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diff --git a/old/66032-0.txt b/old/66032-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 447e9b2..0000000 --- a/old/66032-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,8654 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of Report on the Migration of Birds in the -Spring and Autumn of 1886., 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 - 1886. - Eighth Report. (Vol. II, No. 3.) - -Author: J. A. Harvie-Brown - J. Cordeaux - R. M. Barrington - A. G. More - W. Eagle Clarke - -Release Date: August 10, 2021 [eBook #66032] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -Produced by: Tom Cosmas from file generously made available at The - Internet Archive and placed in the Public Domain. - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS -IN THE SPRING AND AUTUMN OF 1886. *** - - - - - - - REPORT - - ON THE - - MIGRATION OF BIRDS. - - EIGHTH REPORT, 1886. - - EDINBURGH: - - PRINTED BY M'FARLANE & ERSKINE, - 14 and 19 ST JAMES SQUARE. - - 1887. - - - - Price Two Shillings. - - - - - - REPORT - ON THE - MIGRATION OF BIRDS - IN THE - SPRING AND AUTUMN OF 1886. - - - BY - - Mr J. A. HARVIE-BROWN, Mr J. CORDEAUX, - Mr R. M. BARRINGTON, Mr A. G. MORE, - AND - Mr W. EAGLE CLARKE. - - - - EIGHTH REPORT. - - (Vol. II, No. 3.) - - - - EDINBURGH: - - PRINTED BY M'FARLANE & ERSKINE, - 14 and 19 ST JAMES SQUARE. - - 1887. - - - - -PREFACE. - - -The following Report contains a summary of the investigations of a -Committee reappointed by the British Association for the Advancement -of Science, at Birmingham, in 1886, to consist of Professor Newton, -Mr J. A. Harvie-Brown, Mr John Cordeaux, Mr W. Eagle Clarke, Mr R. -M. Barrington, and Mr A. G. More, for the purpose of obtaining (with -the consent of the Master and Elder Brethren of the Trinity House, -the Commissioners of Northern Lights, and the Commissioners of Irish -Lights) observations on the Migrations of Birds at Lighthouses and -Lightships, and of reporting on the same at Manchester in 1887. Mr -Cordeaux to be the Secretary. - -The returns relating to Scotland have been arranged by Mr J. A. -Harvie-Brown; for the East Coast of England, by Mr Cordeaux; for the -West Coast of England, by Mr W. Eagle Clarke; and those for the Coasts -of Ireland, by Mr R. M. Barrington and Mr A. G. More. - - - - -CONTENTS. - - - PAGE - - East Coast of Scotland, 1 - - East Coast of England, 27 - - West Coast of Scotland, 54 - - West Coast of England and Wales, and the Isle of Man, 79 - - Irish Coasts, 119 - -[Illustration] - - - LIST OF STATIONS. - - 1. Iceland. =England--East Coast.= - 2. Do. - 3. Faroe. 30. Longstone L.H. - 3_b_. Fair Isle. 31. Inner Farn L.H. - 32. Coquet Island L.H. - =Scotland--East Coast.= 33. 5 Buoy Tees L.V. - 34. Whitby High L.H. - 4. N. Unst. 35. Flamborough Head L.H. - 5. Whalsey Skerries. 36. Spurn Point L.H. - 6. Bressay Sound. 37. Spurn L.V. - 7. Sumburgh Head. 38. Inner Dowsing L.V. - 8. N Ronaldshay. 39. Dudgeon L.V. - 9. Start Point. 40. Outer Dowsing L.V. - 10. Auskerry. 41. Llyn Wells L.V. - { 11. Hoy Sound (Low). 42. Hasbro' L.V. - { 12. Hoy Sound (High), 43. Leman and Ower L.V. - 13. Cantick Head. 44. Hunstanton L.H. - 14. Pentland Skerries. 45. Cromer L.H. - 15. Dunnet Head. 46. Hasbro' L.H. - 16. Holborn Head. 47. Winterton L.H. - 17. Noss Head. 48. Newarp L.V. - 18. Tarbet Ness. 49. Cookie L.V. - 19. Cromarty. 50. Corton L.V. - 20. Chanonry Point. 51. Orfordness L.H. - 21. Covesea Skerries. 52. Languard Point L.H. - 22. Kinnaird Head. 53. Shipwash L.V. - 23. Buchan Ness. 54. Swin Middle L.V. - 24. Girdleness. 55. Nore L.V. - 25. Montroseness. 56. Tongue L.V. - 26. Bell Rock. 57. Kentish Knock L.V. - 27. Isle of May. 58. Galloper L.V. - 28. Inchkeith. 59. North Foreland L.H. - 28_b_. Fidra (1885). 60. North Sand Head L.V. - 29. St Abbs Head. 61. Gull L.V. - 62. Eastside L.V. - 63. South Foreland L.H. - 64. South Sand Head L.V. - 65. Varne L.V. - - =Scotland--West Coast.= =England--West Coast. - - 81. Cape Wrath. 119. Bahama Bank L.V. - 82. Rhu Stoir. 120. St Bees L.H. - 83. Butt of Lewis. 121. Selker L.V. - 84. Stornoway. 122. Morecambe Bay L.V. - 85. Island Ghlais. 123. Dee L.V. - 86. Monach Isles. 124. Air L.H. - 87. Ushenish. 125. Menai L.H. - 88. Barra Head. 126. Skerries L.H. - 89. Rona. 127. Holyhead Breakwater L.H. - 90. Kyleakin. 128. South Stack L.H. - 91. Isle Ornsay. 129. Carnarvon Bay L.V. - 92. Ardnamurchan. 130. St Tudwalls L.H. - 93. Skerryvore and Hynish 131. Bardsey Island L.H. - Signal Tower, Tiree, 132. Cardigan Bay L.V. - 94. Dhuheartach. 133. South Bishop L.H. - 95. Sound of Mull. 134. Smalls L.H. - 96. Corran Ferry. 135. Great Castlehead L.H. - 97. Lismore. 136. Milford L.H. - 98. Fladda, Easdale. 137. Caldy L.H. - 99. Rhuvaal. 138. Helwick L.V. - 100. M'Arthur's Head. 139. Scarweather L.V. - 101. Skervuile. 140. Nash L.H. - 102. Rhinns of May. 141. Breaksea L.V. - 103. Lochindaul. 142. Flatholm L.H. - 104. Mull of Kintyre. 143. English and Welsh - 105. Sanda. Grounds L.V. - 106. Devaar. 144. Usk L.H. - 107. Pladda, Arran. 145. Avon L.H. - 108. Lamlash. 146. Burnham L.H. - 109. Turnberry. 147. Bull Point L.H. - 109_b_. Ailsa Craig 148. Bideford L.H. - (building, 1885). 149. Lundy L.H. - 110. Corsewall. 150. Hartland Point L.H. - 111. Loch Ryan. 151. Trevose Head L.H. - 112. Portpatrick. 152. Godrevy L.H. - 113. Mull of Galloway. 153. Longships L.H. - 114. Little Ross. 154. Sevenstones L.V. - 155. Wolf-Rock L.H. - =Isle of Man.= 156. Scilly L.H. - 157. Bishop's Rock L.H. - 115. Point of Ayre. 158. Lizard L.H. - 116. Douglas Head. 159. Falmouth Harbour L.H. - 117. Langness (1880). 160. Eddystone L.H. - 118. Chickens Rock. 161. Plymouth Breakwater L.H. - 162. Start L.H. - - =Ireland.= - - 1. Fastnet. 20. Arranmore. - 2. Galley Head. 21. Rathlin O'Birne. - 3. Old Head, Kinsale. 22. Killybegs. - 4. Mine Head. 23. Oyster Island. - 5. Dungarvan. 24. Broadhaven. - 5*.Coningbeg. Lt.-ship. 25. Eagle Island, E. - 6. Barrels Rock Lt.-ship. 26. Eagle Island, W. - 7. Tuskar. 27. Blackrock, Mayo. - 8. Arklow S. Lt.-ship. 28. Blacksod Point. - 8*.Arklow N. Lt.-ship. 29. Clare Island. - 10. Kish Bank Lt.-ship. 30. Slyne Head, N. - 11. Howth Baily. 31. Slyne Head, S. - 12. Rockabill. 32. Arran Island, N. - 13. Copeland Island. 33. Straw Island. - 14. Maidens. 34. Arran Island, S. - 15. Rathlin. 36. Samphire Island. - 16. Innishtrahull. 37. Tearaght. - 17. Dunree Head. 38. Valentia. - 18. Lough Swilly. 39. Skelligs. - 19. Tory Island. 40. Dursey Island. - - -=Outlying Stations.= - - Heligoland, - Stevns Fyr, Zealand. - Malmo, Sweden. - Casquets L.H., Alderney. - Hanois L.H., Guernsey. - - - - - EIGHTH REPORT - - ON - - THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS - - IN THE - - SPRING AND AUTUMN OF 1886. - - ============== - - - - - EAST COAST OF SCOTLAND. - - -The usual schedules were sent to all the stations, except Tay -Light-ship and Carr Rock. Twelve stations on the East Coast of Scotland -have returned thirty-six schedules. Pentland Skerries gives the -heaviest returns with nine schedules. Isle of May follows with eight -schedules; and N. Unst is next in importance. Then Bell Rock with two, -and Fidra with three, run it very close. We would like returns from -Carr Rock and Tay Light-ship next season, and will forward schedules, -&c. - -We follow the same plan as in previous reports. The present year's -returns are indicated by asterisks. - -The migration values of the various stations of the Scottish Coasts are -explained in the Report for 1884, p. 10, and need not be repeated here. - -EAST OF SCOTLAND. - -The names of the Reporters are given under "Diary from the Stations." - - Returns - in 8 years 1886. - including Actual - 1886. returns. Values. Feet. - - Shetland. - - 6 * 4. N. Unst, IV. 230 - 5. Whalsey Skerries, II. 143 - 6. Bressay, III. 105 - 6 * 7. Sumburgh Head, I. - - Orkney. - - 7 * 8. N. Ronaldshay, IV. - 9. Start Point. V. - 6 10. Auskerry, I. - 11. Hoy Sound (Low), V. - 12. Hoy Sound (High), V. - 13. Cantick Head, III. - 8 14. Pentland Skerries, I. - 8 * 15. Dunnet Head, Caithness, V. - 16. Holborn Head, Caithness, V. - 1st * 17. Noss Head, Caithness, V. - 18. Tarbat Ness, East Ross, V. - 6 * 19. Cromarty, East Cromarty, V. - 4 20. Chanonry Point, Elgin, V. - 21. Covesea Skerries, Elgin, V. - 22. Kinnaird Head, Aberdeen, V. - 23. Buchan Ness, Aberdeen, V. - 1st * 24. Girdleness, Aberdeen, V. - 25. Montroseness, Forfar, V. - 8 * 26. Bell Rock, Fife Coast, I. - 26B. Carr Rock Light-ship, - Fife Coast, ? ? - 5 * 27. Isle of May, Firth of Forth, I. - 7 * 28. Inchkeith, Firth of Forth, IV. - 2 * 28B. Fidra, Firth of - Forth, instituted 1886, ? ? - 29. St Abb's Head, Berwickshire, V. 224 - -_Diary from the Stations._ - -_N. Unst._--John Nichol (principal) sends in seven well-filled -schedules. Mr Nichol has the following notes: "March, 25th.--I am -told the Black Crows were not seen in former years. Although a severe -winter time, birds are much earlier seen, also of various kinds. -August.--Stormy Petrels do not breed on this rock, but do so among -the rocks on shore. Puffins, Razorbills, Tysties, Kittiwakes, and a -few Gulls, also one pair of Seapies breed on the rock. Puffins are -fewer in number this year than in former times. September.--Much -greater movements in September 1886 than has been in former years. -I am told that on an island four miles to the west of us Pictarnies -breed in great numbers. None ever come near us." Mr J. N. sends one -schedule devoted entirely to Solan Geese, and adds the note: "We do -not see greater numbers together than twenty at a time, and down to -one. General occupation is fishing; but flocks on 11th, 13th, and 14th -October were supposed to be migrating right away." Mr J. N. then adds: -"Since filling up this schedule (to date of 25th October), have been -told that on 29th October three large Swans rested on the Loch of Cliff -on their way south. November 5th.--One Eagle shot near Holderswick -measured across the wings seven feet. A Woodpecker seen at Baltasound. -When fish seem plentiful about the rock, Common Gulls are in abundance; -occasionally Herring Gulls and Iceland Gulls, Black-backed Gulls, -Common Skua Gull, of which a few breed at Unst. On shore at the Loch of -Cliff, throughout the autumn, a Herring Bird, some Plovers, Curlews, -Snipes, and Wild Ducks. A few of the latter breed at the Loch of Cliff. -At Lerwick, on 10th October, two large flocks of Swans passed over the -town, flying in a southerly direction; and one flew very low while -near the town. Up to the date of 30th October 1886, no Wren has been -seen; should I get one, shall not fail to send it on. One seen on 2 -2d November; could not be caught." At date of December 20th, Mr J. -N. writes: "All birds have now deserted us. None seen since the 1st -December, except in favourable weather, such as are mentioned in the -schedule for December 1885, _viz._:--Starlings, Sparrow Hawks, Crows, -and Gulls. We had no great rushes of birds in the night time this year -like last year; but a greater number seen in the day time. On November -18th sixty Bottle-nosed Whales, the largest about twenty-two feet long, -were captured at Cullivoe, Unst. Five boats (manned) put off and gave -chase. Boats having got to seaward, they were turned for the shore, -and were getting well in, when they suddenly turned about and put to -sea again. Boats, after a hard struggle, again got the off-side of -them, and slowly commenced to shorten the distance between them and -the shore. Not until 6 P.M., after six hours' chase, were the boats -successful in reaching the 'school.' After the monsters were stranded -the scene was very animated, as they lashed the water to foam with -their tails in their frantic efforts to get away again. It was not -till late at night that killing operations were accomplished. On 24th -November sixty whales were exposed for sale, and realised a sum of -£119. The number of buyers was limited, but the competition was keen." -On January 11, 1887, Mr J. N., in a letter, records the occurrence -of one Snowy Owl seen on the summit of Hermann's Hill; and an Eagle, -flying high over, came down and gave the shepherd's dogs chase, but -sheered off when it saw the shepherd. - -_Sumburgh Head._--Sends one schedule, but adds: "Birds are very scarce -here." Sent me a specimen of a rare bird, which I knew at once to be -a specimen of _Phylloscopus superciliosus_, and which has already -been recorded [_Proceedings Royal Physical Society, Edinburgh_, vol. -for 1885-86, p. 298], and was exhibited at a meeting of that Society. -Writing in reply to inquiries of mine, under 16th October, to Mr -Youngclause, he writes: "I was after a small bird to-day about the -dykes, very similar, but it got away." - -_North Ronaldshay._--John Tulloch. One well-filled schedule, ranging -from March 18 to September 15. - -_Pentland Skerries._--John Gilmour (principal) sends nine -heavily-filled schedules. In a letter of 1st October, Mr Gilmour speaks -of great numbers of Twites on the island. "Of course they breed here; -but I think their numbers have been increased of late, as there is -a great flock of them." Later he adds: "I may mention that the Rock -Pipit is resident here; and also the Lark, Starling, and Rock Dove -are scarcely ever absent from the station." A little earlier--_viz._, -29th September--Mr G. writes: "The autumn migration is not yet quite -commenced, although there have been a few birds seen; but should -the wind work round to the east we will likely have a rush. I send -you the names of all the birds that bred here this season (1886), -_viz._:--Stormy Petrel, Puffin, Tern [two species,--J. A. H.-B.], Black -Guillemot, Oyster-Catcher, Eider Duck, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Lapwing, -Corncrake, Rock Dove, Starling, Lark, Twite, Wheatear, and Rock Pipit. -The above are the only species which breed regularly here. The Herring -Gull and Grey Crow build some seasons, but not this year. I have heard -it said the Snipe breeds also, but I have never seen the nest during -the last five years--the time I have been at this station. - -"I take little notice of Solans in the schedules, as I may say they -have been going past all season in all weathers, and I still see some -going east yet (29th September)." (See also under Mull of Galloway, -West Coast, visited by Mr G. on his holiday, 16th August to 6th -September.) A day-to-day return of Gannets or Solan Geese desired, and -a separate schedule devoted to the species. - -Writing again on 21st October, Mr G. says: "I again beg to send you -two schedules. Since the 4th we have had a great rush of migrants. -The prevailing wind being from the east, as soon as it shifted round -to the west birds began to leave; but were back again as soon as the -wind shifted to east. I send you wings and feet for identification, -and will be much obliged by an early reply if I have named the species -correctly."[1] Later he has the note: "Solans ceased going east about -the end of September; only a straggler seen now and again during this -month (October)." Besides the above, Mr Gilmour has many interesting -notes, which, however, come to be more easily worked from the schedules -into the text under species. - -[Footnote 1: Correctly named:--Blackcap and Great Spotted Woodpecker -[Recorded _Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc. Edinb._, vol. for 1885-86, pp. 298, -299.--J. A. H.-B.]. Also immature Pied Flycatcher, 7th October.] - -_Dunnet Head._--David Laidlaw (principal) sends one schedule, in which -are the following notes: "On the 23d May a swallow entered Dunnet -Established Church during the forenoon service (one of the doors being -open), and after flying through the church for about half an hour, -made its exit by the same door that it entered by. S.E., fresh breeze, -clear." Under date of January 15, 1887, he writes: "For the last month -I see a good many Song Thrushes about the fields daily. Starlings and -Linnets are to be seen here in large flocks all the year round.[2] No -birds struck or lighted on the lantern during the year except the Wren -mentioned in schedule. As to sea-birds, the Gulls[3] came to breed -about the 1st of March, and left about the latter end of September. The -other birds arrived about six weeks later, and took their departure -about a month earlier than the Gulls. During the latter end of July, -and the months of August and September, almost every minute of the day, -Solan Geese pass and re-pass in flocks of two or three up to twenty or -thereby." [A day-to-day return of numbers in a schedule devoted to the -species might prove valuable to our Committee.--J. A. H.-B.] - -[Footnote 2: These are probably true Rose-Linnets, which abound in -the north of Caithness. The Twite is comparatively rare, at least in -summer.--J. A. H.-B.] - -[Footnote 3: Herring Gulls breed in astonishing numbers all round the -coast from Dwarwick Head.--J. A. H.-B. Lesser B. B. Gull is rare.] - -_Noss Head._--James Ferrier sends a schedule, with the note: "Sorry I -cannot give you as full a return (but I have given you all that we -have taken note of) as I could have done from the Little Ross, having -been transferred from there in February last. Several species of birds -lay in the rocks about this headland, such as the Common Gull [? -Herring Gull.--J. A. H.-B.], Cormorant, Tystie, Guillemot, Razorbill. -The Gulls are very tame here, often sitting on the tops of the houses -throughout the town (Wick), drawn there by the great quantity of fish -caught, and hanging about the houses." We are very glad to get our -first return from Noss Head, however light, and we hope Mr Ferrier will -continue to assist us.--(See last Report, 1885, p. 15.) - -_Cromarty Lighthouse._--Robt. S. Ritson sends one schedule, January -1886 to December 27, mostly referring to local migrations of Ducks, -Geese, Gulls, which have always special interest also attaching to them. - -_Girdleness._--C. C. Irvine sends one schedule, the first received -from this station. He adds: "Very few birds come this way; but Rooks, -Sparrows, and Gulls are to be seen almost every day; but as they are -not migratory, I presume they are not worthy of notice, and our time -being much occupied during the day, many may pass without our observing -them." - -_Bell Rock._--James Jack sends two carefully written schedules as -usual, strictly adhering to the headings, which always makes the work -of posting the items into the ledger easier for the Committee. Mr -Jack, after an illness on shore between 23d October and 11th November, -writes, on resuming duty: "As yet, Redwings have been the most prolific -in numbers visiting this station this season; in fact, night after -night, nothing else. All our usual winter feathered companions are now -again thickly around us. Dunters are very abundant this season." - -This remarkable immigration of Redwings is scarcely noted at any other -stations; at least, with regard to its exclusiveness. - -_Isle of May._--Joseph Agnew sends eight schedules filled with his -usual care, and dating February 3 to November 6, 1886, and kept up -till his removal by the authorities to the Monach Isles, off the Outer -Hebrides, the electric lighting of the Isle of May being completed, and -an electric engineer placed in charge. Under date of April 6, 1886, Mr -Agnew writes: "I send you the Turtle Dove. It had been very severely -shot before it came here by some one. I did not send it to Small, but -made the best of it myself, covering the wounds as well as I could." -Under date of October 12, 1886, Mr Agnew writes: "The old carboy is -still doing duty yet, and has been emptied two or three times. On -one occasion it contained a _cosmic mouse_, but whether it came from -Jupiter or Mars, or some other far off world, I do not know." As this -carboy was put _in situ_ by ourselves in October 1884, in behalf of -the Marine Station at Granton, we would be interested to know whether -it has yielded any scientific results. Perhaps Mr John Murray will -enlighten us. Regarding the electric light, Mr Agnew writes: "It will -be ready in a few weeks, perhaps three weeks. I do not know what effect -it will have on the birds. The light will be very intense, and the -most powerful light in existence. The room in which the trials are -now being conducted has the appearance of a place brilliantly lighted -up at night, though it is in the day time. The daylight is made to -disappear. If the light were a fixed one, same as the old one, I think -it might have a _good_[4] effect, but I am afraid its quick revolving -character will be against it. The light has been revolving for the -last two months with the oil lamp, and though some birds have come to -the lantern, I don't think, considering the numbers of birds, so many -have struck as heretofore. But as I am leaving this, I very much fear -the reports will be very meagre in future, if there be any at all. The -man who succeeds me has been here for a month or more, and he seems to -have no notion of the matter, and has never interested himself in it; -and besides, he will be very little in the light-room; his principal -business will be in the engine-house, though he is to be head-keeper. -You may perhaps be able to get him interested in it. The two men, -however, whose special duty will be in the light-room, may take up -the subject, and do something; but I would say--be very thankful for -what you have already got from Isle of May." In a later letter (26th -October), Mr Agnew says: "I am now almost convinced that few birds will -come near the lantern, the revolutions are so quick, _viz._, eight -flashes in the minute. We can see the birds going round with the rays, -and though they make a dash at the lantern, before they reach it the -light leaves them, and they turn round after it again, and repeat the -same. During all last week there was one Redstart, one Starling, and -one Robin at the lantern; not a Woodcock has struck this year; the -Goldcrests which used to flock about the lantern never come near it; -_though they are very numerous on the island_,[5] I have only seen two -at the lantern. A fixed white light is no doubt best for attracting -birds; the alternate light and darkness baffles them altogether, and -the quicker the revolutions are, the worse baffled they become. There -has been almost total absence during the past two years of Redpoles -and Siskins." On the 19th November Mr Agnew writes: "James" (his son) -"shot a Great Spotted Woodpecker on the 12th of this month. It is the -first of its kind I have seen here. It came after the great N.-E. gale -reported in my last schedule. The wind continued to blow strong from -the N.-E. for days after the gale took off. I have sent it to Small to -get stuffed and set up. I want to give it in a present to the young -lady to whom my son, Joseph, is going to be married at Dunbar." Mr -Agnew then continues: "There has not been much worth reporting since I -sent you my last schedule (Nov. 6, 1886); the only birds (not resident) -were some Wagtails and Common Wrens. I suspect very much you have got -the last schedule from Isle of May. I am sorry for that, as you see -from the Woodpecker that strange things are always turning up. I am -very sorry at leaving the collection here, and I doubt if it will be so -well taken care of when I am away." - -[Footnote 4: _i.e._, effectual in alluring the birds to it.] - -[Footnote 5: Distinctly illustrative of the effect of the quickly -revolving light.--J. A. H.-B.] - -We have given Mr Agnew's correspondence very fully, as it is the -last we shall get from him at the Isle of May, and it would be very -ungracious if we did not take this opportunity of once again expressing -our warmest thanks for his able assistance and always interesting -correspondence. Comparisons are said to be invidious, but we are quite -sure none of his fellow-keepers will grudge him the fullest praise -which our Migration Committee can accord. Mr Cordeaux says (16th Oct. -1886): "I am much concerned that Agnew is leaving the Isle of May." We -do not undervalue the observations of any of our reporters, many of -whom have not the opportunities of observation which others have; but -we can point to a good many more of the lighthouse keepers, both at -the best stations and at the least frequented, who, according to their -opportunities, are not far behind Mr Agnew, if at all; and there is -ever increasing interest and ability displayed year by year. - -_Fidra._--Mr Win. Ross has taken up the subject earnestly, and sends -us three excellent schedules, carefully adhering to the columnar -arrangement, which is so important to the Members of Committee, -who have to transcribe into the ledger, and then write its Report. -Attention to this is of infinite service and saving of time in getting -the Reports printed. We are much obliged to Mr Ross for the care taken -in this respect. - -Under date of 4th September, Mr W. Ross writes: "I have to acknowledge -receipt of your printed circular, concerning envelopes to contain -wings of unknown birds, to be forwarded to you for identification, and -labels for marking the same." .... "After Sunday, my last schedule, -I continued making jottings, and the 24th of March, from 9 P.M. to -daylight, was really interesting. The flocks of birds about the -lantern were immense, and so numerous, that in striking the glass -they broke the outside glass protector of our thermometer. There has -not been anything unusual since that date." [Fidra promises well to -be an important observatory, under certain conditions of wind and -weather.--J. A. H.-B.] - -Later, under date of 18th September 1886, Mr W. Ross says: "Had I -known Moths would have been of any use to you, I believe I could have -given you a varied, rare, and enormous parcel. Last month it was Moths -everywhere, after darkness set in. I had to sweep them down with a -towel, some very large and beautiful. Mr Anderson (of Messrs A. & F., -Edinr., Advocates?) seems a keen entomologist, and I was describing -some of these to him (on the occasion of a visit he paid to Fidra on -the 6th September). One beautiful specimen--not a moth, I think--of a -size between a daddy-long-legs and dragon-fly, and much the same shape; -enormous bronze wings, beautiful vermilion body, black head, with a red -(or yellow?) streak (or spot?), and antennas more like a young lobster -than anything else. - -"Eider Ducks, I understand, used to breed on all the islands about -here. But this year a man got a dozen small boats, and hired them out -at N. Berwick; the consequence is that the Ducks have entirely left the -Craig and Lamb Islands owing to their nests having been plundered. We -on Fidra consequently have had a greater number of birds breeding, and -found many nests with 6 to 8 eggs; also Terns, and many smaller birds. -As we are strictly prohibited from using a gun on this precious island, -I can't send you many specimens; but if anything does turn up, I will -not fail to send it you." - -Later, under date of 1st October, in reply to inquiries, Mr W. Ross -writes: "It was the latter half of August that these Moths were so -numerous; and though in September there were a few, it was nothing in -comparison with the multitudes that occurred the previous month. Some -guide such as you suggest" [referring to Johns' "Book of Birds"], "to -enable observers to recognise species, would be of immense advantage. -I am woefully deficient in this respect, and I am persuaded others -are equally so. I hope your Committee will succeed in supplying some -reliable book to render assistance in this respect." - - -Separate Report under Genera and Species. - -Turdidæ.--Thrushes.--In February the only returns are from Bell Rock -and Isle of May, between the 3d and 20th; earliest at Isle of May on -3d, one Missel Thrush; N.E., light clear. Other species mentioned are -Blackbirds, Redwings (along with Larks and Starlings), at Bell Rock, -with S.W. fresh breeze. Great many struck and killed. Two female -blackbirds at Isle of May on 15th, and possibly remaining to breed. -Mavises on 20th at Isle of May, and some Fieldfares; showers of snow. - -In March no great movement, and a few records from Pentland Skerries -of single or small numbers of Blackbirds, and one Thrush on 10th and -23d. Solitary Redwing on 23d at Isle of May; and numbers of Thrushes at -Fidra (XXVIII. B.), flying about all night. - -_Spring._--In April scattered birds only up to end of the month at Isle -of May of Fieldfares, one Redwing (23d), one Ring Ouzel (21st); but on -19th, at Pentland Skerries, is entered the record (which seems one of -some importance): "Ring Ouzels and Song Thrushes a great rush; strong -S.E. and haze." And on 26th: "A flock of Fieldfares (mod. S.E., haze), -birds which are seldom seen here in spring." Also on the 19th at North -Ronaldshay, a station not usually sending large spring returns: "A -great number of Thrushes were on the island. Stopped two days;" wind -S.E., haze. In May, at Isle of May, one record only of a Fieldfare at -the light on the 5th. No more till autumn. - -_In Autumn._--Earliest record of Blackbird at Pentland Skerries on 9th -August. Single records at Isle of May of Common Mavis "migrating" on -19th, and of a Missel Thrush on 30th; W.S.W., clear. _Latest_ record, -Fieldfares on 20th to 28th November, "a good many;" at Dunnet Head, -"seen all day;" and scattered records through November at Pentland -Skerries of Thrush and Blackbird. In September also, quite scattered -records of single or very small lots of Blackbirds, Ring Ouzels, -Fieldfares, and Mavises, from Pentland Skerries, Isle of May, and -Fidra. But in October masses and rushes innumerable from the following -stations:--Pentland Skerries (Redwings, 4th to 16th). Isle of May -(Blackbirds, mostly females, 7th; Fieldfares, "numbers" on 18th, N.E. -gale; Blackbirds, all males, on 21st, wind from E. to S.W.; Redwings, -rush on 28th, S.E., fresh; also of Fieldfares and Ring Ouzels and -Blackbirds). Again, at Pentland Skerries, great numbers of _Turdidæ_ -on 29th, of all kinds. Greatest rush at Pentland Skerries of Redwings -and Song Thrushes (along with Goldcrests and Chaffinches, Robins, a -few Ring Ouzels, and Woodcock); strong S.E. gale and rain. At Bell -Rock, Redwings (without other species in any numbers), 22d to 26th -October every night in numbers; wind from light W. to E. and N.E. All -through October indications, more or less pronounced, at the following -stations:--N. Unst, Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, Noss Head, Bell -Rock, Isle of May, Fidra. - -From the above notes the migration of _Turdidæ_ appears to have been -unusually compressed and sudden. - -Saxicolinæ.--Chats.--_In Spring._--In March earliest two Redstarts -("the first seen here") at N. Unst; S.E. and fog. Wheatears at Isle of -May on 24th and 26th, but only straggling birds. In April, solitary -record on 1st at Pentland Skerries. Two on 27th at Bell Rock, and same -date at Isle of May; and Redstarts ("mostly males") intermittent all -April. In May, at Isle of May, Redstarts ("mostly females") on 3d, and -intermittent up to 19th; also Wheatears, Whinchats (numbers on the 8th, -and rush or great numbers on the 18th all day); W.S.W., strong. In June -a single solitary record of a Stonechat (? Wheatear) from N. Unst. - -_In Autumn._--Few records in August; but on 31st numbers of Wheatears -at 10 P.M. at the lantern. Latest records of _Saxicolinæ_, 24th -October at Pentland Skerries; and next last there also on the 22d, -of Redstarts, both females; and on 26th of a Stonechat at N. Unst (? -Wheatear). At Isle of May on 5th, and at Fidra, "numbers all day" on -the island, of "Stonechats" (_vera_ at Isle of May? Wheatears? at -Fidra). A not very great or decided rush in September, principally -noticeable at Isle of May and Fidra, of "Stonechats." - -Silviinæ.--Robins, Whitethroats.--_In Spring._--A great rush of Robins, -with fresh S.E. haze, at Pentland Skerries, on 19th April. "Good -numbers" at Isle of May, on 23d; also Whitethroats remained all night -at Isle of May, on 28th April. A rush took place of the latter at same -station on May 3d; "swarming" and culminating on 18th (one Willow -Wren--_Phylloscopus_--appearing with others on 19th). No Robins are; -noted in May anywhere. - -_In Autumn._--A solitary Robin on 24th August at Cromarty (very likely -a local resident). A few odd birds in September. One Whitethroat and -three Robins, all on different dates, at Isle of May and Fidra; the -Whitethroat on the 1st at Isle of May. Rushes all in October, and -returns sent from the following stations, all of Robins:--N. Unst (1 -Robin); Sumburgh Head, 1; Pentland Skerries, Isle of May, and Fidra. -Rushes mostly at Isle of May and Fidra about 24th to 29th, and winds -prevailing easterly and south-easterly. No records in November. A -solitary record in December of two Robins at N. Unst, and one on 7th -January 1887 at Dunnet Head. Migration of Robins scarcely discernible -in spring; and short, sharp, and decisive in October. Of Whitethroats -large. Local, _viz._--at Isle of May; indicated at N. Unst in spring; -and only one record in September at Isle of May. - -Phylloscopinæ.--Goldcrest (or Gold-crested Wren), Chiffchaff, Willow -Wren, Wood Warbler.--_In Spring._--At Fidra numbers of Goldcrests -flying about on 24th March; wind S.W., light breeze. The only other -spring record of this species is on the 27th March at Pentland -Skerries--a single bird; mod. W., clear. This appears to have been a -sudden departure, probably general, but not coming much under notice. -Of the same species we have not another spring record. - -Of Chiffchaff.--[The difficulty of determining Chiffchaffs and -Willow Wrens at any time, but more especially in autumn, even to an -expert, must in great measure militate against almost any records of -"Chiffchaff" at Isle of May. Yet there can be no doubt that it has -occurred there, certainly in October 1884; and on one or two more -occasions certain. There are many records of "Chiffchaff" at Isle of -May; but it is impossible to say which are correct identifications, and -which are really immature Willow Warblers. That the Chiffchaff does -occur is undoubted, but to what extent is yet uncertain. Henceforth, -until certainty can be arrived at, we will only mention Chiffchaffs in -inverted commas.--J. A. H.-B.] - -"Chiffchaff"--a single record at Isle of May on 12th April, and Willow -Wren very numerous on 19th May. One "Chiffchaff" also noted on 5th May. - -_In Autumn._--Goldcrests numerous on October 24th at Isle of May; and -numbers at Pentland Skerries, from 17th to 27th, all day long. Seems -to have been pretty general, as it is spoken of at Noss Head, also -on 24th; at Inchkeith, in small numbers, 7th, 8th, and 9th (light E. -breezes). Numbers all day on Fidra on 8th October, and also at Sumburgh -Head on 7th and on 20th, and at Girdleness on the 21st. Numerous at -Isle of May up to 30th. - -"Chiffchaff"--a solitary record of one at Isle of May on 27th August. -A great number (rush) of Willow Warblers at Isle of May on 1st -September--light W., fog--along with Sedge Warblers. "Chiffchaff" is -also recorded from North Unst by Mr Charles Youngclause--light N.E., -haze--a single bird. Numbers again of "Chiffchaffs" at Isle of May on -19th. Those who have their doubts about the occurrence in any number of -the Chiffchaff (_vera_) can read the above together with the entries of -_Willow Warbler_. - -The migration of _Phylloscopinæ_ is thus compressed into October, with -one rush in September of Willow Warblers, which appears to have been -preceded by one example of "Chiffchaff" four days before. In preceding -spring very pronounced on 18th and 19th May at same station, Isle of -May, of Willow Warblers. - -Accentorinæ.--Hedge Sparrows.--_Spring._--Only two records on 12th -April at Isle of May (resident all winter); and at Pentland Skerries -on 19th, two--S.E., haze; and on 18th May, at Isle of May, a brood of -young "now flying." _In Autumn_--only record at Pentland Skerries, one -seen all day--light S.W.; "seldom seen here." - -Acrocephalinæ.--Sedge Warbler.--No spring notice. In Autumn--only two -in August at Isle of May. Sedge Warbler, one, on 20th--calm, clear; and -on 23d, two--light S.E. wind; but large numbers (in company with Willow -Warbler rush) at Isle of May on 2d September. The Willow Warbler rush -came on the 1st, the Sedge Warblers on the 2d; the former at 2 A.M. of -that day--light W., fog; the latter at 11 A.M. of the next day--light -W., and clear. - -Troglodytidæ.--Wren.--Nests on Fidra. No spring records. - -_In Autumn._--At Dunnet Head two--strong W. breeze--"young birds," on -31st August. And at Inchkeith, Firth of Forth, one caught on lantern, -wind light south. [The above are the only records in August,--what -connection appears again between N. of Caithness and Firth of -Forth?--J. A. H.-B.] No more movements on record till October. "Great -numbers" at Isle of May on 21st and 24th. No other records, except at -Pentland Skerries--a single bird on the 28th. Latest record, one bird -at N. Unst on 22d November. - -The above notes tend to accentuate, along with many other parallelisms, -what we already consider the chief routes across Scotland (see last -Report, p. 23). - -Motacillidæ.--Wagtails.--_In Spring._--Earliest record is on 24th March -of Wagtails at Isle of May, two seen--light to fresh S.E., and haze. A -few scattered records in April, on 13th and 19th, at Pentland Skerries. -One record at N. Ronaldshay on 6th May, and one on 20th at Pentland -Skerries. Nests found on Fidra, 15th June. Whereas in 1885 Report -Wagtails were recorded in every month except July, this season we find -all the following blank of records:--February, March, April, July, -November, and December (see Autumn). - -_In Autumn._--Records bulk largest in September, both in number of -records (6) and bulk of numbers (rush of old and young on 3d and -again on 15th at Isle of May, and a few from 8th to 11th at Pentland -Skerries, and a few from 8th to 9th resting all day at N. Unst). Again -in October, a few (5) records of smaller numbers, 3d to 24th, at N. -Ronaldshay, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May. - -Motacillidæ.--_Anthinæ._--Pipits, OR "Mosscheepers," "Titlarks."--_In -Spring._--Earliest record at N. Unst, 7th March, of "Mosscheepers," -N.W., fresh, and again one on 21st. On 20th and 23d March, Meadow -Pipits, a few at Isle of May, calm, clear, and S.E., fresh haze. A few -again at N. Unst on 23d, "Mosscheepers." No records in May or June. _In -July_--young "Mosscheepers" seen for first time on 6th. In August, on -the 27th, accessions to the numbers breeding on Isle of May, probably -the young hatched off and on wing. In September, accessions of both -Rock Pipits and Meadow Pipits by 15th, at Bell Rock, and Rock Pipits -numerous on Isle of May on 20th. Numerous to 29th October. No other -records. - -Muscicapidæ.--Flycatchers.--_In Spring._--On 21st and 22d March Spotted -Flycatchers, single records at N. Unst. In April, the only record is on -19th at Pentland Skerries, when "a rush" is recorded. Fresh S.E., haze -(Pied Flycatchers), and on 21st May one ditto all day there. - -_In Autumn._--Only one record in all of a single Spotted Flycatcher on -Fidra, on 7th. Light S.E., fog. - -Hirundinidæ.--Swallows, Martins, Sand Martins.--_In Spring._--Many -records of arrivals in May and June, as follows:-- - - May 2. N. Ronaldshay, Flying W., 2 Swallows, Light W.C. - " 3. Bell Rock, Resting on rock, 1 do., S.S.E., Light, - " 4. Isle of May, 1 Martin, S.W., Light. - " 7. Pentland Skerries, "First seen," Swallows, N.W., Haze. - " 8. Isle of May, "All day," 1 Martin, S.E. - " 19. Do. A few, 1 do., " - " 22. Dunnet Head, 3 Swallows, S.S.W. - " 26. Cromarty, "Arrived," 3 do., Light W. - June 5. Sumburgh Head, Flight W. - " 1. Isle of May, First, Swallow, S.E., Light. - " 12. Sumburgh Head, "All day," 3 do., S.S.E. - -_In Autumn._--From 23d to 31st August a considerable movement (40 -seen) at Isle of May on 30th; and on 2d September, "Swallows departed" -at Pentland Skerries. 1 Swallow seen at N. Unst on 23d August, and 6 -Martins flying about top of cliffs for six days previous to 30th August -at Dunnet Head. A rush again at Isle of May on 27th, 28th, and 29th -September, especially on latter two dates. Wind S.E. on 29th, shifted -from W. Gale and clear day before. No later records. - -Thus Autumn migration compressed into 30th August and 2d September, and -again, 28th and 29th September. - -Fringillidæ.--Finches, Linnets, Redpoles, Siskins, Sparrows, -Chaffinches, "Grey Linnets," Tree Sparrows, Lesser Redpole.--_In -Spring._--1 Chaffinch at Pentland Skerries on 9th February. At Isle -of May "considerable numbers of Redpoles." "Lots died." S.E. to W. -In March a few single records of Chaffinch at Pentland Skerries and -Isle of May, and "numbers flying about all night" at Fidra. In April, -Siskins "first seen" at North Unst (a new species to the locality?) on -11th. At Isle of May, Chaffinches and Grey Linnets on 21st, and 2 to a -dozen pairs of Sparrows on 30th. At Pentland Skerries, on May 22d and -23d, Grey Linnets and Redpoles (? Twites). - -_In Autumn._--Earliest, 26th August, Linnets, "young birds." Again, -Siskin (one) at N. Unst on 10th September. Strong W. wind. Linnets -at same place (Twites?), 18th, 20th, and 30th. A flock at Pentland -Skerries (Linnets, _vera_?), and Linnets at Fidra, 20th, 25th, -and 27th. Tree Sparrows on 15th at Isle of May. Greatest body of -_Fringillidæ_ in October, but on the whole, unusually light returns -anywhere. Tree Sparrows at Isle of May on 29th October. A few records -in November only at N. Unst and Pentland Skerries, of Linnets (?) and -Chaffinches. - -One of the lightest schedules of _Fringillidæ_ we have had. - -Emberizidæ.--Buntings, Snow Buntings, Common Buntings. Yellow -Hammers.--_In Spring._--Snow Buntings (2) at N. Unst; snow. In March -one ditto, 25th, and as late as April 19th one bird. [These are no -doubt late stragglers of last year's migration.--J. A. H.-B.] No more -records till September. - -_In Autumn._--Large flock of Snow Buntings at Dunnet Head on 23d, and -small numbers at N. Unst on 19th, 20th, and 23d. The first seen at -Pentland Skerries this season was on the 1st October, fresh S. haze; -and four again on the 12th. Not numerous anywhere all this month. -Bulked largest in November and December; few at N. Unst; flocks at -Pentland Skerries on four dates of 4th to 17th, and a good number at -Isle of May on 6th. Flocks at Isle of May in December, and a few at -Sumburgh Head and Pentland Skerries. Yellow Hammer only once mentioned -at Isle of May on 10th February--a single bird. Common Bunting, single -birds, on 8th, 15th, and 27th March, at Pentland Skerries; once -in April at same station; once in July ditto; very few records in -September, same station; and in October, same station. None later, nor -at any other station. - -Alaudidæ.--Larks.--Larks are entered under every month in the year -except July and August. They are least abundant in April, May, and -June--of these months in which they do occur in Spring,--and in -November and December. Numbers and rushes in September and October in -Autumn, and in January 1887. (Probably local movements.) Large numbers -in Spring 1886, on 15th February. - -_In Spring._--They visited Isle of May, and stayed for some weeks in -February. Other slight records occur at Pentland Skerries and Bell Rock -same month. Considerable movements also all March at Isle of May and -Fidra. - -_In Autumn._--Greatest numbers in September, on 25th to 29th, at -Sumburgh Head; and on 27th and 29th at Isle of May. Strong W. and S.W. -winds. A very heavy and very general rush is recorded during October -from each and all of the following stations:--Pentland Skerries, 16th; -Isle of May, 18th to 28th, culminating at latter date, preceded by -"great numbers" and "large numbers" on preceding dates; at Inchkeith -(9th, "flocks of") and at Fidra; 5th to 6th, and 14th to 17th, -"numbers" and "flocks all day." ["Wood Larks" are also mentioned by -name, but probably Pipits?--J. A. H.-B.] "Great flocks" again at Isle -of May on 22d. - -Sturninæ.--Starlings.--_In Spring._--Absent from N. Unst between 1st -and 18th February. Returned to the rock again on 26th. Visit Isle of -May for some weeks in February, and remain in still larger numbers till -late in March, but decreasing again in April. Preparing to breed at -Fidra by 16th April. Breeds also at Isle of May, but cannot quite be -looked upon as a resident there. Nests found on Fidra in June. Flocks -of young every day at Isle of May in August. Rush did not take place -till 5th at Fidra, 28th at Isle of May. Seemed to be collecting for -some time previous to great rush on 28th. First autumn movement noticed -at N. Unst was not till 10th to 12th November; then seen daily. Last -record at Fidra on 25th November. - -Corvidæ.--Rooks, Ravens, Crows, Hooded Crows, Jackdaws, Choughs -(or "Red-legged Crows").--_In Spring._--Hooded Crows and Ravens -occasionally seen at N. Unst--resident? Also Raven occasionally seen -there in March, April, September, October, and November, always one, -two, three, or four, and therefore probably birds breeding, or reared -on N. Unst main-island. In the same way Ravens occasionally seen at N. -Ronaldshay, Pentland Skerries, etc., can only be looked upon as "on -predatory quest intent." - -"Black Crows" at N. Unst are probably Rooks, usually "flying south" -(if they come from E. turning south no doubt at Unst). We would like -to feel sure if these Black Crows are Carrion Crows or Rooks; but -"Rooks" by name are never mentioned at N. Unst. Indeed, "Rooks" by -name are only mentioned by reporters from Pentland Skerries and Fidra, -but "Black Crows" and "Crows" seem to have general application even at -Isle of May. We would like Rooks distinguished from Carrion Crows _or_ -Corbie Crows. The terms "Crows" and "Black Crows" might mean either the -Carrion Crow or the Rook. [Those who have Johns' book will easily see -the difference.--J. A. H.-B.] Considerable movements all through the -year, extending from N. Unst southwards, of Hooded Crows and "Black -Crows" and Rooks. Jackdaws visited Isle of May in a fog in April, and -stayed all night of the 11th; and two had previously been seen on -March 19th. Noticed also occasionally at Fidra. Heaviest appearances -of _Corvidæ_ in October when migration was almost continuously heavy; -lightest, however, at N. Unst; heaviest at Pentland Skerries 5th to -11th October. Continuous but much lighter returns from N. Unst, N. -Ronaldshay, Pentland Skerries, and Fidra, in September, and curiously, -none from Isle of May. Light returns again from N. Unst and Fidra in -November, and only two from Pentland Skerries in December. - -The uniformity of time in rushes of almost all species is singular this -season, October being the favoured month. - -Cypselidæ.--Swifts.--["Swallow Swift" of Isle of May returns.]