.E., great numbers all day. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, -Aug. 16th, flock of "Mussel-crackers." At Hunstanton <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, -from Aug. 2nd for several weeks, large flocks of Oystercatchers -and Curlews passing S.W. at ebb, returning E. at flood.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Dusky Redshank</span>, <i>Totanus fascus</i>.—At Heligoland, June 15th, -16th, and 17th, repeatedly. Redshank, <i>T. calidris</i>, July 1st, -great many whole day passing high overhead, and on 3rd, day -and night, with many others; 5th, also many; Aug. 10th, one -Dusky Redshank, a young bird; shot; Sept. 3rd, night, great -many <i>Totani</i> and <i>Tringæ</i>; Sept. 8th, great many also.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_55">-55-</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Knot</span>, <i>Tringa canutus</i>.—At Teesmouth 5 Buoy <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 10th, -first seen. At Teesmouth, July 30th, ten or twelve old birds. -At Spurn, July 24th, one, an old male, in somewhat faded -plumage, killed against telegraph-wire. At Great Cotes, Aug. -16th, large flocks of young birds in the Humber; November, first -week, old birds. At Lynn Well <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Jan. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd (1881), -9 p.m. to midnight. Knots with Larks, fifteen killed.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Curlew Sandpiper</span>, <i>Tringa subarquata</i>.—At Heligoland, July -4th, some few.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Purple Sandpiper</span>, <i>Tringa striata</i>.—Several in October and -November at Spurn, also on Lincolnshire and Norfolk coasts.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Temminck's Stint</span>, <i>Tringa Temmincki</i>.—Sept. 29th, seen on -North Norfolk coast.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Sanderling</span>, <i>Calidris arenaria</i> At Spurn, Aug. 16th, in -small flocks, young birds. In September and October, first -fortnight very numerous, afterwards less.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Grey Phalarope</span>, <i>Phalaropus fulicarius</i>,—On Lincolnshire -coast, Oct. 21st, one, a female. At Harwich river, Nov. 17th, -one seen.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Woodcock</span>, <i>Scolopax ruisticula</i>.—At Heligoland, Sept. 25th, -six to eight shot; 29th, some; Oct. 15th, six to eight; 16th, -afternoon, about twenty shot; 21st, N.E. and N.N.E., stormy, -some with Blackbirds; 22nd, S.W., squally, very great many -flying about, seventy to eighty shot; Nov. 9th, S.W., one dozen -shot during day; 19th, still some. At Farne Inner <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Oct. -20th to 29th, N. or E., on six days, one or two; Dec. 27th, one. -At Coquet Island <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Oct. 30th, 7 a.m., one; Nov. 10th, 3 a.m., -N.W., one killed; 16th, 9 a.m., two. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, -Oct. 13th, 22nd, and 26th, 9 to 11 a.m. one or two each day -going E. to W. At Teesmouth, Oct. 5th, 6th, 19th, and 20th, -one each day. At Flamborough <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Sept. 2nd, one seen near -lighthouse; Oct. 19th, great flight, twenty shot, "small and very -dark-coloured birds." At Spurn <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Oct. 5th, two; 19th to -22nd, upwards of one hundred shot near Spurn; 27th, five seen. -On Lincolnshire coast, Oct. 19th, near Skegness, forty-three shot, -seventy altogether during week. At Outer Dowsing <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Nov., -23rd, N.W., 2 p.m., three from E. to W.; Dec. 6th, 2 p.m., two, -same direction. At Inner Dowsing <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 29th, one dead on -deck at sunrise. At Lynn Well <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 28th, one with a -Lapwing killed at midnight. Near Cromer, Oct. 19th, great -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_56">-56-</span> -flight, twenty shot in neighbourhood. At Corton <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Nov. 9th, -noon, five to N. very low. On Essex coast, many seen between -Oct. 29th and Nov. 1st; three came on board a smack off mouth -of Deben. At Casquets <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Oct. 7th, 11 p.m. to 3 a.m., with -other birds round lantern. Woodcocks began moving early in -September; the "great flight" on to the east coast from Flamborough -to Yarmouth was on the night of Oct. 18th or early -morning of 19th, north-east gale, with snow in the north, and -was followed by other flights on the next two or three days. Over -Heligoland the great flight was on the afternoon of Oct. 22nd, -with wind S.W., and squally. They were observed at fourteen -stations, from the Farne Islands to the Casquets; are reported as -scarce north of Flamborough and south of Essex, the main stream -evidently coming into Holderness, Lincolnshire, and Norfolk.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Great Snipe</span>, <i>Gallinago major</i>.—At Farne Inner <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Nov. -3rd, one on island.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Common Snipe</span>, <span class="smcap">Gallinago cælestis</span>.—At Farne Inner <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Nov. -27th to Dec. 27th, many. At Great Cotes, "great flight" from -Oct. 20th to end of month, only remaining a day or two. On -Essex coast, Oct. 29th to Nov. 1st, large numbers, but only -remaining a few hours.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Jack Snipe</span>, <i>Gallinago gallinula</i>.—At Farne Inner <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Nov. -9th, two to N.W.; 18th, two, same. At Great Cotes, Nov. 2nd, -first seen. On Norfolk coast, Sept. 30th, one seen; are very -scarce on the east coast this winter.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bar-tailed Godwit</span>, <i>Limosa lapponica</i>.—At Teesmouth 5 Buoy -<span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 17th, flock of twenty. At Teesmouth, Aug. 16th and -23rd, Sept. 1st and 5th, flocks each day. On Essex coast, Aug. -14th, a few of the immature second year birds—probably had -remained on the coast all through the summer.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Curlew</span>, <i>Numenius arquata</i>.—At Heligoland, July 4th, -"astounding numbers early in the morning"; July 5th, some; -Aug. 11th, 12th, and 18th, many passing overhead. At Farne -Inner <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, September, several. At Coquet <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, July 30th, two -seen; 31st, one score, northwards. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, -Sept. 15th, great many. At Whitby <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Aug. 2nd, 11 a.m., -flocks going south, "supposed to be young birds." At Flamborough, -great numbers last week in August. At Spurn <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, -Sept. 8th, four round lantern going N. to S.; 17th, 3 a.m., with -Plover, two Curlews killed. At Hunstanton <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, large flocks -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_57">-57-</span> -on coast from Aug. 2nd; Oct. 6th, o.m., rain, 7.80 p.m., one -struck and caught. At Cromer <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Aug. 21st, 11.30 p.m., two -struck, stunned. At Hasborough <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Oct. 8th, noon to 3 p.m., -E., flights going S. At Winterton <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, June 17th, 11 p.m., one -seen going to W., passed close to lantern; Sept. 12th, 10 a.m., -a dozen to W. At Kentish Knock <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Aug. 6th, one very high -to W. At Swin Middle <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Aug. 26th to Sept. 17th, on five days -at about 3 p.m., going N.W.; Jan. 2nd and 3rd, fog, on both -nights, many with other birds round lantern; killed three -Curlews, one Duck, thirty-two Larks, two Ox-birds; total, -thirty-eight. At North Foreland <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, July 27th, four to N.W.; -Sept. 9th, five to N.N.W.; Dec. 4th, thirty to forty about. At -North-sand Head <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Aug. 1st, noon, "shoals" E. to W. At -South-sand Head <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 3rd, twenty to W.; 27th, twenty or -thirty to W. At East Goodwin <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 6th, eight N. to S. -The main body migrates in August and early in September; -general direction E. to W., or up the coast from N. to S.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Whimbrel</span>, <i>Numenius phæopus</i>.—At Teesmouth, July 4th, -several flocks; 21st, eight or nine flocks. At Spurn <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, July -25th, several. At Great Cotes, passing in July, August, and -September, very high to south.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Heron</span>, <i>Ardea cinerea</i>.—At Coquet <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, July 28th, 5 p.m., -one: Aug. 13th, 3 a.m., two; Sept. 4th, 6 a.m., two; Dec. 26th, -9 a.m., one. At Teesmouth, Redcar, Sept. 21st, five; 24th, one; -Oct. 23rd, 4 p.m., N.E., mod. gale, two. At Flamborough <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, -June 12th, two. Only at the more northern stations. That -some arrive on the east coast in the autumn there can be no -doubt; a few years since one was brought in alive to Grimsby, -taken at sea on board one of the Hamburg boats.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Water-Rail</span> and <span class="smcap">Land-Rail</span>, <i>Rallus aquaticus</i> and <i>Crex -pratensis</i>.—At Casquets <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Oct. 2nd, 11 p.m. to 2 a.m., some -killed; Oct. 7th, 11 p.m. to 3 a.m., several with Water Rails, -some killed.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Whooper</span>, <i>Cygnus musicus</i>.—At Teesmouth 5 Buoy <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. -29th, 10.30 a.m., wind strong from N.N.E., six, all white. At -Flamborough, during the severe weather early in January, 1881, -several flocks came into Bridlington Bay, numbering from six to -twenty in a flock. At Spurn, Dec. 31st, two Whoopers, one shot. -Several in the Humber during the first half of January. At -Inner Dowsing <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Jan. 21st, 1 p.m., five N.E. to S.W. At -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_58">-58-</span> -Corton <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Jan. 10th, 1881, a flock of about thirty very high to -N.W. The severe weather commencing Dec. 30th brought considerable -numbers of Wild Swans on to our east coast.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Wild Geese</span>, <i>Anser</i>.—Under this general term numbers of -Geese are recorded at east coast stations. At Heligoland, Sept. -6th, great many overhead; Oct. 19th, great flights. <i>Anser -brachyrhynchus</i>, Oct. 15th, one young bird shot. At Teesmouth -5 Buoy <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 15th, flock of fifteen "Grey Geese" N. to S.; -25th, six "Grey Geese" to S. At Teesmouth, Oct. 16th, 7 a.m., -flock; 19th, 7 a.m., same. At Flamborough <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, several flocks -"Grey Geese" early in October. At Outer Dowsing <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Dec. -2nd, 11 a.m., five Wild Geese N.N.E. to S.W. At Lynn Well -<span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, July 3rd, eight Grey Geese E. to W.; Oct. 3rd, twenty to -south. At Winterton <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, June 19th, 7 p.m., fifty flying very -low. At Gull <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 21st, forty to S.; Oct. 19th, 10 a.m. to -3 p.m., three flocks to S.; 30th, flock of forty to W. At East -Goodwin <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Nov. 22nd and 23rd, two small flocks E. to W. and -N. to S. At Casquets <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Sept. 7th, 2 p.m., Geese going W. -Migration south in September and October, the main body in the -latter month. At Winterton a flock was seen on June 19th, and -a small flock at the Lynn Well <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, July 3rd, which looks very -much as if some remained on the English coast throughout the -summer, as is the case with the Scoter and many of the <i>Limicolæ</i>, -as Grey Plover, Godwit, Knot, and Whimbrel.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Egyptian Goose</span>, <i>Anser ægyptiacus</i>.—At Farne <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Nov. 2nd, -N.N.E., squally, 10 a.m., two seen flying northward. My -informant also says that he shot a pair on the island in -October, 1876.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Snow Goose</span>, <i>Chen hyperboreus</i>.—At Heligoland, Dec. 25th, -"one on cliff, not shot, no doubt about it."</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Brent Goose</span>, <i>Bernicla brenta</i>.—At Teesmouth 5 Buoy <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, -Sept. 25th, 11 a.m., first seen; Nov. 21st, flock of sixteen to W. -At Spurn, great many in Humber, inside Spurn, in December and -January; amongst these there was an unusual number of the -white-bellied variety. On Essex coast, Oct. 6th, first heard of; -20th, one hundred or more seen on Buxby Sand.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Anas.</span>—Under the general head of "Wild Duck," immense -numbers of Ducks have been observed at various of the east coast -stations. At Farne Inner <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Nov. 1st, "Mallard" flock to N. -At Coquet <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Aug. 20th, large flocks all day to S.; Oct. 6th, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_59">-59-</span> -one Eider; 22nd, N.; Dec. 23rd, N.; 31st, N.W., large flocks all -day from N. to S. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Aug. 16th, six -Teal; 26th, large flock from N.E.; Sept. 10th, twenty-six -Sheldrakes, same day large flock of Widgeon; Oct. 12th to 22nd, -immense number of Widgeon; Dec. 16th, large flock of Teal to -S.E. At Teesmouth, Oct. 28th, Ducks in endless flocks morn -and noon, all kinds, N.E. hurricane, hail, snow, rain. At -Flamborough, Jan. 3rd to 7th, both Geese and Ducks to south in -great numbers. At Spurn, Nov. 4th, great number of various -sorts in Humber; and during the last half of December and in -January, enormous flocks of various sorts driven into the river -by stress of weather. At Outer Dowsing <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, July 20th, 28th, -and Aug. 10th, about 7 p.m., forty or fifty each day S.E. to -N.N.W. At Lynn Well <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 25th, great quantities S.E. to -N.W. At Winterton <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Aug. 23rd, twenty-one Sheldrakes -to E. On Essex coast, Aug. 7th, Widgeon, six young birds -seen; 28th, many, wind N.N.W. veering to N.N.E. At Galloper -<span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Nov. 9th, twenty "Smee Ducks"; Widgeon during night, -At Kentish Knock <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 29th, calm, "Wild Ducks," flock at -midnight N.E. to S.W. At Swin Middle <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Aug. 31st to Sept. -20th, on fourteen days "Wild Ducks" all going N.W. or N.N.W.; -Sept. 5th, "great rush." At North Foreland, Sept. 25th, twenty -to thirty to N. along shore; Oct. 6th, thirty or forty to S.W. At -Goodwin <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 27th to Oct. 29th, "Wild Ducks" going E. -to W. or N.N.W.; Nov. 4th to 29th, from N.W. to S.E. Migration -extending from about the middle of July to the end of October. -The greater part arriving in September and October, not only -from the north and north-east, but also from S.E. and S.S.E. on -to the English coast.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Black Scoter</span>, <i>Œdemia nigra</i>.—The migration of this species -appears greatly to have exceeded that of any other Duck. They -have been seen in large numbers during the autumn at various -stations on the coast and at sea, passing as a rule towards the -south. At Teesmouth, Oct. 2nd, two Black Scoters seen. At -Lynn Well <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 17th and 24th, large flocks of Scoters all -day from S. to N.W. and S.E. to W. The direction in this case -caused by birds passing over from North-west Norfolk to Lincolnshire -coast. Jan. 1st, one killed against lantern. At Newarp -<span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 22nd to Oct. 15th, several days, flocks going to S.W. -At Cockle <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 27th, 6 to 10 a.m., in large flocks to N.W -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_60">-60-</span>. -At Corton <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Nov. 16th, noon, hundreds N. to S.; Dec. 12th to -28th, numerous flocks from N.N.E. to W.S.W. and S.E. to N.W. -At Tongue <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Dec. 29th, 9 a.m. to noon, several flocks to W. -At Gull <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, July 22nd and 23rd, flocks to S.E.; Aug. 20th to -Dec. 3rd, on several days to W.S.W. and S. At South-sand -Head <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, July 21st, two flocks, thirty and fifty to S., and from -this to Oct. 16th, frequent flocks going as a rule S. At East -Goodwin <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, July 5th, 6th, 9th, and 10th, first two days, small -flocks E. to W.; on the 9th, a thousand or more going N. to S.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Colymbidæ.</span>—At Farne Inner <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Sept. 10th, two. Great -Northern Diver, <i>Columbus glacialis</i>, Nov. 2nd, six "speckled" -about island. At Teesmouth, several Red-throated Divers, -<i>Colymbus septentrionalis</i>, early morning. Mr. J. H. Gurney -informs me that when Mr. F. D. Power was off Cley, on -the Norfolk coast, this autumn, on Oct. 1st, he saw a remarkable -flight of Red-throated Divers along coast eastward; they flew -forty to fifty yards high, but rarely came near the boat; one -shot had a perfect red throat.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Podicipitidæ.</span>—At Hunstanton <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Sept. 2nd, 9 p.m., o.m., -Little Grebe, <i>Podiceps fluviatilis</i>, struck and caught. At Hasboro' -<span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Dec. 3rd, 2 a.m., fog, Little Grebe killed, being the second -in eighteen months. Sclavonian Grebe, <i>Podiceps auritus</i>, one, a -female, was shot near Easington, Spurn, on Jan. 11th, 1881, and -Great Crested Grebe, <i>P. cristatus</i>, in Whitby Harbour on the 16th -of the same month.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Alcidæ.</span>—At Heligoland, Nov. 26th, Common Guillemots in -great numbers on the cliff, their breeding quarters; Dec. 10th, -early morning, cliffs covered; 13th, thousands, at least half -black-bearded.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Cormorant</span>, <i>Phalacrocorax carbo</i>.—At Hunstanton <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Aug. -24th, eight passing E.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Gannet</span>, <i>Sula bassana</i>.—At Spurn <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 1st to 16th, many -to S. At Outer Dowsing <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 27th, 9 a.m., eight to S. At -Cockle <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 16th, several; 25th, fifteen to W.; 27th, great -numbers. At Corton <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 16th, many to S. At Casquets, -Aug. 22nd, and on Dec. 8th, manly to N.N.W. Was seen off the -Casquets as early as Aug. 22nd. The main migration appears to -have taken place in October, from N. to S. along the east coast.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Sterninæ.</span>—At Heligoland, July, Caspian Tern, <i>Sterna Caspia</i>, -frequently seen. At Farne Inner <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Aug. 28th, both the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_61">-61-</span> -Sandwich and Arctic Terns left the islands. At the Longstone -<span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, on the extreme outer reef of the Farnes, the Sandwich Tern -was seen last on Sept. 8th, and the Arctic Sept. 14th. At -Coquet Island <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Aug. 14th, N.N.E., great number of Terns all -day about island. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Aug. 16th, great -numbers this day; 29th, same.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Larinæ.</span>—At Heligoland, the Siberian Herring Gull, <i>Larus -affinis</i>, was seen off the rock on June 5th, N.W., strong. Little -Gull, <i>Larus minutus</i>, Sept. 5th, enormous numbers on the water. -Ivory Gull, <i>Larus eburnea</i>, Nov. 4th, westerly, seen on water. -At Farne Inner <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Sept. 10th, the Gulls left islands. At -Whitby <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Sept. 2nd, Gulls had all left, both young and old. -At Filey, Ivory Gull, <i>Larus eburnea</i>, a fully mature example, a -male, was shot in September; a young bird in the spotted -plumage was also obtained in the same month. At Flamborough, -Sept. 5th to 6th, Lesser Black-backed Gulls to south all day; -wind S.W. by W.; equal proportion of young and old. At Spurn -<span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, July 29th and 30th, "Smelt Gulls" all day; Sept. 28th, -large numbers of Gulls continuous to south. At Lynn Well <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, -Aug. 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, great quantities all day from S.E. At -Yarmouth, Mr. J. H. Gurney, writing Jan. 26th, 1881, says, -"A correspondent at Yarmouth had recently twenty-seven -Glaucous Gulls in the flesh, seven of which were mature." At -Hasboro' <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Dec. 18th, 8 p.m., "Little Gull" struck and broke -its neck. At Cockle <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 16th, Gulls during day; 27th, -same. At Shipwash <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Nov. 29th, 10 a.m., large numbers to -W. At South-sand Head <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, July 29th, an unusual number seen.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Stercorariinæ.</span>—At Teesmouth 5 Buoy <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Aug. 29th, two -Skuas passed. At Redcar, Sept. 16th, twenty Richardson's Skuas -passed; Oct. 28th, Mr. T. H. Nelson, writing in the 'Field' -newspaper for Nov. 6th, 1880, states that, during the night of -the storm on Oct. 28th, he saw considerable numbers of the -Pomatorhine Skua, amounting to several hundreds, flying close -to the esplanade at Redcar, and struggling to make headway -against the gale; they consisted almost entirely of mature birds -of the white-breasted variety, only three or four being dark birds, -but whether immature or adult he could not ascertain. At -Spurn <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Aug. 1st to Sept. 24th, a few Skuas passed going S.; -Oct. 1st to 16th, many passed same direction. At South-sand -Head <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, July 29th, an unusual number of Skuas seen.