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diff --git a/old/65700-0.txt b/old/65700-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 16eb2c0..0000000 --- a/old/65700-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,8975 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of Report on the Migration of Birds in the -Spring and Autumn of 1884, 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 1884 - Sixth Report (Vol. II No. 1) - -Author: J. A. Harvie Brown - J. Cordeaux - R. Barrington - G. A. More - W. Eagle Clarke - -Release Date: June 25, 2021 [eBook #65700] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -Produced by: Tom Cosmas produced from files made 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 1884 *** - - - - -Transcriber Note - -Text emphasis denoted as _Italics_ and =Bold=. - - - - - REPORT - - ON THE - - MIGRATION OF BIRDS - - IN THE - - SPRING AND AUTUMN OF 1884. - - - - BY - - Mr. J. A. HARVIE BROWN, Mr. J. CORDEAUX, - Mr. R. M. BARRINGTON, Mr. G. A. MORE, - - AND - - Mr. W. EAGLE CLARKE. - - - SIXTH REPORT. - - (Vol. II., No. 1.) - - -"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. - - 1885. - - - - -PREFACE. - - -The following Report contains a summary of investigations of the -Committee re-appointed by the British Association for the Advancement -of Science, at Montreal, Canada, in 1884, 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 Aberdeen in 1885. Mr. -Cordeaux to be the Secretary. - -The returns relating to Scotland have been arranged by Mr. J. A. Harvie -Brown; for the East Coast of England, by Mr. Cordeaux; for the West -Coast of England, by Mr. W. Eagle Clarke; and those for the Coasts of -Ireland, by Mr. R. M. Barrington, Mr. A. G. More, and Mr. Eagle Clarke. - -Having obtained an additional grant from the British Association, we -venture this year to add a new feature to our Report in the form of a -sketch-map, showing all the stations in _red_. We have done this at the -intelligent request of several of our reporters; and the map has been -executed for us by Messrs. Macfarlane & Erskine, of St. James' Square, -Edinburgh. - - - - -CONTENTS. - - - PAGE - - Ocean Notes 1 - - East Coast of Scotland 10 - - East Coast of England 39 - - West Coast of Scotland 74 - - West Coast of England and Wales 101 - - Irish Coast 125 - - -[Illustration: - - MAP - - OF THE - - British Islands - - SHOWING POSITION of THE - - LIGHTHOUSE & LIGHT VESSEL STATIONS - - TO WHICH SCHEDULES ARE SENT BY - - THE COMMITTEE. -] - - - - - LIST OF STATIONS. - - - 1. Iceland. =England--East Coast.= - 2. Do. - 3. Faroe. 30. Longstone L.H. - 3_b_. Fair Isle. 31. Inner Farn L.H. - 32. Coquet Island L.H. - =Scotland--East Coast.= 33. 5 Buoy Tees L.V. - 34. Whitby High L.H. - 4. N. Unst. 35. Flamborough Head L.H. - 5. Whalsey Skerries. 36. Spurn Point L.H. - 6. Bressay Sound. 37. Spurn L.V. - 7. Sumburgh Head. 38. Inner Dowsing L.V. - 8. N. Ronaldshay. 39. Dudgeon L.V. - 9. Start Point. 40. Outer Dowsing L.V. - 10. Auskerry. 41. Llyn Wells L.V. - {11. Hoy Sound (Low). 42. Hasbro' L.V. - {12. Hoy Sound (High). 43. Leman and Ower L.V. - 13. Cantick Head. 44. Hunstanton L.H. - 14. Pentland Skerries. 45. Cromer L.H. - 15. Dunnet Head. 46. Hasbro' L.H. - 16. Holborn Head. 47. Winterton L.H. - 17. Noss Head. 48. Newarp L.V. - 18. Tarbat Ness. 49. Cockle L.V. - 19. Cromarty. 50. Corton L.V. - 20. Chanonry Point. 51. Orfordness L.H. - 21. Covesea Skerries. 52. Languard Point L.H. - 22. Kinnaird Head. 53. Shipwash L.V. - 23. Buchan Ness. 54. Swin Middle L.V. - 24. Girdleness. 55. Nore L.V. - 25. Montroseness. 56. Tongue L.V. - 26. Bell Rock. 57. Kentish Knock L.V. - 27. Isle of May. 58. Galloper L.V. - 28. Inchkeith. 59. North Foreland L.H. - 28_b_. Fidra (1885). 60. North Sand Head L.V. - 29. St Abb's Head. 61. Gull L.V. - 62. Eastside L.V. - 63. South Foreland L.H. - 64. South Sand Head L.V. - 65. Varne L.V. - - =Scotland--West Coast.= =England--West Coast.= - - 81. Cape Wrath. 119. Bahama Bank L.V. - 82. Rhu Stoir. 120. St Bees L.H. - 83. Butt of Lewis. 121. Selker L.V. - 84. Stornoway. 122. Morecambe Bay L.V. - 85. Island Ghlais. 123. Dee L.V. - 86. Monach Isles. 124. Air L.H. - 87. Ushenish. 125. Menai L.H. - 88. Barra Head. 126. Skerries L.H. - 89. Rona. 127. Holyhead Breakwater L.H. - 90. Kyleakin. 128. South Stack L.H. - 91. Isle Ornsay. 129. Carnarvon Bay L.V. - 92. Ardnamurchan. 130. St Tudwall's L.H. - 93. Skerryvore and Hynish 131. Bardsey Island L.H. - Signal Tower, Tiree. 132. Cardigan Bay L.V. - 94. Dhuheartach. 133. South Bishop L.H. - 95. Sound of Mull. 134. Smalls L.H. - 96. Corran Ferry. 135. Great Castlehead L.H. - 97. Lismore. 136. Milford L.H. - 98. Fladda, Easdale. 137. Caldy L.H. - 99. Rhuvaal. 138. Helwick L.V. - 100. M'Arthur's Head. 139. Scarweather L.V. - 101. Skervuile. 140. Nash L.H. - 102. Rhinns of Islay. 141. Breaksea L.V. - 103. Lochindaul. 142. Flatholm L.H. - 104. Mull of Kintyre. 143. English and Welsh - 105. Sanda. Grounds L.V. - 106. Devaar. 144. Usk L.H. - 107. Pladda, Arran. 145. Avon L.H. - 108. Lamlash. 146. Burnham L.H. - 109. Turnberry. 147. Bull Point L.H. - 109_b_. Ailsa Craig 148. Bideford L.H. - (building, 1885). 149. Lundy L.H. - 110. Corsewall. 150. Hartland Point L.H. - 111. Loch Ryan. 151. Trevose Head L.H. - 112. Portpatrick. 152. Godrevy L.H. - 113. Mull of Galloway. 153. Longships L.H. - 114. Little Ross. 154. Sevenstones L.V. - 155. Wolf-Rock L.H. - =Isle of Man.= 156. Scilly L.H. - 157. Bishop's Rock L.H. - 115. Point of Ayre. 158. Lizard L.H. - 116. Douglas Head. 159. Falmouth Harbour L.H. - 117. Langness (1880). 160. Eddystone L.H. - 118. Chickens Rock. 161. Plymouth Breakwater L.H. - 162. Start L.H. - - =Ireland.= - - 1. Fastnet. 20. Arranmore. - 2. Galley Head. 21. Rathlin O'Birne. - 3. Old Head, Kinsale. 22. Killybegs. - 4. Mine Head. 23. Oyster Island. - 5. Dungarvan. 24. Broadhaven. - 5*.Coningbeg Lt.-ship. 25. Eagle Island, E. - 6. Barrels Rock Lt.-ship. 26. Eagle Island, W. - 7. Tuskar. 27. Blackrock, Mayo. - 8. Arklow S. Lt.-ship. 28. Blacksod Point. - 8*.Arklow N. Lt.-ship. 29. Clare Island. - 10. Kish Bank Lt.-ship. 30. Slyne Head, N. - 11. Howth Baily. 31. Slyne Head, S. - 12. Rockabill. 32. Arran Island, N. - 13. Copeland Island. 33. Straw Island. - 14. Maidens. 34. Arran Island, S. - 15. Rathlin. 36. Samphire Island. - 16. Innishtrahull. 37. Tearaght. - 17. Dunree Head. 38. Valencia. - 18. Lough Swilly. 39. Skelligs. - 19. Tory Island. 40. Dursey Island. - - =Outlying Stations.= - - Heligoland. - Stevns Fyr, Zealand. - Malmo, Sweden. - Casquets L.H., Alderney. - Hanois L.H., Guernsey. - - - - -SIXTH REPORT: - -ON - -THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS - -IN THE - -SPRING AND AUTUMN OF 1884. - - - - -OCEAN NOTES. - - -Thanks again to Messrs. Gray and Anderson, I have some interesting -items of migration to record, taken by the latter gentleman on board -the steamship 'Marathon' in the Atlantic. These are best given _in -extenso_; and land-notes will be given after the paragraphs on each -species or group. - - -_Steamship 'Marathon,' outward bound from Liverpool, April 16th, 1884._ - -April 17th.--A small bird came on board at 7 p.m., 15 miles from -nearest land. (Position of ship at noon, Queenstown). Wind easterly for -ten hours previous, and was increasing to moderate gale from E.N.E. -when the bird was seen. From the description of this bird it can -scarcely have been other than a Whinchat or Stonechat. No Petrels.[1] - -[Footnote 1: The lat. and long, give the ship's position at noon each -day.] - -April 18th.--At 7 p.m., another, precisely the same species as -yesterday's, 310 miles from land; not caught. Eight Kittiwakes and four -Manx Shearwaters. Wind light E. all day. (Position of ship at noon, -lat. 51° N., long. 15° 47′ W.). No Petrels. - -April 19th.--Two Kittiwakes all day, till 580 miles from land. Little -Auks[2] (?) seen frequently in parties of two to eight all day. Two -Shearwaters, 600 miles from land. Lat. 60° 1′, long. 22° W. - -[Footnote 2: Called "Little Puffins," size of Water Ouzel, in notes.] - -April 20th.--At 8 a.m., one Manx Shearwater, 770 miles out. Several -pairs of little Auks during forenoon. At 5 p.m., two Black-backed -Common Shearwaters, 870 miles from land, outward bound. No Petrels. - -April 21st.--At 7 a.m., two Common Shearwaters, 1090 miles from -Fastnet. At 11.30 a.m., two Wilson's Petrels, 1145 miles out. Lat. 46° -37′, long. 36° 18′; calm. (_Note._--Previous to this date the note was -appended to each day's entry, "No Petrels.") - -April 22nd.--At 8 a.m., one Wilson's Petrel (_i.e._, _Oceanites -oceanicus_, Kuhl.), 1400 miles out from Fastnet; and one at 4 p.m., -1500 miles. At 7 p.m., two large Puffins[3] flying south. Wind light E. -Lat. 44° 11′, long. 42° 22′. - -[Footnote 3: Common Puffin, "Tammy Norie," _Fratercula arctica_ -(Linn.).] - -April 23rd.--At 11 a.m., two black-looking birds, like Gulls (? Skuas) -flying rapidly to N.E. During the day saw several specimens of the -large sea-bird usually seen on the banks (of which we are now within -sixty miles). [Probably from description the immature of some species -of large Gull.--J. A. H. B.]. Numerous small parties of two or three of -the Little Auk, and two large Puffins. From 6 to 7 p.m., saw numerous -parties of ten to twelve of some kind of (apparently) Plover, flying -south. No Petrels. Lat. 42° 28′, long. 43° 39′; wind light N.E. - -April 24th.--At 7 a.m., three Black-footed Petrels,--Fork-tailed Petrel -(_Thalassidroma leucorrhoa_),--and two Wilson's Petrels. At 5 p.m., one -Little Auk and one Gull (yellow beak and legs), 700 miles from Boston -at noon. Lat. 42° 24′, long. 55° 05′; wind light easterly. - -April 25th.--At 8 a.m., six "Shore" Gulls and two Little Auks. At 5 -p.m., one Skua. No Petrels. Lat. 42° 24′, long. 61° 21′; calm. - -April 26th.--Occasional Gulls all day. No Petrels. Wind light N.; 141 -miles from Boston at noon. - - -_Return Voyage of Steamship 'Marathon' from Boston, May 3rd._ - -May 3rd.--At 11 a.m., when 220 miles from Boston, one Common -Swallow (by description a Martin.--J. A. H. B.) going west(!). Eight -Black-footed Petrels; one Solan Goose, immature; numerous Gulls. At -6 a.m., apparently the same Solan Goose, twelve Wilson's Petrels, -numerous Gulls, five Puffins, and two Little Auks. Lat. 42° 16′, long. -65° 58′; wind light W. - -May 5th.--At 8.30 a.m., one Skua. Thirty to forty Wilson's Petrels all -day. At 6 p.m., a couple of Gulls, and some Puffins. Lat. 42° 10′, -long. 59° 56′; wind light to mod. W. - -May 6th.--From 8 a.m. till dark, thirty Wilson's Petrels, two Little -Auks, and one Gull. Lat. 42° 04′, long. 53°; wind mod. N.W. - -May 7th.--All day, twenty Wilson's Petrels, and four Manx Shearwaters. -Lat. 42° 56′, long. 46° 46′; wind fresh N.W. - -May 8th.--At 8 a.m., one Black-footed Petrel (Fork-tailed Petrel -probably, Wilson's being yellow-webbed between the toes--J. A. H. B.). -Wind strong N. - -May 9th.--At 8 a.m., five Terns flying N. At 8.30, twelve Terns -resting on sea ahead, flew north. At 5 p.m., seven or eight Wilson's -Petrels flying north, very tired-looking, and never heeded the ship. -One "Black-footed Petrel" flying N. Lat. 47° 29′, long. 36° 09′; wind -strong N. - -May 10th.--Very numerous parties of Terns all day, flying north, three -to twelve in number. At 9 a.m., one Skua, one Black-footed Petrel, and -one Kittiwake. Lat. 49° 12′, long. 30° 04′, or 794 miles from Fastnet; -wind strong to mod. N. - -May 11th.--At 8 a.m., several parties of Terns, and three Skuas, all -going north. At 8.30 a.m., one Kittiwake. At 5 p.m., three Kittiwakes. -At 7 p.m., three Skuas circling about. No Petrels. Lat. 50° 81′, long, -23° 19′; wind mod. N. - -May 12th.--At 8 a.m., sixteen Kittiwakes, 10 Wilson's Petrels, and -four Manx Shearwaters. At 6 p.m., three Skuas, and two very dark -hawk-looking birds, evidently in company, one very dark and the -other had white vest and throat (Mr. Anderson's "Skuas" are probably -Pomatorhine Skuas, and these last Richardson's Skuas.--J. A. H. B.). At -6.30 a flock of eighty or ninety Terns flying high and going N. and W., -and circling frequently as if in doubt as to the proper course. They -approached the ship from N.E., and were lost to sight astern, still -undecided. One Puffin. - -May 13th.--At 8 a.m., one (by description) Richardson's Skua flew -past, seaward, ten miles from Queenstown, at noon. No Petrels. - -May 14th.--Only Gulls and Puffins. - -The 'Marathon' is again advertised to sail for Boston on June 18th. - - -_Cunard Royal Mail Steamship, 'Gallia.'_ - -At a later date Mr. Anderson sends a note on Solan Geese:--"On Jan. -20th we passed numerous Solan Geese at Cape St. Vincent. They could not -fly, and many had a hard job to flutter off on the surface sufficiently -far to clear the ship. I saw one black one. The others were mostly -white, with yellowish heads and greyish beaks. They all had the -appearance of being fully fledged. One Robin stayed a day on board -between Naples and Burriana, in Spain." - -We suspect the regular appearance of Solans so far to the southward -will turn out to be closely associated with the migrations of fish, -possibly pilchards; and that, gorged with these fish, they were unable -to rise off the water, this difficulty not arising from any state of -moult in the bird's plumage.--J. A. H. B. - - -_Union Steamship 'Athenian.'--First Voyage, 1884._ - -Thanks also to Mr. Spearman Swinburne, of Union Steamship 'Athenian,' I -have several good schedules returned from two voyages--one in spring, -between April 5th and 29th; and the second between Aug. 24th and Oct. -4th. - -April 5th.--One Robin, one Yellowhammer, a flock of Jackdaws, three -Lapwings, and one Crested Lark (_A. cristata_), between 7 a.m. and -2 p.m.; strong S.S.E.; v. c. r. The Robin alighted, so did the -Yellowhammer. The Jackdaws were flying to eastward. The Lapwings -followed the ship, and the Crested Lark alighted on board. The Robin -and Yellowhammer were seen in lat. 53° N., long. 9° E.; the others in -lat. 54° N., long. 10° E. - -April 12th.--Seven Red-throated Divers, flying E.; one lot of three, -the rest singly, all with white throats; 6 to 7 a.m.; light N.W., -clear; off Schelling light-vessel. - -April 20th.--One Wheatear, 2 p.m. till dark; light N.E., v. c.; -alighted on board. Lat. 46° N., long. 8° W. - -April 22nd.--Bulwer's Petrels, throughout the morning; W., strong, -v. c.; about nine or ten in all flying singly, generally against the -wind. Lat. 34° N., long. 16° W. Also one "white-breasted" Petrel, at 7 -a.m., same lat. and long., fluttering on surface. One Black Tern (in -full black plumage); and on April 29th, Sooty Terns and Common Terns; -a large flock at 9 a.m., wind light S., including with these species a -dark species of Gull.[4] Lat. 1° S., long. 13° W. - -[Footnote 4: Or Falcon (?).--J. A. H. B.] - -_Remarks._--Oct. 19th, off Cape Point (Cape of Good Hope). Passed -through numbers of Great Shearwaters, and continued seeing them up to -Algoa Bay. This is the first time I have seen them on this coast, and -they are not included among the birds of S. Africa. On our return, on -November 2nd, we passed smaller numbers of them, chiefly flying to -the S.W. Nov. 16th, off Bejouga Islands, observed a Skua in uniform -brown plumage chasing two grey and white birds, apparently some kind -of pigeon. While one bird was being attacked, the other would rise in -the air and attack the Skua in turn, and this continued till I lost -sight of them. The same day, at 1 p.m., saw what looked like land; on -approach turned out to be enormous flocks of sea-birds feeding and -moving to the N.E. Those we saw afterwards were nearly all Greater -Shearwaters. - - -Migratory Birds seen at Sea.--Dec. 18th, 1884, to Feb. 17th, 1885. - - --------+--------------------+-----------+-------- - Date. | Lat. | Long. | Wind. |Weather. - --------+--------------------+-----------+-------- - Dec. 19 | Plymouth| Sound. | | - " 29 | 6° 45′ N.|15° 16′ W.| N.E., 2 | b. c. - " 30 | 2° 31′ N.|12° 16′ W.| Vble. | b. c. - " 31 | 1° 43′ S.| 9° 30′ W.| S.E., 2 | b. - " " | 1° 43′ S.| 9° 30′ W.| S.E., 2 | b. - 1885. | | | | - Feb. 3 | 9° 23′ S.| 3° 22′ W.| S.E., 1, 2| b. c. - " 4 | 4° 54′ S.| 6° 44′ W.| S.S.E., 2 | b. - " 6 | 3° 54′ N.|13° 18′ W.| S.S.E., 2 | b. c. - " 9 |18° 03′ N.|17° 36′ W.| N.E., 4 | b. - " 10 |22° 56′ N.|16° 56′ W.| N.E., 3, 4| b. - | | | | - " " |22° 56′ N.|16° 56′ W.| N.E., 3, 4| b. - | | | | - --------+---------+----------+-----------+-------- - -------+---------------+---------------------------- - Date. | Birds. | Remarks. - -------+---------------+---------------------------- - Dec. 19| | - " 29|1 Hoopoe. |Flying about ship; alighted. - " 30|1 Black Tern. |Close to ship. - " 31|Sooty Terns. |A large flock. - " "|Black Terns. |Several. - 1885. | | - Feb. 3|Sooty Tern. |1. - " 4|Black Tern. |1. - " 6|Black Tern. |1. - " 9|Grey Phalarope.|Small flock flying N. - " 10|2 Terns (Common| - | Arctic). | - " "|Grey Phalarope.|A flock flying N.; some - | | swimming. - -------+---------------+---------------------------- - - (Signed) S. Swinburne. - - -Steamship 'Athenian.'--Second Voyage, 1884. - - -------+-------------------------------+---------------+--------------------- - | | | - | Number, Name, or | | Force and Direction - Date. | Species of Bird. |Time when seen.| of Wind. - -------+-------------------------------+---------------+--------------------- - Aug. 24| 3 Curlews | 7 a.m. | Ely., Vble., 1 to 4 - " "| 3 Curlews | 7.30 to 8 a.m.| Ely., Vble., 1 to 4 - | | | - | | | - | | | - " "| 4 Sandpipers (Common) | 7 to 9 a.m. | Ely., Vble., 1 to 4 - " 25| 1 Yellowhammer | 9.30 a.m. | E., 4 - " 26| 1 Sandpiper (Common) | Noon. | N.E., 3 to 4 - " 26| 1 Sandpiper (Common) | 9 a.m. | N.E., 4 to 5 - " 31| 23 Curlews | 5.30 p.m. | N.W., 3 - Sept. 2| 1 Sandpiper | 7 a.m. | W., 1 to 2 - | | | - " 14| 1 Rook (or Carrion Crow) | 6 a.m. | E., 4 - " "| 2 Small birds | 9 a.m. | E., 4 - " "| 4 Sandpipers | 5.30 p.m. | E., 4 - " "| Several small birds heard about the ship during the night. - " "| 3 flocks of Scoters | 7 a.m. | E.S.E., 4 - " "| 1 Skylark | 7 a.m. | E.S.E., 4 - " "| 4 Starlings | 8 a.m. | E.S.E., 4 - " "| 1 large flock of birds | 8 a.m. | E.S.E., 4 - " 19| 1 Wheatear | 8 a.m. | N., 2 - " "| Several birds (prob. Wheatears) 8 a.m. | N., 2 - " "| 1 Rock Pigeon |10 a.m. | N.N.E., 2 - " 28| 1 Hobby | 6 p.m. | N.W., 3 - Oct. 2| 2 Black Terns | 7 a.m. | N.E., 5 - " "| 1 Swallow | 4 p.m. | N.E., 4 to 3 - " 3| 1 Swallow | 7 a.m. | Nly., 1 to 2 - " "| 1 Wagtail | 5 p.m. | W.N.W., 2 - " 4| 1 Black-crested Grass Warbler | 5 p.m. | W.N.W., 2 - " "| 3 Black Terns | 8 a.m. | Variable, 1 - " "| Several flocks of Terns seen at times. | Variable, 1 - " "| 1 Curlew | 9 a.m. | Variable, 1 - " "| 1 Turnstone | 9 a.m. | Calm - " "| 3 Swallows | 4 to 6 p.m. | Calm - " 5| 1 Swallow | 6 p.m. | S.S.W., 2 - Nov. 16| 2 Pigeons (?) | 8 a.m. | N.W., 2 - " "| 1 Pigeon | 9 a.m. | N.W., S - " "| Sandpiper | 9 to 10 a.m. | N.W., S - " "| Small bird | 1 p.m. | N.W., a - " 21| 1 Snipe | -- | N.E., 4 - " 24| Small bird | -- | N.N.W., S - -------+-------------------------------+---------------+--------------------- - -------+--------------+--------------------------+------------------------- - |Weather, Clear| | - | or Fog, Rain,| Ship's Position at Noon.| - Date. | Snow,&c. | Lat. Long. |General Observations. - -------+--------------+------------+-------------+------------------------- - Aug. 24| o. c. r. | 11° 25′ N. | 17° 28′ W. |Flying E. - " "| o. c. r. | 11° 25′ N. | 17° 28′ W. |2 flew round the ship - | | | | for ½ hour, when they - | | | | were joined by another, - | | | | and flew S.W. - " "| o. c. r. | 11° 25′ N. | 17° 28′ W. |Flying E. - " 25| b. c. | 16° 19′ N. | 17° 33′ W. |Alighted on board. - " 26| b. c. | 21° 01′ N. | 17° 21′ W. |Flying E. - " 26| b. c. | 25° 20′ N. | 16° 53′ W. |Flying E. - " 31| b. | 41° 16′ N. | 10° 44′ W. |A flock flying S. - Sept. 2| b. c. | 49° 00′ N. | 7° 00′ W. |Markings very bright; - | | | | not common species. - " 14| b. c. | 52° 31′ N. | 3° 30′ E. |Flying E. - " "| b. c. | 52° 31′ N. | 3° 30′ E. |Flying E. - " "| b. c. | 62° 31′ N. | 3° 30′ E. |Flying E. - " "| | | | - " "| b. | Off Heligoland. |Flying S. - " "| b. | Off Heligoland. |Flying S.E. - " "| b. | Off Nieuwarke. |Flying E. - " "| b. | Off Nieuwarke. |Flying E. - " 19| c. | Off Terschelling Lt.-Sh. |Flying E. - " "| c. | Off Terschelling Lt.-Sh. |Flying E. - " "| c. | 18 miles S.W. of do. |Flying E. - " 28| b. c. | 41° 53′ N. | 11° 06′ W. |Flying S. - Oct. 2| c. | 22° 59′ N. | 17° 34′ W. |Black plumage. - " "| b. c. | 22° 59′ N. | 17° 34′ W. |Flying about ship. - " 3| b. | 17° 32′ N. | 17° 54′ W. |Flying S.E. - " "| b. | 17° 32′ N. | 17° 54′ W. |A greyish species. - " 4| b. | 17° 32′ N. | 17° 54′ W. |Alighted on board. - " "| b. | 12° 19′ N. | 17° 30′ W. | - " "| b. | 12° 19′ N. | 17° 30′ W. | - " "| b. | 12° 19′ N. | 17° 30′ W. |Flying W. - " "| b. | 12° 19′ N. | 17° 30′ W. |Flying round ship. - " "| b. m. | 12° 19′ N. | 11° 30′ W. |One caught on board. - " 5| b. c. | 7° 40′ N. | 15° 18′ W. | - Nov. 16| c. r. | 12° 47′ N. | 17° 50′ W. |Plumage grey, white. - " "| c. r. | 12° 47′ N. | 17° 50′ W. |Similar to Blue Rock. - " "| c. r. | 12° 47′ N. | 17° 50′ W. | - " "| c. r. | 12° 47′ N. | 17° 50′ W. |Alighted on board. - " 21| c. | 35° 35′ N. | 15° 20′ W. |Flying round ship. - " 24| b. c. | 47° 33′ N. | 7° 37′ W. | - -------+--------------+------------+-------------+------------------------- - - -Thanks to Mr. T. Southwell, of Norwich, I have the following returns -from the Polar Seas:-- - - -_Voyage of Steamship 'Eclipse' in Polar Seas, from the Log of Capt. -David Gray._ - -The 'Eclipse' left Peterhead on Feb. 28th, 1884, and Lerwick on March -12th. On that day Bottlenose Whales were seen hurrying northward, as -well as a few "Mallemauks." Lat. at noon 60° 25′ N., long. 0° 41′ W.; -wind true S.; force 4[5]; temp, of air 42°, of sea 44°. At 8 p.m., -temp, of water 47°. - -[Footnote 5: The strength of the wind is according to Beaufort -scale.--D. G.] - -March 14th.--Lat. at noon, 66° 4′ N., d. r., long. 3° 50′ W., d. -r. South. Force 9. Temp, of air 42°, of water 40°. Numbers of -"Mallemauks," and one or two "Looms." - -March 17th.--Noon. Lat. 72° 23′ N. d. r., long. 5° 44′ W. d. r. E. ½ -N. Force 5. Temp, of air 25°, of water 29°. Made the ice at 11.30 a.m. -Slight sludge. Saw several "Snow Birds" (Ivory Gulls), as well as a -flock or two of "Rotges" (Little Auks). - -March 20th.--Noon. Lat. 73° 0′ N. d. r., long. 5° 30′ W. d. r. N. 6 E. -½ E.; force 10. Temp, of air 20°, of water 29°. Young ice. "Snow Birds" -and "Burgomasters" were flying N.N.E., which was significant, as these -birds are always present in vast numbers where a large herd of seals is. - -April 25th.--Noon. Lat. 73° 28′ N., long. 2° 50′ E.; S. ½ W.; force 5; -temp, of air 36°, of water 29·5°. We passed through the sealing grounds -(where on the 4th to 7th the young brood of seals had been killed). -Many crangs [skinless bodies of the young seals] covered with snow were -still visible, and around them flocked myriads of "Snow-birds" and -"Burgomasters." - -April 26th.--Noon. Lat. 73° 25′ N., long. 5° 6′ E.; N.N.W.; force 4; -temp, of air, 24°, of water 29°. Saw many flocks of Eider Ducks going -N.E.; and "Mallemauks" numerous. - -April 27th.--Noon. Lat. 74° 15′ N., 4° 30 E.; W.N.W.; force 4; temp, -of air, 17·5°, of water 29°; at the pack-edge. Several "schools" of -old Saddle-back Seals seen going N.E.; and "Rotges," "Looms," and -"Dovekies" also on their northward journey. - -May 3rd.--Noon. Lat. 78° 36′ N., long. 1° 13′ E.; N.E. by N.; force -8; temp, of air 15°, of water 29°; at the pack-edge. "Rotges" very -numerous to-day and yesterday. - -May 9th.--Noon. Lat. 78° 35′ N., long. 0° 10′ W.; W. ½ S.; force 3; -temp, of air 24°, of water 30·5°; among floes. At five o'clock got into -a large water surrounded with floes. A few "Unicorns" were sporting -about in the still water; flocks of "Rotchies" and "Looms" were flying -hither and thither, and some were swimming about engaged in diving for -"whales'-food," upon which they subsist. A bear or two seen on the floe. - -May 12th.--Noon. Lat. 78° 47′ N., long. 2° 41′ E.; N.N.W.; force 2; -temp, of air 18°, of water 29°; among floes. Got into the land-water of -Spitzbergen. Saw many "Mallemauks." - -May 15th.--Noon. Lat. 79° 20′ N., long. 2° 55′ E.; S.E.; force 3; temp, -of air 26·5°, of water 29·5°; at pack-edge. A few "Unicorns" seen; and -a Hawk came on board, apparently dying of hunger. - -May 16th.--The Hawk seemed to be recovering, but on May 17th fell -overboard and was drowned. - -May 27th.--Noon. Lat. 77° 40′ N., long. 3° 20′ E.; S. ½ W.; force 6; -temp, of air 27°, of water 31° The water is very rich with "whales' -food"; "Unicorns" are numerous, and birds in thousands. - -June 6th.--Noon. Lat. 77° 53′ N., 4° 25′ W.; temp, of air 35°, of water -31°. "Whales' food" abundant, and birds numerous. A few "Unicorns" -seen, and one bear. - -June 7th.--Noon. Lat. 77° 57′ N., 4° 52′ W.; N.W. ½ W.; force 1; temp, -of air 36°, of water 33·5°; floes and loose ice. Narwhals have been -numerous; also birds, chiefly "Rotchies"; and one or two bears. - -June 10th.--Noon. Lat. 78° 3′ N., long. 0° 24′. W.; S.W. by S. ½ S.; -force 3; temp, of air 33°, of water 33·5°. Many birds. Quantities of -whales blowing, and greasy water. "Rotchies," "Looms," and Narwhals -numerous. - -June 11th.--Noon. Lat. 73° 38′ N., long. 0° 4′ E.; S. ½ W.; force -3; temp, of air 35°, of water 35°. Birds and Seals numerous; a few -"Unicorns" seen; and some bears in sight at 12 p.m. - - -_Steamship 'Persia.'_ - -Mr. John S. Alston writes under date of November 4th, 1884,--a date as -will be noted correlating with date of a great rush on our E. Coast -of Britain (J. A. H. B.),--as follows:--"We hope to make Port Said -to-morrow, after a very fair run all the way from home. During the last -three days we have been visited by more little birds than I ever saw -before at sea. So far as I can judge, they were mostly Finches; but -we saw two Quails and, of all birds in the world, a Robin-redbreast, -who most characteristically seemed quite at home; and when he was -frightened by a Hawk, which was in close pursuit of this flock of -birds, Robin quietly hopped down the 'companion' into the engineers' -quarters. I had seen another Robin off Tarifa, the southern point of -Europe, but I was much struck to see this little fellow come on board -flying due south, the nearest land being Cape Matapan, hundreds of -miles away. Of course he may have been blown off shore by a northerly -gale, but when we met him he was flying against a southerly breeze. -The Hawk followed these birds, hovering about the ship all day, but -took his departure in the night. He was a small one--a Merlin, I -think."--(Signed) John S. Alston. - - - - -EAST COAST OF SCOTLAND. - - -The usual schedules were distributed to thirty stations on the East -Coast of Scotland, Faroe, and Iceland. Twelve stations on East Coast -of Scotland have sent in forty-one schedules out of the twenty-eight -stations, including Faroe and Iceland. - -From the Isle of May we have, as usual, the heaviest returns--fourteen -schedules in all. Pentland Skerries again comes second with twelve -schedules, and Bell Rock is the next in weight of returns. - -In the following List of Stations, we indicate in Arabic type the -number of years in which each station has returned records, and the -consecutive numbers of the stations, as these coincide with those on -the map. Hitherto we have indicated by asterisks, under each year as -a heading, these particulars of returns, but after the fifth year -these become cumbrous, occupying too much room. This year's returns, -however, will again be indicated by asterisks. As will be seen below in -an analysis of the returns for the past six years (see General Remarks -end of W. C. of Scotland), the character of the lights at each station -appears to have considerable influence on the bulking of records, the -_white-fixed-lights_ having the largest as a rule. We mark in the list -of stations therefore their different values as migration stations. -The numerals indicate the true _migration values_, though the class -of light may not _always_ correspond; and it remains to be seen if -their character be kept up in the future. These are indicated by the -following Roman numerals:-- - - First Class.--I., usually _fixed white lights_, but may be - otherwise, if the situation is particularly favourable, as in - the case of Bell Rock (see below). - - Second Class.--II., usually white-revolving, also intermittent. - - Third Class.--III., white and red revolving - - Fourth Class.--IV., white flash, and red and white sectors. - - Fifth Class.--V., bad situation, or exposure, combined with other - disadvantages; _red fixed_; landlocked. All considerations bad. - - -EAST OF SCOTLAND. - -Shetland. - - 3 * 4. North Unst, Shetland IV. 230 T. Edgar. - 3 5. Whalsey Skerries, Shetland II. 143 - 1 6. Bressay, Shetland III. 105 - 5 * 7. Sumburgh Head, Shetland. I. 303 D. M. Scott. - - -Orkney. - - 4 * 8. N. Ronaldshay IV. 180 - 9. Start Point V. 80 - 5 10. Auskerry I. 110 - 11. Hoy Sound (Low) V.(_a_) 55 - 12. Hoy Sound (High) V. 115 - 13. Cantick Head III. 115 - 5 *14. Pentland Skerries I. 170 J. Gilmour. - 5 *15. Dunnet Head V.(_a_) 346 - -Mainland. - - 16. Holborn Head, Caithness V. 75 - 1 17. Noss Head, Caithness V.(_a_) 175 - 18. Tarbat Ness, East Ross V.(_a_) 175 R. S. Ritson. - 3 *19. Cromarty, East Cromarty V. 60 John McGill. - 2 *20. Chanonry Point, Elgin V. 40 - 1 21. Covesea Skerries, Elgin V. 160 - *22. Kinnaird Head, Aberdeen V. 120 - 23. Buchan Ness, Aberdeen V. 130 - 1 *24. Girdleness, Aberdeen V. 185 - 25. Montroseness, Forfar V. 124 - 5 *26. Bell Rock, Fife I. 93 James Jack. - 5 *27. Isle of May, Firth of Forth I. 240 Jos. Agnew. - 4 *28. Inch Keith, Firth of Forth IV. 220 R. Grierson. - 29. St. Abb's Head, Berwick V. 224 - -Note.--Read in this place part of the General Remarks at the end of -West Coast of Scotland. - -(_a_) Notwithstanding the favourable description of light. - - -_Diary from the Stations._ - -_N. Unst._--Mr. James Edgar--formerly at Butt of Lewis--has sent useful -schedules embracing from Feb. 15th to 21st Sep. and to Nov. 28th. "We -have plenty of Ravens and Hooded Crows all the year, therefore I only -notice uncommon flocks." "One pair of Hoodies, which has been about -the rock for years, attends regularly at dinner time (1 p.m.) to eat -up scraps. Their right is sometimes disputed by a half-tame Sea Gull. -I had a good opportunity of examining 'Jenny Wren' this season. She -remained for a fortnight."--_In lit._ - -_Sumburgh Head._--The old natives say they never before have seen such -vast numbers of Gulls as during this year, around this station all the -season onward from 8th March, 1884.[6] - -[Footnote 6: Mr. D. M. Scott has removed to Lamlash, Arran, since the -date of his last schedule, Sept. 15th, 1884, and is succeeded by Mr. -Youngclause from Monach Islands. Mr. Youngclause sends a light schedule -from Sept. 19th to Nov. 16th, of interest in showing the northerly -extension of the migration of Linnets and Turdidæ (see General Remarks -under Gulls).] - -_N. Ronaldshay._--Mr. John Tulloch sent one schedule embracing the -whole season from July 5th to Sept. 21st. I did not receive this -till the first week in March. In future I would always like to have -schedules returned immediately after last day of January, or as soon -as possible after that date, as it is more difficult to work in stray -schedules after the Report is written out. - -_Pentland Skerries._--Mr. J. Gilmour was called away from August 13th -till Sept. 1st on a Board of Trade inquiry. During that interval a -Solan Goose struck the Lantern Dome, and was found, but not killed -("this is very unusual"). A few Wheatears and one Goldcrest were seen -also, during this interval. Gulls (a pair) bred on the island--a very -unusual circumstance. - -Easterly and southerly winds prevailed from March 10th to April 12th, -with occasional S.W., varying to N.; 12th to 19th, N.E., fresh; 19th -to May 4th, again S.E. and E., and N. on latter date, and so on till -August with very slight variations, or light, variable. - -In autumn, winds continued to prevail easterly, till about the 20th -Sept., when they changed to westerly and northerly, and this appeared -to be characteristic along the whole E. coast, thus making a visit -paid by me to Isle of May, for three weeks in September and October, -rather unproductive of visible migration. This N. & W. prevalence -caused migration to be much dispersed, and no great rushes are recorded -at Pentland Skerries or other stations. But on the 14th Oct., during -mod. E., after N.N.E. and N.W. gales, a rush of Thrushes and Woodcocks -will be found recorded. Between Oct. 17th and Nov. 7th winds very -variable round three-fourths of compass, but almost never entering the -fourth quarter between S. and E.--indeed only on three days. Strong -N.E., weather cloudy and clear, very little haze. This continued till -Nov. 30th, except on Nov. 11 a S. gale, on 8th S.W. gale, and on 20th a -N. gale.[7] - -[Footnote 7: Read the above in connection with General Remarks.] - -_Dunnet Head_ gives a light return. The daily to-and-fro migration of -Gannets is spoken of in _general terms_, and the dates of arrival and -departure of rock birds were "about the same dates as stated in last -year's report." - -_Cromarty._--The prevailing wind at this land-locked station at the -times of records, given between March 24th and Dec. 26th, were from W. -and S.W. Dates of arrivals in spring and departures in autumn given. -As before remarked, such land-locked stations give abnormal returns as -compared with freely exposed stations, and the S.W. or W. winds were -local. - -_Chanonry._--Practically blank as regards actual migration, all -movements being local, Mr. J. McGill finding Scarts and Cormorants -flying up and down the Firth, Wild Ducks feeding in frosty weather, -and many Larks on Jan. 17th, 1884. Local movements of Green Plover in -November and December. No certain migration discernible. - -_Kinnaird Head_ returns a blank schedule, with the positive statement -"No birds." I am obliged to the head lighthouse-keeper for returning -this schedule. Such if regularly returned would enable me to give -always, year by year, a positive statement of negative value. I wish -others on the Aberdeenshire coast would follow his good example. - -_Girdleness._--A light return during November 14th to 17th and December -1st to 12th. "Birds at this lighthouse very scarce, the situation -being very exposed." A record of a Fork-tailed Petrel (seen by me on -15th August, J. A. H. B.) is of considerable interest. Dead calm and -hazy; on E. side of lantern; about 12 p.m. Stomach contained only -an oily matter (Geo. Sim) _vide_ Proc. Ryl. Phyl. Soc. Edin. 1884. -Bell Rock sends excellent schedules as usual. The early advent of a -swallow--March 13th and 14th--is commented upon by letter. "It seemed -much exhausted." Mr. Hutton, Bank Manager, Royal Bank, Arbroath--a -gentleman much interested in ornithology--gave a full account of the -occurrence in the 'Dundee Advertiser' of April.[8] - -[Footnote 8: "About four o'clock in the afternoon of the 13th and 14th -March the light-keeper on duty at the Bell Rock Lighthouse observed a -swallow fluttering in front of the kitchen window. After watching it -for some little time he opened the window and stood aside to see if -the bird would come in. This in a minute or two it did, and alighted -on the inside of the windowsill. So exhausted did the little wanderer -appear from its long flight and the buffetting of the weather that it -allowed itself to be lifted up and put into a cage. It immediately -lay down on the bottom of the cage and instantly fell fast asleep, -remaining in this state till next morning about eight o'clock (sixteen -hours). So sound were its slumbers that the keepers watching it as -it lay could scarcely detect any signs of life in it, and at times -they were almost certain that it had died. On awakening at the hour -mentioned the swallow was taken out by one of the keepers and given a -drink of water. It was put back into the cage again, where it lay in an -apparently dormant condition till 10 a.m., when it was supplied with -more water, under the influence of which and the rays of the sun it -became quite lively and strong. The kitchen window was now lifted up -and the bird taken out and laid on the open hand of Mr. Jack, principal -light-keeper. Resting there for a moment, it gave one cheery twitter, -and, springing upwards from the outstretched palm, it winged its way -in the direction of the land and was lost sight of in the space of -a minute or two. The appearance of the bird so far north at such an -early season is remarkable. The swallow migrates to Africa at the end -of October, and it is not till the middle of April that the flight -northward begins, so that the one which surprised the light-keepers -before March was half run was several weeks earlier than the usual time -for their appearance here. It may be added that, the Swallow being an -insectivorous bird, the lighthouse keepers were unable to supply it -with its ordinary food, and abstained from giving it any other for fear -of injuring it."] - -Between April 9th and Sept. 3rd scarcely any migration was observed -at Bell Rock--only four records in that time on April 28th, April -30th, May 7th and 9th. But before and after these dates in spring -and autumn, considerable migration is recorded in comparison, but -decidedly slack, as compared with other seasons, in autumn, owing to -northerly and westerly winds. This, however, was followed by a great -rush in November, for particulars of which the reader is referred to -the details under Species. The marvellous congregations of Gulls and -their prey the Sprat or Garvie (_Clupea sprattus_) are commented upon. -(General Remarks). - -_Isle of May._--In January, 1884, intermittent migration continued. The -great gale of 27th to 29th produced nothing of any consequence--one -Yellowhammer, however, being the first of the species seen for some -time. - -While rushes took place in spring at Bell Rock in March, with the wind -prevailing E., at Isle of May much smaller movements are recorded, -local winds apparently being more S. & W. (See especially "Thrushes," -but the remark applies to other species also.) This is curious at -two stations so close to one another. Bush of land birds in April. -Movements of Guillemots and rock birds somewhat different (see -details). Partial albino of the Willow Warbler captured (seen by me, -J. A. H. B.) Long spell of E. winds in April and rushes; but a light -S.W. wind on 30th, changing from S.S.E., brought a "wonderful rush of -land birds." This seems to me interesting, as proving the station to -lie in the direct route of migration, rushes occurring both in the most -favourable winds--S.E. or E. (_i.e._ for spring migration), and those -supposed to lie less favourable, and following winds, _viz._ S.W. - -A later schedule--April 30th to June 3rd--shows evidences of a -decidedly late spring migration, for which it seems difficult to assign -a cause. This was also noticeable on land. It took place in second week -of May, with light S.W. and W. wind, mist, fog, and rain; principally -of Warblers and insect-feeding species. - -Very few records are given between June 11th and August. A usual return -of Warblers, &c., noted as rather early by August 10th. Bush of same -species, 19th and 24th. In end of August and all September, on till -about October 18th, winds retarded migration, being N. and W.; never, -or very rarely, S. and E., or S. of W. I spent three weeks and three -days on Isle of May, between September 24th and October 17th, and -during that time only witnessed intermittent and slack migration; the -only attempt at a night rush apparent being on the night of October -4th, at the time of total eclipse of the moon--wind Light W. at the -time--some twelve Goldcrests being caught at the lantern.[9] A male -Black Redstart was shot on October 24th, and a second seen on 25th. The -principal rush of the year on November 4th instances the effect of a -sudden change of wind. This must have been a very vast and determined -rush, as many came also with a W. wind afterwards. This rush was -composed principally of Finches and Larks, with considerable numbers -of Turdidæ; but the great rush of the latter (Thrushes) did not take -place till the rush of the Finches was past. Whilst the Finches and -Larks greatest rush was on Nov. 4th, the greatest rush of Thrushes, -Blackbirds, and Turdidæ generally was on 12th to 16th. (For particulars -see details under Species). - -[Footnote 9: Our Isle of May notes containing a few items of interest -will be used in a separate paper on that island, but actual results -will be worked into this report also.] - -Thereafter migration continued with less force up to Jan., 1885, the -date of the last schedule to hand. - -_Inchkeith._--This land-locked station returns a light schedule--of -considerable interest, however, as carrying out what has been remarked -by us in previous reports, that when birds do occur here on migration -it is usually with S.W. and westerly winds, whether in spring or in -autumn. The Siskin seems to frequent Inchkeith as a regular migrant, -and Titmice are also regular in appearance. - - -Separate Report under Genera and Species. - -Turdidæ.--In spring, migration at Sumburgh Head (April only, large -flocks of Common Thrushes on 1st, wind light S.E., clear, along with -Starlings and Linnets), and Pentland Skerries (indication in March, -and partial and remittent in April, but no great rush evident). At -Bell Rock (great rush recorded on 6th and 8th March of Thrushes, Ring -Ouzels, light S.E. wind), and at I. of May, but rush not observable -here on 6th and 8th, there being only two records of Blackbirds and a -few Redwings, owing to local wind being light W. and haze. Earliest -record at I. of May, Feb. 20th, one Redwing with Blackbirds and -Thrushes; a rash, and latest records, also at I. of May, on 29th and -30th April, along with Robins, Redstarts, &c., with S.E., or light -S.W., of Ring Ouzels. Light records in March; on 9th and 10th twenty -Fieldfares--"a good number"--with light N.E., clear, and N.N.E. and -rain. - -In autumn the migration was pronounced, and whilst desultory movements -continued during September and October, the heaviest rushes are -recorded in the middle of November. Records of Dippers, one on Aug. 2nd -and another (well described) on Aug. 29th, at I. of May; wind light W., -clear. The place where they were observed was afterwards pointed out -to me--_viz._, at the edge of a stagnant pool of water near the "Mill -Door" on the I. of May. Earliest record of Fieldfare, Sept. 10th, at -I. of May, light S., haze; latest of same species, on Dec. 31st, and -Jan. 19th, 1885, also at I. of May; variable, haze. Earliest record of -Common Thrush, also at I. of May, the day after, _viz._ Sept. 11th, -light S., haze; and latest, at I. of May also, on Dec. 22nd, when "a -few" were noticed. Earliest Missel Thrush on Sept. 27th (seen by J. A. -H. B.), also at I. of May, with gale, W.S.W., and latest Oct. 14th; -but others, no doubt, have escaped special records, and have been -confused with other species. Earliest Redwings do not appear in the -schedules till Oct. 2nd, also at I. of May (J. A. H. B.); on 7th a few -more, followed by scattered records till Nov. 12th, when old and young -struck in numbers at Bell Rock, and the rush of this and of Fieldfares -took place on the 4th and 5th of November, continuing till the 17th, -with Blackbirds, male and female, and intermittently until December. -Earliest Blackbirds Sept. 11th,--"not many,"--at Isle of May. - -Rush of Thrushes, Nov. 7th (light) at Pentland Skerries, and Nov. -30th, at I. of May (considerable). Rush of Fieldfares and Redwings -(indicated) at N. Unst, on Nov. 5th, with a few Blackbirds,--all flying -S.,--indicated at Pentland Skerries, 5th, 7th, to 12th, with Blackbirds -and a few Thrushes and Woodcocks, on 12th. At Dunnet Head a few -Blackbirds and Thrushes seen daily between Oct. 1st and Nov. 13th. Rush -of Ring Ouzels ("great numbers") at Bell Rock; and rush of Fieldfares -and Redwings at I. of May on 4th and 5th. At N. Ronaldshay also a rush -visible on the 8th, with Woodcock, Crows and Rooks; Nov. 7th and 8th, -wind E.S.E., a great rush. All during October the above-named _Turdidæ_ -appeared in small numbers, the wind prevailing N. and W., and scarcely -ever S. and E. Stations sending returns of Thrushes are N. Unst, -Pentland Skerries, Dunnet Head, Bell Rock, and I. of May. At the dates -of the rushes they were accompanied by many other species. The rush -at I. of May on 4th and 5th continued in great force after the wind -shifted to S.E., with rain, after wind S. at noon, on 4th ("perfect -weather for witnessing migration"), so fewer Fieldfares again on 5th, -with wind--a W. gale, instancing the abruptness with which migration -ceased owing to changes in the wind. A vast rush of Blackbirds, females -predominating, on 12th, at I. of May, with S. haze and drizzle, but -ceased utterly with change of wind to W. at 9 p.m. All birds striking -on S.E. side, _with_ the wind. Along with this rush came large numbers -of Redwings and Fieldfares, Hooded Crows, one Yellow Bunting, large -number of Larks, Robins, Bramblings, Chaffinches, eight Hedgesparrows, -a few House Sparrows, two Woodcocks (shot). On the 15th Blackbirds -as numerous as ever, but fewer Redwings and Fieldfares; hundreds of -Snow Buntings, flying N. By the 17th Blackbirds were mostly males, but -females had predominated up to that date. In January, 1885, between -4th and 21st, a few light records of Fieldfares and Thrushes, and a -large number (rush?) on latter date. The rush on Nov. 4th consisted of -Siskins and other _Fringillidæ_ (these continuing in small numbers to -the 6th, notwithstanding the change of wind). Mr. Agnew describes this -as the largest rush of migrants this season at the I. of May, and it -must have been very vast, close, and determined, when even on the 6th, -with light W. wind, large numbers of Bramblings and Chaffinches still -appeared. Other species participating besides the above were Siskins, -Woodcocks (six killed), Rock Pipits, one Owl, two Falcons. (See notes -upon weather under "Notes under Stations." We refer back to this -account under other species, to dates). - -Saxicolinæ.--Wheatears in considerable numbers at Pentland Skerries and -Isle of May (a rush). Earliest at Isle of May March 26th, light S., -two; and a few more on 28th at same station, including two old males. -Rush with S.E. to S.W. wind at Pentland Skerries, on April 6th, and -considerable numbers at I. of May on April 3rd. Beyond these there are -no other spring records of this species. On March 31st a single Black -Redstart (_in mus._ Feilden & Harvie Brown) is recorded from Pentland -Skerries; light S.E., haze.[10] We have also three single records of -the true Stonechat at I. of May, on 2nd, 28th and 30th April, and one -at Pentland Skerries on May 14th, light E. wind, struck lantern, not -killed. On April 30th a rush of Redstarts along with Robins, Ring -Ouzels, &c., at Isle of May. This concludes spring records. - -[Footnote 10: A full record of this rarity, and of previous occurrences -in Scotland, is given by me in Proc. Ryl. Phyl. Soc. Edin., read 23rd -April, 1884; and a system of Record Forms recommended for tabular and -formal records of rarities in future (see also Report for 1883, p. 81). -We wish observers would recognise the use of some such uniform method, -and we are certain it would save much time and trouble for future -compilers.] - -In autumn records from N. Unst, one Redstart (the only one seen this -year) and one Wheatear, on 7th and 12th September respectively; flew -S.W. This is the earliest 1884 record of _Saxicolinæ_ in autumn. Also -from N. Ronaldshay, a number on 15th striking, and Pentland Skerries, -Bell Rock, and I. of May, of Wheatears, a few Redstarts, Whinchats, -&c., and one Black Redstart, old male, shot (_in mus._ I. of May, -present curator Mr. Joseph Agnew). Another was seen the following -day--first on 24th, second on 25th Oct. (recorded in full in Ryl. Phyl. -Soc. Proc. 1885, read 21st Jan., 1885); a Common Redstart seen at -same time.[11] The records of all the species are light, and no rush, -unless of Wheatears, _ut sup._, Oct. 22nd, at Isle of May, increasing -by the 25th. During our stay on the island (27th Sept. to 17th Oct.) we -observed a good many straggling birds. A few accompanied the rush of -other species on Nov. 12th (see Turdidæ). One Whitethroat is returned -from I. of May, striking face of lantern, "facing the wind," on Sept. -12th. Mr. Agnew has the note,--to date of the 19th of September,--"I am -surprised at so few birds with such thick fog." Log, light to strong -E., thick fog, or haze between the 12th and 19th, yet migration was -tardy. - -[Footnote 11: All the previous records of this species in Scotland -relate to localities the position of which shows comparatively easily -how they arrived at each. These records now amount to six in all, of -which I have recorded the last three since Mr. Gray wrote his 'Birds of -the West of Scotland.' They are as follows:-- - -One: collection of Mr. Sinclair of Wick (R. Gray, _op. cit._, p. 84). - -One: obtained at Cullen, Banff, by Mr. T. Edward (_ditto_). - -One: Kirkwall, Orkney, 20th Dec, 1859 (R. Gray, _op. cit._). - -One: Higginsneuk, Stirlingshire, 10th Nov., 1875 (J. A. H. B., Proc. Ryl. -Phyl. Soc, vol. iv., p. 142). - -One: Pentland Skerries (J. A. H. B., _op. cit._). - -One: Isle of May (as given above). - -] - -Silviinæ.--At Cromarty, Robins disappeared March 24th. We have then -spring records from Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock, and -Isle of May, all in April. Earliest at Sumburgh Head, April 1st, when -four appeared, strong S.E., haze, but the remark is added, "First time -Robins have stayed all winter." Next records not till 28th, 29th, and -30th, at Bell Rock, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May, where there was -a rush along with Ring Ouzels. The record at Bell Rock (28th) is one of -very few records between the 9th of April and the 3rd of September. - -In autumn, one return on Aug. 25th, as arriving at Cromarty, light -S.W., clear. No more till Nov. 3rd, when "a few" at Isle of May. But -next day a rush of other species (see under Turdidæ). There were, -however, a few Robins frequenting Isle of May in September and October, -and even the indication of a rush. - -Phylloscopinæ.--Only a slight indication in spring of Goldcrests' -migration, 2nd, 8th, 16th of April, single records at N. Unst and -Pentland Skerries. But of Warblers a rush at Isle of May, along with -Redshanks, and Robins and Ring Ouzels (see Thrushes), and in May one -Wood Warbler at Isle of May; light S.W. - -In autumn:--Goldcrest, earliest appearance at Isle of May, Aug. 31st -(a female), along with a Sedge Warbler, light W., haze; then on Sept. -1st, one at Isle of May, and a few light records, 7th, 8th, 10th, -18th, and 27th. On 7th at N. Unst ("only the second occurrence of it -observed here"), and intermittent and light till 4th Oct., when, during -darkest time and total eclipse of the moon, I assisted in capturing and -identifying twelve Goldcrests at I. of May lantern, about which I may -have more to say in the "General Remarks." Again, on the 24th, numbers -were seen, with light S. wind. Some Chiffchaffs seen at I. of May on -Sept. 11th, and one at lantern on 27th (seen by J. A. H. B.). This -constitutes all the important records of the species of _Phylloscopinæ_. - -Titmice.