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diff --git a/old/65609-0.txt b/old/65609-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 3c9158d..0000000 --- a/old/65609-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,6459 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of Report on the Migration of Birds in the -Spring and Autumn of 1883., 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 - 1883. - Fifth Report - -Author: J. A. Harvie Brown - J. Cordeaux - R. M. Barrington - A. G. More - -Release Date: June 13, 2021 [eBook #65609] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -Produced by: Tom Cosmas compiled from materials made freely available on - 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 1883. *** - - - - - -Transcriber Note - -Text emphasis denoted as _Italics_ and =Bold=. - - - - - REPORT - - ON THE - - =MIGRATION OF BIRDS= - - IN THE - - SPRING AND AUTUMN OF 1883. - - - BY - - Mr. J. A. HARVIE BROWN, Mr. J. CORDEAUX, - Mr. R. M. BARRINGTON, and Mr. A. G. MORE. - - - - =FIFTH REPORT.= - - - "A good practical naturalist must be a good observer; and how many - qualities are required to make up a good observer! Attention, - patience, quickness to seize separate facts, discrimination to keep - them unconfused, readiness to combine them, and rapidity and yet - slowness of induction; above all, perfect fidelity, which can be - seduced neither by the enticements of a favourite theory nor by - the temptation to see a little more than actually happens in some - passing drama."--_Essays, Bishop Wilberforce, Vol. I._ - - - LONDON: - - PRINTED BY WEST, NEWMAN & CO., 54, HATTON GARDEN. - - 1884. - - - - -PREFACE. - - -The following Report contains a summary of investigations of the -Committee re-appointed by the British Association for the Advancement -of Science, at Southport, in 1883, 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 Migration of Birds at Lighthouses and -Lightships, and of reporting on the same at Montreal, Canada, in 1884. -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; and those for -the Coasts of Ireland, by Mr. R. M. Barrington and Mr. A. G. More. -No return has been received by the Committee from the West Coast of -England and the Isle of Man. - - - - -CONTENTS. - - - PAGE - - East Coast of Scotland 1 - - East Coast of England 33 - - West Coast of Scotland 63 - - Coasts of Ireland 82 - - -FIFTH REPORT - -ON - -THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS - -IN THE - -SPRING AND AUTUMN OF 1883. - - - "We had a succession of black nights going up the river, and it was - observable that whenever we landed and suddenly inundated the trees - with the intense sun-burst of the Electric Light, a certain curious - effect was always produced: hundreds of birds flocked instantly out - from the masses of shining green foliage, and went careering hither - and thither through the white rays, and often a song bird turned - up and fell to singing. We judged that they mistook this superb - artificial day for the genuine article."--Mark Twain, in '_Life on - the Mississippi_,' p. 452. - - "Yea, even the fowl-- - That through the polar summer months could see - A beauty in Spitzbergen's naked isles, - Or on the drifted icebergs seek a home-- - Even they had fled, on southern wing, in search - Of less inclement shores."--_The Fowler._ - - - - -EAST COAST OF SCOTLAND, &c. - - -From Skykkesholm, in Iceland, comes our first return from that country -since the commencement of our work. M. Thorlacius, to whom we are -indebted for this return, writes as follows:--"As this list cannot -nearly comprise all the Icelandic birds of passage, of which especially -the sea-birds are wanting, I shall complete this by next mail, and send -you the continuation along with a complete list of the appearances of -birds of passage in the present year (1883). The dates quoted opposite -each species is the day on which they were first observed here. The -approximate date of departure will be given later." - -The following notes are copied direct from M. Thorlacius' schedule, and -are most useful to the Committee, serving as they do as finger-posts -on the route of migration, indicating the important dates of arrival -at their breeding-quarters of Icelandic summer migrants. When M. -Thorlacius sends his autumn departures of migrants and the other good -things he so kindly promises us, we will have useful standpoints, -the spaces between which can be more easily filled in when these are -fixed:-- - -Skykkesholm, Iceland, 1882, lat. 65° 4′ N.; long. 22° 43′ W. - - April 7th, _Turdus iliacus_, S., very fresh; rain. - May 8th, _Saxicola œnanthe_, S.E., light air; clear. - April 24th, _Motacilla alba_, N.E., stormy; clear. - May 24th, _Anthus pratensis_, N.E., storm; light showers. - April 25th, _Scolopax gallinago_, N.E., storm; light showers. - April 19th, _Totanus calidris,_ E., very fresh; dry. - May 11th, _Numenius phæopus_, N.E., very fresh; light showers. - April 17th, _Charadrius pluvialis_, N.E., very fresh; clear. - April 19th, _Tringa alpina_, N.E., very fresh; clear. - May 3rd, _T. cinerea_, E., blowing hard; clear. - April 29th, _Strepsilas collaris_, N.E., storm; snow showers. - April 26th, _Tringa hiaticula_, N.E., storm; dry. - May 23rd, _Phalaropus cinerea_, N.E., blowing hard; clear. - May 24th, _P. platyrhincha_, N.E., storm; snow showers. - April 9th, _Falco cæsius_, N.E., very fresh; rain. - April 9th, _Limosa melanura_, N.E., very fresh; rain. - April 9th, _Hæmatopus ostralegus_, N.E., very fresh; rain. - March 30th, _H. ostralegus._ - April 30th, _Fringilla linaria_, N.E. storm, cloudy; rain. - April 30th, _Loxia serinus_, N.E. storm, cloudy; rain. - March 15th, _Uria grylle_, N.E.; clear. - March 15th, _U. brunnichii_, N.E.; clear. - March 15th, _U. troile_, N.E.; clear. - March 15th, _U. alle_, N.E.; clear. - March 15th, _Alca torda_, N.E.; clear, hard. - April 25th, _Mormon fratercula_, N.E., very fresh. - April 30th, _Carbo cormoranus_, N.E., light air. - April 30th, _C. graculus_, N.E., light air. - April 30th, _Puffinus arcticus_, N.E., light air. - -Faroe.--From Faroe, thanks again to our friend Herr H. C. Müller, we -have the following report, some twelve entries or so between Jan. 1st -and Sept. 10th, 1883:-- - -On Jan. 1st three Wild Swans, _C. musicus_, seen flying S. at noon. On -April 28th one _Gallinula chloropus_, Waterhen, taken alive in Vaay -in Bordó. Between May 3rd and 11th several White Wagtails seen during -N.N.E., stormy, with snow at different localities in the islands. On -May 27th two Red-necked Phalaropes were seen on the sea near Thorshavn -during S.W. wind, moderate, with showers of rain. - -In August White Wagtails again appeared, when several were seen on the -21st at Thorshavn at noon, fresh W. breeze and clear. Between Aug. 28th -and Sept. 10th, Whimbrels (see under Whimbrel, Curlew) were preparing -for departure, and disappeared on the last-named date. During this time -the winds were from N.W. on Aug. 28th by N. to N.E. on Aug. 30th to -Sept. 3rd, and W. on the 10th, the day of departure. - -_Note._--Herr H. C. Müller informs me that a lighthouse will be -shortly erected at Nossoe, in Faroe, eighty feet above the sea. Herr -Müller considers that this will prove a good station for observing -birds during migration. Suderöe would also be a good observatory. -He also told me of the occurrence, for the first time, of _Sciurus -noveboracensis_ at Nordtalik, Greenland, about May, 1882; and of the -occurrence also of a young Sabine's Gull at the same place. I have a -young Sabine's Gull, brought home last year (1883) by the whalers to -Dundee. - -Of the progress of the scheme of accumulation of migrational data in -other parts of the world, we may notice here that Dr. Arthur proposes -to take up the subject at the lighthouses in New Zealand, and will send -the Committee his schedules for arrangement. - -Our American friends have made a promising start with similar -intentions, but of a much wider scope, as is shown by the circular, -which we here reprint, as it will show to our reporters other -collateral subjects which offer plenty of opportunity for observation, -and which can easily be made as applicable here as in North America, as -regards our commoner species. Schedules somewhat more elaborate than -ours have been issued also to lighthouses in America:-- - -"At the first congress of the American Ornithologists' Union, held in -New York City, Sept. 26th-28th, 1883, a Committee on the Migration of -Birds was appointed. It is the purpose of this Committee to investigate -in all its bearings, and to the fullest extent possible, the subject -of the migration of birds in the United States and British North -America. The work will not be limited to the accumulation of records -of the times of arrival and departure of the different species, but -will embrace the collection of all data that may aid in determining -the causes which influence the progress of migration from season to -season. For example, severe storms, gales of wind, protracted periods -of unusually high or low temperature (for the locality and time of -year) are among the atmospheric conditions that are known to exert -marked effects upon the movements of birds. The opening of the leaves -and the flowering of certain plants, with the correlative appearance -of a multitude of insects, are also among the factors that have to do -with the abundance of many species. Hence the careful registration -of certain meteorological phenomena, and of the state of advancing -vegetation from day to day, will constitute prominent items in the -record books of the observer. - -"For convenience in collecting and arranging the enormous mass of -material which will be accumulated by the joint labours of this army -of field workers, it has been deemed advisable to divide the vast -expanse of territory embraced in the United States and British North -America into thirteen districts, each of which will be placed under the -immediate direction of a competent superintendent." - -Some time ago we received application from China for schedules -and letters of instructions, but as yet we have had no further -communication from that quarter. We would be glad to hear of the scheme -being started there also. Most of the lighthouse-keepers there are -Scotch and English. - -The ordinary papers were sent to thirty stations on the East Coast of -Scotland, Faroe, and Iceland, as in former years. Twelve stations on -this coast have sent in forty-two schedules out of the twenty-six E.C. -stations of Scotland. All returns are much lighter than in 1882, and -this is more readily noticed when we compare the numbers of schedules -returned from our principal stations. Thus, from Sumburgh Head we have -three; from Pentland Skerries twelve (three more than in 1882); from -Bell Rock two; and from Isle of May only ten, as against nineteen in -1882. - - East Coast of Scotland. - - '79 '80 '81 '82 '83 - * * * 4. N. Unst, Shetland 230 ft. J. Edgar. - * * * 5. Whalsey Skerries, Shet. 143 " - * 6. Bressay, Shetland 105 " - * * * * * 7. Sumburgh Head, Shet. 300 " D. M. Scott. - Land Notes.--7B. Fair Isle. - - Orkney. - - * * * * 8. North Ronaldshay 140 " - 9. Start Point 80 " - * * * * * 10. Auskerry 110 " J. McDonald. - 11. Hoy Sound (Low) 55 " - 12. Hoy Sound (High) 115 " - 13. Cantick Head 115 " - * * * * * 14. Pentland Skerries 170 " {D. McDonald.† - {J. Gilmour. - - Mainland. - - * * * * 15. Dunnet Head, Caithness 346 " D. Laidlaw. - 16. Holborn Head, Caithness 75 " D. Laidlaw. - * 17. Noss Head, Caithness 175 " A. Greig. - * 18. Tarbat Ness, East Ross 175 " W. Davidson.‡ - * * * 19. Cromarty, E. Cromarty 60 " R. S. Ritson. - * * 20. Chanonry, Point Elgin 40 " J. McGill.§ - * 21. Covesea Skerries 160 " - 22. Kinnaird Head, Aberdeen 120 "‖ - 23. Buchan Ness, Aberdeen 130 " - * 24. Girdleness, Aberdeen 185 " - 25. Montroseness, Aberdeen 124 "¶ - * * * * * 26. Bell Rock, Fife Coast 93 " J. Jack. - * * * * * 27. I. of May, Firth of Forth 240 " J. Agnew. - * * * * 28. Inchkeith, F. of Forth 220 " R. Grierson. - 29. St. Abb's Head, Berwicks 224 " - -† Mr. D. McDonald removed from Pentland Skerries to Skervuile (W. -C.) about July 26th, up to which time he sent returns from Pentland -Skerries. Thereafter Mr. J. Gilmour took in hand the returns at the -latter station. - -‡ I have to thank Mr. W. Davidson for the first schedule received -from Tarbat Ness. Between Aug. 15th and Oct. 30th there are only -eleven entries,' all light, of ten different dates only. This schedule -is valuable for its negative evidence, just as other more favoured -localities for migrants give valuable positive evidence. Can I not -induce others to return even empty schedules at the end of the year, -with the simple remark "No Birds" or "Few Birds" attached, if such is -the case? Then our Committee would have certainty to go by, not merely -hypothesis. Mr. Davidson gives me the further information regarding -this station, that he observed no further migration since Oct. 30th, -the weather being so mild. It is usually before any changes in the -weather that we see any birds passing here besides the birds which -frequent the locality. The situation of Tarbat Ness is a very high -tower, 175 feet, and is joined to farmhouses. It is not much sheltered, -the tower being on the bare point. At some seasons great quantities of -birds are seen (_in lit._, Jan. 20th, 1884). - -§ At Chanonry lighthouse the schedule, again kindly returned by Mr. -McGill, pretty clearly indicates and illustrates the action of local -migrations. Thus he tells us:--"There are plenty of Black Crows, which -fly between this and Nairn every day for feeding in the morning, and -fly back at night. A great many grey ducks come down on this Firth for -the purpose of feeding. It would seem they do not migrate. There are -several flocks of birds which seem to fly north the one day and in a -few days to fly back to the south; they seem to be the same flocks -that have been feeding." From Chanonry Mr. McGill writes:--"Only one -bird has struck the lantern since I came here in the summer of 1882, -and only two lighted on the lantern. None killed." The returns from -this station almost all relate to local movements, but are not on this -account less valuable, but rather more so, as giving good opportunity -of making comparisons and deductions. Most of the occurrences are -attended by highly developed pressures, squalls, strong breezes, &c., -but the directions of these are not given. - -‖ Mr. D. M. Scott, who left this station, removed to Sumburgh Head. -He sent the description of a bird from Kinnaird Head in 1882, but no -schedule. Scarcity is the true reason of lack of returns from this -station. Mr. Scott has sent well-filled schedules since from Sumburgh -Head. - -¶ "No Birds" at Montroseness, reason given for absence of returns in -1882 (_q.v._). - -From Kinnaird Head Lighthouse I have the following reply to my -inquiry:--"Birds at this lighthouse are every year getting more scarce, -as the town is now extended to the lighthouse, and cooperage works at -the very gate make much noise, and sparks of fire fly about whilst -making the barrels." At the same time Mr. D. M. Scott, now at Sumburgh -Head, tells me he has once caught, in one watch, forty-eight Starlings -at the lantern, and some Thrushes. - -I have also to thank Mr. Alexander Greig for the first return from Noss -Head. The movements of Gannets, as related there, cannot fail to be of -use to the Committee. Mr. Greig says, "There has been great scarcity of -birds this last year, except those which are generally with us." - -Through Mr. Thomas Southwell's kindness I have received a few items -of interest from the log of the whaler 'Eclipse,' Capt. D. Gray. -Also a note from Mr. T. H. Nelson, taken on board the 'Camoens,' 150 -miles N.N.W. of Orkney; as also a note or two, through the kindness -of Mr. Robert Gray, taken on board the 'Marathon' in the Atlantic by -Mr. Thomas Anderson. These are now given; and the land notes will be -entered after the paragraphs on each species or group. - -'Eclipse.'--March 28th, 1883, 70° 7′ north, 3° 40′ west, saw -but one Hooded Seal to-day, but plenty of Rotches, Looms, Snow -Birds, and Mallemauks. April 19th, 69° 53′ north, 5° 30′ west, -saw a few Bottlenose Whales, and at night a Merlin lighted on the -fore-topsail-yard, and there fell asleep, and was afterwards caught. -He seemed very tired and weak. I made a box for him, and fed him on -small pieces of meat. April 22nd, the Hawk seems to be thriving; he is -kept below during the day and on deck when it is fine. April 24th, 68° -29' north, 9° 12′ west, let the Hawk away at 10 a.m. He flew straight -to S.W. At 2 p.m. spoke the 'Catharine' brig. Whilst speaking the -'Catharine' I was astonished to see my old friend the Hawk sitting on -one leg in the lower quarter boat, looking very disconsolate, and, -when scared, immediately flew to the 'Catharine.' He had evidently -come across that vessel at sea, and had flown on board her. May 2nd, -68° 20′ north, 11° 30′ west, a great many birds about the ship, a few -hundreds of Mallemauks, and numerous Snow Birds, Burgomasters, Snow -Buntings, two Eider Ducks, and one Iceland Falcon. May 4th, the vessel -was followed by a good many Mallemauks, Burgomasters, Snow Birds, &c. -May 18th, 69° 37′ north, 9° 9′ east, in the morning a Loom alighted -on the main-topsail-yard, and Rotches have been numerous, besides the -usual number of Mallemauks, Kittiwakes, Snow Birds, and Burgomasters. -May 22nd, 69° 59′ 3° west, about 65 miles N.N.E. from Jan Mayen, "a -few Bottlenose Whales seen during the day, and several Black-headed -Gulls and Whimbrels." [This is an interesting note in the distribution -of the Whimbrel, which species Capt. Gray knows well, having brought -home skins before now, all the way from the coast of S. Greenland, and -others have arrived, brought by other whalers, at least two of which -are in our collection.--J. A. H. B.] June 10th (70° 32′ north, 1° 29′ -west), a Swallow or Martin seen. May 16th (about 67° 41′ north, 14° -34′ west), two birds known at home as Wheatears and Water Wagtails -["Watee Wagtails" (_sic_) local in Forfar.--J. A. H. B.] came on board -and died. They were experiencing very heavy weather at the time. - -'Marathon.'--October 12th, 1883 (46° 43′ north, 35° 39′ west), six or -seven Snow Buntings flew on board, winter plumage, wind fresh N.W., and -only two remained, the others leaving to go to another vessel passed by -the 'Marathon.' The other vessel had a deck-load of wood.--R. G. - -'Camoens.'--Mr. T. H. Nelson writes:--"A friend of mine took a trip to -Iceland in the 'Camoens' last October. On Oct. 14th, 150 miles N.N.W. -of Orkney, a Starling flew on board. On the journey both there and -back, _viz._, between Oct. 18th and Dec. 3rd, a great many small birds -were seen _flying south_, but my friend was not well enough versed in -Ornithology to be able to identify them." - -Notes are presented upon about seventeen species of water-fowl and -fifty-four species of land birds, and about thirteen species of waders -or littoral species, by our east coast reporters. - -Spring migration having been more considerable this season, I keep -separate in this Report. - -The movements recorded occupy the whole year, from date of February to -June, during spring, and from date of July to January, during autumn. - - -Separate Report under Genera and Species. - -Turdidæ.--In spring a considerable migration noticed at certain -stations, _viz._, Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock, and Isle of May. -Began Feb. 2nd, when a rush of Song Thrushes took place at Bell -Rock, and terminated May 10th, when, and upon the 9th, there were -indications of another rush of Fieldfares and Ring Ouzels. Whilst Song -Thrushes, Redwings, and Blackbirds seem usually to travel together, -the larger-winged Fieldfares and Ring Ouzels are usually associated -in our returns, though not invariably. Although this spring migration -was spread over such a very considerable time, none of the returns -are very heavy; but indications of rushes are sufficiently distinct. -At Bell Rock, as above stated, on Feb. 2nd, strong E.N.E., with haze. -Fieldfares and Ring Ouzels; at Isle of May, on March 2nd, light W., -clear, Thrushes and Blackbirds--a decided but not large rush, which -stopped abruptly with wind changing to gales from S.E. to E.N.E. and -to N.W. (see Third Report, General Remarks, p. 67.--J. A. H. B.). In -April, light but fairly continuous entries at Pentland Skerries and -Isle of May, but little indication of a general movement, except on -April 27th, when a good many Fieldfares and Ring Ouzels were noted at -Isle of May, wind fresh S.E. Prevailing winds up to termination of -spring migration, easterly along whole coast. On May 2nd, and again on -9th and 10th, there were faint indications of rushes at Isle of May, -principally of Fieldfares. - -In autumn the migration was pronounced, and confined principally to -October and November. Yet the earliest record we have yet received in -Scotland in our schedules occurred on Aug. 28th, at Isle of May, of -two Song Thrushes, followed by a single record on Sept. 21st; also -at Isle of May, "a few Redwings and Ring Ouzels." Again, passing at -present over October and November, only one record in December of a -solitary Fieldfare on the 5th; and in January, 1884, a flock on the -7th and three birds on the 22nd, during a wild W. gale. The month of -October has many entries, and I find the word "rush" opposite the -following dates and stations:--At Pentland Skerries and Isle of May, -but not at Bell Rock, on 13th-15th, hundreds of Redwings and Ring -Ouzels, also Blackbirds and Thrushes, besides many other birds whose -names I will give later. Also at N. Unst a few stragglers rested on -the 16th, and then flew south, with strong S.E. wind and haze. Again, -from about Oct. 28th to Nov. 5th, a great movement, developing into -vast rushes, between Oct. 30th and Nov. 3rd, on which latter day a -Dipper (_Cinclus_) was seen on the Isle of May; twice fired at for -the collection, but escaped. The stations, N. Unst, Sumburgh Head, -Pentland Skerries, Tarbat Ness, Bell Rock, and Isle of May participated -(maximum at Isle of May), but also large numbers at Pentland Skerries, -Bell Rock, and goodly appearance at Sumburgh Head on Nov. 1st. On -Oct. 13th-15th wind was S., but shifted to W. at Isle of May. On -Oct. 28th and 29th wind was S., light and clear; and on 30th to Nov. -1st still prevailing southerly and westerly. Mr. Agnew states that -the rush on 13th-15th was the largest ever witnessed by him at Isle -of May with a due S. wind, S.E. being usually the most productive. -Having detailed the movements and given dates and circumstances of -these rushes, I will now name the other species which participated -in them, and refer back to this paragraph afterwards throughout the -Report. During the October rush, 13th-15th, Redwings in hundreds; Ring -Ouzels, Bramblings, Larks, Woodcock, Short-eared Owl, Yellow Bunting, -Eider Ducks in large flocks; Chaffinches, Crows (Carrion and Hooded), -Jackdaws (the largest flock ever seen at Isle of May), Bramblings, -Tree Sparrows, Blackbirds, Thrushes, and one Missel Thrush; besides, -in smaller numbers. Wagtails, Redstarts, Hawks, &c. During the great -October to November rush the following participated: Sandpipers, Snow -Buntings, Skylarks, as far as N. Unst; and southwards. Lapwings, Grey -Crows, Robins (smaller numbers), Linnets, Chaffinches, Starlings. At -Sumburgh Head a large migration of Thrushes, with Starlings, Larks, and -Linnets; many killed. At Pentland Skerries rush began on 20th, and also -at Isle of May, principally _Turdidæ_ and _Emberizidæ_. At Bell Rock, -on Oct. 31st--Nov. 1st, rush began at 7 a.m. Mr. Jack writes:--"Immense -numbers killed. I have no doubt they were killed in hundreds. What we -think were Woodcocks struck with great force. Birds continued flying -within the influence of the rays of light till the first streak of day, -continually striking hard all night, and falling into the sea. Although -we cannot be sure, we think there was a great number of Woodcocks -struck and fell into the sea."[1] Species of _Turdidæ_ seven, including -_Cinclus_. - -[Footnote 1: What a loss of useful food to the lighthouse-keepers, -which might perhaps be saved to them by a few long poles and an old -herring-net stretched round and outside the balcony. This fact is -surely worthy of the attention of the Commissioners and all Directors -of our Lighthouse Stations.] - -Saxicolinæ.--In spring considerable arrival of at Pentland Skerries, -Bell Rock, and Isle of May. Earliest (a single Stonechat (_vera_) -_S. rubicola_) on March 20th, at Isle of May, with light E. wind and -haze. [N.B.--In our Third Report, p. 8, the first record was on 29th -of Wheatear, but this record in Mr. Agnew's schedule was entered as -"Stonechat." Owing to the confusion existing between the Wheatear and -"Stonechat" it is usually almost impossible to know to which the name -Stonechat is applied. The true Stonechat is very like a Whinchat, -and in no respect resembles the Wheatear, except in the sound of its -voice.] The next earliest was of three Redstarts (or Firetails), on -March 29th, also at Isle of May, S.E. fresh, haze. Indications of a -rush of Wheatears between April 5th and 13th, at Isle of May; and much -lighter indications of single birds at same dates at Pentland Skerries. -Redstarts scarce; two on April 27th, one on 26th at Isle of May, and -a few at same place. These in every instance with light or fresh S.E. -winds in April, and light N.E. in May. - -In autumn a considerable migration, commencing on August 20th; first -record at Isle of May--"Stonechat" [one earlier record occurs at same -place on July 14th, but it is perhaps difficult to say to what this -belongs, as Wheatears breed annually on Isle of May]; one killed at -lantern. Fresh N.W. wind, and terminating as far as schedules indicate, -by Nov. 11th. In this statement are included Wheatears, "Stonechats," -[true Stonechats identified], Redstarts; but there are no records at -any stations of Wheatears or Stonechats between Sept. 12th and Nov. -1st. October is, curiously enough, entirely blank of any returns of -_Saxicolinæ_, and there are only two records in November. The rushes -took place end of August, culminating on the night of Sept. 2nd-3rd, -when a great rush of Wheatears, Redstarts, and also Chiffchaffs, Robins -and Sedge Warblers, Wood Warblers, and Golden and Grey Plovers took -place. The absence of any record of Thrushes or _Turdidæ_ at this date -at any of the stations is noteworthy. Mr. Agnew writes:--"The night -of Sept. 2nd was very stormy, wind S.E., shifting to N.E., with heavy -rain. The birds were all in large numbers throughout the night, except -a Blue-throated Warbler, adult, which was solitary." On the 12th, -nearly all Wheatears left the Isle of May. On the 4th, at Pentland -Skerries, a rush all day with strong N. wind and rain. Indications at -Bell Rock very faint throughout. In the vast rush of _Turdidæ_ and -other species (see _Turdidæ_ under date) of Nov. 1st, one solitary -Wheatear is first recorded, the first notice since Sept. 12th. In all -three species of _Saxicolinæ_ with certainty. - -_Note._--The true Wheatear, "white on the rump," is intended in the -return from Pentland Skerries. - -Silviinæ.--In spring, earliest record (Robin) is March 18th, at -Pentland Skerries, and with an E.S.E. gale and sleet; and the latest -(also Robin) on May 11th, at Sumburgh Head, fresh, S.S.E. A rush of -Robins at Isle of May on April 26th, when "large numbers" appeared; -fresh, S.E. and haze. Robins disappeared from Cromarty station on March -30th. - -In autumn, earliest record at Isle of May on Aug. -16th,--Whitethroat,--when almost a rush might be recorded. On the -23rd again, at same place, large numbers of Whitethroats and Titmice. -At Cromarty station Robins reappeared, about a dozen being seen on -Sept. 15th, the first since spring. On Sept. 15th, a rush of Robins -at Isle of May, and on 22nd. Winds on all these dates easterly, with -fog, and on 15th "flying banks of fog." Records also of Blackcap on -10th, and more Blackcaps on 23rd; that on 10th with light W. wind, the -others light E. No records in October except at Chanonry, two on 15th, -strong squalls and S.W. Small numbers beginning of November, amongst -Thrushes, &c., _q.v._ stations; Pentland Skerries, light; Dunnet Head, -one record; the latest on Dec. 28th; and Jan. 30th, at Chanonry; light -squalls and sleet. Bell Rock and Isle of May (maximum). Blue-throated -Warbler on night of Sept. 2nd-3rd. In all three species. - -Phylloscopinæ.--In spring a distinct movement of Goldcrests, but -nothing to compare with the autumn rush of 1882, though comparing -favourably with the spring rush of the same year. Earliest record, -April 1st, Isle of May; then singly or in small numbers till 13th, when -rather more, along with other species. Latest date of Goldcrests or -other Leaf-warblers, April 16th, at Pentland Skerries; one Goldcrest; -light N.E., clear. The first Chiffchaff on April 26th; also at Isle of -May; wind S.E. and haze; and some again on May 2nd; and Willow Warblers -and Chiffchaffs on May 15th. - -In autumn a rush at Isle of May and no previous records; on Sept. -3rd (see _Saxicolinæ_); on the 2nd a S.E. gale, changing light W., -very dark. Scattered records running through 10th, 11th, to 15th, -when another rush of Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs, and a solitary -Goldcrest on 22nd, with a rush of Robins. Goldcrests did not put in an -appearance much before Oct. 10th, when a rush took place that night, -with light E. wind and cloudy, again at Isle of May. Mr. D. M. Scott -speaks of the "smallest wrens he ever saw," which were seen at Sumburgh -Head, on Oct. 28th, which were probably of this species. Stations -recording are Sumburgh Head (one record); Tarbat Ness one record on -Oct. 30th [some years Caithness gets a large share of Goldcrests]; and -Isle of May. Three species. - -Paridæ.--A few scattered notices in April and May at Pentland Skerries -on April 25th, 27th and 29th, with S. easterly and N.E. wind; rain, -haze or clear; and at same place on May 13th. _Note._--Mr. MacDonald -distinguishes between "Titmice" and "Tomtits." Titmice are probably -Cole Tits, and "Tomtits" Blue Tits, _Parus cæruleus_. - -In autumn, in September, a few at Isle of May, on 4th, 5th, 18th, 19th; -on the 4th and 19th, travelling with "Stonechats"; also at Isle of May; -winds westerly and northerly. In October, one record at Inchkeith; wind -light S.W., which seems the usually chosen wind at this locality for -birds migrating. In November, on the 18th, one bird, which is either a -Cole Tit or a Great Tit, at Isle of May. - -Acrocephalinæ--Accentorinæ.--A Solitary record of one Sedge Warbler, at -Isle of May, on May 17th, constitutes the whole spring returns. - -In autumn, only two records in all; one at Isle of May on Sept. 12th, -of one Sedge Warbler, with light S.E., haze and rain; and the other -on Oct. 11th, at same place, of a Hedge Sparrow ("Blue Janet" of -Schedule). One species of Marsh Warblers, and one probably _Saxicolinæ_. - -Troglodytinæ, Common Wren.--On April 9th, one struck and killed (No. -66, in spirits); light W., clear! - -In autumn, on Aug. 18th, at Sumburgh Head, a few remained two days; -light W. and haze. Wrens not in large numbers accompanied rush of other -migrants on Sept. 22nd and 23rd; fresh E. and very dark, at Isle of -May. In October, one record at N. Unst, resting at 10 a.m.; S.W., light -and haze ("a rare visitor.") It would be interesting to know if this -was one of the large-footed form found in Faroe (_T. Faröensis_), or -our common species.[2] In November, a few on 7th at Isle of May; and -at Tarbat Ness, one on Oct. 27th; in November, three seen at Sumburgh -Head, with strong breeze and hailstones. - -[Footnote 2: This I hope to be able to decide next year, should any -turn up at this station.] - -Motacillidæ.--In Spring, at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May. -Earliest, March 2nd, at Isle of May; light W., clear; with a rush of -other migrants. Five seen on March 30th--"the most ever seen together -in spring," at Isle of May, "by Mr. Agnew;" a gale from the S. the -previous night, but wind westerly when seen; these birds flying north. -Other records are with E. or S.E. winds, on 19th, 20th and 23rd. In -April, two records at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May, on 3rd and -25th. - -In autumn, records from Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock and Isle of May. -Earliest, July 13th, at the first-named station, and again on 28th, -with fresh N. wind and haze or rain. Scattered records in August, -mostly at Pentland Skerries, with northerly winds; but two records, -one with light S. and clear, and the other, Aug. 18th, with fresh W. -and cloudy, when thirteen were counted. In September, a flock at Bell -Rock on 1st; a few on 2nd, at Pentland Skerries; a number on 11th, -with Robins, at Isle of May. In October, one record at Isle of May, on -10th, light E., haze; and the latest record at Isle of May, one bird on -7th. The Wagtails on Oct. 10th are described as very light-coloured, -but from the good description it is easily seen that they are immature -birds of probably the Pied Wagtail. But it is desirable to watch for -_very light_ or _light-backed birds_ at Isle of May and elsewhere, and -especially at Bell Rock, _during the spring_ migration, as such may -prove to be the continental White Wagtail. - -Anthidæ.--In spring, the Rock Pipits resident at the Isle of May -received considerable additions to their numbers on March 19th, and -Meadow Pipits arrived in small numbers on 21st, which is an early date. -On April 3rd, both had much increased in numbers. "Moss-cheepers," -_i.e._, Meadow Pipits, are also noted at Bell Rock, on April 27th. - -In autumn the movement was never great. Noted at Bell Rock, and, -curiously enough, _not_ at Isle of May, nor at any other stations. -Duration: Aug. 9th--light S. breeze, fog, one resting--to Nov. 1st, -when one was noted along with the vast rush of other migrants (see -_Saxicolinæ_). Indication of the rush very faint about Sept. 1st, -when a flock rested on the Rock; a few more seen on 16th, 19th and -22nd; winds light S.W. on 1st, light N.W. on 22nd, and E.N.E. on 19th; -calm on 16th. On Oct. 9th also a flock flying with "Bullfinches." -[These latter may, Mr. Jack thinks, be named wrong, and may be either -Crossbills or Hawfinches.] - -_Land Notes._--A Waxwing, _Ampelis garrula_,--a male in full -plumage,--was found at North Unst, of which Mr. Garrick writes me -that it had been kept too long and could not unfortunately be -preserved. Two very fine old Waxwings were shot at Kinneil Woods, -near Borrowstonness (or Bo'ness), by Mr. D. Nichol, gamekeeper to Mr. -Russell, Dundas Castle, on Jan. 18th, 1883. - -Laniadæ.--A male killed at Helensburgh (Dumbartonshire), shot by Major -Allan Colquhoun, Feb. 3rd, 1883. - -Hirundinidæ.