--In -spring or summer three "Swallow Swifts" at Isle of May, light, W., -clear. No other records, except one on 3d May at same station. - -_In Autumn._--Two Swifts at Pentland Skerries catching insects round -the tower; light, S.W. - -Cuculidæ.--Cuckoo.--Only one notice at Isle of May on 18th May. - -Picidæ.--Woodpeckers.--The Great Spotted Woodpeckers appeared in -considerable numbers this autumn along the eastern counties of -Scotland, in one or two cases reaching to the west counties south of -the Firth of Clyde. Almost all the specimens examined by us and by Mr -Evans of Edinburgh proved to be either old birds or birds with very -slight traces of immaturity. The only ones appearing at lighthouses -known to us was one sent us from Pentland Skerries, and one obtained at -Isle of May. It occurred also, as we are informed by Mr E. Service, in -the Solway district. This flight occurred in October, and I find the -Pentland Skerries bird bears date of 14th.[6] - -[Footnote 6: Another is reported from N. Unst (see Diary from the -Stations). Besides these, we have records of the following, obligingly -sent us by Mr Geo. Sim of Aberdeen; and we obtained other records from -Fife; also one from Dumfries, from Mr Service of Maxwelltown, Dumfries. -We had hoped also to have added all the records of specimens examined -by Mr Evans; but up to date of going to press, these records have not -come to hand. It would have been better to have them all recorded in -one place. - - One; Monyruy, Parish of Longside, Aberdeen, 29th August 1886. - One; Brucklay Castle, Parish of New Deer, Aberdeen, 30th October 1886. - One; Drumtochty Castle, Kincardineshire, 29th November 1886. - One; Drumtochty Castle, Kincardineshire, 27th February 1887. -] - -Strigidæ.--Owls.--A very slight record, and entirely in October. One -"Large Grey Owl" at Pentland Skerries. "The first seen for a long -time; sat on the island." Three Short-Eared Owls on 8th, 9th. and -19th respectively, at Isle of May, and one Grey Owl again at Pentland -Skerries on 29th. "Flew across island." - -Falconidæ.--"Hawks," Falcons, Kestrels, Sparrow Hawk, Merlin, -Peregrine, etc.--Records scattered more or less through the year as -usual, but March, August, and December contain none. October again has -largest number. Species noted are Peregrine ("or Falcon"), "Hawks," -Kestrel (daily for a week at N. Unst), Sparrow Hawk, Large Hawks (Bell -Rock, 19th October); "flying W.," etc. - -Of Cormorants we have spring records in April at N. Unst, daily -fishing. Daily records at same place in September between 1st and -9th, about four or five pairs. One pair breeds regularly, and rears -young at N. Unst (noted 11th July 1886). Also at Fidra--six birds to -twelve--from 6th to 29th (three records). - -We have no notes on the Green Cormorant or Shag or Crested Cormorant -from any stations. - -[Sidenote: =To the Reporters.=] - -Pelecanidæ.--Solan Goose or Gannet, Cormorant, Shag, Scart, etc.--This -year we give a day-by-day return of Solan Geese seen at N. Unst during -September and October. We would like to complete a year's observations -of the movements of this bird at the following stations:--N. Unst, -Bell Rock, Pentland Skerries, Cape Wrath, Butt of Lewis, Monach Isles, -Barra Head, and Ailsa Craig, and Turnberry on the coast of Ayrshire. We -would also like daily returns made at Skerryvore or Dhuheartach [all -negative evidence being carefully entered, such as "none seen" on such -and such a date or succession of dates], and also at Rona, north of -Raasay. A separate schedule or more might be devoted to Gannet or Solan -Goose alone for every day in the year, noting carefully the direction -of flight of flocks or individuals, or how employed. If we had such a -series complete, we believe much light might be thrown upon migrations -of fish in combination with work going on at Lochbuie in Mull, at the -Marine Institute there. - - Solan - 1886. Geese - Sept. 6, 6, 11 A.M., S.S.E., Fog, Fishing - disappeared fresh round - 1 P.M., breezes, Rock. - " 6, 2, 6 P.M., Do. do., Haze, Do. do. - " 7, 6, All day, S.W., strong Showers, Flying about - breezes, and fishing. - " 8, 3, Do., S., strong Haze, Do. do. - breezes, - " 9, 5, Do., S.W., strong Clear, Do. do. - breezes, - " 9, Do., Afternoon, S.S.E., gale, Rain, Disappeared 5 P.M. - " 10, 2, 5 A.M., W., gale, Showers, Seen till mid-day, - again in afternoon. - " 11, 14, All day, S.W. & S. breezes, Do., Flying about. - " 13, 3, Do., N.E. fresh breezes, Do., Do. - " 14, 2, 5 P.M., N., strong breezes Rain, Flying past Rock. - " 15, 3, 10 A.M., N.W., fresh Clear, Flying about and - breezes, fishing. - " 16, 1, Noon, W., strong Swimming about - breezes, Do., Rock. - " 17, 3, 11 P.M., W.N.W., fresh Haze, Flying about - Rock. - " 18, Numerous, All day, N.E. light breezes, Clear, Do. do. - " 19, 6, 5 P.M., W., light airs, Do., Do. do. - " 20, 20, Noon, N., fresh breezes, Do., Do. do. - " 23, 3, 5 P.M., N., fresh breezes, Haze, Do. do. - " 24, 16, All day, N.W., light airs, Clear, Do. do. - " 25, 12, 5 P.M., S., light breezes, Haze, Do. do. - " 26, Numerous, All day, Do. do., Do., Do. do. - Oct. 1, 3, 10 A.M. to Variable, strong Rain. Flying about - 1 P.M., breezes, the Rock. - " 7, 1, 8 A.M. to S.S.E., light Haze Flying about. - 10 A.M., breezes, and fog, - " 7, 6, 10 A.M. to Do. do., Haze and Flying about - 1 P.M., rain. and fishing. - " 11, 14, 8 A.M., N.W., light Clear, In a flock flying - breezes, past east. - " 13 Flocks of Throughout Variable winds, Clear and Flying past - & 14, 2 to 12, the dates, showers, eastward. - " 19, 5, 4 P.M., E., light breezes, Clear, Fishing about. - " 21, 3, All day, S.S.E., gale, Rain, Fishing all day. - " 24, 1, 9 A.M. to S.W., strong Haze, Flying about. - 11 A.M., breezes, - " 25, 2, 8 A.M. to Do. do., Do., Fishing. - 1 P.M., - - North Unst, Burrafiord, Lerwick, - Shetland, _21st February 1887_. - - Sir,--I beg to inform you that since answering your note regarding - Solan Geese when on shore two Solan Geese were seen here on the - 12th inst.; also one on the 19th flying about. A large flock of - Kittiwakes on 12th passed; direction from S.W. going N.E. This is - a rare occurrence, for I know not of any person having seen any - of these two species so early in the year. Since writing on 27th - twenty-four Solan Geese seen very busy fishing for about two hours. - We have been thinking herring must be close by us, this causing - Solan Geese coming so soon this year. Can't vouch for the truth of - this, for we could not make out whether herrings or small fish.--J. - N. - -Of records of Solan Geese at other times and localities, as usual, -movements commenced towards the close of March (we have one early -record of three at Pentland Skerries on 5th, flying east). - -We do not enter into detail, as we would prefer to give a full schedule -from each station as indicated above. We add this note here however; -Latest seen at Fidra was on 20th, when the note occurs "disappeared." -On 14th October, "one young bird; not another to be seen;" and on 10th -October, "Solans visibly scarcer," at Fidra. - -Of Herons, a few scattered records; not of much service we suspect to -our Migration Committee. - -Anatidæ.--Ducks, Geese, Eider Ducks, Teal, Widgeon, Shieldrake, Wild -Duck, Barnicle Geese, Swans, Brent Geese.--_In Spring_ flocks, or large -flocks, of Barnicle Geese are frequently noted at Cromarty, presumably -the same flocks daily. (Barnicle is here undoubtedly applied wrongly -to the Brent Geese, or "Brants," which are abundant in the Cromarty -Firth.) Thus on 19th, 25th, and 26th February, and from 4th to 18th -March, a "large flock" is almost daily noted; and thereafter none are -again noted till November 24, when a flock again recorded, and two -flocks on 25th and 27th December, all at the same place. - -_Eider Duck._--Odd birds noted off N. Unst in February 5th and 18th, -and March 23d and 26th--winds different directions; and a flock of -nine at Isle of May on 18th April. Odd records in May and June at -N. Ronaldshay and at Fidra, probably merely local movements. _In -Autumn._--Recorded as "making their appearance by the 5th September -at N. Ronaldshay; and large flocks by the 11th September at Pentland -Skerries. Flocks all day on several dates in October at N. Unst, and -Fidra, &c." - -Teal are noted occasionally at Pentland Skerries in March on 1st and -2d. _Widgeon_ rarely noted: once in March at Isle of May, and once in -October at Fidra. _Shieldrake_ once noted at Noss Head, and once on -15th November on Fidra. - -Wild Swans are noted on 12th April, and four on 25th at N. Ronaldshay; -and thirty on one occasion at Sumburgh Head. - -_Note._--A most remarkable assemblage of Eider Ducks took place off the -west shore of Harris, as seen and reported to me by James Cowan, Esq., -M.P. He writes, under date of 18th March 1887: "Last year, owing to the -easterly winds, we had not less than 3000 Eiders within four miles of -our cottage, on the west coast of Harris; and the year before there was -not one." - -Columbidæ.--Pigeons, Doves.--Rock Dove, Wood Pigeon, Turtle Dove.--A -Turtle Dove was obtained at Isle of May on 31st May 1886; wind light -S.E., and haze. An addition to the Isle of May list and collection; at -present at Dunipace House. - -A single record of a Wood Pigeon, "seldom seen here," at Pentland -Skerries on 18th June; and another at same place on 7th October, -"flying west; rare "--fresh, variable, and haze. - -A single record of Rock Pigeons (a flock) on 20th at Pentland Skerries, -and the remark, "seldom seen." There were twenty in the flock. - -Rallidæ.--Corncrake, Water Rail, etc.--Heard first time at Pentland -Skerries on 19th May, and at Cromarty on 25th. Above are the only -records of any of the Rails. - -Charadriadæ.--Plover, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Dotterel, Ringed Dotterel -or Ringed Plover, Oyster-Catcher or Sea Pie, Grey Plover, Golden -Plover.--_In Spring._--Movements scarce; in February (one record on -25th at Pentland Skerries); in March (one record at same). - -_In Autumn._--No great movements recorded. First seen at N. Ronaldshay -August 25; spoken of as "arrived." Very few records in September, -October, or November. Slight increase in December at Pentland Skerries -only. Of Oyster-Catchers or Sea Pies rather more frequent returns, but -bulking only in September and October. _In Spring._--Lapwings noted -considerably in March at many stations from N. Unst, Pentland Skerries, -Bell Rock, Isle of May, and Fidra. - -_In Autumn._--Slight movements only in September and October. Ringed -Dotterel _or_ Ringed Plover--one in September at Pentland Skerries, and -one at same place all day on 3d December. - -Scolopacidæ.--Woodcock, Snipe, Curlew, Jack Snipe.--Of Woodcock no -spring movement observed. No records of Woodcock at all until October. -First seen at Pentland Skerries; two all day on 5th October; then one -killed at light on 7th, and a rush on 10th. Then also at N. Ronaldshay -one bird seen on 6th; and at Girdleness, Aberdeen, and at Isle of -May, from 6th on till 28th, varying numbers--eight shot on 18th, four -or five on 20th; "numbers" seen on 24th--wind N.E., veering to S.E.; -haze at night. Some (two shot) on 28th. Latest record, one Woodcock at -Dunnet Head on 14th November, and two at Pentland Skerries on 1st and -12th November. In Stirlingshire thirty-five shot one day in Torwood, -and twenty-eight in Touch Woods. Unusually abundant this autumn. The -Woodcocks shot at Torwood on the 20th November came into the country -almost certainly at the time of the October rush, and remained there -and throughout Stirlingshire for several weeks, during which time many -were killed. On the West Coast a friend and myself bagged 33½ couples -in seven days' shooting. We had a _blizzard_ of snow and wind on -Monday, January 17th. We left on 21st; and we heard afterwards that not -a Cock was to be seen on and after the 24th January 1887. - -_Snipe._--A few scattered spring records. No mention again till -September, and then decidedly very few all over. Decidedly scarce this -autumn. In the West of Scotland (Ardnamurchan), where Woodcock were so -plentiful, Snipe were unusually scarce. Only four seen one day, where -usually seven or eight couple can be shot in an hour or two. - -Records of Curlews few and far between; and none of any special -interest, being mostly local movements. - -For comparison we here give a table similar to that in last report (p. -33). - - 1886. 1887. - July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. - - Curlew, Entries-- 3 5 7 3 0 5 0 - Woodcock, 0 0 0 14 3 0 0 - Snipe, 0 0 1 1 2 2 1 - Jacksnipe, 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 - -The stations returning in the order of heaviest schedules are-- - - 1886. 1887. - July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. Totals. - Pentland Skerries 3 2 4 4 4 7 0 24 - Isle of May, 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 8 - N. Unst, 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 4 - Girdleness, 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 3 - N. Ronaldshay, 0 2 (curlew) 0 0 0 0 0 2 - Dunnet Head, 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 - Fidra, 0 0 1 (curlew) 0 0 0 0 1 - --- ---------- ---------- --- --- --- --- ---- - Per Month, 3 6 7 15 4 7 1 43 - -Thus it will be seen that the comparative strength of the waves are -approximately given from each station, Pentland Skerries leading -with twenty-four, and Isle of May following with eight, etc.; also, -the totals under each month show the rush to have been distinctly in -October with fifteen,[7] September and December each with seven. This -same system, carried out for each species of bird, appears to us to -suggest a pretty fair way of reducing our light reports to system; -and further tabular comparison is also suggested as to duration of -migration, and weather notes in last report, p. 34, which need not be -repeated here at present. - -[Footnote 7: This is borne out almost with all species this season. A -concentrated rush in October.] - -Of Redshanks, Sandpipers, Dunlins, there are very few returns; and -only one Dunlin at Pentland Skerries, where they breed, on 27th April. -Redshanks appeared at N. Ronaldshay on 12th August. Numbers towards -end of September at Pentland Skerries; a few in October, with a number -of Purple Sandpipers. A Common Sandpiper at N. Unst on 23d October. -Redshanks on 3d December at Pentland Skerries, and number of Purple -Sandpipers all day on 19th December. - -Laridæ.--Gulls, Terns, Skuas, etc., Kittiwake, Lesser Tern, "Dirty -Allen," Black Backed Gull.--The same remarks hold good under Gulls of -sorts. The spring and summer records are not of special interest; but -vast movements took place in September. "Immense flocks" of Gulls; -"numerous flocks" of Kittiwakes and Gulls; Skuas and Terns "every -day." Thirty-seven large Gulls passed Girdleness flying south on 15th -September; but the "largest flock ever seen" at Fidra was on 14th. -Curiously enough there are _no records_ made of movements at Isle of -May; but at Pentland Skerries, and again at Fidra, very full notice -is taken. No records in November. Only one in December at Pentland -Skerries. - -Procellariidæ.--Petrels, Stormy Petrel.--The Stormy Petrels often -appear at lanterns at night in midsummer, but this is in all -probability merely a local movement. Being nocturnal in their habits, -and abroad only at night, certain lighthouses lure them to their light -more readily than others, owing to proximity to breeding stations or -lines of flight to and from their feeding grounds. Their breeding -season being very late in the year, the months of August and September -bulk largest, but movements commence usually in June; July, however, -is often less marked as a month for their movements, except in -exceptionably hazy weather for that month. - -This season records are not numerous; _but_, what we have not recorded -before, a rush of Stormy Petrels took place at N. Unst, from the 23d to -28th August, "nightly"--winds variable and overcast; striking lantern -"continuously." When, perhaps, we know all the exact minutiæ of the -breeding distribution, and area of the wandering of birds generally, -and of Petrels in the present case, then we may be able to account -for such a rush as related above. Meanwhile we think it safest to -believe--without theorising--that this unusual appearance was a local -movement, caused by unity of circumstances, affecting a large local -colony in the neighbourhood of the N. Unst lighthouse. - -Alcidæ.--Auks, Razorbills, Guillemots, Puffins, "Marrots," "Tysties" -(Black Guillemots).--_In Spring._--On February 19th a flock of Black -Guillemots ("Tysties") "first arrived, very early," at N. Unst; and at -same place a year afterwards--_viz._, in January 31, 1887, we find, -under "Marrot"--"flocks of, flying past," W. to E.; "_rarely_ been seen -so soon." (Note in this connection our extremely early and fine spring -of 1877, until checked slightly, between March 10th and 17th, by the -severe snowfall and keen frosts.) - -Returning to 1886:--By March 12th to 22d, numbers of Guillemots and -Razorbills rushing by thousands on the latter date at Isle of May, -the only station sending returns for March. In April, abundance of -Razorbills and Puffins on the rocks by 14th at N. Unst; but the note -(1886) is given on date of 7th, "not so early as last year." Puffins -arrived "after; N.W., light breezes. First arrival later than usual." -By the 22d 160 Puffins (estimate) settled down to breed on the rocks as -usual at N. Unst. - -At Pentland Skerries, Puffins arrived on the 11th April; and Common -Guillemots were seen passing east on the 23d--mod. S.E. wind. At Isle -of May, a large number on 6th April and on 12th. By the 18th May, -Puffins "are now laying" at Isle of May. By 11th June, young were first -seen at N. Unst of Puffins and "Tysties." No records in August. - -On September 2d, all Marrots, Razorbills, and Puffins left the rock -at N. Unst; but on October 18th, Tysties re-appeared (three in -number)--with N.N.E., strong breeze--and stayed six days. No other -records. - -Columbidæ.--Divers--Great Northern, Black-throated, and Red-necked -Diver.--No account taken. - - ============== - - - - - EAST COAST OF ENGLAND. - - -Schedules were issued to thirty-six stations, lighthouses, and -light-vessels on the East Coast of England, and returns have been -received from thirty. The total number of schedules sent in is -seventy-seven from all sources, and the greatest number from any single -station, ten from Mr Thomas H. Cutting, of the Farn Lighthouse. - -Wings have been forwarded, of birds killed against the lanterns, from -the Leman and Ower L.V., Shipwash L.V., Swin Middle L.V., Nore L.V., -Spurn L.V., Spurn L.H., Llyn Wells L.V., Hasbro' L.V., South Sand Head -L.V., and Coquet L.H. altogether thirty-five wings have been forwarded -for identification. It is much to be regretted that more have not been -sent. - -The East Coast stations included in this report are:-- - - Longstone L.H. Thomas O. Hall. - Farn, Inner, L.H. Thomas H. Cutting. - Coquet Island L.H. William Evans. - Tees, 5 Buoy L.V. Henry Harbord. - Tees Breakwater L.H. _Nil._ - Whitby High L.H. John Odgers. - Flamborough L.H. C. Hood. - Spurn L.H. James B. Smith. - Spurn L.V. The Principal (no signature). - Outer Dowsing L.V. W. Stock and A. Bearling. - Inner Dowsing L.V. William King. - Llyn Wells L.V. T. Ditcham. - Dudgeon L.V. J. F. Warder and J. W. Harrison. - Hasbro' L.V. John Nicholas and B. V. Darnell. - Hasbro' L.H. _Nil._ - Hunstanton L.H. W. Westmoreland. - Cromer L.H. C. B. Comber. - Winterton L.H. John Watson. - Leman and Ower L.H. John Bowen. - Newarp L.V. _Nil._ - Cockle L.V. C. Perfrement and E. Cole. - Orfordness L.H. _Nil._ - Corton L.V. _Nil._ - Languard Point L.H. Owen Boyle. - Shipwash L.V. William Barker and D. Dale. - Galloper L.V. Francis H. Page. - Kentish Knock L.V. W. Dorney and W. R. Carter. - Swin Middle L.V. S. Pender and Thomas Barrett. - Tongue L.V. _Nil._ - Nore L.V. R. Littlewood. - Goodwin L.V. Thomas Rees. - Gull L.V. Francis Harvey and J. Jenkins. - South Sand Head L.V. F. G. Foreman. - East Side L.V. The Principal (no signature). - Varne L.V. J. Jacobs. - Hanois L.H., Guernsey Chas. Williams and Geo. Freeman. - -Schedules, letters of instruction, and linen-lined envelopes, with -directions and labels, for bird wings, were sent to six stations on the -South East Coast, and only one schedule has been received in return -from the Nab L.V. - - Dungeness L.H. _Nil._ - Royal Sovereign Shoals L.V. _Nil._ - Beachy Head L.H. _Nil._ - Owers L.V. _Nil._ - St Katherine's L.H., Isle of Wight, _Nil._ - Nab L.V. F. Conconi. - -Independent assistance has been received from Messrs T. H. Nelson, -Redcar; C. Donald Thompson, Seaton-Carew; and E. B. Garbutt; Matthew -Bailey, Flamborough; W. Eagle Clarke, H. B. Hewetson, and Philip -Lawton, Spurn; Thomas Winson, Spurn Head; G. Smith, Arthur Patterson, -and Benjamin Dye, Yarmouth; J. H. Gurney, Jun., North-East Norfolk; -O. V. Aplin, Norfolk and Lincolnshire Coast; also from G. H. Caton -Haigh, Grainsby Hall; notes from Tetney and N.E. Lincolnshire; and J. -B. Whitlock, Nottingham; and on the South Coast from the Rev. H. A. -Macpherson. - -Notes also bearing on migration have been utilised from the -_Zoologist_, _Naturalist_, and _Field_ newspapers. - - -Separate Notes on each Species. - -Turdus Viscivorus, Mistletoe Thrush.--Autumn: Farn L.H., September -1st, two; Cockle L.V., October 29th, 8 A.M., one struck. Cromer L.H., -November 2d, sunrise, one killed. Varne L.V., 9th, 11 A.M., sixty from -S.E. to N.W. Languard L.H., 12th, some. - -T. Musicus, Song Thrush.--Spring; Hanois L.H., Guernsey, March 1st, 9 -P.M., several striking. Longstone L.H., April 20th, 2 P.M., E., one. -Farn L.H., April 1st to 15th, several, also Blackbirds. - -Autumn: First at Llyn Wells L.V., August 11th, three. Farn L.H., -September 8th, and sparingly at several stations in September. On the -4th, 5th, and 6th of October, an immense rush more or less observed -at Farn Islands, Coquet Island, Whitby, Spurn, Outer Dowsing, Llyn -Wells, Cromer, Hasbro' L.V., Kentish Knock (October 2d to 8th), Swin -Middle, and Nore,--that is, covering the whole coast of eastern England -from the Farn Islands to the mouth of the Thames. Conditions of -arrival--easterly winds, fogs, and hazy weather. There was a second but -smaller arrival from the 19th to 30th October, also scattered notices -from various stations to November 27th. - -T. Iliacus, Redwing.--Spring: Longstone L.H., April 25th, S.E. light, -some round lantern all the morning; at the same date Trent Lock, Notts, -last flock seen flying N. (F. B. W.). - -Autumn: Farn L.H., September 8th, three. The main body came with the -great rush of Thrushes from the 2d to the 8th of October. Were first -observed inland near Harrogate, Yorkshire, on the 10th, and at Trent -Lock on the 16th of October. Large numbers of various _Turdidæ_, with -Larks, Chaffinches, Linnets, and others, are recorded as observed at -various stations, moving hurriedly up the coast on the approach of -snow, March 2d and 3d, 1886; also between December 27th, 1886, and -January 6th, 1887. - -T. Pilaris, Fieldfare.--Spring: Tees L.V., March 13th to 19th, -Fieldfares to S.E. Farn L.H., April 28th, E.N.E. (6), eleven. Longstone -L.H., same dates, 12 to 1 A.M.; many round lantern; wind flew to N.E., -and birds left. - -Autumn: Have been generally much scarcer than in the winter of 1885-86. -Outer Dowsing L.V., July 8th, one seen flying to N.W. Mr G. Hunt saw -a single bird at Somerton, Norfolk, on September 2d. Llyn Wells L.V., -September 27th, all night, and Farn L.H. on 30th, one. Coquet L.H., -October 4th, rush with Blackbirds and others. They are recorded also -at the same date in the Newcastle Weekly Chronicle of October 23d; -seen in North-East Lancashire. Scattered notices throughout October. A -slight rush is indicated at Spurn on November 1st, and Cromer on the -2d. Coquet Island, November 20th, Fieldfares and Blackbirds; and at -Farn L.H. at intervals to January 9th, 1887. - -T. Merula, Blackbird.--Spring: Farn L.H., April 1st to 15th, and onward -to the 1st of May. - -Autumn: Farn L.H., July 13th, three. 25th, several young hens. Llyn -Wells, August 3d, one. Farn L.H., 22d, E.N.E., many; 27th, and -September 1st, many. A heavy rush, October 4th to 8th, at the Farn -Islands, Coquet Island, Spurn, to mouth of Thames. Nore L.V., October -6th, hen came to side of ship tired out, and, falling in the sea, was -drowned. At intervals in October at several stations, chiefly from 18th -to 20th. Farn L.H., November 15th, thirteen old cocks; a few Blackbirds -also up to February 23d, 1887, at same station. - -T. Torquatus, Ring-Ouzel.--Spring: Farn L.H., April 19th, two; 20th, -five. - -Autumn: Languard L.H., August 12th, 5.30 A.M., one. A few young males -during the first week in October on Lincolnshire coast. Farn L.H., -October 4th, two. - -Saxicola Œnanthe, Wheatear.--Spring: Farn L.H., April 1st to 15th. -26th, rush. Longstone L.H., April 2d, 8.30 P.M., S., large numbers -round light. 25th, round light all morning. 28th, many, with Redstarts -and Fieldfares round lantern 12 to 1 A.M., wind shifted to N.E., and -birds left; are also recorded, Flambro', April 2d; Tees L.V., Outer -Dowsing L.V., and Trent Lock, Notts, April 3d; Yarmouth, April 6th; and -Hunstanton L.H., and Hanois L.H., Guernsey, 3 A.M., April 20th. - -Autumn: Return migration from July 25th. Rushes, August 27th to -September 3d, and October, first week. Hanois L.H., September 3d, all -night, several dozen killed. Last occurrences, Farn L.H., Trent Lock, -and Tetney "fitties," Lincolnshire coast, all on October 16th. - -Pratincola Rubetra, Whinchat.--Longstone L.H., April 25th, one; wing -from Leman and Ower L.V., May 13th. _P. rubicola_, Stonechat, was -plentiful in the Lincolnshire and Norfolk districts throughout November. - -Ruticilla Phœnicurus, Redstart.--Farn L.H., April 24th, E.S.E., -several. Hunstanton L.H., April 25th, one female. Longstone L.H., Farn -Islands, April 27th, one. 28th, flight with Wheatears and Fieldfares -round lantern from 12 to 1 A.M. Flambro', April 26th, and on May -13th, 14th, and 15th, great many, with a N.E. wind, along with Pied -Flycatchers. - -Autumn: Spurn, August 7th, Redstarts and Wheatears returning up coast. -Cley, Norfolk, September 13th. Hasbro' L.V., September 19th (wing -and tail sent). Cromer, October 5th, 2.45 A.M., one female. Hanois -L.H., October 26th, 2 P.M., N.E., a few on rocks. This last entry not -improbably has reference to the Black Redstart, _R. titys_. - -Cyanecula? Bluethroat.--Spurn, September 14th, 11 A.M., N.E., strong, -one young bird. This was seen by Mr Winson, who knows the bird well. - -Erithacus Rubecula, Redbreast.--Spring: Longstone L.H., April 20th, 2 -P.M., two. - -Autumn: First at Whitby L.H., August 16th. Coquet L.H., September -16th, and Swin Middle L.V., 29th, 8 A.M., N.E., one on each occasion. -A heavy rush is indicated between the 5th and 7th of October at the -Farn Islands, Coquet Island, Teesmouth, Spurn, Outer and Inner Dowsing -L.V.'s, and Hasbro' L.V., wind N.E. for days; again on the 16th at Farn -L.H., Teesmouth, and Inner Dowsing L.V., 18th and 19th at Spurn, and -19th Inner Dowsing and Hasbro' L.V.'s (twenty on board); also at Farn -L.H. on 25th, 26th, and 30th October, great many. - -Sylvia Rufa and S. Curruca, Common Whitethroat and Lesser -Whitethroat.--Spring: Hunstanton, April 11th, 3 A.M., three Lesser -Whitethroats on lantern. - -Autumn: Longstone L.H., September 1st, S.W., one killed. 25th, one -found dead. Hunstanton L.H., 25th, one Common Whitethroat killed. _S. -atricapilla_, Blackcap, Longstone L.H., April 25th, one. Languard, -October 11th, 2 to 3 P.M., four to E. at sunset. Spurn, October 19th, -one shot. - -Regulus Cristatus, Golden-Crested Wren.--Is recorded at sixteen -stations. Hanois L.H., Guernsey, September 22d, 11 P.M., some killed, -others settling on windows. Between the 5th and 9th of October a -general rush, covering the East Coast between the Farn and the Channel -Islands, was observed, in greater or less numbers, at the two Farn -Island lighthouses, Redcar, Coquet Island, Flamborough, Spurn, Outer -Dowsing, and Hasbro' L.V.'s (on 6th, thirty in day from E.N.E. to -W.S.W.), and Hanois L.H. Again a second arrival, Tees, October 16th; -Redcar, 19th; Spurn, 16th, 18th, 19th; Cromer, 18th, 2.30, N.E., rain; -and Hunstanton, 21st. A third flight between October 26th and 31st at -the Farn Islands, Durham Coast, Whitby, Outer Dowsing, Great Cotes -(26th, swarming), Hanois L.H., 31st, 12 P.M., Goldcrests, Blackbirds, -and Starlings flying round all the evening, and striking top of lantern -and glass; wind light, variable, with rain. - -Phylloscopus Trochilus, Willow Wren.--Longstone, April 23d, S. to -S.S.E., light, one. - -Autumn: Great Cotes, July 24th, on the move. Longstone L.H., August -23d, S.E., two. September 3d, one found dead. Spurn, August 15th to -September 6th, great numbers to S. October 19th, final rush; Cromer, -November 25th, two seen near lighthouse. - -Acrocephalus Schœnobænus, Sedge Warbler.--Leman and Ower L.V., May -24th, wing sent. Spurn L.H., August 5th, 2 A.M., S.W. (3), one killed. -Coquet L.H., October 5th, killed, wing sent. - -Accentor Modularis, Hedge Sparrow.--Dudgeon L.V., March 22d, 1886, some -N.W. to S.E., with Larks, Chaffinches, and Starlings. October 6th, -forty to N.N.W. Hasbro' L.V., 31st, 3 P.M., flock roosted on board all -night. - -Acredula ? Long-tailed Titmouse.--Languard L.H., October 17th, one. -_Parus ?_ Titmouse.--Inner Dowsing L.V., October 17th, 10.30 A.M., one -"Tomtit," E. to W. Spurn, November 1st, _P. major_ and _cæruleus_, -very common. The former has been exceedingly plentiful in North-East -Lincolnshire in the winter. - -Troglodytes Parvulus, Common Wren.--Spring, 1886: Outer Dowsing L.V., -March 24th, one caught on deck. May 19th, three to W. Flamborough L.H., -May 17th, 10.30 P.M., S.W., seven killed. - -Autumn: Languard L.H., August 22d, four on premises all day. Cromer -L.H. and Cockle L.V., 23d, one each. Leman and Ower L.V., 24th, 3 to 4 -A.M., fog, one killed. Spurn, October 8th, many; 19th, same. Farn L.H., -28th, Wrens and Robins. - -Motacilla Lugubris, Pied Wagtail.--Spring, 1886: Hanois L.H., March -14th, 3 A.M., E., several. Great Cotes, 20th, many. Whitby L.H., 20th, -four. Yarmouth, 21st, several pairs. Tees L.V., 30th, great many to N.W. - -Autumn: Whitby L.H., September 2d, 3d, and 4th, many, with Titlarks and -Stonechats to S. Hanois L.H., October 31st, 8 P.M., several. _M. raii_, -Yellow Wagtail.--Yarmouth, April 7th. - -Anthus Pratensis, Meadow Pipit.--Outer Dowsing L.V., March 24th, 1886, -one Titlark caught. Whitby L.H., September 2d, 3d, and 4th, Titlarks -to S. Cockle L.V., October 4th, one. Dudgeon L.V., January 7th, 1887, -Titlarks all night; five caught. _A. obscurus_, Rock Pipit.--Hasbro' -L.V., September 3d, 11 P.M. (wing sent). Farn L.H., October 31st, many -about island; November 21st, great many, with Pipits, all day. - -Lanius Excubitor, Great Grey Shrike.--Spurn, October 25th, two or three -seen about this date. Farn L.H., October 26th, 3 P.M., one seen, with -small bird in bill. Spurn, November 1st, one shot, another seen. 27th, -a Great Grey Shrike was shot to-day on Butterwick Common, near Brigg, -which at the time was eating a Snipe (probably a wounded bird). _L. -collurio_, Red-Backed Shrike.--Languard L.H., August 15th, noon, one -seen. Hasbro' L.V., August 27th, 11 P.M., one caught on deck (wing -sent). - -Muscicapa Atricapilla, Pied Flycatcher.--Flamborough, April 26th, Pied -Flycatcher; May 13th, 14th, and 15th, N.E., great many, with Redstarts. - -Autumn: Mr Gurney informs me that Colonel Fielden observed a migration -of Pied Flycatchers at Wells, on the Norfolk coast, on September 3d. -Donna Nook, Lincolnshire coast, October 12th, one seen (J. C.). - -Hirundo Rustica, Swallow.--First observed, Whitby and Hunstanton -L.H.'s, on April 13th; Yarmouth and Hanois L.H., Guernsey, on 14th; -in no numbers anywhere till the end of the month. Hanois L.H., April -22d, all day in two's and three's, sometimes six or seven, low on water -to N.E. and E. Leman and Ower L.V., 30th, 9 A.M. to noon, great many -to S.W. Tees L.V., April 27th, six to N.W.; May 16th, 17th, 18th, and -21st, great numbers, two and three together to N.W. Farn L.H., 19th -and 20th, rush. Hunstanton, May 4th, rush to S.W. all day. Swin Middle -L.V., July 11th, 12th, 14th, 15th, and 16th, numbers from E. to W.; on -14th, five flocks of about twenty each between 3 and 4 A.M. - -Autumn: Hanois L.H., September 15th, 16th, and 17th, rush to S. about -mid-day, and on 20th at sunset; and 21st during morning, to S.W. -and S., as many as twenty-five together. Swin Middle L.V., October -2d and 3d, 7.30 to noon, at intervals to S.E.; and at Hunstanton -on October 1st, 3d, and 4th. Nab L.V. (Channel), October 1st, at -intervals daylight till dusk, twenty together, to S., wind S. to S.E. -(4). Languard L.H., October 3d.--Mr Owen Boyle writes: "Thousands of -Swallows congregated here at 6.45 A.M., pitched on the lantern top and -gallery rails; every available spot was covered with them. Thousands -also were on the wing all round the lighthouse. The birds pitched were -all quite silent. At 8.10 A.M. they all rose in a mass, and went to the -S.W.; not one was to be seen at noon." Trent Lock, October 3d, hundreds -congregating on telegraph wires. Kentish Knock L.V., October 1st, -several to S. Hanois L.H., October 6th, great many; last seen, Spurn, -November 1st, one. Lewes, Sussex, 8th, some to W. From September 30th -to October 7th pressure system cyclonic; type first south-westerly and -afterwards south-easterly. - -Chelidon Urbica, Martin.--Cromer L.H., May 15th, first. Autumn: South -Sand Head L.V., September 24th, twenty to thirty Martins; 29th, twenty -Martins to N.W. Farn L.H., October 5th, one flying round tower. -Great Cotes, November 15th, last seen, one. _Cotile riparia_, Sand -Martin.--On the 8th of August I saw between six and seven hundred -perched together on the telegraph wires by the turnpike side near -Tamworth. - -Ligurinus Chloris, Greenfinch.--Swin Middle L.V., October 18th, during -day, with others at intervals to the W. Farn L.H., January 3d to 8th, -seven. _Carduelis elegans_, Goldfinch.--Hanois L.H., September 24th, -N.E., 9 A.M., large flock to S.E. - -Passer Domesticus, Common Sparrow.--Is recorded at eleven stations, -but at none north of Spurn. Leman and Ower L.V., August 30th, great -many on board. There was a great rush between the 3d and 7th of October -observed at Spurn L.V.; 6th and 7th, forty to fifty on deck--remained -about one and a half hours. Inner Dowsing L.V., 6th, one hundred on -board, ten killed; flew at 5 P.M. to N.W.; 8th, fifty, E.S.E. to -W.N.W. Hasbro' L.V., 6th, forty; some died on board. Large numbers -also between the same dates at the Goodwin, Gull, and South Sand Head -L.V.'s. Many at the East Side and Varne L.V.'s on the 9th. A second -large immigration was observed between the 16th and 23d at Spurn, Outer -Dowsing L.V., Kentish Knock, the Goodwin L.V.'s, and Varne L.V. - -Passer Montanus, Tree Sparrow.--Spring: Outer Dowsing L.V., April 2d -and 3d, several from E.S.E. to W. and S.W. Autumn: A considerable -immigration between the 3d and 8th of October, chiefly observed at -the Outer Dowsing and South Sand Head L.V.'s; and again, between the -15th and 23d, at some of the southern light-ships off the East Coast. -On November 13th I saw a flock, evidently recent arrivals, of about -2000 in Great Cotes Parish, within two miles of the East Coast. The -observers on the light-vessels now readily distinguish and discriminate -the two species. - -Fringilla Cœlebs, Chaffinch.--Much the largest immigration of this -species hitherto recorded; were observed at twenty-one stations -covering the whole of the East Coast between the Farn and Channel -Islands. The main body came in between the 3d and 6th of October at -eleven stations in large numbers; and there was a second large arrival -from October 15th to 23d at nine stations. The first was seen on the -night of August 15th at Llyn Wells L.V., with Thrushes and Larks -round the lantern. The last entry is from Hanois L.V., October 24th, -Starlings and Chaffinches, 9 P.M. till morning. E. (4); and Kentish -Knock L.V., 25th, seven or eight, at 9.30 A.M., to S.W. In the Spring -of 1886, Chaffinches were observed at the Dudgeon L.V., with Larks, -Hedge Sparrows, and Starlings on March 22d, going from S.E. to N.W.; -Longstone L.H., April 20th, two to E.; and Outer Dowsing L.V., March -24th, several to W. and W.N.W.; May 29th, four to W. - -Fringilla Montifringilla, Brambling.--Compared with the immense -immigration of 1885-86, Bramblings have been very scarce. Longstone -L.H., October 6th, five; Alnwick Northumberland, same date; Cockle -L.V., October 4th and 6th; Hunstanton L.H., 14th, sunrise, several -flocks to S.W. Tees L.V., 16th, one; Kentish Knock L.V., 27th, one; are -also reported very scarce or absent at inland stations. On April 20th, -1886, a single Brambling flew on board the Tees L.V. - -Linota Cannabina, Linnet.--Cockle L.V., April 15th, eight to W.; -Dudgeon L.V., 28th, fifty, N.W. to S.E. _L. rufescens?_--Outer Dowsing -L.V., April 2d, three Redpoles flying about vessel. - -Pyrrhula Europœa, Common Bullfinch.--Tees L.V., October 15th, S.E., -rain, one came on board. - -Loxia Curvirostra, Common Crossbill.--Great Cotes, July 28th, 3 P.M., -one, quite a young bird, in the striated plumage, clinging to sash of -the dining-room window. Yarmouth, December 22d, one caught at sea and -brought in alive. - -Emberiza Miliaria, Common Bunting.--Languard L.H., November 19th, -W.N.W., noon, large flock to N.E. - -Plectrophanes Lapponicus, Lapland Bunting.--Dover, end of November, -adult male taken alive [H. A. M.]. - -P. Nivalis, Snow Bunting.--Spring: Tees L.V., March 13th, one to N. -Hunstanton L.H., April 2d, flock. Autumn: Spurn, September 20th, five. -Longstone L.H., 25th, one at 3 P.M. and three at 5 P.M. October 3, -11.30 A.M., S.S.E., three; 6th, three. Farn L.H., 16th, small flock. -Yarmouth, 30th, few. Tees L.V., November 8th and 13th, December 2d, -10th, and 27th, flocks to S. Cockle L.V., November 27th, 5.30 A.M., one -killed. Altogether the smallest immigration recorded for many years. - -Alauda Arvensis, Skylark.--Spring, 1886: Spurn, March 2d, great rush -to S. with others (overcast, squally, snow). Outer Dowsing L.V., -January 21st, 23d, and 24th, February 10th, 11th, and 13th, very large -migration; on 11th and 13th February, E.S.E. to W.N.W.; March 18th -and 19th, flight to S.W. and W., and some to end of April in same -direction. Dudgeon L.V., March 20th and 23d, Larks N.W. to S.E. Leman -and Ower L.V., February 12th and 13th, 3 A.M., and 12 P.M. to daylight, -to W. (seventy-two Larks and fifteen Starlings killed). Cockle L.V., -March 8th, 7 A.M., large flock to E.; 10 A.M., large flock to W., very -swift. Kentish Knock L.V., January 22d and 23d, 6 P.M. to 4 A.M., -thousands; February 30th, 4.30 A.M., thousands--like clouds. Cockle -L.V., January 19th to 29th, 1887, continuous flocks to W. - -Autumn: An enormous migration, commencing at Llyn Wells L.V., July -24th, 25th, and 26th, all night, and on August 15th. Cromer L.H., -September 20th, all night. There was an immense rush in October, the -bulk arriving in two almost continuous rushes during the first and -third weeks, observed at twenty-eight stations, seventeen of which are -light-vessels, and covering the whole East Coast of England. Again at -seven stations, but in considerable less numbers, to November 11th. -After this a few at intervals to the end of the year; general direction -of flight from E. to W., and S.E. to N.W. - -Otocorys Alpestris, Shore Lark.--Longstone, March 1886, first week, -three caught alive near North Sunderland. Spurn, several in November -and December. Redcar, December early, flight, many shot; all examined -were young birds [T. H. N.]. Yarmouth, October 30th, several killed -above high water line; November 2d, two shot. Cley, Norfolk coast, -November 23d, twenty to thirty seen; 26th, fifty to sixty (O. V. A.). - -Sturnus Vulgaris, Common Starling.--Spring: Outer Dowsing L.V., March -3d, 86, to April 20th, a few E.S.E. to W.N.W. Dudgeon L.V., March 20th, -thirty at noon, N.W. to S.E.; 22d, a few in the same direction. Leman -and Ower L.V., May 19th, some at 3 P.M. two killed. - -Autumn: Spurn, June, young Starlings daily. Cromer L.V., September 24th -to 30th, flocks of young both by day and night. The main immigration -was in three great rushes in October, more or less observed at sixteen -stations between the Farn and Channel Islands from the 1st to 8th, 15th -to 23d, and 28th to 30th; a few to November 11th. Last at Hanois L.H., -26th November, E.N.E., 3 A.M. till daylight, with Blackbirds, Thrushes, -and Lapwings. - -Garrulus Glandarius, Common Jay.--Grainsby, north-east Lincolnshire, -October 25th, wind E., strong. A considerable immigration of Jays [G. -H. C. H.]. - -Corvus Monedula, Daw.--At several stations in October and November, -usually associated with Rooks and Crows; rush first week in October. -Dudgeon L.V., October 6th, seven Daws on board; left for N.N.W. - -C. Corone, Carrion Crow.--Outer Dowsing L.V., October 6th, twenty from -S.E. to N.W. Spurn, October 30th, S.S.W., and November 1st, many, with -other _Corvidæ_ to S. (J. B. H.). - -C. Cornix, Hooded Crow, Grey Crow, "Crows" generally.--Cockle L.V., -1886, March 10th to 21st, large flocks of Crows daily at early morning -_to S.E. and E._; on the 18th, 19th, and 20th, with Larks and Daws -continuous for four and five hours, from 5.30 to 10 and 11 A.M. on -21st, from 7.30 to noon, but in less numbers; easterly winds. March -25th and 26th, flocks of Crows throughout the day to W.; and April -1st to 6th, at intervals to S.W., south-westerly winds; February 24th, -1887, 7 A.M., two flocks Jackdaws and Crows to E. Outer Dowsing L.V., -March 19th, many Crows during day to eastward. Longstone L.H., April -7th, Hooded Crows, two flocks, to W. at 9.30 A.M. Hunstanton L.H., -12th, Grey Crows last seen. Leman and Ower L.V., May 19th, sixty to -seventy Grey Crows at noon to W.; one killed. Autumn: Leman and Ower -L.V., October 4th, at dusk to N.W., rush; and Spurn, Outer Dowsing, -and Cromer on 6th; Longstone L.H., 7th, 9.30 A.M., W., two flocks to -W. From Whitby to the South Foreland at several stations throughout -October, and in less numbers to November 16th. - -C. Frugilegus, Rook.--Spring: Longstone, April 25th, S.E., light, -several to E.; on April 13th, 7.30 A.M., small flock of nine to W. -Dudgeon L.V., March 20th, at 6 and 9 A.M., two large flocks from N.W. -to S.E. Hanois L.H., April 13th, three to N.W. Autumn: Spurn, October -6th, 7 to 10 P.M., moonlight, large flocks to S. Outer Dowsing L.V., -6th, rush of all sorts _Corvidæ_ to W.; at several stations in October, -and in large numbers between Spurn and the South Foreland; migration -continued up to November 16th. - -C. Corax, Raven.--Languard L.H., December 17th, 9 A.M., two passed to -Essex shore, and remained about till noon. A pair were seen at the same -station on June 22d, 1884, at 6.30 A.M. - -Cypselus Apus, Common Swift.--Yarmouth, May 15th, first seen. Tees -L.V., June 20th, N., fresh, rain, great many; July 6th and 22d, great -many to S.W. and S. Longstone L.H., August 16th, W., fine, one caught -on lantern. Ship wash L.V., 16th, three. - -Picus Major, Great Spotted Woodpecker.--Has been very common in the -coast and marsh districts of north-east Lincolnshire in the autumn and -winter. One bird stuffer told me he had about fifteen or sixteen sent -in. There must have been a large immigration. - -Alcedo Ispida, Kingfisher.--Languard L.H., September 17th, 6.40 A.M., -one. - -Cuculus Canorus, Cuckoo.--Farn L.H., May 18th, W.S.W., 3 P.M., first -heard. Spurn, on 20th. Cromer L.H., July 29th, one struck at midnight, -not killed. Coquet L.H., August 3d, 11 A.M., one; Farn L.H., August -13th, 6 P.M., one on rocks. Whitby L.H., September 21st, N.E. (6), one -young. - -Striges.--_Asio otus_, Long-eared Owl.--Longstone L.H., April 15th, -N.E., light, one. _A. accipitrinus_, Short-eared Owl.--Languard L.H., -September 16th, noon, E., one. Tetney "fitties," October 6th, two. -Farn L.H., 7th, 1 A.M., one; and another at 6 A.M. Coquet L.H., 9th, -one. Redcar, 16th, one; Spurn, 19th and 22d, several. Coquet, 24th, -two. Seaton Snook, Durham, 27th, one shot coming in from sea. Farn -L.H., 29th, one. Tees L.V., November 6th, 9 A.M., E., one. _Owls -generally._--Llyn Wells L.V., September 24th, "Owl" on mast-head, came -from E., going S.W. Cromer L.H., October 28th, "Common Owl," at 3 A.M., -flying around lantern. _Nyctea scandiaca_, Snowy Owl.--Mr Owen Boyle, -of the Languard L.H., under date of February 9th, wind E., reports -this species as shot by a visitor near the lighthouse. Subsequently, -Mr Boyle writes, in reply to my letter, that he is sure the bird was -a Snowy Owl. [Further information from the person who shot it, or the -present possessor, would be very desirable.] - -Falconidæ.--Longstone L.H., August 23d, S.E., one Sparrow Hawk -(_Accipiter nisus_). Redcar, September 10th, immature Peregrine shot -at Saltburn; early in November a second. Llyn Wells L.V., 21st, "large -Hawk" on mast, and then to S.W. Tees L.V., 28th, "large Hawk." Norfolk -coast, Goshawk (_Astur palumbarius_), caught at sea, and brought in -alive to Yarmouth; date uncertain. Swin Middle L.V., October 7th, two -young Hawks caught on deck. Donna Nook, Lincolnshire coast, October -9th, 10th, and 11th, two Kites (_Milvus ictinus_) seen over and about -the rabbit warrens and sea banks. Cromer L.H., October 25th, very many -Hawks seen about during the day. Spurn, 30th, Rough-legged Buzzard -(_Archibuteo lagopus_), to S.; also several Merlin (_Falco æsalon_). - -Phalacrocorax Carbo, Cormorant.--Dudgeon L.V., April 28th, thirty, N.W. -to S.E. Tees L.V., May 16th, one hundred Cormorants passed; largest -number ever seen here.--[H. H.] - -Sula Bassana, Gannet.--Longstone L.H., March 21st to 31st, S. and W. -winds, many daily to N., and to April 20th in less numbers. 21st, -ceased altogether. Migration occupied a month, and was very persistent -and continuous. Outer Dowsing L.V., October 2d, large numbers about, -fishing for several days. - -Ardea Cinerea, Common Heron.--Coquet Island, August 6th, one, and -several up to November 4th. Tetney, Lincolnshire, August 27th, -seventeen together on coast. Hanois L.H., September 14th, three, and -then twelve Herons to S.W.; 15th, one to S.W. October 6th, four to S. A -Purple Heron (_A. purpurea_) was shot on October 20th at Oulton Broad, -near Lowestoft. Spoonbill (_Platalea leucorodia_), June 6th, near -Yarmouth. - -Anser.--_Anser cinereus_, "Grey-lag" Geese.--Longstone L.H., October -6th, thirty seen. North-East Lincolnshire, fifteen Grey Geese over -Grainsby Park on August 22d. "Wild Geese have been very abundant this -year, except during the late frosts; flocks have gone over the Park -almost every day."