--The only spring records of "Titmice" are 12th, 15th and 24th -May, at Pentland Skerries, in different winds, _viz._ light N.W., fresh -S.W., and light S.E.[12] - -[Footnote 12: We wish our reporters could distinguish the species more -exactly. We have six species of "Titmice" in Britain, and possibly -seven on migration. I want wings of Titmice obtained or whole birds.] - -In autumn slight movements in September and October; one on Pentland -Skerries on 5th Oct.; one "Titmouse" on I. of May on 9th Sept., and on -Oct. 4th at same station, an indication of Titmice having joined in the -migratory rush of that date, seven appearing, with light W.S.W., wind -and haze. On Oct. 9th we shot a "Blue Tit" (_Parus cæruleus_, L.) on I. -of May, which had been haunting the fields for two or three days; light -W., clear. First actual record of the species by name here. - -Acrocephalinæ.--Accentorinæ.--At Isle of May a late rush took place of -Sedge Warblers between 9th and 13th May, along with many other species, -as follows:--Wood Warblers, Cuckoos, Meadow Pipits, Whinchats (vera), -Flycatchers (till 14th), Fieldfares. Mr. Agnew remarks, "long of -coming, and remaining longer than usual." Hedge Accentors bred for the -first time on Isle of May, and I saw the old nest. - -In autumn, earliest movement, a rush of Sedge Warblers, 10th August -("this is early"), with fresh S.E. wind and fog. Up to 19th a desultory -movement, but on latter date a rush of Sedge Warblers, Whinchat, Wrens, -Whitethroats (especially on 19th), Chiffchaffs, Starlings (q.v.). Hush -again on 24th of small birds--Whitethroats and Warblers. On 31st a -single Sedge Warbler killed. On Sept. 1st a number of Sedge Warblers, -all at I. of May, light W., clear; and on 4th a number of Accentors -(Hedgesparrows). In October several Accentors at I. of May on 27th, and -a few of the same species on 6th and 7th November, and along with the -general rush on 12th (see Thrushes). - -Troglodytidæ.--Earliest record at Sumburgh Head on 22nd March, when -four appeared at 12 noon; light breezes, showery. Also in April at same -station, on 1st and 15th, six Wrens, with S.E., fresh, and haze, and -fresh N., clear, respectively. Also at Pentland Skerries, on 1st April, -one, and one on 12th, with, in both cases, fresh to strong S.E., and -at Bell Rock, on 2nd April, one, strong S.E., haze, flying W., with a -general rush of "small birds" resting or flying W. - -In autumn, at N. Unst, Sumburgh Head, and Isle of May. Earliest at -Sumburgh Head, on 7th Sept., seven seen; 12th at N. Unst, fine, one -remained a week; and 17th, at I. of May, one. In October, odd ones on -7th; at N. Unst and Pentland Skerries, a number (almost a rush on I. -of May, on 9th, and increased up to 25th). In November one at N. Unst; -strong N. wind.[13] "Wrens" are also recorded, on Jan. 23rd, 1885, as -still present on Isle of May, probably having wintered there. - -[Footnote 13: I feel a little curious about these N. Unst Wrens, and -would like to see one or two.] - -Motacillidæ.--As early as Feb. 14th, at I. of May, a single record of a -"Wagtail" flying N.W., clear, fine. [The entry "Wagtail," we presume, -in most cases is applied to the black and white or Pied Wagtail.] On -March 25th one "Wagtail" flying E. over Pentland Skerries, light S., -clear. At I. of May one on 9th March, a few on 22nd, and "two males -staying to breed" on 28th. On April 1st two single records at Pentland -Skerries, and at Isle of May; wind at both places, fresh S.E., haze. -In May, from 8th to 25th, light records on eight days, four on the -10th (the most), and "several" on the 11th (indication of a rush?). -"Several" again on the 12th. On the 16th one at Bell Rock, light E., -and on May 14th two Yellow Wagtails, light W. In July, on the 5th, one -"Wagtail," moderate S.E., and one on 20th, light, variable, clear. - -In autumn, no records in August. Spasmodic movements in September at N. -Unst, few records, and these single. "Several" at Pentland Skerries on -2nd, strong N.W., and ditto on 8th, light, variable, clear, and on 23rd -ditto, light N.W., showers. On 8th and 9th at Isle of May, indication -of a rush, adult and young, increase on 9th over the 8th; light, -variable, clear. Last record, one on Oct. 9th at Isle of May. - -Pipits.--The arrivals and movements of Rock Pipits (or "Mosscheepers" -or "Tang Sparrows") are reported only from Bell Rock and I. of May in -spring, in March and April; earliest 16th March at Bell Rock, latest -7th April; also at Bell Rock. At Bell Rock four single records, 16th, -29th and 30th March, and 7th April, and at I. of May, on 28th March, -"more Rock Pipits arrived." At I. of May about twenty Meadow Pipits -arrived on the 13th of February, and a considerable rush--or at least -indication of a rush--began on the 1st April and increased on the 3rd, -and a further increase observable on the 23rd; winds S. to E. and S.E. - -In autumn I have no records till the 13th September, "large numbers," -at Isle of May, of Rock Pipits,--"a large increase on those already -there,"--and none again at same station till 14th October, when a -number arrived and "all except such as will probably remain the winter" -left on 16th. More again appeared on the 25th, and still more on the -31st; and by the 4th of November a rush, with other migrants. At Bell -Rock only six records of straggling birds between the 5th and 22nd. -Rock Pipits are also given as still on Isle of May on the 23rd January, -having wintered there as predicted. Of Meadow Pipits considerable -numbers, with light E. and fog, at Isle of May, on the 16th and 18th -September, and a few more seen occasionally up to the middle of -October. No other records. - -Muscicapidæ.--In spring a rush of Flycatchers noticed at Isle of -May on 4th May, but no other records given from any other station. -Considerable numbers were observed. No other records of any species -during the year. - -Hirundinidæ.--In spring I have a single record of a Swallow (Swift?) -as early as 12th March, which arrived much exhausted, with strong S.E. -wind and mist (see remarks under Stations, _antea_). In April only two -records of Sand Martin at N. Unst, on 27th, and at Sumburgh Head on -10th, with light S.W. and S., clear (marked as "not common"). - -_Land Note._--Allan Water, in Stirlingshire, 13th April, and at Doune, -same county, next day. Became numerous by May 3rd at Bridge of Allan. -Kelso 23rd and 28th March, and again on April 10th (Dr. J. Grieve, _in -lit._). - -In May, records from Sumburgh Head in the North, Pentland Skerries, -Cromarty, and I. of May. Earliest at the land-locked station of -Cromarty on 5th, light N. and showers; indication of a rush apparently, -about 11th or 12th, at the more northern stations, and faint -indications at I. of May (eight birds) on 12th, with the remark "very -few this year." On the 20th and 22nd also, simultaneous appearance of a -few at Sumburgh Head and Isle of May--"Records in all, ten in May, at -four stations, on six dates, between the 5th and 22nd." This formula -perhaps shows as well as any method, the distribution and arrivals on -our East Coast.[14] - -[Footnote 14: It may not have been apparent to the readers of our -previous and this Report that, in order to arrive at final conclusions, -after our collection of data is considered large enough, a certain -amount of formal sameness and method of recording has been followed by -the Committee throughout. This is for the final development of a system -of easy tabulation at the end when all our data, year with year, come -to be compared and deductions drawn. Our Irish members of Committee -have departed somewhat from this plan of work, but there seems no -reason apparent why their results need not with equal ease be made -workable into the final form of reduction.] - -In summer, at I. of May one record of Swallow on 12th July, variable, -light, clear; and one record of Sand Martin at I. of May on 18th July, -fresh W. and clear. _Note._--Summer records of Swallows usually occur -in clear weather; compare with previous reports. - -In autumn, in August two records at the more northerly stations, _viz._ -Pentland Skerries, on 11th Aug., six birds, with fresh S., haze, and -at Dunnet Head, on 16th of four birds flying E., with S.E. and fog. In -September, Swallows left Cromarty, and were not seen after the 4th, at -1 p.m., wind light S.W., clear; all congregated on a housetop near the -Lighthouse, and left suddenly at 1 o'clock. At Isle of May a few were -observed on two or three dates in October, and on the 28th (Sunday) -twenty were seen at 9 a.m. flying up and down the lee-side of the -island hawking for flies; light S.W., clear. - -_Land Notes._--Without receiving any more returns from any East-Coast -station, I myself observed a Swallow (_Hirundo rustica_) hawking -persistently for flies over and across the lawn at Glendoune House, -near Girvan, Ayrshire, on Nov. 8th (see West Coast Report). At -Rothesay, Mr. John Grieve saw none during a stay there till 15th, when -twenty or thirty were seen. None seen by him at Bridge of Allan after -his return there on the 1st October. - -Fringillidæ.--As in 1883, both in spring and autumn, Finches show -themselves well to the front in migration; but while in some years -Thrushes and Finches travel much together; in this year, whilst still -many travelled simultaneously, as a glance at our data shows, yet the -great rush of Thrushes did not take place till the rush of Finches was -over. Thus, as will be seen, Green Linnets made a rush over in spring -as early as 10th February, but the rush of Thrushes did not take place -till later--about the 6th March. In the same way, while the greatest -rush of Finches in autumn took place on the 4th November, Thrushes were -not in force till the 10th and 12th. The extension of the migration -of Finches in 1884, in time, dates Feb. 15th (three Grey Linnets at -Pentland Skerries at noon, wind strong S.E. and clear) to Jan. 26th -(four Green Linnets at Isle of May, wind variable, light, clear). The -extension of the migration of Finches (of sorts) in 1884 in N. and S. -direction, ranges from Sumburgh Head,--a single record of great numbers -on the 3rd April, with strong S.E. and haze,--to Isle of May; earliest -date 10th February, followed by rush on 12th; latest date Jan. 26th, -four Green Linnets. To compare with the above, the extension in time -of the Thrushes' migration dates also from Feb. 10th, but movements -were much fewer so early--a single Redwing and a few Blackbirds and -Thrushes, strong S.E., clear, up to 23rd January; rush between 19th -and 23rd of Fieldfares, &c. The extension in N. and S. distribution -ranges from North Unst,--a dozen Fieldfares flying S., light W., -clear,--through Sumburgh Head; large numbers; and a rush on 1st April, -strong S.E., along with Linnets, rushes at more southern stations -taking place in March, on till our southern stations of Isle of May and -Bell Rock are reached. - -Now, taking the above general remarks, we will treat it more in detail, -as this affords a good opportunity of making final tabular comparisons. - -In spring, earliest at Pentland Skerries, three Grey Linnets at noon, -as already recorded, light S.E., clear; latest Green Linnets (and -latest Finches), 17th June, one at Isle of May. An early rush of -Green Linnets on 10th Feb., after a N.W. gale previous night, and a -great rush on 12th, with other migrants; and of Thrushes, Bramblings, -Chaffinches and House Sparrows, at Isle of May. Intermittent movements -during March at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May and Inchkeith, -flocks of Chaffinches, Grey Linnets (25th), Bramblings, Green Linnets, -and four Siskins (at Inchkeith on 25th, with light S.W. wind, with -which, being a land-locked station, this species usually occurs), -two Bullfinches, at Bell Rock, on 31st March, flying W. In April -Chaffinches, Grey Linnets, and one Sparrow at Pentland Skerries, -between 5th and 22nd; wind prevailing S.E., except on 12th and 17th, -when light N.E. At Bell Rock one House Sparrow (female), exhausted, -died after feeding on 31st. From the 9th April, when one Bullfinch -was seen (and one the day before), scarcely any migration observed -until Sept. 3rd--a few records only of "small birds" on April 28th -and 30th and May 7th and 9th. At Isle of May a rush ("evidently") of -many species, including Tree Sparrows, Bramblings (males), Chaffinches -(males, but some females), from the 3rd, and during 4th, 5th and 6th, -to 10th. The female Chaffinches came on 6th to 10th, but mixed males -and females on the 10th. Tree Sparrows abundant. Rush tailing off, -with light returns, on 10th, 16th, 17th and 23rd to 30th. In May Grey -Linnets are reported to arrive, for the purpose of breeding, at Isle -of May on the 29th. Other records run rarely of this species, and only -a few intermittent records of birds flying W. or N.W. at Pentland -Skerries, and a single bird at Bell Rock between 9th and 30th. One -Sparrow (male) on 7th, and two on 9th, at Pentland Skerries; and two -Bullfinches, flying W., with strong E.S.E. and haze--the only other May -records. In June the last of the Tree Sparrows on 13th at Isle of May, -strong S.E., completely ends the spring records, and we do not have -another of any Finches till Sept. 8th.[15] - -[Footnote 15: The bulk of the autumn records will not admit of -treatment _in extenso_, as they are heavy, so we will cut them shorter -than the spring ones.] - -In autumn, no records in July or August recorded. Very light in -September: two records of Grey Linnets on the 8th at Pentland Skerries, -and of Siskins at Inchkeith on 10th; latest on Jan. 26th, four Green -Linnets. Rushes (or indications) at Pentland Skerries and Isle of -May, between 4th and 7th, of several species; Grey and Green Linnets, -Bramblings, and an increase of Chaffinches on 25th and 27th. A rush -of Linnets (and Larks) at Inchkeith on 23rd, with light S. breeze; -"continuous flocks all day flying round." Most northern records of -Finches in autumn at Sumburgh Head on 12th October. Great rush, -4th November, with many other birds; wind S. and haze during the -night, S.E. in morning, and rain at 10 a.m. ("perfection of weather -for visible migration"). At 9 p.m., gale from S.W. and heavy rain. -Nevertheless, so persistent or so vast was this rush, that, even with -W. gales and showers, a few Chaffinches, Tree Sparrows, House Sparrows, -and Green Linnets were seen migrating at Isle of May--the largest -numerical rush of migrants there this season; continued intermittently -to end of December.[16] Large numbers on 12th December, flying N., -light W., haze. Mr. Agnew has the note, "Never saw so many Finches in -one year as this." - -[Footnote 16: Since the above was written out I have received the -January schedule from the Isle of May, and in it intermittent movements -of Green Linnets and Bramblings up to 26th--the latest date--are -recorded.] - -Corvidæ.--In Spring, Rooks are recorded from Pentland Skerries, Bell -Rock, and Isle of May. Earliest date, Pentland Skerries 14th February, -two seen on island, fresh S. Latest also at Pentland Skerries on 14th -May. Light S. No rushes very apparent. Largest numbers, six on March -10th at Pentland Skerries, and eight on April 19th at same station. -Most records (on different dates), in March six, and in April four. -Fewest records (on different dates) in February two, and in May two. -Direction of wind and weather on dates of record in February:--Fresh -S., on 14th, two birds seen on Pentland Skerries; Fresh S. clear, on -23rd one seen at Pentland Skerries. In March, S.E. gale, rain on 9th, -two or three seen at Pentland Skerries; light airs, variable, snow on -10th, six seen at Pentland Skerries; calm, haze on 4th, one seen flying -S.W. at Bell Rock; light S.E. on 8th, one rested on dome of lantern. -Fresh S. breeze on 13th, one seen flying W.S.W.; light W.S.W., haze, -one flying S.W. on 22nd. In April:--light S.E. on 3rd, one seen at -Pentland Skerries; light S.E. on 5th, four seen at Pentland Skerries; -fresh N.E. on 19th, when eight seen at Pentland Skerries; N.E. light -clear on 3rd at Bell Rock, one resting on window. In May:--strong N. -on 6th, at Pentland Skerries, two seen; light S. on 14th, one seen at -Pentland Skerries. - -In July one record of Rooks at Pentland Skerries, fresh N.W. - -In autumn, Rooks are recorded from N. Unst, Sumburgh Head, Girdleness, -but much scarcer than in spring. Earliest date, 12th September, a pair, -seen at N. Unst, flying S.W., and one on 19th at same place, also -flying S. Latest, December 4th, at Girdleness, "large flocks,"[17] -rushes, none apparent, unless any accompanied the rushes in October -of Hooded Crows, but none recorded as accompanying the latter. Only -records on two days in September, one day in November, and one day in -December. - -[Footnote 17: May only have been of local significance, but cannot say, -as direction of wind and flight is not given in schedule.] - -In Spring, Hooded Crows (_Corvus cornix_, L.) are reported from -Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock, and Isle of May. Earliest, February 23rd, -at Pentland Skerries; latest, May 3rd at Pentland Skerries. No great -rush; less than usual. Mr. Agnew's note at April 10th, "very few Hooded -Crows this year." It is difficult even to fix an indication of a rush. -All the records of Hooded Crows and Carrion Crows occur with either -fresh S. or light S.E., excerpt a few of the latter, with N.E. clear, -on April 15th. Of Carrion Crows, a slightly larger and more compressed -migration, beginning on 8th March with twelve seen, ending 15th April; -and an indication of a rush between 8th and 15th, flying N., recorded -only from Bell Rock and Isle of May. - -In autumn, a more decided movement of Hooded Crows, with a few Carrion -Crows (the latter on October 24th to 26th), records from Sumburgh Head, -N. Ronaldshay, Pentland Skerries, Girdleness, and Isle of May (none -noted at Bell Rock). Earliest, at N. Unst (most northerly station); on -Nov. 7th one got in court with broken wing, and at N. Ronaldshay on -8th, numbers; strong S.W. Next earliest, on 11th at Pentland Skerries, -3 seen. Mod. S., clear. Latest on December 4th at Pentland Skerries, -and at Girdleness on January 4th at former, and Dec. 4th at latter -(with large flocks of Rooks at the latter). Decided rush between Oct. -11th and 26th at Pentland Skerries (14th), Mod. E., and at Isle of May. -The numbers recorded are, on 11th and 12th one shot by J. A. H. B.; -no more till 23rd, eighteen flying N. (and Rooks), forty on 24th and -forty on 25th, with one Carrion Crow. Continued on 26th; one lighted on -lantern (rare). Again, in November; a number for some days (along with -Ravens, at Sumburgh Head on 10th); also at Pentland Skerries a few, and -the indication of a rush at Isle of May, on the 12th to 15th, flocks of -nine and twelve having been seen on these dates. - -Other species mentioned are Jackdaws, a few in February, at Isle of -May, stayed between 16th and 21st, and one seen on 25th. None anywhere -in March, but resident from April 1st till August 1st, when all left. -Besides these, a few passing birds at Pentland Skerries, on April 4th -("rare"), "fatigued," fresh S.E., and two on 19th, fresh N.E. Three -also on 22nd at Isle of May, fresh S.E. haze, and in May at Pentland -Skerries, one, N.W., clear; resting on island. Jackdaws have one entry, -August 1st at Cromarty. The note is added "have all left." In October, -one Jackdaw again at Pentland Skerries (marked again, "rare"), light -W., rain. - -Ravens.--One record on April 4th; three seen at Sumburgh Head, probably -resident at Fetlar, or in the vicinity. A number are recorded on one -date in autumn, also at Sumburgh Head on October 10th. These spring and -autumn movements may safely, we think, be looked upon as local and not -regular migrations. - -Cypselidæ.--_Land Note._--At Bridge of Allan, Stirlingshire, "Forth," -first seen on May 9th after a wet day and cloudy; quite numerous on -11th; a warm sunny day. - -Sturninæ.--All records of Starlings--spring and autumn--are light. -Earliest in Spring, Feb. 15th, one at Sumburgh Head and a flock at -Isle of May. Latest, Dec. 26th (autumn), a few at Isle of May. Most -spring records in March; five records at four stations (Sumburgh Head, -Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock, and Isle of May); on 7th (Sumburgh Head), -5th (Bell Rock), 2nd, large flock (Isle of May), and 17th (Pentland -Skerries). Prevailing wind S.E., and haze. In April great numbers on -3rd (young birds) at Sumburgh Head, and large numbers on 15th. At -Inchkeith a pair built for the first time for eight years, and reared -young. - -In autumn, large flocks every day, about beginning of August, at Isle -of May (earliest) up to September 19th, when all left, mostly young. Up -to date, wind easterly, changed on 20th to W. An increase observed on -October 25th at Isle of May again. Intermittent and rare in November, -all over, and on 18th a strong S.E. gale, apparently drove them all -away. In December a few seen on 12th and 26th, and a few on Jan. 12th, -1885. - -Larks.--Spring, heavy migration, but confined in time. Earliest -February 5th, at Bell Rock, and a few on eight dates at Bell Rock, -prevailing E. and S.E.; on 5th, light W. on 14th, 15th, and 16th, -varying from gale S.E. at 9 p.m., on 15th, to W. Latest, April 3rd, -at Sumburgh Head, great numbers (along with Thrushes). Greatest rush, -March 6th, at Bell Rock. All left 7th and 8th, and were succeeded by a -"great flock" on 8th again (with Thrushes) striking and rebounding into -the sea. - -In autumn, no records till September 9th, then one at Bell Rock; -two other records in September, one at N. Unst and one at Pentland -Skerries. On Dec. 14th a rush took place, with S.W. gale and sleet. -Between 12th and 16th Nov. a great rush at Bell Rock and Isle of May; -on change of wind from light S. to W. at 10.30 all left on 12th, but -were succeeded by great rush on 15th. The greatest rush on 12th (see -Thrushes). Another rush appears to have taken place on January 28th -and 31st, and intermittent movements on 25th and a few other dates; a -number on the 20th. - -Emberizidæ.--Yellow Buntings at Isle of May, February 15th, two all -day; light S.E. showers (earliest records of any Buntings). In March -5th, seven Buntings at Isle of May, fresh N.W. clear; and on 31st two -Corn Buntings at Isle of May, fresh N.W. clear; and on 31st two Corn -Buntings, fresh S. In April two single records of "Buntings," 5th -and 21st, light S.E. with a movement of other species. In May, three -records of Corn Buntings, on 2nd, 12th, and 22nd, at Pentland Skerries, -W. and variable. In July a common (Corn) Bunting was observed at -Pentland Skerries, on 7th, moderate S.E., fog. - -In autumn, returns light, as compared with most years. Earliest Snow -Bunting at Pentland Skerries on September 17th ("first seen"), one -bird. In October, very few at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May, but -thousands--a rush of Snow Buntings--at N. Ronaldshay on 12th and 25th -October. Rush November 12th to 15th (with other species). Snow Buntings -usually appear with gales and snow and sleet, but this year have come -in clear weather as a rule. Great numbers at N. Ronaldshay on December -5th, and have been there since last date. A few stray records of Yellow -Buntings in December, and in January, 1885, and one flock of Snow -Buntings on Jan. 4th, 1885. - -Cuculidæ.--Only records are May 11th, one at Isle of May, and at same -station June 11th and 17th, light S.E. and clear, both dates. - -Strigidæ.--No records. - -Falconidæ.--As usual there are numbers of records of Hawks, Falcons, -&c., at most of the island stations--so many indeed that we consider it -unnecessary to notice them in full, as we have hitherto done, except -where rarities occur or where distinct migratory movements are clearly -seen. Records of Falconidæ run all through the year in most seasons, -and generally apparent, mostly due to local flights, pursuing waders or -land birds. Thus in February, March, April, and May; but apparently, in -1884, not observed in June and July, re-appear in August, September, -October and November, but are not recorded in December this year. -Lightest returns in February, March, April and May in spring; lightest -in August, November and December in autumn. Heaviest returns in -September and October. They participate _less_ in spring migration, and -search of food, as at that time they have more local habits and are -preparing their nesting-places, but _more_ in autumn, because the young -are hatched off, able to look after themselves, and working hard in the -"struggle for existence." - -The species mentioned in spring are as follows:--Game Hawk (Peregrine -Falcon), Merlin, Eagles (seen several times at Sumburgh Head in April, -breeding near at hand), Sea Eagles, Sparrowhawks. And in autumn, Game -Hawk, Kestrel, "Yellow-spotted Hawk", "Large Yellow-spotted Hawk," -(Isle of May) Merlin, Large Blue-backed, "with a white ring round front -of the neck, too small for a Goshawk." - -_Note._--We want badly to have specimens for identification of -different Hawks. - -In September we have ten records of above species, at two stations, -and in October ten more also at the same stations, _viz._: Pentland -Skerries and Isle of May; on eight dates in September and eight dates -in October. - -We do not think more minute data will serve any useful purpose, except -where decided migrations of large numbers of Hawks are observed, or -distinctly foreign or new and unusual species. - -Pelecanidæ.--We have records of Solan Geese in every month in the -year except January, November and December, but on only one date -in February, three in March, four in April; but bulking heavier. -Great numbers in May, continuing in June, increasing in July, and -continuously in flocks in September. But in October only one record, -and that on the 2nd. We will yet have to see where all our Gannets -congregate during these three months; they are absent from our British -coasts, or, at least, at their scarcest.[18] From the date of the first -(February) record the almost invariable direction of flight given is -"flying east," or easterly; but one record at Sumburgh Head gives "a -number flying N. on April 11th, light N. clear,"[19] on to the date of -September 17th. But on the 19th September an unmistakable change takes -place, and while we still find up to October 2nd, Solans flying east, -we also find that from Sept. 19th Solans were also flying west, past -all the stations sending returns, _viz._, Pentland Skerries and Dunnet -Head. I wish more correspondents both on East Coast of Scotland, at say -Noss Head and Buchanness, and St. Abb's Head, and on the West Coast at -Barra Head, Stoir Head, and Rhinns of Islay, would return daily records -of the movements of Gannets, specially noting the direction and flight -of flocks. - -[Footnote 18: See Mr. Anderson's notes on Atlantic 220 miles from -Boston in May, and his notes also off Cape St. Vincent in January, -1885, in the present report, p. 4, and evidence of the migrations of -this species in previous reports.] - -[Footnote 19: At Sumburgh Head the migration appears local, "passing -N. or S. during the herring fishery." In this connection see General -Remarks regarding Gulls, at the end of West Coast of Scotland, and the -movements of sprats (_Clupea_).] - -Solan Geese bulked largest in July, flying E., and the return rush -appears to have taken place two months after, in September. On January -5th, 1885 there is one record of five Solans flying E. Fresh W. cloudy -at Pentland Skerries. We would ask Mr. Gilmour, or the principal -light-keeper at this station, to carefully record any movements of -Solans during the winter months which come under his observations. - -Since the above was written a late schedule from N. Ronaldshay reports -Solan Geese flying north every day between July 5th and about Sept. 1st -in flocks all day of torn two or three to twenty. - -To 1885.--In February, 1885, seven Gannets flying W. on 12th, and three -on 21st. - -Ardeidæ.--Herons are recorded from March to June sparingly. None in -July or August. Sparingly again in September, none in October, and a -few in November,--a very light migration as compared with 1882. - -Anatidæ.--Thirteen Swans at N. Unst seen flying N.W. on April 3rd, -light airs, clear, and at same station three seen resting on the loch -on Oct. 30th, wind light S.W. and rain. Of geese no spring records. -In autumn, fifteen Wild Geese on Oct. 26th, flying S.; strong W. gale -on 25th, and N.W. on 26th. In November, three grey geese seen flying -west at Pentland Skerries; wind fresh W.N.W. clear (marked "rare"). -Of Eider Ducks, earliest notice at Isle of May, a few small flocks on -March 23rd, W. to N.W.; a large flock ("very few hitherto") on April -19th, and another (the same?) on May 11th. No more, except such as -breed there, at least no records till Sept. 24th; thirty-four Eiders -(three old males and one King Eider with them). This flock had, -however, been frequenting along shore for some days. The King Eider was -a splendid male, and was watched a whole day at six or eight different -vantage-points with a powerful glass. Next day, while all the Eiders -were still there, this bird disappeared. During the three weeks I spent -on Isle of May in September and October, flocks of Eiders were never -absent, shifting their position according to the direction of the wind, -and diving, as is their habit, in the very midst of the angry surf. The -largest number counted in a flock was fifty (six males) on Oct. 6th.[20] - -[Footnote 20: I saw some thirty or forty dead Eider Ducks and Drakes at -a birdstuffers in Edinburgh in February, shot in Orkney by a Mr. Scott, -of Meadow Bank, Edinburgh; I should be glad if Mr. Scott would tell me -if he shot them for sport, or for what reason.] - -Teal, one record at Pentland Skerries on June 25th, light N.W., resting -on island; and one Wigeon at Isle of May on June 11th; one Wild Duck, -one Teal, Isle of May, Oct. 1st; large numbers of Wigeons and Scaups in -the Moray Firth by Nov. 16th, and Barnicle Geese; one Teal and one R. -B. Merganser, shot at Isle of May (_in mus._ Isle of May) on 25th and -27th Nov. But at N. Ronaldshay Eiders began to arrive by September 1st, -and remain all winter in hundreds. - -Columbidæ.--Wood Pigeons: one at Isle of May on 6th September, light -W., clear; a large flock flying N.W., wind N., light, clear, on 14th -November; about one hundred on 26th, flying N., wind light W.N.W. No -other records from any other station. An increase on resident numbers -of Rock Doves observed at Pentland Skerries on 14th November. - -_Land Note._--In January, at Glenboerie, Stirlingshire, Stock Doves -appeared, and my keeper sent in two along with two Wood Pigeons. -This species is rapidly spreading and increasing in Scotland. -(See last Report, p. 25.[21]) This is the first record in E. of -Stirlingshire.--J. A. H. B. - -[Footnote 21: See Mr. Cordeaux's report on Stock Doves crossing German -Ocean and General Remarks.] - -Rallidæ.--Corn Crake arrived at Pentland Skerries, 17th May; heard -first time at Cromarty on 14th May; and one recorded at Isle of May, -with rush of other migrants, on the 11th. - -In autumn, the last old Corn Crakes were seen at Pentland Skerries, -but young are still on island on 12th September; but on 7th November, -at same station, one young bird was still frequenting the island; and -on 8th January is again recorded, with the remark, "This bird seems to -have been here all the season;" and therefore the records above, from -12th September to 8th January, 1885, probably all refer to the same -solitary young bird, which, perhaps unable to leave at the time, yet -has been able to survive the winter. We would like to hear more of this -bird's behaviour, if Mr. J. Gilmour can give us further notes. - -Charadriadæ.--Lapwing or Peewit, a light movement only in spring, and -scarcely any records at all in autumn. A few at Sumburgh Head on 14th -and 22nd; light S.S.E.; and on 25th, fresh N., a few all day on island; -a few single or light entries in March at Isle of May; most (seven) on -17th; and in June, two on 9th, at Sumburgh Head; lighter returns than -in 1883, even; one at Pentland Skerries, 1st December. Scarcely any -movements of Golden Plover recorded, and only at Pentland Skerries, -4th July, a flock; several one day in August, fresh S.E., fog; and at -Sumburgh Head large flocks on 26th and 28th September. At N. Ronaldshay -flocks of Golden Plover visit the island, about the 25th August, and -many remain all winter. Oystercatchers, few records are given; two at -Pentland Skerries on 16th March, and very large numbers at Sumburgh -Head on 29th August. - -Scolopacidæ.--Scarcer in spring than in 1883, and no rush appreciable; -no records in April, and only stray entries on 16th, 25th, and 30th -May. In July various slight records; all local migrations for food, -no doubt, even when flocking together; or it may be, beginning to -migrate, when in flocks, on 22nd and 24th July; and from that, on -to 21st October, flocks on many dates; wind S.E. in September at N. -stations up to 20th, or thereby; but in October northerly and westerly, -or N.E. gales. When direction of flight is given it is usually East in -autumn, distinguishing, of course, between real migrants and only local -movements. Fifty Curlews at N. Ronaldshay on 22nd August; remain all -winter; and a few shot usually by Mr. J. Tulloch. - -In autumn, a considerable migration; a good Woodcock year. Earliest -migrants recorded: one at Pentland Skerries, 14th October, moderate E., -after a N.N.E. gale; with Snipe, and rush of other species. Latest, -about 17th November, at Isle of May; five shot. Rush of Woodcocks -between 12th and 17th, at Pentland Skerries; but especially at Isle of -May, on 4th (six shot), 11th (four shot), 12th (ten shot). Few records -in October, and this migration was delayed by adverse winds during -that month.[22] A number are scheduled from N. Ronaldshay, on the -island, all day; on 8th November light S.W. and rain, and the remark, -"I never saw so many Woodcocks on the island since I came here." All -left in a few days. One on 2nd December, at Isle of May; and on 12th -and 20th January, 1855. Of Snipe, not many records. Earliest, one at -Isle of May, 23rd April; and on 1st May at Pentland Skerries. Three -Jack Snipe at same place, 4th July (an unusually early arrival, J. A. -H. B.), moderate E., fog. Latest, four at Isle of May, 28th November; -and Jack Snipe, one at Isle of May on 25th; few records in October; -but indication of a rush in November, with other species, between -16th and 20th. At North Ronaldshay numbers of Snipe seen rising out -of all marshy places on 17th November. One Jack Snipe torn open in -striking.[23] At Torwood, near this, I saw nineteen Woodcocks shot on -13th December (J. A. H. B.), and many other good bags of Woodcock are -on record this autumn and winter. They were, however, unusually scarce -in the shooting season. Of Waders, generally, there are many entries, -including Redshanks, "Sandpipers," Purple Sandpipers (Isle of May and -Pentland Skerries), Turnstones, Ringed Plover and Dunlin (Isle of May), -which we do not consider it necessary to detail. The rushes of other -species indicate also the details of the above. - -[Footnote 22: One Woodcock struck hard on the west side of the dome at -Isle of May, flying dead against light east wind, and was found next -morning 100 yards to the N.E., and shot by a friend. Its breast was -torn open, and much lacerated. It may have struck the side of the dome, -and glanced off; but we were in the lantern-room at the time, and it -sounded on the W. side. It had evidently dropped after striking outside -the balcony, and then, recovering, flew straight for the Pilot House, -the white-washed walls of which were reflecting the lantern-light.] - -[Footnote 23: Some birds, even in light winds and haze, seem more -impetuous than others at the lantern-lights, such as Woodcock and -Snipe.--J. A. H. B.] - -Sterninæ.--Few records. Terns arrived at Pentland Skerries on 11th May; -and at Cromarty the Lesser Tern arrived on 4th May. The Terns left -about the 20th August, and the Lesser Terns on the 15th, with light -S.W. wind. In September a flock of Terns passed Bell Rock on the 15th, -and on the 17th a flock kept round the lantern all night, strong N.W., -and disappeared with daylight. - -_Note._--The birds called the Laughing Gull, by Mr. Agnew, are the -Common Gull (_Larus canus_), not common at Isle of May. - -_To Mr. Agnew._--The true Laughing Gull is an American species; and -our Black-headed Gull (_Larus ridibundus_) may also be confused with -your "Laughing Gull." "Common Gull" is the correct name of the bird you -describe and name "Laughing Gull." - -Laridæ.--Kittiwakes arrived in great numbers at N. Unst on 13th March, -strong S., hail and sleet. Gulls and rock birds arrived in great -numbers at Sumburgh Head on 8th March, and again on 24th, light N.E., -haze.[24] Kittiwakes arrived first on 16th March at Isle of May, and -great many more on 24th, wind from W. to N.E. Great Black-backed Gulls -are mentioned at Sumburgh Head and Pentland Skerries on 4th February -and 4th March respectively. Three "Bonxies" seen at N. Unst, 20th -April, the first arrivals, light E.N.E., clear. Richardson's Skuas, a -number at Sumburgh Head, 3rd May, S. gale and snow. Kittiwakes first -appeared at (or first record at) Pentland Skerries, 5th May (?). They -began to return west, by our records, on 23rd July, several flocks of -Gulls, flying W. Skuas, occasional records at Pentland Skerries; are -apparently local in August. Kittiwakes all left Isle of May on 29th -August, and hundreds of Gulls arrived. Flocks of Gulls all September -at most stations, but no unusual numbers noted. "Gulls and Cormorants -(J. A. H. B.) were wheeling high in air; not a good sign of the coming -weather."[25] Iceland Gulls (called also "Snow Birds," in common with -Snow Buntings) first appeared at N. Unst on 1st October, again seen -on the 4th. "Gulls," of sorts, abundant at Isle of May by Nov. 17th; -and garvies, or "sprats" (_Clupea sprattus_), in vast shoals round the -island (see General Remarks). At North Ronaldshay numbers of Gulls -seen, and a good many Black-backed Gulls remaining and feeding on the -people's turnips! (or slugs or worms, J. A. H. B., 21st December). -Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Herring Gulls, Great Black-backed Gulls, -Kittiwakes, Black-headed Gulls, two common Skuas (J. A. H. B.), _L. -catarractes_, a few Glaucous Gulls, one Little Gull recorded by J. A. -H. B. at Kincardine, on the Firth of Forth. All the above species were -frequenting the Firth of Forth, the Kittiwakes and commoner Gulls in -hundreds and thousands. Sprats sold at 14_s._, 12_s._ to 8_s._ per ton -at S. pier, at Kincardine; fields covered, mud covered, sea covered, -air filled with Gulls. No such vast assemblage of Laridæ in Scotland -since the invasion of Arctic Gulls in 1872-73 (see Proc. Glasg. Nat. -Hist. Soc, Jan. 7th and 28th, 1873). The estuary of the Tay was quite -deserted by garvies, or sprats, this season, and few Gulls seen -there.[26] - -[Footnote 24: See Oldest Inhabitant's remarks on the unusual abundance -of Gulls all the season onwards, from 8th March, at this station, in -connection with the migration of sprats in winter of 1884--85, and -congregation of Gulls in Firth of Forth (_vide_ General Remarks at end -of West Coast of Scotland),] - -[Footnote 25: In autumn there are a few Shags, or Green Cormorants, at -Isle of May; but a colony, or roosting and fishing community of about -fifty to sixty Cormorants, occupy the rock-ledges.] - -[Footnote 26: Inside the dock at Bo'ness a man filled his boat, which -held seven tons, twice in rapid succession. About 350 tons were brought -into Bo'ness and trucked off. A much larger quantity I suspect was -obtained at Kincardine.] - -Procellariidæ.--August, September, October, and November each contain -a few records at N. Unst, Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and Isle -of May. Earliest, 11th August, at N. Unst, one struck, not killed, -fresh S.E., fog; and several struck on 19th. On 14th September several -rested all night, from 11 p.m. to daylight, at N. Unst, fresh S.E.; -and one next day struck, light S., fog; and one caught at Sumburgh -Head same night. On 18th October one found, struck, but not killed; -light, variable, rain. In November one struck at N. Unst; on the 16th -November, "a young bird, having still the down." I have recorded also a -Forked-tailed Petrel (_Thalassidroma leachii_), at Girdleness, on 15th -August, 1884 (see Ryl. Phyl. Soc. Proc, 1885, read 21st January, 1885). - -Alcidæ.--Razorbills and Guillemots, and Puffins: February 15th, -several "Marrots" first seen, forenoon; strong S., clear; at N. Unst. -February 3rd, large numbers of Razorbills and Guillemots arrived at -Isle of May; seven killed at a shot. February 7th, large numbers of -Razorbills and Guillemots arrived at Isle of May; light W., clear. -February 20th, large numbers of Razorbills and Guillemots arrived at -Isle of May. February 24th, Puffins innumerable at N. Unst; first seen; -light S., clear. February 24th, Guillemots in flocks flying S.E., -at Sumburgh Head; first seen. February 27th, Guillemots, continuous -flock flying S.E. March 6th, Guillemots and Razorbills, thousands -at Isle of May: "They have remained ever since they came, which is -unusual; but some days more than others."--J. A. March 6th to 30th, -ever increasing numbers of Razorbills and Guillemots; greatest rush of -arrival at Isle of May on 30th. April 4th, multitudes, but all left at -4 p.m.; Isle of May. April 8th, multitudes in the morning. April 8th, -multitudes, and now remain: "Arrived at night, as is usual when they -intend to remain."--J. A. April 22nd, Puffins, which breed at Pentland -Skerries, first arrived on 22nd. May 6th, at Pentland Skerries, a -flock of Guillemots flying E. May 29th, flocks all day flying E. June -6th, six Guillemots flying W. July 8th, a flock flying E. at Pentland -Skerries. September 5th, all rock birds seen last at N. Unst on this -date. November 19th, forty or fifty Cormorants seen flying S. at 4 -p.m. Query: "Are those the birds which were roosting on Isle of May in -September and October, or passing birds?"--J. A. H. B. December 12th -and 13th, large numbers; and again on 29th, at Isle of May. Unusually -abundant in Firth of Forth, with Little Auks and Puffins, in January, -1885. - -Our report on the E. coast of Scotland includes all schedules between -February 1st, 1884, and January 31st, 1885, which have come to hand in -time.[27] - -[Footnote 27: It is important for me to have all schedules dating as -near as possible to January 31st in each year returned as filled up to -date, as the work of arranging the large amount of material is much -simplified if _all_ schedules are to hand as soon after the last entry -as possible.] - - - - -EAST COAST OF ENGLAND. - - -Schedules were sent to thirty-eight stations, lighthouses and -light-vessels, on the East Coast of England, and returns have been -received from twenty-six. - -Independent reports have been received from Malmo, Sweden; Stevns -Fyr (lighthouse of Stevns), Zealand; and from Heligoland. Also from -several land stations on the East Coast, namely Northumberland coast, -Seaton-Carew, Redcar, Flamborough, Spurn, Great Cotes (Lincolnshire), -Blakeney and Cley, Wells and Cromer (Norfolk), Yarmouth and the -Isle of Thanet; altogether thirty-seven reporting stations against -thirty-five in 1883. The total number of schedules sent in is seventy, -a considerable increase on previous years, and the labour of arranging, -tabulating and reporting thereon has been considerably increased. - -The schedules received from the light-keepers are very satisfactory; -they register an immense amount of special information relating to the -passage of migrants in the spring and autumn of 1884; the entries are -so numerous, and the mass of materials so large, that it is impossible -to give more than the general results of the collected observations. - -The notes from land stations, courteously placed at our disposal by -independent observers, many of whom are practical ornithologists of -long standing and repute, add greatly to the value of the report, and -go far to establish the approximate correctness of the details as given -in the separate remarks on each species. - -Our thanks are due to Frank K. Newton, Professor H. Lütken, H. Gätke, -T. H. Nelson, C. Donald Thompson, Matthew Bailey, W. Eagle Clarke, the -Rev. H. H. Slater, Philip Lawton, J. H. Gurney, J. F. D. Power, M. -Vaughan, and Lord Clifton, for kind co-operation and assistance, either -in direct communication or by access to their unpublished field notes, -some of which will probably subsequently appear in the Journals and -Proceedings of various Natural History Societies. - -The greatest number of schedules received from any one station are nine -from Mr. Thomas H. Cutting of the Inner Farn Lighthouse, and four from -Mr. Owen Boyle of the Languard Lighthouse. - -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. William Evans. - *Whitby High L.H. John Odgers. - *Flamborough Head L.H. Charles Hood. - *Spurn L.H. James B. Smith. - Spurn L.V. - *Outer Dowsing L.V. J. N. Utting & W. Stock. - *Inner Dowsing L.V. William King. - *Dudgeon L.V. John F. Warder. - Llyn Wells L.V. - *Hunstanton L.H. William Westmoreland. - *Cromer L.H. C. H. Overton. - *Leman & Ower L.V. John Artis & John Bowen. - Hasbro' L.H. - *Hasbro' L.V. J. Nicholas & B. V. Darnell. - *Newarp L.V. C. Campbell & W. Rees. - *Winterton L.H. John Watson. - *Cockle L.V. Charles Perfrement & E. Cole. - *Orfordness L.H. W. Willey Woodruffe. - *Corton L.V. Isaac H. Johnson. - *Shipwash L.V. Thos. Rundell Martin. - *Languard Point L.H. Owen Boyle. - Galloper L.V. - *Kentish Knock L.V. Samuel Pender & W. Elsdon. - Swin Middle L.V. - Tongue L.V. - Nore L.V. - North Foreland L.H. - *Goodwin L.V. J. Rees. - *Gull L.V. Francis Harvey & J. Jenkins. - South Sand Head L.V. - *East Side L.V. Edward le Gallais & W. Nicholls. - *Varne L.V. J. Jacobs. - South Foreland L.H. - Casquets L.H. - *Hanois L.H. (Guernsey) Geo. Freeman, C. Williams, - & F. G. Cutting. - - -SEPARATE NOTES ON EACH SPECIES. - -_Turdus viscivorus_, Mistletoe Thrush.--Great Cotes, Sept. 23rd, great -many young on passage. Redcar, Oct. 4th, 8 a.m. [N.W. 5], flocks coming -in. Longstone L.H., Nov. 12th, a few; Dec. 9th, a few; and Jan. 4th, -1855, some. Heligoland, Oct. 7th, one; Nov. 22nd, several along with -Blackbirds, Fieldfares, and Ring Ouzels, wind W., strong, with snow -squalls. - -_T. musicus_, Song Thrush.--Spring, 1884: Farn, L.H., March 6th to May -1st, Thrushes at intervals. Coquet L.H., March 20th, all day. Autumn: -Aug. 21st, Spurn, already on the move up the coast; sparingly at coast -stations in September, but large numbers throughout October. A rush on -to coast from the Farn Islands to Yarmouth between the 18th and 24th of -Oct., and again from Nov. 4th to 12th. Great Cotes, Nov. 22nd, a rush. -Many also came in at Whitby on Jan. 10th, 1885. Heligoland, Sept. 18th, -first, and a few through the month; throughout October, but in less -number from the 22nd to 30th, and on to Nov. 10th; great many 22nd and -28th, and a few at intervals to Dec. 24th. - -_T. iliacus_, Redwing.--Spring, 1884: Longstone L.H., March 14th, -S. misty, several round lantern. Autumn: Spurn, a few in the last -fortnight in September. Isle of Thanet, Sept. 30th, first. Between the -Farn Islands and Hasborough L.V. at various stations from Oct. 1st to -Nov. 15th; rushes on Oct. 21st to 24th, wind S. and S.W., and Nov. -12th, 13th and 15th. Heligoland, Oct. 7th to 18th; 19th, early, flights -of hundreds; 22nd and 23rd, great numbers; last on Nov. 16th. - -_T. pilaris_, Fieldfare.--Spring, 1884: Last at the Spurn, twenty on -May 9th. Autumn: The first at Farn L.H. Oct. 15th, and between this -date to Jan. 10th, 1885, at intervals at stations covering the whole -east coast. In fact, since the middle of October to the second week -in the new year, Fieldfares, Red-wings, Thrushes and Blackbirds, have -been coming in at intervals, young birds first, and the old later in -the year. Unusually large flights of Fieldfares are recorded at inland -stations in December and January. Heligoland, Oct. 14th, first; 19th, -early, flights of hundreds; 29th, great many, also caught at night at -lighthouse; Nov. 22nd and 28th, great many; also Dec. 1st, 24th, and -30th (S.W. still overcast), on the latter day very large numbers. - -_T. varius_, White Thrush.--Heligoland, Oct. 3rd, one caught; 23rd, one -seen (certain). - -_T. migratorius_, Red-breasted Thrush.--Heligoland, Oct. 14th, N.W., -windy and rain, one seen in cliff, quite close. - -_T. merula_, Blackbird.--Spring, 1884: At the Northumberland stations -from March 14th to 20th, many, wind W. and S.W. Orfordness L.H., May -18th, 6 p.m., three struck. Autumn: Great Cotes, Sept. 12th, some young -cocks. At numerous stations between the Farn Islands and Hanois L.H., -Guernsey, in October, and marvellous numbers in November with the like -lateral range; Nov. 11th, 12th, and 13th, an almost continuous rush -night and day, with S.E. winds and a low pressure area in Western -Europe.[28] Great Cotes, Nov. 26th, first old cocks with yellow bills. -Hasborough L.V., Jan. 19th and 20th, 1885, easterly winds, Blackbirds -all night. Farn L.H., Jan. 6th to 19th, several on island. Longstone -L.H., Jan. 4th, N., rain, passing to land. Migration much in excess of -previous reports. Heligoland, first, Oct. 11th, and at intervals to -Nov. 5th, up to which date no old cock had been seen; last on Nov. 10th -and 12th. The migration of this species at Heligoland is very light -compared with the English coast. - -[Footnote 28: This rush appears to have, in a greater or less -degree, covered the whole of the east coast. At the Longstone L.H., -Farn Islands, it is recorded by our observer, Mr. T. O. Hall, as -follows:--"Nov. 10th, all kinds of small birds coming all day, one -Snipe seen, wind southerly, hazy weather; at 8 a.m., three grey crows -to E. 11th, birds still coming, all kinds, or rather the small kind, -two Snipe, and one Woodcock. 12th, great rush of Blackbirds, Ouzel, a -few Mistletoe Thrushes., Redwings, Lapwings, Grey and Golden Plover, as -well as Woodcock and Snipe. This is the greatest rush of the season, -and lasted all day up to 10 p.m.; complete absence of Starlings; wind -all day from S. to S. by W., after midnight changing to N.W." There was -no corresponding rush across Heligoland during the same period.] - -_T. torquatus_, Ring Ouzel.