--In spring, _i.e._, till end of June, records reach me -from Sumburgh Head, Auskerry, Pentland Skerries and Isle of May. (It is -often difficult to draw the line in the case of _Hirundinidæ_, between -spring migration, local flights, and autumn migration. This year, -however, they are tolerably distinct, as I have no records during the -whole of July). Earliest spring record is at Sumburgh Head, on April -21st, a single bird, and the next is at Isle of May on April 26th; -winds in both cases S.E., and two more on 28th. No more till May 14th, -with S.W. wind at Isle of May. Occasional light returns all through -May, at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May; winds easterly at former, -and westerly at latter. _Note._--None breed at Isle of May. No rush -distinguishable. In June the dates are 5th (at Sumburgh Head and at -Pentland Skerries), Sand Martin; 10th, four seen at Sumburgh Head, -and 13th, 14th, 17th and 26th, at different stations; winds from all -directions between S.W. at Sumburgh Head by N. to E. Swallows arrived -at Cromarty on May 13th; first seen. - -In autumn, the movement, as far as I can judge, extended through August -and September, and lingered into October, the latest record coming -from Sumburgh Head on Oct. 6th. A rush is indicated by the returns on -Sept. 8th and 15th at Isle of May, when "considerable numbers," "large -numbers," and on the 19th, "some," are the data. Wind light W. on 8th, -and easterly the other days. The directions of flight of Swallows -recorded in August vary considerably. Thus, at Pentland Skerries, one -Martin flying E.; strong S.E. and rain, on Aug. 8th; one Swallow, -"flying around," on 9th; fresh E., showers, and "flying W."; on 20th -light S.E. and haze. At Isle of May, five Swallows flying S., light -S.E., haze on 22nd, and flock "flying S." on 30th; light S.E., haze. -Swallows left Cromarty on Sept. 8th; last seen. - -_Land Notes._--Swallows seen by me in some numbers at Kirkmichael -House, Dumfries, on evening of April 13th, flying over the artificial -ponds. Also seen at Morningside by A. B. Herbert, on 15th. I have -the following notes from Dr. John Grieve, at Bridge of Allan, which -locality is famed in spring for the shelter afforded from east winds. -Dr. Grieve's notes refer however to autumn notes. In 1880 Swifts left -the Bridge of Allan on Aug. 10th. In 1879 Swifts left between 8th and -17th, and in 1882 on the 8th. "Previous to leaving they always chase -one another round the houses until two days before leaving; then they -appear to keep to higher air." In 1881 two were seen on May 3rd, being -the first arrivals. In 1880 about 200 "Martins and a few Swallows -collected on two houses in Bridge of Allan on Aug. 22nd, and similar -congregations took place in smaller numbers on 27th to 31st, and on -Sept. 8th. On Oct. 4th, frost; and in afternoon some twenty-five seen. -On Oct. 6th, five to one hundred seen hawking over the wood behind -Bridge of Allan. On 8th, six seen. On 8th, hard frost and fog; four -seen flying about _in silence_; next morning, hard frost. On 20th, 15° -frost; on 21st, 6°; 22nd, 10°; and 23rd, 2°. But on 23rd two Swallows -seen. These were the last that year." In 1882 great numbers of Swallows -and Martins were seen flying eastward, outside the cliffs of Beachy -Head on Oct. 4th, and a good many remained along the undercliff of the -Isle of Wight at Ventnor. - -The above notes by Dr. Grieve are quite to the point, and if we could -continue to receive land notes such as these from all parts of the -country they would be sure to prove most useful, even if confined to -one or two species of regular migrants. - -Fringillidæ.--Both in spring and autumn, one of the features of the -1883 migration is the number of records of Finches (also of Thrushes, -and to a less extent of Buntings), whilst Thrushes--of sorts--and -Finches, seem usually to travel together; there seems, if we may -so call it, more uniform action in the formers' movements in 1883. -The Thrushes' movements are more compressed: those of Finches more -extended in time; or, in other words, the spring and autumn migrations -of the _Turdidæ_ are more strongly defined than those of the Finches. -Thrushes (including Blackbirds and all species) are totally absent -during June and July (not including residents of course), and almost -absent during August and September, and again the same in December and -January (1884). But, though the migrations of the Finches are easily -defined, still they do spread out more over the whole year, and, with -the exception of July, occupy considerable space in the schedule. These -remarks are intended to apply only to 1883, not as a general statement. - -In spring, records come from five of the stations giving returns, -_viz._, Sumburgh Head, Auskerry, Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock and Isle -of May. The earliest, two Green Linnets at Isle of May, on Feb. 17th -(the only record of that month). Again, at Isle of May, Tree Sparrows -and Chaffinches on March 2nd--single birds. Latest, June 22nd, at -Pentland Skerries--four "Linnets." These are probably Twites or else -Grey Linnets. During April, between 1st and 5th, there was a rush of -Grey Linnets with light W. wind, clear, along with other species; and -during the month there are lighter movements recorded of the following -species:--Chaffinch, Sumburgh Head; Common Sparrow, Pentland Skerries; -Green Linnets, Isle of May; Bramblings, Tree Sparrows and Bullfinches. -Wind at Sumburgh Head light S.E., but elsewhere generally light W. and -usually clear. In May a small flock of Sparrows at Auskerry, from the -14th to 31st; one Brambling, one Chaffinch, one Green Linnet, between -10th and 15th, with fresh N.N.E. wind. - -In autumn, at North Unst, one flock, Oct. 17th; S.E., light, haze; -Sumburgh Head, considerable migration in October--November with other -species (see Thrush). Pentland Skerries, small indication as compared -with more southerly stations; Chanonry, light; Tarbat Ness, full -migration; Bell Rock, rush; and Isle of May, rushes. Earliest, Aug. -5th; numbers of small flocks; wind light W. at Isle of May. Latest, -Dec. 26th, at Isle of May. Rushes:--General rush of migrants, Sept. -22nd, at Isle of May, in which Bramblings participated; Oct. 13th, -at Tarbat Ness, Bramblings, wind due S.; also rush of same, 15th and -16th, same place; and rush also of Tree Sparrows, Chaffinches, "Green -Buntings" (? Green Linnets), and Linnets, at Chanonry; strong breeze -and showers; movements all through October of these same species; also -Linnets at Pentland Skerries; Siskins ("Sisting" of schedule), one -flock, old and young, on 7th, at Tarbat Ness, and again five on Oct. -29th. Light S., haze, on 30th at Pentland Skerries--date of principal -rush,--but westerly gales at Tarbat Ness on 29th. At the time of rush -between Oct. 13th and 16th, at Tarbat Ness, the wind began at due -S.; 14th, strong S., and to noon on 10th; then to W. and west gale at -night of 15th. West gales continued to end of month. By Nov. 1st to -3rd a vast rush at Bell Rock and Isle of May, and also at Sumburgh -Head. By the 5th, rush all over and almost all left. Pentland Skerries -did not appear to participate largely in this rush. The species are -chiefly Chaffinches and Bramblings, also Green Linnets, Gray Linnets -and Sparrows. Prevailing winds westerly. In December, fewer records -at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May. Winds prevailing N.W. and W. -At Dunnet Head "Linnets" are reported present all the year round. In -January, 1884, one or two light records of Brambling and Greenfinch -at Isle of May. Latest, Jan. 12th. _Note._--Mr. Gilmour, Pentland -Skerries, writes he was not sure of the Chaffinches at that station, -when he took up the keeping of the records, and that they may prove to -be Snow Buntings, which is very likely. Mr. D. M. Scott, at Sumburgh -Head, writes under date of Oct. 11th, "a number of small birds killed -on balcony: picked up four Green Linnets and two Chaffinches. I -discovered to-day what becomes of them after being killed. In a hole -of a stone dyke I found a large number of wings and legs of small -birds, taken there by Weasels" (_i.e._, _Mustela erminea_, which was -introduced to Shetland. The Common Weasel, _Mustela vulgaris_, is -not an inhabitant of Shetland). If Mr. Scott would in future collect -all the wings and send them to me by post, they would be useful in -identifying species; or, at any time, if a rare bird occurs, the name -of which is not known, the wings, might be sent (see addition to letter -of instructions, issued 1884). Mr. Agnew notes that he had never before -witnessed such a large migration at Isle of May, with a due S. wind, as -that of Oct. 13th, 14th, and 15th. Chaffinch was heard singing on Feb. -28th at Dunipace. - -Corvidæ.--I have records every month in the year but June. In January, -1884, one Hooded Crow flying north, W.S.W. gale, clear. In February, -1883, records of Grey Crows, Jackdaws (at Isle of May, "very rare" on -13th and 14th, light S. and S.W., shifting to N). Rooks (at Isle of -May, on. 19th, a single bird). In March, Rooks (at Pentland Skerries -a flock all day, fresh S.E., cloudy), and one Hooded Crow (on 19th at -Isle of May, light, S.E.). In April, at Sumburgh Head, Bell Rock, and -Isle of May, Rooks and Carrion Crows and one Hooded Crow; prevailing -winds S.E., clear. One Black Crow flying north at Noss Head, with light -N.W. and clear. In May two records only at Sumburgh Head on 3rd, and at -Pentland Skerries, on 11th, of Rooks (two flying W., fresh W. breeze -and clear). - -In autumn, in July, all the records are of Rooks, all at one station, -_viz._, Pentland Skerries, and in each case birds remaining on island -all day; winds moderate N., cloudy or clear, but strong S. on 27th. In -August, Rooks again at Pentland Skerries, on island; single birds. The -above are probably merely local predatory excursions from the mainland -of Scotland. In Sept. eighteen Ravens seen at Sumburgh Head, flying S., -light N.E. and clear. In October many more records. At Sumburgh Head -twelve to twenty Hooded Crows continually fighting with, four large -Hawks, one of which was so exhausted as nearly to allow Mr. D. M. Scott -to catch it on the ground. Many single or other light records. The -most seen, thirty Jackdaws (the largest flock Mr. Agnew has ever seen -on Isle of May), on Oct. 15th, S. to W. winds; also twenty-six Carrion -Crows and a few "Hoodies" on 31st at Isle of May. Of these sixteen -came from the north at 3 p.m., light S. and haze. In November Carrion -and Hooded Crows attended the rush of migrants on 1st, coming from the -north. On the 3rd the Isle of May was literally swarming with birds, -and on the 9th Jackdaws, two in number, reappeared; light W., clear. In -December, at Sumburgh Head, two "large Black Crows" (Carrion Crows?), -or, as the natives call them, "Scotch Crows"; strong breeze and hail -showers. A very regular local migration of Crows or Rooks takes place -day after day past Chanonry from and to Nairn, feeding in the morning -and back at night. At Sumburgh Head Grey Crows are seen almost daily. -_Land Notes._--Mr. R. Gray writes me that great numbers of Hooded -Crows are at present frequenting Tyne Woods on the estate of the Earl -of Haddington in East Lothian. They came some time ago in a body, -and have been seen feeding on the mud and sands of the estuary, and -betaking themselves to the woods at night to roost. These are evidently -migratory flocks, which have crossed Heligoland and landed on our east -coast without being actually observed in transit. - -Sturninæ.--In spring, from Feb. 8th at Pentland Skerries to April 23rd -at same place. Only four records in that time. - -In autumn, great continuous migration at Auskerry, July 30th, of old -and young; light W. One flock on August 7th at Pentland Skerries all -day; one flock stayed from March 15th to 24th at Sumburgh Head, and -many large flocks also seen to the north of that place at the same -time. In October two small Starlings, "one with a crest like a Crested -Lark, raised and lowered it at will" [Rose-coloured Pastor?--J. A. -H. B.] seen on 6th, light N. wind. Rushes took place on Nov. 1st, -especially at Sumburgh Head and Isle of May (see also under Thrush). -Latest, Dec. 31st, at Isle of May; but the Starling is resident all the -year round at many of our stations. - -Alaudidæ.--In spring at Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock, -and Isle of May. Earliest, Feb. 8th, a single bird at Bell Rock, and -several on 9th at Pentland Skerries (see under Thrush at this date). -Latest, April 6th, at Sumburgh Head, when they were found increasing, -but not observed on arrival. A rush took place at Isle of May on Feb. -11th, 1 a.m. till daylight, light E. and fog, flying south (at least -all struck the north side of lantern).[1] Other movements took place, -but none of any magnitude; winds S. and W. in Feb., except the 11th, -_ut sup._; N.W., S.W. to E. on 20th, in March. - -[Footnote 3 1: Do the birds strike in light winds and fog upon the side -facing the wind, or on the sheltered side? In heavy gales they strike -_hard with the wind_, but touch and strike also on the Shetland side,] - -In autumn, a few records at N. Unst, Isle of May, and Inchkeith. -Earliest, Sept. 21st, at Isle of May, a small flock, fresh E., clear. -Latest, Nov. 26th, a single bird at N. Unst rested all night. Rushes, -11th to 20th, W., shifting to N. on 11th; W. gale on 19th and 20th. -Also rush on 31st and Nov. 1st, along with other species, principally, -at Bell Rock and Isle of May. Again a few in January, 1884, up to 17th, -light W. winds and haze; and at Chanonry on 24th a flock, with strong -squalls and sleet. [3] Emberizidæ.--In spring Snow Buntings began to -appear on Feb. 9th,--but this may not belong to spring records,--when -a large flock flew about all day on Pentland Skerries. They occurred -also at Auskerry, Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May. -Earliest, as above. Latest, April 12th, at Sumburgh Head, when two were -killed. No great rushes evident, but largest numbers passed in March, -mostly with northerly or westerly winds. If any rush occurred it was -between March 9th and 25th, indicated principally at Pentland Skerries -and Isle of May. On 23rd, at Isle of May, a flock flying north. Common -Bunting seen at Isle of May on Feb. 12th, and again on April 6th. -Yellow Buntings at same place on March 5th and April 7th, in both cases -females. - -In autumn, as usual, we have numerous records, especially of Snow -Buntings, at most stations, _viz._, N. Unst, Sumburgh Head, Pentland -Skerries, Tarbat Ness, Dunnet Head, Bell Rock, and Isle of May. -Earliest at Isle of May on Sept. 21st. A rush on 22nd and 27th; fresh -E. to heavy S.W. gale on 26th and 27th. Latest records to Jan. 18th, -1884. Bushes in September _ut sup._, a few in October, many all through -November, but principally on 13th-15th, 16th, and in lesser degree on -1st and 2nd. Snow Buntings often appear with gales and snow or sleet, -but during this month S. and W. winds rather prevailed. They arrived -before the great W. gales, which began about the 16th. Of other species -we have as follows: Yellow Bunting, "Grey Bunting," "Green Bunting" (? -Green Linnet), and Cirl Bunting (one bird sent in spirits was not a -Cirl Bunting, but a young male Yellow Bunting). All these are recorded -from Isle of May, but no other station, and are distributed almost -entirely in October and December; prevailing winds westerly, with -stormy weather and gales. - -Cuculidæ.--One spring record from Cromarty station: Arrived on April -29th; E., fresh breeze, haze. - -One autumn record only, and the only record I have received from any -station during autumn migration, _viz._, one young bird at Isle of May -on August 23rd, light W., clear. Possibly amongst the many records of -"Hawks" at other stations some occurrences of the young brown-coloured -Cuckoo may have been included, as they are very like small Hawks in -their flight. - -_Land Notes._--Cuckoo heard at Dunipace, Stirlingshire, on April 9th, -1883, a very early record. Not heard again till May. Cuckoo recorded -from Busby, at Lee Farm, near Sheddens, on April 14th. Cuckoo heard on -Tinwald Downs, Dumfries, on April 23rd. - -Strigidæ.--In spring a Tawny Owl at Isle of May on April 28th, S.E. -fresh, haze; and at Auskerry an Owl (which is probably the Short-eared -Owl) came on the 14th, with stiff S.E. and showers, and remained a -week. "This Owl visits Auskerry annually in May." - -In autumn, in September, one Owl on 28th at Pentland Skerries, strong -N.N.E. and showers. In October four single records of Large Owl at -Pentland Skerries on 31st and 13th, and of Short-eared Owls at Isle of -May on 3rd and 13th. None in December, and one Owl at Pentland Skerries -all day on island on 1st; light N.W. showers. - -_Land Notes._--Short-eared Owls were reported unusually abundant on -Flanders Moss, Stirlingshire, in the autumn; and I saw two as late as -the 31st January, 1884, on Latham Moss, in the same county, so that -some appear to remain all winter. - -Falconidæ.--Spring records in March and April only, March 2nd to April -30th. At Pentland Skerries and Isle of May all single or light entries; -wind easterly, except on March 2nd, when it was S.W. and clear, and one -Kestrel was seen. The Merlin is twice noted. "Light Brown Hawks twice -at Isle of May and Pentland Skerries." - -In the autumn, at Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock, and -Isle of May. All July records, three in number, at Pentland Skerries, -of "Sparrowhawk," "Large Brown Hawk," and "Large Hawk." In August -five records, three at Isle of May of Sparrowhawk and "Hawks"; one -at Pentland Skerries of "Falcon Hawk"; and one at Sumburgh Head of -one Large Brown Hawk. The "Falcon Hawk" is described as "hovering," -so is more likely a _Kestrel Hawk_. In September ten records; two at -Pentland Skerries, two "Hawks" and one "Game Hawk," and at Isle of May -one Sparrowhawk caught at gratings, and a "Hawk." Hawks are usually -found attending the rush of small migrants. In October only one record, -a Game Hawk at Pentland Skerries; four in November, all at Pentland -Skerries. None in December, and five in January, 1884. One bird Mr. -Agnew "feels almost sure was a Goshawk, and not a Sparrowhawk." The -rush, if any, would appear to be in September, but its faintness -precludes us from any feeling of certainty. A late schedule from -Sumburgh Head contains record of an Eagle ["Silver-crested Eagle"; -probably the Sea Eagle] wounded at Fitful Head by Mr. Birnie. At 11.15 -a.m. on January 29th, 1884, this bird landed on the high rocks, half a -mile north of the Read. Mr. Birnie says it cannot live long, as it was -severely wounded. Mr. Birnie is employed by the landed proprietors to -kill all the birds of prey in Shetland. He has killed a large number of -Black-backed Gulls, Hooded Crows, Ravens, &c. - - -Water Birds. - -Pelecanidæ.--In entering records of Gannets or Solan Geese I believe -the best way is to arrange the data in tabular form. Spring records -are only returned from Pentland Skerries; but, considering the central -position on the tract through the Pentland Firth, I think all records -from there are of use and value, if we desire to arrive at conclusions -regarding the movements of this species. - -_Spring,_ - - March 26th, Pentland Skerries, three Gannets flying E.; strong - N.E., and clear. - - April 6th, Pentland Skerries, one Gannet, 4.45 p.m., flying E.; - light W., clear. - - May 7th, Pentland Skerries, continuous flocks of Gannets all day, - flying E.; strong N., haze. - - May 16th, Pentland Skerries, continuous flocks of Gannets all day, - flying E.; light N.E., clear. - - May 28th, Pentland Skerries, several Gannets all day flying round; - strong S., showers. - - April 12th, Noss Head, four Gannets flying N.; light N.W., haze. - - June 28th, Noss Head, six Gannets flying S.E.; light S., fog. - -_Autumn._ - - July 1st to 15th, Auskerry, at 2 o'clock, flying from N. to S.; - light W. breeze. - - July 5th, Pentland Skerries, 8.20 p.m., flying E.; mod. E., fog and - rain. - - July 6th, Pentland Skerries, all day, several flocks flying E.; - light S., haze. - - July 6th, Pentland Skerries, a few fishing all day round L.; light - S., haze. - - July 7th, Pentland Skerries, several flocks fishing all day; mod. - S.E., haze. - - July 8th, Pentland Skerries, continuous flocks all day flying E.; - mod. W., clear. - - July 15th, Pentland Skerries, continuous flocks all day flying E.; - mod. W., clear. - - July 16th to 20th to 26th, Pentland Skerries, continuous flocks all - day flying E.;[4] light N.W. to mod. N. - - July 27th, on to Aug., Pentland Skerries, continuous flocks all day - flying E.; N. to S.W.; and all this month, all going E., except - several flocks on 22nd flying W. - -[Footnote 4: On 16th a few young observed. All flying E., except six -seen on the 20th, flying W.] - - Sept. 3rd to 15th, Pentland Skerries, fewer, all flying S.W. on - 15th; light S.E., wind. - - Sept. 5th to 30th, Noss Head, daily, flocks of six to fifty flying - N. all day. - - Oct. 19th, Noss Head, nineteen at 3 p.m.; strong W., haze and rain. - - Nov. 10th, Sumburgh Head, eight flying S., 12 noon; fresh N. - breeze, hail. - -The annual regularity with which the Solan Geese pass and repass -through the Pentland Firth and various other points of observation -cannot, we think, fail to develop, by the statistics accumulated, some -curious facts in migration. We are thus careful to record these with -some minuteness of detail. A late schedule from Sumburgh Head has--"Two -on 16th, Sumburgh Head. Eighteen Gannets flying S.W., 12 noon; strong -W., showers." - -Ardeidæ.--We do not think it will be so easy, in regard to Herons, to -arrive at laws regulating their flights; but, in case of development, -will on this occasion tabulate their records, though we have not done -so before. - -_Spring._ - - March 29th, Pentland Skerries, one flying N., 3 p.m.: S. gale, rain. - - June 13th, Isle of May, one flying S., 5 p.m., in company with - Gulls, which is rare. - - June 24th, Isle of May, one flying S., 5 p.m.; light W., clear. - -_Autumn._ - - Aug. 26th, Isle of May, one flying W.; light W., clear. - - Sept. 12th, Pentland Skerries, four flying about island (rare); - light S., clear. - - Oct. 15th, Pentland Skerries, one rose off rocks, 4.15 p.m. - - Oct. 23rd, Isle of May, one; fair W., clear. - - Nov. 1st, Pentland Skerries, one flying S., 7.50 a.m.; light N.W., - cloudy. - - Jan. 29th, Sumburgh Head, six (one shot); fair W., clear. - -There was a very large movement of Herons in 1882, principally in -October and November (see Report, 1882, p. 18). - -Anatidæ.--Very few records either in spring or autumn. Spring: none. -Autumn: Swans on Aug. 15th, at Tarbat Ness, two from the N., flying -S.E. at 1 p.m.; N. strong, and clear. The only other records are in -October, a large flock flying E. past Pentland Skerries at 12.20 p.m., -with light W. and showers, "very rarely seen here." On 19th, Ducks -(sp.?), three flying W. over same station at 10.30 a.m.; strong N.W. -wind. On 13th, Eiders at Isle of May in large flocks, both males and -females, all day; strong due S.; left at night. At Chanonry, local -movements of Grey Geese and Grey Ducks to and fro in stormy weather, -or from feeding to nesting ground. At Sumburgh Head, twenty-eight wild -Geese flying S.; strong S.W., and snow on 25th; and on 28th sixteen -wild Geese, also flying S.; gale from N.W. _Land Notes._--At Kirkwall, -twenty-five wild Swans frequented the Loch of Banks, and are described -as being "very tame" ('Scotsman,' 27, iii., 83). A very large flock of -Pink-footed or Bean Geese, probably the former, seen flying very high -towards S.E. and crying, at Kippen on March 23rd. Fully 150 Wild Geese -remained on Flanders Moss all spring after this date, and were seen -last on April 23rd. - -Columbidæ.--In spring, few records at Pentland Skerries and Bell Rock. -On Feb. 19th, at former station, three Rock Doves flying E., 7 a.m.; -S.W., fresh, clear. On March 4th, two Rock Doves at same station, seen -at 3 p.m.; light variable, and haze. On April 20th, one Wood Pigeon at -same station flying S.E.; fair S.S.E., fog. On May 12th, one Woodpecker -flying S.W. past Bell Rock, 1.12 p.m.; strong S.W.; and on 28th, a few -Rock Doves at Pentland Skerries; strong S., and fog. - -In autumn only two records; one at Pentland Skerries, twelve Rock -Pigeons, on July 23rd, on island; light N., haze and rain; and on Sept. -16th, one Wood Pigeon at 2 p.m., at Bell Rock, flying S.W.; light S.W. -breeze. - -_Land Notes._--A male _Columba œnas_ (Stock Dove) was shot at Garden, -in this county (Stirlingshire), on March 15th, 1883. This species has -been rapidly extending its range of late years in Scotland. See my -paper on the Stock Dove (Ryl. Phyl. Soc. Edinb., 1883, p. 241, Feb. -21st). In 1884 at least four pairs are breeding in the Vale of Menteith. - -Rallidæ.--Spring records meagre. One heard at Isle of May April 28th, -marked "rare here." One heard at Pentland Skerries on May 6th, 5.50 -p.m.; mod. S.S.E., clear. One heard first time at Cromarty station on -May 20th; strong E., clear. - -No autumn records this season. - -Charadriadæ.--Spring records meagre. April 18th, at Pentland Skerries, -three Golden Plovers at 5 p.m.; S.S.W. May 15th, at Auskerry, large -flocks of Plovers all day; light E., and showers. May 17th, at Isle of -May, one Oystercatcher; W., very fine. - -Autumn records almost equally meagre. July 13th, at Pentland Skerries, -one Golden Plover; fair N., light showers. Aug. 8th, at Pentland -Skerries, one Golden Plover; strong S.E. Aug. 14th, at Pentland -Skerries, one Golden Plover; light S.E., showers. Sept. 6th, at Isle -of May, six Golden Plovers; strong W., clear. Oct. 26th, at Pentland -Skerries, one "Silver Plover" (? Knot) killed at lantern; strong W., -showers. - -Of Lapwings, records are almost equally scanty. In spring, on Feb. -17th, a flock all day at Pentland Skerries; light S. breeze (see -Thrush). In March, along with the rush of other migrants on 2nd at -Isle of May; strong W., clear; and a number on 3rd. Lots of sixteen -and twenty on the 10th and 20th of same month; light E. and S.E., fog, -rain, and haze. - -In autumn five Ringed Plovers stayed for some days on Isle of May on -and after Aug. 28th; came with light W., and clear--the only record -given of any Charadriadæ in autumn. At Chanonry, numerous records -of Lapwings lighting on the point, or passing in stormy weather or -in strong breezes, in Sept. to January, 1884. A late schedule from -Sumburgh Head has a record of Lapwings on Jan. 24th, with the remark, -"I believe they have never been seen here at this season of the year -before." - -_Land Notes._--Lapwings seen in pairs on March 4th at breeding stations -in Stirlingshire. - -Scolopacidæ.--Spring. Curlews first heard at Pentland Skerries on March -2nd, when heard at 2.15 p.m.; mod. N.W., fog. Last on June 29th (but -probably belongs to autumn) at same place, when a flock flying S.; -light S., clear. A rush between April 7th and 15th, a few flying south -between these dates at Isle of May,--scarcely an appreciable rush,--and -one record in May. - -In autumn, not a great many records of Curlews. Earliest July 4th, -at Pentland Skerries, and on 15th and 29th at same station; also -in August, and at same station a few records, most probably local -movements. An apparent slight indication of a rush of Curlews in -September at three stations,--Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and -Isle of May,--young and old; and up to 23rd, at Isle of May, numbers -daily. Fewer in October, and occasional records up to January, 1884. - -Of Snipe, a few scattered records in spring, in March and April. March -2nd to 9th, at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May; and April 12th and -26th, at same stations, winds mostly westerly; but on March 8th E.N.E., -gale and snow. - -In autumn, not abundant either, and scarcely require details. Occurred -in July, August, October (a large flock at Sumburgh Head on 18th; gale -and sleet showers), and December. In July, at Pentland Skerries only; -in August, ditto; in September, not at all. In October, at Sumburgh -Head and Pentland Skerries (and a Jack Snipe at Isle of May). December, -at Sumburgh Head (a large number all day on 3rd); strong breezes, -snow-showers; and a Jack Snipe at Pentland Skerries on 24th. - -Woodcock.--In spring, one record on April 7th, at Bell Rock, flying -about the rock. - -In autumn, Oct. 13th and 14th, two single birds at Isle of May and -Pentland Skerries; and on Nov. 1st and 13th, at Isle of May, N. Unst, -and Shetland. The one on 1st accompanied the rush of other migrants. -On Oct. 13th six were shot on Isle of May; wind due S., an unusual -wind for migrants to arrive at Isle of May. At Chanonry, many local -records of "Whaups" (Curlews)--probably the same flock of forty or -fifty--appearing in stormy weather. - -_Land Notes._--On the night of March 26th, at Dunipace, whilst standing -at the front door (night bright and starry, and frost), a large flock -of birds crossed overhead, flying south. The cries were difficult to -make out, but belonged either to Whimbrels or other species of wader. -The subject of the sounds of bird-cries at night would form good matter -for explanation by those who have constant opportunities of hearing -them. Wind N.E. up to March 27th, when a S.W. gale, shifting to S., -with heavy rain. About fifty Curlews were seen at Caldarvon, west -of this county, on March 11th, and three pairs on 17th (auct. Jas. -Lumsden). - -Scolopacidæ (Waders).--Earliest spring migrants were Sandpipers and -Redshanks at Pentland Skerries on Feb. 9th (time of migration of -Thrushes, _q.v._); and on 17th, ditto. On April 27th a Purple Sandpiper -at Isle of May (No. 57 in spirits). - -Autumn. Earliest July 20th, at Pentland Skerries, Redshanks; and a few -records of these and Sandpipers to 31st. In August a few records of the -same, and one Turnstone (identified) (No. 60 in spirits). In September -great flocks of Sandpipers flew in rays of light at 9 p.m.; light -E.N.E., and fog. In end of October and beginning of November Sandpipers -and Red-shanks participated in the rush of migrants at that time at -Pentland Skerries especially; light S.W. Large numbers on 5th; strong -N.W., and showers; and numbers up to 21st, all day; strong N.W. In -December, rushes on 12th; N.W. gale, snow; and up to 21st, very likely -local movements. - -Sterninæ.--Records of either migration very scanty. First seen in -spring was at Pentland Skerries on May 13th, at 3.30 p.m.; light S.W., -haze; and again at same place two seen flying north on June 20th. On -June 3rd, at Sumburgh Head, two; fresh W., cloudy. Lesser Terns arrived -at Cromarty on May 23rd. - -In autumn, first record Aug. 7th, at Pentland Skerries, when those -breeding there all left, except one or two, with fresh N.W., clear. At -Bell Rock, on Sept. 19th, a flock kept flying round the rays of light -all night (_i.e._, 19th-20th); light E.N.E.; and on Sept. 27th one -immature bird appeared after a heavy gale from W. the previous night. -The above, I think, is the first occurrence I have of Terns flying -round and round within the rays of light of a lantern. Lesser Terns -disappeared from Cromarty on Aug. 26th; S.W., strong, clear. - -Laridæ.--In spring, large numbers arrive about March 1st for breeding -purposes at Pentland Skerries, and leave about the middle of August. On -March 21st, at Isle of May, Kittiwakes arrived in large numbers at 9 -a.m.--their first appearance; wind fresh E.S.E., cloudy and cold; and -by April 3rd had steadily increased in numbers. At Auskerry, May 18th -is given as first appearance of "Sea Maws"; strong N.W., and haze; and -a Black-headed Gull was seen, with light N.E. and clear, at Pentland -Skerries. At same station, record of two Black-backed Gulls on June -27th; fresh S.E., and haze completes spring records. - -In autumn, at Pentland Skerries during July the daily movements of -Gulls may be worth reproducing in detail. All the July records I have -are from this station, and also all the August ones. - - 1883, July 12, Pentland Skerries, one "Chaser" flying N.W., 2.15 - p.m.; light E., haze. - - July 18th, Pentland Skerries, three Black-backed Gulls flying N., - 2.30 p.m.; mod. N.W. - - July 23rd, Pentland Skerries, one "Chaser" flying W., 10.20 a.m.; - light N. - - July 25th, Pentland Skerries, continuous and large flocks of - Herring Gulls flying round all day; N., clear. - - July 28th, Pentland Skerries, three "Chasers" (one flying E. at 3 - p.m., and one flying S. at 5 p.m.); mod. S.W., clear. - - July 29th, Pentland Skerries, one "Dirty Allan" seen. Aug. 6th, - Pentland Skerries, large flock of young Gulls on rocks all day; - light S., clear. - - Aug. 7th, Pentland Skerries, large flock of young Gulls on rocks, - 3.30 p.m.; fresh N.W. - - Aug. 20th, Pentland Skerries, one "Chaser" flying S.E., 12.50 p.m.; - strong S.E., haze. - -On 15th, at Dunnet Head, Gulls leave breeding-places in cliffs. Our -correspondent includes both "Chasers" and a "Dirty Allan," both of -which names I held as applicable to the commonest species of Skua; but -here they seem to be divided, as applying to two different species, -probably Richardson's (common) Skua and the Pomatorhine Skua. - -"Dirty Allans" are again recorded from Isle of May, along with a rush -of small birds on Sept. 23rd; and in this case I doubt not Mr. Agnew -applies the name to Richardson's Skua. This is the only September -record. In October only two records at N. Unst; two pairs of Iceland -Gulls stayed two days, coming on the 4th with fresh N. and clear; and -two pairs more on 21st hovering round at 11 a.m.; fresh N., clear. - -In November and December the greatest movements are noticed, which I -give in detail:--Nov. 2nd, Pentland Skerries, several Kittiwakes flying -S.E., noon; fresh S.W. Nov. 10th, Isle of May, thousands of Gulls (?); -W. gale, clear; first seen at 4 a.m., wind shifting to north. Nov. -11th, Isle of May, all the above gone; light N.W., clear. These may -have been Glaucous, from description, but this is not clear; and from -subsequent records I have preferred to consider them Herring, though -Mr. Agnew includes the latter later by name, I believe Mr. Agnew knows -the Glaucous and Iceland Gulls well. _Land Note._--There has not been -a large migration of Glaucous and Iceland Gulls at Kincardine on Forth -for many years. - - Nov. 17th, Isle of May, hundreds of Herring Gulls came from S.E. - all day; light N.W. "Grey Gulls" mixed with Blackbacks, the - latter one in twenty. - - Nov. 18th, Isle of May, every Gull gone; light N.W. - - Nov. 24th, Isle of May, hundreds of Herring Gulls came from S.E. - all day; fresh W.; also accompanied by smaller numbers of - Black-backs. - - Dec. 13th, Pentland Skerries, two Black-backed Gulls on island, - 12.30 p.m.; N.W. gale. - - Dec. 3rd, Isle of May, thousands of "Gulls," 3 p.m.; W., clear. - - 1884, Jan. 22nd, Isle of May, large light-coloured Gulls with black - tips to wings; gale W. last night. - -_Note._--There is evidently considerable confusion existing regarding -the various species of Sea Gulls; and this is not to be wondered at -when the innumerable phases of plumage in even the same species, -according to maturity or immaturity, is considered. What is sadly -wanted in such a quest as ours is a series of cheap yet fairly well -executed plates of birds in all phases of plumage, with measurements to -scale; but the almost impossibility of issuing such at a sufficiently -low price for general distribution must, we fear, for ever debar our -correspondents from obtaining such a means of assistance. M. De La Rue -issues marvels of cheapness in Christmas Cards; could he not undertake -something in this line? His pictures of birds are admirable, but he -would have to keep up the standard, or even improve it, to be of -scientific value to us. - -Procellariidæ.