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_62">-62-</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Procellariidæ.</span>—At Coquet <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, July 22nd, 11 p.m., misty, -one Petrel caught against glass of lantern, examined and set at -liberty. At Redcar, Oct. 28th, two Stormy and one Fulmar -Petrels picked up during great gale. At Flamborough, first week -in October, Stormy Petrel. At Spurn, Oct. 28th, Stormy Petrels -after great gale. At Galloper <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Nov. 6th, 2 to 4 p.m., twelve -Stormy Petrels about ship. At Gull <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 9th, 2 a.m., N., -several struck glass, none killed.</p> - -<p>Independent of these very numerous notes on known species, -the schedules contain many notices of birds the species of which -were either not known or not recognised. At the Hasborough -<span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Oct. 26th, 10 p.m., E., o.m., a great many various small -birds; eight killed were Larks and Thrushes. At Swin Middle -<span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Sept. 9th and 12th, flocks of small birds passed all night to -N.W. At Hanois <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, Sept. 8th and 27th, fog and rain, evening -to 9 p.m., great rush of small birds of many sorts.</p> - - -<h3 id="General_Remarks_2"><span class="smcap">General Remarks.</span></h3> - -<p>The report for 1880 compared with that of the previous year -shows very similar results, as in 1879 a considerable proportion -of the immigrants crossed at the more southern stations, or -at the narrowest portion of the North Sea. If we divide the east -coast into three divisions, one north-easterly from the Farne -Islands to the Humber, mid-east from the Humber to Yarmouth, -and south-eastern forward to the South Foreland, we find that in -1879 the main body of migrants passed in the south-eastern -division; in 1880 they have been tolerably equally distributed -over the mid and south-eastern. During the principal month of -migration, October, the wind blew persistently day by day and -week by week from northerly and easterly quarters, and to this -cause we may fairly attribute the deflection of migrants to the -south. In support of this I may quote the letter of Mr. Thos. O. -Hall of the Longstone Lighthouse, who, writing under date Feb. -15th, 1881, says:—"The chief flight undoubtedly took place on -the 15th and 16th of October, at which time I was on shore. I -have been resident on the Farne Islands thirteen years, and -during that time never remember seeing so few birds as we have -had this autumn. I have remarked that when the flight takes -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_63">-63-</span> -place with the wind at E. or N.E., the body of birds is to the -south of us about Whitby and southward."</p> - -<p>Notwithstanding the enormous number of immigrants arriving, -as shown in our returned schedules from each station, we may be -quite certain these returns only represent an almost inappreciable -percentage of the actual number on passage. On days of -uncertain light or on clear fine starlight nights, when migration -is carried on at a considerable height, immense numbers of birds -might pass any station for hours without a chance of observation; -and it is quite possible that, if the whole three hundred miles of -coast were studded with floating posts of observation at the -distance of half a mile, equal average results would have been -obtained, our present stations on the light-vessels affording no -more especial line of advantage than any other imaginary line -drawn across the North Sea. Incredible although it may appear, -we believe that the vast majority of the immigrants coming to us -in the autumn in one broad front from east to west are such as -cross with the intention of remaining the winter in some part or -other of the British Islands, and naturally take the place of our -own resident summer species which have left, or are about -leaving us, for the south.</p> - -<p>As in 1879 the main line of migration has been a broad -stream from east to west, and covering the whole of the English -east coast, this is the line mainly followed by the <i>Passeres</i>. -Taking this line as a basis, we find birds also occasionally -coming from points north of east; but in the vast majority of -instances the migration has had a decidedly southerly trend, -coming from points south of east, and even direct from the -southward. Again, there is in the autumn always a steady stream -of migrants which closely follows the coast-line from N. to S., -composed of birds either moving from more northerly districts of -our islands, or of such immigrants coming from the east as strike -the coast in more northern latitudes and then follow it to the -south. The great wide E. to W. stream of migration is composed -of some few well-known species which regularly come to us in the -autumn, the great body undoubtedly remaining to winter; placed -in order of rotation according to their numerical superiority or -otherwise, we find <i>Alauda arvensis</i>, <i>Sturnus vulgaris</i>, <i>Corvus -cornix</i> and <i>frugilegus</i>, the <i>Turdidæ</i>, including two native and two -northern species, with sparrows, linnets, and chaffinches compose -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_64">-64-</span> -the bulk of the immigrants. Others, as <i>Ruticilla phœnicurus</i>, the -<i>Saxicolæ</i>, and other soft-billed insect-eaters, although coming -from the eastward, persistently follow the coast-line to the south. -All the <i>Limicolæ</i> and other shore birds, as well as the Geese, -Ducks, Divers, Gulls, and sea-fowl generally, move from north to -south as a general rule, the sea-fowl at some distance at sea, the -waders along the coast. Although so far we have no stations, -excepting Heligoland, on the European coast of the North Sea, -we may, I think, fairly presume that there is similarly another -stream of birds passing down the coast-line of Europe. Migration -as observed on that island for many years points to the undoubted -fact that the line followed by birds is, as a rule, from E. to W., -and doubtless some portion of these Heligoland birds keep moving -westward or south-westward, till eventually they strike our east -coast. There are, however, many species which make Heligoland -the western boundary of their autumn wanderings, and crossing, -as they do, that island in enormous numbers, must eventually -follow the coast-line to the south, for the simple reason that they -never occur on our own coast, except as very rare or occasional -wanderers; such are <i>Motacilla alba</i> and <i>flava</i>, <i>Ruticilla suecica</i>, -<i>Emberiza hortulana</i>, <i>Plectrophanes lapponicus</i>, <i>Anthus Richardi</i>, -and, in a less degree, <i>Muscicapa luctuosa</i> and <i>Otocorys alpestris</i>. -These all, then, must pass southward along the European coast, -as do doubtless an immense majority of those countless Sparrowhawks, -Siskins, and more familiar birds which cross the island in -the autumn migration; and just as occasionally some species, -whose line of migration lies farther to the eastward still, turn up -as wanderers to the old rock from the regular track, so do -occasionally now one and now another of the regular Heligoland -immigrants get blown across to one side.</p> - -<p>The observations taken at some of our southern stations both -in 1879 and 1880 show that, in the autumn, there is what may -be called a double stream of birds crossing each other near the -entrance of the English Channel, that is, from the Essex and Kent -coast towards the S.E. on to the French and Belgian coast, and -again in the opposite direction from the Belgian land to the coast of -Kent. During the severe weather in the early part of 1881, as well -as in December, flocks of birds came to us direct from the French -coast, or from the south to the north. These must be considered -purely local migrations, caused by outbursts of severe weather.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_65">-65-</span></p> - -<p>It is a curious fact that in nearly every case of birds passing -the Casquets <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span> in the past autumn, they were travelling in a -N.W. direction, or from the French to the English coast, a line of -migration which does not seem to be in proper accord with what -we should imagine migrating birds would or rather ought to take. -On reference to the chart of the Channel it is apparent that any -flocks leaving the French coast at or near Cape de la Hague, and -crossing. Alderney, when once off the Casquets might as readily -and easily steer for the Start Point on the English side as across -the wide break in the French coast for Port Sillon, each being -about equal distances from the Casquets.</p> - -<p>As in 1879 birds have crossed in all hours of the day and -night, and in all winds and weathers, the returns also show, as -did the preceding, that they seldom fly dead to windward, except -with light breezes, and that strong head winds are prejudicial to -their passage. The line of flight mostly adopted is within three -or four points of the wind; they will go on well, even with a beam -wind or some points short of beam, if not too strong. Small birds -have often much difficulty in making head against a strongly-opposing -wind. Mr. John Cutting, writing from the light-vessel -on the Galloper Bank, says, that out of the number of small birds -passing that station in October and November against strong -adverse winds, he could not think they would ever reach land, -they made such very slow progress, the wind being too strong -and the distance from land so great. Even such strong-winged -birds as the Grey Crow do not always cross in safety; I have -been told by an old fen farmer that, many years ago, when a -great gale swept the Lincolnshire coast, at the time the Hooded -Crow crossed, the coast was subsequently strewed with their -bodies cast up by the sea.</p> - -<p>Birds are noticed at the stations as sometimes flying high, -sometimes low; often it will be observed with northerly and -easterly winds they will fly high, and with winds in opposite -quarters, low. The state of weather at the time of migration has -more, we think, to do with the height at which birds travel than -the direction of the wind. On clear light nights they travel high, -as a rule, but in fog, and thick murky weather, rain or snow, not -far above the waves. On thick nights, indeed, lost birds will -wheel for hours round a lightship, but with the first break in the -clouds or streak of early dawn are on their course again. At the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_66">-66-</span> -Casquets, which is a revolving light, the larger birds follow the -rays, but do not often strike the glass.</p> - -<p>With such favourable passages as light head winds afford, -our immigrants are so little fatigued that they will not alight on -reaching land, but keep on their course into the interior. I have -watched for hours flock after flock arriving on the east coast, -coming directly from westward, Rooks, Starlings, Lapwings, and -Snow Buntings, and keeping on in a direct westerly direction as -far as the eye or a good glass were able to follow. Often, too, -when on the hills, miles from the sea, I have seen migrating -flocks passing inland. Larks in straggling flocks, carrolling -cheerily as they pass; there is no bird which migrates so -cheerily and light-heartedly as the Lark, ever ready to burst into -song on the least occasion. At other times, with adverse winds, -I have watched migrants scarce able to struggle on shore dropping -in the first shelter, or even on the bare wind-swept coast. At -Lynn Well light-vessel large numbers of migrants passed day -by day, and for the entire day, during October, from S.E. -or S.S.E., and even S. to N.W. From the position of this -station off Lynn Deeps at the bottom of the Wash, under -the shelter of the north-westerly trend of the coast, these -migrants must have first crossed the northern part of the -county of Norfolk, without alighting, on their way to the fens of -Lincolnshire and Cambridge, and this both by day and night.</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse indent0">"Yet stoop not, weary, to the welcome land,</div> - <div class="verse indent1">Though the dark night is near."</div> - </div> -</div> -</div> - -<p>It is very remarkable how suddenly the stream of migration -commences running, and how suddenly it stops again. We -watch, at early morning, a flock of Larks or Hooded Crows come -to land; others soon follow, and then for some hours—it may be -from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.—there is a constant arrival of migrants; -and then migration, at least for that day, is over, and not a single -wanderer will be seen.</p> - -<p>As a rule, the young of the year migrate some weeks in -advance of the old birds; this holds good with all orders and -species. In the spring the males often migrate in advance of -the females.</p> - -<p>The time of migration of any particular species extends over -a considerable period; sometimes it is over in four or five weeks, -in other cases going on for months, and even half a year; for, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_67">-67-</span> -practically, such birds as the Lark and Starling are migrating all -the year round. In every case the migration of a set species will -continue, day by day, or week by week, till it attains the -maximum by a "great rush," the main body passing, and then -gradually falling off, till the migration of that species is -completed.</p> - -<p>Independent of the normal or ordinary migration, we have -frequently local migrations, due to sudden changes of weather, or -in search of fresh feeding-grounds. These "great rushes" of -immigrants, coming helter-skelter on to our east coast, are often -accompanied or followed very closely by outbursts of severe -weather; and a sudden increase of cold in winter will almost -clear a whole district of its birds; in fact, all birds are very -susceptible to changes of weather, and, if closely watched, will -indicate by their movements the coming change. On Jan. 12th, -in this year, when in the Humber marshes, I noticed Larks and -Snow Buntings passing from N. to S. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., -separate flocks for some hours, and after 11 p.m., when the -snow commenced, continuous.</p> - -<p>Birds in the early autumn do not, it is evident, migrate for -lack of food, for the young of the <i>Limicolæ</i> are on our coast at a -time when the supply of insect-food in high northern latitudes is -the most abundant; and our own insect-eating birds are often -away long before there is, or can be, any falling off in food. On -the same grounds it is not changes in the seasons which can -induce young birds, having no knowledge from experience, to -return south in the heat of the Arctic latter-summer; as to the -<i>how</i> and the <i>why</i> of the whole matter, we must be content for the -present to say nothing, but continue to collect facts.</p> - -<p>In 1880 the main body of the migrants crossed between the -15th and end of October, the greater number perhaps on the 17th -of that month.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_68">-68-</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="WEST_COAST_OF_SCOTLAND">WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND.</h2> -</div> - - -<p>Printed forms, letters, and remarks were forwarded to thirty-eight -stations on the west coast of Scotland and the Isles, being -two more than in 1879, <i>viz.</i>, Bahama Lightship and Langness -Lighthouse, both in Isle of Man.<a id="FNanchor_11" href="#Footnote_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a></p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_11" href="#FNanchor_11" class="label">[11]</a> Mr. Philip Kermode received the Isle of Man returns, and forwarded -them to me afterwards for incorporation with the Scottish ones.</p> - -</div> - -<p>We have received in all returned, filled-in schedules from -twenty-six stations, being two more than last year.</p> - -<p>Only four stations have not sent in returns, which sent them -in last year,<a id="FNanchor_12" href="#Footnote_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a> but, to make up for this, we have gained six from -stations which sent us none last year,<a id="FNanchor_13" href="#Footnote_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a> besides adding one from -one of the new stations.<a id="FNanchor_14" href="#Footnote_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a></p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_12" href="#FNanchor_12" class="label">[12]</a> Devaar; Pladda; Lamlash; Little Ross.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_13" href="#FNanchor_13" class="label">[13]</a> Stornoway; Ushenish; Kyleakin; Lismore; Turnberry; Douglas Head.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_14" href="#FNanchor_14" class="label">[14]</a> Bahama Bank (<span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>).</p> - -</div> - -<p>A marked improvement is apparent in these returns, and it -is evident that very general interest is being taken in the work. -Altogether, our west coast returns are quite satisfactory, and it -gives us much pleasure to think that the first year's reports have -really interested our obliging correspondents. We hope that the -present general report will succeed in enlisting the whole body in -the service. We can as yet only repeat, that we believe that -interesting and curious results will in time be arrived at; but we -deprecate any attempt at present to arrive at these, desiring first -a firm basis of facts to build upon, which can only be obtained by -continued attention and careful record, for a few years longer, of -a large mass of statistics.</p> - -<p>The stations from which co-operation was asked are the -following, commencing with the most northerly—Cape Wrath. -Those from which returns have been received are marked with -a *; those which sent returns both last year and this have -two **; those which sent none last year but have done so this -year have a † prefixed; those which sent returns last year but -none this year are printed in <i>italics</i>. Stations added this -year have the date, 1880, preceding them.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_69">-69-</span></p> - - -<table summary="data"> -<tr> - <td colspan="6" class="caption3nb smcap">West Coast of Scotland.<br /> - Mainland.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td colspan="3"></td> - <td class="tdc smaller" colspan="2">Height of centre of<br />light above water.</td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">81.</td> - <td class="tdr">**</td> - <td class="tdl">Cape Wrath.</td> - <td class="tdr">400</td> - <td class="tdc">ft.</td> - <td class="tdl">John M'Gill.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">82.</td> - <td class="tdr">**</td> - <td class="tdl">Rhu Stoir.</td> - <td class="tdr">195</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">William Wither.</td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td colspan="6" class="caption3nb smcap">Outer Hebrides.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">83.</td> - <td class="tdr">**</td> - <td class="tdl">Butt of Lewis.</td> - <td class="tdr">140</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">George Edgar.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">84.</td> - <td class="tdr">†</td> - <td class="tdl">Stornoway.</td> - <td class="tdr">56</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">John Grierson.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">85.</td> - <td class="tdr">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Island Glass.</td> - <td class="tdr">130</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">William Innes.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">86.</td> - <td class="tdr">**</td> - <td class="tdl">Monach Island.</td> - <td class="tdr">{ Upper 150 }<br />{ Lower 62 }</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">James Youngclause.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">87.</td> - <td class="tdr">†</td> - <td class="tdl">Ushenish.</td> - <td class="tdr">176</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Peter Carrie.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">88.</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Barra Head.</td> - <td class="tdr">683</td> - <td></td> - <td></td> -</tr> - -<tr> - <td colspan="6" class="caption3nb smcap">Mainland, Skye, and Inner Hebrides.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">89.</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Rona, Skye.</td> - <td class="tdr">222</td> - <td></td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">90.</td> - <td class="tdr">†</td> - <td class="tdl">Kyleakin, Rosspire.</td> - <td class="tdr">53</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">David M'Culloch.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">91.</td> - <td class="tdr">**</td> - <td class="tdl">Isle Ornsay, Skye.</td> - <td class="tdr">58</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">James Loughten.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">92.</td> - <td class="tdr">**</td> - <td class="tdl">Ardnamurchan Point, Argyleshire.</td> - <td class="tdr">180</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">David Laidlaw.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">93.</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">{Hynish Signal Tower, Tiree. }</td> - <td class="tdr">150</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">William Crow.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">94.</td> - <td class="tdr">**</td> - <td class="tdl">{Skerryvore, off Tiree. }</td> - <td></td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">95.</td> - <td class="tdr">**</td> - <td class="tdl">Dhuheartach, S.W. of Ross of Mull.</td> - <td class="tdr">145</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">James Ewing.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">96.</td> - <td class="tdr">**</td> - <td class="tdl">Sound of Mull, Mull.</td> - <td class="tdr">55</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">William M'Lellan.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">97.</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Corran Ferry, Loch Eil.</td> - <td class="tdr">38</td> - <td></td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">98.</td> - <td class="tdr">†</td> - <td class="tdl">Lismore Island, Oban.</td> - <td class="tdr">103</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Alexander Murray.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">99.</td> - <td class="tdr">*</td> - <td class="tdl"><i>Fladda, Easdale.</i></td> - <td class="tdr">42</td> - <td></td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">100.</td> - <td class="tdr">**</td> - <td class="tdl">Rhuvaal, Islay.</td> - <td class="tdr">147</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">David Spink.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">101.</td> - <td class="tdr">*</td> - <td class="tdl"><i>M'Arthur's Head, Islay.