diff options
Diffstat (limited to 'old/65840-0.txt')
| -rw-r--r-- | old/65840-0.txt | 8310 |
1 files changed, 0 insertions, 8310 deletions
diff --git a/old/65840-0.txt b/old/65840-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 3964280..0000000 --- a/old/65840-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,8310 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of Report on the Migration of Birds in the -Spring and Autumn of 1885, 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 1885 - Seventh Report (Vol. II No.2) - -Author: J. A. Harvie Brown - J. Cordeaux - R. M. Barrington - G. A. Moore - W. Eagle Clarke - -Release Date: July 14, 2021 [eBook #65840] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -Produced by: Tom Cosmas produced from files provided by 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 1885 *** - - - - -Transcriber Note - -Text emphasis indicated as _Italics_ and =Bold=. - - - - REPORT - - ON THE - - MIGRATION OF BIRDS - - IN THE - - SPRING AND AUTUMN OF 1885, - - - BY - - Mr J. A. HARVIE-BROWN, Mr J. CORDEAUX, - Mr R. M. BARRINGTON, Mr A. G. MORE, - - AND - - Mr W. EAGLE CLARKE. - - - SEVENTH REPORT. - - (Vol. II., No. 2.) - - - EDINBURGH: - - PRINTED BY M'FARLANE & ERSKINE, - - 14 AND 19 ST JAMES SQUARE. - - 1886. - - - - -PREFACE. - - -The following Report contains a summary of investigations of a -Committee reappointed by the British Association for the Advancement -of Science, at Aberdeen, in 1885, to consist of Professor Newton, Mr -J. A. Harvie-Brown, Mr John Cordeaux, Mr W. Eagle Clarke, Mr R. M. -Barrington, and Mr A. G. More, for the purpose of obtaining (with -the consent of the Master and Elder Brethren of the Trinity House, -the Commissioners of Northern Lights, and the Commissioners of Irish -Lights) observations on the Migrations of Birds at Lighthouses and -Lightships, and of reporting on the same at Birmingham in 1886. 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 E. M. Barrington and Mr A. G. More. - - - - -CONTENTS. - - - PAGE - General Remarks, 5 - - East Coast of Scotland, 12 - - East Coast of England, 37 - - Heligoland, 60 - - West Coast of Scotland, 92 - - West Coast of England and Wales, and the Isle - of Man, 108 - - Irish Coast, 132 - - -[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 Tudwal'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. Valentia. - 18. Lough Swilly. 39. Skelligs. - 19. Tory Island. 40. Dursey Island. - - =Outlying Stations.= - - Heligoland. - Stevns Fyr, Zealand. - Malmo, Sweden. - Casquets L.H., Alderney. - Hanois L.H., Guernsey. - - - - - SEVENTH REPORT - - ON - - THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS - - IN THE - - SPRING AND AUTUMN OF 1885. - - -_This year, in order to decrease the bulk of the Report, the Committee -decided that Ocean Notes be not printed in the Report, but separately. -Messrs Gray and Swinburne having again kindly kept notes for us, these -will be retained for future publication._ - - -GENERAL REMARKS. - -Our thanks are again due to the numerous Reporters, whose names are -given under the "Diaries" of the two coasts. - -Additions to our List of Stations are Fidra in the Firth of Forth, and -also very shortly after this will be added a light-vessel off the Carr -Rock, coast of Fife, holding an intermediate position between Bell Rock -and Isle of May; and on the west coast the light upon Ailsa Craig. -It is intended to introduce the electric light at Isle of May, and -machinery and works are at present in course of erection. - -We regret to learn that an order has been issued that lighthouse -keepers shall no longer be allowed to read or write in the -lantern-rooms; and we are glad that some little notice has been taken -of the fact in the House of Commons on the 12th April 1886. - -The 1885 schedules show distinctly the compressed nature of the -migration, which, while very considerable in numerical importance, -was, at the same time, short, sharp, and decisive. The principal spring -rush was similar, occupying only a few days at the comparatively late -date of the beginning of May, particulars of which can be gleaned -directly from the Diaries of the stations, and especially under -_Turdidæ_, Fieldfares being unusually plentiful. This appears to -have been the heaviest movement, taking all species together, but -_Saxicolinæ_ travelled all April and May, and _Silviinæ_ about the -middle of April. - -Shortly, we may describe the migration of 1885 thus:-- - -In spring of 1885 the rush was pronounced, somewhat late, compressed, -and in many respects very similar, but not so extensive as 1884. The -prevailing winds were easterly and southeasterly in April and May, and -had been very continuous. The effect was the compression spoken of--a -closed fan. The largest migration ever witnessed at the Isle of May was -on 3d May 1885. - -In autumn the rushes partook of a similar nature,--short, sharp, and -decisive, but very considerable in numerical importance. Previous to -middle of October, migration was very slight at any stations, but great -rushes took place between then and about the middle of November. An -interesting note of the cross-migration of Woodcocks, and other birds, -is given at the Isle of May. Woodcocks travelling towards the N.W., and -striking the S.E. side of the glass, whilst other species were flying -S.E., and striking on exactly the opposite side of the lantern, both -flights being equally favourable, or nearly so, by the light E. wind. -Another N.W. to S.E. rush took place during the day-time, of what must -have been a very extensive migration, upon the 10th November; wind -light south, and birds flying high. An unprecedentedly high gale as -coming from the S.E. is recorded at Isle of May on the 23d. - -We would like to ask our readers, and the British Association, of -which we are a Committee, to recognise that the more we know about -migration, apparently the less reason is there for scientists to use -the term "Accidental." At present "Abnormal" is better. "_Of accidental -occurrence_" is a term or phrase which ought to be _expunged_, root and -branch, from scientific records of migration. Every year's statistics -prove this more and more fully. "Probably an escape" is, no doubt, a -safeguard against undue admission to the British List; but we think it -possible to carry this phrase too commonly into use, ignoring the fact -that migration may account _much more simply_ for such occurrences, -under certain conditions, than escapes. A list of localities where -foreign fowls, like _Porphyrio melanotus_, are kept throughout -the United Kingdom, would greatly facilitate positive records of -"occurrences;" and all such species as Canada Geese and ornamental -Waterfowl, which are kept in confinement or partial domestication, -might be returned to the Committee, or to the Association, by the -proprietors, if they were asked to do so by circular. - -From every succeeding year's statistics, we have come almost to similar -conclusions regarding the lines of flight. Three salient routes on to -our East Coast of Scotland are invariably shown, _viz._: (_1st_) _viâ_ -the entrance of the Firth of Forth, and as far north as Bell Rock, -both coming in autumn and leaving in spring; (_2d_) _viâ_ the Pentland -Firth and Pentland Skerries, both in spring and autumn; and (_3d_) -_viâ_ the insular groups of Orkney and Shetland, which perhaps may be -looked upon as part of No. 2; and a fourth with almost certainty passes -into the Moray Firth, but avoids the high cliffs of the east coast of -Aberdeenshire. - -On the other hand, three great areas of coast-line, including both -favourably placed and favourably lighted stations, almost invariably, -save in occasionally protracted easterly winds, and even then but -rarely, send in no returns or schedules of the very scantiest -description. These areas are Berwickshire, the whole E. coast south of -the Moray Firth, and Caithness and E. Sutherland. Each and all of these -areas possess high and precipitous coast-lines, if we except the minor -estuaries of the rivers of Tay and Dee, and a small portion of lower -coast-line in Sutherland, which face towards the east. Nevertheless -these areas partake to a very large extent of the numbers of migrants -which visit Scotland. Nowhere in Scotland, perhaps, is summer bird-life -more abundant than in, at least, the two more southern of these -areas--Berwickshire, and the interior of Aberdeen and Banff, and the -valley of Spey and its tributaries. The question appears a natural one: -by what route do these summer visitants reach us? or, by what route do -birds reach us in autumn? Not, I believe, _over the high cliff edge_ in -the latter case, otherwise _some_ migration would certainly be visible -from the rock-bound stations. As shown in one case, positive assurance -is given by the reporter at Noss Head, that for eleven years scarcely -a bird "_had been observed on migration day or night_," and we have -scarcely any statistics to show a contrary view, as regards the said -area all through our seven reports. - -How, it is known with considerable certainty that Caithness owes -its periodical passing visits of such species as Blackcap and Pied -Flycatcher, both in spring and autumn, to its immediate proximity to -one of the chief highways of migration--the Pentland Firth; and the -configuration of the N.E. peninsula of that county clearly points to -the route by which spring passing migrants reach the E. coast of the -county, as we have already explained in previous remarks. They cross -over a low-lying depression in the land from Dunnet Bay, and cut off -the peninsula of Canisbay. Coming again in autumn, the same birds, to -some slight extent, may return across this peninsula, but the undoubted -fact remains that the compressed and strongest flights cross over the -Pentland Skerries and through the Firth. - -In the same way, it appears that while scarcely a bird is ever recorded -at the stations along the E. cliff-edge of Aberdeen, yet, in autumn, -a well-marked stream of migration enters the N.E. counties at a point -westward of Troup Head, which forms the northern abutment of the -dividing ridge, or watershed, between what are known as the Faunal -areas of "Moray and Dee;" and that thence up the wide open valley of -the Spey, and over the low-lying portions of the south coast of the -Moray Firth, this stream is clearly traceable at many points. It is -also known that an equally decided spring "return" descends the same -great valley, and enters it across the dividing range between the head -waters of Spey and Spean or Pattack. We have studied this subject -locally--at many points personally--especially in spring, and notes -we have taken, dating back for many years, all tend to strengthen the -statement. - -In the same way it appears almost equally certain, that while few birds -fly across over the cliff-edges of Berwickshire, but pour in vast -streams up the open and wide Firth of Forth, still Berwickshire, and -the interior of the south of Scotland, are well supplied with migrants; -and the "return" is equally apparent. A study of our previous remarks -by our readers cannot, we think, fail to give them the idea of the -process of the population of these interior portions of the country in -Scotland. - -England is differently circumstanced to a great extent, owing -principally to its low-lying sea-board. There is no occasion there to -have the great migration waves compressed into grooves and firths and -depressions. - -The further question naturally may be asked, "But why should they not -fly in over the cliff tops?" We think there are already many reasons -stated in our previous remarks why such is less likely to happen, -during normal migration, whether by day or by night, and that they -should avoid obstacles, and choose an easier if not a shorter route. - -The population of these interior parts, which are bounded by -precipitous coast-lines, appears to us almost certainly to arrive by -the innumerable veins--if I may so call them--which run into and join -the main arteries,--and thus a circular migration is evinced. - -Birds in normal migration against a beam wind fly low, and on reaching -low-lying sea-board pass on inland without resting. But on approaching -high land, say 200 or 300 feet in height, while at night the greatest -darkness is ahead of them, and the greatest light to the north or south -of their course; during the day-time, if the wind is off-shore--a -beam wind,--on approaching the lee shore, they enter upon a calm belt -of sheltered air and water, and choose the easier path along shore. -According to whether the off-shore wind is strong or light, will they -approach nearer or keep further out; and, skirting the coast-line, so -enter upon one of the great open highways of normal migration. This, -which appears almost undoubted, will in great measure account for -the invariably slender returns sent in by nearly all the rock-bound -stations of the more precipitous portions of the Scottish Coast. - -Regarding the migration of Woodcock generally, the following notes may -prove of some interest. These I culled from the note-books and game -register of a naval friend stationed at Corfu and the Albanian coast in -1879. - -The first flight of Woodcock occurs about the first ten days of -November, and it remains a very short time before passing on, unless -abnormal "south winds keep them in cover." The second and heavy flight -occurs about the middle of December, and may remain a mouth, and odd -birds are shot even in February in the lower covers. Thomas Wood, Esq., -British Consul at Patras,--an authority for the locality,--says that -Woodcock come in November with a N.W. wind most freely, but in December -with a N.E. wind. - -By a study of the area over which the Woodcock breeds, of the time -they take in flight, and of a comparison of the dates of arrivals at -Heligoland and East British Coasts with the above,--it seems pretty -clear, I think, that the early flight, which extends along the whole -Albanian coast is composed entirely of birds bred amongst the higher -levels of their southern range, coming probably from the Carpathians -and as far south as the Balkans, as well as from high localities even -nearer to the Albanian coast and coverts. It seems to us also equally -clear that the December flight, preferring the beam wind from the N.E., -comes from the western parts of North Europe, having originally started -from the breeding areas of the extreme north. On starting, we will -say, from the N. of Scandinavia, or Scandinavia, and other parts of -the breeding range, they arrive on our coasts about October {our first -flight). This corresponds with the first flight on the Albanian coast -a month later. Birds reaching us congregate upon our islands under -the genial influence of the Gulf Stream, but may finally be drawn off -by December, and constitute a portion at least of the great flight at -Corfu, where one ship's sportsmen have been known to kill something -like 300 cock in a day or two (I have not the figures, but they are -accessible, if necessary). - -Regarding the subject of the arrival of young' birds in advance of -the adults in autumn, the Committee, we think, should look at the -movements exhibited by, and distinctly observable in, certain species. -Those, perhaps, most easily observed are the larger Natatores, such as -Geese and Swans and Gannets, whose distinct movements can be watched -year after year, and recorded with almost absolute certainty. We do -not intend to dilate upon the importance of this method at present, -but in the connection will merely quote a significant passage from Mr -Robert Gray's "Birds of the West of Scotland,"[1] and to supplement -it by saying that there can be no doubt as to the accuracy of the -observations made, as they are well known to the inhabitants. Mr Gray -says: "Previous to leaving, the Barnacle Geese assemble in immense -flocks on the open sands, at low tide, in the Sounds of Benbecula and -S. Uist; and as soon as one detachment is on the wing, it is seen to be -guided by a leader, who points the way with strong flight northwards, -maintaining a noisy bearing until he gets the flock into the right -course. After an hour's interval, he is seen returning with noisy -gabble alone, southwards to the main body, and taking off another -detachment as before, until the whole are gone. A notice of this -singular habit was first communicated to me by Mr Alex. Carmichael, and -has since been corroborated by Mr Norman M'Donald, who informs me that -the inhabitants of the Long Island have been long familiar with it." - -[Footnote 1: _Op. cit._, pp. 349, 350.] - - - - -EAST COAST OF SCOTLAND. - - -The usual schedules were sent to twenty-seven stations. Thirteen -stations on the East Coast of Scotland have returned forty-eight -schedules. Isle of May gives heaviest returns with nineteen schedules. -Pentland Skerries follows with eleven. Bell Rock again is next in -importance. - -In the List of Stations we follow the same plan as in that of 1884, but -we add in several cases the names of the assistant light-keepers whose -names have been returned as taking interest in the proceedings. The -present year's returns will be indicated by asterisks. - -We do not repeat the explanation of migration values of the the -stations here for the Scotch Coast, that being done in our last Report -(_q.v._ p. 10). - - -EAST OF SCOTLAND. - - Returns - in 6 In - years. 1885. Values. Feet. - -Shetland. - - 4 * 4. N. Unst, IV. 230 - 3 5. Whalsey Skerries, II. 143 - 1 6. Bressay, III. 105 - 4 * 7. Sumburgh Head, I. 303 - -Orkney. - - 5 * 8. N. Ronaldshay, IV. 180 - * 9. Start Point, V. 80 - 6 * 10. Auskerry, I. 110 - 11. Hoy Sound (Low), V. 65 - 12. Hoy Sound (High), V. 115 - 13. Cantick Head, III. 115 - 6 * 14. Pentland Skerries, I. 170 - -Mainland. - - 6 15. Dunnet Head, Caithness, V. 346 - 16. Holborn Head, Caithness, V. 75 - 17. Noss Head, Caithness, V. 175 - 18. Tarbat Head, East Ross, V. 175 - 4 * 19. Cromarty, East Cromarty, V. 60 - 3 * 20. Chanonry Point, Elgin, V. 40 - 21. Covesea Skerries, Elgin, V. 160 - 22. Kinnaird Head, Aberdeen, V. 120 - 23. Buchan Ness, Aberdeen, V. 130 - 24. Girdleness, Aberdeen, V. 185 - 25. Montroseness, Forfar, V. 124 - 6 * 26. Bell Rock, Fife Coast, I. 93 - 26B. _Carr Rock Light-ship_, Fife Coast,† ? - 6 * 27. Isle of May, Firth of Forth, I. 240 - 1st 27B. Fidra, Firth of Forth,† - 5 * 28. Inchkeith, Firth of Forth, IV. 220 - 29. St Abb's Head, Berwick, V. 224 - - † New Stations, 1885-86. - - -Diary from the Stations. - -_N. Unst._--John Nichol (principal), J. J. Morrison, Robert Agnew, -and John Down (assistants), send in three well-filled schedules. J. -N. in a note says: "Wood's Natural History, second edition, would -be very useful to us here." Amongst rarities, a Wryneck, obtained -on 9th September (see under species). "About 5th September all -Puffins, Marrots, Kittiwakes, and Guillemots disappeared. Puffins and -Mosscheepers (probably Rock Pipits, J. A. H. B.) breed on the rock, and -a Gull or two. Falcon Hawk on the island ashore, and visits the rock -in search of small birds. No Swans seen as in former years in November -and December. I was told a great flock was seen at Lerwick going north -early in November. Since my arrival at this station in July last from -Dhuheartach, not a single Eider Duck was seen. Only birds we see now -are from the shore (December 26, 1885), _viz._, Starlings, Sparrow -Hawks, Crows; a few Gulls flying about; Solan Geese all away."--Signed -J. N. - -_Sumburgh Head._--James Youngclause (principal), Robert Gifford -(assistant). During the summer a great number of Gulls breed in the -cliffs. Also large numbers of Guillemots, Razorbills, which arrive -first and second week of August. Also lots of Starlings and Grey -Linnets, but these and the Gulls remain the whole year. Under date of -16th January 1886, Mr Y. writes: "Birds have been very scarce; not one -stranger since the 27th November." Two schedules. - -_North Ronaldshay._--John Tulloch (principal). Two schedules. Gannets -began flying north about the 18th April. - -_Auskerry._--John M'Donald (principal). Three well-filled schedules. - -_Pentland Skerries._--Signed by John Gilmour (assistant). Eleven very -full schedules. Mr Gibson (principal), Mr Frazer, and Mr M'Gee are all -much interested in the subject. They have been supplied with a copy of -C. A. Johns' "British Birds in their Haunts," published by the Society -for Promoting Christian Knowledge. Harvie-Brown visited Pentland -Skerries in July 1885. "Skerries" is a misnomer for the larger island. -It is a lovely island, richly grassed, feeds twenty sheep on 114 acres; -very level, fine turf, rich in daisies and buttercups, producing -lovely milk, and admirably situated to intercept migration. Elsewhere -an account of the birds seen there in summer will be incorporated.[2] -Pentland Skerries, along with Isle of May, as usual, shared the -heaviest rushes and returns, and Bell Rock very fully participated. The -rush seemed to be about the middle of October, continuing, but not so -heavily, through that month, and increasing again up to the middle of -November. On the 11th November our reporters say: "Never saw so many -Fieldfares flying round the light" as to-night. - -[Footnote 2: Vertebrate Fauna of Shetland, Caithness, and West -Cromarty, by T. E. Buckley and J. A. Harvie-Brown, in press. There can -scarcely be a doubt that this station would quickly rival the "Isle -of May" in rarities, if the men had equal facilities of obtaining -specimens. If they had guns, also, they might add largely to their -stock of wholesome fresh food.] - -_Dunnet Head._--David Laidlaw (principal) sent one schedule. Visited by -H.