--Records scarce in spring and autumn. At Auskerry, -arrived for first time on July 30th, but as early as 6th eggs were laid -at Pentland Skerries. Being a bird of nocturnal habits, the arrival -cannot, we fancy, be easily fixed at all times. At Auskerry, on 8th, -two pairs had two eggs each (some notes on the schedule margin here -have been torn off and lost, J. A. H. B.) On Sept. 25th one struck at -Dunnet Head; S.S.W., fog; and on 26th six struck and rested from 9 to -11 p.m.; S.E. fresh, and haze. It is seldom so many are recorded at the -same time. Are these Pentland Skerries birds? At Noss Head, on Aug. -28th and on 30th, one Stormy Petrel each time struck, but not killed, -with W.N.W. fresh on former date, and light S.E. and haze on latter. - -Alcidæ.--Spring. First visit at Isle of May on March 21st, when "not -very many" appeared, with fresh E.S.E. Guillemots and Razorbills. Next -visit at Isle of May, large numbers on April 1st with light W., and -in dear weather. Increased on 3rd, and on April 27th arrived again -finally, after a few days' absence, with fresh S.E. and haze. These -and other rock birds breeding here all left on Aug, 10th, except a few -Kittiwakes and Eider Ducks, after a heavy W. gale on 9th (see August, -below). Puffins were first observed at Isle of May; however, not before -May 4th, when a few showed. - -Following this comes what may be considered local flights, in search of -food, to and from the fishing grounds:-- - - May 16th, Pentland Skerries, continuous flocks flying E.; light - breeze N.E. - - May 21st, Pentland Skerries, continuous flocks flying E.; light W., - haze. - - June 4th, Pentland Skerries, continuous flocks flying S.E.; light - N.E., haze. - - June 6th, Pentland Skerries, continuous flocks flying S.E.; light - E., haze. - - June 17th to 20th, Pentland Skerries, continuous rush flying S.E.; - strong N. to light E. and W. - - June 21st, Pentland Skerries, several flocks all day flying S.E.; - lights. - - June 25th, Pentland Skerries, large flocks, 7.15 p.m., flying S.E.; - fresh S.E., fog and rain. - - June 29th, Pentland Skerries, a few around; light S., clear. - -We now come to the autumn movement, if we take the same dates as for -many land birds; but this is apt to be mixed up with the later summer -movements of old and young birds, and therefore we will keep July by -itself. All the records here relate, as before, to Pentland Skerries. -An equally exact record from each salient or conspicuous station -round our coasts could not fail to give us exact knowledge as regards -the movements of sea-fowl, or rather of rock birds. Food-supply is -an important factor in the local as well as the other migrations. -A knowledge of fishing-grounds would thereby be achieved; and a -knowledge of the two subjects, migration of birds and geography of the -distribution of fishes, would undoubtedly help each other. With these -remarks we continue our records for July, believing that this simple -tabular form is most useful in the present case, though cumbrous if -carried on in every instance. - -_July debatable ground,_ - - July 5th, Pentland Skerries, a flock 8.20 p.m.; mod. E., fog and - showers. - - July 6th, Pentland Skerries, several flocks all day; light S., haze. - - July 7th, Pentland Skerries, several flocks all day flying E.; mod. - S.E., haze. - - July 18th, Pentland Skerries, a few flocks all day; mod. N.W., - clear. - - July 25th, Pentland Skerries, continuous flocks all day; mod. N.E., - clear. - - July 26th, Pentland Skerries, continuous flocks all day flying E. - and S.E.; fresh N., haze. - -The last two entries appear to me to indicate decision in commencing -the autumn migration. - - Aug. 15th, Dunnet Head, rock birds leave about this time. - - Aug. 10th, Isle of May, all rock birds left, except a few - Kittiwakes; heavy westerly gale on 9th. - - Oct. 23rd, Pentland Skerries, flocks flying E.; strong W., showers. - - Nov. 2nd, Pentland Skerries, large flocks, noon, flying S.E. from - S.W. (?). - - Nov. 27th, Isle of May, abundant in sea along with Gulls; - "Garvies," _i.e._, _Culpea sprattus_, abundant (J. A. H. B.). - - Dec. 20th, Isle of May, large numbers; fresh W., haze. - - Dec. 27th, Isle of May, large numbers; S.W., haze. - -This completes our data of Guillemots and Razorbills, to which the -whole of the above records refer for 1883; and I think it shows pretty -plainly the life-history of these birds, at least in some important -particulars. A wider appreciation can be arrived at if similar tabular -returns come in from other salient points of observation, such as Isle -of May, Bell Rock, and one or two stations on the east coast; and Cape -Wrath, Butt of Lewis, Monach Isles, and Barra Head on the west coast; -and also for summer migrations, especially such stations as Island -Ghlais, Skerryvore, and Dhuheartach, and others on the inner line of -stations of the west coast. - -These data are minutely detailed here this year, because I have felt -more at liberty to do so, owing to the light returns of most of our -land birds, thus having more space than usual at command. - -Further remarks, should such occur to us, will appear in the "General -Observations," which I withhold till the close of the West Coast -Report. - - - - -EAST COAST OF ENGLAND. - - -Printed schedules and letters of instruction were forwarded to -thirty-seven lighthouses and light-vessels on the East Coast of -England, and two stations in the Channel Islands, and returns have been -received from twenty-five, against thirty in 1882. - -Independent reports have also been received from Heligoland, and -certain land stations along the East Coast, namely, Seaton-Carew, -Redcar, Flamborough, Spurn, North-East Lincolnshire, Wells (on the -Norfolk coast), Northrepps, Great Yarmouth, and the coast of Essex. -Making altogether a total of thirty-five reporting stations, against -thirty-seven in 1882. - -Our best thanks are due to H. Gätke, T. H. Nelson, C. Donald-Thompson, -Matthew Bailey, William Eagle Clarke, J. H. Gurney, jun., M. Vaughan, -of Haileybury College, Arthur Patterson, and Colonel Russell, for their -hearty co-operation and assistance, as well as to the numerous kind and -painstaking observers at the lighthouses and light-vessels, whose names -are given in the list of stations. Special thanks are due to Mr. Gurney -for having inaugurated along the Norfolk coast a parallel system of -enquiry, which for a first trial has worked well. In all doubtful cases -of identity, where birds are killed against the lanterns, a wing is cut -off, and with a label of the date attached these have been forwarded -in batches to Mr. Gurney for identification, and with satisfactory -results. We cannot too strongly urge upon our observers the advantages -of this system, and advise them to adopt it; nothing is easier than to -cut off a wing from each victim on any given night, wrap them in paper, -or tie them together, with the dates attached, or numbered on the -cover, and send them in one parcel by post either to myself or to Mr. -Gurney, for identification. It is intended that instructions for doing -this will be given in the next issue of schedules in the spring of this -year. - -The East Coast stations included in this report are as follows, those -making returns being marked with a star (*):-- - - *Longstone L.H. + Thomas O. Hall. - *Inner Farn L.H. Thomas H. Cutting. - *Tees L.V. Henry Harbord. - Coquet Island L.H. - *Whitby High L.H. John Odgers. - *Flamborough Head L.H. Charles Hood. - *Spurn L.H. James B. Smith. - Spurn (Newsand) L.V. - *Outer Dowsing L.V. William Stock & J. N. Utting. - *Inner Dowsing L.V. William King. - Dudgeon L.V. - *Llyn Wells L.V. George Rees. - *Hunstanton L.H. William Westmoreland. - *Cromer L.H. Richard Comben. - *Leman and Ower L.V. John Artis. - *Hasbro' L.H. By Mr. Gurney from G. H. Dunsford. - *Hasbro' L.V. J. Nicholas & B. Darnell. - *Newarp L.V. C. Campbell & W. Rees. - *Winterton L.H. John Watson. - *Cockle L.V. Samuel Pender & C. Prefrement. - Orfordness L.H. - Corton L.V. - *Shipwash L.V. The Principal. - *Languard Point L.H. Owen Boyle. - *Galloper L.V. The Principal: two batches of wings - from Mr. Gurney. - Kentish Knock L.V. - Swin Middle L.V. - *Tongue L.V. John Webber. - Nore L.V. - North Foreland L.H. - Goodwin L.V. - *Gull L.V. Francis Harvey & Joseph Jenkins. - *South Sand Head L.V. Joseph Ditcham. - *Eastside L.V. Edward le Gallais. - South Foreland L.H. - Casquets L.H., Alderney - *Hanois L.H., Guernsey Charles Williams. - - † For nature of light, position, and distances from the nearest land, - see Report for 1880. - - -SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES.[5] - -[Footnote 5: The sequence and nomenclature are adopted from the -'List of British Birds,' compiled by a Committee of the British -Ornithologists' Union. London: John Van Voorst. 1883.] - -_Turdus viscivorus_, Missel Thrush.--Great Yarmouth, Oct. 20th, -hundreds arriving; 23rd, one shot from flock coming in from sea. -Longstone L.H., 30th, several, and at intervals to Nov. 15th, many -being killed between these periods against lantern; on Nov. 4th, great -rush, coming all night. Great Cotes, N.E. Lincolnshire, Nov. 13th, very -numerous, fresh arrivals. - -_T. musicus_, Song Thrush.--Spring, 1883, Farn L.H., Jan. 20th to Feb. -1st, Thrushes with Blackbirds and Fieldfares on island, also through -March and at intervals to May 10th, at which date several of each -and one Ring Ouzel were seen. Whitby L.H., March 9th, E.N.E., snow -squalls, many with Fieldfares and other birds apparently moving south. -Flamborough, April 27th, first Thrush struck, and on May 7th four. In -the autumn at Farn, Flamborough and Spurn, Sept. 21st, great flight; -and at the majority of the east coast stations from Farn Islands -to Hanois L.H., Guernsey, up to Nov. 8th; great rushes, with other -_Turdidæ_, Oct. 13th, and all through first week of November. Longstone -L.H., Jan. 2nd, 1884, during the snow-storm before daylight, many, -with Blackbirds and Redwings, round lantern--perhaps a local migration -from north to south.[6] Heligoland, from Sept. 21st, S.S.E., to Nov. -12th; greatest rushes on Sept. 24th, Oct. 13th, 29th, and first week in -November. - -[Footnote 6: At the Farn L.H., on Feb. 20th, 1884, and four following -days, numbers of Fieldfares, Thrushes, and Blackbirds were seen on the -island; wind S.S.W.] - -_T. iliacus_, Redwing.--Seaton Carew, Sept. 21st, to Hasbro' L.V., Oct. -30th, great many round lantern, and at several stations between these -dates; rushes Sept. 21st, Oct. 29th and 30th. Heligoland, Oct. 3rd to -Nov. 6th; greatest flights on Oct. 13th and Nov. 6th. - -_T. pilaris_, Fieldfare.--First at Yarmouth, Sept. 8th, flock of ten -to fifteen, 6 a.m., travelling N.E. to S.W., very high,[7] to Hasbro' -L.V., Nov. 8th, many round lantern, and Nov. 16th, at Farn L.H., four -to S.W. At several stations in large numbers between these dates, -but none south of Yarmouth; rushes occurred on Sept. 21st, Oct. 19th -(Yarmouth, along coast to S.), 28th to 31st, and Nov. 6th to 8th. Inner -Dowsing L.V., Oct. 31st, seven killed, 7 p.m., N.E., and at Longstone -L.H., several on same night. Flamborough L.H., Nov. 9th, 1 a.m. to -daylight, great many; direction of migration N.E. to S.W. and E. to W. -or S.E. to N.W. Heligoland, from Sept. 24th to Nov. 7th; Oct. 28th, -great flight overhead, travelling E. to W.; from night of Oct. 31st to -Nov. 4th an immense migration day and night, on 6th also large numbers -still passing. - -[Footnote 7: In the autumn of 1880 Fieldfares were first seen in -Norfolk on Sept. 9th, in 1881 on Sept. 14th, and in 1883 on Sept. 8th. -The earliest occurrence in each case for England.] - -_T. varius_, White's Thrush.--Heligoland, April 15th, one all day long -(Sunday) in the churchyard, and was not obtained. - -_T. merula_, Blackbird.--First at Redcar, Sept. 18th, a few, to Whitby -L.H., Nov. 11th, several, and at Tees L.V., Nov. 15th, one overboard; -between these dates at a majority of the stations, chiefly those -north of the Humber;[8] the first flights young birds, young cocks -being greatly in excess. On Oct. 19th, at Spurn, flight of old cock -Blackbirds; rushes occurred on Sept. 21st, Oct. 28th to 31st, and Nov. -2nd to 8th. Heligoland, Oct. 11th, some. - -[Footnote 8: At Great Cotes, on Nov. 13th, sharp frost on previous -night; the hedgerows in the marsh swarmed with Blackbirds, Missel -Thrushes, Redwings, and Fieldfares; the former were young cocks with a -few old females. There was an average of one Blackbird to each lineal -six feet of hedge.] - -_T. torquatus_, Ring Ouzel.--Spring, Hunstanton L.H., April 31st, one -male. Inner Farn L.H. May 10th, one. Flamborough L.H., May 7th, one -very fine old bird struck. Autumn, at several stations between the -Farn Islands and Yarmouth, from Oct. 13th at the former to Nov. 1st at -the Spurn, flock at noon, wind N.N.E., light, and Nov. 2nd and 4th, -Longstone L.H.; the latter dates all night. Cock Ring Ouzels were -tolerably plentiful near the Spurn and Kilnsea during the fourth week -in October; rushes on Oct. 13th and Nov. 1st to 4th. Heligoland, Sept. -30th to Oct. 22nd; on the 20th two old males. - - Summary. - - Rushes - /---------------------------\ - Species. Limit of Migration. Days. Sept. Oct. Nov. - - Fieldfare Sept. 8th to Nov. 13th 67 21st 28th to 31st 6th to 8th - Blackbird " 18th to Nov. 15th 59 21st 30th to 31st 2nd to 8th - Common Thrush " 21st to Nov. 8th 49 21st 13th 2nd to 6th - Redwing " 21st to Oct. 30th 40 21st 29th to 30th -- - Ring Ouzel Oct. 13th to Nov. 4th 23 -- 13th 1st to 4th - Missel Thrush " 20th to Nov. 15th 27 -- 20th 4th - -Heligoland. - - Fieldfare Sept. 24th to Nov. 7th 45 24th 28th to 31st to 4th - Blackbird Oct. 11th -- -- -- -- -- - Common Thrush Sept. 21st to Nov. 12th 53 24th 13th & 29th first week - Redwing Oct. 3rd to Nov. 6th 35 -- 13th 6th - Ring Ouzel Sept. 30th to Oct. 22nd 23 -- 12th, 13th, 15th -- - Missel Thrush -- -- -- - - Lines of migration, E. to. W., S.E. to N.W., and exceptionally from N.E. - to S.W. - -_Saxicola œnanthe_, Wheatear.--Spring, Farn L.H., April 2nd to 24th; -many on 14th. Flamborough, 5th, 1.20 a.m., one struck. Tees L.V., May -10th, twenty going from S.E. to N.W. Autumn, Farn L.H., from July 20th, -2 p.m., N.E., several, to Nov. 7th; Llyn Wells L.V., one struck (wing -sent to Mr. Gurney). In considerable numbers in September and October, -covering the whole coast line; in the former month associated, as -usual, with Redstarts. At the Farn and Longstone lighthouses, Sept. -2nd and 3rd, E., great numbers of both crossing, and on 24th with both -Redstarts and Snow Buntings. Heligoland, Aug. 6th to 7th, a few, S.E. -wind, and on to 20th numerous, all young; 21st to 24th, in astounding -numbers; Sept. 10th, enormous rush, and 11th and 12th, less. - -_Pratincola rubetra_, Whinchat.--Heligoland, Aug. 21st, 22nd, and 24th, -great many young birds. - -_P. rubicola_, Stonechat.--Spring, Whitby L.H., Feb. 23rd, one. Autumn, -same station, Aug. 8th, many to S. Spurn, Oct. 23rd, many. Stonechats -have frequented the sheep-folds on the turnip-fields in Lincolnshire -throughout the whole of the late mild winter. Heligoland, Oct. 20th, -one young bird; Oct. 11th, S.S.W., _P. rubicola_ (_indica_)? "with -coloration just like a young autumn Whinchat, if not lighter, all the -breast buff or isabell, the rump also." - -_Ruticilla phœnicurus_, Redstart.--Spring, Hunstanton L.H., April -13th, 4 a.m., S., one male against lantern. Autumn, same station, Aug. -30th, one male, 1 a.m., against lantern. Numerous between Farn Islands -and Yarmouth in September to the 24th, associated frequently with -Wheatears. Heligoland, Sept. 9th to Oct. 1st; on Sept. 10th enormous -numbers, 14th great many, and 17th to 21st also great many. - -_Ruticilla titys_, Black Redstart.--Spurn, Oct. 23rd, one seen (in 1882 -at the Spurn, Oct. 29th). Galloper L.V., Oct. 28th, one, young male or -old female (wing to J. H. G.); I have no doubt it occurs regularly as -an autumn immigrant on our east coast, and may be expected about four -weeks later than the Redstart.[9] Heligoland, Oct. 27th, eight or ten. - -[Footnote 9: Messrs. Clarke and Roebuck state, in their 'Handbook of -Yorkshire Vertebrata,' p. 19, that "Mr. M. Bailey, of Flamborough, -has frequently observed these birds in spring on their arrival on the -headland, and has known them killed by flying against the light in -thick, foggy weather, with the wind E.N.E. He has also seen them on -their departure in September, and has noticed several in October and -November."] - -_Cyanecula suecica_, Red-spotted Bluethroat.--One, coast of -Northumberland late in September; one, Redcar, 21st, on Tees -breakwater; one about same time at the Spurn, but not obtained; ten, -coast of Norfolk, in same month; and about twenty others seen there -by a competent authority, Mr. Power. All obtained were birds of the -year.[10] The gizzard of one of these Norfolk birds which I examined -was crammed with the broken remains of small beetles having a bright -metallic lustre, but the remains were much broken and comminuted. - -[Footnote 10: Mr. Gätke says "the other form, _S. leucocyanea_, Brehm, -comes very rarely so far north as Heligoland, and when it turns up -it always does so four to six weeks earlier than the suecica in the -spring."] - -_Erithacus rubecula_, Redbreast.--First at the Shipwash L.V., Aug. -13th, large numbers associated with Wrens, to Llyn Wells L.V., Nov. -3rd, one killed; the main migration Sept. 10th to Oct. 14th, covering -the entire coast-line; rushes on Sept. 21st and 30th, Oct. 6th and 7th. -Heligoland, Sept. 24th to Nov. 23rd; rushes on Sept. 24th, and Oct. 3rd -to 7th.[11] - -[Footnote 11: At the Spurn, in the autumn, I have seen Redbreasts come -in directly from the sea, passing overhead inland; an a clear bright -day the orange-red of the breast shows very conspicuously.] - -_Sylvia cinerea_, Whitethroat.--Hanois L.H. (Guernsey), Nov. 2nd, -E., about lantern all night with Blackcaps. Heligoland, Sept. 10th, -enormous numbers; 11th and 12th, less; Oct. 1st, last. - -_S. atricapilla_, Blackcap.--Hanois L.H., as above. Heligoland, -Oct. 11th, one young bird shot in garden. _S. hortensis_, Garden -Warbler.--Sept. 24th, some. - -_Regulus cristatus_, Goldcrest.--Spring, Tees L.V., March 29th, one -stayed all night, then to E. Farn L.H., April 2nd, several all day. -Hunstanton L.H., 3rd and 4th, S., against lantern. Newarp L.V., 14th, -three to E. Autumn, Shipwash L.V., Aug. 13th, large numbers; and at -most stations between Sept. 2nd and Nov. 9th; rushes, Sept. 21st, -Oct. 28th to 31st. At the Shipwash L.V., on Oct. 15th, flights passed -westward from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and at 6 p.m. fourteen were killed at -lantern; the immigration of Goldcrests has been small compared with the -millions which crossed in the autumn of 1882, the period of migration -eighty-six days, against ninety-two in the preceding year; line E. to -W. Heligoland, Oct. 6th, not many yet; 7th, pretty numerous; 13th and -22nd, some. The Firecrest, _Regulus ignicapillus_.--Oct. 29th, many; -Nov. 2nd, many; 8th, some. - -_Phylloscopus superciliosus_, Yellow-barred Warbler. Heligoland, Sept. -17th, N.E., calm and clear, one. - -_P. rufus_, Chiffchaff.--Heligoland, Sept. 24th and 30th, some; -October, first seven days; 11th, early, great many and throughout day; -12th and 13th, less. - -_P. trochilus_, Willow Warbler.--Aug. 14th, some; 18th, 19th, 20th, -pretty numerous, all young; 21st, 22nd, and 24th, astonishing numbers; -Sept. 9th, some; 10th, enormous numbers; 11th and 12th, less; 24th, -less; Nov. 1st, final rush, marvellous numbers. - -_Hypolais pallida._--Heligoland, Sept. 20th, "first specimen got here," -shot by Ludwig Gätke. - -_Accentor modularis_. Hedgesparrow.--Languard Point L.H., March 1st, -12.30 p.m., large flock to E. In the autumn of 1882 there was an -enormous migration across Heligoland and on the East Coast of England; -this last autumn only five or six are recorded from Heligoland, and -none on our east coast. - -_Acredula rosea_, British Long-tailed Titmouse.--Yarmouth, Oct. 25th, -about this date several seen, flock of eleven on telegraph wire, and -on the 22nd a furze-bush on the "denes" covered with them. - -_Parus major_ and _cæridulus_, Great and Blue Titmouse.--Farn L.H., -March 8th, two Tits. Flamborough, April 3rd, one struck. Farn L.H., -Oct. 7th, two struck. Galloper L.V., 13th, one Great Tit (wing to J. H. -G.). Cockle L.V., 14th, both species. Shipwash L.V., 15th, two Great -Titmice (wings to J. H. G.). Spurn, 23rd, Blue Titmouse, a great many. -Heligoland, Great Titmouse from Oct. 14th to end of November; Oct. 29th -to 31st, a great many; Nov. 15th, same; Blue Titmouse from Oct. 14th -to Nov. 2nd; rush, Oct. 29th and 31st. _Parus ater_, Continental Coal -Titmouse.--Oct. 22nd, one. - -_Troglodytes parvulus_, Wren.--Spring, Flamborough L.H., April 3rd, -9.20 p.m., one struck; May 7th, 11.45 p.m., one. Winterton L.H., May -14th, several, 12.30 a.m., S., three killed; 15th, two. Spurn L.H., -24th, "large flock to south." Autumn, Shipwash L.V., Aug. 13th, 2 to -6.30 p.m., in large numbers. Tees L.V., Sept. 5th, one on board three -days. Whitby L.H., Oct. 10th, 8 a.m., Wrens to south. Cockle L.V., Nov. -1st, one. Outer Dowsing L.V., 2nd, great rush with others westward. -Heligoland, Oct. 31st, for several weeks past daily in great numbers; -Nov. 2nd, many; 7th and 8th, very many. - -_Motacilla alba_, White Wagtail.--Heligoland, Oct. 12th and 13th, some. - -_M. lugubris_, Pied Wagtail.--Spring, Whitby L.H., March 31st, two -pairs. Farn L.H., April 2nd, one; 4th to 14th, many. Flamborough, April -11th, a pair. Autumn, Cromer L.H., Aug. 12th, one Pied Wagtail (wing to -J. H. G.). Tees L.V., Sept. 17th, in flocks, twelve to fifteen. Whitby -L.H., Oct. 10th, last seen. Hanois L.H. (Guernsey), Oct. 29th, and on -Nov. 1st, all night. - -_M. flava_, Blue-headed Yellow Wagtail.--Heligoland, Aug. 21st, 22nd, -and 24th, astonishing numbers; Sept. 2nd, some; Oct. 13th, some. _M. -citriola_, Sept. 16th, calm and fine, one. - -_Anthus pratensis_, Meadow Pipit.--Heligoland, Sept. 24th, great many; -Oct. 1st, astounding numbers. _A. cervinus_, Sept. 16th, calm and fine, -one. - -_A. trivialis_, Tree Pipit.--Heligoland, Aug. 21st, 22nd, and 24th, -astounding numbers; Sept. 2nd, some; 9th and 12th, many; 24th, ceased; -again, Oct. 12th and 13th, passing. - -_A. richardi_, Richard's Pipit.--Heligoland, Sept. 16th and 17th; on -18th, two shot, 8½ in. long; 21st, some; 24th, some Oct. 11th, two. - -_A. obscurus_, Rock Pipit.--October, last fortnight, common on -Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and Norfolk coast. At Heligoland, on Oct. 1st, -great many (_A. obscurus_, var. _rupestris_.[12]) - -[Footnote 12: This, the Scandinavian form of the Rock Pipit, is not -infrequent on the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire coast in the autumn.] - -_Oriolus galbula_, Golden Oriole.--Heligoland, May, a male; the first -in thirty years. - -_Lanius excubitor_ and _major_, Great Grey and Pallas's Great Grey -Shrike.--Heligoland, Oct. 5th, six or eight, and in last week in month -_major_, some; none on English coast. - -_L. collurio_, Red-backed Shrike.--Languard L.H., March 16th, one. Farn -L.H., Sept. 23rd, one shot on island. - -_Muscicapa grisola_, Spotted Flycatcher.--Spring, Whitby L.H., April -7th, great many small Flycatchers against lantern every night in the -week[13] (too soon by four or five weeks for _M. grisola_), Farn L.H., -April 28th, several. Hunstanton L.H., May 17th, 2 a.m., S.W., seven -killed. Tees L.V., Dec. 27th, one came on board. Heligoland, Sept. -10th, enormous numbers; 11th and 12th, some; 17th, many; 19th and 20th, -less. - -[Footnote 13: Probably this, as well as other entries in the schedules, -may refer to various small insect-feeding birds, as the term -"Flycatcher" amongst our observers is a very general one.] - -_M. atricapilla_, Pied Flycatcher.--Yarmouth, Sept. 15th, one young -bird (J. H. G.). Heligoland, Aug. 14th, some, and on to Sept. 20th; -on Aug. 21st, 22nd, and 24th, and again on Sept. 10th, in enormous -numbers. _M. parva_, Red-breasted Flycatcher.--Sept. 19th, "one with -orange throat." - -_Hirundo rustica_, Swallow.--Spring, Hunstanton L.H., April 5th, -one to S.W.; 29th, many. Farn L.H., 20th, two. In May, at Whitby, -Flamborough, Spurn, and Outer Dowsing L.V. At Tees L.V., on 10th, great -many, S.E. to N.W.; and 11th, 12th, and 13th, all through day in same -direction. Autumn, Cockle L.V., July 12th, six to S.; and from Sept. -25th to Oct. 13th, at several stations going south. Last observed at -the Spurn by myself, Oct. 24th and 25th; three young birds hawking in -the sun beneath Kilnsea cliff. Heligoland, Aug. 21st and 22nd, S.E., -"astounding numbers" of Swallows, Martins, and Sand Martins; Sept. -3rd, S.S.W. (No. 9), great numbers; 4th, great flock of Swallows late -in afternoon; Nov. 8th, small flights. - -_Chelidon urbica_, Martin.--Tees L.V., June 27th, 28th, 29th, great -many to S.W.; and at the Outer Dowsing L.V., on 23rd, two travelling -S.S.E. to W.N.W. Last observed at Seaton Snook, Tees, Oct. 2nd. - -_Carduelis elegans_, Goldfinch.--Tees L.V., Nov. 22nd, one on board. -Heligoland, Nov. 8th, some. - -_Chrysomitris spinus_, Siskin.--Yarmouth, Oct. 21st, small flights; -several taken by the birdcatchers. Heligoland, Oct. 27th, a few. - -_Ligurinus chloris_, Greenfinch.--Spurn, Oct. 23rd and 24th, large -flocks near the coast associated with Linnets. Great Cotes, Nov. 16th, -small flights. - -_Coccothraustes vulgaris_, Hawfinch.--Inner Dowsing L.V., Nov. 2nd, 9 -p.m., one struck lantern; two at same station in 1882. Heligoland, Oct. -31st, Nov. 1st, many. - -_Passer domesticus_, House Sparrow.--Spring, Outer Dowsing L.V., April -1st, 8 a.m., flock going S.E. by S. to N.W.; May 15th, six, and 18th -three to W.N.W.[14] Autumn, at several stations from Oct. 11th to Nov. -19th. Shipwash L.V., Nov. 8th and 17th, 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m., -continuous flights to W.S.W. - -[Footnote 14: All birds, including Crows, Sparrows, Tree Sparrows, -Chaffinches, Wrens, Swallows, Martins, Yellowhammers, Larks, Titlarks, -and some ducks, passing this station in March, April, May, and June, -were steering in _westerly_ directions. The Outer Dowsing L.V. is moored -on the edge of the shoal of that name 53 miles E.S.E. of the Spurn.] - -_P. montanus_, Tree Sparrow.--Are recorded at Newarp L.V., Oct. 14th, -Yarmouth, 14th, and Shipwash L.V., 15th; and at the Goodwin stations in -October.[15] - -[Footnote 15: As a rule more Common and Tree Sparrows pass the Goodwin -stations than any other on the east coast. These light-vessels, as -well as those off the mouth of the Thames, are very uniform in their -returns, the birds scheduled being the most abundant and commonest of -our immigrants, and it is seldom a rare visitor is chronicled.] - -_Fringilla cœlebs_, Chaffinch.--Spring, Newarp L.V., April 13th, all -day to E. Farn L.H., 29th, several. Autumn, between Sept. 21st, at -Redcar, to Nov. 29th and 30th, at Longstone L.H., immense flights are -recorded at the majority of stations along the east coast; great rushes -occurred Sept. 21st, Oct. 6th to 14th, and Nov. 1st and 2nd; line of -flight E. to W.[16] Heligoland, from Sept. 21st, E. by S., to Nov. 1st, -in immense numbers; great rush on Sept. 21st and 22nd, on which latter -day they passed in astounding numbers; Oct. 13th, all day passing on; -Nov. 7th to 29th, great many. - -[Footnote 16: Chaffinches are recorded as dying on board some of -the light-vessels, on which they arrive in an exhausted state. Mr. -Patterson, of Yarmouth, says, under date Oct. 13th, "Picked up some -dead at high-water mark. I have found numbers occasionally dead, -drowned thus, every year. They fare worse in this respect than most -small immigrants."] - -_Fringilla montifringilla_, Brambling.--Longstone L.H., Sept. 21st, E., -several. Cockle L.V., Oct. 11th, and Hasbro' L.H., 13th, two killed -(wings to J. H. G.). Heligoland, Oct. 7th, pretty numerous; 13th, all -day with Chaffinches; and numerous first week in November. - -_Linota cannabina_, Linnet. Spring, Newarp L.V., April 13th, all day to -E. Autumn, Whitby L.H., Aug, 8th, great many to south.[17] Heligoland, -Sept. 30th to Nov. 11th; rush on Oct. 13th. - -[Footnote 17: Linnets, Twites, and Redpoles work their way south along -the coast; those flocks also which cross the North Sea, after striking -land, follow the same route to the south. They often collect in immense -quantities in favourite localities, feeding on the seeds of salt-loving -plants along the coast.] - -_L. linaria_, Mealy Redpole.--Spurn, a few during the second week in -February, 1884, and one on 15th near Yarmouth. - -_L. rufescens_, Lesser Redpole.--Yarmouth, Oct. 15th, several about -"denes." - -_L. flavirostris_, Twite.--Numerous flocks on Lincolnshire coast in -October. Heligoland, Oct. 22nd, hundreds together, and to Nov. 15th; -rush, Oct. 26th to Nov. 7th. _L. exilipes_, Nov. 11th, one. - -_Pyrrhula europæa_, Bullfinch.--Newarp L.V., March 5th, one on board. -Outer Dowsing L.V., May 9th, one came on board, and ten to W.S.W. - -_Loxia curvirostra_, Crossbill.--Heligoland, during first week in July, -repeated flights from twenty to thirty. - -_Emberiza melanocephala_, Black-headed Bunting.--Heligoland, in May, -male and female obtained. - -_E. miliaria_, Corn Bunting.--Heligoland, Oct. 13th, many; Nov. 2nd, -many; 7th, many; 23rd, some; "never seen here except in very small -flights." - -_E. citrinella_, Yellowhammer.--May 13th, Whitby L.H., great many for -several days. Heligoland, Nov. 2nd, many; 23rd, some. _E. cirlus_, Cirl -Bunting.--May, one, "completing with the male obtained many years ago, -the only pair." - -_E. hortulana_, Ortolan Bunting. Great Cotes, May 3rd, N.E., very sharp -and cold, one seen, apparently an adult female [see Cordeaux, Zool., -vol. 1883, p. 253.] Heligoland, Aug. 21st, 22nd, and 24th, "astounding -numbers"; Sept. 9th and 12th, great many; 16th and 17th, first old -birds. _E. rustica_, Rustic Bunting, Sept. 24th, one shot by Ludwig -Gätke. _E. pusilla_, Little Bunting, Sept. 24th, one shot; 30th, one. - -_E. schœniclus_, Reed Bunting.--Great Cotes, Nov. 16th, considerable -flight. Heligoland, Sept. 20th, pretty large numbers; Oct. 11th, great -many; 13th, some; and 31st, many. - -_Calcarius lapponicus_, Lapland Bunting.--Heligoland, Sept. 30th, some. - -_Plectrophanes nivalis_, Snow Bunting.--Spring, Farn L.H., March 7th, -two. Cockle L.V., 14th, "Snow-birds" to W. Languard L.H., July 8th, -a pair on beach, 6.30 p.m., seen by Mr. Owen Boyle; certainly the -earliest record for England of this species. Autumn, first at Tees -L.V., Sept. 18th and 19th, one flock each day to S.W., and to Jan. 9th, -1884. Redcar, several flights to W.; a few recorded at stations between -the Farn Islands and Yarmouth in September, October, and November; and -from Dec. 1st to 29th in great numbers. At Great Cotes, on Dec. 4th, -thousands upon thousands, the stubbles near the Humber fairly covered -with their enormous flocks; young with a sprinkling of old birds, one -to forty. Heligoland, Nov. 6th, early, very numerous passage; 12th and -14th, great many. - -_Sturnus vulgaris_, Common Starling.--With few exceptions are recorded -at all our east coast stations, and often in immense numbers, the -occurrences being far too numerous to chronicle. The bulk crossed in -September, October, and November; less in December; the line of flight -and rushes corresponding with those of the Lark, with which species -they are very frequently associated. Heligoland, from Oct. 1st to Nov. -12th; on Oct. 6th in "astounding flights, thousands upon thousands"; -12th, "considerable numbers of astounding flights, both overhead and -in distance"; 13th, "still passing, astounding numbers all day"; 26th, -the same, very high; 27th, "night, from 11 p.m., myriads"; 28th, -"immense," and still great many to Nov. 12th. These extracts from -Mr. Gätke's notes show the enormous migration of this species across -Heligoland in the autumn, and the corresponding rush on to our east -coast. - -_Pastor roseus_, Rose-coloured Pastor.--Heligoland, July 16th, old male -shot. - -_Pyrrhocorax graculus_, Chough.--Heligoland, April 15th, seen for a -whole week, but not obtained. - -_Corvus monedula_, Jackdaw.--Considerable numbers south of Humber -throughout the autumn. Heligoland, Oct. 26th, many; 27th and 29th, -great flight. - -_Corvus corone_, Carrion Crow.--Spring, Farn L.H., March 8th, seven to -W. Autumn, Yarmouth, Oct. 14th, continuous flocks of Carrion and Grey -Crows coming in, and again on 27th. At the Inner Dowsing L.V., from -Oct. 25th to Nov. 13th, great many; also at other stations in October -and November. - -_Corvus cornix_, Hooded Crow.--Migrates in company with his near -cousin, the Carrion Crow, as well as in separate flocks.[18] Spring, -Farn L.H., May 25th, one Grey Crow on island, where it ate three young -Larks; on July 27th Mr. Owen Boyle saw five on the beach off Languard. -Autumn, first at Great Cotes, Oct. 4th, to Whitby L.H., Dec. 8th, -fifty. Enormous numbers crossed in October and November between the -Farn Islands and Shipwash L.V., off the coast of Essex, the main body -arriving on the flat coast of Lincolnshire and in Norfolk; great rushes -occurred on Oct. 9th, night of 12th, 20th, 27th, and 28th, and on to -Nov. 2nd, and also Nov. 7th to 15th; under date Nov. 8th, Hasbro' L.V. -reports "continuous flocks of Black Crows and Grey Crows, and Crows -with white backs and bellies"; it would be difficult to say what is -intended by the latter. Heligoland, Oct. 1st, flights, thirty to forty, -to Nov. 12th.[19] - -[Footnote 18: Probably something like one-half of the entries in the -schedules record the movements of Crows, Rooks, Daws, Starlings, Larks, -and Chaffinches, any detailed notice of which is unnecessary, and could -serve no practical purpose.] - -[Footnote 19: Under date Oct. 6th, N.E., clear, fresh, Mr. Gätke -remarks:--"Across the sea both sides of island (N. and S.), -particularly on north side, countless numbers of _cornix_, _sturnus_, -and all kinds of small birds, all from E. to W. This occurrence happens -not rarely; during this ponderous migration there were on the island -nearly no birds."] - -_Corvus frugilegus_, Rook.--Spring, Newarp L.V., during March and -April, many flocks of Rooks and Crows are recorded as going both to the -west and east, as if a cross migration was going on to and from the -Continent. At the Cockle L.V., March 20th, 24th, and 26th, continuous -Rooks and Crows to _west_. Llyn Wells, April 30th, various flocks of -Crows to _south-west_, and at the same station, on Aug. 3rd and 4th, -large flocks to _north north-east_. Autumn, with scarcely an exception, -at all stations between the Spurn and South Foreland, from the last -week in September to the end of the third week in November; the rushes -correspond with those of the preceding. - -_Alauda arvensis_, Sky Lark.--As in previous years. Larks hare crossed -in immense numbers to the east coast; it would be quite unnecessary -to give each occurrence in detail, almost involving the necessity of -writing a separate report. They are recorded at all stations from the -Farn Islands to Gull L.V., off the South Foreland, from Sept. 1st to -Jan. 3rd, 1884, and often continuously night and day; rushes took -place on Sept. 3rd, 4th, and 21st, Oct. 6th and 8th, 10th to 14th, -27th to Nov. 2nd-14th; and Dec. 27th and 30th; and again Jan. 3rd, -1884. Flocks which come in at daybreak will continue to arrive till -12 or 1 p.m., when migration for the time ceases. Numbers are killed -during the night migration against the lanterns of the lighthouses and -light-vessels.