</i></td> - <td class="tdr">128</td> - <td></td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">102.</td> - <td class="tdr">**</td> - <td class="tdl">Skervuile, Jura.</td> - <td class="tdr">73</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">John Ewing.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">103.</td> - <td class="tdr">**</td> - <td class="tdl">Rhinns of Islay.</td> - <td class="tdr">150</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Andrew Lyall.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">104.</td> - <td class="tdr">**</td> - <td class="tdl">Lochindaul, Islay.</td> - <td class="tdr">50</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">William Maill.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">105.</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Mull of Kintyre.</td> - <td class="tdr">297</td> - <td></td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">106.</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Sanda, Kintyre Sound.</td> - <td class="tdr">165</td> - <td></td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">107.</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl"><i>Devaar, Kintyre.</i></td> - <td class="tdr">120</td> - <td></td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">108.</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl"><i>Pladda, Arran.</i></td> - <td class="tdr">130</td> - <td></td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">109.</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl"><i>Lamlash, Arran.</i></td> - <td class="tdr">46</td> - <td></td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">110.</td> - <td class="tdr">†</td> - <td class="tdl">Turnberry, Ayrshire.</td> - <td class="tdr">96</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Andrew Nisbet.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">111.</td> - <td class="tdr">**</td> - <td class="tdl">Corsewall, Wigtown.</td> - <td class="tdr">112</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Robert Laidlaw.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">112.</td> - <td class="tdr">**</td> - <td class="tdl">Loch Ryan, Wigtown.</td> - <td class="tdr">46</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Ralph Ewing.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">113.</td> - <td class="tdr">**</td> - <td class="tdl">Portpatrick, Wigtown.</td> - <td class="tdr">37</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">James Beggs.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">114.</td> - <td class="tdr">**</td> - <td class="tdl">Mull of Galloway, Wigtown.</td> - <td class="tdr">325</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">N. Morrison.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">115.</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl"><i>Little Ross, Kirkcudbright.</i></td> - <td class="tdr">175</td> - <td></td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">116.</td> - <td class="tdr">**</td> - <td class="tdl">Point of Ayre, Isle of Man.</td> - <td class="tdr">106</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">James Blythe.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">117.</td> - <td class="tdr">†</td> - <td class="tdl">Douglas Head, Isle of Man.</td> - <td class="tdr">104</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Alexander M'Donald.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">118.</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Chickens Rock, Isle of Man.</td> - <td class="tdr">122</td> - <td></td> - <td></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">119.</td> - <td class="tdr">*</td> - <td class="tdl" colspan="4">1880.—Bahama Bank, Isle of Man (<span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>)‡ — Johns.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">120.</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl" colspan="4">1880.—Langness Lighthouse, do.</td> -</tr> -</table> - -<p>‡ Light-vessels being only a few feet above the sea, I have not indicated -the exact elevation, which, however, is usually about 30 feet.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_70">-70-</span></p> - - -<h3 id="SPRING_MIGRATION_2">SPRING MIGRATION, 1880.<span style="font-size: 0.8em;"><a id="FNanchor_15" href="#Footnote_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a></span></h3> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_15" href="#FNanchor_15" class="label">[15]</a> In writing out the data of the spring migration, I take the most -southerly stations first, reversing the sequence of the autumn records.</p> - -</div> - -<h4 id="SEPARATE_REPORT_ON_EACH_SPECIES_4">SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES.</h4> - -<p><span class="smcap">Strigidæ.</span>—At Skerryvore, one Brown Owl appeared on 10th -May, at 2.30 p.m., in showery weather.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Falconidæ.</span>—At Douglas Head,<a id="FNanchor_16" href="#Footnote_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a> one "Black Hawk" -(Sparrowhawk?) was noted at 8 a.m., in clear weather, with -light E.N.E. breeze.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_16" href="#FNanchor_16" class="label">[16]</a> It is noted on the schedule from this station that the lighthouse, -"being inland, little or any observations on the migration of birds can be -noted accurately."</p> - -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Hirundinidæ.</span>—The earliest date on which Swallows are -recorded from any west coast stations is April 7th, and this at -one of our most northerly stations, <i>viz.</i>, Butt of Lewis. This is -followed by April 17th at Douglas Head, one of our most -southern stations in the Isle of Man; seen at 12 noon; wind -light S.E. breeze, clear or showers; these were not again -observed. Again, on April 24th, their arrival is recorded at -Rhinns of Islay. Thereafter none are noted until 6th May, at -Loch Ryan, in Wigtownshire, when a flight of fifty was observed, -followed by twenty and fifteen on the 8th and 11th: winds from -N.W. through N. to E. and fresh, clear to haze. At Skerryvore, -one was seen on 10th May, in calm, hazy and rainy weather. -On 11th, 12th and 13th, eight flew about the Point of Ayre. On -24th, four were seen <i>flying south</i> past Ardnamurchan station. -On 22nd, one at Monach Island; winds from S.W. to N.W., -fresh. The remaining records are in June. On June 14th, at -Ardnamurchan, two again seen flying southwards; and on 22nd, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_71">-71-</span> -at Skerryvore; calm, hazy weather. Possibly these June records -of birds flying south may belong to the autumn migration. -It thus appears that a spring <i>rush</i> took place in the earlier part -of May—from the 6th to the 14th. About the same time, -<i>viz.</i>, May 20th, a flock of "Martin Swallows," <i>Hirundo urbica</i>, -appeared at the Butt of Lewis during light W. wind, with haze; -they stopped about three hours and then flew off, going S.W.</p> - -<p><i>Note.</i>—Swallows and Martins were first observed at Ballina, -Co. Wicklow, Ireland, by Mr. E. Warren, on April 19th.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Swift</span>, <i>Cypselus</i>.—First noted at Ballina by Mr. Warren, on -May 12th.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Wheatear</span>, <i>Saxicola œnanthe</i>.—Records from three stations -only in spring, <i>viz.</i>, Skervuile, Monach, and Butt of Lewis. -Earliest date at Skervuile (most southern of the three). May 1st, -where one was seen at lantern at midnight; wind light S. -Next date is May 4th, at Monach, when about twenty, mixed -with Larks and Wagtails, were seen and two killed between 8.30 -p.m. and 3 a.m.; wind light from N. to W. The latest and only -other record dates May 20th, at Butt of Lewis, where five were -seen; wind light W., clear.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Wagtail</span>, <i>Motacilla Yarrellii</i>.—Two stations, <i>viz.</i>, at Kyleakin -and Butt of Lewis. At Kyleakin, April 1st, twenty-six rested at -4 p.m., wind E.S.E., haze; 2nd, twenty-four rested at 8 a.m., -wind S.E., haze. At Butt of Lewis, April 13th, a flock at 7 a.m., -stopped a few days and left flying south, light E. wind, clear; -and a few days later, "one lighter than the rest" left, going -south. At Kyleakin, April 17th, twelve were seen flying S.E. at -7 a.m., light breeze, with fog; and on 18th, at 1 p.m., twelve -more rested and then flew off south, wind light S.W., and -fog.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Starling</span>, <i>Sturnus vulgaris</i>.—I have but few records of the -spring migration, <i>viz.</i>, from Lochindaul, Fladda, and Dhuheartach. -The earliest at Fladda, April 4th, when twenty-four were seen at -10 a.m., breeze fresh, with showers, and clear. At Dhuheartach, -April 13th, between midnight and 8 a.m., three birds rested; -night foggy, and wind light N. At Lochindaul, May 18th, some -were seen, wind moderate, and weather foggy.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Skylark</span>, <i>Alauda arvensis</i>.—At Dhuheartach and Monach, -April 13th, ten at night, wind light N., cloudy, seven killed; and -May 1st, one at midnight, wind S., haze; and at these -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_72">-72-</span> -stations, on May 4th, flock, mixed with Wheatears and -Wagtails, from 8.30 p.m. till 3 a.m., wind light W. to N., haze -and rain.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Cuckoo</span>, <i>Cuculus canorus</i>.—The following are the stations -where it was noted as first seen or heard, commencing in the -south:—At Point of Ayre, May 1st, light airs and haze. At -Lochindaul, May 16th, E., clear; the reporter adds, "but is -earlier in Islay." At Rhinns of Islay, April 21st, wind light W. -At Skervuile, May 10th, first seen, wind N., clear. At Stornoway, -May 4th. At Kyleakin, May 5th. At Rhu Stoir, June 15th, -wind light N., haze.</p> - -<p><i>Note.</i>—First noted at Ballina, Ireland, by Mr. Warren, on -May 12th.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Oystercatcher</span>, <i>Hæmatopus ostralegus</i>.—At Lochindaul, -Dhuheartach, and Island Ghlais. At Dhuheartach, April 14th -and 17th, 8 and 10 a.m., ten and seventeen resting or feeding, -wind light N.W., haze or fog. At Lochindaul, May 20th and 21st, -10 a.m., resting, light wind, fog. At Island Ghlais, June 30th, -6 p.m., two feeding, calm, and heavy showers.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Curlew</span>, <i>Numenius arquata</i>.—So far as a spring migration can -be separated by the data at command, the whole season has -apparently being occupied by Curlews in moving about, the -results are as follows:—Beginning on 16th, south, we find -spring records at Lochindaul, Rhuvaal, Dhuheartach, Monach, -and Skerryvore. The first note dates March 1st, at Rhuvaal; -eight seen, S.W. gale and rain. The second at Dhuheartach, -April 13th, 4 p.m., when three were seen, wind light, cloudy. -Thereafter at Lochindaul, May 14th. At Skerryvore, May 23rd. -At Monach, June 13th. At Lochindaul, June 14th. At Skerryvore, -June 23rd. Winds variable E., N.W. to S.W.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Whimbrel.</span>—"May fowl" arrived on Monach, on their way -north, upon May 8th, when three were seen flying about, wind -light N., clear. On May 25th, several parties of from three or -four to six seen flying between Monach and Haskeir rocks, wind -fresh S.W., clear. The note is added, "Arrive in May, leave in -July."</p> - -<p><i>Note.</i>—Mr. R. Warren notes their first appearance at Ballina -on May 1st.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Snipe.</span>—At Dhuheartach, April 13th, three Snipe killed, -strong N. breeze, cloudy.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_73">-73-</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Corn Crake</span>, <i>Crex pratensis</i>.—The Corn Crake was heard at -Kyleakin on June 11th, and at Stornoway on May 4th, clear and -fine; and at Lochindaul on May 18th, at night.</p> - -<p><i>Note.</i>—At Ballina it was first noted by Mr. Warren on -May 2nd.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Wild Goose.</span>—At Rhu Stoir, May 12th, 10 a.m., twelve Wild -Geese seen, three males and three females; light N. airs, clear.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ducks</span>, <i>Anatidæ</i>.—At Rhuvaal, Island Ghlais, and Rhu Stoir. -At Rhuvaal, March 8th, great numbers daily seen, where, however, -they became scarcer between April 20th and 30th. At Rhu -Stoir, June 18th, 10 a.m., six Eiders, three males and three -females, wind light N., clear; and July 28th, 8.30 a.m., thirty -"Wild Ducks," wind N.E., haze and rain.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Terns.</span>—Two evidently paired birds seen at Rhu Stoir on -May 18th, light to fresh variable winds. On May 26th, about -2 p.m., some scores of Terns were seen at Monach during S.W. -gale, and were the first that arrived to breed there; and on June -14th, lots of nests containing two to three eggs were seen. At -Skervuile, May 10th, Terns were first observed this spring, wind -light E., and haze; and by 31st great numbers had passed; -some were again seen on June 18th, in similar weather. At -Rhinns of Islay, May 12th, three seen at noon, fresh E. breeze; -and all during June, large numbers of "Tick Terns" fishing in -Lochindaul. At Stornoway, June 5th, they kept arriving at all -hours, and were the first to come to the breeding grounds.</p> - -<p><i>Note.</i>—Mr. J. T. Garriock notes the spring arrival of Terns at -Lerwick, in Shetland, <i>from the north</i>, on May 22nd, in 'The -Zoologist' (<i>q. v.</i>, 1880, p. 302); and, in a letter to me, he -substantiates his observation. Mr. Robert Warren notes the -first appearance of Sandwich Terns at Ballina, Ireland, on March -24th, and of Common Terns on May 14th.</p> - - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h3 class="nobreak" id="AUTUMN_MIGRATION_2">AUTUMN MIGRATION, 1880.</h3> -</div> - - -<h4 id="SEPARATE_REPORT_ON_EACH_SPECIES_5">SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES.</h4> - -<p><span class="smcap">Falconidæ.</span>—Two Sparrowhawks appeared at Rhu Stoir, in -attendance upon flocks of Finches and Larks, on Oct. 20th, -during light variable breezes, with snow. Also at Skerryvore, a -Hawk—probably of the same species, or a Merlin—lived on the -small birds on Oct. 14th and 15th; whilst at Dhuheartach a -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_74">-74-</span> -Hawk makes a regular visit, to prey upon the birds which rest on -the rock. (See our first Report for 1879, 'Zool.,' May, 1880, -p. 190.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Swift.</span>—At Ushenish, North Uist,<a id="FNanchor_17" href="#Footnote_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a> June 13th, 1 p.m., five -Swifts seen flying south, with S. wind, and haze.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_17" href="#FNanchor_17" class="label">[17]</a> Though this dates early, I cannot but assign it here, and not to a spring -movement.</p> - -</div> - -<p><i>Note.</i>—Mr. R. Service notes the species as unusually abundant -in 1880. He observed a large flock of Swifts on Aug. 4th, -proceeding in a southerly direction. The most of the local birds, -however, still remained on the 11th.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Swallows</span>, <i>Hirundinidæ</i>.—Swallows were no longer seen after -July 16th, at the Point of Ayre, Isle of Man, on which day twenty -young were noticed, until again on Aug. 15th, when eight were -seen flying about. At Turnberry, from thirty to forty were seen -during the daytime on Aug. 26th, in light E. airs; and again -fifty to sixty on Aug. 31st, and forty to fifty on Sept. 2nd. -Numbers were also seen at Mull of Galloway and at Loch Ryan. -Swallows collected on Oct. 4th and flew away S.W., whilst at -Portpatrick great numbers were seen resting and then flying off -S. on Oct. 15th. This S.W. corner of Scotland appears to be a -point of departure of the species, and of several others; and I -would invite special attention at stations all along the Wigton -coast-line.<a id="FNanchor_18" href="#Footnote_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a> All the above observations on the autumn movements -of Swallows were made during the daytime, and in light -E. to N.E. winds. A rush appears to have taken place end of -August and beginning of September, and a later one as late as -the middle of October.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_18" href="#FNanchor_18" class="label">[18]</a> See R. Gray and Thos. Anderson's 'Birds of Ayrshire and -Wigtonshire,' p. 5.</p> - -</div> - -<p><i>Note.</i>—In 1879 the most northerly station was Ardnamurchan, -and the appearance of Swallows much more general. The -earliest record in 1879 of autumn migration was on July 29th, -and the latest Sept. 25th, as against this year, July 16th and -Oct. 15th. Careful attention to the collecting of migrants at -these Wigton headlands would surely result in some interesting -data. Mr. Robert Service writes me that all the headlands, also -along the Stewartry coast-line, are gathering-places for the -land-birds before proceeding southward. At daybreak, in -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_75">-75-</span> -September or October, Mr. Service has often watched departing -flights of birds going off southward or seaward, over the Solway -Firth. Large congregations of Swallows were observed by me at -Kinross on telegraph wires on Aug. 3rd, and I was told that they -congregate in the same place every autumn before leaving. -There must have been many hundreds.</p> - -<p>The following really belongs to the East Coast Report, and -comes in under Mr. Hardy's notes from Berwickshire and the -Borders:—Mr. Hardy has abundant evidence of the departure of -Swallows in the border counties. He writes to me as follows:—"Old -Cambus, Oct. 28th.—On Sept. 25th and 26th Swallows were -here, and a pair of Martins were then on the coast, seven having -been seen on the 26th. The main party assembled on the coast -on the 21st and 22nd, and were not again visible, excepting this -small party. I went down to the cave where the nests were, and -evidently they were feeding young birds there. On the 30th -they had not left a steading about a mile above Gilsland. They -were present on Oct. 2nd and 3rd near Rosely Castle, eight miles -south of Carlisle. On the 4th they were assembling on the roof -of the Mansion House of Marchmont, Berwickshire, in great -numbers, during snow and sleet. The 'Kelso Chronicle' of Oct. -15th says, 'Swallows were absent three weeks from Kelso, but -again, in Kelso and the country round, their presence that week -had been conspicuous. They had assembled in flocks.' The -same paper of Oct. 22nd states that, 'On Oct. 17th a good many -Swallows were flying about Jedburgh.' At Brampton, Cumberland, -they were seen on Oct. 16th, 'circling round the church for -several days previous.' On Sept. 22nd, Swallows still at Horsley, -in the valley of the Eye, and a Martin still had young in a nest -in the corner of a window."</p> - -<p>Besides the above, it is worth while to take notice of an -account of migration that appeared in an early volume of the -'Proceedings of the Zoological Society,' relating to the South-west -district of Scotland:—"An extract of a letter from Capt. Fayrer, -C.M.Z.S., was read. It was dated on board H. M.'s Packet -'Arrow,' Port Patrick, Oct. 23rd, 1831, and referred to the -migration of certain birds from that neighbourhood. That of the -Larks commenced about Oct. 12th. 'Their numbers,' says Capt. -Fayrer, 'are beyond anything I would venture to state, but -millions They start at daylight, steer directly across to -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_76">-76-</span> -the Capelona Islands, off Belfast Loch, and seem to prefer the -wind directly against them. Very large flocks of Starlings have -arrived within the last few days; they start before sunrise, but -steer to the southward. The Lapwings have also arrived, but -these birds do not take their flight till day has set well in; they -appear to go directly across. I see all these birds at each end of -their passage (twenty-one miles), and few, I think, perish." -(P.Z.S., 1831, p. 145.)</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Wren.</span>—Returns from Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, Skervuile, -and Turnberry. The earliest date available was at Dhuheartach, -Aug. 18th, when one was seen flying S. at noon, during light -S.W. wind and haze. None are again reported until Oct. 1st, -when "Wrens" were seen mixed with Larks and Thrushes; -winds variable, light, and haze. Then at Skerryvore, Oct. 9th, -one flying about at 11 a.m., light N.E. breeze, clear; and at -Turnberry, Oct. 12th, one struck the lantern at midnight, wind -light N.E. airs. In the autumn migration of 1879 (<i>q. v.</i>, <i>loc. cit.</i>) -records came from Monach Island and Dhuheartach. Earliest -Aug. 17th, latest Dec. 9th.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Goldcrest.</span>—At Turnberry, Sept. 24th, 3 a.m., one struck, -but was not killed, wind light S., and haze; and at Corsewall, -Sept. 27th till 30th, there appears to have been a migration. On -27th, two were seen to strike the lantern at 2 a.m., in fresh south -breeze and haze; on 28th, two also struck in clear weather, -light S. breeze; and on 30th, eight remained around the lights -from 8 p.m. till daylight, wind light S.E., and haze. From the -Mull of Galloway, the negative note is given, "None seen this -year." In 1879, numbers were reported (see Report, 1879) at -Mull of Galloway on July 18th—only date.</p> - -<p><i>Note.</i>—Mr. E. Warren, <i>in lit.</i>, notes the unusual scarcity of -Golden-crested Wrens at Ballina at the end of July, 1880.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Robin</span>, <i>Erithaca rubecula</i>.—The most northern station where it -is noted is Cape Wrath, where one bird arrived upon Oct. 20th, and -remained until Jan. 11th (when the schedule was returned), or -later. It came at 11.30 a.m., with an E. wind and snow. My -correspondent adds, "It is much thought of." I have ten records -from eight stations, <i>viz.</i>, Cape Wrath, Stornoway, Kyleakin (2), -Isle Ornsay, Dhuheartach, Rhuvaal, Lismore, and Turnberry. -These date from Aug. 18th (Dhuheartach) and Sept. 4th -(Kyleakin) to Dec. 31st (Stornoway), where one was observed for -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_77">-77-</span> -several days previous to that date. Other dates are, Sept. 8th, -(Isle Ornsay), 24th (Turnberry), Oct. 20th (Cape Wrath, as -above), Nov. 7th (Kyleakin and Lismore), Dec. 15th (Lismore), -Dec. 27th (Rhuvaal). All the observations were made during -the daytime, except at Lismore and Turnberry. In August the -wind at Dhuheartach was light S.W. on 18th, with haze; the -one Robin seen flew off S. after resting. At Kyleakin, Sept. 4th, -four birds seen were flying S.W., wind light W., clear. At -Turnberry, Sept. 24th, one struck at 3 a.m., in light S. breeze, -and haze. At Isle Ornsay, one seen. At Cape Wrath, in -October. At Kyleakin, Nov. 7th, three, wind S.E., clear; and -numbers seen at Lismore mingling with Starlings and Larks all -night, wind strong S.W., haze and rain. At Rhuvaal, Dec. 27th, -after stormy weather, two flew about and stayed for a few days; -and at Stornoway, Dec. 31st and a few days previously, one was -seen. On 15th, numbers were round the lights at Lismore, along -with Thrushes, Blackbirds, Grey and Green Linnets, in large -flocks, wind strong N.E., and snow. In 1879, Robins were not -reported from stations further north than Kyleakin.