-B. in 1885. It is easily understood why it is not a good station, -notwithstanding the favourable description of light. The light is 346 -feet above the sea, and does not face clear to eastward except upon the -horizon, a great cliff top intercepting the downward rays at a distance -of at least 100 yards from the tower. - -_Holborn Head._--No return. Visited by H.-B. in 1885. The position is -decidedly bad, being quite too land-locked both to east and west. I -had a long chat with Mr Charles Christian, the second light-keeper, -but did not see Mr Charleston, the principal. Mr Christian told me -that not a bird has appeared at the lights since he came last year in -May. He was at Cantick Head, another station utterly unfrequented by -birds.--(Extract from H.-B.'s Journal.) - -_Noss Head._--No return. Visited by H.-B. in 1885. Mr Greig (principal) -has been here eleven years, and reported that scarcely a land-bird -has ever been known to strike the dome or light, or "been observed -on migration day or night" (_sic_). Noss Head Light lies open to -the N.N.E., E.S.E., and S.S.E., and is only 175 feet above the sea -(Pentland Skerries Light is 170 feet, and Isle of May 240 feet); and -no land interruptions occur. Nevertheless, it utterly fails to attract -birds, as, indeed, do most stations with an abrupt and precipitous -coast, for reasons which we think are almost self-evident.--(See -General Remarks.) - -_Cromarty._--Robt. S. Ritson (principal) sends one schedule. He says: -"No birds struck lantern during the year. Rather more birds observed -than in 1884. Pervading winds were again westerly from January to -April, but between May and October easterly; but the change of wind -brought no accessions of birds. Land-locked station. - -_Chanonry._--John M'Gill (principal) and Wm. Irvine (assistant) send -one light schedule, and the remarks: "There is no difference from the -remarks of other years. The migration this year seems to be for the -purposes of feeding. No certain migration observable." Mr M'Gill, -however, goes on to say; "The Sand Martins, when congregated on Major -M'Kenzie's yacht-rigging from the bowsprit up to the mast, and down to -the end of the jib-boom, made a curious sight, when lying at anchor." -This was on the 24th August 1885. - -_Bell Rock._--James Jack (principal) sends as usual carefully and -well-filled schedules, quite among the best received. Under date -of 16th October, at the time of a rush, Mr Jack has the following -general remarks: "Birds began to arrive at 7.30 P.M., striking lightly -and flying off again; unable to tell of what species. Numbers went -on increasing till midnight, when it seemed that a vast flock had -arrived, as they now swarmed in the rays of light, and, striking hard, -fell dead on balcony, or rebounded off and went over the rail, falling -into the sea. At 3 A.M. another flock seemed to have arrived, as the -numbers now increased in density; at the same time, all kinds crowded -on to the lantern windows, trying to force their way to the light. The -noise they made shrieking and battering the windows, etc., baffles -description. The birds were now apparently in thousands. Nothing ever -seen here like it by us keepers. Wherever there was a light visible in -the building, they tried to force their way to it. The bedroom windows -being open as usual for air all night, they got in there and put the -bedroom light out. All birds went off at 6 A.M., going W.S.W. Redwings -were most in numbers; Starlings came next. Blackbirds, Fieldfares, and -Larks." The later rush in November seems to have taken place entirely -at night also: "No birds were seen throughout the daylight of the 11th -and 12th November, and the movement ceased at midnight of the 12th," -when the wind became strong from S.W. All birds visiting here between -October 18 till December 12 were composed of both old and young, also -male and female; but young birds most in number. Many hundreds lost -their lives. - -_Inchkeith._--Robt. Grierson sends a schedule with the following diary: -"During the night of the 5th September a small flock of birds was -observed hovering around the lantern at 11 P.M., wind W., light breeze -and haze, and two young Stonechats were caught." At midnight, also, two -more; and other small movements are given. - -_Fidra._--William Ross. Arrival of the Solan Geese noted on March 27; -also Eider Ducks. Mr Ross sends two well-filled schedules, but is -disappointed with the results. He need not we think, as Fidra lies -somewhat land-locked and out of the stream. We are much obliged to -him for the first Schedules from the new Firth of Forth Station. Mr -Ross writes under date of July 24: "Solan Geese, Gulls, and all sea -birds have deserted our island entirely. About a dozen sparrows are -now our only feathered visitors;" and on Aug. 4th--"Having been on the -mainland, I was quite surprised to see the numerous and varied flocks -of many kinds of birds, not one of which came near our island." - -_Isle of May._--J. Agnew (principal), Messrs Young and Anderson -(assistants), send twenty full schedules, indicating a very heavy -migration, past this favoured isle. At present a staff of men are busy -putting in electric light machinery here. It will be curious to watch -the result next season. - -New occurrences continually turn up at Isle of May, and this year -we have to record amongst rarities and acquisitions the Common -Dotterel (_Endromias morinellus_, L.), the Red Backed Shrike (_Lanius -collurio_), and Ortolan Bunting (_Emberiza hortulana_)--two specimens -obtained. Also Turtle Dove (_Columba turtur_, L.)--one shot; and -the Dipper was obtained for the first time, though it had been seen -before, as stated in previous reports. It proved to be the British -form. Specimens of these are added to the collection at Isle of May. -We gave earlier notice of the first three above enumerated, in the -_Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society_, Edinburgh, as we belong -to that class of naturalists who do not believe in withholding facts -until they become rusty. To do so may be useful for selfish motives and -personal _kudos_, but is not calculated to promote further study, and -is, indeed, calculated to delay it. - -Continuous E. winds at the beginning of May caused a vast rush on 2d to -4th May of many species. Mr Agnew writes: "The long tact of S.E. wind -has brought an extraordinary 'rush' of birds to the island yesterday -(on the 3d) and to-day; the night of the 2d, and all day of the 3d, was -constant rain and fog. For a day or two previous to the 3d, we had a -few birds, and some strangers; but they were only the heralds of the -great army. I have seen something like it in the 'fall,' but never in -the spring. These last two days we have 'birds; birds everywhere.' I -think I have identified them all, except the three mentioned inside. If -you had been here to-day, what a bag you would have made."--Signed J. -A., 4th May 1885. - -In the schedule Mr Agnew says:-- - -"3d May.--An extraordinary rush of migrants to-day; never seen anything -like it in spring. To attempt to give numbers is simply useless. I -will just give you the names in succession. I can't spare a line -for each.--Fieldfares, Redwings, Ring Ouzels, Blackbirds, Lapwings, -Dotterels, Rock Pigeons, Hawk, Meadow Pipits, Redstarts, Whinchats, -Tree Sparrows, Yellow Wagtails, Ortolan Bunting (obtained), Robins, -Chiff-Chaffs, Wood Warbler, Black Cap Warbler, Marsh Tit, Whitethroats, -and Pied Flycatchers." And on 4th still increased in numbers, but wind -shifted this morning to E. from S.E. - -Mr Agnew mentions also "a bird" he has "often reported," a "grey bird -with a white feather each side of the tail, and larger than a pipit, -kind of slate colour, light streak through eye, black hood over its -head." And another; "colour of Tree Sparrow, but smaller grey white -belly, slate-coloured head; never seen the latter before." - -In autumn Mr Agnew says: "Up to 14th October migration was very -meagre,--something like last year, and from the same cause; gales of -wind from the W. and N.E. That we have any at all shows how determined -the birds are to keep their usual time of migration, even when under -great difficulties." - -Under date of Oct. 17th--"A great rush of migrants at Isle of May -"--Mr Agnew has the remarks: "The Woodcock was killed on the S.E. -side, and the other birds on the N.W. side. Thus the migrants have -been exactly meeting one another; and this is just as I would have -expected,--the Woodcocks _coming_ to us, and the others _leaving_ us. -It would appear as if they were all waiting a favourable opportunity -to go. Seventeen Woodcocks were shot during the day on the 17th Oct. -on Isle of May."--J. A. The birds striking the N.W. side consisted -of Redwings, Larks, Starlings, Blackbirds, Chaffinches, Whinchats, -Chiff-Chaffs, Willow Warblers, Golden Crests, one Crow, and the rush -continued over the 18th. These birds, striking the N.W. side, no doubt -reached our shores further north, and were "coasting," or, as we have -remarked in previous reports (as in the case of Woodpigeons and Larks), -were crossing the Firth of Forth from north-westerly directions to -southeasterly ones. The wind at the time of this migration was light E. -The Woodcock would thus travel at fair advantage, and strike the S.E. -side; and the other birds which struck the N.W. would have a still more -favourable flight, with the wind _beam on the left shoulders_. - -We consider these remarks by Mr Agnew most valuable, as bearing out -previous experience in a remarkable manner. - -Again, under date of 10th Nov., Mr Agnew writes: "Thousands of -Fieldfares, etc., etc. The vast rush to-day were flying exactly in the -same direction as the great rush of the 17th Oct., and had it been at -night, the lantern would have been swarming, and they would have struck -it exactly on the N.W. side as before; wind S., but very nearly calm. -The birds were flying high in the air; a few lighted, but immediately -went on again direct S.E. I never saw anything like it in daylight -before. There were also blackbirds, male and female, on the island -to-day, but the males predominating." - -Again, on the 26th Nov., Mr Agnew writes: "10 A.M., S.E. gale. Two -Woodcocks shot. This gale came on at 9 A.M. on the 23d, and is still -increasing, and the glass falling. It is now 4 P.M., and the glass -29·05. There has been nothing like this from the S.E. for years. The -barometer fell to 28·65 on the night of the 26th." - - -Separate Report under Genera and Species. - -Turdidæ.--_Spring._--In February indication of Fieldfares on 23d and -26th, and with S.W. gale at Isle of May on 22d, 23d, and 27th, an -unusual experience here to appear so frequently as they have done. A -few also appeared 2d, 3d, 4th, and a good many on 9th, with N.W. winds. -Again a few March 15th, 18th, and 24th at Isle of May. In April, only -one record. Isle of May; but in May, flocks and stragglers for first -three weeks at Pentland Skerries; prevailing winds, N.E.; no very -strongly defined "rush," only on one day, flocks at Isle of May. A few -unimportant movements of other _Turdidæ_, _viz._, Song Thrush, Redwing -at Stations VII., VIII., XIV., and XXVII. The Ring Ouzel is noted at -Pentland Skerries, but marked as "very rare here" (20th April), and -again May 2d and onwards for several days. - -_In Autumn._--An early movement of Song Thrushes, July 4th and 17th, -at Pentland Skerries; wind variable on 4th, and light N.W. on 17th, -and one bird at Isle of May on 27th. Unimportant again at Isle of -May in Aug. 13th and 18th, and ditto in September at same station. -_First_ Fieldfares on 29th, with light W. wind; but in October real -migration set in of _Turdidæ_, earliest as usual at Isle of May; on -8th a Fieldfare (wind shifting from N. to S.W.) followed by a single -bird. First record of Redwing again at Pentland Skerries, with light -N.N.E. airs, an apparent rush of which at same place between 26th -and 31st. Flocks and intermittent movements all the month from 8th -to end, of all three species. November, however, bulks largest from -Stations IV,, VII., VIII., IX., X., XIV., XV., and XXVII., during the -whole month. Fieldfares predominating far beyond the numbers of other -_Turdidæ_. Whilst many "flocks" are recorded all through the schedules -south of VIII. (N. Ronaldshay) to XIV. (Pentland Skerries), and even -appearances at XV, (Dunnet Head), fewer records are given north of -VIII., and none occur between XV. and XXVII. (Isle of May). A rush is -only very decidedly shown at Isle of May on 10th, when thousands of -Fieldfares and other Thrushes round station at 9.30 A.M., with a S. -wind, and flew on southwards. On the 17th there is a "rush" recorded -of Redwings at XXVII. at 1 A.M., light E. haze--six killed. Immense -numbers of the several species of _Turdidæ_,--_viz._, Fieldfares, Song -Thrushes, Redwings, but curiously we do not find a single entry of -Blackbirds anywhere during the whole Autumn Migration, which extended -all through December and January, though in smaller numbers as compared -with November. Prevailing wind all October, northerly and easterly; -south-easterly and easterly in November, but the rush came with due -S. wind. When westerly winds occurred, as usual fewer records. In -December, winds various, but more westerly than November, but in -January again back to E.[3] - -[Footnote 3: _Addition to List of Birds of the Isle of May._--Dipper -(_Cinclus aquaticus_, L.), the British form--shot April 22d, 10 A.M., -light west haze--now in Collection at Isle of May, under curatorship of -Mr J. Agnew.] - -Saxicolinæ.--_Spring_, confined to April and May. Records from VIII. -(North Ronaldshay), XIV. (Pentland Skerries), and XXVII. (Isle of May) -of Wheatears, Whinchats, and Redstarts. The "Stonechats" of the N. -Ronaldshay Schedule are probably Wheatears, a rush of which took place -there on April 4th--the earliest record--at twelve noon; wind light -south. Wheatears arrived pretty numerously at XXVI I. , to breed there, -on 20th April. Earliest Redstart at XIV., with strong S.S.E. wind and -fog, marked "rare," on 29th April; but earliest at XXVII. on the 18th, -one [male], light west, and haze. Towards the end of May Redstarts -appeared in very small numbers; again at XIV., and two Whinchats. - -_In Autumn._--Early departure of the old Wheatears from XXVII. (Isle of -May), before 22d July. This is noted as earlier than usual by Mr Agnew. -One bird noted at XIV. (Pentland Skerries) on 23d August, with N.N.E. -and driving rain. - -Earliest southward movement of Redstart at XIV. on 14th August--a -single bird--wind N.W.; seen on island. At IV. (N. Unst) a "rush" of -Redstarts and Wheatears at night, wind light S.W., on 9th September. -At XXVII. a few old males on 18th September, followed by mixed old and -young on following day. Redstarts at IV. on 3d October, and a rush of -Whinchats at Isle of May at 1 A.M.--wind S.E., haze. Single record of -Whinchat in November at XXVII., and "Stonechats" at XXVIII. B. The new -station of Fidra, in the Firth of Forth, a single bird. On 22d July -most of the old Wheatears had left Isle of May--"an early date for them -to leave."--J. A. - -Silviinæ.--_In Spring_, earliest Robin record on 13th and 17th -February at XXVII. (Isle of May)--"the first for a long time." Latest -spring record, also at XXVII., on 15th May. Most seen on 13th April, -at XXVII., N.N.E.; and several all day on XIV. (Pentland Skerries), -strong S.E., on 8th April. Cromarty sends one return of Robin on 2d -May. _Willow Warbler_--earliest, 29th April, at Isle of May; and Wood -Warbler at same place on 2d May, with strong S.E., fog and rain. -_Whitethroat_ at Isle of May, with light S. and S.E., between 13th and -24th--an indication of a rush lighting on S.E. side of lantern, with -light N.W., and rain on 24th. - -_Autumn._--Species observed were Robin and Whitethroat; Robin most -prevalent, Whitethroat next. Earliest Robin at N. Unst, 26th July; -latest, 28th November, at I. of Fidra (but as this might only be local, -take latest at Dunnet on 14th, or Isle of May on 12th). If any rush -noticeable, about the 17th September. - -Phylloscopinæ.--Gold Crests are recorded in April 12th and 13th, and -20th and 23d at XXVII.; few on the two first dates, rush on the last, -with W.S.W., and fog and drizzling rain. No other records from any -part of E. Coast in any spring month. Wood Warblers, 8th to 24th May; -a "great rush" all night on the 9th, with snow and hail showers, and -wind N.W. to N.E.; and again all night on 18th, with rain, hail, and -snow from N.E. [We can remember, on the 10th May, snow lay on the banks -of Spey two inches deep at Aberlour.--J. A. H. B.] Two Chiff-Chaffs are -also noted on 20th. All the above at XXVII. (Isle of May), and no other -spring records of Phylloscopinæ. - -_In Autumn._--Earliest Chiff-Chaff, 27th July, at XXVII., 11 A.M., -E., light fog; and again between the 12th and 24th August. Numbers on -13th, and number of males on 24th. On 13th, N.W. wind, strong, clear. -Also, on 15th, a _Willow Warbler_--light haze, struck S.E. side, light -W. wind; and a _Wood Warbler_ on the 24th--a fine male. In September, -a single Willow Warbler from N. Unst, light N.W., on 15th; and a few -_Gold Crests_ at XXVII. on 1st, and again on 17th and 19th--the latter -amongst the rocks on the E. side--light S.W. A rush of Chiff-Chaffs on -17th October at XXVII., light E., haze and rain--and Willow Warbler; -and then, on 18th and 19th, Gold Crests all night. Latest date of -autumn migration of Phylloscopinæ is of Chiff-Chaffs, on November 4th, -at XXVII. - -Accentorinæ.--The only records are in October 1885, at XXVII., on 7th -and 19th. Two or three pairs are breeding there this summer, and of -late years it has become resident, "a good few having been here all the -winter."--J. A. - -Acrocephalinæ.--In September, on the 5th, between 8 and 10 P.M., there -was a rush of many species over the island of XXVII., amongst which -were Reed and Sedge Warblers striking, also Whitethroats. [What were -named with a query "Immature Blue-Throated Warblers" turned out to -be immature Redstarts--J. A. H. B.] Of the Reed Warblers recorded, -when asked, Mr Agnew, distinguishing from the Sedge Warbler, says: "I -have your card about the Reed Warblers, and should they appear again, -I will try and procure specimens; but there seems no doubt as to -their presence here during the rush of Warblers reported in the last -Schedule." - -Troglodytidæ.--Autumn of 1884, a few still seen on Isle of May in -beginning of January 1885. Spring of 1885, one at XXVII. (Isle of May) -on 10th, and at XIV. (Pentland Skerries) reported as being about the -rocks there all winter.[4] At VII. (Sumburgh Head), one all day going -about dykes--no doubt, a resident of the adjoining mainland. (A "Yellow -Wren," also at same place, may be either Willow _Wren_ or _Willow -Warbler_, or a Gold Crest?) This was on 31st March. - -[Footnote 4: It does not appear whether the Wren is resident in -Pentland Skerries every winter, but it was certainly so in 1884-5. (See -above.)] - -_In Autumn._--Earliest record at Pentland Skerries, September 20th, -seen in garden. In October, records from N. Unst, 27th--S.W., light -breeze (!!), clear--flying round rocks. [_N.B._--This record seems -to us to make it very desirable that specimens of the Common Wrens, -or their feet and wings, but better the whole birds, be sent us for -examination from this Station. We would like to see specimens, shot or -otherwise, obtained in summer, and also specimens obtained in October -or during the Autumn Migration. It might settle a very interesting -question. A little carbolic acid would preserve them quite well, if -dried after in the sun, or in the oven, or gradually in the kitchen.] -A good few records run through October, but no large numbers--at Unst -(XIV.) and XXVII.; and the same remark applies in November. The last -noted is in January 1886 at XXVII.--"a few"--and the one before, at -XIV., on 27th December, "seen on island." It is always remarkable to -observe the near proximities of dates between occurrences at Isle of -May and Pentland Skerries. - -Motacillidæ.--The only month in the year, from January to December, in -which no return is made by Wagtails, is July 1885. All the entries are -under "Wagtail." [_N.B._--We would like to receive a good many Wagtails -from all Stations in every month if possible. A little carbolic acid -would preserve them.] - -The _first_ spring Wagtail is recorded at XXVII. (Isle of May) on 24th -February, S.W. The last at same place on May 23d, but the species -breeds there. April is the busiest month in Wagtails. A "rush" at -N. Ronaldshay on April 4th. Next last date is at Fidra (XXVIII. -B.), flying about feeding. A record from Dunnet Head says; "1st -May.--Wagtails seen daily till end of July; breed about the cliffs," -etc. The _Yellow Wagtail_ is recorded from XXVII. on 8th May. If it had -a black breast and very long tail, its right name is "Grey Wagtail," -though yellow. If short tail, and very bright yellow, it is the true -_Yellow Wagtail, or Rays'_, a much rarer bird in Scotland. Was it the -same as one Mr G. E. P. and H.