--[G. H. C. H.] Farn L.H., September 10th, Grey Goose -to W. November 22d, sunrise, very large flock to S. 23d, several small -flocks to N. Great Cotes, November 22d, 4 P.M., flock of Bean Geese N. -to S. Brent Goose (_Bernicla brenta_), Tees L.V., February 27th; March -22d, 1886, large flocks off Tees; also Ducks and Widgeon. Coquet L.H., -middle to end of August, many to north. - -Cygnus, Swan.--Redcar, July 29th, 6 A.M., four seen at sea, going N.W. -August 1st, eight (Mute Swans) all shot. Whitby L.H., August 1st, -sixteen White Swans seen going north. Seaton Carew, Durham, July 25th, -two to S. August 5th, three different flocks of Swans; shot at seven, -wounded one, but lost it. 6th, four seen going inland.--[E. B. G.] I -have no doubt the whole of these occurrences have reference to escapes -from private waters and parks. I am told the Swans from the New Park at -Grimsby were flying about in the Humber in August. - -Ducks, Sheldrake (_Tadorna cornuta_).--Farn L.H., June 13th, -old bird and nine young. Tees L.V., February 27th to March 22d, -1886, twenty-five in flock. November 5th, fifty-five. Common Teal -(_Querquedula crecca_), Tetney, August 12th, large arrival. Cley, -Norfolk, September 15th, first; Tees L.V., 16th, same. Widgeon -(_Mareca penelope_), Tees L.V., April 7th, 1886, last seen, large -flock. Yarmouth, March 1st, 1886, continuous flocks along coast. Cley, -Norfolk, September 15th, Widgeon, with Teal. Tees L.V., 16th, flock. -Tetney, October 6th, four shot. Languard L.H., October 29th, flock -of eleven. Pochard (_Fuligula ferina_), very common on the Humber -during the winter; many shot, including several old males. Scaup (_F. -marila_), Great Cotes, March 8th, 1886, flock, all males, off sluice; -26th, flock at same place, males and females, in pairs. February 8th, -1887, same locality, flock of thirty-eight adult males and females in -equal proportions. Cockle L.V., January 23d, fifty, both males and -females. Harlequin Duck (_Cosmonetta histrionica_), Farn L.H., December -2d, three, two shot (went to well-known collectors). Long-tailed Duck -(_Harelda glacialis_), Redcar, October 21st, three shot, young birds. -Farn L.H., November 8th, 11 A.M., eleven flying N. Coquet L.H., 17th, -one shot. Eider Duck (_Somateria mollissima_), Farn L.H., June 20th, -Eider and five young, first brood. Coquet, October 8th, many, both male -and female, off island. Velvet Scoter (_Œdemia fusca_), Redcar, October -13th, three; 18th, seven, two shot young. Common Scoter (_Œ. nigra_), -Whitby L.H., April 30th, midnight, one killed. Leman and Ower L.V., May -9th, great numbers of Black Ducks at midnight to E., some killed. Large -number of Scoters reported from various parts of the coast, on the move -to and from their feeding grounds. Goosander (_Mergus merganser_), more -than usually numerous in the Humber during the winter; in one case -five were killed, at a shot, from a flock of twelve near Tetney Haven. -Red-breasted Merganser (_M. serrator_), Farn L.H., December 24th, one, -a drake, off island. - -Columba Palumbus, Ringdove.--Outer Dowsing L.V., May 19th, one to W. -Tetney, October 17th, flocks of migratory Wood Pigeons. Grainsby, -November 17th and 19th, morning, large flocks to S.W. Spurn L.H., -November 26th, from 7 to 10 P.M., [3] N.W., numbers of Wood Pigeons, -several on gallery of lantern. January 18th, 4 P.M., flock to S. -February 1st, 10 A.M., two to S. Cromer L.H., December 9th and 18th, -great many. Languard L.H., February 5th, 3 to 4 P.M., large flock -inland, towards Orwell Park. Longstone L.H., July 19th, Rock Pigeon -(_C. livia_). - -Turtur Communis, Turtle Dove.--Flamborough L.H., May 11th, one. -Longstone L.H., 20th, 6.30 P.M., variable, N.E. to S.E. to S. by W., -two seen; 28th, 9 A.M., S., rain, one. Cromer L.H., June 4th, 1.30 -A.M., one killed. Redcar, September 7th, small flock of seven, one -killed. Leman and Ower L.V., May 6th, 3 A.M., two "Doves" from S.E., -and twenty to thirty small birds with them.[8] - -[Footnote 8: Mr G. H. Caton Haigh writes that the Turtle Dove has -been very common during the summer in the neighbourhood of Grainsby, -North-East Lincolnshire. About the middle of June one of the keepers -saw a flock of twenty or thirty at Cadeby. The same man also saw eight -in Grainsby Healing during the third week in August. Another keeper had -seen a pair or two about Beasby Wood, and a pair in an orchard in the -village of Grainsby all through the summer.] - -Coturnix Communis, Quail.--Shipwash L.V., October 22d, 1 A.M., one -killed (wing sent). - -Rallus Aquaticus, Water-Rail.--Spurn L.V., November 1st, 6 A.M., S.W., -one caught on deck. Llyn Wells L.V., November 1st, 3 A.M., two killed -striking the lantern. Coquet L.V., November 4th, one killed. - -Crex Pratensis, Land-Rail.--Whitby L.V., May 7th, 2 A.M., first heard. -Farn L.H., 17th, 4 A.M., W., Land-Rail. Common Coot (_Fulica atra_), -Languard L.H., September 8th, 2.45 A.M., one struck and killed. - -Charadriidæ.--_Charadrius pluvialis_, Golden Plover.--Farn L.H., -September 12th, thirteen to W. Tetney, October 18th, E. to N.E., -first flights. Languard L.H., October 31st, large flock to W. at 3 -P.M. _Squatarola helvetica_, Grey Plover.--Yarmouth, May, first and -second weeks, several in summer dress September 22d, first autumn -arrivals. Great Cotes, May 18th, 1886, about 200 along the foreshore, -the majority in full summer dress. March 10th, 1887, some young of the -previous year seen on the muds to-day had not lost the golden-drop -plumage of the autumn. _Ægialitis cantiana_, Kentish Plover.--Yarmouth. -April 29th, two seen in a flock of Dunlin and Ringed Plover; June -10th, one seen. Languard L.H., November 27th, 7.50 A.M., two pitched -on beach; left at noon. _Ægialitis hiaticula_, Ringed Plover.--Great -Cotes, May 18th, 1886, great numbers on flats. Languard L.H., November -16th, thousands of Dotterel and Oxbirds together pitched on beach at -high water. Swin Middle L.V., November 13th, 2.50 P.M., W., thousands -of "Stone Runners" first seen to E., then to W. (see p. 48); 18th, -the same, a very large flight in sight from 3.55 to 4.20 going S.E. -to S.W.; also on December 28th and January 13th. Great Cotes, August -19th, early night, sultry and dull, several Kinged Plover passing -over. Trent Lock, Notts, August 19th, same at 9 P.M. [F. B. W.]. -_Eudromias morinellus_, Dotterel.--Great Cotes, May 4th and 5th, trip -of eight. Robin Hood's Bay, Yorkshire, September, first week, six shot; -Whitby, 6th, four; Seaton-Carew, 10th, one shot. _Vanellus vulgaris_, -Lapwing.--Outer Dowsing L.V., October 6th, great rush with others; -Leman and Ower L.V., 8th, many during night to W.; Inner Dowsing L.V., -17th, one. Languard L.H., November 8th, hundreds at 2 P.M.; 26th, 3 -A.M. till daylight, with many others. Great Cotes, December 13th, about -12,000 in one field twenty-four hours before the frost commencing on -the 14th; Whitby, 24th, all morning in small flocks, twenty to forty, -coming in from sea. Redcar, January 21st, 1887, S.W., strong; and 22d, -W.N.W, many with larks coming in from sea and going W. Strepsilas -interpres, Turnstone.--Yarmouth, May 14th, some; Great Cotes, 18th, a -dozen in various plumage. Yarmouth, September 8th, some. _Hæmatopus -ostralegus_, Oystercatcher.--Redcar, August 5th to end of month and to -September 7th, many. Leman and Ower L.V., June 18th, one killed. - -Scolopacidæ, _Recurvirostra avocetta_, Avocet.--Redcar, August 5th, -12.10 P.M., one (I am sure of species.--T. H. N.). _Phalaropus -fulicarius_, Grey Phalarope.--October 14th, one picked up at -Bassingham, near Lincoln. _Scolopax rusticula_, Woodcock.--Spring: -Longstone L.H., April 3d, 1.30 P.M., S. by E., one Woodcock to E. -Autumn: Farn L.H., October 4th, one; Flambro', 5th, some. "First -flight" at Coquet Island, Whitby, Spurn, and Norfolk coast on 6th. -At Whitby L.H., one struck at 1.30 A.M., probably marking the time -of arrival of the flight on the East Coast; wind south-easterly, -overcast, misty. The second or "great flight," from October 16th to -25th, from the Farn Islands to the Norfolk coast, birds dropping -here and there in a desultory fashion, and nowhere plentiful, wind -E. and E.S.E.; on October 15th to 16th a gale from E.S.E. A few on -October 28th, 29th, and 30th, and scattered occurrences up to November -15th. The last recorded as coming in from the sea was at Tees L.V., -December 18th, going W.; wind W.S.W. _Gallinago cœlestis_, Common -Snipe.--Longstone L.H., August 8th, one; 23d, one. Tetney, August 12th, -flight. Whitby L.H., October 4th, 4 A.M., one killed. Longstone L.H., -October 4th, 1 A.M., one heard in flight. Yarmouth, October 30th, -flight; Coquet, November 18th, 8 A.M., S.S.E., four. _G. gallinula_, -Jacksnipe.--Longstone snipe.--Longstone L.H., April 25th, 10.30 -A.M., one.[9] Autumn: At the Farn Island stations and Lincolnshire -coast from October 2d to 6th, wind generally south-easterly. _Tringa -alpina_, Dunlin.--Spring, 1886: Yarmouth, April 29th, enormous -numbers on north beach, some Ringed Plover amongst them. Trent Lock, -May 9th, 11 A.M., twenty to thirty Black-breasted Dunlin; Great -Cotes, 18th, great numbers in summer plumage. _T. subarquata_, -Pigmy Curlew.--Yarmouth, July 31st, one in full summer plumage. _T. -striata_, Purple Sandpiper.--Tarn L.H., September 22d, some on rocks; -October 31st, flock of twenty. Yarmouth, November 17th, two shot. -_T. canutus_, Knot.--Spring, 1886: Yarmouth, April 13th, Knot and -Dunlin on Breydon in semi-summer dress. Longstone L.H., July 16th, -S.E., fine, one. Redcar, August 19th to end of month, a few seen at -sea. Tetney, February 24th, 1887, out of six shot to-day, one had the -lower parts mottled with faded brick red, the summer plumage of the -previous year having not been altogether cast off. _Calidris arenaria_, -Sanderling.--Yarmouth, May 14th, considerable arrival with others; -some seen on the 9th. _Totanus ochropus_, Green Sandpiper.--Longstone -L.H., July 29th, one seen (very rare here). Grainsby, Lincolnshire -(Waithe-beck), July 27th, first; August 23d, large arrival; end of -March, all have left. _T. glareola_, Wood Sandpiper.--Cley, Norfolk, -August 13th. _T. calidris_, Redshank.--Longstone L.H., July 29th. -Farn L.H., September 4th and 9th, many. Tees L.V., October 30th, -twenty; always common on the Lincolnshire coast and at Spurn in the -autumn. _T. fuscus_, Spotted Redshank.--Breydon, Norfolk, August 15th, -one. _T. canescens_, Greenshank.--Yarmouth, April 28th, 1886, two; -May 14th, some; and on return, November 27th. _Limosa lapponica_, -Bar-tailed Godwit.--Yarmouth, April 12th, 1886, first; 14th, some; -May 14th, great arrival. Autumn: September 22d, first. Redcar, July -19th, 12.30 P.M., seven or eight to E. _L. ægocephala_, Black-tailed -Godwit.--September 12th, one at Breydon, Norfolk. _Numenius phæopus_, -Whimbrel.--Spring: April 26th, Breydon, Yarmouth, in small number. May -14th, large arrival with others. Autumn: Redcar, June 19th, first -heard passing over; last on September 7th. Great Cotes, July 26th, -first heard. Tees L.V., August 30th, twenty; October 30th, very large -flock of Curlew, Whimbrel, some Oyster-catchers and Redshanks; January -4th, 1887, large flocks both of Whimbrel and Curlew. _N. arquata_, -Curlew.--Leman and Ower L.V., May 10th, 1886, 3 A.M., five, one killed. -Great Cotes, August 19th, first young Curlew in marsh; 20th, hundreds -of Curlew in the marsh for a few hours. I was told by one observer he -had seen thousands. Redcar, September 6th, at sea flock to W. Yarmouth, -September, early, very numerous; Redcar, 19th, flight, with others, -overhead, 10 to 11 P.M., foggy and dark. Tees L.V., October 30th, very -large flight; Hasbro' L.V., 30th, 7 P.M. to midnight, many round light, -none struck. Winterton, October 27th, 8.30 P.M., flight to W. Tees -L.V., January 4th, 1887, large flocks. - -[Footnote 9: Mr Thomas O. Hall, of the Longstone L.H., speaks of the -great scarcity of birds this season, and thinks they must have crossed -further south, the prevailing winds having been E.N.E. and N.E., -crushing down the migration, and giving it a southerly direction.] - -The migration of waders was observed inland by their nocturnal cries. -Great Cotes, August, night of 19th, Ringed Plover. Trent Lock, Notts, -by Mr E. B. Whitlock, August 19th, Ringed Plover; 21st, Sandpipers and -others; 24th, Curlew. At Grainsby, by Mr Haigh. August 29th, waders; -and by Professor Newton, of Cambridge, July 21st to 22d and 26th to -27th, about midnight. - -Sterninæ.--_Sterna macrura_, Arctic Tern.--Farn L.H., May 4th, 1886, 5 -A.M., first appearance; September 2d, left breeding haunts. Yarmouth, -May 14th, some along coast. _S. fluviatilis_, Common Tern.--Trent Lock, -Notts, May 11th, one; 13th, three. Tees L.V., July 25th, August 10th -and 14th, great numbers of Terns at sea. Redcar, August 19th to end, -great many at sea. _S. minuta_, Little Tern.--Spurn, April 5th, first -seen at breeding-place. Yarmouth, April 28th, two seen with Black -Tern; May 12th, two. Rye, Sussex, May 4th and 5th, first Lesser Tern. -_S. cantiaca_, Sandwich Tern.--Farn L.H., April 28th, 5 A.M., nine -seen--left nesting quarters on September 2d. _Hydrochelidon nigra_, -Black Tern.--Yarmouth, April 26th, 1886, flight from S.W. to N.E., wind -E.; 27th and 28th, some to N.E.; May 14th, some. Another observer, -April 28th, twenty in flock to N.E. Cley, Norfolk, September 1st, young -Black Tern to S. - -Larinæ.--_Larus minutus_, Lesser Gull.--Redcar, June 14th, W., -squally, four seen off pier; November, one. _L. argentatus_, Herring -Gull.--Whitby L.H., February 15th, many at daybreak to breeding haunts; -July 6th, first young on wing; August 27th, all left cliffs for sea. -Leman and Ower L.V., October 2d, great numbers in ship channel, to -S. at night and back in morning. Swin L.V., December 23d and 25th, -hundreds and thousands near vessel, fishing for sprats. _L. glaucus_, -Glaucous Gull.--Farn L.H., December 28th, one to N. _Rissa tridactyla_, -Kittiwake.--Farn L.H., November 13th and 24th, hundreds of Gulls and -Kittiwakes fishing round island. Grimsby, January 7th, 1887, saw -nine, young and old, brought in by fishing smack, shot at sea. Gulls -generally.--Flambro' L.H., February 25th and March 4th, 1886, in great -numbers off headland; June 1st, Gulls and Guillemots all day fishing -off head in large numbers. Llyn Wells L.V., August 9th, several flocks -came in from E.; wind W. Leman and Ower L.V., August 22d, immense -numbers about ship, two came on board. Languard L.H., November 5th, -December 26th, and January 23d, 1887, large flocks came in with a -southerly gale. Yarmouth, October 15th, gale from S., great numbers -to south. Cromer, October 17th, great many to N.; wind N.N.E. The -Mediterranean Black-headed Gull, _Larus melanocephalus_, was shot on -Breydon Water, Yarmouth, on December 26th, 1886. - -Stercorariinæ.--_S. catarrhactes_, Common Skua.--Redcar, October 14th, -shot at sea. _S. pomatorhinus_ and _crepidatus_, Tees L.V., July 25th, -two Skua. Longstone L.H., September 3d, several Richardson's and -"Common" Skua seen. Redcar, October 8th, Richardson's Skua shot at sea, -Pomatorhine seen at the same time; 14th, three Richardson's Skua (one -adult, two immature) shot at sea, one Pomatorhine seen, and several -others of both reported out at sea by fishermen; 15th, several of both -going N.W., wind S.E., strong. Flamborough, Mr Bailey, writing under -date of October 13th (_Naturalist_, 1886, p. 340), says: "Since October -2d, more sea birds have frequented our coast than I ever remember. Manx -Shearwaters, Cinereous Shearwaters, and hundreds of Skuas and Gannets, -also Guillemots and Razorbills in their winter plumage. Little Gulls, -Terns, one Black Guillemot (immature), and thousands of Kittiwakes -feeding in the early morning, several I saw having herrings' tails -hanging out of their bills. The birds covered a large area north and -south of the headland." - -Procellariidæ.--_Procellaria pelagica._--Coquet L.H., September 28th, -11 P.M., S.W. (6), one on lantern. Dudgeon L.V., October 28th, one -killed; 30th, same. Hasbro' L.V., 30th, 7 P.M. to midnight, many; six -killed on deck. Cockle L.V., 31st, five about vessel during night. -Llyn Wells L.V., November 7th, 7 P.M. to midnight, about light. -_Puffinus?_--Redcar, August 18th, 6 A.M., ten Shearwaters to N. Many, -both Manx and Great Shearwater, off Flambro', early in October. - -Alcidæ, _Lomvia troile_, Common Guillemot.--Longstone L.H. March 4th, -first to breeding haunts, left again on 16th, returned for good first -week in April. Flambro', February 25th, both Guillemot and Gulls in -large numbers on cliffs. _U. grylle_, Black Guillemot.--Farn L.H., -May 11th, one; also one, an immature bird, shot off Flambro' early -in October. Spurn L.H., October 26th, E.N.E., a Common Guillemot was -killed against the lantern. _Fratercula arctica_, Puffin.--Longstone -L.H., March 15th, first, the bulk returning on April 11th and 12th. - -Colymbidæ.--Very many Great Northern and Red-throated Divers reported -from various parts of the East Coast between September 1st and the -end of the year; only one Black-throated. Diver, recognised as such, -Cromer, November 20th, seen off pier at early morning. - -Podicipitidæ.--Cley, Norfolk, Red-necked Grebe (_P. griseigena_), on -August 10th; Little Grebe (_P. fluviatilis_). Spurn L.H., October -7th, 2 A.M., S.S.E., struck and killed. Leman and Ower L.V., December -29th, N.E., one killed at midnight. A considerable immigration into -North-East Lincolnshire about the middle of November. - - -Miscellaneous Notes. - -Tees 5 Buoy L.V., April 30th, 1886.--Wind E., light. A great many -bumble-bees and a few wasps during day, flying to N.W.; several -remained on board. January 15th, 1887.--One seal. - -Hartlepool, November.--A fine specimen of the Opah (_Lampris luna_) -brought in. - -Coquet Island L.H., September 12th, W. (5).--Hundreds of small Flies -all night in lantern. - -Outer Dowsing L.V., October 6th.--11 A.M. to 2 P.M., calm and fog. Mr -W. Stock writes: "A very large quantity of birds flew over, and a great -many flying about the vessel--Starlings, Redwings, Larks, Mountain -Sparrows, Golden-Crested Wrens, six Robins, four Redpoles, Chaffinches, -and Pewits, about 300 mixed Crows and Rooks--altogether about 600 or -more. Birds leaving the vessel appear to go about W. and W.S.W. When -the fog cleared and the sun broke through, the Crows were seen passing -to W. in three nights from 11 till 11.45 A.M. At noon they came back -to the vessel in a body, and remained till 1 P.M. Caught one Redwing -Thrush that was struck by a Crow and fell on deck bleeding. Several -small birds struck by Crows and fell in water. Two Red-winged Thrushes -and one Chaffinch caught on board." - -Cockle L.V., September 14th.--11 A.M., calm. Great quantities of small -bluish-coloured Flies; left at 1 P.M. - -Languard L.V., September.--"The Musquitoes," Mr Owen Boyle writes, -"have been very numerous throughout the months of July, August, and -September. They have been very troublesome; many people had swelled -hands, puffed faces, and even black eyes, from their stings." October -4th.--Lady-birds in large numbers on the breakwater at noon, and up to -sunset. At 3 P.M. they were to be seen in thousands. - -Swin Middle L.V.--Mr S. Pender, with reference to the migration of -the Ringed Plover, writes under date of October 30th: "Concerning -the birds which, I think, must be the 'stone-runners,' and their -manœuvres, it was very amusing to watch them. The birds were first -seen in an eastward direction, and I should think thousands, for when -in close contact they had the appearance of a small black cloud; at -other times in a long line and half circle, and so on. After they -had finished their exercise they separated into two parties, one -passing to the westward at no great distance from the vessel, and the -other disappeared in the direction where first seen. Sometimes they -would rise so high in the air, that they could not be seen without a -telescope, at other times apparently touching the water." - -Hanois L.H., October 31st, 8 P.M.--A quantity of Silver Gamma Moths; -also a few brown ones, but smaller than the Gamma. - -Mr Philip W. Munn, writing from Nieder Kaufungen, near Cassel, Germany, -under date of March 30th, 1886, says: - -"The weather began to break up on Saturday week, and all the snow -had disappeared by the following Monday morning. No sooner did the -weather begin to break, and even before, than the birds began to rush -northwards to their breeding quarters. - -"On the 25th of February, quantities of Skylarks flew overhead in small -parties in a northerly direction, the wind being S.E. This species -stopped here on the 5th of March, and have now taken the place of the -Crested Larks, most of which have left. - -"On March 12th, I saw a Grey Wagtail; and a Hawfinch arrived and stayed -here for a few days, and then departed. - -"On the 16th, a large flock of Carrion Crows, Jackdaws, and Rooks (the -Books have been very rare during the winter) flew over towards the -N.E.; the passing over lasted ten minutes. On many other days later -have I also seen small parties of '_Corvidæ_' hurrying N.E. - -"On March 18th, I saw a Black-Headed Bunting; on the 19th, White and -Pied Wagtails arrived. Now the Pied have left, and quantities of the -White remain and have begun to build. - -"On the 23d, an extraordinary migration of Cranes began, and is going -on at intervals now; they are usually flying in a N. or N.E. direction, -but yesterday I saw three flying S.E., which has much confused me. On -the 23d, a flock settled in the fields near here for a short time. Soon -after this flock had gone, no less than nine flights, of from forty to -one hundred birds in each flock, flew over at intervals. - -"Curiously enough Robins and Thrushes are only summer migrants here; -they arrived on the 24th. - -"I heard the Chiffchaff on March 25th; and on the same day was another -great migration of Cranes. - -"On October 15th was the great rush of migratory birds, parties of -various sorts continually passing the whole day to the S.W." - -List of Wings sent in from Lighthouses and Light-vessels, East Coast of -England. - - Station. Date. Species. - 1886. - - Leman and Ower L.V. Jan. 23. Snow Bunting. - " " April 25. Wheatear. - " May 13. Whinchat. - " " " 23. Wheatear. - " " " 24. Sedge Warbler. - " " " 23. Turtle Dove. - " " June 1. Wheatear. - " " " 18. Oystercatcher. - Shipwash L.V. May 18. Two Grey Plover. - " " " 18. Yellow Hammer. - " " " 18. Wheatear. - Swin Middle L.V. Sept. 26. Cuckoo, young. - Nore L.V. Oct. 4. Redwing. - Spurn L.H. " 8. Little Grebe, bird sent. - " " " 26. Guillemot. - Shipwash L.V. " 22. Quail. - " " " 22. Goldcrest. - Llyn Wells L.V. Nov. 1. Two Water Rails. - Coquet L.H. " 17. Long-tailed Duck. - " " " 4. Water Rail. - " " Oct. 5. Sedge Warbler. - Hasbro' L.V. Aug. 27. Red-backed Shrike. - " " Sept. 3. Rock Pipit. - " " " 19. Redstart. - " " Oct. 31. Stormy Petrel. - " " Nov. 12. Fieldfare. - Spurn L.V. " 1. Water Rail. - South Sand Head L.V. Oct. 5, 6. Chaffinch. - Leman and Ower L.V. Dec. 29. Little Grebe. - 1887. - " " Jan. 18. Tree Sparrow. - " " " 24. Rock Pipit. - " " " 25. Robin. - Shipwash L.V. Feb. 13. Knot. - " " April 12. Woodcock. - - -General Remarks. - -As in 1885, the main body of immigrants crossed in two great rushes, -corresponding with the first and third weeks in October. This was -considerably earlier than the chief general movements of the preceding -year. The meteorological conditions of the first period were easterly -and south-easterly winds, pressure system cyclonic, accompanied by much -fog and thick weather. During the second period the pressure system -again mainly cyclonic, but with very variable winds. - -As usual Rooks, Daws, Hooded Crows, Starlings, and Larks, occupy a -considerable portion of the schedules. Chaffinches also have crossed in -extraordinary numbers. They are always numerous, but this autumn their -migration has been in considerable excess of previous years. With these -exceptions, however, there has been a singular and very marked falling -off in some species whose breeding range lies chiefly in the north of -Europe. This is specially noticeable in the small arrivals recorded -of Fieldfares, Redwings, Ring Ouzels, Bramblings, Snow Buntings, -Short-eared Owls, and Woodcocks. Taken altogether, the migratory record -for 1886 is a very poor one. - -No wild Swans are recorded, the few entries in the schedules having -undoubtedly reference to escapes from parks and private waters. Geese -and Ducks have appeared quite as numerously as in previous years. - -The arrivals of rare and occasional visitants have been few, those of -chief interest being three Harlequin Ducks (_Cosmonetta histrionica_) -at the Farn Islands; the Mediterranean Black-headed Gull (_Larus -melanocephalus_), shot on Breydon Water, near Yarmouth; a Purple Heron -(_Ardea purpurea_), shot on Oulton Broad, near Lowestoft; and the -reputed occurrences of the Snowy Owl (_Nyctea scandiaca_) close to -the Languard L.H., Suffolk. Of much interest also is the arrival of -Shorelarks (_Otocorys alpestris_) on the coast between the Farn Islands -and Yarmouth. - -The continued yearly observations show that on the East Coast of -England the principal points of arrival for migrants are the mouths of -the chief rivers, also those parts of the coast which present either a -flat and open shore, or cliffs of low altitude. Considerable stretches -of coast, which, as a rule, have a high cliff line, make poor returns, -or in some cases no schedules are sent in, indicating a great scarcity -of birds. - -It is well known that migrants under certain meteorological conditions -travel at a great height, when it may fairly be presumed that the -physical features of the earth's surface, the trend of mountain chains, -or the course of great river systems, have little to do in determining -their line, which is from point to point, and without deviation; yet -in the vast majority of cases, where migration is visible, birds -travel at a comparatively low altitude, so that when passing mountain -chains, and even hills of no great altitude, they invariably choose -the lines of the valleys, following depressions which, more or less, -correspond to the general direction of their course. In the Cheviots -I have observed, for two years in succession, that the streams of -small migrants from Scotland follow those main valleys which run -nearest north and south, sticking closely to the lowest levels, where -the brushwood and bracken beds offer greater privacy and security than -the bare fell sides. Birds also, when migrating, follow from choice -low-lying tracks of land and river courses in preference to elevated -plateau and the summit line of mountain ranges. - -Bearing these facts in mind, we find that there is a very well-marked -line, both of entry and return, at the Farn Islands, on the coast of -Northumberland. Scarcely second to this is the mouth of the Tees, -both in spring and autumn. The North Yorkshire coast, from south of -Redcar to Flamborough, including the north side of the headland, is -comparatively barren, few birds appearing to come in between these -points. Bridlington Bay and Holderness to Spurn and Lincolnshire, as -far as Gibraltar Point, give perhaps the best returns of any on the -East Coast. The north of Norfolk is poor, but there are indications in -the heavy returns annually sent from the Llyn Wells, Dudgeon, Leman -and Ower, and Happisburgh light-vessels, that a closely focused stream -pours along the coast from E. to W., to pass inland by the estuary -of the Wash and the river systems of the Nene and Welland into the -centre of England, and thence probably following the line of the Avon, -the north coast of the Severn, and Bristol Channel, and eventually -striking across the Irish Sea, to enter Ireland near the Tuskar Rock, -off the Wexford coast. This route is undoubtedly the great and main -thoroughfare for birds in transit across England to Ireland in the -autumn. Large numbers of migrants also which pass inland from the -coasts of Holderness and Lincolnshire may eventually join in with the -great western highway by the line of the Trent, avoiding altogether the -mountainous districts of Wales. These remarks will refer chiefly to the -Passerine birds, the _Accipitres_, _Limicolæ_, and _Gaviæ_, also Geese -and Ducks, when crossing land, travelling as a rule very high. - -To return once more to the East Coast, the Norfolk seaboard between -Cromer and Yarmouth and the corresponding light-vessels show a large -annual immigration, but the returns are less pronounced between -Yarmouth and Orfordness. The coast of Essex, with the northern side of -the Thames estuary, is fairly good; but the opposite coast of Kent, -from the North to the South Forelands, including the four Goodwin and -the Varne light-vessels, is a barren and pre-eminently uninteresting -district for arrivals, both as regards numbers and species, the chief -migrants seen being such as are following the coast to the south. - -Those migrants, which in the autumn follow the East Coast from north to -south, pass directly from the Spurn to the Lincolnshire coast without -entering the Humber; and there are no indications that they follow -the shores of the Wash in and out, but shape their course from about -Gibraltar Point to the Norfolk coast. To judge from the well-filled -schedules sent in year by year from the Shipwash, Swin Middle, Kentish -Knock, and Galloper light-vessels, a closely packed stream passes -somewhere from the coast of Suffolk across the North Sea in the line -of these stations, both in the spring and autumn, to and from the -Continent. Autumn migrants approaching the Humber from the sea do not -follow the course of that river into the interior--that is from S.E. -to N.W.--the line they take invariably crosses the river diagonally, -and is from E.S.E. to W.N.W. This course is so persistently followed, -that I have observed year by year, on a migratory day, birds cross our -fields at the same angle. Supposing this course to be continued they -would strike the Trent at or near Gainsborough. - -Except in one instance no returns have been obtained from any stations -on the south-east coast between the South Foreland and St Catherine's -Point, Isle of Wight. This is much to be regretted, as it is known that -a strong migratory highway runs along the South Coast as well as on the -French side of the Channel. - - ============== - - - - - WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND. - - -Schedules, etc., were sent to thirty-five stations, not including the -Isle of Man (five more), the schedules for which are under Mr Eagle -Clarke's charge. Of the thirty-five we have received returns from -fifteen stations. From these fifteen stations we have thirty-eight -filled schedules. We have again received two schedules from Monach -Islands; but, as in 1885, they are again written straight across the -schedule, irrespective of columns. To enter all these notes in their -right places and sequence in our Report would cause great additional -labour and loss of time to the working members of the Committee, as -already fully explained in last Report (p. 92), _q.v._ - -We would be much obliged by our Reporters adhering to the columnar -arrangement. - - - LIST OF STATIONS. - -Note: The names of the Reporters are given under "Diary from the -Stations." - - Returns - in 8 years, In - including 1887. List of Stations. - 1887. Values. Feet. - - Sutherland. - - 4 81. Cape Wrath, III. 400 - 4 82. Rhu Stoir, II. 195 - - Outer Hebrides. - - 7 * 83. Butt of Lewis, I. 170 - 3 84. Stornoway (2 Lights), { II. } 56 - { I. } - 3 85. Island Ghlais, I. 130 - 7 * 86. Monach Islands, { I. 150 - { II. 62 - 2 87. Ushenish, N. Unst, VI. 176 - 4 88. Barra Head, II. 683 - 4 * 89. Rona, Skye, IV. 222 - 7 * 90. Kyleakin, W. Ross, IV. 53 - 2 91. Isle Ornsay, I. 58 - 2 92. Ardnamurchan I. - 8 * 93. Skerryvore and Hynish - Signal Tower, Tiree, II. 150 - 8 * 94. Dhuheartach, I. 146 - 5 95. Sound of Mull, V. 55 - 0 96. Corran Ferry, IV. 38 - 4 97. Lismore, Oban, I. 103 - 2 98. Fladda, Easdale, VI. 42 - 4 99. Rhuvaal, IV. 147 - 7 100. M'Arthur's Head, IV. 128 - 8 * 101. Skervuile, II. 73 - 8 * 102. Rhinns of Islay, IV. 159 - 3 * 103. Lochindaul, IV. 50 - 0 104. Mull of Cantyre, VI. 297 - 0 105. Sanda, - 0 106. Devaar, II. 120 - 0 107. Pladda, Arran, II. 130 - 5 * 108. Lamlash, Arran, IV. 46 - 4 * 109. Turnberry, Ayrshire, IV. 96 - 4 109b. Ailsa Craig, 1885, - 7 * 110. Corsewall, IV. 112 - 0 111. Loch Ryan, I. 46 - 7 * 112. Portpatrick, I. 37 - 7 * 113. Mull of Galloway, II. 325 - 4 * 114. Little Ross, IV. 176 - -_Diary from the Stations._ - -_Butt of Lewis._--Robert Agnew (replacing Mr Edgar, who is now at -Lochindaul, _q.v._). Mr R. Agnew is a son of Mr Joseph Agnew, late -keeper at Isle of May (East Coast), now stationed at Monach Isles, -_q.v._ Mr R. Agnew sends, in all, two excellently well-filled schedules -from the Butt of Lewis. Under date of November 9th, 1886, he writes: -"I send you a schedule. I hope you will find it of use. I would have -sent it sooner, but wrote to my father for the loan of a book to help -me, and waited till I heard from him." [Schedules sent date from August -23d to February 7, 1887.] Mr Agnew continues: "I am surprised to see -that most of the strange birds that I have seen here are _single_. It -must just be occasional stragglers that we get from the flocks that -are passing. It is also strange that there are so few birds coming to -the lantern, but the tower is very high--120 feet--and perhaps that is -the reason." [Mr R. Agnew is right in believing that stragglers are -all that can be expected to appear at Butt of Lewis, though possibly -in exceptional seasons unusual numbers may appear. Birds "catch up" at -Cape Wrath and W. C. of Scotland. Remnants "catch up" again at Butt of -Lewis. But in easterly gales the "catch up" of the land is often lost, -and hundreds or thousands are carried clear away to the Atlantic. See -previous Reports.--J. A. H.-B.] Mr Agnew continues: "I have marked a -Hen Harrier, and by the description in the book" [he having received -the loan of the book from his father--Mudie's "Birds"], "I think I am -right. He remained here for some time, and the poor Rock Pigeons led -a poor time of it. I also found a young Gull he had killed and eaten. -I was surprised to see it, because I did not think that he would have -attacked so large a bird. I measured the wings, and found them to be -4 feet 2 inches from tip to tip." [Mr R. A. sent me the wings, but -they did not reach me, and must have miscarried, but no doubt it was -one of the common species of Gulls; from the measurements, probably a -Herring Gull; or possibly--_i.e._, if the measurements are correctly -taken across the back and wings--an Iceland Gull. (See MacGillivray's -"Manual," under the said species, vol. ii., p. 247.)--J. A. H.-B.] Mr -R. A. says: "I only came here last summer, and did not begin to keep -records till near the end of August, but another year I hope to be able -to do better." [Meanwhile, we can only thank Mr R. A. for his excellent -commencement of the work, which is well done.--J. A. H.-B.] - -Later, in the second schedule, Mr R. A. writes: "There has been nothing -to record since the 25th of November." [Last date of schedule.--J. A. -H.-B.] "The Snow Buntings have remained with us all winter. All summer -we had large flocks of Solan Geese, till the first of October; after -that there were a few till the 1st of November; but since then (till -February 7, 1887) _I have not seen one_." [These Solan Geese notes are -always interesting. Perhaps Mr Agnew will devote a separate schedule -to the day-to-day movements of Solan Geese another season.--J. A. -H.-B.] He continues: "On the 24th October I observed very large flocks -of sea-birds, fishing close to the lighthouse. There were all sorts of -them; I could not say how many, but there must have been many hundreds. -We saw them from 9 A.M. till 11 A.M. After that there was not one -to be seen (where did they come from and where did they go?)." [We -believe they simply followed a vast body of fish--young or adult--or -_entomostracæ_, which "showed" on the surface, indicating one of the -strange, or little understood, migrations of fish, or _entomostracæ_. -One or two of the birds shot, and contents of their stomachs examined, -might have explained a great deal. Possibly Mr Agnew may still be able -to supply a note as to the nature of their food at the time.--J. A. -H.-B.] - -_Monach Isles._--D. Georgeson sends two closely written schedules, but, -as before stated, straight across the columns. We will give them here -_in extenso_ as the simplest way of writing them in. - -Under date of December 1st, 1886, Mr Georgeson writes to us thus: "I -send you my two last schedules, filled up to date of end of October. I -received intimation of my removal from this station to Sound of Mull, -Tobermory. I expect the 'Signal' daily to take me to my new home. I do -not know what sort of a place it is as regards birds, but if you send -me schedules I hope to be able to give you a report, however short." - -[_Note._--In January 1887 Mr Harvie-Brown had an opportunity of -interviewing Mr Georgeson, and having a pleasant chat, at Sound of -Mull Lighthouse. No schedules have come from it, but the site is not -good, and is much hidden by high land to the westward. It gave us much -pleasure, however, to make Mr G.'s acquaintance, and thank him for his -hearty co-operation hitherto at Monach Isles. - -We have pleasure here in fully quoting Mr Georgeson's last schedules -from Isles of Monach, where he is succeeded by Mr Joseph Agnew, late -of the Isle of May, who we are sure will find Mr Georgeson's notes of -interest and value.--J. A. H.-B.] - -Mr Georgeson writes as follows: "Since my last report to you ending -December 1885, I have had little to add in the way of forwarding your -useful work regarding migration, and of the numbers and varieties of -sea birds passing or frequenting this station. I notice a visible -decrease annually in the numbers of both land and sea birds, a decrease -attributed to the island not being so quiet as it was some years ago, -before the lighthouse was built, when the birds had the island all to -themselves, and there was no one residing on it, but was only used by -the natives for grazing purposes. Now the keepers and their families -going round the island, the small birds are disturbed at the period of -incubation. - -"In January and February a few Terns, Snow Buntings, Twites, and Rock -Pipits struck the lantern, the wind being south. Of sea birds during -those months I observed a few Solan Geese, Scarts, Kittiwakes, Eider -Ducks, Teal Ducks, etc.; but as the breeding season came on they left. - -"In March a pair of Shielducks visited the island, and after remaining -a few days, left, returning again in April (presumably the same pair), -and after nesting and having two young ones, the four left in August. -No Teal nor Eiders bred here this season. - -"In June a large flock of Pictarnies, a few Stonechicks, Ringnecks -(?), Sand Larks, and Twites came to the island (but not in such large -numbers as in former seasons). Wind from south to west. They left with -their young in August, the few I saw leaving flying in a north-easterly -direction." [This is somewhat contrary to experiences, and no doubt is -due to local peculiarities of the configuration of the Outer Hebrides -and land communications with the mainland, but our data appear too -scanty to explain this. In this case "the few Mr Georgeson saw flying -in a N.E. direction," was with a wind from south to west. Possibly they -do this to catch up the Skye coast, or sooner reach the shelter of the -east coast of the Outer Hebrides.--J. A. H.-B.] "In June also a pair of -Tysties," continues Mr Georgeson, "came to the island, and left with -the young in August. - -"On the 2d September, wind N.E., all the Pictarnies left the island, -flying in a northerly direction." [This again almost seems to indicate -a movement towards the north first, before returning south or in a -south-easterly direction. Future careful reports on directions of -flight here and of winds at the time can scarcely fail to prove of -interest.--J. A. H.-B.] "On the 4th of September four Ravens--a male -and female with their two young--I observed resting on the island, -but, after remaining a short time, they flew in an easterly direction -towards the mainland. On the 9th September we had a severe gale--wind -variable--and the island is quite deserted by land birds, the only ones -remaining being a few Twites. I caught several during the gale dying -from exposure. The only sea birds I can see are a few Gannets fishing -for food; but they too leave in the evening in the direction of Barra. -A few pairs of Curlews and a few Herring Gulls returned with their -young. On the 17th September I observed a solitary Heron feeding around -the shore; and I witnessed a strange incident in connection with it. -On the 22d of the same month, while walking round the island, I heard -strange cries coming nearer and nearer from a southerly direction, when -the Heron got up a few yards from me, and flew in the direction of the -cries, it being hazy at the time, and after the lapse of a few minutes -I noticed three coming out of the mist evidently overjoyed at seeing -one another. They flew round and round, for some time, and then flew -off in a north-easterly direction--the wind E.N.E., fresh. - -"On the night of the 4th and 5th October a great number of birds struck -the lantern, strange to say the greater number of them being Snipe; -but there were also Mavises, Blackbirds, 'Marsh' (_i.e._, Meadow) -Pipits and Rock Pipits, and a few Pictarnies, all seemingly young birds -of the year; but I was surprised to see the Pictarnies, as they had -all left, and none had been seen about the island for some time; and -these have evidently been migrating. The island appears to be quite -deserted by land birds in the day time. On the night mentioned the -wind was variable--from S.E. to S.W., with drizzling rain. On the 7th -October I observed a large flock of Shielducks coming from N.E., and -after resting a short time, they got up and flew off south, the wind -being at the time S.W." [Report ending 31st October 1886. Here ends Mr -Georgeson's notes on Monach.] - -[Now Mr Joseph Agnew takes up the tale, and we make no excuse for -quoting his letters: "We had to leave the May a day after the time -I expected when I last wrote you, and therefore had not time to -visit you at Dunipace, when passing Larbert on our way to Oban." On -arriving at Monach Mr Agnew expresses surprise at the universal and -populous distribution of the Rock Pipit at all stations, S., E., N., -and W., where he has been. He then describes the Tystie (or Toistie -of Monach), _i.e._, the Black Guillemot, both in winter and summer -plumage. Mr Agnew sends a schedule dating December 3d to 30th, contents -of which will be found under species further on, and where Monach is -mentioned, any remarks under species may be read as continuous with Mr -Georgeson's Diary.--J. A. H.-B.] - -_Rona_ (_i.e._, _South Rona_).--Messrs Dunnet and M'Gaw send two fairly -well-filled schedules, strictly adhering to columnar arrangement. - -_Kyleakin._--D. MacCulloch and John Clyne send one well-filled -schedule, but light, dating February 1st, 1886, to January 1st, 1887. - -_Skerryvore.-_-Thomas Dawson and William Charleson send three -well-filled schedules, dating January 27th to December 9th, 1886. Mr -D. writes: "Birds scarce here all summer. Not one seen between 7th May -and 13th September. On September 6th a Scart was seen by us fishing -about the rock. Sometimes it came ashore for a short rest, then into -the water again. Did not appear to be a bit frightened. We amused -ourselves casting stones at it for a time, still it did not go away far -from us. It is the first we have seen of the season; not one single -Scart seen here during the breeding season. We left it after a time. -At night, after lighting time, a strange noise was heard on the top -dome. One of the keepers--Mr Charleson--went aloft and found the Scart -sitting very comfortably on the cage for cleaning the chimney, with -his head under his wing, asleep. He never saw Charleson coming to it; -but the latter made a grab at it, but missing his mark, the bird got -clear off. Several Eiders are seen now, mostly males (October 1st, -1886); one flock of thirteen yesterday, and only one female among them. -Numbers of Solan Geese seen every day here fishing." [We would be glad -of a schedule or two devoted entirely to Solan Geese and their daily -movements.--J. A. H.-B.] - -_October._--"On the 6th a great 'rush' of small birds here last night. -Never saw anything like it nor so many different kinds. They commenced -to strike the lantern at 8.30 P.M. on the 5th; and continued all -morning of 6th. I cannot give you any idea of numbers, but no doubt -hundreds were flying round the light. Most in number were Skylarks -and Thrushes; Wheatears next; and a great number of Snipes were seen. -I have noted in the schedule the actual number of the different kinds -we saw on the lantern and the time they struck, but no doubt many more -of the same species hovered round the light all night. I saw several -Sand Larks, but only one struck. Wind S.E. to S., rain and haze. They -nearly all struck on the north side of the lantern. I was standing on -the balcony when the Woodcock struck, and it fell stunned at my feet, -and I caught it before it had time to recover. This is the only one -I have ever seen here. I may mention the names of the species seen -so far as recognised: Mountain Thrushes, Common Thrushes, Skylarks, -Titlarks, Wheatears, Blackbirds, Woodcock (first seen here by me), -Robins, Wrens, Redstarts, Ring Ouzels (Mountain Thrushes are therefore -either Fieldfares or Red wings), 'Oxeyes' (and another small bird a -stranger to me)." [The Oxeye--so-called--is really a Gold-crested Wren, -as described: and the other small bird, from description, is probably -a Willow-Warbler (or Willow Wren).--J. A. H.-B.] In the same letter Mr -Dawson encloses an insect [the Silver Gamma Moth.--J. A. H.