[20] Heligoland, Oct. 5th to Nov. 8th; great rushes, -Oct. 12th; 27th, night from 11 p.m., "milliards" with Starlings; 28th, -"immense flight"; 30th and 31st, in all four nights almost continuous -flights. - -[Footnote 20: The list of birds killed at the Hasbro' L.V., from Oct. -10th to Jan. 3rd 1884, was 162 Sky Larks, 73 Starlings, 23 Chaffinches, -60 Larks and Chaffinches, 28 Stormy Petrels, 1 Fork-tailed Petrel, 3 -Fieldfares, 3 Thrushes, 8 Ringed Plovers, 4 Grey Plovers, 2 Goldcrests, -2 Woodcocks, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Blackbird, -1 Grey Crow, 1 Rook, 1 Lapwing, 1 tame Pigeon, 1 Curlew, 1 Brambling, -1 Redwing (wings sent to Mr. Gurney, but without date). Besides these -a large tub and bucket-full various. At Llyn Wells L.V., under date -Oct. 17th, Kestrel, Snow Bunting, Chaffinch, 2 Robins, Wren, Goldcrest; -on Nov. 4th, 3 Knots, 4 Thrushes, Redwing, 3 Stormy Petrels; Nov. -7th, 8 Chaffinches, 7 Thrushes, Knot, Blackbird, Wheatear, 2 Dunlins, -2 Snow Buntings, Brambling, Jack Snipe, 4 Fieldfares; another date, -2 Chaffinches, 2 Tree Sparrows, Thrush, 3 Stormy Petrels, 2 Snow -Buntings, Dunlin; Nov. 2nd, 5 Knots; Dec. 20th, Knot; Jan. 2, Knot; -6th, 2 Knots; 7th, Oystercatcher; also two more Knots and two Dunlins, -which had slipped their labels, but which Mr. Gurney thinks belong to -Nov. 22nd.] - -_Otocorys alpestris_, Shore Lark.--Yarmouth, between Oct. 25th and -28th, six obtained from a small flock. Galloper L.V., October 11th, -one, (wing to J. H. G.). At Heligoland the migration of the Shore Lark, -commencing on Oct. 1st and ending Dec. 16th, was the most remarkable -of the season; Oct. 1st, N.E., small flights; 11th, some flights; -13th, about one hundred; 22nd, flights of hundreds; 26th, flights of -thousands, in the forenoon cliff covered; 27th-30th, numerous; Nov. -7th, marvellous numbers; 8th, very numerous; 11th, many flights; 12th, -astounding numbers; 14th, numerous; 15th, astonishing, thousands in -flights; 16th, few; Dec. 16th, hundreds. - -_Cypselus apus_, Swift.--Hunstanton L.H., May 10th, great many. Whitby -L.H., 13th, one. Farn L.H., June 25th, three; the movement southward -appears to have commenced on or about this date. Last at Yarmouth, -Sept. 8th, several all day. Heligoland, August 21st, 22nd, and 24th, -great many. - -_Jynx torquilla_, Wryneck.--Heligoland, Aug. 21st, 22nd, and 24th, -immense numbers with Swallows, Martins, Sand Martins, Swifts, Ortolan -Buntings, Tree Pipits, Wheatears, Willow Wrens, Pied Flycatchers, and -Blue-headed Wagtails; all astounding numbers. - -_Alcedo ispida_, Kingfisher.--Yarmouth, first fortnight in September, -twenty-three brought to one birdstuffer. Hasbro' L.V., Oct. 10th, 10.30 -p.m., one on deck. Heligoland, Aug. 15th. - -_Coracias garrula_, Roller.--Bradwell, Norfolk, Oct. 9th, one shot. -Muckton, Louth, Lincolnshire, Oct. 27th, one also shot. - -_Upupa epops_, Hoopoe.--Longstone L.H., April 29th, one killed against -kitchen window, 2.15 a.m., rain and squalls from S.E. - -_Cuculus canorus_, Cuckoo.--Hunstanton and Whitby lighthouses. May -12th, one at each. Farn L.H., 15th, one. Longstone L.H., July 24th, -young Cuckoo on rocks. Heligoland, Aug. 19th and 20th, three young. - -_Strix flammea_, Barn Owl.--One at Cromer, on Oct. 6th., seen by Mr. -Gurney, and "a large cream-coloured Owl," at Farn L.H., on May 13th, -may have belonged to this species. - -_Asio otus_, Long-eared Owl.--Cromer, Oct. 6th, one. Hasbro' L.V. Nov. -4th, one resting on rigging at 7.30. a.m. for ten minutes, and perhaps -Whitby, Jan. 3rd, 1884, "one very large Horned Owl seen on cliff top." -Heligoland, Oct. 31st and Nov. 1st, pretty numerous. - -_A. brachyotus_, Short-eared Owl.--Spring, Farn L.V., April 25th, -7.45, p.m., "one very large Owl to E.N.E.; very high." Autumn, first -at Redcar, Sept. 11th to Dec. 20th. At Llyn Wells L.V., two to S.S.W.; -throughout October to Nov. 8th, at eleven stations;[21] rushes Oct. 1st -to 4th, 12th to 14th, and first week in November. Heligoland, Oct. 14th -and 15th, one each day; 22nd, numerous; 24th, some; 30th, great many; -31st, numerous. Nov. 1st to 4th, "and at night at the lighthouse, many, -also our smaller Owl, _tengmalmi_." - -[Footnote 21: Under date of Nov. 7th, at Happisburgh L.H., an Owl, -flying about in the glare of the lamps, was seen to pounce on a -Starling and carry it off. Mr. F. Spurr writes, "this latter, a fine -Horned Owl, has taken to visit the lighthouse regularly; he takes his -post just beneath the strong rays of light, and from thence pounces on -the small birds when they are frightened by the glare." He goes on to -say that he had seen it perched on the rail of the balcony, when its -eyes shone like living coals; just such a light as is visible in the -eyes of the night-flying moths when they settle on the pane.] - -Falconidæ.--Circus, Harrier, Redcar, Sept. 21st, six on Tees -Breakwater. Buzzards or "very large Hawks," Spring, Farn L.H., March -10th, "one large Hawk, feeding on Blackbird"; May 18th, large Hawk; -June 18th, very large Hawk, driving the Terns from their nesting-place; -also on 19th. Autumn, from Sept. 6th to Jan. 12th, 1884, numerous -Buzzards, and "very large Hawks" are recorded at ten stations between -the Farn Islands and Yarmouth; the majority between Sept. 6th and Oct. -20th. There appears to have been a rush of the larger _Falconidæ_ on -Sept. 21st. At the Spurn L.H., on Sept. 21st, two Common Buzzards; -14th, 1 a.m., Honey Buzzard caught against lantern, and another on -17th, shot near Kilnsea. Farn L.H., 23rd, one very large Hawk, "back -and wings dark brown, belly greyish white, beak slate-colour." Whitby -L.H., Jan. 12th, 8.30. a.m., one very large Hawk, "dark colour, with -long, square tail, the largest I have ever seen." _Accipiter nisus_, -Sparrowhawk, numerous through September and to Oct. 14th, and after -this in less numbers to Nov. 20th; rush, Sept. 21st, with other -_Falconidæ_. Heligoland, Rough-legged Buzzard, Oct. 12th and 13th, one -each day; Nov. 2nd, some; 19th, four to six. Sea Eagle, _Haliaëtus -albicilla_, Sept. 21st, some. Sparrowhawks, from Sept. 21st to Nov. -1st.; Oct. 4th, first old birds. As a rule Sparrowhawks pass late in -the afternoon. Peregrine Falcon, Oct. 12th, a few. Kestrel and others, -Sept. 22nd, "more than ever, with Sparrowhawks and Merlins." - -_Phalacrocorax carbo_, Cormorant.--Tees L.V., March 7th, flock of -twenty-five; 24th, fifty. - -_Sula bassana_, Gannet.--Spring, Farn L.V., Feb. 25th, many going N. -Longstone L.H., March 22nd to April 15th, daily to N., and from this -date every day till May 30th, never more than nine in a flock; great -numbers of young also seen off Farn Islands, Redcar and Whitby, first -three weeks, in October, generally moving in northerly directions. -Redcar, Oct. 26th and 31st and Nov. 2nd and 10th, great numbers to S.E. -Hanois L.H. (Guernsey), Nov. 24th, all day passing. - -_Ardea cinerea_, Heron.--Languard L.H., June 25th, a pair very high to -S.W., and several seen off Farn L.H. in August. - -_Botaurus stellaris_, Bittern.--Early in January, 1884, a Bittern was -shot near Thornton College, North Lincolnshire, and two others are -reported as seen. - -Anser, Geese.--Languard L.H., March 11th, sixteen Grey Geese, very high -to S.W. Whitby L.H., June 20th, nineteen going N., and on July 8th, 5 -p.m., a large flock from N. to S.W. Redcar, Sept. 21st, twelve Grey -Geese to E.; and at some stations also in October and November, having -probably reference to change of feeding-ground. A large flock of Brent -Geese, _Bernicla brenta_, were seen off the Farn Islands on March 23rd, -at 6 p.m., and in the autumn a few on Sept. 26th, at the Tees L.V. - -Cygnus, Swans.--At Tees L.V., March 25th, one. Outer Dowsing L.V., -14th, three from N.W. to E.S.E. Spurn, May 13th, three to S.; and on -15th, two in Humber. Llyn Wells L.V., Sept. 16th, three to W.S.W. It is -possible all these may have reference to escapes or strays from private -waters. - -_Tadorna cornuta_, Common Sheldrake.--Tees L.V., Jan. 13th, flock of -three hundred. "Never saw so many together before." Nov. 28th, flock of -about one hundred. - -_Mareca penelope_, Wigeon.--Redcar, Aug. 20th, two flocks; Sept. 20th, -flock of one hundred Teal at sea. Farn L.H., Dec. 12th, hundreds of -Wild Duck, _Anas boschas_, off island. - -_Harelda glacialis_, Long-tailed Duck.--Farn L.H., March 8th, "flock -of fifty to sixty off island." On Oct. 23rd, at Kilnsea, near the -Spurn, I shot a mature female Hareld from a flooded meadow. The stomach -contained a mass of small red worms and minute stones. - -_Somateria mollissima_, Eider Duck.--Farn L.H., Nov., "hundreds of -Eiders, drakes and ducks, with young birds, flying and swimming about -the island every day this month." In December six were shot on Breydon -Water, Norfolk. The King Eider, _Somateria spectabilis_, was again, as -in the last two years, seen at the Farn Islands, in company with the -Common Eider, in April. - -_Œdemia nigra_, Common Scoter.--Gull L.V., Aug. 19th to Sept. 11th, -great numbers going S.W. - -_Columba palumbus_, Ring Dove.--Farn L.H., Sept. 24th, one. Stock Dove, -_C. ænas_.--On Oct. 25th, at Kilnsea, near the Spurn, I saw one come in -direct from the sea and pitch in a field on the cliff top. Heligoland, -_C. palumbus_, Sept. 30th, some; Oct. 4th, flights, forty to fifty; -13th and 15th, passing on; 31st, many. - -_Rallus aquaticus_, Water Rail.--Farn L.H., Oct. 30th, S., foggy, three -at daylight; Nov. 2nd, one at noon, to land; Galloper, 3rd, one (wing -to J. H. G.) Hasbro' L.H., Dec. 9th, S.W., one struck. - -_Crex pratensis_, Corn Crake.--Farn L.H., May 1st, 3 p.m., N.E., one; -23rd, 2 p.m., one. Whitby, 11th, first heard. Winterton L.H., Aug. -10th, midnight, one struck. Spurn L.H., Sept. 15th, one; Hunstanton -L.H., Oct. 8th, one struck and caught alive. - -_Œdicnemus scolopax_, Stone Curlew.--Heligoland, Aug. 15th. - -_Charadrius pluvialis_, Golden Plover.--Farn L.H., July 27th, five to -E., and on Aug. 20th, flock to W.; numerous on island through August -and September, moving to and from the mainland. At the Spurn on Aug. -29th, a large flock to N.[22]; and at Wells, Norfolk, Aug. 27th, in -small parties on mud. Heligoland, July. 16th, one young bird shot; Aug. -21st to 24th, young birds; 16th and 17th, great flights, all young; -29th, great flights; night Oct. 31st to Nov. 1st, "whole atmosphere -gloomy darkness, Curlew, Lapwing, Tringa, Snipe, Woodcock, but no -Golden Plover." Dec. 4th, N.E. (No. 8 or 9), snow-storm. Woodcocks and -Golden Plover. - -[Footnote 22: The occurrence of a large body of Golden Plovers at -the Spurn at this date, passing to the north, is somewhat remarkable -in connection with the large flight of the same species seen there, -passing in the same direction, on Aug. 22nd, in 1880, and on Sept. 6th -in 1881. (Yarrell's Brit. Birds, ed. iv., vol. iii., p. 274).] - -_Squatarola helvetica_, Grey Plover.--Spurn, June 7th, 11 a.m., N.E., -flocks along coast. Hasbro' L.V., Nov. 1st, four killed. Tees L.V., -Dec. 13th, large flock. - -_Vanellus vulgaris_, Lapwing.--Spring, Cockle L.V., March 8th, large -flocks to S.W. Autumn, Yarmouth, Oct. 6th, large flocks in afternoon -from sea; 30th, Hasbro' L.V., great rush; Whitby L.H., Nov. 15th, 16th -and 17th, flights each day, south-westerly gale; also at Hunstanton -L.H. on 16th, to S.W., from daylight to noon. - -_Strepsilas interpres_, Turnstone.--Yarmouth, Aug. 11th, young birds -to S. Farn L.H., 14th, large flocks at noon. Redcar, 31st, large flock -near Teesmouth, fresh arrivals. - -_Hæmatopus ostralegus_, Oystercatcher.--Llyn Wells L.V., Jan. 7th, -1884, one killed (J. H. G.). - -_Phalaropus hyperboreus_, Red-necked Phalarope.--Yarmouth, Oct. 24th, -one shot. - -_Scolopax rusticula_, Woodcock.--Flamborough L.H., April 6th, struck -and killed. Two or three occurred at Teesmouth (Redcar), last week -in August, and a few in September. At Seaton Snook and Flamborough -on Sept. 21st. The "first flight" was on the Yorkshire, Lincolnshire -and Norfolk coasts, on the night of Oct. 21st, wind N.E. The "great -flight," or rush, on the nights of Oct. 28th and 29th, covering the -whole of the E. coast, from the Farn Islands to Yarmouth, the bulk -coming probably into the Humber district. A friend wrote me he had shot -eighteen on the morning of 29th, and might easily have doubled this -number if he had started early enough. From the 2nd to the 10th of -November stragglers continued to arrive between the Farn Islands and -Yarmouth. Heligoland, Sept. 22nd, first; Oct. 22nd, one hundred caught -or shot; 28th, astounding passage of Larks, Starlings, Peewits, Snipes -and Woodcocks; Oct. 30th, twenty to thirty shot; 31st, ten to twenty -shot; 31st to Nov. 1st, thirteen caught, a few stragglers to December -4th.[23] - -[Footnote 23: Mr. Clubley, of Kilnsea, near the Spurn, who during his -life has probably shot more Cock than anyone living on the east coast, -says that a S.E. wind always brings _large grey_ or _light-coloured_ -Woodcocks, a N. wind _small_ and _red-coloured_ birds--that is, -Scandinavian birds. This rule seems to hold good on other parts of our -east coast. See also remarks by Mr. J. Harvie-Brown.] - -_Gallinago major_, Great Snipe.--N. E. Lincolnshire, Oct. 2nd, one -shot; Yarmouth, same date, one. - -_G. cælestis_, Common Snipe.--Yarmouth, Aug. 11th, several. Great -Cotes, Sept. 25th, first considerable flight, wind S.E. night of 24th, -with gale and heavy rain. Hasbro' L.H., Nov. 8th, two struck and -killed. Heligoland, Oct. 22nd, great flight; 28th, night, immense. - -_Limnocryptes gallinula_, Jack Snipe.--Farn. L.H., Sept. 21st, S.E., -noon, two. Galloper L.V., Nov. 3rd, one (J. H. G.) Llyn Wells L.V., -7th, one (J. H. G.) - -_Tringa alpina_, Dunlin.--Languard L.H., March 10th, 7.40 a.m., very -large flock, very rapidly to N. _T. minuta_, Little Stint, Bridlington, -Aug. 3rd, two seen (W. E. C.), and at Yarmouth, second week in -September, three.[24] - -[Footnote 24: The first great rush of _Tringæ_ across Heligoland was -Aug. 6th and 7th; 14th also, all sorts; and on 21st and 22nd, same; -again on night of Oct. 31st, and morning of Nov. 1st.] - -_T. subarquata_, Curlew Sandpiper.--Essex coast, August 1st, Colonel -Russell shot three from a flock of Oxbirds; they were in partial moult; -another was seen. - -_T. striata_, Purple Sandpiper.--Farn L.H., May 15th, 6 p.m., S.S.E., -very large flock flying over island; and at the same station, on Nov. -28th, very large flocks of Turnstone, Purple Sandpiper and Redshank. -Yarmouth, Oct. 5th, five seen. - -_T. canutus_, Knot.--Spurn, June 13th, flock arrived from S. The first -Knots in the autumn were seen at Yarmouth and Redcar on Aug. 11th, and -by the end of the month were tolerably numerous along the east coast. -Llyn Wells L.V., Sept. 22nd, N.N.E., large flocks to S. all day; at -this station also, from Oct. 20th to Jan. 6th, 1884, twenty-eight were -killed against the lantern.[25] - -[Footnote 25: The Knot at Blakeney is always called "Knet"; Godwit, a -"Pick"; Dunlin, "Stint"; Whimbrel, "May-bird"; Turnstone, "Dotterel"; -Ringed Plover, "Oxbird." On the Essex coast the Whimbrel is a -"May-bird" or "Titterel," the latter from its cry; Godwits are "Pream;" -Knot, "Marl"; Dunlin, "Oxbird"; Ringed Plover, "Stone-runner." At -Spurn the Knot is a "Plover-knot," but on the Lincolnshire coast -simply a "Knot". Local names, common to both sides of the Humber, -are, Turnstone, "Dotterel"; Common Dotterel, "Land Dotterel," "Spring -Dotterel"; Grey Plover, "Pigeon," or "Buffel-headed Plover"; Dunlin, -"Stint," or "Tommy Stint"; Ringed Plover, "Sand-runner"; Whimbrel, -"Curlew-jack"; Godwit, "Curlew-whelp." On the Durham coast the Knot -is both a "Dunlin" and "Grey Plover"; Dunlin, a "Stint"; Sanderling, -"White Stint"; Whimbrel, "Curlew-jack"; Lapwing, a "Tyafit"; Godwit, -"Goodwin." The local names of birds vary so in different districts that -they frequently become very puzzling to the members of the Committee; -it would greatly assist their labours and facilitate enquiry if any -fellow-worker would take the trouble to compile a glossary of local -names of our British birds. The investigation might be rendered easy -by sending printed forms to the best known ornithologists, in their -respective districts. The results could not fail to be both useful and -interesting.] - -_Machetes pugnax_, Ruff.--Yarmouth, second week in September, five -ruffs and one reeve. - -_Calidris arenaria_, Sanderling.--Flamborough, Aug. 3rd, old male in -summer plumage (W. E. C.). Yarmouth, 11th, Knots and Sanderlings on -beach. Spurn, Oct. 23rd, a few. - -_Totanus glareola_, Wood Sandpiper.--Bridlington, middle of August, -a young bird was shot on South Sands (W. E. C.). Spurn, middle of -September, three, all immature, taken to Mr. P. Lawton, of Easington. - -_T. calidris_, Redshank.--Outer Dowsing L.V., May 9th, one "Red-legged -Sandpiper" on deck, then to W. Wells, Norfolk, Aug. 28th, numerous; one -hundred or more in a flock. Tees L.V., Sept. 23rd, large flock. Farn -L.V., Nov. 28th, very large flocks with Purple Sandpiper and Turnstone -on rocks. _T. fuscus_, Spotted Redshank, Breydon, Oct. 20th, one shot. - -_T. canescens_, Greenshank.--Wells, Norfolk, Aug. 27th, "comparatively -numerous." Yarmouth, Aug. 9th, four shot, all immature. Sept. 2nd, two. - -_Limosa lapponica_, Bar-tailed Godwit.--Redcar, July 28th, and forward -to Aug. 27th, in some numbers. - -_Numenius phæopus_, Whimbrel.--Redcar, July 18th, N.E. light, first -passing over, very high. Yarmouth, Aug. 1st, all day. Redcar, 8th, -S.W. strong, two large flocks of fifty; 23rd and 24th, rush, and at -intervals to Sept. 10th. - -_N. arquata_, Curlew.--Farn L.H., March 11th, 5 to 6 p.m., four to five -hundred to island from mainland in flocks from five to thirty. Whitby -L.H., June 20th, great many night and day. Winterton L.H., Sept. 10th, -12.30 a.m., one caught beating against lantern, great many during -night to W. Farn L.H., Nov. 17th, large flock to E. Hasbro' L.V., Jan. -3rd, 1884, one killed. Heligoland, Oct. 30th and 31st, great many with -_Tringa_ and _Scolopax_, _Limosa_ and _Vanellus_; and night of 31st, -great rush. - -Sterninæ, Terns.--Spurn, May 4th, all day to north. At the Farne Islands -the Arctic Terns, _Sterna macrura_, returned to their nesting quarters -on May 20th, and left again on Aug. 3rd, only a few being seen after -that date. Yarmouth, Aug. 7th to 10th, Black, Common, and Arctic Terns -along shore, and through the month to 31st; in shore only when wind is -westerly, in flocks of ten to fifty, nine-tenths being young; it is the -westerly winds which bring in the herring "syle," on which the Terns -feed. The Sandwich Tern, _Sterna cantiaca_, arrived at the Farn Islands -between April 15th and 23rd, leaving again on Aug. 3rd. At Languard -Point, Mr. Owen Boyle saw on June 1st, 4.45 a.m., a pair of Roseate -Terns; 7th, four Sandwich Terns; 15th, four Lesser Terns; and on 23rd, -four Common Terns. At Redcar, on Sept. 5th, 6th, 7th, and 10th, many -flights were heard passing over in dark. - -Larinæ, Gulls.--Whitby L.H., Feb. 15th, Herring Gulls returning to -cliffs; July 18th, first young on wing; Aug. 14th, Gulls, old and -young, left the cliff. Farn L.H., April 14th, Lesser Black-backed -Gulls returning to nesting quarters. Yarmouth, Aug. 10th, Gulls, -mostly young, along shore feeding on "syle," five to thirty in flock. -Flamborough, Sept. 12th, great many Gulls all day to south. Spurn, -Sept. 24th, two hundred Herring Gulls to south. Cockle L.V., Oct. 25th, -great many large Gulls, young and old, E. to W.; Nov. 17th to 23rd, -9.30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Great Black-backed Gulls from W. to E. Farn L.H., -Nov. 8th to 30th, very large number of Black-headed Gulls fishing round -island at flood each day; Dec. 8th, two "Bass" Gulls; 12th, one. "These -Gulls are all cream-colour. I am not sure if they are the Glaucous, so -have given them the local name." At Heligoland, young Glaucous Gulls, -_L. glaucus_, were repeatedly seen about island in December; and during -the last week in January, 1884, hundreds of Black-headed Gulls, _L. -ridibundus_, frequented the plateau of cliff, which Mr. Gätke says is a -"very exceptional" circumstance there. _Xema sabinii_, Sabine's Gull, -an immature example was shot on. Oct. 28th, the second example which -has been obtained there; and on Nov. 10th a second young bird was seen -by Aeuckens, the birdstuffer. - -Stercorariinæ, Skuas.--Redcar, Aug. 25th, two; Teesmouth, 27th, -Richardson's Skua, _S. crepidatus_. Farn L.H., Sept. 17th, several -chasing Gulls. Yarmouth, 20th, many. Heligoland, Oct. 27th, _S. -pomatorhinus_, one. - -Procellariidæ, Petrels.--The Stormy Petrel, _P. pelagica_, occurred at -Yarmouth, Oct. 2nd, and Spurn on 23rd, shot in each case from beach. -Hasbro' L.V., 27th, seven caught on deck, on 31st ten, and between -Oct. 27th and Nov. 4th several were taken at various stations at sea -off the east coast. One Fork-tailed Petrel, _P. leucorrhoa_, from -Happisburgh (Hasbro') L.V. in October. A Shearwater was seen at Farn -L.H. July 20th, 6 a.m., going north; and at Spurn L.H. on Aug. 5th, 2 -a.m., a Manx Shearwater, _P. anglorum_, was killed against the lantern. -Breydon, Sept. 5th, one shot. In the latter part of the same month two -Sooty Shearwaters, P. griseus, were obtained in Bridlington Bay, and -taken to the shop of Mr. Jones, birdstuffer, where they were seen and -identified by Mr. W. E. Clarke.[26] - -[Footnote 26: 'Zoologist,' 1884, p. 180.] - -Colymbidæ, Divers.--Tees L.V., March 28th, one Great Northern and two -Red-throated Divers off the light-ship, in company with two Grebes, -twelve Sheldrake, and six Brent Geese. Redcar, Sept. 2nd, four or five -Red-throated Divers; and on 20th several lots of both. Breydon Water, -Oct. 16th, adult Red-throated Diver. At the Farn Islands, last half of -October and in November, many Great Northern Divers about islands; Jan. -15th, 1884, several Red-throated Divers about island. - -Podicipidæ, Grebes.--Bridlington, latter part of August, Red-necked -Grebe, _P. griseigena_, shot, in full summer plumage. Spurn, Nov. 2nd, -a few pairs of Little Grebes, _Tachybaptes fluviatilis_, on ponds; and -on Jan. 6th, 1884, three Great Crested Grebes, _P. cristatus_, on the -sea off point. - -Alcidæ, Auks.--At Flamborough, in February, 1884, great numbers of -Razorbills, _Alca torda_, all returned to their nesting quarters on -the cliffs, an unprecedented circumstance there; and large numbers of -the Common Guillemot were reported by the fishermen as seen at sea -off the headland. At the Farn Islands, March 22nd, 1883, Guillemots -had come to their nesting quarters, thousands arriving on April 1st. -Puffins on the 15th. On January 10th and 28th, 1884, on each day a -Black Guillemot, _Uria grylle_, was shot from the island. The Little -Auk, _Mergulus alle_, shot there on Dec. 29th; and on Feb. 4th and 5th, -1884, a great many were seen flying and swimming about the islands, -more than had ever been seen before. - -The Committee are again indebted to Professor Chr. Fr. Lütken, of the -Universitetets Zoologiske Museum, Copenhagen, for a list of the birds -killed or taken against the lantern of the lighthouse of Stevns, on -the projecting part of Zealand, marking the limit between the Baltic -and Oresund, in the spring and autumn of 1883. The list has been drawn -up by Mr. Autander, a physician living in the neighbourhood of the -lighthouse. In forwarding the list to Professor Lütken he states there -has been in this year only a few nights in which any number of birds -have been killed, in consequence of the sky being generally clear -during the time of the migration. - - Stevns Fyr (Lighthouse of Stevns ), 1883. - -Night to-- - - April 6th. Saxicola œnanthe 2, male and female. - " " Regulus cristatus 2 males. - " " Erithacus rubecula 1 male. - " 12th. Turdus viscivorus 2. - " " T. merula 4. - " " T. musicus 10. - " " Alauda arvensis 6. - " " Regulus cristatus 1. - " " Saxicola œnanthe 4. - " " Erithacus rubecula 2. - " 13th. Scolopax rusticula 1 male. - " " Columba palumbus 1. - " " Sturnus vulgaris 1. - " " Emberiza citrinella 1. - " " Fringilla cœlebs 1. - " " Saxicola œnanthe 1. - " " Troglodytes parvulus 2. - " " Alauda arvensis 2. - " " Turdus musicus 8. - " " Erithacus rubecula 15. - Aug. 4th. Tringa alpina 1 male. - " 26th. Jynx torquilla 1 male. - Sept. 3rd. Sylvia trochilus 3. - " " Luscinia phœnicurus 1 male. - " " Muscicapa grisola 1 male. - " " M. atricapilla 1 female. - " " Columba ænas 1 female. - " " Lanius collurio 1 young male. - " 5th. Querquedula cracca 1 male. - " " Motacilla alba 1 young male. - " " Luscinia phœnicurus 6. - " " Jynx torquilla 1. - " " Sterna argentata 1. - " " Erithacus suecicus 1. - " " Sylvia schœnobænus 1. - " " S. cinerea 2. - " " S. hortensis 5. - " " S. trochilus 2. - " " Motacilla flava 1. - " " Saxicola œnanthe 2. - " " S. rubetra 1. - " " Muscicapa atricapilla 4. - " " †Locustella fluviatilis 1. - " 6th. Podiceps minor 1 young male. - Oct. 1st. Turdus musicus 2. - " 4th. Sylvia atricapilla 1. - " 11th. Turdus musicus 8. - " " Sturnus vulgaris 1. - " " Alauda arvensis 2. - " " Sylvia rufa 2. - " " Fringilla montifringilla 6. - " " Emberiza schœniclus 11. - " " Erithacus rubecula 25. - " 20th. Fringilla montifringilla 1. - " 26th. Coccothraustes vulgaris 1 male. - Nov. 1st. Emberiza citrinella 1 male. - - † Determined at the Museum; not before found in Denmark. - -Since the completion of the Report a schedule has been received from -the Leman and Ower L.V. moored forty-eight miles E.N.E. of Cromer, on -the coast of Norfolk. From Feb. 11th to May 8th, Skylarks, Black Crows, -Rooks, Wild Ducks, Starlings, and Goldcrests, are recorded as going -in _westerly_ directions; a like anomalous direction was maintained -during the same period at the Outer Dowsing, Newarp, Cockle, and Llyn -Wells light-vessels by birds passing these stations. On May 8th a great -many Goldcrests came from the south at 11 a.m., and then went _west_. -Sept. 11th, great numbers of Goldcrests going from S.E. to W.; and -on Oct. 28th with Redbreasts and Wrens from S. to N.W. Between Oct. -27th and Nov. 1st two hundred and eight birds were killed or taken -on the vessel, including seven Grey Crows, Larks, Redbreasts, Wrens, -Goldcrests, Starlings, Sparrows, Chaffinches, and two Woodcocks; these -birds were travelling from S., S.E., and E. to N.W., N.N.W., and W. - -Wings from Galloper L.V. by Mr. Gurney. Oct. 10th, Tree Sparrow and -Chaffinch; 11th, Shore Lark; 13th, Great Tit; 27th, Chaffinch; 28th, -Blackstart (young male or old female?), Thrush; 30th, Meadow Pipit; -Nov. 3rd, Jack Snipe and Water Rail. - -On April 9th, 1884, I received from Mr. Gurney the wing of a Dabchick -(Little Grebe), which struck the lantern of the Hasbro' lighthouse at -11 p.m. on the night of March 30th. The force was so great that the -bird was split from the neck along the entire length of body; and on -April 8th a Hoopoe was killed against the North Hasbro' L.V., and the -head, wings, and legs sent to Mr. Gurney by Mr. B. V. Darnell, mate of -that vessel. A Hoopoe was also taken alive on April 10th, on board a -Grimsby smack when one hundred miles E.N.E. of the Spurn, wind blowing -strong from E., and had been for some days. - -At Heligoland, on the night from Aug. 6th to 7th, S.E., a considerable -flight of the Silver Gamma Moth, _Plusia gamma_, but nothing to be -compared with the perfect snow-storms of this moth which passed in -the autumn of 1882, all going west. On Oct. 11th, S.S.W., there was a -considerable flight of _Hybernia defoliaria_, the Mottled Umber Moth, -mixed with _Hybernia aurantiaria_, the scarce Umber; and also during -the nights of the last week in October repeated flights of these -moths. With reference to the great flight of _Plusia gamma_ in 1882, a -notice of which appeared in our last Report, 1882, p. 47, Mr. Charles -Williams, of the Hanois L.H., Guernsey, sends this note:--"Seeing Mr. -Gätke's remarks in your Report about the Gamma Moth, I beg to say that -they were here in June or July." - -At the Tees L.V., Nov. 18th, "a large Seal came quite close to vessel, -largest I've ever seen." As the Common Seal is well known at the mouth -of the Tees, this probably may have been the Grey Seal, _Halichœrus -gryphus_. - -From Flamborough comes the announcement that, on Feb. 18th, that rare -fish, the Ribbon or Oar-fish, _Regalecus banksii_, was found alive -amongst the rocks on the south side near the Head; it measured thirteen -feet three inches in length, sixteen inches in depth, and five and a -half inches in thickness; it was supposed to have been brought in by -the tremendous easterly swell of the last few days. It was purchased by -Mr. Whittaker, of Scarborough, for thirty pounds. - - -General Remarks. - -The observations taken on the East Coast of England in 1883 have been -such as to generally confirm the conclusions arrived at in previous -Report, having special reference to directions of flight and lines of -migration. - -The winter of 1883-84 has been exceptionally mild, and there has been -an almost entire absence of severe frosts and lasting snow-storms; -the prevailing winds in the autumn W. and S.W.--such as we know are -specially favourable for the passage of the North Sea by great flights -of birds, and their direct movement inland without alighting to rest -or recruit themselves in the east coast districts. Our land stations -report a great scarcity both of land and sea-birds; this has not, -however, been the case at sea stations--that is, light-vessels situated -off the coast at distances varying from five to fifty miles; here the -stream of migration, so far from showing any abatement, has flown -steadily on in a full tide, and, judging from the well-filled schedules -that have been returned, there appears to have been a decided increase -in the migrants passing these distant stations--due, perhaps, in some -measure to increased interest and improved observations. Mr. Wm. Stock, -of the Outer Dowsing L.V., remarks that he had never before seen so -many birds past that station. The rush also over Heligoland during the -autumn was enormous. Migration is more marked there than on the English -coast; there was a great movement of various species passing forward on -the 6th and 7th of August, and again on the 14th, and more pronounced -still on the 21st and 22nd. - -The first great rush of birds on the English coast was on Sept. 21st, -and two following days; and a similar great movement or rush is -indicated in Mr. Gätke's notes from his island outpost, as well as on -our more distant light-ships. The prevailing winds on the North Sea on -Sept. 21st were moderate north-easterly and easterly off the coasts -of Denmark and Holland, blowing strong easterly on to our northern -coasts north of the Humber, with southerly and south-westerly off the -southeast coasts, causing cross-currents over the North sea. Whatever -then was the impulse, atmospheric or otherwise, which induced such an -immense rush of various birds at this time, it was one which acted -alike, and with precisely the same impulse, on the Sea Eagle and tiny -Goldcrest. - -The second great rush was on the 12th and 13th of October, a similar -movement being recorded at Heligoland. Then again from the 27th to the -31st, and somewhat less through the first week in November, the passage -across Heligoland, as well as the rush on our east coast, was enormous. -Speaking of the nights from the 27th to 31st inclusive, Mr. Gätke says, -"This was the first move by the million; for four nights there has been -a gigantic feathery tide running." During this time there were variable -winds over the North Sea, but generally easterly and south-easterly on -the Continent; but strong west winds and squalls prevailing generally -on the 5th and 6th of November. With the outburst of some severe -weather during the first week in December a considerable local movement -is indicated along our coast from north to south, culminating in the -enormous rush of Snow Buntings into Lincolnshire about the end of the -first week in that month. A careful perusal of the Report will show how -generally the rushes across Heligoland correlate with those observed -on our east coast, although not always confined to the same species in -both localities. - -A somewhat remarkable and very anomalous movement of migrants is -recorded in the schedules from some of the light-vessels off the -Lincolnshire and Norfolk coasts in the spring of 1883. In February, -March, April, and May, birds passing the Leman and Ower, Llyn Wells, -Outer Dowsing, Newarp, and Cockle light-vessels were as a rule coming -from easterly and passing in westerly directions. Had this movement -been noticed at one station only we might perhaps have been inclined to -doubt the accuracy of the return, but the fact of five light-vessels -having no communication with each other reporting the same circumstance -proves the correctness of the observations. A summary of the spring -quarter at these stations shows:-- - -Outer Dowsing L.V., March 31st to May 18th, Sparrows, Chaffinches, -Wrens, Rooks, Larks, Tree Sparrows, Linnets, Titlarks, Bullfinches, -from E., S.E., E. by S., and N.E. to W, N.W., W.N.W., and W.S.W. - -Llyn Wells L.V., April 30th, various flocks of Crows to S.W. - -Newarp L.V., March 17th to April 15th, Crows on six days to W. - -Leman and Ower L.V., Feb. 18th to May 8th, Skylarks, Starlings, -Titlarks, Goldcrests, E. and E.S.E. to N.W. - -Cockle L.V., Feb. 22nd to March 31st, Black Crows, Ducks, Jackdaws, -Starlings, Larks, Lapwings, "Snow-birds" to W. On March 20th, 24th, and -26th, Black Crows or Rooks continuous from 5.50 a.m. to 11 a.m., E. -to W.; and on 31st also continuous from morning to night in the same -direction. - -All these entries show a great immigration to our coast from the east -in the spring months, and on precisely the same lines and directions as -are travelled by these birds in the autumn. - -An interesting feature of the autumn migration is the occurrence of -a flight of the Blue-throated Warbler, _Cyanecula suecica_; twelve -altogether were obtained, all being birds of the year, and nine of -these on the coast of Norfolk, besides about twenty others seen by -competent observers. - -Very few Goldcrests, compared with the enormous flights of the -previous autumn, have crossed, and the same scarcity is observable in -the Heligoland return. Curiously enough, the Hedgesparrow, _Accentor -modularis_, which migrated in such immense numbers in the same autumn, -has been almost entirely absent. About half a dozen are recorded at -Heligoland, none on the East Coast of England. - -The intermittent migration of some birds, as the Jay, Shore Lark, -Goldcrest, Hedgesparrow, Siskin, and Mealy Redpole, indicated by -their extraordinary abundance in some years, and partial or entire -absence in others, is perhaps suggestive of local causes influencing -and regulating their movements, such as a succession of favourable -breeding seasons, scarcity or failure of food, sudden meteorological -changes; these acting separately or in combination, would be sufficient -to compel the migration of large bodies of birds from centres or -localities, where, under normal conditions, they would either have -remained or some part only migrated. In this manner whole districts -may become denuded for a time of their feathered inhabitants, and the -balance become again rectified by a return movement in the spring, or -from the surplus supply bred in other districts. - -Of the enormous immigration which crosses our east coast in the autumn, -either to winter in these islands or passing across them, a small -proportion only appear to return by the same route. Spring returns -from lighthouses and light-vessels show birds then move on the same -lines as were followed in the autumn, but in the reverse direction. Yet -these return travellers do not represent anything like a tithe of the -immigrants which, week by week and month after month in the autumn, -pour in one great tide on to the coast. - -What is called the "first flight" of the Woodcock arrived on the -Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and Norfolk coasts on the night of Oct. 21st. -The "great flight" or rush, which covered the whole of the east coast -from the Farn Islands to Yarmouth, was on the nights of the 28th and -29th. These two periods correlate with the great flights of Woodcocks -over Heligoland. - -We are again indebted to Professor Ch. F. Lütken, of Copenhagen, for -a list of the birds killed or taken alive against the lantern of the -Stevns lighthouse, at the entrance of the Oresund, in Zealand. The list -is specially interesting, as it names so many of the Heligoland birds. -The occurrence of Locustella fluviatilis on Sept. 5th is the first -recorded example for Denmark. - -The Roller, _Coracias garrula_, occurred in October in two localities, -one in Lincolnshire, the other in Suffolk. Two examples of the Sooty -Shearwater, _Puffinus griseus_, were obtained in Bridlington Bay in -the end of September. Altogether there has been a very marked absence -along our east coast of rare and casual visitants; Heligoland, however, -retains its pre-eminence for rare wanderers, and Mr. Gätke's list for -1883 includes _Turdus varius_, _Pratincola rubicola_ var. _indicus_, -_Phylloscopus superciliosus_, _Hypolais pallida_, _Motacilla citriola_, -_Anthus cervinus_, _A. richardi_, _Oriolus galbula_, _Lanius major_, -_Muscicapa parva_, _Linota exilipes_, _Emberiza melanocephala_, _E. -cirlus_, _E. rustica_, _E. pusilla_, _Pastor roseus_, and _Xema -Sabinii_. - -_Note._--At page 47, under the head "_Coracias garrula_, Roller," -the locality of Bradwell is erroneously given in Norfolk, instead of -Suffolk (2½ miles S.W. of Great Yarmouth). Mr. Gurney writes that, on -June 6th, 1884, a Roller was shot at Gresham, near Cromer, and that -before this Norfolk has not produced one for about thirty years. - - - - -WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND. - - "And now, their route designed, their leaders chose, - Their tribes adjusted, clean'd their vigorous wings. - And many a circle, many a short essay, - Wheel'd round and round, in congregation full - The figur'd flight ascends, and riding high - The aërial billows, mixes with the clouds." - - Thomson. - - -Schedules were sent to thirty-four stations, as in previous years. We -have received filled schedules from seventeen stations. - -Generally the returns are very light, still lighter than last year. - -We have notes on about thirty-nine species of land birds from this -coast; about twenty species of water birds; and about eight species of -littoral species, or wading birds. - -The spring migration, for sake of uniformity with the East Coast, I -have kept separate. Weather notes are included in the General Remarks. - - List of Stations. - - '79 '80 '81 '82 '83 - * * * 81. Cape Wrath, Sutherland 400 ft. - * * * * 82. Rhu Stoir, " 195 " Wm. Wither - - Outer Hebrides. - - * * * * * 83. Butt of Lewis 170 " A. Thompson - * * * 84. Stornoway 56 " John Grierson - * * * 85. Island Glass 130 " - * * * * * 86. Monach Isles {150 "} J. Youngclause - { 62 "} - * * 87. Ushenish 176 " - * 88. Barra Head 683 " Wm. Irvine - - Mainland, Skye, and Inner Hebrides. - - 89. Rona, Skye 222 " - * * * * 90. Kyleakin, Rosshire 53 " D. M'Culloch - * * 91. Isle Ornsay, Skye 58 " - * * 92. Ardnamurchan Pt. Argyl. 