-B. shot on Isle of May in October 1884? - -_In Autumn._--"Wagtails" begin to be observed on 17th July at XIV., -and in about equal numbers in August (three dates in each month). -Increase a little in September, and show indication of movement at -XXVII. on 26th and 29th (old and young on 26th, and mostly old on -29th), only four dates at XIV. and XXVII., two at each. Two dates in -October at XXVIII.; 1st and 8th unimportant; and three in December -at same place--24th, 20th, and 26th. Noted, "These are extraordinary -occurrences;" and the one on 25th, "had very little white upon it."--J. -Agnew. - -Motacillidæ 2.--Pipits.--First Spring Meadow Pipits at XXVII.--a single -bird; light N.E., clear on 10th March, and "a number" on 18th; gale -from W. for two days. Wind changed to N.E. at 5 A.M. In April, at XXVI. -(Bell Rock), on 17th and 18th; wind S.E., fog. _Rock Pipits._--At -XXVII. (Isle of May), an increase over residents observed on 4th April, -and more arrived to breed on 20th. Further increase on 2d May. - -_In Autumn._--Meadow Pipit ("Mosscheeper") at N. Unst, 7 P.M.; fresh -N.W[1]. breeze and showers; and at XXVII. "mostly left" by 14th. A -rush on 9th September of "Mosscheepers" at IV. (N. Unst) at night; -wind S.W., light haze. Also at X. Ronaldshay "a number" of Rock Pipits -arrived on 4th September, "and remain all winter." At XXVII., old and -young mixed on 19th September. Last record of Meadow Pipits at IV., 1st -November, and of Rock Pipits at XXVI. (Bell Rock), on 22d November. - -Laniadæ.--One Red-Backed Shrike at XXVII. on 5th May, 1·9 A.M.; light -N.E., clear, _obtained_;--_in mus._, Isle of May. - -Muscicapidæ.--_Spring._--Earliest at XXVII. On May 1st and 2d, three -_Pied Flycatchers_ arrived at 4 P.M. on 1st, stayed 2d, and others seen -till 6th or 7th--a good number; wind S.E., haze and rain. Also on 2d, -several all day resting on XIV. (Pentland Skerries). Numbers again on -20th and 21st at same place, and numbers, also including one old male, -on 23d, and up to 24th. No other records in spring. - -_In Autumn._--One female Pied Flycatcher, at XIV.; light E., and thick -haze. On 3d, numbers all day. At XXVII., some on 24th October; strong -E., clear. _Spotted Flycatcher_ at XXVII. One seen 11 A.M.; strong -S.W., clear. - -_Addition to Isle of May, as above._--Red-Backed Shrike (_L. collurio_, -L.), May 5th, 9 A.M.; light N.E., clear. Shot;--_in mus._, Isle of May, -Curator, J. Agnew. - -Hirundinidæ.--_Spring._--Very heavy returns of Swallows, commencing -lightly on 10th April; a few seen at N. Ronaldshay; E.N.E., light -clear; and on the 19th, at XXVII., one with the remark, "this is -early." First seen at XXVIII. B. (Fidra) on 24th. At X. (Auskerry) -"flocks remain till 14th June;" came with S.E.S. and N.E. winds. -Records numerous from X., XIV., XV., XIX., XXVII., and XXVIII. B. First -seen at XIV. on 14th May. No great appearance of a "rush." Seen more or -less all June at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May, but no June records -from other stations. - -_In Autumn._--5th July at XIV., and of Martins 6th to 12th and -16th. One Swallow at Isle of May on 14th. All August Martins and -Swallows, and a "rush" of latter at XXVII. on 24th; light W., clear. -_Latest._--One Swallow and one Martin at XXVII. on 7th October. - -Fringillidæ.--Every month in the year, more or less of different -species, as follows, in order of greatest numbers: Grey and Green -Linnets in February, March, April, and again in June; and House and -Tree Sparrows in May, and odd ones of the former during the other -spring months. Chaffinches scarce, and single records in February, -March, April, May; one each month, all at XXVII. (Isle of May). Twenty -Tree Sparrows in a flock, at XXVII., on 29th May; and daily large flock -of Sparrows at Fidra on 16th and 23d. Sparrow "rare" on XIV., seen -April 23d. - -_In Autumn._--Large flock of Heather Linties (Twites) at Start Point -all the month of July. Grey Linnets (or perhaps these are Twites?) at -XIV. (Pentland Skerries), 27th July. In August, Sparrows at N. Unst; -N.N.W., fog. Grey Linnets (or Twites?) at XIV,, end of August; N.E. -Only one record in September at XIV.; none elsewhere, but October -bulks larger. Only stations sending any returns are XIV. and XXVII. in -October. Movement slack in first week, bulking largest 16th and 17th. -Rush of _Chaffinches_, _Linnets_, a few _Redpoles_ on 14th, and a few -_Siskins_ on 30th October. - -_In November, up to 23d._--Chaffinches at N. Unst on 3d--light N.W., -rain--and on 4th at XXVII. Green Linnets at N. Unst on 19th November, -and at VII. (Sumburgh Head) on 12th. Numbers on 5th at XIV. all day, -fresh W., clear; and also on XXVII., same day, a few; light W., clear. -Latest record of Green Linnets, December 18th; but Grey Linnets on 18th -January 1886, and Redpoles (three) on 23d, at XXVII. - -We have overlooked also a few stray records of "Bramblings" on 6th and -7th April, at XXVII.; strong E. winds. - -Emberizidæ.--_In Spring_, Snow Buntings. One seen on February 7th at -XXVII., and five on 27th; a number on 20th March at N. Ronaldshay on -the island. Gale: sleet--twenty-three struck and seven killed. In April -two flying about the rocks at Sumburgh Head on 6th--_the_ latest record -of the species in spring. - -One _Reed Bunting_ at Pentland Skerries on February 27th; S. gale and -haze on island. Few records of Yellow Bunting in February and March, -and at XXVII. equally scarce. Only occasional also in April anywhere, -and same to June. _Common_ Bunting, first single bird at XIV. on 18th; -odd records till June on six dates till that time. Winds prevailing -from N.E. through E. to S.E. (very likely local movements). - -_In Autumn._--Snow Buntings returned only from XIV. and XXVII. in -October, but in November at IV., VII., VIII., X., XIV., XV., XXVII. -all through the month, but not heavily as compared with other years. -Rush at VIII. (N. Ronaldshay), with S.E. gale; "flocks" frequent at -XIV., XV., not abundant at XXVII. during November. In September, a few -odd records only at VII. (Sumburgh Head) and XXVII. (Isle of May). No -records later than November 28th. One record of Common Bunting at XIV. -on 13th November. No records in autumn of any other species. - -_Addition to Isle of May List._--Ortolan Buntings: Two specimens--one -shot 12.30 P.M.; light S.E., clear, thick fog and heavy rain all night. -Named by Mr Agnew correctly.--J. A. H. B. Mr Agnew adds under 29th May: -"There are two Ortolan Buntings, three Tree Sparrows, and one female -Redstart on the island since the 23d April." - -Alaudidæ.--_Spring Migration._--In February records from XIV. and -XXVII. only; one single bird from the former on 14th, but a rush at -the latter on 17th, at 1 A.M. Light E., rain and haze; three killed. -Continuing in numbers on 18th, four killed and many wounded. Curiously -no records from Bell Rock on these dates or in this month. Likely the -wind too much due E. Fewer on 26th, but an increase again on 27th. -At Bell Rock, however, one bird on 15th, and three on 19th only. -Stragglers only from the direct wave. We are more than ever convinced -of the influence of the wave from Heligoland _not_ extending much -beyond Isle of May and Bell Rock. A new light will soon be on the light -vessel of the Carr Rock, off the East Neuk of Fife; and we are in hopes -that a good observer will be stationed there, who has had personal -experience and knowledge of birds before. On 13th March only one record -at Bell Rock; on 11th only two at XXVII. and one at Pentland Skerries. - -In April "Crested Larks" are entered, and a previous entry of the same -is given on March 11th, both from XXVII. (Isle of May. [We would like -to have examined these, and added the _real_ Crested Lark to the Isle -of May Museum.] Not many records in April. - -_In Autumn._--A few flying round the light on 24th August at N. Unst. -Desultory movements at N. Unst in September. - -In October about the 15th, 16th, 18th, an appearance of a "rush," or -an actual "rush" on 18th at VIII. (N. Ronaldshay), and on 14th at -XXVII. (Isle of May). At former 40 struck. E.S.E. wind. At latter -"large numbers," with a S.W. gale, sleet. These no doubt are blown -_off the land_. Latest date 18th. But reports in newspapers of immense -gatherings of Larks near Dundee, St Andrews, and Midlothian and -elsewhere, in January and again in March, being only, no doubt, local -congregations caused by frost and snow in Scotland. - -Sturninæ.--All returns for spring light. Earliest, February 9th at -XXVII., and 11th at XIV. From 16th to 20th light returns, flock on -18th. By the 11th March breeding birds had arrived and taken up their -haunts on XXVII., and about the same time an odd bird or two were -seen resting on rocks of XXVI. (Bell Rock). Wind light westerly. As -no records occur at Bell Rock at any other time in spring this year, -even these odd birds occurring just at the time of arrivals elsewhere -are significant perhaps of the general movement, these birds no -doubt having overshot the land. Odd records in April at Fidra; a pair -breeding there in May. - -_In Autumn._--Earliest movement noticed at XXVII. "Large flocks of -young birds, strangers." No records anywhere in September. In October -movements noted at IV, (N. Unst) between 11th and 25th. On 11th flocks -flying east, with light S.E. wind and haze. Only one record at XXVI. -(Bell Rock) on 8th October. Rush decided at XXVII. on 17th, with strong -E., rain and haze; two killed. Small movements at IV, VII, (Sumburgh -Head), and XXVII. in November, and a few up to end of January 1886. - -Corvidæ.--Earliest spring record of Rooks at XIV. (Pentland Skerries). -Strong N.W. wind on 28th February. Rooks are recorded from the -following stations:--VIII. (N. Ronaldshay), XIV, XXVII. (Isle of May); -but all returns are very light indeed. In the first week in March a -slight rush apparent at Sumburgh Head of Black and Hooded Crows--on -1st 50, on 6th 18, light N. to N.E.; and a few almost every day at -XXVII. at same time. Records of Carrion and Hooded Crows are from VII. -(Sumburgh Head), VIII., XIV., and XXVII. Earliest 1st March; latest -29th April. From three or four to eight or ten daily; long straggling -migration. - -_Jackdaws_ at XIV. on 25th, and 26th two, light W.N.W,, clear; and at -same place seven on 8th June and one on 13th, no doubt visitors from -either the Caithness coast or from Orkney. - -_Autumn._--Similar movements of _Black Crows_ at IV, on 30th July, -and at XIV. on 20th, 26th, two or three each time, Carrion Crows and -Hooded Crows reported in autumn from IV., VIII., XIV., XXVII., XXVIII. -B. (Fidra) in a pretty continuous and steady, though never heavy, -stream, massing largest at IV. and at XIV., two, three, four, to once -twelve (on 11th September at IV.) being the daily number observed. -Dating from 1st record, 26th July, at XIV., to latest record, January -26th, 1886, one bird at XXVII., with easterly and northerly gale. -_Rooks_--Infinitesimal movement; only two records, one in June and one -in December, both at IV. _Ravens_--Small number. Two at IV. on 22d -August, eight at IV. on 5th September, strong E., haze, feeding on -rock; and two on 20th October at same place. Four _Jackdaws_ stopped a -few days at N. Ronaldshay from the 6th November. - -Cypselidæ.--At N. (Auskerry) flocks of Swifts seen on 1st May, with the -note "rarely seen till the middle of June, wind N. and N.E., showers." -Again seen at XXVII. on June 5th and 17th. We ourselves witnessed a -party of Swifts migrating close along the cliff-edge of Holborn Head, -on the N. coast of Caithness--"seven seen flying E., swiftly careering -above the cliff-edge of Holborn, and crossing in a direct line the Bay -of Thurso" (extract from Journal, 28th June 1885). We witnessed also -eight evidently still bent on migration, "flying in a bee-line down -Strathspey, high in air, at 11 A.M., near Black Boats station. Clouds, -heavy rains, showers, and N.W. wind" (_loc. cit._, May 16th, 1885). -There is undoubtedly a great highway of migration up and down the -valley of the Spey, We have abundant evidence of it. - -In Autumn.--One record at IV. Two seen on 11th September, light S., -clear. - -Jynginæ.--Mr Agnew very ably describes the Wryneck as follows, and -it was afterwards identified and added to collection, and the tail, -which had been shot away, was recovered afterwards by chance by Mr -Wm. Evans, and restored to the specimen. Mr Agnew writes, and we -give it as showing how accurately to describe a bird for purposes of -identification: - -"One bird, total stranger; very like a Partridge in markings; size of -a Lark; 4 toes on feet, 2 before and 2 behind; fore toes largest; one -of the hind toes not so large as the other; bill about the size of a -Pipit's; tongue protruding more than an inch, thickly covered with fine -hairs; ¼-inch of the tip horn, sharp as a needle. Don't know what it -is unless Ant-eater. Very sorry tail shot away. Sent to Small for the -Collection."--J. Agnew. - -Cuculidæ.--April 26th, an early date of arrival, flew low from Dirleton -woods towards XXVIII. B. (Fidra); light S. breeze. In May, on 10th, at -Cromarty, fresh N.E., showers; on 16th at XXVII., fresh W.N.W.; and on -28th at same station, moderate S.W., clear. No autumn records. - -Strigidæ.--No spring returns. _In Autumn._--Short-Eared Owls recorded -from XXVII. (Isle of May), one of 9th October, 6 P.M., N.W.; one -14th, N.E. gale; and one _shot_ on 31st. The only other record is at -IX. (Start Point), when "an Owl made its first appearance on the 6th -November." - -Falconidæ.--Hawks, Sparrow Hawks, large Hawks, and Kestrel bulk pretty -regularly, mostly, however, single birds at XIV. and XXVII. in spring. -Many daily records no doubt refer to the same bird seen over and over -again, especially when such relate to Sparrow Hawks and Kestrels. Such -visits are no doubt only of local origin. "Large Hawks" at XXVII. are -not Peregrine Falcons, as such are well known to Mr Agnew, but probably -Buzzards or Harriers. One shot on 11th April unfortunately fell into -the sea and was not recovered. A "Dark-Brown Hawk" also noted on 11th -March at Isle of May. - -_In Autumn._--In August many local visits paid to flights of small -birds at most insular stations sending returns, especially at IV., X., -XIV., and XXVII. Falcons, Hawks, "large and small," few in September, -none in October recorded, and a few in November. In former years three -Eagles used to be seen regularly; are now believed to have been killed -out at IV., and we know that orders and rewards have been given to the -gamekeeper there for their destruction, as well as all "vermin." - -Pelecanidæ.--Solan Geese.--Commencing in spring on 26th March, three -seen flying east at XIV, strong N. wind. We may state here that winds -seem to affect their passage very little at all times. Began to appear -flying N. past VIII. (N. Ronaldshay) on April 18th, and flying east -past XIV, 14th, 15th, and 20th--winds S.W. to S.S.E., and back to -S.W., on the three dates respectively. An April "flock," and "flocks -all day," by the 26th. Before that, usually in afternoons, and not -in forenoons. In June "the number of Gannets flying, usually N. past -VIII., increasing;" 10th, 19th, 20th, 25th, "flock," "flocks," "several -flocks," "three." July to September, constant in "flights" of two to -twelve. On September 4th, in haze and fog, flying N. past XIV., and -always N. past VIII. Going E. still in October, few in November, and -two records in December "seen fishing." - -Ardeidæ.--At XIX. (Cromarty) seen on shore, 8 P.M., calm, haze. Two -records in April at Cromarty and Fidra (XXVIII. B.); one in May at -XXVII. (Isle of May); two in July--12th and 22d--flying N.E. at XIV.; -three to six records in September at XIX. (Cromarty) and XIV.; one in -October at XXVII.; and two records at XIV. and XXVII. - -Anatidæ.--_In Spring._--Between 2d and 19th February, a flock of -"Barnacle Geese" seen almost daily flying E. at different hours of -forenoon and afternoon; and on 6th and 25th two flocks. Wind usually -N. and E., except on 8th, 9th, and 10th, when it was westerly. The -above at XIX. (Cromarty). I heard from other sources of the unusual -quantities of Brent Geese in the Cromarty Firth and elsewhere on the -East Coast this season--_i.e._, 1884-85--and also in 1885-86. The Geese -at XIX. continued to be observed on April 10th and 14th, 1885, but not -later. - -Of _Swans_, only one record at VIII. (N. Ronaldshay), when six seen. - -Of _Eider Ducks_, two flocks at XXVII.--light S.E., clear--on 2d March; -and by 16th April most of the Eiders left. On 4th April flock of fifty -males and females, about equal in number, at XXVII. This lot left -on 6th; numerous again on 20th; but breeding birds and a few about -XXVIII. B. (Fidra) on 26th April. In May, on 7th, 10th, and 16th, -three males and three females all day about island, and continued till -21st--breeding, no doubt. Long-Tailed Duck, 3, 2 [male] and 1 [female], -at XXVII. on 26th February 1885 (only record). A few Wild Ducks at -XXVIII. B. on 28th April. "Stock Ducks."--Two at XIV. on 2d May, where -they breed. Three "King Ducks" are noted at Isle of May, and the note -"different from Eider" added on 31st May 1885, and "had a white spot on -the black wings." (?) - -_In Autumn._--We have records of Swans, Teal Duck, Stock Ducks, Ducks, -Eider Ducks (or Dunters), Wild-drake, Barnacle Geese, and Widgeon. -Stations returning are--VIII. (North Ronaldshay), returning "number of -Ducks of different kinds, as Widgeons, Teal," and Eider Ducks "made -appearance in great numbers" on 10th and 15th September respectively. -At XIV., by far the largest returns of Ducks of sorts greatest in -September. XIX.--"Barnacle" (?) Geese on 18th October. - -At XXVII., record of Eiders, "all young birds except one old male," -on 2d December; and latest record at XIV. of a flock near the rocks on -27th. - -Columbidæ.--At XXVII. (Isle of May), a Turtle Dove shot on the 29th -May--wind W., light, clear. "This bird had been severely wounded -before."--J. A. A vast rush of Wood Pigeons is noted at XXVII. on -November 29th, flying S.W. in countless thousands, making a rushing -noise like a railway train. The wind after the great S.E. gale.[5] - -[Footnote 5: Shifted to W., and on the 29th inclined to N.W., but -shifted back at night to N.E.] - -Rallidæ.--Spring records are:-- - -Heard at 4 A.M. at XIX. (Cromarty) on 19th May--light E., clear. - -Heard by Keeper at XIV. (Pentland Skerries) when over in South -Ronaldshay on 15th May. Heard on XIV. (Pentland Skerries), one pair, on -21st--wind S.E. They breed there. - -One at XXVII. (Isle of May) on 14th, and again on 20th May. - -No autumn records. - -Charadriadæ.--A flock in February; probably belonged to last year's -migration, and can hardly be admitted as spring movement at XIV. -Oyster-Catcher--two entries in March and April; the former at XIV., -where two arrived; and the latter at XXVII., where three were seen on -the 13th April. - -_In Autumn._--Golden Plover arrived 5th August, and usually remain all -winter. Odd birds at XIV., also in August. On 6th September, single -record of a Golden Plover; single ditto in October at XIV. Straggling -records of little real use in tracing facts in November, when, however, -they do _bulk_ largest. Odd notices in December and January 1886. - -Other species noted are Green Plover (very few records), Ring Plover -(November, only one entry), Oyster-Catchers (only taken notice of at -XIV.--a flock in September), and "a number all day" at 28th November at -XIV. - -_Addition to Isle of May List and Collection._--Dotterel--One obtained, -3d May 1885 (See remarks under Diary of Stations), _in mus._, Isle of -May.--Curator, Jos. Agnew. - -Scolopacidæ.--_In Spring._--Snipe, Curlew, Woodcock, Jack-snipe are the -species noted. Stations are XIV. and XXVII. only. Earliest Snipe record -at XIV. on 16th February (may belong to last season's movements); "a -number," and on 19th "a large number all day on island;" variable, -clear. No March records, and only one of Snipe in April at XXVII.; -S.E., light, clear on 18th. Jacksnipe--one at XXVII. on 5th April, -and one at same place on 1st May; S.E., light clear on former date. -_Curlew_ on XIV., rose off rocks; snow on ground on 19th February. -Several records flying over island at XIV., in April, with various -winds, and ditto in May, and "passing XXVII. at night on 22d May." -Woodcock-Two records, one at XXVII. on 5th April--E.N.E., haze--rose -off island; and one at XIV. on 11th--E.N.E., haze--rose off island. - -_Autumn._--There are many entries in each month, as follows:-- - - { July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. 1886. - 1. { 11 entries. 8 10 15 17 9 2 - -These are composed principally of the following species, in order of -their abundance:-- - - { Curlew-- - 2. { July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. 1886. In all. - { 10 entries. 7 9 3 3 1 0 33 - - { Woodcock-- - 3. { July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. 1886. In all. - { ... ... ... 4 6 5 1 16 - - { Snipe-- - 4. { July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. 1886. In all. - { ... 1 1 ... 2 1 1 6 - - { Jacksnipe-- - 5. { July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. 