-B.], and -says: "I enclose an insect. I got it this morning stuck to the side of -the kitchen window. We don't know what it is. It has likely wandered -off here with the rush of birds the two previous nights. It appeared to -be quite dormant when I found it (date of 7th October). - -"Great numbers of birds again last night, but not nearly so many as the -previous night, and fewer species. Wind N., and heavy rain all night -and morning. After this Mr Charleson is to take note of the birds along -with myself, so will get on better. The second schedule will be soon -filled up." - -Under date of December 19th, Messrs Dawson and Charleson say; "The -Gannets have all left us some weeks back. The scarcity of fish is no -doubt the cause." - -_Dhuheartach._--William Davidson and Jas. M'Guffie send us four -well-filled bulky schedules, as Dhuheartach has, along with Skerryvore, -participated in the rush of 5th and 6th October, which appears to have -been so universal all over the East Coast also. By the schedules the -species appear to have been much the same as at Skerryvore--Larks, -Mavis (many young), Goldcrests, Snipe, Fieldfare, Wheatear, Robins, -Firetails (Redstarts), Starlings, Blackbirds, young Swallows, and -several Lapwings--the Larks predominating by hundreds, and the Mavis by -tens over the others, so far as observed. - -_Skervuile._--John Ewing sends two well-filled schedules from 7th -February to 26th December 1886. Under 25th March he says; "There has -been an abundance of Gulls and Boatswains' birds up to _October_." On -April 15th Solans are noted as seen night and morning during July, -August, and September. Rush is also distinctly participated in on 3d, -4th, 5th, 6th. (See under species for details.) - -_Rhinns of Islay._--Peter Anderson and Mr Ducat.--Besides sending five -regular schedules, fully filled up, Mr Anderson has also, in a very -neat and efficient way, kept a still more minute day-to-day record on -his own plan. We now have these for the month of February. When we have -a schedule of this description for every month in the year, we think -it may prove desirable to publish the series _seriatim et literatim_. -The statistics could not fail to be serviceable. Thousands of Larks -seen passing south for days during the October rush. They write; "We -think if you had been here on the night of 5th and morning of the 6th -October, you would have seen migration to your heart's content. I have -never seen anything like it before. About 7 P.M. they commenced, and -increased until 10, when it was something grand to see, and continued -up to 2 A.M. of the 6th, making a perfect concert of sounds--even the -drums were not awanting--as the small birds striking the lantern and -dome answered for the small drum, and the larger ones at odd times for -the big drum. I will here mention a list of as many of the birds as I -could distinguish, but I will make no attempt at numbers, as they were -simply innumerable:--Redwings, Lapwings, Larks (these three the most -numerous), Thrush, Missel-Thrush, Moorhen, Robins, Goldcrests, one -Blackbird, one Teal Duck (both latter caught), Blackbirds, Water-rail, -Terns, Starlings, and numerous other kinds I did not know. Weather -thick, with haze and rain: wind S.E. to E. The birds seemed all to be -flying against the wind. One Woodcock seen. Last night, 7th October, we -had scarcely a bird, although it was a night of rain; but the wind was -from the north." [This account of the great rush is most interesting -and valuable.--J. A. H.-B.] "The rush continued till 2 A.M. of the 6th, -but then eased a good deal, but numbers kept flying on till daylight. -There were numerous Moths about the lantern on the nights of the 5th, -6th, and 7th." [Schedules give more interesting items.--J. A. H.-B.] Mr -Anderson adds the note: "I forgot to mention that the weather has for -the past few days been very close and warm. On the morning of the 5th, -at 2 A.M., the glass stood outside at 62½°, and has been about 60° for -several days, with very heavy rain." On the 18th December occurs the -following note: "On the 18th I was inland for a mile or so, and saw two -flocks of Larks (about 1000 each), and a flock of Starlings of from -1200 to 1400. I never saw so many Snipe on this island before. By the -22d thaw had set in, and they were all gone." [_Note._--When we were -shooting in Ardnamurchan in January 1887, though Woodcock were fairly -plentiful, we never saw Snipe so scarce in Mingary Park. The suddenness -of the rush, short space of time occupied, and complete departure south -in December at once accounts for this.--J. A. H.-B.] - -_Lochindaul._--James Edgar sends three well-filled schedules, and -observes that no schedules appear from our Report to have been sent -for some years back. We are very glad again to receive schedules -from Lochindaul, which appears to be a favourable situation for -observations. Mr Edgar's last station was N. Unst, whence he sent us -schedules. Mr Edgar says of Lochindaul: "Very few birds are attracted -to this light, owing to part of the light being red, and the land -side of the lantern being dark, although there are plenty of birds in -the vicinity of the station. Most of the observations I have made are -during the day time, and I only entered each species the first and last -time seen, and any unusual flocks seen during the season. I gave up -taking notes at end of October, owing to illness, and I was invalided -from then till recently" (dated 17th January 1887), "which accounts for -the lateness of sending in the schedules." - -_Lamlash._--David M. Scott and Robert Brown send a light schedule, -except on the 6th October, when they appear fully to have participated -in that extraordinary rush. "We could make out Curlews, Lapwings, -Thrushes, Goldcrests, Linnets, Blackbirds, Wrens--the largest number -ever seen in one night at this station;" further proving the magnitude -and wide-spread character of the 1886 autumn migration, as well as its -singularly compressed nature. - -_Turnberry._--Andrew Nisbet and William Begg send three well-filled -day-to-day schedules. Curiously enough, the "rush" of October--which is -quite the feature of our 1886 Report--is only comparatively emphasised -here; but while the emphasis is moderate, it is also quite equally -pronounced when compared with records at the same station. Thus, -whilst only 1, 2, or 3 birds struck, or were seen at the lantern all -through the season, a spring movement was more observable about the -10th February; and the autumn migration rush was emphasised by 13 birds -at the lantern on the famous 5th and 6th October, and 5 the following -night. Thus, comparatively speaking, the rush was also apparent on that -date as elsewhere. All returns at other dates are light. - -_Corsewall._--An _unsigned schedule_, well filled and neatly executed, -to hand, dating February 4th to October 29th, shows an early spring -migration, also in February, of Starlings, Thrushes, and Larks; and "a -great rush" of Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Larks (both male and female), -and Goldcrests, began to strike at 9 P.M., and continued till daylight. -A great many killed of all kinds. Upwards of 100 got in the morning. -S.E. fresh breeze, fog and rain. Short, sharp, sudden, and vast, as we -do not find another entry till 23d. - -_Portpatrick._--Mr James Beggs has the remark [which we perfectly agree -with, and the reasons for which will shortly appear more decidedly, -we believe, when Mr Service treats of the migration of birds in the -Solway district, in his intended "Fauna of Solway."--J. A. H.-B.] -to the effect that: "The migration of birds again very slight this -season. As I remarked to you in my schedule last year, I think it is -our prevailing winds from the west which keep the birds inland. You -will see in my above notes where the winds are easterly." The easterly -winds referred to occur throughout all the dates where any occurrences -are recorded, _viz._, on the 4th and 15th September, October 4th, 5th, -to 9th, and January 7th, 1887, at which latter date a "great rush" of -Larks, coming from the N.W. and going S.E., is recorded. Again, the -October 4th, 5th, and 6th rush is distinctly recorded. _Not a single -record is entered under a westerly wind._ They naturally pick up (catch -up) the trend of the coast south of Clyde in any winds, but _normal -westerly winds_ may--and do--confine them to _normal routes more than -easterly winds do_. Thus, if we had had no easterly winds at this -station at all, the probability is that _no migration_ would have been -observed; but the _more normal_ route _more inland_ would have been -followed. Locally, Mr E. Service is working at these routes with good -effect. - -_Mull of Galloway._--Alex. Murray and John M'Quarrie send three -excellent returns. Considerable movements of birds are noted, but again -October 4th and 5th have pre-eminence and accentuation. - -_Little Ross._--Neil M 'Donald and Robert M'Intosh send three -well-filled schedules--every line filled. Under date of 6th December, -N. M'D, writes: "I beg to send you two schedules, which are all we -have. We are marking the birds as we see them on long sheets of paper -lined off like the schedules, but when copying them off, I find I -have more than will fill another schedule during October and up to -date. Please forward two more. Trusting our schedules will meet your -approval, etc." [Yes, they are excellent, and we have three fully -filled, showing the same results and rush marked off in October as -elsewhere. Birds seem well known; yet I think a copy of Johns' Birds -should be sent here and to several more stations.--J. A. H.-B.] - - -Separate Report under Genera and Species. - -Turdidæ.--Thrushes, Dipper, Blackbirds, Fieldfare, Ouzels, Redwings, -"Mavises."--We find records principally of "Thrushes" between 4th and -22d February at Skervuile (one only on 9th), and at Turnberry and -Corsewall (both south of Clyde), on seven dates, but all light. [Thus -most of the February early migrants presumably turned across from Clyde -to Forth,--J. A. H.-B.] Prevailing wind, S.W. and S. - -_In March._--Light records at Turnberry on 8th of Thrushes; and north -of Clyde single birds at Rona, Skye, and at Skerryvore on 12th, 22d, -and 24th. Light records at Skervuile of Fieldfares and Blackbirds on -21st and 25th, and single record of Blackbird at Turnberry (S. of -Clyde) on 25th. [Thus while as usual most of the prominent stations -report, the returns both N. and S. of Clyde are light, and almost too -general to utilise as indications of routes.--J. A. H.-B.] Prevailing -wind in March, strong or light, S. and S. easterly. In May--3d, 4th, -and 5th--we have a number of Thrushes and Starlings reported from Mull -of Galloway in fog and mist, along with Starlings--twenty-two killed on -3d, and eleven on 4th. Wind, strong south breeze. - -_In Autumn._--First movements noted are 26th and 27th of August at -Rona, Skye, of "Mountain Thrushes" (probably Ring Ouzels). [This -name is applied to both the Redwing, Fieldfare, and Ring Ouzel, in -different parts of Scotland, but most correctly to the latter. The -date also is more in favour of the record of Ring Ouzels, as about -the dates mentioned they begin to frequent gardens and orchards for -berries, etc.--J. A. H.-B.] And at Mull of Galloway and Little Ross, of -Blackbirds and Ring Ouzels. Wind, S. and S.E., fresh to strong. [These -are also probably migrants from the vicinity of the stations.--J. A. -H.-B.] In September a flight of Thrushes on the 4th at Portpatrick. -Indication at Kyleakin (N. of Clyde), on 24th, of same species; also -on 13th, at Mull of Galloway, of Blackbirds, and larger numbers in -flocks at latter station on 22d and 24th. Redwings are noted as -early as 20th at Rhinns of Islay only. But in October the numbers of -records are very great, too numerous to give in detail. Thus we find -the following stations participate:--Skerryvore, ten dates between -5th and 19th. Rush distinct on the 5th, 9 P.M., till 4.30 A.M. on -6th, of "Mountain" and Common Thrushes. Wind, light S.E., and heavy -rain. One Blackbird on 6th. At Dhuheartach on 1st, 5th, 6th, 7th, and -8th. Records of Mavis, 100 all night of 5th, 6th, S.S.E.; Fieldfare, -one on 6th; one male Blackbird on 8th; wind N.W. Single Thrush on -8th. [Shows the compressed nature of the rush and preponderance, as -elsewhere, of Common Thrush.--J. A. H.-B.] At Skervuile, rush also on -5th and 6th of Thrushes, Fieldfares (the latter in minority). Rush -also, however, of Blackbirds noted; entries extend from 2d to 31st, but -only on five dates, and all light except on 5th and 6th. [Emphasises -above remarks.--J. A. H.-B.] At Rhinns of Islay records on ten dates -between 4th and 28th, of Redwings. [Query, were these not Thrushes, -or in some of the returns have not Redwings and Thrushes equally -done service? _N.B._--The Redwing is _red_ beneath the wing, and the -Thrush or Mavis _yellow_. No "Thrushes" so named appear in the Rhinns -of Islay schedules, so perhaps "Redwings" do duty?--J. A. H.-B.] -Blackbirds--quite a number appear under dates of 22d, 25th, 27th, and -28th. At Lochindaul also, while Thrushes seem to have been little -observed at the time of the rush, there are a few records, 19th, 27th, -and 28th, and one of Blackbirds on 27th. [The position of Lochindaul -(Station CIII.) may sufficiently account for this; nor, however, does -the rush appear quite so heavy at Rhinns of Islay (CII.) as it does at -Skerryvore (XCIII.), nor at Dhuheartach (XCIV.), whilst Dhuheartach is -lighter than Skerryvore. This may or may not indicate that the great -body of the migrants have passed to the westward of Rhinns of Islay and -even of Dhuheartach, making for the Irish coast. It will be interesting -to note what our Irish Committee report upon this.--J. A. H.-B.] - -At Turnberry (S. of Clyde) records date 2d, 3d, 5th, 6th, and 18th, but -all are quite light, and no rush whatever is apparent on 5th and 6th -October, only records of one, two, three, or four Thrushes, Blackbirds, -and Ring Ouzels being entered. - -At Corsewall (S. of Clyde), 2d and 3d of Thrushes (only three or -four each time), but "great rush" of Blackbirds on 5th, and of the -latter single records on 23d and 29th. Winds as generally--easterly. -[_Note._--Thus routes of Blackbirds and Thrushes appear to have -been rather different in 1886. _Compare_ with reports from other -stations.--J. A. H.-B.] - -At Mull of Galloway.--Bush indicated pretty distinctly, and striking -all night of 5th, mingled with a few Blackbirds, some of which were -killed at light. Large flocks seen all day of 6th. Dropping in up to -28th. - -At Little Boss, on 3d October, four Thrushes--S.E., fresh--three -killed; haze. - -So much for the October rush at all stations yielding returns; and we -have enlarged upon items here as illustrative of the whole general -character of the autumn migration of 1886. - -In November, migration of Thrushes (_vera_) almost _nil_. Solitary -returns on 24th from Skerryvore, and from Turnberry and Little Boss. -But a few more records of Redwing, Fieldfare, and Blackbird at same -station. In December one single Thrush on 8th at noon at Dhuheartach; -and a few Blackbirds and Redwings on 17th, 18th, and 20th at Rhinns of -Islay. _No returns of Turdidæ S. of Clyde._ No returns of _Turdidæ_ -anywhere in January 1887. - -Saxicolinæ.--Wheatears (often called "Stonechats;" a name more -correctly applied to another species of the group), Stonechat (a small -bird having the head black in the male and dark-brown in the female), -Whinchat, Redstart, etc. - -_In Spring_, Stonechats (?) arrived at Rona, Skye--[no doubt -_these_ are Wheatears; but it is hard to say in all cases which are -intended.--J. A. H.-B.]--on the 24th March, and on same date at -Skervuile--S.S.E. breeze, hazy; also on the same date at Turnberry. On -4th of April, one pair arrived to breed at Rhinns of Islay, followed by -several pairs on the 5th and 6th, which remain to breed. On 30th April, -and one or two other dates, straggling birds seen at Dhuheartach, and -again at Turnberry. - -_In Autumn._--Wheatears are recorded by name (correct name) at Butt of -Lewis and at Little Ross; and what are also all probably Wheatears, but -called (erroneously) Stonechats (see also last Migration Report, p. -100), at Rona, Skye, Dhuheartach, Turnberry, and Mull of Galloway, all -on dates between 18th and 31st August. Rushing on 21st and 22d South -of Clyde, continuing all through September, with a rush at Skerryvore; -but only two at Dhuheartach on 13th. Migration continued up to, but not -beyond, the 7th October, and participated in the rush of 5th and 6th at -Skerryvore, and also at Skervuile, thus apparently taking a different -route from that chosen by the Thrushes (see _antea_, _Turdidæ_). -The only other species mentioned are a few Whinchats; a Redstart at -Dhuheartach on 23d May, three ditto at Mull of Galloway on 27th August, -two ditto at Little Ross on 13th September, and one ditto at Skerryvore -on 6th October. - -Silviinæ.--Robins, Blackcap, Blue Throated Warbler, Whitethroat, -"Redbreast."--In Spring, two records only, at Rona, Skye, and Skervuile -on 24th and 25th March. [All through this Report there seems to be -a similarity of dates of occurrences at these two stations, even in -single records. Why they should apparently be so much _in touch_ -with one another is not easily understood at present; unless it is -simply similarity of positions affecting local migrations in a similar -way.--J. A. H.-B.] - -_In Autumn._--August 19th and 27th, singles. September.--Robins from -Rhinns of Islay, Lochindaul to Lamlash (N. of Clyde), and Turnberry and -Little Ross (S. of Clyde) all light. In October no great rush apparent -anywhere, ranging in small numbers at all stations through the month. - -One record in November at Little Ross; and four dates, 17th to 20th -December, at Skerryvore and Rhinns of Islay, at which dates there -appears to have been some slight movement. - -Phylloscopinæ.--Goldcrest, "Gold-Crested Wren," Willow Warbler, "Willow -Wren."--In Spring, two solitary Willow Wrens killed at Rhinns of Islay. -"Great numbers of different kinds of Wrens on 11th May at Corsewall" -[Please send wings. We have only one _true_ Wren in Britain. The -Goldcrest and Willow "Wrens" (_sic_) belong to the Warbler group.--J. -A. H.-B.] - -No records again till September, from 5th to 22d. Goldcrests are given -on nine dates; but very few at Rhinns of Islay, Turnberry, Corsewall, -and Little Ross. - -Many entries in October. A "great flock" of Goldcrests at Little Ross; -many struck and killed. Eight also appeared on 4th, 15th, and 8th at -same place. - -Accentorinæ.--Hedge Sparrow, or Blue Janet.--One on 25th March at -Skerryvore, and one at Butt of Lewis (N., fresh breeze, cloudy) on 23d -September. - -Acrocephalinæ.--Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler.--At Dhuheartach one Sedge -Warbler. On September 3d, one ditto at Little Ross, and one same place -on 7th October; wind in each case light S.E. - -Paridæ.--Titmice.--In April one Titmouse (?) seen on 27th and 28th at -Turnberry; and at same place, one on 10th May. - -In August a number at Mull of Galloway 22d, and all night of 30th. -Occurrences between 22d and 30th, and on 27th at Turnberry. On -September 1st and 3d a few at Turnberry, and two or three on 21st and -24th, same place. In October one bird on 6th at same place. - -Troglodytidæ.--Common Wren, "Kitty Wren."--Two dates in April at -Turnberry; one on 6th May at Skerryvore. - -_In Autumn._--Two at Corsewall on 21st, and five on 22d; and three on -20th at Little Ross, and one on 22d of September. In October, single -records at Rona, Skye, 15th; Skerryvore, 6th; Rhinns of Islay, 2d; -Lochindaul, 8th; and two, same place, on 22d. Latest two on 13th -November at Little Ross, and a few other scattered records. - -Motacillidæ.--Wagtails.--In March, a pair on 21st at Lochindaul; in -May, one Wagtail at Dhuheartach, on the 8th--strong S.W., clear; and -one Yellow Wagtail, same place, on 23d--light E. airs. - -In August two "Grey Wagtails" [are these grey, or have they any yellow -about them?] at Dhuheartach on 27th; and eighty-nine Wagtails on -28th--a rush. A number of entries in schedule for September, ranging -from 1st to 24th, at Dhuheartach, Rhinns of Islay, Lochindaul, Mull of -Galloway, and Little Ross,--bulking in largest numbers south of Clyde, -twenty to thirty, on 1st September,--a rush co-existing with that at -Rhinns of Islay above on 28th August. A flock at Little Ross on 27th -September--winds S. and E. In October a number on 9th at Lochindaul; -and a few entries for Lochindaul, Skerryvore, and Little Ross. Two on -19th December at Rhinns of Islay. - -Motacillidæ.--Pipits, Meadow Pipits, Rock Pipits, Titlarks, -"Mosscheeper," "Tang Sparrow" (_i.e._, Rock Pipit), "Marsh Pipits" -(_i.e._, Meadow Pipits).--One record at Skervuile in February; one in -March (20th), same place. - -_In Autumn._--All day "Mosscheepers" at Butt of Lewis [are these Meadow -or Rock Pipits?], and scattered birds on four dates of Titlarks at -Dhuheartach. In October a rush of Titlarks, 5th and 6th, at Skerryvore; -but only single or light returns from Dhuheartach at same time; -also two only at Skervuile all the month. Two on 19th December at -Dhuheartach. - -Muscicapidæ.--Flycatchers.--The only records are in August, on 27th, -29th, and 30th, at Mull of Galloway. S.E., fresh, or fog. - -Hirundinidæ.--Swallows, Martins, Sand Martins.--In April -24th--"Swallows first seen" at Corsewall; four at noon at Rhinns of -Islay, one with a speckled head, the first seen, on 27th. In May, a -rush appears on 7th, and again on 6th to 8th, at Rhinns of Islay and at -Lochindaul. A few single records at Dhuheartach, Lamlash, and Little -Ross; one at Kyleakin on 26th June--all of Common Swallow. - -Autumn movements all September recorded from Rhinns of Islay; "flocks" -at Mull of Galloway on 3d; and at Little Ross, "large flock" on 14th. -Flocks all day on 4th September at Mull of Galloway, and other notices. - -Fringillidæ.--Finches, Linnets, Redpoles, Siskins, Sparrows, Tree -Sparrows, Brambling or Mountain Finches, Chaffinches. Bullfinches.--In -February one Bullfinch at Kyleakin; snow on island. One Cock Sparrow at -Dhuheartach on 27th May; light E., clear; on rocks. One Linnet, same -place, June 26th. - -In August flocks flying about all day on 22d at Lochindaul, and small -flock at Little Ross on 19th. Linnets and Grey Linnets, 2d, 6th, and -13th September, at Butt of Lewis (probably Twites or Mountain Linnets), -Rona, Skye, and Little Boss. In October slight rushes between 7th, 8th, -9th, of Linnets. One male Chaffinch at Rhinns of Islay. One Siskin at -Butt of Lewis on 29th. Hundreds again in November at Kyleakin, and -forty to fifty on 14th and 21st at same place; sixty on 19th December; -Grey Linnets at Lochindaul. Occurrences date in October from 4th to -28th in numbers ranging from one to ten (on 5th, 6th, and 8th at -Dhuheartach, and on 20th at Turnberry), twenty (on 8th at Rhinns of -Islay), and eleven to forty (on 28th at Turnberry). Direction of winds, -S. and E. and S.E. throughout. No more records except one bird at -Little Ross on 19th November. - -Emberizidæ.--Buntings, Snow Buntings.--Almost all the returns relate to -Snow Buntings. On the 15th and 17th May a single bird was found on the -island at Rhinns of Islay, and one reporter adds the remark, "very late -to be seen here." Wind variable, strong. - -_In Autumn_ there was a "rush" of Snow Buntings past Skerryvore at -or about midnight of the 27th September; wind strong W., haze and -rain. No notice of this rush is taken at Dhuheartach or elsewhere. In -October only two single records, on 14th at Dhuheartach, and 18th at -Rhinns of Islay; and in November light records only at Butt of Lewis, -Dhuheartach, between the 15th and 25th (twenty on the latter date). In -December, thirty Snow Buntings on 14th at Rhinns of Islay "all day." -Not one return from any station south of Clyde. Of Common Bunting or -Corn Bunting we have one record in April at Lochindaul, one on 4th -October at Skerryvore, and one at Lochindaul on the 1st. The Corn -Bunting is not looked upon by us as more than very locally migratory. - -Alaudidæ.--Larks.--Of Larks there has been an enormous movement. Absent -entirely in April, June, July, and August; scarcely any in May (only -two entries on 4th and 9th at Turnberry, with light or strong N.E. -breeze). - -In September the returns are still very light, indeed almost absent; -but in October during the whole month innumerable records. Larks -appeared at all the following stations sending returns:--Rona, -Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, Skervuile, Rhinns of Islay, Lochindaul, -Turnberry, Corsewall, Mull of Galloway, and Little Ross; but all -notice of them is omitted in schedules from the other stations sending -returns, _viz._:--Butt of Lewis, Monach Isles? _q.v._, Barra Head, -Kyleakin, Rhuvaal, and Lamlash. [We are thus able to locate the stream -with some exactitude.] They appeared to be most abundant at Skerryvore, -and at Dhuheartach, "rushes" and "hundreds;" Skervuile, "rush;" Rhinns -of Islay (on 2d October), "thousands," and on 5th, "numerous." Then -S. of Clyde, "a great rush" at Corsewall; "rush" at Portpatrick (4th -October). All these large movements, except where specified, were on -the nights of 5th and 6th October. - -In November only a few slight movements, 24th, 26th, to 29th at -_Kyleakin_ and at _Turnberry_. - -In December light again at Dhuheartach, 18th to 27th; but heavy on 18th -and 19th at Rhinns of Islay, 1000 and 100; but these may and probably -were due only to local migration, influenced by severe weather on -mainland. - -In January movements also of local importance and not numerous, January -being milder and more open on the West Coast than December; but at -Portpatrick a great rush is described as going from N.W. to S.E., 11 -A.M. to 12, during a snowstorm. This may also, however, be only a -local movement still it is interesting as showing the _recognised line -of flight_ spoken of by Mr E. Service. In Ardnamurchan small flocks -appeared at Kilchoan at once on the advent of a severe snowstorm and -S.E. gale of wind--a local movement, of course. - -In February many light movements are entered, but none of more than -local interest. These occur at Skerryvore, Rona, Skervuile, Turnberry, -and Corsewall. - -Sturninæ.--Starlings.--A considerable movement. In February a number at -Turnberry on 9th, and light returns from Skerryvore, Skervuile, and -Turnberry on other dates, and at Corsewall. A few returns in March, -none in April, two in May, none in June and July. "Rushes" of old -and young in August at Rhinns of Islay on 18th, 19th, and 26th; wind -S.W., fresh, or W., light. Rush also indicated on 22d at Lochindaul; -odd birds only at Skerryvore; 130 at Lochindaul on the 30th. A few -movements in September. South of Clyde--"Great numbers" on 15th at -Portpatrick. North of Clyde--Light movements; eleven, twelve, sixteen -birds at Kyleakin. In October rushes recorded, especially at Skervuile, -Lochindaul, Turnberry, Mull of Galloway, at or about the date of the -general great rush of the year, _viz._, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 8th October. -Light returns in November, and a few in December. - -Corvidæ.--Rooks, Ravens, Crows, Carrion Crows, Hooded Crows, Jackdaws, -Grey Crows.--The _Corvidæ_ generally show movements during January -(1887), February (1886), April (Ravens), May (casual Carrion and Grey -Crows or Hoodies), June 26th, 27th, 28th, and 29th, "great numbers of -Crows" all day at Mull of Galloway. August 18th to 27th, of Rooks, -Ravens, Grey Crows, Crows. Great flocks of Rooks on 21st at Lochindaul, -as also on 24th September no very heavy entries at any stations, but -"dense flock" on 21st October at Lochindaul, and sixty on the 20th same -place. Only one Crow seen all November, and that at Butt of Lewis, the -only return in all that month. 500 Crows at Rhinns of Islay on 18th -December--no doubt a local migration. In January (1887), from 100 up to -500 at same place, 9th, 10th, and 17th--also local, no doubt. - -Cypselidæ.--Swift, "Cran," "Black Swallow."--Only one solitary record -of one Swift on 27th August at Butt of Lewis. Wind S.W., fresh. - -Cuculidæ.--Cuckoo.--Records: At Lochindaul, arrived 6th May. Wind light -S., clear, "flying S.W." - -Also at Lochindaul, one rested on the rocks at 7 P.M. on the 6th July. -Light W., clear. - -Strigidæ.--Very few records of any Owls--At Dhuheartach, on 4th May, an -Owl rested on the rock. Fresh S. and fog. - -At Mull of Galloway a Grey Owl seen on 5th September, and again at same -place on 21st October one Grey Owl came to the light in pursuit of some -small birds. - -Falconidæ.--Eagle, Hawks, Kestrel Hawks, Sparrow Hawks, Buzzards, Game -Hawk or Falcon.--[Merlins are not once named, but no doubt some of the -"Sparrow-Hawk" entries really apply to the Merlin.--J. A. H.-B.] - -In May.--A Kestrel on 5th at Dhuheartach, and a Buzzard on 23d, both -flying east, with E. wind. A Sparrow Hawk at Rhinns of Islay. - -_In Autumn_, a few records of Hawks, Game Hawk (Rona, Skye), etc., -at four or five stations in August, and single birds in September, -including Buzzard and Falcon at Rhinns of Islay on 20th. Also single -birds at Skerryvore and Dhuheartach, including a "Black Hawk" on 10th -October at the former. One record at Butt of Lewis of a Sparrow Hawk on -19th November. There are fewer records of Hawks than usual. One Eagle -seen at Rona 2d January 1886. - -Pelecanidæ.--Solan Geese.--First seen at Skervuile on 15th April. Light -N. wind; next at Rhinns of Islay, 100 in flocks, from 4 to 11 A.M. on -the 11th May, and great numbers on 27th, flying N. in the forenoon, and -again on 31st. E.N.E. wind. In June six seen at Lochindaul, and a few -at Little Ross. The migration of Gannets appears to have been quite -intermittent and uncertain here and on the N.W. coast. - -By August 8th, at Rhinns of Islay, several young seen; and by 15th to -18th in hundreds all day. Intermittent in numbers, 16th (some) to 30th -(numbers), and 31st (all day) at Lochindaul. None entered again till -9th and 11th October at Lochindaul. - -Ardeidæ.--Herons.--One record in February at Skerryvore, sitting on -rock on 13th. Wind fresh W., and rain. One record in July at Rhinns of -Islay, flying S.W.; W., clear on 16th. One record in August at Little -Ross on 19th. Singles or pairs at four stations, _viz._, Butt of Lewis, -Skerryvore, Rhinns of Islay, and Little Ross, on four different dates. -Two in October at Rhinns of Islay, and two in December at same place. -None of these appear to us at present to have any special significance. - -Anatidæ.--Ducks, Geese, Swans.--In Spring two Eider Ducks at -Lochindaul, swimming near the shore on 29th March. [It seems worth -while to record the appearances of Eiders, owing to their wonderful and -yearly increase in the Outer Hebrides within, our recollection since -1870, and earlier.--J. A. H.-B.] - -_In Autumn_, at Skerryvore, four seen on 14th, and at Dhuheartach one -Drake on 16th, and at Lochindaul one Duck on 30th. On 1st October two -at Skerryvore, S.W., strong breeze; and a pair on the 20th at same -place. In November two males and three females at Rhinns of Islay on -the 4th, and two females and one young male at Skerryvore on 15th. - -_Stock Duck or_ Shieldrake.--One on 8th March at Rhinns of Islay, S.E. -breeze. Very occasional entries of Ducks (Wild Duck) in April at Rhinns -of Islay, from three to ten at a time. - -Grey Geese [probably White-fronted.--J. A. H.-B.] on 12th and 25th at -Rhinns of Islay. Wind northerly and westerly. One Widgeon at Lochindaul -on 16th September. A few scattered notices of Geese, or Grey Geese, in -October at Rona, Skye, (six) on 12th, at Rhinns of Islay (Large Goose), -and at Kyleakin. In November 40 Geese at Rona, and flocks, 46 to 50, -flying S. on 4th at Rhinns of Islay; 100 on 5th, flying S.; wind S.E., -fresh. All other lighter records, flying east, with S.W. strong breeze. -Barnacle Geese, five on 1st November at Rhinns of Islay rested on -island, and one seen on 3d at Butt of Lewis, and five on 18th December -at Rhinns of Islay, with "first snow." Also records of Teal (all in -October), 40 Brent Geese at Rhinns of Islay on 6th, and 33 and 30 "Wild -Geese" at same place on 20th and 21st January 1887. - -Columbidæ.--Rock Doves, Turtle Doves, Wood Pigeon, &c.--Two records -of seven and fifteen respectively at Rhinns of Islay on 4th and 5th -September. One Turtle Dove shot on 25th at (?) - -Rallidæ.--Corncrake or "Land Rail," Water Rail.--At Rhinns of Islay, -first heard 26th May. At Lochindaul, first heard 20th May. At Kyleakin, -first heard 25th May. At Lochindaul, last heard or seen 7th August. At -Rhinns of Islay, one on island 29th September. At Rhinns of Islay, one -Water Rail killed on 5th. Fresh E. - -Charadriadæ.--Oyster Catchers, Plovers, Golden Plovers, Grey Plover, -&c.--Oyster Catchers on 15th February at Lochindaul, "first seen this -year." Light, clear, and N.E. One Plover at Rona 24th March, and "Sea -Pies" at Dhuheartach on 23d May, the only entries in Spring. - -In August, flock of Golden Plover at Butt of Lewis on 30th. Stray -records at Rhinns of Islay and Lochindaul, and one record of Grey -Plover at former on 20th. S.W., fresh and rain. - -Slight movement on 2d and 5th September at Rhinns of Islay of Golden -Plover, and "large number" on 12th at Turnberry, and a number at Little -Ross on 28th. No very heavy records at any time. Flocks in October, -but no records of important movements. Three records in December 17th, -18th, and 19th, at Rhinns of Islay. Few records of Oyster Catchers. - -Lapwing, Ring Plover, Dotterel.--Very few light movements in February, -March, and April of Lapwings. Do. in July (one), flocks on 19th August, -and 30 on 30th, 100 at Rhinns of Islay on 14th September, 40 on 24th, -"great numbers" at Turnberry on 14th September, 100 on 21st October at -Rhinns of Islay, and numbers on 9th at Lochindaul all day, and on 11th -and 23d. No records of other species, or of Lapwings, at later dates. - -Scolopacidæ.--Woodcock, Snipe, Curlew, Whimbrel.--Whimbrels, or Little -Curlew, or "May Fowl," in small numbers rested for four days on the -rock at Dhuheartach on 11th to 14th May. No other notice, spring or -autumn. - -Curlews--February, March, May, single records. In June thirty to forty -alighted on hill near Mull of Galloway, and stayed three weeks and -left. August--Flocks on 19th at Lochindaul; thirty on 19th at Mull of -Galloway; and a flock at Little Ross on 3d. In September many light -records; heaviest, fifty at Rhinns of Islay, and a large flock and a -small flock on 1st at Little Ross, and a large flock of young Curlews -same place on 28th. In October a fair number of records; fifty on 21st -at Rhinns of Islay, and a number on 11th at Lochindaul; twenty at Mull -of Galloway on 20th. - -Woodcock--At Lamlash, on 15th March, two birds at 11 A.M.; E., strong; -and on February 1st, one at Kyleakin, 11.30 A.M.; S., with snow on the -island. - -No more entries till October, when only three in all at Rona (on 8th), -S.E., fresh, "first seen;" one at Rhinns of Islay (22d), N.E.; and one -at Corsewall (25th), N.E., fresh, "struck and killed." In November, one -bird at Mull of Galloway on 19th; and one, on 20th and 21st December, -at Rhinns of Islay. - -Considering that this was a most remarkable year for Woodcock in -Central Scotland, and in the West, in Ardnamurchan, Mull, and many -other places, it is remarkable how few have been seen at lighthouses. -Here in Stirlingshire thirty-five and twenty-eight were killed on -Torwood and Touch in two days. The birds had been quite three weeks -in the country. In January 1887, 33½ couple were shot in seven -days, and we heard of total bags for the season of 160 to one gun -in Ardnamurchan, 400 in Ross of Mull, 260 in north of Mull on one -property, etc., etc. - -_Snipe._--A distinct "rush" apparent on the great migration night of -5th October, but all other returns light except "numbers all day" at -Rhinns of Islay on 18th December. The largest "rush" is recorded at -Skerryvore on 5th October, 9.30 P.M. till 3.30 A.M. on the 6th; light -S. wind; eight killed on lantern. All other records quite light; -and Jack Snipe, only three entries, _viz._, on 8th October at Butt -of Lewis, S., fresh; at Skervuile on 6th, light E. and S.; and one -killed at midnight of 22d October at Rhinns of Islay. Of Sandpipers, -Redshanks, Dunlins, etc., there are only eight records in all in March, -May, August (2), September (2), October, and December. - -Laridæ.--Gulls we only will mention the more important entries. - -Cream-coloured Gulls (Iceland) [or Glaucous Gulls.--J. A. H.-B.] -"seldom seen here," at Rhinns of Islay on January 18th, 1887. February -1886--"Iceland" Gull at same place, flying E., noted as "rare," on 3d; -light N. breeze. In May a Richardson's Skua at Lochindaul on 28th, -and all day there again on 30th July. Thousands of Black Backed Gulls -and other Gulls on 14th September at Rhinns of Islay. "Dirty Allens" -at Dhuheartach on 31st October, and all November numbers of Gulls at -Skervuile. Iceland Gulls at Dhuheartach on 12th December, and again at -Rhinns of Islay on 7th. - -Terns arrived on 20th May at Barra Head, and a flock stayed a week at -Little Ross and then left, after the 14th June. There are only a few -scattered records in autumn. The curious unsettled behaviour of Terns, -whether Arctic or Common, is a subject worthy of remark during their -breeding season. They often occupy and then abandon their nesting -places, apparently without any reason, for it is not always that they -leave on account of persecution, though they are much more easily -affected by persecution than almost any other sea birds. - -Procellariidæ.--Petrels.--In September several all day at Dhuheartach, -and have been seen "flying south for a week past." [This is an -interesting note as pointing directly to a periodical migration of -the Petrels. Of course how much such may have been simply caused by -increase or diminution of food supply is at present difficult to -determine.--J. A. H.-B.] - -In October only two records, but both on 5th and 6th at 11 P.M. and 2 -A.M., struck, but were not killed. [They are evidently thus included in -the impulse and great migration of this date. It is noteworthy that we -have all through our past reports seldom received definitive record of -actual migration of the Petrel till now.--J. A. H.-B.] - -Colymbidæ.--Divers, Northern Divers, Grebes, etc.--In February, one G. -N. Diver on 7th at Skervuile. - -In March, one do. on 24th at same place. In April, no records. In May, -two at Lochindaul on 7th, and on 10th at Kyleakin. No more records -of G. N. Divers till 23d October, when one was seen at Rona, Skye, -"swimming round the island." Then, 16th November, at Skervuile, and -December 26th at same place. - -By collecting careful notes on the appearance, residence on our coasts, -and departure from different stations, much might be learned of the -reason why some northern species remain to breed some seasons more than -others, or remain longer resident into the summer months. - -Alcidæ.--Puffins, Guillemots, "Tysties," "Rock Birds," etc., -Razorbills.--In April, a flock of 100 Puffins fishing around Rhinns -of Islay on 3d, and twelve Tysties or Black Guillemots on 10th, -"floating in the sound." In May, Tysties at Lochindaul on the 20th, and -Puffins--twenty--flying west on 2d, at Kyleakin. In June, great numbers -all day of Razorbills fishing around Lochindaul. In August a few all -day on 28th at same place. In September, one young Tystie on 15th at -Dhuheartach, "eating fish on the rocks." In October on 19th and 21st -_continuous flocks_, 6 to 10 A.M., N., light, clear, flying south. This -"rush" of sea birds is almost as sudden and remarkable as that of our -land birds this year. A few still found in December at Skervuile. No -notices South of Clyde. - - ============== - - - - - WEST COAST OF ENGLAND AND WALES, AND THE ISLE OF MAN. - - -Schedules and letters of instruction, with stamped envelopes for -wings, were sent to the fifty-three under-mentioned lighthouses and -light-vessels on the West and South-West Coasts of England, the Coasts -of Wales, and the Isle of Man, and returns have been received from the -thirty-nine stations marked with an asterisk. - -The following is an enumeration of the stations included in this -section of the Report:-- - - No. on - Map. - - Isle of Man. - - 115. L.H. Point of Ayre. - 116. L.H. Douglas Head. - *117. L.H. Langness, Robert Clyne. - *118. L.H. Chickens Rock, James Black. - *119. L.V. Bahama Bank, Charles Johns. - - N. W. England. - - *120. L.H. St Bees, Henry Nott. - *121. L.V. Selker, Daniel Kneale and George Cumming. - *122. L.V. Morecambe Bay, Henry Clavell. - *123. L.V. River Dee, S. Work and J. Clague. - - North Wales. - - 124. L.H. Air. - *125. L.H. Menai, Joseph Steer. - *126. L.H. Skerries Rock, Wm. Jno. Rees. - *127. L.H. Holyhead Breakwater, Messrs Prichard, Roberts, and Hughes. - *128. L.H. South Stack, W. R. Burgess. - *129. L.V. Carnarvon Bay, Messrs Thomas and Hughes. - 130. L.H. St Tudwalls. - *131. L.H. Bardsey Island, Thomas Bowen. - *132. L.V. Cardigan Bay, Messrs Rees and Comben. - - South Wales. - - *133. L.H. South Bishop, Alfred Frost. - *134. L.H. Smalls, George Baker. - *135. L.H. Great Castle Head, W. L. Davis. - *136. L.H. Milford (St Ann's), Jas. F. Spicer. - *137. L.H. Caldy, Wm. Ebben. - *138. L.V. Helwick, Messrs Webber and Howells. - - Bristol Channel. - - *139. L.V. Scarweather, Messrs Havells and Wynen. - *140. L.H. Nash (E. ), Henry Nicholas. - *141. L.V. Breaksea, Messrs Walters and Johnson. - *142. L.H. Flatholm, W. Dale. - 143. L.V. English and Welsh Grounds. - *144. L.H. Usk, Amos Russell. - 145. L.H. Avon. - *146. L.H. Burnham, William Lewis. - - South-Western England. - - *147. L.H. Bull Point, George Knott. - *148. L.H. Bideford Bar, Thomas Gilpin. - 149. L.H. Lundy Island. - 150. L.H. Hartland Point. - 151. L.H. Trevose Head. - *152. L.H. Godrevy, Richard Trahair. - *153. L.H. Longships, Jno. W. Watson. - *154. L.V. Sevenstones, Daniel Norton. - *155. L.H. Wolf Rock, J. J. Chavner. - 156. L.H. Scilly. - *157. L.H. Bishop's Rock, Jno. W. Troth. - 158. L.H. Lizard Point. - 159. L.H. Falmouth Harbour. - *160. L.H. Eddystone, William Ainger. - *161. L.H. Plymouth Breakwater, Arthur Ebgar. - *162. L.H. Start Point, William Jones. - *163. L.H. Portland Bill, William Frost. - *164. L.V. Shambles, William Clark. - 165. L.H. Anvil Point. - *166. L.H. Hurst Castle, G. G. Appleton. - 167. L.H. The Needles. - -It is satisfactory to note that not only has the number of stations -making returns been largely augmented, but also that the schedules -have considerably increased in number from most stations.[10] It is -pleasing, too, to observe the pains and evident interest taken by most -of the recorders. Our best thanks are due to the observers above named -for their invaluable co-operation, and for the faithful manner in which -they have filled in their schedules. To Messrs Ainger (Eddystone), -Baker (Smalls), Clyne (Langness), Johnson (Longships), Jones (Start), -Knott (Bull Point), Lewis (Burnham), Nicholas (Nash), Rees (Skerries), -Walters and Johnson (Breaksea), Webber and Howells (Helwick), and -Work and Clague (Dee), additional and especial thanks are due for -sending the wings of the species unknown to them killed or captured -at their respective stations. The result of the first efforts in this -direction has been highly satisfactory; a very considerable number of -wings have been received, representing the following species:--_Turdus -viscivorus_, _T. musicus_, _T. merula_, _T. torquatus_, _Saxicola -œnanthe_, _Pratincola rubetra_, _P. rubicola_, _Sylvia cinerea_, _S. -atricapilla_, _Phylloscopus collybita_, _P. trochilus_, _Acrocephalus -phragmitis_, _Locustella nævia_, _Regulus cristatus_, _Troglodytes -parvulus_, _Motacilla rayi_, _Anthus pratensis_, _A. trivialis_, _A. -obscurus_, _Muscicapa grisola_, _Emberiza miliaria_, _Alauda arvensis_, -_Caprimulgus europæus_, _Cuculus canorus_, _Gallinula chloropus_, -_Tringa alpina_, _T. canutus_, and _Procellaria leucorrhoa_. - -[Footnote 10: No less than 84 schedules were returned.] - - -Diary of the Migratory Movements as Observed at the various Stations. - -The sequence of the stations is from north to south. The meteorological -conditions prevailing during the more important movements are extracted -from "The Daily Weather Reports"[11] issued by the Meteorological -Office. The wind and weather, as observed at the stations, are given in -parenthesis; for the weather, the symbols of the Beaufort scale have -been adopted;[12] while the force of the wind ranges from to 12. - -[Footnote 11: These Reports cover not only the British Islands, but -also Western Europe, from Bodo and Haparanda to Corunna and Toulon, and -are based upon numerous returns from the area indicated.] - -[Footnote 12: Beaufort scale:--B. blue sky; C. detached clouds; D. -drizzling rain; F. fog; G. dark, gloomy; H. hail; L. lightning; M. -misty; O. overcast; P. passing showers; Q. squally; E. rain; S. snow; -T. thunder; U. ugly, threatening; V. visibility, unusual transparency; -W. dew.] - -The diction of the recorders has been adhered to as closely as -possible. The identification of the species marked * has been verified -from wings sent to the Committee. - - -SPRING. - -Weather during the Week March 21st to 27th. - - Weather--mild and damp throughout, with southerly (S.E. to S.W.) - winds, generally moderate, but occasionally strong, especially - in the W. Barometric pressure has been continuously highest over - the Continent, and lowest to the westward and north-westward of - our Islands, the gradients being, as a rule, moderate, and the - distribution cyclonic. On the 24th, however, the continental - anticyclone extended to the westward, over our islands, for a - short time, and the winds backed to eastward at the southern and - south-western stations, with a fall of temperature; but this change - was very temporary. Temperature above its normal height--maximum - varying from 60° to 65° in many places.--(From Weekly Summary in - "Daily Weather Report," March 29, 1886.) - - -March 24th. - -_Langness_ L.H.--One Willow Warbler on lantern at 2 A.M. (Light E.; -haze.) - -_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--Great numbers of Thrushes, Starlings, Wheat ears, -and Larks flying round lantern at 8 P.M. (S., light breeze; haze.) - -_Selker_ L.V.--A great many Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Larks about the -light from 12 P.M. to 4 A.M., some striking and going over the side. - -_River Dee_ L.V.--One Woodcock killed at 7.45 P.M. - -_South Stack_ L.H.--Several Siskins and Wheatears from 12 P.M. to 4 -A.M. A few struck and killed. (S.E., 4; C. M. R.) - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Thrushes, Redwings, Starlings, and Wheatears from 8 -P.M. to 10.30 P.M. A great quantity struck; 20 birds killed. (S. by W., -and S.S.W.; C. V.) - - -March 25th. - -_Langness_ L.H.--One Blackbird (female) found dead. - -_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--Immense numbers of Starlings, mixed with Thrushes -and Fieldfares, throughout the night. Large numbers killed. (S.S.W. -fresh. Breeze increasing towards morning to a gale; haze and fog.) - -_Bahama Bank_ L.V.--Several Larks, Thrushes, and Starlings at 11.30 -P.M. four "Grey Birds" killed. - -_Selker_ L.V.