180 " - {93. Hynish Signal Tower, } - * * * * * { Tyree } 150 " Wm. Crow - {94. Skerryvore, off Tyree } - * * * * * 95. Dhuheartach, S. of - Ross of Mull 145 " Jas. Ewing - * * * * * 96. Sound of Mull 55 " W. M'Lellan - 97. Corran Ferry, Loch Eil 38 " - * * * * 98. Lismore Island, Oban 103 " Alex. Murray - * * 99. Fladda, Easdale 42 " - * * * 100. Rhuvaal, Islay 147 " - * * * * 101. M'Arthur's Head, Islay 128 " W. Maill - * * * * * 102. Skervuile, Jura 73 " John Ewing - * * * * * 103. Rhinns of Islay 159 " Andrew Lyall - * * 104. Lochindaul 50 " - 105. Mull of Kintyre 297 " - 107. Devaar, Kintyre 120 " - 108. Pladda, Arran 130 " - * * 109. Lamlash, Arran 46 " David Waters - * * 110. Turnberry, Ayrshire 96 " - * * * * 111. Corsewall, Wigtonshire 112 " Robt. Laidlaw - * * * * * 112. Loch Ryan, " 46 " Ralph Ewing - * * * * * 113. Portpatrick, " 37 " James Begg - * * * * 114. Mull of Galloway " 325 " - * 115. Little Ross, Kircudbright 175 " - 116. - 117. - 118. - 119. [1880] - 120. - - - -General Remarks by Reporters. - -Mr. James Youngclause, Monach lighthouse, says:--"I am sorry to have -such a meagre report to send you, but birds have been awfully scarce -here for some years back, and I have sent you records of all that I -have seen." - -I am obliged to Mr. William Irvine for the first report I have received -from Barra Head, which, however, is a station which can hardly be -expected to give large returns, owing to its position and great height -above the sea. A daily record here for a few seasons of the movements -of Gannets and rock-birds might prove of considerable interest, such as -daily hours of going to and from their feeding-grounds. Such might be -found also interesting to fisherfolk. - -Mr. James Ewing, of Dhuheartach, says of the spring migration and the -long-continued east winds:--"A few Larks in March, and some Stonechats -in the first days of April, are all that we have seen of the spring -migration. I am convinced that a change of wind happening during the -migratory season tends more to lead the birds astray than strong -breezes. It will be interesting to note if there is any increase during -this autumn, as our light, which was red towards Mull, has been changed -to a white occulting light." - -By the autumn schedules migration appears to have quite ceased here by -date of Dec. 7th. - -Mr. W. M'Lellan speaks of the great scarcity of shore-birds, as -compared with other seasons. Where Curlews were seen daily in past -years only one was seen this year. Season very open and mild. - -Mr. Alex. Murray, Lismore, writes:--"During the last five nights of -October we had the largest number of birds that I have seen for a long -time, and especially Gold-crested Wrens; but since that time up to date -(8th Jan. 1884) there has been little of note." - -Mr. Andrew Lyall says, "Very few birds at Rhinns of Islay this season, -and not many striking." But the rush at end of October and beginning of -November was very marked. - -Mr. David Waters has few night records to chronicle, most of his -observations being made during the day. - -Mr. James Begg, Port Patrick, writes:--"Flocks of migrants very scarce -this winter. Great many sea-gulls flying inland and coming back to sea -daily. The Gannets commence to go south and return north in flight past -this station from March to September in great numbers." - -Mr. William Wither sends a light schedule from Storr Head, and speaks -of the general scarcity of birds there, but at a locality a little -more inland birds are plentiful in summer and autumn, and Mr. M'Ivor, -teacher there, has kindly offered to keep land-notes another year. - -Although so light at Dhuheartach, a considerable migration observed at -Skerryvore both in spring and autumn. On Oct. 30th (the date of the -universal rush of Thrushes, &c.) Mr. William Crow saw three Bullfinches -on the rock, wind S., fresh, and fog, and captured one of them with -little difficulty. "It appeared quite tame, I approaching it within -four feet. We placed a spare cage we had, with some linseed, within -six feet of it. The bird went in at once, and is still alive. It drank -fresh water to excess after being caught, and was ill all next day. It -revived afterwards, and is doing well." - -From Turnberry lighthouse there is no return, but Mr. Andrew writes, -birds were scarcer than usual. But as this is a station where there is -usually some migration discernible he hopes to send returns in future. -Like others of our reporters, he naturally complains of his difficulty -about the names of the birds; but if he will only enter such as he is -sure of, and send me the head and wings of others, or even the wings -alone, and by attaching a bit of cardboard and a number to them, and a -corresponding number in the schedule instead of a name, I could in most -cases be able to identify them.[27] - -[Footnote 27: A general request to this effect will be found in our -latest issue of Letters of Instruction.] - -From Cape Wrath lighthouse comes the following P.C.:--"There are no -land-birds at this station, with the exception of Grouse. The same -schedule will apply every year for the sea-birds, as they come and go -within a week of the same time. Eight years' experience." I may just -once more try to explain that it is exactly this week of difference -in time, one year with another, which the Committee desire to collect -statistics about as regards sea-fowl and rock-birds. - -Turdidæ.--The spring migration on the West Coast seems almost to have -escaped notice. At Stornoway Thrushes were heard on Feb. 19th and 20th, -and heard and seen on the 27th, but these may have been residents. - -The autumn migration, however, is almost as marked as on the East -Coast, the time and extent agreeing, though numerically, as might -be expected, not so great. Extent as follows:--Stornoway in the -north (light), Island Glass (indication), Monach (do.), Barra Head -(considerable), and on the mainland and Inner Hebrides from Kyleakin -(light), Skerryvore (distinct and considerable), Dhuheartach (light), -Sound of Mull (indication), M'Arthur's Head (a few), Rhinns of Islay.(a -few), Skervuile (a few), Lamlash (light), Corsewall (heavy), Loch Ryan -(considerable). The above remarks apply principally to Blackbirds and -Song Thrushes, but Fieldfares and "Mountain" Thrushes are once or twice -mentioned, and one Water Ouzel was caught at Skervuile on Sept. 13th. - -The time occupied was as follows:--Earliest record in autumn, Sept. -23rd, one Thrush on lantern at Lamlash; may have been local. Next, 1st -and 7th and 8th, a few scattered records at Barra Head, and between -Dhuheartach and Lismore. About Oct. 23rd greater numbers, but nothing -very remarkable till Oct. 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st, and Nov. 1st to 3rd -or 4th, when the rush took place. Movements continued up to end of -November, but not large numerically, and nothing more that could be -called a rush. A considerable number were killed at Skerryvore at the -height of the rush on 28th, 29th and 30th; eight Thrushes on first -date, thirty-six on 29th, and thirteen on 30th. Blackbirds and Thrushes -about in equal proportion of records, but Thrushes bulking largest -numerically. Species included are Song Thrush (max.). Blackbirds (large -numbers), Fieldfares, and one Dipper or Water Ouzel at Skervuile. -Thrushes of sorts quite absent during a rush of other species at -Kyleakin, and throughout the season. Five species. - -Saxicolinæ.--Wheatears.--In spring, appearance of a rush at Skerryvore -on April 20th and 21st, fifty seen during the day on former date and -twelve on latter; and on April 8th a single bird at Dhuheartach. A -great many at Skervuile on May 5th, and on 15th four seen at Butt of -Lewis. - -In autumn, extent, from Stornoway (Oct.), Skerryvore (Aug), Dhuheartach -(Sept. and Oct.), Lismore (Aug.). Redstarts.--Skervuile (Sept.), -Corsewall (Aug.). Earliest, Aug. 24th, at Skerryvore. Latest, Oct. -29th, at Dhuheartach. Rush of Redstarts all night at Lismore. The above -remarks apply in all cases to Wheatears (or so-called "Stonechats"), -except where otherwise specified. Numbers at Stornoway with Linnets in -Oct. Considered rare here by reporter. - -Prevailing winds in spring, E. through S.E. and S.S.E. to S., and -variable on April 8th at Dhuheartach. Two species. - -Silviinæ.--Robin.--No spring records. Autumn, Robin, Kyleakin; -Stornoway, isolated examples during December; Lismore, on Nov. 11th, -with Wrens and Linnets, and a few single records in September and -October; Dhuheartach, few; Lamlash and Corsewall, single records, and -Robins accompanying rush of other species on Aug. 28th and 29th. -At Kyleakin, Robins arrived on Nov. 15th and remained all winter. -Prevailing winds, W. and northerly, very rarely easterly or S.E. One -species. - -Phylloscopinæ.--Goldcrest.--No spring records. Autumn, slight -indications and single records as far north as Dhuheartach; one at -midnight on Nov. 7th, light W., haze. Then again at Lismore, Oct. 31st, -light S. airs, along with Larks; Skervuile, few, Nov. 1st, light S. -wind; Lamlash, one; Corsewall, great numbers, or rush, on Aug. 30th, -heralded by one single bird the day before. Loch Ryan, four on Oct. -30th. One species. - -Accentor.--Hedgesparrow.--A number seen in the garden at Lamlash on -Nov. 21st, during stormy weather. One species. - -Paridæ.--Two Titmice struck at Sound of Mull, in light W. breeze, not -killed, on Oct. 30th. One species. - -Troglodytinæ.--Spring, at Corsewall six struck, none killed, on 28th, -and five rested at same place on 29th; wind light E. and haze both -nights. - -In autumn a few records at Dhuheartach, Sound of Mull, M'Arthur's Head, -Lamlash, Corsewall, and Loch Ryan. Earliest, Oct. 3rd; latest, Nov. -30th; all single birds, or very light returns. Winds, N.W. or N.N.W., -except on Nov. 6th, at Lamlash, when wind was N.E. and weather fine. -One species. - -Motacillidæ.--In spring, at Kyleakin (earliest March 20th, when -two seen flying S.! light E., clear), Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, and -Skervuile. Latest at Kyleakin on May 17th, when two seen on garden -wall. Largest number, four, at Dhuheartach, rested on April 20th, and -flew towards Isle of Colonsay. Records relate always to "Wagtails." - -In autumn, at stations:--Barra Head (several had been there for a month -on Aug. 27th), Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, M'Arthur's Head (only record a -flock on Nov. 5th, with N.W. gale and sleet), Rhinns of Islay (first -and only record on Nov. 4th, a single bird, with W. gale), Lamlash -(three on Sept. 22nd, and two on Nov. 12th, the latest record, winds -westerly). One ? species. - -Anthidæ.--Single spring record, one Titlark, at Lamlash, rested on -lantern on May 2nd. - -In autumn, one at Skerryvore rested on rocks on Aug. 24th, light W., -haze, and _a number_ at Lamlash on Oct. 6th, and a few on 30th, being all -the records. One species. - -Hirundinidæ.--Spring records in April; earliest at Loch Ryan on -15th, when thirty arrived,--see autumn under September,--May, June; -latest June 15th, two flying S. at Kyleakin, or, if we take July, -three at Barra Head on 8th; remained all day, wind var. to S.E. by -evening. Greatest number of records in May. Stations:--Barra Head (Sand -Martins), Kyleakin, Skerryvore, Lismore, Rhinns of Islay, Lamlash, -and Corsewall. The following are first arrivals:--Barra Head (Sand -Martins), May 1st, two, fresh S.E., clear; Lamlash, May 1st; Corsewall, -May 2nd; Loch Ryan, April 15th. All records above apply to Chimney -Swallows, save in the two instances of Sand Martins. - -In autumn records light also on the whole coast. Dhuheartach, Lismore, -and Loch Ryan. Earliest, and rush, Aug. 19th, at Dhuheartach, large -flock of old and young flying S., and at Lismore, one seen flying S. On -Sept. 23rd twenty Swallows left Loch Ryan, and on 28th the remaining -ten (see spring, _supra_); winds westerly and N.W. Three species. - -Fringillidæ.--Spring:--At Butt of Lewis, four Tree Sparrows on April -14th, light S.W. wind; and Sparrows, a large flock flying south, light -E., haze. Also Sparrows at M'Arthur's Head, a number on May 12th. Of -Linnets, many after gale of April 17th, at M'Arthur's Head, a flock at -Lismore on June 21st, and one bird at Skerryvore on June 25th. A single -Goldfinch at Lismore, on 21st, with the Linnets. - -In autumn:--Earliest July 28th, a very large flock of Sparrows flying -S.E., at Butt of Lewis, and none again till Sept. 4th, when a number -of Linnets remained about till the 9th. Latest record Oct. 30th, -participated in rush of other species, but on Dec. 15th a rush of -"small birds" is recorded at several stations. Greatest numbers in -October, at Stornoway, Skerryvore (a Bullfinch, see light-keeper's -remarks, _antea_), Lismore (good many), M'Arthur's Head, Lamlash. It -is difficult to fix dates of rushes, but one great rush took place on -Sept. 15th, of Linnets and Sparrows at M'Arthur's Head, and indicated -at Lamlash by ten Linnets flying south. These notes are given of -Linnets and Grey Linnets, also on Oct. 30th, at Lismore, of Green and -Grey Linnets, a number at Priory Farm. Numerous instances of direction -of flight are given, usually "flying S." We have received considerably -more statistics this year of these important _directions of flight_. -We wish our reporters could distinguish between Common Linnets, Green -Linnets, and Twites or Mountain Linnets, always when possible. Linnets -have travelled in company with Wheatears at Stornoway, and with -Thrushes and Curlews (the latter several times). About seven species. - -Emberizidæ.--Snow Bunting. Very scanty records on W. coast. At -Stornoway one, first seen on Oct. 17th, and twenty on 18th. At Lismore -twenty on Oct. 22nd. At Rhinns of Islay one on Nov. 5th, and in -December no records, and in January a few at Butt of Lewis on 26th, and -strong W. and sleet. Prevailing winds W., strong to gales, but mod. N. -at Rhinns of Islay on Nov. 5th. One species. - -Alaudidæ.--Spring at Skerryvore, earliest Feb. 10th, four struck, two -killed, strong S.W.; and in March, at same place, on 10th, nine struck -and three were killed, fresh N. and showers. - -In autumn, at Dhuheartach, earliest on Sept. 10th, a few, and on 29th -three; wind N.N.E., clear. Also, furthest north, records at Butt of -Lewis, Stornoway, and so south by Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, Skervuile, -and Rhinns of Islay. Latest at Stornoway, small numbers on 24th. -Greatest movements in October at Butt of Lewis, on 11th, large numbers -flying south; and at Stornoway 19th, 20th, and 23rd; on latter date -with Thrushes and one Redbreast. Prevailing winds, northerly and -westerly. One species. - -Sturninæ.--Starlings feed all through the month of April at Butt of -Lewis. - -Autumn records scarce. Regular daily at Rhinns of Islay all August. -No records anywhere given in September. [We trust our reporters bear -in mind that we desire movements of even our commonest species, and -especially directions of flight.] In October a few records from Butt -of Lewis, two killed, but Mr. Thompson considers these part of the -residents; also at M'Arthur's Head and Lamlash. If any rush it was on -Oct. 30th, and also 29th, when it was noticed at Island Ghlais[28] -and at Rhinns of Islay; but the movement appears to have been -insignificant. I have a single record in November from Monach Island, -and one of a flock in December at Loch Ryan. One species. - -[Footnote 28: Ghlais or Glass: both spellings used.] - -Corvidæ.--Jackdaws, Crows, Black Grows, Grey Crows, Ravens, and one of -Magpie, the latter at Kyleakin, marked "very rare," on Jan. 7th, flying -S.E. Stations are Skerryvore, Dhuheartach in spring; and Rhu Stoir, -where Crows (are these Rooks or Carrion Crows?) feed every day till -31st (I suspect these are local Rooks from Cama Loch, but would like -to know for certain). Only some ten records in all--February, March, -April, May, June; and August, September, October (Ravens at Kyleakin), -November (Jackdaws at Sound of Mull, about 200 flying N. very high, -mod. breeze, sleet, showers). December 27th, two Ravens, flying W.; -light E., clear. Six species. - -Cypselidæ.--Three May records, all at Dhuheartach. Single birds on 22nd -and 23rd, flying E., with light S.E., clear; and on 24th, one flying -E., with W.N.W., and one found dead on rocks. One species. - -Cuculidæ.--Cuckoo records in spring, from-- - - Stornoway, first heard on May 2nd; N.E. breeze. - - Skerryvore, first heard at Land Station, Tyree, on June 1st. - - M'Arthur's Head, first on May 17th; light wind, clear. - - Rhinns of Islay, May 24th; fresh W., haze. - - Corsewall, May 6th, and Loch Ryan on May 2nd; light N.E., clear, - and rain. - -_Note._--During the first week in May there appears to have been an -indication of a migration of other species. - -The only autumn record is of one found dead at Rhinns of Islay on Sept. -1st. One species. - -Strigidæ.--Only one record on April 27th at Dhuheartach, where one -rested on rock at ten a.m.; light N.W. wind, and haze. One species. - -Falconidæ.--A Falcon flying N., at Kyleakin, in February; a Hawk at -Dhuheartach, flying round on 19th April, where in autumn they make -daily visits, and even in some seasons all the year round. In September -one Hawk remained a week here, resting on the balcony at night, and -feeding on small birds in the day. A Falcon seen at Butt of Lewis on -Sept. 1st, and a Sparrow Hawk at Skerryvore on Sept. 1st, flying E. Two -records in October and one in December--a Falcon flying W.; light N.W. -airs. About three species. - -Pelecanidæ.--In uniformity with East coast, records of Gannets, -chronologically under each station, beginning in the north, so far -as records permit. The stations recording in 1883 are Butt of Lewis -(82), Rhu Stoir (83), Stornoway (84), Barra Head (88), Kyleakin (90), -Dhuheartach (95), Lismore (98), M'Arthur's Head (101), Skervuile -(102), and Lamlash (109). (N.B. The Committee would be obliged for -chronological returns, giving always directions of flight, from any -other stations, of Gannets and Rock birds):-- - - 82. July 25th, began flying north in some numbers to Aug, 10th; - fresh N. - - 83. March 15th, seen daily in great numbers, noted at 83, up to - March 31st, but no directions of flight given, which we would - like to have always. - - 84. In August, reported as unusually scarce this season, but no - definite records given nor directions of flight, or if fishing - or not. - - 88. Under date of September 1st, the remark "a few fishing every - day." - - 90. On June 20th flocks all day, flying east. Was this the only day - on which Gannets were seen here? - - 95. Dec. 7th, two seen; only record given; no direction of flight; - wind light N.W., clear. - - 98. May 14th, "Solan Geese"; fresh, S. breeze, showery. June 22nd, - "Solan Geese" flying south; var. light, clear. Aug. 16th, two, - flying south; fresh N.W., clear. - - 101. April, a few daily seeking food. - - 102. March 21st, "Gannets seen;" E.S.E., light breeze. May 9th, - "Solan Geese" seen; fresh E. July 16th, "Solans;" fresh N.W., - clear. July 24th, "Solans;" N.N.W., clear. July 25th, "Solans;" - N.N.W., clear. - - 109. Feb. 5th, the first seen for some months. One species. - -Ardeidæ.--Only one record of Herons at Monach Island, where five were -seen on the outlying rocks on Nov. 25th, strong E. wind; and the remark -"seen daily all the year round at Kyleakin." One species. - -Anatidæ; Anserinæ (Geese).--I think we should endeavour to tabulate -also the movements of different species of Wild Geese; but as the -records are a little confusing, I find we must do so under one, or -at mast two headings, the occurrences of which are most frequently -recorded under these designations. - -Some four species (namely Bean, Pink-footed, Greylag--rarest -migrant--and White-fronted) may be included in the following, reported -as "Wild Grey Geese," "Geese," "Grey Geese," "Wild Geese," by the -various reporters. - -The stations returning these are:--Rhu Stoir (82), Butt of Lewis (83), -Monach (86), Kyleakin (90), Lismore (98), Lamlash (109), and Corsewall -(111). - - 82. "Wild Geese," April 14th, three; light S., haze and rain. - - 83. "Wild Geese," Sept. 19th, large flock, flying W., past the - lighthouse, and then turning S.W.; westerly gale and showers. - - 86. "Wild Grey Geese," Nov. 10th, twenty, flying round; light S.E. - - 90. "Geese," Sept. 19th, four, flying S.W.; light E. - - 98. "Grey Geese," Nov. 1st, five, flying S.; light S., haze. - - 109. "Grey Geese," April 27th, forty, flying N., light S., haze. - April 28th, fifty, flying N. Oct. 7th, three, flying S., N.W., - fine. Nov. 1st, twenty, flying E., light E., haze. - - 111. "Wild Geese," Nov. 13th, twenty, flying E., light E., haze. - Nov. 14th, thirty, flying E. - -Barnacle Goose seen at following stations:--Barra Head (88), Kyleakin -(90). - - 88. April 25th, 100, "flying over;" light N.E., clear. May 1st, - 150, fresh N.E., clear. Sept. 22nd, about thirty arrived, light - S.W., haze and rain. Nov. 10th, about fifty seen flying S., var. - W., showers. - - 90. Nov. 30th, seven flying S.W. ("first I have seen here"), light - N.W., clear. Five species of Geese. - -Eider Ducks, _ut sup._ 82, 95, 103. - - 82. May 26th, six, passing N., light S.W., clear. June 30th, - sixteen, passing N., light E., var. - - 95. Oct. 12th, one, first seen this season. Oct. 15th, six, fishing - round rock. November, forty (twenty males and twenty females), - fishing round rock, light N.W., clear. - -Wild Duck, only at 83, 88, 90. - - 83. March 21st, two males and two females, killed at lantern; - slight S.E., haze. - - 88. Sept. 21st, twenty, flying W., light E., haze. - - 90. Sept. 19th, four, flying S.W., light E. - -Eider Ducks at Rhu Stoir, Dhuheartach, and Rhinns of Islay. Three at -first named locality on April 14th; light S., haze and rain. Six on May -26th; strong S.W., passing north. Sixteen on June 30th, passing north, -with light var., and clear. Then at Dhuheartach, the first seen this -season was on Oct. 12th, in autumn migration, and at Rhinns of Islay, -three seen during a S.W. gale. At Dhuheartach again, twenty males and -twenty females, seen fishing round the rock, during strong W.N.W. wind, -and clear on Dec. 7th. Two species. - -Columbidæ.--A large flock of Rock Doves is resident at Butt of Lewis, -and is seen daily flying inland to feed. At Kyleakin a Woodpigeon was -seen flying S.E. at noon on Dec. 15th, with light W. wind, and clear; -at same station, on 23rd, four Rock Doves flying south, wind light -W.S.W.; and at same place two more flying south, with E.S.E. and haze, -on Jan. 2nd. One species. - -Rallinæ.--Corn Crake.--At Stornoway, first heard on May 2nd. At Barra -Head, one seen on July 1st, var., S.E., and fog. At Kyleakin, first -heard on May 16th, S., clear. At Rhinns of Islay, one found dead on May -23rd, light W., haze. One species. - -Charadriadæ.--Spring. Oystercatchers are resident all the year at Cape -Wrath. At Barra Head, three pairs arrived on April 10th. At M'Arthur's -Head they were present all April. - -In autumn oyster catchers appeared in flocks, along with the rush of -land migrants, about Aug. 23rd, at Stornoway, at which place they are -generally seen all September. - -Golden Plover records quite absent for 1883. - -Lapwing.--Spring record at Rhu Stoir, two seen on April 4th. In autumn, -at Kyleakin, ninety were counted flying S.E., and crying loudly, with -N.W. wind and haze, on Aug. 15th. Eight more on 23rd, flying east, wind -S.E., and haze; and at Lamlash, a single bird rested on the Island on -Aug. 13th. At Barra Head, seventeen were seen at two p.m., light east -wind, and haze (direction of flight not given), on Sept. 21st; one -record there also in October. At Loch Ryan, a flock flying S.E., on -Nov. 15th, S.E. wind; and at Dhuheartach, where migration appeared to -cease on Dec. 29th, the last migrant seen was a Lapwing, resting on the -Lantern on that date. At Kyleakin seven were seen flying S.W. on Jan. -4th, 1884. Two species. - -Scolopacidæ.--Woodcock, Snipe, Curlew, Whimbrel. No records of Woodcock -till October. Then a few at Monach Island, Dhuheartach, Lismore, and -Loch Ryan; and in November, at Kyleakin and Lismore. Single entries -on 16th at Kyleakin, and 5th at Lismore. Two killed at Monach on Oct. -29th, one killed at Dhuheartach on 31st, and three on 29th, at Lismore; -and one on 31st, at Loch Ryan, showing a general movement at these -dates. - -Snipe were even scarcer; earliest Oct. 22nd, at Monach, and occurring -on the same dates as Woodcock, or nearly. - -Curlew.--Numerous records at most of the stations, dating from Feb. -5th, at Rhuvaal, on to November. An appearance of a rush northwards on -May between 14th and 16th, when flocks seen flying north at Rhinns of -Islay; also on 16th, at Lismore, during the day. Records also at Loch -Ryan, Skerryvore, &c. - -In autumn, at Stornoway, Monach, Barra Head, and most stations indeed; -earliest, July 25th, at Skerryvore, when five Curlews seen flying N.E., -on to Nov. 16th, at Sound of Mull. Between Sept. 16th and 30th, at -Stornoway, seen every day on the shore, and large numbers on the 30th. - -There is only one record of Whimbrel under the name "The Small Curlew," -when two were seen at Skerryvore flying about the rocks. I wish we -could more exactly trace the lines of migration of the Whimbrel, or -"May fowl" of the Hebrides, in both spring and autumn (see remarks -of Mr. D. Gray in the Atlantic, _antea_). No records of Redshanks or -Sandpipers. Four species. - -Laridæ; Sterninæ.--Arrivals in spring recorded as follows:--At Rhu -Stoir, three Terns on May 10th; light N. breeze. At Stornoway, Terns -"arrived as usual about this time," and left in August. At Skervuile, -arrived on 14th, and more seen on 16th. The first came with a fresh S. -breeze and rain. At Corsewall first observed was on May 11th. - -In autumn. Terns, as already stated, left Stornoway in August, but -"about ten days later than usual." The last seen at Skervuile was on -Sept. 6th. At Sound of Mull, on Sept. 30th, a flock rested for two -hours, and then flew away S.E., composed of old and young together. -Moderate wind. - -An utter absence of records of any Gulls, Skuas, "Boatswains," or any -other Laridæ. One or two species? - -Procellariidæ.--One record of Storm Petrel at Lismore, where it is -accounted very rare, on Oct. 3rd, when one was killed; strong N.W. -wind, and haze. One species. - -Alcidæ.--At various stations taken notice of as follows:--At Barra -Head, a few seen on Feb. 4th; fresh S.W., banks of fog. No records in -April. "Marrots" and "Razorbills." At Barra Head, numbers seen of same, -and Puffins, on April 27th; light S.E. wind. A few Puffins seen on May -1st; and fresh N.E. A great many more on May 2nd; fresh N.E. At Butt of -Lewis, first Razorbills seen on April 25th. - -In autumn, Marrots leave Barra Head Aug. 12th, along with the bulk of -Razorbills, but Puffins not till Aug. 25th. Marrots and Razorbills -left with fresh E. wind. Puffins left in fresh S. wind. - -Cormorants arrived about same time as Razorbills and Aleidæ, but remain -about six weeks later at Butt of Lewis; and at Kyleakin there is record -of a flock of twenty-eight flying W. on 13th, with S.W. breeze. Four -species. - -Colymbidæ.