1886. In all. - { ... ... ... 1 2 2 ... 5 - -The stations returning in order of heaviest schedules and number of -entries, as follows:-- - - { July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. - { XIV. 6 6 8 6 9 2 ... 37 - { XXVII. 3 ... 2 6 5 6 2 24 - 6. { VIII. ... ... ... 1 2 ... ... 3 - { X. ... ... ... 5† ... ... ... 5 - { XV. ... ... ... ... ... 1 ... 1 - { XXVI. ... ... ... ... 2 1 ... 3 - - † Some woodcock. - -The records of VIII., X., and XV. refer entirely to Woodcock. The -above tables we use in this place, as possibly affording a guide for -future work in reducing our past seven reports to system. Under Table -I. gives the time of year and comparative abundance of birds in each -month. Table II. to V., comparative numbers of each species in each -month. Table VI. gives relative faunal value of each station in each -month. When decided "rushes" are noted, the word can be written in -under the number of entries. Earliest and latest records may be given -in footnotes to Table VI., or thus:-- - - Curlew Earliest, 3d July, at XIV. Latest, Dec. 6th, at XIV. - Woodcock " 15th Oct., at VIII. " Jan. 21st, at XXVII. - Snipe " 1st Aug., at XIV. " Jan. 13th, at XXVII. - Jacksnipe " 31st Oct, at XXVII. " Dec. 11th, at XXVII. - Whimbrel " 8th July, at VIII. (Only record). - _Rush._ - -The winds in autumn prevailed as follows:-- - - July. Aug. Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. Jan. - N.E. to S.S.E., N.N.E. to N.W. to N.W., N. to W. N., ... - occasionally S.S.E., S.W., north of at with ... - westerly occasionally once XIV.; XIV.; snow ... - and N. S.S.E. E. and N.E. S.E. at over ... - southerly. and S.E. XXVII.; all. ... - gale, and - south of S.S.E. - XXVII. and S. at - VIII. - -_Added to the List of Isle of May._--_A Ruff_ (_Machetes pugnax_) sent -for identification and for the collection, 5th May; light N.E. wind, -clear. Most of this huge migratory flight of all sorts left by the -afternoon of the 5th. - -Sandpipers, Redshanks.--_Spring_, only two records of "Sandpipers," six -on 7th Feb. 1885, at XXVII.; light S.W., clear; and one "Yellow Shanked -Sandpiper" _found dead_ on 1st May at XXVII. [We would be glad of wings -and feet, or skin, of as many different Sandpipers as Mr Agnew can -send us. Parcels once a month, or with each schedule. The true "Yellow -Shanked Sandpiper" is a N. American species, but numbers of other -_species_ have yellow feet or legs.] - -_In Autumn._--All records are crowded into September and November. -Species are Redshanks, "Grey Sandpiper," Common Sandpiper, Purple -Sandpiper. The "Common Sandpiper" is recorded from N. Unst, but the -species is uncertain. [Please send wings or skin.] - -_Turnstones_ are recorded, 18th Sept., at XXVII.; W.S.W., light, clear. - -Laridæ.--Every month in the year contains returns. Species noted are -Herring Gulls, "Dirty Allens" (or Skuas), "Gulls," "Black-Backed -Gulls," "Kittiwakes," "Grey Megs" (or Common Gull), Black-Headed -Gulls, "Skua Gulls," Richardson's Skuas. - -_Spring and Autumn._--Every day plentiful in February, at XXVII. and -XXVIII. B. Gulls arrived at XV. (Dunnet Head)--and left in August -last--on 13th March 1885. Kittiwakes appeared first on 12th March, at -XXVII., "earlier than usual," and very numerous by 13th; "came from -S.;" N.W., light, clear. At XIV. seen all day flying around on 11th -April; E.N.E., haze'; two Black B. Gulls sitting on rocks on 30th; -S.S.E., haze. By April 20th, Kittiwakes had settled down in summer -quarters on XXVII., and were in "multitudes" by 27th May. At XIV. a -pair of Herring Gulls bred in 1884, and again in the present year, on -same place; not before. In May, hundreds Black H. Gulls on the lochs -near VIII. to breed. - -Records unimportant in June and July, except that "Dirty Allens" are -recorded at IV. on 2d July, and "Skua Gulls" at XIV. on 7th. In August, -movement of Kittiwakes and other Gulls, and records continue numerously -through the remaining months. - -G. Terns,--a number arrived to hatch, "as usual," at VIII. on 14th May, -and Lesser Terns at XIX. on 24th May. The latter disappeared again on -26th Aug. - -Procellariidæ.--_Autumn_, July 3d, flying about the rocks at X. -(Auskerry). In August, occasionally striking lantern at IV., VII., IX. -(Start Point), and XV. (Dunnet Head). They breed at IX. among ruins of -house, and under stones on shore. - -September,--odd birds striking at IV. and at XIV. on five dates; three -on 2d Sept, at IV., and two at same place on 6th. One record at IV. in -October, and one at same place in November, usually in foggy or rainy -weather. - -Alcidæ.--More or less records every month. Arrivals. First spring -visit of Guillemots and Razorbills at XXVII. on 8th March; remained -in thousands to 15th; fewer up to 24th; disappeared and returned in -multitudes to breed by 13th April; Puffins, Razorbills, and Guillemots. -Also at VIII. "Rock Birds seen flying N. daily till 8th May." -_N.B._--_Black Guillemots_ recorded at XXVII. on 5th May. - -_In Autumn._--Puffins last seen at XIV. on 7th Aug., and all other Rock -Birds left except Kittiwakes, on the same day at XXVII. - -Flock of Guillemots hung about XIV. for a time, and a few more seen on -24th. Large numbers of Guillemots and Razorbills, from 16th to 18th, -at XXVII., when all left, and after a W. gale large numbers on 2d Dec. -and again on 31st Dec. and seen occasionally till end of January. -_N.B._--Black Guillemots, one seen at XXVII. on 27th Jan. 1886. We -think it quite possible _Black Guillemots_ still breed on Isle of May, -perhaps one pair. - - - - -EAST COAST OF ENGLAND. - - -Schedules were sent to forty-five stations, lighthouses, and -light-vessels, and returns have been received from forty-two. The total -number of schedules sent in is eighty-four, and the greatest number -from any single station, nine from Mr Thomas H. Cutting, of the Farn -Lighthouse; and six from Mr Thomas O. Hall, of the Longstone Lighthouse. - -The East Coast stations included in this report are:-- - - Longstone L.H. Thomas O. Hall. - Farn, Inner, L.H. Thomas H. Cutting. - Coquet Island L.H. William Evans. - Tees, 5 Buoy L.V. Henry Harbord. - Tees Breakwater L.H. M. Grant. - Whitby High L.H. John Odgers. - Flamborough L.H. Charles Hood. - Spurn L.H. James B. Smith. - Spurn L.V. _Nil._ - Outer Dowsing L.V. William Stock. - Inner Dowsing L.V. William King. - Llyn Wells L.V. George Rees. - Dudgeon L.V. J. F. Warder and J. H. Harrison. - Hasbro' L.V. J. Nicholas and B. V. Darnell. - Hasbro' L.H. _Nil._ - Hunstanton L.H. Wm. Westmoreland. - Cromer L.H. C. H. Overton. - Winterton L.H. John Watson and John Leggett. - Leman and Ower L.V. J. Artis and John Bowen. - Newarp L.V. C. Campbell and W. Rees. - Cockle L.V. Charles Perfrement and E. Cole. - Orfordness L.H. J. Garrett. - Corton L.V. I. H. Johnson and W. Bowen. - Languard Point L.H. Owen Boyle. - Shipwash L.V. David Dale. - Galloper L.V. P. Frost. - Kentish Knock L.V. W. R. Carter and W. Dorney. - Swin Middle L.V. Samuel Pender. - Tongue L.V. John Webber. - Nore L.V. _Nil._ - Goodwin L.V. David Johns. - Gull L.V. Francis Harvey and J. Jenkins. - South Sand Head L.V. F. G. Foreman. - East Side L.V. Edward le Gallais and W. Nicholls. - Varne L.V. _Nil._ - Hanois L.H. Charles Williams. - -Reports and notes have also been received from:-- - - Roker, Sunderland Alfred Crawhall Chapman. - S. S. "Aycliffe" John Osborn Morgan (2d engineer). - Seaton-Carew C. Donald Thompson. - Redcar T. H. Nelson. - Flamborough Matthew Bailey. - Spurn Wm. Eagle Clarke. - Spurn Philip Lawton. - Spurn J. Fisher. - East Lincolnshire John Cordeaux. - Northrepps and Cley J. H. Gurney, Jun. - Yarmouth Arthur Patterson. - Yarmouth Benjamin Dye. - Yarmouth G. Smith. - Thanet Lord Clifton. - Malmo, Sweden Frank R. Newton. - -Notes also bearing on the migration of birds on the east coast of -England have been utilised from the _Zoologist_, _Naturalist_, and. -_Field_ newspapers; also from MS. notes made at Cley, Norfolk, in the -autumn of 1885 by Messrs G. E. and F. D. Power. - - -Separate Notes on each Species. - -TURDINÆ.--Missel-Thrush, _Turdus viscivorus_.--Spring migration, March -25th, 1885: Farn L.H., two. Autumn: Roker, Sunderland, August 9th, 7 -P.M., "for about an hour a continual stream kept flying over the lawn -at Silksworth; they were about one hundred yards high, going from N.E. -to S.W., in parties of two or three, then twenty or thirty at once." -Teesmouth, October 11th, great rush, "thousands in one particular -field." North-East Lincolnshire, October 20th, great many. Common -Thrush, _T. musicus_.--Spring, 1885: Longstone L.H., March 13th, -night, N. hazy, several round lantern. Northrepps, middle of March, -many moving north.[6] Autumn; An enormous immigration, first indicated -at Farn L.H., July 3d to 11th, a few none in August, sparingly in -September, and an enormous rush from October 12th to 18th, covering -the east coast, and, more or less, continuous night and day on 15th -and 16th, wind E.N.E. A second rush November 8th to 12th, and less -at intervals to end of month; a few Farn L.H. throughout January to -February 10th, 1886. Redwing, _T. iliacus_.--Spring, 1885: Thanet, -April 19, last seen. Autumn; Farn L.H., September 15th, first. An -enormous immigration in October, much the largest recorded. The bulk -arriving in two great rashes, covering the east coast, from October -15th to 17th, night and day; and again November 9th to 17th, but in -less numbers. Hasbro' L.V. on 22d and 23d, all day; a few at Farn L.H. -to December 3d, when the migration of this species ceased. Fieldfare, -_T. pilaris_.--Spring, 1885: North-East Lincolnshire, March 26th, -large flocks in coast marshes. Thanet, April 19th, last seen. Farn -L.H., May 4th, fifteen. Autumn: Dudgeon L.V., July 7th, one young -bird caught on board; October 15th to 26th, first arrivals on east -coast--a great rush on 15th and 16th at various stations, and a second -very large immigration, old birds, November 8th to 12th. Longstone -L.H., November 8th, S. to S.W., one on gallery at midnight; 9th, -10th, and 11th, great rush night and day, and up to 10.30 P.M. on -12th, and in less numbers at intervals on east coast to end of first -week in January 1886. Shipwash L.V., January 23d, many till midnight, -one killed. In North-East Lincolnshire, large numbers of old birds -arrived at intervals from the last week in November to middle of -January 1886, either direct from the Continent, or from more northern -localities in Great Britain. Blackbird, _T. merula_.--Spring, 1885: -Migration observed at Longstone L.H. April 4th and 12th to W. Farn -L.H. March 13th to May 4th. Whitby, March 13th and 14th, E. to W. -during night. Autumn: October 15th to 18th, very large arrivals both -by night and day, and again from November 8th to 12th, in both cases -covering the east coast. Corton L.V., November 21st, noon, twenty to -W.N.W.; and Dudgeon L.V., November 24th, last recorded. Ring-Ousel, -_T. torquatus_.--Spring, 1885: Spurn L.H., April 9th, male and female. -Farn L.H., April 12th to May 4th, Longstone L.H., 23d, S., one. Thanet, -22d, two old males; 23d and 25th, younger males; 30th, females. Autumn: -Spurn, August 25th; Flamborough, October 6th, many, Cromer L.H., 16th, -all night, seven killed. Thanet, 16th, N.E. gale, several; 22d, E,, old -males and old females. - -[Footnote 6: Malmo, Sweden, May 6th, flock of thrushes to N.E.] - -CINCLINÆ.--Black-Bellied Dipper, _Cinclus melanogaster_.--October -23d, E. and N.E. gale, one shot on morning of 24th. Humber Bank, in -Stallinborough parish, great flight of Woodcock at the same date. - -SAXICOLINÆ.--Common Wheatear, _Saxicola ænanthe_.--Spring, 1885: -Yarmouth, February 24, one shot on denes. Hunstanton L.H., March 15th, -one. Farn L.H., April 5th, S.S.E., two; 7th, E. all day, and the same -on 10th and 11th, E.N.E. and E. Great Cotes, 11th, first. Hanois L.H., -Guernsey, 10th, many at night at north light. Tees L.V., 22d, six, and -many to May 28th, and eight on June 7th, general direction of flight -S.E. to N.W.; rushes on May 10th and 20th. Longstone L.H., April 23d, -N.E., 4 A.M., several. Flamborough, May 3d to 6th, E. (4), many with -Redstarts and Pied Flycatchers.[7] Autumn: Migration first indicated -at Tees L.V. August 3d, and Farn L.H. on 7th and 9th. On the 15th a -flock of twenty alighted on board the s.s. "Aycliffe" in the English -Channel, remaining for two hours, and then left; were observed in -considerable numbers at several stations throughout September to middle -of October. Is last recorded at the Hasborough L.V. October 1 6th, one. -Desert-Chat, _S. deserti_.--Spurn, October 17th, one, a female, shot; -has been previously obtained once in Scotland, and twice in Heligoland. -Whinchat and Stonechat, _Pratincola rubetra_ and _rubicola_.--Spring: -Farn L.H., May 4th E.N.E., many of both all day. Whitby L.H., April -22d, one Stonechat. Autumn; Whitby L.H., September 19th, one struck. -Hasbro' L.V., November 10th, 2.30 A.M., two killed. The Whinchat -does not appear to be observed or distinguished on migration by our -recorders. Redstart, _Ruticilla phœnicurus_.--Thanet, April 16th, -males; 23d, females. Longstone L.H., May 1st, E, rain, one adult male. -Flamborough, 3d, N.E., large number of males, with Pied Flycatchers. -Farn L.H., 4th, E.N.E. all day. Malmo, Sweden, April 26th, two. Autumn: -Are first recorded at Thanet July 19th, females and young. At several -stations from August 17th to end of September; last at Spurn October -4th, W.S.W., with Wheatears. Black Redstart, _R. titys_.--Yarmouth, -March 15th, adult male; November 3d, adult female. Longstone L.H., -October 17th, one female Redstart. This entry probably refers to this -species, which, as a rule, is observed on the east coast about a -fortnight after the migration of the common Redstart has ceased.[8] - -[Footnote 7: In the spring of 1886 I received by post one adult male -Wheatear, in summer plumage, caught in a rabbit trap on March 26th in -North Northumberland. In a late schedule from the Farn L.H. two are -recorded on February 22d, at 5 P.M., on the island, and again two on -March 25th. The earliest record for East Lincolnshire this spring is a -pair on the Humber Embankment on March 29th.] - -[Footnote 8: The occurrences, so far recorded by the committee, of the -Black Redstart on the east coast of Great Britain in the autumn, range -between October 23d and November 3d.] - -SYLVIINÆ.--Red-Spotted Bluethroat, _Cyanecula suecica_.--Spurn, October -7th, two. Redbreast, _Erithacus rubecula_.--Spring, 1885: Longstone -L.H., April 7th, S.E., one. Farn L.H., 10th, 11th, and 12th, E.N.E., -several. Hasbro' L.V., May 22d, one to W.S.W. Autumn: Considerable -immigration between the Farn Islands and Guernsey, from September 8th -to November 12th; rush on October 16th, observed at Spurn, Lincolnshire -coast (very large numbers), Hasbro' L.V., Tongue L.V., and Thanet; and -again from November 10th to 12th at Inner Dowsing L.V., Kentish Knock -L.V., South Sand Head L.V. The greatest number seen at any one time, -Hasbro' L.V., October 2d, one hundred to one hundred and fifty, at 6 -P.M., from S.E. to N.W., and Kentish Knock L.V. on November 10th, fifty -to sixty, with tits from 2 A.M. to daybreak, and then going north. -Whitethroat, _Sylvia rufa_.--Hanois L.H., April 10. Malmo, Sweden, May -4th. Hunstanton L.H., 20th, S. (5), 1 A.M., nine killed. Autumn: July -19th, Thanet, the first, and are last recorded Hanois L.H. September -17th, N.E. (4), midnight, along with Blackcaps. Lesser Whitethroat, -_S. curruca_.--Spring: Great Cotes, April 23d. Autumn: The first at -Thanet August 24th to 27th, and last at Longstone L.H. September 30th. -Blackcap, _S. atricapilla_.--Spring: Thanet, May 5th, males; 6th, -females. Return September 17th, 19th, and 25th at Hanois L.H., Thanet, -and Languard L.H. Garden Warbler, S. salicaria.--Return August 22d at -Spurn, and September 20th at Thanet. - -PHYLLOSCOPINÆ.--Golden-Crested Wren, _Regulus cristatus_.--Spring: -At Great Cotes and Thanet on March 8th; Longstone L.H. May 1st, 2 -P.M.,one. Autumn: A very considerable immigration first observed at -Languard L.H. August 21st, 5.15 A.M., one. The next at Hanois L.H. -September 17th, E., O.R. about lantern at midnight; are last recorded -on November 11th. Rushes indicated at Flamborough on October 6th, -and at Farn L.H., Hasbro' L.V. (twenty), Lincolnshire coast. Cockle -L.V., and Thanet on October 16th and 17th; Teesmouth October 23d -and 24th; Inner Dowsing L.V., Leman and Ower L.V., Kentish Knock -L.V.,and South Sand Head L.V. on November 10th and 11th. Chiff-Chaff, -_Phylloscopus collybita_.--Spring: First in North Wales and Norfolk -April 2d; return Thanet August 21st to September 24th. Willow-Wren, _P. -trochilus_.--Return Thanet July 19th and August 5th. Spurn, August 18th -to S. Cley, Norfolk coast, September 7th, E., great numbers in scrub, -and increasing; 17th, second rush. Wood-Wren, _P. sibilatrix_.--Spurn, -August 14th; Thanet, 22d and 27th. - -ACROCEPHALINÆ.--Sedge Warbler, _A. schœnobænus_.--Spurn L.H., September -8th, one killed. - -ACCENTORIDÆ.--Hedge Sparrow, _Accentor modularis_.--Cley, Norfolk -coast, September 18th, many. Newarp L.V., October 17th, rush with -others. Goodwin, east side L.V., 23d, a few on board. Bearded Reedling, -_Panurus biarmicus_.--Yarmouth, February, last week, bearded tits, -several flocks, numbers shot. - -PARIDÆ.--Spring: Hanois L.H., April 10. Blue-Titmouse.--Autumn: -Great Cotes, October 11th. Blue and Coal Titmouse, several. Whitby -L.H., 15th, several Titmice about lighthouse garden. Kentish Knock -L.V., November 10th, fifty to sixty Robins and Tits from midnight -to daybreak, and then to N. Inner Dowsing L.V., 10th, one. South -Sand Head L.V., 11th, Robin and Tits. Common Creeper, _Certhia -familiaris_.--Spurn, August 14th. Common Wren, _Troglodytes -parvulus_.--Winterton L.H., September 6th, one at 2 A.M. on lantern; -8th, one at 4 A.M., and November 3d, one. Orfordness L.H.; September -13th, 7 A.M., three with Robin. Farn L.H., October 23d, two. South Sand -Head L.V., November 12th and 13th, Wrens on deck; and Kentish Knock -L.V., 13th, two at 4 P.M., went to roost on board. - -MOTACILLIDÆ.--Pied Wagtail, _M. lugubris_.--Spring, 1885: Tees L.V., -February 4th, N.W., four to N.W.; 27th, with Titlarks to N.W. Hanois -L.H., February 12th, a few. Great Cotes, 25th, many, with Titlarks. -Whitby L.H., March 8th, one. Thanet, 11th to 19th. Farn L.H., 11th, -two; and Longstone L.H., May 9th, two to W. Autumn: Return Thanet -August 2d, young; 26th, old. Hanois L.H., November 20th, twelve to -S.E. Blue-Headed Wagtail, _M. flava_.--Thanet, April 22d, male; May -4th, old female and young bird in second plumage. Yellow Wagtail, -_M. raii_.--Spring, 1885: Great Cotes, April 18th; and Thanet, 26th, -first. Autumn: Spurn, August 14th, a few immature Yellow Wagtails; 23d, -thousands, "the whole district ablaze with them;" 24th, less numbers. -Thanet, 20th and 21st. Cley, September 18th, in parties; 23d, three or -four. Grey Wagtail, _M. melanope_.--Autumn: Great Cotes, September, -first and second weeks, young birds swarming in bean-fields; October -15th, first, old. Cley, September 9th, first. Thanet, 28th and 30th, -two each day. In the spring of 1885 were first seen at Malmo, Sweden, -on April 7th, two, "a sure sign to begin to plough." Meadow Pipit, -_Anthus pratensis_.--Spring: Great Cotes, February 25th, many, with -Pied Wagtails; Tees L.V., 27th, some with Wagtails to N.W. Autumn: -Cley, September 16th, great many. Roker (Sunderland), October 3d -and 7th. Farn L.H., 23d, E.S.E. (4), great many. Rock Pipit, _A. -obscurus_.--Cley, September 22d, three or four; 23d, several. Golden -Oriole, _Oriolus galbula_.--Thanet, June 9th and 23d (see remarks under -"General Notes"). - -LANIIDÆ.--Red-Backed Shrike, _Lanius collurio_.--Spring: Thanet, May -23d, female. Autumn: Thanet, August 5th, female. Spurn, 24th and -September 1st, young, one each day; 3d and 4th, one each day. Woodchat -Shrike, _L. auriculatus_.--Yarmouth, May, second week, a female, and -several others reported further north on east coast (_Zoologist_, 1886, -pp. 27, 28). - -MUSCICAPIDÆ.--Spotted Flycatcher, _Muscicapa grisola_.--Thanet, May -1st, first; October 14th, last (very late). Pied Flycatcher, _M. -atricapilla_.--Spring: Flamborough, May 3d, N.E., great rush with -Redstarts, and forward to 6th, "the largest arrival ever known." -Spurn, same date, great many, "more numerous than ever known before." -Malmo (Sweden), April 29th, two. Autumn: Spurn, August 24th, young; -29th, same. Thanet, 30th, N.E., five or six; again on 31st, and from -September 1st to 29th. Cley, September 8th. - -HIRUNDINIDÆ.--Swallow, _Hirundo rustica_.--Spring: Hanois L.H., March -30th, a flight, and from April 15th to May 10th, daily. Flamborough, -April 8th, N.N.E. (8), 11.30 A.M., first; Great Cotes 14th, Thanet -20th, Orfordness 20th, Yarmouth 17th, Hunstanton 16th, Spurn 17th, -Whitby 19th, Tees L.V. 19th, one from E.S.E. to N.W.; 21st, 8 A.M. to -2 P.M., great many to N.W. from E.S.E., and some Martins, and many at -intervals to May 29th in same direction. Languard L.H., May 30th to -June 5th. Malmo, Sweden, April 22d. Autumn; Tees L.V., September 15th -and 16th, great many to S.W. Spurn, September 2d and 5th, all day in -small numbers to S. Hunstanton, 15th and 16th, hundreds all day to S., -and throughout September at several stations; were last observed at -Languard L.H. October 18th. Flamborough, 18th, several. Great Cotes, -19th. Leman and Ower L.V., 24th. In November, three at Flamborough on -1st. Hunstanton, 14th, one to S.W. Thanet, 15th, one. Martin, _Chelidon -urbica_.