--A great many Larks, Starlings, and a few Thrushes flying -about the light from 9 to 12 P.M. (Misty.) - - -March 26th. - -_Langness_ L.H.--One female Blackbird killed, and two Redwings killed -on lantern at 4 A.M. - -_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--Mr Black says: "The same kind of birds were to be -seen on this date as on the 25th, but very few struck, as the night was -clear." - -_St Bees_ L.H.--Several Wheatears on the 26th and 27th. - -_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--Hundreds of Thrushes and Larks all night, 40 -killed and 20 caught; they left at daylight, flying towards the east. -(S.W., 5; G. M.) - -_Nash_ (E.) L.H.--A Swallow rested on the lantern from 6.30 A.M. till 7 -A.M., and then left and flew N.E. - - -March 27th. - -_Langness_ L.H.--Several Starlings, a Lark, and a Chaffinch on the -lantern from 2 to 4 A.M. - -_St Bees_ L.H.--19 or 20 Grey Geese at 6 P.M. - -_Selker_ L.V.--Starlings and Blackbirds flying about the light at 3 A.M. - -_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--10 Lapwings at 11 A.M. flying N.E. (N.W., 6; B. -C. V.) - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Blackbirds, Redwings, and Starlings in great numbers -from 9 P.M. to 3 A.M. (28th); 20 struck and lost over, four caught. (S. -by W., 4; C. R. M.) - -_Plymouth Breakwater_ L.H.--One Thrush killed at 3 A.M. - - -March 29th. - -_Langness_ L.H.--One Song Thrush and one Redwing struck between 10 and -12 P.M. - -_Selker_ L.V.--A great many Thrushes, Blackbirds, Starlings, and Larks -from 12 P.M. to 2 A.M. One Woodcock struck, and was caught. "There were -also a great many other birds." (S.W., 3; rain, thick mist.) - - -April 5th. - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Two Red Linnets caught at 9 P.M., and two Ring Ouzels -caught at midnight. (S.W. by W., 5; O. D. M.) - - -Weather for Week, April 18th to 24th. - - Generally fair, but until the close of the week temperature was - low for the time of the year, and frosts were experienced in the - north of Scotland. Barometric depressions prevailed southward and - south-westward of our Islands until the 23d, when a large and - well-defined low-pressure system approached us from the southward, - and passed in a north-westerly direction out into the Atlantic. - As its centre skirted our south-west coasts, moderate gales from - the E. or S.E. prevailed in the south of Ireland and south-west of - England.--(From Weekly Summary, "Daily Weather Report," April 26, - 1886.) - - -April 19th. - -_Langness_ L.H.--A Cuckoo seen at 10 A.M. - - -April 22d. - -_Langness_ L.H.--One Common Wren at 4 P.M. - -_River Dee_ L.V.--Flocks of Titlarks and Wagtails passing to the east -during the whole of the day. (E.N.E. to N.N.W., 2; C. V.) - -Carnarvon Bay L.V.--Six Black Crows flying east at 8 A.M. - -_Nash (E.)_ L.H.--Seven *Wrens at 10.30 P.M., three killed; the others -remained till daylight. (E., 3; B. M.) - - -April 23d. - -_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--A Swallow at 9.30 A.M., flying N.E., and an -Oystercatcher and a Carrion Crow sitting on the rock. - -_River Dee_ L.V.--Flocks of Titlarks and Wagtails, and small flocks of -Swallows passing the whole of the day, flying east. Two Wrens and one -Stonechat killed at midnight. (S.E., 3; C. U.) - -_Nash (E.)_ L.H.--Between sixty and seventy *Whitethroats at 10 P.M. -twelve killed, the others remaining till daylight. (E., 2; B. M.) - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Hundreds of Wheatears, and many Warblers and -"Flycatcher species" from 9 P.M. to 12 P.M. "Scores against the -glazing; none caught." (S.E., 1; C. M.) - - -April 29th. - -_Nash (E.)_ L.H.--Four Cuckoos passed west from 8.30 to 9 A.M. (S.S.W., -2; B. C. V.) - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--A large number of Wheatears from 2 A.M. to 4 A.M.; -none caught; a great many killed and lost over. (E.N.E., 8; C. P. M.) - - -May 10th. - -_Langness_ L.H.--Mr Clyne, in a letter, stated that on the 10th there -were great numbers of *Whitethroats, *Sedge Warblers, and *Willow Wrens -on the lantern. - - -May 11th. - -_Langness_ L.H.--Two Warblers found dead on lantern; killed between -12 P.M. and daylight. Large flock of Swifts flying north at 8.30 A.M. -(Light E.; haze and showers.) - - -May 16th. - -_Langness_ L.H.--Several Whimbrels at 10 A.M. (Fresh N.E.; clear.) - - -AUTUMN. - -Weather for Week, August 1st to 7th. - - Weather--changeable; the pressure distribution being cyclonic and - complex at first (causing north-westerly and south-westerly winds), - then anticyclonic, and afterwards cyclonic, but of a simple type - (causing southerly to westerly breezes). A small but well-formed - anticyclone advanced over us from the westward during the 3d and - 4th, but owing to a fall in the barometer in the west it moved - southwards.--(From Weekly Summary in "Daily Weather Report" for - August 9th, 1886.) - - -August 1st. - -_Nash (E.)_ L.H.--Two Cuckoos at 11.20 P.M. one killed and one caught -alive. Four Swifts killed between 11 and 12 P.M. Eight Willow Warblers -from 11 to 12 P.M. three killed. (N.W., 3; B. C.) - - -August 3d. - -_Flatholm_ L.H.--Six Chiff-Chaffs at midnight; one killed. (S.S.W., 3; -B. C. M.) - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Large numbers of small birds flying about the lantern -between 10 P.M. and 3 A.M. One Sand-Martin and one Warbler caught. -(N.E., 1; B. C. V.) - -_Start Point_ L.H.--*One Ring Ouzel and four small birds--*Willow Wren, -*Whitethroat, *Wheatear, and *Tree Pipit--caught at 3 A.M. One Wren -and a quantity of moths against the light at 11.15 P.M. Mr Jones says: -"The small birds and moths against the light in still weather, is most -times a sign of thick, misty weather to follow." One King Ouzel and -three small birds caught at 11.30 P.M. (N., 2; O. V.) - - -August 4th. - -_Langness_ L.H.--Large number of Dunlin at 5 A.M. (N.W., light.) -Several Swallows at 3 P.M. (S.W., light; clear.) - -_Flatholm_ L.H.--Small flock of Swifts at sunset. (W., 3; B. C.) - -_Start Point_ L.H.--A flock of about four dozen small birds at 3 A.M.; -eleven captured, including *Yellow Wagtail (young), *Wheatear, and -*Tree Pipit. (N., 4; O. C.) - - -August 9th. - -_Flatholm_ L.H.--Large flock of Swifts at sunset. (W., 2; c.) Eddystone -L.H.--Several small birds, Wheatears, and Warblers, between midnight -and 3 A.M. One "Rock Plover" killed at 2 A.M. Large number of small -birds, Wheatears, and Warblers, from 11 P.M. till 3 A.M. two Sand -Martins and one Rock Plover caught. (S. by W., 2; O. M. R.) - - -August 10th. - -_Langness_ L.H.--Two Whimbrels at 8 A.M. - -_Skerries Rock_ L.H.--A few Flycatchers from 8 P.M. to 11 P.M.; two -killed. - -_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--Flock of Swallows going S.E. at 1 P.M. - -_Cardigan Bay_ L.V.--Fourteen Swifts passing to the S.S.W. at 8 P.M. - - -August 22d. - -_Nash (E.)_ L.H.--About ninety *Sedge Warblers round the light at 10.30 -P.M. fourteen killed. (E., 1; B. C. M.) About two hundred *Whitethroats -and fifty * Wheatears from 9 to 10.30 P.M.; eleven Whitethroats and -four Wheatears killed. - -_Burnham_ L.H.--One *Sedge Warbler killed at 3 A.M. - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Two Curlews seen at 1 P.M. flying E. (S., 1; B. C. -M.) Mr Ainger says that these birds are seldom seen at Eddystone. - - -August 23d. - -_Nash (E.)_ L.H. Twenty to thirty Wheatears at 11 P.M. three killed. -(S.E., 1; C. M.) - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Several Wheatears and Warblers from 9 P.M. to 10.30 -P.M. five caught. (S.W., 1; C. M.) - - -August 27th. - -_Selker_ L.V.--Blackbirds, Starlings, and Titlarks flying round lantern -all night; disappeared at daybreak. (S.S.W., 3; O. M. B.) - -_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--Three Stonechats killed at 5 A.M. (S.W., 4; fog.) - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Flocks of Oyster-Catchers all night; nine caught. -Several Wheatears and Warblers all night striking lantern; three -Warblers killed. (S.E. by S., 1; B. C. M.) - -_Start Point_ L.H.--One Blackbird and one *Spotted Flycatcher caught at -11 P.M. (W.S.W., 2; C. G.) - - -Weather for the Week, August 29th to September 4th. - - The weather during the week was of two very distinct types. In the - first of these a large anticyclone lay over Germany, France, and - the southern half of England; and while in all these countries - bright, dry, and very warm weather was being experienced, some of - the maxima in England being as high as 87°, that over the western - and northern parts of the kingdom and west of Norway was cyclonic, - showery, and cool, with strong southerly and south-westerly - winds. Very little change occurred until September 1st, when the - anticyclone in the south began to spread west to Ireland, causing - the wind to veer and lull, and making the air somewhat cooler and - drier. On the evening of this day, however, a separate anticyclone - was formed in the west, so that the wind veered to the northwards - over England and the Bay of Biscay, while it was southerly and - easterly in many other places. The conflict of air-currents brought - about by these conditions soon produced thunderstorms and heavy - rains over France. The change of temperature in England, owing to - the northerly winds, rain, and heavy clouds, was very large--London - being 26° colder at 2 P.M. on the 2d than on the previous day at - the same hour. The shallow continental disturbances now moved - northwards to our Islands, and the week closed with thunderstorms - of great severity, prevailing in nearly all parts of France and the - British Islands.--(From Weekly Summary, "Daily Weather Report," - September 5th, 1886.) - - -September 1st. - -_South Bishop_ L.H.--Several Wheatears killed, by striking lantern, at -1 A.M. (W.N.W., 1; O. M.) - -_Burnham_ L.H.--One Sedge Warbler struck at 3 A.M. (E.S.E., 1; fog.) - -_Longships_ L.H.--A great many birds from midnight to daylight; three -struck, one killed. (S. to N., 3; drizzle and fog.) - -_Wolf Rock_ L.H.--Several Wheatears striking lantern at 11 P.M. (N.E. -by N., 3; C. R. V.) - -_Bishop Rock_ L.H.--About fifty Wheatears, one Starling, and a -Blackbird from 12 P.M. to 3 A.M. four or five came to glass, but none -killed. (N.N.E., 4; overcast.) - - -September 2d. - -_Langness_ L.H.--One Wheatear and one Willow Warbler on lantern at 2 -A.M. (Light S.W.; clear.) Five Wagtails at 9.30 A.M. - -_Skerries Rock_ L.H.--Flycatchers and Wheatears flying round lantern at -midnight. (N.E., 2; fine, clear.) - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Hundreds of Wheatears from 9 P.M. to 4 A.M. (3d); -none caught. (N.E. by E., 3; B. C. V.) - -_Plymouth Breakwater_ L.H.--Two Flycatchers struck and killed at 9.30 -P.M. (N.W., 5; O. R. M.) - - -September 3d.[13] - -[Footnote 13: For meteorological conditions, see p. 87.] - -_Langness_ L.H.--A few Warblers on lantern from 1 to 4 A.M. A few House -Martins at 9.30 A.M. A great many Wheatears all day. (Light N.E.; haze.) - -_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--Number of Stonechats (? Wheatears) flying round -light all night. - -_River Dee_ L.V.--Scores of birds about the light from midnight till 4 -A.M. One young "Sand-Lark," one *Whitethroat, and one *Moorhen killed; -one Gull caught alive. (E.S.E., 2; fog.) - -_Smalls_ L.H.--Quail in the morning; Kestrel seen on rock in the -evening. (E.N.E., 1; O. M.) - -_Nash (E.)_ L.H.--Four *Nightjars at 2.10 A.M., one killed; fifteen to -twenty *Common Buntings from 2.15 to 3 A.M., eight killed; fifty to -sixty *Common Whitethroats from 2.15 to 3 A.M., twenty-four killed; -twenty to thirty *Willow Wrens from 2.20 to 3.20 A.M., seventeen -killed; six young *Cuckoos at 3 A.M., two killed; fourteen House -Sparrows and one Robin killed at 3 A.M. thirty to forty Wheatears -at 3.10 A.M., two killed; three Blackbirds from 3 to 3.15 A.M., one -killed. Mr H. Nicholas says that on the 3d "there was an enormous -arrival of small birds, the greatest number ever seen here at any one -time." - -_Longships_ L.H.--Several birds from 9.30 P.M. to midnight; three -struck; one Lark killed. (S.E., 3; misty and rain.) - -_Bishop Rock_ L.H.--About one hundred Wheatears, two Ringed Dotterels, -six or seven Curlews, and one Manx Shearwater from 11 P.M. to daylight; -about twenty struck glass. Three Wheatears and one Manx Shearwater -killed. (E.N.E., 2; overcast, misty.) - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Hundreds of Wheatears and Larks from 10 P.M. till -3.30 A.M. none caught. One Blackbird and one Ring Ouzel seen. - - -September 4th.[14] - -[Footnote 14: For meteorological conditions, see p. 87;] - -_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--Numbers of Stonechats and a few Curlews flying -round the light all night. - -_River Dee_ L.V.--About three dozen *Wheatears round the light all the -night of the 3d and morning of 4th; several killed, also one young -Sandpiper killed. - -_Skerries Rock_ L.H.--About two dozen Lapwings and Curlews and a few -Larks flying round lantern from 9 P.M. to 10.30 P.M. (S., 3; thunder -and lightning.) - -_South Bishop_ L.H.--A great many Wheatears and several Wrens striking -lantern windows from 12 P.M. to 3 A.M. several killed, and a great many -with broken wings. Several Blackbirds and Larks at 3 A.M. A company of -Swallows at 11 A.M., flying E. Mr Frost states, "the first we have seen -for some time." About half a dozen Stormy Petrels at midnight. (E., 4; -C. R. M.) - -_Smalls_ L.H.--Numbers of Blackbirds, Starlings, Wheatears, and Swifts -from 3 A.M. till daylight; many striking, several killed. (S.S.E., 2; -O. R. M.) - -_Longships_ L.H.--Several Larks and other birds unknown from 11 P.M. to -2 A.M. two struck; a *Rock Pipit killed. (S.E., 3; rain.) - -_Wolf Rock_ L.H.--Six Wheatears striking lantern at 11 P.M. (S., 3; C. -R. V.) - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Hundreds of Wheatears all night; thirty killed. -(E.S.E, 3; C. P. V.) - -_Plymouth Breakwater_ L.H.--One Plover caught at 2.25 A.M. (E.S.E., 3; -O. D. M.) - -_Start Point_ L.H.--A flock of about fifty small birds from 9 P.M. to -midnight; two captured, a Wheatear and a "White-Breast." (E.S.E., 2; C. -G. P.) - - -September 5th. - -_Langness_ L.H.--Two or three Goldcrests, several Swallows, and a large -number of Pipits at 9 A.M. (Light E.; haze.) - -_Selker_ L.V.--Larks all night; one struck and killed. (S.S.E., 4; C. -M. P.) - -_Burnham_ L.H.--One Sedge Warbler killed at 3 A.M. (S.W., 2; misty.) - - -Weather for Week, 19th to 25th September. - - During the 21st the existing depression filled up over Brittany, - and with its dispersal the high-pressure system in the north spread - down our west coasts, while the wind moderated and backed to N. and - N.W. generally. The shift of winds was accompanied by a decided - fall of temperature, and on the 23d and 24th the maximum readings - over our Islands were below 60° in almost all places. On the - morning of the 25th the anticyclonic system had reached the west of - France; the winds over our Islands now backed to S.W. and S., the - temperature rising.--(From Weekly Summary, "Daily Weather Report," - September 27th, 1886.) - - -September 20th. - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Hundreds of Wheatears all night; nine caught. (E., 5; -B. V.) - - -September 21st. - -_Langness_ L.H.--Large numbers of Swallows and a flock of Grey Linnets -at 9 A.M. - -_Cardigan Bay_ L.V.--Twenty-four Swallows at 9 A.M. passing S. by W. - -_Helwick_ L.V.--About a dozen Swallows at 11 A.M. flying E. - -_Sevenstones_ L.V.--Three Swallows at 10 A.M. flying round the ship. - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--One Woodcock killed at 7.30 P.M., but lost over. -(E.N.E., 9; O. Q. R.) - - -September 23d. - -_Langness_ L.H.--A few Wheatears at 5 P.M. (Light E.; clear.) Cardigan -Bay L.V.--About twenty small birds, "Flycatcher species," passed to -west at 8 A.M. (E.N.E., 2; B. C. V.) - -_Smalls_ L.H.--A great many striking during the night; several killed, -including *Stonechat, *Whitethroat, *Willow Wren, *Chiff-Chaff, and -*Sedge Warbler. Two female Blackbirds also killed. (N.E., 4; C. V.) - -_Helwick_ L.V.--"Some dozens of Willow Wrens and Whitethroats were -flying around the light all night, some falling dead on deck, and -dozens overboard." - -_Flatholm_ L.H.--Large flocks of Swifts and Starlings during the day. -(W., 3; C. M.) - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--A great many small birds, Larks, Wheatears, and -Warblers, from 9 P.M. to 4 A.M. One male Ring Ouzel caught. (E.N.E., 4; -C. M.) - - -September 24th. - -_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--Four Goldcrests and two Thrushes struck at 10.30 -P.M. (Light breeze, S.W.; haze.) - -_South Stack_ L.H.--One Robin caught on lantern at 11.45 P.M. (W.S.W., -3; C. V.) - -_Flatholm_ L.H.--Large flocks of Swallows, Wagtails, and other small -birds all day, passing S.W. - -_Bull Point_ L.H.--A number of small birds, "of two species" -[*Whitethroat and *Willow Wren], flying about the light at 4 A.M.; four -killed. (S., 3; O. M.) - -_Bishop Rock_ L.H.--Several Wheatears and "Furze-chats" came to glass -at 1 A.M. (N.E., 3; misty.) - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Great many Wheatears and Warblers, and one Sand -Martin, from 8 P.M. to 4 A.M. Two Ring Ouzels, females, caught. (E. by -S., 2; C. G. V.) - -_Start Point_ L.H.--One small bird, and one "Whitebreast," fluttering -about the light at 9.30 P.M. (Calm; C. G. V.) - - -Weather for the Week, 3d to 9th October. - - Up to the night of the 2d the conditions had been cyclonic and - unsettled. At the beginning of the week an anticyclone lay over - the North Sea, while depressions of considerable size, but of no - great depth, moved northwards along our extreme western coasts. - South-easterly or southerly winds, therefore, prevailed generally; - in the west they were strong in force, and the weather cloudy; - but in the east and south-east light breezes and fine weather - were reported. On the 4th the thermometer exceeded 75° in many - parts of England. By the 5th the anticyclone had moved northwards - to Scandinavia, and as it did so a second high pressure system - appeared over Spain. These conditions were accompanied, as usual, - by the formation of shallow depressions in the intervening - regions, one of which lay over the east of England on the morning - of the 6th, subsequently moving northwards to Scotland; and a - second, which advanced over our south-west coasts on the 7th, and - ultimately filled up over the north-east of France. On the 9th - a larger and much deeper depression had appeared in the west, - and in the course of the day it moved northwards, occasioning - south-easterly or southerly gales at many of our western and some - of our northern stations.--(From Weekly Summary, "Daily Weather - Report," October 11, 1886.) - - -October 3d. - -_Langness_ L.H.--A few Thrushes and Blackbirds on lantern at 2 A.M. -(Fresh E.; haze.) - -_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--Large flocks of Thrushes and Blackbirds, a few -Larks, and one Ring Ouzel, from 9 P.M. till daylight; large numbers -killed. (S.E., fresh breeze; haze.) - -_Selker_ L.V.--A few Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Larks flying about the -lights throughout the night; six killed. - -_Menai_ L.H.--A Thrush caught alive at 2 A.M. A number of Linnets -caught at 10 A.M. old birds. - -_South Stack_ L.H.--A Blackbird caught on lantern at 11.50 P.M. - -_Wolf Rock_ L.H.--One "Turtle Dove" at 11 A.M. (S., 5; B. C. V.) - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Several small birds (Wheatears and Warblers), a -Blackbird, and a Ring Ouzel, from 7 P.M. till 3 A.M. several killed. -(E. by N., 4; C. M.) - - -October 4th. - -_Langness_ L.H.--A few Common Thrushes striking lantern from 9 to 10 -P.M. - -_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--Flocks of Thrushes, mixed with Blackbirds, Larks, -Starlings, and other small birds, from 9 P.M. till daylight; a few -killed, but principally flying in the rays of the light. (S.E. strong -breeze; haze.) - -_River Dee_ L.V.--A few small birds about the lantern during the night, -species not known; one "Flycatcher" found dead on deck. (S.S.E., 2; O. -M.) - -_Skerries Rock_ L.H.--Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Larks flying round -lantern from 12 (midnight) to 4 A.M. (S.E., 4; cloudy, misty.) - -_South Stack_ L.H.--A few Thrushes, a Goldcrest, a Lark, and a Starling -caught at lantern between 12 P.M. and 4 A.M. (E.S.E., 4; C. M.) - -_Cardigan Bay_ L.V.--Large flock of Meadow Pipits flying S.W. at 7 P.M. -(E.S.E., 4; G. M.) - -_Helwick_ L.V.--"Some dozens" of Wheatears around the light at 2 A.M. -many killed and falling overboard. - -_Flatholm_ L.H.--Small flocks of House Martins all day, going south. - -_Wolf Rock_ L.H.--Three Sea Swallows at 3 P.M. (S.E., 5; B. C. V.) - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Two Larks, one Thrush, and one Starling caught from 9 -till 12 P.M. (S.E., 7; C. G. L. V.) - - -October 5th. - -_Langness_ L.H.--Large flock of Grey Linnets, a few Sky Larks, and -about twenty Swallows at 9.30 A.M. A great many Thrushes flying about -lantern from 7 to 8 P.M. One Missel Thrush caught. (E., fresh; haze.) - -_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--A few Thrushes, Starlings, Blackbirds, -Stonechats, and Larks flying round the light all night. Three -Goldfinches sitting on lantern at 4 A.M. (Variable light breeze; haze.) - -_Bahama Bank_ L.V.--Several Thrushes, Blackbirds, and a great many -Larks flying round the light at 10 P.M. Four Thrushes killed, and three -caught alive; six Larks killed. (S.S.E.; misty, rain.) - -_Selker_ L.V.--A great many Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Larks flying -round the light. Four Thrushes killed from 8 to 12 P.M. (S., 4; M.) - -_St Ann's High_ L.H.--Large number of small "Flycatchers" flying -against the lantern during the night; fifteen killed. - -_Bull Point_ L.H.--A Lark struck glass at 3 A.M., but not killed. -(S.S.E., 3; B. C. M.) - -_Wolf Rock_ L.H.--A Kestrel Hawk remained from 9 A.M. to sunset, and -then flew N.E. - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Two Quails (male and female) caught at 2 A.M. (S., 3; -C. R. M.) - -_Portland Low_ L.H.--Three or four Linnets flying about from 1 to 3 -A.M. (S.E., 2; C. V.) - - -October 7th. - -_Langness_ L.H.--A good many Swallows at 9 A.M. Skerries -L.H.--Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, and "Flycatchers" at 3 A.M. two or -three dozen struck lantern. (S.E., 2; misty.) - -_South Stack_ L.H.--Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, and Wrens at 4 P.M. -several struck lantern; a few killed. (S.E., 2; C. M. R.) - -_Cardigan Bay_ L.V.--A flock of Martins at 9 A.M., passing S.S.W. - -_Helwick_ L.V.--A large number of "Pinks" (Fringilla cartels) passing -to south at 7 A.M. - -_Wolf Rock_ L.H.--Four Sea Swallows (Sterna) appeared at 2 P.M., and -left for east at sunset. - - -October 8th. - -_Langness_ L.H.--A Hedge Accentor and a Wheatear at 4 P.M. - -_Selker_ L.V.--A great many Thrushes from 2 to 5 A.M. two killed. -(S.S.E., 3; misty.) - -_Skerries_ L.H.--Thrushes, Blackbirds, Wheatears, and Flycatchers at 4 -A.M. some killed. (Calm, misty.) - -_Cardigan Bay_ L.V.--Sixteen Skylarks and two Chaffinches at 10 A.M. - -_Portland Low_ L.H.--Twenty Swallows at 10 A.M. - - -Weather for Week, 18th to 23d October. - - The weather during this period has been much quieter than last - week, but conditions have been by no means settled, and several - depressions--mostly shallow--have appeared in the neighbourhood - of the British Isles. On the 17th the deep disturbance which had - crossed our Islands reached Holland, and was apparently filling - up. In the course of the day, however, a subsidiary disturbance, - more southwards, down our W. coasts. During the 18th and 19th the - depression over Holland and the subsidiary disturbance (which had - then reached the Bay of Biscay) dispersed gradually, and moderating - north-easterly winds were reported over the greater part of the - United Kingdom. A depression was found in the English Channel on - the morning of the 20th; this, in the course of the ensuing 24 - hours, moved northwards to the North Sea, where it eventually - dispersed. Its progress was attended by very heavy thunderstorms - over the midland and eastern counties of England; and on the 21st - the phenomena were reproduced over the northern districts. At - the close of the week the weather over our islands was under the - influence partly of a well-marked depression over the Bay of Biscay - and partly of an anticyclone extending over Scandinavia. Easterly - winds, therefore, prevailed generally; in the N. they were light in - force and the weather fair, but in the extreme S. they blew freshly - with occasional rain. - - -October 19th. - -_Langness_ L.H.--One Redwing at 9 P.M. A large flock of Wild Duck at -5.30 P.M. (N.E.; fresh, showers.) - -_Selker_ L.V.--A dozen Crows going S.E. at 10 A.M. - -_Skerries_ L.H.--Blackbirds and Thrushes around the lantern at 9 P.M. - -_South Stack_ L.H.--Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, and one Goldcrest from -9 to 10 P.M. a few caught. (E.N.E., 7; C. M. R.) - -_Scarweather_ L.V.--Four Chaffinches at 7.30 A.M. - -_Breaksea_ L.V.--Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, and Fieldfares around -the lantern from 8 P.M. to midnight. One Wren killed. (E.N.E., 3; O. M. -L.) - -_Godrevy_ L.V.--Several Redwings at 7 P.M. a few killed. - -_Wolf Rock_ L.H.--Four Terns at 4 P.M. - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Redwings and Starlings from 7 to 10 P.M.; many caught -and more lost over. (N.E., 2; C. M. and C. M. D.) - -_Start Point_ L.H.--Many Thrushes, also Ring Ouzels and Spotted -Flycatchers; fifty Thrushes, two Ring Ouzels, and two Flycatchers -captured. - - -October 20th. - -_Langness_ L.H.--Twelve Missel Thrushes flying W. at 7.30 A.M. A large -flock of Lapwings appeared at 3 P.M. A Goldcrest on lantern from 9 P.M. -to 3 A.M. - -_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--Large numbers of birds were observed flying round -the lantern, and a Lark and a Goldfinch perched. - -_Selker_ L.V.--Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Larks in numbers at lantern -all night and on early morning of 21st; many struck and lost over. - -_Morecambe Bay_ L.V.--One Linnet, three Starlings, and three Larks on -deck at 10.40 A.M. - -_Dee_ L.V.--Flocks of Titlarks all forenoon; one Wren on deck at 8.15 -A.M. - -_Menai_ L.H.--Flocks of Linnets, Starlings, and Crows on the shore at 7 -A.M. - -_Skerries_ L.H.--Three dozen Starlings and Larks killed at 10 P.M. - -_Holyhead Breakwater_ L.H.--A Starling and Goldcrest captured at 9 P.M. - -_South Stack_ L.H.--A great number of Blackbirds, Thrushes, Starlings, -and Larks; also one Goldcrest, one Robin, and one Chaffinch flying -around the lantern from 8 P.M. to midnight. - -_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--Starlings, Finches, and Larks at sunrise; many -caught on deck. (N.E., 3; C. M.) - -_Bardsey_ L.H.--"Eighty Blackbirds and about fifty Thrushes killed at -lantern." - -_Cardigan Bay_ L.V.--One Rook and two Chaffinches at 11.30 A.M. - -_Smalls_ L.H.--One Corncrake killed at lantern. - -_Scarweather_ L.V.--Six Larks, three dozen Sparrows, and three dozen -Linnets passed N.E. between 8.30 and 10.30 A.M. - -_Nash_ L.H.--Two Skylarks killed at 10 P.M., and eleven Starlings -killed between 10 and 10.30 P.M. - - -October 21st. - -_Langness_ L.H.--A Woodlark at 1 A.M. on lantern. Five Swallows at 9.30 -A.M. flying S.W. - -_Selker_ L.V.--Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, and other birds, unknown, -around the lantern until daylight this morning; many killed. - -_Morecambe Bay_ L.V.--Six Blackbirds, eleven "Titlarks," and five -Skylarks flying S. during the forenoon. - -_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--Blackbirds, Thrushes, Starlings, and Snipe. One -Blackbird, six Thrushes, and one Snipe found dead at 5 A.M. - -_Helwick_ L.V.--Six to eight dozen Larks passing S. at 11 A.M. - -_Nash_ L.H.--Two Song Thrushes killed at 9.30 P.M. four Redwings killed -between 9 and 11 P.M. (N., 4; C. M.) - -_Start Point_ L.H.--One "Titlark" at 8.30 P.M. - - -October 23d. - -_Helwick_ L.V.--Two Thrushes and a female Blackbird killed at 3 A.M. - -_Nash_ L.H.--A Woodcock killed at 2 A.M. - -_Godrevy_ L.H.--A great number of Redwings, Thrushes, and Starlings all -night; some of each killed. (E., 6; G. M. P.) - -_Longships_ L.H.--Scores of Starlings and Thrushes all night; a great -number striking. - - -Weather for Week, 24th to 31st October. - - Conditions not pronounced. During earlier portion of week the - weather dull, and at times wet over the southern and south-western - parts of the United Kingdom, fine but rather foggy elsewhere; later - on the rain spread northwards over England and Ireland, and the - wind veered from E. to S.E. and S., with a rise of temperature and - damp, close air. Pressure highest over Sweden and the Baltic, and, - as a rule, lowest over the Bay of Biscay and off our south-western - coasts, the gradients for easterly winds being steepest on the - 25th. Two depressions appeared, the second of which, apparently - larger but not a deep system, approached the Irish Coasts on the - 30th, and, moving northwards, caused freshening southerly winds and - rain in the west; while light southerly breezes were felt at the - eastern station, with very mild but dull and damp weather.--(From - Weekly Summary, "Daily Weather Report," November 2d, 1886.) - - -October 24th. - -_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--Ten Greenfinches and Chaffinches on deck all day; -four caught. - -_Cardigan Bay_ L.V.--Several flocks of Starlings and Skylarks going -S.W. during the day. - -_Nash_ L.H.--A few Blackbirds and Redwings between 4.30 and 5 A.M. a -few killed. - -_Godrevy_ L.H.--Great numbers of Redwings, Thrushes, Blackbirds, and -Starlings all night; several killed. - -_Longships_ L.H.--Scores of Thrushes and Starlings all night; a good -many captured. - -_Wolf Rock_ L.H.--Twenty "Grey Birds" flying around the lantern at 10 -P.M. - -_Bishop Rock_ L.H.--Several Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, and -Fieldfares from 11 P.M. to daylight; six killed. - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Thrushes, Redwings, Starlings, and Larks from -midnight to 3 A.M. fifty to sixty striking. - - -October 25th. - -_Helwick_ L.V.--A Blackbird and a Lark killed at 2 A.M. - -_Nash_ L.H.--Large flocks of Lapwings passing S.E. from 7 to 10 A.M. -Flock of Redwings passing S. at 10 A.M. Six Song Thrushes killed at -8.20 P.M. Ten Blackbirds killed between 8 and 10 P.M. - -_Godrevy_ L.H.--A great number of Redwings, Thrushes, and Starlings all -night; several killed. - -_Longships_ L.H.--A few Puffins going S. during the morning. A good -many Starlings, Thrushes, and Larks all night; several killed. - -_Wolf Rock_ L.H.--Twenty-four "Grey Birds" about lantern at 12 P.M. - -_Bishop Rock_ L.H.--Several hundreds of Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, -Fieldfares, Ring Ouzels, and "Copperfinches" from 9 P.M. to daylight -(26th). Sixty Redwings, five Fieldfares, three Ring Ouzels, and one -"Copperfinch" (? _Fringilla montifringilla_) killed. Mr Troth remarks; -"This is the largest migration that has been seen at the Bishop Rock -for five years." - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Thrushes, Redwings, and Starlings from 11 P.M. (24th) -to 5 A.M. a great number striking and falling over. Missel Thrushes, -Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, Fieldfares, Ring Ouzels, Larks, -Starlings, Finches, and Warblers from 6 P.M. to 5 A.M. (26th); between -one and two hundred struck and lost over; twenty-nine caught. All the -birds struck the windward side of lantern during heavy rain. - -_Portland Low_ L.H.--Thrushes at 4 A.M. Sixty Chaffinches at 2 P.M. - -_Shambles_ L.V.--A number of Larks hovering round the lantern at 8 -P.M.; a great number striking and falling over. - - -October 26th. - -_Cardigan Bay_ L.V.--Two Chaffinches on board, and several flying -around all night. - -_Nash_ L.H.--A large flock of Lapwings flying around the lantern at 1 -A.M. one killed. Woodcocks at 3 A.M. two killed. Goldcrests at 3.40 -A.M.; two killed. Fieldfares at 4.10 A.M.; four killed. Skylarks at 5 -A.M. four killed. Four Snipe at 9 P.M., passing S.E. Missel Thrushes at -9.50 P.M. one killed. Bramblings at 10 P.M.; one killed. Snipe at 10.30 -P.M.; four killed. Mr Nicholas remarks; "Large numbers of birds flying -around the lantern all the morning, but at sunrise a good many were -passing S.E. A Green Woodpecker was seen with the others at mid-day." - -_Bull Point_ L.H.--A Blackbird killed at 2 A.M. - -_Wolf Rock_ L.H.--A Blackbird killed at 5 A.M. - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Blackbirds, Fieldfares, Thrushes, and Redwings -from 6 P.M. to 4 A.M. (27th); about sixty killed. (For early morning -observations at this station see 25th October.) - -_Portland Low_ L.H.--One Snipe killed at 7 P.M. - - -October 27th. - -_Langness_ L.H.--Four birds struck between 7.30 and 9 P.M. A Starling -and a Common Thrush killed. - -_Bahama Bank_ L.V.--Several Thrushes from 10 P.M. to 4 A.M. (28th); one -killed. - -_Skerries Rock_ L.H.--Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, and Starlings from 8 -P.M. to midnight; several killed. - -_Nash_ L.H.--A Wren killed at 2 A.M. a Robin and Black Redstart killed -at 2.10 A.M. A Red-winged Starling[15] (_Agelæus phœniceus_) captured -at 3 A.M. Redwings at 10.40 P.M. a few killed. - -[Footnote 15: Refer to the information given under this species in the -next section of the Report for full particulars of this interesting -occurrence.] - -_Longships_ L.H.--A Goldcrest at lantern at 3.30 A.M. - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--(See yesterday for information on this morning's -observations.) - - -October 28th. - -_Langness_ L.H.--One Blackbird at lantern at 9 P.M. - -_Morecambe Bay_ L.V.--Three "Dish Washers" (_Motacilla_) flying S. by -W. at 10.30 A.M. - -_South Stack_ L.H.--Several Blackbirds and Finches flying round the -lantern all night. - -_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--Finches and Linnets all day; "two Brown Linnets -captured." - -_Helwick_ L.V.--A Thrush killed at 1.30 A.M. - -_Nash_ L.H.--A flock of from 80 to 100 Skylarks passed S. at 9 A.M. - -_Breaksea_ L.V.--Starlings, Larks, and House Sparrows from 7 to 10 -P.M., flying round the lantern. - -_Flatholm_ L.H.--Five Thrushes, four Blackbirds, one Lark, and six -Starlings killed between 1 and 3 A.M. - -_Longships_ L.H.--Puffins and Guillemots moving south all the morning. - -_Bishop Rock_ L.H.--A few birds at 3 A.M. - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, and Starlings from -midnight to 3.30 A.M. many struck and lost over. - -_Portland Low_ L.H.--One Fieldfare killed at 2 A.M. - - -October 30th. - -_Selker_ L.V.--Thrushes and Larks all nip-lit; eight Thrushes killed. - -_Skerries_ L.H.--Fourteen dozen Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, and -Starlings killed between midnight and 6 A.M. also a few Chaffinches -seen, but none killed. (Misty, rain.) - -_Cardigan Bay_ L.V.--A good many birds at lantern all night. - -_Helwick_ L.V.--Two male Blackbirds and a Thrush killed at 11.30 P.M. - -_Bull Point_ L.H.--A Blackbird struck at 5 A.M. - -_Longships_ L.H.--Several Thrushes and Starlings all night; a few -killed or captured. Puffins and Guillemots going south in the morning. - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Numbers of Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, Starlings, -Larks, Finches, and "Flycatchers" from 9 P.M. to 5 A.M. (31st); a few -striking, and two Blackbirds (females), two Thrushes, five Redwings, -six Larks, and twenty-one Starlings captured. - -_Start Point_ L.H.--Blackbirds, Starlings, and a few small birds at -lantern all night. - - -October 31st. - -_Langness_ L.H.--Three Blackbirds (one male and two females) on lantern -from 3 to 5 A.M. - -_Dee_ L.V.--Hundreds of birds--*Thrush, *Missel Thrush, *Blackbird, and -*Skylarks killed. - -_Skerries_ L.H.--A few Thrushes at midnight. - -_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--Blackbirds and Larks passing to S.W. in forenoon. - -_Bardsey_ L.H.--Six Blackbirds, six Thrushes, and one Jack Snipe killed -at lantern. - -_Cardigan Bay_ L.V.--A male Blackbird struck lantern. - -_Bull Point_ L.H.--Six Blackbirds at 5 A.M. - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Numbers of Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, Starlings, -Larks, Finches, and Flycatchers, from 9 P.M. (30th) to 5 A.M. a few -striking; and two Blackbirds (females), two Thrushes, five Redwings, -six Larks, and twenty-one Starlings captured. - -_Start Point_ L.H.--A few Larks at 3 A.M. - - -Weather for Week, 21st to 27th November. - - During the week the distribution of pressure, temperature, and - winds and weather, were all continuously anticyclonic. The system - was formed over the British Islands on Sunday, the 21st, in a ridge - which extended northwards from a small anticyclone, which at that - time lay over France. On the 24th the system covered the North - Sea, England, and the north-western half of France. For a day or - two more the anticyclone grew higher, temperature became very low - over the inland counties as the anticyclone increased, so that - early on the 24th minima were recorded as low as 27°. The centre of - the system now moved westward, and the temperature rose decidedly. - On the 25th the anticyclone moved to the westward of Ireland, - and had afterwards decreased in intensity. The winds during its - prevalence were light to moderate at most of the coast stations, - calm inland; but the most striking feature was the continued - prevalence of dense fogs. At the close of the week the system was - dispersing, and mild south-westerly winds were setting in on our - western and north-western coasts, with rain, increasing to strong - south-westerly winds, while large areas of low pressure skirted our - north-western and northern coasts.--(From Weekly Summary in "Daily - Weather Report," November 29, 1886.) - - -November 21st. - -_Holyhead Breakwater_ L.H.--A Thrush killed at 6 A.M. - -_Nash_ L.H.--Two Song Thrushes killed at 9 P.M. - -_Breaksea_ L.V.--A few Fieldfares from 8 to 11 P.M. - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--A Redwing and a Starling killed at 3 A.M. Twenty-one -Stormy Petrels captured between 6 and 12 P.M. They came to the light in -twos and threes, striking the lantern very gently. - - -November 22d. - -_Langness_ L.H.--A great many Blackbirds and several Starlings at -lantern from midnight to 4 A.M. A Snipe at 10 A.M. - -_Selker_ L.V.--Thrushes at 1 A.M. one caught and one killed. - -_River Dee_ L.V.--Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Starlings; numbers killed. - -_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Larks at 1 A.M. - -_Cardigan Bay_ L.V.--Several Larks, and other birds not known, flying -around the lantern all night. - -_Helwick_ L.V.--Two Redwings killed at lantern. - -_Nash_ L.H.--A Woodcock passed to N.W. at 2 P.M. - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Numbers of Fieldfares, Redwings, Thrushes, -Blackbirds, *Blackcaps, *Skylarks, and Storm Petrels; several of each -species captured, including one Reed Warbler and three Petrels, from 7 -P.M. to 6 A.M. (23d). - -_Start Point_ L.H.--A Mistletoe Thrush killed at 3 A.M. A Leach's -Petrel (_Procellaria leucorrhoa_) captured at 10 A.M., resting inside -one of the ventilators. - - -November 23d. - -_Langness_ L.H.--A Redwing on the lantern at 12.15 A.M. - -_Bahama Bank_ L.V.--About a score Blackbirds, six "Grey Birds," and a -dozen Starlings, flying round the lantern all night; a few killed. - -_Carnarvon Bay_ L.H.--Many birds around the lantern all night. A Missel -Thrush killed and fell on deck; numbers of others falling overboard. - -_Helwick_ L.V.--Several Blackbirds, Larks, and Starlings flying about -all night. - -_Nash_ L.H.--Six Skylarks and two Lapwings killed at 11.30 P.M. - -_Breaksea_ L.V.--A few Larks, Starlings, and Lapwings from 7 P.M. to 4 -A.M. (24th). - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Numbers of Fieldfares, Redwings, Thrushes, -Blackbirds, Larks, Starlings, "Reed Warbler," and Stormy Petrels from -7 P.M. (22d) to 6 A.M. Very few striking, but some of each caught, -including one "Reed Warbler" and three Petrels. - - -November 24th. - -_Selker_ L.V.--Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Larks all night. - -_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--A flock of Blackbirds going east at 1.20 P.M. - -_Helwick_ L.V.--Several Blackbirds, Larks, and Starlings all night. - -_Nash_ L.H.--Two Thrushes killed at 11 P.M. - -_Breaksea_ L.V.--A *Knot killed at 5.50 P.M. A *Dunlin killed at 11 P.M. - -_Bishop Rock_ L.H.--About 200 Blackbirds/Thrushes, and Fieldfares from -9 P.M. to daylight (25th); several killed. - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Hundreds of birds flying about all -night,--Fieldfares, Missel Thrushes, Song Thrushes, Blackbirds, Larks, -Starlings, Lapwings, and Stormy Petrels; caught three Thrushes, four -Starlings, three Larks, and eight Petrels. - - -November 25th. - -_Bishop Rock_ L.H.--About two hundred Blackbirds, Thrushes, and -Fieldfares from 9 P.M. (24th) to daylight; several killed. A Linnet -and "Copperfinch" (? _Fringilla montifringilla_) left the lantern at -daybreak. - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Hundreds Mistletoe Thrushes, Thrushes, Fieldfares, -Blackbirds, Larks, Lapwings, and Stormy Petrels from 7 P.M. to 6 A.M. -(26th); one Blackbird, two Thrushes, one Lark, one *Goldcrest, and -three Storm Petrels. - -_Plymouth Breakwater_ L.H.--A Stormy Petrel caught at lantern at 9.45 -P.M. - -_Start Point_ L.H.--Blackbirds at 2 A.M. one captured. - -_Shambles_ L.V.--A number of Starlings around the lantern at 2 A.M. - - -November 26th. - -_Selker_ L.V.--Thrushes, Blackbirds, Lapwings, and Curlews flying round -the lantern from 4 to 7 A.M. - -_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--A flock of Lapwings at 10 P.M. one killed. - -_Smalls_ L.H.--Blackbirds, Fieldfares, Larks, and Starlings; a great -number striking lantern. - -_Helwick_ L.V.--Several Redwings, Larks, and Starlings all night. - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Hundreds of Lapwings, Fieldfares, Blackbirds, -Thrushes, Missel Thrushes, Larks, and Stormy Petrels, from 7 P.M. -(25th) to 6 A.M. many caught. A few birds seen flying about from 9 P.M. -to 3 A.M. (27th); the Storm Petrels striking. - -_Plymouth Breakwater_ L.H.--Two Linnets at 10 P.M. - - -November 27th. - -_Selker_ L.V.--Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, Lapwings, and Curlews all -night. - -_Carnarvon Bay_ L.H.--A flock of Lapwings at 2 A.M. - -_Cardigan Bay_ L.V.--Several Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Larks flying -round the lantern all night. - -_Helwick_ L.V.--A few Blackbirds, Fieldfares, and Larks all night. - -_Scarweather_ L.V.--A Wild Goose going south at 9 A.M. - -_Breaksea_ L.V.--Larks and Snipe from midnight to 4 A.M. a Snipe killed. - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--A few birds flying about from 9 P.M. (26th) to 3 A.M. -three Storm Petrels struck. A few Starlings, Thrushes, and Petrels from -9 to 12 P.M. several of each species captured. - - -Separate Notes on each Species. - -This section aims at furnishing in an epitomised form information -on the movements of the various species comprised in the Report. -In addition, however, to the observations furnished by the various -Lightkeepers--the more important of which form the Diary of -observations--the following notes have been incorporated:-- - -Observations made in Cumberland, communicated by Messrs Macpherson and -Duckworth. - -Notes from the North-West Coast of Merioneth, by Mr G. H. Caton-Haigh. - -Notes from Somerset, by Mr Arthur H. Macpherson. - -Notes from Minehead, Somerset, by Mr E. G. Waddilove (per Rev. H. A. -Macpherson). - -Notes from North Devon, by Mr Oliver V. Aplin. - -To the above-named ornithologists, and to Mr W. Cecil Scott, of Leeds, -the writer begs to tender his best thanks for their valued co-operation. - -Additional particulars and information on the Meteorological Conditions -may, in most cases, be obtained by a reference to the Diary which -precedes this section of the Report. - -The species marked * have been identified from wings sent. - - -_Turdus viscivorus_ (L.), Missel Thrush.--Spring: February 27th, -Eddystone, many striking, one killed. April 9th, N.W. Merioneth, -several small flocks. Observed in small numbers during the - -Autumn: October 5th, Langness, one caught; 20th, Langness, twelve; -26th, Nash; 31st, *Dee L.V. November 23d, Carnarvon Bay L.V. 24th, -25th, and 26th, Eddystone. - -_Turdus musicus_ (L.), Song Thrush.--An important vernal movement from -March 24th to 29th, affecting the coast generally. - -Autumn: First noted at Chickens Rock, September 24th, when two were -killed at 10.30 P.M. Afterwards present at the movements of the latter -half of October and late November. Eighty were killed at Bardsey Light -on October 20th. - -_Turdus iliacus_ (L), Redwing.--Spring: March 14th, at Eddystone, along -with Thrushes and Wheatears; 26th, Langness, two killed; night of 27th -and morning of 28th, Eddystone, numbers; 29th, Langness, one struck. - -Autumn: September 28th, Carlisle; October 2d, Carlisle, and many on the -7th; 13th, Wolf Rock, several; in numbers on the 19th. After at all -the principal movements of the late autumn (October 18th to 31st, and -November 21st to 27th). - -_Turdus pilaris_ (L.), Fieldfare.--Spring: First noted at Chickens Rock -on March 25th, along with Thrushes; last seen on April 16th at Allonby, -Comb. - -Autumn: First on October 2d at Allonby, Cumb.; then on 24th at Bishop -Rock, and afterwards in numbers during the movements of October and -November (22d-27th). - -_Turdus merula_ (L.), Blackbird.--Important Spring movements, along -with other _Turdinæ_ and Wheatears, on March 24th and 27th. - -Autumn: August 27th at the lanterns of the Selker L.V. and Start L.H. -September 3d, Nash, three killed; Eddystone, one; September 4th, -many. Great movements on October 3d to 8th, October 18th to 31st, and -November 22d to 27th. Fifty were killed at Bardsey L.H. on October 20th. - -_Turdus torquatus_, L., Ring Ouzel.--Spring: April 5th, Eddystone, two -caught at midnight; April 12th, N.W. Merioneth, a pair. - -Autumn: *Start, August 3d, one killed at 3 A.M. September 3d, -Eddystone; 23d and 24th, Eddystone, one caught; October 3d, at Chickens -Rock and Eddystone; 19th, Start, two captured; 25th, at Eddystone and -Bishop Rock. - -_Saxicola œnanthe_ (L.), Wheatear.