--Spring, 1884: Farn Islands, March 23rd -to 29th, a few. Autumn: first seen, Sept. 9th, Spurn, some. Redcar, -Oct. 24th to 26th, a few. Longstone L.H., Nov. 12th, rush. Migration -considerably under average. Heligoland, Sept. 16th, some; 17th, -sprinkling; 19th, pretty numerous; Oct. 11th, first old birds; last -observed, Nov. 22nd. - -_Saxicola œnanthe_, Wheatear.--Spring, 1884: March 19th, Farn L.H., -first. Hanois L.H., Guernsey, 28th and 30th, midnight, many round -lantern; April 7th, many during morning in two's and three's, to W.; -18th and 21st, the same. Farn Islands and Teesmouth, May 3rd to 17th, -many going S.E. to N.W. Autumn: Farn L.H., between August 6th first, to -Redcar, Oct. 26th last, great migration along the coast between these -dates, from north to south, both of home birds and others which had -crossed the North Sea. Spurn, Sept. 13th, "rush," many all day; last -Wheatear seen in Great Cotes marshes, near the Humber, on November -7th. Heligoland, August 1st and 3rd, a few; 5th, twenty or so, and -then a considerable migration to the 22nd, when the movement for the -time ceased, commencing again on the 27th, and was continued through -September to the 19th; the first old birds on October 3rd, and again -some young on the 12th, when the passage appears to have ceased. -Immense numbers covered the island on the 12th of Sept. and three -following days, wind E.S.E., clear and fine. - -_S. stapazina_, Black-throated Wheatear.--Heligoland, Oct. 2nd, one, -probable, not obtained. - -_Pratincola rubetra_, Whinchat.--No English notes. Heligoland, August -15th, some on cliff; 17th, great numbers; 18th and 19th, the same, and -on to the end of the month, through September to the 18th, when the -migration ceased; astounding numbers with others on the 14th and 15th -Sept. - -_P. rubicola_, Stonechat.--Spurn, August 29th, considerable immigration -of young birds; Sept. 26th, many old. In North-east Lincolnshire we -have had a sprinkling of old birds about the sheep-folds in turnip -fields all through the winter. - -_Ruticilla phœnicurus_, Redstart.--Spring: Farn Islands, April 7th, -one; 29th, S.E., many. Malmo, Sweden, May 5th, two or three in garden. -Autumn: Spurn, Aug. 25th, first, to Thanet, Oct. 5th, last on passage -up coast; rushes on Sept. 4th, 11th, 12th, and 17th. Heligoland, August -11th, first, young birds; enormous passage on 20th and 21st, easterly, -hot and fine; through September, and an astounding rush from the 12th -to the 15th; last, Oct. 1st and 2nd. - -_R. titys_, Black Redstart.--One, as reported by Mr. Gurney, shot at -Blakeney, about the middle of October, by Mr. Seebohm. Heligoland, Oct. -23rd, some; 25th, less. Three to four weeks later in migration than -Common Redstart. - -_Cyanecula suecica_, Arctic Bluethroat.--Cley and Blakeney (as observed -by Mr. F. D. Power), September 8th, W.N.W., one; 11th, E. to N.N.E., -one shot showing red spot fairly well; 12th, E. to N., eighty to one -hundred, also many Redstarts,--examples obtained were immature, and -in the proportion of six males to one female; 13th, E.N.E., about -four dozen left on banks; 15th, E., eight or ten; 16th, S.E., and -later N.E., four or five. Spurn, Sept. 15th, two seen, one shot; 18th, -three shot and others seen. Isle of Thanet, Sept. 15th, two seen on -some arable land by Lord Clifton. Heligoland, Aug. 31st, some young; -Sept. 1st and 3rd, pretty numerous; 9th and 10th, very many; 11th and -12th, very great numbers, and less to 18th; 19th and 20th, many. It -is interesting to compare these dates with the arrival on the English -coast. - -_Erithacus rubecula_, Redbreast.--Spring: Farn Islands, March 11th, -several. Longstone L.H., April 28th, E.N.E., two. Autumn: At several -stations between the Farns and mouth of Thames; first at Shipwash -L.V. August 14th, large numbers at noon to W.; the last at Hasborough -L.V., Nov. 12th, one at night on deck. Heligoland, Sept. 19th, a few; -21st, great many, and on to the end of month, and at intervals through -October to November 12th, rush, if any, Oct. 12th. Migration appears to -have ceased at the same date both on English coast and at Heligoland. - -_Sylvia cinerea_, Whitethroat.--Heligoland, Aug. 19th, young, the -first, very red; 21st and 23rd, a few; Sept. 11th, some. - -_S. atricapilla_, Blackcap.--Spring: Farn L.H. April 29th, several. -Autumn: Thanet, Sept. 3rd to 5th. Heligoland, Oct. 12th, a few. - -_S. hortensis_, Garden Warbler.--Spring: Malmo, Sweden, May 14th. -Autumn: Thanet, Sept, 3rd to 13th. Spurn L.H., 17th, S.E., one -struck and killed, several seen on following day; many Redstarts, -Pied Flycatchers, and Bluethroats, also arriving on night of 17th. -Heligoland, Aug. 27th, a few (no _curruca_); Sept. 1st and 9th. - -_S. nisoria_, Barred Warbler.--Spurn, Aug. 28th, one, a female of the -year, obtained by Mr. Slater (See 'Zoologist, 1884, p. 489). Cley, -Norfolk, Sept. 4th, N.E., one, which was also an immature female, shot -by Mr. F. D. Power.[29] - -[Footnote 29: This makes the third occurrence of the Barred Warbler in -the British Isles. The first is recorded near Cambridge by Professor -Newton, Proc. Zool. Soc, 1879, p. 219.] - -_Regulus cristatus_, Goldcrest.--Spring: One recorded from Spurn, -Coquet, and Farn Islands, last fortnight in March, and at the Longstone -L.H., one on April 28th. Autumn: First at Redcar, August 28th, and last -at Great Cotes, early morning of Nov. 22nd, N.E., blowing strong on -previous night; the migration covering eighty-seven days, and extending -over the whole coast between the Farn Islands and Hanois L.H., -Guernsey. Bushes took place on August 14th, Sept. 27th to 30th, Oct. -21st to 22nd, and Nov. 16th. At Hanois L.H., Sept. 30th, from 2 a.m., -the windows of the lantern were crowded with Goldcrests. On Oct. 21st -and 22nd, great numbers each night round the lanterns of Dudgeon and -Leman and Ower L.V.'s, wind S.S.E., and on Nov. 16th many during night -round the lantern of Hanois L.H. Malmo, Sweden, Sept. 22nd, in flocks, -but only remained one day. Heligoland, Oct. 3rd, great many; 8th, many -during afternoon, and at intervals to 25th; greatest number on 12th and -25th Oct.; migration very small compared with the English coast. Great -Cotes, March 8th, 1885, Goldcrests on return migration to coast. - -_R. ignicapillus_, Firecrest.--Heligoland, Oct. 25th, some. - -_Phylloscopus rufus_, Chiffchaff.--The earliest spring occurrence is -Haileybury College, March 17th, four Chiffchaffs and two Willow Wrens. -Autumn: Spurn, August 25th, two. Heligoland, Sept. 15th, commencing, -and a few at intervals to Oct. 25th. - -_P. trochilus_, Willow Wren.--Isle of Thanet, July 31st, on autumn -passage. Spurn, August 20th to Sept. 10th, constantly in small numbers, -working southward up the coast. Heligoland, Aug. 4th, young pretty -numerous, and at intervals to Sept. 18th; rushes August 17th and 21st; -Sept. 10th to 15th, very great numbers. - -_P. sibilatrix_, Wood Wren.--Thanet, Aug. 5th to 30th, on passage. - -_Hypolais icterina_, Icterine Warbler.--Cley, Norfolk, Sept. 11th, E. -to N.N.E., one obtained by Mr. F. D. Power. Heligoland, Aug. 18th, -S.E., with Pied Flycatchers and Whinchats, numbers. - -_Acrocephalus phragmitis_, Sedge Warbler.--Spurn L.H., Aug. 21st, three -struck and two killed at midnight; from Aug. 20th to Sept. 10th is -noted, by Mr. Slater, as the commonest of the Warblers there, found -amongst _Scirpus maritimus_ and in every ditch. Heligoland, Aug. 11th, -some. - -_Locustella nævia_, Grasshopper Warbler.--Heligoland, Sept. 10th, -S.E., slight, a few, with a crowd of Pied Flycatchers, Willow Wrens, -Redstarts, Bluethroats, Ortolan Buntings, Blue-headed Yellow Wagtails, -Tree and Meadow Pipits, Wheatears, and Whinchats. - -_Accentor modularis_, Hedgesparrow.--Spurn, Aug. 20th, and through -September abundant at intervals. Tees L.V., 21st, two, with a Linnet, -Redbreast and Titlark on board, leaving to N.W. at 7 a.m. Spurn and -Great Cotes, 23rd to 26th, swarming. Heligoland, Sept. 18th, some, the -first; 21st and 30th, pretty numerous; at intervals in October to 24th. - -_Acredula rosea_, British Long-tailed Titmouse.--Thanet, Oct. 15th, -"one flock, the only one seen this autumn." Redcar, Oct. 22nd, 6.30 -a.m., flock of twenty to S.W. - -_Parus major_ and _cæruleus_, Great Titmouse and Blue Titmouse.--Great -Cotes, Sept. 15th and 18th, both very plentiful. Redcar, Nov. 15th, -S.E., moderate, a few Blue Tits. None over Heligoland this autumn, -which is somewhat remarkable; the same applies to _Parus ater_. - -_Troglodytes parvulus_, Wren.--Spring: Farn Islands, through March to -April 3rd, several. Spurn, 27th, 6 p.m., two. Outer Dowsing L.V., May -12th, four on board. Autumn: Shipwash L.V., Aug. 14th, large numbers, -with Redstarts, at noon to W.N.W. Flamborough L.H., Aug. 19th, 11.30 -p.m., Wrens and Wheatears, six or eight struck. Some observed at -Spurn, Outer Dowsing, Hasbro', and Shipwash, L.VS., in September. Are -last recorded at Hanois L.V., Oct. 24th, 1 a.m., S.S.E., Wrens round -lantern; and a single bird on the 26th at the Cockle L.V. Heligoland, -Oct. 2nd, pretty numerous; 3rd, great many; 7th, less; 8th, in -afternoon, many; 21st, some; 25th, great many. - -_Motacilla alba_, White Wagtail.--Heligoland, Aug. 23rd, pretty many -young; Sept. 30th, some; Oct. 3rd, old birds. - -_M. lugubris_, Pied Wagtail.--Spring: Farn L.H., March 8th, a pair. -Whitby L.H., 16th, the first seen, at daylight. Tees L.V., 24th, four -to N.W. Coquet L.H., April 6th, a pair. Autumn: Spurn, Sept. 1st, flock -of about sixty. Heligoland, Oct. 16th, one. - -_M. melanope_, Grey Wagtail.--Thanet, Aug. 29th, first seen. Spurn, a -few during September. Great Cotes, Sept. 11th, young birds swarming in -bean-fields;[30] 27th, some. October, old birds very plentiful. - -[Footnote 30: Bean-fields near the coast are always a very favourite -haunt in the early autumn of the soft-billed insect-feeders. I have -frequently at this season found such places swarming with various -Warblers, Wagtails, and Pipits, the situation affording the very best -cover as well as an abundance of food in the numerous insects and their -larvæ which infest the bean plant in its latter growth.] - -_M. flava_, Blue-headed Yellow Wagtail.--Thanet, Aug. 16th, 5 p.m., -one. Heligoland, Aug. 21st, a few for some days past, and at intervals -to the end of the month; immense numbers between the 10th and 15th of -September; 16th to 18th, less; and afterwards still less up to the 30th. - -_Anthus pratensis_, Meadow Pipit.--Spring: Farn L.H., April 2nd, 10 -a.m. to noon, S.S.E., flocks going west. Autumn: Cley, Norfolk, Sept. -17th, great arrival. Spurn and North-east Lincolnshire, 23rd to 26th, -immense numbers, turnip and potato fields crowded. Farn L.H., Dec. -14th, large flock to S.W. Heligoland, Sept. 4th, hundreds of thousands, -all in great haste, the rest of the month a great many each day; very -large number in October, from the 1st to the 12th, and then less up to -the 25th; the last on Nov. 16th. - -_A. cervinus_, Red-throated Pipit.--Heligoland, Sept. 15th, two or -three seen and heard by C. Aückens, the Heligoland birdstuffer; 16th, -one shot; 18th, one shot, a young bird, another heard; 19th, two shot, -more seen; 20th, three seen; Sept. 30th and Oct. 1st and 12th, one each -day. - -_A. trivialis_, Tree Pipit.--Spurn, Aug. 20th to Sept. 10th, common. -Thanet, Sept. 3rd to 14th. Heligoland, Aug. 16th, a few, the first, -and at intervals to end of month; from Sept. 4th to 14th, very great -numbers; particularly on the 12th, 13th, and 14th, enormous numbers -passing, then in less numbers to the end of the month; Oct. 1st and -2nd, still a few. - -_A. campestris_, Tawny Pipit.--Heligoland, Sept. 4th, E.S.E., strong, -one, came with the great rush of _A. pratensis_ and _trivialis_. - -_A. richardi_, Richard's Pipit.--Heligoland, Sept. 3rd, 4th, 5th, and -25th, Oct. 3rd and 6th, one each day; Oct. 12th, two. - -_A. obscurus_, Rock Pipit.--Spurn, Sept. 27th, in pairs, passing -southward. Cley, Norfolk, October, 3rd week, about 400 seen by Mr. -Gurney. Yarmouth, November, last week, great many, eighteen caught -alive in clap-nets. The main body pass south up the coast during the -last fortnight in October. Heligoland, _A. rupestris_ (Nilsson), Sept. -9th, a few; Oct. 9th to 14th, and last on 19th; greatest numbers on -Oct. 11th, 12th, and 19th. - -_Lanius excubitor_, Great Grey Shrike.--Spurn, Oct. 8th and Nov. 30th, -one each day. Near Brigg, Lincolnshire, Oct. 18th, one. Thanet, Nov. -20th, 3.30 p.m., N.W., wet and windy, one. Heligoland, Oct. 6th, one; -15th, three; 22nd, one. Cromer, March 23rd, 1885, one shot, close by -was a Hedgesparrow it had suspended (J. H. G.). - -_L. major_, Pallas's Great Grey Shrike.--Heligoland, Sept. 17th, one; -30th, two; Oct. 11th, one; 12th, one; 16th, one, very fine example; -22nd, ten or twelve, six caught; Nov. 4th, one. - -_L. collurio_, Red-backed Shrike.--Heligoland, Aug. 23rd, a few young -birds; one, an immature bird, shot in Holderness on Aug. 19th. - -_Muscicapa grisola_, Spotted Flycatcher.--Numerous entries in -the schedules of "Flycatchers," a general name for all the small -insect-feeders; it is impossible to pick out those which refer to -this species exclusively. Heligoland, Aug. 21st, some, the first, and -sparingly in September to the 17th. - -_M. atricapilla_, Pied Flycatcher.--Spring: Malmo, Sweden, May 6th, -two. Autumn: Thanet, Aug. 10th, first; Sept. 10th, swarmed; 30th, last -seen. Spurn, Sept. 4th, first. Cley, Norfolk, the same date, one shot, -another seen. Great Cotes, Sept. 13th E., first seen. Spurn, 17th, -great many. Heligoland, Aug. 10th, some, the first; 11th, 12th, 13th, -and 17th, pretty numerous; and an enormous rush, 18th to 21st; again, -from the 10th to the 15th of September, in marvellous numbers; less to -18th, when migration ceased. - -_Hirundo rustica_, Swallow.--Spring: Hanois L.H., April 7th, two, -Flamborough and Whitby on the 8th, and Farn Islands on the 9th, a -gradual movement north, at the rate of 150 English miles a day. Malmo, -Sweden, first, on April 21st. Great numbers were observed at Hanois -L.H., passing north up to May 11th; and at the Tees L.V., on the 8th, -9th, 11th, and 17th of May, large numbers all day from S.E. to N.W. -Languard L.H., June 21st, a flock too numerous to count. Autumn: Tees -L.V., July 1st, six, at 9.30 p.m., came on board and remained all -night. From the middle of August and throughout September Swallows were -passing south up the coast in parties of five to fifteen, and at Spurn, -on Sept. 26th, 27th, 28th, continuous each day by two's and three's. In -North-east Lincolnshire, some on Nov. 3rd. The last reported is from -the Farn Islands, a single bird, on Nov. 8th. Heligoland, Sept. 4th, -astounding numbers. - -_Chelidon urbica_, Martin.--Spring: Outer Dowsing L.V., May 12th, four -to W. Languard L.H., July 16th, all day, far too numerous to count. -Heligoland, Sept. 3rd, 10 p.m., great many; 4th, astounding numbers. - -_Cotile riparia_, Sand Martin.--Spring: Malmo, Sweden, May 14th, first. -Autumn: Spurn, Aug. 25th, one; 26th, three; 27th, hundreds, after this -in less numbers to Sept. 3rd; 26th, 27th, and 28th, still a few, with -Swallows, each day to the south. Heligoland, October 1st, in great -haste passing on. - -_Carduelis elegans_, Goldfinch.--Orfordness L.H., Jan. 12th, 1885, -flock of fifteen to twenty, one caught. Heligoland, Nov. 28th, 29th, -30th, some, with the great rush of Greenfinches; Siskin (_Chry. -spinus_), Nov. 1st, some. - -_Ligurinus chloris_, Greenfinch.--Great Cotes, Oct. 7th, great many in -flocks. Immense numbers crossed Heligoland between the 28th of November -and 26th of December: "Enormous numbers all the month, more than ever -seen before." The greatest flights, Nov. 28th to 30th and Dec. 20th -to 26th. Unusually large numbers are recorded by Mr. J. H. Gurney -['Zoologist,' 1885, p. 150], about Norwich and also about Brighton in -the winter of 1884-5. - -_Coccothraustes vulgaris_, Hawfinch.--Inner Dowsing L.V., Oct. 22nd, -4 p.m., "one on board, and then to W." This is the third year in -succession that this species has occurred at this station. In 1882, on -Oct. 20th, two on board all night; and in 1883, on Nov. 2nd, one struck -the lantern. - -_Passer domesticus_, House Sparrow.--Spring: Outer Dowsing L.V., April -9th, six on board. In the autumn great numbers are recorded at stations -between the Tees L.V. and Hanois L.H., Guernsey, between Sept. 9th -and Nov. 25th, the bulk crossing south of the Humber; rush, Oct. 14th -and 15th, and on to the 19th. Shipwash L.V., Oct. 14th, large numbers -to W.N.W. Kentish Knock L.V., 15th, all day, "hundreds on board, many -dropping into the sea." Goodwin L.V., 15th, 21st, and 25th, shoals. -Hanois L.V., 18th, 9 to 12 a.m., flocks, thirty to forty, to south; and -many other notices too numerous to mention. Heligoland, Aug. 21st, a -flight, the first; 22nd, the same; Sept. 30th, several great flights. - -_P. montanus_, Tree Sparrow.--The migration covered the whole of the -East coast, the bulk crossing south of the Humber. First recorded at -Whitby L.H., Sept. 9th, immense flocks of both the Tree and Common -Sparrow, and from this date up to Nov. 25th at the majority of the -East coast stations, ten of them light-vessels. Rushes, Shipwash L.V., -Oct. 15th, continuous all day. Leman and Ower L.V., Nov. 4th, 3 p.m., -great numbers, E. to N.W., thirty coming on board. Great Cotes, 25th, -flock of 500 to 600. Heligoland, Oct. 22nd, great many; Nov. 1st, smart -migration. - -_Fringilla cœlebs_, Chaffinch.--The migration is very extensive, and -covers the whole of the East coast, the bulk, as in the two preceding -cases, crossing south of the Humber. Through September and October -immense numbers are recorded as crossing, the first flocks young of -both sexes and old females; old cocks later. Rushes, Farn Islands, Oct. -16th. Orfordness L.H., 15th and 18th. Hasbro' L.V., 21st, all night. -Farns and Hasbro' L.V., Nov. 2nd; also at Redcar, Nov. 20th, N.E., -very stormy. Direction of flight W. to W.S.W. Heligoland, an immense -migration at intervals, between Sept. 19th and Nov. 1st; great rushes, -Sept. 29th, and Oct. 1st, 23rd, and 24th. On Feb. 22nd, 1885, very -large flights in Great Cotes, marshes apparently composed entirely of -the young of the previous year, the young cocks being in every stage of -development to the mature summer plumage. - -_Fringilla montifringilla_, Brambling.--Coast of Northumberland, Oct. -5th, first. Thanet, 20th, two; Nov. 11th, common; Dec. 3rd, first, in -small flocks. Heligoland, Sept. 19th, a few, and at intervals to Nov. -30th; rushes on 23rd and 24th of Oct., S.E., clear; and Nov. 30th, -southerly, with snow. - -_Linota cannabina_, Linnet.--From Sept. 9th to the end of October in -great numbers, far too numerous to separately record. The immense -arrivals in the autumn appear to move gradually south up the coast, -comparatively few lingering in North-east Lincolnshire after the -completion of the stubble ploughing. Heligoland, Oct. 1st, some, and -to Dec. 1st; rushes on Oct. 2nd, astounding numbers; 24th, very great -many; and the three last days in November and first of December. - -_L. rufescens_, Lesser Redpoll.--Heligoland, Nov. 22nd, one. - -_L. flavirostris_, Twite.--Heligoland, Oct. 21st, flight, fifty to -sixty; 23rd, pretty numerous; 24th and 30th, great many; Dec. 1st, many. - -_Carpodacus erythrinus_, Rosy Bullfinch.--Heligoland, Sep. 9th, E.N.E., -one, young. - -_Pyrrhula europæa_, Bullfinch.--Spring: Tees L.V., March 15th, one to -E.; April 3rd and 30th, one each night. Autumn: Same station, Oct. 8th, -two; Nov. 25th, one. - -_Loxia curvirostra_, Crossbill.--Heligoland, Aug. 16th, N., eleven. - -_Emberiza miliaria_, Corn Bunting.--Heligoland, Oct. 25th, ten to -twenty, "great many for this place;" Nov. 3rd, ten to fifteen. The Corn -Bunting is always a very scarce migrant across Heligoland. - -_E. citrinella_, Yellowhammer.--Heligoland, Oct. 12th, some; and a few -at intervals to the 25th. - -_E. hortulana_, Ortolan Bunting.--Cley, Norfolk, Sept. 12th, E. to N., -one, an immature female, shot by Mr. F. D. Power. Heligoland, a very -large migration, commencing August 16th, and continued to Sept. 19th; -rushes on August 18th to 23rd and the 31st; Sept. 3rd, "a few fine old -males"; 4th, great many, all in great haste, and on the 5th again old -birds; Sept. 10th to 15th, enormous numbers, and then less to the 19th. - -_E. pusilla_, Little Bunting.--Heligoland, Oct. 5th, N.E., fresh, two. - -_E. schœniclus_, Reed Bunting.--On the Holderness, Lincolnshire and -Norfolk coasts the arrival was very large in September and October; -the migration commencing the first week in September. At Great Cotes, -October 30th, still very numerous. Tees L.V., Oct. 15th, "three came -on board, one remaining a week." Heligoland, Sept. 26th, "a few during -last days;" Oct. 6th, some; 7th, many; 11th, very great many; 12th, -astounding numbers; 14th, many; 15th, same; 21st to 25th, less; 30th, -some. This very well represents the general order of migration at -the island; first a few, then a rush for some days culminating in -astounding numbers, after which there is a gradual falling away till -the migration of that special species ceases altogether. - -_Calcarius lapponicus_, Lapland Bunting.--Cley, Norfolk, Sept. 17th, -N.E., one, a young male, obtained by Mr. F. D. Power. Great Cotes, -Nov. 27th, one, a mature male ('Zoologist,' 1884, p. 484); Nov. 11th, -one near Brighton, shown in the flesh to Mr. Gurney. Heligoland, Sept. -19th, a few; Oct. 3rd, a few; 7th, many; 12th and 16th, some. - -_Plectrophanes nivalis_, Snow Bunting.--Spring: Farn L.H., March -11th, two on island; Longstone L.H., June 7th, one on rock. Autumn: -Northumberland Coast, Sept. 15th, one shot; sparingly in October, at -the more northern stations, and tolerably plentiful from Spurn to -Yarmouth, in the latter half of November; rushes, Nov. 24th, 25th and -26th, into Humber district. Great Cotes, marshes, also at this date, -Nov. 25th, sharp frost, Pink-footed Goose; great flights of Golden -Plover, Snipe large numbers; immense flocks of Linnets, Greenfinches, -Larks, Chaffinches and Tree Sparrows, fields covered; Nov. 26th, still -sharp frost, scores of old male Blackbirds, fields swarming with small -birds as before, with the addition of flights of newly-arrived Wood -Pigeons, which appear a smaller race than our home-bred birds. All this -time Snow Buntings, chiefly old birds. Tees L.V., Dec. 7th, 16th and -17th, large flocks to S.W. and N.W. Heligoland, Oct. 16th first; 29th, -many; Nov. 5th, large flights; 29th, great many. - -_Sturnus vulgaris_, Starling.--Spring: Spurn L.H., March 3rd, 3 a.m. -to daybreak, misty, S.S.E., numbers round lantern. Outer Dowsing L.V., -16th, a flight; 17th, continuous noon to 5 p.m., going W.N.W. to E.S.E. -Autumn: First at Whitby L.H. Sept. 2nd, great many for several days. -Spurn, 20th, all day to S. Immense rushes in October more or less -over the whole coast line, and during the latter half of the month -almost continuous night and day. At Leman and Ower L.V., Oct. 24th, 5 -p.m., 5000, S.E. to N.W., fifty killed. Coquet Island L.H., many round -lantern all through November. Heligoland, in duration and number the -migration probably exceeds that of any other species, commencing with -young birds on June 28th, and continued at intervals to the end of the -year; enormous numbers crossed between the 14th and 25th of October, -especially on the 19th, "immense numbers;" 20th, "clouds of enormous -numbers;" 21st, "astounding;" 22nd, "astounding flights like clouds -passing on," and so on in less numbers to the end of the year. - -_Pastor roseus_, Rose-coloured Pastor.--Aug. 30th, one shot near Spurn, -and another reputed to have been seen. Mr. Slater, who saw this bird, -says it was in very dusky plumage, and its colouring very much that of -an old Hooded Crow, but it was an adult female, and dissection showed -that it had bred this season. - -_Corvus monedula_, Daw.--In large flocks at several stations in October -and November, frequently mixed with Rooks. Heligoland, first on October -6th; 12th, many; 15th, several flights; 24th and 25th, astounding -numbers. - -_C. corone_, Carrion Crow.--Large numbers appear to have come over -in October. There are innumerable entries in the schedules of "black -crows" and "grey crows," and of course it is quite impossible to say -in each case whether Carrion Crows or Rooks are intended. In those -instances where the flocks are mixed, grey and black Crows together, -the latter are probably _C. corone_. Rooks, as a rule, keep to -themselves when migrating, or mixed with Jackdaws. - -_C. cornix_, Hooded Crow.--Spring: Outer Dowsing L.V., March 1st, 8.30 -a.m., flight to S.S.E. from W.N.W., and the same on April 3rd and 4th. -Farn L.H., April 11th, eleven to W. Great Cotes, May 8th, last. Autumn: -First at Flamborough L.H. on Oct. 3rd, two in field near lighthouse. -Thanet, 5th, one from N.E.; then on the 6th at Tees L.V., Flamborough, -Spurn, Hunstanton L.H. and Hasborough L.V., a few; during the latter -half of October the rush appears to have been continuous night and day; -and at the Outer Dowsing L.V., Nov. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, a continuous -rush N.E. to S.W., and also at other stations, but in less numbers to -Nov. 15th; Redcar, Dec. 3rd, some; and Spurn, at intervals, a few to -end of the year; the main body came in from Flamborough Head to the -coast of Essex, comparatively few north of Flamborough or south of the -Thames; the chief lines of flight S.E. to N.W., E. to W., and S. to -N.W. Heligoland, Oct. 2nd, first flight; 5th and 6th, numbers; and on -to 14th, when thousands crossed; 15th, none; 18th, N., great flights; -19th less; 20th, great numbers; 21st, astounding numbers; less on 22nd -and 23rd, and then very great again on 24th and 25th; Nov. 1st, and on -2nd and 3rd, very great migration late in afternoon, and at intervals -to 28th. - -_C. frugilegus_, Rook.--Spring: Newarp L.V., Feb. 10th to 13th and 22nd -to 23rd, 7.30 to 9 a.m., great numbers of "black crows" to eastward, -and at intervals to April; 23rd, large numbers of both black and grey -Crows in same direction; Larks, Sparrows, and Chaffinches also; at the -same date, Feb. 23rd, large numbers of Crows and Larks passing _to the -west_. Shipwash L.V., 13th, 8 a.m., flights of thousands to S.E. Leman -and Ower L.V., from March 4th and through April, great numbers of Crows -to E. from W. Autumn: Oct. 5th to Nov. 12th, recorded at nine stations -south of Humber, from Spurn to Orfordness; an almost continuous rush -night and day last fortnight in October. Heligoland, Oct. 6th, first; -14th, great numbers; 15th, some; 23rd, two monstrous flights in -afternoon; 24th and 25th, astounding numbers (see General Remarks); -Nov. 3rd, during afternoon. - -_C. corax_, Raven.--Languard L.H., June 22nd, 6.50 a.m., two. - -_Alauda arvensis_, Sky Lark.--Spring: At Leman and Ower L.V., March -4th, great many E. to W., also many birds, Chaffinches and others, -to April 9th, likewise E. to W. Outer Dowsing L.V., March 7th, Larks -and Starlings. In the autumn Larks are recorded first at the Varne -L.V., Sept. 6th; last at Goodwin L.V., Dec. 23rd, a few about lantern -all night; the migration covering 109 days, and including twenty-four -stations between the Farn Islands and Hanois L.H., fourteen of which -are light vessels. From Sept. 30th to the middle of Nov. enormous -numbers crossed the North Sea either directly from E. to W., a point S. -of E. to other N. of W., and from the 15th of Oct. to the end of the -month the rush appears to have been nearly continuous night and day; -the great rush from the 20th to the 23rd. At Heligoland the migration -commenced on the 22nd of Sept. with pretty large flights, and continued -at intervals to the end of the year; on the 21st October an enormous -migration over the sea on each side of the island; night of 24th to -25th, great rush, 500 caught at lighthouse. - -_A. arborea_, Woodlark.--Heligoland, Oct. 6th, a few; also on 8th and -11th; 13th, twenty to thirty; 15th, some; 22nd and 30th, many; Nov. -2nd, some; and the 28th, many. - -_A. cristata_, Crested Lark.--Heligoland, Sept. 30th and Oct. 1st, one -each day. - -_Otocorys alpestris_, Shore Lark.--Yarmouth, Nov. 11th, two; 12th, -one. Blakeney, 28th, two. Spurn, two or three about the same date. -Heligoland, Oct. 2nd, first young; 6th, flights eight to ten; 7th, 8th, -and 9th, some flights; 12th, large flights; 14th, flights of hundreds; -15th and 16th, some; 18th, large flights, thirty to forty; 20th, in -afternoon, a flight, fifty to sixty; 21st, twenty to thirty; 24th, -great multitudes; 29th and 30th, less; Nov. 2nd and 3rd, many; 10th -and 11th, hundreds constantly, and at intervals to Dec. 1st in large -numbers. When we consider the very few which appear on this side of -the North Sea compared with the vast numbers passing Heligoland in the -autumn, it becomes a matter of surprise where they all go, and in what -lands they find winter-quarters. - -_Cypselus apus_, Swift.--Spring: Hunstanton L.H., May 6th, two. Cromer -L.H., July 28th, 3 a.m., two struck lantern. Last seen, Thanet, Sept. -7th, and Spurn, Sept. 8th. Heligoland, Sept. 3rd, a few. - -_Caprimulgus europæus_, Nightjar.--Spurn, Sept. 2nd and 3rd, one each -day. Thanet, Sept. 5th, one. Heligoland, Aug. 17th, one. - -_Dendrocopus major_, Great-spotted Woodpecker.--Heligoland, Sept. 16th, -one, young. - -_Jynx torquilla_, Wryneck.--Heligoland, Aug. 21st, first; 22nd, very -many on cliff; 23rd, many. - -_Alcedo ispida_, Kingfisher.--Orfordness L.H., March 25th, 9 p.m., -E.N.E. 6, one struck and killed. North-east Lincolnshire, September and -October, great many. - -_Upupa epops_, Hoopoe.--Farn, April 28th, 2 p.m., E.N.E., one on -island. Longstone L.H., 29th, one seen. - -_Cuculus canorus_, Cuckoo.--Spring: Great Cotes, April 27th, first -recorded. Hunstanton L.H., May 6th. Spurn L.H., 7th; and Whitby L.H., -8th, wind W.S.W., a progression northward at the rate of forty miles -a day. Farn L.H., May 23rd, calm S.E., heard calling overhead at -midnight. Autumn: Thanet, July 15th, first on autumn passage. Tees -L.V., 29th, one caught on board. Farn L.H., August 3rd, young Cuckoo on -rock. Spurn, young plentiful during third week; last seen on 25th. Last -seen at Thanet, Sept. 12th. Heligoland, early in July, some old; 15th -to 20th, daily young birds; Aug. 1st to 3rd, daily young; 17th same; -22nd, each day. - -Strigidæ, Owls.--Long-eared Owl, _Asio otus_, Thanet, Dec. 16th, two, -evidently fresh arrivals. Short-eared Owl, _A. brachyotus_. Spring: -Tees L.V., March 15th, one to E. Coquet L.H., April 21st, W.N.W., one. -Longstone, L.H., April 28th, one. Autumn: Languard L.H., Aug. 20th, -6 a.m., one. Redcar, 21st, E., two. From Sept. 17th to 23rd, at four -stations. In October, some at Spurn and Redcar. Thanet, Dec. 3rd, one. -Coquet L.H., 9th, one. Farn L.H., Jan. 23rd, one, a very large example, -caught in a trap, baited with a Redshank it had killed. Rush, first -week in October and 11th. Tengmalm's Owl, _Nyctala tengmalmi_, Oct. -18th, one shot at Holmpton, Holderness ['Naturalist,' 1884, p. 110]. -Heligoland, _A. brachyotus_, Sept. 21st, first; Oct. 3rd, 11th, 14th, -some; very few compared with other years. _N. tengmalmi_, Oct. 3rd, one -shot; 7th, one. - -Falconidæ, Buteo.--First fortnight in September, a few "large Hawks" -along coast, some of which would probably be Buzzards. Goshawk, _Astur -palumbarius_, Sept. 29th, one seen on the wing by me, when driving -between Easington and Skeflling, Holderness. Sparrowhawk, _A. nisus_, -Spring: Newarp L.V., April 23rd, two, to E. Autumn: Dudgeon L.V., Aug. -12th, one, died on board; at various stations, several, during the -first fortnight in September. Peregrine Falcon, _Falco peregrinus_, -Spurn, Sept. 9th, one, in pursuit of a Tern; Oct. 2nd, 8 p.m., one, -an adult male, captured on mast-head of fishing-smack 'Surprise,' -of Grimsby, between the Outer Dowsing L.V. and Cromer. Kestrel, -_Tinnunculus alaudarius_, Spurn, Sept. 4th to 10th, many; on 8th, seven -seen, and on 10th, ten in one field, by the Rev. H. H. Slater. Very -common in North-east Lincolnshire in September. Thanet, Sept. 12th to -17th, evidently a considerable passage of Hawks. Heligoland, _Buteo -vulgaris_, Buzzard, Sept. 4th and 5th, some. _Archibuteo lagopus_, -Rough-legged Buzzard, Sept. 15th, one shot; Nov. 10th, several small -flocks; 14th, several. _Haliaëtus albicilla_, White-tailed Eagle, -Sept. 15th, one, young, shot. _Accipiter nisus_, Sparrowhawk, Aug. -15th, some, young; 21st, more numerous; Sept. 4th, 4 p.m., great many, -young; 5th and 6th, a few towards evening; 10th and 11th, some; 18th, -numerous, young birds; 21st, some; Oct. 1st, 2nd, 5th, 6th, 14th, -and 21st, some. _Pernis apivorus_, Honey Buzzard, Sept. 18th, some, -young. _Falco peregrinus_, Peregrine Falcon, Oct. 1st to 15th, a few; -21st, some. _Falco æsalon_, Merlin, Oct. 6th, 7th, and 14th, some. -_Tinnunculus alaudarius_, Kestrel, Aug. 17th, young; Sept. 10th, 11th, -and Oct. 6th, 7th, some. - -_Sula bassana_, Gannet.--Farn L.H., March 7th, several all day to N.E.; -10th, the same, and hundreds all day on 15th and 16th April. Longstone -L.H., March 16th, some at 5 p.m., to north, and daily to 26th all day, -but no large flocks, and more or less daily to April 15th. Autumn: Farn -L.H., July 2nd, first young seen. Redcar, Sept. 24th to end of month, -very numerous at sea, mainly young. - -_Ardea cinerea_, Heron.--At many stations in the autumn, but it -is impossible to say whether immigrants or not. Herons have been -very common in the autumn and winter in all the low-lying districts -in North-east Lincolnshire. On the evening of February 3rd, 1885, -fourteen, flying close together, passed over me within half-gunshot, -steering their course in the direction of the nearest "beck." - -_Botaurus stellaris_, Bittern.--One shot in Gedney Marsh on Nov. 14th; -one in Yorkshire, four or five in Lincolnshire, one in Norfolk, and -one in Suffolk, during the first week in December, and one near Brigg, -Lincolnshire, in January, 1885. Snow and severe frosts on Continent -from Nov. 28th to Dec. 2nd. It is probable that the bulk of these -visitors were shot within a week of their arrival on our shores. - -_Platalea leucorodia_, Spoonbill.--Hollesley, Suffolk, four, early in -August, two of which were shot by a "fortunate" gunner. ['Zool.,' 1884, -p. 471.] - -Anser, Geese.--Spring: Whitby, May 8th, eighteen wild geese, from N. -to S. Autumn: first recorded from Whitby L.H., Sept. 8th, three large -flocks to S., flying half a mile from shore. The main arrival from -Redcar to Humber district on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Oct. Coquet L.H., -Nov. 4th, many flocks all day to N. Shipwash L.V., Dec. 1st and 2nd, -nights to W. Heligoland, _Anser cinereus_, Grey-lag Goose, Oct. 10th, a -flight, one shot, a young bird; 11th, some; Nov. 30th, numerous. - -Cygnus, Swans.--March 8th, Outer Dowsing L.V., one black Swan to S.S.E. -A black Swan was shot on Sunk Island [Humber] in the autumn. Redcar, -Oct. 5th, nine to N. Yarmouth, Nov. 20th, four on Breydon Water. Corton -L.V., Dec. 4th and 6th, two. - -_Tadorna cornuta_, Sheldrake.--Spring: April 12th, Farn L.H., four on -rocks; first young at sea on June 22nd. Twigmoor, Lincolnshire, May -23rd, pair of old birds and seven young on pond. Redcar, Dec. 3rd, -flock. Farn L.H., Jan. 21st, 10.30 to noon, flocks to N., one flock -numbering thirty-eight. - -_Mareca penelope_, Wigeon.--Redcar, Oct. 28th, first seen, several. - -_Anas boschas_, Wild Duck.--Spring: Outer Dowsing L.V., March 9th, 9 -to 3 p.m., Wild Ducks continuous, from N.W. to S.E. Autumn: Redcar, -October 3rd to December 6th., large numbers in various directions, also -at most coast stations. Heligoland, _Querquedula crecca_, Teal, Sept. -1st, great many, also 2nd and 3rd. - -_Harelda glacialis_, Long-tailed Duck.--Farn L.H., Jan. 12th, 1885, -several swimming all day near island. - -_Somateria mollissima_, Eider Duck.--Spring: Coquet L.H., April 28th, -twenty, of which four were males off island. May 8th, many Ducks and -Drakes, and at the same station in December many off island. Farn L.H., -Jan. 11th and 12th, 1885, hundreds swimming in lee of island. The first -young were seen on June 13th. The King Eider, _Somateria spectabilis_, -was seen at the Farn Islands on April 9th, and at the Longstone on May -4th. This bird, which has now regularly appeared in the locality for -several years, was unfortunately shot at on June 12th, and was not seen -afterwards. - -_Œdemia nigra_, Common Scoter.--Gull L.V., April 27th, 8 a.m. to noon, -continuous to N. Autumn: Great numbers at several stations, moving in -various directions. - -_Mergus merganser_, Goosander.--Redcar, Oct. 6th, one to N.W.; Nov. -19th, flock; Dec. 8th, two. _M. serrator_, Merganser, a few observed -off Redcar at sea between Oct. 12th and 25th. - -_Columba palumbus_, Ring Dove.--Orfordness, Sept. 27th, 9 p.m., one -struck, killed. Languard, 29th, 8 a.m., eight flying very quick -W. to N.E. Between 21st of October and the end of November there -was an immense immigration covering the East Coast between Berwick -and Yarmouth; rushes Oct. 21st to 25th, Nov. 2nd and 20th to 28th, -continuous for nine days. Mr. T. H. Nelson says "there was an enormous -arrival of these birds in the Redcar neighbourhood about the middle -of November. I have not noted all down in the schedule, as I did -not see them all myself, but am told that from the 20th to end of -month there was a continuous migration; a friend shot about fifty in -three days between Redcar and Marske; there was also a considerable -influx into the Bishop Auckland district about the same time." In -Northumberland the numbers were so large as to attract general -attention. In Lincolnshire the arrival was immense, also on the Norfolk -coast. Hundreds were shot on their first arrival, their crops and -stomachs containing no food, invariably the case with all newly arrived -migrants. Heligoland, Oct. 3rd, flight of sixty; 12th, some; 25th, -great many, twenty to thirty in a flight. - -_C. ænas_, Stockdove.--Great numbers crossed in the autumn with the -ring doves, mixed or in separate flocks. In November I saw one flock -of four or five hundred in the Great Cotes marshes, an enormous flight -considering the limited number bred in the district. From the beginning -of December to the end of February large flights have daily resorted -to fields of young clover, or those recently laid down with permanent -grasses. - -_Turtur communis_, Turtle Dove.--Thanet, Oct. 4th, last seen. - -Rallidæ, _Rallus aquaticus_, Water Rail.--There appears to have been -a very considerable immigration between the third week in September -and at intervals to the end of November, and through the autumn they -were exceedingly plentiful in all likely localities on the East Coast. -Heligoland, Oct. 25th, some; 30th, two or three. _Porzana maruetta_, -Spotted Crake. Redcar, Sept. 2nd, one. Heligoland, Oct. 23rd, one. -_Crex pratensis_, Corn Crake. Spring: Whitby, May 2nd, W.S.W., 3 a.m., -first heard. Autumn: Great Cotes, Sept. 4th; and last near Spurn, Oct. -27th and 28th, one each day. _Gallinula chloropus_, Moorhen, Great -Cotes, Nov. 18th, N. strong, sleet and rain, great numbers on the -streams, drains, and "blowwell" ponds, also in gardens and localities -where I have rarely seen them; probably altogether ten to one in excess -of normal numbers; very few observed after this date. Heligoland, Oct. -23rd, some. - -_Charadrius pluvialis_, Golden Plover.--Spring: Longstone L.H., March -14th, S., with Lapwings round lantern. Farn L.H., July 27th, first -flock. Tees L.V., Aug. 25th, large flock to N.W.[31] Great Cotes, the -great flight of old birds on 25th and 26th Nov. Heligoland, Aug. 1st to -3rd, N.N.W., numerous; 5th to 25th, daily, some young; 31st, 11 p.m., -many; Sept. 23rd, still many; Oct. 12th, some; Nov. 30th, old birds. - -[Footnote 31: See footnote Report for 1883, p. 50, on the night of -Golden Plover northward in August.] - -_Squatarola helvetica_, Grey Plover. Spurn, Aug. 24th, about twenty -adults in summer plumage; Sept. 5th, about one hundred and fifty, of -which a third were in summer plumage, probably all adults (H. H. S.). -Cley and Blakeney, Sept. 5th, several, the first seen (F. D. P.) - -_Ægialitis hiaticula_, Ringed Plover.--Spring: Spurn, April 19th, nest -with four eggs. Longstone L.H., May 4th, nest with four eggs. Very -numerous on migration at Spurn, Aug. 20th to Sept. 10th, there was a -small ploughed field on which probably a thousand collected every night -(H. H. S.). Heligoland, June 28th, several hundreds young. _Ægialitis -cantiana_, Kentish Plover. Languard L.H., Aug. 12th, one. - -_Eudromias morinellus_, Dotterel.--Spring, Great Cotes, May 8th, seven. -Autumn: Cley and Blakeney, Sept. 5th, W.N.W., five, one alone showing -some rufous on lower, parts of breast and flanks (F. D. P.). Easington, -near Spurn, Oct. 11th and 13th, seven. Heligoland, August 31st, some. - -_Vanellus vulgaris_, Lapwing.--Great flights on to the coast throughout -October to Nov. 12th. Rushes, Coquet L.H., Oct. 8th, great numbers -all day; Redcar, 25th, continuous to N.W.; Tees L.V., 22nd and 23rd, -large flights to N.W.; and in November at Redcar on the 1st and 3rd -throughout the morning; 5th, all day; 8th, same. Hasboro' L.V., 12th, -10 p.m. to sunrise on 13th, and Jan. 3rd, 1885, night, quantities -round lantern. Heligoland, July 27th to 28th, great numbers, and to -Aug. 25th, daily. - -_Strepsilas interpres_, Turnstone.--Farn, Aug. 13th, S.S.W., hundreds -in flocks all day. Spurn, Aug. 20th to Sept. 10th, plentiful and -increasing in numbers. - -_Himantopus ostralegus_, Oystercatcher.--Spurn, Aug. 20th to Sept. -10th, a few at intervals. - -_Phalaropus fulicarius_, Grey Phalarope.--Felixstowe, Sept. 9th, one -shot. Longstone L.H., Nov. 2nd, one swimming in pool near lighthouse. - -_Scolopax rusticula_, Woodcock.--Spring: Spurn, March 15th, one. Farn -Islands, 25th, one; and again on April 28th. At Twigmoor, Lincolnshire, -young Woodcocks were hatched early in May.[32] Autumn: The first is -recorded at Coquet L.H. on Sept. 1st; the last at Hasboro' L.V., Jan. -20th, 1885, one caught at night. The migration covered 142 days, the -bulk arriving between Oct. the 5th and Nov. 22nd. What is usually -termed by sportsmen the 'first flight' came in on the nights of the 5th -and 6th of October, wind easterly; another flight between the 10th and -16th; the 'great flight' on the night of the 28th, N.W. strong, with -rain and colder weather; on the 29th, forty were shot in one locality -on the Lincolnshire coast; there was again a second "great flight" from -the 11th to 13th of November. Independent of these rushes, Woodcocks -have been dropping in either singly or by two's and three's throughout -the last three months in the year, and more or less over the whole -coast line. Altogether the migration has been much more desultory and -prolonged than any previously recorded by us. Heligoland, Oct. 6th, -some; 12th, some; 14th, twenty shot; 15th, about thirty shot; 19th, -less; 23rd, some; 25th, twenty to thirty shot; 29th, forty to fifty on -island--night, about ten caught at lighthouse; 30th, thirty to forty -caught or shot; Nov. 1st, some; 3rd, full moon, numbers flying about -island, two or three together; 12th, ten or twelve shot; 16th, ten or -fifteen shot; 22nd, several; 28th, twenty shot and two caught; 30th, -some; Dec. 26th, one. - -[Footnote 32: Woodcocks bred in Great Britain invariably leave in the -autumn in August and September, and their place is taken some weeks -later by others coming from the north. Woodcocks found on the East -Coast in March are either such as have wintered in these islands and -are now on their return journey, or in some cases our English birds -returning to their nesting haunts.] - -Snipe, _Gallinago major_, Great Snipe. Farn, Aug. 31st, 5 a.m., calm, -one to W. Cley and Blakeney, Sept. 15th, E., one shot. _G. cœlestis_, -Common Snipe, Kentish Knock L.V., Sept. 9th, several about, one -caught, were passing W. Cley and Blakeney, Sept. 16th, a considerable -arrival. There was a very considerable rush on to the East Coast in -the last fortnight in October, and again in November, from the Farn -Islands to Yarmouth; three distinct rushes at the dates Nov. 4th to -5th, S.W., half gale; 10th to 14th, S.E. winds; and 23rd to 29th, -N. and north-easterly winds; generally are reported to have been -very plentiful in the Eastern Counties in November and December. -_Limnocryptes gallinula_, Jack Snipe, very few records; the first July -31st, Farn L.H., one at noon to W.; a few at Great Cotes and Spurn last -half of October. In recent years this little bird has become extremely -scarce in the Humber district, and in localities where it was once very -common; compared with former times--twenty years ago--I do not see one -in ten now. Heligoland, Common Snipe and Jack Snipe, Oct. 17th, N.W., -strong, some; 25th and 30th, some. - -_Tringa alpina_, Dunlin.--Spurn, Aug. 20th to Sept. 10th, great many, -some flocks containing thousands, and in August many in almost full -summer plumage (H. H. S.) Near Kilnsea, Sept. 26th, at early morning, I -saw an immense migratory flock on the beach which appeared very tired; -many of these still retained the black pectoral patch entire or more or -less broken. Great Cotes, a flight of 1000 to 1500 have resorted almost -daily at high-water, throughout the winter, to a fallow field near the -Humber. - -_T. minuta_, Little Stint.--Blakeney and Cley, Sept. 5th, W.N.W., two, -and one Temminck's stint; also, Sept. 12th, E. to N., one Temminck's -Stint, very restless, and constantly uttering its queer cricket-like -notes (F. D. P.). Spurn, Sept. 26th, four Little Stints. - -_T. striata_, Purple Sandpiper.--Spring: Farn, March 28th, many all -day on rocks. Autumn: Redcar, Oct. 16th, one; and 20th, four shot. -Blakeney, third week in October, one. Heligoland, Sept. 11th, E.S.E. -some. - -_T. canutus_, Knot.--Redcar, July 23rd, S.W., first flock; Aug. 6th, -S. to S.W., a few. Spurn, Aug. 20th to Sept. 10th, tolerably numerous, -some examples obtained were in almost full summer plumage; Sept. 26th -and forward through Nov., great many large flights at ebb tide crossing -from Lincolnshire coast to Spurn muds. Heligoland, enormous numbers of -Waders crossed Heligoland from the end of the third week in July to the -middle of September; July 20th, night, enormous numbers to W.; 22nd, -same; 22nd to 23rd, night, and to 25th, immense numbers; Sept. 16th, -flight of _tringa_, _totanus_, _charadrius_, all young. - -_T. subarquata_, Curlew Sandpiper. Thanet, Aug. 16th, five. Spurn, -24th, one small flock. Blakeney, Sept. 5th, about a dozen; altogether -exceptionally scarce. - -_Machetes pugnax_, Ruff.--Blakeney, Sept. 3rd, one Buff; Spurn, 4th, -about a dozen; Stourmouth, 10th, three; Great Cotes, 12th, twenty or -more; 18th, one Buff and seven Reeves. - -_Calidris arenaria_, Sanderling. Spurn, Aug. 20th to Sept. 10th, fairly -abundant, in small flocks; some obtained early bore traces of red on -their plumage (H. H. S.); Sept. 26th, a few. Heligoland, Sept. 3rd, -evening, great many over head. - -_Tringoides hypoleucos_, Common Sandpiper.--Spurn, Aug. 20th to 26th, -a great many in the drains and also on the shore, but they soon left, -none seen after 26th (H. H. S.). Great Cotes, Sept. 1st, tolerably -numerous on autumn passage. Heligoland, July 22nd to 23rd, thousands. - -_Helodromas ochropus._--Green Sandpiper.--Spurn, Aug. 20th to Sept. -10th, tolerably common; "generally saw some every day at first, and -once five together, but latterly they were less plentiful" (H. H. S.). -Heligoland, July 22nd to 23rd, Red-shanks, Common Sandpiper, and Green -Sandpiper, thousands. - -_Totanus glareola_, Wood Sandpiper.--Mouth of Stour, Aug. 16th, one -seen. Spurn, Aug. 21st, one, a female. - -_T. calidris_, Redshank.--Spurn, Aug. 20th to Sept. 10th, rare at -first, but rapidly increasing; on Sept. 1st, flock of about 200 (H. -H. S.). Blakeney and Cley, Sept. 6th, tolerably numerous, with other -Waders from 5 to 8.30 a.m. to W. Heligoland, July 1st, 2nd and 3rd, -solitary birds; 22nd to 23rd, thousands. - -_T. canescens_, Greenshank. Spurn, Aug. 20th to Sept. 10th, "during the -first fortnight, a pair, or latterly one, at a small pond every day" -(H. H. S.). Cley and Blakeney, Sept. 5th, one, immature, shot; 10th, -S., "very fine, several in two's and three's, flying high and very -restless" (F. D. P.); altogether have been unusually scarce on East -Coast. Heligoland, Aug. 18th, young birds. - -_Limosa lapponica_, Bar-tailed Godwit.--Redcar, July 22nd, E. light, -one; 29th, several flocks. - -_Numenius phæopus_, Whimbrel.--Redcar, July 1st to 15th, a few passing, -and on to Aug. 13th. Great Cotes, July 30th, first heard on passage. -Cley and Blakeney, Sept. 9th, rather many to W. The last are recorded -from Tees L.V., Dec. 5th, five to N.E. Heligoland, nights of July 20th -to 23rd, W., enormous and countless numbers passing on; 27th to 28th, -great many; August 1st to 3rd, enormous; 10th, some; and on the 31st in -greater or less number. - -_Numenius arquata_, Curlew.--Hanois L.H., July 10th, many young all day -about rocks. Flamborough L.H., 31st, during night. Spurn, Aug. 20th -to Sept. 10th, very plentiful. Great Cotes, Sept., first fortnight, -young birds most abundant. Wells, Norfolk, 27th, flock of about 200. -North-east Lincolnshire, October 30th, about sixty old birds in -turnip-field. Heligoland, Aug. 19th, young; 31st, many; Nov. 13th, 10 -p.m., astounding numbers passing over. - -Sterninæ, Terns.--Sandwich Tern (_S. cantiaca_).--Coquet L.H., April -16th, eight seen. Farn Islands, April 19th, noon, N.N.E., first heard; -30th, fifteen flying about breeding-place; May 18th, collected at -breeding-places; 25th, first eggs; June 13th, first young. Longstone -L.H., Sept. 1st, left and gone to sea. Arctic Tern (_S. macrura_), Farn -Islands, May 5th, first heard; 22nd, assembled at breeding-places; -25th; first eggs; left about the first week in September, a few -lingering to October 13th. _Terns generally._--Redcar, August 20th and -30th, Sept. 1st and 2nd, large numbers to south. Spurn, Sept. 3rd, -large mixed flocks of Arctic, Common, and some Lesser Tern daily to -south; less towards end of month. Redcar, Nov. 7th, one. - -Larinæ, Gulls.