--Spring: Tees L.V., April 21st, first; some, with Swallows -N.W. to E.S.E.; July 7th, 8th, 11th, great many to N.W., and at several -stations in April, May, and June. Autumn: Last at Thanet, November 1st. -Sand-Martin, _Cotile riparia_.--Great Cotes, April 22d. Last at Thanet, -November 1st. - -FRINGILLIDÆ.--Goldfinch, _Carduelis elegans_.--Hanois L.H., November -1st, fifty to N.W. Siskin, _Chrysomitris spinus_.--Yarmouth, abundant -in December. Serin Finch, _Serinus hortulanus_.--Yarmouth, June 14th -(_Zoologist_, 1886, p. 28), probably a male. Greenfinch, _Ligurinus -chloris_.--Curiously only one entry in the schedules. Shipwash L.V., -January 24th, 1886, one died on board. Common Sparrow, _Passer -domesticus_.--First at Shipwash L.V., September 22d, 2.30 P.M., great -flight of Common Sparrows to N.N.W. Kentish Knock L.V., 27th, forty to -W., and on 28th. Newarp L.V., October 8th, noon, thirty. Goodwin East -L.V., October 20th, a few House Sparrows during day, and on November -10th to 13th. Corton L.V., October 1st, 11th, 12th, 15th, 19th, 21st, -22d, and November 11th, large numbers, several on vessel. Tree Sparrow, -_P. montanus_.--Longstone L.H.. October 16th, one. Cockle and Kentish -Knock L.V.'s, October 4th and 30th, at latter in large numbers. Goodwin -and Gull L.V.'s, September 28th, 29th, and October 28th, 30th, great -rush. South Sand Head, October 12th, 7 A.M., some to N.W., and on -December 2d one. Very few, as a rule, came in north of the Humber. -Chaffinch, _Fringilla cœlebs_.--First at Outer Dowsing L.V. September -18th, one. Arrived mainly in two great flights, October 12th to 16th, -and November 10th to 13th, as observed at several stations. Brambling, -_F. montifringilla_.--Spring: Thanet, April 19th, last seen. Autumn: -October 14th to 17th, and a second flight November 11th to 12th, -practically at the same periods as the former.[9] Linnet, _Linota -cannabina_.--Comparatively few notices, and no Twites. Mealy and -Lesser Redpoles, _L. linaria_ and _rufescens_.--Cockle L.V., October -14th, one. Outer Dowsing L.V., 16th, two. Leman and Ower L.V., 18th, -one caught (Mealy Redpoles), flying from E.N.E. to S.W. Spurn, about -November 11th, one Mealy Redpole. Hasbro' L.V., November 23d, one -Redpole caught. Yarmouth, in December, abundant. It is probable all the -notices refer to _L. linaria_. - -[Footnote 9: Bramblings are reported as having been more plentiful in -Lincolnshire and Norfolk than has been the case for very many years. In -the Migration Report for 1883, the Hawfinch is recorded at the Inner -Dowsing L.V. on November 2d, and at the same station in the previous -year on October 20th. I have recently ascertained from Mr William King -that he was mistaken in his identification, and that the birds were -Bramblings.] - -EMBERIZINÆ.--Yellow Bunting, _Emberiza citrinella_.--Whitby, March -16th, great number during week commencing on the 16th. Snow Bunting, -_Plectrophanes nivalis_.--Spring: Tees L.V., March 1st, flocks. Farn -L.H., 4th, two. Yarmouth, 22d, four, 3 P.M., on north light. Farn L.H., -April 11th, one. Autumn: Cley, September 26th, one, and at several -stations in October and November; rushes October 16th and 24th, N.E., -half-gale, and November 18th and 25th. - -ALAUDIDÆ.--Sky-Lark, _Alauda arvensis_.--The occurrences are far -too numerous to record separately; in some cases the entries fill -a considerable portion of the schedules. They are noted at thirty -stations on the east coast, sixteen of which are light-vessels. Spring, -1885: Longstone L.H., April 7th, and Cockle L.V., May 6th; some to W. -at intervals during the day. Autumn: First at Cockle L.V. September -7th, and sparingly at other stations during the month to the 28th and -29th, when the numbers greatly increased. A very heavy immigration in -October, and from the 12th to 20th an almost continuous rush night and -day, covering the whole of the east coast; in less numbers in November -to the 20th, when the migration appears to have almost ceased. The -great bulk appear to have arrived in two enormous and almost continuous -flights on October 15th, 16th, 17th, and November 10th and 11th--in -the latter case in less numbers; very sparingly in December and up -to January 25th, 1886. A strong return migration to the Continent is -indicated at the Shipwash L.V. on February 14th and 15th N.E. at night, -also during the day on the 15th from W. to E., and at the Newarp L.V. -March 19th to 21st, likewise to E. At the same station, from January -25th, 1886, to February 14th, Larks passing to the W. Shore-Lark, -_Otocorys alpestris_.--Yarmouth, November 26th, one found dead; several -seen in February. Flamborough, January 4th, 1886, one shot. - -STURNIDÆ.--Starling, _Sturnus vulgaris_.--At twenty-one stations. -Dudgeon L.V., July 10th, three young alighted on vessel, and then to -W.N.W. None are recorded in August and September till the 28th at -Shipwash L.V., some flights; enormous numbers in October, especially -from the 12th to 19th, frequently associated with Larks, and large -numbers of both killed at the light-vessels; proportionately less in -November, with heavy rushes from the 12th to 23d. A very considerable -spring migration indicated at Shipwash L.V. both to the E. and W. from -February 10th to March 21st, 1886. - -CORVIDÆ.--Daw, _Corvus monedula_.--Longstone L.H., March 12th, N., -several to W.; April 3d to W. at dawn. Autumn: At several stations, -generally in company with Rooks. Carrion Crow, _C. corone_.--Tees L.V., -October 19th, five; 24th, twelve. Dudgeon L.V., October 5th to November -11th, many with Rooks. Tongue L.V., December 11th, one on deck; great -numbers of "Black Crows" are recorded at various stations, which may -refer either to this or the Rook. Hooded Crow, _C. cornix_.--Spring, -1885: Outer Dowsing L.V., March 1st, large flights from W.N.W. to -E.S.E. 10 A.M. Hunstanton, April 7th, many near lighthouse. Thanet, -19th, last. Autumn: First at Hasbro' L.V. October 2d, small flocks all -day S.E. to N.W. Great numbers in October at various stations, chiefly -between the Humber and Thames, and an almost continuous rush between -15th and 17th. A very considerable immigration in November, specially -from 9th to 12th. Rook, _C. frugilegus_.--Longstone L.H., March 11th -and 14th, 1885, many to E.; April 4th, 15th, 17th, and 20th, several -to W. Cockle L.V., May 2d, continuous flocks during day to N.W., S.W., -and N. Northrepps, March 22d and 23d, 1886, Rooks and Crows to E.S.E. -Autumn: Immense numbers at various stations in October and November, -with continuous rushes corresponding with those of the Grey Crow.[10] -Raven, _C. corax_.--Outer Dowsing L.V., March 6th, 3 A.M., two ravens, -one caught. Malmo, Sweden, February 7th, one passing overhead N.E. to -S.W.--exactly the same line as observed for nine successive years. - -[Footnote 10: Mr J. H. Gurney, Sen., writes:--"Lord Lilford sends me -word that on 20th of March 1886, Mr G. Hunt saw an extraordinary flight -of Rooks at Somerton, which he observed from 10.30 A.M. till 6 P.M., -when he left, but the flight was still going on. He wrote to Lord -Lilford:--'I observed them flying just above the sandhills, going due -south, and as far as the eye could see both before and behind there -was nothing but Rooks. There would never for one moment of the day be -less than a thousand in sight at one time; they kept in a thin wavering -line. The coast line here runs due north and south.'" Mr J. H. Gurney, -Jun., writes:--"I saw the same Rooks and Grey Crows on the same day in -much smaller numbers as were seen at Somerton (Norfolk coast), which is -fifteen miles further south. I again saw them on the 21st, 22d, 25th, -26th, 29th, but none after that date. Mr Hunt says they were all Rooks, -but with me Grey Crows preponderated; direction to S.E." In connection -with this read Mr Gätke's notes of migration as observed at Heligoland -and Hanover between March 19th and 25th, 1886, on the last page of his -journal.] - -CYPSELIDÆ.--Swift, _Cypselus apus_.--Spurn, April 20th, eight on -window-sill of tower; 22d, several; June 29th, 11 A.M., fifty round -lantern. At Yarmouth May 7th, and Thanet and Hunstanton on 8th, Malmo -10th. Autumn: Many to S. along coast first week in September. Wryneck, -_Jynx torquilla_.--Thanet, April 19th, 25th; May 10th, 18th; June 14th, -three distinct arrivals. Farn L.H., May 15th, one picked up dead. -Common Roller, _Coracias garrulus_.--Felthorpe, near Norwich, October -24th, adult female. Cuckoo, _Cuculus canorus_.--Whitby, April 8th; -Hanois L.H., Guernsey, 10th, two; Flambro' 17th, Spurn 18th, Farn L.H. -29th. Malmo May 13th, Tongue L.V. 19th, 10.30 P.M., one struck and -killed. Autumn: Hunstanton L.H., July 16th, 2 A.M., N.W., one killed. -Roker, August 6th, one young. Spurn, 7th, midnight O.M., one killed; -17th, two young on sandhills. Thanet, 8th, and September 3d and 4th. -Farn L.H., August 9th, 6 P.M. - -STRIGES.--Barn Owl, _Strix flammea_.--Tongue L.V., October 20th, 8 -A.M., "White Owl" to W. Tees L.V., December 2d, W.S.W., "one Barn -Owl." Long-Eared Owl, _Asio otus_.--Longstone L.H., October 10th, 2 -P.M., N.N.E., fresh gale, one ("with wind N. of E., very few migrants -are seen"). Farn L.H., October 10th, 6.30 P.M., "Owl" round lantern. -Spurn, October 23d, E. and N.E. gale, some, one also shot at Spurn on -August 25th. Short-Eared Owl, _A. accipitrinus_.--Spring: Farn L.H., -April 22d, one on rocks. Autumn: In two rushes--October 20th to 23d, -November 12th to 14th. - -FALCONIDÆ.--Very few notices. Sea-Eagle, _Haliaëtus -albicilla_.--Immature male and female shot in Kent early in November, -and another seen. The Spotted Eagle, _Aquila nævia_, was shot at -Cresswell on the Northumberland coast on October 31st. Kite, _Milvus -ictinus_.--Thanet, April 9th, 3.30 P.M., N.W., one flying to W. During -the last week in September and early in October (the usual period for -the passage of the Falconidæ); a few Peregrines, Kestrels, Merlins, and -Sparrow Hawks were observed on migration at various parts of the east -coast. Northrepps, March 20th, 1886, two Buzzards, with Rooks to E.S.E. - -PELECANIDÆ.--Cormorant, _Phalacrocorax carbo_.--Spring: Tees L.V., -March 1st to 10th, many to north. Whitby L.H., 11th, to north; -September 17th, old and young, to S. Leman and Ower L.V., October 4th, -forty to fifty, fishing for herring. Gannet, _Sula bassana_.--Farn -L.H., August 22d, 26th, 27th, hundreds fishing off island. Heron, -_Ardea cinerea_.--Coquet L.H., more Herons seen in September to October -12th than had been seen for many years. Outer Dowsing L.V., October 2d, -one from E. to W.N.W. Tees L.V., February 28th, two, E. to W. White -Stork, _Ciconia alba_.--Malmo, April 19th, flight, eighteen or twenty, -to N.E. Spoonbill, _Platalea leucorodia_.--Yarmouth, June 4th, one shot -at Breydon Water. - -ANATIDÆ.--Wild Geese.--Whitby L.H.,May 23d, nine dark-coloured Geese to -S.; July 1st, twelve to N.; 12th, five to N. Autumn: Cley, September -7th, nineteen in flock. Llyn Wells L.V., 20th, twelve Geese, from E. by -E. Languard L.H., October 6th, flock, low to S.W. South Sand Head and -East Side L.V.'s (Goodwins), December 6th and 7th, great numbers, too -many to number. Unusually large numbers of Geese seen in North-East -Lincolnshire from the first week in October to the end of the year. -Swans.--Remarkably scarce. Five were seen on September 27th flying -from S. to N. above the Town's Moor at Newcastle, and at Corton L.V. -November 29th, 11 A.M., two to W. Ducks, Common Sheldrake, _Tadorna -cornuta_.--Tees L.V., January 1st, 1885, fifty-four and one Coot. -Farn L.H., June 20th, two broods off. Garganey Teal, _Querquedula -circia_.--April 3d, one, a male, shot at Breydon, Yarmouth. King -Eider, _Somateria spectabilis_.--Longstone L.H., April 23d, several -times seen, was shot on the 25th. Immense numbers of various Ducks -are reported at sea during the autumn and winter, flying in various -directions. The Pochard, _Fuligula ferina_, has been unusually -plentiful both in Lincolnshire and Norfolk. - -COLUMBIDÆ.--Ringdove, _Columba palumbus_.--Tetney, Lincolnshire coast, -October 23d, first flight of Wood Pigeons. Outer Dowsing L.V., November -12th, "seven pigeons" W. to E. Roker, near Sunderland, December 12th, -flocks arriving all day from the E. to the woods two miles inland. Mr -H. F. Tomalin reports from Northampton, "a great rush of Wood Pigeons -crossed this part of the country on October 16th; they were passing -continuously, in companies of four to five hundred, in a south-westerly -direction." The Stockdove, _C. œnas_, is reported as exceedingly -abundant in Norfolk during the winter of 1885-1886. Turtle Dove, -_Turtur communis_.--Thanet, May 13th, first. - -RALLIDÆ.--Water-Rail, _Rallus aquaticus_.--Farn L.H., October 15th, -one; 31st, E.S.E. (4), one. Leman and Ower L.V., 19th, 11 A.M., one -killed. Spotted Crake, _Porzana maruetta_.--Spurn, October 23d, one. -Stone Curlew, _Œdicnemus scolopax_.--Spurn, August 22d, one seen on mud -flats. - -CHARADRIIDÆ.--Golden Plover, _Charadrius pluvialis_.--Besides the usual -autumn arrivals there was a distinct immigration in December. Tongue -L.V., December 14th, 5 A.M., one struck rigging and killed. Thanet, -16th, 3.20 P.M., S.W., flocks of thirty to forty from E. Grey Plover, -_Squatarola helvetica_.--Spurn, August 26th, small flock in summer -plumage. Longstone L.H., September 5th, N.W., three killed. Cley, 22d, -W.S.W., calm, flock. Kentish Plover, _Ægialitis cantiana_.--Yarmouth, -May 3d, three at Breydon. Languard L.H., June 30th, 6.30 A.M., two. -Dotterel, _Eudromias morinellus_.--Spring: Great Cotes, May 14th, -seven; 16th, live. Lapwing, _Vanellus vulgaris_.--First at Whitby, -September 12th, large flock, old and young, to S. Yarmouth, October 2d, -S.W., strong, flocks coming in. Orfordness, 8th, rush, and on 11th the -same during night. Whitby, 16th, very large flock. Llyn Wells L.V., -21st and 22d, rush all day to N., and on November 1st, 2d, 3d. Dudgeon -L.V., November 10th and 11th, great rush. Hasbro' L.V., 11th to 12th, -night, and 22d to 23d, night, great rush to W. and W.N.W. Leman and -Ower L.V., 12th and 15th, flights to N.W. and W. - -SCOLOPACIDÆ.--Woodcock, _Scolopax rusticula_.--Spring: Farn L.H., April -11th, 10.30 P.M., one struck, not killed. Autumn: "First flight," -October 16th, 17th, E. and N.E., cold, rain and stormy, covering the -whole of the coast from Farn to Thanet, "Great flight" on night of 22d -and 23d, and 23d and 24th October, E. and N.E. gale, large numbers -striking the east coast at Longstone L.H.. Coquet L.H., Teesmouth, -Whitby, Flamborough (swarmed). Spurn (seventy-nine shot by one party -morning of 24th). Lincolnshire coast, great numbers. Yarmouth, less. -This flight was composed of the small, dark, reddish Scandinavian bird, -and the same applies also to the later flights on the east coast. -Other arrivals were Farn L.H., October 31st, seven. Longstone L.H., -November 4th, eleven. Farn L.H., same date, W.N.W. (4), seven. Leman -and Ower L.V., November 13th, one killed. Thanet, November 11th and -12th. Yarmouth, November 20th, many, and a few at various stations to -end of month, and also in December. A flight is recorded during the -last week in January 1886, at Northrepps and Thanet. Double Snipe, -_Gallinago major_.--Longstone L.H., September 15th, one. Common Snipe, -_G. cœlestis_.--Spring: Longstone L.H., April 3d, S.W., two, to E. -Autumn: Yarmouth, September 12th, W., strong, many. Farn L.H., October -31st. Dudgeon L.V., November 11th, rush; and North-East Lincolnshire, -on 24th, very large numbers. Jack-Snipe, _G. gallinula_.--Lincolnshire -coast, September 23d. Farn L.H., October 12th, N.N.E., and again on -31st. Longstone L.H., 17th, and November 11th; and East Lincolnshire, -November 24th, great rush with Common Snipe. Dunlin, _Tringa -alpina_.--Spring: Yarmouth, May 10th, large flocks in summer plumage. -Autumn: Languard L.H., August 1st, very large flock, the first. -Redcar, September 27th, in flocks all day to W. Little Stint, _T. -minuta_.--Cley , September 7th to 10th, several. Yarmouth, 8th, a few. -Temminck's Stint, _T. temmincki_.--Yarmouth, September 8th, one. Pygmy -Curlew, _T. subarquata_.--Roker, August 6th, 3 P.M., W., two. Knot, -_T. canutus_.--Longstone L.H., August 14th, shot in summer plumage. -Spurn, 20th, a few in summer plumage. Yarmouth, September 6th, large -flight. Redcar, 10th, W. half gale, flock; 12th, two flocks, young -birds. Cley, 22d, large flock. Puff, _Machetes pugnax_.--Spring: -Yarmouth, June 4th, four shot in summer plumage. Autumn: Redcar, August -31st, one young Puff. Cley, September 12th, several Peeves seen, one -shot. Lincolnshire coast, October 3d, one Peeve shot. Sanderling, -_Calidris arenaria_.--Spring: Yarmouth, April 6th, many in company -with Ringed Plover. Return, Spurn August 12th. Common Sandpiper, -_Totanus hypoleucus_.--Spurn, August 27th. Cley, September 10th, -many. Green Sandpiper, _T. ochropus_.--Spurn, August 22d to 26th. -Yarmouth, same date, many. Wood Sandpiper, _T. glareola_.--Yarmouth, -August 22d. Common Redshank, _T. calidris_.--Tees L.V., August 2d, -many. Spotted Redshank, _T. fuccus_.--Yarmouth, August 22d, one shot. -Greenshank, _T. canescens_.--Spring: Yarmouth, April 26th, at Breydon. -Autumn: Spurn, August 24th, young female. Bar-tailed Godwit, _Limosa -lapponica_.--Spurn, August 20th, in summer plumage. Yarmouth, September -8th, several Godwits on coast. Cley, September 12th to 25th, a constant -succession. Black-tailed Godwit, _L. ægocephala_.--Cley, September -15th, old bird shot. Whimbrel, _Numenius phœopus_.--Spring: Great -Cotes, May 16th, many. Autumn: Tees L.V., August 2d and 15th. Redcar, -12th, last on September 11th. Yarmouth, August 19th, many. Roker, -near Sunderland, August 31st and September 1st, very high. Longstone -L.H., September 20th, two. Cley, September 23d, last. Curlew, _N. -arquata_.--Spring: Whitby, April 9th, 11.30 P.M., great flock round -light. Autumn: Tees L.V., August 15th. Whitby, September 12th, to -south. Orfordness L.H., October 8th, night, large numbers, one killed. -Dudgeon L.V., October 21st, 3 A.M., about lantern; and November 25th, -ten, S.E. to N.W. Leman and Ower L.V., October 29th, to S.; November -12th, to S.W., rush; 13th, one killed. East Goodwin L.V., November -12th, one killed. - -LARIDÆ.--Arctic Tern, _Sterna macrura_.--Longstone L.H. May 15th, first -heard. August 9th, most left breeding haunts. September 2d, a few -about. Little Tern, _S. minuta_.--Spring: Spurn, April 15th, first. May -5th, many. Yarmouth, April 25th and 26th, on Breydon. Languard L.H., -May 9th, two. Sandwich Tern, _S. cantiaca_.--Farn L.H., April 12th, -first heard. August 9th, "most have left breeding places." September -1st to 30th, great flocks all round islands. Terns.--Redcar, August -12th, all day passing; 13th, less. September 4th, great many common -Terns at sea; 11th, the same. Yarmouth, September 14th, flocks of young -Terns to S. 22d May, at sea, going S. - -LARINÆ.--Gulls.--Whitby, February 10th, Herring Gulls first came to -cliffs early morning; July 9th, first young on wing; August 29th, -young and old left for sea. Farn L.H., April 12th, Lesser Black-Backed -Gulls first returned to nesting quarters. Little Gull, _Larus -minutus_.--Redcar, September 9th, one young shot. Flamborough, October -3d, three shot. Languard L.H., September 3d, two "Cream-Coloured -Gulls," the first seen here. - -STERCORARIINÆ.--Skuas.--Farn L.H., August 11th, several chasing -Terns. September 10th, two Buffon's Skua. Redcar, August 13th, one -Richardson's Skua; 31st, two or three; September 7th and 10th, very -plentiful at sea. Longstone L.H., September 2d, many Skua along shore. -Cley, 25th, some Skua seen. Llyn Wells L.V., October 10th, 7 A.M. to -9.30 P.M., flock of 130 "Boatswain Skua;" 13th, flocks of Gulls and -Skua. February 8th, 1886, great numbers of Skua Gulls. - -PROCELLARIIDÆ.--Storm Petrel, _Procellaria pelagica_.--Languard L.H., -October 25th, 2.15 A.M., one caught. Farn L.H., October 31st, S.S.E., -one struck, not killed; November 10th, S., one at daylight on gallery. -Kentish Knock L.V., November 11th, night, several. South Sand Head -L.V., 11th, two on board. Hasbro' L.V., 12th, twenty all night, four -killed. Coquet L.H., November 14th, N.W. (six), one caught on lantern. -Shearwater.--Longstone L.H., September 2d, one, all black, seen. Fulmar -Petrel, _Fulmarus glacialis_.--Yarmouth, October 31st, caught at sea. -Redcar, three shot early in November. - -ALCIDÆ.--Common Guillemot, _Lomvia troile_.--Flambro', February 5th, -1885, great number off breeding quarters. Longstone L.H., March 7th, -many on the rocks, "are seven days earlier than in 1884." Farn L.H., -February 25th, "thousands flying near nesting haunts." April 12th, -"have taken to rocks." November 28th several Black Guillemot off -island. Little Auk, _Mergulus alle_.--Longstone, October 14th, two. -Puffin, _Fratercula arctica_.--Farn L.H., April 12th, returned to -nesting quarters. Longstone, 14th, first seen, "four days earlier than -last year." - -COLYMBIDÆ.