--Spring: March 24th, at Chickens -Rock, South Stack, and Eddystone stations; 26th, St Bees; April 11th, -Langness; 23d, at Eddystone in hundreds; 29th, at Eddystone. - -Autumn: August 3d and 4th, *Start Point; 9th, Eddystone, in numbers; -23d, Nash, in numbers; 28th, Start, one killed; September 2d, -Eddystone, in numbers; 3d and 4th, a general movement along the entire -coast line; 20th, Eddystone; October 3d, Eddystone; 4th, *Helwick -(dozens); 8th, Langness and Skerries. - -_Pratincola rubetra_ (L.), Whinchat.--Spring: April 24th, N.W. -Merioneth, first seen. - -Autumn: *Smalls, September 23d, one killed. - -_Pratincola rubicola_ (L.), Stonechat.--August 4th, *Start, one killed. - -_Ruticilla titys_ (Scop.), Black Redstart.--October 29th, Nash, one -killed; November 3d, Langness, "female Redstart" observed at 11 A.M. -12th, Carlisle, one; December 5th, Langness, "a female Redstart;" -January 21st (1887), Towyn, one shot (_Field_, January 30th, 1887). - -_Erithacus rubecula_ (L.), Redbreast.--Only a few records. - -Autumn: First noticed at the great movement at the Nash L.H. on -September 3d; September 11th, Langness, one at 3 P.M. 24th, South -Stack; October 20th, South Stack, one; 27th, Nash, one. - -_Sylvia cinerea_ (Bechst.), Whitethroat.--Spring: April 11th, Langness; -23d, *Nash, in numbers; May 10th, at Langness, with Sedge Warblers and -Willow Wrens; six killed and two injured. - -Autumn: August 2d and 3d, *Start; 22d, Nash, many; September 1st, -Longships, one killed; 3d, Dee L.V. and *Nash, many; 23d, *Smalls and -*Helwick, some dozens; 24th, *Bull Point and Start. - -_Sylvia atricapilla_ (L.), Blackcap.--Spring: April 22d, N.W. -Merioneth, arrived. - -Autumn: November 22d, *Eddystone, one killed. - -_Regulus cristatus_ (Koch), Goldcrest.--Not numerous. The following are -the only records:-- - -Autumn: September 5th, Langness, two or three; 24th, Chickens Rock, -four at 10.30 P.M. October 2d, Chickens Rock, a few; 4th, South Stack, -one; 20th, Langness, one; Holyhead, one, and South Stack, one; 22d, -Skerries, one; 26th, Nash, two killed; 27th, Longships, one; 29th, -Holyhead, two; November 25th, *Eddystone, one killed. - -_Phylloscopus sibilatrix_ (Bechst.), Wood Wren.--Spring: May 7th, -Carlisle. - -_Phylloscopus rufus_ (Bechst.), Chiff Chaff.--Spring: March 24th, -Ravenglass; April 2d, N.W. Merioneth, a good many. - -Autumn: September 23d, *Smalls, one killed; 29th, *Bull Point, one -killed. - -_Phylloscopus trochilus_ (L.), Willow Warbler.--Spring: March 24th, -Langness; April 10th, Langness; 27th, Langness; May 10th, Langness, -along with Sedge Warblers and Whitethroats. - -Autumn: August 1st, Nash; 3d, *Start; September 3d, *Nash, fifty or -sixty between 2 and 3 A.M., twenty-four killed; 23d, *Smalls and -*Helwick, some dozens; October 6th, Langness, one at 2 A.M. - -_Acrocephalus phragmitis_ (Bechst.), Sedge Warbler.--Spring: April -10th, Langness, in numbers; May 10th, Langness, along with Willow -Warblers and Whitethroats at midnight. - -Autumn: August 6th, Start, two at midnight; 22d, *Nash, in numbers; -*Burnham, one; 28th, *Start, one; September 1st and 5th, Burnham; 23d, -*Smalls, in numbers. - -_Locustella nævia_ (Bodd.), Grasshopper Warbler.--Spring: April 27th, -Allonby. - -Autumn: *Skerries Rock, one killed at lantern in the autumn, date -uncertain. - -_Accentor modularis_ (L.), Hedge Sparrow.--October 8th, Langness, one -at 4 P.M. - -_Troglodytes parvulus_ (Koch), Wren.--Spring: April 22d, Langness, one; -*Nash, seven at 10.30 P.M., four killed; 23d, Dee L.V., two killed; May -4th, South Bishop, two killed; 9th, Dee L.V., three killed. - -Autumn: October 7th, South Stack, "Wrens;" 19th, Breaksea, one; 20th, -Dee, one; 27th, Nash, one captured. - -_Motacilla lugubris_ (Temm.), Pied Wagtail.--Spring: March 19th, Selker -L.V., one caught; 22d, St Bees; Selker, a good many; April 2d, Selker, -a good many passing east; 22d and 23d, Dee L.V., "Wagtails" passing -east. - -Autumn: September 5th, N.W. Merioneth, exceedingly numerous; October -28th, Morecambe Bay L.V., "three Dishwashers" at 10.30 A.M. - -_Motacilla rayi_ (Bonap.), Yellow Wagtail.--Spring: April 29th, -Allonby, Cumberland. - -Autumn: August 4th, *Start, a bird of the year killed at the lantern. - -_Anthus pratensis_ (L.), Meadow Pipit.--Spring: April 2d, Selker L.V., -"Titlarks;" 22d and 23d, Selker, "Titlarks" to E. - -Autumn: August 27th, Selker, "Titlarks;" September 5th, N.W. Merioneth, -numerous; October 4th, Cardigan Bay; afterwards present at the chief -movements of the late autumn. - -_Anthus trivialis_ (L.), Tree Pipit.--April 16th, N.W. Merioneth, one; -20th, Carlisle; 24th, N.W. Merioneth, several. - -Autumn: August 3d and 4th, *Start, several at 3 A.M. each day. - -_Anthus obscurus_ (Lath.), Rock Pipit.--Autumn: September 4th, -*Longships, several between 11 P.M. and 2 A.M., two killed. - -_Lanius excubitor_ (L.), Great Grey Shrike.--Two shot in Cumberland -in November. A female of the var. _Major_ caught at Skinburness, -Cumberland, on November 2d. - -_Lanius collurio_ (L.), Red-backed Shrike.--June 2d, N.W. Merioneth, a -pair. - -_Muscicapa grisola_ (L.), Spotted Flycatcher.--Spring: April 22d, -Scotby, Cumberland. - -Autumn: August 27th, *Start Point, one caught; and October 19th, "three -Spotted Flycatchers" between 6 and 9 P.M. - -_Muscicapa atricapilla_ (L.), Pied Flycatcher.--April 25th, Carlisle. - -_Hirundo rustica_ (L.), Swallow.--Spring: March 23d, Bull Point, two at -2 P.M.; 26th, Nash, one; April 15th and 17th, Langness, one each day; -27th, Nash, three; 30th, Nash, forty or fifty. - -Autumn: August 4th and 6th, Langness, several; 10th, Carnarvon Bay L.V. -September 4th, South Bishop, a company; 21st, at several stations; last -at Langness and Wolf Rock on October 13th. [This species is recorded in -_The Field_ as observed during November at Lymington on 22d; Penzance, -23d; Falmouth, 27th; Portscatho, 29th; and on the 7th of December at -Bournemouth.] - -_Chelidon urbica_ (L.), Martin.--Spring: April 20th, Carlisle; 26th, -N.W. Merioneth. - -Autumn: August 6th, Start, one caught; September 3d, Langness, a few; -October 4th, Flatholm. - -_Cotile riparia_ (L.), Sand Martin.--Spring: March 23d, Rockliffe, -Cumberland; 25th, Carlisle; 26th, St Bees. - -Autumn: August 3d, Eddystone, one caught; 9th, Eddystone, two caught; -September 24th, Eddystone. - -_Carduelis elegans_ (Steph.), Goldfinch.--Autumn: October 5th, Chickens -Rock, three at lantern all night; 18th, Chickens Rock, one; 20th, at -same station. - -_Ligurinus chloris_ (L.), Greenfinch.--Autumn: October 24th, Carnarvon -Bay L.V., ten on deck all day; - -_Fringilla cœlebs_ (L.), Chaffinch.--Spring: March 27th, Lateness, one -at lantern from 2 to 4 A.M. April 23d, Langness, one at 10 A.M. - -Autumn: October 7th, Helwick L.V., a large number; 8th, Cardigan -Bay L.V., two; 20th, South Stack, one at lantern, and Cardigan Bay -L.V., two on board at 7.30 A.M. 25th, Portland, sixty at 2 P.M. 26th, -Cardigan Bay L.V., two; November 1st, Scarweather L.V., about fifty at -1.30 P.M. This species appears to be chiefly noted at the light-vessels -during the daytime. - -_Fringilla montifringilla_ (L.), Brambling.--October 25th, Bishop -Rock, many "Copperfinches" from 9 P.M. to midnight; 26th, Nash, many; -November 25th, Bishop Rock, a "Copperfinch." - -_Linota cannabina_ (L.), Linnet.--Spring: April 5th, Eddystone, two -caught at 9 P.M. - -Autumn: August 22d, Langness, a small flock at noon; October 5th, -Langness, a flock at 9 A.M., and Portland, three or four from 1 to 3 -A.M. 28th, Carnarvon Bay L.V., with Finches all day; November 26th, -Plymouth Breakwater, two at 10 P.M. - -_Linota rufescens_ (Vieill.), Lesser Redpole.--October 15th, South -Stack, one caught at 7.30 P.M. - -_Plectrophanes nivalis_ (L.), Snow Bunting.--September 26th, Bishop -Rock, one old bird. - -_Emberiza miliaria_, L., Corn Bunting.--Autumn: September 3d, *Nash, -fifteen to twenty between 2.15 to 3 A.M., eight killed. - -_Agelæus phœniceus_ (L.), Red-winged Starling.--October 27th, Nash, -one struck and captured at 3 A.M. Mr Nicholas had intended to forward -this specimen to me, but during his absence for a few moments it was -most unfortunately carried off by a cat. He had, however, no difficulty -in identifying the bird from the description given in John's "British -Birds," and promptly reported the occurrence. A skin of the species (an -adult) was at once forwarded to him in order to test his identification -of the bird, and he replied "that the bird killed very much resembled -the one sent, except that the yellow on the wings was rather paler; the -tips of the wings and the back of the neck were more sooty black, and -I think it was a little larger;"--a description indicating an immature -specimen. During the late hours of the 26th of October and the early -ones of the 27th an important migratory movement was taking place at -this station:--At 9.50 P.M., Missel Thrushes; at 10 P.M., Bramblings; -at 10.30 P.M., Snipe (four killed); at 12.40 A.M., Redwings (two -killed); at 2 A.M., Wrens (one captured); at 2.10 A.M., Robins, and -Black Redstart killed; and finally at 3 A.M., the Red-winged Starling. -The wind prevailing at the time was a strongly easterly breeze; the -weather cloudy, with passing showers of rain. Mr Nicholas is a most -careful, intelligent, and painstaking recorder, and shows particular -interest in our work, and there is little likelihood of his being -mistaken in this matter. As an unbeliever in the unassisted occurrence -of extra-Arctic American passerine birds in Europe, I would suggest -that this was probably an escape from some vessel approaching the -British coast. - -_Sturnus vulgaris_, L., Starling.--The numbers and the frequency of -the occurrence of this species is again manifest in the returns. It is -impossible to do more than to refer to the diary portion of the report -for particulars. Mr Caton Haigh, in his notes from the N.W. coast of -Merioneth, remarks that many of the Starlings wintering there left -during the second week of February, large flocks passing over flying -due N. On the 26th of June, at 8 P.M., an immense flock passed over -going S. It looked like a long, narrow stream, half a dozen yards wide -and at least half a mile long. - -_Pica rustica_ (Scop.), Magpie.--September 28th, Cardigan Bay L.V., two -Magpies flying around the ship at 9.30 A.M. October 22d, Langness, a -Magpie at 9 A.M. - -_Corvus corone_, L., Carrion Crow.--April 22d, Carnarvon Bay L.V., six -at 8 A.M. going E. April 23d, Chickens Rock, one. - -_Corvus frugilegus_, L., Rook.--Spring: March 23d, Langness, twelve at -9 A.M. - -Autumn: October 20th, Cardigan Bay L.V., one. - -_Alauda arvensis_, L., Skylark.--Spring: March 23d, Selker L.V., a -small party; 24th, Chickens Rock, great numbers; 25th, at Bahama Bank -and Selker L.V.'s; 26th, Carnarvon Bay L.V., many. - -Autumn: September 3d, Eddystone in numbers; afterwards many and often. - -_Cypselus apus_ (L.), Swift.--Spring: April 29th, Carlisle. May 9th, -N.W. Merioneth; 11th, Langness, a large flock. June 6th Eddystone, -several. - -Autumn: July 7th, Langness, large numbers. August 4th, Flatholm, small -party; 9th, a large flock; 18th, Cardigan Bay, nine at 7.30 P.M. -September 4th, Smalls, numbers; 19th, Lundy, thirty or forty (J. J. -Philips, "Field," October 2d, 1886, p. 510); 20th, Lundy, one (_Id._). - -_Caprimulgus europæus_, L., Nightjar.--Spring: May 6th, N.W. Merioneth, -but not common until the 22d. - -Autumn: September 3d, *Nash, four at 2.10 A.M., one killed. - -_Gecinus viridis_ (L.), Green Woodpecker.--October 26th, Nash. Mr -Nicholas reports a great many birds at the lantern during the early -hours of the morning; at sunrise they passed S.E.; and that a bird of -this species was seen among the others. - -_Cuculus canorus_, L., Cuckoo.--Spring: April 19th, Langness, one at 10 -A.M. 25th, Carlisle; 27th, Nash, one passed to N.; 29th, Nash, four. - -Autumn: August 1st, Nash, two at lantern at 11.30 P.M. September 3d, -*Nash, six [young of the year] at 3 A.M., two killed. - -_Accipiter nisus_ (L.), Sparrow-Hawk.--Autumn: September 14th, Bishop -Rock, one appeared; 20th, Chickens Rock, one going E. at 7 A.M. 28th, -Smalls, one in the morning. - -_Tinnunculus alaudarius_ (Gm.), Kestrel.--Autumn: October 5th, Wolf -Rock, one; Smalls, one. - -_Pandion haliaëtus_ (L.), Osprey.--Autumn: August 16th, Breconshire, -one fishing at Llangorse Lake (Philips, _Zool._, 1886, p. 417). - -_Anser ------?_ "Wild Goose."--Spring: March 27th, St Bees, about -twenty at 6 P.M. - ------- ------, "Wild Duck."--Autumn: October 19th, a large number at -5.30 P.M. - -_Anser segetum_ (Gm.), Bean Goose.--April 27th, about 120 passed over -Allonby in a flock; eight more seen in July; and many seen in October -and November. - -_Bernicla brenta_ (P.), Brent Goose.--Present on Solway till end of -March. - -_Bernicla leucopsis_ (Bechst.), Barnacle Goose.--October 11th, arrived -at Rockliffe. - -_Dafila acuta_ (L.), Pintail Duck.--October 23d, Cumberland, one shot. - -_Anas streperus_, L., Gadwall.--Spring: March 11th, two seen at Bowness. - -Autumn: August, Breconshire, a female shot (Philips, _Zool._, 1886, p. -417). October (last week of), Solway, a bird of the year shot. - -_Mareca penelope_, L., Widgeon.--Spring: Allonby, two flocks of fifty -or sixty on February 11th (evening, flying due E.). Ravenglass, last -seen on April 23d. Flights of this and other fowl began to pass over -Rockliffe in an E. or N.E. direction on April 21st, but the movement -became accentuated on April 27th, on which evening large flocks began -to pass up the Eden at 9 P.M. The movement continued in full swing up -to 10.45, there generally being five minutes, and never more than ten, -between parties; after 11th they continued to pass, but the movement -had become less marked. - -Autumn: Numbers at Monkhill on September 13th. - -_Clangula glaucion_ (L.), Golden-eye.--Spring: April 26th, last seen at -Monkhill, Cumberland. - -Autumn: October 21st and 24th, Allonby, Cumberland. - -_Œdemia fusca_ (L.), Velvet Scoter.--December 23d, a fine adult male -shot on Eden. - -_Mergus serrator_, L., Red-breasted Merganser.--April 13th, N.W. -Merioneth, a flock of about a dozen, the last seen. - -_Turtur communis_, Selby, Turtle Dove.--Autumn: September 11th, -Minehead, Somerset, one. October 3d, Wolf Rock, a "Turtle Dove" at 11 -A.M. - -_Coturnix communis_, Bonnat., Quail--Autumn: September 3d, one in the -morning. October 5th, Eddystone, two caught at 2 A.M. - -_Crex pratensis_, Bechst., Corn-Crake.--Spring: April 26th and 27th, -Carlisle and District. May 9th, Holyhead Breakwater, one at 2 P.M. - -Autumn: October 9th, Skerries, one killed between 2 and 4 A.M.; 20th, -Smalls, one killed. - -_Gallinula chloropus_ (L.), Moorhen.--Autumn: August 2d, *Nash, one -killed at midnight. September 3d, Dee L.V., one killed. - -_Charadrius pluvialis_, L., Golden Plover.--Autumn: August 25th, -Burnham, one killed. - -_Squatarola helvetica_ (L.), Grey Plover.--Spring: May 7th, Allonby, -Cumberland, six. - -_Eudromias morinellus_ (L.), Dotterel.--May 6th, Allonby, four seen, -and again on the 8th. - -_Vanellus vulgaris_, Bechst., Lapwing.--Spring: March 27th, Carnarvon -Bay, ten at 11 A.M. - -Autumn: September 24th, Skerries, about twenty. October 25th, Nash, -flocks passing S. from 7 to 10 A.M. 26th, Nash, a large flock at -lantern at 1 A.M. November 23d, Nash, two killed at 11.30 P.M. 24th, -Eddystone, many at night; 26th and 27th, at Selker L.V., Carnarvon Bay -L.V., and Eddystone. - -_Hæmatopus ostralegus_, L., Oyster-Catcher.--Spring: April 23d, -Chickens Rock, one. - -Autumn: August 3d, Menai, two; 22d, Langness, seven; 27th, Eddystone, -flocks. - -_Phalaropus fulicarius_ (L.), Grey Phalarope.--October 10th (about), -near Winchester, one shot. - -_Scolopax rusticula_, L., Woodcock.--Spring: March 24th, Dee L.V., one -killed; 29th, Selker L.V., one caught. - -Autumn: September 21st, Eddystone, one killed. October 18th and 23d, -Nash, one killed each night; 26th, Nash, two killed. - -_Gallinago major_, Gm., Great Snipe.--Autumn: September 9th, -Cardiganshire, an adult male shot on Llanddewihip Mountain; 25th, -Baytor Mere, Devon, one shot. October 22d, North Devon, a bird of the -year shot; 30th, Carlisle, one shot. - -_Gallinago cœlestis_ (Frenzel), Common Snipe.--Autumn: October 21st, -Carnarvon Bay L.V., one killed; 22d, Langness, one at 10 A.M.; 26th, -Nash, four passing to S.E. at 9.30 A.M., four killed at 10.30 P.M. -November 27th, Breaksea L.V., one killed. - -_Limnocrytes gallinula_ (L.), Jack Snipe.--Autumn: October 31st, -Bardsey, one "Jack Snipe" killed. - -_Tringa alpina_, L., Dunlin.--Spring: April 25th, N.W. Merioneth. - -Autumn: August 4th, Langness, a large number at 5 A.M. - -_Tringa striata_, L., Purple Sandpiper.--October 20th, Solway, one shot. - -_Tringa canutus_, L, Knot.--Autumn: August 18th, Dee L.V., thirty at -lantern from 9 P.M. to midnight. - -_Calidris arenaria_ (L.), Sanderling.--May 20th, observed on Solway. - -_Totanus hypoleucos_ (L.), Common Sandpiper.--Spring: April 16th, -Carlisle; 17th, N.W. Merioneth. - -Autumn: August 15th, Ilfracombe, passing E.; 19th, Barnstaple. - -_Totanus canescens_ (L.), Greenshank.--March 26th, Solway, last seen; -returned August 16th. - -_Numenius phæopus_ (L.), Whimbrel.--Spring: April 2d, N.W. Merioneth, -one, and on 28th a small flock. May 16th, Langness, several at 10 A.M. -20th, Allonby, Cumberland, a few; 25th, Allonby, eight. - -Autumn: July 27th, Allonby, two. August 10th, Langness, two. September -4th, N.W. Merioneth. - -_Numenius arquata_ (L.), Curlew.--Spring: March 22d, Selker L.V., one -at 8 A.M. April 9th, N.W. Merioneth, many passing overhead during the -night. - -Autumn: August 22d, Eddystone, ten at 1 P.M. September 4th, Chickens -Rock, a few in the evening, also at the Skerries, November 27th, Selker -L.V., at lantern all night. - -_Sterna ------ ?_ "Sea Swallow."--Spring: Skerries Rock. - -Mr Rees says,--"The Sea Swallow always comes to this island true to the -morning of the 6th of May; then they leave for one week, and return -again for the laying season." - -Autumn: September 9th and 28th, Wolf Rock. October 2d, 4th, 7th, 13th, -and 19th, a few observed at the Wolf Rock each day. - -_Sterna fluviatilis_, Naum., Common Tern.--Spring: April 22d, N.W. -Merioneth, a small flock; 25th, several large flocks. May 13th and -14th, a very large number; the weather rough and wet, with much snow on -the mountains. - -Autumn: October 16th, Minehead, Somerset, three. - -_Sterna macrura_, Naum., Arctic Tern.--Spring: April 25th, N.W. -Merioneth, a few with Common Terns. - -_Sterna cantiaca_, Gm., Sandwich Tern.--Spring: April 2d, Ravenglass; -16th, Allonby (both in Cumberland). - -_Sterna minuta_, L., Little Tern.--April 29th, Ravenglass. - -_Hydrochelidon nigra_ (L.), Black Tern.--Spring: May 13th, N.W. -Merioneth, three in adult plumage. - -_Procellaria pelagica_, L., Storm Petrel.--Spring: May 21st, South -Bishop, six at lantern all night. - -Autumn: October 16th, Nash, one killed. November 21st, Eddystone, -twenty-one captured between 6 and 12 P.M. 22d, Eddystone, in numbers -all night; 24th, 25th, 26th, and 27th, Eddystone, in numbers, many -caught. - -_Procellaria leucorrhoa_, Vieill., Leach's Petrel.--November 22d, -*Start, one captured at 10 A.M., resting inside one of the lantern -ventilators. - -_Stercorarius catarrhactes_ (L.), Great Skua.--October 16th, Minehead, -Somerset, one seen along with other _Stercorariinæ_. (N.W., squally, -showers; sea very high.) - -_Stercorarius pomatorhinus_ (Temm.), Pomatorhine Skua.--October 16th, -Minehead, Somerset, twelve, along with other Stercorariinæ. (N.W., -squally; sea very high.) - -_Stercorarius crepidatus_ (Banks), Richardson's Skua.--October 16th, -Minehead, Somerset, six, along with other _Stercorariinæ_. (N.W., -squally; sea very high.) - -_Puffinus anglorum_ (Temm.), Manx Shearwater.--September 3d, Bishop's -Rock, one killed. - -_Puffinus ------?_, "Large Shearwater."--September 14th, Bishop's Rock, -"twenty Large Shearwaters during the day--not Manx Shearwaters." - -_Colymbus glacialis_, L., Great Northern Diver.--December 21st, Hurst -Point, two injured against lantern in the early morning. - -_Colymbus arcticus_, L., Black-throated Diver.--December 29th, Solway. - -_Lomvia troile_ (L.), Guillemot.--Autumn: October 28th and 30th, -Longships, Guillemots and Puffins moving S. all the morning. - -_Uria grylle_ (L.), Black Guillemot.--September 28th, Solway, a single -bird observed. - -_Fratercula arctica_ (L.), Puffin.--Spring: March 3d, Bishop's Rock, -appeared. April 3d, Caldy, first appeared. - -Autumn: October 16th, 25th, 28th, and 30th, and November 2d, Longships, -moving S. - - -Summary and General Remarks. - -The Report for the West Coast of England and Wales, and the Isle of -Man, refers to the seasonal movements during 1886 of 104 species. - -The first vernal migratory movement occurred on the 24th of March, -and was sustained until the 26th. During this interval _Phylloscopus -trochilus_, _Saxicola œnanthe_, _Pratincola rubicola_, and _Hirundo -rustica_, along with _Turdus iliacus_, _T. pilaris_, _Scolopax -rusticula_, and also _Turdus musicus_, _T. merula_, and _Alauda -arvensis_, were observed--all at the lanterns, save _Hirundo rustica_, -which occurred during the daytime. The weather prior to this -initiatory migration had been severe and unsettled, and the movement -was concurrent with the temporary prevalence of favourable conditions -(_see_ p. 82) over our Islands. - -The spring immigrants flowed in gently at intervals during April and -early May. The only rush recorded was on the 23d of April, when many -Wheatears, Warblers, and "Flycatchers" occurred--the movement being -especially pronounced at the Nash and the Eddystone; minor barometric -depressions and low temperature, the wind being N.E., had prevailed -prior to the 23d, on which day more favourable conditions set in, -producing moderate southerly and south-easterly gales, and a rise in -the temperature. The immigration of summer visitors extended until the -10th and 11th of May, when _Phylloscopus trochilus_, _Acrocephalus -phragmitis_, and _Sylvia cinerea_ were killed, and _Cypselus apus_ -observed at Langness. Of the transvolant spring migrants, _Numenius -phæopus_ was noticed at Langness on the 16th of May. - -August.--The autumnal movements commenced with an emigration of -_Cuculus canorus_, _Cypselus apus_, and _Phylloscopus trochilus_, -several of which were killed at the Nash lantern on the 1st of August. -This was followed by movements of _Phylloscopus rufa_, _Turdus -torquatus_, _Sylvia cinerea_, _Saxicola œnanthe_, _Anthus trivialis_, -_Motacilla rayi_, _Cotile riparia_, and _Cypselus apus_, extending from -August the 3d to the 9th, and chiefly observed at southerly stations. -On the night of the 22d there was a great rush of birds at the Nash, -when some hundreds of _Acrocephalus phragmitis_, _Sylvia cinerea_, and -many _Saxicola œnanthe_ were flying around the lantern from 9 to 10.30 -P.M., twenty-nine being killed. Emigrating summer visitors were also -observed on the 23d, 27th, and 31st of the month. - -September.--On the 3d there was a decided rush of birds at the Nash, on -which Mr Nicholas remarks as follows:--"There was an enormous arrival -of small birds, the greatest number ever seen here at any one time." -This singular movement lasted from 2.10 A.M. to 3.15 A.M., or a little -over an hour, during which brief interval unfortunate individuals of -the following species perished at the lantern:--_Caprimulgus europæus_, -_Emberiza miliaria_, _Sylvia cinerea_, _Phylloscopus trochilus_, -_Cuculus canoras_, _Passer domesticus_, _Erithacus rubecula_, _Saxicola -œnanthe_, and _Turdus merula_.[16] A general emigration of summer -birds on the 23d and 24th, when a very decided fall of temperature was -recorded, was the only other movement during the month. - -[Footnote 16: For further particulars of this interesting movement, -_see_ p. 88.] - -October.--There were important migrations of summer birds and partial -migrants on the 3d, 4th, and 5th, commencing simultaneously with the -passing away of adverse meteorological conditions (_see_ p. 91). -Afterwards the records indicate a complete blank until the 18th, up -to which day the weather was exceedingly unsettled, with strong winds -and gales. From the 18th to the 31st, conditions were quieter, with -north-easterly, easterly, and south-easterly winds, and under what -may be termed mildly unfavourable conditions (_see_ pp. 94 and 96), -a steady and unbroken flow of migrants was kept up; during which the -winter visitors first appeared at the stations, where, also, the -departing summer birds put in a final appearance for the season. - -November.--The only movement during the month took the form of rush, -and extended from the 22d to 27th. This was, doubtless, occasioned by -the outburst and prevalence of low temperature (_see_ Meteorological -conditions, p. 100) then experienced in our Islands, causing -birds--_Turdinæ_, _Alauda arvensis_, _Vanellus vulgaris_, _Scolopax -rusticula_, _Gallinago cœlestis_, _Numenius arquatus_, and a few -_Regulus cristatus_,--which would otherwise have been contented to -remain with us, to seek more genial winter quarters. - -The returns for this section of the coast again bear out the opinions -expressed in former reports,--_First_, That the main body of the -autumnal migrants reach the west coast of Wales and the south-west -coast of England--and probably Ireland, too--by way of the Isle of -Man; the north-western coast of England only receiving a comparatively -small share in these movements; _Second_, That emigrants from Ireland, -and other birds migrating _viâ_ Irish routes, strike the British -coast at the mouth of the Bristol Channel, along whose north shore it -is believed many pass. It seems probable, however, from a careful -examination of the records, that the right wing at least of these Irish -migrants extends as far south as the Land's-End stations, and those -from Land's-End to Start Point. This is made evident by the several -independent--if they may be so termed--and important movements which -are recorded in the diary, for this portion of the coast alone, under -the following dates; August 22d, September 3d, and October 24th, 25th, -and 26th, and which not only indicate the route followed, but also its -origin (Ireland), by reason of the circumscribed area affected. - -_Corvus cornix_, _Plectrophanes nivalis_, _Asio accipitrinus_, -_Bernicla brenta_, _Fringilla montifringilla_, and _Passer montanus_ -are again absent, or very rarely mentioned in the returns; while -_Scolopax rusticula_ and _Regulus cristatus_ were not at all frequent -during the season under consideration. - -Among the rarer or more interesting species observed may be mentioned -_Agelæus phœniceus_, _Ruticilla titys_, _Procellaria leucorrhoa_, -_Stercorarius catarrhactes_, _Anas streperus_, and _Pandion haliaëtus_. - -_Gallinula chloropus_, _Pica caudata_, _Gecinus viridis_, and _Emberiza -miliaria_ (many of which occurred at the Nash on September 3d) may be -mentioned as somewhat unusual migrants. - -In conclusion, the writer would suggest to his colleagues the -desirability of making an united report, instead of treating it by -sections. This, it is thought, might readily be done, if the diary form -were adopted, by giving under a common date-heading the information -for the various coasts for that particular day; in which case the -information for the East Coast of Scotland might lead, followed by -the east of England, then the West Coast of Scotland, the coasts of -Ireland, and finally the West Coast of England. By adopting such a -readily feasible plan the significance and importance of each movement, -the area covered by it, and the species participating in it, would be -ascertained at a glance; while under the present arrangement, to obtain -such very desirable and simple information, reference is necessary to -no less than five separate reports. - - Wm. Eagle Clarke. - - ============== - -The legs and wings referred to the Reed Warbler in the Irish Report are -reserved for further examination. - - ============== - - - - - IRISH COAST. - - -The number of stations returning schedules shows a slight falling off -since last year; but this is compensated for by some light-keepers, who -take a greater interest in the subject, sending three, four, and even -five schedules. A column has been added to the list of lighthouses, -showing the number of schedules received from each station. - -Mine Head, Tuskar, Rockabill, and Innishtrahull are foremost in number; -but good schedules have been received from the Fastnet, Coningbeg, -Eagle Island (East), and Blackrock (Mayo), and a few other localities. - -The marked feature of 1886 has been the number of legs and wings -forwarded--numbering about one hundred--cut from birds killed striking -the lanterns. In some cases specimens were received in the flesh; and -it is to be hoped that in all cases of rare birds this will be done in -future. Generally speaking, the legs and wings can be identified with -certainty, and they have been all carefully preserved for reference. -Any doubts which may exist about a species will be removed if the -light-keepers send a leg and wing of every bird killed striking, with -the schedule, in the envelopes provided for this purpose. - -The stations sending most specimens were the Tuskar, Rockabill, -and Mine Head; but they were also received from eleven others. The -rarities received were numerous. Mr Thomas Fortune sent the second -Irish specimen of the Wryneck from Arran Island, N., Co. Galway, killed -striking at 2 A.M. on October 6th. The first specimen was shot at -Dunmore, Co. Waterford, October 5th, 1877. From Mr Francis Ryan, of -the Tearaght, Co. Kerry, only four wings and legs were received; but -two of these proved rarities, one belonging to the Pied Flycatcher, -caught at lantern September 21st, and the other to the Reed Warbler, -found dead October 4th. Both species had only once before been recorded -from Ireland. The Pied Flycatcher occurred at Ballina, Co. Mayo, in -April 1875. The Reed Warbler is said to have been shot near Dublin -on December 21st, 1843, but no specimen exists. Another leg and wing -of the Pied Flycatcher, killed striking October 5th, was sent by Mr -George Dunleavy from the Fastnet, Co. Cork. From Coningbeg light-ship, -Co. Wexford, a leg and wing of the Reed Warbler was forwarded by Mr -Patrick Cullen and Mr William Clydesdale. It was killed striking -October 4th, the same date as the Tearaght specimen. - -These three species--Wryneck, Pied Flycatcher, and Reed Warbler--are -examples of birds which breed in Great Britain, and have only been -met with in Ireland during the autumnal migration, except the Pied -Flycatcher, which once occurred in April. All the birds were observed -on the south or west coasts. - -Taking the other legs and wings in order. The Missel Thrush was sent -from the Tuskar, being the only specimen yet received. A male and -female Redstart were sent from Rockabill, Co. Dublin, by Mr Joseph -Hammond, having been obtained on April 24th and May 9th respectively. -The Redstart has quite recently been discovered to breed in Ireland, -at Powerscourt, Co. Wicklow. The Black Redstart was received from -the Fastnet, Co. Cork, found dead October 30th. It is recorded at -four other stations on the south coast. Its regular occurrence in the -south and east of Ireland has been established by this inquiry. On -July 10th a "Blackstart" is reported at Rockabill, Co. Dublin; but no -specimen having been sent, this unusual date requires confirmation. -The Whinchat, which is in Ireland a local bird, was killed striking -Coningbeg lantern on May 7th. Several Sedge Warblers and Whitethroats -were received from Rockabill, the Tuskar, and other stations. A -rush took place on May 9th. These Warblers were not previously -recognised--"Tits," "Wrens," "Flycatchers," and "Sally-pickers" doing -duty for them, and other allied species. The Grasshopper Warbler (rare -and local in Ireland) was obtained at the Tuskar, having been correctly -identified by Mr Richard Hamilton, from a copy of Morris' "British -Birds" supplied to that station by the Irish Lights Board. The Blackcap -was killed striking on Eagle Island, off Mayo, as late as October 31st, -the leg, wing, and head being forwarded by Mr Daniel Hawkins. A fine -old male Yellow Wagtail (_Motacilla Raii_) was killed at the Tuskar -on May 3d. It is rare and local in Ireland, occurring on the east and -south coasts. The wing and leg of a Skylark, caught striking at Mine -Head on 26th February, was of a much paler colour, and had shorter -toes than the ordinary form. A very large leg and wing of a Skylark -was received from Arklow South light-ship, killed October 28th. The -October immigration of the Chaffinch was evidenced by the production -of legs and wings, and extended to the lighthouses, several miles from -land, off the west of Ireland. A Turtle Dove was received from the -Tuskar in May, and some entries of "Doves" in the autumn, which have -been placed under the heading "Pigeons," are perhaps referable to this -species. The repeated occurrence of the Corncrake, several miles from -shore--killed striking against lanterns between 100 and 200 feet above -the sea-level--must satisfy the sceptical that this bird can fly long -distances and at a high level with great power and velocity. The Water -Rail, which seems so unwilling to fly, was received from the Fastnet -and Tuskar, and the Water Hen from Rathlin O'Birne, both having been -killed striking on 26th and 28th October. The first two stations are -seven or eight miles from the nearest land, and the last, two miles. -The Water Hen is stated by Mr Macginley of Rathlin O'Birne to have -struck "with tremendous force" at 11.30 P.M. This lantern is 116 feet -over sea. - -The words "Sand Larks," and "Sea Larks," so vague, and signifying -almost any of the smaller Sandpipers, is now better understood by the -production of legs and wings--those of the Curlew Sandpiper, Purple -Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, and Turnstone having been sent. A leg and -wing of the Fork-tailed Petrel was forwarded from Eagle Island, W., off -Mayo, caught at lantern in second week of October. - -An egg of this species is recorded to have been found on the Tearaght, -Co. Kerry (_Zoologist_, 1886, p. 367). Most of the legs and wings -were obtained at the autumnal migration. The autumn rush of Thrushes, -Starlings, Blackbirds, and Larks took place October 20th to 28th, -on the E. and S.E. coasts, there being little evidence of it on the -W. coast. From 27th February to 1st March another great movement -took place on the S.E. coast, and again about March 27th. At the -N.W. stations a great rush of Fieldfares, Blackbirds, Thrushes, and -Starlings occurred December 17th and 24th, under the influence of a -sudden pinch of cold. The Fieldfares were noticed in great numbers -at Innishtrahull, a rocky islet six miles north of Donegal. Mr M. S. -Kennedy "never saw the like." There was snow, with a very strong wind. -At Rathlin O'Birne (West Donegal) immense flocks of birds--Starlings, -Thrushes, and Fieldfares--passed west December 18th to 23d. The nearest -land to the west of this rocky island is America, and one is puzzled -to know where the birds were going; but this is not an isolated -occurrence--the westerly flight of land birds at stations off the west -coast of Ireland has been noticed on other occasions. The movement is -apparently as reckless as that of the Lemmings. The Ring Ouzel is again -stated to have been seen in the winter (January 15th) at Mine Head. It -is strange that not a single leg and wing of the Grey Linnet, or the -Twite (birds, doubtless, included under the name of "Linnets"), has -yet been received. They seem rarely to strike. There are two or three -instances of the Golden Plover having been killed striking in 1886. -The "Cream-coloured" Gulls seen off Blackrock, Mayo, November 5th, and -also seen in August 1881, April and May 1882, and October 11th, 1884 -(see Report, 1884, p. 181), were probably Iceland Gulls. The Gannet is -well known to every light-keeper, and its movements are not likely to -be confounded with any other bird. The entries, therefore, under it may -be examined with confidence. Species which are ill-defined, or named -with doubtful accuracy in the Report, are put in in inverted commas. In -Ireland birds are far less numerous than in Great Britain, and their -movements are less distinctly marked. Few entries have, therefore, been -omitted, for their value cannot be estimated until a number of Reports -have been compared. It is proposed next year to analyse all the Irish -observations. - -To all the light-keepers forwarding schedules our best thanks are -due; to those sending legs and wings, and specimens in the flesh, we -are under still further obligations. The interest evinced when three, -four, and five schedules are filled with careful notes, shows the -desire to further knowledge for its own sake, and speaks well for the -intelligence of such observers. The Commissioners of Irish Lights, -and their secretary, Mr Owen Armstrong, continue to give us their -very necessary assistance; and Captain Boxer, E.N., in his frequent -visits to the lighthouses, is ever ready to further the objects of this -inquiry. - - Richard M. Barrington. - Alexander G. More. - - - List of Light-Stations. - - Miles - Sched. from Names of - Filled. Au. Sp. Shore. Observers. - - 1. Fastnet, Co. Cork, 2 x x 8 George Dunleavy. - 2. Galley Head, Cork, o o o -- _No reply._ - 3. Old Head, Kinsale, Cork, o o o -- _No reply._ - 4. Mine Head, Waterford, 4 x x -- Edward M'Carron. - 5. Dungarvan, Waterford, 1 o x -- Wm. Higginbotham. - 5.*Coningbeg Lt.-ship, Wexford, 2 x x 10 Patrick Cullen and - Wm. Clydesdale. - 6. Barrels Rock Lt.-ship, do., 3 x x 4 Charles H. M'Cabe. - 7. Tuskar Rock, do., 4 x x 7 Rd. Hamilton, - Peter Page, - & E. M'Kenna. - 8. Arklow Sth. Lt.-ship, - Wicklow, 2 x x 7 Patrick Clancy and - Alfred B. Wall. - 8.*Arklow North Lt.-ship, do. 3 x x 8 William Daly. - 10. Kish Bank Lt.-ship, Dublin, 1 x o 7 Michael Cunniam. - 11. Howth Baily, Dublin, o o o -- No reply. - 12. Rockabill, Dublin, 5 x x 5 Jos. Hammond and - Henry Kelly. - 13. Copeland (Mew) Island, Down, 1 x o 3 John O'Donnell. - 14. Maidens, Antrim, 2 x x 5 Michael Barry. - 15. Rathlin, Antrim, 1 x o 6 John A. Murray. - 16. Innishtrahull, Donegal, 4 x x 6 M. S. Kennedy. - 17. Dunree Head, Donegal, 1 x x -- Jervis Brownell. - 19. Tory Island, Donegal, 1 x o 9 Henry Stocker. - 20. Arranmore, Donegal, 2 x x 5 Henry Williams. - 21. Rathlin O'Birne, Donegal, 1 o x 2 J. C. Macginley. - 22. Killybegs, Donegal, 3 x x -- Joseph Hill. - 23. Oyster Island, N. Sligo, o o o 1 _No reply._ - 24. Broadhaven, Mayo. 1 o x -- John A. Murray. - 25. Eagle Island, E., Mayo, 2 x x 2 Daniel Hawkins. - 26. Eagle Island, W., Mayo, o o o 2 _No reply._ - 27. Blackrock, Mayo, 2 x x 9 Edward Rohu. - 28. Blacksod Point, Mayo, o o o -- _No reply._ - 29. Clare Island, Mayo, o o o 4 _No reply._ - 30. Slyne Head, N., Galway, o o o 3 _No reply._ - 31. Slyne Head, S., Galway, 1 o x 3 Rich. Widdicombe. - 32. Arran Island, X., Galway, 2 x x 9 Thomas Fortune. - 33. Straw Island, Galway, o o o 9 _No reply._ - 34. Arran Island, S., Galway, o o o 6 _No reply._ - 36. Samphire Island, Kerry, 1 x o -- R. Phelan. - 37. Tearaght, Kerry, 2 x x 9 Francis Ryan. - 38. Valentia, Kerry, 1 x o -- Joseph Williams. - 39. Skelligs, Kerry, 2 x x 9 James Walshe. - 40. Dursey Island, Cork, o o o ½ _No reply._ - -Abbreviations: - - o = No reply. - x = Schedule returned partly or wholly filled. - Sp = Spring, replies received, 24. - Au = Autumn, replies received, 22. - - Legs, Wings, etc. Received. - - Mine Head, Leg and wing, Kestrel, Shot 29th Oct. - Fastnet, " Pied Killed striking, - Flycatcher, 4 A.M., Oct. 5. - Tearaght, " " Caught at lantern, - 8 P.M., Sept. 21. - Tuskar, " Missel Thrush, October. - Mine Head, " Thrush, Killed striking, Feb. 8. - Coningbeg Lt.-ship, " " Received June 2. - Tuskar, " " October. - Rockabill, " " Killed striking, Oct. 7. - Rathlin O'Birne, " " Struck, Dec. 25. - Coningbeg Lt.-ship, " Redwing, Killed striking, Oct. 26. - Rockabill, " " " Oct. 28. - Arklow S. Lt.-ship, " Fieldfare, Dead on deck, Nov. 26. - Rockabill, " " Killed striking, Oct. 24. - Innishtrahull, " " " Oct. 27. - Mine Head, " Blackbird, " Oct. 2. - " " " Disabled strik'g., - Oct. 29. - Coningbeg Lt.-ship, " " Killed striking, Oct. 23. - Tuskar Rock, " " October. - Rockabill, " " (male), Killed striking, Oct. 7. - " Rec'd. in flesh, Redstart, Shot, April 24. - " " " (female), Killed striking, May 9. - Fastnet, Leg, wing, and Black Redstart Found dead on rock, - tail, Oct. 30. - Mine Head, Leg and wing, Stonechat, Shot, February. - Coningbeg Lt.-ship, " Whinchat, Struck lantern, - 3 A.M., May 7. - Mine Head, " Wheatear, Caught striking, 9.30 - P.M., Aug. 22. - Coningbeg Lt.-ship, " " Killed striking, - Sept. 4. - Eagle Island, E., " " Shot first week in April. - Coningbeg Lt.-ship, " Reed Warbler, Killed striking, Oct. 4. - Tearaght Rock, " " Found dead, Oct. 4. - Mine Head, Rec'd. in flesh, Sedge Warbler, " May 3. - " Leg and wing, " May 10. - " " " Killed striking, Aug. 22. - Hook Tower, Received in flesh - fr. Capt. Boxer, " September. - Tuskar Rock, Rec'd. in flesh, 4 male Sedge Killed striking, - Warblers, May 9. - " " 3 Sedge - Warblers, May 16. - " Leg and wing, Sedge Warbler, Caught striking, - Sept. 24. - Rockabill, Rec'd. in flesh, 4 Sedge - Warblers, Killed striking, May 9. - Tuskar Rock, " Grasshopper Killed striking, - Warbler, 11.30 P.M., - April 30. - " " 5 Whitethroats Killed striking, - (4 male and 1 May 9. - female.) - " Leg and wing, Whitethroat, Caught at lantern, - Sept. 24. - - - Legs, Wings, etc., Received--_continued_. - - Rockabill, Rec'd. in flesh, 5 Whitethroats, Killed striking, May 9. - Tearaght Rock, Leg and wing, Whitethroat, Shot, May 21. - - Eagle Island, E., Leg, wing, and - head, Blackcap, Killed striking, Oct. 31. - Mine Head, Leg and wing, Willow Wren, Caught striking, 1.30 - A.M., Sept. 2. - Tuskar Rock, Received in flesh Caught on balcony, - fr. Capt. Boxer, " Aug. 10. - " Leg and wing, Chiffchaff, Caught at lantern, Sept. 24. - Rockabill, " " Killed striking, Oct. 2. - Mine Head, Wing, Blue Tit, Shot, February. - Tuskar Rock, Rec'd. in flesh, Yellow Wagtail - (fine old male), Shot, May 3. - Fastnet, Leg and wing, Meadow Pipit, Killed striking, Oct 29. - Barrels Rock " " Killed striking, - Lt.-ship, 9.30 P.M., - Oct. 29. - Rathlin O'Birne, " Rock Pipit, Killed striking, Oct. 14. - Eagle Island, E., " " Shot, Sept. 14. - - Eagle Island, W., " " Killed striking, second - week in October. - Mine Head, " Skylark (pale Caught at lantern, - wing, claws Feb. 26. - short), - " " Skylark, Caught at lantern, - March 23. - Coningbeg Lt.-ship, " " Killed striking, Oct. 28. - Arklow S. Lt.-ship, " - very large, " Caught on deck, Oct. 28. - Rockabill, Leg and wing, " Killed striking, Oct. 21. - Rathlin O'Birne, " " " Dec. 10. - Eagle Island, W. " " Caught at lantern, second - week in October. - Fastnet, " Snow Bunting, Found dead on rock, - Oct. 4. - Rockabill, " " Shot, Oct. 31. - Mine Head, Skin received, Corn Bunting, " February. - " Rec'd. in flesh, Reed Bunting, " Feb. 8. - " Skin received, Yellowhammer, " March 6. - Fastnet, Leg and wing, Chaffinch, Dead on rock, Oct. 28. - Tuskar, " " Killed striking, October. - Rockabill, " " " Oct. 28. - " " Greenfinch, " Oct. 28. - Mine Head, Rec'd. in flesh, Goldfinch, Shot, March 2. - Fastnet, Leg and wing, Starling, Killed striking, - 7.30 P.M., - Oct. 31. - Coningbeg Lt.-ship, " " Struck lantern, March 2. - Tuskar, " " " October. - Rockabill, " " " Oct. 4. - Tearaght Rock, Rec'd. in flesh, Sand Martin, Found dying, April 20. - Tuskar Rock, " Swift, Probably shot, May 15. - - - Legs, Wings, etc., Received--_continued_. - - Arran Island, N., Rec'd. in flesh, Wryneck, Killed striking, 2.30 A.M., - Oct. 6. - Tuskar, " Turtle Dove, Shot, May 12 - " Leg and wing, Corncrake, Caught at lantern, Sept. 23. - Fastnet, " Water Rail, Found dead on rock, Oct. 28. - Tuskar, Rec'd. in flesh, " Caught at lantern, Oct. 26. - Rathlin O'Birne, " Water Hen, Killed striking, Oct. 28. - Rockabill, Leg and wing, Jack Snipe, " Sept. 28. - Rathlin O'Birne, " Snipe, " Dec. 12. - Coningbeg Lt.-ship, " Com. Sandpiper, Found dead on deck, May 17. - " " " Curlew Sandpiper, Killed striking, May 31. - " " " " " Aug. 12. - Rockabill, " " " Oct. 28. - Rathlin O'Birne, " Purple Sandpiper, " Nov. 3. - Eagle Island, E., " " Shot, April 7. - " " Wing, Turnstone, " April 7. - Blackrock, Mayo, Leg and wing, " Found dead, Nov. 17. - Eagle Island, E., Rec'd. in flesh, Stormy Petrel, Caught at lantern, May 24. - Eagle Island, W., Leg and wing, Fork-tailed Petrel Caught at lantern, - second week in - October. - - List of Birds Noticed. - - PAGE PAGE - Hawks, 127 Golden-crested Wren, 140 - Owls, 128 Wren, 140 - Pied Flycatcher, 128 Blue Tit, 140 - Missel Thrush, 128 Wagtails, 140 - Thrush, 129 Rock Pipit and Titlark, 141 - Redwing, 131 Skylark, 142 - Fieldfare, 132 Snow Bunting, 144 - Blackbird, 133 Common Bunting, 145 - Ring Ouzel, 135 Reed Bunting, 145 - Hedge Sparrow, 135 Yellow Hammer, 145 - Robin, 135 Chaffinch, 145 - Redstart, 135 Sparrow, 146 - Black Redstart, 135 Greenfinch, 147 - Stonechat, 136 Goldfinch, 147 - Whinchat, 136 Redpole, 147 - Wheatear, 136 Linnets, 147 - Reed Warbler, 137 Starling, 148 - Sedge Warbler, 138 Chough, 151 - Grasshopper Warbler, 138 Raven, 152 - Whitethroat, 138 Hooded Crow, 152 - Blackcap, 139 Rook, 152 - Chiffchaff, 139 Jackdaw, 153 - Willow Wren, 139 Magpie, 153 - - List of Birds Noticed--_continued_. - - PAGE PAGE - Swallow, 153 Greenshank, 162 - Martins, 155 Curlew, 162 - Swift, 155 Whimbrel, 163 - Nightjar, 155 Terns, 163 - Cuckoo, 155 Gulls, 164 - Wryneck, 155 Manx Shearwater, 165 - "Hoopoe," 155 Fork-tailed Petrel, 166 - Pigeons, 156 Stormy Petrel, 166 - Turtle Dove, 156 Razorbill, 166 - "Partridge," 157 Guillemot, 167 - Corncrake, 157 Little Auk, 167 - Water Rail, 157 Puffin, 168 - Water Hen, 157 Great Northern Diver, 168 - Golden Plover, 157 Cormorant, 169 - Green Plover, 158 Gannet, 170 - Sea Pie, 159 Heron, 171 - Grey Phalarope, 159 Geese, 171 - Woodcock, 159 Ducks, 173 - Snipe, 160 "Merganser," 173 - "Sea Larks," etc. 161 Birds not identified, 174 - Redshank, 162 Bats, 174 - - -Hawks. - -_Fastnet._--April 17th, two going N.; September 10th, two Hawks -alighted 6 A.M. 23d, one at 7 A.M. killed a Titlark. - -_Mine Head._--February 23d, Peregrine Falcon seen to-day, first time -since November; April 10th, hatching on cliff; 19th, eggs taken. More -were laid and hatching re-commenced. August 16th, one Kestrel; October -29th, one shot. [Wing received.] A pair occasionally during winter. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--November 6th, one Sparrowhawk passed N.E. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--September 4th, one Sparrowhawk on deck 10 -A.M. hazy. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--November 28th, one Sparrowhawk going N.W. -December 15th, one. - -_Rockabill._--February 8th, one Sparrowhawk at noon. March 22d, a -Kestrel; May 23d, Hawks seen; June 30th, one seen; July 22d, one. - -_Copeland (Mew) Island._--May 21st, a Hawk at 6 P.M. - -_Rathlin Island._--June 10th, a Peregrine hovering. - -_Innishtrahull._--April 6th and 7th, one or two about island; wind -strong N.W. and S.W. April 30th, two on island; October 6th and 7th, -November 19th and 25th, December 6th and 13th, one or two noticed. - -_Arranmore._--April 22d, two Peregrines; 28th, four Sparrowhawks; June -25th, nine Sparrowhawks about station. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--September 18th, one Sparrowhawk, 10 A.M., on island. - -_Eagle Island, E._--April 2d, a small Brown Hawk; October 6th and 31st, -one large Hawk; December 29th, a small Hawk. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--January 22d, one Falcon, 10 A.M., on rock; March -16th, a Sparrowhawk about rock; 22d, two Falcons soaring; April 16th, -one; September 22d, one young Falcon about rock, carrying away head and -intestines of a fish, and chased by a Royal Gull; October 3d, Kestrel, -chasing Snow Buntings, one of which flew into the kitchen; October 4th, -two Falcons; November 1st, one shot, when about to capture pet pigeon. - -_Arran Island, N._--June 28th, a Hawk seen; July 25th, one; August 12th -and September, two. - -_Tearaght._--May 25th, a very large Hawk, of a brownish colour, -remained on island up to July. - -_Skelligs._--August 28th, pair of Peregrines last seen; October 1st, -first appearance since August; left on 2d; November 20th, two. - - -Owls. - -_Mine Head._--July 25th, one flying about 9 P.M.; August 13th, one at 9 -P.M. - -_Rockabill._--July 22d, "5 P.M.," one seen. - -_Innishtrahull._--A White Owl [? Snowy Owl.--R. M. B.] was seen on -west point of island by islanders on 16th January; March 16th, one -"Short-eared Owl" on island. - - -Pied Flycatcher (_Muscicapa atricapilla_, Linn.). - -_Fastnet._--October 5th, one killed striking at 4 A.M. wind S.E., -misty. [Wing and leg received; erroneously entered as "Goldcrest" in -schedule. This is the third specimen killed in Ireland.] - -_Tearaght._--September 21st, 8 P.M., one caught at lantern. [Leg and -wing received. The second Irish specimen.] - - -Missel Thrush (_Turdus viscivorus_, Linn.). - -_Mine Head._--They leave here in summer. - -_Tuskar._--[October, leg and wing received without date.] - - -Thrush (_Turdus musicus_, Linn.). - -[No doubt frequently confounded with Redwing.] - -_Fastnet._--October 18th and 19th, continuous flocks from 10 P.M. on -18th to 9 A.M. on 19th, coming from S.E., going N.W., flying high; wind -E.N.E., then E. Less flocks passed when wind changed. 22d, numbers from -1 A.M. to 5 A.M. about the light; rain. - -_Mine Head._--February 8th, one killed striking. [Leg and wing -received.] - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--June 2d. [Received leg and wing of Thrush.] - -_Tuskar Rock._--January 25th and 26th, 2 to 3 A.M., Thrushes, Larks, -and Starling; some struck, none killed; clear sky, wind light W. -February 9th, flocks of Thrushes passed W. 3 P.M.; 27th and 28th, -Thrushes, Blackbirds, Larks, and Starlings passed N.W.; wind strong E.; -rain, fog, snow. Migration during night, and on morning of 28th to 10 -A.M. Constantly striking, and "countless numbers" killed and disabled. -March 13th, small flocks 10 to 11 A.M. passed N.W.; September 29th, one -killed striking at midnight. From October 16th to 23d Thrushes killed -striking every night, except 22d, from thirty-three on the 16th to two -on the 21st; they were accompanied by Blackbirds and Starling, but most -Thrushes were killed. The wind was strong from E. and N. Numbers were -round the lantern. On 22d, at noon, there were many on the rock; 26th, -four killed striking; 30th, three. November 7th, one found killed; -25th, one killed striking. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--January 25th, several about lantern to -midnight; wind light, hazy. February 11th, three killed striking; -21st, several Thrushes, with Starling, striking at midnight; six dead -on deck; several killed; 27th and 28th, several Thrushes during night -killed against lantern; wind strong S.E. March 2d, several flocks, 2 -P.M., going W.; 13th, 2 A.M., about lantern at night; 14th, do.; 20th, -1.30 A.M. to 6 A.M., about lantern; fog. March 27th, Thrushes about -lantern; rain. October 7th, midnight, Thrushes about lantern, none -killed; fog; wind light S.W. 18th, 9 A.M. to noon, several going N.W. -19th, 9 P.M. to midnight, about lantern, one killed striking; wind -fresh N.E., showery; 22d to 28th, numbers passed, mostly at night; -wind fresh from E. 31st, eight killed striking, passing at night with -Blackbirds; wind fresh S.; rain. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--February 11th, hundreds of Larks, Thrushes, -and Stares about lantern; about two dozen killed. 27th and 28th, -several Thrushes during day about ship; wind strong S.S.E. March 1st, -four caught on board; 18th, six killed striking; 25th and 27th, great -quantity of Larks, Thrushes, and "Stares" about ship at night; wind -fresh S.W.; hazy, rain; three Thrushes killed, numbers fell overboard. -April 3d, several about lantern. September 14th, several about lantern -at midnight; 21st, do. October 8th, at 2 A.M., and on 9th, some at -noon, going N.W.; 17th, some at 7 A.M., going N.W.; 30th, about lantern -at midnight, four killed striking. November 22d, two killed striking at -midnight; misty, rain. - -_Kish Light-ship._--March 1st, several about ship all day; 2d, do.; -caught one. - -_Rockabill._--January 30th, Thrushes at night, striking; several -killed. February 26th, 27th, 28th, Thrushes striking at night; numbers -killed; mist, rain, snow; wind S.E., fresh. March 14th, Thrushes -passing; 22d, about lantern at night. July 15th, a "Mountain Thrush," -7.30 A.M. September 25th, one on rock. October 2d, 2 A.M., about light, -with Skylarks; 7th, 3 A.M., a number about light; about twelve killed -striking; wind light N., fog. [Leg and wing of Thrush received.] 28th, -10 P.M., a number about light, with Blackbirds, Redwings, Chaffinches, -Greenfinches, etc.; some killed; gloomy; wind S.E., strong. (See under -the various species.) - -_South Maidens._--February 20th, one caught on balcony at 1 A.M., and -one found dead. April 20th, one killed striking, 9 P.M. October 4th, -some on balcony during night; 5th, several killed against glass up to -midnight. - -_Innishtrahull._--January 17th, one on island. February 22d, one killed -striking, 4 A.M. wind N., fresh, misty. September 26th, one striking. -October 4th, a great number of Thrushes and Larks about lantern, -striking S.W. side; wind strong S.E., hazy. 5th, one; 12th and 15th, -one or two striking, 11 P.M. - -_Tory Island._--March 17th, four killed striking. - -_Arranmore._--June 18th, two about station. December 21st, Blackbirds -and Thrushes all day; snow showers. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--September 6th, three on island; wind light N.E.; -first seen. December 18th to 23d, flocks of Starling, Thrushes, and -Fieldfare during snow (see under Fieldfare). December 25th, fifteen at -midnight; wind strong W.; four killed striking. [Leg and wing of one -received.] - -_Killybegs._--November 8th, two; wind fresh S.W. December 16th, three; -18th, about twenty, with Blackbirds, Larks, and flocks of Starling; -wind light, snow. - -_Slyne Head, S._--October 18th, twelve Thrushes, first seen this -winter; wind strong N.E. December 17th, numbers of Blackbirds and -Thrushes; 18th, great numbers of Starlings, Thrushes, Blackbirds, -Larks, Linnets, and Chaffinches on island while snow lasted; wind -strong N.E., snow. - -_Arran Island, N._--January 6th, two. November 25th, one. December 18th -to 21st, flocks with Fieldfares, Blackbirds, and Starling. - -_Tearaght._--October 17th, a few. November 14th, a great many arrived. -18th, Thrushes in thousands; also a great number of Starling and -Skylarks; snow appears heavy on shore. 24th, a great number left. - -_Skelligs._--October 2d, several. November 15th, five "Mountain Thrush." - - -Redwing (_Turdus iliacus_, Linn.). - -_Fastnet._--October 22d, numbers, 1 A.M. to 5 P.M., about light; one -killed striking; rain, wind E.N.E. - -_Mine Head._--October 17th, one. Plentiful up to date, 20th January -1887. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--October 23d, several Thrushes, 7 to 12 P.M., -round light; 26th, several Thrushes round light; six killed striking. -[Leg and wing of Redwing received.--R. M. B.] 26th to 30th, several -with Blackbirds, Larks, and Starling round light at night; wind E. or -S.E., strong gloomy rain. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--April 20th, three Mountain Thrushes going -N., rested awhile on ship; light haze. October 30th, Mountain Thrushes -passing 8 P.M. to 3 A.M. on 31st with Starlings, one struck going N.; -showery; wind fresh S. - -_Rockabill._--October 28th, 10 P.M., Redwing about lantern, with -Thrushes, Blackbirds, etc.; wind strong S.E., gloomy. [Leg and wing of -Redwing received.] December 14th, one on rock; stormy, wind E. - -_Tearaght._--March 3d, a great number of Reel wings and Blackbirds on -island; 25th, last of Redwings and Blackbirds seen to-day. October 6th, -several seen. - - -Fieldfare (_Turdus pilaris_, Linn.). - -_Mine Head._--A few occasionally, from 19th October to date, January -20th, 1887. - -_Tuskar Rock._--October 30th, one killed against glass. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--November 26th, Fieldfare dead on deck. [Leg -and wing received.] - -_Rockabill._--October 24th, Fieldfares at 11 P.M. about light; several -killed; wind N., strong, gloomy. [Leg and wing received.] December -17th, two, 3 P.M., going W.; wind N., fresh. - -_Innishtrahull._--October 27th, one killed striking, 11 P.M.; wind -strong S.E., overcast. [Leg and wing of Fieldfare received.] December -18th to 20th, "a most extraordinary rush of Fieldfares; wind N., very -stormy, with heavy snow showers. They all apparently came from Scotch -coast. I never saw such a rush; the oldest people on island never saw -the like. A great number left on 21st; not one to be seen after 23d." -[None are entered as killed striking.] - -_Arranmore._--December 21st, eight Fieldfares; snow showers; also -Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Starling. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--Immense flocks of birds passed here, from -December 18th to 23d, their flight being always to the W., Starlings, -Thrushes, and Fieldfares. [There is no land W. of Rathlin O'Birne but -America.--R. M. B.] - -_Eagle Island, E._--December 17th, large flock at daylight on island; -wind fresh N.; 19th, about one hundred on island, 10 A.M. wind fresh N. - -_Arran Island, N._--December 18th to 21st, flocks with Thrushes, -Blackbirds, etc. - -_Tearaght._--November 18th, a large flock on island (snow on shore); -24th, left island. - - -Blackbird (_Turdus merula_, Linn.). - -_Fastnet._--October 18th and 19th, from 10 P.M. on 18th to 9 A.M. -on 19th, continuous flocks with Thrushes coming from S.E., going N. -and N.W.; wind E.N.E. to E. 22d, numbers, 1 A.M. to 5 A.M., about -light; wind E.N.E., rain; one killed striking (female). 23d, two males -captured on rock after night; wind light E., hazy. 24th, one on rock. -25th, one disabled. Blackbirds leave in summer. - -_Mine Head._--October 2d, one found killed at base of lighthouse. [Wing -and leg of female Blackbird received.] 19th, one. 29th, one found -injured in garden in morning. [Leg and wing received.] A few seen -occasionally afterwards. - -_Dungarvan._--October 26th, one struck 10 P.M. misty. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--October 23d, several round light, 7 P.M. to -midnight; wind E., strong, clear. [Leg and wing received.--R. M. B.] -26th to 30th, several round light at night, with Thrushes, Larks, and -Starling. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--December 5th, one alighted on ship, flew -N.W. December 16th, two going N.W.; wind light E. - -_Tuskar Rock._--February 27th and 28th, numbers passing N.W. at night, -with Thrushes, Larks, and Starling; wind E., strong; rain, fog, -snow (see Thrush); many killed. March 13th, 2 to 5 A.M., ten killed -striking; clear, wind E.; most of Blackbird killed were females. -September 24th, 11 P.M., one killed striking. October 18th to 21st, -one to three killed striking each night; numbers around light, with -Thrushes and Starling. 22d, Blackbirds on rock at noon. 23d, two killed -striking. 24th, small numbers on rock. 25th, one killed striking. 26th, -eleven hen and five cock Blackbirds killed striking. 30th, five; during -this October rush the wind was strong from N. to E., and Thrushes, -Starlings, and on 26th, Larks accompanied the Blackbirds. November 8th -and 9th, one seen. 14th, fourteen passed N.W. Two and three noted 21st -and 25th. December 5th, eight at lantern 6 A.M. 6th, flocks passed N.W. -at 8 A.M. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--February 27th and 28th, several about -lantern; many killed striking. (See under Thrush and Starling.) 20th, -about lantern at night, 1.30 A.M. to 6 A.M. fog. March 27th, 9 P.M. to -4 A.M., Blackbirds about lantern; four females killed striking, several -fell overboard; rain. July 21st, one young Blackbird fell into the sea. -October 30th, 8 P.M. to midnight, several; 4 killed striking; wind -fresh S., rain. 31st, two killed striking. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--March 25th and 27th, four killed striking. -April 3d, two ditto. September 21st, midnight, about lantern. 28th and -29th, do. October 30th, about lantern, midnight; wind fresh S., cloudy; -six killed striking. - -_Kish Light-ship._--March 27th, flocks about ship with Starlings and -Larks. - -_Rockabill._--January 30th, Blackbirds, with Thrushes, Stares, and -Larks passing at night; several of each killed striking; wind S.W. -light. February 26th and 27th, Blackbirds passing at night with -Thrushes and "Stares;" wind S.E., misty, rain, snow. March 14th, -Blackbirds passing. June 6th, several; misty. July 8th and 18th, one -seen. October 7th, 3 A.M., a number, about twelve killed striking; also -Thrushes; wind light N., fog. [Leg and wing of Blackbird received.] -28th, 10 P.M., about light, some killed striking; gloomy, wind S.E., -strong. December 5th, one on rock. 14th, one during storm from E. 20th, -some on rock; wind N.E., fresh. - -_Copeland (Mew) Island._--April 30th, forty; some breed on Island. - -_South Maidens._--February 20th, one caught on balcony, 1 A.M. March -20th, one on rock. October 4th, one struck--disabled. 5th, several -killed up to midnight 8th, one on rock all day. "During latter part -October there was a great rush of Blackbirds, Skylarks, and Stares." - -_Innishtrahull._--October 5th, 11 P.M., one striking; misty. November -11th, 10 P.M., one striking; wind strong S.W. - -_Arranmore._--June 19th, four about station. December 21st, Blackbirds -and Thrushes all day; snow showers. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--November 10th, one on island; wind strong N.E. The -first seen. December 25th, three do.; wind N.W., strong. - -_Killybegs._--November 1st, one; wind strong S.W. December 16th, two. -18th, about a dozen, with Thrushes, Larks, and Starling; snow, wind -light. - -_Slyne Head, S._--December 17th, numbers of Thrushes and Blackbirds on -island; wind strong N.E., snow. 18th, Blackbirds (see under Thrush). - -_Arran Island, N._--February 24th, one Blackbird (male) seen. December -18th to 21st, flocks with Starling, Thrushes, and Fieldfare. - -_Tearaght._--March 3d, a great many Redwings and Blackbirds on island. -25th, last seen to-day. October 17th, a few. - -_Valencia._--one to four, June 1st, August 1st, 20th. - -_Skelligs._--October 2d, several. - - -Ring Ouzel (_Turdus torquatus_, Linn.). - -_Mine Head._--May 11th, one seen; probably breeds here. January 15th, -1887, one seen; shot at, but missed. [See 1885 Report.] - - -Hedge Sparrow (_Accentor modularis_, Linn.). - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--October 20th, one during day; wind light W. - -_Tearaght._--Hedge Sparrows and Wrens breed here; but I think a great -many Hedge Sparrows leave in spring, as they are far more plentiful in -winter. [Nests of both seen.--R. M. B.] - - -Robin (_Erithacus rubecula_, Linn.). - -_Fastnet._--October 20th, one on rock all day. - -_Tuskar Rock._--September 25th, 3 A.M., two at lantern glass; wind -light S.W. November 5th, one on rock, 10 A.M. wind N.W., light. - -_Rockabill._--March 23d, "Robins." April 3d, do. September 25th, one on -rock. - -_Arranmore._--December 23d, three Robins. - -_Broadhaven._--November 8th, one; remains here. - - -Redstart (_Ruticilla phœnicurus_, Linn.). - -_Rockabill._--April 24th, one shot at noon; wind light S.E., fog; -only two seen. [Received a male Redstart in flesh.] May 9th, Redstart -and Warblers passing all night; wind moderate E., misty; caught -one Redstart. [Received one female Redstart in flesh. See under -Whitethroat.] July 12th, a Redstart, 9 A.M.; wind strong S.W. - - -Black Redstart (_Ruticilla titys_, Scopoli). - -_Fastnet._--October 23d, "A small bird about size of a Robin. Dark -slate colour on back, light blue on breast, bill and legs black. -About all day; never saw one of this species before." [Probably Black -Redstart.--R. M. B.] 31st, small bird, name unknown, got dead on rock. -[Wing, leg, and tail of Black Redstart received.] November 21st, one -seen; very dark in body. (Probably old male.) - -_Mine Head._--January 18th, one seen. 26th, another. January 19th, -1887, one seen, but not noticed until this date. - -_Dungarvan._--December 18th, one seen on lighthouse road. - -_Tuskar Rock._--November 7th, one caught on rock--forwarded [not -received.--R. M. B.] 22d, one on rock at noon. - -_Rockabill._--July 10th, 11 A.M., a "Blackstart;" wind strong S.W. -Rested for a short time. [This would be an extraordinary late date for -a Black Redstart. The bird should be known at Rockabill, as Mr Hammond -forwarded a fine old male last year.] - - -Stonechat (_Saxicola rubicola_, Linn.). - -_Mine Head._--February 14th, one shot. A few seen during summer. - -_Rockabill._--April 25th, one seen. - -_South Maidens._--April 20th, one killed striking, 9 P.M. October 9th, -one on rock. - -_Rathlin Island._--April 5th and 9th, one to three seen. June 6th, four. - -_Innishtrahull._--September 25th and 26th, five to six striking glass -at night; wind strong S., misty. - -_Arranmore._--April 16th, two; wind light N.E. November 20th, two, all -day. - -_Killybegs._--March 14th, four at 8 A.M. - - -Whinchat (_Saxicola rubetra_, Linn.). - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--May 7th, one killed striking, 3 A.M.; wind -light S.E., rain. [Leg and wing received.] - -_Rockabill._--April 27th, a Whinchat. May 8th, one. October 7th, a -number of "Whinchats" at noon. - - -Wheatear (_Saxicola œnanthe_, Linn.). - -_Fastnet._--September 3d, 10 to 12 P.M., large flocks "Stone Chatters," -fifteen killed striking; wind fresh S.E., misty, rain. Several caught -alive; all seemed young birds. September 4th, numbers, 12 to 3 A.M., -three killed striking; wind fresh S.E., misty; several on rock all day. -6th, four, 10 to 11 P.M., about light; two killed striking; passing -showers; wind fresh N.W. - -_Mine Head._--April 19th, first seen; several breed near. August 22d, -two caught striking, 9.30 P.M.; hazy. [Leg and wing received.] 26th, -two at lantern, 10 P.M. fog. 28th, one at glass; thick fog. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--April 12th, one about ship. September 4th, one -killed striking. [Leg and wing received.] - -_Tuskar Rock._--April 12th, passing in small numbers with Chaffinches, -10 P.M. to 430 A.M. six of each killed striking; wind light S.W., -clear. May 22d, 12 midnight, one killed striking; wind light N.E. July -30th, one on rock. - -_Rockabill._--April 21st, two killed striking; gloomy, wind strong -E. 30th, four killed striking; misty, wind S., moderate. July 7th, -Wheatears on rock; 14th, a young one. September 25th, two; 28th, 10 -P.M., several about light; misty. - -_South Maidens._--April 25th, three on rock. - -_Rathlin Island._--May 20th and June 2d, noted. - -_Arranmore._--March 18th, six about station, the first seen; wind -strong S.E., misty. - -_Eagle Island, E._--April 7th, five or six "Wheatears (Stonechats)" all -day. [Leg and wing of one shot received.] - -_Tearaght._--April 14th, one struck, 11 P.M., not killed; fog, 16th, -several seen to-day. - -_Skelligs._--March 28th, three all day. 29th, a number flying N.W. at -noon. - - -Reed Warbler (_Acrocephalus streperus_, Vieill.). - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--October 3d and 4th, several small birds about -light, 8 P.M. to midnight; overcast, one killed striking. [Leg and wing -received, and doubtfully referred by Mr Dresser to this species, who -says that the leg is nearer Sylvia curruca. It is improbable either -species were migrating in any numbers, and most of the small birds were -doubtless other Warblers.] - -_Tearaght Rock._--October 4th, one found dead. [Leg and wing received -and submitted to Mr Dresser,] - - -Sedge Warbler (_Acrocephalus schœnobænus_, Linn.). - -_Mine Head._--April 25th, one caught striking; wind N.E., strong -breeze, fog. May 3d, one found dead. [Received Sedge Warbler.] 7th, one -caught striking; wind E., calm, fog; a few against lantern all night; -as many as five seen on sashes at a time. 8th, one found dead, several -striking in night; fog continued. 9th, one found dead. 10th, another. -[Leg and wing received.--R. M. B.] August 25th, a Whitethroat Warbler -found dead at base of lighthouse; probably killed on 22d, during fog. -[Leg and wing received. It was a Sedge Warbler.] 28th, one caught at -glass. September 13th, one in garden. - -_Tuskar Rock._--May 9th, 9.30 P.M. to 1 A.M., small numbers with -Whitethroats striking; fog; thirteen White throats and ten Sedge -Warblers killed. [Received four male Sedge Warblers, and five male and -one female Whitethroat in flesh.--R. M. B.] May 16th, three killed -striking. [Received Sedge Warbler.] May 22d, 10.30 P.M. to 2 A.M., -Whitethroats and Sedge Warblers constantly striking, about fifty of -each killed; wind light N.W. July 29th, one killed striking, 11.30 P.M. -September 24th, one killed striking. [Leg and wing received.] - -_Rockabill._--May 7th, Sedge Warblers passing in numbers all night; -rain, wind light S. 9th, Warblers passing all night. [Four Sedge -Warblers received in flesh. See under Whitethroat.] 22d, "Warblers" -passing, several killed. - - -Grasshopper Warbler (_Acrocephalus nævius_, Bodd.). - -_Tuskar Rock._--April 20th, one struck, 11.30 P.M.; wind light E., -misty. [Received in flesh.] - - -Whitethroat (_Sylvia rufa_, Bodd.). - -_Mine Head._--May 9th, one caught striking; 12th, one singing in marshy -ground. [Probably Sedge Warbler.] - -_Tuskar Rock._--May 9th, 9.30 P.M. to 1 A.M., Whitethroats and Sedge -Warblers striking; fog; thirteen Whitethroats and ten Sedge Warblers -killed. [Received five male and 1 female Whitethroat, and four male -Sedge Warblers in flesh.] May 22d, 10.30 P.M. to 2 A.M., Whitethroats -and Sedge Warblers constantly striking, about fifty of each killed; -wind light N.W. September 24th, one killed striking. [Leg and wing of -Whitethroat received.] - -_Rockabill._--May 6th, Whitethroats passing; wind light S., misty. 9th, -Warblers passing all night; fog and mist. [Received five Whitethroats -in flesh. See also under Sedge Warbler.] There were immense quantities -of these small birds here on night of 9th inst. 22d, "Warblers" -passing. 23d, Whitethroats passing. - -_Tearaght._--May 21st, one Whitethroat shot. [Received in flesh.] - - -Blackcap (_Sylvia atricapilla_, Linn.). - -_Tuskar Rock._--November 7th, one found killed; forwarded. [Not -received.--R. M. B.] - -_Eagle Island, U._--October 31st, one killed striking. [Leg, wing, and -head received.] - - -Chiffchaff (_Phylloscopus collybita_, Vieill.), and Willow Wren -(_Phylloscopus trochilus_, Linn.). - -_Mine Head._--April 24th, one caught striking, 1 A.M., fog. May 6th, -one seen. September 2d, one caught on glass; wind N., clear, fine. [Leg -and wing of Willow Wren received.] - -_Tuskar Rock._--September 24th, one Chiffchaff killed striking; wind -light S.W. [Leg and wing received.] - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--April 25th, 8 A.M., one "Sally-picker" -found dead on deck. [Perhaps Chiffchaff or Willow Wren.] - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--May 11th, great flocks of "Sally-pickers" -about ship, 4 A.M. calm, hazy; six killed striking. [May have been -Sedge Warblers or Whitethroats.] - -_Rockabill._--April 23d, "Flycatchers" passing all night, numbers -killed striking; gloomy, misty, wind E., light. May 4th, "Flycatchers" -all night; numbers killed striking; wind fresh S., misty. September -1st, two "Flycatchers" all day on rock; clear. 28th, 10 P.M., several -"Flycatchers" about light; misty, rain. October 2d, one "Flycatcher" -killed striking; wind S.E., strong, overcast. [Leg and wing of -Chiffchaff received.] - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--April 29th, one Willow Wren all day about rock; -wind strong N.E. - - -Golden-Crested Wren (_Regulus cristatus_, Koch). - -_Rockabill._--September 25th, one on rock. October 7th, 3 A.M., -Golden-crested Wrens with "Common Wrens," Blackbirds, and Thrushes -about light; fog, wind light N. - -_South Maidens._--October 8th, two Golden-crested Wrens. - -_Arranmore._--December 21st, one; snow showers. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--December 26th, one on island. Passing snow showers. - -_Skelligs._--October 10th, two Golden-crested Wrens. - - -Wren (_Troglodytes parvulus_, Koch). - -_Mine Head._--"A doubt having been expressed in a previous report of -the common Wren being resident on the Tearaght Rock, I have seen it -plentiful there both summer and winter. I believe there are between 60 -and 100 always there, and I believe five might be found on the same -extent of ground at Mine Head." [Mr M'Carron has recently moved from -Tearaght Rock to Mine Head. Wren's nest seen by R. M. B.] - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--April 12th, one "Wren" about ship, 5.30 A.M. -[? this species.] - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--October 3d, 6 A.M., one "Wren" alive on -deck, caught and let go; hazy, rain, wind strong S. - -_Rockabill._--April 10th, "Wrens;" 29th, do. October 7th, 3 A.M., -"common Wrens" about lantern; wind light N., fog. - -_Arranmore._--December 22d, one "common Wren." - -_Tearaght._--Hedge Sparrows and Wrens breed here. - - -Blue Tit (_Parus cæruleus_, Linn.). - -_Mine Head._--February 1886 [wing received.] January 3d, 1887, one seen. - - -Wagtails. - -_Fastnet._--April 18th, one on rock. - -_Mine Head._--June 16th, three, "not the common species." [From -description, probably Grey Wagtail.] September 27th, four. January, -19th, 1887, one. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--September 24th, one Yellow Wagtail going N. - -_Tuskar Rock._--March 13th, one "Grey" Wagtail killed striking, 3 A.M. -wind light E., clear. May 3d, two on rock, one killed. [Received in -flesh--a fine male, _Motacilla Raii_] "They are not the first I have -seen here." - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--February 21st, one about ship. September -15th, one about ship noon; wind light N.E. - -_Rockabill._--March 1st, one killed striking. May 5th, a Grey Wagtail. -October 7th, 11 A.M., one Yellow Wagtail on rock. - -_Innishtrahull._--December 15th, one Wagtail; wind very strong N.E. - -_Eagle Island, E._--April 27th, two Pied Wagtails on island; first -seen. May 1st, two. December 6th, two. - -_Arran Island, N._--July 25th, two Wagtails. December, the two Wagtails -remained since July. - -_Skelligs._--October 2d, two Wagtails. - - -Rock Pipit (_Anthus obscurus_, Lath.) and Titlark (_Anthus pratensis_, -Linn.). - -_Fastnet._--September 4th, 12 to 3 A.M., two killed striking wind fresh -S.E., misty. October 3d, two; 29th, one killed striking; hazy. [Leg and -wing of Titlark received.] - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--October 24th, flocks going N.W.; wind E., -fresh. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--October 4th, one Lark 9 A.M. 29th, Lark -passing 9 P.M. to midnight, one killed striking; rain. [Leg and wing of -Titlark received.] 30th, small flock of Larks 11 A.M. going N. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--19th and 26th September, one Titlark. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--April 7th, some Titlarks passing N.W. -November 8th, a flock. - -_Kish Light-ship._--March 1st, several about ship; 2d, ditto, caught -two. May 2d, one about ship. June 14th, one. August 12th, three on -board. - -_South Maidens._--January 31st, three on rock. April 1st, midnight, one -killed striking. October 6th, some about light. - -_Innishtrahull._--September 3d, one striking 10 P.M. 5th, four -striking; wind strong S., overcast. 29th, one at lantern. Titlarks [? -Rock Pipits] are resident. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--October 14th, one killed striking, 1 A.M.; wind -light W. [Leg and wing of Rock Pipit received.] - -_Killybegs._--October 4th, four at noon. - -_Eagle Island, E._--March 27th, three all day. Breed here. September -14th, one shot. [Leg and wing of Rock Pipit received.] October 26th, -four. - -_Eagle Island, W._--October, one killed striking, second week. [Leg and -wing of Rock Pipit received.] - -_Arran Island, N._--A flock on island. - -_Skelligs._--Titlark remains all the year. - - -Skylark (_Alauda arvensis_, Linn.). - -_Fastnet._--October 22d, one killed striking; rain. 29th, several on -rock. - -_Mine Head._--February 26th, Lark caught striking. [Leg and wing -received (see Preface). They were submitted to the best authorities, -who referred them, after some difference of opinion, to this species.] -March 23d, one killed striking. [Leg and wing received.] November 13th, -one chased into coal store by "Kestrel;" doing well in cage. - -_Coningbeg light-ship._--April 21st, three Larks about ship; hazy. -October 14th, one. 28th to 30th, several Larks and Thrushes about ship -at night; gloomy with rain. Some killed striking. [Leg and wing of -Skylark received.] - -_Tuskar Rock._--February 10th, 11th, and 12th, constantly passing in -small flocks to N.W. February 27th and 28th, passing at night with -Thrushes and Blackbirds to N.W., numbers killed; wind strong E., rain, -snow, fog. October 26th, eight killed striking; Blackbirds, Thrushes, -and Starling with them (see under each). December 16th and 29th, one at -lantern. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--January 25th, several about lantern to -midnight. February 8th, 4 to 8 A.M., Skylarks about ship; calm and -foggy. 11th, three killed striking at night. A large number floating by -ship in the water in day time. March 13th, 2 A.M., Thrushes, Stares, -and Larks about lantern; four Larks fell on deck, killed; hazy. 14th, -about lantern; wind light N.E., hazy. 20th, Thrushes, Skylarks, Stares, -and Blackbirds, 1.30 A.M. to 6 A.M., about lantern; foggy, light -S.W. wind. 27th. Skylarks about lantern 9 P.M. to 4 A.M., one killed -striking. October 4th, several about lantern 10 P.M. wind, light S.E., -cloudy; four killed striking, 5th and 7th, several about lantern, -three caught and let go. 18th, 9 A.M. to noon, Larks going N.W. 28th, -Thrushes and Larks 12 to 4 A.M. overcast, wind light S.E. [Leg and wing -received.] - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--February 11th, hundreds of Larks about -lantern at night (see under Starling). March 13th, flock coins N.W. -18th, large number about lantern: wind, strong S.E., snow. 19th, flocks -going N.W. 10 A.M. 25th and 27th, great quantity at midnight; hazy, -rain, wind fresh S.W.; two killed striking. April 3d, several about -lantern at midnight. September 14th, several; 28th and 29th, about -lantern at midnight. October 9th, 12th, 18th, noted in day time going -N.W.; 19th and 20th, several flocks going N.W.; 26th, about lantern -at night. November 8th, a flock at noon. December 3d, several about -lantern at midnight; misty. - -_Kish Light-ship._--March 27th, several flocks about ship; wind S.W., -fresh. April 26th, one about lantern. - -_Rockabill._--January 30th, Larks, with Stares, Blackbirds, and -Thrushes, passing at night; several of each killed striking. March -16th, a "Woodlark" seen. April 3d, Larks at night. October 2d, 2 A.M., -about light; misty; one killed striking. [Leg and wing of Skylark -received.] 7th, 3 A.M., a large number about light, 10 killed striking; -also Blackbirds, Thrushes, etc.; wind light N.E., fog. December 4th. -2 A.M., a few about light; rain. 14th, four on rock 10 A.M.; wind E., -stormy. 20th, 9 A.M., some on rock; wind strong N.E. - -_South Maidens._--January 28th, four found dead on flags. February 8th, -four struck lantern 11 P.M.; overcast, gloomy. 9th, a large flock over -rock, none struck. 12th, eleven; wind strong S. April 5th, 25th, and -30th, four noticed. October 4th, several on rock; 6th, large flocks -about light, very few killed. "During the latter part of October there -was a great rush of Larks, Blackbirds, and Stares." - -_Innishtrahull._--January 3d, one killed striking, 5 A.M. wind strong -S.W. February 6th, a number about lantern at midnight; overcast, rain, -wind very strong S.; four killed striking. February 25th, three at 1 -A.M. striking; clear. March 24th, four at 2 A.M. about lantern, one -killed; wind fresh S.E. June 30th, midnight, two disabled striking; -fog. July 5th, one on balcony 11 P.M. October 4th, 11 P.M., a great -number of Thrushes and Larks about lantern, striking the S.W. side of -lantern; some killed, which struck with great force; wind strong S.E., -overcast, hazy, 15th, one striking 11 P.M. November 23d and 24th, two -striking; wind light, fog. December 18th, eighty to a hundred; wind N., -snow, stormy. - -_Arranmore._--March 24th, Larks all day. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--December 10th, about twenty at 10 P.M., live killed -striking; wind light W., clear. [Leg and wing received.] - -_Killybegs._--March 28th, two in garden. May 7th, six going S.E. -October 2d, six; 17th, 10 P.M., five or six about light; December 16th, -four; 17th, one at lantern 9 P.M. 18th, about thirty, with Starling, -Thrushes, and Blackbirds; snow, wind light. - -_Eagle Island, E._--October 3d, one seen. - -_Eagle Island, W._--Second week October, one caught at lantern. [Leg -and wing received.] - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--November 25th, about lantern until midnight, four -killed striking; wind light S.E., clear to gloomy. - -_Slyne Head, S._--December 18th, numbers with Chaffinches, etc., on -island during the snow; wind strong N.E. (see under Thrush). - -_Tearaght._--November 18th, a great number (snow on shore). 24th, Larks -have left. - - -Snow Bunting (_Plectrophanes nivalis_, Linn.). - -_Fastnet._--October 3d, two on rock; rarely seen here. 4th, one found -dead. [Wing and leg received.] - -_Dungarvan._--December 19th, two seen; wind N.W., light. - -_Rockabill._--February 17th, Snow Bunting at 3 P.M. October 31st, one -on rock shot. [Leg and wing received.] - -_Innishtrahull._--January 17th, five on island; wind strong W., snow -showers. October 19th, numbers of Snow Buntings; wind light E., clear; -left again. - -_Tory Island._--January 1st, ten Snowbirds on island; wind N.W., stormy. - -_Arranmore._--April 12th, two, in almost summer plumage. June 13th, -two, not in summer plumage. [Perhaps females.--R. M. B.] September -29th, seven, the first seen; wind light S.W. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--December 19th, fifty-five at 9 A.M. wind strong -N.E., snow; ten found dead. - -_Killybegs._--December 10th, four: 13th, six. - -_Broadhaven._--December 26th, five. - -_Eagle Island, E._--March 27th, two on island. October 10th, three all -day. 11th, five; wind strong W. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--October 1st, three. November 18th, thirty; wind -strong S.W., misty. December 9th, fifteen. Still on rock January 8th, -1887. - -_Slyne Head, S._--October 18th, one on island. - -_Arran Island, N._--January 14th, six on island. - -_Tearaght._--October 5th, eighteen on island; not seen afterwards. - - -Common Bunting (_Emberiza miliaria_, Linn.). - -_Mine Head._--February 8th, one shot. A pair seen during summer. [Skin -received.] - - -Reed Bunting (_Emberiza schœniclus_, Linn.). - -_Mine Head._--February 8th, one shot. [Received.] March 22d, another. -January 27th, 1887, I have not seen this species or the Common Bunting -this winter. - - -Yellow Hammer (_Emberiza citrinella_, Linn). - -_Fastnet._--October 3d, one seen. - -_Mine Head._--March 6th, several A few always in neighbourhood. [Skin -of one received.] - -_Rockabill._--July 20th, 10 am., one seen. December 6th, four on rock; -wind strong S.W. - -_Rathlin Island._--May 24th, seven. - -_Arranmore._--November 17th, one. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--November 12th, five on island; wind strong N.E., -rain. Seldom seen. - -_Skelligs._--November 15th, three Yellow Hammers. - - -Chaffinch (_Fringilla cœlebs_, Linn.). - -_Fastnet._--October 23d, one on rock; 24th, two. 25th, eleven; wind -E., fresh. 27th and 28th, several about light all night; drizzling -rain, wind light E.N.E. [Leg and wing received.] 30th, several about -light with Greenfinches, 1 to 3 A.M. misty, wind light S. - -_Mine Head._--October 23d, one; several afterwards. "Yellow Bunting, -Greenfinch, and Chaffinch go farther inland in breeding season." - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--October 20th, small flocks going N.; wind -fresh N.W. November 6th, three. - -_Tuskar Rock._--March 1st, nine on rock, noon; wind strong N.E. April -12th, 10 P.M. to 4 A.M., small number passed with Wheatears, six of -each killed striking; clear. October 22d, one at noon; 24th, one -on rock. 30th, two killed striking; overcast, rain. [Leg and wing -received.] November 6th, one on rock; 7th, four; 9th, one found killed; -21st, two on rock. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--March 1st, large flock of "Finches." -December 8th, flock passed N.W., 2 P.M. - -_Rockabill._--February 11th, one. April 10th, Chaffinches. October -8th, six at 8 A.M. fog. 28th, 10 P.M., about light, with Greenfinches, -Redwings, Blackbirds, and Thrushes; wind strong S.E., gloomy. [Leg and -wing received.] - -_Arranmore._--December 22d, two. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--October 24th, one. 28th, twelve during day; wind -light S.E., misty. - -_Slyne Head, S._--October 28th, three; wind strong S.E. December 18th, -many while snow lasted (see under Starling). - -_Tearaght._--October 20th, several arrived, mostly females. - - -Sparrow (_Passer domesticus_, Linn.). - -_Fastnet._--April 18th, one; wind E.S.E., clear. - -_Rockabill._--March 23d, "Sparrows." - -_Rathlin Island._--June 1st, a flock at station. - -_Arranmore._--September 21st, four. - -_Killybegs._--March 10th, four Sparrows in garden. June 11th, four. - -_Broadhaven._--September 20th, seven remain here. October 7th, a flock. - - -Greenfinch (_Coccothraustes chloris_, Linn.). - -_Fastnet._--October 29th, one died on rock exhausted; wind fresh S.W. -30th, some around light in night. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--April 15th, three passed N.; wind N. - -_Rockabill._--April 13th, Green Linnet at noon. October 28th, -Greenfinches about light. 10 P.M., with Thrushes, etc.; gloomy, wind -strong E. [Leg and wing received.] December 6th, three on rock; wind -strong S.W. 26th, some on rock: wind light S.W. - -_Broadhaven._--September 23d, about eighty going S. October 3d, forty -do. - - -Goldfinch (_Carduelis elegans_, Steph.). - -_Mine Head._--March 2d, one shot. [Received Goldfinch in flesh.] -Another seen once or twice afterwards. January 1887, observed twice -during winter. - -_Arranmore._--September 3d, three. They breed on island. December 22d, -seventeen. - - -Redpole (_Linota rufescens_, Vieill.). - -_Rockabill._--April 7th, Redpoles seen at noon. - - -Linnets. - -_Fastnet._--September 15th, four Grey Linnets at 10 P.M. about light. - -_Mine Head._--January 25th, February 25th, Twite noticed. May 11th, -found Twites' nests, in some of which were six eggs. Common summer and -winter. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--March 25th, seven going N. April 15th, -small flock, 6 P.M., going X. 24th, about fifteen passed 7.30 P.M. two -struck, fell overboard; fog. September 26th, four going N.E. October -19th, small flock going N.W. December 20th, three small flocks, 11 -A.M., going N.W. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--September 28th, three going N.W. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--November 5th, 2 P.M., large flock going W. - -_Rockabill._--March 2d, Linnets passing S. all day; snow showers; wind -N., strong. October 7th, a flock, 11 A.M. December 10th, four on rock; -wind strong W. December 16th, six "Red-breasted Linnets" on rock, 11 -A.M. 26th, Linnets on rock. - -_South Maidens._--October 8th, two Grey Linnets. - -_Innishtrahull._--October 23d, twenty "Scotch Linnets;" wind strong S.E. - -_Arranmore._--September 9th, eighteen going N.W. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--September 15th, twenty-five Linnets, 9 A.M., going -W. November 8th, twenty to thirty on island; wind light W. - -_Killybegs._--March 6th, six Grey Linnets came from W. April 4th, six. -June 26th, and October 20th, about twenty. December 16th, about twenty. - -_Broadhaven._--September 16th, six remain here. - -_Eagle Island, E._--March 27th, several Linnets [Twite?]; they breed -here. April 12th, two pair. October 30th, about three hundred Linnets; -wind light S.E. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--October 7th, twelve Grey Linnets about rock. - -_Slyne Head, S._--October 19th, flocks seen around dwellings; wind -light, December 18th, Linnets, with Chaffinches, Thrushes, etc., while -snow lasted. - -_Arran Island, N._--December 18th to 21st, flocks, with Starling, -Fieldfare, Thrushes, and Blackbirds. - -_Tearaght._--October 17th, several flocks of Twites. - -_Valencia._--June 5th, few Grey Linnets. - - -Starling (_Sturnus vulgaris_, Linn.). - -_Fastnet._--October 25th, one all day. 27th and 28th, several all night -about light, one disabled; drizzling rain. 29th, several at night with -other birds not known; hazy. A flock of several hundreds on rock in -morning. 31st, 7 to 8 P.M., several about light; rain; one killed. -November 6th, two on rock. [Leg and wing received.] - -_Mine Head._--February 26th, one caught striking. March 19th, one -struck, 4 A.M. fog. 26th, striking all night; as many as a dozen on -sashes together; thick fog. 27th, striking at night plentifully; none -seen in neighbourhood of lighthouse during day time. August 24th, a -flock seen to-day. October 20th, a flock. 22d, striking from 11 P.M. to -3 A.M. heavy rain; a few caught. November 7th, flocks in fields. 11th, -one struck glass, 2 A.M. Flocks occasionally seen up to January 15th, -1887. - -_Dungarvan._--October 28th, one struck, 2 A.M.; wind light, misty. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--March 2d, one struck. [Leg and wing of -Starling received.] October 20th, two flocks going N.E.; wind N. 23d, -several around light, 7 P.M. to midnight. 24th, flocks passed N.W. 26th -to 30th, several Thrushes, Larks, Blackbirds, and Starling about the -light at night; many struck and fell overboard; rain, gloomy. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--March 25th, a few Starling, 8 to 12 P.M., -about ship; fog, wind fresh S.W. October 20th, flocks passing N.; wind -fresh N.W. 22d, flocks going N., 10 A.M. to 5 P.M., at intervals; wind -N., fresh. 24th, 6 P.M. to midnight, flocks passing N.; wind E. 26th -and 27th, passing all night to N.; cloudy; one struck, fell overboard. -29th, 30th, and November 1st, passing at night to N.; wind S. and -S.W., moderate, rainy and cloudy. On 30th October, 9 P.M. to 3 A.M. -31st, accompanied by "Mountain Thrushes," one of each struck and fell -overboard. - -_Tuskar Rock._--February 28th, 8 P.M. to 7 A.M., many passing, with -Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Larks, to N.W.; wind E., strong, rain, fog, -snow; several killed. March 13th, 1 A.M. to 5 A.M., wind light E.; -twelve killed striking; clear. July 28th, 11 P.M., one killed striking; -overcast, misty. October 16th, five killed striking. 17th, nine do. -18th, seven do. 19th, four do. 20th, five do. 21st, three do. All at -night, from 10 P.M. to 4 A.M. wind N. to E., fresh. Numbers around -light on these nights, with Blackbirds and Thrushes. 22d, at noon -numbers on rock. 23d, nine killed striking. 24th, in small numbers -on rock. 25th, two killed striking. 26th, three killed; a number -at lantern glass. During this rush, from October 16th to 27th, the -Starlings were accompanied by Thrushes and Blackbirds--numbers of which -were also killed. [Leg and wing received.--R. M. B.] November 21st, -four on rock. 23d, three at lantern. 29th, two on rock. December 29th, -one killed striking. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--February 10th, one killed striking. 11th, -three. 21st, several at midnight killed striking; hazy. 27th and 28th, -several Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Starling at night killed striking, -fell overboard; wind strong S.E.; rain and snow. March 2d, 2 P.M., -Starling going W. 13th, 2 A.M., about lantern; wind light, hazy. 14th, -do. 20th, 1.30 A.M. to 6 A.M., with Skylarks, Thrushes, and Blackbirds -about light; fog, wind light. March 27th, 9 P.M. to 4 A.M., "Stares" -about lantern. 28th, 10 P.M., several about lantern. October 19th, 9 -P.M. to midnight, about lantern. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--February 10th, large flock at noon going -N. 11th, there were hundreds of Larks, Thrushes, and "Stares" about -lantern during middle watch; about two dozen killed. 27th and 28th, -several; wind strong S., gloomy. March 1st, four caught on board. 18th, -large numbers all night about lantern; wind strong S.E., snow showers. -25th and 27th, great quantity of Larks, "Stares," and Thrushes about -lantern at night; five Stares killed striking; numbers fell overboard. -October 26th, some about lantern, midnight. December 3d, several about -lantern, midnight; misty. 