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Wheatear</span>, <i>Saxicola ænanthe</i>.—I have eight or nine records -from three stations on the west coast in autumn, <i>viz.</i>, Butt of -Lewis and Dhuheartach. The earliest date is Aug. 13th, when -one was seen at Dhuheartach between 7 and 8 p.m., arriving -with light N. wind, and remaining; and about one hundred, -mostly young birds, left the neighbourhood of the Butt of Lewis, -where—about a mile from the lighthouse—they had been collecting -for some days before. Up to Aug. 17th and 18th, a few—seven -on 17th and six on 18th—were seen at Dhuheartach about 8 a.m., -wind light and haze, where they rested and flew off south. On -Aug. 19th, one was killed on the lantern of Douglas Head lighthouse -at 11 p.m., wind E.N.E., and haze. At Dhuheartach, -Sept. 10th, thirty rested, light S. wind, and haze; and between -Sept. 16th and Oct. 1st, large numbers were seen at the lantern -of the Butt of Lewis lighthouse, and many were caught and -released. Skerryvore was the most northerly station in 1879. -Aug. 15th was the earliest record in 1879, and the latest on -Sept. 28th.</p> - -<p><i>Note.</i>—Late occurrences of the Wheatear are noted by Mr. -Hardy in Berwickshire. On Sept. 17th they were seen at the -shore and not again afterwards, but a few were present at -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_78">-78-</span> -Berwick, behind the pier, on Oct. 12th. This is the latest date I -have on the east coast of Scotland. I place the note here—under -the west coast report—for special comparison with the following:—Wheatear.—An -unusually late stay of this species is recorded by -Mr. Service in Wigtonshire (<i>vide</i> 'Zoologist,' Feb. 1881, pp. 54, -55). Since the note appeared in 'The Zoologist,' I have had -some more correspondence regarding these late Wheatears—7th -December. Mr. Bruce is strongly of my opinion, that these birds -<i>were really migrating</i> when they flew away northwards, as they -were seen still carrying on when fully a mile away. Before this -they had remained for two or three days with Bullfinches. About -six weeks afterwards "these same Bullfinches" took a similar -route and disappeared; they were seen departing. I am inclined -to agree with my friend and fellow-worker, Mr. Cordeaux, that -these Wheatears probably belonged to the larger race, which -have more arboreal habits than our own. If this is so, the -observation made by Mr. Bruce still further bears out the -probability of their foreign origin. As regards the more arboreal -habits of the larger race, I have explained elsewhere ('Ibis,' 1876, -p. 310) that arboreal habits of such species as Gulls, Curlews, -Snipe, Snow Buntings, &c., in North-east Russia, are probably -brought about by the flooded conditions of the country there, at -the time of the arrival in spring of these migrants. The habit -no doubt grows and even becomes hereditary, and is carried into -other countries and other climes in autumn. Larger races -usually indicate more northern extension, and, in my opinion, -abnormal arboreal habits of certain species indicate that they are -natives of a land subject to constantly recurring floods. For -these reasons I am still inclined to adhere to my opinion that -these Wigtonshire Wheatears, at the late date of Dec. 9th, 1880, -were resting during their regular migration, and departed again -upon an extension of that same migration. They were, in my -belief, strangers, and not bred in the country.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Hedgesparrow.</span>—See under Linnet.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Wagtail.</span>—At Dhuheartach, a rush of Wagtails was observed -upon Aug. 17th, 18th, 24th, and 26th, wind light and from S.W. -on 17th and 18th, when twelve were seen each day flying in a -south-easterly direction—to E.S.E. and S.E. on 24th—when two -or three rested upon the rock. We had no records of this in -1879.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_79">-79-</span></p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Ring Ouzels.</span>—Numerous returns -from eleven stations, <i>viz.</i>, Rhu Stoir, Butt of Lewis, Stornoway, -Monach, Kyleakin, Rhuvaal, Lochindaul, Corsewall, Point of -Ayre, Douglas Head, and Bahama <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span> Earliest date July 19th, -at Point of Ayre, when about 160 young Thrushes (<i>Turdus -musicus</i>) were seen to go off at 9 a.m., flying S. Latest dates -Jan. 8th, 9th and 10th, 1881, when large flocks of Blackbirds, -Thrushes and Snow Buntings flew about all day; and all left on -the 10th when the haze and fog cleared away; fresh E. breeze -during this time. Between these dates, a migration appears to -have taken place on Sept. 21st to 30th, shown, however, by -records from only one station, <i>viz.</i>, Stornoway. There, a good -many Blackbirds and Thrushes arrived on Sept. 21st and left on -30th. These were accompanied also by Stormcocks (<i>Turdus -pilaris</i>, or Fieldfare); weather and wind not noted; but see notes -from Mid-Atlantic, <i>infra</i>. On 29th also, a number of Thrushes -seen hovering round the lights at Douglas Head, along with -Starlings and Blackbirds, in fog and haze. A desultory migration -appears to have been carried on throughout October; I have the -following records:—At Rhu Stoir, Oct. 1st, forty, besides Linnets, -stayed four days (this comes also under the rush at end of -September), wind variable, light breezes. At Bahama <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. -8th, three were killed at 10.20 p.m., wind light E.N.E. breeze, -and cloudy. At Butt of Lewis, in the north, Oct. 15th, a good -many arrived and stayed till Jan. 15th, 1881, or later. At -Kyleakin, Oct. 20th, two were seen flying south, with strong S.E. -wind; and a few at Lochindaul. At Corsewall, one seen on 7th -and one on 8th, one killed; strong N.E. wind and haze. In -November, the earliest dates occur at the most southern stations; -thus at Point of Ayre, Nov. 2nd and 3rd, about three hundred -Blackbirds and Thrushes, mixed with Starlings, kept about the -locality till 4 a.m. on the 3rd; wind S. to S.E., very foggy. -The direction of flight on departure was not noted, but they were -seen to pass off about 7.30 a.m. Also at the Bahama <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, on -the 3rd, five were killed and others fell overboard. At Corsewall, -on the same dates, one and two were seen, wind fresh E., and -haze. At Kyleakin, Nov. 4th, seven Blackbirds seen flying south -at 9 a.m., wind S.E., and sleet; again on 11th, two seen flying -S., wind E., haze. At Monach, Nov. 16th, one in the garden, -wind S. to N.N.E., strong, with sleet and snow. In December, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_80">-80-</span> -at Monach, a few Blackbirds were seen. Thus on Dec. 3rd, one -male seen resting on the lantern at 10 p.m., wind strong W., -haze. Another female on Dec. 4th, 2 p.m., flying about the -garden, wind fresh S.S.W., haze and rain; and two Blackbirds, -accompanied by Starlings, at 1 p.m., wind fresh S., clear in the -garden and on the shore. As already noted, a still later flight -was noted in January, 1881, at Point of Ayre, Isle of Man.</p> - -<p><i>Note.</i>—Thrushes, amongst other birds (<i>vide</i> Robins, Linnets, -Snipe, Wagtails, &c.), were recognised by Capt. Roy in Mid-Atlantic, -400 miles on this side of Newfoundland. To Mr. Robt. -Gray I am indebted for some interesting and useful notes -regarding the occurrences of birds in Mid-Atlantic:—"The ship -'Rutland,' of Greenock, Capt. Roy. When about 400 miles on -this side of Newfoundland, during continued heavy gales from -the east, Capt. Roy observed numbers of birds taking refuge on -the 20th September. He had had head-winds all the way home -to England, and birds more or less numerous round the ship till -the 25th October. When he was 400-500 miles from Ireland, a -violent storm arose and blew prodigious flocks of birds before it. -The deck and rigging were covered. Many died, and many were -killed and used as food. The survivors, after staying a few days, -were carried off by the force of the wind. Capt. Roy observed -one Robin, lots of Linnets, Snipe, Thrushes, Wagtails, &c. -Heavy rains accompanied the storm." Mr. Gray continues, -"My brother-in-law, on his way to Boston in one of the Cunard -steamers, saw a Jackdaw and a Starling come on board on Oct. -23rd, during a gale from the east, when 550 miles from the Irish -coast, easterly winds having prevailed for several days. On Oct. -24th, 850 miles from land, one Starling perched for a few -minutes. A small bird like a Linnet hovered about the rigging, -but did not perch. One Water Rail was captured and detained -ten days, 1200 miles from land, and two Sandpipers. Writing -again on Dec. 21st, he tells me that on the outward passage, lat. -42° N., long. 54° W., he had in view at one time from five to six -hundred Gulls, various species—an extraordinary number to be -so far from land. When about 1080 miles from Ireland, going -out, two <i>Crossbills</i> flew on board. Both were captured."</p> - -<p>Thomas Anderson (son of Thomas Anderson, joint author -with Mr. Robert Gray of 'The Birds of Ayrshire and Wigtownshire') -and Mr. Gray inform me, a good observer, and who has -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_81">-81-</span> -for many years kept a bird-log, at Mr. Robert Gray's request. -Being chief-engineer on board a Cunard liner, he has crossed the -Atlantic some four hundred times, during most or all of which -time he has kept careful notes. It is hoped that he or Mr. Gray -will give us the benefit of these notes before long, as they cannot -fail to be of great interest and use to students of migration.</p> - -<p>Mr. T. E. Bruce, of Slogarrie, observed some Missel Thrushes -flying south on March 4th, 1881, and on the same day Snow -Buntings. Great storm of snow on March 4th and 5th, from -N.E.; this no doubt a local and temporary migration caused by -the severe weather. The Missel Thrushes having previously -arrived on spring migration, compelled to return again.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Corvidæ.</span>—The returns are from Monach, Sound of Mull, -Rhinns of Islay, Portpatrick, and Bahama (<span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>) Earliest at -Portpatrick, Aug. 16th, flocks flying round between 11 a.m. and -4 p.m., wind light E., and clear (probably only a local movement). -Latest at Monach, Dec. 29th, when about a dozen were seen at -noon flying south over the island. At Sound of Mull, in October, -about two hundred "Daws" are reported flying N.E. on the 9th, -wind light E. and clear; and at Rhinns of Islay, on the 10th, -flocks of Black Crows (Rooks ?) seen flying W., wind light, clear. -At Bahama <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, on 24th, one flying E. at 7.25 a.m., wind N.W., -and showery. But in November there appears to have been a -rush; also on Nov. 5th, ten "Crows" seen at Bahama <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span> flying -W.N.W. at 8 a.m., wind moderate N.W. by N. (the strength -registered is 4); and at the same station, on the 25th, about two -hundred and fifty "Crows" were seen flying from E. to W., with -a W.S.W. wind, strength 6, and weather gloomy. In my return -from Monach I find that six "small black Crows," which may -have been either Books or Jackdaws, were seen passing over the -island, flying north-west or north, in the direction of the Lews, -driven along by a strong S.S.E. gale upon Nov. 20th.</p> - -<p><i>Note.</i>—In 52° 50′ north lat. and 22° 21′ west long., being 475 -miles off the Irish coast, after six weeks' easterly gale and winds, -wind E.S.E. for ten hours previous, two Books flew to the barque -'East.' One fell exhausted on deck, and the other into the sea. -The former was shown to me by the Captain—Capt. Younoun—on -board the 'East' at Granton. The above, as related to me, -was upon Nov. 19th; and it may be interesting in connection -with this to read the notes supplied by Mr. R. Gray, as given -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_82">-82-</span> -under Thrush. Of a later observation at Monach, on Dec. 29th, -I have already spoken.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Starling</span>, <i>Sturnus vulgaris</i>.—I have received many returns of -this species, as is usually the case in autumn. Commencing at -our most northerly stations, I have returns from Cape Wrath, -Rhu Stoir, Stornoway, Island Ghlais (or Glas), Monach, Kyleakin, -Fladda, Rhinns of Islay, Lochindaul, Corsewall, Point of Ayre, -Douglas Head, and Bahama (<span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>) The earliest dates are -August; arrive and remain all the season afterwards at Lochindaul; -but at Rhinns of Islay, adjoining, arrive in September and -remain; resident thereafter. At Corsewall, Aug. 4th, a flock -flying south, fresh S. wind. At Kyleakin, Sept. 12th, three, -moderate S. wind, and haze. At Cape Wrath, Sept. 14th, twenty -young, flying from E. to W. (see remarks on occurrences in Mid-Atlantic, -under Thrushes, antea, p. 80); on 17th, a large flock at -10 p.m., wind strong S., with haze and rain; stayed a few days -and then left. At Corsewall, Sept. 28th, a flock flying S., strong -breeze, clear. Sept. 29th and 30th, a number seen hovering -round the lights of Douglas Head Lighthouse at midnight, with -Thrushes and Blackbirds, and none seen after daylight came in. -At Kyleakin, Nov. 3rd and 5th, forty adult and young rested, -wind light N. to light S., clear, and sleet. Also on Nov. 2nd and -3rd, whilst numbers were striking all night till dawn at Corsewall, -a large number were flying round Point of Ayre lights, mixed -with Thrushes and Blackbirds, and thirty-six were killed; and on -same date, one was killed at lantern of Douglas Head: and six -killed and fell overboard at Bahama <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, out of a large flock of -mixed Thrushes and Starlings. At Monach, Nov. 6th, one adult -rested, wind light N.W., drizzle. At Monach, Nov. 17th, twenty-four -young, N.N.E. gale, sleet and snow; left on 18th. At -Stornoway, Dec. 19th and 20th, large flocks, wind E., sleet and -rain. At Monach, Dec. 27th, a flock of young birds, along with -a large flock of Larks, flying about the garden and shores at -1 p.m., wind S., fresh and clear; and again on Jan. 14th, 1881, -a great many flocks, mixed old and young, at 10 a.m., flying to -and fro between the island and North Uist, apparently being -local movements caused by heavy snow in Uist. In 1879, the -most northerly record comes from Ardnamurchan, whereas this -year, as is usually the case, they are much more general. The -earliest date in 1879 was Aug. 14th, at Loch Ryan and M'Arthur's -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_83">-83-</span> -Head, whilst this year it was the 4th, at Corsewall. The latest -in 1879 was Dec. 18th, at Skervuile. This year, in December, -at Stornoway.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Finches</span>, <i>Fringillidæ</i>.—At Rhu Stoir, Sept. 17th, large flocks -at 10 p.m., strong S. wind, haze and rain; stayed a few days -with Starlings and then left. Crossbills (<i>vide</i> Mr. Anderson's -notes on Mid-Atlantic, antea, p. 80). Mr. Robt. Gray afterwards -informed me that the two Crossbills captured are of the American -species (<i>Loxia leucoptera</i>), judging from Mr. Anderson's description. -The same species was captured by the late Dr. Dewar on board -ship (Royal Phyl. Soc, and 'Birds of West of Scotland'); -and at same locality Finches were seen on Oct. 20th, light -variable winds, and snow. Only returns in 1879 were from -Dhuheartach on Aug. 24th, and Oct. 4th and 8th.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Tree Sparrow</span>.—On Lismore, Nov. 15th, a small flock -observed, strong N. wind, clear.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Chaffinch.</span>—Only one record on west coast is given, <i>viz.</i>, at -Bahama <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Oct. 11th, when one is recorded flying N.W. at -8 a.m., wind E.N.E., and haze.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Linnets.</span>—Returns from Skerryvore, Lismore, and Point of -Ayre. Earliest date Sept. 12th, when a rush appears to have -taken place past Point of Ayre between that date and Sept. 29th; -principally, however, on Sept. 12th and 20th, when young birds -to the number of fifty or sixty—on the 20th mixed with Hedgesparrows—were -seen flying W. on both days about 8 a.m., wind -light W., clear. They appeared plentiful also on the 28th, but a -few only seen on 29th. Again in same locality there appeared to -be a rush on Oct. 18th and 24th, when twenty and one hundred -Greenfinches were seen, in light and fresh W. wind; and at -Skerryvore, Oct. 14th, twelve "Grey Linnets" flew about the -rock, wind light E., with haze. On Nov. 13th, a small flock -frequented Lismore during the day, wind strong S.W. to W., and -rain; and at the same station, Dec. 15th, both Grey and Green -Linnets, mixed with Robins, Larks, Thrushes, and Blackbirds, -flew about; wind strong N.E., and snow. In 1879, Sept. 9th is -the only date given at Rhuvaal and Lamlash.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Snow Bunting</span>, <i>Emberiza nivalis</i>.—Records have been kept at -Rhu Stoir in the north, and southward at Monach, Dhuheartach, -Corsewall, and Point of Ayre. The earliest occurrence was at -Dhuheartach on Sept. 19th, when one bird was seen; wind fresh W. -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_84">-84-</span> -From Oct. 1st to 8th, at Rhu Stoir, about forty arrived and -stayed till the latter date; wind on day of arrival N.W. gale with -sleet. On Oct. 1st, at Monach also, they were first seen, one at -10 a.m.; wind fresh S.S.W. and cloudy. At Point of Ayre from -fifty to sixty were seen at 7.30 a.m., mixed with Thrushes and -Blackbirds, fresh S.E. wind, clear, on Nov. 2nd and 3rd. On -Nov. 6th, at Monach, one at 10 p.m., N.W. wind and drizzle of -rain. On Nov. 16th a few seen at 2 p.m. during a S. to N.N.E. -gale, and the latest record is at Corsewall, on Jan. 5th, 1881, -when one was seen and struck the lantern at 3.30 a.m., light N.E. -wind, haze. In 1879 most northerly station, Monach Island. -Earliest date same as this year (1879, Monach; 1880, Dhuheartach). -Latest date in 1879, Dec. 10th (Corsewall), against -Jan. 5th, 1881 (Corsewall), in 1880.</p> - -<p><i>Note.</i>—The unusually large and sudden immigration of Snow -Buntings into Great Britain attracted general attention. From -the middle of November onward they were extremely abundant, -and they ushered in the severe winter and low temperatures of -January, 1881.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Sky Lark</span>, <i>Alauda arvensis</i>.—A good many returns from the -following stations:—Rhu Stoir, Kyleakin, Dhuheartach, Skervuile, -Rhinns of Islay, Turnberry, Corsewall, and Bahama <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span> The -earliest, Sept. 30th, at Corsewall, at 9 p.m., when two were seen, -which remained till dawn on the lantern along with Golden-crested -Wrens. The latest at Turnberry on Jan. 4th, 1881, when -one struck at 8 p.m., light N.E. wind with haze. In October, on -the 1st, at Skervuile, some were seen mixed with Thrushes and -Wrens; winds variable and light, with haze. On the 3rd, at -Turnberry, two struck, and one killed between 10 and 11 p.m., -wind light E. and clear. On 12th, at Bahama <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span> a flock seen -flying W. at 9.20 a.m., wind light N.E., with haze. On 13th -twenty seen at Dhuheartach at 1 a.m., wind light N., cloudy. On -Dec. 27th a large flock was seen flying about the garden and -shores at Monach along with young Starlings and two Blackbirds, -at 1 p.m., wind S., fresh breeze, clear. In 1879 the most northerly -station was Dhuheartach. Earliest date in 1879, Sept. 19th; -latest Dec. 6th; but it must be remembered in this and all such -comparisons that in 1879 our returns' were sent in sooner than -in 1880.</p> - -<p><i>Note.</i>—Local migrations of large extent, brought on by heavy -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_85">-85-</span> -falls of snow and consequent scarcity of food, have been frequently -noted this season. When crossing the Firth of Forth on the -15th December I saw many large flocks of Larks, both in the -morning and afternoon, flying steadily from N.N.W. to S.S.E. or -N.W. to S.E. Many Larks were afterwards seen feeding near -Leith, and notice of the fact sent to the papers by another witness. -The line of flight, as I have said, was from N. of West to S. of -East. I note the fact as having significance, even in a local -migration, at this locality.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Rock Pigeon.</span>—July 10th, sixteen Rock Pigeons at Island -Ghlais, flying S., 8 p.m., light N., haze and showers, refers -probably to a local migration. At Skerryvore two "wild -pigeons" (Rock Doves?) seen during calm hazy weather on -June 24th.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lapwing</span>, <i>Vanellus cristatus</i>.—At Rhuvaal, Lochindaul, and -Portpatrick. Aug. 4th, at Lochindaul, large flocks seen all through -the month after this date: resident. Sept. 1st, two killed at -Rhuvaal, 11 p.m., strong S., haze. Sept. 9th, flocks flying S. at -9 a.m. at Portpatrick; wind S.E., hazy. Sept. 15th, Lochindaul, -flocks all day; strong N. wind, clear. One at Monach on Dec. -27th, wind S., flying S. More northerly in 1879, <i>viz.</i>, Rhu Stoir -and southwards. Earliest date Aug. 20th; latest Dec. 11th.</p> - -<p><i>Note.</i>—In Ireland Lapwings began to assemble on the shores -by July 22nd, as observed by Mr. Warren.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Golden Plover</span>, <i>Charadrius pluvialis</i>.—Only two records this -year from Island Ghlais and Point of Ayre: Dec. 3rd, twenty to -thirty at 9 a.m. flying S.W., light airs, showers, at the former; -Jan. 12th, 1881, at the latter, a flock flying E., wind strong E., -clear. Two or three flocks were seen upon Monach on Dec. 27th, -at 1 p.m., flying along to shore, wind S., fresh breeze. A considerable -movement appears to have been observed at Monach on -this date. In 1879 three stations, most northerly being Skerryvore. -Earliest date July 27th, at Portpatrick; latest on Oct. 18th, -at Skerryvore.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ringed Plover.</span>—On Aug. 13th twelve "Dotterels" arrived -upon Dhuheartach. These remain on the rock all winter, unless -driven off by severe weather.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Heron.</span>—Two Herons seen at 2 p.m. at Rhu Stoir, N.W. gale, -snow showers. At Monach four Herons rested on the shore on -Oct. 28th, about 2 o'clock, wind strong N.E., with snow showers; -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_86">-86-</span> -they had left by next day. Common and of daily occurrence at -Kyleakin.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Curlew</span>, <i>Numenius arquatus</i>.