--Farn L.H., September 18th, two Great Northern Divers to -N. December 13th, several Red-Throated Divers and two Great Northern -Divers off island. Podicipitidæ, Farn L.H., September 15th, Red-Necked -Grebe seen off island. - - -General Notes. - -With reference to the rush of birds on October 16th and 17th, Mr Thomas -O. Hall of the Longstone L.H. writes:--"October 16th. Starlings and -Redwings commenced to come at 1.30 A.M., and continued to daylight; -after that they continued to come all day, but not in large numbers. -One Tree Sparrow. Wind easterly. October 17th. An enormous rush -of Redwing and Starling; not many of the other kinds, only a few -Blackbirds and Larks. One Woodcock was injured against the lantern, one -Jacksnipe killed, also one Brambling. One female Redstart seen. Several -Woodcock were shot on the adjacent islands by a boat from shore, so -that there was a large flight. The rush of birds was continuous from -1.45 A.M. to 5.30 A.M. The greater part of the Starlings caught were -young birds. There were also some Knot flying round the lantern, but -none struck. The wind was east, with drizzling rain." Again, with -regard to the November rush which was continuous on the 10th and -11th:--"November 8th. A few Redwings and Larks heard after dark, and -one Fieldfare on the gallery at midnight. Wind S. to S.W., moderate. -9th. A few Fieldfare heard through the morning, and two Skylarks seen -at 10.30 A.M. Several Fieldfare and Knot flying round from 6 P.M. till -midnight; one Skylark and one Fieldfare caught. Wind from S.W. to -S.S.E., and at midnight S.S.E. 10th. Fieldfares flying more plentifully -than in fore part of the night, but not striking. No other birds seen. -The flight of Fieldfares continued all day, one flock of fifty and -another of two hundred passed in afternoon, also five Blackbirds and -one Corby Crow in the afternoon. The Fieldfare continued up to 10.38 -P.M., when the weather became clearer. One of the large Snipe struck -S.E. side of lantern at 9.45 P.M., and was almost smashed to pieces; -one Dunlin also killed; wind S. by E. to S.E. by S. 11th. Fieldfares, -Redwings, and Blackbirds coming all day and all through the night, -also Skylarks. One Jacksnipe killed. Wind from S. round by E. to -N.E., light, with passing showers of drizzle. 12th. The same birds as -yesterday still coming all day, and continuing up to 11 P.M.; wind from -S.W. to W. by N., moderate. At 1 P.M. one Snow Bunting and a Brambling." - -Farn L.H.--Mr Thomas H. Cutting:--January 1st, 1886. "Very large flocks -of Golden Plover to and from land, a good many Mallard and several -Snipe on island; westerly gales, hail and snow, with severe frosts. -I was shown a bird picked up on the main shore about three weeks -previously, which I identified as a Fulmar Petrel. I remember one being -captured about nine years ago." - -Coquet Island L.H.--Mr William Evans:--"October 17th. Hundreds of -Blackbirds, Thrushes, Starlings, Larks, three Woodcock, one Snipe -flying round lantern; one Woodcock killed, and one hundred Blackbirds, -Thrushes, Starlings, and Larks." - -Dudgeon L.V.--Mr J. F. Warder:--"Seagulls and Puffins are very thin at -the Dudgeon Station. Skua Gulls are seldom seen here summer or winter." - -Leman and Ower L.V.--Mr John Bowen (Mate):--"November 13th. Large -numbers of birds at midnight round the ship and lantern. West (3), -O. M. One Curlew, one Woodcock, one Blackbird, three Starlings, four -Thrushes, fourteen Redwings, twelve Larks, and one Finch killed; the -rest went away at daylight to N.W. - -Hasbro' L.V.--Mr B. V. Darnell and J. Nicholas:--"June 7th, 4 P.M., -S.S.E. (2), O. M., one Deaths-head Moth caught alive; several small -White Moths and Black Flies rested." - -Languard Point L.H.--Mr Owen Boyle:--"July 4th, at 9.35 P.M., millions -of very small brown-coloured Flies pitched on lantern glass, and to -keep the glass clear they had to be washed off. They sting like a -mosquito. Wind S. (1), B. C. M." - -Hanois L.H., Guernsey.--Mr Charles Williams:--"April 10th, 1885, -Cuckoo, two seen on the island, and several Swallows, Whitethroats, -and Blue Titmouse, Yellow Wagtails, Yellow Buntings, and Wheatears. -The west end of the island was all alive with birds of passage. -The morning fine; wind N., light." "September 13th. S.E., cloudy. -Silver-gamma Moth all the evening flying about lantern." "September -17th. N.E. (4), O. R. Golden-crested Wrens, Redstarts, Wheatears, -Wagtails, Whitethroats, Blackcaps, and Swallows after midnight; a great -many killed, and fell into the water." "22d. Winged Ants flying past -lighthouses, some settled. S.E., B. C. V., 2 P.M." - -In the great rush, October 15th, 16th, E.N.E. (4 to 5), O. M., the -species actually shown by the schedules as on migration over the North -Sea, were Redwing, Starling, Tree-sparrow, Blackbird, Lark, Thrush, -Fieldfare, Water-rail, Hawk, Redbreast, Woodcock, Goldcrest, Snipe, -Gray Crow, Snow-Bunting, Ring-Ousel, Chaffinch, Carrion Crow, Wheatear, -Rook, Linnet, Hedge-Sparrow, Common Sparrow, Brambling, Short-eared -Owl, Knot, Wild Geese, and Jacksnipe; and on November 10th, 11th, S. -by E. to N.E., drizzly. Missel Thrush, Blackbird, Grey Crow, Thrush, -Redwing, Snipe, Dunlin, Fieldfare, Stormy Petrel, Lark, Lapwing, -Goldcrest, Starling, Curlew, Stonechat, Rook, Daw, Ducks, Sparrow, -Redbreast, Titmice, Short-eared Owl, Tree Pipit, Snow-bunting, and -Brambling, with doubtless many others not distinguished at the time. - -From Malmo, Sweden.--Mr Frank E. Newton sends a cutting from a Gotland -newspaper, of which the following is a translation:--"A curious -circumstance happened at the F[)a]rö Lighthouse on the 20th October. -About 8.30 in the evening a sharp report was heard by the man on watch. -He immediately went up to the lantern to ascertain the cause, when he -found two of the panes of glass broken into small pieces, as well as -three "Alfoglar" (Long-Tailed Ducks, _Harelda glacialis_) lying dead -inside. There were also three lamp glasses broken, and a third pane of -glass cracked in many places. On the ground below lay nine more birds -of the same sort. The Ducks had come from a northerly direction. The -flight must have been at a remarkable speed, as the quarter-inch thick -glass was smashed into many small pieces." - -Schedules have been sent in since the writing of the report from Inner -Farn L.H.--Mr Thomas H. Cutting--ranging from February 11th to March -30th, 1886, and recording a large migration of Skylarks during the -forenoon on February 19th to the W.; also the movements of Blackbirds, -Thrushes, Common Wrens, Lapwing, Snipe, Starlings, Golden Plover, -Daws, and "Black Crows." A pair of Wheatears on February 22d, at 5 -P.M., and again a pair on March 25th. A small flock of Snow-Bunting on -March 13th, and three Fieldfare on the .30th. - -Galloper L.V.--Mr P. Frost:--From January 21st to April 12th, 1886, -is specially interesting as recording the enormous migration of Larks -and Starlings, and in less numbers of Chaffinches, Sparrows, Linnets, -and Plover. On the nights of January 21st to 23d, two hundred and -twenty-six were killed. Unfortunately Mr Frost fails to state the -directions of flights, but, judging from the entries in the schedules -sent in by other light-vessels on the south-east coast, they refer to -birds on passage both to the Continent and our own shores. - -Newarp L.V.--Messrs C. Campbell and W. Rees:--From October 21st to -March 21st, 1886, up to February 14th. Crows, Starlings, Larks, -Chaffinches, Blackbirds, Thrushes, Fieldfares, Bramblings, and Linnets -in greater or less numbers to the W., ceasing on December 11th, and -again recommencing on January 23d to February 14th, and then from March -5th to 21st, Starlings, Larks, and Crows passing to the E. - -Swin Middle L.V.--Messrs Pender and J. Barrett:--From January 21st to -April 3d, 1886; between January 21st to February 15th. Immense flights -of Larks, generally during the night, and large numbers killed; also -Starlings, Sparrows, and some Chaffinches. On January 24th, five -flocks of small birds travelling from N.W. to S.E. On the night of -February 14th to 15th, Larks still in great numbers, ninety on deck, -and a great many falling into the water, "for two hours the Larks were -like a shower of snow." March 28th and 29th, and April 1st, 2d, 3d, -Chaffinches at intervals during the morning three or four together, -all were male birds, only one female seen. "Ducks" (probably Scoters) -"can be seen from this vessel eight or nine months in the year, but on -February 10th, 11th, 12th, we had calms and fogs, and the Ducks sat on -the water, covering about a mile, the water being black with them." - -Lord Clifton writes:--"About twenty Swallows were picked up dead after -the northerly gales and rain of October 13th and 14th. Seven were -found huddled together alive in a duck's nesting-box in a stable, and -one was found dead in a slipper in a bedroom, so desperate were the -efforts of the poor birds to find warmth and shelter. House Martins -were similarly overtaken." "Golden Oriole."--"On June 9th a bricklayer -thought he saw one, and on the 23d a woodcutter said he both saw one -and heard it whistle; our people about here are familiar with the -general appearance of the bird from its having bred in this park in -1874 and 1875." - - -General Remarks. - -A special point of interest in the report for the East Coast of England -was the large arrival of Pied Flycatchers at Spurn and Flamborough in -the first week in May 1885, with a north-east wind. This immigration -extended northward as far as the Pentland Skerries (see Report from -the East Coast of Scotland). At Flamborough the Flycatchers were -accompanied by male Redstarts. - -There was an enormous arrival of Redwings, commencing at the Farn -Islands on September 15th, and continued throughout October and -November to the first week in December, and covering the whole east -coast of England. There was also an immense immigration of Fieldfares, -which was specially observed at the Longstone L.H. from November 8th to -11 P.M. on the 12th. - -Scarcely second to these in importance was the immense flight of -Bramblings, the bulk of which arrived in two great rushes between -October 14th and 17th and on November 11th and 12th; this species being -reported as more plentiful in the eastern counties than ever previously -recorded. - -The main body of Woodcocks arrived in two great rushes, the "first -flight" on the night of October 16th to 17th, covering the east coast -from the Farn Islands to Thanet, and the "great flight" on October 22d -to 23d and 23d to 24th between the same islands and Yarmouth. After -this. Woodcocks kept dropping in at intervals up to the end of January -1886. - -It has been remarked in previous reports that the migration of a -species extends over many weeks, and in some cases is extended for -months. Yet it is observable that, at least on the east coast of -England, year by year, the bulk or main body of the birds which strike -the coast come in two enormous and almost continuous rushes during -the second and third weeks in October and the corresponding weeks in -November. Continued observation also proves that the earlier arrivals, -as a rule, refer to the young of the year, and the later to old birds, -but with many exceptions. - -Birds also continue persistently, year by year, to follow the same -lines of flight both in the spring and autumn, and at least nine-tenths -of the arrivals at the latter season come directly from the east or -from points south of east, moving to the west and north-west. In -the spring, when leaving the east coast, they travel in the reverse -direction, but still following the old lines. The occurrences of -migrants coming from points north of east is quite exceptional. - -The fact of a double migration or passage of birds of the same species -across the North Sea in the spring and autumn, both to the E. and S.E. -and W. and N.W., is very clearly established (see General Remarks, -1884 Report, East Coast of England, pp. 69 and 70). This phenomenon -is regularly recorded on the whole of the east coast, but specially -observable at those light-vessels which are stationed in the south-east -district included in this report; at the same time, it is invariably -persistent and regular year by year. - -An examination of the reports, seven in number, already issued by the -Committee, will show the extreme regularity and precision in time -during which the migration of each species is carried on. This applies -both to the vernal and autumnal passage; in the vast majority of cases -the commencement of the migration occurring on the same day, or within -a few days, of a fixed period, so that it would not be difficult to -tabulate in advance with almost certainty the normal movement or -migration of each species. - -The arrivals of rare and occasional visitants have been unusually -few; perhaps those of chief interest are the occurrences of the -Arctic Bluethroat and Desert Chat at Spurn, the Black-Bellied Dipper -in Lincolnshire, the Woodchat Shrike, Serin Finch, and Spoonbill in -Norfolk, and the Spotted Eagle in Northumberland. - -In the spring the earliest occurrence of our summer visitants is as -frequently recorded at the northern as at the southern stations; -instance the arrival in 1885 of the Swallow at Spurn on April 8th; the -Swift, several, on April 20th; and the Cuckoo at Whitby on April 8th; -and in 1886 the arrival of Wheatears at the Farn Islands on February 2 -2d. The line of migration of the latter, as yearly observed at the Tees -L.V., is from S.E. to N.W. - -_Addenda to "General Notes," East Coast of England._ - -Leman and Ower L.V.--Mr T. Artis:--March 19th to 28th, 1886. On March -19th and 25th "Black Crows" N.W. to S.E.; and between March 19th to -28th, Skylarks, Starlings, Chaffinches, and others to W. March 28th, at -9 P.M., S.S.E., fog. One Fieldfare, three Starlings, three Chaffinches, -one Woodcock, and three Bramblings killed. Mr Artis also remarks, -under date of April 13th, 1886, 5 P.M. and 7 P.M.:--"I have to inform -you that this afternoon, being a calm at the time, I saw close to my -vessel, about three ship's length off, a very large creature which I -believe was some sort of a whale. I never saw such a fish near the -Leman and Ower banks (18 fathoms) before. It appeared to be larger than -the ship, and came from the N.W., going S.E., and at 7 P.M. he was -surrounded by spring herrings--some thousands--leaping out of the water -from three to four feet. It was a beautiful sight." - -There is a very interesting schedule, which is carried forward to the -next report (1886), from the Longstone L.H., Mr Thomas O. Hall. A -Woodcock was flushed on the 3d of April on the rock, which flew E. On -April 7th, at 9.30 A.M., two flocks of Hooded Crows passed to mainland, -wind W., strong; and on the 13th a small flock of Books passed to -mainland at 7.30 A.M., wind S.E. and E. There was a great flight of -Fieldfares, Redstarts, and Wheatears, and other kinds, round the -lantern between 12 and 1 A.M. on the 28th April. As soon as the wind -shifted to the N.E. all the birds left. - - - - -HELIGOLAND. - - -_Ornithological Almanac for 1885._[11] - -[Footnote 11: Contributed by Mr Gätke.] - - -=January.= - -1st and 2d.-- - -3d.--_Fringilla chloris_, very many. _Alauda arvensis_ and _Turdus -pilaris_, numerous. - -4th to 8th.--Guillemots on hatching ridges in rocks by thousands. - -9th and 10th.-- - -11th, evening, N.E.--Extensive migration during the night: _Numenius_, -_Char. auratus_, _Tringa_. - -12th, N.E., light wind, 1 deg. frost, a little snow.--_Fring. -chloris_, very many; _cannabina_ and _montium_, fewer; _Turdus -pilaris_, _iliacus_, _merula_, and _viscivorus_, numerous, the latter -individually. _Anth. pratensis_, pretty many; _Num. arquata_ and _Char. -auratus_, all numerous, migrating overhead. - -13th, S.E., fine.--_Fring. chloris_, again very many, twenty at one -shot; _cannabina_ and _montium_, also very many; _Turdus pilaris_ and -_Alauda arvensis_, also very many; _Sturnus_, fifty to sixty. - -14th, N.E., heavy, thick, overcast.--Nothing. - -Up to 27th, frost 3-5 deg., fine weather.--During the whole time only -stray birds: _Sturnus merula_, _Al. arvensis_, _Emb. miliaria_. - -28th, 29th, 30th, S.W., overcast, mild.--_Fr. chloris_, very many. -_Merula_, _pilaris_, _Sturnus_, _Al. arvensis_, many passing on. - - -=February.= - -1st and 2d.--Nothing. - -3d.--_Al. arvensis_, extraordinary many. _Fr. chloris_ and _cannabina_, -also many. _T. merula_, _musicus_, _iliacus_, also pretty many. _Char. -auratus_, _Num. arquata_, many passing on. - -4th, southerly.--All the above, but considerably fewer. _Corv. -frugilegus_, a swarm of at least one hundred. - -Till 9th westerly wind, often fog.--Nothing. 9th, Guillemots in rocks. - -10th, 11th, 12th, S.E. and S.--Nothing. Stray _merula_. Many _Fr. -chloris_. - -13th to 17th, S.W., fog.--_Turd. viscivorus_, ten or twelve on 17th. -_C. frugilegus_, a great flight. - -Up to 23d.--Nothing passing. - -24th, S.S.W., still, fine weather.--_Mot. lugubris_, one [male]. _Sax. -rubicola_, several [male]. _Anth. rupestris_ and _pratensis_. _Alauda -arvensis_, few. _Arborea_, a couple. - -25th, S.W., clear, fine; in evening south.--_Corvus monedula_, a -tolerably great flight. _Turd. merula_ and _iliacus_, pretty many. -_Viscivorus_, ten to fifteen. _Sax. rubicola_, [male]. _Anth. -pratensis_ and _rupestris_, pretty many. _Al. arvensis_, a great many. -_Arborea_, a few. _Fring. chloris_ and _cannabina_, numerous. _Scol. -rusticula_, one. - -26th, S.W., early fog; P.M. clear, fine.--_Corv. frugilegus_, ten -thousands. _Cornix_, few. _Sturnus_, many. _Merula_, few. _Alauda_ -passing on overhead. _S. rubicola_, several _Fr. chloris_, _cannabina_, -_cœlebs_, many, particularly the first. _F. domesticus_, a great flight -passing high overhead eastward. _Anth. pratensis_ and _rupestris_, -many. _Mot. lugubris_, a fine [male]. _Char. auratus_, _vanellus_, and -_hiaticula_. _Fr. alpina_ and. _Num. arquata_ all migrating in great -numbers. - -27th, S., S.S.E. forenoon, fog; P.M. clear, fine.--All the above, but -less in number. _Mot. lugubris_, fine [male]. - -28th, S.W., still, dense fog.--_Corv. frugilegus_, flights overhead -passing. _Sax. rubicola_, two in the garden. _Mot. lugubris_, fine old -[male]. _Emb. schœniclus_, a few. _Anser cinereus_, seventeen passing -low overhead. - - -=March.= - -1st, early, 8 to 9, fog, still; later, N., light, clear; P.M., N.W., -fresh.--_Merula_, early a couple hundreds. - -2d.--_F. peregrinus_, one old bird. _Accentor_, several in the garden. - -3d, S.S.W. to S.E.--_F. tinnunculus_. _Corv. frugilegus_, many. -_Cornix_, few. _Alauda arvensis_, _Anth. pratensis_ and _rupestris_, -few. _Fr. cannabina_, many. _Chloris_, fewer. _Char. vanellus_, ten to -fifteen. _Auratus_, a couple. - -4th.--Almost nothing: A few _Al. arvensis_ and _alpestris_. _Emb. -schœniclus_ and _nivalis_. - -5th, N.W., light, overcast.--_F. æsalon_, one old 6. _Corv. -frugilegus_ and _Sturnus_, not many. _Merula_, several. _Al. -arvensis_, very many, numerous flights overload passing. _Mot. -lugubris_, a few females and young male. _Emb. schœniclus_, several. -_Char. vanellus_, thousands. _Auratus_, hundreds. _Hiaticula_, twenty -to fifty. _Num. arquata_ and _Fring. alpina_, many. _Scol. rusticula_, -one. - -6th, N.E., fresh, little wet snow.--_Milvus_, one. _Sturnus_, _merula_, -and _scolopax_, several. _Al. arvensis_, several large flights. _Ans. -albifrons_, one, one year old. - -7th, N.W. to W., clear, cold 1 deg.--_F. æsalon_, one [male]. _Sturnus_ -and _Alauda_, stray birds. _Anth. pratensis_ and _rupestris_, somewhat -more. - -8th, W., S.W.; in evening fog.--Nothing. A few _Mot. lugubris_. Few -_Sturnus_. One Woodcock. - -9th, N.N.W., windy, cold, now and then fine snow, and clear.--_Corv. -cornix_, little flights. _Mot. lugubris_, a couple. Two Woodcocks. - -10th, N.W., fresh, loose scattered clouds, cold.--Nothing. - -11th, N.N.W., fresh; P.M., N.E., clear, cold.--_Merula_ and _Sturnus_, -a few. - -12th, W.N.W., slight wind, thick, almost fog.--_Merula_, _Anth. -pratensis_ and _rupestris_, a few. - -13th, N.W., fresh, misty.--Almost not a bird. A few miserable Pewits. - -14th, N.N.W. to N., fresh, cold.--Nothing. A few _Mot. alba_. - -15th, N.N.W., windy, cold, overcast; in evening fog till 1.30 A.M.--_T. -merula_, tolerable, ten caught in bush, 8 old [male], 2 [female]. -_Sturnus_, flights. _Mot. alba_, singly. _Vanellus_, early, some -flights. Four to five Woodcocks. Several Snipes and Plover. - -16th, W., violent, cold, overcast; in evening clear.--_Corv. cornix_, -six to ten. _Sturnus_, till nine in morning; flights of hundreds and -thousands. _Merula_, a few hundred. _Iliacus_, fewer. _Mot. alba_, few. -_Anth. rupestris_, some. _Pratensis_, none. _Al. arvensis_, many. _Fr. -cœlebs_ and _cannabina_, few. _Char. vanellus_ and _auratus_ passing on -overhead. Woodcocks, three shot. _Tr. alpina_, early, great flights. - -From two o'clock till daylight at Lighthouse.--_Sturnus vulgaris_, -extraordinary many, 300 to 400 being caught. _Merula_, very many, -_Alauda_, _Char. vanellus_ and _auratus_, also very many. Also ducks. - -17th, W., fresh, overcast, cold; P.M. wind heavy.--Nothing. - -18th, and 19th, W. and N.W., windy, very cold.--Nothing. - -20th, W.S.W., very heavy, thick.--Nothing. - -21st, N.W. to N., stormy, hail showers.--Nothing. - -22d and 23d, N.E., hail, snow.