8th, flock passed N.W., 2 P.M. - -_Kish Light-ship._--March 27th, flocks about ship. - -_Rockabill._--January 30th, Stares passing at night, with Larks, -Thrushes, and Blackbirds; several of each killed striking. February -27th and 28th, passing at night with Blackbirds and Thrushes; large -numbers killed striking; rain, snow, fog. March 22d, large numbers -passing with Thrushes all night; fog, many killed striking. June 6th, -several Stares. July 17th and 26th, some noticed in day time; rain and -misty. October 4th, 1 A.M., several; two killed striking; overcast. -[Leg and wing received.--R. M. B.] December 1st, several flocks going -W. 4th, 2 A.M., a few about light; misty, rain. 14th, forty on rock; -stormy, from E. 20th, Starling on rock. - -_Copeland (Mew) Island._--May 7th, six at 10 P.M., three killed -striking; misty. - -_South Maidens._--January 26th, fifty at 11 A.M. April 25th, two. -October, "During last part there was a great rush of Blackbirds, -Skylarks, and Stares." - -_Rathlin Island._--April 3d, four. - -_Innishtrahull._--October 17th, one on island; wind strong N.E., clear. -This is the first seen since last winter. It seemed very tired, and was -quite tame. - -_Arranmore._--December 21st, Starling, with Blackbirds, Thrushes, and -Fieldfares. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--October 2d, six going W.; wind light S.; the first -seen this winter. December 18th, 8 A.M., about two hundred; stormy, -from N.E., with snow; came from shore. Fifteen killed striking. Immense -flocks remained four days on island during snow. (See under Fieldfare.) - -_Killybegs._--November 19th, several flying about light, 7.30 P.M.; -gale from S.W. December 1st, flocks, 9 A.M. 8th, several flocks in -neighbourhood; gale from S.W. 18th, small flocks flying about; snow, -wind light; also Thrushes, Larks, and Blackbirds. - -_Broadhaven._--November 18th, Starling in flocks; remain here. - -_Eagle Island, E._--May 6th, one on island. October 24th, about one -thousand, at 8 A.M., going inland; wind E., light. 29th, large flock -going S.W.; wind S.W., light. 31st, 7.30 A.M., several thousand going -W.; wind fresh S., clear. November 1st, several thousand in morning -going W.; wind strong S.W. December 10th, several round lantern, 10 -P.M.; rain. 19th, small flock on island, 10 A.M. wind fresh N. - -_Slyne Head, S._--October 28th, sixteen on island; the first seen. -December 18th, numbers with Thrushes, Blackbirds, Larks, Linnets, and -Chaffinches, while snow lasted; wind strong N.E., snow. - -_Arran Island, N._--October 25th to 28th, flocks all day. December 18th -to 21st, flocks, with Linnets, Fieldfares, Thrushes, and Blackbirds. - -_Tearaght._--February 15th, large flock on island. March 27th, all have -left. November 14th, great many arrived. 18th, a great number with -Thrushes. (See under Thrush.) - -_Skelligs._--November 11th, a great number. Remained all the month. - - -Chough (_Pyrrhocorax graculus_, Linn.). - -_Mine Head._--April 14th, gathering material for nests; breed on -cliffs. Seven or eight nests within three miles. - -_Rathlin Island._--June 20th, eight remain here. - -_Arranmore._--June 9th, two Choughs. December 4th, five all day. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--October 20th, two. 24th, one on rock. - -_Tearaght._--March 25th, Choughs have left, except two breeding. - -_Skelligs._--September 20th, two left--being here all season. October -6th to 10th, four. - - -Raven (_Corvus corax_, Linn.). - -_Mine Head._--March 16th, a pair always in neighbourhood; breed on -cliff near lighthouse; young birds in nest now. - -_Rathlin Island._--June 16th, two Ravens; remain here. - -_Dunree Head._--Two noted May 20th, October 26th, and December 30th, -going W. - -_Arranmore._--June 26th, two; December 22d, two. They remain all the -year. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--September 28th, two; they build on a cliff to the -S.W. of island. - -_Broadhaven._--October 7th, two going W. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--April 25th, two "small Ravens." - -_Tearaght._--March 10th, two about island. - -_Skelligs._--September 1st, four; remained until 10th. November 20th, -four. - - -Hooded Crow (_Corvus cornix_, Linn.). - -_Fastnet._--April 17th, three, remained all day. - -_Innishtrahull._--April 14th, two Grey-backed Crows during day. "They -are destructive to the young lambs, and pick out their eyes and -tongues." July 11th to 21st, seven old and young ones about island. - -_Arranmore._--June 4th, two Grey Crows. November 23d, two. - -_Arran Island, N._--May 10th, four on island. - -_Tearaght._--August 22d, nine seen. - -_Valencia._--August 6th, two. - -_Skelligs._--September 1st, five; remained until 10th. November 21st, -four; remained all month. - - -Rook (_Corvus frugilegus_, Linn.). - -_Mine Head._--August, "many died in July from hunger." [January?] - -_Coningbeg light-ship._--April 22d, two "Crows" passed N.W. at 7 A.M. -wind N.E., light, clear. - -_Barrels Rock light-ship._--April 3d, one "Crow" going N.; wind fresh -S.W., clear. October 16th, one Crow going N.W. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--March 29th, some "Crows," 9 A.M., going -N.W.; wind light W. - -_Rockabill._--March 25th, "Crows" seen. June 16th, "Crows" seen. -October 6th, six on rock. - -_South Maidens._--February 10th, five "Crows" going W. March 20th, a -flock going N.E.; wind light, clear. April 7th, four. - -_Arranmore._--On 18th July large quantities of Rooks and their young -came from the mainland; they remained five days. December 22d, one. - -_Broadhaven._--October 14th, sixty going S. - -_Eagle Island, E._--April 29th, three Rooks flew inland. - -_Arran Island, N._--August 20th, four "Crows." - -_Valentia._--August 27th and 29th, four "Black Crows." - - -Jackdaw (_Corvus monedula_, Linn.). - -_Fastnet._--October 26th, three on rock; clear; wind E., light. - -_Mine Head._--August 13th, Daws may be seen daily. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--March 28th, flock going N.E., 10 A.M. - -_Rockabill._--March 23d, Jackdaws at noon. - -_Rathlin Island._--June 18th, three; remain here. - - -Magpie (_Pica rustica_, Scop.). - -_Dunree Head._--September 20th, three. - -_Arranmore._--November 24th, one at 8 A.M. - - -Swallow (_Hirundo rustica_, Linn.). - -_Fastnet._--April 18th, two; first seen this season; wind E.S.E. - -_Mine Head._--April 14th, first seen; plentiful in summer. Swallows and -Martins left about 20th October. - -_Dungarvan._--September 20th, 11 A.M., wind light E.; gloomy, misty. -Hundreds of House Swallows resting on lighthouse walls, and going S.E. -October 4th, a few stragglers, 8 A.M. to noon, passing in twos and -threes to S.E.; fog. November 1st, one struck lantern 7.30 A.M.; not -killed. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--April 12th, one going N. A few noted at -intervals, April 15th to May 7th and 8th, when "a flock" passed N.E.; -wind S.E. and S. On 23d many passed during day. September 16th and -20th, flocks passing S.; wind fresh S.E., clear. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--April 27th, three about ship. May 8th, -small flocks going S.E.; fog; 19th to 23d, odd Swallows going N.; on -23d, several rested on ship, then flew N. September 15th to 21st, -passing all day to S.E.; clear, wind N.E. to S.E. - -_Tuskar Rock._--May 9th, a flock alighted on rock at 6 A.M.; 19th, -10 to 11 A.M., large flocks passed to N.W.; seemed tired; wind light -S.E. "I particularly notice a falling off in Swallows this summer." -September 25th, 8 A.M., Swallows in a flock on the rock. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--April 5th, two flying N.W. Also noted 12th -and 23d. May 3d, 4th, and on 8th, several about lantern. Direction of -flight generally N.W. June 28th, three. September 15th, two; 19th, -flock flying high to S.E.; 28th, several about ship; wind S.W., cloudy. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--May 9th and 10th, several flocks going -N.W. in forenoon; wind variable. 11th, great flock about ship 2 P.M. -September 17th, six going S.; 20th, flocks going S.W. October 5th, two -flocks going S.W. - -_Kish Light-ship._--May 16th, flock going N.W. - -_Rockabill._--April 26th, Swallows passing all day. May 11th, Swallows -passing. June 28th, large flocks all day going W.; wind light S.W. -September 25th, nine passing from W. to E. October 5th, five going E. - -_Copeland (Mew) Island._--May 5th, sixty. - -_South Maidens._--April 25th, two on rock. - -_Rathlin Island._--April 19th, four; 23d, two. Noted May 6th and 7th. - -_Dunree Head._--July 12th, ten. August 1st, flocks at station. 18th, in -great numbers; wind light S.W. Swallows breed near lighthouse. - -_Arranmore._--May 26th, one. November 28th, three Swallows all day; -wind S.E., fresh, clear. [Very late.] - -_Killybegs._--April 26th, four Swallows. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--April 16th, one about rock; wind N., light. - -_Arran Island, N._--May 9th, two seen. - -_Tearaght._--April 25th, one on island. May 1st, one; 18th, twelve. - -_Skelligs._--April 24th, three flying about. - - -Martins. - -_Fastnet._--September 22d, at 10 A.M., about rock. Left for N.E. - -_Mine Head._--May 1st, House Martin. Plentiful all summer. - -_Tuskar Rock._--April 13th, one Martin on rock, 10 A.M. 22d, small -numbers going N.W. - -_Tearaght._--April 20th, one Sand Martin found dying. [Received in -flesh.] - - -Swift (_Cypselus apus_, Linn.). - -_Tuskar Rock._--May 15th, one alighted 3 A.M. wind strong N. [Leg and -wing of Swift received.] June 19th and 20th, one seen. July 28th, 11.30 -P.M., one killed striking; overcast, misty. - -_Rockabill._--May 30th, Swifts all day. - -_Innishtrahull._--One noted May 1st to June 7th at intervals. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--September 19th, one about rock. - - -Nightjar (_Caprimulgus europæus_, Linn.). - -_Mine Head._--May 29th, one heard at 2.30 A.M. - - -Cuckoo (_Cuculus canorus_, Linn.). - -_Mine Head._--May 7th, first heard. - -_Copeland (Mew) Island._--May 9th, one on island. - -_Rathlin Island._--May 10th, one at 6 A.M. - -_Arranmore._--May 15th, one, the first seen. - - -Wryneck (_Iynx torquilla_, Linn.). - -_Arran Island, N._--October 6th, 2.30 A.M., wind very light S.W.; blue -sky, cloudy, misty. One killed striking. [Received in flesh a male -Wryneck, very fat, being the second Irish killed specimen; the first -having been obtained at Dunmore, Co. Waterford, 5th October 1877.] - - -"Hoopoe." - -_Rockabill._--June 12th, one on rock. - - -Pigeons. - -_Fastnet._--October 5th, one "Dove" on balcony. Struck by keeper; fell -into sea; wind fresh S.E. - -_Mine Head._--April 15th, about a dozen breed in caves near lighthouse. -A few may always be seen. December 26th, about fifty Rock Pigeons in -fields. January 1st, a dozen. - -_Dungarvan._--September 23d, Rock Pigeons all day about station. Not -plentiful here. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--October 3d, one "Dove" alighted on ship, -then flew N.; wind S.E., fresh. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--September 5th, one "Dove" on deck, 8 A.M. -calm, cloudy. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--December 11th, one passed to N.W.; wind -S.W., light. - -_Kish Light-ship._--March 1st, caught one on deck at 2 P.M. - -_Rockabill._--February 13th, one shot. April 20th, one do. June 27th, -one Rock Dove. July 4th, one. - -_Innishtrahull._--January 17th, three Rock Pigeons, one shot. March -13th, eleven, breed in caves. September 8th, two. November 18th, five. -Pigeons are resident. - -_Dunree Head._--Noted April 28th, May 10th, July 20th, October 4th, -December 8th, from three to ten each date, all going S.E. - -_Arranmore._--May 27th, Rock Pigeons about all day. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--December 27th, two Pigeons came to island, one blue -and one white. They remained, and are tame. - -_Broadhaven._--November, Rock Pigeons at all times. Remain here. - -_Arran Island, N._--May 4th, seven; 8th, ten, going S.; 24th, five do. - -_Skelligs._--December 4th, one Pigeon all day. - - -Turtle Dove (_Turtur communis_, Selby). - -_Tuskar Rock._--May 8th, one alighted on rock, 8 A.M. wind light S.E.; -12th, one on rock, shot. [Received in flesh.--R. M. B.] "I saw one or -two every year since I came here, but could not tell what they were -until I got this one." - - -"Partridge." - -_Rockabill._--May 9th, "Partridges" at night. [There was an entry under -Partridge last year, also at Rockabill. Some error--Quails?] - - -Corncrake (_Crex pratensis_, Bechst.). - -_Mine Head._--May 10th, heard, and frequently afterwards. - -_Tuskar Rock._--May 3d, one found dead; 23d, one on rock; fog. -September 23d, 11 P.M., one caught alive at lantern glass; wind light -N., cloudy; 24th one killed striking. [Leg and wing received.] - -_Rockabill._--May 9th, Corncrakes passed at night; 11th, do., some -killed striking. - -_Rathlin Island._--April 27th, one. May 13th, one. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--May 20th, Landrail at noon on rock; misty, wind -light N.E. - -_Skelligs._--April 27th, one at noon, going N.; wind S.E. - - -Water Rail (_Rallus aquaticus_, Linn.). - -_Fastnet._--October 28th, one killed striking; got on rock after night; -drizzling rain. [Leg and wing received.] - -_Tuskar Rock._--October 26th, one caught at lantern; wind E., fresh. -[Received in flesh.] - - -Water Hen (_Gallinula chloropus_, Linn.). - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--October 28th, 11.30 P.M., wind moderate S.E., very -dark; "one struck S.W. side of lantern with tremendous force, and was -killed instantly." [Received in flesh.] "I never observed one in this -locality before." - - -Golden Plover (_Charadrius pluvialis_, Linn.). - -_Fastnet._--October 5th, one killed striking, 4 A.M. misty, wind S.E. - -_Mine Head._--January 18th, noticed in flocks; also 3d and 18th March. -They leave during summer. October 23d, in flocks to-day, and frequently -up to January 1st, 1887. - -_Dungarvan._--December 26th, numbers "Grey" Plover in fields. - -_Tuskar Rock._--March 1st, one passed N.; wind strong N.E., misty. -April 21st, a flock passed N.W. 10 P.M. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--March 13th, one "Plover;" wind light, hazy; -killed striking, 2 A.M. October 3d, one "Grey" Plover. - -_Rockabill._--March 1st, one "Grey" Plover killed striking; wind strong -N.E., snow. March 12th, large flocks Golden Plover going N. - -_South Maidens._--February 27th, a flock of "Grey" Plover going W.; -wind strong S.E. April 1st, one hundred "Grey" Plover going N.W.; wind -S., clear. - -_Innishtrahull._--October 17th, one going W. December 18th, sixteen; -wind N., snow, very stormy. Left on 21st. - -_Tory Island._--February 5th, two "Plover" killed striking. - -_Arranmore._--April 29th, two Golden Plover going N.E. December 23d, -one. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--October 3d, one on island, shot. December 19th, -thirty came from mainland; wind strong N.E., snow; five shot. - -_Killybegs._--November 12th, about a dozen; wind strong N.W. December -6th, twenty; wind strong S.W. - -_Broadhaven._--November 1st, flocks. - -_Eagle Island, E._--April 28th, one shot. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--April 16th, one. 28th, 11 P.M., flock about -lantern; misty. October 4th, one on rock. - -_Slyne Head, S._--November 4th, four "Grey" Plover going S. - - -Green Plover (_Vanellus vulgaris_, Bechst.). - -_Mine Head._--January 18th, great flocks going seaward in a S.W. -direction; frosty, wind N. 26th, a few. March 1st, 2d, and 16th, -in fields; leave during summer. October 23d, in flocks to-day, and -frequently up to January 1st, 1887. - -_Dungarvan._--November 5th, large flocks of Lapwing about. 26th, large -flocks flying to and from half tide rock. December 26th, numbers about. - -_Tuskar._--February 9th, one Peewit passed W., 11 A.M. March 1st and -13th, one or two on rock. October 27th, one, 3 A.M. - -_Rockabill._--February 24th, one. 28th, Lapwing at night. March 1st, -large flocks going S. 2d, some going S. 19th, some seen. - -_Copeland (Mew) Island._--April 16th, twenty about; wind light, clear. - -_South Maidens._--April 24th, three Green Plover going N.W.; rain. -October 6th, some about light at night. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--December 29th, eight came from shore; wind N.W., -fresh; two shot. - -_Broadhaven._--November 1st, one Peewit. - -_Eagle Island, E._--April 28th, one Lapwing. - - -Sea Pie (_Hæmatopus ostralegus_, Linn.). - -_Fastnet._--September 27th, twelve all day; first on rock this season. - -_Rockabill._--June 12th, 8 A.M., Sea Pies; also on 24th. November 4th, -several. - -_Copeland (Mew) Island._--July 12th, fifty in vicinity. - -_Rathlin Island._--May 28th, seven Oyster-catchers going N. - -_Innishtrahull._--April 10th, two "Sea Magpies" on rocks. September -30th, one. - -_Arranmore._--May 15th, sixteen on rocks. - -_Killybegs._--March 4th, four Oyster-catchers on rocks. 20th, six. - -_Broadhaven._--December 26th, seven; remain here. - -_Eagle Island, E._--March 31st, two or three come from shore -occasionally. - -_Arran Island, N._--January, February, and March, flocks during these -months on island. In July and August, Sea Pie. December, do. - -_Skelligs._--March 31st and April 3d, one. - - -Grey Phalarope (_Phalaropus fulicarius_, Linn.). - -_Dungarvan._--November 13th, one swimming, shot. Identified by Mr R. J. -Ussher. - - -Woodcock (_Scolopax rusticula_, Linn.). - -_Fastnet._--November 30th, 3 A.M., one got dead on balcony, killed -striking; wind strong N.W., squally. - -_Dungarvan._--January 2d, 1887, one started in field near station. - -_Tuskar Rock._--November 30th, one, 9 A.M., going N. - -_Rockabill._--March 10th, two killed striking; wind strong S.E., -gloomy. - -_South Maidens._--January 31st, 9 P.M., one struck during a snow -shower, disabled. February 11th, one seen on rock. October 6th, one -killed striking. - -_Innishtrahull._--December 21st, one; wind S.W., stormy. 27th to 30th, -one also seen. - -_Tory Island._--February 4th, one killed striking; wind strong N.W., -rain. - -_Arranmore._--December 20th, Woodcock. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--December 18th, twelve on island, four shot; wind -strong N.E., snow. - -_Broadhaven._--December 2d, one at noon. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--November 12th, one on rock; wind N., fresh. - -_Slyne Head, S._--November 3d, one on island; gale from W. December -19th, one or two daily. - -_Tearaght._--October 30th, one struck, 5 A.M. wind S.E., fog; not -killed. - - -Snipe. - -_Fastnet._--September 18th, two about rock at 9 A.M., gloomy; very -large. October 30th, one round light. - -_Mine Head._--January 18th, 25th, and 26th, noticed in marshes. -September 12th, one, and subsequently in frosty weather in marshes. - -_Tuskar Rock._--November 27th, one snipe on rock. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--September 24th, one struck foremast, 11 -P.M.; wind light S.W., cloudy; fell on deck--kept alive in cabin. - -_Rockabill._--February 25th, one Jack Snipe killed striking. 26th, -Snipe passing at night. April 27th, one Jack Snipe; wind light S.E., -misty. September 28th, one killed striking, 10 P.M.; misty. [Leg and -wing of Jack Snipe received.] - -_South Maidens._--October 6th, one killed striking, 11 P.M. - -_Innishtrahull._--January 17th, one on island. October 4th, one small -Snipe--[may have been Jack Snipe.]--killed striking, at 11 P.M. wind -strong S.E., hazy. December 2d, one Snipe; wind strong N., snow. 14th -and 15th, a Jack Snipe seen; wind very strong N.E. December 30th, six -to eight on island. - -_Arranmore._--December 20th, Snipe. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--December 12th, one killed striking; wind fresh W., -snow showers. [Leg and wing received.] - -_Broadhaven._--December 3d, one Snipe and a Jack Snipe; both are -plentiful. - -_Arran Island, N._--November 24th, a Snipe on island. - - -"Sea Larks," &c. - -_Fastnet._--September 27th, sixteen "Sand Larks." They frequent rock at -intervals all the season. October 28th, four. December 11th, six. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--May 17th, 4 A.M., one Common Sandpiper got -dead on deck. [Leg and wing received.] May 31st, a "little Stint" -killed striking at midnight; overcast, showers. [Leg and wing of -Curlew; Sandpiper received on June 2d.] August 12th, one killed -striking. [Leg and wing of Curlew Sandpiper received.] October 14th, -three "Pectoral Sandpipers" about ship; 16th, two do. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--May 13th, one "Sand Lark." - -_Rockabill._--February 25th, a "Temminck's Stint" killed striking. -[Doubtfully accurate. Leg and wing not received.] October 28th, -Sandpiper killed striking; gloomy, wing strong E. [Leg and wing of -Curlew Sandpiper received.] - -_Copeland (Mew) Island._--May 7th, 11 P.M., ten "Sand Larks," six -killed striking; misty. - -_South Maidens._--January 28th, six "Sand Larks" on rock. February 8th, -one. - -_Innishtrahull._--September 6th and 7th, a number of "Sand Larks" on -island each day; wind strong S.W. December 15th, eight; wind very -strong N.E. - -_Arranmore._--April 18th, one Ringed Dotterel. June 28th, four "Sand -Larks" on rocks. December 28th, seven Dotterel all day; wind strong -N.E. 21st, seven. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--November 3d, 3 A.M., one Sand Lark killed striking; -wind strong W., squally. [Leg and wing of Purple Sandpiper received.] -They are plentiful on rock, and come to dwellings in stormy weather. - -_Broadhaven._--December 27th, one Ringed Dotterel. - -_Eagle Island, E._--April 7th, five Turnstone and ten Purple Sandpiper -on island. [Leg and wing of Purple Sandpiper and Turnstone received.] -April 28th, two Common Sandpiper breeding; also last year. October -12th and November 1st, one Turnstone. December 28th, three; a gale from -N.W. October 26th, three Purple Sandpipers. November 6th, six remained -on island several days. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--November 17th, bird found dead in yard; wind S.W., -fresh. "This species is seen on the top of a rock whenever a storm is -approaching, and during a gale." [Leg and wing of Turnstone received.] - -_Arran Island, N._--December, "Sand Larks" about island. - - -Redshank (_Totanus calidris_, Linn.). - -_Fastnet._--September 21st, two about all day; wind fresh E. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--October 17th, one seen. - -_Innishtrahull._--April 10th, one on island; wind light N.E. December -15th, one; wind very strong N.E. 30th, about ten on island. - -_Arran Island, N._--Flocks during January, February, and March about -island. December, do. - - -Greenshank (_Totanus canescens_, Gmel.). - -_Dungarvan._--December 5th, six seen on strand. - - -Curlew (_Numenius arquata_, Linn.). - -_Fastnet._--September 5th, six at 2 A.M. about light; clear. 8th, four -going S.E. - -_Mine Head._--February 7th, two at night calling; fog. March 19th, -several during day; great fog. 22d, flying about lantern in night; fog. -August 22d, 9 P.M., Curlew heard passing; also noted September 2d, -14th, and December 20th. - -_Tuskar Rock._--March 13th, Curlew passed 4.30 A.M. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--February 23d, one about ship. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--September 25th, Curlew about lantern 10 P.M. - -_Rockabill._--March 19th, Curlew about all day. June 16th and July -28th, noted. - -_South Maidens._--March 19th, five going N.E.; wind strong S. 26th, 3 -A.M., fifty; wind strong S.W. - -_Innishtrahull._--January 2d, 14th, 21st, and February 16th, three to -seven noticed about island. September 8th, a flock on island. - -_Dunree Head._--Noted November 2d, 5th, and December 9th. - -_Arranmore._--December 15th, three. - -_Killybegs._--April 8th, six. Noted October 8th, 12th, and 26th. - -_Broadhaven._--October 19th, Curlew in flocks remain here. - -_Eagle Island, E._--March 28th, one. - -_Arran Island, N._--Curlew during February and March. Noted also April -30th. - -_Tearaght._--August 21st, two going N.E. September 13th, one seen. - - -Whimbrel (_Numenius phæopus_, Linn.). - -_Mine Head._--August 17th, four going S.W., flying at about 400 feet, -and calling. - -_Dungarvan._--September 10th, two; rare at this season. 21st, four -flying high to S.E., and whistling. - -_Coningbeg light-ship._--April 28th, a flock passed N. over ship; wind -N.E., fresh, hazy. - -_Innishtrahull._--June 4th and 7th, a few "young Curlew" about island; -misty. [Probably Whimbrel.] - -_Arranmore._--June 26th, one Whimbrel going S.E. December 17th, two [? -Curlew.]. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--May 10th, sixty May birds going N.E.; wind N., -light. - - -Terns. - -_Fastnet._--September 4th, several "Mew Gulls" in night. None struck; -misty. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--May 25th and 26th, great flocks of Common Tern -about ship; 30th, one flock. - -_Rockabill._--May 22d, Terns noticed. - -_Copeland (Mew) Island._--May 19th, forty "mews" or "Sea-Purrs"--first -arrival. June 5th, fifty hatching on island. 18th, a hundred about -island. September 11th, they left to-day. They build on rocks and on -grass; not more than four eggs in each nest. - -_Innishtrahull._--May 27th, two "Sea-Tern" about island. - -_Killybegs._--May 16th, two Terns. June 3d, about eight. - -_Eagle Island, E._--May 31st, two "Sea-Mew." - -_Arran Island, N._--June 14th and 16th, a flock of Tern about. July -16th, a flock. September 16th, do. - -_Tearaght._--October 3d, "Lesser Terns." Hundreds flying about; -remained until 7th October. - - -Gulls. - -_Fastnet._--September 4th, flocks of Grey Gulls going S.E.; seemed this -year's birds. November 5th, two large Royal Gulls seen; rare here. -Small Royal [Lesser Black-backed?--R. M. B.] Gulls frequent rock during -year. December 10th, Kittiwakes in large numbers about rock feeding. - -_Mine Head._--March 2d, Black-headed Gulls and Herring Gulls in -fields. July 19th to 31st, about thirty to a hundred Gulls about and -at intervals after. August 9th, about sixty Kittiwakes on rocks; also -Herring Gulls, Black-headed, and Common Gulls. September 27th, one -Royal Gull. December 12th, January 13th and 20th, one to three Royal -Gulls. January 1887, Kittiwakes do not remain here. - -_Dungarvan._--September 11th, thousands of Black-headed Gulls fishing. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--March 27th, large flocks of Gulls. April -17th, do. going E.; wind E., fresh. - -_Rockabill._--December 14th, large numbers of Gulls during storm from E. - -_Innishtrahull._--April 16th, 17th, and 20th, a few Black-headed -and numbers of "Common" Gulls. September 8th to 11th, a number of -Grey-backed Gulls. December 15th, Herring Gulls, Kittiwakes, and "Grey -Gulls" still in vicinity. - -_Dunree Head._--June 7th, flocks. December 14th, eight. - -_Arranmore._--May 21st, "shot a bird which answers the description of -Richardson Skua given in the 'Dictionary of British Birds.'" [Leg and -wing not forwarded.] - -_Killybegs._--July 11th, forty. - -_Broadhaven._--September 25th, five Black-headed Gulls and flock of -Kittiwake. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--March 6th, flock of Gulls about rock; 21st, "small -Gulls" first visit rock to breed. November 5th, two uncommon Gulls -soaring during day; wind N., strong. "They were cream-coloured Gulls, -about the size of a small Royal Gull, or a little larger than the -Kittiwake; bill and legs like the latter; dusky cream colour on breast, -but a richer cream colour on the back; covert feathers of wings edged -with a shade darker colour, marking the feathers very distinctly; the -long feathers of wings gradually becoming lighter towards the tips to -an ivory shade; wing full and well developed. I wounded one bird, and -it flew to the mainland; the other was less distinctly marked. They are -same sort as visited locality in 1881." [_See_ 1881 Report, p. 86; 1882 -Report, p. 104; 1884 Report, p. 181.] January 6th, 1887, twenty Royal -Gulls; seldom see so many, as they generally go in couples. - -_Slyne Head, S._--October 10th, flocks of Gulls. - -_Arran Island, N._--Flocks in May and March, July and August. - -_Samphire Island._--January, February, and March, Cormorants and Gulls. - -_Tearaght._--February 27th, a large flock of Herring Gulls. March 5th, -Kittiwakes flying round island. August 24th, one Skua Gull chasing -Gulls close to island. October 4th, thousands of Kittiwakes. During -October Kittiwakes, all young, plentiful. - -_Skelligs._--March 12th, Kittiwakes first landed on rock. December -10th, great number of Kittiwake, Herring Gulls, and a few Great -Black-backed. - - -Manx Shearwater (_Puffinus anglorum_, Temminck). - -_Fastnet._--May 24th, 1 A.M., six; one killed striking; misty; the -first seen since I came here. - -_Mine Head._--June 29th, heard distinctly several times about 11 P.M. -calm and dark. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--May 27th and 28th, several about the ship. In -September, several. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--March 27th, large flock Manx Shearwaters; -wind strong f S.W. May 23d, flocks apparently after fish. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--May 1st, large flock of "Mackerel Cocks" -going E. - -_Rockabill._--April 22d, one caught on balcony at midnight; wind E., -gloomy. - -_Arranmore._--March 18th, eighteen about rocks, the first seen; wind -strong S., misty. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--October 23d, some going S. November 2d, a great -quantity, 7 to 9 A.M., going S.W.; wind strong S.W. - -_Slyne Head, S._--November 3d, continuous flocks going S.W., from 9 to -11 A.M.; width of string about 100 yards. - -_Tearaght._--April 11th, heard for first time this year. - -_Skelligs._--February 25th, 10 P.M., wind strong S.W.; misty; first -heard on rock. August 26th, the last night bird heard on rock. - - -Fork-tailed Petrel (_Cymochorea leucorrhoa_, Vieill.). - -_Eagle Island, W._--October, 2d week, one caught at lantern. [Leg and -wing received.] - - -Stormy Petrel (_Procellaria pelagica_, Linn.). - -_Fastnet._--August 24th, three about lantern in night; first this -season. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--September 21st to 23d, several about ship -during day; wind fresh, clear. 24th, three on ship, midnight. Noted -also October 5th, 8th, 10th, to 13th; and on 15th there was storm from -W.; great numbers about ship. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--September 25th, two. October 8th, five. -12th, fourteen about ship; stormy. December 9th, five; wind N.W., fresh. - -_Tuskar Rock._--September 26th, 4 A.M., one caught alive. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--October 15th, one in water about ship. - -_Rockabill._--June 8th, 4 P.M., six; wind strong S. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--October 1st, one found dead on island. - -_Eagle Island, E._--May 24th, one caught alive. [Received in flesh.] -The only one seen since I came here. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--May 5th, some about light, 1 A.M. foggy; the first -seen. June 5th, numbers about light during night; wind light S.W., -gloomy. September 24th, 1 A.M., one caught at lantern. - -_Tearaght._--April 14th, several flying round light all night. October -30th, some struck 2 A.M., none killed. - -_Skelligs._--April 27th, 10 P.M., one struck, disabled. May 7th, first -heard under stones. - - -Razorbill (_Alca torda_, Linn.). - -_Fastnet._--October 26th, several large flocks passing S.E. at -intervals of about 15 minutes. December 10th, large numbers about rock. - -_Mine Head._--February 14th, several young Razorbills seen at -intervals. July 9th and 10th, several. August 9th, young Razorbills -heard--and at all hours on the water up to September 1st. - -_Rathlin Island._--March 17th, flocks. - -_Arranmore._--March 10th, eight Razorbills; wind fresh S.E., misty. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--March 16th, "flocks of Auks" on water. 22d, do. - -_Tearaght._--March 14th, Razorbills arrived. August 9th, Guillemots -and Razorbills left rock by this date. September 25th, Razorbills -old and young fishing about island. October 4th, young Razorbills in -water by thousands; plentiful during October, all young. November 9th, -Razorbills about rock in thousands. - -_Skelligs._--March 12th, first came on rock. August 14th (see under -Puffin). December 10th, a number of young Razorbills about rock; -remained all month. 17th, several old ones, and Guillemot to 31st. - - -Guillemot (_Uria troile_, Linn.). - -_Mine Head._--July 26th, a few. - -_Dungarvan._--September 15th, in great numbers; fishing. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--May 30th to June 3d, flocks of "Murs" -passing S.E. Noted also December 1st to 5th, and numerous flocks on -December 10th going S.W. - -_Rathlin Island._--March 17th, flocks on water. - -_Arranmore._--March 8th, twenty-eight, first seen; wind strong S., -misty. - -_Killybegs._--October 16th, three seen. 28th, four. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--January 24th, flock of Guillemots at noon; wind -fresh N.E. - -_Tearaght._--February 5th, Guillemots arrived on rock, 8 A.M.; wind -strong S.E. August 9th, Guillemots and Razorbills all gone by this date. - -_Skelligs._--January 28th, first landed on rock; wind S.E., fresh. -August 14th (see under Puffin). December 17th, several to 31st. - - -Little Auk (_Mergulus alle_, Linn.). - -_Mine Head._--March 28th, about half a dozen answering the description -of Roche given in Morris' "Birds." - - -Puffin (_Fratercula arctica_, Linn.). - -_Fastnet._--April 12th, 7 A.M., about sixty alighted on the Little -Fastnet. A most unusual occurrence. September 25th, an immense number, -6 to 8 A.M., close to rock; came from W., and left in a body for S.E.; -misty, wind fresh S.W. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--In September several about ship. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--March 26th, two Sea Parrots at 5 P.M. -drifting past; wind strong S.W.; the first seen. May 2d, Sea Parrots -drifting past to E. 4th and 9th, constantly passing. - -_Rockabill._--December 14th, 11 A.M., a storm from E. Large numbers of -"Puffins." [Probably Razorbills.] - -_Rathlin Island._--March 17th, flocks. - -_Innishtrahull._--June 7th to 16th, a number fishing. - -_Dunree Head._--June 26th, flocks. - -_Arranmore._--March 9th, ten Puffins; the first seen; wind strong S., -gloomy. - -_Eagle Island, E._--March 26th to 31st, flocks of "Puffins and Sea -Parrots" going W. April 3d and 29th, small flocks going W. October 13th -to 18th, continuous flocks of Sea Parrots going W.; wind strong N.W. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--April 11th, Puffins first arrived on water. 23d, -first perched on rock. - -_Arran Island, N._--February 14th, several flocks of "Puffins" [?--R. -M. B.] going N. Large flocks in May. In July and August, Puffins. - -_Tearaght._--March 25th, Puffins arrived in large numbers. August 15th, -all gone by this date. - -_Valencia._--A few at intervals, June, July, and August. Four struck, -August 12th, none killed. - -_Skelligs._--March 21st, first came on rock for about two hours, 4 P.M. -April 2d, Puffins landed _en masse_, 3 P.M. wind strong S.W. August -6th, great numbers left. 14th, most of the birds left, except a few -Puffins--night birds (Manx Shearwater)--and Mother Careys. 27th, all -gone. - - -Great Northern Diver (_Colymbus glacialis_, Linn.). - -_Mine Head._--March. 28th, one seen off boat-landing. - -_Dungarvan._--January 1st, 1887, three resting on water, calling loudly -to each other; wind S.W., fresh. - -_Rockabill._--March 13th, a Northern Diver all day; wind light E. April -17th, one. November 4th, one about rock. - -_Broadhaven._--October 24th, one seen fishing; wind S.E., light. - - -Cormorant (includes Shag). - -_Fastnet._--September 4th, two flocks Green Cormorants going S.E. - -_Mine Head._--April 19th, a few Crested Cormorants hatching on cliffs; -thirty or forty of the common kind also hatching. They return to the -cliffs in the evening summer and winter. They do not follow the coast -line, but keep a straight course overland. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--May 29th, two going W. October 9th, one on -ship. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--October 26th, two. November 2d, two going E. - -_Tuskar Rock._--December 16th, fifteen on rock. - -_Rockabill._--July 25th and 27th, some seen. November 4th, Cormorants. - -_Rathlin Island._--May 30th, two Green Cormorants. - -_Innishtrahull._--January 15th, eleven on rocks; wind W., strong. -October 6th, three. Cormorants are constantly here. - -_Dunree Head._--April 21st, a flock; also noted June 29th, September -23d, October 24th, November 10th, and from December 20th to 28th, in -great numbers. On every occasion they were going N. - -_Broadhaven._--September 25th, twelve Green Cormorants and two hundred -Cormorants. - -_Eagle Island, E._--April 2d, one. October 26th, may be seen almost -daily; are residents. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--January 26th, a strange Cormorant on rock 10 A.M. -wind strong N.E. "Grey head with black band from base of beak to neck; -white patch under eye, and deep green crest; rich bronze green back, -and white patch on sides." February 26th, a strange Cormorant. April -1st and 10th, do. January 8th, 1887, two strange Cormorants. The male -was the same as in January 1886; the female had breast dusky white, -getting gradually brown up to the neck; back, the same as the Common -Cormorant. - -_Arran Island, N._--During May, flocks passing. In July and August, -some. - -_Samphire Island._--January, February, and March, Cormorants and Gulls. - -_Valencia._--Three or four June 1st, 8th, July 4th, and 26th. - - -Gannet (_Sula bassana_, Linn.). - -_Fastnet._--April 18th, large flocks of Gannets seen since 1st inst. -May 21st, three large flocks going N.W.; several of last year's birds -among them. October 25th, several flocks. - -_Mine Head._--August 11th, one seen. None for a long time before this; -scarce here. - -_Dungarvan._--September 15th, Gannets. - -_Coningbeg light-ship._--May 24th, two about ship. In September, -several. - -_Barrels Rock light-ship._--July 12th, three going W. September 22d, -two going E. October 8th, odd Gannets going E. all day. December 1st to -5th, Gannets. - -_Tuskar Rock._--October 30th, a great number about rock. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--April 12th, flocks; 17th to 27th, one to -ten at intervals flying N.E. May 1st, several going S.E. all day. -August 22d and 23d, several flocks flying N.E. September 19th, large -flock going N.E. Noted also 22d, 25th, and several on 26th flying S.W. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--March 30th, flocks going N. April 13th to -20th, flocks going N. at intervals. May 1st, do.; 6th, large flocks -going S. September 18th, flocks. - -_Kish Light-ship._--A few Gannets noted May 8th, 12th, June 3d, 18th, -July 3d, 28th, and August 26th, generally going N.E. - -_Rockabill._--January 28th, Gannets all day. - -_Copeland (Mew) Island._--June 12th, twenty in vicinity. July 4th, some -going S. - -_Innishtrahull._--March 12th, five going N.W.; wind light S.E.--the -first seen this year. 28th, three. April 29th, a number fishing. -October 4th, one Gannet. December 15th, none seen since October 4th. - -_Dunree Head._--September 8th, twenty seen; 24th, one. - -_Arranmore._--March 11th, Gannets first seen; wind fresh S.E., misty. - -_Broadhaven._--September 25th, Gannets in thousands all day. - -_Eagle Island, E._--March 26th and 31st, continuous flocks of Gannets -going W. April 18th to 28th, forty to fifty fishing; 29th, small flock. -October 13th to 18th, continuous flocks going W.; wind strong N.W. -27th, twenty. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--January 24th, three Gannets--first seen for year. -26th, flocks going N. March 7th, seven--the last seen going N. 22d, -flocks fishing about rock. September 20th, odd Gannets going S. 26th, -small numbers passing S. during day; wind strong S. October 2d, great -numbers passing S., flying low, and not fishing; wind strong S.E. - -_Arran Island, N._--February 16th, flocks all day going N. June 10th, -very numerous all day. In July and August, Gannets in flocks. - -_Tearaght._--February 27th, Gannets going S. October 6th, hundreds of -old and young close to rock. During October Gannets were plentiful; -they came from N. about daylight; some remained until noon, and then -went S. - -_Skelligs._--February 6th, first landed on the Little Skellig; wind -fresh W. August 27th, still on Little Skellig. September 26th, Gannet -left the Little Skellig. - - -Heron (_Ardea cinerea_, Linn.) - -_Mine Head._--January 26th, one. June 13th, one passed S.W. September -4th, two flying high to S.; calm. 24th, one going N. November 3d, one. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--July 27th, five "Cranes" going S.E. -September 26th, two going W. - -_Rockabill._--July 16th, a "Crane" at 11 A.M. December 30th, one Heron -2 P.M., going W. - -_Rathlin Island._--May 16th, two Herons going W. - -_Arranmore._--June 28th, three Herons going S.E.; wind light S.W. -December 19th, one. - -_Broadhaven._--November 18th, seven going S; wind strong S.W. - -_Arran Island, N._--May 9th, one Heron on island; calm. June 6th, one. -July 20th, one. August 1st, two. - - -Geese. - -_Mine Head._--November 21st, two going N., 3 P.M. - -_Dungarvan._--November 17th, two swimming in sea 7 A.M. - -_Rockabill._--June 20th, three Wild Geese. - -_Innishtrahull._--May 15th, one shot. November 4th, twenty-seven -flying very high to S.; wind very strong S.W. November 25th, 30th, and -December 2d, four to seven passing S.W. On November 26th, a large flock -going N.E., and making a great noise. December 21st to 24th, six to -eight about island, Brent Geese; stormy from S.W. - -_Tory Island._--Wild Geese, four to twenty-four noted January 6th, -10th, 11th, 24th, February 5th, and May 12th--in every case coming from -N. and going S. January 25th, nine Barnacle on lake. - -_Arranmore._--December 21st, Barnacle. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--September 18th, eighteen Barnacle going S.--the -first seen; earlier than usual; wind light N.E. 21st, seven going S.; -never saw so many passing so early in season. December 23d, forty-five, -two killed by keeper. January 5th, 1887, more Barnacle passed here this -winter than for some years previous. They are apparently returning N. -now, as several hundred passed on the 3d inst., and did not alight on -island. - -_Broadhaven._--October 28th, a flock of Brent Geese going S.; wind -S.E., strong. December 3d, great numbers of Wild Geese. - -_Eagle Island, B._--April 13th, large flock of Barnacle going N. 17th, -a flock heard passing 11 P.M. October 19th, about a hundred Barnacle -going S.W.; wind N.E., light. December 1st, one shot. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--November 3d, one on rock shot. 25th, ten "Grey Lags -or Grass Barnacle" about rock, six shot; some about lantern 11 P.M. -gloomy. - -_Slyne Head, S._--October 6th, sixteen Barnacle going S.W.--the first -this winter; noted also 22d and 26th. November 13th, three "young -Barnacle," two shot. November 16th, eighteen. - -_Arran Island, N._--April 26th, five Wild Geese going N.E. November 6th -to 9th, a few Barnacle noted. - -_Samphire Island._--January, February, and March, Barnacle and Wild -Duck; they leave last week in April. - - -Ducks. - -_Fastnet._--October 24th, six Duck. - -_Dungarvan._--September 10th, thirteen on rock. 14th, large flock of -Golden Widgeon--first this season. 30th, about forty Widgeon. November -27th, seven Teal; not plentiful here. December 1st, large flock of -Common Duck; 27th, large flock of Teal. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--July 27th, seven Wild Duck. - -_Tuskar Rock._--November 27th, one Wild Duck at lantern at midnight; -misty. December 19th, one on rock. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--May 3d, flock going N. September 15th, -three. October 20th, some Wild Ducks round ship. - -_Kish Light-ship._--March 1st, flock going S. - -_Rockabill._--January 26th, Wild Duck passing W. March 15th, Wild Duck -all day. June 5th, "Eider Duck and young" [?--R. M. B.]. October 29th, -four Wild Duck 10 A.M. - -_Copeland (Mew) Island._--April 22d, two. August 3d, one and six young -ones. 7th, one struck lantern 11 P.M.; wounded; very dark; wind light. - -_Rathlin Island._--April 3d, noon, three Eider Duck drifting W. 16th, -seventeen Eider Duck on the water; wind light N. "The Eider Duck was -seen here sixteen years ago." June 7th, two Sheldrake. - -_Tory Island._--Wild Duck, eight to ten, noted February 3d, March 17th -and 30th, coming from N., going S. - -_Arranmore._--April 19th, two going N.W. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--December 31st, four on island; wind fresh S.E.; -misty; one shot. - -_Broadhaven._--December 26th, flock Wild Duck. - -_Arran Island, N._--January 14th, twelve Wild Duck; 21st, nine. April -24th, seven. - -_Samphire Island._--January, February, and March, Barnacle and Wild -Duck; they leave last week in April. - - -"Merganser." - -_Dungarvan._--November 25th, five fishing in bay. December 29th, two. - - -Birds not Identified. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--October 8th, 11 A.M., "two birds, fifty yards -from ship, feeding on the water; light grey on back, and body white and -black; bill from 1½ to 2 inches long." - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--October 4th, "A strange bird rested and -flew N. It was about size of a Blackbird, had white wings and a white -breast. Could not catch it." - - -Bats. - -_Fastnet._--October 3d, one seen; sleeps in cleft on rock. - - * * * * * - -Late in the autumn an immigration of the Greater Spotted Woodpecker -(_Dendrocopus major_, Linn.) occurred. It is a very rare visitor to -Ireland, and although not obtained at any light station the following -records may be of interest:-- - -November 27th, one at Kilkeel, Co. Down. A second near Newry, Co. Down, -about same date. A third at Glasslough, Co. Monaghan (see _Zoologist_, -1887, p. 75). A fourth at Newcastle, Co. Wicklow, in February 1887. -This species is also recorded from Northumberland on 18th and 20th -October. - - - * * * * * - - -Transcriber Note - -Minor typos corrected. Possible variant spellings of Genera and Species -mostly left as printed. The words "Solan Geese" from the second column of -the table on pp. 20-21 was moved to the column head in order to compress -the table. - - - - - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS IN -THE SPRING AND AUTUMN OF 1886. *** - -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. 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