--Herring Gull (_Larus argentatus_), Whitby L.H., -Feb. 13th, S. 6, at daylight Gulls first came to cliffs; May 18th, -first young on wing; Aug. 29th, old and young left cliffs for -sea. Heligoland, Dec. 31st, enormous numbers of old birds. Lesser -black-backed Gull (_L. fuscus_), Longstone L.H., March 15th to 29th, -assembling at nesting-haunts; at Farn L.H., on 30th, Black-headed -Gull (_L. ridibundus_), Twigmoor, May 22nd, many young on ponds. -Little Gull (_L. minutus_), Whitby, July 15th, one seen on River Esk -along with Kittiwakes, by Mr. Backhouse. Yarmouth, Nov. 11th, one -shot, bird of second year. Heligoland, Oct. 30th, hundreds to lee -of island. _Gulls generally._--Flamborough, July 4th, great many -grey Gulls and Kittiwakes to S. Whitby, Sept. 9th, many to S. Spurn, -Sept. 25th to 28th, S.W. strong, great many young Herring and Lesser -black-backed Gulls continuously to south; they passed the cliff point -to the north of Easington lane end at the average rate of seventy -in fifteen minutes; the exact proportion of old and young in that -period was nineteen adult and forty-eight immature Lesser black-backed -Gulls, one Kittiwake, and two Terns; occasionally a few young Herring -Gulls passed, but the vast majority were immature _L. fuscus_. On the -average, 280 Gulls passed in the hour, all going south in the teeth of -a strong S.W. wind; rate of progress probably thirty miles an hour, and -average distance from coast 150 yards. This movement was continuous -for at least four days, and for ten hours on each day. Cromer, Oct. -11th, Mr. Gurney writes "We have had another of those strange passages -of Gulls which I have noticed at Cromer before. I reckoned that this -afternoon eighteen hundred passed in three-quarters of an hour, going -W.N.W., and probably ten thousand after 12 o'clock." Redcar, Oct. 20th -to 23rd, Gulls, chiefly young, _L. fuscus_ and _argentatus_, going -N.W. in flocks during morning; 24th, Kittiwakes very common at sea. -Orfordness, Nov. 10th, Gulls all day in flocks of twenty to thirty, -N.E. to S.W. Coast of Durham, 27th, _L. fuscus_ and _argentatus_, -immature birds in flocks of twenty to forty, flying north. - -Stercorariinæ, Skuas.--Farn, July 23rd, two chasing Gulls. Grimsby, -Sept. 7th, one Richardson's Skua (_S. crepidatus_). Spurn, 26th, one -Pomatorhine Skua (_S. pomatorhinus_), the black variety. Redcar, Oct. -4th, one adult (black variety) shot at sea; 24th, two at 2 p.m. to E. -Heligoland, Oct. 30th, some. - -Procellariidæ, Petrels.--Galloper L.V., Oct. 2nd, one Stormy Petrel -(_P. pelagica_). Coquet L.H., 4th, two caught at lantern. Dudgeon L.V., -18th, one caught. Longstone L.H., 23rd, two caught "one the large -sort, the other small." Hasboro' L.V., Nov. 6th, one; 13th, three. -Redcar, 17th, 11 a.m., N., one. Heligoland, _P. pelagica_, Oct. 22nd, -one; 29th, two or three; 30th, one; Nov. 3rd, one. _P. leucorrhoa_, -Nov. 10th, one shot. _Fulmarus glacialis_, Fulmar, Heligoland, Oct. -22nd, one; 29th, two or three. - -Colymbidæ, Divers.--Farn, April 7th, Great Northern Diver _C. -glacialis_, two to north; July 12th, two to north; Nov. 8th, five to -N.; Jan. 19th, 1885, two off island. - -Podicipitidæ, Grebes.--_P. fluviatilis_, Little Grebe, Spurn, Nov. -10th, 8 p.m., one killed at low light. Heligoland, Oct. 25th, several -young shot. - -Alcidæ, Auks.--Longstone L.H., Feb. 20th. Guillemot (_Lomvia troile_), -flying about breeding-places, but not settling; on March 22nd they -settled for the first time; but on the 26th, owing to the cold E. -wind, all went out to sea, returning again to the rocks on the 29th -with a W. and S.W. wind. Farn L.H. March 16th, hundreds flying round -nesting-quarters. Tees L.V., July 2nd, "a Guillemot came to the -light-ship and remained three weeks, disappeared suddenly, probably -shot." Redcar, Nov. 12th to 15th, great numbers to E. all day; Nov. -10th, Black Guillemot (_U. grylle_), young bird shot. Longstone L.H., -April 17th, Puffin (_Fratercula arctica_), first seen. Redcar, Nov. -18th, 19th, 20th, Little Auk (_Mergulus alle_), great numbers at -sea. Farn Islands, Jan. 12th to 26th, 1885, great many off islands. -Heligoland, Nov. 13th, cliff crowded with Guillemots, never so early -before; Dec. 17th, W., thousands on cliffs, as in summer time. - -Professor Chr. Fr. Lütken, of the Universitetets Zoologiske Museum, -Copenhagen, again forwards a list of birds killed against the -lighthouse of Stevns, on the projecting part of Zealand, marking the -limit between the Baltic and Oresund. The list has been drawn up by Mr. -Autander, a physician living in the neighbourhood of the lighthouse. -In forwarding the list, Mr. Autander observes that he has every reason -to think it very incomplete, as the interest bestowed upon it by the -officers of the lighthouse is rather indifferent; all birds fit to be -eaten are probably disposed of in this way, and do not always come -under his observation. - -Stevns Fyr (Lighthouse of Stevns), 1884. - - Night to-- - - Febr. 16th. Alauda arvensis 1. - " 18th. Ditto 1. - " 19th. Ditto 1. - " 21st. Sturnus vulgaris 1. - March 13th. Erythacus rubecula 1. - " 29th. Scolopax rusticula 1. - " " Tringa alpina 1. - May 1st. Sylvia hortensis 2. - " 6th. Saxicola œnanthe 2. - " 15th. Sylvia cinerea 1. - " " S. curruca 1. - " " Phylloscopus rufus 6. - " " Ruticilla phœnicurus 2. - " " Muscicapa atricapilla 2. - " " Sylvia hortensis 1. - July 23rd. Hæmatopus ostralegus 1. - " 26th. Turdus musicus 3. - " " Emberiza miliaria 1. - " " Fringilla montifringilla 1. - " " Jynx torquilla 1. - " " Saxicola œnanthe 5. - " 30th. Turdus musicus 7. - " " Motacilla alba 3. - " " Saxicola œnanthe 2. - " " Scolopax rusticula 1. - Oct. 5th. Fringilla cœlebs 1. - " 6th. Passer montanus 1. - " " Regulus cristatus 2. - " 11th. Turdus musicus 1. - " 13th. Turdus iliacus 1. - " 17th. Regulus cristatus 2. - " 22nd. Sturnus vulgaris 1. - " " Turdus iliacus 1. - " 23rd. Alauda arvensis 1. - " " Erythacus rubecula 1. - " 25th. Sturnus vulgaris 3. - " " Emberiza citrinella. 2. - " " Fringilla montifringilla 1. - " " Regulus cristatus 1. - " " Alauda arvensis 1. - Nov. 20th. Anas boschas 1. - " 29th. Linota linaria 1. - Dec. 8th. Alauda arvensis 1. - " 10th. Turdus viscivorus 1. - " 17th. Alauda arvensis 1. - " " Turdus iliacus 1. - - -Notes on Insects at the Lighthouses. - -Under date of June 30th, Mr. Owen Boyle, of the Languard L.H., reports, -"a Sky Lark followed by a string of Bees. The plaintive cries of this -poor bird first attracted my attention, it flew so close that I almost -caught it; it was closely pursued by a large number of Bees, and in -its fright took to the water followed by its pursuers. When last seen -it was making for the Essex coast." July 31st, at 10.14 a.m., "a cloud -of mosquitoes pitched in this neighbourhood, similar to those seen in -India; most of them were carried off at noon by a light breeze." - -Mr. Charles Williams, of the Hanois L.H., Guernsey, says, under date of -July 10th, "A great quantity of large ants with wings passing. A great -many settled on the rocks and about the lighthouse. I have only once -seen them before like this, when I was stationed at the South Bishop -Rock off the coast of Wales." - -Heligoland, by Mr. Gätke.--Night, July 2nd to 3rd, thousands of _Plusia -gamma_; 3rd, myriads of Dragonflies; night, 21st to 22nd, great numbers -of _Bombyx neustria_, east to west; 22nd to 23rd, the same; 27th to -28th, numerous nights passing on. - - -General Remarks. - -The report for the East Coast of England shows that a great migration -was carried on for six months in the autumn and winter of 1884-5. The -schedules returned indicate that no one place had special preference, -and that the inflow of migrants was equally distributed over the entire -coast line. - -The southerly movement of migrants was well established in July, and -from this time to the end of the third week in January, 1885, there -has been a steady flow, with slight intermissions, of birds either -passing up the coast to the south or moving directly inland, the vast -majority coming from the east across the North Sea, and moving westward -or in westerly directions. Occasionally there have been heavy rushes or -persistent bird waves continuous for days, and even weeks. - -The periods of migration occupied by different species vary greatly, -from four weeks to as many months; no general rule can be laid down in -this respect. - -As a rule, the young birds of the year migrate independently of the -old, and some weeks in advance; there are, however, frequent exceptions -to this, more especially late in the season, when the flocks are -sometimes composed of old and young. With some of our shore birds, -as Grey Plover, Knot, Sanderling, a few old birds, still in summer -plumage, arrive very early in the season, some weeks later the main -body of the young, and lastly the bulk of the adults, the latter having -then assumed the ordinary winter dress. - -The lines of migration have been those followed in previous years, the -vast majority of immigrants coming either directly from east to west or -from points south of east to others north of west. The records of birds -travelling from points north of east are comparatively exceptional. - -There was an immense and continuous rush, a gigantic feathery tide, on -to the coast from the middle of October (15th) to the end of the month, -migrants arriving continuously night and day. This rush was continued -at some of the stations with but slight intermissions to the middle of -November. The last fortnight in October is the average annual period -of what may be called the "great rush" of immigrants on to the East -Coast of England. - -In previous reports we have drawn attention to the fact of a migration -in opposite directions going on at the same time over the North Sea. -This is observed more particularly at southeastern stations, on light -vessels moored at many miles distance from the nearest land, where, -during the spring and autumn, the same species of birds, as Crows, -Rooks, Jackdaws, Starlings, Larks, Sparrows, Buntings and Finches, -are recorded crossing the North Sea moving from opposite quarters and -passing both towards the British coast and towards the Continent. This -apparently abnormal movement in opposite directions is again indicated -in the autumn and spring of 1884-5. - -In a recent article in the 'Encyclopædia Britannica,' Professor Newton -tells us that "there is scarcely a bird of either the Palæarctic or -Nearctic regions, whose habits are at all well known, of which much -the same may not be said; and hence we are led to the conclusion -that every bird of the Northern Hemisphere is, to a greater or less -degree, migratory in some part or other of its range." There can be -no doubt that in this passage Professor Newton indicates the probable -explanation of the special phenomena attending a double migration as -recorded from time to time in our reports. - -With very few exceptions, the vast majority of our British birds, such -as are generally considered habitual residents, the young invariably, -the old intermittingly, leave these islands in the autumn, their -place being taken by others, not always necessarily of the same -species, coming from more northern latitudes, or from districts of -Eastern Europe, where, on the approach of winter, the conditions of -locality and food-supply are found less favourable to existence. -These immigrants on the approach of spring leave, moving back to the -Continent on the same lines, but in the reverse direction to those -traversed in the autumn; at the same time, also, our own birds return -from the Continent to their nesting-quarters in these islands. To -give one instance, out of many which might be cited, that of the -Blackbird:--In the autumn, during September, the young of the year -leave their summer-quarters, and their place is shortly taken by -others, likewise young birds, coming in October and November from -districts which lie directly east or south-east of Great Britain. -Should our English winter prove generally severe, or even partially so, -our old birds will also leave, and in their place we have an influx of -old Blackbirds from the Continent, pushed forward by similar causes. -In the last autumn and winter, which has been exceedingly variable, -with many sudden changes of temperature, our East Coast reports show an -enormous migration of this species to have taken place. This commenced -on September 12th, and was continued at intervals throughout October, -becoming nearly continuous in November; after this intermittent, in -throbs and pulsations, up to the end of the third week in January, -1885. These influxes of old birds correlate with sudden changes of -temperature and outbreaks of severe weather on the Continent. In the -spring the continental visitors disappear, and our so-called resident -Blackbirds come back to their nesting-quarters. In this way we have -a regular interchange of birds in the spring and autumn,--a double -migration, carried on twice a year between the British Islands and the -Continent. As far as our knowledge extends the normal conditions of -locality and climate over the whole area are such as do not necessitate -a regular interchange of the members of their respective _avi-faunas_. -There is apparently no reason why our Rooks, Starlings, Sky Larks, and -Blackbirds should not be able to winter in England just as well as -abroad; their not doing so, but persistently migrating, is suggestive -of a regular succession of bird waves,--as one moves forward another -quickly follows in its wake. The southern limit of autumn migration, -in the individuals of any species, is in direct ratio to the breeding -range; such as nest in southern latitudes move still further south, and -thus make room for those of their sort which have nested further north. -Such are the ordinary phenomena of migration, a movement which is as -regular and persistent as the flow and ebb of the tide.[33] - -[Footnote 33: Migration is a voluntary, and not a compulsory, movement; -and it must not be imagined that recurring bird waves actually push -each other forward. Young Blackbirds and Thrushes leave some weeks -in advance of the great rush of their continental allies; and it is -well known that Woodcocks, which breed in Great Britain, leave in the -autumn, before the arrival of the northern flights, a distinct interval -elapsing between the two events--the going and the coming.] - -One of the last schedules received, at the time of going to press, -from the Cockle L.V., off the Norfolk coast, records immense flights -of Crows (probably Rooks), passing in a southeasterly direction to the -Continent early in March, 1885, commencing on the 2nd at 7 a.m., in -large numbers on the 6th at 6 a.m., and continuous from 6 a.m. to 8 -a.m. on the 8th; large numbers again on the 9th at 5.30 a.m. - -The notes under the head of separate species in the East Coast report -for 1884, indicate several movements of special interest. Blackbirds, -as has been already stated, have crossed the North Sea in extraordinary -numbers, commencing on September 12th and throughout October, and -immense numbers in November; on the 11th, 12th and 13th the rush -appears to have been continuous, night, and day, over the whole coast -line; after this intermittent to the end of the third week in January, -1885. - -Another very interesting feature is the occurrence of the Arctic -Bluethroat in considerable numbers between September 8th and 16th; -eighty to one hundred were observed in one locality on the Norfolk -coast on the 12th. - -The migration of the Gold-crested Wren was very pronounced. The first -are recorded on August 28th, and after this at various stations in -large numbers up to November 22nd. Eighty-seven days against ninety-two -in 1882, and eighty-two in 1883. The visible migration of this little -wanderer across Heligoland has been considerably below the average of -other years. - -Pied Flycatchers arrived in large numbers from August 10th to September -17th. Across Heligoland also there was a great migration between August -10th and September 18th. - -Immense numbers of Bing Doves are shown to have crossed from the -Continent between the 21st of October and the end of November. This -immigration appears to have covered the coast between Berwick and -Yarmouth. On our northern coasts for nine days, between November the -20th and 28th, the rush was continuous. Large numbers of Stock Doves -also crossed during the same period. - -The main body of the Woodcocks generally arrive in two flights, known -to East-coast sportsmen as the "first flight," and after this the -"great flight." In the autumn of 1884 the immigration of this species -was most prolonged, commencing on September 1st, and continued onward -to January 20th, 1885, or 142 days. Four distinct rushes or flights are -also indicated,--October 5th and 6th; another on the 10th to the 16th; -a third, probably the "great flight," on the 28th; and again a very -large flight between November the 11th and 13th. Independent of these -there has been a constant dropping in by two or three together, or -singly, throughout the autumn and winter. Woodcocks have also crossed -Heligoland in the same desultory fashion; and the dates of the chief -flights will be found to correlate closely with the rushes on to our -East Coast. - -In the latter part of November and early in December there was a -considerable arrival of Bitterns on the East Coast, probably driven -across by the severe weather on the Continent between November the 28th -and December 2nd. - -Besides the Bluethroats, already noticed, several rare and casual -visitants have been recorded during the autumn. Two examples of the -Barred Warbler, one at Spurn Point and another on the Norfolk coast. -The Icterine Warbler, also on the Norfolk coast; and an Ortolan -Bunting, likewise from the same locality. The Lapland Bunting, in -Lincolnshire and Norfolk; Tengmalm's Owl, in Holderness; and a -rose-coloured Starling, near Spurn. - -Mr. Gätke's Heligoland notes, from June 28th to the end of the year, -comprise 118 species, including, as usual, several rare visitors to -the ornithological observatory:--Icterine Warblers on Aug. 18th; -_Anthus richardi_, Sept. 3rd to Oct. 12th; _A. campestris_, Sept. 4th; -_Carpodacus erythrinus_, Sept. 9th; _Anthus cervinus_, a great many, -from Sept. 15th to Oct. 12th; _Lanius major_, in most unusual numbers, -from Sept. 17th to Nov. 4th; _Alauda cristata_, Sept. 30th and Oct. -1st; _Saxicola stapazina_ (?), Oct. 2nd; _Turdus varius_, Oct. 3rd, -12th and 23rd, one each day; _Emberiza pusilla_, Oct. 5th, two; _Turdus -migratorius_, one on Oct. 14th; _Fringilla rufescens_, our English -Redpoll, one on Nov. 22nd. Besides these large numbers of continental -species, which are classed amongst the rare and occasional visitants -to the British Islands, and whose line of migration is normally far -to eastward of these islands, as _Emberiza hortulana_, _Motacilla -flava_, _M. alba_, _Sylvia suecica_, _Anthus rupestris_, _Calcarius -lapponicus_, _Otocorys alpestris_, _Nyctala tengmalmi_, _Ruticilla -titys_, _Regulus ignicapillus_, and _Larus minutus_. - -The great rush of birds crossed Heligoland during the last fortnight -in October, and appears to have come directly across to our eastern -shores. Mr. Gätke remarks, under date Oct. 24th, S.E., clear, fine, -early rather cold, _C. cornix_, _frugilegus_, and _monedula_, monstrous -numbers; _cornix_ and _monedula_ mixed in uninterrupted flight of ten -and twelve minutes each, continued with but short interruptions or -gaps; width as far as the eye could reach in northerly and southerly -directions; and thus from 9 a.m. till 1 p.m. _Sturnus_, "a succession -of clouds sweeping past overhead." - -Speaking generally of migration during the month of October, "weather -exceptionally fine; nearly no _curruca_; very few _rufa_; few -_rubecula_, _accentor_, _regulus_; and _fringilla_ but small numbers. -Thrushes the same; not a single _Parus major_ nor other Tits; Pipits -also far below the usual numbers." - -"Marvellously many _Anthus cervinus_, _Lanius major_ and _excubitor_, -and particularly _Corvidæ_ and Starlings. In December, Greenfinches, -enormous numbers all the month, more than ever been seen here." - - * * * * * - -Since the completion of the Report Mr. J. H. Gurney informs me that he -has received from Mr. J. Barrett, of the Swin Middle L.V., the wing -of a Garganey Teal with the date July 22nd, 1884. Dunlin, March 21st, -1885, and that of a Wheatear with the extraordinary date of Feb. 4th -attached. - -From the Dudgeon L.V. comes a schedule signed by Mr. T. W. Harrison, -the entries ranging from Nov. 10th, 1884, to March 6th, 1885. On Nov. -10th about forty Carrion Crows going from S.E. to N.W.; considerable -numbers of Larks on the nights of the 11th and 12th, about twenty -being killed; on the 13th, two Woodcocks at 6.40 p.m., N.N.E. 3, -misty, one killed; the same night a great rush of Larks, Blackbirds, -Fieldfares and Starlings; "Black Crows" and Larks, also a few Thrushes, -at intervals through January, all coming from easterly and going in -westerly directions. On the night of Feb. 15th, E., Knot, Stint, -Lapwing and other birds round the lantern all night. Night of March -4th, E.S.E., Lapwings and Starlings about lantern, and eight of the -latter killed; on the night of the 5th, several Carrion Crows between 7 -and 12 p.m., three killed. The Dudgeon L.V. is about thirty-five miles -east of Skegness on the Lincolnshire coast. - - - - -WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND. - - -Schedules were sent to thirty-four stations as before. We have received -returns from fifteen. - -Generally the returns are as well filled up as in previous years. - -We have notes on about thirty-one species of land birds from this -coast; about sixteen species of water birds; and of a few species of -littoral or wading birds. - -I have kept the spring and autumn movements distinct. - -In the following list of stations we indicate the numbers of years in -which each station has sent in returns, and the consecutive numbers of -the stations, in the same way, and for the same reasons, that we have -shown those in the report of the East Coast, and we also indicate the -value and brilliancy of the lights at each. - -List of Stations. - - Returns - in 5 1884. - years. Feet. - 3 * 81. Cape Wrath, Sutherland III. 400 { W. Wither - { & H. Morrison. - 3 * 82. Elm Stoir, Do. II. 195 Wm. Wither. - -Outer Hebrides. - - 5 83. Butt of Lewis I. 170 { T. Edgar. - { A. Thompson. - 3 84. Stornoway, 2 lights { II.} - { I. } 56 J. Grierson. - 3 85. Island of Ghlais I. 130 - 5 * 86. Monach Isles { I. } 150 } - { I. } 62 } J. Youngclause. - 2 87. Ushenish VI. 176 - 1 * 88. Barra Head II. 683 Wm. Irvine. - - -Mainland, Skye, and Inner Hebrides. - - 0 * 89. Rona, Skye IV. 222 Frazer. - 4 * 90. Kyleakin, Ross IV. 53 D. M'Culloch. - 2 91. Isle of Ornsay, Skye I. 58 - 2 92. Ardnamurchan I. - 5 { 93. Hynish Signal Tower, } - { Tyree } - { * 94. Skerryvore, off Tyree } II. 150 T. Dawson. - 5 * 95. Dhuheartach, S. of } - Ross of Mull } I. 146 W. Davidson. - 5 96. Sound of Mull V. 55 W. McLellan. - 0 97. Corran Ferry, Loch Eil IV. 38 - 4 98. Lismore I., Oban I. 103 - 2 99. Fladda, Easdale VI. 42 - 3 *100. Rhuvaal, Islay IV. 147 G. Boreham. - 4 *101. M'Arthur's Head IV. 128 Wm. Maill. - 5 *102. Skervuile, Jura II. 73 John Ewing. - 5 103. Rhinns of Islay IV. 159 P. Anderson. - 2 104. Lochindaul IV. 50 - 0 105. Mull of Kintyre VI. 297 - 0 106. Devaar, off Kintyre II. 120 - 0 107. Pladda, Arran II. 130 - 2 *108. Lamlash IV. 46 D. M. Scott. - 2 109. Turnberry, Ayrshire IV. 96 Andr. Nisbet. - 4 *110. Corsewall, Wigtonshire IV. 112 R. Laidlaw. - 5 111. Loch Ryan, do. I. 46 - 5 112. Portpatrick, do. I. 37 - 4 *113. Mull of Galloway, do. II. 325 Alx. Murray. - 1 *114. Little Ross, Kircudbright IV. 175 Jas. Ferrier. - - - -Isle of Man. - - 3 115. Point of Ayre, I. of Man III. 106 - 2 116. Douglas Head, do. I. 104 - *117. Chickens Rock, do. II. 122 - 2 118. Bahama Bank (L.V.), do. ? ? - *119. Langness, do. ? ? Robt. Clyne. - - -Notes from the Stations.[34] - -[Footnote 34: Only the notable events, or anything of particular -interest, are here taken notice of. Such may be useful for faunal -purposes.] - -Mr. Morrison, at Cape Wrath, Bays birds are scarce at this station: the -coast being so wild they keep more inland. Gamuts frequent the coast -all the year from February to November. The Peregrine Falcon is on the -coast almost all the year. - -From Stoir Head Mr. Wither sends a few notes on land birds. Arrival -of Swallow noted May 11th, rather an early date for the West Coast of -Sutherland. Gannets were passing north continuously in August. - -Mr. Youngclause, after a long residence on the Monach Isles, has -removed to an E. Coast station, but sends a last schedule from the -former, dating March 30th to April 7th. Wrens seem scarce here, and the -Goldcrest he saw this year, but never on any previous occasion. A robin -had not been seen before for ten years until April 7th, 1884. Snow -Buntings on April 4th are noted as unusual. - -Mr. Youngclause adds "There has been a great scarcity of birds at this -station for a number of years back, and unless the winds happen to -be off the mainland, with hazy weather at the time of migration, we -scarcely see a bird. Even Eider Ducks have deserted this place of late -years, ever since we had the fearful storm of Nov. 15th, 1877, but I -am told they have been very abundant about the Sound of Barra, and the -sheltered places on the east side of the island." - -Mr. William Irvine sends two interesting schedules from Barra Head. In -September a continuous flight of birds flying east is noticed on 6th, -light S.E. wind. - -From Rona Lighthouse the Goldcrest, a single bird, is recorded in -October as unusual, and is accurately described; evidently of rare -occurrence here. - -I have to thank Mr. McCulloch, Kyleakin, for the careful attention he -has given to the subject of direction of flight in every instance of a -record, and, I may add, I am pleased to find much more attention paid -throughout the 1884 records to this important item of our inquiries. - -_Skerryvore._--Mr. Thomas Dawson sends full schedules from February -to December, but remarks, "Not one bird seen here between Dec. 1st and -Jan. 15th, date of latest schedule." The only evidence of rushes was -that of _Turdidæ_, in November, correlating with E. coast rushes, but -there are many light entries. The same gale which detained a Blackbird -on the rock also detained Mr. Crow, the under light-keeper, twelve -days after time at Hynish Signal Tower. He and the Blackbird changed -residence on the same date. - -_Dhuheartach._--Numerous light entries also from this station, dating -Dec. 2nd, by Mr. William Davidson. - -_Sound of Mull._--Mr. William McLellan pays careful attention to the -directions of flight, and set of the tides and movements of birds in -connection therewith. - -_Rhuvaal._--Mr. George Boreham also notes these important particulars, -and takes note of the rainfall in August--3rd to 25th--a new feature -in our reports. He adds, "It is only very rarely a bird strikes our -lantern, as they keep well off shore when passing on the wing." - -_M'Arthur's Head._--Evidences of a rush of migrants, of many species, -are given in Oct. 7th, 8th, 9th, by Mr. W. Mail. Wind prevailing S.W., -but an E. gale on 9th, when "great numbers" are recorded. - -_Skervuile._--Mr. John Ewing sends well-filled schedules dating Jan. -13th to Nov. 19th, giving many directions of flight. A curious and -interesting note is added. "On Oct. 5th" a "Sandpiper" occurs. "This -bird came to the rock five years ago, when I succeeded in taming it, -but I have not seen it since that time till now." - -_Rhinns of Islay._--Mr. Peter Anderson makes a very good proposal -indeed, and that is that our Committee ask the cooperation of -assistants as well as principals, as "by so doing you will have a far -better chance to get more notes; because, as at present assistants care -very little about recording their operations, as they get no credit for -doing so, whilst they have one-half of the night on duty." Mr. Anderson -anxiously desires a "small book of plates of birds," and complains of -the confusion connected with local names in different parts. I have -urged, and still urge, on our Committee the advantage there would be -in a printed list of local names. For Scotland, the MS. is ready in -my hands to be made useful as it stands, and there is abundant room -for enlargement; but it would cost somewhat to print and distribute -it. I have three excellent schedules from Mr. Anderson. I think his -proposals are worthy of the attention both of our Committee and of the -British Association. Mr. Ross has also materially assisted Mr. Anderson -in filling these up. We would be glad to receive from all stations -the names of _all the assistant keepers_, which can be inserted in -next return of schedules. A very pronounced rush is recorded at this -station. It is quite a principal station on our W. coast. - -_Lamlash, Arran._--Mr. David M. Scott does not consider it necessary -to mention all occurrences of Herons at this station, "as they breed -on the high rocks on the Island, and, of course, are always in the -locality." - -_Turnberry._--From February to December almost all records are -accompanied by winds from S.S.E., S. or E. We have records on -twenty-one dates in that time, and only on one day (Nov. 19th) is the -wind out of another quarter, _viz._ N.N.W.; on this date a solitary -Redshank was killed at the lantern. - -_Corsewall._--Rushes evident both in spring and autumn. Winds on dates -of heaviest records S. to E. and N.E., but also heavy returns on Sept. -22nd, with fresh S.W. and haze. Dates of rushes very marked. A short -but largely bulking schedule. - -_Mull of Galloway._--The migration is, on the whole, more distinctly -shown in October on the West Coast south of the Clyde than on the East -Coast at Isle of May during October. The direction of flight usually -given is, where noticed, S.E. While on the East Coast, at Isle of May, -winds were north of either E. or W. between Sept. 26th and Oct. 17th, -on the West Coast south of Clyde they were S. and W. light. The coast -lines in the W. thus showed their influence on the migration; and the -normal winds, being west on the West Coast, developed a larger and -steadier visible migration than on the East Coast. The only Woodcock -recorded at this station in October--Oct. 19th--came during strong N. -breeze. A considerable number of Swallows occurred between June 29th -and July 4th, when there was a rush. I have no returns from the Mull of -Galloway after Oct. 23rd. - -_Little Ross._--Considerable evidence of rushes in latter end of -October and in November. Mr. James Ferrier says, "Since the above -dates--_viz._, plates of last schedule, 18th Nov. to 24th Dec.--there -have been no birds." ... "No day migration observed here." - -_Langness, Isle of Man._--Mr. Robt. Clyne, formerly under-keeper -at Isle of May, writes that he considers the great flights of -Linnets--grey and green--are all local, and also Starlings, and he -thinks they need hardly be mentioned in the schedules, in the meantime. -A very large congregation of Green Linnets took place at Langness -on Nov. 19th, which must be noticed in connection with our records -elsewhere, on both E. and W. coasts (J. A. H. B.),--probably about 500 -to 600, Mr. Clyne says. The Committee marvels very much what can have -become of their late coadjutor Mr. Philip M. Kermode. He has not, to -Mr. Clyne's knowledge, as yet paid him a visit. Mr. Clyne mentions the -abundance of Red-legged Crows. He had entered them as "Jackdaws," but -subsequently has become aware of the error. They are numerous about -Castletown. Very little fog has been experienced, and the fog-signal -has only been once used in the past two months (_in lit._ Nov. 24th). -The Committee are much obliged to Mr. Clyne for his interesting and -well-filled schedules. He gave some interesting notes also on the -species breeding around the station. - -_Chickens Rock, Isle of Man._--A very heavy rush is recorded between -15th Oct. and 21st to 26th, "the flocks being so dense that no -approximate number could be given; they formed by far the most numerous -flocks of migrants seen this season" (James Black, principal keeper). -We were singularly unfortunate at the Isle of May, the winds there -being N. of E. or W.; while here, in the Isle of Man, they were, during -the heaviest filled dates, 15th and 21st Nov., strong W. and haze, the -migrants crossing the wind, and showing largely at these more southerly -stations of our West Coast. - -To Mr. M'Iver, Teacher at Culken, in Assynt, Sutherland, I am obliged -for some land notes of interest, which will appear under the various -species in connection with Stoir Head Lighthouse. - - -Report under Species. - -Turdidæ.--While in 1883, Spring migration almost escaped notice on the -West Coast, in 1884 a rush was very evident between the 18th and 20th -Feb., at stations south of Clyde, such as at Corsewall, and indications -of same movement north of Clyde, at Skerryvore; but most records south -of Clyde. Doubtless Isle of Man could also testify to this, but we have -no schedules thence till date of July 20th, when Mr. Clyne went there. -There are also a few movements in March at Skerryvore and Skervuile. -In both months winds light S.S.E. or S.E. In autumn, much greater than -on the East coast. Every station from Cape Rhu Stoir, south, gave -movements, as follows:--Rhu Stoir (slight), Barra Head (six seen, 19th -Nov.), Rona (light, and only in July), Kyleakin (light indication, 15th -Nov.), Skerryvore (a number, 12th, 15th and 16th Nov.), Dhuheartach -(light, 15th, 16th to 24th Oct., a few as early as 4th July and 1st -Aug., probably local), Sound of Mull (few only, on 19th Sept. and -19th Dec.), Skervuile (light, in November), Rhinns of Islay (enormous -rush of Redwings, Thrushes, Fieldfares, Blackbirds, with Woodcocks, -Larks, Crows, 14th to 19th Nov.), and southwards, at Lamlash, Arran -(good indication on 10th), at Corsewall (a rush on 10th), at Mull of -Galloway (rushes, between 10th and 13th and 23rd), and at Little Ross -(mostly of Blackbirds). Winds, north of Clyde, in October northerly -and westerly, and in November southerly and easterly; for the most -part returns lighter in October than in November, and great rushes -in November at stations south of Clyde, where winds, during latter -half of October and November, were S. and easterly. Great rushes all -this time, correlating with East Coast of England, but not so much -observed on East Coast of Scotland, owing to winds then being N., and -never S., of E. or W. The species mentioned are for the most part -Thrushes and Blackbirds, Fieldfares and Red-wings, but there is reason -to believe that the latter really bulk largely in the migration, as -where the bird is distinguished from the Thrush or Mavis they appear -to have come in numbers,, as at Isle of Man (R. Clyne) and Rhinns of -Islay (Peter Anderson and Wm. Ross). The migration extended over a -considerable time; yet the rushes were remarkable for intensity and -uniformity in time at the various stations. The earliest record given -is at Dhuheartach (July 4th), but may have been a local movement, along -with two other summer records. Next in August (1st, 10th and 28th, a -few). Actual first migration in mass commencing Sept. 19th, 21st, and -25th at Sound of Mull, M'Arthur's Head, and Corsewall, respectively. -The latest records reaching me date Dec. 19th, at Sound of Mull,--a -solitary Blackbird; and by the 19th Nov. the body of the rush was past, -the latest record being on that date at Rhinns of Islay. The rush -was strictly defined, and there are not many full records before the -last week in October. The earliest species recorded (excluding July) -is Thrush, and the next Fieldfares, at Skervuile. The latest species -recorded are Blackbirds, at Sound of Mull. Those species which bulk -largest are Blackbirds and Thrushes; and those least, Fieldfares. -Redwings are probably more numerous than actually recorded, as all our -reporters do not perhaps distinguish them. - -Saxicolinæ.--_Note._--For all purposes of this Report, "Stonechats" -and Wheatears are identical. Where true Stonechats are recognised -and mentioned, the records relating to these are kept distinct. In -Spring: earliest Wheatears at Sound of Mull (29th March); latest, -single bird at Skerryvore, 14th May, and one on 11th; appearance of -rush at Skerryvore on 22nd, twelve birds at the lantern, fresh S., -haze; and at Skervuile indications on 22nd to 24th, light E. and S.E. -In Autumn: earliest at Isle of Man stations, 2nd, 9th, and 10th Aug.; -almost a rush on 10th at Chickens Rock; and several, 9th and 10th, at -Langness. [_Note._--Chickens Rock reporter calls them "Stonechats," -but Langness reporter correctly terms them "Wheatears."] Then at Rhu -Stoir, in the north, comes the next earliest date, 16th Aug. Thereafter -stations returning them are Rhu Stoir, Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, -Skervuile, Chickens Rock, and Langness. Bush appears most decided at -the early dates at Isle of Man; and again between 20th and 24th Aug. at -Dhuheartach, N. of Clyde, and at Skervuile; whilst a third considerable -movement is noticeable on 15th and 26th Sept., at Isle of Man. The -latter is also the latest date on record. Besides Wheatears we have the -following records of true Stonechats (Stonechat, Pratincola rubicola). -Earliest at Dhuheartach, August; and at Skervuile between 20th and -26th, accompanying rush of the last species. Of Redstarts only one -record; and two or three at Langness on 8th Sept. Winds in August at -most localities, S., S.E. and S.W., light or fresh. - -Silviinæ.--In spring only one record, _viz._, Robin; one, at Monach -Isles, on 7th April, S.E., clear; and a rush at Corsewall on 29th -March. In autumn: earliest at Kyleakin, 24th Aug., light S. (Two -previous records on 19th and 28th July at Rona, Skye, are in the -debatable ground between local and general migration.) In September -two single records only, at Sound of Mull and M'Arthur's Head, both on -19th, at which latter station it is reported as "arriving in winter." -One Blackcap, female, sent me for identification from Skerryvore, on -16th Nov., moderate N.E., haze, completes our records of this group. - -Phylloscopinæ, Gold-crested Wren.--Evident rush noticeable in spring, -when great numbers, along with the Robins, were seen at Corsewall -on 29th March. One bird occurred at Monach Isles, "new to Mr. -Youngclause," but accurately described, therefore hitherto rare at that -station; and one is recorded from Rona Skye, but no date given. In -autumn a considerable migration, beginning with the earliest at Sound -of Mull, on 28th Aug., strong S., with showers. Ending with latest at -Lamlash, on 16th Nov., a single bird. (Note here the exactness of how -even single records on West coast agree with movements on the East -coast.) Scattered records occur at Lamlash, Firth of Clyde, and at -Corsewall, between 10th and 19th Sept.; almost a rush on latter dates. -Rush on 24th at Little Ross, and indications of ditto at Langness, on -17th and 18th; desultory records at Little Ross before these dates, -11th to 22nd. In October evidence of rushes on night of the total -eclipse of the moon, _viz._, 4th Oct., between the same hours, 9 and -12 midnight, the hours of total eclipse of greatest darkness, just as -was observed by Mr. Geo. E. Paterson and myself at Isle of May, on the -East coast; another indication of a rush, between Oct. 19th and 23rd, -at Mull of Galloway. Only single records at Dhuheartach, Skervuile, -and Lamlash in November; but, as before remarked, these single records -marvellously coincide with East Coast records, and are therefore -important. Wind at stations returning, mostly light and various, W., -E., and S. Night of eclipse, light W., cloudy and dark. Of Willow -Warblers, a few on 10th and 11th Sept., at Little Ross. - -Acrocephalinæ.--No records either spring or autumn. The negative -evidence is worth positive record. - -Paridæ.--Two records only. At Mull, of Galloway, on Sept. 10th, two -Titmice, in strong S. wind at lantern, and at Sound of Mull, two -struck, but not killed, on Oct. 30th, light S.W. How far these are only -local movements or not, it is difficult to know with the small data yet -to hand. - -Troglodytidæ.--On March 30th, one Common Wren returned in schedule from -Monach Isles. Fresh south haze. It would be interesting to know the -original starting place of this solitary Wren. The newly-discovered -insular variety of St. Kilda is, however, probably entirely resident -there all winter. Nevertheless we would like specimens of Wrens from -Monach Isles at all seasons for examination. In September, one occurred -at Lismore, sitting on rock, on 22nd, light N.E. wind and haze. In -October a single bird at Rhu Stoir, at noon, strong S. and rain, and -three occurred at Lamlash on Nov. 4th, flying south against a strong -S.W. wind and showers. - -Motacillidæ.--Only spring record of Wagtails on May 11th two males and -two females at Rhu Stoir. In autumn, earliest Aug. 27th, at Skerryvore, -when one remained three days on the rock, indicating thus the -correlating rush on 31st at Langness, where about a hundred in a large -flock of young Pied Wagtails were seen all day. These are called "Grey -Wagtails or young Pied Wagtails" by Mr. Clyne. The true Grey Wagtail is -a yellow bird with a black throat and very long tail. [Surely British -ornithologists can find a more descriptive and truer name than Grey -Wagtail for _Motacilla boarula_. If confusion occurs amongst ordinary -observers as to names, it is as often the fault of the naturalists who -misapplied the names in the first instance as not.] In September a -further rush of the same young Pied Wagtails observable on the 10th at -Langness--a flock seen--and a dozen at Rhinns of Islay on 7th; and a -few at Barra Head and one at Dhuheartach on Sept. 1st. In October a few -at Langness, on the 6th, the latest given. - -Motacillidæ, Pipits.--Earliest Meadow Pipit in spring, single records -on 8th and 21st, at Skerryvore, light S.E. haze and fresh N.W. clear -respectively. One rested on lantern of Lamlash Light on May 2nd. In -autumn, the rush of Meadow Pipits took place at Isle of Man--Langness -during Sept. 4th (a lot), 9th (very many), 24th (large flock), 29th -(large flock). Earliest, August 31st (large flock). Later, a few in -October at Skerryvore, on 6th and 16th, fresh S.W. breeze, and at same -station on 1st and 12th Nov., fresh S.W., rain. - -Muscicapidæ, Flycatchers.--Only one record at Longness (R. Clyne), the -first record in six years' observation, on Sept. 11th. Mr. Clyne has -met with the Pied Flycatcher on Isle of May, as well as the Spotted, -but these two seen on Isle of Man are only designated "Flycatchers." As -the Pied Flycatcher breeds in Cumberland and N. of England, it would be -interesting to know which species (or if both) visits Isle of Man. - -Hirundinidæ, Swallows.--Dates of arrivals are as follows:--March -30th, at Corsewall. It is worthy of note that I observed a Swallow -at Glendoune Girvan hawking for insects as late in autumn of 1884 as -Nov. 8th (see East Coast Report). May 11th, three seen at Rhu Stoir -(an early arrival for Sutherland W. coast, J. A. H. B.), light south, -one seen at Skerryvore, light S.E.; 17th, one at Skerryvore, fresh, -S.W.; 14th, three at Lamlash; 19th, several all day at Rhinns of Islay, -light S.E., haze; 21st, one seen at Rhu Stoir, light S.; 22nd, two Sand -Martins at Barra Head; June 3rd and 4th, two Sand Martins at Barra -Head, light N., cloudy; 19th, two Swallows at Kyleakin, flying S., -light S. and clear; 22nd, one Swallow at Rhu Stoir, light fog and rain; -29th, great numbers (rush) flying around at Mull of Galloway, and ditto -flying E. at same place on 30th; and on 30th one seen at Cape Wrath; in -July, eight Swallows on 3rd and "scores" on 4th (probably local at Mull -of Galloway, preparing for departure); one at Langness on. 25th; in -August, flock at Langness of Swallows on 20th, and another on 25th; in -September, several on 5th, at Langness, and on 8th and 10th, and single -records at same place, and at Rhinns of Islay on 29th and 30th; in -October, a large flock of Swallows and a party of twelve at Langness, -and a flock at Chickens Rock on 6th; a flock of twelve on 19th at -Langness, the latest record. - -Fringillidæ.--Very few returns in spring. A few Grey Linnets on May -12th at Skervuile, and a few at Rona, Skye, on 26th, being all. In -autumn, a rush, and earliest record save one, at Rhuvaal, of young -Grey Linnets flying W. on Aug. 20th, and a few same day at Skervuile. -The earliest date is a flock at Isle of Man (Langness) on July 29th. -Latest record on Nov. 19th of Green Linnets, a rush of 700 or 800, and -rushes between 4th and 19th, all at Langness. Bushes during latter end -of October at Langness, and sufficient indications at several stations -N. of Clyde, as Kyleakin, Skervuile, and Rhinns of Islay. This species -bulks largest in all the schedules. Other species noticed are Sparrows -(large flock at Langness, Oct. 13th); "Mountain Sparrow" (true Tree -Sparrow), one at Rhinns of Islay; "Small Linnets" (Twites or Redpoles?) -at Rhinns of Islay, Oct. 21st; Chaffinch, a few stray entries at -Dhuheartach, one found dead on rock on Nov. 2nd, others seen on 17th -and 19th (male), and a flock at Langness on Oct. 3rd. - -Emberizidæ, Buntings.--Snow Buntings in spring, 203 on 14th to 17th -March at Barra Head; a large flock at Rhu Stoir on 16th, and one -female, same place, on 24th; flock at Monach Isles April 4th; one -female at Rhu Stoir as late as June 2nd, fresh various rain. In -autumn, records light everywhere. One in October only at Barra Head; -ten on Nov. 2nd at Cape Wrath; ten on 7th at Barra Head; odd birds -at Skerryvore and Dhuheartach on 16th, and an apparent rush or local -flight of fifty on Island at Rhinns of Islay on 14th, and a number -(with Thrushes) on 16th at same place. - -Alaudidæ, Larks.--Autumn migration of 1883-4 continued with some force -into January, 1884, especially noted at Kyleakin, or these may have -been local flights. In spring, Larks occur sparingly at same time -as Thrushes and Starlings. Feb. 1st, at Lamlash, and Feb. 19th at -Skerryvore; also nine (three killed) at latter station March 10th; -no more till June 15th; "Larks" at Skervuile, and four on 29th at -Dhuheartach. In July, four at Dhuheartach. In autumn, earliest record -at Dhuheartach on Aug. 1st, the only record that month; then only a -single bird all September, on 21st, at Langness. Latest record, October -24th, a few at Rhinns of Islay. The rush was very great, and took place -between the 14th and 21st October, or perhaps more compressed still -between the 14th and 19th Oct. The whole duration of time in which -Larks migrated is thus very limited this season, _viz._, between Oct. -14th and Oct. 24th, the latest date given. During the rush, which was -observable principally at Rhinns of Islay, north of Clyde, the wind -was northerly or north-westerly, the same as on the East Coast at the -same dates, which accounts for the body of the rush penetrating more to -the north and reaching further than in other winds. At Rhinns of Islay -hundreds, and on 19th thousands were seen, wind fresh W. to N.W. All -flying west. On the East Coast the winds favourable to their continued -flight prevented my observing them in any great numbers at Isle of -May, but there can scarcely be any doubt these great flights passed up -the Firth of Forth, as we had plentiful opportunities of seeing almost -continuous indications of their presence at the above dates on the Isle -of May. The stations returning Larks are Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, and -Rhinns of Islay, and Langness (only a small record on Oct. 2nd). Query, -will our Irish Coast returns show the continuance of this flight of -Larks? - -Sturninæ, Starlings.--Spring, rare indications at Rhu Stoir, March -25th (probably local), one female, and at Lamlash, one on April 1st, -and March 2nd one killed, and at Corsewall on Feb. 19th, struck along -with Thrushes and Larks. The latter record may have been an indication -of real migration, the others are most likely local only. In autumn, -earliest Aug. 12th, at Isle of Man, a flock; on 23rd, a number at -Rhinns of Islay, culminating in hundreds and hundreds on August 30th at -Langness (Isle of Man), and again in hundreds and hundreds at Langness -Sept. 18th, and indication by a flock at Mull of Galloway. Again, in -October, rushes evident it may be said between 18th and 23rd, and on -29th, observable at Kyleakin (on 18th), at Mull of Galloway on 22nd and -23rd, "flocks," and on 29th by 200 or 300 at Rhinns of Islay. Another -rush along with Thrushes, &c., dating Nov. 14th, at Rhinns of Islay. -Indications of movements also at Kyleakin and Dhuheartach on Nov. 1st -and 2nd. Latest, a solitary record on Dec. 24th at Lamlash. Migration -of this species we may designate in 1884 as short, sharp and decisive. - -Corvidæ, Crows.--Spring: movement of Carrion Crows, Ravens and Rooks -few, and only in February and March. In February, "Black Crows" at -Barra Head, one on 23rd, and fifteen on 14th and 15th, fresh S.E. and -strong E.; also Carrion Crows at Skerryvore (three, "very seldom seen") -flying around, fresh S. clear. Ravens, two at Cape Wrath (probably -breeding in the neighbourhood, at Craig Riabhach), light S.W. haze; and -one at Skerryvore flying N.E. Rooks at Rhu Stoir, probably belonging to -one of two rookeries in N. and W. of Sutherland, _viz._, at Cama Loch -in W. Cromarty, or at Tongue. In autumn, from 1st to 25th Aug., a very -large flock, mostly young, feeding daily around Rhu Stoir (probably a -local visitation from Cama Loch or Tongue), but Tongue Rooks are known -to feed, regularly in winter at Far-out Head in the neighbourhood of -Durness, and in severe winters are seen going there and returning in -evening. The Rhu Stoir birds are therefore more likely to belong to the -Cama Loch rookery. At Chickens Rock, Isle of Man, a number of Rooks -flying W. towards Ireland on 11th August. No records in September. In -October, Hooded and Carrion Crows flying W.S.W. for Ireland at Rhinns -of Islay, and a few seen for days at Langness, feeding, about the same -time. Records continue to increase in November, a rush of hundreds -and thousands at Rhinns of Islay by 13th, continuing in force up to -17th and 18th, flying east on 13th, but resting or flying S.W. on -17th and 18th, along with enormous rush of Curlews, Woodcocks, Snipe, -Sandpipers, Larks, Redwings, Thrushes, Starlings, Blackbirds, and a few -Jacksnipes. Latest record on 19th. Also Ravens same dates, a few, and -Jackdaws on 16th and 1st Dec. at Skerryvore and Dhuheartach. - -Cypselidæ, Swifts.--On July 20th, about twenty flying S., strong E., -rain and haze, at Skervuile, and at same station a few along with -Swallows, light E. and clear. - -Cuculidæ, Cuckoo.--In spring, arrivals as follows:--At Rona Skye, May -11th, first heard, light S.W. Kyleakin, May 10th, first heard, moderate -S.S.W., haze. Sound of Mull, May 8th, first heard, moderate S.W., -clear. Skervuile, May 10th, first seen, light E. Rhinns of Islay, May -19th, first seen, fresh E., clear. Lamlash, May 12th, first heard. -Corsewall, May 11th, first heard. Autumn, Barra Head, June 28th, 1 -first seen. Mull of Galloway, 1 first seen in July. Autumn records of -Cuckoos scarce during six years' records. - -Strigidæ.--Spring, April 28th, one Brown Owl for three days at -Skerryvore; and 1 Owl in May (probably Short-eared Owl) at Dhuheartach. -No autumn records. - -Falconidæ.--At Skerryvore, one Sparrow Hawk on 29th. At Cape Wrath, -Game Falcon and a "Small Hawk" (Merlin?) on the coast all the year -round. In autumn, fewer records than usual on predatory visits. One -Falcon on Aug. 28th at Rhuvaal. Sparrow Hawk on 1st, and again on -19th, at Skerryvore; one on Oct. 15th and 16th at Dhuheartach; and -one Sparrow Hawk resting on sun-dial on 9th. One Eagle seen at Erraid -("rarely seen here") in November. - -Pelicanidæ, Gannet.