—Of this species we have many -records, and it does not seem easy to distinguish between migration -data and residence. However, I give the leading points for -further comparison. They occurred, or are recorded, at Cape -Wrath, and thence south at Island Ghlais, Monach, Kyleakin, -Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, Rhuvaal, Skervuile, Lochindaul, Portpatrick. -Point of Ayre, and Bahama <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span> They seemed to fly in -all directions, indicating to a great extent only local migration. -From April and May, on through June and July, and all the -autumn months they occur rather distinctly as resident, or as -passing flocks, and it seems almost impossible to separate the -movements in the end of summer which should be assigned as -part of the spring migration from those in the beginning of -autumn which more rightly belong to the autumnal migration. -As will be seen, however, I have attempted to do so, assigning -all June records to the former and July records to the latter. -The earliest record, then, in autumn stands as July 15th, when -forty were seen flying W. at 4.20 p.m. at Island Ghlais, wind -light N., clear. The latest recorded are on Dec. 25th, 26th and -27th at Rhu Stoir, flying south; winds N. or light and variable -with showers. The general courses pursued were southerly or -from N.W. to S.E., or from N.E. to S.W., some flying direct W., -however, and others direct S.; but at Portpatrick, on Aug. 19th -and 23rd, flocks were seen flying north and also south, indicating -a local migration. On Aug. 19th the wind was light S., haze, -and on 23rd light E., clear. Numbers passed Dhuheartach -between Aug. 12th and 17th, all going in southerly directions, -from S. to S.W. and S.E. On Monach they were unusually -abundant this year all September, and more than a dozen were -shot. "Bushes," so far as such data are of value, appear to -have taken place in August, 12th to 17th, or even later,—say to -23rd,—and locally, at Lochindaul, on Aug. 4th and 5th, and in -September, as 10th and 25th, at Dhuheartach, and "unusually -abundant all September on Monach." In November, on the 3rd, -at Bahama <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Curlews were flying round the vessel all night. -On Aug. 15th four seen circling round Dhuheartach in calm, -clear weather, and on the 18th two seen flying south in light W. -wind and haze. On Nov. 2nd, at Douglas Head, one was killed -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_87">-87-</span> -on lantern at 10.30 p.m., wing strong S.E. and haze. On -Nov. 6th one "Sandpiper" was killed at lantern at Island Ghlais -in a fresh W. breeze. In 1879 most northerly station was Island -Ghlais; this year much more general. Earliest date in 1879, -Aug. 3rd; latest Nov. 20th.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Snipe.</span>—I have returns only from three stations, Island -Ghlais, Kyleakin and Douglas Head. The earliest at Kyleakin, -Oct. 11th, when two appeared in light E. wind and rain; at the -same station, Nov. 16th, one was killed on lantern at 2 a.m., in -light S. wind and haze. At Douglas Head, Nov. 18th, one killed -at midnight in snow, N.E. breeze. At Island Ghlais, Nov. 27th, -one was killed during a W. gale and haze and rain.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Woodcock</span>, <i>Scolopax rusticola</i>.—Commencing in the north we -have records of occasional birds at Cape Wrath, Rhu Stoir, -Island Ghlais, Kyleakin, Ardnamurchan, Lismore, and Point of -Ayre. The earliest occurrence is noted at Island Ghlais, Sept. -23rd, seen half a mile from lighthouse. Then we have occurrence -at Point of Ayre, where one was killed at the lantern on nights of -Nov. 2nd and 3rd, at 7 o'clock, light S.E. wind, very foggy. At -Lismore, Nov. 20th, one seen at 11 a.m., light N.W. wind, clear. -The rush appeared most conspicuous from Dec. 10th, when -one was killed at Ardnamurchan, at 5.30 a.m., in strong W. -wind, with thick rain; at Kyleakin, Dec. 11th, when two were -seen at 2.30 p.m., moderate N.E. wind, snow lying on the ground; -and at Rhu Stoir, Dec. 25th, 26th and 27th; on 25th, three, flying -south, light N. wind, snow; 26th, one, variable, and light -showers of snow; 27th, two, light, variable and clear; lastly, -at Rhu Stoir, Jan. 12th, two, light S.E. wind, clear.</p> - -<p><i>Note.</i>—Northernmost Station, Island Ghlais, 1879. Earliest -record, Oct. 11th (Rhinns of Islay), 1879; latest record, Dec. -12th, 1879. So long ago as the date of the "Lays of the Deer -Forest," 1848, numbers of Woodcock are recorded as settling -about the lamps of the northern lighthouses, and evidence is -given from Cape Wrath (<i>loc. cit.</i>, 'Notes,' vol. ii., p. 262).</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Wild Goose.</span>—At Portpatrick, Aug. 6th, one was seen flying -S.E., in light E. breeze; at the same station, Jan. 13th, ten -were observed flying S., with a strong N. breeze. At Point of -Ayre, Jan. 11th, about twenty were seen flying S., with light -N.E. breeze. At Monach, Nov. 30th, eight were seen at 8 p.m., -flying westward, and settled on some rocks off the island, wind -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_88">-88-</span> -S.E., fresh, rain; and Jan. 9th, 1881, fifteen at 9 a.m. flying -northwards, wind S., light, clear. At Douglas Head, Dec. 17th, -eight Geese were seen flying from E. to W. at 12 a.m., calm, -clear. At Butt of Lewis, Jan. 6th, six Wild Geese at 9 a.m., light -S.W. wind, clear; came to the village about a mile off, stopped -two days; left, going S. At Island Ghlais, Jan. 4th, fifty Wild -Geese flying S., 1 p.m.; wind N., fresh, clear. At Rhuvaal, -Dec. 12th, six dozen seen, after stormy weather, in light S.W. -breeze.</p> - -<p><i>Note.</i>—On Jan. 29th, 1880, four dozen, old and young, -resident on Islay, were by Feb. 15th, 1880, reduced to about two -dozen. It is recorded in the Wernerian Societies Memoirs, in -a report from the light-keeper at Lismore lighthouse (which -report was not published in full), that most birds of a flock of -Brent Geese were killed against the building, and that one bird -passed through quarter-inch glass "like a shot" (Mem. Wern. -Soc, read Jan. 24th, 1835).</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Swan</span>, <i>Cygnus</i>.—At Rhu Stoir, Dec. 25th, 2 p.m., flying S.E., -light N. wind, snow storm. (At Loch Inver, Jan. 1st, 1881, two -seen at a loch there.) At Butt of Lewis, Jan. 16th, two, stayed -four days at a village four miles off and left on 20th or 21st, -flying S.; wind N.E., sleet.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Ducks</span>, <i>Anatidæ</i>.—At Monach, Skerryvore and Dhuheartach. -At Dhuheartach, Oct. 12th, nineteen Eiders—sixteen males and -three females, noon, fresh N. wind, clear; engaged in fishing. At -Monach, Oct. 27th, two flocks of Eiders, male and female, 3 p.m., -wind N., cloudy; "first arrival here from breeding-grounds." -At Dhuheartach, Oct. 28th, forty fishing round, light N.E. wind; -Oct. 29th, the same flock. These remain all the season, usually -arriving about Oct. 12th, but they do not land here; later in -arrival this year.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Great Northern Diver.</span>—At Monach, May 25th, two—male -and female—Great Northern Divers seen, wind S.W., fresh, -clear. These birds are seen at intervals all through the year, -three being the largest number Mr. Youngclause has seen at one -time; he has shot three during the last five years.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Red-throated Diver.</span>—At Monach, May 22nd, twelve were -seen feeding in pairs along the shore; wind N.W., fresh, -showers.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Rock Birds</span>, <i>Natatores</i>.—Razorbills, Guillemots, Puffins. In -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_89">-89-</span> -speaking of these I believe the simplest way will be to take the -spring and autumn migration together, and I here simply write -down the results as they appear in the schedules. Cape Wrath, -April 20th, about 1000 Razorbills, 2000 Puffins, and 2000 -Guillemots arrived to breed; wind S., showers. Aug. 29th, about -2000 Razorbills, 4000 Puffins, and 4000 Guillemots left; wind -S.E., clear. Or in other words, about twice as many left in -autumn as came in spring. "These birds have building cliffs -about three miles east of the Cape. The time of the day they -come is not known, nor the directions in which they come and go. -They come in one night, and go in one night." At Island Ghlais, -July 10th, about ninety Puffins, 4 p.m., flying S., haze, doubtless -a local migration for food; July 11th, about 200 Puffins, 1 p.m., -wind N., flying S.W., clear; July 22nd, numbers feeding on -herring-soil in shore; Aug. 9th, numbers feeding on herring-soil -in shore. At Ushenish, May 30th, numbers passing; local -migration, strong S. wind. At Kyleakin, May 10th, numbers of -Guillemots passing E. all day; strong E.N.E. wind. At Skervuile, -July 21st to 27th, Marrots seen. Those seen at Island -Ghlais are almost undoubtedly bred at the Shiant Isles (see -former Report, 1879).</p> - -<p><i>Note.</i>—I have no return this year from Dunnet Head, owing -to the absence of Mr. Geo. Maclachlan, the new keeper not -having sent me one, which I much regret.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Gulls.</span>—At Cape Wrath, April 12th, 300 "Sea Gulls" arrived -here for breeding on the cliffs below the lighthouse, between -7 a.m. and 8 a.m., wind E., clear; July 12th, from 300 to 800 -Sea Gulls leave and passed to W., between 3 a.m. and 10 p.m., -wind E., haze and rain; April 20th, 200 Kittiwakes arrived; -Aug. 29th, 600 Kittiwakes left, wind S.E., clear. At Island -Ghlais, July 22nd, 500 to 600 Gulls and Kittiwakes, Puffins, &c., -feeding, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; wind S., light, clear; probably from -Shiant Isles. (See Mr. Anderson's notes on Gulls in Mid-Atlantic, -under Thrush, <i>antea</i> p. 80). At Sound of Mull, Aug. 13th, -200 Kittiwakes, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., flying N.W. in flocks of twenty -to thirty; light W. wind, clear. At Rhuvaal, March 1st, about -four dozen, 10 a.m., S.W. wind to gale, rain and sleet; May 1st, -about one dozen, 9 a.m., S.W. wind, clear; Oct. 13th, twelve, -flying S., 7 a.m., variable, light, haze; Nov. 1st, Gulls (and -Curlews), 9 a.m., W. wind, clear. At Skervuile, June 8th, one -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_90">-90-</span> -Black-headed Gull, 9 am., N.W. wind, light breeze, rain, "not -often seen here;" July 17th, "Boatswain Bird," 10 p.m., first -seen, also Kittiwakes; July 21st to 27th, "Boatswain Gulls" -seen; Aug. 2nd, great numbers of ditto seen. At Corsewall, -Nov. 1st, one Kittiwake seen, 9.45 p.m.; fresh E. breeze. At -Stornoway, July 21st, a flock, apparently migrating, flying N., -9 p.m., light N.E. wind.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Terns.</span>—At Monach, Aug. 15th to 20th, great flocks were -congregating previous to departure; winds light, clear; and by -20th all were gone, except a few detained by late young ones -(see spring migration, under Tern). They are also reported to -have left the neighbourhood of Stornoway lighthouse by Aug. -15th. On Aug. 26th, sixteen "Sea Swallows" arrived at -Bahama light-vessel, at 2.20 p.m., in hazy weather; wind light -S.E. by E.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Gannet</span>, <i>Sula bassana</i>.—In the same way I give the data as -shown in the schedules. At Cape Wrath, April 14th, 800 to 900 -flying E., for breeding at Souliskerry, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; -wind E., clear. At Douglas Head, April 18th, one, light N.E. -wind, clear; July 14th to Aug. 28th, 60 to 900 daily, flying W., -7 a.m. to 9 p.m. <i>Note.</i>—I am informed by Mr. Gray that Mr. -Anderson traced the Gannet as far south as the latitude of South -Spain, where one day the ship passed through acres of them; -they seemed dead beat, as if after a toilsome flight during a -succession of autumn gales. At Rhu Stoir, July 1st to Aug. 31st, -large flocks going N. daily along the coast, largest numbers -about end of July; generally passing between 7 and 9 p.m.; none -seen going south. At Butt of Lewis, April 13th, three Solan Geese -seen, 9 a.m., the first seen; May 20th to Sept. 15th, increased daily -till May 20th, and then on till middle of September, it would be -impossible to count them from dawn till dusk: they passed in -long strings of fifty to sixty in a flock at not more than a quarter -of hour's interval between the flocks; they all flew west. A -number (about one-fifth of the whole) fly east, and take -no notice of the others in their flight; these are single birds: -not one seen after Oct. 15th. At Island Ghlais, July 12th, 150 -Solan Geese "flying S. and N.," 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., light airs, W., -clear; July 13th, 200 "flying S. and N.," 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., fresh -N. wind; July 15th to 31st, 1600 to 2000 flying both N. and S., -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_91">-91-</span> -variable; daily average about 100. (<i>Note.</i>—The expression -"flying S. and N." probably means <i>from S. to N.</i>) At Skervuile, -March 1st, at 8 a.m., S.W. gale, rain and sleet; Oct. 26th, last seen -10 a.m., fresh N.E. wind, clear. At Lochindaul, May 14th, one -seen fishing, wind E., clear, dry.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Cormorants.</span>—At Cape Wrath, April 16th, thirty "Scarts" -arrived, 10 a.m., E. wind, showers. At Stornoway, Sept. 14th, -seven flying S.W. at noon, light S.W. wind, clear; Sept. 21st, -flock of ditto at 2 p.m., light W. wind, flying S.W., raining; -Oct. 26th, flock of ditto flying W., 11 a.m., N. gale, snow; -Dec. 24th, flock of ditto flying S.E., N. wind, fresh, snow. The -above probably refer to local migrations.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Unidentified.</span>—At Portpatrick, between Oct. 7th and 28th, a -migration appears to have gone on at intervals of small birds: -thus on the 7th "flocks of small birds," at 7 a.m., strong N.E. -breeze, clear, flying S.W.; the same on the 14th, flying S.W., in -light easterly wind, and clear; the same on the 15th, flying W., -in light S. winds, clear; the same on the 28th, light N.E. wind, -hazy, direction and flight not noted. Again, flocks of small -birds on Dec. 25th, at the same station, flying E., were observed, -in strong N. breeze; and flocks flew round all day on 26th, in -light E. wind, and clear. In August, on the 25th, at 5.45 p.m., -fifty-two (species unknown) seen flying S.S.W., at Bahama <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, -light E. by S. wind.</p> - -<h3 id="General_Remarks_4"><span class="smcap">General Remarks.</span></h3> - -<p>In our general remarks, in 1879, we took notice of the -scarcity of birds at many important stations, such as the Butt of -Lewis, Monach Island, &c. This season shows a considerable -increase upon last year's returns, and the horizontal lines of -migration—or rays of the fan—seem to have spread out wider -and reached farther north in 1880 than in 1879; and this -increase of observations on the west coast, be it noted, is -irrespective, apparently, of the scarcity upon our Scottish east -coast. We also receive accounts of immense numbers of birds -being seen this season in Mid-Atlantic, the dates of their -appearance there agreeing very accurately with dates of observations -at the land stations. In the 1879 migration the -scarcity was accounted for by the prevalence of N.W. winds -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_92">-92-</span> -deflecting the lines, and passing down <i>upon the right shoulders</i> (so -to speak) of the passing birds.<a id="FNanchor_19" href="#Footnote_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a></p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_19" href="#FNanchor_19" class="label">[19]</a> Even the strong-winged Wild Geese and Swans are observed when -flying well up in the wind to drift to one side a little, having the appearance -of flying <i>left-shoulder first</i> instead of head first.</p> - -</div> - -<p>This year the prevailing winds and gales were from east and -north-east, and while these winds do not appear to have -compressed <i>the horizontal lines so much</i> as the north-westerly did -in 1879 the birds appear to have passed at greater elevations, -and been borne away in the gales far out to sea. The migration -does not appear to have come in such great throbs or rushes in -1880 as in 1879, but to have been more dispersed and more -regular; this, no doubt, is a natural consequence of the waves -being more spread out in 1880 than in 1879. The great easterly -gales continuing for weeks together over the Atlantic and North -of Europe, so disastrous to our shipping, undoubtedly carried -many migrants far to the westward, and the mortality amongst -them must have been very great indeed, if we judge from the few -records that have reached us from sea-going vessels. These -easterly gales also have, no doubt, affected the direction of the -migration to a considerable extent, and indications of its agency -may be found in the occurrence on our shores of certain -wanderers from foreign lands, such as the Esquimaux Curlew, -on September 21st, in Kincardineshire (<i>vide</i> Zool., 1880, p. 485); -a Red-legged Hobby, on September 20th; a Turtle Dove in -Kincardineshire; and Great Snipes, Great Grey Shrikes,<a id="FNanchor_20" href="#Footnote_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a> &c., -about the same dates (<i>loc. cit.</i>). These gales may be said to have -continued almost without cessation during the whole migrating -season, all through September, October, November, and December. -In November a new bird to our British list occurred,—the -Desert Wheatear, <i>Saxicola deserti</i>, Ruppell,—as will be found -duly recorded by Mr. John James Dalgleish.<a id="FNanchor_21" href="#Footnote_21" class="fnanchor">[21]</a> It was obtained -near Alloa on November 26th. Its native haunts are far to the -southward and eastward, and in North Africa, Egypt, Persia -and India.</p> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_20" href="#FNanchor_20" class="label">[20]</a> Unusually abundant in Heligoland.</p> - -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_21" href="#FNanchor_21" class="label">[21]</a> Proc. Ryl. Phyl. Soc. Edin., 1880-81, vol. vi., p. 64.</p> - -</div> - -<p>Mr. Cordeaux has already shown to us the apparently -abnormal statistics on the south coast of England, birds crossing -towards England and flying north-west all through the migratory -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_93">-93-</span> -season between August 16th and December. I am inclined to -look upon these data as indications of the wide-spread waves of -the general migration, extending both farther north and farther -south. According to the amount of pressure at the starting-points -[or possibly the increased area northward occupied in a particularly -fine nesting season, as in 1880] will the wideness of the -area be which is passed over by the migratory flocks. I think -the rules known to apply in the dispersal and extension of range -of species are, in some respects, applicable also to the greater and -more extensive waves of migration.</p> - -<p>I could say more regarding the peculiarity of nesting sites -being occupied year after year by the same pairs of birds, or of -well-known sites being vacated for a few seasons, and again -occupied; or I might dilate upon some curious statistics of the -continuous recurrence of foreign species at the same localities, -or along the same line of country, but I fear to occupy space with -theory only, until we have a larger accumulation of solid -material.</p> - -<p>As regards severity of weather apart from winds, unusually -early winter was reported from Scandinavia, it having begun -there in October (<i>vide</i> 'Field,' Oct. 16th, 1880, p. 590).</p> - -<p>Attention should be drawn also to the admirable work being -done on the subject of migration by Mr. J. J. Dalgleish -(Bull. Nuttall. Orn. Club), and by Mr. Percy E. Freke -(Sc. Proc. Ryl. Dub. Soc, vol. ii., n. s., p. 373, and vol. iii., n. s., -separate?). These gentlemen also now propose to colour, or -have already finished, maps showing the distribution of the -occurrences of American birds in Europe recorded in their -papers, which cannot fail to be of much service in our work. We -would like to see not only American species mapped out in -Europe, but rare European occurrences in Great Britain.</p> - -<p>Finally, in endeavouring to arrive at conclusions regarding -the causes of migrational phenomena in 1880, we have taken -into consideration—1st. The value of the heights of lanterns -above the sea, as against the colour and intensity of lights in -1879; and we have taken more account of the vertical area of -birds' flight in 1880 than in 1879. 2ndly. We have compared -the effects of prevailing north-west winds in 1879 pressing -laterally upon the lines of migration to those of 1880, which -being easterly and north-easterly have had the contrary effect of -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_94">-94-</span> -spreading out the migration again, or at least has not deflected -it to the same extent; and also, the effect of causing birds to -migrate at greater elevations, and, where the gales have been -most severe, to bear them away above the range of vision and -carry vast numbers out to sea, until, weary and exhausted, they -have ceased to be able to guide themselves, and again, involuntarily, -lowered, to be picked up senseless and stunned on board -the ships, or to perish in thousands in the ocean. And lastly -we have hinted at the wideness of the migratory waves depending -upon the pressure at the starting-points, or upon the larger -north and south area occupied in the breeding-season of 1880, -besides some other minor details.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - - -<div class="chapter"> -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_95">-95-</span></p> - -<h2 class="nobreak" id="WEST_COAST_OF_ENGLAND">WEST COAST OF ENGLAND.</h2> -</div> - - -<p>Forms of enquiry and letters of instruction were sent to -thirty-nine lighthouses and light-vessels on the west coast of -England; from twenty-nine returns have been received; from -five, letters mentioning the scarcity of birds.</p> - -<p>The following are the stations from which co-operation was -asked, commencing with the most northerly. Returns have been -received from those marked with an *, and from those marked -with a † letters without returns:—</p> - -<table summary="data"> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">110.</td> - <td class="tdr">†</td> - <td class="tdl">St. Bees: on the Head, <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span> Fixed; visible 25 miles. Robert - Pizey.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">111.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Morecambe Bay, <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>; revolving red light, flash every 30 seconds. - Fog signal, one blast every 2 minutes. Henry Clavell.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">112.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Air, <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>; on the Point. Fixed, visible 9 miles, white, except over - West Hoyle Bank, between the bearings of S.E. 1/4 S. and - W. 3/4 S., where it shows red. C. H. Aveston.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">113.</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Menai, <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>; on Trwyn du Point. Fixed, red; visible 9 miles. - Bell in fog; three times in quick succession every 15 seconds.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">114.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Skerries, <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>; Highest Island. Fixed, visible 16 miles. Fog - signal, one blast every 3 minutes. J. Garrett.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">115.