--Nothing. - -24th, E. by N., light, clear; in evening frost.--Nothing. - -25th, E. by S., light, overcast.--Nothing. - -26th, calm, overcast; in evening clear and cold, S.E., light. - -_F. peregrinus_, one. _Corv. cornix_, very many. _T. merula_, less, -nearly all old _Scol. rusticula_, thirty to forty shot. _Ral. -aquaticus_, a couple. _Sax. ænanthe_, some [male]. _Alauda alpestris_, -great flights. _Fr. cœlebs_, _cannabina_, and _chloris_, pretty many. -_Anth. pratensis_ and _rupestris_, do. _Vanellus_ and _Tr. alpina_ -passing on overhead early. - -27th, S.S.W. violent, overcast, cold; in evening ten o'clock fog.--_F. -æsalon_ [male]. _Lanius major_, one. _Corv. cornix_, early, a few great -flights, very high, 1000 feet, passing on. _Turdus_, _Fringilla_, -_Anthus_, stray birds. _Sax. ænanthe_, a couple old [male]. _Fr. -montana_, some (the first). _Col. palumbus_, pretty many. _Vanellus_, -early, pretty many. _Scolopax_, twenty to thirty been shot. - -28th, N.N.W., slight; early overcast, later clear, fine.--_Corv. -cornix_, single flights. _Sturnus_, some flights. _Merula_, pretty -many, only half of them black. _Musicus_, some. _Alauda_, _Fringilla_, -_Anthus_, few. _Alauda alpestris_, some flights. Woodcocks, 140 to 150 -being shot. _Sy. rufa_, two in garden. - -29th, northerly, light, clear, early hoar-frost.--_Corv. cornix_, not -many. _Monedula_ and _frugilegus_, pretty numerous. _Sturnus_, small -flights. _Merula_, early, pretty many. _Iliacus_, scattered. _Sy. -rubecula_, a couple. _Regulus flavicapillus_, two. _Mot. alba_, several -small flights and single birds. _Anth. pratensis_ and _rupestris_, -pretty many. _Emb. schœniclus_ and _citrinella_. _F. cœlebs_, all very -single. _Scolopax_, about twenty shot. - -30th, E., S.S.E., slight, clear, fine, early, very sharp hoar-frost, in -evening E.N.E., cool.--All the above, but in little numbers. - -_T. viscivorus_, daily a few; never coming numerous. _Char. auratus_ -and _vanellus_, as _Tot. calidris_ only singly. Ought to have been -_merula_ and _scolopax_, but if hoar-frost turns up early, there is -never much visible migration. - -31st, S.E., quite light, clear, strong hoar-frost, during daytime -warm.--Early, nothing, and during daytime almost nothing, in spite of -fine weather. _C. cornix_ and _monedula_, very single small flights. -No _Sturnus_, no _merula_, no Woodcocks shot. _S. titys_, one. _F. -cœlebs_, _cannabina_, _chloris_, as _Anthus_ all very single. - -Strange, that in forenoon, after all hoar-frost had disappeared, and -it became quite warm and sunny, not a _merula_ or _scolopax_ arrived, -and no Crows passed, the few flights of the latter passing surprisingly -high, certainly several thousand feet, which is very uncommon, as the -usual normal boundary is 500 to 600 feet. Can this give rise to the -conclusion that other species whose normal route of migration lays -always very high, should under the influence of hoar-frost migrate so -high that they can neither be seen nor heard, which would be in the -case of Crows about 10,000 feet? - -In rare cases I have seen Rooks and Daws pass so high, that my -attention being roused by their call, they were only visible in the -shape of very fine dust. - -The same also happens that under favourable atmospheric circumstances, -the calls sound down clear from a height to which the sense of sight is -unable to penetrate. - - -=April.= - -1st, westerly, slight sunny; warmer. Highest cirri, N.O.--Only very -little visible migration. The few flights of _Corv. cornix_ and -_monedula_ extraordinary high, 3000 to 4000 feet. _Merula_, not many; -more than half old [female]. _Musicus_ and _iliacus_, some. _Rubecula_, -_Accentor_, _Regulus fl._, _Sax. ænanthe_ and _rubicola_, all only few. -_Mot. alba_, _Anth. pratensis_ and _rupestris_, pretty many. Larks, -few. _Fr. cœlebs_, _montifringilla_, _cannabina_, and _montium_, all -pretty many. _Scolopax rusticula_, a couple. _Anas nigra_ [male], very -many on the sea. - -2d, N.N.W., light; early fog, flying clouds, W.S.W.; P.M. North -overcast, cold.--Nothing during daytime. Early, from three to four -o'clock, Woodcocks and Thrushes, Five to seven fog; in evening cold, -clouds very slow from North. _Sy. titys_, a couple. _Merula_, very few. - -3d, N.E., fresh, cold, clear; early, hasty cloud-flocks.--Nothing. _F. -æsalon_ and _tinnunculus_, of each a couple. _Merula_, passing the -whole day singly. _Al. alpestris_, pretty many. _Scolopax_, singly. - -4th, N.E., slight, cool, clear; in evening, E. by S., cloudy.--Nothing. -_Merula_, passing singly the whole day. _F. æsalon_ and _tinnunculus_, -a couple. _Al. alpestris_, pretty many, flights of twenty to thirty. -_Scolopax_, forty to fifty being shot. - -5th, S.E., fresh, thick, cloudy; hasty clouds, low, loose; cold.--Early -not a bird; during day few Starlings, Thrushes, Hedge Sparrows, and -Shore Larks. Guillemots arrived by thousands in hatching places. - -6th, S.E., pretty sharp, later, stiller, clear, not cold.--_F. -peregrinus_, _æsalon_, and _tinnunculus_, pretty many. _Corv. cornix_, -pretty many. _Monedula_, few. _T. merula_, few. _Musicus_, more. -_Pilaris_, some. _Rubecula_ and _accentor_, several._Sax. ænanthe_, -[female], and _Mot. alba_, pretty many. _Al. alpestris_, very many, -passing on. _Fringilla_ and _Anthus_, only few. _Col. palumbus_ and -_Scolopax_, not many. - -7th, E., windy, overcast, cool; in evening, E. by N., rain.--_F. -peregrinus_, _æsalon_, and _tinnunculus_, several. _T. musicus_, few; -_torquatus_, a couple. _Anth. pratensis_, many; _rupestris_, few. _Al. -arvensis_, _alpestris_, and _arborea_, small flights. _Emb. miliaria_, -some. _Fr. cœlebs_, many on the move. _Col. palumbus_ and _Scolopax_, -some. _Totanus glareola_, one. - -8th, E. by S., fresh, overcast, clouds moving from S.E. and S.S.E. -past; night cold, from 11 to 2 fog; early, at 5 o'clock, again -fog.--_F. æsalon_ and _tinnunculus_, very many, passing on over the -sea. _Mot. alba_ and _Emb. citrinella_, pretty many. _Miliaria_, less; -almost nothing besides. - -9th, E. by N., slight, weather good, clouds from S.S.E.; in evening, -east wind, dark; during night rain.--_F. æsalon_ and _tinnunculus_, -several. _C. cornix_ and _monedula_, pretty many early. _Turdus_, -almost none. _Al. arvensis_, pretty many; _alpestris_, very many. _Sy. -trochilus_, two to three. _Rubecula_, many. _Accentor_, tolerable. -_Mot. alba_, many. _Anth. pratensis_ and _rupestris_, fewer. _Emb. -citrinella_, many _schœniclus_, fewer. _Fr. cœlebs_, _montifringilla_, -and _cannabina_, many. _Par. major_, many. _Reg. flavicapillus_ -and _Sax. ænanthe_, also pretty many. _Scolopax_, only a few. _Sy. -leucocyanea_, two fine old [male], one of them nearly uniform blue. - -10th, easterly, light, thick, fine rain; in evening W. and W. by N., -light. During the past night, from 2 o'clock, very many _Turdus_ and -_Saxicola_ migrating. During the day extremely many of all the above -species passing over the sea. - -_F. peregrinus_, _æsalon_, and _tinnunculus_, many; _haliaëtos_, one. -_Corv. cornix_ and _monedula_, pretty many. _Sturnus_, fewer. _T. -musicus_, many; _merula_, fewer; _pilaris_, very many, great flights. -_Sy. rubecula_, extraordinary many; not a single _Sylvia_ besides. -_Accentor_, pretty many. _Sax. ænanthe_, in astonishing numbers. _Mot. -alba_, _Anth. pratensis_ and _rupestris_, very many. _Al. arvensis_, -very many; _alpestris_, in flights of hundreds. _Emb. citrinella_, -_miliaria_, and _schœniclus_, singly. _F. cœlebs_, _montifringilla_, -and _cannabina_ passing in uncountable numbers the whole day till -evening. _Col. palumbus_, about ten. _Scolopax_, none. _Char. auratus_, -_vanellus_, and _hiaticula_, as _Tringa_ and _Totanus_, very many -migrating. - -11th, easterly, light, dull, very fine drizzly rain.--During the past -night, from 2 o'clock, extensive migration of Thrushes, Wheatears, and -all sorts of Longshanks; particularly uncountable numbers of Pewits. -_F. tinnunculus_, several. _Strix otus_, one in the garden. _Turd. -merula_, pretty many, almost all [female]; _musicus_ and _pilaris_, -also many. _Rubecula_, very many; not a warbler. _Accentor_, few. -_Mot. alba_, many; _lugubris_, one. _Anth. pratensis_ and _rupestris_, -many. _Emb. citrinella_ and _miliaria_, many; _schœniclus_, fewer. -_Scol. rusticula_, only a few. _Gallinago_, early, extraordinary many. -Early in the morning Pewits, Plover, and _hiaticula_, extraordinarily -numerous. - -12th, S.E., light, dull, overcast.--_F. tinnunculus_, _C. cornix_, -_Mot. alba_, only singly. _Al. alpestris_, pretty many. Altogether -little migration. - -13th, N. by E., slight, clear; P.M., wind somewhat fresher, cool.--_F. -æsalon_, _tinnunculus_, and _nisus_, as _C. cornix_, all pretty -many. _Turdus_, stray birds. _Sylvia_ and Wheatears, almost none. -_Sy. titys_, one [male]. _Motacilla_, _Anthus_, and _Accentor_, -only few. _Al. alpestris_, many great flights. _Fringilla_, pretty -many, especially _cannabina_. _Columba_ and _Scolopax_, a few. _Lar. -glacialis_, one young bird in summer plumage shot. - -14th, northerly, quite light, clear, air cool; in evening -overcast.--Very slight migration. Several little Falcons, _æsalon_, -now, females and young. _Corv. cornix_ and _monedula_, early some. -_Turdus_, almost none. _Sylvia_, none at all. _Fringilla_, very few; -one _linaria_. _Mot. flava_, some, the first. _Anth. pratensis_ and -_rupestris_, pretty many. _Alauda alpestris_, pretty many. _Char. -auratus_, one fine old bird, in summer plumage. No Pigeons; no -Woodcocks. - -15th, S.E., almost calm during night and early morning, very fine -rain, cool.--Very little migration; a few little Falcon; early a few -flights of Crows. _T. torquatus_, _merula_, _musicus_, _pilaris_, all -singly. _Sy. rubecula_, _rufa_, and _Accentor_, only very singly. _Al. -alpestris_, very many. _Fringilla_, singly. _Col. palumbus_, some. -Woodcocks, three shot. - -16th, E., early slight; in evening, fresh, clear, wind cool.--Very -little migration, as previous day. _Sylvia trochilus_, some. _Mot. -flava_, several _Anth. arborea_, one. _Hir. rustica_, one. _Fr. -coccothraustes_, a couple. - -17th, E. and N.E., very fresh, clear, wind cool--Extremely little -migration. _F. peregrinus_, one fine old bird. Little Falcons and -_F. nisus_, pretty many; _æsalon_, only females and young males. -_T. musicus_, few; _merula_, old [male], but only with half a tail. -_Sy. leucocyanea_, one [male]; _trochilus_ and _rubecula_, a few. -_Accentor_, few. _Fringilla_, very few; _coccothraustes_, one. - -18th, E. by N., fresh, clear, a little warmer.--Very little -migration. _Mot. flava_, _Hir. rustica_, _Anth. arborea_, some. _F. -coccothraustes_, one in garden; everything besides very singly. Still -too cold. - -19th, E. by S., S.S.E., slight, quite clear, warm.--_F. æsalon_ and -_tinnunculus_, pretty many, all [female]. _Corv. cornix_, extraordinary -many; even late in afternoon passing on overhead till 6 o'clock, which -is the greatest exception, as the normal migration ceases by 2 o'clock -in the afternoon. _T. musicus_, pretty many; _merula_, still pretty -many, females; _pilaris_, many; viscivorus, singly. _Sylvia_, stray -birds. _Regulus_, _Accentor_, ditto. _Saxicola_, tolerable, females. -_Al. arvensis_, some; _alpestris_, pretty many. _Hir. rustica_, a few. -_Cic. alba_, one. _Scolopax_, five to six being shot. _Rallus_, some. -_Numenius_ and _Totanus_, a few. - -20th, S.W., little wind, clear, bank to northward, W. and N.W., -freshing up; in evening, light.--_F. æsalon_ and _tinnunculus_, -females, a few; _Buteo_, one; _Corvus_, stray birds. _T. -musicus_, early, pretty many; _torquatus_ and _merula_, females, -singly. _Sylvia_, almost none; a few _trochilus_ and _rubecula_. -Anth. pratensis, few; _arborea_, a couple. _Fringilla_, few; -two _coccothraustes_; just before evening, a large flight of -_montifringilla_, about 100 to 150. _Al. alpestris_, few small flights. -_Hir. rustica_, ten to twenty. _Col. palumbus_, early many. _Scolopax_, -few. _Char. auratus_, one fine old bird. - -21st, W.N.W. and N.W.--During past night extensive migration of all -Longshanks; as small birds, commencing already at 10 P.M. on 20th. - -During the day all those of yesterday, but only very singly. - -22d, S.W., light, slightly cloudy, the first warm day.--Again little -migration; everything there, but singly. No Bluethroats; no _Sylviæ_, -_curruca_, _phœnicurus_. One _Mot. flava_ and one _Raii_, _Anth. -arborea_, _Hir. rustica_, of each a small party of about fifteen to -twenty. _Al. alpestris_ still up to 100 during the day. - -23d, S.W., light, overcast; in night, very fine rain.--_F. æsalon_ and -_tinnunculus_, females, some. _C. cornix_, a small flight. _Sturnus_, -still only few. _Sy. luscinia_, one; _trochilus_, some; _phœnicurus_, -ditto. _Mot. flava_, few. _Raii_, one. _Anth. arborea_, some. _Sax. -ænanthe_, stray birds; _rubetra_, one; altogether very little. A few -small _Totanus_. - -24th, W., S., E.S.E., quite light, warm, slightly cloudy.--Early not a -bird; later in day the above, but very singly. Sixty to eighty pilaris. - -25th, early, S.S.E.; A.M., S.S.W., fresh, overcast; P.M. and evening, -quite light, S.E., warm.--_Emb. hortulana_, _Jynx torquilla_, and _Up. -epops_, the first ones. _F. æsalon_, _tinnunculus_, and nisus, few -females. _T. musicus_, _torquatus_, and _pilaris_, not many. _Anth. -arborea_, some; _pratensis_, more, but not many. _Sax. rubetra_, -pretty many. _Sy. rubecula_ and _trochilus_, pretty many; no _suecica_ -nor _curruca_. _Mot. flava_, tolerable. _Al. alpestris_, few, small -flights. _F. cœlebs_, _montifringilla_, and _cannabina_, scattered. -_Tot. ochropus_, some, _Num. arquata_, still a few flights. _Ard. -cinerea_, a couple. - -26th, S.S.W., slight, thick, overcast, but will not rain; in evening, -E.S.E.--_Mus. luctuosa_, a fine old male in garden. _Sy. cinerea_, -_curruca_, _phragmitis_, and _locustella_, the first ones. - -_F. æsalon_, _tinnunculus_, and _nisus_, females, scattered. _T. -musicus_ and _torquatus_, pretty many. _Sy. rubecula_ and _trochilus_, -tolerable; _phœnicurus_, less; no _suecica_. _Anth. arborea_, _Sax. -ænanthe_ and _rubetra_., not many. _Mot. flava_, tolerable; _alba_, -still some. _Al. arvensis_, a small flight; _alpestris_, few. -_Fringillæ_, scattered. _Up. epops_, _I. torquilla_, some. _Crex -pratensis_, several. _Scol. gallinula_, some. _Char. auratus_, fine old -birds. _Morinellus_, some. - -27th, S.E., fresh, thick, overcast, clouds moving from S.S.W.; all -evening, E. and E. by N.; fog and rain all night.--Early, at 5 o'clock, -many _T. musicus_; at 8 o'clock everything gone. _Hir. urbica_, -_riparia_, _cypselus_, some of each, the first ones. _Trochilus_, -_rubecula_, _cinerea_, _flava_, _rubetra_--_M. luctuosa_, _Fringilla_, -all very single in course of day; no _suecica_. - -28th, N.N.W., slight, fog, above sunny.--Nothing. _Caprimulgus_, one, -the first. _Hortulana_, some. - -29th, E., slight, early at 5 o'clock fog, later clear.--Almost nothing. -Seasonable birds scattered. - -30th, E. by N. and E., fresh, thick, overcast, cold.--Very little. -_Torquatus_ and _musicus_, some. _Pilaris_, several great flights. _Sy. -curruca_, several; other _Sylviæ_, few. _Suecica_, still not yet. _Mot. -flava_, tolerable. _Lugubris_, one. _M. luctuosa_, some _Anth. arborea_ -and _Emb. hortulana_, of each about twenty to thirty. _Fringilla -montana_, scattered since middle of month. - - -=May.= - -1st, S.E., very fresh, cloudy, hasty loose clouds, cold; noon, clear, -warm; in evening, fine, damp.--Early, almost nothing. Noon and later, -strong migration. _F. tinnunculus_ and _æsalon_, female. _Turdus_, few. -_Sy. curruca_ and _cinerea_, many. _Trochilus_, few. _Phœnicurus_, fine -old male. _Suecica_, none at all. _M. luctuosa_, pretty many, fine old -males. _Sax. ænanthe_, female; and _rubetra_, many. _Mot. flava_, in -afternoon extremely many. _Anth. arborea_ and _Emb. hortulana_, many. -_Fringilla_, stray birds. _Tot. ochropus_ and _glareola_, several. -_Glottis_, one. No Swallows. - -2d, S.E., light, warm, thick fine rain; in evening, E, fresh, -cooler.--_F. æsalon_, _tinnunculus_, and _nisus_, _Buteo_, and -_haliaëtos_; _Strix brachyotus_, pretty many. _Lan. collurio_, -some [male]. _T. torquatus_, extremely many. _Musicus_, also many. -_Pilaris_, very great flights. _Sy. cinerea_, _curruca_, _atricapilla_, -_phœnicurus_, [male], all pretty many. _Trochilus_, only few. -_Sibilatrix_, one. _Suecica_, some males. _M. luctuosa_. _Sax. ænanthe_ -and _rubetra_, many. _Mot. flava_, many. _Anth. arborea_, extremely -many; _pratensis_, fewer. _Campestris_, one. _Emb. hortulana_, -extremely many. _Schœniclus_, some. _Fringilla_, but few. _Scol. -gallinago_, few. _Gallinula_, many. _Char. morinellus_, several. -_Auratus_, just ten. _Tot. glottis_, _glareola_, and _ochropus_, great -contingent. _Tr. pugnax_, several. _Cic, alba_, one. - -3d, E., violent, rain, cold.--_F. æsalon_ and _tinnunculus_, many. -_Peregrinus_, one. _Haliaëtos_, one. _Strix brachyotus_, some. _Turd, -torquatus_ and _musicus_, tolerable. _Sylviæ_, few. _Anthus_, few. -Campestris, one. _Emb. hortulana_ and _Alauda alpestris_, some. -_Totanus_, _Charadrius_, _Numenius_, singly. Altogether slight -migration, too cold and too windy. - -4th, S.E., E., middling, dull, overcast; P.M., sun visible.--_F. -peregrinus_ and _subbuteo_, males; _æsalon_ and _tinnunculus_, few. -_Haliaëtos_, one. _T. torquatus_, early, very many. _Musicus_, fewer. -_Sy. rubecula_, _curruca_, _cinerea_, _atricapilla_, _trochilus_, -all, not many. _Suecica_, some males. _Mot. flava_ and _Anthus_, few. -_Hirundo_ and _I. torquilla_, some. _Sterna cantiaca_, high overhead, -with plenty noise, chasing by couples. - -5th, N.W., fresh, thick, cold, in night, N., fog; noon, sunny; -in evening, W., clear.--_F. peregrinus_, _subbuteo_, _æsalon_, -_tinnunculus_, the latter few. _T. torquatus_ and _musicus_, few. -_Pilaris_, more. _Sylviæ_, altogether few. _Rubecula_, still -many during the season. _Curruca_, _cinerea_, _atricapilla_, and -_trochilus_, few. _Nisoria_, some fine males. _Phœnicurus_, still -pretty many. _M. luctuosa_. many old males. _Sax. ænanthe_, still -many. _Rubetra_, very many. _Mot. flava_, pretty many. _Anth. arborea_ -and many. _Al. alpestris_, a flight of fifty and one of seven. _Emb. -hortulana_, many. _Fringilla_, few. _Coccothraustes_, one, female. _I. -torquilla_, some. _Cuc. canorus_, a fine male. _Char. morinellus_ and -_auratus_, some. Sy. philomela, one caught at lighthouse, the first -since about fifty years. - -6th, W., fresh, cirri, and low light clouds, W., sunny.--_F. æsalon_, -_tinnunculus_, and _nisus_, the latter few. _C. cornix_ and _monedula_, -a flight. _Sylviæ_, _Anthus_, _Motacilla_, all but singly. _Al. -alpestris_, a flight of twenty. _Fringillæ_, scattered. - -7th, early, and forenoon calm, sunny; P.M., thick, suddenly fresh, N.W. -rain.--Very slight migration of season suiting species. _Mot. flava_ -and _Anth. pratensis_, pretty many; both species very often turn up -with much wind, especially in autumn. _Al. alpestris_, still in flights -of ten to fifteen. - -8th, N.W., fresh, cold, early hail.--Nothing. _Num. phæopus_, the first -ones. - -9th, S.W., moderate, early rain, hail, thunder, later on -clear.--Nothing. - -10th, W., windy; in evening, very violent, thunder, lightning, very -cold.--Nothing. - -11th, N.W. and N.N.W., stormy, early rain and hail squalls.--Nothing. - -12th, N.W. and N.N.W., somewhat less wind, hail showers in great -intervals.--Nothing. - -13th, N.N.W., clouds from N., better, but yet cold.--Nothing. Stray -_torquatus_ and _musicus_; some _Sylviæ_. _Mot. flava_, a couple of -hundred. _A. pratensis_, pretty many. - -14th, N. light, warmer, clear.--_F. tinnunculus_ and _nisus_, a few. -_T. torquatus_ and _musicus_, very single. _Sy. phœnicurus_ and -_trochilus_, very singly. _Nisoria_, one. _Mus. luctuosa_, some. _Mot. -flava_ and _Anth. pratensis_, pretty many. _Al. alpestris_, ten to -twenty. _Hir. rustica_, some. _Urbica_, few. - -15th, N., light, early light rain showers, cold.--Nothing at all. - -16th, S.S.W., fresh, clear; P.M., a rain shower with hail; evening, -clear, light.--A few little Falcons. Early some _torquatus_ and -_musicus_. _Sy. phœnicurus_, half of them female. _Suecica_ and -_curruca_, some. _Cinerea_, many. _Trochilus_, pretty many. -_Phragmitis_, several. _Mus. luctuosa_, pretty many, half female. -_Sax. rubetra_, ditto. _Mot. flava_, many. _Anth. arborea_, and _Emb. -hortulana_, fewer. _Hir. rustica_ and _urbica_. _Ch. morinellus_, some. -Starlings commenced building nest in hatch-box early to-day. - -17th, W., fresh, cloudy; P.M., S.W.--Little migration. _Sy. -phœnicurus_, _trochilus_, and _cinerea_, as _Mus. luctuosa_ and _Sax. -rubetra_, some. Swallows, but few. - -18th, S.W., slight, light cloudy, fine in evening, easterly light, -warmer.--Very little migration early. _Turdus_, very single. -_Sy. suecica_, a couple. _Phœnicurus_, _trochilus_, _cinerea_, -_atricapilla_, tolerable. _Hortensis_ appears. _Mot. flava_, many. -_Melanocephala_, some. _Sax. ænanthe_, tolerable. _Rubetra_, many. -_Char. squatarola_, a very fine male. _Morinellus_, a few. - -_F. tinnunculus_ and nisus, a few shabby females. _Subbuteo_, a fine -male. - -19th, S.S.W., slight, light cloudy.--All the above, but altogether only -slight migration. - -20th, S.S.W., light, light clouds; P.M. and evening, S.S.E. to S.E. -fresh, cool.