--Records in order of dates:--At Skervuile, March -10th, one flying S., fresh S.E.; 14th, one flying N., S. gale. Rhu -Stoir, April 25th, five fishing, light S.E., clear. Skervuile, April -16th, one flying N. (local?). Rona, May 25th, twelve, W. clear; 29th, -one, strong N., clear. Kyleakin, June 20th, in flock flying E., E. -clear. Lismore, 22nd, flying S., various, light, clear. Dhuheartach, -July 4th, one; 20th, flying S. Skervuile, 6th and 7th, Solans flying -S.; 23rd and 24th, Solans flying S. Little Ross, July 9th, three flying -W. from the Solway. At Rhu Stoir, Aug. 28th, rush, and passed daily in -flocks flying N. up to the middle of August (see directions of flight -at Pentland Skerries, E. Coast). During the rest of August, 24th to -30th, records are given from Rhuvaal, Skervuile, and Lamlash and Little -Ross, but directions of flight are omitted under the dates given (see -records off Cape St. Vincent). In September, a flock flying W. at -Langness on 21st, a single bird flying N. at Barra Head, and two flying -S.E. on 6th; and a late record at Lamlash on Nov. 6th (marked "late"). - -Anatidæ, Ducks, Geese, Swans.--Spring records of "Wild Geese" are six -flying S.E., wind E. and snow, at Kyleakin (local), and two on March -23rd flying S.W. In April, 17th and 21st, two or three flying W. and -flying S. Autumn ditto of Wild Geese, numerous. Earliest, Aug. 21st, -flying S., at Kyleakin. Latest, Dec. 9th, six flying S. at Lamlash. -Other records in Oct., but no rush evident. Of Eider Ducks there are -many records. Earliest at Rhinns of Islay, seventeen males and females -on Aug. 6th. Latest December 14th, seven males and seven females flying -S. on 3rd, and six on 22nd at Rhinns of Islay. Greatest numbers seen -at Rhinns of Islay Oct. 29th, when at least 200 were seen at 7 a.m., -and 100 at 9 a.m. In November the "first seen this fall" at Skerryvore -on 1st, and large flock on 6th flying S., and others at Dhuheartach. -Other species are Sheldrakes (breeding at Rona), arrived in May; -Barnacle Geese, thirteen at Barra Head on Oct. 13th, resting. Wigeon, -one female, at Rhinns of Islay, on Aug. 23rd. Of Swans, two flying N., -seen at Sound of Mull on June 2nd, with light N.W. airs. Barnacle Geese -identified by head sent me. - -Columbidæ.--Two Rock Doves flying S. (local) at Kyleakin, and six Wood -Pigeons at same place on 22nd, flying S.S.W., moderate S. wind. In -August, five doves flying E. at Rhuvaal; and in December, at Rhinns of -Islay, 300 flying south, about one mile inland, light W., haze. - -Rallinæ, Corn Crakes, Water Rails, &c.--Only spring record: a Corn -Crake at Barra Head on 6th June. Only autumn records: one killed at -lantern of Mull of Galloway, and one Water Rail killed at Rhinns of -Islay (sent to me in the skin, J. A. H. B.) on 23rd October. - -Charadriadæ.--Large flocks of Golden Plover arrive on the coast around -Rhu Stoir during winter, when snow lies inland, and are seen onwards -after March 12th and 15th, 1884, at same station. In autumn, records -of Golden Plover unusually scarce; single ones at Sound of Mull, Sept. -19th, and Rhinns of Islay, Sept. 18th. Large flocks begin to arrive at -Rhu Stoir ("to come towards the shore") early in November, remain all -winter. At Rhinns of Islay, two "Gray Plovers," marked "rare," seen on -Oct. 6th. Usual records of Oystercatchers, not so abundant or general -as usual. - -Lapwings.--One seen Feb. 15th at Barra Head; twenty on March 15th at -Rhu Stoir, and one or two single ones there on 7th and 11th; and two -on April 2nd. No great movement recorded in autumn. Rhinns of Islay, -10 flying about on 24th August and seven resting at Barra Head on 7th -October. - -Scolopacidæ, Woodcock, Snipe, Curlew, Whimbrel.--Woodcock: Earliest -in autumn, Oct. 9th, one shot at Mull of Galloway. Latest, Nov. 18th, -one at Dhuheartach, resting. Indication of more general movement -between 15th, 16th, to 23rd Oct., but very slight, at Barra Head, one -on 19th at Skervuile, Rhinns of Islay, and at Dhuheartach. Snipe: Only -some three records; in September one at Skerryvore, in October one at -Dhuheartach, and in August two at Rhinns of Islay, killed. Curlews: -Numerous records from July on to November at many stations. Whimbrel: -One noticed at Langness in August. A few records of Sandpipers (see -notes under stations at Skervuile.) - -Sterninæ, Terns.--Arrivals in spring: At Rona, a rush of 200 arrived -on May 11th, light S.W. and clear. At Skervuile, one first seen on May -23rd, calm; a number arrived between 24th and 31st, light, various. At -Kyleakin, Terns first seen 26th June, strong S. At M'Arthur's Head, -Terns first seen 18th June. At Rhinns of Islay, Terns first seen 23rd -and 24th July, light S.W. Query, return Journey? In autumn: Terns seen -11th and 12th at Skervuile; and more on 18th; and at Chickens Rock -large quantities flying north on August 8th. Last seen at Kyleakin on -September 6th. - -Laridæ.--Considerable movements of Gulls of sorts from July 5th on -to winter. Black-headed Gulls are marked as "very few this year" at -Skervuile. Continuous flocks flew E. past Barra Head on Sept. 6th. -Continuous flocks flew N.W. past Sound of Mull in August. Skervuile -returns "numbers" about the middle of August. At one station, _viz._, -Skervuile, the following are their recorded movements: in variable -but prevailing N. to N.W. winds till Nov. 17th; thereafter light N.E. -In August: 19th, one Boatswain Gull; 26th, flock of Herring Gulls; -31st, flock of Gulls. September, two records of flock of Terns, and -Kittiwakes. Oct. 16th and 17th, ditto, ditto. November, on three dates -Boatswain Birds and Kittiwakes. At Stoir Head vast flocks of Common -Gulls and Herring Gulls passed N. Herrings "set into" Lochs Coul -and Dhu, a little to the north of this, about this time, December, -1884, which locally accounts for this rush. Most of the Common Gulls -were young. At Rhinns of Islay two "one-year-old Iceland Gulls" with -hundreds of other Gulls flying about. We are particular in recording -Gull returns, as this was an extraordinary Gull year on the East Coast. - -Procellariidæ.--On July 26th one Storm Petrel on lantern at Barra Head, -the earliest record of any for six years, light E. with fog. One ditto -at Stoir Head (rare) in August, and one on Sept. 3rd at Lismore (also -rare), killed, light N.W., haze. - -Alcidæ, Razorbills, Guillemots, Puffins.--On Feb. 23rd, increased -from 20th to date at Barra Head. "Marrots" and Razorbills, all March -6th to 8th, 14th to 17th, 23rd to 24th and 29th, winds light S.E. and -S.W. In April: 4th to 11th, rush at Barra Head, various, N.E., clear, -and Puffins; a few on 9th; 17th to 22nd, a few only of Marrots and -Razorbills seen. On May 6th and 7th, Puffins, Razorbills and Marrots -(Marrot or Guillemot) arrived in great numbers; and at Kyleakin two -Tysties (_i.e._ Black Guillemots) seen flying S.E. In autumn, all left -Barra Head except a few by Aug. 20th, but reappeared for a day on 30th, -on which day all the Puffins left, light S.W. In October, continuous -flocks of Puffins flying S. before a north gale at Rhinns of Islay, on -October 12th. - - -General Remarks. - -During the past six years' Migration Reports we have to thank many of -our correspondents for the regularity with which they have acceded to -our requests. Specially must we thank the following for the unbroken -series of schedules during the past six years, _viz._: Sumburgh Head, -six years, Messrs. William Anderson (1879 and 1880), John Wilson (1880, -1881, 1882), D. M. Scott (1883 and 1884). Pentland Skerries, six years, -D. MacDonald (1879, 1880, 1881, 1882, 1884), and Mr. J. Gilmour (1884). -Dunnet Head, Caithness, five years, George McLachlan, (1879, 1880 -blank), David Laidlaw (1881, 1882, 1883, 1884). Bell Rock, James Jack -(1879, 1880, 1881, 1882, 1883, 1884). Isle of May, Joseph Agnew, six -years (1879, 1880, 1881, 1882, 1883, 1884). - -These stations are situated as follows:-- - - Sumburgh Head 300 feet high white fixed light. - Pentland Skerries 170 feet high white fixed light. - Dunnet Head 346 feet high white fixed light. - Bell Rock 93 feet high white and red revolving. - Isle of May 240 feet high white fixed light. - -Were Bell Rock also a _fixed white light_, no doubt returns would be -equally extensive, or greater, possibly, than Isle of May. The white -fixed lights have superiority; and when this is combined with low -height over the sea and insular position, the best conditions appear, -and are only to be beaten by floating light-ships. The flash lights -have little chance to compete. - -Next let us also thank the following correspondents:--At Whalsea -Skerries, 3 years, Neven Kerr (1880, 1881, 1882). N. Ronaldshay, four -years, John Tulloch (1879, 1880, 1881, 1882). Cromarty, R. S. Ritson, -four years (1880, 1881, 1882, 1883). - -This class of stations are situated as follows:-- - - Whalsea Skerries 148 feet white, revolving every minute. - N. Ronaldshay 180 feet white, revolving every ten seconds. - Cromarty 60 feet red, fixed (in the town). - -_Revolving_ lights, whatever the height, yield fewer returns than -_fixed_, but are better than flash or red sectors. - -We also thank those who, situated at still less likely stations, have -nevertheless taken an interest in our work. - -_Bressay_ sends one year's return (1882); 105 feet; red and white, -revolving every minute. - -_Ross Head._--One year (1883), A. Greig; 175 feet; white and red -revolving, every half minute. - -_Kinnaird Head._--One year (1884); a blank schedule, valuable on -negative grounds; 120 feet; white and red sectors, fixed. - -_Girdleness._--Two years (1880 and 1884); 185 feet; white fixed. Thomas -Gallie and J. McAlister. The situation is said to be unfavourable, -apart from light or altitude. - -Finally, taking the remaining lights which have returned no years -schedules, we will analyse their positions, &c. - -_Start Point._--80 feet; red, fixed. Class V. - -_Hoy Sound._--(55 and 115). Low, white, fixed, facing N. High ditto; -red and white sectors, fixed. V. - -_Cantick Head._--115 feet; white, revolving every minute. - -_Holborn Head._--75 feet; white and red flash, 10 seconds, facing N. V. - -_Tarbat Ness._--175 feet; white intermittent, 2½ minutes. It is not -quite clear to me yet why this station should not yield returns (see -map), unless it be considered partially land-locked from E. and S.E. - -_Buchan Ness._--130 feet; white flash, every 5 seconds; and close to -fishing village. - -_Montroseness._--124 feet; white, fixed; but amongst houses. V. - -We think the above analysis places almost beyond doubt that the best -position for a lights to attract birds is in a light ship (witness the -E. English Coast returns); next, an island of low elevation; next, an -island of considerable elevation, if facing east, not if facing north; -and that the worst are those at high elevations, and especially if -facing otherwise than E., on the East Coast, or on East Coast Islands, -or those in midst of towns, or in land-locked situations; that the best -description of light is "white, fixed,"--in fact, the brightest. Thus -in many instances we consider that it is owing to position and nature -of lights to a very considerable extent that we receive more schedules -from some stations than others, and none at all from the least likely, -whereas on the English East Coast all light-ships are almost equally -good as regards position. - -Yet we do not allow that this is entirely the cause of least and -greatest migration at different points, because we now know well -enough, from land data, that certain tracks are preferred to others, -and that these tracks over land have very strong connection with the -East Coast Scotch principal stations, as we think our Reports will show. - -As regards the influences of winds, &c., sufficient has already been -said on this head throughout the Reports, and every succeeding schedule -goes to prove our previous ones. - -Analyses of the West Coast schedules almost always show much lighter -returns than those from the East Coast, even from the best West -Coast stations. Our previous five years' experience in great measure -explains why it is so, and it seems natural to expect lighter returns -on the West than on the East in most winds or weather. But, having -regard to the said experience and the facts of migration which may -now be said to be ascertained and certain, there are also one or -two additional causes for the light nature of West Coast returns as -against East Coast ones; while on the latter, the lights which give -the greatest illumination, if in other respects suitably exposed, -give the heaviest returns; on the former, it seems that the positions -of the various stations have more to do with these. Thus most of the -East Coast stations face the east, whence come the birds naturally, -and while on the west birds travel from N.W. towards S. or S.E., -the extraordinary variety of situations, and the equally great--or -nearly so--variety of lights of no great power and brilliancy, must -undoubtedly influence the quantities of birds visible on migration. And -we find that while such stations as Kyleakin (white and red, fixed), -Isle Ornsay (white, fixed), Sound of Mull (red, green, and white -sectors), Corran Ferry (red and white sectors, fixed), &c., give small -returns, or none at all, this is resultant upon their positions even -more than their brilliancy or absence of brilliancy. And we find that -the best situated stations, such as Monach Isle (though only upper -white flash, and lower, red fixed) gives better, though uncertain, -returns, and Skerryvore (white revolving) and Dhuheartach (white -and red sector, fixed), and Rhinns of Islay (white flash every five -seconds) seem to be the surest stations north of Clyde. Indeed it is, -perhaps, almost certain that most of the land-locked stations of the -West Coast should be marked with the symbol of lowest value, V. South -of Clyde, undoubtedly, we get more into the great groove of migration -which crosses Scotland from the Firth of Forth, and if not yet so heavy -as, for instance, at the Bell Rock, Isle of May, in all the years -till 1884, yet we have more decided indications of rushes and throbs -keeping time with the East Coast movements. When to this we add a less -indented coast line, open lights, and, on the whole, greater power -and brilliancy, we expect to find all the conditions more favourable. -That this is the case our schedules for 1884 show decidedly, and even -swamp the East Coast returns for the first time in our experience. -When we come to the Isle of Man, where the Irish Channel contracts -considerably, we again find heavy rushes of birds, equalling or -exceeding those at such stations as Skerryvore and Dhuheartach and -Rhinns of Islay. Of these Langness sends the heaviest returns, but we -have there now a trained reporter, Mr. Robert Clyne, who was previously -under Mr. Agnew at the Isle of May. Mr. Clyne's eager application to -the subject now stands us in good stead. - -The reason in 1884 for the contrary of the usual rule, _viz._, that -East Coast stations of Isle of May and Bell Rock usually giving heavier -returns than the West Coast stations S. of Clyde, is not far to seek -for. The heaviest rushes at Isle of Man, and all down the West Coast -S. of Clyde, occurred between the 15th to 21st and 26th October (see -under Chickens Rock especially), while at Isle of May, Firth of Forth, -no great movements of birds were visible. The winds on East Coast -of Scotland were N. and E., and rarely W., but at Isle of Man and -West Coast southerly and westerly. The migration on East Coast was -pressed down on to the East English Coast by northerly winds. But on -the West Coast birds travelled with light arid most favourable winds, -concentrating their forces at the central and commanding stations -of the Isle of Man. We regret we have no returns from the other -Isle of Man stations. I hope the men are not disheartened by the -non-appearance for two years of the West Coast of England Report which -was entrusted to Mr. Philip M. Kermode. We earnestly hope they will -now continue to send in schedules, the Isle of Man stations being most -important. - -The rapid increase of the Stock Dove in South and Central Scotland -is very remarkable. They appeared commonly in East Stirlingshire in -1884-85, and have been nesting for some years in the Vale of Menteith, -one of the high roads of migration. Many crossed the North Sea this -past season to the East English coasts. Migration undoubtedly has a -great influence upon extension of range, and the process seems easy to -trace out; and it is very interesting also to find a similar extension -of the Stock Dove to the rabbit-burrows of the sandy coast of Moray of -late years (_auct._ Rev. Dr. Gordon and Capt. Dunbar Brander). - -It appears useful in this place to speak of the comparative numbers -of Woodcocks in the past six years. At the conclusion of our General -Remarks on the last Report (1883) we called attention to the unusually -large movement of Woodcocks, and to the area which appeared to have -been principally selected by them before their final departure for N. -Europe. As mentioned already (Report 1883), we had very few indications -of their passage over Isle of May or East Coast lighthouse stations; -and all stations returning any mark them as "rare" (see Report, 1882) -or "rare in spring." Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock and Isle of May in -six years have only recorded amongst them an infinitesimal number of -spring records, and almost always with the remark "rare." - -In 1879, which was a good Woodcock year in Scotland, we have not -a single lighthouse record from either W. or E. Coasts. Yet I saw -nineteen killed one day near here. In 1880, no records. In 1881, -no spring records and scarce in autumn. Records at Butt of Lewis, -Skerryvore and Lismore. Earliest, Oct. 28th. In 1882, a few spring -records, one at Isle of May, April 9th ("not remembered before at this -season," J. A.) Considerable and steady records, however, in autumn -at five stations, north of Pentland Skerries inclusive, and at Isle -of May. Rush Oct. 20th (twenty shot at Isle of May). In 1883, one -record in spring at Bell Rock, April 7th, and rare in autumn; none till -October, when a few at Monach Isle, Dhuheartach, Lismore, Loch Ryan, -and in November at Kyleakin and Lismore, all between 29th and 31st -Oct., indicating a rush. In 1884, which was a good Woodcock season on -shore, with immense spring returns visible between Firths of Forth and -Clyde, yet only two spring records at Pentland Skerries and Isle of -May, April 3rd and March 30th respectively. In autumn, near this, one -day I saw eighteen Woodcocks killed. The similarity of circumstances of -1879 and 1880 are worth attention. A considerable number of Woodcocks -were killed in October and November, 1884, at Isle of May, and -indications of arrivals very general. The spring records must have been -weakly birds (one was disabled), as they appeared long after the spring -return rush, great numbers being observable on land on 8th, 9th, 10th -to 12th March. Indeed it would almost appear that any records sent from -Island- or East-Coast stations during spring were of probably maimed or -weakly birds, or birds delayed long after the "return of the Woodcocks" -in March. As before remarked, the spring birds were all small russet -cocks, and they rested 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th March between Firths -of Forth and Clyde, "lifted" again, and did not alight till they had -crossed the German Ocean (see 1883 Report, pp. 80, 81). The autumn rush -was considerably later than usual in 1884 (see details). - -Regarding the unusually extensive migration of Gulls to our coasts in -1884-85, several suggestions as to the influencing causes are readily -at hand, but the following appears to have the greatest weight and -importance. - -As we are informed in 'Nature,' of Feb. 12th, 1885, recent Norwegian -explorations in the Spitzbergen seas show that the year 1884 was a very -remarkable ice year. "The west side of Spitzbergen was blocked by a -belt of land ice the whole summer through, whilst the east side, which -is nearly always blocked with ice, was more open than it had been for -many years. These conditions, there seems little doubt, depend on the -prevailing direction of the winds." - -Now, the temperature of water having been lowered by the accumulation -of ice along the W. coast of Spitzbergen, which is comparatively -approximate to the furthest N.E. influence of the Gulf Stream, it -seems natural to suppose that a deflection of the branch of the Gulf -Stream, caused by the colder Arctic ice and current, the accumulation -of which former was caused by the prevailing N. and E. winds on the -Arctic Seas, would reach round past the S. end of Spitzbergen to the -East Coast, and would cause the unusually open sea there. But the main -channel of the Gulf Stream would still be towards the S.W., and would -afford the natural outlet for all manner of ocean life, which requires -certain temperatures; and which, such as Entomostraca, Copepods, -Molluscan larvæ, &c., afford food to other higher organisms. - -The great quantity of such food which in ordinary summers and autumns -accumulate around the shores of Spitzbergen, or in the warm shallow -summer seas off the N. coast of Europe, no doubt retire to deeper water -on the approach of winter. In unusually cold seasons the retreat is -continued, following the course of the milder Gulf Stream until more -temperate seas are reached. - -In the course of its retreat it is discovered by vast shoals of fish, -which pursue these minute forms of life even to the uttermost limits -of its possible extension, up certain firths arid inlets of our East -Coast of Scotland. Naturally also the last link of the migratory chain -is taken up by the enormous population of Gulls and other species of -sea-fowl, as we know has been the case in the winter of 1884-5 in the -Firth of Forth. - -In the log of the steam whaler 'Eclipse,' Captain D. Gray (see Report, -_antea_, p. 7) in summer, repeated mention is made of the unusual -abundance of "whale food" in the Spitzbergen seas, and I am indebted -also to Captain Gray, through Mr. Thomas Southwell, of Norwich, for a -return of sea-temperatures of the same seas. - -Mr. Hugh R. Milne, of the Marine Station at Granton, sends me some -temperatures taken from the Firth of Forth, extending over June, -1884, to January, 1885, taken at three points, _viz._, Isle of May, -Queensferry, and near Alloa. These data, in connection with the vast -swarms of sprats or garvies (_Clupea sprattus_) and the attendant -thousands of Gulls, are useful for future comparisons, and I append -them here. It would be interesting to know similarly taken temperatures -of the Tay Estuary, which was completely deserted this season by these -migratory fish, and consequently by the birds also. If we had also -means of knowing the temperatures of the Firth of Forth in 1872-73, -when a similar vast migration of Sprats and Gulls was witnessed, such -data would assuredly lead to most interesting, useful, and scientific -results. - -One great difference in the migration of Gulls in 1884-5 from that of -1872-3 is that in 1884-5 there were very few Glaucous Gulls (_Larus -glaucus_) or Iceland Gulls (_L. islandicus_), but in 1872-3 both these -species were in vast numbers, comparatively speaking. It seems to me -possible that the 1872-3 migration indicated by these Arctic Gulls was -of even wider and more extensive influence than that of 1884-5. But of -course there is room here for still further elucidation and collection -of statistics. - -Again, while the Tay usually is visited by sprats in great sprat -seasons, equally, or nearly so, with the Forth, and was so visited -in 1872-3 though not to the extent that the Forth was, in 1884-5 -it appears to have been almost utterly deserted by fish and bird -alike. The cause was, no doubt, comparative scarcity of entomostracan -life, dependent, most likely, upon certain undefined conditions -of sea-temperatures, affected, possibly, from the river-basin -of Tay and its tributaries. If light can be thrown upon these -not-difficult-to-ascertain data, in a few years, at most, much of our -uncertainty as to causes and effects of migration of Entomostraca, -Sea-fish, and even Salmon and migratory Salmonidæ will be removed. - -_Temperatures of the Firth of Forth, June, 1884 to January, 1885._ - - Isle of May. Queensferry. Near Alloa. - - June (1884) 51 53 58 - July (52) 58 (60) - August 54 (59) (65) - September (53) 54 58 - October 53 52 51 - November 49 47 45 - December 44 41 (38) - January (1885) (43) 39 35 - Range of surface } - temperature } 10° 20° 30° - of the water } - -_Note._--The figures in brackets were not observed, but are entered -hypothetically. - -Mr. Milne, in writing to me, adds, "I believe that in hot summer days -the temperature at Alloa would be 70° or more, and during severe winter -weather would certainly be down to 32°. My belief is that in October -and April the temperature is uniform all over the Firth, and from -April till October it is higher at Alloa than at the Isle of May, the -difference attaining a maximum between July and August. From October to -April it is lower at Alloa than at the May, the difference attaining a -maximum about the end of the year. The maximum difference between the -two places will be about 10° or 12°, giving a rate of change of 0° 2′ -per mile." Suspended matter taken in ten samples at Kincardine on Forth -varied from 5 to 20 grains per gallon, averaging about 10 grains. - -_Note._--It was at Kincardine on Forth, the narrowest part of the -Firth, between Alloa and Borrowstoness, that the greatest quantities of -sprats were taken. - -I personally visited Kincardine several times both in 1872-3 and -1884-5, and witnessed the extraordinary congregation of Gulls and -the myriads of sprats. In 1884-5 one smack anchored off the pier -at Kincardine took 16 tons of garvies (or sprats) during one tide. -There were, in all, some twenty smacks all lying anchored at this -narrow part of the Firth, but all of these were not fishing with the -small meshed nets; some for herrings only. Hundreds of tons were sold -at from 14_s._ to, latterly, 8_s._ a ton, and were spread over the -adjoining farm lands for manure. Hundreds of tons more were sold for -making up a compost manure--being in themselves considered too rich -in phosphates--to a firm in Alloa. Hundreds of tons more besprinkled -the mud-flats at low tide, or hung by their gills in festoons along -the tangle covered timbers of the piers. The water itself was alive -with them, and every wave that broke on the lower piers left the piers -covered with glittering garvies. A man with a minnow landing-net could -have caught an indefinite number by sweeping each wave as it came in. - -Mr. J. T. Cunninghame, of the Scottish Marine Zoological Station, -Granton, in reply to inquiries, tells me that "his notes dating 28th -Nov. show that Copepods were very numerous and varied in the Firth of -Forth, as were also Molluscan larvæ." The temperatures of the water, as -will be seen by Mr. Milne's notes in December and January, 1885, were -lower than at any other time of the year being (38) and 35 near Alloa -(and Kincardine) as compared with 41 and 39 at Queensferry, and 44 and -43 at Isle of May. By the 17th Nov., as is recorded in our Migration -Report, garvies are reported as very abundant around the Isle of May, -at which time the temperature at that point was 49° against 47° at -Queensferry and 45° at Alloa. These shoals were accompanied by great -numbers of Gulls at Isle of May. - -As early as March, 1884, vast numbers of Gulls are reported to have -been fishing off N. Unst in Shetland for many weeks together, such an -assemblage never having been observed before by the oldest inhabitant. - -I feel convinced that a steady and carefully recorded journal of bird -movements will result in very extensive additions to our knowledge of -the natural laws which govern them. - -In conclusion, I may say that in the course of another year's work we -hope to be able to produce some certain data regarding this matter of -relative conditions of the temperatures of the Arctic Ocean in 1884-5, -and the data already given above, from inquiries now being made by -Mr. Alexander Buchan of the Scottish Meteorological Society; also -the connections between such data and the migrations of Entomostraca -and "whales food"; also to institute a comparison with similar or -dissimilar conditions in other years. - - * * * * * - -Mr. William Evans, a most careful and excellent Field Naturalist, sends -me records of the occurrence of high Arctic birds on the Firth of Forth -in 1884. The Grey Plover, Knot, and Bar-tailed Godwit were seen on the -9th August (which, however, was the first day Mr. Evans visited the -shore). The Sanderling was seen on the 14th August, and the Little -Stint on the 20th. - - * * * * * - -Anticipatory of our 1885 Report, it may interest our readers here -to learn that the spring migration of 1885 has developed still more -extraordinary results, such as the migration of Pied Flycatchers dining -the first week in May, past Pentland Skerries, Isle of May, and other -stations; and the occurrence of such rarities as Ortolan Buntings, -Red-backed Shrike, &c., at Isle of May about the same time. White -Wagtails also have been commonly observed at land-stations. (_Vide_ R. -Gray, Esq.) - - - - -WEST COAST OF ENGLAND AND WALES. - - -Schedules were sent to the forty-four lighthouses and light-vessels -on the West Coast of England and Wales, and from twenty-five of them -returns have been received. - -The following is an enumeration of the stations, taken in order from -north to south, those from which returns were furnished being marked -with an asterisk:-- - - No. on - Map. - - *119. L.V. Bahama Bank John West. - *120. L.H. St. Bees Henry Nott. - *121. L.V. Selker D. Kneale and ---- Cumming. - *122. L.V. Morecambe Bay Henry Clavell. - *123. L.V. Dee S. Woek and J. Clague. - 124. L.H. Air. - 125. L.H. Menai. - 126. L.H. Skerries. - 127. L.H. Holyhead Breakwater. - *128. L.H. South Stack William E. Burgess. - *129. L.V. Carnarvon Bay Henry Hughes. - *130. L.H. St. Tudwall's W. Monk. - *131. L.H. Bardsey Island Thomas Bowen. - 132. L.V. Cardigan Bay. - *133. L.H. South Bishop A. Hills. - *134. L.H. Smalls Richard Evans. - 135. L.H. Great Castle Head. - *136. L.H. Milford George Baker. - *137. L.H. Caldy William Ebben. - *138. L.V. Helwick Thomas Cornell. - *139. L.V. Scarweather P. Frost. - *140. L.H. Nash (E.) Henry Nicholas. - 141. L.H. Breaksea. - *142. L.H. Flatholm W. Dale. - 143. L.V. English and Welsh Grounds. - *144. L.H. Usk A. Russell. - 145. L.H. Avon. - 146. L.H. Burnham. - *147. L.H. Bull Point George Knott. - *148. L.H. Bideford Bar Thomas Gilpin. - 149. L.H. Lundy. - 150. L.H. Hartland Point. - 151. L.H. Trevose Head. - *152. L.H. Godrevy Richard Trahair. - *153. L.H. Longships J. W. Watson and Wm. Davies. - 154. L.V. Sevenstones. - 155. L.H. Wolf Rock. - 156. L.H. Scilly. - *157. L.H. Bishop's Rock John W. Froth. - 158. L.H. Lizard. - 159. L.H. Falmouth Harbour. - *160. L.H. Eddystone William Ainger. - 161. L.H. Plymouth Breakwater. - *162. L.H. Start Point William Jones. - -The best thanks of the Committee are due to the above-named -observers for their painstaking records and valued aid; and it is -an added pleasure to acknowledge assistance received from several -ornithologists, including Messrs. James Andrews, of Swanage, -Dorsetshire; O. V. Aplin, of Banbury (notes from Barmouth District); W. -Duckworth, of Carlisle; T. E. Kelsall, of Balliol College, Oxford; Rev. -H. A. Macpherson, of Carlisle; and Mr. Arthur Patterson, of Preston. -Special acknowledgment is due to the Rev. H. A. Macpherson for most -hearty and welcome co-operation. The recorder trusts to enlist further -aid from the naturalists of the West of England and Wales, as it will -much enhance the value of the report to include in it observations -made by trained and experienced ornithologists, from whom alone can be -expected notes on critical and rare species. - -In dealing with the mass of information received it has been thought -best to treat of it under the following heads. - -I.--A few General Remarks on the Report. - -II.--Reports on the Migratory-Season of 1884, communicated by several -of the light-keepers and others. - -III.--A Diary of the Principal Migratory Movements, which gives an idea -of the importance of each movement, the area covered by it, and also -indicates the species migrating in company. - -IV.--A separate Report on each species. - - -I.--General Remarks. - -The great mass of migrants during the past autumn seem to have passed -stations decidedly south of Anglesea. The great movements appear to -have taken place between Oct. 21st and 24th (inclusive), during which -period some dozen species were noted; and again between Nov. 10th -and 14th (inclusive), this being the most important movement, and -applied no less than eighteen species observed at the lighthouses and -lightships alone. - -The report embraces notes on some rare or interesting species, -including _Motacilla alba_, _Lanius major_, _Ampelis garrulus_, _Chen -albatus_, _Querquedula circia_, _Phalaropus hyberboreus_, _Machetes -pugnax_, _Hydrochelidon nigra_; whilst the scarcity or entire absence -of _Passer montanus_, _Corvus cornix_, and _Bernicla brenta_, and the -presence of _Bernicla leucopsis_, are of interest to one accustomed -to East Coast observations. The capture, too, of eight _Procellaria -pelagica_ at the South Bishop, on Oct. 14th, is a noteworthy incident. -The lanterns vary not a little in their death-dealing attractions, -those of the Bardsey, South Bishop, Smalls, Nash (E.), Godrevy, and -Eddystone lighthouses being most seductive, occasionally commanding no -less than two hundred victims in a single night. - -To be able to offer opinions, or even to speculate on the various -problems connected with the migration of birds on the West Coast of -England, will require much careful study based upon reports for some -years, and it will be much regretted that this coast has been neglected -for several seasons. - -Chief attention should, perhaps, be paid to the relationship which -exists between migration as observed on this coast and the great -land mass of Ireland; thus to enable us, if possible, to give some -indication of the lines of route, if any, taken by both summer and -winter visitors and partial migrants on their passages to and from that -country. - -To this end a series of careful observations must and should be made, -and special attention be given by observers to the direction taken -by all migratory birds. This, it is thought, has not received the -attention it deserves, and, as it may add a special value to the -observations made, it is hoped that the light-keepers (especially those -on light-vessels) and others, who have so very willingly helped in the -past, will give attention to this request. - - -II.--Reports from Stations on the Season. - -_Carlisle District_ (Messrs. Macpherson and Duckworth).--After a -westerly hurricane on Jan. 26th, land birds (Jackdaw and Moorhen), as -well as Guillemots, Puffins, Gulls, and Sheldrakes were washed ashore, -while Mr. Cook found a large Skua; many Oystercatchers were observed -far inland. February and March were dull; the usual fowl on the Loughs, -including Pintail, Shovellers, Tufted Duck, and Barnacle Geese, were -numerous during the first half of March, and a large flock were seen; -as also a Goosander in mid-April. The general calm of the first week of -April induced the van of our army of summer visitants to push on early; -but the subsequent prevalence of easterly and north-easterly winds -checked the main body. On the afternoon of April 29th the wind changed -from east to west, and we had an immense influx of House Martins and -other birds on the 30th. August was fine, and many Waders arrived -early; but it appeared that the chief arrivals took place between -the last week this month and the second week of September. Geese and -Ducks arrived before the middle of October; and the heavy westerly -winds on the 26th and 27th brought ashore the Pomatorhine Skua and -Leach's Petrel. The weather continued chiefly open until the end of the -year, but most Waders had left by the end of October. In November and -December the Geese and Ducks alone relieved the monotony of the Solway. - -_St. Bees_ L.H.--Mr. Henry Nott tells me that birds are generally -few, unless Starlings and Lapwings; Starlings have been exceptionally -numerous during the winter; as for Thrushes and Blackbirds he scarcely -ever sees one. - -_Morecambe Bay_ L.V.--Mr. Henry Clavell informs me that very few birds -have passed this station during the past two years. - -_Nash_ (E.) L.H. (Mr. Henry Nicholas).--Birds have not been noticed in -such large flocks as last year. The most decided and general movement -took place between the 2nd and 15th of November. Wild Ducks have been -very scarce this year, and Sky Larks and Starlings have not been -observed in such immense numbers as in years past. - -_Start_ L.H.--Mr. William Jones notes that in very few instances birds -are observed at his station. - - -III.--Diary of Principal Movements. - -The order of the stations is from north to south. The wind and weather -are given in parentheses. For the weather the symbols of the Beaufort -Scale have been adopted;[35] and the force of the wind ranges from to -12. - -[Footnote 35: _Beaufort Scale._--B = blue sky; C, detached clouds; D, -drizzling rain; F, fog; G, dark, gloomy; H, hail; L, lightning; M, -misty; O, overcast; P, passing showers; Q, squally; R, rain; S, snow; -T, thunder; U, ugly, threatening; V, visibility, unusual transparency; -W, dew.] - - -_September 14th._ - -_Dee_ L.V.--A Robin killed at 10.30 p.m. (E. by S., 5; B, C, M.) - -_Scarweather_ L.V.--Two Swallows at 11 a.m. - -Nash (E.) L.H.--Two Landrails and one Starling killed at 2.15 a.m. (E., -moderate; misty.) - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Several Wheatears, "Flycatcher species" [Warblers], -Wrens, and a few Larks, between 8 p.m. and midnight. Fifteen killed. -(E., 5; O, R, M.) - -_Start_ L.H.--A Ring Ouzel killed at midnight. (E.S.E., 4; C, G, V, P.) - - -_September 15th._ - -_St. Bees_ L.H.--Numbers of Goldcrests at lantern at 11.30 p.m. (E., -light breeze; misty.) - -_Dee_ L.V.--Titlark and Chaffinch found dead at daylight. - -_South Stack_ L.H.--Several Starlings and Wheatears between 9 p.m. and -midnight. Several struck. (E., 4; O, M, R.) - - -_September 16th._ - -_St. Bees_ L.H.--Great numbers of Goldcrests from midnight to daylight. -(S.E., light breeze; gloomy.) - - -_September 17th._ - -_St. Bees_ L.H.--Large numbers of Fieldfares at 7 a.m. (S.S.E., light; -B, C, M.) - -_Bull Point_ L.H.--A Goldcrest at lantern at 1.30 am. (E., 1; bright.) - - -_September 29th._ - -_Longships_ L.H.--" A great host of Larks" at 4 am., "a lot striking." -(Drizzling.) - - -_October 14th._ - -_South Bishop_ L.H.--"Many Song Thrushes, Missel Thrushes, Blackbirds, -Wheatears, Goldcrests, Linnets, Larks, and eight Storm Petrels, from -11 p.m. to daylight." Ninety killed by striking the glass, and two -hundred taken in a net attached to a stick. Three "Falcon Hawks and a -Large-horned Owl" were also present, "and made sad havoc with them." -(S.E. breeze; mist and slight rain.) - -_Helwick_ L.H.--A Lark at lantern at 9 p.m. - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Four Goldcrests and a few common Wrens struck at -midnight. Six killed. (N., 2; C, V.) - - -_October 18th._ - -_Bahama Bank_ L.V.--A flock of Crows at 3 p.m., flying S.W. - -_Dee_ L.V.--Several flocks of Titlarks at 7.15 a.m. (W., 3; O, D, V.) - -_South Stack_ L.H.--Finches, Linnets and Starlings between 7 and 10 -a.m. (N.W., 3; clear.) - -_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--Hundreds of Larks all day, and a large number all -night. (N.N.W., 4.) - -_Bull Point_ L.H.--Large flock of Starlings and forty Linnets at 7 a.m. -(W., 2; clear.) - - -_October 19th._ - - -_Bardsey_ L.H.--One Woodcock killed during night. (S., 5; C, M, D.) - -_Helwick_ L.H.--One Lark at 9 p.m. - -_Bishop Rock_ L.H.--A good number of Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Larks, -from 11 p.m. to daylight. (N.N.W. to N.N.E.; misty.) - - -_October 21st._ - -_Selker_ L.V.--Several Larks and Starlings at lantern throughout the -night, all went E. at daylight (S.S.W., 3; O, M, R.) - -_Morecambe Bay_ L.V.--Several Larks and Bullfinches from 10 to 12 a.m., -flying S.W. - -_Dee_ L.V.--Large numbers of Starlings and Titlarks and a few Thrushes -during the early morning, many striking glass. (Very foggy.) - -_South Stack_ L.H.--Blackbirds, Thrushes, Starlings, and Larks, between -12 p.m. and 4 a.m. A few killed. (S.S.W., 4; mist and rain.) - -_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--One Starling killed at 11 p.m. Two Thrushes at 4 -a.m. - -_St. Tudwall's_ L.H.--A Chaffinch killed at 11 p.m., and two Blackbirds -at 3 a.m. - -_Bardsey_ L.H.--One hundred Starlings and "a goodly lot of Black and -Grey Thrushes" in the morning. "Dozens" killed. (S.W., 3; C, P, D.) - -_Caldy_ L.H.--Three Starlings at 11 p.m. - -_Bull Point_ L.H.--One Starling at 5 a.m. (S.E.; clear.) - -_Godrevy_ L.H.--Great numbers of Redwings and Thrushes, and a few -Starlings, Blackbirds, and Goldcrests, from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Thirty-two -killed. (S.S.E., 2; C, M.) - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Large numbers of Thrushes, Redwings, Blackbirds, -Finches, Larks, and Starlings, from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. About two hundred -caught. (From E.N.E. to E.S.E.; O, M.) - -_Start_ L.H.--Three or four Starlings and a Thrush at lantern at 9 p.m. -(E.S.E., 4; C, G, V.) - - -_October 22nd._ - -_Bahama Bank_ L.V.--Larks at the lantern all night. - -_Selker_ L.V.--Larks about lantern all night. (S.S.E., 5; cloudy and -misty.) - -_River Dee_ L.V.--A Thrush killed at 7 p.m. - -_South Stack_ L.H.--Blackbirds, Finches, and Starlings, at 8 p.m. -(S.W., 4; misty and showery.) About sixty Blackbirds, Thrushes, and -Starlings, from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. (S., 6; misty.) - -_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--Many birds at lantern from 6 p.m. Starlings and -Thrushes killed. (S.S.E., 5; misty.) - -_Bardsey_ L.H.--A good lot of "Black and Grey Thrushes" at night. -Scores killed. (S., 5; C, G, M.) - -_Smalls_ L.H.--Blackbirds and Thrushes from midnight to 4 a.m. (23rd). -One hundred struck, fifty killed. (S.E., 4; O, M, R.) - -_Caldy_ L.H.--One Thrush, two Blackbirds, two Larks, and one Starling, -at lantern between 8 p.m. and 2.30 a.m. (23rd). (S.S.E., 5; O, G, M.) - -_Bull Point_ L.H.--A female Blackbird killed at 4 a.m. (23rd). (S.E., -2; misty.) - -_Godrevy_ L.H.--One Blackbird, four Larks, and four Starlings, killed -at 4 a.m. (23rd). (S.W., 3; C, M.). - -_Longships_ L.H.--Thrushes, Goldcrests, Wrens, and Starlings, all -night. Several killed. (S.S.E., 3; misty.) - - -_October 23rd._ - -_Bahama Bank_ L.V.--Larks, Starlings, and Blackbirds, at the lantern -all night. - -_Selker_ L.V.--From 1.30 a.m. (24th) to daylight many Blackbirds, -Larks, and Starlings at lantern; at daylight they all went East. -(S.S.E., 4; misty.) - -_Dee_ L.V.--Four Thrushes, males and females, and a female Blackbird, -killed between 6 and 8 p.m.; and nine Thrushes, males and females, -and eight Blackbirds, males and females, between midnight and 6 a.m. -(S.S.E., 4; fog.) - -_South Stack_ L.H.--A flock of Crows passing to S. at 10 a.m. - -_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--Large flocks of Crows at 8 a.m., also a great -many small birds, passing S. during the day. (S., 4; M.) - -_Milford_ L.H.--Linnets, Larks, and Starlings, passed. (S., 4; M.) The -same on the 24th. - -_Scarweather_ L.V.--Flocks of Larks and Starlings at intervals, from 2 -a.m. to 12 a.m. (S.E., 4; misty.) The same on 24th. - -_Longships_ L.H.--Thrush, Goldcrests, Wrens, and Starlings, all night. -(S., 3; misty.) - - -_October 24th._ - -_South Stack_ L.H.--Several Blackbirds, Larks, and Starlings, killed -between 8 and 10 p.m. (N.N.E., 2; misty.) - -_Caldy_ L.H.--Large flocks of Linnets at noon. - -_Scarweather_ L.V.--Flocks of Linnets, Larks, and Starlings, from 10 -a.m. to 2.30 p.m. (S.E., 4; misty.) - -_Flatholm_ L.H.--"Chiffchaff" and Crested Wrens all night. Some killed. -(Variable; B, C, M.) - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Several Thrushes and Larks from 9 p.m. to midnight. -Several killed. (E.N.E., 2; C, M.) - - -_November 4th._ - -_Smalls Rock_ L.H.--A great number of Blackbirds, Thrushes, Fieldfares, -Goldcrests, Larks, Starlings, and "Furse Cap," during the night. -Eighty-eight struck the lantern, and forty were killed. (N.W., 6; -cloudy.) - -_Flatholm_ L.H.--A small flock of Blackbirds and Thrushes at 8 a.m. -(S.W., 6; calm.) - - -_November 6th._ - -_Bahama Bank_ L.V.--Four Crows at 8.30 a.m., flying W.N.W. - -_Selker_ L.V.--Eight Larks going N.E. at 1.40 p.m. (S.E., 4; B and M.) - -_Smalls Rock_ L.H.--Numbers of Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redbreasts, Wrens, -"Lady Wagtails," Greenfinches, Larks, Water Rails, and Ducks, from 11 -p.m. to 5 a.m. (7th). One hundred struck the lantern, and seventy were -killed. (S.E., 5; O, M.) - -_Nash_ (E.) L.H.--Eight to ten Fieldfares at noon, passing to S.W. (E., -breeze; misty, rain.) - - -_November 8th._ - -_Smalls Rock_ L.H.--A very large flock of Rooks at 10.30 a.m. (E.S.E.; -B, C, V.) - -_Nash_ (E.) L.H.--A Woodcock, wheeling round the lantern at 2.45 a.m., -and after a while passed S.W. (N.E., light; clear.) - - -_November 10th._ - -_Bahama Bank_ L.V.--A large number of Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Larks, -all night. Fifty or sixty killed. (S., 5; fog.) - -_Selker_ L.V.--A great many Titlarks and Starlings around the lantern -from 7 to 11 p.m.; numbers striking. Ten Larks and seven Starlings -found dead on deck. (S.S.E., 5; B and misty.) - -_Morecambe Bay_ L.V.--Several Sky Larks and Titlarks, between 8 and 12 -a.m., flying S. by E. - -_Dee_ L.V.--Many Thrushes, Blackbirds, Starlings, and Titlarks, from 8 -a.m. to midnight. Fourteen picked up on deck, and large numbers falling -overboard. (S.E. by E.; fog.) - -_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--"Large quantities of birds all night," leaving -for south at daylight. (S.S.E., 5; B, C, M.) - -_Nash_ (E.) L.H.--Blackbirds and Thrushes from 2 to 4 a.m.; eleven -killed. (N.E., breeze; misty.) Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, Larks, -and Starlings, passing all night, many striking, and a few killed. -(E.S.E., breeze; misty.) - -_Godrevy_ L.H.--Many birds at lantern from 10 p.m. (Nov. 10th) to 7 -a.m. Twenty Blackbirds, eighteen Thrushes, two Fieldfares, and four -Larks killed. (S.E., 2; C, M.) - -_Longships_ L.H.--Many Starlings and Larks at 1 a.m. (E.S.E., 2; fog.) - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--One Snipe struck and caught at 11 p.m. (S.E. by E., -5; C, V.) - - -_November 11th._ - -_Bahama Bank_ L.V.--Large numbers of Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Larks, -all night. Many killed. (S., 5; fog.) - -_Morecambe Bay_ L.V.--Blackbirds and Thrushes at lantern during the -night. (S.E., 4; B, F.) - -_Nash_ (E.) L.H.--About a dozen Golden Plover at 9.30 a.m. Blackbirds, -Thrushes, Sky Larks, Starlings, &c., from 7 to 11 p.m., a great number -of which struck, twenty being killed. (E.S.E., breeze; cloudy, misty.) - -_Flatholm_ L.H.--Blackbirds and Starlings passing all day. (S.E., 2; B, -M.) - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Thrushes, Larks, and Starlings, from 10 p.m. to 6 -a.m. (12th). Several struck and caught. (S.E. to S.S.E., 2; C, V.) - -_Start_ L.H.--A few Larks at midnight. One killed. (E.S.E., 2; C, G, V.) - - -_November 12th._ - -_Morecambe Bay_ L.V.--About forty Blackbirds, flying S. by E., at 11.40 -am. (S.S.E., 4; F.) - -_Dee_ L.V.--Several flocks of Titlarks, going S. throughout the day. - -_Bardsey_ L.H.--Several Thrushes, Chaffinches, Greenfinches, and -Linnets, at the lantern all night. (S., 5; C, P, D.) - -_Nash_ (E.) L.H.--Two Woodcocks struck between 3 and 4 a.m. (E., -gentle; misty.) Snipe at 7 p.m., six striking, four killed. At 8.45 -a Wood Pigeon killed. From 9 to 11.30 p.m., Snipe, Lapwings, &c; two -Snipe and three Lapwings being killed. (E., breeze; misty.). - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--One Ring Ouzel, two Blackbirds, several Thrushes and -Starlings, from 9 p.m. to midnight. (S.E. by E., 3; O, D.) - -_Start_ L.H.--One Snipe killed at midnight. (S., 3; C, V.) - - -_November 13th._ - -_Morecambe Bay_ L.V.--Several Chaffinches at 11.30 a.m., flying S.S.E. -(N.N.E., 4; B, M.) - -_Caldy_ L.H.--Blackbirds, Larks, and Plovers, from 3.30 to 4.30 a.m., -flying about the lantern. Several of each species killed. (N.N.E., 5; -O, G, M.) - -_Helwick_ L.V.--"A great number of species," including Blackbirds, -Thrushes, Larks, and Starlings, at the lantern all night and till -sunrise. A great number killed. (N.E., 3; O, M.) - -_Scarweather_ L.V.--Flocks of Larks passing at intervals during the -day. A Blackbird killed at 10.30 p.m. (E., 4; G, M.) - -_Nash_ (E.) L.H.--Blackbirds, Larks, Woodcocks, Snipes, and Wood -Pigeon, from 2 to 5 a.m. Some of each species killed. (E., gentle; mist -and rain.) - -_Longships_ L.H.--"Scores" of Fieldfares, Blackbirds, and Starlings. -Many striking, and several killed. (E.N.E., 3; very misty.) - - -_November 14th._ - -_Caldy_ L.H.--A large flock of Plovers flying inland at 11 a.m. (N.E., -5; B, C, M.) - -_Scarweather_ L.V.--A very large flock of Rooks at 11 a.m. (S.E., 5; B, -C, M.) - -_Nash_ (E.).--Two Woodcocks (killed), and Starlings at 3 a.m. -Fieldfares, Redwings, Blackbirds, and Larks, from 12 p.m. to 4 a.m.; -eleven killed. (E., gentle breeze; misty.) - -_Bishop Rock_ L.H.--Several hundreds of Thrushes, Missel Thrushes, -Redwings, Fieldfares, Larks, Starlings, and Lapwings, from 10 p.m. to -daylight. (E., 4.) - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--"Several birds" struck, but "lost over," from 11 p.m. -to midnight. (E.S.E., 5; B, C, V.) - - -_December 23rd._ - -_Smalls Rock_ L.H.--Thrushes and Blackbirds from 1 a.m. until sunrise, -flying round the lantern. (S.E., 5; O, M.) - - -1885. - -_February 15th._ - -_South Bishop_ L.H.--Ninety-seven Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, and -Starlings, caught at 3 a.m. (S.E., 2; fog and rain.) - -_February 17th._ - -_South Bishop_ L.H.--Seventeen Blackbirds, eleven Thrushes, and four -Larks, caught at 5 a.m. (S.E., 4; rain and mist.) - - -IV.--Separate Report on each Species.[36] - -[Footnote 36: The zoological sequence and nomenclature adopted is that -of the 'List of British Birds,' compiled by a Committee of the British -Ornithologist's Union. London: John Van Voorst. 1883.] - -_Tardus viscivorus_, Missel Thrush.