--On June 10th one great N. Diver seen swimming near -Lighthouse, at Kyleakin, moving N. (but this movement may be due to set -of the tide only, hour not given, J. A. H. B.). In autumn, at Sound -of Mull, a G. N. D., passing S., var., light breezes. At Lismore, one -flying south; stormy W., rain, on Oct. 17th. At Sound of Mull, two -passing south, at noon; light airs. If the movement is only local -and due to tides, this should be mentioned in schedules, and the -words "drifting with tide," or "swimming with tide," used instead of -"passing." They are not likely to swim against the tide, but if this -phenomenon is observed it should be recorded. One species. - - -Weather Notes for General Remarks on Spring Migration, 1883. - -Fearful snow-storm over the north of Shetland on March 17th, and N.E. -gales and snow prevailed from March 5th to 24th; E. and N.E. and N. -winds prevailed all over Scotland with gales, notably on March 6th and -17th; from 6th to 24th slight changes to S.E., but of short duration; -on 25th (Sunday) wind S.W. strong to gale and rain, the first rain -since February, but only lasted half a day; wind backed again to N.E. -In Orkney the sea rose suddenly very high on the E. coast on March -21st; very cold and fine on 22nd, wind light S.W. "Large quantities -of Cormorants, Razorbills, and Shags, &c., are coming ashore along -the E. coast of Orkney." Deaths supposed to be from scarcity of food, -_viz._, coal-fish; and great damage done to rabbits by Hawks, in some -cases nearly exterminating them (daily papers of March 23rd, 1883). At -Dunipace 12° of frost on night of March 27th. Fearful gale at 9 a.m. on -March 30th, bar. at 28′ 9″; gale all night from S.W., bar. rising all -day; again till 9 p.m. to 29′ 6″, wind S.W. at 10 p.m.; again at 30′ -2″. S. gale at Isle of May on March 29th and 30th. - -As already mentioned in our General Remarks on 1882 Report (Fourth -Report, 1882, p. 67) the effects of these gales and N.E. winds in -spring of 1883 was almost to stop migration at Isle of May, which -migration had "set in pretty briskly" on March 2nd, and almost ceased -on the 5th. From the latter date only a few "stragglers of the -strongest wings" up to the 19th; while a great concourse of Wagtails -was observed inland in Edinburgh (see report as above quoted); few were -seen at Isle of May till the 30th, when five came with S. gale (_op. -cit._, p. 68). - -The general migration was much weaker in numbers this season in spring, -and this is doubtless owing to the prevalence of strong S.E. gales and -winds at the time of migration, moderate S.E. or easterly winds being -preferred. Still there were considerable rushes at the more favourable -localities for observation especially of Thrushes and other _Turdidæ_. - -The anomalous migration recorded by Mr. Cordeaux on to part of the -English coast between Feb. 18th and May 18th,[29] with strong E. and -S.E. winds, changing occasionally by N.E. to W. and N.W., is somewhat -difficult of explanation, unless we could correlate data from the -opposite coasts at the same dates in spring of 1883; but the fact -stated by me that migration began briskly at Isle of May on March 2nd -and almost ceased by the 5th may indicate that the migration thus -retarded by adverse winds, or altered in direction thereby, passed N. -by more inland routes, avoiding the Scottish coast-line, and hugging -every sheltering hollow of land. Blown across the North Sea at the -more southerly stations, they then crept northwards silently and more -inland. Being all adult birds, and having crossed the North Sea not at -the widest part if they came with a S.E. wind, less exhaustion would -occur, and thus, passing inland, they would escape notice near the -coast. - -[Footnote 29: See p. 60 of this Report.] - -Before we can speak with much certainty as to the progress of spring -migrations into the further districts influenced by them, we require -more full and continuous data from Faroe and Iceland. Still, the -earliest appearance noted in Iceland of the Redwing, _Turdus iliacus_, -on April 7th, 1882, should be noted as a possible means of comparison -in that year with the returns from our own coasts. Data from our West -Coast of Scotland help us little in 1883 in spring, and even less so -in 1882, as regards _Turdidæ_. Wheatears again, in 1882, are noted not -before April 24th, and on West Coast of Scotland the migration, though -but scantily observed, began on March 9th and terminated as late as May -17th (see 1882 Report, p. 57). - -The autumn migration of 1883 was pronounced, and confined principally -to end of October and November, of _Turdidæ_, _Cinclidæ_ (one of which, -seen at Isle of May, was afterwards described to me as having no brown -between the black and white of the breast); also of Snow Buntings, -Sky Larks, Robins (small numbers), Linnets, Chaffinches, Starlings, -culminating in a grand rush past of the bulk between Oct. 28th or -30th and Nov. 3rd. The heaviest rush, observed at the time of a south -wind, as compared with other years, at Isle of May, was on Oct. 13th -and 14th, a S.E. wind, according to Mr. Agnew, being usually more -favourable at that point. This October to November rush is undoubtedly -the principal feature of our returns over the whole country. Of the -expansion of the fan or wave our returns from both E. and W. coasts -give a very fair indication. It seems likely that, although most -land-stations have not returned very heavily-laden schedules,--not to -compare, for instance, with 1882,--yet, as noticed by Mr. Cordeaux, -quite as many, if not more, birds were observed at the light-ships; -that the reason for this may be found in the normal and favourable -direction of the winds prevailing in the North Sea at the time of -autumn migration, resulting in greater numbers of birds passing inland -without resting, and being thus less liable to come under observation, -except at specially suitable stations. And, if we / compare the -schedules of 1883 and those of 1882 on the West Coast of Scotland we -find that, while larger numbers are recorded at the more northerly -stations in 1883 than in 1882, there is a lighter return at more -southerly stations in the autumn of 1883 than there was in the autumn -of 1882. Thus to no inconsiderable degree the order of the statistics -of two years is reversed. It would almost appear in this way that when -a "spread fan" reaches our E. coast with S.E. winds--reaching, as it -did in 1882, from Faroe S. to the English Channel--the birds, being -tired and worn out, promptly seek shelter, and then, when rested, -pursue their migration on more southerly lines, and do not reach so -far west, except such as fail to catch up the land, and are driven -forward helplessly. This would cause comparative desertion of the more -northerly stations of the W. coast and Outer Hebrides, as in 1882. -But on the other hand, when a "closed fan" reaches our E. coast with -prevailing westerly and north-westerly winds, and, having much less -expansion to the northward, as in 1883, as regards the E. coast, it -seems that birds arriving, less exhausted with the winds best suited -for their successful passage, pass on inland, the same lines of flight -being persevered in, and thus reach further north upon the West Coast -of Scotland. - -Thus the Goldcrest, in 1883, reached as far north as Dhuheartach and -Lismore in some numbers; but in 1882, when they came in such vast -hordes to our east coast, we had no records north of Rhinns of Islay, -and none others until we found them in "great numbers" at stations -south of the Firth of Clyde. - -Rushes took place on August 16th at Isle of May, and again on 22nd, -with easterly wind and fog, principally of Wheatears, culminating -on night of Sept. 2nd-3rd, and being accompanied by Redstarts, -Chiffchaffs, Robins, Sedge Warblers, Wood Warblers, and Golden and -Grey Plovers; Thrushes apparently totally absent. A single adult -Blue-throated Warbler, with bright blue breast, was observed at Isle -of May. The rush was on Sept. 4th, at Pentland Skerries, with strong -N. wind. Another rush, about Sept. 15th, of Willow Warblers and -Chiffchaffs; and, on 22nd, of Robins, accompanied by a single recorded -Goldcrest. A rush of the latter took place on Oct. 10th at Isle of May. -Common Wrens, not in large numbers, also migrated on Sept. 22nd and -23rd. - -Another feature of the 1883 Report is the abundance of Finches, which -usually travel with the Thrushes, but whose migration appears to be -extended over a longer period of time than that of the Thrushes in 1883. - -It will be gathered from the Report that the dates of rushes on our -E. Scottish coasts were slightly later than those on the E. English -coast, averaging from twenty-four to thirty hours by the schedules, and -that the migration past the more northerly stations of Scotland were -in proportion later than in the south. And also that the dates of the -heaviest rushes on the E. coast agree fairly well with the dates of the -W. coast. - -While closing our 1883 Report it is perhaps desirable to call attention -to the very great spring migration of Woodcocks, which appears to have -crossed Scotland between Clyde and Forth on March 9th, 10th, 11th, -and 12th, 1884. On the 10th our covers here (Dunipace) were full of -Woodcock. Torwood also held large numbers on 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th; -at Glenbervie, close to this, also unusual numbers were observed. From -the Ayrshire coast they are reported numerous, but not more so than -usual at this season, indicating that the Ayrshire coast, or properties -along the coast, are usually visited in the spring migration. At -Fassaroe, Bray, Co. Wicklow, Mr. Barrington made enquiries, but no -extraordinary numbers have been noted there. At Islay Mr. Ballingall -reports unusual numbers about the time mentioned. - -At Ross Priory, east side of Loch Lomond, a good many were observed, -there being snow on the ground at the time; but at Arden, on the west -side, and almost immediately opposite, no additions were observed. At -Aberfoyle and neighbourhood very large numbers were observed. In East -Kilbryde Parish, to the south of Forth and Clyde isthmus, two were -seen at a locality where none were ever seen before. At Callander no -unusual number was noticed, a good many appearing here at this season, -which is usually called "The Return of the Woodcocks." Mr. Robert -Ferguson, on the 11th, flushed eight within a mile-radius, "a most -unusual circumstance here,"--at Whitehill, Rosewell, Midlothian,--and -large numbers were observed near Innerleithen in Holylee Woods and -vicinity. To the east of this county no numbers of any consequence -were noted at Tulliallan or West Grange, in Fife.[30] All the birds -seen by myself were small red Scandinavian birds, which I consider -are quite unmistakable and distinct from home-bred birds. One with an -injured muscle under the wing was brought into the house,--also a red -bird,--which was found alive in a ditch close to. - -[Footnote 30: Subsequently I received a note from Mr. Seton Thomson, -of Kinnaird House, Stirlingshire, to the effect that the gamekeeper, -on March 1st, on taking a bee-line to Airth, two and a half miles -over moss-land (Airth is on the Stirlingshire side of the Firth of -Forth, where about three hundred yards of water separate it from -Tulliallan) put up half a dozen Woodcocks in a place where Woodcocks -are very rarely seen. Many also were seen about the garden at Kinnaird -House; these were observed not to be the usual Woodcocks, but a much -redder-looking bird. There appears to have been a great flight of -Woodcocks at Aberfoyle about March 15th. Mr. R. Ker's keeper flushed -five in about two square yards, and kept putting them up all over. Two -were seen also at Crutherland, by East Kilbryde, on the 12th, where a -Woodcock was never seen before.] - -I would like further to have ascertained the boundaries within which -this migration was observed; how far to the north and how far to the -south of the catchment Basin of Forth it extended. Here I can do little -more than direct attention to the facts, so far as known to me. But -it seems evident that, though so abundantly observed at Airth and -Kinnaird, scarcely any increase was noticeable just across the Forth -at Tulliallan or West Grange, or in Fife; and though numerous at Ross -Priory and Loch Lomond on the east side, no increase was observed at -Arden and the west side of the loch. When the birds "lifted" from -Kinnaird and Airth, their next probable resting place would be Norway -or the continental coast, possibly Heligoland, as no notice is taken -of them in the 1884 spring returns from Isle of May or Bell Rock. Nor -does there appear to have been any corresponding movement through the -Pentland Firth. - - - -I should like in this place to record the occurrence of the Black -Redstart in the following form. It is previously recorded by me in the -Proc. Royal Physical Society, Edinb. of April 23rd, 1884:-- - - +-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+ - | Date. | 1884. Mar. 31. | - +-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+ - | Locality. | Pentland Skerries. | - +-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+ - | Species. | _Ruticilla titys_ (Scop.). | - +-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+ - | Age--Adult or Young. | Ad. | - +-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+ - | Sex. | ♂ | - +-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+ - | Alone, or | -- | - +-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+ - | with others, | X | - +-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+ - | of its own, | -- | - +-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+ - | or other Species.* | X | - +-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+ - | Direction of Wind, | S.E. | - +-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+ - | and Strength. | Strong. | - +-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+ - | Prevailing Wind for past Few Days.| S. & S.E. | - +-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+ - | Weather. | Clear on 28th. Fog on 31st. | - +-----------------------------------+--------------------------------+ - | =Remarks.= | - | | - |* If with other species, name them here:--1 Robin, Sandpipers, | - | 1 Yellow Bunting, 1 Chaffinch, "Stonechats" (_i.e._, Wheatears),| - | 1 G. C. Wren, 1 Common Thrush. | - +--------------------------------------------------------------------+ - - - - -IRISH COAST. - - -In the spring of 1883 schedules were forwarded to forty-two stations, -Arklow North Light-ship having been added to those of the previous -year. Twenty-five replied. - -In the autumn only thirty-five schedules were sent out, seven having -been omitted, _i.e._, Mine Head, Wicklow Head, Lough Swilly, Eagle -Island East, Slyne Head South, Loop Head, and Samphire Island. -Thirty-four were returned, one station sending no answer. - -A decided improvement in filling the schedules occurred in the autumn, -the observations of some light-keepers extending over three or even -four schedules. The labour of arranging the materials for this report -and placing the entries under the head of each species has consequently -been much increased. - -In addition to the schedules the light-keepers at Coningbeg light-ship, -Tuskar Rock, Rathlin Island, Killybegs, Tearaght, and Skelligs have -forwarded lists of all the birds they have observed, whether migrating -or otherwise. There is an evident disposition on the part of all to -help us as far as possible in this enquiry. The light stations are -arranged geographically--beginning at the Fastnet, in Cork, and going' -round by the east to the west coast. - -The number of migrants passing in the autumn seems to have been greater -than usual. A great rush of Thrushes (including probably Redwings), -Blackbirds, and Starlings, took place at our south eastern and southern -stations between Oct. 25th and Nov. 2nd--notably at the Tuskar, on -the Wexford coast, which is the best Irish station. Smaller rushes of -these and other birds are also recorded, but it is premature at present -to analyse the movements of each species or the dates on which they -occurred. After a few years conclusions will be far more satisfactory. - -The great majority of birds are killed striking on foggy, misty, or -dark nights, and it is perhaps not impossible for a great migration -to take place, and pass almost unrecorded if the night be fine and -bright. Whenever a bird has been killed striking, it is so stated, and -not left to be understood. - -The bulk of the migrants appear to arrive on our south eastern coast, -except such birds as the Barnacle Goose and Snow Bunting, which are -mainly recorded from the north western stations, being rarely entered -in the schedules from the east or south coasts. - -An interesting feature this year is the occurrence of several examples -of the Greenland Falcon on the west coast. - -The winter of 1883-4 was exceptionally mild, and the entries due to -local migration from frost and hard weather are probably few. - -Many entries no doubt refer to birds not migrating at all, but none -have been omitted, as it is difficult to know where to draw the line. -It is desirable, however, that the light-keepers should state whether -the bird is believed to be migrating or merely moving about the -district from local causes. - -In the schedules for next year a special column for the direction -of flight has been added. This we think quite as important as the -direction of the wind. Birds seem rarely to fly directly with the wind. -Attention is drawn to this point in order to have it confirmed or -otherwise. - -In order to diminish the errors in the identification of species the -light-keepers have been instructed to forward, when possible, a leg and -wing of every bird about which they are doubtful, and we trust they -will do so. - -Some entries seem very improbable, and others are isolated and -apparently valueless. When records accumulate, both may prove useful. - -In addition to the little Skellig Rock--off the coast of Kerry--the -Gannet also breeds on the Bull Rock fifteen miles further south, and a -few are also reported as breeding in the Cow Rock quite close to it. - -No matter what results are arrived at from this enquiry, it is -satisfactory to be in correspondence with a number of observers on -isolated points all around the coast. - -The information supplied, if corroborated during several years by -different light-keepers, cannot but be valuable, and we wish to impress -on them the necessity of continuing to assist in this investigation. - -To all the light-keepers who have given their time and attention to the -subject we return our sincere thanks, especially as their assistance is -voluntary and given solely for the advancement of knowledge. - -Mr. Armstrong, Secretary to the Irish Lights Board, and Captain Boxer, -R.N., Inspector of Irish Lights, have helped us in many ways by their -advice and co-operation. The Commissioners of Irish Lights have given -us every facility, and also material support by subscribing for forty -copies of the report and distributing them among the light-keepers. - - Alexander G. More. - Richard M. Barrington. - - - List of Light-stations. - - Miles - from - Sp. Au. shore. Names of Observers. - 1. Fastnet, Co. Cork o x 8 James Walsh. - 2. Galley Head, Cork x x -- John Whelan and - John Kelly. - 3. Old Head, Kinsale, Cork x x -- Martin Kennedy. - 4. Mine Head, Waterford o * -- - 5. Dungarvan, Waterford o x -- Wm. Higginbotham. - 5.*Coningbeg Lt.-ship, Wexford x x 10 Patrick Cullen. - 6. Barrels Rock Lt.-ship, do. x x 4 Michael Doyle. - 7. Tuskar Rock Lt.-ship, do. x x 7 Richard Hamilton. - 8. Arklow Sth. Lt.-ship, Wicklow x x 7 Patrick Clancy. - 8.*Arklow North Lt.-ship, do. x x 8 William Daly. - 10. Kish Bank Lt.-ship, Dublin x x 7 Michael Cunniam and - John Pinston. - 11. Howth Baily, Dublin o o -- - 12. Rockabill, Dublin x x 5 Joseph Hammond. - 13. Copeland Island, Down x x 3 John Walsh. - 14. Maidens, Antrim x x 5 Patrick Keenan and - Michael Barry. - 15. Rathlin, Antrim x x 6 John A. Murray. - 16. Innishtrahull, Donegal x x 6 W. H. James. - 17. Dunree Head, Donegal o x -- John Stapleton. - 18. Lough Swilly, Donegal x * -- Henry Redmond. - 19. Tory Island, Donegal o x 9 Thomas Sweeny. - 20. Arranmore, Donegal x x 5 Henry Williams. - 21. Rathlin O'Birne, Donegal x x 2 Joseph Hill and - John Scallan. - 22. Killybegs, Donegal x x -- Daniel Hawkins. - 23. Oyster Island, N. Sligo x x 1 John Young and - Joseph Hill. - 24. Broadhaven, Mayo o x -- Patrick Keenan. - 25. Eagle Island, E., Mayo x * 2 Henry Stocker. - 26. Eagle Island, W., Mayo o x 2 Matthew Healy. - 27. Blackrock, Mayo o x 9 John Redmond and - John Young. - 28. Blacksod Point, Mayo o x -- Robt. W. Redmond. - 29. Clare Island, Mayo x x 4 G. H. Brownell. - 30. Slyne Head, N., Galway x x 3 Robert Tyrrell. - 31. Slyne Head, S., Galway o * 3 - 32. Arran Island, N., Galway o x 9 Thomas Fortune. - 33. Straw Island, Galway x x 9 Charles Boyle. - 34. Arran Island, S., Galway x x 6 John O'Donnell. - 36. Samphire Island, Kerry o * ½ - 37. Tearaght, Kerry x x 9 Edward McCarron. - 38. Valentia, Kerry o x -- Joseph Williams. - 39. Skelligs, Kerry o x 9 Thomas Kerley. - 40. Dursey Island, Cork x x ½ James Keenan. - - _Abbreviations:_ - - Sp. = Spring. Au = Autumn. - o = No reply. x = Schedule returned partly or wholly filled. - * = No schedule sent to this station. - - -General Remarks of Light-Keepers. - -_Fastnet._--"Autumn: On the night of Nov. 2nd, the weather being hazy, -there was a quantity of all species of birds came from the N.E., and -several of them were killed by striking the lantern; but what was most -remarkable was the quantity of large Moths, which I could compare -to nothing but a heavy fall of snow, they were so numerous. In bad -weather a few Seals frequent the rock, and a quantity of Gulls and -Sea Parrots--the latter I have frequently seen killed and eaten by -the Royal Gull. The Gannet is here all the year. No birds breed. On -Nov. 2nd, from one a.m. to seven a.m., there were killed by striking -the lantern twenty-two Thrushes, eleven Blackbirds, four Woodcocks, -seventeen Starlings, eight Linnets, five Larks, and seven Robins. Wind -S.E., light, hazy."--James Walsh. - -_Galley Head._--"Spring: The flight of the Gannet and Puffin is always -to the west here. I have many times thought they must pass east by some -other route. The Grey-backed Crow and Common Crow are seen all the -year round. The Wagtail, Stonechat, and other small birds have almost -disappeared this year. The Cuckoo I have not seen or heard this year. I -have never been at a station with less birds about than this one. I am -four years here, and there has not been one case of a bird striking the -lantern."--John Whelan. - -"Autumn: I arrived at this station Nov. 6th, and from that date to -the present from ninety to one hundred Sea Gulls are to be seen daily -flying about the cliffs near the Lighthouse. No birds of any other -species have been seen passing."--John Kelly. Feb., 1884. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--"Autumn: I have only seen some small birds, such -as Larks and Chaffinches, from Dec. 17th to Jan. 1st, 1884. There are -Sea Gulls, Rooks, and Grey Crows seen here all the year round, also -two Falcon Hawks. Starlings commenced to leave here the last week of -November. Larks, Wrens, Titmice, and Twite Linnets are seen all the -year round, and on the lake, three miles distant, large Duck, Widgeon, -Coot, and Waterhens. On Dec. 15th I saw a large flight of birds going -to the south at a great height, and suspect they were Golden Plover. -The Curlew never leaves the marsh three miles from here. I never saw -less birds than there is this winter."--Martin Kennedy. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--"Autumn: A great quantity of birds passed this -station last month. I have not seen so many birds killed since I came -to this station three years ago."--Patrick Cullen. Nov., 1883. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--"Spring: I have observed very few land -birds passing this year, and none about the ship in foggy weather, like -other stations I have been at." - -_Tuskar Rock._--"Spring: A great absence of sea fowl this year. I -consider it owing to the scarcity of fish." - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--"Autumn: As a rule all birds give the ship -a wide berth when passing, and it is very hard to tell what they are. -During thick foggy nights a large quantity of small land birds are -killed striking our lantern."--William Daly. - -_Copeland Island._--"Autumn: A number of sea birds of different species -resort to this locality in the autumn and winter months for feeding -purposes, and are seen in greater or lesser numbers each day as the -weather suits and feeding is plentiful. They are Gannets, Cormorants, -Puffins, Grey and Royal Gulls, Sea-pies, 'Cranes,' Ducks, Teal, Curlew, -and Sandpipers. None of these breed in the vicinity. On Oct. 10th a -rush of Larks, Starlings, Linnets, Titmice, Thrushes, Blackbirds, -'Grey' Plover, and Snipe. Eighteen Starlings, six Blackbirds, twenty -Larks, twelve Linnets, eight Titmice, four Thrushes, three Plover, -and two Snipe killed striking lantern, and several injured but not -killed."--John Walsh. - -_South Maidens._--"Spring: No birds strike the lantern in April and -May. They do not strike until October. Twelve Gannets, twenty-four -Ducks, six Sea-pies, and twelve Wild Geese are all the birds I have -seen for three months."--Patrick Keenan.--"Autumn: I arrived here Sept. -25th, 1883, and saw no birds up to Oct. 15th, save Puffins, Sea Gulls, -and Cormorants, and Sand Larks occasionally. Thrushes, Blackbirds, -and Larks are rarely seen. Wild Duck do not strike the lantern -glass."--Michael Barry. - -_Rathlin Island._--"April 12th: Blackbirds, Thrushes, Skylarks, Wild -Ducks, Redshanks, Pigeons, and 'Sea Coot' seem to remain for the -season. Autumn: I have never at any time during the migratory season -for Ducks, Widgeon, Wild Geese, Barnacles, and Swan heard them passing -at night as at other stations."--John A. Murray. - -_Innishtrahull._--"April 30th. A small bird with an orange tail, name -unknown, struck, not killed." Wind S.W.; a gale. "Very little birds -visited this island in May, June, and July, except a flock of Curlew." -Autumn: "There has been a great absence of birds this winter, and no -Snipe or Woodcock visited this place. Snow Buntings remained here all -the past winter." - -_Dunree Head._--"Autumn: No birds resort to this station only -Cormorants, which remain all the year and breed. I have been at several -stations on the coast, but never was at a station so scarce of birds as -this."--John Stapleton. - -_Tory Island._--"Autumn: Very few birds past this station. I suppose -owing to its being so far out to sea. I am informed that birds pass -more frequently the east side of the island. On the islands between -this and the mainland large flocks of Barnacle stop during the winter -months. I have not seen a Snow Bunting, Snipe, or Starling this season. -During heavy frost, snow-birds frequent the island from the mainland, -but return as soon as the thaw commences."--Thomas H. Sweeny. - -_Arranmore._--"Spring: Gulls and Puffins have laid great quantities of -their eggs this year on the rock. A great many have been destroyed by -the Grey Crow."--Henry Williams. - -_Killybegs._--"Autumn: The birds which breed around here are the Wild -Duck, Wild Pigeon, Lapwing, Lark, Linnet, Swallow, Snipe, Common Wren, -Thrush, Robin, Blackbird, Sparrow, Stonechat, Sand Lark, and Grey -Crow."--Daniel Hawkins. - -_Broadhaven._--"Autumn: No birds strike this light."--Patrick Keenan. - -_Eagle Island, East._--"Since I joined this station in Sept., 1882, up -to present date, Sept., 1883, nothing worth noting."--H. Stocker. - -_Eagle Island, West._--"There was absolutely nothing of interest to -enter in schedule last autumn-. The sea has been crossing this island, -I may say daily, for the last five months, and with the exception of a -few Sea Gulls, which seem never to leave the locality, there were no -birds visited." March, 1884.--Matthew Healy. - -_Blacksod._--"I have carefully looked out for birds, and seen none -worth entering. I have seen several seals."--Robert W. Redmond. - -_Clare Island._--"In February very few birds are seen at this station. -No birds strike this lantern. A great number of seals frequent this -place in caves round the cliffs."--George H. Brownell. - -_Slyne Head, North._--"Spring: I beg to remark that at all times -sea birds are to be seen on this coast, their numbers being chiefly -regulated by the feeding for them."--Robert Tyrrell. - -_Arran Island, North._--"During the months of January and February no -birds are seen except a few Sea-pies and Sand-larks. It must be in -consequence of the very wild and stormy weather."--Thomas Fortune. - -_Straw Island._--"Spring: The different species of sea fowl are very -scarce this season. I believe from the want of small fry. None breed -on this island, it being low and flat. Autumn: Birds scarcely ever -strike the lantern in consequence of the light appearing in a different -direction to the general flight of birds, being also a red light. It -is 26 feet above high water, and ten miles from land. I have remarked -a greater number of Blackbirds and Starlings this winter than since -the great frost of 1880. On Oct. 28th a flock of Wild Duck alighted, -apparently much exhausted, and remained a few hours, and went S.E., -towards land."--Charles Boyle. - -_Tearaght._--July 30th. "The following birds are still on the island, -_viz._, Guillemots, Sea Parrots, Kittiwakes, Grey Crows, Sea-pies, -Razorbills, Manx Shearwater, Stonechats, and, I think. Choughs and -Falcons (Blue Hawks). All these breed on the island. Dec. 18th, birds -remaining: Grey Linnets, Rock Pigeon, Thrushes, Mackerel Cock (on -water). Blackbirds. Residents, Titlarks and Common Wren. The 'Mackerel -Cock' is about the size of a Razorbill, but it is not the Razorbill. -Thousands of them are round the rock now. Feb. 2nd, 1884." (See under -Manx Shearwater). - -_Dursey Island._--"The Gannet breed on the Bull Rock, several hundred. -On the Cow Rock, distant three-quarters of a mile from the Bull, a few -also breed. I believe the Gannet did not breed on the Bull until after -the Skellig light was erected." [This was in 1826. R. M. B.]--Michael -Shea. "Very few birds breed on this island, except the Wild Pigeon, -Jackdaw, and a few Sea Gulls. On the Bull Rock, four miles N.W. of -Dursey Head, the Gannet and Puffin breed in great numbers, coming about -March 1st and leaving Oct. 1st."--James Keenan. - - -Eagle. - -_Clare Island._--"The Eagles still inhabit the cliffs, and have -been as usual destructive to young lambs and fowls belonging to the -inhabitants. In December they make very bold, and not having sea birds -to feed on, are often observed near the villages, principally when the -wind is east." - - -Greenland Falcon. - -_Blackrock Mayo._--Nov. 9th. "Two grey speckled Hawks at three p.m., -wind strong W., showery. One shot; it measured four feet from tip to -tip of wings, and had down under its feathers like a sea bird." - -_Slyne Head, North._--Dec. 2nd, one White Hawk, at two p.m.; wind N., -clear. First seen here, and very tame. - -_Tearaght._--Dec. 12th, Mr. P. Sheehy, assistant-keeper, saw a White -Hawk; wind N.W., strong breeze, and gloomy. March 23rd, 1884, one white -spotted Falcon shot. April 2nd, another much smaller and whiter shot. - -[This has been an extraordinary year for the occurrence of the -Greenland Falcon, no less than eight having been obtained at various -points along the west coast of Ireland from Donegal to Cork, and one -Iceland Falcon at West Port.--R. M. B.] - - -Hawks. - -_Fastnet._--Sept. 14th, one flying east. - -_Dungarvan._--Dec. 17th, two Falcons passing S.W. - -_Tuskar Rock._--Feb. 25th and 27th, March 3rd and 10th, one Hawk seen -at daylight; 26th, 'two Sparrow Hawks; Oct. 13th and 15th, one seen. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--May 4th, one Sparrow Hawk, 7.20 a.m., on -lantern; Feb. 22nd, 1884, one hovering about ship nine a.m. - -_Kish Bank Light-ship._--Oct. 30th, three Hawks hovering about ship; -flew to N.W. - -_Rockabill._--Aug. 31st, one caught on balcony. - -_Rathlin Island._--June 25th, one Sparrow Hawk at noon; Aug. 28th, one -Sparrow Hawk and one Falcon Hawk; Dec. 8th and 20th, two Falcon Hawks -at noon. - -_Innishtrahull._--March 23rd, one Hawk, 11.50 a.m.; wind strong W. -April 15th, one, two p.m.; wind N., fresh. May 15th, a Grey Hawk, at -two a.m.; wind N.W., misty. During August several "Brown Hawks," which -remained most of the month; Dec. 8th, one Brown Hawk. - -_Lough Swilly._--April 3rd, one Hawk, four p.m.; May 14th, one Sparrow -Hawk; June 22nd, two Hawks. - -_Arranmore._--April 12th, Peregrine Hawks breed on island; 15th, one -Sparrow Hawk; May 6th, four Hawks; June 28th, one; Sept. 4th, one. - -_Killybegs._--Aug. 14th, one hovering about. - -_Blackrock Mayo._--Dec. 10th, two Falcons flying N.E., high; wind S.W., -gale. Dec. 19th, one Falcon, one p.m.; wind W., fresh, gloomy. Dec. -24th, two Sparrow Hawks, flying S.E.; wind S., gale. - -_Clare Island._--Two Kestrel Hawks build their nest, as usual, in the -vicinity of the Lighthouse. - -_Arran Island, South._--April 8th, four "Holland Hawks," six a.m.; wind -S.S.E. They remain here. - -_Tearaght._--Jan. 30th, one Falcon? one p.m.; wind N.W., clear. -March 2nd, two Sparrow Hawks, also on March 3rd. They come and go -occasionally the year round. Oct. 29th, one Hawk, colour grey, portions -white and black, beak white, and white spot on crown of head. A pair of -Falcons and "Sparrow Hawks" breed on the island. - -_Valentia._--Sept. 1st, two small Hawks; wind strong S.E. Also on Oct. -14th and Nov. 8th. - - -Owl. - -_Innishtrahull._--Feb. 15th, one "Brown Owl," two p.m.; wind N.E., -gale, squally. Nov. 8th, "I have been told another snowy Owl was seen -on the island about the 14th of last month, but not so large" as the -specimen shot on Nov. 19th, 1882. "It was not observed by me." (See -last year's Report). - -_Killybegs._--April 10th, one "Screech Owl," shot at six p.m. Rose out -of a swamp in vicinity, an unusual visitor. - - -Thrushes. - -_Fastnet._--Oct. 22nd, ten Thrushes; Nov. 2nd, twenty-two killed -striking. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--Feb. 3rd, large numbers from sunrise to sunset, -coming from the north. Dec. 16th, some hundreds; wind N., frosty. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--Oct. 26th, one alighted on ship; 28th, flocks -about the ship from 9 p.m. until midnight; fifteen killed striking; -wind light, S., gloomy. 29th, a great number about ship during night, -many killed and fell overboard; gloomy. They made for the land. 30th, -three struck at 3 a.m., killed. 31st, two about light 10 p.m. - -_Dungarvan._--Oct. 2nd, a great number of song Thrushes in vicinity all -day. Oct. 26th, plentiful in fields about station. 28th, one "Redwing -Thrush" struck 11.20 p.m. - -_Tuskar Rock._--Feb. 24th and 25th, Thrushes during day and night, some -struck; fog and mist. Oct. 9th and 10th, Thrushes all night; a great -number killed and disabled. Oct. 27th to Nov. 2nd, great numbers of -Thrushes passed, many killed; weather foggy, with mist. On Oct. 29th, -at 7 a.m., I found two large mountain Thrushes, with grey breasts and -dark wings (Fieldfares?). Most of the Thrushes that are killed are -small mountain Thrushes, never seen here except in winter, mostly in -frosty weather. They have no regular round spots on breast--a sort of -striped head and a great deal of yellow under the wings (Redwings?). -Only twenty of the native Thrushes killed. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--March 2nd, five on deck. April 22nd, three. -Oct. 10th, one killed; weather hazy. Oct. 28th and 29th, six killed, -striking; wind S., cloudy. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--Sept. 16th, a large flock hovering about -ship during the day. 19th, Thrushes killed striking about midnight. -Oct. 29th and 30th, large numbers striking lantern; calm, overcast, -hazy. - -_Kish Bank Light-ship._--Oct. 8th, one flighted at 10 a.m. 28th, one -killed striking 10.30 p.m.; weather gloomy. - -_Rockabill._--Jan. 13th, Thrushes in night, some struck; weather misty. -Feb. 17th, some Thrushes from sunset to midnight. Oct. 26th and 27th, -large quantity killed in night; weather hazy, with light rain. Nov. -15th, Thrushes during night, some struck. Nov. 29th, five killed, -overcast and cloudy. Dec. 28th, several struck at 8 p.m., mist and fog. -Dec. 31st, two killed. - -_Copeland Island._--Oct. 10th, four killed striking, others injured; -wind N., light, drizzling rain. - -_South Maidens._--Oct. 15th, twenty-four at midnight, sixteen of them -killed against lantern; weather hazy, wind W., fresh. - -_Innishtrahull._--Nov. 1st, three at lantern; wind fresh, S. 2nd, three -at lantern, 11.30 p.m., misty. Nov. 5th, three at lantern. - -_Tory Island._--Oct. 17th, four struck lantern, 10 p.m.; wind W., gale. - -_Killybegs._--April 1st, five Thrushes about all day. Oct. 24th, three -killed striking; wind S.W., fresh, drizzling rain. Nov. 30th, two -killed, drizzling rain. Dec. 19th, three killed, thick drizzle. - -_Oyster Island, North._--Jan. 10th, 1884, two "Missel Thrushes" in -garden; flew S. - -_Blackrock Mayo._--Dec. 23rd, four Thrushes flying N., high; wind S., -fresh. - -_Slyne Head, North._--Nov. 9th, eight; wind S.E. 30th, six; wind N.E. - -_Arran Island, North._--Nov. 4th, two Thrushes killed in morning. Dec. -10th, two Thrushes 10 a.m.; wind W.S.W., gale. - -_Tearaght._--Oct. 27th, one Thrush killed striking, 11 p.m.; wind -fresh, S.E., foggy. Nov. 22nd, two or three, 2 p.m.; wind N.W., strong, -hail showers. - -_Skelligs._--Oct. 20th, one at 1 p.m.; wind N., fresh, misty. Oct. -21st, three, remained during month. A couple about rock in December. - -_Dursey Island._--Oct. 10th, ten going east, 8 a.m.; wind W. - - -Fieldfare. - -_Fastnet._--Sept. 18th, four flying N.E.; gloomy. Oct. 22nd, five; -31st, six. Nov. 1st, four. Dec. 16th, three. - -_Dungarvan._--Oct. 14th, small flocks in fields; 18th and 26th, several. - -_Rathlin Island._--Nov. 29th, one, going S.; wind S.W. - - -Blackbird. - -_Fastnet._--Oct. 22nd, thirteen. Nov. 2nd, eleven killed striking. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--Feb. 3rd, large numbers. Nov. 15th, from 100 to -150 seen this day. It is remarkable to see so many of these birds; wind -S., strong. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--May 7th, three alighted on ship, 9.30 p.m.; -wind E.N.E., rain. Oct. 10th, one caught on deck at 2 a.m. 28th, -flocks, 9 p.m., until midnight, about the ship in great numbers; -gloomy, wind light S., twenty killed. 29th, a great number about light, -8 p.m., until midnight; many struck and fell overboard. 31st, four at -10 p.m., hovering about light. Nov. 1st, two struck at 9 p.m., killed. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--Oct. 29th, one male killed against lantern, -2.15 a.m. - -_Tuskar Rock._--Feb. 24th, Blackbirds during day and night, fog and -mist; some struck lantern. 25th, 27th, and 28th, ditto. March 2nd, -four males and seven females. Oct. 9th and 10th, constantly striking -all night; a great number killed. Oct. 27th to Nov. 2nd, great numbers -passed at intervals during day and night; weather misty. Numbers -killed, 100 on Oct. 28th and 80 on 29th, besides hundreds disabled. -Most of the Blackbirds are female; they are of a dull brown colour. -Nov. 7th, two killed; 10th, one seen. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--April 28th, one; wind light, S.E. Oct. -29th, twenty-six killed striking; wind S., light, cloudy. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--April 30th, Blackbird, 11 p.m. to 11.50 -p.m., flying round lantern; did not strike; weather hazy. Sept. 16th, -large flock about ship. 19th, Blackbirds striking at midnight; weather -hazy, with rain. Oct. 29th and 30th, large numbers killed striking, -calm, overcast, hazy. Nov. 30th, two killed at midnight; weather hazy, -with rain. - -_Kish Bank Light-ship._--Oct. 28th, two Blackbirds. Nov. 7th, two; -13th, several, from 6 p.m. until midnight, flying about lantern; clear. - -_Rockabill._--Jan. 13th, Blackbirds during night, some struck, weather -misty. Feb. 17th, Blackbirds, sunset to midnight; rain and mist, some -struck. Oct. 26th and 27th, large quantity struck lantern in night; -weather hazy, with light rain. Nov. 15th, a dozen killed; 28th, six -killed. Dec. 28th, four; 31st three. In all cases weather overcast or -misty. - -_Copeland Island._--Blackbirds breed here, two pairs. Oct. 10th, six -killed striking, others injured; wind light N., drizzling rain. - -_South Maidens._--Oct. 16th, four struck, 2 a.m., not killed; weather -hazy. - -_Rathlin Island._--Oct. 31st, one killed striking. - -_Innishtrahull._--Nov. 1st, two at lantern; wind fresh S., gloomy, -misty. 2nd, one at lantern 11.30 p.m.; wind S. 5th, two at lantern, 8 -p.m.; wind light N.E. - -_Tory Island._--Oct. 18th, two struck, one killed, 9 p.m.; wind W.N.W., -gale. - -_Killybegs._--April 1st, three about all day. Nov. 30th, one killed -striking, drizzling rain. Dec. 18th, one killed; 19th, another, weather -thick. - -_Black Rock, Mayo._--Oct. 22nd, four at 8 a.m.; wind S.W., fresh, -misty, flying S., high. - -_Slyne Head, North._--Nov. 9th, six; wind S.E. - -_Arran Island, South._--May 15th, thirty "Blackbirds," 6 p.m.; wind -N.W. They remain here. Dec. 13th, two struck, not killed, 11 p.m.; wind -W.N.W. - -_Tearaght._--Nov. 20th, one Blackbird at 3 p.m.; wind W., fresh. - -_Skelligs._--Oct. 20th, two at 1 p.m.; wind N., fresh, misty. Remained -during month. A couple about rock in December. - - -Ring Ouzel. - -_Rathlin Island._--April 18th, "one Blackbird," at 4 p.m.; wind strong -S.E. This bird had a white throat. It was shot. - - -Robin. - -_Fastnet._--Oct. 27th, eight. Nov. 2nd, seven killed striking. Barrels -Rock Light-ship,--Aug. 29th, one "Robin Redbreast," rested on ship. - -_Rathlin Island._--Nov. 1st, two about all day. Nov. 13th, one seen. - -_Straw Island._--April 11th, two "Redbreasts," 9 a.m., calm. Passed -island for shore. - -_Arran Island, South._--July 1st, eighteen Robin Redbreasts, 9 p.m.; -wind S.S.E., four killed. - - -"Blackcap." - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--April 4th, three "Blackcaps" dead on deck, -7 a.m.; wind fresh S.W., rain. - - -"Sallypickers" (Willow Wren or Chiffchaff). - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--April 29th, eight "Sallypickers" flying -round ship. May 1st, three ditto. - - -"Stonechat" (Wheatear). - -_Galley Head._--April 4th, saw "Stonechicks," the first this year. - -_Fastnet._--Sept. 14th, five young ones. Oct. 1st, twelve; 9th, twenty. -Dec. 4th, seven; 16th, two. - -_Tuskar Rock._--Aug. 9th, three killed striking. Oct. 5th, -"Stonechatters." - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--April 21st, one "Stonechatter" on deck 6 -a.m. - -_Rathlin Island._--April 28th, flocks of Stonechats, picked up five; -wind fresh S.E., misty, rain. May 2nd, six at 7 a.m.; 20th, seven.; -21st, ten all day about the station. Foggy and gloomy. June 3rd and -19th, three to six seen. - -_Innishtrahull._--April 28th and 29th, "Stonechickers," 2 a.m.; wind N. -one day and S. the other. 30th, three, one struck lantern, killed; a -gale from S.W. May 3rd, two; 5th, one. Sept. 20th, two struck lantern, -not killed. Nov. 5th, two at lantern at midnight; gloomy, misty. - -_Arranmore._--April 3rd, four "Stonechatters arrived to build." - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--March 31st, April 1st and 6th, one to six -Stonechats. - -_Killybegs._--I noticed during April and May some "Stonechatters." - -_Clare Island._--March 1st, some "Stonechatters" flying S., 11.30 a.m. - -_Slyne Head, North._--April 1st, Stonechats arrive and increase in -number from this date. Aug. 2nd, Stonechats disappear; have not seen in -what direction they come or go. - -_Straw Island._--April 5th, two Stonechats; wind N.W., very light, -clear. Remained on island. - -_Arran Island, South._--May 18th, twenty Stonechatters. They remain -here. - -_Tearaght._--May 26th, about half a dozen Stonechats arrived about this -date. Sept. 20th, Stonechats left about this date. - - -Redstart. - -_Dungarvan._--Nov. 13th, one about garden, being the only one seen in -vicinity for seven years. - -_Tearaght._--Oct. 27th, two Redstarts, male and female. May have been -on island some time previous. Remained about a month. - -_Skelligs._--Oct. 13th, four birds of a slatish colour, red on back -near tail, about the size of a Titlark; wind S.W., fresh. Fog and -drizzle. Stayed all the month. - - -Goldencrested Wren. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--Nov. 12th, five Goldencrested Wrens, one killed -striking; wind strong, N. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--April 27th, one alighted on ship, 8 a.m.; -29th, another ditto. - -_Dungarvan._--Oct. 1st, two struck lantern; and on 2nd, 9th, and 10th -one or two, but none killed. - -_Tuskar Rock._--Oct. 9th, one; 25th, one; 26th, two; 29th, two killed. -Nov. 2nd, two seen. - -_Copeland Island._--April 7th, six killed striking; weather clear, wind -S.E. - -_Arran Island, South._--June 20th, sixty "Goldencrested Wrens," 7 a.m.; -calm, blue sky. - - -Wren. - -_Fastnet._--Oct. 9th, Wrens. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--Jan. 20th, five "Common Wrens," going S.W. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--May 10th, two Wrens killed, 10 p.m.; wind -moderate, N.N.E., clear. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--April 26th, one alighted on ship. May 8th, -one ditto. Oct. 8th, one alighted on ship. - -_Tuskar Rock._--April 4th, "Wrens of all sorts," constantly striking -all night; several killed. June 24th, Wrens, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Aug. -3rd, six "Common Wrens," flying about rock, fog. Sept. 15th, three, -one killed, fog. Oct. 22nd and 26th, one seen. Oct. 29th, "a small grey -bird not much larger than a Wren with a black head," killed. - -_Rockabill._--Feb. 8th, Wrens during night, some struck; weather misty, -wind S.E. Oct. 26th and 27th, Wrens about lantern in night; weather -misty. Nov. 15th, some killed striking; wind S., rain. Dec. 31st, four -killed. - -_Rathlin Island._--April 28th, flocks of Wrens, picked up twelve; wind -fresh S.E., misty, rain. Aug. 14th, one killed striking, 11 p.m.; wind -light S.E., misty. - -_Innishtrahull._--Nov. 22nd, two Wrens at lantern, gloomy; wind N.W., -gale. - -_Killybegs._--Nov. 15th, three Wrens, with other small birds. - -_Blackrock Mayo._--Nov. 3rd, four Wrens, 11 a.m.; wind W.N.W., light, -one killed. - -_Tearaght._--The Wren is resident. - -_Valentia._--Dec. 12th, four "Common Wrens"; wind light W. - -_Skelligs._--Sept. 20th, several "Common Wrens" seen occasionally -during winter. They breed here. - - -Tits. - -_Tuskar Rock._--March 29th, 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., Tits striking, twelve -killed; wind strong south, rain, and fog. May 8th, "Titmice" constantly -striking, eight killed, from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m.; wind N.W., and fog. -13th, constantly striking during night, twelve killed, fog, and mist. -15th, five killed, fog and mist. 19th, one seen. Sept. 16th, two killed. - -_Copeland Island._--April 25th, one "Titmouse," killed striking. Oct. -10th, eight killed striking; wind N., light, drizzling rain. - - -Wagtail. - -_Dungarvan._--Jan. 14th, one "Golden Wagtail," on rocks. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--Sept. 18th, one rested on ship, and flew N. - -_Rathlin Island._--One "Water Wagtail," seen on Aug. 12th, Oct. 10th, -and Dec. 27th. - -_Innishtrahull._--May 5th, one Wagtail seen. Nov. 3rd, two. - -_Arranmore._--May 3rd, one Grey Wagtail. - -_Tearaght._--March 3rd, one Wagtail, 9 a.m.; wind light S.E.; remained -only a few minutes. May 24th, another. None observed previous to this -year. - -_Skelligs._--One seen in July; very rare. - - -Larks. - -_Fastnet._--Oct. 9th, sixteen, flying west; 22nd, seven; 31st, eight. -Nov. 1st, seven. Nov. 2nd, five killed striking. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--March 10th, large numbers from sunrise to sunset, -with Linnets and other small birds. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--April 26th, two Larks killed, 9 p.m.; wind -light, rain. Oct. 9th, three caught on deck, 5 a.m.; 10th, two caught -on deck, 2 a.m.; 28th, flocks from 9 p.m. to midnight, about the ship. -Light S. wind, gloomy; 29th, numbers about the light, 8 p.m. until -midnight, many struck and fell overboard. Nov. 2nd, three struck -lantern, killed. - -_Dungarvan._--Oct. 22nd, small straggling flocks all day. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--Sept. 16th, flock of three or four dozen -rested on ship, flying N. Oct. 19th, one seen. - -_Tuskar Rock._--Feb. 27th and 28th, and March 1st and 2nd, many Larks, -some caught; weather foggy and overcast, with mist. Sept. 9th, a flock -at 8 a.m.; 25th, another flock. Oct. 8th, three killed striking; -9th and 10th, constantly striking all night, many killed, mist and -fog. At 8 a.m. on 10th, a large flock went west; 13th, a flock; -26th, thirty-five Larks killed striking, fog. Oct. 30th to Nov. 3rd, -constantly striking at night, some killed; in day time about rock, and -flying to N.W., weather misty. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--March 2nd, six flying round ship. Flocks -noted on Oct. 7th, 10th, 11th, 15th, and Nov. 7th and 8th; and on Oct. -20th, 21st, 27th; and 29th, a few passed. Seven killed on Oct. 10th and -11th, weather foggy. Oct. 29th four killed. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--Nov. 26th, a large flock going N.W.; wind -light N.W., clear. - -_Kish Bank Light-ship._--Oct. 26th, five passing N.W. Nov. 13th, -several about lantern from 6 p.m. until midnight. Dec. 23rd, three -flying west; 27th, one killed striking lantern, weather clear; 31st, -two killed striking, weather gloomy. - -_Rockabill._--Oct. 26th and 27th, Larks about lantern in night; weather -misty. - -_Copeland Island._--Oct. 10th, twenty killed striking, others injured; -wind north, light; drizzling rain. - -_South Maidens._--Oct. 16th, eight "common Larks" killed striking; wind -W.N.W., strong, weather thick. - -_Rathlin Island._--Oct. 29th, two killed striking; 30th, five killed, -overcast, misty. - -_Innishtrahull._--March 13th, eight struck, not killed, at 4 a.m.; wind -S.W., fresh, fog and mist. May 5th, one seen. Nov. 1st, two, 10.30 -p.m., at lantern, gloomy, misty. Nov. 3rd, one; 5th, one at lantern at -midnight. Dec. 8th, three Skylarks at 8 a.m.; wind S.W., fresh. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--Skylarks noted on Feb. 2nd, which is earlier than -on previous years. On March 30th and 31st, April 1st, 3rd, and 6th, -from four to eight. - -_Killybegs._--April 22nd, several Skylarks observed about this time. - -_Oyster Island, North._--Dec. 26th, four Skylarks in a field; flew -south. - -_Clare Island._--March 31st, about a dozen Larks. Oct. 31st, a flock of -Larks flying about station; wind S.S.W., light. During November, small -flocks at intervals. - -_Slyne Head, North._--Nov. 11th, eight Larks; wind E.S.E. - -_Straw Island._--March 22nd, eight "Field Larks" at noon; wind S., -strong. Remained on island. - - -Titlark. - -_Fastnet._--Nov. 1st, fifteen. - -_Tuskar Rock._--Aug. 13th, Titlarks flying on rock. Oct. 21st, five, -remained some time. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--April 5th, one going east. Sept. 18th, two -flying round ship; 21st, two flying east; 25th, five flying N.W. Nov. -3rd, a flock flying N.W. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--April 21st, two on deck, 6 a.m. Sept. 20th, -some Titlarks killed striking, hazy, with rain. - -_Kish Bank Light-ship._--May 11th, three. June 20th, two. Oct. 8th, -four alighted on deck, 10 a.m. - -_Copeland Island._--April 12th, two Titlarks killed striking. They nest -on island. - -_South Maidens._--Oct. 17th, six Titlarks, 10 p.m.; weather foggy. - -_Rathlin Island._--Aug. 23rd, three, at 8 a.m. - -_Innishtrahull._--Nov. 3rd, five Titlarks; 5th, one; 22nd, three. - -_Lough Swilly._--May 2nd, two, 4 p.m.; wind N., strong. - -_Arran Island, South._--Nov. 2nd, one Titlark striking at 4 a.m.; -caught by keeper. - -_Tearaght._--The Titlark is resident. - -_Skelligs._--Titlarks common all the year; they breed. - - -Yellowhammer. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--Nov. 16th, Yellow Buntings around walls of station; -22nd, large flocks of Buntings all day. - - -Snow Bunting. - -_Rathlin Island._--May 16th, "shot a bird very like a Snow Bunting." -Oct. 14th, thirty; wind N.W., squally. Some seen also on 15th, 17th, -18th; Nov. 7th, and one on 29th. - -_Innishtrahull._--Jan. 24th, continuous flocks of Snow Buntings for the -rest of the month. Dec. 4th, flock at 11 a.m., apparently just come to -island, and are on it ever since; wind N., gale. Seen on 7th, 8th, 9th, -and on 25th, Snow Buntings all day; wind S.W., fresh. - -_Arranmore._--Jan. 23rd, Snow Buntings all day. Feb. 18th, eight. They -leave in spring. April 27th, one shot. Aug. 18th, one Snow Bunting at 4 -p.m.; wind S., fresh. Sept. 1st, eight. Dec. 8th and 11th, a few. - -_Killybegs._--An occasional Snow Bunting visits us, but I have seen -none this winter nor during the winter of 1882-3. - -_Blackrock Mayo._--Oct. 30th, about thirty alighted on rock; wind -S.S.E., fresh, misty. Nov. 30th, about forty, 9.30 a.m.; wind N., -light. Dec. 4th, twenty. Jan. 10th, 1884, forty on rock; wind strong -S.W., misty. - -_Arran Island, South._--Nov. 5th, six arrived on island at 2 p.m.; wind -S., misty. - -_Tearaght._--Feb. 10th, Snow Buntings mentioned in last report, still -on island; left about March 1st. Sept. 30th, about six, but may have -been on the island some time previously. Remained about a fortnight. - -N.B. _Arranmore._--"Two Lapland Buntings shot, one on May 1st, the -other on 4th, very rare, and the oldest person has never seen the same -species before." [These were perhaps some stage of plumage of the Snow -Bunting.--A. G. M. and R. M. B.] - - -Chaffinch. - -_Fastnet._--Oct. 29th, ten. Nov. 1st, nine. Jan. 5th, 1884, seven about -the rock. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--Dec. 16th, some hundreds; wind N., frosty. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--Oct. 27th, six about ship, one caught on deck; -28th, one alighted on ship; 29th, a great number about light, many -killed, and fell overboard; gloomy. Nov. 13th, one rested on ship. - -_Tuskar Rock._--Oct 5th, Chaffinches; 13th, 19th, and 26th a few. Oct. -30th to Nov. 3rd, several during the night. Nov. 13th, four died on -rock. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--Sept. 21st, two. Oct. 29th, a flock; 31st, -two. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--Sept. 13th, six hovering about ship. Nov. -12th, five. - -_Kish Bank Light-ship._--July 14th, three at 4.30 p.m., stayed on ship -until sunset, and then left. Oct. 8th, three alighted on deck, 10 a.m. -Oct. 26th, one alighted. Nov. 7th, four alighted. - -_Slyne Head, North._--Nov. 11th, three "Finches," wind E.S.E. - -_Tearaght._--Oct. 26th, about a dozen "Finches, several kinds," but -cannot give the names. Remained about a fortnight. - - -Sparrow. - -_Tuskar Rock._--March 1st, one Sparrow caught. - -_Rathlin Island._--June 5th, 13th, and 28th, a few Sparrows noted -(perhaps breeding). - -_Killybegs._--May 10th, observed about thirty Sparrows. They build in -old ruins in the neighbourhood. Aug. 11th, about sixty perched on stays -of signal mast. Sept. 18th, 19th, and 20th, Sparrows flying towards -S.W.; wind E. to E.S.E. - -_Straw Island._--March 30th, two house Sparrows, 10 a.m.; calm, wind S. - -_Arran Island, South._--July 26th, forty Sparrows, 8 a.m.; wind W.N.W., -clear. - - -Goldfinch. - -_Arran Island, South._--April 3rd, six Goldfinches, 3 p.m.; wind W.S.W. -They remain. July 28th, Goldfinches at 10 a.m. Nov. 12th, ten, at 9 -a.m.; wind W.S.W., hovering about. - -_Valentia._--Oct. 4th, 10th, and Dec. 15th, two or three Goldfinches. -They breed on the island. - -_Skelligs._--Seen in October. Breed on mainland near. - - -Linnets. - -_Fastnet._--Oct. 9th, Linnets flying west. Nov. 2nd, eight killed -striking. Jan. 5th, 1884, five, all day. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--March 10th, large numbers, sunrise to sunset. -Dec. 5th, two hundred to three hundred. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--Oct. 9th, four killed on deck at 5 a.m.; 14th, -two going N.E.; 22nd, one alighted on ship. - -_Dungarvan._--Oct. 1st, flocks of Grey Linnets coming from S.E. Nov. -29th, flocks of Grey Linnets all day about station. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--March 21st, six flying north, and a few -at end of March. May 8th, one. Sept. 27th, six. Oct. 8th, one; 19th, -seven; 22nd, large flocks. Nov. 12th, five. Dec. 6th, one alighted on -ship. Jan. 14th, 1884, one. - -_Tuskar Rock._--May 13th, Grey Linnets, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., striking; -mist and fog. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--Oct, 26th, one Green Linnet flying about. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--Sept. 17th, some Grey Linnets at 8 a.m., -hovering about; weather hazy. Sept. 20th, some Linnets killed striking; -hazy, with rain. Nov. 13th, Linnets about ship; wind S.E., light, clear. - -_Rockabill._--Feb. 8th, Linnets during night, some struck; misty, wind -S.E. - -_Copeland Island._--Oct. 10th, twelve killed striking, others injured; -wind N., light, drizzling rain. - -_Rathlin Island._--May 9th, twenty Linnets seen; 16th, four flocks. -June 4th, twenty Grey Linnets; 14th, thirty; 23rd, seven. Entries occur -Oct. 20th, 22nd, 23rd, 24th, 29th; Nov. 3rd, 18th, 20th, 24th, 27th, -and frequently during December. Numbers vary up to 150, and direction -of flight when entered was south or west, and seemed independent of -direction of wind. - -_Innishtrahull._--Jan. 24th, continuous flocks of Green Linnets for the -rest of month. Nov. 7th, fifty at one p.m., wind S.W., light; 22nd, -four at lantern, wind N.W., gale, gloomy. - -_Dunree Head._--Nov. 16th, great flocks of Grey Linnets flying about -all day. - -_Arranmore._--Feb. 23rd, six Grey Linnets. They come daily. Dec. 19th, -a flock of Grey Linnets. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--Sept. 21st, ten Grey Linnets alighted, and flew to -N.E. - -_Killybegs._--I noticed during April and May nine or ten Grey Linnets. -Aug. 11th, Linnets perched on stays of signal mast, 6 a.m. Sept. 18th, -19th, and 20th, continuous flocks flying S.W. all day, arriving and -departing after resting; wind E. to E.S.E. - -_Oyster Island, North._--Nov. 13th, fifty passing N.; wind S. - -_Clare Island._--April 15th, Linnets during the day. - -_Slyne Head, North._--July 9th, twenty Linnets appeared 10 a.m., flying -high. Nov. 11th, nine Linnets; wind E.S.E. - -_Straw Island._--Aug. 23rd, a large number of Grey Linnets going south; -flying low, calm. - -_Arran Island, South._--April 1st, fifty Linnets; wind E., drizzling -rain. Oct. 6th, forty Linnets hovering about, 4 p.m. - -_Tearaght._--Jan. 30th, twelve Grey Linnets, mentioned in last report, -left about this date. Sept. 22nd, about twelve Grey Linnets, 8 a.m.; -wind light E. Oct. 29th, five Grey Linnets, one killed striking, four -taken alive; foggy. - - -"Small Birds." - -_Fastnet._--Sept. 21st, twenty; 28th, ditto. Oct. 3rd, a flock passing -high to N.E. Oct. 7th, "mixed birds" striking glass; fog and mist. - -_Kish Bank Light-ship._--June 29th, two small birds flying W.; rain and -fog. July 7th, flock of "small land birds" going S.E. to N.W.; weather -hazy. Nov. 26th, flock of small birds, name unknown, flying low to -N.W., at 11 a.m. - -_Rockabill._--Feb. 8th, several small birds during night. - -_Killybegs._--Sept. 18th, 19th, and 20th, small birds. Sparrows, -Linnets, and others unknown to me, flying in a S.W. direction all -day; wind E. to E.S.E., cloudy, and misty. Constantly arriving, and -departing after resting. Nov. 15th, about thirty small birds remained -nearly all day, left at dusk. - -_Clare Island._--April 15th, Linnets and "other small yellow birds" -during the day. - -_Valentia._--Sept. 24th, four Grey Linnets. - - -Bullfinch. - -_Fastnet._--Oct. 31st, nine. - -_Killybegs._--"I noticed during April and May several piping -Bullfinches." - -_Slyne Head, North._--Dec. 7th, three "Bullfinches," wind E.S.E. - - -Starling. - -_Fastnet._--Oct. 27th, eleven; 29th, five striking. Nov. 1st, five. -Nov. 2nd, seventeen killed striking. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--Feb. 3rd, large flock coming from N. Oct. 30th, -some hundreds of Starlings all going inland. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--May 9th, flocks of Starlings, 6 a.m., flying -N.E. Oct. 28th and 29th, flocks about ship, nights gloomy, seven -killed, but many struck and fell overboard; 30th, seven rested on ship, -8 a.m. Nov. 2nd, two killed, 9 p.m. - -_Dungarvan._--Oct. 5th, small flocks; 17th and 22nd, ditto; 29th, one -struck lantern. They are late this year. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--Oct. 28th, one rested on ship; 29th, -another. Nov. 1st, a few. - -_Tuskar Rock._--Feb. 24th, 25th, 27th, 28th, and March 3rd, Starlings, -a considerable number struck lantern, several killed; weather foggy -and overcast, with mist. Oct. 9th, five killed, misty; 10th, passing -all night. Oct. 28th to Nov. 2nd, Starlings passed, with Blackbirds, -Thrushes, Larks, and Chaffinches, some killed; weather foggy with mist. -Nov. 13th, one. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--Oct. 16th, a flock of "Stares;" 26th, a -flock; 29th, four killed striking; 31st, one seen. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--April 30th, Starlings around lantern, 11 -p.m. to 11.50 p.m., did not strike; weather hazy. Sept. 19th, "Stares" -striking at midnight; wind light S.E., hazy. Oct. 30th, "Stares" -striking, overcast, calm. Nov. 13th, "Stares" about ship, 3 p.m. Nov. -30th, some Starlings striking, one killed; hazy, rain. Dec. 5th, a -large flock going W., 7.45 a.m.; wind N. - -_Kish Bank Light-ship._--May 14th, five, at 10.15 p.m., about lantern; -weather foggy. Oct. 7th, seven struck, killed, and a great number -fell overboard; weather foggy, wind light N.W. Oct. 27th, numbers of -Starlings, four killed striking, 9 p.m. Some fell overboard; clear, -wind fresh N.N.W. Nov. 7th, four, at 11 a.m., left ship 2 p.m. - -_Rockabill._--Oct. 31st, four killed striking; weather gloomy, wind -light S.E. - -_Copeland Island._--Starlings appear the first week in April to breed -here. Oct. 10th, eighteen killed striking, others injured; wind light -N., drizzling rain. - -_Rathlin Island._--April 3rd, seventy, going N., 3 p.m.; 14th, four, -breeding here. Entries of two to one hundred and fifty occur from Oct. -24th to Dec. 25th; most seen on Oct. 26th and Dec. 1st. Directions of -flight when entered generally S. or W. - -_Innishtrahull._--March 14th, four, at 11 a.m.; a gale from S.W. Oct. -30th, three struck, not killed; wind S.E., light, cloudy. Dec. 20th, -four; wind N.W., strong. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--Nov. 12th, about two hundred came from mainland, -and returned again after some time. - -_Killybegs._--The Starling, which was commonly seen here in winter, is -now very rare. I have seen none at all this winter. - -_Oyster Island, North._--Nov. 13th, fifty passing W.; wind S. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--Oct. 3rd, about twenty alighted on rock, 9 a.m.; -wind N., fresh, clear. Oct. 4th, one killed striking, at 1 a.m. - -_Clare Island._--During November a few occasionally in vicinity of -lighthouse. - -_Slyne Head, North._--Nov. 28th, eight Starlings, four killed, 10 p.m.; -wind N.E., rain. Dec. 10th, nine;-wind N. - -_Straw Island._--Aug. 31st, four Starlings, 1 p.m., going S.W., low; -wind fresh W. Also on Sept. 15th, and Oct. 13th, sixteen to twenty, -going south, low. - -_Arran Island, South._--April 2nd, thirty Starlings, going N., twenty -struck, none killed; wind S. Oct. 30th, thirty "Stares," 11 a.m.; -wind S., blue sky, five struck, two killed. "Stares" remained here. -Dec. 13th, six "Stares," 10 p.m., four killed striking; wind W.S.W., -drizzling rain. - -_Tearaght._--Jun. 30th, twelve, and again on Feb. 18th. Did not leave -until about March 1st. - -_Valentia._--Dec. 4th, fifteen; wind light N. - -_Skelligs._--Oct. 20th, six Starlings, 11 a.m., wind N., fresh, fog; -21st, two. Did not see them after this date. Bare here. - -_Dursey Island._--Oct. 2nd, twenty going north; 22nd, large flock at 2 -p.m., going N.W.; wind N.W. - - -Chough. - -_Tearaght._--Jan. 30th, three Choughs. In my last report I called these -"daws." Choughs come and go occasionally all the year. They breed here. - -_Skelligs._--They breed here; May to August. - - -Raven. - -_Dungarvan._--Nov. 7th, two coming from N.E.; rarely seen here. - -_Copeland Island._--Aug. 20th, six alighted on island at 9 a.m. - -_Arranmore._--Feb. 7th, two, at 10 a.m. Remain all the year. May 8th, -two. Sept. 11th, two. Oct. 18th, one. - -_Arran Island, South._--Dec. 26th, three Ravens. They remain about here. - -_Skelligs._--Sept. 20th, two Ravens about rock during month, also -during October, November, and December. - - -Hooded Crow. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--Oct. 26th, ten Grey Crows. - -_Dungarvan._--Oct. 10th, seven. Jan. 4th, two in fields. - -_Rathlin Island._--April 4th, twenty, to be seen every day. They remain -all the year. Aug. 15th, one. - -_Lough Swilly._--April 10th, two Grey Crows. - -_Arranmore._--April 26th, one passing. - -_Killybegs._--Oct. 10th, four perched on cliffs. - -_Straw Island._--Feb. 22nd, forty Grey Crows at noon; calm. Oct. 21st, -four going west; wind N., strong. - -_Tearaght._--Feb. 13th, one Grey Crow found dead, partly devoured. They -come and go occasionally all the year. - -_Skelligs._--Sept. 20th, four during month; also during October, -November, and December. - -_Dursey Island._--Flocks of two to fifteen Grey Crows on April 2nd, May -20th, and July 11th; flight E. or N.E. Sept. 8th, four going east. - - -Rook. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--Feb. 27th, one hundred to one hundred and fifty; -came from east. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--April 28th, two flying N.E. - -_Tuskar Rock._--March 18th, one "Crow" flying west; 25th, six seen. -April 6th, a large flock of Rooks going west. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--March 18th, two "Crows" going N.W. - -_Kish Bank Light-ship._--Dec. 1st, eight "Crows" flying low to N.W., -11.30 a.m. - -_Copeland Island._--April 25th, a large flock of some hundred "Crows" -came from Scotch coast and left for mainland half an hour afterward. -Aug. 13th, about a thousand, at 11 a.m., flying high to south. - -_Rathlin Island._--April 1st, forty at noon; 6th and 7th, a flock going -north; 16th, three. May 8th, three; 24th, Black Crows going north. -June 6th, flocks seen. Entries occur in August, October, November, -and December, of flocks of Rooks at intervals of a week or fortnight; -largest on November 11th and 12th. Direction of flight in nearly all -cases south. - -_Innishtrahull._--April 1st, one "Black Crow" at 4 a.m.; foggy. May -26th, one. - -_Lough Swilly._--June 23rd, 25th, and 30th, flocks all day. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--July 8th, fifteen Rooks. - -_Killybegs._--In April and May, "Crows" to the number of about one -hundred visited daily. Probably belonged to rookery ten miles distant. - -_Oyster Island, North._--April 27th, thirty at 4 p.m., passing S.E. - -_Clare Island._--Feb. 20th, a few Crows flying N.W.; wind S.W., light, -foggy. Oct. 25th, Black Crows flying north; low. - -_Arran Island, South._--April 6th, sixty common Crows. They remain. -Oct. 3rd, twenty Rooks going south; wind W.N.W. - -_Valentia._--Sept. 2nd, four Black Crows. Nov. 12th, four. - - -Jackdaw. - -_Valentia._--Oct. 12th, two. Nov. 26th, five. - - -Magpie. - -_Arran Island, South._--Oct. 20th, five Magpies at noon. They remain -about here. - -_Valentia._--Dec. 5th, two Magpies. - - -Swallow. - -_Fastnet._--Nov. 6th, two, all day about rock. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--May 13th, flock flying N.W.; 14th, continuous -flocks flying N.W. Three killed at 10 p.m.; wind S.W., clear. Four -alighted on ship. Sept. 22nd, 23rd, and 30th, a great number passed, -going E. and N.E. Oct. 8th, 9th, and 10th, a few passed, four caught on -deck, at 2 a.m., two alighted on ship. - -_Dungarvan._--Oct. 20th, flocks of House Swallows, going E.S.E.; wind -N.W., light. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--May 8th, one alighted on ship; 17th and -18th, occasional Swallows, flying north. June 3rd and 6th, two or three -alighted on ship. Sept. 19th and 20th, odd Swallows, flying north, all -day. Oct. 8th, 20th, and 26th, a few passed. - -_Tuskar Rock._--April 11th, first seen, then occasionally to 21st and -22nd, when they passed at intervals of fifteen minutes, all going west. -On May 8th and 13th, one or two passed; 14th, constantly passing, -going W. and N.W., two killed; 15th, 16th, and 17th, Swallows all day, -remaining on rock some hours, then flying W. A few passing daily to end -of month, especially on 22nd. During August and September one or two at -intervals about rock. Aug. 24th, a great number. From Oct. 5th to 11th, -many passed to east. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--April 15th, several flocks; wind W.N.W., -clear. May 13th, a flock; 14th, 15th, and 30th, Swallows. On Sept. -19th, 23rd, and 28th, one to six passed. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--April 22nd, 28th, and May 18th, Swallows -noted going N.W. - -_Kish Bank Light-ship._--June 25th, four passing north; wind light S. - -_Rockabill._--April 16th, one, the first arrival, wind W., fresh; 18th, -several. - -_Copeland Island._--Sept. 12th, several large flocks at noon; wind W., -moderate, clear. They waited a few hours and went S. - -_Rathlin Island._--April 30th, four at noon. - -_Lough Swilly._--May 15th, a few Swallows, first seen. - -_Arranmore._--April 21st, one at 7.30 a.m., passing over island. May -9th, one. June 16th, two. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--April 20th, one, wind N.; 23rd and 29th, May 4th -and 15th, one to three. - -_Killybegs._--May 10th, 11th, and 12th, two to six. They build in -vicinity, and generally leave about the middle of June. Aug. 24th, -about thirty hovering round. - -_Straw Island._--Sept. 12th, fifty going S.W., high; wind N., fresh. - - -Martin. - -_Oyster Island, North._--May 8th, one Martin, the first seen; 12th, -several. They remain and build about station. Aug. 12th, Martins last -seen. - - -Cuckoo. - -_Tuskar Rock._--Nov. 2nd, one Cuckoo killed striking. - -_Rathlin Island._--May 3rd, three or four; heard for first time. - -_Arranmore._--May 4th, one Cuckoo. May 12th, one. - -_Oyster Island, North._--May 15th, Cuckoo first heard; wind N., light. - -_Arran Island, South._--April 11th, "three Cuckoos," 4 p.m.; wind -E.S.E., cloudy. - - -Pigeon. - -_Fastnet._--Oct. 31st, one. - -_Rockabill._--Sept. 15th, ten going N. Oct. 30th, ten hovering about. -Dec. 3rd, two shot; 31st, Pigeons all day, one shot. - -_Rathlin Island._--Aug. 28th, forty Pigeons; they are always on the -island. Nov. 16th, eighteen going N.; 25th, five, going S. - -_Innishtrahull._--Dec. 8th, four Pigeons; wind S.W., light. - -_Dunree Head._--Sept. 22nd, great flocks of Pigeons flying about all -day. - -_Lough Swilly._--April 10th, flocks of Pigeons all day. - -_Killybegs._--April 22nd, four Wild Pigeons build on cliffs near -Lighthouse. Aug. 26th, eight Wild Pigeons, 5 a.m. - -_Clare Island._--Feb. 10th, some Wild Pigeons, flying E., in forenoon. -Oct. 15th, about four dozen flying generally over the island, also -during November and December about the fields on the island. - -_Arran Island, South._--May 14th, fifty Wild Pigeons. Dec. 3rd, six; -10th, twenty; 28th, ten. They remain on island. - -_Tearaght._--Oct. 21st, one Rock Pigeon; 27th, about a dozen. Jan. -15th, 1884, eighteen. Nov. 18th, five Rock Pigeons; 24th, about a -dozen, which still remain on island. - -_Dursey Island._--June 7th, eight Wild Pigeons going E.; 17th, two. -Entries also on Aug. 24th, Sept. 10th, and Nov. 22nd. - - -Partridge. - -_Rockabill._--Oct. 28th, six seen on rock in the morning; wind light -S.E., gloomy. - -_Tearaght._--May 18th, one Partridge, at 4 p.m. - - -Grouse. - -_Innishtrahull._--Nov. 1st, one Grouse, 4 p.m.; wind light S.W., -moderate. - -_Clare Island._--Grouse are not plentiful this year. - - -Golden Plover. - -_Fastnet._--Oct. 9th, four "Grey" Plover, midnight; fog & mist. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--Jan. 28th, large flocks; wind N.E. Feb. 15th, -large flock of "Plover" coming from N.; wind N.E. Dec. 17th, large -flocks all day; blue sky, frosty. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--June 16th, five "Plover" going N.E. Sept. -17th, some Plovers about ship at 8 a.m.; hazy. - -_Copeland Island._--Oct. 10th, three "Grey" Plover killed striking; -wind N., light, drizzling rain. - -_Innishtrahull._--Sept. 3rd, six; wind N., fresh. 18th, a pair shot. - -_Tory Island._--Jan. 6th, 1884, seven resting on island. - -_Arranmore._--Sept. 3rd, seventeen "Grey Plovers"; 18th, twenty. - -_Killybegs._--April 16th, fifteen Golden Plovers, which only remained a -few days. A large flock of "Grey Plovers," which remained till the end -of April. Oct. 4th, about eighty Golden Plovers; remained up to this -date. Dec. 2nd, Golden and Grey Plover begin to come about the middle -of September, and are reinforced by flocks up to the end of November; -they usually leave about end of December. - -_Arran Island South._--October 10th, twenty "Grey" Plover; wind W., -going S. - -_Dursey Island._--Nov. 12th, eight going W., 11 a.m. - - -Green Plover. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--March 2nd, two Lapwings around ship; 22nd, -thirty, flying N.W. May 7th, one killed, 9.30 p.m.; wind E.N.E., rain. - -_Dungarvan._--Oct. 9th, large flocks all day about shore; and on Oct. -21st and Jan. 11th, large flocks. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--March 21st, eight, flying N.W. - -_Rockabill._--March 5th, one Green Plover struck, killed, 4 a.m., -cloudy; wind fresh N.; 27th, Green Plover going N.; wind N., snow -showers; 28th, large flocks of Plover going N.; wind S.E., snow showers. - -_Copeland Island._--April 4th, thirty, at 10 a.m.; 7th, a large flock -from mainland, going towards Scotch coast; 25th, continuous flocks -flying towards Scotch coast, all day; wind E., clear. Sept. 29th, -twenty alighted and remained on island; 30th, large flocks, some -hundreds in each, going N.E. and very high; wind strong, N., gloomy. - -_Rathlin Island._--April 6th, six Green Plover, 4 p.m.; Oct. 30th, two -seen; Nov. 24th, one. - -_Innishtrahull._--April 2nd, four at 5 p.m.; wind E.S.E., fresh, misty. -Sept. 20th, about twenty "Lapwing Plover"; wind E.S.E., strong; stayed -two days and then left, going S. - -_Tory Island._--Sept. 15th, seven at noon, rested on island. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--Sept. 21st, twelve alighted, then flew to N.E. - -_Killybegs._--April 7th and 8th, four to eight; they hatch in vicinity. - -_Slyne Head, North._--Dec. 14th, four Lapwings; wind N.E. - -_Tearaght._--March 24th, one Lapwing, 8 a.m.; wind N.E., light; seemed -tired, and remained a few hours. - - -Turnstone. - -_Tory Island._--Jan. 10th, 1884, flock of Turnstone, going S., 1 p.m.; -wind N.W., gale. - - -"Sand Larks." - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--Dec. 14th, five Sand Larks; these were strange -birds. I have not seen them before on the coast. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--Dec. 9th, one, the first seen for two years. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--Jan. 19th, 19th, seven Sand - - -Larks. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--April 15th, two flocks of Sand-birds. - - -_Rockabill._--Sand Larks noted in August and December. It is remarked -they remain "all the year." - -_Innishtrahull._--Feb. 2nd, flock of "small sea-birds," 11 a.m. Sept. -11th, 12th, and 13th, "Sand Larks and some other small sea birds, name -unknown." - -_Arran Island, North._--A few Sand Larks remain during the winter. - -_Arran Island, South._--July 27th, eighty Sand Larks. Nov. 18th, a -flock on strand. - -_Tearaght._--Dec. 13th, one Sand Lark; 15th, three; wind W., very -stormy. All a greyish colour, beaks about one inch long, and a little -red on the top towards feathers. Remained about a week. - - -Sea Pie. - -_South Maidens._--May 10th, six Sea Pies; misty, rain. - -_Rathlin Island._--Aug. 27th, three at noon. - -_Arranmore._--May 18th, one Oystercatcher. - -_Killybegs._--"Sepoys" to the number of thirty or forty from August to -end of September. - -_Oyster Island, North._--Jan. 6th, 1884, six Oystercatchers on shore. - -_Slyne Head, North._--The Sea Pie remains all the year. - -_Arran Island, North._--A few "Sepoys" remain during the winter. - -_Arran Island, South._--April 5th, thirty "Seapoys"; wind E., going S. - -_Tearaght._--Two Sea Pies remained round island until about September. - -_Skelligs._--Sept. 4th, four Sea Pies until 15th. - - -Redshank. - -_Tuskar Rock._--May 16th, one seen. - -_Skelligs._--One seen after a storm in November, very rare. - - -Greenshank. - -_Dungarvan._--Oct. 29th, about one dozen. Jan. 6th, a large flock from -sea into bay. - - -Heron. - -_Dungarvan._--Nov. 22nd, four flying high, and apparently fighting. - -_Rathlin Island._--Oct. 6th, one at noon; wind light N.E. - -_Innishtrahull._--Dec. 8th, one "Crane"; wind S.S.W., light. - -_Tory Island._--Jan. 2nd, 1884, one Heron, at noon, at lake. - -_Arranmore._--Aug. 16th, one "Crane" at 9 a.m. - -_Killybegs._--Dec. 19th, two "Cranes" to be seen daily, in a swamp. - -_Arran Island, South._--Oct. 25th, four "Cranes," 2 p.m.; wind W.N.W., -going W. - -_Tearaght._--Aug. 23rd, one Heron passing E.; wind N.W., light. - -_Skelligs._--Sept. 2nd, two "Cranes," 9 a.m.; wind N., gale; stayed -about the rock for a fortnight. - - -Bittern. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--Feb. 15th, one Bittern, 11 a.m.; wind N. This -bird I shot; it was the second ever seen here. - - -Whimbrel and Curlew. - -_Galley Head._--May 15th, thirteen "May-birds or young Curlew" rested -a little while on headland and passed northwards. May 30th, fourteen -Curlew, going S.E. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--May 7th, one caught on ship; wind E.N.E., -9.30 p.m.; 8th, flock of Curlew, 11 p.m., around ship; wind strong N., -overcast. Oct. 28th, flock flying N.E., 10 p.m. - -_Tuskar Rock._--March 23rd, one Curlew shot. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--May 18th, a flock of Curlew going N.E. - -_Kish Bank Light-ship._--May 17th, one Curlew heard, 9.30 p.m. July -30th, several Curlew around ship, 6.30 a.m.; weather foggy. - -_Copeland Island._--May 10th, large flocks of Curlew appeared, and have -remained in vicinity to date of sending schedule in July. - -_Rathlin Island._--April 5th, four Curlew going S., 7 a.m.; wind N.W. -May 10th, thirty Curlew, 3 p.m.; wind N. June 10th, flocks of Curlew, -6 a.m.; 20th, five seen; 24th, three. One or two dozen entered at -intervals during the winter months. They are here all the year. - -_Innishtrahull._--Curlew in flocks of twenty to thirty during June and -July. - -_Lough Swilly._--March 30th, thirteen Curlew; wind W., gale. May 15th, -a flock of "Whimbrel Curlew," 8 a.m.; wind W., light. 26th, twenty -"Whimbrel Curlew," 9 a.m.; wind N.W., gale. - -_Tory Island._--"Curlews remain here during the year." - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--March 31st and April 1st, one; July 6th, fifteen. - -_Killybegs._--April 1st, twenty-one Curlew, "May-birds"; 12th, a flock -of "May-birds"; 21st, a flock. These birds are unusually numerous, and -some shot were in very good condition. Aug. 31st, about one hundred -Curlew. Curlew (old birds) arrive about the beginning of August, and -remain up to the middle of December. Young Curlew, called "May-birds" -(Whimbrel), begin to arrive about the end of April in small flocks, -until they form one large flock, when they generally leave about the -beginning of June. - -_Oyster Island, North._--May 3rd, several May-birds or young Curlew -arrived, and remained most part of the month. - -_Blacksod._--Curlew are very numerous all the year round. - -_Clare Island._--Feb. 1st, about two dozen Curlew flying S. at noon. -May 5th, flocks of "young Curlew" flying E.; wind E. to N. Oct. 10th, -a large flock flying low, and alighting. Curlew during November and -December, generally flying low through the fields. - -_Arran Island, North._--Nov. 4th, twenty Curlew; wind N.E., moderate, -clear. - -_Straw Island._--April 19th, sixty "young Curlew," 1 p.m.; wind N.W., -fresh; remained a short time, and went towards shore. - -_Arran Island, South._--April 4th, twenty Curlew, 6 a.m. May 13th, -thirty Curlew, 8 p.m.; wind W.S.W., hazy; three killed. July 29th, -fifty. Oct. 16th, thirty at "3 p.m.," three striking, one killed; wind -S.W., drizzling rain. Nov. 15th, four at 3 a.m.; wind S., two killed -striking, overcast and rainy. - -_Tearaght._--Feb. 11th, one Curlew; wind S., strong; remained a -few days. Dec. 18th, one; wind N.E., clear. On several occasions -afterwards. Remained about a month. - -_Valentia._--Oct. 30th, fifty; Nov. 6th, twenty. - -_Dursey Island._--Two to ten Curlew at intervals from April 30th to May -23rd. Flight in various directions. Aug. 8th, large flock flying N., -and a few at intervals to end of month. - - -Woodcock. - -_Fastnet._--Oct. 29th, one. Nov. 1st, one; 2nd, four killed striking. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--Dec. 17th, three. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--Oct. 30th, one caught on deck, 2.30 a.m., the -first seen at this station. Nov. 2nd, one killed striking at 2 a.m. - -_Rockabill._--Nov. 28th, one killed striking; wind S., fresh, cloudy -and overcast. 29th, another killed. - -_South Maidens._--Oct. 15th, one killed, 11 p.m., drizzling rain; wind -light W.S.W. - -_Arranmore._--Dec. 3rd, one Woodcock. - -_Killybegs._--Sept. 21st, one Woodcock killed striking, 11.30 p.m.; -wind E.S.E., cloudy and misty. 22nd, another killed, 8 p.m.; wind E. - -_Clare Island._--During November, a few Woodcock in mountainous parts -of island. - -_Skelligs._--Nov. 4th, Woodcock seen. - -_Dursey Island._--Nov. 4th, one Woodcock going N.; wind N.E. - - -Snipe. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--Nov. 8th, twenty Snipe, six shot. Dec. 17th, five -Snipe. - -_Tuskar Rock._--Oct. 29th, one Snipe killed striking; light mist. - -_Copeland Island._--Snipe breed here. Oct. 10th, two killed striking; -wind N., light drizzling rain. - -_South Maidens._--Oct. 19th, one Snipe killed striking; wind fresh -S.S.W., clear. - -_Rathlin Island._--Aug. 9th, one Jack Snipe killed striking; wind light -S.E., cloudy. - -_Arranmore._--Nov. 20th, one Snipe; 30th, one. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--Oct. 18th, two Snipe on the shore. - -_Blackrock Mayo._--Oct. 14th, one Jack Snipe, 1 p.m.; wind W., light. - -_Clare Island._--Feb. 28th, a few Snipe flying W.; wind S.W. Oct. 20th, -Snipe on marshy land, flying in different directions. - -_Tearaght._--Feb. 18th, one Snipe, 10 a.m.; wind light S.W., fine; -previously stormy. Nov. 20th, one; 23rd, three; left about a fortnight -afterwards. - -_Skelligs._--Jan. 12th, 1884, Snipe seen. - - -Corn Crake. - -_Tuskar Rock._--April 27th, came on rock in night. May 8th, another; -16th, one much exhausted; 29th, one. - -_Kish Bank Light-ship._--May 16th, one struck lantern, 11.10 p.m., -killed; wind light, clear. - -_Rockabill._--July 30th, one caught on rock. - -_Rathlin Island._--May 13th, heard for first time. - -_Oyster Island, North._--May 17th, Landrail first heard. - -_Skelligs._--May 5th, one seen, very rare - - -Waterhen. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--Nov. 8th, five Waterhen. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--Oct. 8th, one alighted on ship, 6 a.m.; calm, -thick fog. - - -Coot. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--Nov. 8th, twenty Coot (a marsh near). - - -Geese. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--Feb. 10th, three Wild Geese, came from S. Oct. -15th, three going N. - -_Dungarvan._--Nov. 20th, eleven flying N. and very high. - -_Rockabill._--Oct. 28th, six going E. in the morning; weather gloomy. - -_Copeland Island._--April 12th, eight going from mainland towards -Scotch coast. Dec. 10th, eight Wild Geese rested on island, came from -N.; wind S.W., fresh, rain. - -_South Maidens._--June 12th, twelve Wild Geese. - -_Rathlin Island._--Oct. 23rd, two Wild Geese, 7 a.m.; wind strong N.W. - -_Innishtrahull._--Jan. 24th, flock of thirty Barnacle; wind S.W., -strong. March 12th, fifteen going N.; wind S.W., strong. 14th, -twenty-four Wild Geese; wind S.W., gale. 15th, six Barnacle; wind -strong W., squally. Oct. 13th, one Wild Goose; wind S., fresh. 23rd, -nine Barnacle; 24th to 28th, nine to twenty Barnacle. Dec. 14th, three -Wild Geese; 17th, seventeen Barnacle. - -_Dunree Head._--Aug. 1st, one hundred Barnacle flying very high to the -N. Sept. 12th, about two hundred Wild Geese flying low to the N. Oct. -14th, several flocks of Barnacle going S.; wind N.W., strong. 24th, -twenty Wild Geese going S. - -_Tory Island._--Oct. 7th, 8th, and 12th, flocks of Wild Geese, 4 to 6 -a.m.; wind W. and S.W., going W. and S. - -_Arranmore._--January, thirty-six Barnacle; these birds have remained -all the winter; have not done so for years before. Feb. 4th, -twenty-two. March 2nd, two flocks passing. Sept. 30th, one Barnacle; -wind N., fresh. Oct. 20th, one; 31st, a flock, and flying all night for -many nights, in great quantities, in the direction of Sligo. Far the -last two winters numerous flocks of Barnacle have remained on island. -On Nov. 7th, 24th, 29th, and Dec. 25th, flocks are entered. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--Oct. 24th, thirty-six. Nov. 4th, twenty came from -N., and passed over island to S.E.: 12th, six; 16th, small flocks -coming from N., and passing S. all day. Dec. 7th, eleven on island -grazing. 11th, six ditto; two were shot. - -_Killybegs._--Aug. 17th, two Wild Geese, rested and flew N. Sept. 2nd, -about forty at a great height, flying N.; 27th, thirteen seen. Oct. -30th, eight Wild Geese generally take a S. to S.W. course, beginning -about the end of September and continuing up to the end of December, -and usually travel high; but they sometimes stop to feed and rest. - -_Oyster Island, North._--"During the winter months a considerable -number of Barnacle arrive, some of which remain, and others pass -further south, the time of their arrival and departure apparently -depending on the severity of the season or otherwise." Entries of small -flocks occur from Sept. 9th to Oct. 5th. Larger and more frequent -flocks on Oct. 8th, 13th, 15th, Nov. 22nd, 29th, 30th, and on Dec. 5th; -in almost every case the direction of flight is S. or S.E. On. Dec. -6th, 15th, and 17th, large flocks passed in the opposite direction. On -Dec. 22nd continuous flocks again passed S.E., and on Jan. 5th, 1884, a -small flock. The direction of flight was apparently independent of the -direction of the wind or state of the weather. - -_Broadhaven._--Dec. 20th and 26th. Barnacle and Wild Geese. They -frequent the place in winter. - -_Blackrock Mayo._--Nov. 21st, twenty Barnacle flying S.E. - -_Clare Island._--Oct. 6th, about two dozen Wild Geese flying high to -S.W.; wind W., light. - -_Slyne Head, North._--Nov. 12th, five to twelve Barnacle at intervals; -wind N.W., one shot. Are very common; arrive Nov. 1st and remain to -March 1st. - -_Straw Island._--March 16th, twenty Wild Geese, passing N.; wind light -S.W. Oct. 29th, twenty-two, 5 p.m., going N., high, calm. - - -Swans. - -_Rathlin Island._--Nov. 23rd, "A Black Swan shot by the rector on one -of the lakes on the island." - - -Wild Duck. - -_Fastnet._--Nov. 3rd, flock flying to E. Jan. 3rd, flock flying E. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--Nov. 8th, ten Wild Duck; two shot. - -_Dungarvan._--Oct. 28th, large flock. Nov. 3rd, fifty. Dec. 23rd, four -"Shelldrakes." - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--Sept. 10th, 12th, and 15th, a few Wild Duck -flying high to S. Nov. 16th, a large flock flying N.E. Dec. 7th, 14th, -and 19th, two to seven at intervals. - -_Tuskar Rock._--Nov. 14th, seven Wild Duck came from N.W. and flew -round rock. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--Dec. 1st, a large flock going N. Feb. 6th, -1884, flock going N.E. - -_Kish Bank Light-ship._--May 13th, a flock passing E. to W., 7.30 a.m. -Oct. 6th, twelve at 10.45 p.m., flying high to N.W.; weather hazy. Nov. -29th, thirteen flying N.W. - -_Copeland Island._--April 12th, thirty left Mew Island after remaining -all the winter; wind light E., clear. Oct. 16th, several flocks of Teal -and Duck on Mew Island; wind S.W., strong. - -_South Maidens._--April 14th, twenty-four Ducks; hazy, with rain. Oct. -20th, twelve, 10 a.m., went towards Scotland; wind W.S.W., strong. - -_Rathlin Island._--Nov. 6th, five at 8 a.m.; wind S. Dec. 6th, two -going E.; wind N.E. - -_Innishtrahull._--Nov. 6th, one "Shelldrake," 2 p.m.; wind N., fresh. - -_Dunree Head._--Nov. 7th, about one hundred Wild Duck flying high to S. -Dec. 22nd, about fifty swimming opposite lighthouse all day. - -_Tory Island._--Nov. 23rd, Dec. 1st, 2nd, and Jan. 1st, one to three -going S. or W. - -_Arranmore._--April 5th, two arrived to breed. June 18th, three -seen. On Nov. 3rd, 10th, 28th, and Dec. 13th, Wild Duck seen. One -"Shelldrake" on Nov. 18th and 26th. - -_Killybegs._--"I saw, in December, 1882, some Teal, but none since." - -_Oyster Island, North._--"During the winter months a considerable -number of Widgeon arrive; some remain, and others pass further south." -Dec. 24th, continuous flocks going S.E. - -_Clare Island._--December. A few Wild Duck on a lake during this month. - -_Straw Island._--Feb. 13th, thirty, 10 a.m., remained on rock a short -time, and went S. Oct. 28th, thirty going S.E.; wind light S. - -_Arran Island, South._--Dec. 6th, twenty Wild Duck went S.; wind E. -30th, twenty went S., wind E. - - -Merganser. - -_Dungarvan._--Dec. 5th, four coming from S.E. - - -Great Northern Diver. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--Jan. 20th, six passing S.W. - -_Dungarvan._--Jan. 9th, two feeding near station. - -_Tory Island._--Sept. 22nd, two "Speckled Diver," 8 a.m., going S.E. - -_Arranmore._--April 7th, a Great Northern Diver shot on rock. - -_Killybegs._--The Northern Diver visits us in the autumn and leaves -early. I have never seen more than three together. - -_Clare Island._--During December a few of the Great Northern Diver. - - -Guillemot. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--March 31st, ten, and April 1st, thirty alighted on -rock at shore. - -_Clare Island._--A large number this year. - -_Tearaght._--Jan. 20th, Guillemot first observed round island on the -water. Feb. 19th, about fifty came on rock for first time; left about -Aug. 1st. - -_Skelligs._--Nov. 20th and Dec. 11th, a few Guillemots fishing in -shelter of rock; wind N.W. to W., strong gale. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--June 15th and 19th, "Murs" in flocks, -flying in different directions. Dec. 10th, large flocks of "Murs"; also -on 23rd and 26th; flocks also on 29th, 30th, Jan. 8th and 15th. - - -Puffin. - -_Galley Head._--Feb. 12th, twenty going W.; 16th, nine ditto. April -29th, continuous flocks, from seventy to one hundred in each, going W. -From May 6th to 13th, 18th to 27th, and June 16th to 25th, continuous -flocks, and occasional flocks to July 16th; all going W. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--Jan. 23rd, continuous flocks, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; -wind fresh S. Large numbers going S. on Feb. 7th, 20th, 22nd, and March -17th; continuous flocks on March 5th. From Oct. 7th to 10th, some -hundreds going S. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--April 21st, continuous flocks flying S.W.; -26th, flocks. Nov. 16th, flocks, 9 to 11 a.m.; 21st, 23rd, Dec. 9th and -14th, flocks; passing continuously on Nov. 29th and Dec. 19th; wind W. -to S.W. - -_Dungarvan._--Nov. 6th, a great number. - -_Tuskar Rock._--From June 13th to 18th, "Puffins and Sea-parrots" -alighted in large flocks. Aug. 20th to 22nd, Puffins in hundreds on -rock. - -_Rathlin Island._--April 12th, "Parrots, Bridle Nebs," &c., begin to -arrive; 22nd, arrived in full force and took possession of the cliffs. -The Sea-parrots hatching on the cliffs are not at all as numerous as -last year. - -_Innishtrahull._--Dec. 8th, "three Sea-parrots and twenty Puffins." -January, 1884, a few "Puffins and Sea-parrots through the month." - -_Lough Swilly._--April 19th, several flocks of Puffins. June 1st, -Puffins passing and repassing. - -_Arranmore._--March 12th, Puffins passing. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--May 14th, Puffins passing S. In June, about the -island. - -_Killybegs._--April 22nd, Puffins arriving in large numbers about this -date, coming early each morning and leaving in the evening, flying W. -Aug. 14th, Puffins leaving, going W. They arrive about the month of -July, and are to be seen in thousands until October. - -_Oyster Island, North._--April 19th, several during day. May 29th, -small flocks. - -_Black Rock, Mayo._--Sept. 9th, Puffins on water round the rock; a few -nearly every day during September and October. - -_Clare Island._--March 15th, about fifty; wind N.N.E. Generally arrive -latter part of March, and leave towards the end of August. A large -number this year. - -_Straw Island._--March 17th, forty Puffins remained two days; wind S., -hazy fog. April 9th, twenty "Sea-parrots," wind S.W., strong. Aug. -20th, forty-four going S. They arrive early in spring and generally -leave in September, and breed on the middle island of Arran. - -_Tearaght._--"April 1st, the Sea-parrots arrived; not so plentiful as -in previous years. Aug. 20th, only about half a dozen Sea-parrots on -the island; left about this date. When they arrive on April 1st they -remain perhaps a week on the water before they come on the island; -then they mostly rise in one body, and hover some time before they -rest. They all go down to the water again when getting dark, except -when breeding; those hatching remain. As a rule there is a rush to the -island every day about 4 p.m. Sometimes there are two rushes in the -day. Their fighting propensities are often put into practice, and when -so engaged they can readily be captured; their fight only ends when -they have reached the sea, after having tumbled sometimes all the way -from the highest pinnacle of the island." - -_Skelligs._--Nov, 20th, a few Puffins fishing in shelter of rock; wind -N.W., gale. - - -Razorbill. - -_Clare Island._--April 30th, two to four dozen Razorbills at 9 a.m. - -_Tearaght._--March 19th, great numbers of Razorbills first observed; -20th, first rested on rock. Left about Aug. 10th. - -_Skelligs._--Sept. 16th, large flocks flying S.S.W.; wind S.E. Nov. -20th, flocks fishing in shelter of rock, mostly young birds; wind N.W., -strong gale. Dec. 11th, Razorbills fishing in shelter; wind W., strong -gale. - - -Cormorant. - -_Tuskar Rock._--April 27th, the Cormorants have totally deserted the -rock. - -_Rockabill._--Oct. 30th, Cormorants all day; they leave the rock in -April, and are back this month. - -_Rathlin Island._--June 22nd, five seen. Aug. 17th, three. Dec. 4th, -5th, and 9th, one to six. - -_Tory Island._--Dec. 11th, six on rock at 9 a.m. - -_Killybegs._--May 2nd, Cormorants to the number of about forty -observed. Aug. 26th, about seventeen. The greater number leave about -the end of December, but some remain all the winter. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--Sept. 30th, five flying S.E. A few nearly every day -during September and October. - -_Clare Island._--Cormorants are seen all the year round. - -_Slyne Head, North._--The Cormorant leaves to breed elsewhere. - - -_Straw Island._--Feb. 22nd, Cormorants at all hours. Remain during the -year, generally fishing singly. Sept. 24th, ten. - -_Arran Island, South._--Nov. 11th, eleven Cormorants seen at intervals -along the shore. - -_Valentia._--Sept. 20th, four. Nov. 16th, two; 22nd, five. Dec. 5th, -eight; also on 21st and 24th. - -_Skelligs._--One or two entered on Sept. 20th, Oct. 12th, and during -December. - -_Dursey Island._--A few noted on April 11th and July 13th, and one to -four seen at intervals from Sept. 27th to Dec. 18th. - - -Gannet. - -_Galley Head._--Five to twelve going W. on Jan. 29th, Feb. 7th, April -11th, May 14th, 18th to 27th; continuous flocks of Gannets going W. on -March 19th, 20th, 27th, 28th, June 16th to 25th; and in less numbers -to date of sending schedule, July 16th. No entry of Gannets going E. -at this station except on April 20th. One or two grey or young Gannets -seen on May 14th and June 16th. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--Jan. 20th to 23rd, continuous flocks passing S.W. -Large flocks on Feb. 7th, 22nd, and March 17th. On Oct, 5th and 6th, -some hundreds going S. Nov. 5th, forty-five going E.; 20th, Gannets. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--April 29th, four flying W. June 6th, two -Gannets, and at intervals to end of month. Oct. 15th, four flying E.; -and from 31st to Dec. 1st, one to five passing at intervals. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--April 27th, May 18th, 20th, and 26th, -occasional Gannets flying W. June 27th, Gannets in twos and threes. -Oct. 23rd, occasional Gannets, and a few at intervals until January. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--March 10th, a flock; 26th, seven. During -April flocks at intervals, especially towards end of month. In May two -to seven passing at intervals in various directions. During June, July, -August and September a few Gannets seen frequently. In October less -common. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--Gannets noted at intervals during April, -May, and June; May 1st and 12th, flocks continuous. Flight generally -N.E. September, flocks at intervals. - -_Kish Bank Light-ship._--Three entries of Gannets in May, one in June, -and one in July; direction of flight different in each case. Oct. 3rd, -six flying S.W. Nov. 23rd, flocks from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. going to S.W. - -_Copeland Island._--Gannets remain about the island all the year. In -August this year large numbers fishing in vicinity. - -_South Maidens._--Two entries of Gannets in April. Oct. 20th, two seen. - -_Rathlin Island._--Fourteen entries occur in schedule between March -28th and June 17th; in eleven the direction of flight was entered, and -in all it was towards the west, and seemed independent of the weather. -On April 13th, 19th, 21st, May 4th, 7th, 12th, 13th, 23rd, and June 2nd -the flocks were passing all day. During August four entries occur, but -direction of flight is not given. One entry in October. - -_Innishtrahull._--Jan. 8th, four Gannets; wind strong S.W. - -_Lough Swilly._--May 1st, 20th, and July 30th, a few noted. - -_Tory Island._--Nov. 13th, two going E.; noon. - -_Arranmore._--March 9th and 26th, four to six passing all day. Oct. -14th, twelve. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--April 6th and 18th, a few. May 14th and 18th, -continuous flock all day going S. In June Gannets around island at -intervals. Sept. 9th, 19th, a few. Oct. 5th and 6th, hundreds; most -left about Oct. 17th. - -_Killybegs._--April 9th, two; 12th, about thirty, usually in pairs. -Aug. 14th, Gannets leaving. Gannets begin to arrive in June, sometimes -earlier, and mostly leave in September; their movements are very -uncertain. - -_Oyster Island, North._--Gannets noted at intervals from April 5th to -18th. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--To be seen nearly every day during September and -October. - -_Slyne Head, North._--Aug. 1st, numbers of young Gannets are to be -seen. Gannets entered on Aug. 10th, 17th, very common, and flocks at -intervals on Nov. 17th; and thirty on Nov. 25th. - -_Straw Island._--Feb. 10th, fifteen Gannets seen at 2 p.m., strong -breeze, W., going S. Gannets entered on Aug. 8th, Sept. 3rd, and Oct. -11th, generally hovering about. It generally makes its appearance with -various kinds of fish, mackerel, pilchards, &c. - -_Arran Island, South._--Nov. 29th, two at noon; remained three days. - -_Skelligs._--Sept. 20th, several fishing. Nov. 20th, saw no Gannets -since Oct. 29th. - -_Dursey Island._--Seven to thirty noted at intervals during April and -on May 11th and 29th; flight generally W. or N.W. A few noted Aug. -11th; Sept. 6th, large flocks all day going S.; and a few on Sept. 28th. - - -Tern. - -_Copeland Island._--The Terns appear on Mew Island to breed on May 15th -and 16th. They come in the night, at first in small numbers, increasing -each night for ten or twelve nights, when many hundreds are to be seen. -Sept. 19th, some hundreds of Terns left Mew Island on this date; wind -S.E., light misty rain. Heard leaving during night. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--Terns arrived at usual time; they breed on island -outside lighthouse. - -_Oyster Island, North._--April 8th, five Terns passing S.; 12th, -several during day. - -_Slyne Head, North._--May 20th, the Tern arrives for breeding, and -continues until about Aug. 2nd. - - -Gulls. - -_Galley Head._--June 1st to 15th, large flocks of Gulls after fry. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--Oct. 7th to 10th, some hundreds going S. Nov. -20th, Grey Gulls. - -Coningbeg Light-skip.--April 22nd, flocks of Grey Gulls; 26th, ditto. -June 13th, ditto. Nov. 21st, flocks of small Gulls. - -_Dungarvan._--Nov. 6th, a great number. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--July 3rd and 9th, Sea Gulls in flocks, -flying E. after fry. During November and part of December large flocks -apparently after small fish, working east and west with the tides. - -_Tuskar Rock._--From June 13th to 18th, Gulls alighted in large flocks. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--April 1st, continuous flocks of Grey Gulls -going N.E. - -_Kish Bank Light-ship._--Flocks of Grey Gulls noted on May 8th, 25th, -and June 15th. Oct. 16th, flock of Grey Gulls hovering about all day. -Nov. 27th, a flock all day after fry. - -_Rockabill._--Gulls come in April and leave at the end of September. - -_Copeland Island._--Herring Gulls remain about the island all the year. -In August a large number of Grey and Royal Gulls fishing in vicinity. - -_Rathlin Island._--Flocks of Gulls on March 29th, May 1st, 18th, 22nd, -June 8th, 20th, and 27th; direction of flight not given. Flocks during -August of twenty to thirty Royal Gulls at intervals. Two or three -thousand Kittiwakes on 11th and 30th. Entries of Gulls occur twice in -November, and large flocks going S. on Dec. 17th, 21st, and 30th. - -_Innishtrahull._--Dec. 25th, two Royal Gulls. - -_Lough Swilly._--April 1st, a few; 6th, several; 19th, in great -numbers. May 1st, ditto. May 20th and June 1st, Gulls. July 27th, very -numerous all day. - -_Tory Island._--Sept. 5th, a flock of "Common Gulls" flying W. Nov. -15th, three Black-backed Gulls at 8 a.m., going E.; 28th, a flock of -Gulls. - -_Arranmore._--March 12th, Gulls passing. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--Flocks of fifty to one hundred on April 10th, 12th, -28th, and May 8th. In June, Gulls about island. Flocks of Gulls from -one hundred to thousands on Aug. 31st, Sept. 19th, 20th, 30th, Oct. -5th, and 6th. The greater number left on Oct. 17th. On Nov. 4th, 22nd, -and Dec. 7th, eighty to one hundred all day. - -_Killybegs._--Gulls of the grey species to the number of about two -hundred remained here during spring, coming in the morning and -departing in the evening to the cliffs around Slieve League. Thousands -of Kittiwakes arrived about beginning of May, and still (August) -remain. Aug. 14th, several hundreds leaving. Kittiwakes and Grey Gulls -usually arrive in large numbers about June or July, and leave towards -the end of September; but a few, notably the large grey kind, remain -all the month. - -_Oyster Island, North._--Gulls noted on April 12th, 18th, 22nd, May -24th, and 29th. - -_Broadhaven._--Oct. 10th, three dozen Kittiwakes; 24th, four dozen -Black-headed Gulls. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--Sept. 9th, flocks of small Gulls on water. Sept. -22nd and Jan. 5th, 1884, two Royal Gulls. Large and small Gulls nearly -every day during September and October. - -_Clare Island._--March 15th, about a dozen small Sea Gulls during -day. A large number of Gulls of different species in the cliffs near -lighthouses this year. Kittiwakes are here all the year. - -_Slyne Head, North._--Gulls noted on Aug. 20th and Nov. 17th. - -_Arran Island, North._--Nov. 14th, ten; wind fresh W.S.W. - -_Straw Island._--Feb. 13th, the Grey and the Royal Gull continually -in vicinity of lighthouse. The Grey Gulls remain during year. Gulls -entered Aug. 13th, Sept. 1st, and Oct. 5th (Royal). Flight generally -S.W. - -_Arran Island, South._--July 25th, fifty Sea Gulls. Nov. 27th, Sea -Gulls about shore to be seen at all times. - -_Tearaght._--Feb. 6th, Kittiwakes first came on rock about this -time; left about Sept. 1st. "They commence to build about May 1st. -On May 24th only two eggs were found among hundreds of nests. The -nest-building is carried on by some after hatching has commenced with -others. A difficult business this nest-making seems to be, as the mud -or clay which makes up the foundation has to be carried from some soft -bank. Hundreds of them are employed about six weeks at this operation, -some going with the very small portion of mud they are able to take in -their beaks, others coming for more, the bank covered over with more in -the act of digging out. The whole is a continuous busy scene." - -_Valentia._--Royal Gulls, one to four, Sept. 10th, 30th, Oct. 28th, and -Nov. 10th. - -_Skelligs._--Sept. 16th, observed large flocks of Kittiwakes flying -S.S.W.; wind S.E. Grey Gulls noticed from September to January, and -two to four Black-backed Gulls occasionally. Kittiwakes fishing in -shelter of rock, Nov. 20th and Dec. 11th; wind strong gale, N.W. and W. - -_Dursey Island._--Large flock of Gulls noted on April 7th, 25th, 27th, -and May 5th. A few on May 27th, and at intervals to July. Large flocks -on Aug. 25th and Sept. 18th, going W. Four Royal Gulls on Dec. 22nd. - - -Skua Gull. - -_Galley Head._--Jan. 20th, flocks of five to seven Skua Gulls going W. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--Oct. 28th, two Skuas chasing Gulls. - -_Tuskar Rock._--June 7th, flocks alighted on rock four mornings in -succession at same hour. Aug. 20th to 22nd, Skua Gulls in hundreds. - -_Lough Swilly._--June 22nd, one "Boatswain Skua Gull." - -_Valentia._--Nov. 22nd, four Skua Gulls. - - -Manx Shearwater. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--July 6th, "Mackerel Cocks" flying in -different directions. - -_Rathlin Island._--April 12th, Shearwater began to arrive; 22nd, more -arrived. - -_Tearaght._--Jan. 30th, "Mackerel Cock" in great numbers diving round -rock; observed a fortnight previous to this date. Feb. 25th, "Mackerel -Cock" (believed to be) left, always diving, and did not come on rock. -April 5th, note of the Shearwater first heard. Nov. 21st, "Mackerel -Cock" diving about the rock pretty plentifully. Not certain about this -bird. The Manx Shearwater left about Aug. 1st. It was heard frequently -during the summer, and always on very dark calm nights. The sounds, -being frequent and distinct, were, very impressive. When the moon would -rise, or it would clear, a single note was not to be heard. - - -Stormy Petrel. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--Oct. 9th, five Mother Carey's Chickens caught -on deck, 5 a.m.; wind light, hazy. Oct. 15th, two Stormy Petrels about -ship; 28th, two caught on deck, 10.30 p.m. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--April '24th, one; wind light E. - -_Tearaght._--Stormy Petrel very plentiful this year. They are not -much observed until July, from which time they continue breeding -until September. They make a noise which is a continuous chain of -articulations, and might be heard on a calm night a distance of 300 -feet; this noise is kept up by those in the holes as well as those on -the wing. - -_Skelligs._--Sept. 4th, two struck, 10.30 p.m., not killed; did not -notice any after this date. They breed here. - - -Birds not Identified. - -_Rockabill._--"March 6th, large bird, name unknown, killed striking, at -3 a.m.; wind N., fresh, cloudy. Had long bill, and long black legs." - -_Killybegs._--April 8th, "three strange birds, name unknown. White -fan-shaped tail, tipped with black; wings white, tipped with black; -white ring round neck; size of Sparrow; came from seaward, and remained -several days." - -_Tearaght._--May 20th, "one bird, not known, about the size of a -Lapwing; colour of a Grey Plover, land-bred, fan-tail, tips of feathers -of tail white, chased by Crows." - -_Tearaght._--Oct. 28th, "small bird, size of a Linnet; shoulders red or -copper-colour; breast and belly grey, also round neck; head tufted. It -remained about a week." - -_Tearaght._--Nov. 18th, "a bird about the size of a Linnet came on -island; above eyes a white curved streak; eyes and round eyes black; -under head, round breast, a white ring, thence down belly, wings, and -back of a reddish or copper-colour; some white feathers in wing; top -of head black, and tail appears narrow and black. Two of these, one -readily distinguished from the other." - - - -WEST, NEWMAN AND CO., PRINTERS, 54, HATTON GARDEN, LONDON, E.C. - - - * * * * * - - -Transcriber Note - -Minor typos corrected. In previous editions, one locality was listed as -"Farne". In this edition, there is one reference to Farne Islands (p. 54) -all of the other locations are listed as "Farn" and left as is. Due to -space limitations, the table on page 81 was rotated 90°. - - - - - - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS IN -THE SPRING AND AUTUMN OF 1883. *** - -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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