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Holyhead Breakwater, <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>; 66-1/2 feet above high water. Red; - flashes every 7-1/2 seconds; visible 13 miles. Appears as a fixed red light at a distance - of 3 or 4 miles. Bell in fog (three times in quick succession) every 15 seconds. Fog - horn nearly continuous <i>when mail packets passing into harbour</i>. Richard Prichard.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">116.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">North Stack, Fog Horn Station, <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span> Bell sounded during fog; - small white light revolving in 1-1/2 min., occasionally shown - 40 feet above sea and 30 yards N. of S. Stack <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span> Gun - fired every 10 minutes during fog when mail packets approaching. - John Harvey, gunner.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">117.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">South Stack, <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>; on S. Stack rock off N.W. point of Holyhead - Island; revolving every minute; visible 20 miles. W. R. - Burgess.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">118.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">St. Judwall, <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, 151 feet above high water, occulting, light of - 8 seconds duration, followed by eclipse of 2 seconds, white - and red; also a fixed red light (not occulting) from a window - 16 feet below the high light. William Davies.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_96">-96-</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">119.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Caernarvon Bay, <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>; revolving with white and red flashes at - intervals of 20 seconds, in order of two white and one red; - visible 10 miles. Fog signal, one blast every 2 minutes. W. Bowen.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">120.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Bardsey, <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span> Fixed; visible 17 miles. Fog syren one blast every - 5 minutes. Thomas Bowen.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">121.</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Cardigan Bay, <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span> Red; revolving every 30 seconds; visible 10 - miles going in.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">122.</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Bull Point, <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span> White triple flashes. Fog signal, three blasts - quickly every 2 minutes. George Knott.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">123.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">South Bishop, <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>; revolving every 20 seconds; visible 18 miles. - Gong in fog. John White.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">124.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Smalls, <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span> Fixed, white; visible 17 miles. Bell sounded during - foggy weather, and a rocket every half hour. W. Boulton.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">125.</td> - <td class="tdr">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Great Castle Head, <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span> (2). Fixed, white, 112 and 76 feet above - high water.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">126.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Milford (Low), <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span> Fixed, red. G. Baker.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">127.</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Milford (High), <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span> Fixed, red, 48 feet above sea.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">128.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Caldy, <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, S. of Island. Fixed; visible 20 miles; bright to - seaward, red in direction of Old Castle Head and Woolhouse - Shoal. W. Ebben, P. K.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">129.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Helwick, <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>; revolving every minute; visible 10 miles. Fog - horn, blasts of 5 seconds duration at regular intervals of - 2 minutes. Thomas Cornell, mate.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">130.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Scarweather, <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>; revolving red, three times a minute, 38 feet above - level of sea; visible 10 miles. Fog syren, two blasts quickly - every 2 minutes. Henry Jenkins.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">131.</td> - <td class="tdr">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Nash (Lower W.), <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span> Fixed; visible 17 miles. John Richards.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">132.</td> - <td class="tdr">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Nash (E. or high), <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span> Fixed; visible 19 miles; red. Hy. Nicholas.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">133.</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Breaksea, <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span> Flashing every 15 seconds; 38 feet above sea; fixed - red light at a lower elevation. Gong in fog.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr">134.</td> - <td class="tdr">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Flatholm, <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, S. point of Island. Fixed; visible 18 miles. - W. Dale, P. K.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">135.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Usk, <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, W. side of entrance to river. Fixed; visible 11 miles; - white and red. Amos Russell.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">136.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">†</td> - <td class="tdl">Avon, <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>. E. of entrance. Fixed; visible 13 miles; white seaward. - William Taylor.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">137.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Burnham, <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span> (2). Upper intermittent; visible 15 miles. Lower, - fixed; visible 9 miles. William Lewis.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">138.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Bideford, <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span> (2). Low light visible from half-flood to half-ebb, - 14 and 11 miles. Leading lights for crossing the Bar. - Edward Roberts.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">139.</td> - <td></td> - <td class="tdl">Lundy Fog Gun Station. During fog and thick weather, rocket - every 10 minutes; explodes at height of 600 feet. John - Morgan.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_97">-97-</span></td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">140.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Lundy, <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, 1/2 mile from S. end of Island (2), in one tower. Upper - visible 30 miles, revolving every 2 minutes. Low light fixed, - only visible between bearings of S. by E. and N.E. James - Parsons.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">141.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">†</td> - <td class="tdl">Hartland Point, <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, 120 feet above high water; revolving, 30 - seconds, two white and one red. Fog signal, blasts of - 5 seconds duration every 2 minutes. John Griffiths.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">142.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">†</td> - <td class="tdl">Trevose Head, <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, on N.W. extremity (2). Fixed; visible 20 and - 17 miles. W. Bowen.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">143.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Godrevy, <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span> Flashing every 10 seconds; visible 15 miles. A - fixed red light in same tower, 27 feet below flashing light; - visible from S. by E. to S.E. Richard Trahair.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">144.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Bishop Rock, <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, on S. W. Rock. Scilly. Fixed; visible 16 miles. - Bell in fog every 10 seconds.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">145.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Scilly, <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, St. Agnes, on summit of Island; revolving every - half-minute; visible 17 miles. E. L. Davis.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">146.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Sevenstones, <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span> White, revolving. Syren fog signal, three blasts - quickly every 2 minutes. Daniel Norton.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">147.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">*</td> - <td class="tdl">Longships, <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, on highest rock off Land's End. Fixed; visible - 16 miles. Bell in foggy weather. William Jones.</td> -</tr> -<tr> - <td class="tdr vtop">148.</td> - <td class="tdr vtop">†</td> - <td class="tdl">Wolfrock, <span class="allsmcap">L.H.</span>, 8 miles S.S.W of Land's End, 110 feet above - high-water mark; revolving alternate flashes of red and white; - visible 16 miles. In fog a bell. W. D. Crask.</td> -</tr> -</table> - -<p>To the Elder Brethren at Trinity House our thanks are due for -their kind permission to make use of the light stations for taking -observations; and to the Trinity Superintendents, Mr. Davison -(Holyhead), Mr. Evans (Weyland), and Mr. Tregarthen (Penzance), -we are obliged for willing assistance.</p> - -<p>The observers at the various stations are deserving of thanks -for the pains they have taken to keep an accurate record of the -facts coming under their notice. The reports are all interesting, -those which show a paucity of birds equally with those that -record the passing of many. Excluding the Anatidæ, notes have -been taken of about fifty-two different species.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_98">-98-</span></p> - - -<h4 id="SEPARATE_REPORT_ON_EACH_SPECIES_6">SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES.</h4> - -<p>Of the Raptores we have heard but little. A male Falcon (Peregrine ?) -was seen at Sevenstones Oct. 13th, at noon, flying S.W., -before a moderate breeze from N.E.; at Smalls, Oct. 7th, a -Kestrel was observed flying round the tower; in Morecambe -Bay Oct. 4th, 7.30 a.m., a Sparrowhawk flying from N.N.E., a -gentle E.N.E. breeze, rested on board the light-vessel. At St. -Bees a hawk or two, we are told, may be seen occasionally; -"they build on the cliffs thereabouts."</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Owl</span>, <i>Otus brachyotos</i>.—At North Stack, Oct. 13th, an Owl, -probably the Short-eared, was seen, at 8.55 a.m., flying S.W., -before a mod. N.E. breeze. At Smalls, Oct 15th, a little Horned -Owl was observed resting on the rock; Nov. 6th, at 4 p.m., -another on the S.E. rock.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Fieldfare</span>, <i>Turdus pilaris</i>.—Distinguished on one or two -occasions; possibly some of the notes on "Thrush" may refer -to this. From Bishop Rock, Oct. 13th, Fieldfares were seen -at 10 a.m. passing W. before a mod. E. breeze. At Smalls, -Oct. 15th, from 1 a.m. to daylight. Grey Thrushes were noticed, -with Redwings, Starlings, and Blackbirds; breeze gentle to -moderate, E.S.E. to S.E. At Air (River Dee), Nov. 7th, "large -quantities passed at sunrise."</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Song Thrush</span>, <i>Turdus musicus</i>.—Recorded from five stations. -At Caernarvon Bay, Oct. 1st, two were killed; hazy. At South -Bishop, Oct. 5th, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., a mod. N.N.E. breeze, rain -and mist. Thrushes and Blackbirds were passing, and, of the -former, seven killed. At Morecambe Bay, Oct. 8th, 10.20 a.m., -one Song Thrush passed S.S.W., very tired; a strong N.E. -breeze. At Nash (E. or high), Oct. 13th, one was killed; afresh -N.N.E. breeze, with mist. At Bull Point, Oct. 14th, 3 a.m., -overcast and misty, light air S.S.W., one female is reported as -striking. At Caernarvon Bay, Nov. 2nd, a young Thrush and -Lark were killed at 9.10 p.m.; gentle E.S.E. breeze, hazy. At -Bull Point, Nov. 3rd, two struck at 2 a.m.; fresh E. breeze, -clear. At the same time there appears to have been a rush -farther south. At South Bishop, Nov. 2nd, from midnight to -morning, a fresh S.E. breeze, very misty, a very great quantity -of Thrushes, with Blackbirds, Starlings, and Larks, of which -many were killed; and, with breeze still S.E., but moderate, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_99">-99-</span> -continuous flocks of same all day flying towards N.E.; Nov. 3rd, -from 9 p.m. to midnight, a gentle E. breeze, rather misty, large -quantities, with Larks, Blackbirds, and Starlings (many killed). -At Nash (E. or high), Dec. 1st, one was killed; fresh W. breeze, -but clear. At Godrevy, Jan. 14th, 12 to 4 p.m., Thrushes were -seen, with Lapwings and Starlings: this is the only instance -recorded in afternoon, the others being at night, the weather in -most cases misty or hazy, and the wind ranging from N.N.E. -to S.E.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Redwing</span>, <i>Turdus iliacus</i>.—Separately noticed at one station -only—Smalls. Oct. 8th, 7.30 p.m., some were seen among -Starlings and Larks, N.E. to E., misty; twenty of the birds -killed. Oct. 9th, from midnight to 5 a.m., several, with Larks -and Starlings; eleven struck; breeze mod. to strong E. to E.N.E., -clear. Oct. 15th, from 1 a.m. to daylight, large numbers, with -Starlings, Blackbirds, and Greenfinches. Oct. 29th, one was -caught. Nov. 2nd, several, with Sky Larks, Starlings, and -Blackbirds; sixteen struck and were caught. Nov. 3rd, three -males and five females were distinguished among Blackbirds, -Starlings, and Larks. Nov. 5th, one male; mod. N. breeze. -Except the first, the instances occurred from midnight to sunrise, -with moderate N.E., E., and S.E. breezes, and generally with -clouds, mist, or drizzle.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Blackbird</span>, <i>Turdus merula</i>.—Reported from ten stations. The -earliest date is Aug. 12th, when one was seen at Scarweather at -1 p.m., mod. S.S.E. breeze; the latest at Skerries, Dec. 4th, -when Blackbirds and Snipe appeared, and a few were killed. -The one occurrence only is noted in August, and we do not again -hear of its appearance till at Skerries, Sept. 27th, 29th, and 30th, -when Blackbirds were seen (the two later dates in company with -Starlings). At Caernarvon Bay, Oct. 1st, Blackbirds and -Thrushes were seen, and two killed; light westerly breeze, hazy. -At S. Bishop, Oct 5th, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., N.N.E., rain and -mist. Blackbirds and Thrushes struck, and seventeen Blackbirds -were killed. At Helwick, Oct. 8th, one was killed. At Caldy, -Oct. 10th, one male was discerned flying about the lantern; -a mod. E. by S. gale, squally and cloudy. At Bull Point, -Oct. 12th, two females struck, but were not killed; a mod. -E. breeze, clear; and, on Oct. 14th, one female. At S. Bishop, -Oct. 13th, nine were killed, with five Larks. At Helwick, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_100">-100-</span> -Oct. 14th, one and a Linnet. At. Smalls, Oct. 15th, numbers -struck, with Starlings, Thrushes, and Finches; and, at Godrevy, -two, with two Starlings and one Thrush, not killed. At Helwick, -Nov. 2nd, several killed, with Larks and Starlings; and, from -midnight to morning at S. Bishop, a fresh S.E. breeze and very -misty, a very great quantity of Blackbirds, Larks, etc. (see Song -Thrush). At Godrevy, Nov. 3rd, one struck, not killed. At -Smalls, Nov. 2nd, two were seen at midnight; 3rd and 5th six -(two males and four females), and one female. At Nash -(E. or high), Dec. 1st, one was killed. At Skerries, Dec. 4th, a -few. The time of the occurrences noticed, except of the three -in report, which were at sunrise, was from midnight to morning, -and they took place almost always in cloudy or misty weather, -with generally a mod. breeze more or less easterly, <i>viz.</i>, N.N.E., -through E. to S.S.E. The greatest number of instances noticed -is in October, when we have returns from seven stations, but the -birds are only seen by ones or twos; they seem to have appeared -in numbers from Nov. 1st to 3rd; in December we have only two -instances.</p> - -<p>Then the <i>Turdidæ</i> have been noticed from Morecambe Bay -(from St. Bees we have the general remarks that an occasional -Blackbird or Thrush is to be seen) to Godrevy. The movement -appears to have been pretty evenly distributed, perhaps to have -spread gradually from N. to S., and to have lasted from Aug. 12th -to Jan. 14th, being most active from Sept. 27th to Nov. 27th, -with a decided rush on Nov. 2nd and 3rd. The direction of -flight is seldom given, the notices almost all referring to birds -killed or striking. The greatest slaughter occurred at S. Bishop -on Nov. 1st, when, of Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, and Starlings, -162 were immolated, and on Nov. 3rd 172. The time when the -occurrences were observed lies between twilight and sunrise, but -is chiefly about midnight, the weather being generally hazy, -misty, or overcast, with mod. breezes from E.N.E. through -E. to S.E. In the majority of instances the birds were accompanied -by others of their own family, or by Starlings or Larks.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Stonechat</span>, <i>Saxicola rubicola</i>.—At Morecambe Bay, Aug. 29th, -4 p.m., moderate breeze E. by S., one came on board. The -note is added that it is "very seldom Seen here." This is the -only occurrence noted.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Wheatear</span>, <i>Saxicola ænanthe</i>.—At Bishop Rock, Aug. 17th, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_101">-101-</span> -1.30 a.m., three struck the glass, light E. breeze, cloudy; -Aug. 22nd, midnight, mod. E.S.E. breeze, cloudy and misty, -Wheatears strike; none killed on either occasion.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Chiffchaff</span> and <span class="smcap">Goldcrest</span>, <i>Sylvia hippolais</i> and <i>Regulus -auricapillus</i>,—At Scarweather, July 30th, 1 p.m., a Goldcrest -was seen. At Flatholm, Oct. 14th, a large quantity of Goldcrests -and Chiffchaffs were seen at 9.40 a.m., gentle E. breeze, -blue sky, but clouds and mist. Mr. Dale reports that, at this -station, "These little birds generally make their appearance -about the beginning of October, and remain till about the middle -of November. In spring again, from about March 20th to May. -Numbers are killed by striking the lantern on dark nights."</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Titmouse</span>, <i>Parus cæruleus</i>.—At Burnham, Aug. 16th, 3 p.m., -mod. N.N.E. breeze, "a large flock of Blue Tits perched on the -trees, &c." At Caldy, midnight, a Titmouse (species not -identified) was seen flying about the glass.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Wagtail</span>, <i>Motacilla</i> (sp. ?)—Returns only from Morecambe -Bay. Aug. 26th, 6.15 a.m., one alighted on deck; 27th, -7 a.m., one passed E., and at 8.30 a.m. one E.N.E.; 30th -three, and 31st six passed; Sept. 1st two were seen, and on 4th -six; 12th, one passed W., a gentle breeze W.S.W.; 16th, five, -S.E., a strong breeze from N.; 27th, flocks, with Linnets, were -observed during the forenoon, a light breeze S. by W., and -several small birds killed. These occurrences all happened -between 5 and 8.30 a.m. In almost every case the weather was -cloudy, misty, or foggy, with gentle breezes, varying, but mostly -E.S.E. or easterly. The direction of flight S.E. and E.S.E.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Sky Lark</span> and <span class="smcap">Meadow Pipit</span>, <i>Alauda arvensis</i> and <i>Anthus -pratensis</i>,—On two occasions the Meadow Pipit is distinguished; -possibly some of the notes on "Larks" may refer to it. From -Morecambe Bay, Sept. 8th, 6 a.m., four Titlarks are reported -flying S.W., a gentle breeze E.N.E. From Smalls, Nov. 3rd, -mod. E. breeze, one was seen in company with Blackbirds and -Redwings. Of Larks, the earliest appearance noted is Aug. 27th, -when, at Morecambe Bay, seven passed flying S. by E., light -E.S.E. breeze; Sept. 1st, 5.30 p.m., about thirty passed Nash, -flying S., a gentle W.N.W. breeze; and on 3rd, at noon, about -twenty passed N., light E.S.E. breeze. These occurrences are -noticed from both stations. At Caernarvon, Sept. 4th, one was -killed. At Lundy, Sept. 9th, a number, with Chaffinches, were -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_102">-102-</span> -seen, fresh E.S.E. breeze, rain and squally; these were noticed -from both stations. At Scarweather, same day, two were seen. -At Morecambe Bay, a dozen passed flying S. At Skerries, Sept. -23rd, 9.30 to 11 p.m., many Larks and Linnets were striking, but -none killed. At Scarweather, Sept. 24th, mod. W. breeze, a -large number of Larks. From the two stations at Nash, Sept. -25th, a large flock of Sky Larks were observed passing N.E. -At Skerries, Sept. 26th and 27th, Larks were seen. At Caernarvon, -Sept. 29th, 9.15 a.m., a flock passed S.E. At Caldy, -same day, 10 p.m., two male Sky Larks and a White Gull were -flying about the lantern, light S.E. breeze, fog. At South Bishop, -Sept. 30th, four larks were killed, fog. Through September they -appear, as the month advanced, to have been noticed in greater -numbers and farther south. The appearances are nearly all in -the daytime; breezes light or gentle, varying from W. through -S. to E. Direction of flight, when noticed, towards S. or S.E., -except at Nash, where, on Sept. 3rd, some passed N., and on -25th some N.E. At Godrevy, Oct. 4th, 1 to 2 a.m., mod. E.N.E. -breeze, a Lark, Petrel, and two foreign Wrens were seen, and -three birds killed. At Nash, Oct. 5th, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., continuous -flocks passed S.E., with mod. E.N.E. breeze, and rain; the same -direction followed, though wind veered round to W.S.W. At -Helwick, Oct. 8th, 2 a.m., one was killed, strong E.S.E. -breeze, rain and lightning. At Smalls, same date, 7.30 p.m. to -midnight, continuous flocks of Sky Larks, Redwings and Starlings, -and about twenty struck; 9th, midnight to 5 a.m., Sky Larks -and Redwings, eleven struck, mod. to strong E. to E.N.E. breeze, -clear. At Nash, Oct. 10th, a flock of Sky Larks was observed -from both stations flying N.W., strong N.E.; breeze; 13th, with -mod. E.N.E. breeze, a like flock going E. At South Bishop, -Oct. 13th, 1 to 4 a.m., light S.E. air, clouds and mist, five Larks -and nine Blackbirds met their fate. At Smalls, Oct. 12th, about -thirty struck the roof (with Starlings) from 1 a.m. to daylight; -and at Skerries, at intervals during same day, small flocks were -seen passing towards the land. At Morecambe Bay, same day, -about 10.20 a.m., a flock of Larks passed S.S.W. At Helwick, -Oct. 15th, 4.30 a.m., several Larks and Starlings were seen. At -Morecambe Bay, Oct. 16th, 2.30 p.m., a flock passed E.N.E. At -Caernarvon Bay, Oct. 19th, 1 to 4 p.m., continuous flocks passed -E.S.E., fresh E. by N. breeze. At Helwick, Oct. 21st, gentle -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_103">-103-</span> -N.E. breeze, a flock from S.W. to N.E. At Caernarvon, Oct. -22nd, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., mod. E. gale, with haze, flocks of Larks -and Starlings passed S.E.; 24th, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., similar flocks -passed S.S.E., with a mod. N.N.W. breeze. At Helwick, Oct. -30th, 11 a.m., light N.N.E. breeze, "several hen Larks" passed -from S.W. to N.E. At South Stack, same day, 7 a.m. to noon, -fresh N.W. breeze, clear, continuous flocks (with Starlings, -Linnets, and Chaffinches) passed to N.W. Throughout October -the movement appears to have been active and pretty general -along the coast; the time of occurrence in the greater number of -cases between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.; the direction of flight, when -recorded, generally easterly; in most instances mist, rain and -fog, with—generally—moderate E.N.E. to E. breezes. At -Morecambe Bay, Nov. 1st, five passed S.E., mod. N.N.E. breeze; -2nd, three in same direction, mod. S.E. breeze. At South -Bishop, from midnight to the morning of 2nd, fresh S.E. breeze, -very misty, "a very great quantity of Larks, Thrushes," &c., and -"continuous flocks" all day, flying towards N.W.; 3rd, 9 p.m. to -midnight, enormous quantities, &c. (see "Song Thrush.") At -Caernarvon, Nov. 2nd, 9.10 p.m., a young Lark was killed, gentle -E.S.E. breeze, hazy; 3rd, 1 to 4 a.m., still hazy, two Larks -killed. At Helwick, Nov. 2nd, 1 p.m., fresh S.E. breeze, "a flock -of hen Larks" passed to N.E., and at 8 p.m., several more, of -which some were slain; overcast and misty. At Nash (W. or -low), Nov. 14th, noon, flights of Sky Larks and Starlings passed -overhead, strong W.S.W. breeze, clouds and mist. These are -all the instances reported in November; most of them occurred -at night, and, being of birds striking, the direction of flight is not -recorded; the winds generally moderate and from E. to S.E.; -on every occasion with mist, haze, or fog. After Nov. 14th we -have no record till Dec. 3rd, when flocks of Larks passed Skerries -at midnight, gentle S. breeze, misty. At Scarweather, Dec. 8th, -11 p.m., two Larks, mod. W.N.W. breeze, gloomy and misty. -At Lundy, same day, S.W. breeze, a great number of Sky Larks -were seen, and Mr. Parsons adds, "these are seen daily," but for -how long is not stated. At Caernarvon <span class="allsmcap">L.V.