--Oct. 14th, South Bishop L.H., -along with other species, and in some numbers, from 11 p.m. until -daylight. Oct. 14th, Merionethshire, many on this and following days. -Oct. 20th, Eddystone L.H., a male struck at 2.30 a.m. Nov. 14th, -Bishop's Rock L.H., many, along with other species, from 10 p.m. until -daylight. - -_Note._--Doubtless the numerous records of "Thrushes" may, in many -cases, include this species and also the Fieldfare and the Redwing. - -_Turdus musicus_, Song Thrush.--Spring: Godrevy L.H., March 4th, a -few from 2 to 5 am. (E.S.E., veering S.S.W.; o, m, r.) Bishop Rock -L.H., April 21st, in numbers, along with Blackbirds, Ring Ouzels, -and Wheatears, from midnight to 4 a.m. (E., 2; misty.) Autumn: Noted -from seventeen stations,--appearing first at Flatholm on Oct. 6th, -and continuing at intervals to Dec. 1st at the Dee L.V., or indeed -until Feb. 17th at South Bishop. An important movement commenced on -Oct. 20th, when heavy flocks were noted at Bardsey L.H.; and on the -22nd it occurred abundantly at nearly all the stations from the Dee -to Eddystone, the movement being continued on the following night at -several stations between the Dee and Land's End (Longships). Another -important migration commenced on the 10th of Nov., and lasted until -the 14th. Noted only during the night or early morning, and mostly -in company with other species. Observations made on the sex of those -killed at Dee L.V., prove that males and females migrate in company. - -_Turdus iliacus_, Redwing.--Carlisle, Oct. 6th, first seen by Mr. -Cairns; Oct. 21st and 22nd, many passing S., between 11.30 and 12.30 -p.m. Godrevy L.H., Oct. 21st, a great number, from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. -Eddystone L.H., Oct. 21st and 22nd, large numbers, between 6 p.m. and 8 -a.m. Nash L.H., Nov. 10th, passing all night along with other species, -and again on the 14th. Bishop Rock L.H., Nov. 14th, many, from 10 p.m. -to daylight. Only noted in company with other species, and during the -night and early morning. - -_Turdus pilaris_, Fieldfare.--St. Bees L.H., Sept. 17th, in large -numbers at 7 a.m. Nash L.H., Oct. 6th, a few at noon, passing S.W.; and -again on the 14th, in company with Redwings, at 8 a.m. Carlisle, Oct. -4th, a few; and on 21st a large flock. Smalls Rock L.H., Nov. 4th, many -during night. Preston, Nov. 6th, along with Redwings. Godrevy L.H., -Nov. 9th, two killed during night. Longships L.H., Nov. 13th, "scores" -all night. Bishop Rock L.H., Nov. 14th, many, along with other species, -from 10 p.m. to daylight. - -_Turdus merula_, Blackbird.--Spring: Bishop Rock L.H., April 21st, -many, along with Wheatears, Bing Ouzels, and Thrushes, from midnight -to 4 a.m. (E., 2; misty.) Autumn: Reported from twenty stations. First -observed at St. Tudwall's, Oct. 4th, the migration lasting until Dec. -23rd (Smalls Rock L.H.), or even until Feb. 17th, when many occurred -at the South Bishop L.H., but this may have been a _return_ movement. -A general movement took place from Oct. 20th to 25th, and again from -Nov. 2nd to 17th, when the species occurred in great numbers at many -stations. All the reports, with two exceptions (at Flatholm L.H. a -small flock was observed at 8 a.m. on Nov. 11th, and at Carnarvon Bay -L.V. a few were observed at noon on Nov. 20th), mention it as migrating -only during the hours of darkness, and most often in company with Larks -and Starlings. - -_Turdus torquatus_, Ring Ouzel.--Spring: Bishop Rock L.H., April 21st, -many, along with Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Wheatears, from midnight to -4 a.m. (E., 2; misty.) Autumn: Eddystone L.H., Sept. 1st, a male struck -lantern at 3.30 a.m. (W.S.W., 4; O, R, V.) Merionethshire, Oct. 14th, -several young birds in the garden of Arthog Hall Hotel, near Dolgelly; -Eddystone L.H., Nov. 12th, one, between 9 p.m. and midnight. (S.E., 3; -O, D.) Start L.H., Sept. 14th, one killed at midnight. (E.S.E., 4; C, -G, V, P.) - -_Saxicola œnanthe_, Wheatear.--Spring: Carlisle, April 11th, on the -fells. Bishop Rock L.H., April 21st, many, from midnight to 4 a.m., -along with Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Bing Ouzels. (E., 2; misty.) -Autumn: Duddon Sands, about Aug. 10th, large flocks preparing to -migrate. Eddystone L.H., Aug. 26th and 27th, several, between 11 p.m. -and 2 a.m.; four killed. (N., 4; O, R, V.) Sept. 14th, several, from -8.30 p.m. to midnight; six killed. (E. 5; O, R, M.) South Stack L.H., -Sept. 15th, several struck, between 9 p.m. and midnight. (E. 4; O, M, -R.) Carlisle, Oct. 11th, an old male at Allonby. South Bishop L.H., -Oct. 14th, along with Turdidæ, Larks, and Goldcrests, from 11 p.m. to -daylight. (S.S.E., breeze; misty.) - -_Pratincola rubetra_, Whinchat.--Spring: Carlisle District, plentiful -on and after May 2nd. - -_Ruticilla phœnicurus_, Redstart.--Spring: Carlisle District, a single -old male, April 7th. - -_Erithacus rubecula_, Robin.--Dee L.V., Sept. 14th, one killed at 10.80 -p.m. (E. by S., 5; B, C, M.) St. Tudwall's L.H., Oct. 14th, one on -the lighthouse at 3 p.m. Smalls Rock L.H., Nov. 6th, along with other -species, from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.; some killed. Flatholm L.H., Nov. 12th, -"Robins have been numerous for some days." Bideford Bar L.H., two, at -10.30 a.m. - -_Sylvia cinerea_, Whitethroat.--Spring: Carlisle District, April 8th, -one. - -_Phylloscopus rufus_, Chiffchaff.--Spring: Carlisle District, April -8th, first heard. - -_Phylloscopus trochilus_, Willow Wren.--Spring: Carlisle District, -April 6th, but not numerous until the 30th. - -_Locustella nævia_, Grasshopper Warbler.--Spring: Carlisle District, -May 6th, first heard. - -_Regulus cristatus_, Goldcrest.--Carlisle District, numerous during -the last week in August, and apparently an influx during the last week -in September. Bardsey L.H., Aug. 28th, "scores" during the night, -"dozens" striking. St. Bees L.H., Sept. 15th, numbers struck the -lantern at 10.30 p.m.; Sept. 16th, great numbers from midnight until -near daylight. Bull Point L.H., Sept. 17th, one at lantern at 1.30 -p.m.; Oct. 20th, two at lantern in the early morning, Flatholm L.H., -Sept. 18th, numerous on the island; Oct. 24th, all night, some killed. -Nash (E.) L.H., Oct. 1st, from eight to ten at 11 p.m.; five killed. -South Bishop L.H., Oct. 14th, along with other species, from 11 p.m. -to daylight. Eddystone L.H., Oct. 14th, four killed at lantern at -midnight; Oct. 15th, two struck at 4 a.m. Longships L.H., Oct. 22nd, -one during the night. Smalls Rock L.H., Nov. 4th, along with other -species during the night. Dee L.V., Nov. 16th, one found dead on deck. - -_Troglodytes parvulus_, Wren.--Morecambe Bay L.V., Sept. 12th, one at -8 a.m., flying S.W. Eddystone L.H., Sept. 14th, several, from 8.30 -p.m. to midnight; Oct. 14th, a few at midnight; Oct. 20th, several at -lantern at 2.30 a.m. Helwick L.V., Sept. 18th, several flying round the -lantern in the early hours of the morning. Carnarvon Bay L.V., Sept. -30th, one struck at daybreak. Nash (E.) L.H., Oct. 10th, four at 8.30 -a.m., flying W.; Oct. 11th, two struck at midnight. Longships L.H., -Oct. 22nd and 23rd, along with other species at midnight. Smalls Rock -L.H., Nov. 6th, great movement, along with other species, from 11 p.m. -to 5 a.m.; many killed. Observed migrating between Sept. 12th and Nov. -4th. - -_Motacilla --------_, "Wagtail."--Bardsey L.H., Aug. 27th, several -"Lady Wagtails" observed about the lighthouse. Carnarvon Bay L.V., Oct. -4th, "a Wagtail" flying N.E. at 3 p.m. St. Tudwall's L.H., Oct. 10th, -two "Black and White Wagtails" on the island at 9 a.m. Dee L.V., one at -noon, flying N.E. Smalls Rock L.H., "Lady Wagtails," along with other -species, from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. - -_Motacilla alba_, White Wagtail.--Spring: Carlisle District, April -15th, one, on the lawn at Rose Castle. - -_Anthus ----_, "Pipit," "Titlark."--Reported from Morecambe Bay L.V., -Selker L.V., Dee L.V., St. Tudwall's L.H., Bardsey L.H., Flatholm L.H., -and Start Point L.H. First noticed at Bardsey on Aug. 27th. General -movements on Oct. 18th, 21st to 24th, and again on Nov. 2nd, 8th, 10th, -and 12th, until Nov. 14th at the Dee L.V. Recorded as migrating both by -day and night, but chiefly during the hours of light. - -_Anthus trivialis_, Tree Pipit.--Spring: Carlisle District, April 11th, -first seen. - -_Anthus obscurus_, Rock Pipit.--Carlisle District, October, a decided -immigration to the salt marshes. - -_Lanius excubitor_, Great Grey Shrike.--Carlisle District, Sept. 13th, -a male shot at Haggyford. December (second week), one seen at Orton. - -_Lanius major_, Pallas's Great Grey Shrike.--Carlisle District, Jan. -8th, one seen, shortly afterwards shot. Feb. 6th, another "very blue -bird" seen at Grimsdale. - -_Ampelis garrulus_, Waxwing.--Carlisle District, Oct. 12th, one -seen close, at Cotehill; two seen on the edge of King Moor, by Mr. -Armstrong; they permitted a close approach, as they were busily feeding -on hips ("tupes"). Jan. 28th, 1885, one at Rockliffe; probably the bird -seen a few days later by Mr. Lester. - -_Hirundo rustica_, Swallow.--Spring: Carlisle District, one seen on -April 9th. Preston, April 28th, a pair. Morecambe Bay L.V., five at -12.30 p.m., flying S.E.; May 18th, two at 4.30 a.m., flying N.N.W. -Autumn: Dee L.V., Aug. 31st, twenty at 10 a.m., flying E.; Sept. 14th; -two at 1.10 p.m. Usk L.H., Sept. 5th and 6th, great numbers from 9 to -12 a.m. Morecambe Bay L.V., Sept. 11th, four at 7.30 a.m., flying S. -Scarweather L.V., Sept. 12th, six at noon; Sept. 14th, two at 11 a.m.; -Sept. 18th, parties at intervals, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (S.E.; misty.) -Flatholm L.H., Sept. 12th and 13th, large flocks going S. all day. -Helwick L.H., Sept. 18th, several during the morning; Oct. 6th, two -at 7.30 a.m., flying S. Selker L.V., Oct. 2nd, one going S.E. at 10 -a.m. Carlisle District, a small flock seen on Oct. 22nd; one captured -on Nov. 5th in wretched plight. Swanage, Nov. 13th, in considerable -numbers; one on the 14th, and another on the 18th. - -"Martin."--Flatholm L.H., Aug. 26th, continuous flocks of Martins and -Swifts going S. at about 10 a.m. (N.N.W., moderate.); Sept. 13th, large -flocks all day. (E.N.E., fresh.) Helwick L.V., Oct. 7th, two at 12.30 -p.m. (N., gentle; _B, C, M_.) - -_Chrysomitris spinus_, Siskin.--Carlisle District, March 6th, one -female shot; after which none were seen (except a pair of breeding -birds) until Dec. 15th. - -_Fringilla montifringilla_, Brambling.--Carlisle District, last seen -in flocks in March; a few in October; numerous in some localities in -November. - -_Ligurinus chloris_, Greenfinch.--Bardsey L.H., Sept. 20th, several -flocks of small birds during the day, including this species; Nov. -12th, some about the lantern all night. Smalls Rock, L.H., Nov. 6th, -many, along with Thrushes, Blackbirds, Robins, &c., from 11 p.m. to -daylight. Some killed. - -_Passer domesticus_, Sparrow.--Helwick L.V., Oct. 30th, several at 7.30 -a.m., flying S.E. (S.W., breezy.) - -_Fringilla cœlebs_, Chaffinch.--Scarweather L.V., Sept. 12th, four -at 7.30 a.m. Dee L.V., Sept. 15th, one found dead at daylight; Oct. -24th, one on deck at noon. Bardsey L.H., Sept. 20th, observed along -with Greenfinches, Larks, and Linnets; Nov. 12th, several, with other -species, at the lantern all night. Nash (E.) L.H., Sept. 21st, a few -at 2 a.m.; seven struck, four killed. St. Tudwall's L.H., Oct. 21st, -one killed at 11 p.m. Morecambe Bay L.V., Nov. 1st, one resting on the -vessel at 1.30 p.m.; Nov. 30th, several at 11.30 a.m., passing S.S.E. - -_Linota_ --------. Under the heading of "Linnets" there is the -under-given information. Scarweather L.V., Sept. 17th, 24th, and 29th, -flocks at intervals during the daytime. Bardsey L.H., Sept. 20th, many -on the island; Nov. 12th, many at the lantern all night, with other -species. South Stack L.H., Oct. 5th, continuous flocks between 8 and -9 a.m.; Oct. 18th and 20th, flocks, composed of Linnets, Finches, and -Starlings, between 7 and 10 a.m. South Bishop L.H., Oct. 14th, many, -along with other species, from 11 p.m. to daylight. Milford L.H., Oct. -14th, a few; 23rd and 24th, along with Larks and Starlings. Bull Point -L.H., Oct. 18th, about forty at 7.30 a.m. Scarweather L.V., Jan. 4th, -1885, a flock at 10.30 a.m. It is possible that in addition to _Linota -cannabina_, that _flavirostris_ and even _rufescens_ may be referred to. - -_Pyrrhula europæa_, Bullfinch.--Morecambe Bay L.V., Oct. 21st, several, -in company with Larks, from 10 to 12 a.m., flying S.S.W. - -_Plectrophanes nivalis_, Snow Bunting.--Carlisle District, Nov. 15th, -first seen at Rickerby; large flocks on Crossfell same time; shot -a pair of old birds, very white, at Silloth, Dec. 11th; a flock on -Skinburness, same time. - -_Sturnus vulgaris_, Starling.--The very numerous entries of the -movements of this species would furnish quite a voluminous report -in itself, and forms quite a feature of the returns. It is noted -frequently at all the stations making returns, save two, between Aug. -31st, at Flatholm L.H., and Feb. 15th, 1885, at the South Bishop L.H.; -often in very considerable numbers, and both during the daytime and -at night, when occasionally many perish at the lanterns. The number -and continuity of the movements of this species, as observed at some -stations, may, in a measure, be due to its well-known habit of massing -in the autumn and winter. These flocks disperse in the morning, -when the birds seek their food at varying distances from their -roosting-quarters. They return in the evening, and in doing so would -pass many of the West Coast stations, not a few of which are situated -in estuaries easily crossed. For further details of the movements of -this species consult the diary preceding this section of the Report. - -_Corvus corone_, Crow.--St. Tudwall's L.H., Oct. 4th, several at 9 -a.m., flying W. Carnarvon Bay L.H., Oct. 23rd, a large flock, passing -S. at 8 a.m. South Stack L.H., a flock, passing S. at 10 a.m. Selker -L.V., Nov. 10th, one going S. at 2.30 p.m. Bideford Bar L.H., Dec. -12th, forty at 7.30 a.m. - -_Corvus cornix_, Hooded Crow.--Merionethshire, one seen about the end -of October. Carlisle District, "a single straggler" shot, Nov. 14th. - -_Corvus frugilegus_, Rook.--Smalls L.H., Nov. 7th, seven at 9.30 a.m.; -Nov. 8th, a very large flock at 10.30 a.m. Scarweather L.V., Nov. 14th, -a very large flock at 11 a.m. - -_Alauda arvensis_, Sky Lark.--Under this heading and the general term -of "Lark" there are very numerous entries, most of which doubtless -refer to this species; but experience leads one to opine that in some -instances the Meadow Pipit, or "Titlark," may be meant. Recorded from -most stations between Sept. 14th at Eddystone and Feb. 17th, 1885, -at the South Bishop. On Oct. 21st there was a general movement, the -species being observed from the Selker L.V. to the Eddystone L.H. Great -numbers occurred at the Longships L.H. on Sept. 29th, at the South -Bishop L.H. on Oct. 14th, and on Nov. 4th and 6th at the Smalls Rock -L.H. Migrates during the daytime, and rarely at night. Mr. Hills, of -the South Bishop, says that flocks of Larks pass south, during the -daytime, from November until the end of January. - -_Cypselus apus_, Swift.--Spring: Carlisle District, April 28th, one -flying at a considerable height. Autumn: Carlisle District, Aug. 17th, -one seen; another on the 19th. Flatholm L.H., Aug. 26th, continuous -flocks of Swifts and Martins passing south at 10 a.m. - -_Cuculus canorus_, Cuckoo.--Carlisle District, April 14th, seen and -heard. - -Striges "Large-horned Owl" (? _Asio accipitrinus_).--South Bishop -L.H., Oct. 14th, one hovering around the lantern, between 11 p.m. and -daylight, making, along with three "Falcon Hawks," "sad havoc" with the -numerous smaller species present. - -_Asio accipitrinus_, Short-eared Owl.--Carlisle District, Sept. 6th, -one adult female; one in November; strange to say, no others. - -Accipitres.--Under the heading of "Hawk" there are the following -records:--Morecambe Bay L.V., May 11th, one flying E. by S. in the -early morning. South Bishop L.H., Oct. 14th, between 11 p.m. and -daylight, three "Falcon Hawks" and a "Large-horned Owl" made "sad -havoc" among the numerous birds around the lantern. St. Tudwall's L.H., -Oct. 18th, one small Hawk at sunset going S.W. Helwick L.V., Oct. 30th, -a Hawk at 7 a.m. - -_Falco peregrinus_, Peregrine.--Carlisle District, Oct. 11th, one, near -Allonby. - -_Falco æsalon_, Merlin.--Carlisle District, Oct. 27th, one seen on -Rockliffe; another, male adult, shot, Nov. 8th; female and male, juv., -subsequently. - -_Ardea cinerea_, Heron.--Bardsey L.H., Aug. 28th, one on the island; -Sept. 13th, two in the evening. St. Tudwall's L.H., Nov. 29th, one at 3 -p.m.; Jan. 23rd, 1885, one at 2 p.m. - -_Phalacrocorax carbo_, Cormorant.--Bull Point L.H., Aug. 22nd, six at 6 -a.m., flying W. Nash (E.) L.H., Sept. 1st, one at 11 a.m., passing N.W. -Bardsey L.H., Dec. 19th, four during the morning. Bahama Bank L.V., -Dec. 18th and 19th, single birds seen. - -"Grey Geese."--Carlisle District, Oct. 10th, large arrival, most of -which passed on. Mr. Macpherson's impression is that Bean, Pink-footed, -and Grey-lag, all occurred during the autumn and winter; but the only -birds shot belonged to the first-named, _A. segetum_. Two of these were -shot, out of a flock of twenty-five. Carnarvon Bay L.V., Jan. 4th, -1885, forty at 10 a.m., flying N.N.W. - -_Chen albatus_, Snow Goose.--Carlisle District, Aug. 22nd, one adult, -Allonby, 9 a.m., weather very hazy; flew from west (Irish Channel?) to -east. Followed up all day, to no purpose. Seen again Sept. 8th and Oct. -14th. It is impossible to shoot Geese on the Solway in open weather, -except at night. - -_Bernicla leucopsis_, Barnacle Goose.--Carlisle District, large -arrival about Oct. 10th. A flock of considerably more than a hundred -rose off Rockliffe Marsh, and pitched on the Burgh side, early on -Oct. 16th. A flock, estimated at between 600 and 1000 birds, visited -Rockliffe in December. - -_Cygnus bewicki_, Bewick's Swan.--Carlisle District, Nov. 23rd, single -bird, Monkhill; sharp frost. - -Anatidæ.--Teal. A pair noted at St. Bees on Aug. 24th. The references -to Ducks, at both the Selker and Dee light-vessels, are very numerous; -at the latter "Black Duck" (? Scoters) were first noted on Sept. 10th. -"Ducks" are chronicled from many stations, but unfortunately without -reference to species. - -_Harelda glacialis_, Long-tailed Duck.--Carlisle District, immature -male, Monkhill, Jan. 24th to March 19th. - -_Œdemia nigra_, Common Scoter.--Carlisle District, Oct. 24th, one; -others afterwards. - -_Mergus merganser_, Goosander.--Carlisle District, Oct. 30th, one, -immature; twelve others shot to Dec. 31st, three being adult males, -which are very scarce here. - -_Mergus serrator_, Merganser.--Carlisle District, Oct. 31st, immature -male; another later. A scarce bird with us. - -_Chaulelasmus streperus_, Gadwall.--Carlisle District, Oct. 21st, one, -immature; shot on Eden. - -_Querquedula circia_, Garganey.--Carlisle District, March 11th, two -females, shot out of a small flock. - -_Mareca penelope_, Wigeon.--Carlisle District, large flock on the Esk -in mid-September. - -_Fuligula marila_, Scaup.--Carlisle District, Nov. 23rd, a single adult -male, Monkhill; others subsequently on Solway. - -_Clangula glaucion_, Golden-eye.--Carlisle District, April 28th, two -old drakes and several others at Monkhill. First, immature, Oct. 10th; -numerous in November. - -_Columba palumbus_, "Wood Pigeon."--Nash (E.) L.H., Oct. 12th, one -killed against the lantern at 8.45 p.m.; on this night, Snipe, -Woodcocks, and Lapwings were also immolated; Oct. 13th, another killed -between the hours 2 and 5 a.m., again along with the species just -mentioned; Oct. 15th, one killed at 11 p.m. - -_Charadrius pluvialis_, Golden Plover.--Nash (E.) L.H., Oct. 11th, -about a dozen, passing S. at 9.30 a.m. Caldy L.H., Oct. 29th, fourteen -at 3 p.m.; "their first appearance this season." Nov. 13th, several at -the lantern, along with other species, at 3.30 a.m.; two killed. 14th, -a large flock at 11 a.m. Bardsey Island, Dec. 20th, 24th, and 26th, -several shot. In the Carlisle District young birds were making for the -coast on the 9th of July. - -_Ægialitis hiaticula_, Ringed Plover.--Carlisle District, Aug. 28th, -immense mixed flock of this and Dunlin; about one-third only were -Dunlins; nearly all the Ringed Plover were adults, and large birds. - -_Eudromias morinellus_, Dotterel.--Carlisle District, one shot, circa, -April 20th; several others shot in the "Lakes" for the fly-dressers, -which is much to be regretted. - -_Rallus aquaticus_, Water Rail.--Nash (E.), L.H., Oct. 26th, one killed -at 2.40 p.m. (westerly gale, mist and rain). Smalls Rock L.H., Nov. -6th, several, along with other species, from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. (S.E. -breeze, O.M.) - -_Crex pratensis_, Land Rail.--Spring: Carlisle District, April 17th, -a male; 22nd, another. Autumn: Nash (E.) L.H., Sept. 12th, one killed -at midnight. (E. breeze, misty); Sept. 13th, two killed at 2.15 a.m. -(moderate E. breeze, misty). Bishop Rock L.H., Sept. 20th, one, along -with Wheatears, struck glass between 2 and 5 a.m. Carlisle District, -Oct. 28th, one at Flunby. Bardsey Island, Mr. Bowen remarks that this -species came very early and left the island sooner than usual in -consequence of the dry season. - -_Vanellus vulgaris_, Lapwing.--St. Bees L.H., Aug. 27th, a flock of -two or three hundred appeared at 10 a.m. Carnarvon Bay L.V., Oct. -2nd, one at 11 a.m. Nash (E.) L.H., Oct. 12th, Lapwings and Snipe -from 9 to 11.30 a.m., three Lapwings killed; Oct. 15th, a large flock -passing S.W. at 10 a.m. Bishop Rock L.H., Nov. 14th, many, along with -Blackbirds, Redwings, &c., from 10 p.m. to daylight. Bardsey L.H., Dec. -10th, several during the day; Dec. 20th to 26th, flocks, along with -Golden Plover. Scare weather L.V., forty or fifty at 11.30 a.m. - -_Strepsilas interpres_, Turnstone.--Carlisle District, Aug. 4th, two. -Skinburness, September 6th, one female, immature. - -_Scolopax rusticula_, Woodcock.--Reported from two stations only. -Bardsey L.H., Oct. 19th, one killed during the night. Nash (E.) L.H., -Oct. 8th, one at 2.45 a.m., which, after wheeling round the lantern for -some time, passed S.W. (N.E., bright and clear); Oct. 12th, two struck -between 3 and 4 a.m., one killed; Oct. 13th, one killed between 2 and 5 -a.m.; Oct. 14th, two killed at 3 am. Merionethshire, Oct. 14th, one in -Arthog woods. - -_Gallinago cœlestis_, Snipe.--Scarweather L.V., Sept. 10th, two at -1.23 p.m. Nash (E.) L.H., Oct. 12th, six struck, four of which were -killed, at 7 p.m., and between 9 and 11.30 p.m. two more were killed; -Oct. 13th, two killed between 2 and 5 a.m., along with Blackbirds and -Woodcocks. Eddystone L.H., Nov. 10th, a male caught at lantern at 11.15 -p.m. Start L.H., Nov. 12th, one killed at midnight. Bideford Bar L.H., -Dec. 13th, "Eight Snipe." - -_Tringa subarquata_, Curlew Sandpiper.--Carlisle District, Solway, -Sept. 3, one, immature, shot with some Dunlins. - -_Tringa striata_, Purple Sandpiper.--Carlisle District, a few arrived -early in October; one immature, "telegraphed" Oct. 24. - -_Machetes pugnax_, Buff.--Carlisle District, Aug. 30, one, female, -Rockliffe; Sept. 8th, six, Burgh; Sept. 10, one, female, Skinburness; -all immature, and, with the exception of the first, too hard hit for -preservation. - -_Tringoides hypoleucos_, Common Sandpiper.--Carlisle District, arrived -on Eden, Petteril, and Caldew, on April 13th. - -_Helodromas ochropus_, Green Sandpiper.--Carlisle District, Sept. 5, -one shot, immature; others seen, Rockliffe, Burgh, Allonby, August and -September; one, adult, seen last week December (shot January, '85). - -_Totanus canescens_, Greenshank.--Carlisle District, Aug. 24th, two, -male and female; Aug. 28th, saw another at Port Carlisle. - -_Limosa ægocephala_, Black-tailed Godwit.--Carlisle District, Sept. -6th, one, immature, shot, another seen; Oct. 28th, one shot (these are -the first since 1876, when one was shot). - -_Numenius phæopus_, Whimbrel.--Carlisle District, May 10th; numerous -during August and September. - -_Numenius arquata_, Curlew.--Bull Point L.H., Aug. 17th, about twenty -flying S.W. at 10 a.m. Bardsey L.H., Aug. 27, fourteen during the -morning. Dee L.V., Aug. 29th and 30th, a flock each morning at 9.30 -a.m. Helwick L.V., Sept. 10th, several passed the lantern Hying from E. -to W. at 8.30 p.m. Longships L.H., Nov. 13th, one struck the lantern -at 8.45 p.m., "a very rare occurrence." There are other entries -concerning this species, but referring obviously to local movements -only. - -Sterninæ, Terns.--Bishop Rock L.H., October 5, several Sea-Swallows -from sunrise to 5 p.m.; also large numbers of Gannets "after Pilchards." - -_Sterna fluviatilis_, Common Tern.--Carlisle District, arrived at -breeding haunts on the 4th of May. - -_Sterna cantiaca_, Sandwich Tern.--Carlisle District, April 23rd, Mr. -Reynolds noted its arrival on this day. - -_Hydrochelidon nigra_, Black Tern.--Carlisle District, two, at the -point of Rockliffe Marsh, which runs far out into the Solway, October -20th, 21st. - -Larinæ, Gulls.--Nash (E.)L.H., large flocks of Common Gulls passing -inland along with Crows from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bideford Bar L.H., Nov. -18th and 20th, flocks of Gulls all day.; Dec. 11th, about two hundred -Gulls and forty Crows at 7.30 p.m. There are other references of an -unimportant nature and needing no record. - -_Stercorarius pomatorhinus_, Pomatorhine Skua.--Carlisle District, Oct. -28th, one, in almost adult dress, shot at Bowness; on the 26th a brisk -W. gale; on 27th, high W. wind, wilder p.m.; 28th, westerly gale, a.m. - -_Procellaria pelagica_, Stormy Petrel.--South Bishop L.H., Oct. 14th, -from 11 p.m. to daylight, about three hundred Larks, Blackbirds, Missel -and Song Thrushes, Wheatears, Goldcrests, and eight Storm Petrels were -killed or captured at the lantern. Dee L.V., Oct. 25th, one alive on -deck at 6 a.m. - -_Procellaria leucorrhoa_, Leach's Petrel.--Carlisle District, Oct. -28th, one "telegraphed," picked up and still living. - -_Puffinus_ -------- ?--Bishop Rock L.H., during August several -Shearwaters struck the glass between the hour of lighting and 4 a.m., -but none were killed. - -_Colymbus septentrionalis_, Red-throated Diver.--Carlisle District, -Nov. 1st, two seen; Nov. 7th, two, adults, shot at Bowness and -Skinburness; others afterwards. - -_Podiceps cristatus_, Great-crested Grebe.--Carlisle District, March -11th, one male, on Eden, adult; Oct., one near Penrith, immature. - -_Mergulus alle_, Little Auk.--Carlisle District, one, adult, Brampton, -about Nov. 20th-21st; severe gale from east, 18th and 19th; another, -shortly after, near Cockermouth, was swimming on a small inland pool -when shot; this also Mr. Macpherson examined, and believes it to be a -bird of the year. - -_Fratercula arctica_, Puffin.--Spring: Caldy L.H., April 9th, one -hundred or more at daybreak; "the first seen this season." - -_Alca torda_, Razorbill.--Longships L.H., Sept. 30th, great numbers -going S. in the morning; Nov. 24th, a flock at 2 p.m. going S.S.W.; -27th, flocks at mid-day, moving S.W. - -William Eagle Clarke. - - - - -IRISH COAST. - - -In the spring of 1884 schedules were forwarded to thirty-six -light-stations. Twenty-seven replied by returning the schedules either -partially, or wholly, filled with observations. - -In the autumn a similar number of schedules were sent out, and -twenty-six stations replied. - -Several stations filled two, and some light-keepers, who took a special -interest in Ornithology, returned as many as three and four schedules, -both in spring and autumn. Observers placed on isolated rock stations -at a distance from the coast, or on light-vessels, have, as a rule, -taken the most interest in the subject of migration. This is fortunate, -as such stations are least influenced by the local movements of birds -on the mainland. - -Observations have now been taken on the Irish coast for three years -and a half, during which period a large body of statistics has been -collected. Their value cannot be questioned; but as the records -accumulate the importance of correctly identifying every species -becomes more apparent. To attain this object the light-keepers were -asked to forward the leg and wing of all birds about which they felt -any doubt. Several wings, &c., have been sent, and a list of them is -subsequently given. In future, it is hoped that the light-keepers will -not think it too much trouble to preserve and label the wings and legs -of _at least one specimen of each kind of bird which is killed at their -station_. This is very desirable, since it cannot be expected that with -so short experience as they have had the light-keepers would be able to -identify all species beyond a doubt. - -With the view of still further attaining accuracy of identification, -a request was made to the Commissioners of Irish Lights to supply to -the Lighthouses some copies of the eight-volume edition of Morris's -'British Birds.' The Commissioners very kindly consented to purchase -and distribute six copies, and we are greatly indebted to them for thus -placing in the hands of the light-keepers this useful book, which will -at once assist their observations and relieve the monotony of some -lonely stations. The stations which have received copies of Morris are -the Tuskar, Tearaght, Rathlin, Innishtrahull, Rockabill, and Coningbeg -Light-ship. - -Since the volumes have been distributed in the summer of 1884, some -records have appeared in the schedules which are highly improbable. -They appear due to the fact that the bird seen had some slight -resemblance to a rare species figured in Morris. On the other hand, the -coloured figures have been the means of correcting many errors. - -The schedules for 1884 exhibit or emphasize the following points:-- - -In 1884 the number of birds has been equal to, and in a few instances -above, the average. - -The bulk of the migrants arrive on the southern half of the east coast -of Ireland, and on the easternmost of our southern counties,--in other -words, along the shore extending from Dublin to Waterford, and having -its limits at Rockabill Lighthouse and Dungarvan Lighthouse. - -A _marked_ migratory movement might be expected in our northeastern -counties between Scotland and Ireland, where the Channel is narrowest; -but we have no evidence that such is the case. - -The usual course taken by birds seems to be either N.W. or S.E. The -number of birds which only occur singly and do not seem to migrate in -flocks is large. In such instances it is difficult to trace the line of -migration. - -The occurrences now noted of the Greenland Falcon, properly belong to -the same flight that has already been noticed in last year's Report. - -As might be expected, the Snow Bunting is of more frequent occurrence -on our western and northern coasts. A few remained as late as the first -week in May, and it was again seen early in September, dates which have -not hitherto been recorded in Ireland. Geese were also more numerous on -the northern and western coasts than elsewhere. - -A remarkable migration of the Rook was observed at the Tearaght and -Skelligs, both stations being several miles off the coast of Kerry. It -lasted for three weeks, from Nov. 2nd to 20th, the direction of flight -being from west to east. The light-keepers were puzzled to know where -the birds came from, the nearest land to the west being America. [See -general remarks of light-keepers, and also under Rook]. - -The greatest immigration of Thrushes occurred between the 14th and 20th -of October; Starlings, 18th to 20th October, and the first fortnight -in November; Blackbirds, October 24th; Swallows, about the 12th May. -Whimbrel were more plentiful than usual at our southern stations when -going north in the spring. - -The migration of the Starling is perhaps more evident than that of any -other bird; they _strike_ in the greatest numbers. Woodcocks, on the -other hand, usually strike singly; it is a rare occurrence to have more -than one killed on the same night. Very few birds of any kind strike -the lights on the west coast of Ireland. - -Sea-birds scarcely ever strike the lanterns. The instances are so few -of birds striking on clear nights, that they do not number half a dozen -per annum. - -Some evidence has been given that the Wren is resident on the Tearaght, -Skelligs, and Eagle Islands, all three very bare and isolated rocks on -the west coast; but the specimens received differ in no respect from -the Common Wren of the mainland. The Hedgesparrow was also received -from the Tearaght, and several are stated to have remained there during -last winter. - -An interesting observation was made by Mr. McCarron, of the Tearaght, -who watched an old Razorbill dive beneath its young one and rise -exactly underneath it. The young one was thus raised on the back of the -old bird, which carried it in this position over the waves in a rough -sea. This occurrence was witnessed several times. - -The transfer of the light-keepers from one station to another is -unavoidable, and changes are made by the Commissioners every year. -There are instances in which one might imagine that the birds had -followed the migration of a particular light-keeper, if he has been a -more careful observer than his predecessor at that station. - -We trust the efforts made to enable the birds to be identified will -succeed in time; the various kinds of Gulls are much confused, and the -Puffin, Razorbill, and Guillemot are constantly doing duty for each -other. Redwings, Thrushes, and Fieldfares are not always distinguished; -while Larks, Linnets, and Finches are perhaps too closely associated -in the minds of some light-keepers. By the production of specimens in -future, we trust that some of these difficulties will be removed. - -The insertion in the schedules of the column for the _direction_ of -flight has, we think, been of advantage. - -Single Hawks appear occasionally with rushes of small birds, perhaps to -capture the disabled ones. - -There is one record of Bats being seen at Rockabill, around the light, -the first instance of such an occurrence on the Irish coast. - -As our records increase and statistics accumulate, it becomes the more -necessary that the investigation should be continued, so that results -may be confirmed beyond question. - -To all the light-keepers who have, again, so kindly given their time -and attention to the subject of migration, we are much indebted. We -feel sure that many are anxious to continue their observations, and -that none who are able will refuse to further our enquiry. - -To the Commissioners of Irish Lights, who have supplied six copies -of Morris's 'British Birds' to the light-keepers, and subscribed for -twenty-four copies of the Report, we are under the deepest obligations, -and it is very encouraging to meet with such valuable assistance from a -Public Board whose co-operation is so essential to the success of our -undertaking. - -To Mr. Armstrong, the courteous Secretary to the Commissioners, and -to Captain Boxer, R.N., and to Captain Gallway, R.N., our thanks are -especially due. - -Alexander G. More. -Richard M. Barrington. - -_19th May, 1885._ - - -List of Light-stations. - - Miles - from - Sp. Au. Shore. Names of Observers - - 1. Fastnet, Co. Cork x x 8 James Walsh. - 2. Galley Head, Cork o o -- _No replies._ - 3. Old Head, Kinsale, Cork x x -- Martin Kennedy. - 4. Mine Head, Waterford -- -- -- No schedule sent. - 5. Dungarvan, Waterford x x -- Wm. Higginbotham. - 5.*Coningbeg Lt.-ship, Wexford x x 10 Patrick Cullen and - William Clydesdale. - 6. Barrels Rock Lt.-ship, do. x x 4 Michael Doyle. - 7. Tuskar Rock, do. x x 7 Richard Hamilton and - Patrick D'Arcy. - 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 o 7 Michael Cunniam. - 11. Howth Baily, Dublin o x -- William Dunne. - 12. Rockabill, Dublin x x 5 Joseph Hammond. - 13. Copeland Island, Down x o 3 John Walsh. - 14. Maidens, Antrim x x 5 Michael Barry. - 15. Rathlin, Antrim x x 6 John A. Murray. - 16. Innishtrahull, Donegal x o 6 W. H. James. - 17. Dunree Head, Donegal x x -- John Stapleton. - 18. Lough Swilly, Donegal -- -- -- No schedule sent. - 19. Tory Island, Donegal x o 9 Thomas Sweeny. - 20. Arranmore, Donegal x x 5 Henry Williams. - 21. Rathlin O'Birne, Donegal x o 2 John Scallan. - 22. Killybegs, Donegal o x -- Joseph Hill. - 23. Oyster Island, N. Sligo x o 1 Joseph Hill. - 24. Broadhaven, Mayo x x -- Patrick Keenan. - 25. Eagle Island, E., Mayo o x 2 Daniel Hawkins. - 26. Eagle Island, W., Mayo o o 2 _No replies._ - 27. Blackrock, Mayo x x 9 John Redmond, J. Young - and B. Lyons. - 28. Blacksod Point, Mayo o x -- Robt. W. Redmond. - 29. Clare Island, Mayo x x 4 G. H. Brownell. - 30. Slyne Head, N., Galway o x 3 Robert Tyrrell. - 31. Slyne Head, S., Galway -- -- 3 No schedule sent. - 32. Arran Island, N., Galway o x 9 Thomas Fortune. - 33. Straw Island, Galway x x 9 Charles Boyle. - 34. Arran Island, S., Galway o o 6 _No replies._ - 36. Samphire Island, Kerry -- -- ½ No schedule sent. - 37. Tearaght, Kerry x x 9 Edward McCarron. - 38. Valencia, Kerry x x -- Joseph Williams. - 39. Skelligs, Kerry x x 9 Thomas Kerley. - 40. Dursey Island, Cork x o ½ James Keenan. - X/ - -Notes - - Sp. = Spring. Au. = Autumn. - o = No reply. x = Schedule returned partly or wholly filled. - - Spring, 36 schedules sent out; replies received, 27. - Autumn, 36 schedules sent out; replies received, 26. - - - -List of Birds noticed. - - PAGE | PAGE - Eagle 135 | Swallow 160 - Greenland Falcon 135 | Martin 162 - Hawks 136 | Swift 162 - Owl 137 | Cuckoo 163 - Thrushes 138 | Pigeons 163 - Redwing 139 | Grouse 163 - Fieldfare 140 | Golden Plover 164 - Blackbird 140 | "Dotterel" 164 - Ring Ouzel 141 | Green Plover 164 - Hedgesparrow 142 | Turnstone 165 - Robin 142 | "Sea-lark" 165 - Redstart 142 | Sea-pie 165 - "Stonechat" (Wheatear) 142 | Redshank 166 - Blackcap 144 | Greenshank 166 - Willow Wren 144 | Heron 166 - Chiffchaff 144 | Curlew 167 - "Grasshopper Warbler" 144 | Whimbrel 167 - Golden-crested Wren 144 | Woodcock 169 - Wren 145 | Snipe 169 - "Tits" 146 | Corn Crake 170 - Wagtails 146 | Geese 170 - Titlark and Rock Pipits 147 | Ducks 172 - Larks 148 | Merganser 173 - Snow Bunting 150 | "Grebe" 173 - Yellowhammer 151 | Great Northern Diver 173 - Chaffinch 151 | Guillemot 173 - Sparrow 152 | "Little Auk" 174 - Greenfinch 152 | Puffin 174 - Goldfinch 152 | Razorbill 175 - Linnet 153 | Cormorant 177 - Starling 155 | Gannet 178 - Chough 157 | Terns 180 - Raven 157 | Gulls 180 - Hooded Crow 158 | Stormy Petrel 182 - Rook 158 | Manx Shearwater 183 - Jackdaw 160 | Birds not identified 184 - Magpie 160 | - - -Number of Lighthouses at which the following Birds are reported to have -struck the Lantern-glass at Night. - - Lighthouses.| Lighthouses. - "Small Grey Hawk" 1 | Chaffinch 2 - Thrush 10 | Greenfinch 2 - Redwing 1 | Linnet 2 - Fieldfare 3 | Starling 11 - Blackbird 9 | Swallow 4 - Robin 4 | Green Plover 1 - "Stonechat" (Wheatear) 4 | Sea-pie 1 - Willow Wren} | Curlew and Whimbrel 3 - Chiffchaff } 3 | Woodcock 6 - Golden-crested Wren 7 | Snipe 3 - Wren 7 | Wild Duck 1 - "Tits" 1 | Stormy Petrel 5 - Titlark 4 | Manx Shearwater 3 - Lark 9 | - -The foregoing table does not show the relative _numbers_ of birds -striking; it only exhibits the _number of stations_ at which each -species is reported to have struck. For example, the Blackbird is -reported to have struck the glass at nine stations, but hundreds did -so, and were killed or disabled; the Woodcock struck at six stations, -but only seven birds actually struck, all of which were killed outright. - -Sea-birds rarely strike, and land-birds seem to strike lighthouses on -islands more than on headlands. - -The light-keepers having been requested to forward a leg and wing of -every bird which they were not able to identify with certainty, the -following were received: - - Leg and wing of Ring Ouzel from the Skelligs shot Sept. 17th. - Skin of the Hedgesparrow from Tearaght " Oct. 3rd. - Wing of the Black Redstart from Skelligs " Nov. 13th. - Two Snow Buntings in summer plumage from Arranmore " 1st week in May. - Snow Bunting in winter plumage from Skelligs " Sept. 18th. - Wing of the Greenfinch from Skelligs " Nov. - Leg and wing of a hen Chaffinch from Tearaght " Oct. 26th. - *Leg of a Chough from Tearaght. - *Leg and wing of a Woodcock from Tearaght. - Leg and wing of Corn Crake from Rockabill. Struck lantern. Sent May 10th. - Skin of a Water Rail from St. John Point. Struck lantern. - Skin of a young Razorbill from Tearaght shot Jan. 13th, 1885. - *Wings of the Stormy Petrel from Tearaght. - A Wren in the flesh from Eagle Island. - Do. do. Skelligs " Sept. 4th. - Snow Bunting from Eagle Island " April 16th. - - * Obtained where the Peregrine feeds on rock. - -General Remarks of Light-Keepers. - -_Fastnet._--"Spring: The Gannet does not breed on the rock, and never -did; in fact no bird could build, as the rock is too small. There has -been a great scarcity of birds this spring. No birds of any description -seen in June or to 16th July."--James Walsh. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--"Spring: I understand from those fishing off this -head that sea-birds arrive on the fishing grounds from daylight to 10 -a.m., always from the eastward. Sky Larks, Titlarks, two Falcon Hawks, -thirty to forty Rock Pigeons, Grey Crows, Kittiwake Gulls, Green and -Black Cormorants, and Sea-pies, are resident here. The Puffin arrives -about 15th April, and leaves 15th Aug. Snipe are always to be found -near a lake three miles away, and Curlew, Wild Duck, Coot, and Waterhen -are there all the year. Autumn: Saw one Rook with white wings in a -flock. Birds very scarce. Not one Golden Plover seen. No bird struck -the lantern."--Martin Kennedy. - -_Mine Head._--No reply. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--"Spring: Great flocks of Puffins pass almost -daily in the summer months from the Saltee Islands, where they breed, -going off during the day and returning in the early morning [? R. M. -B.] about sunrise. Several species of Gull fly off during the day and -return in the evening to the rocks. No Gannets frequent the Saltees, -but Cormorants in great numbers."--Patrick Cullen. - -_Tuskar Rock._--"Spring: No birds seen in January but sea-fowl. A -remarkable absence of sea-birds this year. March 25th was the last -day I saw Divers; they generally return in Oct. The young or Black -Gannet have come since the 1st June in small numbers, accompanied by -some white ones. Autumn: I have received the eight volumes of Morris' -'British Birds,' and am sorry to say that all birds heretofore entered -as 'Titmice' were probably Willow or other warblers, and 'Titlarks' -were Rock Pipits. Most of the small land-birds rest on the rock for -about five minutes before flying to shore (seven miles distant). I -enter no sea-birds, as they mostly come and go with fish."--Richard -Hamilton and Patrick D'Arcy. - -_Howth Baily._--"Spring: No birds observed migrating. Gulls and Puffins -in vicinity nearly always."--William Dunne. - -_Rockabill._--"July 14th. Bats about light all night. Wind light, -S.W."--Joseph Hammond. - -[This is the first entry of Bats since the observation commenced on -Irish coast in 1881. Rockabill is five miles from shore on the Dublin -coast.--R. M. B.] - -_South Maidens._--"From 1st to 25th March no birds seen except -Seagulls. It is remarkable how few of the birds seen here strike the -lantern glass. From the 30th March to the 23rd April no birds seen here -but the Solan Goose and Seagulls, the former coming from the direction -of Ailsa Craig. During December there were scarcely any land-birds. The -birds commonly found dead after striking the lantern are Blackbirds, -Curlew Larks, and Thrushes."--Michael Barry. - -[There is no entry of either a Blackbird or Curlew having been killed -at South Maidens in 1884.--R. M. B.] - -_Rathlin Island._--"Spring: Birds were not at all numerous this -season."--John A. Murray. - -_Innishtrahull._--"Spring: The following birds breed on this -island:--Titlarks, Sandlarks, Stonechickers (Wheatears), Grey Crows, -and Pigeons. On the out rocks, Seapies and Gulls; and Cormorants on a -rock six miles away."--W. H. James. - -_Dunree Head._--"Spring: No birds struck the light for the past six -years. I have never been at a station so scarce of birds of every -description."--John Stapleton. - -_Tory Island._--"Spring: Sea-birds first visit this island about 15th -April for breeding, _i.e._, Guillemots, Gulls, Cormorant, Puffin, -Razorbill, and Green Cormorant. Birds of all kinds scarce this year. No -birds struck lantern."--T. H. Sweeny and R. C. Duffy. - -_Killybegs._--"A very poor station for birds."--Joseph Hill. - -_Eagle Island, East._--"The grass on this island is short and stunted, -and not sufficiently long to afford cover or shelter for birds. I have -not seen or heard any birds strike the lantern. No night migration was -observable on this island. There is not a bush or hedgerow within forty -miles."--Daniel Hawkins. - -_Blacksod._--"Very few birds to be seen here. No birds strike the -lantern glass."--Robert W. Redmond. - -_Clare Island._--"The birds came to breed in the cliffs a couple of -weeks earlier than usual. From April 20th to end of month, large -numbers of sea-birds continually arrived to breed. The sea-birds that -hatched this summer were very numerous. They will all be taking their -departure by the end of August. During October few birds inhabit the -island, except Grouse, Curlew, Wild Pigeon, Snipe, and a few Woodcocks -and Cormorants; and round the rocks a few Great Northern Divers. The -Eagles did great destruction, killing geese and hens. There are a great -number of Seals in the caves. A boat and crew killed six large ones in -one day in the caves, armed with nothing but heavy sticks. There are a -number of Otters about the cliffs. In stormy weather they come near the -lighthouse. One night in Dec. I heard one barking, and saw him go down -to the sea afterwards."--George H. Brownell. - -_Slyne Head, North._--"Very few land birds seen this winter. The -sea-fowl are about the island at all times. The number of birds -striking lantern is less than preceding year."--Robert Tyrrell. - -_Arran Island, North._--"During August a great number of Sandlarks, -Sea-pie, Curlew, and Titlarks, remained on island. Puffins, Gannets, -Gulls, and Cormorants flying past occasionally. Redshanks, Sea-pie, -Sandlarks, and Curlew during fine weather remain on island; when rough -they go to the big island of Arran."--Thomas Fortune. - -_Straw Island._--"Spring: The following species were never so -scarce:--Gulls, Gannets, Puffins, and Sea-pies. I have never seen so -few birds early in spring, but as the spring advanced the numbers of -Linnets, Fieldlarks, Stonechats, and Yellowhammers increased so much -that I have not seen such numbers for many years past. The different -species of Gull and Cormorant remain throughout the year; they breed -on the cliffs on the large island of Arran. No birds ever strike this -lantern, the light being red, and not showing in the direction of the -general flight of birds. Autumn: I have noticed fewer birds than usual. -The Cormorant, White-backed Gull, and Royal Gull are the only species -remaining during the winter. A number of small birds, such as Thrushes, -Blackbirds, Starling, Linnets, &c., frequently fly from the mainland, -especially in severe weather. All through the autumn to the present -(Dec. 30th) I have remarked flights of wild Duck and Barnacle going -N.E."--Charles Boyle. - -_Tearaght._--"I heard the Manx Shearwater for the first time this year -on the night of April 10th, but as usual the note ceased after the moon -rose. I have not seen any of the 'Mackerel Cock' since March 29th. [A -specimen of 'Mackerel Cock' sent Jan., 1885, was a young Razorbill -in winter plumage.--R. M. B.] Birds remaining on the island on July -31st:--Sea-parrots, Razorbills, Guillemots (only a few), Kittiwakes, -Royal Gulls, and the large White Gulls, Stormy Petrels, Sea-pies, -Choughs, and Hooded Crows. Birds remaining Jan. 15th, 1885:--Razorbills -(young), Kittiwakes (old), _Royal Gulls_, _Herring Gulls_ (young -and old), _Chough_, _Hooded Crow_, _Wrens_, Titlarks, _Rock Pipit_, -_Peregrine Falcon_, _Sparrow-Hawk_, Mountain Linnet (Twite), Gannets, -Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Rock Pigeon, and Cormorants. Those in italics -are always here. The Herring Gull was called previously 'large white -Gull.' I wish to draw special attention to the great number of 'Crows' -which passed over this island from the 5th to the 25th Nov. They were -flying at a height of seven or eight hundred feet. When passing this -island their flight would become irregular. Some rested for a little -while, and a few were to be seen some days afterwards having a tired -appearance." [I expressed a doubt about the identification of the -species to Mr. McCarron.--R. M. B.] He then wrote:--"I was standing -within ten paces of one several minutes, and it had not the excrescence -round the base of bill, and I think I am correct in saying it was not -the Rook." [Neither Mr. More nor myself have ever seen a freshly killed -Irish specimen of the Carrion Crow. In the 3rd 'Report on Migration,' -p. 86, large flights of Rooks coming from the sea in a S.W. direction -are mentioned as occurring at Blackrock Lighthouse, nine miles off -Mayo.--R. M. B.] - - -Eagle. - -_Clare Island._--April 4th, a young speckled Eagle perched at noon on -a pinnacle of cliff about two hundred yards from lighthouse, then went -to its eyrie in the highest cliffs. The two Eagles are here still in -their usual abode in the highest cliffs. Nov. 20th, large Eagle close -to station. - -_Tearaght._--Jan. 16th, 1885, one passed from E. in front of dwellings, -and round west of island, when it rose to a great height and moved -steadily N.E. towards mainland, accompanied for some distance by three -Choughs and a Peregrine Falcon, which appeared mere specks beside it. -Frost and snow on Kerry mountains. - - -Greenland Falcon. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--March 10th, one Greenland Falcon about all day; -wind S.W., strong, snow showers. The Falcon was shot, and was much -smaller than the other one, only in better condition. [The "other one" -probably refers to the specimen entered in the schedule for 1883; see -5th Report, p. 90.--R. M. B.] - -_Tearaght._--March 23rd, one Greenland Falcon shot 10 a.m.; wind S., -light, clear; length from tips of wings, 48½ inches; from beak to -tail, 22 inches; weight, 3 lbs. 6. oz. March 24th, one seen to-day -devouring a sea-parrot. April 2nd, one shot, smaller and whiter than -the bird killed on March 23rd. April 7th, two to-day, each time pursued -by Crows. April 21st, a very large one pounced upon a sea-parrot and -carried it off to an adjoining island. [The specimens killed on March -23rd and April 2nd were recorded in Report for 1883.--R. M. B.] - - -Hawks. - -_Fastnet._--Sept. 15th, one seen. Oct. 15th, one Black Hawk 10 a.m., -going E.; wind N.W., light, misty. Nov. 14th, one Hawk seen. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--May 7th, two Falcons and one "Goshawk" all day; -wind N.E., strong. The Falcons never leave here. The "Goshawk" always -goes inland. June 8th, two Falcon Hawks, resident; 24th, one "Goshawk" -shot. Nov. 4th, two Falcons going N.W.; stormy from S.W. - -_Dungarvan._--April 11th, one Falcon Hawk. May 9th, one. Coningbeg -Light-ship.--September 22nd, one Sparrow Hawk. Oct. 10th, one, with a -Stormy Petrel in its talons. Nov. 21st, one. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--Oct. 24th, one Hawk. Nov. 18th, one. - -_Tuskar Rock._--May 11th, one Hawk on rock, fog; 27th, one on rock. -Aug. 23rd, one 8 a.m. Oct. 5th, one 9 a.m. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--Sept. 8th, two Sparrow Hawks about ship -6.30 a.m.; wind N.W., light, haze; 14th, a large Hawk at 8 a.m. Oct. -2nd, one Hawk. Dec. 22nd, two Hawks about ship. - -_Rockabill._--July 1st, one Hawk caught alive. Sept. 1st, one Hawk -seen. Oct. 6th, do.; 23rd, one Hawk, with Golden Wrens, Thrushes, -Blackbirds, Stares, and Larks; "several killed but not the Hawk." Nov. -9th, 10th, and 11th, Hawk, with Blackbirds, Thrushes, Stares, and -Fieldfares; several of latter killed striking; 16th and 17th, one Hawk. - -_South Maidens._--Oct. 24th, two Hawks over rock. - -_Rathlin Island._--Oct. 24th, one Sparrow Hawk on island; wind N., -light. - -_Innishtrahull._--April 1st, one small bluish Hawk; wind strong S. May -7th, one small bluish Hawk and two brown Hawks; 9th, three Sparrow -Hawks (young); 25th, a Sparrow Hawk. July 18th, four Sparrow Hawks, -remained about a week. - -_Tory Island._--A pair of "Game Hawks" breed in the cliffs. - -_Arranmore._--March 22nd, two Peregrines and two Sparrow Hawks arrived -to breed; wind N., fresh. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--March 9th, two Hawks; I have seen them kill small -birds. - -_Eagle Island, East._--Oct. 13th, one Sparrow Hawk, at noon, hovering. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--July 16th, one Falcon at 3 p.m. going E.; wind -strong S.W.; seen carrying off a Puffin. Sept. 3rd, two Falcons at 7 -a.m. going S.W.; wind N.W., fresh; 9th, one seen alighting on rock to -eat a bird it caught; 29th, one Falcon. Oct. 14th, two Sparrow Hawks -going N.E.; 29th, two Falcons hovering high over rock. Dec. 3rd, two. - -_Clare Island._--June 1st, six Kestrel Hawks building in the cliffs. -The "large Kestrel Hawk" remained until end of Dec. - -_Arran Island, North._--Oct. 1st, one "Brown Hawk" all day. - -_Straw Island._--March 30th, one Sparrow Hawk going N. Nov. 23rd, two -going E. - -_Tearaght._--Feb. 5th, two "Sparrow Hawks" and two Peregrine Falcons -breed here; may be seen from time to time about the island. Aug. 13th -and 14th, two "Brown Hawks" on island. Sept. 5th, "small Gray Hawk" -rested on island; Sept. 11th to 16th, one "Brown Hawk." Oct. 8th, one -struck glass on S. side at 6 p.m.; strong gale from N.W., with showers. - -_Valencia._--April 7th, two large Hawks; 20th, four Sparrow Hawks; -26th, six large Hawks; 30th, five Sparrow Hawks. June 4th and 6th, two -and three. Sept. 5th, one. Oct. 5th, one. - - -Owl. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--Nov. 10th, one "Brown Owl" 10 a.m., going W.; -wind S.S.E.; shot. - -_Dungarvan._--Sept. 3rd, a "large Owl" started from gorse. - -_Tuskar Rock._--Nov. 12th, a "short-eared Owl" came from E. and -alighted on rock at 2 p.m.; wind strong S.E. - -_Broadhaven._--Nov. 19th, one "Brown Owl" going E. 9 a.m.; wind fresh -N.W. Dec. 19th, one "Screech Owl" rose out of a swamp; an unusual -visitor. - - -Thrushes. - -_Fastnet._--April 3rd, three "Mountain Thrushes" going N.E. at 5 a.m., -wind E.S.E., clear; rested on rock several hours. Oct. 14th, five at -midnight; wind light N.W., fog. Nov. 14th, seven "Mountain Thrushes" -all night around lantern; wind N.E., misty. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--Nov. 12th, a large number of Thrushes about -station all day; wind N., fresh. - -_Tuskar Rock._--March 1st, striking in small numbers 11.30 p.m.; wind -moderate S.E., misty, overcast; 2nd, five killed striking; fog; 4th, -thirty killed striking in night; wind high S.E., rainy, overcast, -and passing all day to W. Oct. 15th, one on rock after night; 16th, -Thrushes passing N.W. 9 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.; wind light W., misty; one -killed striking; 23rd, flocks passing at night to 3 a.m., one killed -striking; overcast; 24th, flocks passing at night to 3 a.m., five -killed striking; cloudy. Nov. 2nd, one all day on rock; wind N.W., -fresh. Dec. 21st, one killed striking at 1 a.m.; clear, wind N., strong. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--Sept. 30th, flock about ship, 6 a.m.; -clear, wind light S.W. Oct. 16th, one struck lantern, 9.30 p.m., -killed; overcast; 20th, four killed striking from 8 p.m. to midnight; -wind light S.W., gloomy, with rain; 24th, four killed striking up to -midnight; wind light N.E., gloomy; 25th, flock going N.W. Nov. 17th and -18th, Thrushes about lantern all night, cloudy, none killed; wind fresh -N.E. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--March 4th, some Thrushes killed striking; -wind N.E., overcast; 19th, some about lantern all night; wind light -S.W., clear. Oct. 21st, flocks going N.W.; wind light S.W.; some killed -striking; hazy. Dec. 27th, eight killed striking from midnight to 5 -a.m.; wind light S., hazy, with rain. - -_Howth Baily._--Sept. 8th, three against glass at night; wind light -S.W., overcast, gloomy; Sept. 9th to 13th, Thrushes about station fly -against glass all night; two killed. - -_Rockabill._--March 1st, Thrushes all night about the light; wind S.E., -misty; two dozen killed striking. Oct. 5th, Thrushes all night; misty, -wind N.E., light; 18th, 19th, and 20th, Thrushes all day; wind light -N.W.; 21st, Thrushes all day; 23rd, all day and night, some killed; -wind S.E., gloomy; 24th, Thrushes all night, some killed; wind S.E., -misty. Nov. 9th, 10th, and 11th, Thrushes all night, numbers killed -striking; wind S.E., misty; 14th and 15th, Thrushes around light, some -killed; wind E. to N.E., light, gloomy. Dec. 1st, Thrushes. - -_South Maidens._--February 25th, five "Scotch Thrushes" (Redwings?) -killed striking, and a few disabled at 4 p.m. [? a.m.--R. M. B.] Wind -N., light, gloomy. Oct. 20th, one killed striking 11 p.m.; 23rd, nine -Thrushes, killed striking, fell into the sea. - -_Rathlin Island._--Oct. 8th, one struck at midnight, caught; wind light -S.E.; 15th, 11 p.m., one caught; wind N.W., light, fog. - -_Arranmore._--Nov. 30th, four Thrushes killed striking 9 p.m.; wind W., -strong, fog. Dec. 28th, seven seen. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--March 12th, four going N.; wind S. - -_Killybegs._--Oct. 13th, one killed striking 1 a.m.; wind N.W., gloomy, -misty. - -_Eagle Island, East._--Dec. 15th, two seen. - -_Slyne Head, North._--Nov. (4th?), five killed striking lantern. - -_Tearaght._--March 5th, one; not observed afterwards. - -_Valencia._--April 9th, two; 12th, five. May 18th, eight. June 15th, -one. - -_Skelligs._--Oct. 24th, two Thrushes on rock. Nov. 4th, Thrushes -observed on rock this day. Dec. 22nd, a few on rock during month. - - -Redwing. - -_Tuskar Rock._--Oct. 12th, one killed striking 11.30 p.m.; wind N., -strong, squally; the first this season. Oct. 21st, 22nd, 23rd, and -24th, flocks passing N.W. at night to 3.30 a.m.; wind S. to S.W. (N. on -24th), light, overcast, and misty; four killed striking. Nov. 18th, one -struck; 19th, do., neither killed; 30th, three killed striking 3 to 5 -a.m.; misty. - -_Tearaght._--Nov. 19th, several Redwings, and one or two might be -observed from time to time afterwards. - -_Skelligs._--Nov. 4th, Redwing seen on rock. - - -Fieldfare. - -_Tuskar Rock._--Nov. 18th, one killed striking; wind N.E., cloudy. Dec. -25th, one killed striking; wind N.E., fresh, clear. - -_Howth Baily._--Sept. 9th to 13th, some "Fieldfares" about lantern at -night. - -_Rockabill._--Nov. 9th, 10th, and 11th, Fieldfares, with Blackbirds, -Stares, and Thrushes all night; some killed; wind S.E., misty. - -_Arranmore._--Nov. 12th, six arrived on island; wind S.W., strong. - -_Tearaght._--Nov. 14th, one struck lantern 3 a.m.; calm, gloomy. Two or -three observed on several occasions afterwards. - - -Blackbird. - -_Fastnet._--Sept. 19th, one all day; foggy; 20th, one seen. - -_Dungarvan._--Oct. 24th, two females struck; not killed; wind N., -light, cloudy. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--Oct. 22nd, twenty about light 9 to 12 p.m.: -wind light S., clear. Nov. 18th, one going N.E. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--Oct. 23rd, one killed against rigging 4 -a.m.; wind S.W., moderate, gloomy. - -_Tuskar Rock._--March 4th, fifty killed striking in night; wind high -S.E., rainy, overcast; flocks in day passing to W. Sept. 21st, one -struck lantern; not killed; wind light S.E., foggy; the first this -autumn. Oct. 7th, one female on rock; 10th, one; 15th, one; 21st, -flocks passing in night; some killed striking; misty; 22nd, flocks -at night; fifteen killed striking (eleven were females); misty, wind -light S.W.; 23rd, flocks passing at night; nineteen killed striking, -mostly females; overcast, wind the same; 24th, still passing at night; -ten killed; wind N.W. to N.E., light, cloudy. Redwings and Thrushes -passed with the Blackbirds the last four nights, and all are entered -as passing before 3.30 a.m. Nov. 11th, two killed striking; overcast; -17th, passing N.E. in threes and fours during day; 30th, five killed -(three males, two females); misty. Dec. 2nd, one male killed striking; -fog. Dec. 21st, two killed; sky clear. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--Oct. 8th, Blackbirds about lantern 1 to 4 -a.m.; hazy, wind light N.W.; 25th, large flock flying N.W.; wind light -N.W. Nov. 17th and 18th, Blackbirds about lantern all night; cloudy, -wind light N.E. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--March 4th, Blackbirds killed striking; wind -N.E., light, overcast. June 10th, some Blackbirds found dead. Oct. -21st, flocks passing N.W.; some killed striking; wind light S.W., hazy. -Dec. 27th, five killed striking midnight to 5 a.m.; wind light S., -hazy, with rain. - -_Howth Baily._--Sept. 8th, seven against lantern in night; one killed; -wind light S.W., overcast, gloomy; 9th to 13th, Blackbirds about -station fly against glass in night; one killed. - -_Rockabill._--Oct. 5th, Blackbirds all night; misty, wind light N.E.; -18th, 19th, and 20th, all day; wind light N.W.; 21st, all day and -night; wind S.E., gloomy; some killed; 24th, all night; some killed; -misty. Nov. 9th, 10th, and 11th, Blackbirds all night, with Thrushes, -Stares, and Fieldfares; numbers killed; misty, wind S.E.; 14th, several -killed; wind E., gloomy; 15th, do.; wind N.E., gloomy. Dec. 16th and -17th, Blackbirds and Stares all day. - -_Copeland Island._--March 20th, three killed striking; wind W., strong, -squally. - -_South Maidens._--Oct. 8th, one on rock all day. Nov. 29th, one -Blackbird at 4 a.m.; wind S.E., very strong. - -_Rathlin Island._--Dec. 27th, six remaining. - -_Arranmore._--Jan. 5th, 1885, eight Blackbirds; wind light S.E. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--June 4th, three on island. Seen in summer. -[Possibly Ring Ouzels.--R. M. B.] - -_Eagle Island, East._--Nov. 10th, one seen. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--Jan. 5th, 1885, one struck lantern at 9 p.m. and -was killed; wind fresh W., cloudy. - -_Slyne Head, North._--Dec. 11th, one seen on island at II a.m. - -_Straw Island._--Oct. 17th, thirty going N.E.; calm - -_Tearaght._--Feb. 22nd, one. March 4th, one. Nov. 10th, one, female, -and several times afterwards. - -_Valencia._--Sept. 7th, Nov. 16th, Dec. 15th and 25th, one to four. - -_Skelligs._--Oct. 24th, two Blackbirds on rock. Dec, a few on rock -during month. - - -Ring Ouzel. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--March 29th, one "Blackbird" resting on ship -was caught; it had a white stripe of feathers across its breast. - -_Tuskar Rock._--April 18th, one "white-breasted Blackbird" caught at -lantern 10 p.m.; wind light N.E. - -_Skelligs._--April 12th, "six birds, not known; much the colour of a -hen Blackbird, only with a white spot on the throat; at least half -the birds were so marked, the others being a lighter shade of brown -instead of white on the throat." [These last were probably females.--R. -M. B.] Sept. 17th, one flying about rock. [Leg and wing of this bird -received.--R. M. B.] - - -Hedge Sparrow. - -_Tearaght._--Oct. 3rd, two (Pipits?) "Several on island all the winter. -It goes alone, and pops about under rocks and stones, and has a single -little cheep." [The skin was forwarded, and belongs to the Hedge -Sparrow. Can it be resident on this bare and isolated rock?--R. M. B.] - - -Robin. - -_Tuskar Rock._--Aug. 27th, one killed at lantern; wind light N.W., -overcast. - -_Howth Baily._--Sept. 8th, four Robins at night against lantern; two -killed; wind light S.W., overcast, gloomy; 9th to 13th, some Robins -about lantern at night. - -_South Maidens._--Oct. 4th, two struck 10 p.m.; hazy, calm. - -_Rathlin Island._--Aug. 21st, one Robin killed striking. Sept. 10th, -one Redbreast all day; remains. Nov. 23rd, two; remain. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--July 6th, two Robins on island. These birds are -scarce here. - -_Valencia._--Oct. 16th, Nov. 17th, and Dec. 6th, one seen. - - -Redstart (Black). - -_Straw Island._--Oct. 22nd, two at noon going S.E. - -_Tearaght._--Nov. 10th, one Black Redstart 8 a.m.; wind E., light; -12th, two, but none afterwards. - -_Skelligs._--Nov. 13th, two birds about the size of a Robin and similar -movements; rusty red On back at tail, and tail of a reddish colour. -[Wing of Black Redstart received.--R. M. B.] - - -"Stonechat" (Wheatear). - -_Fastnet._--Sept. 15th, two disabled striking at midnight; rainy and -thick. Oct. 3rd, about twenty 11 a.m. going N.E.; wind N.W., light. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--April 27th, six Wheatears 9 a.m.; wind N., light; -remained to breed. Nov. 17th, Stonechats about station all day. - -_Dungarvan._--March 20th, one Wheatear; wind N., strong. April 3rd, -a number going N.W.; wind S.E., fresh. June 17th, a few on walls of -station. - -_Tuskar Rock._--March 1st, one at lantern; wind S., fresh, misty. April -25th, one at lantern; clear. May 26th, Stonechatter alighted on rock. -July 28th, Aug. 3rd and 17th, one to three Wheatears; 27th, one killed -striking; overcast. One or two on rock occasionally to Sept. 25th. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--April 24th, some Stonechatters at 6.30 a.m. -about ship; wind S.E., light. - -_South Maidens._--Aug. 21st, two Stonechatters killed against lantern. - -_Rathlin Island._--April 10th, six seen; wind S.E.; 13th, ten; wind N. -Aug. 23rd, three killed striking. Sept. 11th, two all day; 18th, one -killed striking 11 p.m.; wind light S.E. - -_Innishtrahull._--March 21st, "Stonechickers" (Wheatear) 10 a.m.; wind -high N.W.; first seen this season; 24th and 25th, five to eight about -lantern all night; wind S.W. to S.E., gloomy and cloudy. April 12th to -15th, "Stonechickers;" these are about all day, and around lantern at -night; wind S.E. to N., fresh. A number about during July. - -_Arranmore._--March 18th, fourteen arrived to breed; wind S., fresh. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--April 9th, six Stonechats going S.; wind S.E. They -breed on island. - -_Oyster Island, North._--March 25th, two alighted on wall; wind light S. - -_Eagle Island, East._--Sept. 17th, Stonechats at 8 a.m. going S., -rested: wind S.W., light; 27th, about twenty rested and left at dusk, -going S.W.; wind, strong W. to S.W. Oct. 7th, Stonechats going W., -rested; left at noon; misty, wind strong N.W. Nov. 3rd, about seventy -going S.W.; wind light S. (See this station under head of "Linnet.") - -_Clare Island._--March 31st, observed several Stonechats coming to -breed; wind S.E., light. - -_Arran Island, North._--Sept. 28th, two; wind N.W., light, foggy. - -_Tearaght._--March 25th, two arrived, and others came afterwards. Sept. -19th, two seen to-day. None after this. - -_Skelligs._--March 8th, Stonechatters first seen on rock. Sept. 1st, -twelve, and some seen up to 21st Sept.; none since. - - -"Blackcap." (Probably the Stonechat). - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--'May 12th, two Blackcaps. Nov. 17th, Blackcaps -about station. - -_Oyster Island, North._--May 14th, one Blackcap on island; wind N.W., -strong. - - -Willow Wren, Chiffchaff, & Warblers. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--May 25th, one "Sallypicker" (Willow Wren?) -disabled. - -_Tuskar Rock._--Aug. 23rd, one "Grasshopper Warbler" about rock; the -first this season. Sept. 15th, one "Grasshopper Warbler" all day; 16th, -Willow Warblers all night striking; eight killed; blue sky, wind fresh -S.E.; 17th, one Chiffchaff caught at lantern; "a female." - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--April 30th, three "Sallypickers" killed -striking; cloudy to clear, wind northerly. - - -Golden-Crested Wren. - -_Fastnet._--Sept. 15th, four seen; wind E.N.E., fresh, misty; 18th, -two; wind E.N.E. - -_Dungarvan._--Oct. 2nd, two struck at 10 p.m.; wind N.W., fresh, foggy, -and rain; not killed; 21st, three struck at 10 p.m.; wind S.W., light, -gloomy; not killed. - -_Tuskar Rock._--Sept. 17th, one caught, at lantern, 9.30 p.m. Oct. -7th, one killed striking; wind light N.E., overcast, gloomy; 21st, one -Gold-crest; 22nd, a "Fire-crest;" 24th, two Goldcrests struck at 2 -a.m.; one killed; overcast, wind N., fresh. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--Sept. 14th, two Golden Wrens about ship 5 -a.m.; wind fresh E.,-haze. - -_Howth Baily._--Sept. 9th, Golden Wrens about lantern at night; -overcast, wind S.W., light. - -_Rockabill._--Oct. 21st, Golden Wrens all day and night; several -killed; wind light S.E., gloomy. - -_South Maidens._--March 25th, two Golden-crested Wrens seen on rock 5 -a.m.; weather clear, calm; they remained two days, then went S.W. Oct. -4th, twenty struck at 10 p.m.; foggy and calm. - -_Rathlin Island._--Oct. 4th, twenty Golden-crested Wrens struck at -midnight; wind light S.E., overcast, gloomy, none killed; "caught -the lot;" 14th, one struck at midnight; caught; wind fresh W., rain, -squally. - -_Arranmore._--Nov. 20th, one at 8 p.m. killed striking; wind E., light, -gloomy. - - -Wren. - -_Fastnet._--Oct. 6th, one Wren all day; wind E., fresh, clear. Flying -into the kitchen at times. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--April 27th, two Wrens going N. Nov. 17th, Wrens -about station. - -_Dungarvan._--Oct. 19th, one struck, not killed; wind N.W., light, -overcast, ugly. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--April 25th, one flying N. Oct. 18th, one -alighted on ship and flew N. - -_Tuskar Rock._--April 18th, one "common Wren" all day on rock, wind -N.E., light; 22nd, one at lantern, 10.30 p.m., wind S.E., light. Oct. -4th, one "common Wren"; 8th, one; 13th, one; 15th, ten on rock after -night; 18th, some passing N.W., 7 a.m. to 12.30 p.m.; wind light W. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--May 5th, one small Wren about ship at noon; -wind variable. - -_Howth Baily._--Sept. 9th, a few "common Wrens" about lantern at night; -wind light S.W., overcast; one killed striking; 9th to 13th, some Wrens -about lantern at night. - -_Rockabill._--Sept. 13th, Wren at 9 p.m.; wind E., light. Oct. 24th, -Wrens, with Blackbirds and Thrushes, all night; several killed; wind -S.E., misty. - -_South Maidens._--May 15th, two Wrens found dead on balcony at -midnight; wind S., thick fog. Oct. 9th, one seen on rock; 21st, one. - -_Rathlin Island._--May 16th, one "grey Wren" struck the glass at -midnight; wind light S.W., fog and mist. Nov. 29th, one Wren on island; -wind N., fresh. - -_Arranmore._--June 18th, two; wind light W. - -_Eagle Island, East._--Oct. 1st, Wrens going S.W., rested and left at 4 -p.m., wind light S.W.; 7th, Wrens going W., with Linnets, Stonechats, -Sparrows, and Tomtits; wind light N.W. Nov. 3rd, Wrens going S.W., -wind S., light; 14th, I enclose a Wren found in lantern last night. -[Received.--R. M. B.] - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--Dec. 14th, six Wrens all day; wind strong S.W. -Flying about rock. - -_Arran Island, North._--Oct. 12th, one on island; wind N.E., light. -Dec. 4th, four; remained on island. - -_Skelligs._--Some Wrens on rock all winter. Aug. 27th, two; but do not -seem so plentiful this month. Sept. 4th, one shot. - - -"Tits." - -_Tuskar Rock._--Dec. 15th and 16th, "Tits and Chaffinches" in small -flocks, 8 to 11 a.m.; 22nd, do.; 23rd, 24th, and 25th Tits. - -_Copeland Island._--March 20th, four "Tits" killed striking; wind W., -strong, squally. - -_Eagle Island, East._--Oct. 7th, Tomtits, 10 a.m., going W., with -Wrens, Linnets, &c.; wind light N.W. - - -Wagtail. - -_Fastnet._--Oct. 2nd, one at 8 a.m.; wind S.S.W., clear. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--Sept. 13th and 15th, several Wagtails about -ship; wind E., light. Nov. 22nd, one going N.E. - -_Tuskar Rock._--May 10th, one going W.; wind S.W., fresh, fog. June -22nd, one on rock; calm. Sept. 12th, one all day about rock; fog. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--April 24th, some Wagtails about ship at -6.30 a.m.; wind light S.E. Sept. 5th, a flock of "Water Wagtails" going -N.W., wind light N.W.; 9th, flocks going W. at 6.30 a.m., wind light -S.W. - -_South Maidens._--Aug. 30th, one seen on rock, 2 a.m.; wind, S.W., -clear. - -_Rathlin Island._--Oct. 1st, a "White Wagtail remains here; a splendid -warbler"! - -_Innishtrahull._--April 26th, two at 10 a.m.; remained some days on -island. May 10th, three. - -_Arranmore._--July 1st, two going S.; wind N.E., light. - -_Eagle Island, East._--Sept. 15th, two Wagtails all day flying about, -wind E., light; 27th, two ditto. - -_Arran Island, North._--Aug. 22nd, one Wagtail going S.; wind light W. - -_Straw Island._--April 21st, one going E.; wind light N., fog. - -_Tearaght._--Sept. 6th, one Wagtail, "appeared to be the white -species," remained some days. Oct. 11th, "one Pied Wagtail" on island, -wind N.E., light; 19th, two. Nov. 14th and 18th, one; 22nd, two. Jan. -5th to 8th, 1885, one. - -_Valencia._--Oct. 24th, one. Nov. 24th, one. - -_Skelligs._--Sept. 17th, one flying about rock; 19th, one with a yellow -body, not the same species as seen on 17th. Oct. 4th, one; remained -about a week. - - -Titlark and Rock Pipits. - -_Fastnet._--Sept. 15th, seventeen, three disabled striking, rainy and -thick; 18th, four seen. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--Nov. 17th, Titlarks about station. - -_Tuskar Rock._--Sept. 20th, two "Rock Tits" alighted, 10 a.m. Oct. -18th, Rock Pipits. Nov. 20th, small flock of Titlarks going N.W. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--May 10th, four going N.W.; fog. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--March 7th, large flocks of Titlarks, 7.30 -a.m., haze and fog, wind fresh S.W.; 14th, six about ship, haze and -rain, wind S.E.; 16th, flocks at noon going N.W., wind light S.E.; -17th, a flock going N.W.; 19th, some about lantern all night, clear, -wind light S.W.; 21st, some Titlarks going N.W. and N.E., wind N.W.; -27th, some Titlarks going N.W., wind S.E. - -_Kish Light-ship._--April 13th, flocks, supposed to be Titlarks, going -S.W.; wind N.E., fresh. - -_South Maidens._--March 25th, two Titlarks on rock, 5 a.m.; remained -two days, went S.W. Oct. 4th, six struck, 10 p.m., foggy, calm. - -_Rathlin Island._--March 25th, two about lantern, 1 a.m.; wind strong -S.E. Breed on island. - -_Innishtrahull._--Titlarks about in July; they breed here. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--July 6th, twelve Titlarks on island. - -_Arran Island, North._--Oct. 1st, two Titlarks killed striking at 3 -a.m. - - -Larks. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--March 4th, six about light at 1 a.m.; two -killed striking; wind S.E., light haze. Aug. 31st, eight. Oct. 4th, -ten; 15th, 22nd, from 9 to 12 p.m. about light; 24th, 29th, Nov. 1st, -twelve to thirty each day, generally going N.; wind variable. On Oct. -25th, one killed striking; clear, wind N.E., light. Nov. 3rd, three; -15th, 16th, 17th, and 19th, several going N.E. (On 16th and 17th during -night, when several were caught.) Larks also noted on Dec. 26th and -31st. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--April 1st, one rested on ship. Nov. 15th, -one; 19th, a few going N. during the day. Dec. 8th, two. - -_Tuskar Rock._--Feb. 28th, one killed striking, wind strong S.E., -misty, overcast; 29th, constantly passing to W., wind fresh S.E. March -4th, thirty killed striking in night, 1.30 a.m. to 7 a.m., wind high, -S.S.E., rainy, overcast; flocks also passing in daytime, going W.; 7th, -flocks constantly passing to W., wind S. to N.W., rainy, overcast. -Sept. 29th, flocks going N.W.; wind moderate S.W. Oct. 2nd, large -flocks going E., 8 to 10 a.m.; 3rd, Larks going E.; 5th, Larks about -rock; 15th, flocks going N.W. from 1 to 11.30 a.m., thirty killed -striking, overcast, gloomy, wind W., moderate; 16th, 17th, 18th, flocks -constantly passing N.W., wind W. light, clear; 19th, passing at night, -mist and fog, several killed striking; 20th, large flocks passing W. -and N.W. day and night, with Chaffinches and Starlings; 29th, 30th, -31st, Nov. 2nd, 3rd, Larks passing N.W., wind generally S. or W. and -fresh to a gale; 9th and 13th to 16th, small flocks going W. with -Chaffinches and Greenfinches; 24th, passing in small numbers; 29th to -Dec. 11th, ditto, always W. or N.W. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--March 26th, a flock going S.W.; wind S.E., -clear. Oct. 6th, six going N.W.; 7th, 1 to 4 a.m., several about -lantern, cloudy, wind N.E., light. Flocks during day flying N.W.; 8th, -about lantern, hazy; 16th, flocks going N.W., wind S.W., light; 18th, -Larks passing N.W., 10 a.m. until noon; 21st, two killed striking, -gloomy; 22nd, Larks about lantern, gloomy; 23rd, flocks flying high to -N.W., wind S.W., fresh; 29th, Larks passing N.W. Nov. 3rd, two killed -against rigging; 29th, three killed striking at midnight; hazy with -rain, wind S.W., light. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--Feb. 28th, a large flock of Sky Larks going -N.W.; wind S.E., light, hazy. March 4th, large flocks of land birds -going S.W. from 6.30 a.m. to 7 a.m., wind light N.E., some Sky Larks -killed; 16th, flocks going N.W. at noon, wind very light, S.E.; 19th, -some about lantern all night. April 5th, some all day about ship; wind -fresh S.W. Oct. 6th, three about ship, 6 a.m., hazy; 21st, flocks -passing N.W., twelve killed striking, hazy, wind light S.W. Nov. 6th, -small flocks going N.W., wind light E.; 12th, four killed striking, -wind strong, S., cloudy; 27th, one flock going N.W., wind fresh N.W., -rain. - -_Howth Baily._--Sept. 9th, small flock all night about lantern, six -killed, wind S.W., light to calm, overcast; 9th to 13th, numbers in -vicinity, which strike lantern at night. - -_Rockabill._--Oct. 23rd, Larks all day and night, with Blackbirds, -Thrushes, "Stares," and Golden Wrens; wind S.E., gloomy. - -_Copeland Island._--March 20th, six killed striking; wind strong W., -squally. - -_South Maidens._--Feb. 22nd, eight Larks found dead on balcony at -midnight; wind W., moderate. March 30th, one Lark, 3 a.m., weather -thick and foggy. Oct. 4th, four Sky Larks struck, 10 p.m., foggy and -calm; 20th, 11 p.m., two killed striking; 23rd, 7 a.m., twelve going -W.; wind N.E. fresh; 24th, three found dead on balcony after striking. -Nov. 23rd, six, 11 a.m., going S.; wind N.W. - -_Rathlin Island._--Oct. 15th, one killed striking, 11 p.m., fog; wind -N.W., light. - -_Arranmore._--July 2nd, four Sky Larks remain. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--July 6th, Lark on island; wind N.W. - -_Killybegs._--Oct. 23rd, three Sky Larks caught at lantern, 8 p.m.; -wind light N.E., gloomy, misty. - -_Oyster Island, North._--Feb. 16th, ten flying E., wind S.E., strong; -18th, six in fields, flew E. "Until end of month Sky Larks arriving -nocturnally." Two to four will nest. - -_Blacksod._--October, flocks have been seen, and in December. - -_Clare Island._--March 31st, Larks over island. Sept. 14th, flocks of -Larks. - -_Straw Island._--March 22nd, thirty "Field Larks" going N.; 24th, ten; -remained all spring on island. April 3rd, a great number going E.; wind -light N.W. - -_Skelligs._--Nov. 4th, Larks seen on rock. - - -Snow Bunting. - -_Dungarvan._--Dec. 8th, two remained all day; wind N.W., light. - -_Rathlin Island._--Oct. 16th, ten at noon; wind W., light. Remain. Dec. -1st, five on island. - -_Arranmore._--"In the spring of 1883 [first week in May, see Report for -1883, p. 101.--R. M. B.] two 'Lapland Buntings' were shot at station, -and in 1884, in the very same week, two others came and were shot also. -The four birds are at the station stuffed; they are like the Snow -Bunting, but quite black on the back, with a greenish tinge and white -breast. The two birds arrived after the Snow Buntings had left." [Two -of the specimens alluded to were kindly forwarded by Mr. Williams, and -turned out to be Snow Buntings in almost full summer attire. The first -week in May is very early for the summer plumage to be so far advanced, -and the occurrence of the Snow Bunting in Ireland in May is very -unusual; see 'Zoologist,' April, 1885.--R. M. B.] - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--March, ten Snow Buntings going S.; wind S.E. I have -often seen these birds. - -_Killybegs._--Nov. 13th, about twenty came from N., alighted, then flew -E.; wind light, S.E. - -_Eagle Island, East._--Nov. 30th, five or six Snow Buntings. Remained -on island up to the present date, Jan. 1st, 1885. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--March 27th, seventeen Snow Buntings alighted, wind -light, S.E.; 30th, thirty ditto, wind S.W., strong. Nov. 20th, about -forty; wind light, W. "Seen every day from this date until middle of -March." - -_Arran Island, North._--Sept. 5th, five on island, 10 a.m.; wind light, -N. Nov. 4th, forty; wind S.W., very strong. Dec. 1st, forty. Remained -on island. - -_Tearaght._--May 6th, one Snow Bunting; shot on 7th. Oct. 5th, six; -left about the 20th. - -_Skelligs._--Sept. 18th, three, and 19th, twelve birds, name unknown; -but I send a specimen. [Skin of Snow Bunting received.--R. M. B.] - - -Yellowhammer. - -_Tuskar Rock._--Nov. 20th, small flocks going N.W.; wind fresh N.W., -cloudy. Alighted on rock before going on shore. - -_Rathlin Island._--Sept. 20th, five going S. Dec. 19th, thirty remain -here. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--Dec. 27th, seven going N.W.; wind S.E., light. - -_Valencia._--March 21st, one. - - -Chaffinch. - -_Fastnet._--May 16th, several at 2 p.m.; foggy, wind W.S.W. At midnight -four killed striking; overcast, gloomy. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--Nov. 17th, Chaffinches about station. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--Sept. 19th and 20th, several Chaffinches; wind -light, E., foggy. Oct. 16th, one caught on deck; 24th, one alighted on -ship. - -_Tuskar Rock._--March 25th, three at lantern all night, wind S.E., -light; 28th, Chaffinches all night at lantern, overcast, wind S.E. -Oct. 7th, male and female on rock; 8th, four flying about light; 18th, -19th, flocks passing N.W.; 20th, large flocks, and at night; 29th, -30th, Nov. 2nd, still passing N.W.; 13th to 16th, small flocks; 24th, -Dec. 1st, 2nd to 9th, 15th, 17th, 22nd, and 26th, Chaffinches in small -numbers entered on all these dates as passing W. or N.W., apparently -independent of force or direction of wind, which was, however, -generally W. or S. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--Oct. 13th, flock flying high to N.W.; 18th, -Chaffinches going N.W., 10 a.m. to noon. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--March 25th, some Chaffinches, 7.30 a.m., -about the deck; gloomy, wind light, S.W. Oct. 3rd, three "Finches." -Nov. 10th, two Chaffinches about ship; wind fresh, S. - -_Kish Light-ship._--April 9th, one on ship all day. May 7th, three -alighted, 7 a.m.; left in night. - -_Arranmore._--June 12th, two Chaffinches remained. - -_Killybegs._--Nov. 14th, one Chaffinch on wall; wind light, E., gloomy. - -_Tearaght._--Oct. 21st, one, and three or four on several occasions -after; 26th, about a dozen females. Two or three dozen on island up to -the present (Jan. 15th, 1885). - - -Sparrow. - -_Rathlin Island._--Nov. 27th, forty at all times. Remain here. - -_Arranmore._--June 30th, eight House Sparrows. Remaining. - -_Oyster Island, North._--March 24th, two alighted on wall; wind S.E., -light. - -_Tearaght._--May 29th, one Sparrow. Was not seen after. - -_Eagle Island, East._--Sept. 17th, some Sparrows going S.; wind S.W. -Rested. Oct. 1st, 10 a.m., some Sparrows going S.W.; wind S.W., light. -Rest and left at 4 p.m. Oct. 7th, several Sparrows going W. Left at -noon. (See this station under head of "Linnet.") - - -Greenfinch or Green Linnet. - -_Fastnet._--Oct. 28th, one hundred and fifty all day hovering and -alighting. Four struck; mist and fog; wind strong, N.E. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--Oct. 16th, one killed striking; wind W., -overcast. Nov. 1st and 2nd, flocks going N.; wind S.W. and N. Five fell -into the sea; seven alighted on ship. Dec. 1st and 2nd, two. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--Nov. 19th, one alighted on ship and flew N. -Dec. 1st, two seen going N. - -_Tuskar Rock._--Large flocks passing, Oct. 18th and 19th, from 7 a.m. -to noon, going N.W.; wind light, W. Oct. 30th to Nov. 2nd, Greenfinches -passing in mornings to W. Nov. 13th to 16th, small flocks in mornings, -with Larks and Chaffinches, passing W. Dec. 4th and 5th, passing W., -with Larks and Chaffinches, in mornings; stormy from N.W. on 4th, when -they remained on rock until weather moderated, then went W. - -_Rockabill._--July 31st, one Green Linnet. - -_Dunree Head._--May 6th, flocks of Green Linnets. - -_Tearaght._--Nov. 14th, one Greenfinch; 21st, about one hundred, which -have not left up to the present (Jan. 15th, 1885). - -_Skelligs._--December; a few on rock during month. - - -Goldfinch. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--May 12th, six Goldfinches about all day. - -_Howth Baily._--Nov. 16th, "flocks of Goldfinches" in fields. - -_Arranmore._--June 10th, two Goldfinches; wind N., light. Remained. - -_Tearaght._--Nov. 11th, a few. Did not see them myself, but was assured -they were on island. - -_Valencia._--April 1st and 13th, May 29th, June 4th and 10th, two to -four. Nov. 23rd and Dec. 14th, four. - - -Linnets. - -_Fastnet._--Sept. 16th, twenty-three going N.W., wind E., overcast, -misty; 20th, five at 3 p.m., foggy. Oct. 14th, eleven all day, gloomy. -Nov. 14th, ten around lantern at night; misty. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--May 5th, fifty at 5 a.m., often seen after -sunrise, when it is calm; 12th, about one hundred going N. inland at 4 -a.m. These birds never remain the evening here. - -_Dungarvan._--Sept. 16th, large flocks going N.W.; wind S.E., strong. -Oct. 1st, large flock going N.W.; wind N.W. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--Sept. 20th, several. Oct. 4th, twelve going -E.; 23rd, thirty going N.E. Nov. 25th, one about ship. Dec. 17th, two -ditto. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--Feb. 26th, odd Linnets. March 8th, one; -17th, sixty going N., and several small flocks during the day, wind -S.W., light, rain. April 18th, three. May 5th, Linnets in twos and -threes, 9 a.m. till noon, going N. Sept. 29th, odd Linnets going N.W.; -wind W., light. Oct. 4th, three; 15th, four. Nov. 18th, a large flock -going N.W.; wind N.E. Dec. 13th, two; 22nd and 23rd, small flocks going -north during day; weather clear, wind S.E. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--Sept. 15th, five going S.W., fog. 27th, one -seen. Nov. 15th, two going N.W. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--Nov. 20th, several flocks going N.W.; wind -N.E., strong. Dec. 1st, one flock going N.W.; wind light, N. - -_Howth Baily._--Sept. 8th, five about lantern at night, two killed, -wind light, S.W., overcast, gloomy; 9th to 13th, numbers in vicinity of -station, which fly against glass at night. - -_Rockabill._--Dec. 2nd, large flocks going W.; wind S.W. - -_South Maidens._--Oct. 21st, two Grey Linnets seen; one on rock. - -_Rathlin Island._--May 12th, flocks all day going W., wind fresh N.; -20th, five at 1 a.m. on the island. Sept. 1st, thirty going S.; wind -light, S.E. Nov. 27th, a flock at all times remain here. - -_Dunree Head._--May 6th, flocks of Grey Linnets. Aug. 12th to 26th, -Sept. 6th, 10th, 15th, and 20th, flocks all day flying about. - -_Arranmore._--July 4th, flocks of Grey Linnets all day; remain. Sept. -18th, flocks going N.; wind N.N.W., fresh. They come daily. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--March 11th, fifty to one hundred Linnets going N.; -wind N. Came off from shore. - -_Killybegs._--Sept. 12th, about twenty Grey Linnets alighted, then flew -E.; wind E., light. Oct. 2nd, thirty came from N.W., alighted, then -flew S.E.; wind S.W., strong. - -_Oyster Island, North._--Feb. 19th, two flocks flying E.; wind strong, -S. May 20th, ten flying S.E.; wind light, N. - -_Broadhaven._--Oct. 15th, a flock of Grey Linnets going N.W., but -generally remain about station. - -_Eagle Island, East._--Sept. 12th, about twenty Grey Linnets going W., -wind S.W., light, rested some time on island; 17th, about one hundred -going S. at 8 a.m., wind S.W., light, rested a little while; 18th, -two all day, remained until Oct. 1st. Oct. 1st, about two hundred -going S.W., wind light, S.W., rested a while; 7th, "about one thousand -Linnets, Stonechats, Sparrows, Wrens, and Tomtits" at 10 a.m., going -W., wind W.N.W., light, misty, left at noon; 13th, two all day. Nov. -3rd, seventy "Stonechats, Linnets, and Wrens" going S.W.; wind light, S. - -_Clare Island._--March 31st, Linnets on island. Sept. 14th, flocks of -Linnets. - -_Slyne Head, North._--Nov. 14th, flocks of Linnets. - -_Straw Island._--March 8th, thirty going S.W.; wind light, N. Oct. -23rd, twenty going N.; wind light, W. - -_Tearaght._--Grey Linnets left about 24th March. Oct. 10th, hundreds of -Mountain Linnets on island and up to present (Jan. 15th, 1885). - -_Skelligs._--Nov. 4th, a great many Linnets and Finches observed on -rock. - - -Starling. - -_Fastnet._--Nov. 10th, midnight, about forty; wind S.S.W., fresh; three -killed striking; misty; 14th, twenty all night about lantern; misty, -wind N.E., fresh. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--Oct. 27th, fifty to sixty going N.; wind N.W., -fresh. Few seen this year. - -_Dungarvan._--Sept. 10th, 22nd, and Oct. 8th, flocks going N.W.; wind -S.W. and N.W. Nov. 12th, two struck; killed; wind N.W., light, gloomy, -misty. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--Oct. 20th, twelve at 10 p.m.; two disabled -striking; wind S.W., rain. Nov. 15th, six; one on board. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--Starlings passing during nights of 20th, -21st, and 23rd Oct. - -_Tuskar Rock._--Feb. 22nd, one struck; not killed; wind S.E., strong, -overcast, misty. March 1st, one "Stare" struck; misty, overcast; 4th, -constantly striking in night; wind S.S.E., stormy. July 26th, one -young "Stare" killed striking 11 p.m.; fog. Oct. 12th, a flock; 13th, -flocks passing N.W. 10 to 11.30 a.m.; wind fresh N.W.; 17th and 18th, -constantly passing in daytime to N.W.; wind light W.; large flocks also -at night on the 19th and 20th; fifty killed striking on 19th; twelve on -20th; mist both nights; 30th, large flock (thousands) of "Stares" at 8 -a.m. going W.; wind S.W., strong. Nov. 1st, one killed striking, fog. -Dec. 23rd and 24th, Starlings going W.N.W. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--June 28th, one around lantern at midnight; -haze. Oct. 19th, flock of "Stares" going N.W.; wind light N.W.; one -alighted on deck; 21st, four killed striking between midnight and four -a.m.; gloomy, wind light S.W.; 24th, four killed striking; gloomy, wind -N.E., light. Flocks noted on 25th, Nov. 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th, and 16th; -direction of flight N.W.; wind light to fresh and variable, but usually -S.W. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--June 10th, some Stares found dead. Oct. -21st, great flocks going N.W.; wind light S.W.; ten killed striking; -hazy. Nov. 30th, three about ship 6 a.m.; one killed on deck; wind -fresh S.W. Dec. 27th, eight killed striking; wind light S.; hazy, rain. - -_Howth Baily._--Sept. 17th to 20th, thirty in neighbourhood of station; -four killed striking lantern. - -_Rockabill._--Sept. 13th, one Starling. Oct. 6th, large flocks of -"Stares" going W.; wind N., light; 18th, 19th, and 20th, "Stares," with -Blackbirds and Thrushes, all day; wind light N.W.; 23rd, "Stares," -with Blackbirds, Thrushes, Golden Wrens, and Larks, all day and night; -several killed striking; gloomy, wind S.E. Nov. 9th, 10th, and 11th, -"Stares," with Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Fieldfares, all night; large -number killed striking; wind S.E., misty. Dec. 1st, "Stares" and -Thrushes all day; 5th, 16th, and 17th, "Stares" observed; one Stare -with a white tail. - -_South Maidens._--Oct. 5th, about one hundred "Stares" going W.; wind -S.E., light. - -_Rathlin Island._--May 29th, four Starlings going S.E. Dec. 7th. flocks -all day; remain here; 29th, seventy remaining. - -_Innishtrahull._--March 17th, one Starling; wind S., light. April 18th, -three. - -_Dunree Head._--Nov. 24th, flocks of Starling. - -_Tory Island._--Feb. 27th, fourteen in fields. - -_Arranmore._--June 14th, six going S. Sept. 15th, six going N. Jan. -12th, 1885, eight. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--March 14th, six to twenty going N.; wind N.; came -off from shore. - -_Killybegs._--Nov. 2nd, about fifty going S.E.; wind S.W., fresh; 12th, -one killed striking at 3 a.m.; wind fresh S.W., overcast, misty. - -_Broadhaven._--Nov. 1st, several flocks going N.; wind fresh S.E. -Starlings generally leave here the last week in Nov. - -_Eagle Island, East._--Oct. 31st, about one thousand going W. 8 a.m.; -rested; wind light S.W., Nov. 3rd, about one thousand rested on island -going S.W.; wind light S.; 5th to 13th, continuous flights of Starlings -going W. and S.W.; the wind W. to N.W. The Starling has visited us in -large numbers this month. This is strange, as they have not shown much -since 1880-81. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--Nov. 4th, about forty starlings (wind strong S.E.) -alighted; 7th, about thirty; wind N., strong; 29th, twenty-five; wind -light N.W. Dec. 19th, seven alighted; stormy, wind W.; 30th, eleven -alighted; one struck at 3 a.m. and was killed; clear, wind S., light. - -_Blacksod._--Oct. 2nd, a large flock going inland; wind N.W., light. -Nov. 3rd, a large flock alighted on the dome of the lighthouse; -appeared very tired; rested five minutes. During Nov. and Dec. flocks -of Starlings. - -_Clare Island._--Nov. 13th, hundreds of Starlings going N., wind -light S.E.; 14th, continuous flocks going N., wind E., light; 20th, -continuous flocks of about two hundred flying about station; remained -until end of month. Not so numerous in December. - -_Slyne Head, North._--Nov. 9th, flocks of six to twenty Stares. - -_Arran Island, North._--Oct. 17th, large flocks going N.E.; wind light -W. Nov. 3rd and 4th, large flocks passing N.W. all day; wind fresh S.W. - -_Straw Island._--Oct. 30th, six going N.; wind light N.W. Nov. 17th. -twenty going E.; foggy. Dec. 3rd, a large flock of "Stares" going N.E.; -wind strong W. - -_Tearaght._--Nov. 1st, about forty; smaller numbers on several -occasions after; 14th, a few flying about light all night, fourteen -were captured on sash bars of lantern, one against kitchen window -dwellings; wind N.W., rain. - -_Valencia._--Oct. 23rd, one hundred. Nov. 10th to 15th, ten to fifty, -and a few on Dec. 10th, 12th, and 16th; direction of flight generally -S. or S.W. - -_Skelligs._--Oct. 11th, twenty on rock, wind N.E., stormy; 24th, -several. - - -Chough. - -_Dungarvan._--March 20th, two feeding. Barely seen. - -_Tory Island._--A pair; never leave, and breed in the cliffs. - -_Arranmore._--March 28th, eight Choughs remained to breed. - -_Tearaght._--Nov. 18th, from twenty to thirty flying about. Still here -Jan. 15th, 1885. Usual number two to four. - -_Skelligs._--April 1st, several Choughs about rock. Oct. 24th, a few -Choughs about rock during this month. - - -Raven. - -_Rathlin Island._--Sept. 22nd, six Ravens going S.; wind N.W., fresh. -Oct. 21st, four do.; wind light S.W. - -_Arranmore._--May 20th, two Ravens arrived. Sept. 8th, two. - -_Tearaght._--Aug. 11th, one on island, calm; 25th, three; wind light W. -Sept. 1st, one. Nov. 14th, one. - -_Valencia._--Oct. 6th, two seen. - -_Skelligs._--June, five Ravens visit the rock nearly every day and go -towards shore in evening. Oct. 24th, during this month four arrive in -morning and leave towards evening. - - -Hooded Crow. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--Oct. 5th, ten going N.W.; wind E., light. - -_Dungarvan._--Sept. 8th, five all day. - -_Tuskar Rock._--April 7th, one grey Crow going N.W. - -_Innishtrahull._--June 12th, twelve grey Crows. Some breed here. - -_Arranmore._--Sept. 11th, four. They remain all the year. - -_Broadhaven._--April 7th, twenty-four "grey-back Crows" going S.E.; -wind S., strong, foggy. - -_Clare Island._--Sept. 20th, six "grey-backed Crows;" wind W., light. - -_Arran Island, North._--Aug. 22nd, four. Oct. 1st, five. - -_Straw Island._--Feb. 27th, two seen, came from mainland. Nov. 19th, -four going E. - -_Valencia._--Two at intervals in Sept., Nov., and Dec. - -_Skelligs._--April 1st, ten grey Crows about rock. - -_Dursey Island._--April 12th, May 11th and 24th, two to four. - - -Rook. - -_Fastnet._--Sept. 16th, two "Crows" going E. at noon, wind S.W.; 20th, -two at five p.m., foggy. Nov. 14th, thirty "Crows," wind E., gloomy, 10 -a.m. to 3 p.m. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--Nov. 15th, one "Crow." - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--Nov. 13th, upwards of sixty "Crows" coming -from S.E., going N.; wind N.E., light. - -_Tuskar Rock._--Nov. 16th, one "Crow" on rock at 8 a.m., appeared very -tired, wind light E., went W.; 17th, two seen at 8 a.m. going N.W., -wind S.E., light; 20th, one; 24th, a flock going N.W. at 8 a.m., wind -strong N.W. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--March 21st, two "Crows" going N.W.; 27th, -two ditto. April 30th, two ditto. Nov. 2nd, two flocks of "Crows" going -N.W.; wind fresh W. - -_Howth Baily._--Sept. 30th, forty-eight "Crows" going N.W.; wind S.W., -fresh. - -_Rockabill._--July 31st, some "Crows" going W. remained a short time. - -_Copeland Island._--March 20th, large flocks of "Crows" passing at a -great height to N.; wind W., strong, squally. - -_South Maidens._--Jan. 19th, one "Crow" at 8 a.m. going S.W.; seldom -seen here. Oct. 23rd, two flocks of forty going N.E.; wind S.W., -strong. Nov. 3rd, one; 4th, a large flock going N.W. "During Oct. there -was a rush of 'Crows' to this rock from the direction of Scotland." - -_Rathlin Island._--May 10th, flock of "Crows" on island. Oct. 10th, two -hundred Rooks all day; wind fresh N.W. Nov. 19th, a flock on island. - -_Innishtrahull._--March 16th, twelve "Crows" (Rooks), wind S.E., fresh; -19th, one. April 10th, two going S. June 12th, eight all day. - -_Arranmore._--July 26th, large quantities of rooks and their young come -from mainland and remain during month. Sept. 28th, fourteen going N.W., -high; wind S.W., strong. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--March 21st, twelve to twenty flew from shore and -returned at night. - -_Killybegs._--Sept. 2nd, twelve rooks came from N.E., flew E.; wind N.W. - -_Broadhaven._--Dec. 1st, several flocks of Crows pass here daily. - -_Eagle Island, East._--Nov. 14th, thirty "black Crows" 10 a.m. to 4 -p.m., flew inland. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--June 20th, seven alighted 8 a.m.; wind light S. - -_Clare Island._--Sept. 12th, about two dozen "Crows" going S.W.; wind -N.E., light. - -_Slyne Head, North._--Sept. 15th, flocks of "Crows," about fifty, -apparently young birds. - -_Valencia._--March 31st and April 13th, "Black Crows," a few. - -_Tearaght._--Nov. 5th, "Carrion Crows," sixty passed from N.W. to S.E. -at 11 a.m., wind W., strong, gloomy; 10th, three hundred in continuous -flocks of from fifty down to two or three, some following far behind, -and all going from W. to E., clear and bright; 14th, continuous flocks -all day going E. (about three hundred), wind S.E., light; 15th, about -three hundred do., wind light E.; 16th, one hundred going E., wind -N.E., light; 17th, one; 20th, about fifty going E., wind N., fresh; -25th, ten do., wind E. [Refer to 'General Remarks of Light-Keepers,' p. -135.--R. M. B.] - -_Skelligs._--Nov. 2nd, a large flock of Rooks. This flight of Rooks -occurred nearly every day up to the 24th inst.; sometimes they alighted -on the rock. - - -Jackdaw. - -_Fastnet._--Two, 6 a.m., wind S.E., all day on rock. - -_Tory Island._--A few pairs of Jackdaws breed. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--April 12th, five Jackdaws alighted on rock 9 a.m.; -wind light E. Sept. 20th, fifteen Jackdaws going N.E.; wind S., fresh. -Oct. 2nd, eleven going N., wind S.E., fresh; 19th, eight going E., wind -light W. Nov. 13th, ten going N.E.; wind light W. Dec. 31st, seventeen -going S.; wind fresh S.E. - -_Tearaght._--Nov. 14th, one young Jackdaw, wind light S.; 16th, another -young one (caught). - -_Valencia._--Sept. 5th to 15th, a few; Nov. 17th, two. - -_Skelligs._--Nov. 2nd, two Jackdaws on rock. - -_Dursey Island._--March 22nd, twelve going E. - - -Magpie. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--June 15th, one going N.; very seldom seen here. - -_Arranmore._--June 26th, two Magpies going W.; wind light W. Sept. -29th, four going S.E.; wind W., light. - -_Tearaght._--Nov. 18th, one at 10 a.m.; wind E. - -_Valencia._--Oct. 7th, one. - - -Swallow. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--June 21st, hundreds at 4 a.m.; wind E., light. - -_Dungarvan._--March 18th, "one House Swallow" 11 a.m., wind W., fresh, -coming from S.E.; remained an hour about station. April 12th, 13th, -and 14th, a number of "House Swallows" all day, arriving in twos and -threes, going N.W., wind light N.E., fine; 26th, twos and threes all -day going N.W. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--April 13th, one going N.E., wind N.E.; 29th, -two going N. May 7th, four; 10th and 11th, several about, many on ship -during night; 13th, one; 27th, one killed striking. Odd birds on Aug. -23rd, Sept. 5th and 12th, Oct. 2nd and 4th. Several on Sept. 13th, -17th, 18th, all flying about ship. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--April 29th, odd Swallows all day flying N., -the first seen, about fifty in all; 30th, do. May 9th to 20th, Swallows -passing north daily. Aug. 25th, seven going S., the first seen this -month. A few on Sept. 7th, 12th, 17th, and Oct. 3rd, most going S.E. - -_Tuskar Rock._--April 29th, passing in pairs to N.W.; wind N.E., light. -Passing W. on May 5th, 7th, 9th, and 11th all day, wind generally S. -or S.W.; also on 22nd, 24th, 25th (all day), 26th, 28th, to N.W., wind -variable. From May 31st to June 21st, one or two noted at intervals. -July 27th and 28th, some Swallows about; rain and fog. Sept. 4th and -5th, flocks going N.W., wind N.W.; 16th to 19th, flocks passing (on -18th constantly) to N.E., E., and N.W., wind S.E. to N.E.; one or -two on Sept. 21st and Oct. 1st; on 2nd to 4th Oct., large flocks at -intervals going E., wind S.W. and N.E., light; 13th, one; 19th, one -killed striking, fog. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--April 25th, one at 4.30 a.m. going N.W.; -29th and 30th, two or three going N.W. May 1st, a flock going S.W., -and occasional Swallows going W. or N.W. until May 9th; on the 10th -continuous flocks from 8 a.m. until noon, going N.W., wind light S.W., -haze, and fog; 11th, flocks around ship, fog; 17th and 18th, two to -twelve. July 7th, four; 29th, four going N.W. Sept. 21st, three going -S.E.; 28th, twelve going S.W. Oct. 1st, a flock going S.W.; wind -W.S.W., light. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--April 25th, three going N., wind light -S.W.; 27th, a flock going N., wind N.E., light; 28th 29th, and 30th, -flocks passing N. and N.E.; wind fresh, variable. May 1st, 2nd, 6th, -7th, and 10th, flocks seen passing N. or N.W., wind generally S.W. to -S., but E. on 6th; on May 11th a "quantity of Swallows" are entered as -passing N. at noon, wind S.S.W., light, hazy. Sept. 4th, two flocks -going N.W., wind N.W., clear; 9th, continuous flocks going W. 6.30 -a.m., wind S.W., clear; 20th, a flock going S.W.; 28th, three about -ship. Nov. 4th, two at noon going S.W.; gale from S.W. - -_Kish Light-ship._--May 5th, continuous flocks going N.W. 3 to 7 p.m., -wind light N.W.; 11th, three seen; 13th, two. - -_Rockabill._--April 20th, about two dozen going W. at noon; wind N.E., -very light. The first arrival. May 12th, Swallows passing S.S.E. all -day; 27th, Swallows going W., wind light N.E. July 1st, two breed -here; 11th, one killed striking in night. Sept. 13th, Swallows all day -collecting for departure; wind strong E. - -_Copeland Island._--April 16th, two Swallows seen; wind E., light. - -_Innishtrahull._--April 28th, one "Swallow (Martin)," wind light S.E.; -first for season. Arrived in greater numbers afterwards. May 6th, -several "Swallows (Swifts)" all day; remained until about Aug. 1st. -June 25th, a number of Swallows. July 21st, one "Swallow (Martin)" -struck glass 1 a.m.; not killed; wind N., fresh, gloomy. I never saw -one at glass before. - -_Dunree Head._--May 4th, flocks of Swallows arrived. - -_Arranmore._--July 6th, one; wind strong N. Oct. 4th, six going S.W.; -wind strong S.W. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--July, Swallows, twelve to twenty. - -_Oyster Island, North._--April 17th, two flying about. May 12th, six -ditto. Swallows have been flying about almost daily to date of sending -schedule, July 15th. - -_Clare Island._--May 20th, observed a number of Swallows; wind N. - -_Tearaght._--May 10th, one; 12th, six; 13th, one; 28th, six. Seemed -tired, and were not much on the wing while on the island. - -_Skelligs._--Sept. 17th, one Swallow flying about. Oct. 5th, one. -Remained about a week. - - -Martin. - -_Dungarvan._--May 3rd, a few going N. - - -Swift. - -_Dungarvan._--May 5th, three Swifts (wind strong N.W.) going N.W., -flying high; 7th, two; 11th, five going N.W.; 14th, small scattered -flocks going N.W. - - -Cuckoo. - -_Dungarvan._--May 15th, heard for first time. - -_Rockabill._--May 8th, one at 8 a.m.; rested one hour. - -_Copeland Island._--April 16th, two Cuckoos heard on island; wind E., -fresh. - -_Rathlin Island._--May 1st, Cuckoo 8 a.m.; wind S.W., fresh. - -_Innishtrahull._--May 11th, two at 8 a.m.; wind fresh S.E. None seen -before since I joined this station. Cuckoos are very scarce visitors; -this pair were on the island three or four days. - -_Dunree Head._--May 1st, Cuckoo first heard here. - -_Arranmore._--May 1st, two Cuckoos arrived on island; wind light W. - - -Pigeons. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--Dec. 14th, forty Rock Pigeons going W.; five -shot; wind S.S.W., strong. - -_Howth Baily._--Sept. 30th, thirty-six Pigeons going S.; wind S.W., -fresh. - -_Rockabill._--July 26th, Pigeons going W.; remained one hour. Oct. -21st, Pigeons. - -_Dunree Head._--Aug. 27th to 31st, flocks of Pigeons going N. - -_Arranmore._--June 20th, flocks of Rock Pigeons all day, remaining. -Oct. 8th, fifteen Wild Pigeons remain on island. - -_Clare Island._--May 10th, a number of Pigeons building in the cliffs -and caves round Island. These birds are of a bluish colour, and green -round the neck. Aug. 31st, wild Pigeons in the caves. Sept. 30th, about -a dozen Pigeons going N. - -_Straw Island._--Dec. 22nd, four going N.E.; wind strong W. - -_Tearaght._--Jan. 15th, fifteen Rock Pigeons still on island. April -7th, one. May 6th, one; 11th, two; 19th, one; none after this date. -Oct. 26th, one. Nov. 12th, three; 24th, fifty, which are on island up -to present (Jan. 15th, 1885). - -_Dursey Island._--Wild Pigeon, two to eight at intervals from May 8th -to July 10th. - - -Grouse. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--July 11th, one at 7 a.m.; wind light S., clear. -Caught the day after it was seen, nearly dead. - -_Clare Island._--June 15th, a number of Grouse on the highest hill on -the island; saw a number of young Grouse also. Aug. 20th, large flocks -seen in mountainous part of island. [Probably resident, R. M. B.] - - -Golden Plover. - -_Fastnet._--Sept. 15th, two "Grey Plover" killed at midnight, wind -E.N.E., fresh, rainy, and thick; 18th, 19th, and 20th, one to three -seen all day, foggy. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--June 5th, one going S. Seldom seen at this time -of year. - -_Copeland Island._--Golden and Grey Plover from October to April are -seen in flocks occasionally. - -_Rathlin Island._--March 23rd, flocks at noon on island. Sept. 9th, -eight all day, remain; 28th, two. Oct. 6th, two. Nov. 3rd, thirty on -island. Dec. 14th, twenty-three ditto. - -_Tory Island._--fan. 20th, six "Grey" Plover. Feb. 5th, five going S.W. - -_Arranmore._--Oct. 10th, eighteen "Grey" Plover arrived on island Nov. -8th, twenty; they remain all the winter. - - -"Dotterel." - -_Rathlin Island._--Nov. 9th, two "Dotterel" at noon going N.; wind W., -fresh. - - -Green Plover. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--Dec. 10th, large flocks all day going N.; wind -S.W., strong; twenty shot. - -_Dungarvan._--Oct. 3rd, large flock of Lapwing going N.W.; wind N.W., -light. Dec. 6th, large flock. - -_Rockabill._--May 27th, Lapwing going N. Nov. 16th, Lapwing. Dec. 29th, -Lapwing going S. 9 a.m.; wind light S. - -_South Maidens._--April 23rd, several Lapwings over lighthouse 10 p.m.; -did not strike. Sept. 12th, one killed against glass in night. - -_Rathlin Island._--May 31st, two going S.W. Aug. 21st., two. Sept. -13th, four. Oct. 21st, "Peewit." - -_Innishtrahull._--Feb. 14th, four, going N.E., wind S.E.; 20th, four -seen. - -_Tory Island._--Jan. 20th, two Lapwings.; 21st, seven going S.E. Feb. -27th, four in fields. - -_Arranmore._--Nov. 26th, one Lapwing; wind S.E., strong. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--March 17th, twelve Green Plover on island; calm, -clear. - - -Turnstone. - -_Dungarvan._--March 23rd, two. April 13th, fourteen flying up bay. - - -"Sand Larks." - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--May 30th, one Sand Lark going N.E. Aug. 22nd, -five Sand Larks. Nov. 1st, one "Common Sandpiper" going N.E.; 21st, one -"Sea Lark." - -_Rockabill._--July 6th, "Sand Larks" at noon. - -_South Maidens._--Sept. 12th, about twelve "Sand Larks" going S.W. 10 -p.m.; wind N.W., foggy. Oct. 20th, twenty-six in vicinity; 21st, six on -rock up to 29th. "During Oct. there was a rush of Sand Larks to this -rock coming from the direction of Scotland." - -_Rathlin Island._--Oct. 15th, one caught 11 p.m.; fog, wind light N.W. - -_Innishtrahull._--May 8th, several "Sand Larks" seen frequently; build -near lighthouse. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--March 6th, forty "Sand Larks" on island. Always -seen on rocks; six shot. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--June 29th, fifty at 11 a.m.; wind S.W., light. - -_Straw Island._--March 11th, forty "Sand Larks" going E.; 15th, a large -flock (one remained on island). Dec. 11th, thirty going N.W.; wind -strong N. - - -Seapie. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--Oct. 7th, seven going N. - -_Dungarvan._--June 6th, about fifty going N.W.; scarce here during -summer months; 12th, large flocks; 18th, small flocks flying into bay. - -_Copeland Island._--Jan. 12th, Oystercatchers in two large flocks (150 -to 200); remained some months. - -_South Maidens._--Aug. 23rd and 24th, large flocks of Seapies in -vicinity. - -_Rathlin Island._--Aug. 30th, seven Seapies at noon, going N. Oct. -30th, two Oystercatchers. - -_Innishtrahull._--May 20th, twelve Seapies; a pair breed on some -outlying rocks. - -_Tory Island._--Feb. 19th, one Oystercatcher on rocks. - -_Arranmore._--May 26th, six Seapies arrived to breed on rocks. - -_Oyster Island, North._--March 24th, about forty on strand; wind light, -S.E. - -_Arran Island, North._--Aug. 20th, one killed striking, 1 a.m.; wind -W., light, foggy. Sept. 5th, one. Oct. 1st, forty. - -_Straw Island._--Feb. 6th and 7th, ten to twenty; generally remain -during day and leave in evening for the large island of Arran. Nov. -22nd, forty; remained on island. - -_Tearaght._--Feb. 3rd, one, first seen; 27th, two. A couple breed here -every summer. Aug. 19th, five; usual number two. Last seen on Sept. -17th (two). - -_Valencia._--Sept. 5th, 6th, and Oct. 23rd, one to five. - -_Skelligs._--Aug. 23rd, two feeding on the rock. - - -Redshank. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--Aug. 31st, four Redshanks. - -_Tuskar Rock._--May 18th, twelve Redshanks on rock. - -_Rathlin Island._--Nov. 10th, one Redshank on the island. - -_Tory Island._--Jan. 29th, one Redshank going W. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--March, twenty Redshanks on island; seen on rocks in -flocks. - -_Broadhaven._--July 31st, a flock of Redshanks going E. - -_Arran Island, North._--Sept. 5th, twelve Redshanks. Dec. 1st, twelve. - - -"Greenshank." - -_Dungarvan._--Nov. 4th, fourteen Greenshanks going N.E., rain and mist; -wind fresh, S.W. - - -Heron. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--Oct. 23rd, two going N.; wind S.E. One shot. - -_Dungarvan._--July 6th, five; 11th, three; 14th, six. All in morning, -and apparently young birds, going W and S.W. Aug. 27th, five. - -_Tuskar Rock._--Sept. 19th, one alighted on rock. - -_Howth Baily._--Oct. 10th, one "Crane" going N.E., wind N., light; -12th, two going S.W., wind N., light. - -_Rockabill._--Nov. 16th, one Crane. Dec. 5th, one. - -_Rathlin Island._--Aug. 20th, one Heron going E. Nov. 7th, one going E. - -_Innishtrahull._--April 1st, one "Crane" (Heron); wind fresh, S.W. -Seldom seen here. - -_Tory Island._--Jan. 21st, one common Heron at marsh. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--Sept. 27th, two "Cranes" going S.E.; wind S.W., -strong. - -_Clare Island._--April 6th, a "Crane" on a lake in island. - -_Tearaght._--Sept. 2nd, one going E., wind fresh; 11th, three going -N.W., wind E. - -_Valencia._--Sept. 16th, one seen. - -_Skelligs_.--Sept. 5th and 6th, one and two flying E. - - -Whimbrel and Curlew. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--April 25th, 11 p.m., Whimbrel all around light; -wind E., strong, rain and fog. I never saw such a rush of these birds -before. Dec. 20th, sixty to hundred all day; wind N.W., strong. Two -shot. - -_Dungarvan._---April 23rd, two large flocks of Whimbrel going N.W., -flying wild and excited, wind S., fresh; 24th, small flocks all day -going N.W.; also on 26th and 27th. On 28th great numbers of Curlew are -entered, going S.E. and S.; wind N.E., light. May 5th, great numbers of -Whimbrel all day going W. and N.W.; wind N.W. Never so numerous in this -locality. May 14th, small flocks all day going N.W. June 25th, twenty -Curlews going N.W., scarce all the spring; 30th, vast numbers of Curlew -arriving in great numbers and going N.W. all day; wind N.W., fresh. -July 10th, large flocks going N.W.; 28th, large flock. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--April 19th, flocks of Whimbrel going N.E., -high over ship at 11 p.m.; wind light, N.E. May 1st, six going N.W.; -wind S.W., fresh. Aug. 24th and Sept. 11th, two going N.E. - -_Tuskar Rock._--April 6th, two Curlews going E. May 10th, seven going -N., wind fresh S.S.W.; 17th, one on rock all day, apparently tired; -28th, one young Curlew (Whimbrel?) killed striking. Sept. 5th, two -going N.W.; wind N.W. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--July 27th, one Curlew going N.W. - -_Howth Baily._--Nov. 10th, twenty-three in fields; 16th, flocks. - -_Rockabill._--March 14th, Curlews about the light at night; one killed -striking; wind S.E., misty. May 26th, Curlews going W., wind N.E., -light; 28th, ditto. July 9th, "May-birds" going W. Sept. 1st, Curlews -seen; remaining. - -_South Maidens._--April 23rd, several Curlews over lighthouse, 10 p.m.; -did not strike. Aug. 21st, nine going S.; 23rd and 24th, eight and -twenty going S.W. and E. - -_Rathlin Island._--April 4th, Curlews heard at night; 9th, two. May -23rd, "May-birds" on the island. Nov. 13th, fifteen going S.W.; wind -N.W., light. - -_Innishtrahull._--Feb. 28th, flock of Curlews; remained till end of -August. May 8th, flocks of about twenty young Curlews all day. "They -are commonly called May-birds." - -_Tory Island._--Jan. 29th, one "Jack Curlew" going S.W. Feb. 27th, five -Curlews in field. March 2nd, seven going S. - -_Arranmore._--Oct. 13th, fourteen Curlews going N.W.; wind N.W., strong. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--March, ten to twenty Curlews frequent this island. - -_Killybegs._--Sept. 14th, several flocks of Curlews alighted, twelve to -twenty in each; wind light, E. Dec. 27th, four flying about. - -_Oyster Island, North._--April 1st, four Curlews came from N.W. and -alighted on island. - -_Broadhaven._--May 1st, several flocks of "May-birds" going N.W.; seen -up to May 31st. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--April 15th, Whimbrel at midnight, apparently flying -N.; wind N., light. July 14th, eleven Curlews, 9 a.m., wind S.E., -strong, going W. Aug. 5th, eighteen, at 9 a.m., going N.W., flying -high; wind light, S.E. Sept. 22nd, nine alighted; wind strong, N.W. -Oct. 6th, seventeen going S., wind light, S.E.; 23rd, eleven alighted. - -_Clare Island._--Sept. 6th, large flocks of Curlews over the fields. - -_Arran Island, North._--Aug. 22nd, one Curlew killed striking; wind -light, W., foggy. Oct. 1st, twenty. - -_Straw Island._--April 23rd, fifteen Curlews going N. Nov. 23rd, thirty -going N.E.; wind S. Dec. 15th, twenty going S. - -_Tearaght._--March 4th, one Curlew; remained about a fortnight. Sept. -5th, one going E.; one or two afterwards on several other dates. One -female shot Nov. 17th. Sept. 18th, one Whimbrel flying about island. - -_Valencia._--Sept. 5th, twenty Curlews; always here. - -_Skelligs._--Aug. 9th to 23rd, a few Curlews heard and seen. - -_Dursey Island._--Curlews, four to twelve, April 20th to May 12th, at -intervals, going W. or N.W. - - -Woodcock. - -_Fastnet._--Nov. 14th, five about lantern. Two killed striking; wind -N.E., fresh, misty. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--Dec. 2nd, two Woodcocks; one shot. - -_Coningbeg Light-skip._--May 26th, one killed striking. - -_Tuskar Rock._--March 4th, one went W.; wind strong, N.E. - -_Howth Baily._--Oct. 9th, one killed striking, 5 a.m.; wind N.W., -light, rain. - -_Rockabill._--Nov. 14th, 8 p.m., one killed striking; wind E., light, -gloomy. - -_South Maidens._--Feb. 15th, one killed against glass, 3 a.m.; wind -strong, N., snow, weather thick. March 25th, one on rock at 5 a.m.; -remained two days, went S.W.; weather clear, calm. - -_Rathlin Island._--Dec. 29th, three going S.; wind E., fresh. - -_Tory Island._--Jan. 30th, one Woodcock. - -_Arranmore._--Dec. 10th, one Woodcock going S.E.; wind W., light. - -_Clare Island._--July, several Woodcocks; the summer being dry, they -are more numerous than other years. Aug. 25th, Woodcocks seen. - -_Slyne Head, North._--Oct. 13th, one killed striking, 3 a.m. - -_Arran Island, North._--Nov. 3rd, one on island; wind S., strong. - -_Skelligs._--Nov. 10th, one found killed by a Hawk; 12th, one seen. - - -Snipe. - -_Fastnet._--Sept. 15th, one "Jack Snipe" killed striking at midnight, -rainy and thick; wind E.N.E., fresh. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--Dec. 2nd, ten Snipes; five shot. - -_Tuskar Rock._--March 4th, one Snipe found dead; wind strong, N.E. - -_Rockabill._--Nov. 14th, 8 p.m., one killed striking; wind E., light, -gloomy. A Woodcock also killed. - -_Rathlin Island._--Dec. 8th, one Jack Snipe; "at all times." 10th, -Snipes numerous. - -_Innishtrahull._--March 17th, one Jack Snipe. Snipe scarce this season. - -_Tory Island._--Jan. 20th, four resting on island. Feb. 27th, two in -fields. - -_Arranmore._--Dec. 9th, eight Snipe; wind S.E., strong. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--March, two to six frequent marsh. - -_Broadhaven._--Oct. 21st, two "flocks" going S.W.; they generally stay -about station. - -_Arran Island, North._--Nov. 29th, one going S.; wind S., light. - -_Tearaght._--Feb. 23rd, one. March 4th, one; 17th, one. Not observed -after this date. - - -Corn Crake. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--Dec. 20th, one at 1 p.m.; wind N.W., strong. I -shot this bird in a wood. It is strange to see it at this time of year. - -_Dungarvan._--April 22nd, one heard; first time. May 10th, one heard. - -_Tuskar Rock._--March 28th, one caught on rock at noon; wind moderate, -E. May 25th, one alighted on rock a few minutes, going N.W.; wind E.; -drizzle, misty. - -_Rockabill._--May 8th, one [leg and wing forwarded.--R. M. B.] 27th, -caught two in night; wind light, S., misty. - -_Rathlin Island._--May 1st, Corn Crake, 8 a.m.; wind S.W., fresh. - -_Arranmore._ June 8th, two Corn Crakes arrived; wind E., light. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--July 30th, one on island; seldom seen. - - -Geese. - -_Tuskar Rock._--Oct. 16th, one "Brent Goose" shot. The first ever seen -by me here. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--Dec. 27th, a flock going S.; wind light, S. - -_Howth Baily._--Aug. 30th, sixty-seven Barnacles going W. at 2 p.m.; -wind S.W., light. Sept. 5th, thirteen going W.; wind N.W., fresh. - -_Rockabill._--Oct. 21st, Barnacles going N., 11 a.m.; wind S. Dec. -29th, Wild Geese going S., 9 a.m.; wind light, S. - -_Copeland Island._--Feb. 3rd, eight Wild Geese. - -_Rathlin Island._--Aug. 23rd, nine Wild Geese going N.W.; Nov. 16th, a -flock going S.; wind S.E., light. - -_Innishtrahull._--April 1st to 10th, several flocks of Barnacles and -Wild Geese going N.; 18th, flocks of Barnacles going N.E. May 4th, one -Barnacle. - -_Dunree Head._--Jan. 12th, flock of Wild Geese going N.; wind N.W., -strong. Feb. 10th and 16th, flock of Barnacles, about sixty, going N.; -wind N., strong both days. Barnacles frequent a place called Inch, nine -miles distant. Oct. 16th, flocks of Wild Geese; 20th to 27th and Nov. -4th, ditto; 16th to 24th and 26th, flocks of Barnacles. - -_Tory Island._--Feb. 5th, three Barnacles going S. March 17th, Wild -Geese going W., wind S.W., fresh; 26th, six Barnacles going E.; wind -S.E., light. - -_Arranmore._--March 26th, three flocks left on this date. Oct. 20th, -one flock of Barnacles arrived on island, wind S.E., strong; 23rd, -another flock, wind N.E., strong; they remain all the winter. Dec. -21st, twenty-four going N.E.; wind E., light. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--Nov. 7th, nine; 9th, eleven; 11th, forty, in each -case going S.E., wind N. Eleven rested on island; shot four of them. - -_Oyster Island, North._--March 17th, forty going N.W., alighted; wind -strong, S. April 1st, fourteen flying S.E.; wind S., light. - -_Broadhaven._--Oct. 1st, six dozen Wild Geese going W.; wind W., strong. - -_Eagle Island, East._--Nov. 20th, about eighty Barnacles going N.E.; -wind strong, N.W. I only saw one flock this autumn. At Killybegs I very -frequently saw flocks of Wild Geese passing overhead in autumn. Perhaps -this island is out of their track, being more to west. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--April 5th, twenty Wild Geese going N.W.; wind -light, E. - -_Blacksod._--Nov. 3rd, twenty-four Wild Geese, and seen during month at -intervals. Dec. 27th, some seen. - -_Clare Island._--Nov. 13th, about two dozen Wild Geese going N.W.; wind -light, E. - -_Slyne Head, North._--Nov. 4th, Barnacles, about twenty. - -_Arran Island, North._--Oct. '24th, one Wild Goose going N.W. Nov. -10th, one shot. - -_Straw Island._--Dec. 18th, six Wild Geese going N.; wind strong, N.W. - -_Tearaght._--Oct. 11th, two going N.W.; wind strong, N.E. - -_Valencia._--Oct. 15th, twelve going S.E. - - -Ducks. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--Dec. 2nd, thirty Ducks; three shot. - -_Dungarvan._--May 13th, one Wild Duck going E.; rare so late in season. -June 26th, two. July 24th, two. Oct. 14th and 15th, large flocks of -"golden-headed Widgeon" in Bay; wind light, N. Nov. 3rd, large flocks -of "common Wild Ducks" flying out to sea, calm. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--May 5th, eleven Wild Ducks going W. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--Feb. 3rd, two flocks flying N. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--Nov. 16th, a flock going S.W.; wind light, -S.E. - -_Kish Light-ship._--May 23rd, seven going N.W., high; wind N.E. June -20th, two grey Wild Ducks in water. - -_Rockabill._--Dec. 4th, twenty Wild Ducks going W. at noon, wind S.W., -light; 19th, Wild Ducks about light, wind S.W., stormy, with rain; one -killed striking, 2 a.m. - -_Copeland Island._--Jan. 20th, large flocks of Teals and Ducks; they -appear to resort Mew and Copeland Islands from November to March, when -they leave and are not seen again. - -_Rathlin Island._--May 25th, five going N.W., wind S.E., light; 28th, -two going S.E., wind S.E. Aug. 26th, six going N.W. Sept. 7th, two -flocks of Ducks going S.; wind N.W., light. Dec. 7th, Wild Ducks at all -times, remain all the year; 12th, five "Shelldrakes" going S., wind W., -light. - -_Dunree Head._--Jan. 20th, flocks going N.; wind W. They frequent a -place called Inch, nine miles distant. Dec. 24th, 27th, 29th, 30th, -large flocks about. - -_Tory Island._--March 2nd, two Wild Ducks. - -_Arranmore._--Sept. 4th, one Wild Duck on a lake in island. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--July 9th, three going E.; seldom seen. - -_Clare Island._--April 6th, three Wild Ducks on a lake in island. - -_Straw Island._--Feb. 26th, four going S.W., foggy. Nov. 3rd, -twenty-two going S.; wind W., strong. Dec. 1st, six "Shelldrakes" going -N.E.; wind W., strong. - - -Merganser. - -_Dungarvan._--May 6th, two at 5 a.m. going E. Dec. 9th, five feeding in -bay. - -_Oyster Island, North._--Feb. 6th, four from N.E. alighted in river; -wind S.E., strong. March 18th, one in river. - - -"Grebe." - -_Innishtrahull._--May 3rd, one Grebe, 2 p.m.; wind high, W. - - -Great Northern Diver. - -_Fastnet._--May 9th, one Northern Diver going N.; wind W.S.W. - -_Dungarvan._--Sept. 25th, one Great Northern Diver feeding, wind S.W., -strong; 26th, three. Nov. 13th, three. - -_Howth Baily._--Oct. 12th, one swimming on bay; wind N., light. - -_Clare Island._--During October a few pairs about the rocks. - -_Straw Island._--Nov. 28th, two going S., calm. - - -Guillemot. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--April 20th, commence to build about this date. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--Aug. 29th, Sept. 2nd and 3rd, large flocks -of "Murs," apparently after fish. Nov. 12th, a few; 21st, small flock. -Dec. 28th and 29th, large flocks of "Puffins or Murs" going S.E. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--April 22nd, a great quantity of "Murs" -going N.; wind S., fresh. - -_Rathlin Island._--May 26th, continuous flocks going N.W. all day; wind -S.E., light. Aug. 22nd, Guillemots leaving island. - -_Dunree Head._--April, Guillemots arrived. On water all day during -month. - -_Arranmore._--May 22nd, two Guillemots. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--June 7th, Guillemots about rock all day. In about a -week they began to come up. - -_Tearaght._--Jan. 28th, Guillemots arrived. Feb. 24th, came on rock. -Began to leave about 20th July; all gone by Aug. 5th. Jan. 12th, 1885, -one diving. "I think it should be noted in the Annual Report that it is -some time during the night that these birds come on the rock this time -of the year, and as the morning twilight fades they disappear one after -another." - -_Skelligs._--Feb. 5th, Guillemots first appeared on rock. April 12th, -continuous flocks. July 20th, noticed young fledged Guillemots leaving -rock. Aug. 5th, all left with one or two exceptions. Dec. 22nd, one -Guillemot fishing. - - -"Little Auk or Rotche." - -_Tearaght._--Dec. 21st, two. Jan. 9th, one diving among the young -Razorbills. - - -Puffin. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--April 20th, commence to build about this date. -May 20th, hundreds of Puffins; 28th, ditto. - -_Dungarvan._--July 5th, 12th, 25th, and 31st, numbers all day in bay -feeding. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--April 5th, flocks going S.W.; clear. May 6th -and 7th, passed at distance in great flocks, going W. and S.W., wind N. -to N.W., light; 12th, several thousands, going W. and S.W.; 18th, 19th, -22nd, and 23rd, "various kinds" in great flocks, ditto: 26th and 27th, -some; 29th, 31st, and June 8th, several "Parrot-billed Puffins" about. -June 10th, great flocks of Puffins about. Dec. 28th to Jan. 8th, 1885, -great flocks of "Puffins" about ship. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--Flocks of "Puffins" noted on Feb. 6th, 8th, -18th, and 19th, going E. and S.W. "Parrots" noted, April 20th and 24th, -May 6th and 8th, going W. - -_Tuskar Rock._--"Puffins and Sea-parrots" almost always on the rock; -scarce this summer. - -_Howth Baily._--Aug. 19th, numbers in bay after fry. - -_South Maidens._--Aug. 23rd and 24th, large flocks in vicinity. - -_Rathlin Island._--Aug. 22nd, Puffins, Guillemots, and Razorbills -leaving island. - -_Innishtrahull._--April 1st, several "Puffins and Sea-parrots" all day -round island. May 6th, several Puffins. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--July, twenty to one hundred on rocks. - -_Eagle Island, East._--Oct. 20th, about two hundred "Puffins," going -S.W.; wind light W. This was the only flock seen in autumn. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--Feb. 4th, flocks of "Puffins," going E., wind N., -fresh, misty; 27th, "Puffins" about rock. March 9th, flocks, going -S.E.; wind high, W. April 17th, flocks of Sea-parrots alighted on rock -in great numbers. [In this and in other cases the name "Puffin" would -seem to have been applied either to the Guillemot or Razorbill, and -Sea-Parrot to the true Puffin.--R. M. B.] - -_Straw Island._--April 19th, twenty Puffins; remained about lighthouse. - -_Tearaght._--March 23rd, Sea-parrots arrived at 4 p.m., wind light, -clear; 24th, great numbers came on island; 26th, Sea-parrots entirely -disappeared until the 29th, when they returned; or perhaps they were -new arrivals. They are as plentiful this year as last, and arrived one -week earlier. [See general remarks under Clare Island.--R. M. B.] I -found a nest with one egg on 11th May, and on 11th June it was hatched, -the time occupied being one month. It is in the night-time all the -young birds leave their holes and go to the sea, and once there they -are no more to be seen. I never saw any of them on the wing or on the -water. They never leave the holes until they take their departure, and -then they go tumbling and rolling to the sea. There is no trace of this -first stage of migration to be observed next morning, except sometimes -in their outward course an odd one tumbles into our yards, where they -are found. I was roused up one night at 2 a.m. by one trying to get up -stairs; it was nearly at the top when I saw it. Puffins left in a great -body on Aug. 1st; number on island diminishing until Aug. 15th, when -the last was seen. - -_Valencia._--April 10th, one taken alive. - -_Skelligs._--March 20th, Puffins first seen on rock. Aug. 5th, Puffins -getting scarce during past week; 15th, all have left. Nov. 27th, a few -"Puffins," young birds. December, a few young "Puffins" seen. - - -Razorbill. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--April 20th, commence to build about this date. - -_Dungarvan._--May 29th and 30th, a great number swimming into bay; -first general appearance this season. July 4th, 20th, 25th, and 31st, -numbers. - -_Tuskar Rock._--July 24th, one young Razorbill; first this year. - -_Rathlin Island._--April 6th, flocks resting on the sea. Aug. 22nd, -Razorbills leaving island. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--April 30th, Razorbills all day; wind fresh, W. - -_Clare Island._--March 21st, about fifty "Razorbill-puffins"; 25th, -Puffins (Razorbills?) in large numbers. - -_Tearaght._--March 23rd, Razorbills arrived. May 7th, came on island as -plentiful as in previous years. About this date (July 31st) both old -and young are mostly gone. During the past fortnight both old and young -could be heard on the water at night. A few evenings ago I observed a -young bird crying on the water; the old one was soon beside it, both -going seaward, when the old bird made a little dive, and rose exactly -under the young one, so that it was nicely poised on its back. In -this way both headed the waves, and were lost in the distance. On the -following evenings I kept a good look out, and saw several instances -of the same kind; and on no occasion did I observe the young birds to -fall off, though the sea was pretty rough. Last seen on Aug. 14th. -Sept. 16th, two old and two young appeared, swimming S. Dec. 7th, young -Razorbills; wind W.; very strong, high sea. As many as two or three -hundred may be seen almost every day, especially in stormy weather. -Having procured a specimen of the bird I called a "Mackerel-cock" -(see fifth Report, pp. 89 and 128), I find it is the young Razorbill. -[Specimen sent.--R. M. B.; shot, 13th, Jan., 1885.] It comes here every -winter, and not a single old bird is to be found amongst them; nor one -of them among the old birds in summer. - -_Skelligs._--March 20th, Razorbills first seen on rock. July 20th, -noticed young fledged Razorbills leaving rock. Aug. 5th, all left, with -one or two exceptions. Nov. 27th, great numbers of the "Black-billed -Auk"; noticed flights of them for the past fortnight, flying S., -mostly in the afternoon. They left on 2nd March, 1885, except one -or two, seen on 16th inst. They only come close to the rock in wild -weather. In my former report I called this bird the Razorbill; but it -answers the description of the Black-billed Auk, in the 'Dictionary of -British Birds.' [Doubtless the young Razorbill, which was erroneously -regarded as a species under the title of "Black-billed Auk" by Colonel -Montagu.--R. M. B.] December, a great number of "Black-billed Auks" -fishing. - - -Cormorant. - -_Dungarvan._--July 31st, several. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--Dec. 11th, ten. Barely seen here; 13th and -27th, one. Jan. 8th, 1885, two. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--Sept. 17th, seven. - -_Tuskar Rock._--Aug. 21st, three; the first this season. - -_Arklow West Light-ship._--May 24th, one Cormorant about ship. - -_Copeland Island._--Jan. 20th, numbers of Cormorants. From September to -April they are plentiful. - -_South Maidens._--Sept. 6th, fifteen at noon, going S.W.; wind S.W., -fresh. Oct. 17th, a great flock, going S. November, Cormorants seen -daily. - -_Rathlin Island._--Aug. 27th, five, going N.E.; wind S., light. Dec. -25th, six, going W.; 26th, two Green Cormorants on the rocks. - -_Innishtrahull._--July 29th, two. They breed on a rock called "The -Stook," near mainland. - -_Tory Island._--Feb. 11th, one Cormorant, going N.E. - -_Arranmore._--July 12th, two; remain here. Jan. 9th, four, going S.W. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--July, two to ten, always about island. - -_Broadhaven._--Aug. 31st, Cormorants are here all the year round. Nov. -12th, about two dozen. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--May 9th, Cormorants all day; wind S., fresh. - -_Eagle Island, East._--Oct. 20th, two, all day fishing around island. - -_Blacksod._--Some Cormorants during October. - -_Clare Island._--May 30th, observed a number of Cormorants. Sept. 1st, -a number. They breed in holes in the cliffs. - -_Arran Island, North._--Oct. 13th, five, going N.W. - -_Straw Island._--Feb. 10th, four; very few this month. March 18th, six. -April 11th, three. Oct. 30th, ten daily, fishing. - -_Tearaght Rock._--Feb. 14th, six or seven round rock; seldom so many; -one or two may be seen occasionally all the year. Sept. 4th, six, going -W.; usual number on island, two. - -_Valencia._--April 5th, 14th, 15th, May 10th, and June 15th, two to -four. During Sept., Oct., Nov., and Dec, four or five at intervals. - -_Dursey Island._--March 28th, eight. April 29th, two. - - -Gannet. - -_Fastnet._--During last half of July a few Gannets morning and evening. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--April 10th, Gannets going S. May 10th, 20th, -28th, and June 26th, hundreds going S. Oct. 12th, five going S. Dec. -27th, three going S. Never saw less Gannets in autumn. - -_Dungarvan._--April 7th, one; the only one seen for months. July 23rd, -27th, and Aug. 20th, one. Sept. 14th, a very dark "Solan Goose" (young). - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--Two to eight noted during April at intervals. -Flocks on May 11th, 24th to 27th. On May 24th, one dark one. June 1st, -five ditto. Great numbers in August. During September several daily -going E. and W.; generally young birds. Flocks on Oct. 14th and 16th. -Dec. 12th and 30th, several; and great flocks from 3rd to 8th Jan., -1885, about ship. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--Small flocks, Feb. 18th, 19th, March 21st. -Large, April 17th. Flocks also on April 19th, 20th, 23rd, May 6th, 8th, -and 23rd, generally going W. or S.W. Gannets noted in small numbers -from Sept. 13th to Nov. 16th, in almost every instance going E., -irrespective of wind or weather. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--April 15th to 25th, occasional Gannets -going N.E. May 11th to July 18th, two to ten, and now and then a flock; -direction of flight, N.E. or S.W. From the middle of July to Oct. 4th, -a few Gannets at intervals, generally going S.W. On July 28th, flocks -going N.E. Sept. 9th, flocks all day after fish. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--Gannets noted on Feb. 29th. March 15th, -great quantities going N.E.; 16th, six; 17th, twelve; 21st, flocks; -23rd, ditto. A few on April 2nd, 8th, and 9th; great flocks on 11th, -flying N. and S.; 15th, several; 29th, flocks; 30th, six. May 1st and -3rd, 8th, and June 20th, a few. Flocks on May 7th going N.W. Direction -of flight in most of foregoing cases N. or N.E., apparently independent -of the direction or force of wind. Oct. 5th, three going N.E. - -_Kish Light-ship._--April 7th, flocks going S.W.; 21st, six going N.E. -May 17th, great flocks going S.W.; 28th, four going S.W. June 7th, -flocks going S.W.; 26th, three going S. Wind variable in direction and -force. - -_Howth Baily._--Aug. 19th, large numbers in bay after fry. - -_Rockabill._--May 8th, Gannets all day. - -_Copeland Island._--Jan. 20th, numbers of Gannets and Gulls feeding. - -_South Maidens._--Gannets feeding in locality during August and -September. Oct. 9th, Gannets feeding in vicinity during past few days -(see also under General Remarks). - -_Rathlin Island._--Flocks noted March 22nd, 26th, 30th, April 5th, May -5th; in every case going W. Wind variable in direction and force. Sept. -6th, Gannets all day going W.; wind light S.E. - -_Innishtrahull._--March 28th, five Gannets; "the first this season." -April 1st, several fishing all day. May 6th, three; 15th, Gannets about. - -_Tory Island._--Feb. 5th, two going W.; 11th, two ditto; 19th, two -about. - -_Arranmore._--April 4th, flocks of four to six going N. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--Gannets always seen; two to one hundred. - -_Broadhaven._--June 30th, a few Gannets going S. - -_Eagle Island, East._--Sept. 19th, about twenty, all day; 23rd, ditto; -27th, forty. Oct. 2nd, one hundred; 12th, two hundred; 20th, fifty -going S.W. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--Feb. 8th, nine going W.; wind S.E., strong. March -16th, thirteen going S.W. July 20th, thirty or forty. Dec. 5th, three; -25th to Jan. 13th, 1885, one to five. - -_Blacksod._--Oct. 21st, four. Dec. 23rd and 27th, Gannets seen. - -_Clare Island._--Nov. 6th, two large Gannets going W. - -_Slyne Head, North._--Oct. 11th, flock of Gannets seen. - -_Arran Island North._--Aug. 10th, 12th, 14th, and 26th, several. Oct. -1st, two going N.W.; 13th, five going N.W. - -_Straw Island._--"The Gannet is especially remarked for its almost -total absence." March 18th, two. April 7th, two. Oct. 12th, four going -S. - -_Tearaght._--Oct. 13th, two hundred and ten passed S.W. between 8 and 9 -a.m. Great numbers had passed before I commenced and after I left off -counting. All young birds, flying low and in flocks of from thirty to -two or three; calm, misty. - -_Skelligs._--Oct. 18th, Gannets for the last few days wheeling in -flocks, and seeming inclined to take a southerly direction; 20th, -twenty going S. _None perched on the Lesser Skellig after this date._ - -_Dursey Island._--March 4th, 7th, and April 7th, some going N.W. - - -Terns. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--May 20th, several. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--May 28th, several "Pirs or Skirs" about ship. -June 3rd to the 10th, ditto. - -_Copeland Island._--May 20th, large numbers heard arriving on Mew -Island during the night; wind W., light. They arrive to breed in May, -and leave late in August or early in September. - -_Oyster Island, North._--April 17th, four Terns hovering round. - - -Gulls. - -_Fastnet._--April 12th to 25th, great quantity feeding at rock. May -7th, two Royal Gulls. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._--May 20th, hundreds of Kittiwakes, "small Gulls," -Skua Gulls, and Royal Gulls; also on 28th. Oct. 20th, some hundreds -going S.; wind W., light. - -_Dungarvan._--June 1st, a few Kittiwakes, the first seen this season; -3rd, three Black-backed. July 13th, numbers of Black-headed; 31st, -numbers of Gulls. Aug. 16th, great numbers of small Black-headed Gulls -and three Skuas (seldom seen here) chasing Gulls. Sept. 2nd, four -Black-backed Gulls. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--May 8th, 9th, 20th, 21st, and 25th, several -about ship daily. June 10th, great flocks; great quantities in August; -only a few in September. Great flocks, Black-backed and others, Dec. -28th to Jan. 8th, 1885, about ship. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--May 6th, flocks of Gulls. Sept. 10th, large -flocks. Nov. 27th, large flocks after fish. - -_Tuskar Rock._--May 28th, hundreds of Skua Gulls; 31st, ditto, on rock, -went S.; noted also on June 7th, 8th, and 22nd. - -_Kish Light-ship._--April 8th, grey Gulls about ship; 27th, -continuous flocks of "Boatswains" going N.E.; wind E. May 17th and -25th, continuous flocks going S.W. and N.E., wind S.W. and S.E.; 27th, -continuous flocks of Boatswains going S.W., wind S.E. June 7th, flocks -going S.W., wind N.E.; 29th and 30th, flocks. - -_Howth Baily._--Aug. 19th, large numbers in bay after fry. - -_Rockabill._--July 1st, Sea Gulls about; 5th, Royal Gulls all day. - -_Copeland Island._--Jan. 20th, number of Gannets and Gulls feeding. - -_South Maidens._--Sea Gulls always to be seen in immediate vicinity of -light. Aug. 30th, Grey and Royal fishing. - -_Rathlin Island._--March 29th, flocks of Kittiwakes all day on water. -May 22nd, two thousand Kittiwakes at noon on water. Sept. 15th, -thousands of Kittiwakes on the water; 25th, thousands of Gulls. - -_Innishtrahull._--April 1st, several Gulls about island all day. May -15th, Gulls and a pair of Royal Gulls. - -_Dunree Head._--March 3rd, 7th, 10th, and 20th, flock of Gulls. - -_Tory Island._--Jan. 21st, four. Feb. 19th, four. - -_Arranmore._--July 24th, large quantities of Gulls and young ones on -rocks. Dec. 8th, Skua Gull seen. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--Six to one hundred frequent island; six to twelve -breed. The Royal Gull is always here. - -_Killybegs._--Sea Gulls all the year. - -_Oyster Island, North._--Sea Gulls are about all the year. "Some appear -to have taken up their quarters fixedly." - -_Eagle Island, East._--Sept. 11th, two to three hundred Gulls (Grey and -Kittiwake) all day after fish. Nov. 3rd, two Grey Gulls. Very few Gulls -this autumn. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--Jan. 20th, seven Royal Gulls going S.E. April 30th, -small Gulls all day; they breed here from this date to the middle -of August. Feb. 27th, Gulls. July 9th, seven Royal Gulls hovering. -Sept. 23rd, five Royal Gulls. Oct. 7th, nine small Gulls; 11th, five -"cream-coloured Gulls," 7.30 a.m., going W., wind strong N., squally. -[These "cream-coloured Gulls" of Blackrock, Mayo, were seen by the -previous light-keeper, Mr. Martin Kennedy, in August, 1881, and during -April and May, 1882. He calls them "North-American or cream-coloured -Gulls," and states that "more than one or two were never seen."--3rd -Rep., p. 86; and 4th Rep., p. 104, R. M. B.]. Dec. 12th, five Royal -Gulls; 22nd, large flocks of Gulls on the water. Jan. 9th, 1885, six -small Gulls; 11th, five Royal Gulls. - -_Clare Island._--March 6th, Sea Gulls and Kittiwakes; 25th, large -numbers; 30th, thousands. Sept. 25th, two large Royal Gulls. - -_Slyne Head, North._--Oct. 11th, Gulls, about ten to twenty. - -_Arran Island, North._--Oct. 2nd, large flock of Gulls. - -_Straw Island._--Feb. 20th, twenty Gulls. March 27th, two Royal Gulls. -April 28th, four large white (Herring) Gulls going N., wind light, W.; -30th, two Black-headed Gulls. Nov. 4th, four large grey Gulls. Dec. -28th, four Royal Gulls. - -_Tearaght._--The Kittiwakes commenced to build this year on April 1st. -The young birds were seen flying about the last week in July. None of -the young birds are to be seen during the winter; but on Feb. 7th a few -were observed among the old birds. They left shortly afterwards, and -were not to be seen until June 24th, when there were about one hundred -on the rock with the old birds: they remained about a week. The Royal -Gulls do not breed here. Aug. 14th, Herring Gull (young), about half -a dozen; still about island, Jan. 15th, 1885. Jan. 5th, Kittiwakes -(young), thirty or forty, with other Gulls. None of these young -Kittiwakes were seen since they left their nests on Sept. 20th. Some of -the black has disappeared. - -_Valencia._--A few "Royal, Common, and Skua" Gulls at intervals during -April, May, and June. Skua Gulls, Sept. 2nd, Oct. 24th. Dec. 24th and -25th, two to fifteen Royal Gulls. Nov. 18th and 20th, a few. - -_Skelligs._--March 26th, Kittiwakes first seen on rock. Kittiwakes -leaving from the 15th to the 28th August. December, great numbers of -Herring Gulls and young Kittiwakes and a few Black-backed Gulls. - -_Dursey Island._--Large flock, March 15th and April 30th. March 9th, -four Royal Gulls. - - -Stormy Petrel. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--May 8th, 9th, and 13th, one to two about ship; -14th to 17th, several during day, foggy and hazy, wind moderate; 24th, -one killed striking. June 2nd, 5th, and 6th, several about ship; -clear, wind light. One to nine noted from 22nd August to Sept. 8th. -Several almost daily at end of September, and a few on Oct. 9th and -10th; all flying about ship. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--Sept. 13th, seven; 15th, two; all going E. - -_Innishtrahull._--Aug. 18th, one Petrel struck at 11 p.m., not killed. -The first seen by me here; wind S.W., fresh, gloomy, rain. - -_Arranmore._--Dec. 19th, one Stormy Petrel shot at station. - -_Clare Island._--Aug. 17th, a "Mother Carey's Chicken" caught -fluttering against lantern at midnight; wind light, gloomy. - -_Tearaght._--May 18th, Stormy Petrels arrived on this date, or perhaps -previous to it; plentiful on 23rd. Eggs taken on June 19th. Will lay -the third egg if the others are taken. They are very plentiful this -year, but are never seen in the daytime, but at night continually -striking the glass. They are not very welcome visitors, owing to the -blotches of oil they eject on the glass and balcony. They are so -plentiful skimming about that they often come close to a person's ears. -They are to be heard in every bank, under every rock, and in every -crevice. On dark calm nights the air as well as the rocks and banks is -filled with their music; their hatching is not over until August is -well advanced. Sept. 15th, one (young) caught on balcony. Oct. 11th, -one going S.W.; wind N., showery. Nov. 15th, one on lantern. - -_Skelligs._--May 25th, heard the Stormy Petrel under the stones to-day -for the first time this year. June 2nd, several Stormy Petrels about -lantern; drizzling rain. During foggy and rainy nights in July and -August Petrels were about lantern, but none killed striking. Sept. 6th, -one seen in daytime. Oct. 17th, Petrels last seen on this date; a few -(young birds) kept flying about light on misty nights to Oct. 16th. - - -Manx Shearwater. - -_Old Head, Kinsale._---May 20th, several. - -_Dungarvan._--July 4th and 5th, flocks about bay feeding; 20th, 25th, -and 31st, thousands in search of fry. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--April 4th, four; 19th, 20th, 26th, one to six -about ship. On 20th, one struck and was disabled at 9 p.m., overcast. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--April 12th, 14th, 19th, 20th, 23rd, flocks -are entered flying in various directions. Sept. 2nd, flocks. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--May 3rd, "Mackerel Cocks" going N. at noon; -8th, ditto, flying about, wind S.W., strong. - -_South Maidens._--Sept. 11th, three "Shearwaters" fishing in vicinity -the last few weeks. - -_Rathlin Island._--March 17th, Shearwaters heard at night. Aug. 20th, -one Shearwater killed striking. - -_Arranmore._--March 29th, two "Manx Shearwaters, called night-birds," -flew into yard at night; taken and stuffed. April 19th, twenty all day. -Quantities "at rocks" building. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--June 10th, Manx Shearwaters at midnight, one -struck, wind light S.W., clear; 14th, three struck at 1 a.m., wind -N.W., light, overcast; one caught. Aug. 9th, Manx Shearwaters all -night; several struck, two caught; wind S., light, misty. - -_Tearaght._--April 10th, Manx Shearwaters first heard. Left about July -15th. Oct. 10th, two near rocks on N. side. - -_Skelligs._--March 1st, Manx Shearwaters first heard. Shearwaters heard -up to Aug. 29th; noticed them getting scarce about the 12th. - - -Birds not identified. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--Nov. 14th, one "Schinz's Sandpiper" struck, -10 p.m., disabled; wind E.S.E., light, gloomy. "The size, colour, and -length, according to the description in vol. vi."--Morris's 'British -Birds.' - -_Tuskar Rock._--May 25th, "a yellow bird, black head with stripes, -shape and fly of a Wagtail," on rock at 7 p.m.; wind light S.E., -overcast, misty. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--Dec. 27th, a large flock of "Sallypickers" -going S.W. at 10 a.m.; wind light S. ["Sallypickers" have hitherto been -placed under Willow Wren or Chiffchaff, but in this case it is not easy -to suggest the species.--R. M. B.] - -_South Maidens._--Jan. 14th, "one golden Robin" struck lantern, 10 -p.m., not injured; wind S.W., fresh, overcast, gloomy. - -_Innishtrahull._--Aug. 11th, "a sea-bird caught; colour dirty grey, -with some white; tail also white, tipped with black. Like a Curlew in -shape, and a long bill." - -_Killybegs._--Dec. 27th, one "Blackcap" on wall; wind S.W., light. [Not -_Sylvia atricapilla_.--R. M. B.] - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--Jan. 2nd, 1885, nine "small divers" fishing about -rock. - -_Clare Island._--April 4th, "a very handsome Crow, 11 a.m. All black on -back, with white breast, and had a bill resembling a common Crow; wind -E., light." - - - - -APPENDIX. - - -Mr. Gurney has received a batch of wings from the Leman and Ower -L.V. off Cromer, taken from birds evidently killed last autumn; -unfortunately they are not dated, so that much of their value as a -record of migration is lost. They include Willow Wren, Wheatear, Snipe, -Jack Snipe, Ring Dotterel, Robin, Sedge Warbler, Redstart, Fieldfare -(three), Thrush, Blackbird, Titlark (five), Sky Lark, Chaffinch -(three), Great Tit, Goldcrest, Reed Bunting, Wood Pigeon, Woodcock -(two), Starling, Swallow, Martin, Sanderling, Tree Sparrow. - -Pied Flycatcher.--With reference to Mr. J. Harvie Brown's remarks (see -foot-note, p. 100 of Report) on the arrival of Pied Flycatchers at -the Isle of May and Pentland Skerries in the first week in May, 1885, -it is interesting to learn that the same species is also reported in -great numbers from Flamborough and Spurn at the same period, _viz._, -the first week in May; it was also observed in Norfolk on the 9th. At -Flamborough, as Mr. Bailey informed me, a great many came in on the -3rd, with a N.E. wind, and in company with male Redstarts. At Spurn, -Mr. P. W. Lawton states that it has been more numerous than he ever -before knew it. ('Naturalist,' June 1885, p. 250, foot-note). - - * * * * * - -Erratum.--Page 71, line 29, for "September 30th," read "September 18th." - - - -PRINTED BY WEST, NEWMAN AND CO., HATTON GARDEN, LONDON, E.C. - - - * * * * * - - -Transcriber Note - -Erratum on p. 71 has been corrected. There were several superscripted -numbers (pp. 41, 55, 64 and 73) which are interpreted as wind speeds -and so the superscripting was removed. The footnote on page 112 was -moved from the first listed species to the title as the footnote relates -to the order of the species. Minor typos have been corrected. Some -inconsistencies in spelling have been left as printed. - - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS IN -THE SPRING AND AUTUMN OF 1884 *** - -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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