</span>, Dec. 13th, 2 to 5 -a.m., four young Larks were killed, mod. N. by W. breeze, -drizzling rain. At Milford, Jan. 11th, a quantity of Larks, -Plovers, and Starlings arrived and remained all day. At South -Stack, Jan. 12th, strong N.E. breeze and passing showers of snow, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_104">-104-</span> -continuous flocks of Larks and Starlings passed all day; and on -13th, a large quantity was on the island all day. This is the -latest instance recorded. In all, we have returns from fifteen -stations, of which all but Milford and the two at Nash are off the -coast. The direction of flight, judging from the instances given, -seems to have been chiefly towards S.E. and S. (this would be -towards the mainland). The chief movement seems to have been -from Sept. 9th to Nov. 3rd, and increasing towards November. -In the majority of cases, with the breeze moderate, from E. to S.E. -and S.; in some from N. and N.E. to E.; generally with mist -or gloom.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Yellowhammer</span>, <i>Emberiza citrinella</i>.—At Morecambe Bay, -Oct. 12, five passed about midnight, flying S.S.W., gentle breeze -from N. to N.E. by E.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Chaffinch</span>, <i>Fringilla cœlebs</i>.—At Lundy, Sept. 9th, 1 p.m., a -great number, with Sky Larks, fresh E.S.E. breeze, rain. At -Smalls, Oct. 25th, mod. W. breeze, till midnight, some struck -and fell overboard; three and a Starling caught. At South -Stack, Oct. 30th, fresh N.W. breeze, flocks, with Starlings, -Larks and Linnets, passed flying N.W.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Mountain Sparrow</span>, <i>Passer montanus</i>.—This species is -distinguished only in the returns from North Stack. Sept. 24th, -8.40 a.m., a flock passed S.W.; 26th, 2.30 p.m., with mod. S.W. -breeze, a flock passed N.W.; Oct. 12th, 8.40 a.m., two flocks -flying N.E.; 15th, 7.30 a.m., six passed S.W., mod. S. breeze; -Dec. 24th, 3.10 p.m., fresh N.W. breeze, thirty passed E.; Jan. -12th, 2.30 p.m., a flock passed S.W., before a strong N.E. breeze, -with snow.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Common Sparrow</span>, <i>Passer domesticus</i>.—At Nash, Sept. 27th, -6 a.m., a flight passed N.N.W. (observed from both stations), -light N.E. breeze. At North Stack, Dec. 3rd, 11 a.m., a flock of -Sparrows was seen flying N.E., against a mod. S.W. breeze.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Greenfinch</span>, <i>Coccothraustes chloris</i>.—At Smalls, Oct. 15th, -1 a.m. to daylight, many struck the roof, along with Starlings, -Blackbirds, &c., mod. E.S.E. to S.E. breeze, misty; Nov. 5th, -before sunrise, mod. W. breeze, cloudy but clear horizon, two -males and one female were caught alive, together with Thrush, -Blackbird and Starling.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Linnet</span>, <i>Linota cannabina</i>.—From the two stations at Lundy -we learn that, from 8th Sept., a great many Linnets "mixed" have -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_105">-105-</span> -been seen daily, and on Oct. 30th have left the island. The -earliest recorded is Sept. 1st, when at Skerries, 9 p.m. to 3 a.m., -fresh S.W. breeze, clear, small flocks appeared with Finches, -many strike, and a few are killed; 23rd, 9.30 to 11 p.m., mod. -S.W. breeze, clear after fog, small flocks with Larks, many -strike, but none are killed. At Morecambe Bay, Sept. 17th, -7 a.m., four Grey Linnets pass S.E., mod. N.W. by W. breeze; -21st, noon, nine going N., light S. by W. breeze, misty; and on -27th, during the forenoon, fog, flocks of Linnets and Wagtails -pass, and several small birds are killed. At Caldy, Sept. 24th, -some Linnets were seen. At Smalls, Oct. 29th, one was caught -with a Redwing, fresh N.E. breeze, cloudy but clear horizon. At -South Stack, Oct. 30th, 7 a.m. to noon, fresh N.W. breeze, -Linnets, Larks, Starlings, and Chaffinches passed in flocks to -N.W. From Godrevy, we hear from Mr. Trahair that "several -flocks of Green and Red Linnets come on the island from -September to latter part of December."</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Starling</span>, <i>Sturnus vulgaris</i>.—We have more notices of this -bird than of any other. Its occurrence seems to have been -general and frequent. Twenty-two stations have reported on it, -besides St. Bees, whence Mr. Pizey writes, "An occasional -Starling or Lark may be sometimes seen on the lantern-window"; -and Trevose Head, where, Mr. Bowen states, -"Starlings and Crows can be observed all the year; they build -their nests about the cliffs." The earliest date given is July -24th, where, at Scarweather, 11 a.m., a flock was observed, clear, -with breeze from E.N.E. This, however, is the only occurrence -noticed till Aug. 29th, when, at Sevenstones, a large flock passed -S.W. at 5.20 a.m., fog, light N.N.E. air. The next date is Sept. -10th, when, at Nash, a large flock passed overhead at 6 p.m., -fresh S.W. breeze. From this date several instances occur in -the Bristol Channel, but it is Sept. 28th before we hear from a -station as far north as Skerries. The occurrences then become -frequent and general along the coast, increasing to Nov. 3rd, -after which they gradually decrease in numbers and frequency -till Jan. 14th, when, at Godrevy, a great number, in company -with. Lapwings, Thrushes, &c., were seen from noon to 4 p.m., -fresh E.S.E. breeze, and clear horizon. The greatest number of -individuals are recorded from Oct. 16th to 21st, and again Oct. -29th to Nov. 3rd; we have the greatest number of occurrences -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_106">-106-</span> -noted in November, and especially from 1st to 3rd. In September -we have returns from six stations, Flatholm to Skerries. -The flight when noticed being (except in one instance) in -daylight—mostly from sunrise to about 11 a.m. Direction of -flight scarcely ever noticed. Wind various, generally light, and -never exceeding a fresh breeze; weather in some cases clear, but -more generally overcast to misty. The next date, after 10th, is -Sept. 17th, when, at Flatholm, fresh W.N.W. breeze, a small -flight appeared and remained on the island till 19th; 22nd, from -both stations at Nash, a flock of young Starlings is reported as -flying N.E., fresh W. breeze, misty; 23rd, a flock of Starlings, -mixed, was seen at North Stack, light N.W. breeze, drizzly rain; -24th, continuous flocks were seen from Flatholm; after this no -further occurrence is noted in Bristol Channel till Nov. 1st. At -Skerries, Sept. 28th, 29th, and 30th, Starlings were seen at -sunrise, light W.S.W., S.E. and N.E. breezes. Throughout -October we have constant notices. At Morecambe Bay, Oct. 1st, -two flocks of young, mixed, passed S.W., light W.N.W. breeze. -At Nash, Oct. 3rd, continuous flocks all day passed N., against a -light N. to N.E. breeze; and at Flatholm, 3.30 p.m., mod. N. -breeze, blue sky but cloudy, there was a small flight, and <i>four -old birds were killed</i>. At Caldy, Oct. 4th, 8 a.m., strong E. by S. -breeze, about twenty were seen (first appearance). At Lundy, -Oct. 6th, strong E. breeze, rain, a great number appeared and -were seen daily till 29th, after which only one or two seen. At -Smalls, Oct. 8th, 7.30 to midnight, fresh N.E. to E. breeze, -misty. Starlings, Redwings, and Sky Larks passed in continuous -flocks (about twenty struck). At Morecambe Bay, Oct. 10th, -one seen; 11th, one passing S.E. very tired, fresh E. -by N. breeze. On 11th, we first hear of them so far south as -Scilly, where Starlings and Woodcocks passed at 8.30 a.m., -fresh E.S.E. breeze; and on 12th, at Bishop Rock, Starlings at -10 a.m. These, however, are the only instances recorded from -these two stations. At Smalls, Helwick, and Caldy respectively, -during the nights of Oct. 14th, 15th, and 16th, several struck and -many were killed. At Caernarvon, Oct. 16th, "continuous flocks -of Starlings and Spinxes" (?) passed during the day, gentle S.S.W. -breeze, and hazy. At South Stack, Oct. 17th, 6.30 a.m., light -E. breeze, a very large flock passed. At Morecambe Bay, Oct. -21st, 5.20 p.m., gentle E.N.E. breeze, clouds but clear horizon, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_107">-107-</span> -two to three hundred passed W.N.W. At Caernarvon Bay, Oct. -22nd, mod. E. gale, hazy, a flock with Larks passed S.E.; and -on 24th, during the day, similar flocks S.S.E.; wind now mod. -and from N.N.W. At Flatholm, same day, 8 a.m., gentle E.N.E. -breeze, small flights appeared and remained till Oct. 26th, at -7.30 a.m., when they departed S.W., fresh W.S.W. breeze, -cloudy. At South Stack, Oct. 29th, 7 a.m., fresh N.N.E. gale, -clear, very large flocks passed; 30th and 31st, fresh N.W. breeze, -continuous flocks passed to N.W. At Sevenstones, Oct. 30th, -3.30 p.m., light E. air, clear, several flocks were seen flying to -W. and N.E. At Nash, Nov. 1st, 9 a.m., gentle N.N.E. breeze, -clear, a flock of Crows and Starlings passed overland. At -Smalls, same day, from sunset to midnight, three were seen -about the lantern. At Morecambe Bay, Nov. 2nd, 4 p.m., from -two to three dozen passed, flying S.; and at the same hour, at -Helwick, a flock of male Starlings passed, flying from S.W. to -N.E., and at 8 p.m. several were killed. At Longships, 7 p.m., -a few fluttered against the glass; at Caldy, 10.30 p.m., one was -noticed flying about the lantern; at Godrevy, 11 p.m., four -struck, several others hovering around; and at Smalls, before -midnight, mod. E. breeze, misty and drizzling, eight were seen -with other birds. At South Bishop, from midnight (of 1st), when -they first arrived, till morning, a very great quantity, with -Thrushes, &c.; and all day after, continuous flocks of same -flying towards N.W. Again, on the 3rd, enormous quantities -of Starlings came at midnight (of 2nd) and continued till -morning, and at 6 a.m. the Starlings began to fly E. At -Caernarvon also, Nov. 3rd, nine young Starlings were killed, -gentle E.S.E. breeze, hazy; and at Smalls, before sunrise, -twenty-three female and four male Starlings, among Blackbirds -and Thrushes, were counted; several struck and went overboard. -At Nash, 9 a.m., large flights passed overland, with Crows; and -at Godrevy, 2 a.m., two, with Thrushes and Blackbirds, struck. -Thus there appears to have been a decided "rush" lasting from -Oct. 29th, 7 a.m., to Nov. 3rd, 9 a.m. From Nov. 1st to 3rd -alone, we hear from no less than eleven stations. It was on the -2nd and 3rd that the slaughter, already mentioned (see "Song -Thrush"), took place at South Bishop, and Starlings were -numbered among the slain. On Nov. 6th, eight were killed at -Lundy, many others striking; and after this we have almost -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_108">-108-</span> -daily returns from the two stations at Nash, of flights, the -direction, when noticed, being overland. At Helwick, Nov. 15th, -a flock passed N.E. At Bull Point, Nov. 18th, a flock was seen -flying E. At Godrevy, Nov. 29th, mod. S.W. breeze, clear, a -flock flying S. Throughout December we have almost daily -returns from Nash, of flights passing overland (on 10th and 25th -they are noticed as passing S.) At Godrevy, Dec. 2nd, 5 to 8.30 -p.m., light S.S.W. breeze, misty, seventeen male and female, -mixed, struck. At Caernarvon Bay, Dec. 16th, 1 to 4 a.m., -strong W.N.W. breeze, three killed; 27th, 9 to 11 p.m., gentle -E. by N. breeze, two young Starlings were killed; 28th, 9 a.m. -to 11 p.m., gentle N.N.E. breeze, misty, flocks passed, flying -N.W.; and on 31st, between 10 and 11 p.m., strong N.W. by N. -breeze, misty, three were killed and fell overboard. At Lundy, -Dec. 25th, fresh N.N.W. breeze, clear, a great many Starlings -came on the island during the night. At Nash, Jan. 7th, 2 a.m., -fresh E. breeze, misty, several struck; 11th, 10 a.m., misty, -some seen with flocks of Plovers and Peewits. At Milford (Low), -same day, a quantity with Plovers and Larks arrived, and -remained all day. At South Stack, Jan. 12th, fresh N.E. breeze, -with passing showers of snow, a large quantity of Starlings and -Larks, old and young, passing all day; 13th, on the islands all -day. At Godrevy, Jan. 14th, noon to 4 p.m., fresh E.S.E. -breeze, clear, a great number with Thrushes and Lapwings were -seen.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Chough</span>,<span class="smcap"> Hooded Crow</span> and <span class="smcap">Rook</span>, <i>Fregilus graculus</i>, <i>Corvus -cornix</i> and <i>Corvus frugilegus</i>.—From Caldy Mr. Ebben reports, -"The Chough breeds upon the island, and never goes away." -We do not hear of it from any other station. The Hooded Crow -is only once distinguished, but may perhaps be referred to under -the general style of "Crow," the Rook being sometimes -distinguished by that of "Black Crow." At S. Stack, Oct. 22nd, -11.30 a.m., fresh E. breeze, clear, a flock passing to N.W. Of -the Rook or, indeed, of Crows generally, the first appearance -noted is Sept. 9th, when "Black Crows" were seen at Caldy, -9 a.m., a strong breeze E. by S., misty. At N. Stack, Sept. 12th, -6 p.m., three Black Crows flying N.E., before a mod. S.W. -breeze; 19th, 5.20 p.m., four passed S.E., a fresh N.W. breeze; -24th, 9 a.m., ninety were seen flying E., before a strong W. -breeze. From this station we have no further record till Dec. -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_109">-109-</span> -20th. At Nash, Sept. 10th, 3 p.m., about 100 Rooks passed N.; -13th, from the low station, hundreds were seen flying overland; -22nd, 9 a.m., a flight of young Rooks, Starlings and Jackdaws -flying N.E., fresh W. breeze; 24th, at noon, a flock passing S.E.; -30th, 3 p.m., from both stations we hear of a flight passing N.E.; -Oct. 2nd, 2 p.m., fresh N. breeze, misty, large flock of Crows -pass S.W.; the only instance reported from Nash for October. -At Morecambe Bay, Oct. 3rd, 5.30 p.m., fifteen common Books -passed, flying E.N.E., fresh N.E. breeze; 5th, same hour, mod. -gale E. by N., overcast, misty and rainy, twelve going E.S.E.; -10th, 11 a.m., fresh E.N.E. breeze, two passed S. by E. At -Bull Point, Oct. 12th, 7 a.m., fresh E. breeze, two dozen Black -Crows, old and young, seen flying W., before fresh E. breeze; -only record of a W. direction of flight. The next occurrence -dates Nov. 1st and 3rd, 9 a.m., when, at Nash, large flights, with -Starlings, passed overland. We next hear, on 13th, of similar -flights flying overland at noon; a fresh W. gale, mist and -showers. From the low station (only) we have like returns on -20th, 24th, 25th, and 28th, 29th, 30th, between 9 a.m. and -noon, winds various, clouds or mist. There are no returns from -any other station. At the same station, Dec. 1st to 10th, 9 a.m., -mod. breezes, more or less W., overcast and misty, like flights -overland. At Holyhead, Dec. 16th, 9 a.m., flights of Black Crows -passed E. across the bay, against a strong E. breeze. On Dec. -18th, from both stations at Nash, and on 20th, 23rd and 25th, -from the low stations (9 a.m.), flights of Crows and Starlings are -reported; winds various, generally mist. On Dec. 25th, the high -station reports such a flock passing S. at the same hour, fresh -E. breeze, clear; and on 28th, 30th and 31st, same hour, with -breezes from W.S.W., E. and N., overcast, showery or misty, -flights of Crows and Starlings were seen from both stations. At -N. Stack, Dec. 20th, 9.5 a.m., a flock passed, flying E., fresh -N.W. breeze; 30th, 2.15 p.m., a flock flying S.E., fresh N.W. -breeze. This is the latest return. Besides Caldy and Nash, in -the Bristol Channel, the returns are from four stations off the -coast, <i>viz.</i>:—Bull Point, N. Stack, Holyhead, and Morecambe -Bay. The direction of flight is from E.N.E. through E. to S.E. -At Nash the direction seems to vary greatly, but is mostly -reported as being "overland."</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Common Wren</span>, <i>Troglodytes vulgaris</i>.—At Scarweather, Aug. -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_110">-110-</span> -10th, one was found in the morning lying dead on deck, W.N.W. -breeze. At Nash (W. or low), Sept. 8th, in the early -morning, one struck; mod. N.E. breeze, clouds and mist. At -Smalls, Sept. 14th, 1 a.m. to daylight, gentle E. breeze, overcast, -but clear horizon, a Wren, Starling and Larks struck; and -on 15th, about same time, gentle breeze, E.S.E. to S.E., Blackbirds, -Starlings, Thrushes, Greenfinches, and Wrens, a large -number striking the glass, but very few the roof.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Swallow</span>, <i>Hirundo rustica</i>.—Earliest notice, Aug. 31st, from -Caldy, as also the latest, Nov. 11th, "when Swallows disappeared." -At Caldy, Aug. 31st, Swallows seen from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., N.N.E. -to N. wind, blue sky, but clouds; Sept. 5th, mod. W.S.W. breeze, -about twenty; and on 17th, at noon, W. wind, a few noticed. At -Nash (E. or high), Sept. 15th, large flocks passed E., a -strong N. breeze and rain; and, the note added, "not seen after -this date"; 21st, 26th and 30th, Swallows are reported from -Caldy, with various winds, not strong, and generally with clouds -and mist. At Morecambe Bay, Sept. 24th, mod. W. breeze, -cloudy, but clear, two dozen were seen flying S.E. At Caernarvon -Bay, Sept. 25th, mod. S.W. breeze, clear, a flock flying S.W. At -S. Bishop, Sept. 28th, light N.E. air, twenty were seen. In -October we have only two dates. At Godrevy, Oct. 12th, 1 p.m., -a small flock hovering about the island, fresh N.E. breeze, clear; -and at Helwick, 4.30 p.m., fresh E.N.E. breeze, misty, a flock -passed, flying from S.W. to N.E. At Caldy, Oct. 18th, Swallows -seen. The eight stations reporting give each but a solitary -instance, except Caldy. Five of the stations are off the coast; -the remaining three in the Bristol Channel. The direction of -flight is not once reported from Caldy. When from the other -stations reported it is S.E. or S.W., except at Helwick, N.E.; -Oct. 12th, at 4.30 p.m. This would be the course to the nearest -land.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Swift</span>, <i>Cypselus murarius</i>.—At Flatholm, Sept. 15th, 10 a.m., -mod. W.N.W. breeze, clouds, but clear horizon, a large flight -appeared; on 16th, they disappeared.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Golden Plover</span>, <i>Charadrius pluvialis</i>.—Earliest record Sept. -5th, when, at Caldy, two Plovers were seen; mod. W.S.W. breeze. -The next occurrence noted is at Scilly, Oct. 4th, Plovers and -Lapwings; mod. E.S.E. gale, rain. At Nash (E. or high), -Oct. 14th, fifteen or twenty; 21st, a large flock passed W.; -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_111">-111-</span> -Nov. 20th, 10 p.m., six flew round the light several times. We -have no further record till from both stations at Nash, Jan. 3rd, -several were observed flying W.; 10th, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., -gentle N.E. breeze and mist, flocks of Plovers and Peewits, -overland, passed S.W. Also, at Scilly, 4 p.m., Plovers and Lapwings; -and on 11th, calm and misty, flocks of Peewits and -Starlings passed N.W. At Milford (Low) a quantity of Plovers, -Larks and Starlings arrived, and remained all day. From -Bardsey we hear that, on Feb. 11th, flocks of four or five Golden -Plovers were seen flying about the Island; fresh N.E. gale. -Except at Nash, Nov. 20th, and Scilly, Jan. 10th, these -occurrences were all noticed from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., and on -every occasion with mist or rain, and with light or gentle -E. breeze (except at Caldy, W.S.W.). The direction of flight, -recorded only from Nash (E. or high), is W., except on -Jan. 10th, S.W., and 11th, N.W.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Lapwing</span>, <i>Vanellus cristatus</i>.—Earliest notice at Sevenstones, -Aug. 26th, 10 a.m., fifty were seen flying to S.W., light N.W. -breeze, haze. The next is dated at Scilly, Oct. 4th, Lapwings -and Plovers were seen at noon, a mod. E.S.E. gale, rain. We -next hear from Caldy, Nov. 3rd, when one was seen flying near the -light; a strong E. breeze, mist. Another space of time, and at -Nash, Nov. 21st (E. or high), 8 a.m., a large flock is seen -overland, mod. E. breeze; and at Burnham, 8 a.m., large flocks -of Peewits were noticed flying from N., light N. breeze, mist. We -do not again hear till Dec. 20th, when, at Lundy, a number of -Lapwings were seen at 9 a.m., mod. E.N.E. breeze; and the -other Lundy station reports, "about thirty came on the island -during the night." Again, on the 30th, Mr. Parsons notes a flock -came on the island the night previous. At Skerries, Dec. 29th, -light S.E. breeze, misty, rain, a few Lapwings about all night. -This is the only record from a station further N. than Bristol -Channel. At Nash (E. or high), Jan. 3rd, gentle E. breeze, -mist, a large flock of Peewits passed W.; 6th, a similar flock, -N.W.; 10th, during the day misty, light N.E. breeze, flocks of -Peewits, with Plovers, passed overland S.W.; and on 11th, at -10 a.m., misty and calm, flocks, with Starlings, passed N.W. At -Scilly, same day, 4 p.m., Lapwings and Plovers were seen. At -Sevenstones, Jan. 11th, two large flocks passed W.; a light -W.N.W. breeze, hazy. At Godrevy, Jan. 14th, we first hear of a -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_112">-112-</span> -great number seen during the day, with Starlings, Thrushes, &c.; -fresh E.S.E. breeze, clear, frost, and a little snow on the ground. -Of the nine stations reporting, Nash has the most instances; -the greater numbers occur in January. The direction of flight -when noticed, from N.W. through W. to S.W., the wind, except at -Sevenstones, being from N.E. and E.S.E., but more generally E.; -force, mostly two to five.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Sanderling</span>, <i>Calidris arenaria</i>.—At Godrevy, Sept. 10th, -11.30 p.m., two were killed; light S.W. breeze, clear horizon.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Oystercatcher</span>, <i>Hæmatopus ostralegus</i>.—At Air, Aug. 6th, a -large quantity seen about 1 p.m., gentle E.S.E. breeze, mist; -Oct. 4th, a large quantity flying E. throughout the day, light -S.E. breeze, mist; Oct. '29th, 10.30 a.m., with mod. N. gale, -clear, a similar flight E. From Bideford, Sept. 1st, we have the -following record:—"Hundreds of Sea-pies, Common Gulls, -Curlews, and a few Shags, visit the mussel-beds all the winter, -being seen every day and night from half-ebb to half-flood, -coming from N.W. in all weather."</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Heron</span>, <i>Ardea cinerea</i>.—From Helwick only have we any -record, Sept. 26th, 6 a.m.: "A flock flying from S. to N.W."; -cloudy, but clear horizon, with light W. breeze.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Bittern</span>, <i>Botaurus stellaris</i>.—Of this now rare bird we have -a solitary instance. At Godrevy, Jan. 14th, two were seen -during the day (with numbers of Lapwings, Starlings, and -Thrushes); may they live long and be happy!</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Curlew</span> and <span class="smcap">Stint</span>, <i>Numenius arquata</i> and <i>Tringa</i> (sp. ?).—At -Air, earliest date Aug. 9th, 10 p.m., clear and calm, a large quantity -passed; and Godrevy, Jan. 11th, the latest. At Noon, Aug. 14th, -three were seen at Bishop Rock. At Bideford, Sept. 1st, some -seen, and thereafter daily, with hundreds of Sea-pies and Gulls, -from N.W. At Usk, Sept. 8th, we hear of their appearance, when -through the day they were seen in great numbers with Gulls, E. -and N.E. breezes; 10th, mod. S. breeze, they were observed through -the day with Gulls and "Pearls" (<i>Tringa ? minuta</i>) in great -numbers; 17th, from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m., W.N.W. to N.W., two; -they appeared in very large flocks; and from Sept. 24th, to -Oct. 8th. At Morecambe Bay, Sept. 12th, 6.30 p.m., one was -seen flying S. against a moderate breeze. At Nash, Sept. 15th, -9 a.m., two passed N.E., strong N. breeze and showers; 18th, -6 p.m., two passed N.W., before a mod. N.W. gale, showery -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_113">-113-</span> -(these are noticed from both stations). At Skerries, Sept. 26th, -light S.W. breeze, Curlews were seen at sunrise. At Air, Oct. 4th, -a large quantity going E. all day; misty Through November -and December we hear from Usk of large flocks (with numbers of -Stints). At Skerries, Dec. 4th, 1 a.m., light S. air, misty and -rain. Curlews were seen with Blackbirds and Snipes; 20th, a few -all day, mod. W.S.W. breeze, fine; 29th, light S.E. breeze, mist -and rain, a few all night. At Nash, also on 29th, 4 p.m., four -passed W., mod. N. breeze, drizzle. The only record subsequent -to this is from Godrevy, Jan. 11th, 9 a.m., when four were seen -on the island, light E.S.E. breeze and mist; and Mr. Trahair -adds, "they frequent the shore after the breeding-season." Most -of the instances were noticed in the daytime; the winds various; -but in the Bristol Channel, where recorded (Nash and Usk), from -N. to W.N.W., force, four to six; while off the coast (Morecambe, -Air, and Skerries), E.S.E. through S. to W.S.W., and light.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Woodcock</span>, <i>Scolopax rusticola</i>.—At Lundy, Nov. 19th, 10 a.m., -from both stations, four Woodcocks and three Snipes were seen, -mod. N.E. breeze, clear; and Mr. Parsons adds, "one has been -seen once or twice since." At Scilly, Oct. 11th, 8.30 a.m., fresh -E.S.E. breeze. Woodcocks and Starlings appeared. At Nash -(E. or high), Jan. 14th, at noon, two passed W., with five Wild -Geese, before a mod. E. breeze, mist. At Bardsey, Jan. 20th, -gentle E. breeze, with snow; one struck.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Snipe</span>, <i>Scolopax gallinago</i>.—At Nash (E. or high), Oct. -24th, 9 a.m., two were seen flying W.; gentle N.E. breeze, misty. -From the two stations at Lundy, Nov. 19th, three Snipes and -four Woodcocks were seen. At Skerries, Dec. 4th, 1 a.m., light -S. air, misty and rain. Snipes and Blackbirds were seen, and a -few killed.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Corn Crake</span>, <i>Crex pratensis</i>.—At Burnham, Aug. 14th, at mid-night, -a Land Rail was killed; light N. breeze, clear horizon.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Water Rail</span>, <i>Rallus aquaticus</i>.—At Smalls, Oct. 15th, one -was seen on the rock.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Wild Goose</span>, <i>Anser ? palustris</i>.—At Scilly, Sept. 26th, 7 a.m., -calm and cloudy, nineteen were seen. We hear no more till -Nov. 3rd, when, at Helwick, 11 a.m., one was seen passing from -S. to N., mod. E.N.E. breeze; and on Nov. 6th, about the same -hour, a flock passed from S.W. to N.E., mod. N.W. breeze, -drizzly rain and showers. At Morecambe Bay, Nov. 23rd, -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_114">-114-</span> -9.30 a.m., two flying S.E., strong S. breeze. At Scarweather, -Nov. 10th, 4 p.m., fresh N.W. by W. breeze, four were seen. -There is no return for December. At Nash (E. or high), Jan. -2nd, 9.30 a.m., two passed W.; and on 14th, at noon, five -and two Woodcocks passed W., mod. E. breeze. At Hartland -Point, Jan. 5th, a few were seen flying E. At Sevenstones, Jan. -11th, 4.15 p.m., light N.N.W. breeze, haze, several flocks passed, -flying to westward.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Sheldrake</span>, <i>Tadorna vulpanser</i>.—At Air, March 21st, 1880, -at sunrise, mod. S.E. breeze, clear, about forty-five pairs. Mr. -Aveson adds, "they arrive annually for breeding."</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Wild Duck</span>, <i>Anas boschas</i>, <i>Oidemia nigra</i>.—Returns from -eleven stations. In some few instances the "Black Duck," probably -the Common Scoter, is separately distinguished, <i>viz.</i>:—At -Morecambe Bay, Sept. 5th, 6.15 a.m., five flying W., mod. -W.S.W. breeze, mist; Oct. 1st, 9 a.m., light W. air, gloomy, -misty, six flying W.S.W. At Scarweather, Sept. 20th, 6 p.m., -fresh N.W. by N. breeze, four were seen; Nov. 25th, 3 p.m., -mod. W. gale, two passed up N.E.; 30th, 10 a.m., gentle S. -breeze, four were seen. At Burnham, Dec. 21st, 9 a.m., light -N.N.W. breeze, flocks of the Black Surf Duck were seen on the -water. In the other cases the species are not distinguished. -The earliest date given is Sept. 18th, when, at Morecambe Bay, -3 p.m., seven Wild Ducks passed E., strong W.N.W. breeze; -27th, 7 a.m., six passed N.; 29th, same hour, three passed W., -calm and fog. At Caernarvon, Oct. 6th, strong E.N.E. breeze. -Wild Ducks passed N.N.E. At Godrevy, Oct. 8th, fresh E. -breeze, clear, two flocks of Ducks and Mallards passed W. during -the day; 10th, 7.15 a.m., wind from same quarter, one flock, -S.W. At Nash (E. or high), Oct. 26th, 7 a.m., fresh E. -breeze, two passed W. Throughout November the notices are -more frequent. At Caernarvon, Nov. 1st, 10.40 p.m., fresh N.W. -breeze, hazy, one was killed. At Morecambe Bay, 2nd, 7 a.m., -one passed S.E. against a mod. S.E. breeze; slight fog. At -Helwick, 4th, 8 a.m., gentle N.E. breeze, two flocks passed from -S.W. to N.E.; 8th, about same hour, one Wild Duck passed to -S.W., mod. N.E. and N. breeze. At Morecambe Bay, 9th, same -horn-, strong W. by S. breeze, nine passed going N.; 18th, same -hour, fresh E. by N. breeze, four going S. From Lundy, we -hear on 18th, 7 and 8 a.m., three Wild Ducks (one male and two -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_115">-115-</span> -females) seen with Teal. At Smalls, 19th, fresh E.N.E. breeze, -two Grey Ducks from N.W. to S.E. At Helwick, 22nd, 2 p.m., -fresh S.E. breeze, clouds and mist, a flock passed from S.E. -to N., fresh S.E. breeze, clouds and mist; Dec. 4th, strong -S.W. breeze, twenty passed S.E.; 17th, from Holyhead Breakwater, -hundreds of Wild Ducks were seen in the bay during -the day. At Godrevy, same day, two flocks of Ducks and -Mallards passed S.W. and W. before a fresh E.N.E. gale, -which moderated and veered round to N.N.E.; Jan. 6th, -10.30 a.m., strong E. breeze, mist, a flock passed W. At Nash, -Jan. 2nd, large flocks passed S.W.; 13th, 4 p.m., and 14th, -8 a.m., gentle E.N.E. breeze, mist, a flock passed W. At Milford, -11th, five or six Ducks passed, going more inland. At Bardsey, -13th, scattered flocks of Wild Ducks, about seven in number, -crossing from mainland, N.N.E. wind, four; March 18th, 1881, 1.30 -a.m., S.S.W. wind, four, three Ducks and one Drake Widgeons -are reported. Thus in September we hear only from Morecambe -Bay, and one instance of Black Ducks from Scarweather. In -October the occurrences are more frequent and general, and the -numbers greater; the direction of flight, except at Caernarvon -Bay on the 6th, being W. or S.W., and the wind E. In November -the most instances are recorded, but the numbers of individuals -appear smaller; the direction of flight is N.E., S.E., N., or S., -the winds varying, but more generally N.E., E., or S.E. In -December we have two dates: the 4th, when twenty passed at -Scarweather; 17th, at Godrevy, two flocks were seen; and at -Holyhead, hundreds in the bay. In January we hear from -Godrevy, Nash, Milford and Bardsey of flocks passing. The -direction of flight in December and January is generally S.W. or -W., in calm, or E. or E.N.E. breezes. The occurrences (except -the last) are all noticed from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and most about -8 a.m. In almost every instance it is misty, foggy, or gloomy.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Teal</span>, <i>Anas crecca</i>.—At Godrevy, Sept. 27th, 10.15 a.m., -light S.S.W. breeze, mist, a flock flying N.E.; Oct. 21st, 2 p.m., -a flock flying E. against a mod. E. breeze. At Lundy, Nov. 18th, -one male and two females are reported from both stations; mod. -E. breeze, clear.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Guillemot</span> and <span class="smcap">Razorbill</span>, <i>Uria troile</i> and <i>Alca torda</i>,—We -hear from Lundy that, on Nov. 21st, numbers of Guillemots and -Razorbills came in during the night, and remained during the -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_116">-116-</span> -day; and on the 25th a great many came in during the night, -and left in the morning. On Dec. 25th we have the same return -as on Nov. 21st; and Dec. 28th, 10 a.m., strong W.S.W. breeze, -a great many came during the night. At Godrevy they are -reported to be generally seen about.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Cormorant</span>, <i>Phalacrocorax</i>.—At Bull Point, Dec. 21st, light -S.S.W. breeze, one (species not identified) flying W., and low to -the water. Mr. Roberts reports that, at Bideford, "a few Shags -visit to feed on the mussel-beds all the winter"; and, at -Godrevy, Mr. Trahair says, "the Cormorant, or Shag and Large -Gull(?), resort all the year round." At Trevose Head they are -reported as residents of the cliffs all the year round.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Gannet</span>, <i>Sula bassana</i>.—At Morecambe Bay, earliest notice -Aug. 26th, one flying N.N.W. before a mod. E.S.E. breeze. At -S. Stack, during August and September, a great many were seen -passing from N.E. to S.W. At Caernarvon Bay, Sept. 9th, fresh -S.E. breeze, two flying S.; and on 11th, mod. W. by S. breeze, -two flying S.; 25th, one flying W.S.W., mod. S.W. breeze: these -occurrences noted about 10 a.m. in clear weather. At Helwick, -Sept. 19th, 6.30 a.m., one male flying W., fresh W.N.W. breeze. -At Sevenstones, Sept. 28th, light E.S.E. breeze, gloomy, eight, -mixed, flying to N.E. At Helwick, Oct. 4th, 6.40 a.m., fresh -E.S.E. breeze, gloomy, two flying S. to N.E. No further -occurrences are reported till Nov. 20th, when, at Scarweather, -two passed up S.E., mod. N.E. breeze; and on 21st, with S.E. -breeze, four passed S.E.; 27th, strong W. breeze, seven passed -in different directions; Dec. 6th, two passed N.E., mod. W.N.W. -breeze; 12th, four N.E., a fresh W.N.W. breeze. These instances -all occurred in the daytime. Mr. Trahair reports that, at -Godrevy, "from middle of December to middle of January -several about, not flying in any particular direction"; and, -again, "a great number of sprats about,—the Gannets appear to -be after them,—more so than on the coast, through the influence -of the weather."</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Tern</span>, <i>Sterna</i> (? sp.).—At Air, Oct. 12th, a large quantity of -Sea Swallows seen, mod. N.E. breeze, gloomy, clear; the same -on Oct. 12th, gentle E. breeze.</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Gull</span>, <i>Larus argentatus</i>, <i>L. canus</i>, <i>L. tridactylus</i>.—From -S. Stack we hear that, on Aug. 10th, Gulls left after breeding. At -Bideford, Sept. 1st, hundreds of common Gulls are reported as -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_117">-117-</span> -coming every day (presumably from this date) from N.W., with -Sea-pies and Curlews, from half-ebb to half-flow. At Bishop -Rock, Sept. 6th, in calm weather and clear, a "Mackerel Bird" -(? young Kittiwake) struck (11 p.m.), but was not killed; and on -7th, 1.30 a.m., another struck. At Usk, from Sept. 7th to -Oct. 8th, large numbers of Gulls (on one occasion three varieties) -seen, with Curlews and Stints. At Caldy, Sept. 9th, Grey Gulls -seen; 10th, about a hundred Gulls, with the note, "Bred on the -island, and constantly passing." At N. Stack, Sept. 11th, -fourteen (six males and eight females) flying S., mod. S.W. -breeze. At Nash, Sept. 13th and 20th, 6 p.m., from both -stations large flocks were seen passing W., with fresh W. and -W.N.W. breeze. At N. Stack, Sept. 17th, twenty-five (thirteen -males and twelve females) are reported as flying N.E., before a -strong S.W. breeze; 25th, a flock flying S., mod. S.W. breeze. -At Caldy, Sept. 29th, 10 p.m., one White Gull appeared; fog and -light S.E. breeze. Except Usk, the only notices in October are -from Nash, where at both stations, on five or six occasions, flights -of Gulls and young Gulls were seen passing N. or N.W.; wind -various, but more or less easterly. At Caernarvon Bay, Sept. 30th, -4.15 p.m., a flock passed E.S.E., with strong S.W. by W. breeze. -We have no return in November. In December one occurrence -alone is noted:—At Nash (E. or high), Dec. 16th, 10 a.m., -four passed N., fresh E.N.E. breeze; Jan. 9th, a small flock of -Gulls passed N. At Bull Point, Jan. 11th, 4 p.m., twenty-six -Grey Gulls passed, flying S.W., rather high; mod. N.W. breeze, -cloudy, squally, and snowy. At St. Bees, Mr. Pizey, speaking of -the scarcity of birds, says, "Even the Common Gull only makes -an appearance just before heavy weather, or in following the -plough, and then in but small numbers." From Godrevy Mr. -Trahair reports, "Very few Skua Gulls (Lestris) observed this -season."</p> - -<p><span class="smcap">Petrel</span>, <i>Thalassidroma pelagica</i>.—At Godrevy, Sept. 28th, -9 p.m., one struck, fog, light S. breeze; Oct. 4th, from 1 to 2 a.m., -mod. E.N.E. breeze, one was seen with a Lark and Wrens. Mr. -Trahair adds, "Breeds on the island, most plentiful in July; -never seen in daytime, except among loose stones, where they -breed."</p> - -<p>*<span class="smcap">Dotterel</span>, <i>Charadrius morinellus</i>.—Reported to be seen at -Smalls, every day from October to January, with various Gulls.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_118">-118-</span></p> - -<p>Besides the above, we have a few instances of birds unknown, -of which, perhaps, the most puzzling is reported from Longships, -Sept. 8th, midnight, mod. S.S.E. gale, misty, with showers, "one -strange bird, the shape and size of a Starling, pattern and hue -of a Partridge, with its legs covered over with stiff feathers." At -Godrevy, Oct. 4th, two foreign Wrens (? Goldcrests) killed, with -Lark and Petrel. At Skerries, Oct. 13th, 16th and 17th, flocks -of small birds passed during the day, flying E. At Smalls, -Oct. 26th, before sunrise, birds unknown passed; Nov. 3rd, -before sunrise, continuous flocks were flying round the light, -three struck and fell overboard, mod. E. breeze, cloudy, but -clear horizon. At N. Stack, Nov. 12th, 7.35 a.m., fresh W. -breeze, cloudy, two flocks of birds, name unknown, flying N.E.; -26th, 3 p.m., mod. S.W. gale, drizzling rain, fifty grey birds -passed, also flying N.E. On Jan. 16th, we hear from Longships, -that at 8.15 a.m., gentle W. breeze, cloudy, but clear horizon, -"flocks of small birds were noticed at sunrise passing westward, -leaving the land, upon a change of weather from a sharp frost -and snow, and a change of wind from E. to W."</p> - -<p>The stations are not all equally favourably situated for -observing, and a general scarcity of birds is reported from the -following:—St. Bees, Mr. Pizey writes that, for over five years -that he has been there, he has remarked "the extreme scarcity -of birds of any sort As for flocks of birds I have never -witnessed them here, an occasional Robin, Blackbird or Thrush -being all the variety we see Common Sparrows few in -number." Mr. G. Knott says, "very few birds are seen at Bull -Point." From Flatholm and Usk we hear "very few land-birds -are seen, and at the former only Gulls, and they in the three -winter months alone." "The lighthouse at Avon is so close to -the docks and village that no birds come to the light "; and that -at Burnham, having "only four panes facing west, does not attract -many birds." "The land-birds to be seen in the immediate -neighbourhood of Trevose Head are very scarce." From Wolf -Rock Mr. Crask writes, "Hardly ever any birds come nigh us -but Gulls, which come by thousands after fish; the only others -ever seen being Starlings, and these few and far between."</p> - -<p>Some stations report a marked scarcity during the past, in -comparison with other years. Thus, from Holyhead, Mr. -Prichard writes, "Being a very mild winter have not seen -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_119">-119-</span> -anything of note; not a bird striking this winter." At Bardsey -the inhabitants say they "never observed so few birds before;" -and Mr. Bowen suggests that "the fog-horn sounding may -prevent birds striking." With respect to this we hear from -Skerries that "few birds have been seen since they had a -fog-horn." At Morecambe, Caernarvon, and other stations -where there are fog signals, however, we hear of birds striking -or killed. At St. Judwalls the entire absence of Starlings for -the whole winter was remarked. (Pigeons were seen here from -second week in May to first week in August.) From Nash it is -reported that "during November and December sea-birds were -very scarce, and all birds singularly scarce at latter end of -October, and extremely so during the nights both of September -and October; and, again, all sea- and land-birds have been more -scarce during the nights of the present winter than ever I -recollect" (John Richards). Mr. Nicholas attributes it to the -very mild winter. From Smalls we hear that during December -no birds were seen about the lighthouse. From Hartland Point -Mr. Griffiths writes, that "for twenty-five years he had always -seen and caught birds, but not this year; nor have any struck, -as in other years." At Burnham (Aug. 14th) and at Usk (September) -a Land Rail only bird killed.</p> - -<p>Concerning the circumstances under which birds strike, the -returns bear out the conclusions expressed in last year's report, -that dark or cloudy nights, with fog, haze or rain, are most -hazardous. Three or four exceptional instances are recorded of -striking in daylight. October and November appear to be the -most dangerous months, and South Bishop the most deadly -station. Mr. T. Bowen writes, from Bardsey, that "birds strike -in general with the wind; without, very rare exception." Mr. -Crask, from Wolf Rock, in reply to a question on which side -they strike, writes, "when they strike the lantern it is generally -N.W." Other stations have not noticed.</p> - -<p>Of the species reported on, the Starling has received by far -the most notice; and next come Larks, Crows, Wild Ducks, -Gulls, Thrushes, &c. Possibly some of the notices may refer to -local migrations, or movements from one feeding-ground to -another.</p> - -<p>The notices of the <i>Anatidæ</i> are all in the daytime. The -direction of their flight (seldom recorded) is, sometimes, directly -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_120">-120-</span> -N. and S.; but, to judge merely from the few recorded instances, -the prevailing direction at the following stations is N. or north-easterly—towards -the land: Caernarvon, Helwick, and Scarweather. -At Smalls it appears to be, towards the Bristol Channel, -S.E. At Nash, Godrevy and Sevenstones it is W.; while at -Morecambe Bay it varies very greatly. The lines followed by the -<i>Insessores</i> are difficult—with data supplied by one year only—to -make out, but seem to be towards the mainland or along the -coast. The following are the chief instances where the direction -is reported as being from the land:—South Stack, Oct. 29th, -30th, 31st, Starlings flying N.W.; Bull Point, Oct. 13th, Black -Crows flying W.; South Bishop, Nov. 2nd, Blackbirds, Larks, -Starlings and Thrushes flying N.W.; Scilly, Oct. 13th, Fieldfares -flying W.; and at Wolf Rock, Jan. 16th, and Sevenstones, Jan. -11th, two large flocks of Lapwings flying W.</p> - -<p>The returns seem to support the conclusion expressed in last -year's report as to birds preferring to migrate with a "beam" -wind, or even a point or two abaft of beam.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="tdc"><span class="smcap">Erratum.</span>—<a href="#Page_65">Page 65</a>, line 3, for N.E., read N.W.</p> - -<p class="tdc pmb4">[Transcriber Note: This correction has been applied.]</p> - -<p class="tdc">WEST, NEWMAN AND CO., PRINTERS, 54, HATTON GARDEN, LONDON, E.C.</p> - - - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="transnote"> -<p class="caption3nb">Transcriber Note</p> - -<p>Minor typos were corrected. Some station tables split by a page break were -rejoined.</p> -</div> - - - - - - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS IN THE SPRING AND AUTUMN OF 1880 ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg™ electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG™ -concept and trademark. 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