--In trifling numbers. _T. musicus_ and _torquatus_, _Sy. -trochilus_, _phœnicurus_, _cinerea_, _hortensis_, _atricapilla_, and -_phragmitis_. _Sax. ænanthe_ and _rubetra_. _Mot. flava_, and some -_melanocephala_; _Anth. pratensis_, and few _arborea_. _Hir. riparia_, -some. _Col. turtur_, two to three. _Char. squatarola_, three. _Tot. -glottis_, one. - -21st, S.E., violent, overcast; A.M., stiller, S. rain; in evening, -light.--_T. torquatus_, few. _Sy. cinerea_, _hortensis_, and -_atricapilla_, tolerable. _Nisoria_, two to three. _Mus. luctuosa_, -few males, the most females. _Grisola_, one in the garden. _Sax. -ænanthe_, yet pretty many. Rubetra, many. _Mot. flava_, many females. -_Melanocephala_, some. _Anth. arborea_ and _Emb. hortulana_, few. -_Cypselus apus_, pretty many, passing on overhead. _Riparia_, pretty -many. _Char. morinellus_, ten to fifteen. _Tot. glottis_ and smaller -_Totani_, pretty many. - -22d, S.E. and S. fresh, sunny, fine; in evening, violent, rain.--All -the above, but not numerous. Some _Sy. suecica_ and _Sy. hypolais_. - -23d, S.W., very violent, rain; P.M., clear, lighter; in evening -cool.--The above, but very singly. _Lan. collurio_, five to six, one -female. _Char. morinellus_, a few females. The females of the latter -known as being finest black, white, and rust-red coloured. - -24th, westerly, slight, early thunderstorm, rain.--Almost nothing. -Thunderstorm, as fog and hoar-frost, put a stop on almost all migration. - -25th, W. and N.W., light, rain, during day fine, but thunderstorm -clouds.--Everything, but quite scattered. A few _Sylviæ_, etc. _Col. -turtur_, a couple. - -26th, southerly, still; in night, rain, early clear; P.M., violent, -highest cirri, and lower light clouds from N.W.; in evening, cloudy -from S.W.--Early, much singing of Warblers, _trochilus_, _curruca_, -_cinerea_, etc., in the gardens. In course of the day, but only -scattered. _Sylviæ_ and _Mus. luctuosa_, and a couple of _grisola_. -During the night at about 2 and later, temporary fog. - -27th, light, W. and S.W., cirri N.W.; early light fog, later thick; -evening, clear.--_Curruca_, Redstarts, and Warblers as Chats, all -tolerable, but not many; also _Mus. luctuosa_, young male and female. -_Mot. flava_, _Anth. arborea_, and _Emb. hortulana_, pretty many. _Col. -turtur_ and _Crex pratensis_, some. - -28th, southerly, light, fine, clear, highest little clouds, and cirri -from W. and W. by N., warm; P.M. and in evening S.S.E., clouds from -W.--Early, very many _curruca_, _cinerea_, _hortensis_. _atricapilla_, -and _trochilus_ singing by hundreds in the gardens. Later on _Lanius -major_, one male. _Mus. grisola_, many. _Luctuosa_, the same, the -latter mostly females. _Mot. flava_, few females. _Anth. arborea_, -many. _Emb. hortulana_, but single. _Cypselus_, pretty many. _Hir. -rustica_ and _urbica_, the same. _Caprimulgus_, a couple. _Col. -turtur_, strikingly many, ten to fifteen being shot. - -29th, S.S.E. and S., light, clouds from W.; noon, wind suddenly -N.W., violent, clear, thunderstorm clouds from S. by W.--All those -as yesterday, but much fewer. _Falco subbuteo_, male. _Tinnunculus_, -female. 31. _grisola_, many. _Luctuosa_, fewer, most female. Hir. -rustica, urbica, and riparia, as _Cypselus_, pretty many. _Cuc. -canorus_, one. _Col. turtur_, very many; these latter do not mind -violent wind. - -30th, S.W. fresh, clear, cirri W. and W. by N.--Early, nothing at all. -The whole day nothing. - -31st, S.W., violent, thick low speedy rain clouds; in evening, N.W., -cold.--Of course not a single bird. - - -=June.= - -1st and 2d, N.W., fresh, very cold.--Nothing. - -3d and 4th, S.S.W., lighter; in evening, 4° calm, very warm, -clear.--Few. _Sy. hypolais_, one. _Mus. grisola_, pretty many. _Col. -turtur_, very many, up to forty. - -5th, S.S.W., light, clear, hot, every day outermost cirri, N.W., 26° -C.--Seen, a great Grey Shrike, uniform coloured ash grey, band through -eye scarcely marked. _Mus. grisola_, _Hir. rustica_ and _riparia_, -scattered. _Col. turtur_, many. _Pyrrhula rosea?_ yellowish-green, -white band on wings, larger than _P. erythrinus_, not obtained. - -6th, S.S.W., clear, fine; P.M., N. and N. by E., overcast; in evening, -cool.--_Mus. grisola_, singly; _Hirundo_, some. _Col. turtur_, several. - -7th, E. by N. slight, early overcast; P.M., thunderstorm, rain, W.; in -night fog.--Nothing. _Sy. cinerea_ and _Mus. grisola_, quite few. - -8th, fog, calm.--Nothing. - -9th and 10th, N.W., violent, cold.--Nothing. - -11th, N., less wind, a little warmer.--Nothing. - -12th, W. slight, overcast; later on, clear from north. Cirri from N. -and N. by E.--_Hir. rustica_, some. _Ch. auratus_, one in fine summer -plumage. - -13th, early, quite calm, clear, later S.W. and S.S.W., warm, fine; in -evening, N.W. slight.--_Mus. grisola_, some. _Hir. rustica_, _urbica_, -and _Cypselus_, ditto. _Caprimulgus_, one. _Col. turtur_, some. - -14th, E., light, clear, warm, clouds from N.E.; in evening, -fresh.--_Lan. minor_, two, very rare appearance here. _Hir. urbica_, -some. _Cypselus_, many hundreds. - -15th, E. by N., slight, clear, warm; P.M., N.E., fresh.--Early, many -_Cypselus_, almost nothing besides. _Mus. grisola_. _Sax. rubetra_, and -_Fr. montifringilla_, very single. - -16th, N., fresh, clear, very cold, high clouds from W., low loose ditto -from East.--Nothing. - -17th, E.N.E., fresh; cirri from S.W.; low loose clouds from N.E., cold; -about dusk, thick with rain from S.W., but wind E. by N.--Nothing. - -18th, E. by N., slight; in evening N., windy, cold, clouds moving from -N.W.--Nothing. - -19th, N.W. to S.W., overcast, cool; P.M., thick with rain.--Nothing. - -20th, 21st, and 22d, N.W., windy, cold.--_F. linaria_, one. _Hir. -urbica_, four to five. - -24th and 25th, S.E., clear, hot.--During the last days _Num. phæopus_ -returning. - -26th, N., early cold.--Also _Hir. urbica_ and _Cypselus_ overhead, but - -27th, N. by W., warmer.--Can scarcely be birds that have done hatching. -Young Starlings in hatch-box flew out on 26th. - -28th, S.E., slight, cloudy; in evening, E.--_Fr. rufescens_, one young -male, very faded, a slight rosy hue. - -29th, E.S.E., clear, hot.--_Hirundo_ and _Cypselus_, many. _phæopus_, -returning. - - -=July.= - -1st and 2d, E. by N., and N.E. and N., clear, fine, wind very cool, -cirri from S.--_Hir. rustica_, several. - -Until 6th, northerly to E.N.E., clear, during day hot, great -dryness.--_Cypselus_, daily, pretty many, returning ones (?). -_Numenius_ and _Char. hiaticula_, returning. - -Until 9th, N.E. and E.N.E., clear, dry.--_Sturnus_, young birds, daily -flights of twenty to fifty. - -10th, easterly, clear, hot, dry.--_Sax. ænanthe_, one young, quite -motley bird. _Sax. rubetra_, ten to twenty young birds. _Numenius_, -_Char. hiaticula_, _Tot. glottis_, young birds. - -11th, southerly, clear, hot, dry; in evening, thunderstorm clouds, -slight fine rain.--_Sturnus_, flights of twenty to fifty young birds. - -12th, N., clouds from S.W., cold, dry.--Nothing. - -13th, E.N.E., clouds from S.W., cirri W., cool.--Nothing. - -14th, E.N.E., clear, hot; in evening, cool, clouds and cirri from -S.W.--_Sy. trochilus_ and _titys_, some young birds. _Sax. ænanthe_, -some young birds. _Vanellus_, _Numenius_, _Tot. calidris_, _glottis_, -_Ch. hiaticula_, numerous, all young birds. - -Up to 20th, westerly, changeable, very trifling rain.--Nothing. - -21st, N., fresh.--_Vanellus_, young ones, hundreds. - -Until end of the month, northerly winds, almost always violent and -cold, with low loose hasty clouds. Migration trifling, almost only -Longshanks. The last week _Tot. hypoleucus_, _Hæ. ostralegus_, -_vanellus_, pretty many. _Sax. ænanthe_, scattered; all the named being -young birds. No _Sylviæ_. - - -=August.= - -1st, N., in evening N.W. and W.N.W., thick, cloudy.--_Sax. ænanthe_, -ten to twenty young. _Vanellus_, _Tot. hypoleucus_, _calidris_, and -_glottis_; _Numenius_, all but stray birds and young ones. - -Up to 5th, N.E. and N.; in evening, light, S.E., quite calm, fine -rain.--On the 5th, from 10 o'clock in the evening, very strong -migration of _Tringæ_ and _Totanus_ of all species, as _Ch. hiaticula_ -and _Num. phœopus_ during the day. _Sax. ænanthe_ and _Sy. trochilus_, -young ones. - -6th, easterly, light, clouds from south; in evening, N.E.--_Trochilus_, -as all the above Longshanks. _Char. auratus_, young ones appear. - -7th, W., light, clouds south; night and early morning, heavy rain; -P.M., clear, warm, fine.--_Mus. grisola_, _Sy. trochilus_, and -_phragmitis_, few. _Sax. ænanthe_, young, pretty many; _rubetra_, -fewer. _Upupa_, one. _Cuculus_, some young ones. _Charadrius_, -_Totanus_, _Tringa_, etc., etc. - -8th, westerly, light, rain; later on, clear; in evening, slight -E.--Single _ænanthe_, _trochilus_, and _Ch. auratus_, jr. - -9th, N.W., windy; P.M., stiller, fine.--Nothing besides few Wheatears. - -10th, south, fresh, clear, warm, fine.--Several _trochilus_ and -_phragmitis_; _ænanthe_, not many. Longshanks, pretty many. - -11th, 12th, 13th, W.N.W. and N.N.W., stormy, with rain squalls. 14th, -somewhat better--All the time no birds. - -Up to 18th, W.N.W. and N.N.W., violent to stormy.--Almost no migration -at all. _Sy. trochilus_ and _Sax. ænanthe_, very few. - -19th, N. by E., at intervals still, and rain squalls; in evening, -N.E., clear, cold.--_F. nisus_, jr., several. _Sy. phœnicurus_ and -_trochilus_, several; _cinerea_, many; _hypolais_, several, appears -always, but singly. _Mus. luctuosa_, pretty many, jr. _Sax. ænanthe_ -and _rubetra_, many. _Mot. flava_, scattered. _Anth. arboreus_, -several. _Emb. hortulana_, one. _Cuc. canorus_, several young. _Char. -auratus_ and _hiaticula_, _Tr. alpina_ and _minuta_, _Tot. glottis_, -three shot, all young birds. - -20th, early, E., fresh; noon, S.E., clouds and cirri the same, -cold.--All the above, but only few. _Cypselus_, jr., several. - -21st.--Nothing considerable. - -22d, early, E., light; later, westerly to north, slight.--_F. -peregrinus_, _nisus_, jr., several; _milvus_, one. _Mus. grisola_, -many; _luctuosa_, very many; all young birds. _Sy. phœnicurus_, -_cinerea_, and _trochilus_, many; _hortensis_ and _curruca_, fewer; -_hypolais_, some--all young. _Sax. ænanthe_ and _rubetra_, very many. -_Mot. flava_, many. _Anth. arboreus_ and _Emb. hortulana_, pretty -many. _I. torquilla_, very many. _Cuculus_, several. _Alcedo ispida_, -two shot. _Crex porzana_, some. _Ch. auratus_, _morinellus_, and -_hiaticula_, many. _Numenius_, _Totanus_, _Tringa_, and relative -species, all very numerous. All the named, without an exception, young -birds. - -Freshly pulled out tail-feathers of _Musc. parva_ been found. - -23d, N.E. and E.N.E., fresh.--All those mentioned on previous days -again in great numbers. _Sax. ænanthe_, jr., very particularly numerous. - -24th, N., fresh,--_Sax. ænanthe_, jr., again very many; but besides -those, less migration. - -25th, N.W., fresh.--Ditto, ditto, ditto. - -26th, N.N.W., light, overcast, cool; noon, warmer; in evening, calm, -E. (?).--The above, but only scattered during the early hours. At -noon, pretty many _Sylviæ_, _Anth. arboreus_, and _Emb. hortulana_. -_Caprimulgus_, some. _Picus major_, a couple. _F. haliaëtos_, two been -shot. All young birds. - -27th, early, calm, then light E.N.E.; in evening, cold.--_Turd. -musicus_, scattered. _Al. arvensis_, some. _Mus. grisola_ and -_luctuosa_, pretty many. _Sylviæ_, less. _Saxicola_, pretty many. -_Anth. arboreus_ and _Emb. hortulana_, some. All young. - -28th, S.E. by E., fresh, clouds from N.W.--_Sylviæ_ and _musicapa_, -but very scattered. _Saxicola_, pretty many. _Anth. arborea_ and _Emb. -hortulana_, singly. _Ch. auratus_, few. - -29th, S.E. and E., light, clear, warm.--_Mus. grisola_, pretty many; -_luctuosa_, fewer. _Sylviæ_, few. _Saxicola_, pretty many. _Mot. -flava_, some. _Par. cæruleus_, some. _Ard. cinerea_, a couple. _Char. -auratus_, _hiaticula_, _Tringæ_, _Tot. glottis_ and _calidris_; -_Tringæ_, daily more or less. _Num. phœopus_ passing. _F. nisus_, daily -some. - -30th, early, E.N.E., clear, fine, thick clouds northerly; noon, N., -clear, cold.--Very slight migration of _Sylviæ_, _Mus. grisola_, -_Saxicola_, and _Emb. hortulana_. Early a few flights of _Num. arquata_ -passing. - -31st, N.W. and W., fresh, cloudy, cold; in evening, rain.--Almost -nothing at all. - -_Note._--Until end of the month all the mentioned species, almost -without an exception, young autumnal birds. - - -=September.= - -1st, N. by W., fresh, cool.--Very little migration. _Sax. ænanthe_, -jr., pretty many. _M. grisola_, many in the gardens; _luctuosa_, few. -_Sylviæ_, single. _E. hortulana_, scattered. _Anth. pratensis_, some, -the first. - -2nd, westerly, light, clear, warm, in evening, east.--_Mus. grisola_ -and _luctuosa_, many in the garden. _Sy. phœnicurus_, and _trochilus_, -pretty many. _Sy. suecica_, some, the first. _Sax. ænanthe_ and -_rubetra_, many, young. _Anth. arboreus_, few. _Emb. hortulana_, pretty -many. _Hir. rustica_, _urbica_, and _riparia_, tolerable. - -3d, S.E. and S.S.E., violent, clouds from W.; in evening, rain, -light.--The above, but fewer than previous day. _F. nisus_, some. -_Char. auratus_, several. - -4th, S.S.W., light, early, dull, then fog; in evening, E.N.E., rain -torrents, violent N.E.--_Pyrrhula erythrinus_, one young bird. _Anth. -campestris_, one. _Sy. suecica_, _phœnicurus_, and _trochilus_, _Mus. -grisola_ and _luctuosa_, _Sax. ænanthe_ and _rubetra_--of all but few. -_Emb. hortulana_, single. _Mot. flava_, a flight of at least 100. _M. -alba_. - -5th, S.W. and W., rain squalls, windy; in evening and night, -lightning.--Nothing. - -6th, S.W., fresh, clouds westerly; in evening, clear, light.--Nothing. - -7th, light, clear, S.S.W., high clouds west, lower clouds south; P.M., -S.E.; in evening, rain.--Very few _Sylviæ_. Wheatears and Chats, as _M. -flava_; also some _suecica_; and about evening, some _F. nisus_. - -At Cuxhaven and Bremen, fog. - -8th, S.E. and S., light; early, rain; noon, clear, S.S.W.--_F. nisus_, -jr., some. _Mus. luctuosa_, many. _Sy. phœnicurus_, _suecica_, -_hortensis_, and _trochilus_, many. _Sax. ænanthe_ and _rubetra_, -pretty many. _Mot. flava_, very many; _alba_, some. _Anth. arboreus_, -tolerable; _Richardi_, one. _Emb. hortulana_, many, all young. _I. -torquilla_, some. _Up. epops_, one; appears scarcely ever in autumn -here. _Hir. rustica_ and _urbica_, as _Cypselus_, many. _Picus major_, -one. - -9th, S.W., windy, rain, low clouds, W. high clouds; in evening, N.W., -violent squalls.--_Mus. luctuosa_, _Sy. phœnicurus_ and _trochilus_, -pretty many, in spite of the south-west wind and rain. In night, -stormy--thunder, lightning, rain, and hail. - -10th, W. by N. and N.W., stormy, rain squalls; in evening, -light.--_Luctuosa_, _phœnicurus_, _trochilus_, pretty many in garden, -under shelter of shrubs. - -11th, S., lighter, overcast; noon, S.E.; P.M., rain.--The above, but -not many. _Sy. suecica_, pretty many. _Emb. hortulana_, the first old -birds. _I. torquilla_; _Hir. rustica_, _urbica_, and _Cypselus_; _Mot. -flava_; _Scol. gallinula_. - -12th, early, N. by E., fine, clouds N.W.; noon, wind W., clear; in -evening, S.W., violent, rain; midnight, storm, No. 9.--The above, but -few. _Char. auratus_ and _Tot. calidris_, some. - -13th, W., stormy, clear.--Nothing. - -14th, W., moderate, clouds S.W., cirri N.W.--_Hum. arquata_, almost -nothing besides; _Anth. rupestris_, the first. - -15th, S.W., rain; noon, sunny; in evening, lightning, with clear -sky.--Forenoon, nothing. Afternoon, _Sax. ænanthe_ and _Sy. trochilus_, -single. - -16th, S.W., fresh; early, rain; noon, sun visible.--Nothing during day. -In evening, from 10 o'clock, migration of _Charadrius_, _Numenius_, -and _Tot. calidris_; also many _Saxicola_, two score being caught at -lighthouse. - -17th, early, calm, clouds, S.W., thick rain; 8.30, easterly; -11 o'clock, thunderstorm, with torrents of rain; P.M., E.N.E., -violent.--_Sylviæ_, but many scattered. _M. luctuosa_, tolerable. _M. -flava_, many. _Emb. hortulana_, very many. _Sy. rubecula_, some. _Al. -arvensis_, some. The first old Starlings and first old Wheatears. _Crex -pratensis_, _Char. auratus_ and _vanellus_, several. - -18th, E. by N., moderate, overcast; in evening, N., fine, cold.--During -the past night, much migration. All Longshanks suiting the season -numerous. _Turdus torquatus_, _Sy. phœnicurus_, _Mus. luctuosa_, and -_Sax. ænanthe_, many at lighthouse. Early, very many. _Char. auratus_ -and _Col. palumbus_. _Turd. torquatus_, many; _musicus_, fewer. _Sy. -phœnicurus_, _suecica_, _cinerea_, _trochilus_, _rubecula_; very many. -_Mus. luctuosa_, ditto. _Anth. rupestris_, very many; _pratensis_, -fewer. _Emb. hortulana_, very many. _Crex pratensis_; _Scol, major_, -_gallinago_, and _gallinula_, both the latter numerous; the first -appears here always, but very single. _F. æsalon_ and _nisus_, some -young. Altogether, very strong migration. - -19th, early calm, clear, light clouds W., vapour S.S.W.; in evening -wind S.W., fresh, thick, overcast.--_F. peregrinus_, one; _nisus_, -some. _Sturnus_, some flights of fifteen to twenty. _Turd. musicus_ and -_torquatus_, _Num. luctuosa_, _Sy. phœnicurus_, _suecica_, _rubecula_, -_cinerea_, and _trochilus_, all pretty many. _Anth. arboreus_, some; -_rupestris_ and _pratensis_, many. _Sax. ænanthe_, many; _rubetra_, -fewer. _Emb. hortulana_, not many. _C. pratensis_, _Scol. gallinago_, -_gallinula_, and _Col. palumbus_, scattered. - -20th, early, light W. clouds, W. cirri; N. and N. by E. in evening, -wind fresh. Nothing.--_Sax. ænanthe_, early, from 8th to 9th very many -arrived, but besides these, all the species suiting the season, but -singly. - -21st, S.W., violent, thick, rain; noon clear, N.W.; in evening N.N.W., -cold.--Nothing. Very few _ænanthe_. - -22d, N.W., fresh, cloudy; P.M., W., clear.--Nothing. - -23d, W. to N.W., fresh, overcast.--Nothing. _Char. auratus_, pretty -many. One Bat. - -24th, northerly, light, cirri violent from W.; P.M., N.W. Early not a -bird; later on some. _M. luctuosa_ and _Char. auratus_. Winter Sparrows -arrived. - -25th, westerly, light, heavy cumuli, showers of rain with hail; in -evening light northerly.--_F. æsalon_ and _nisus_, some. _Sturnus_, -many. _T. musicus_, pretty many. _Sy. rubecula_, very numerous; -_phœnicurus_, many; _cinerea_ and _curruca_, fewer; _trochilus_, many; -_rufa_, fewer. _Anth. arboreus_, few; _pratensis_ and _rupestris_, -many. _Sax. ænanthe_ and _rubetra_, many. _Mot. flava_, many; _alba_, -fewer. _Al. arvensis_, some; _arborea_, a couple, _Emb. schœniclus_, -very many; _hortulana_, fewer; _nivalis_, some. _Fr. cœlebs_ and -_montifringilla_, some. _Col. palumbus_, several. _Scol. gallinula_ -and _gallinago_, scattered. In afternoon a flight of _Corv. cornix_ of -several hundreds. - -_Note._--It is striking that with such monstrous heavy cumuli, that -have the appearance of storm-clouds, so much migration takes place. -There must be better weather at hand. - -26th, early calm, draught of air southerly, still so heavy threatening -cumuli at W. and N., but in spite thereof much migration; in -evening south-easterly, light, clear, clouds disappear, therefore -more favourable weather for migration.--Very numerous migration. -_F. peregrinus_, one; _æsalon_ and _nisus_, several. _C. corax_, a -little flight, about fifteen. _T. musicus_ and _torquatus_, many. -All _Sylviæ_, especially _rubecula_, very many. _Sax. ænanthe_, -many; _rubetra_, fewer. _Trog. parvulus_, pretty many. _Anthus_ -and _Motacilla_, fewer. _Al. alpestris_, pretty many. _Emberiza_, -fewer; several _nivalis_; _cœlebs_, many; _montifringilla_, fewer. -_Col. palumbus_, pretty many. First Woodcock shot; two or three -more. _Gallinula_ and _gallinago_, pretty many. _Tr. alpina_, many; -_subarquata_ and _maritima_, of each a young bird. _Sy. superciliosa_, -one, _Anth. richardi_ and _cervinus_, of each one. - -27th, S.E., slight, overcast.--_F. peregrinus_ and _æsalon_, young. -_Strix brachyotus_, about fifteen. _C. cornix_, 400 to 500. _Sturnus_, -many flights. _T. torquatus_ and _musicus_, pretty many. _Sy. suecica_, -_cinerea_, _atricapilla_, _trochilus_, and _rufa_, many. Mot. -_flava_, few; _alba_, pretty many. _Sax. ænanthe_, many; _rubetra_, -fewer; _Anthus_, few; _richardi_, a couple. _Fringillæ_, few, _Emb. -hortulana_, some. _Certh. familiaris_, several. _Hir. rustica_, pretty -many; _Cypselus_, some late. _Col. palumbus_, _Scol. gallinula_ and -_gallinago_, tolerable. _Fr. cœlebs_, very many arrived about evening. - -28th, E.N.E., slight, light clouds, sunny.--_F. peregrinus_, old and -young; _æsalon_, young; _nisus_ arrived about evening. It is strange -that _nisus_ mostly and suddenly arrives late in the afternoon in -great numbers. _C. cornix_, not many. _Sturnus_, numerous flights. -_T. musicus_, pretty many; _torquatus_, fewer; _pilaris_, some. _Mus. -luctuosa_, few. _Sax. ænanthe_, many; _rubetra_ ceases. _Sy. rubecula_, -_phœnicurus_, _cinerea_, _atricapilla_, and _trochilus_, numerous; -_rufa_, fewer; of _trochilus_, now mostly old faded birds. _Sy. -superciliosus_, two very fine specimens been shot. Another warbler with -light bands on wings, the size of _rufa_, wounded, but not obtained. -_Mot. flava_, few; _alba_, more. _Anth. pratensis_ and _rupestris_, -many; _arborea_ ceases. _Emb. schœniclus_, many; _nivalis_, very many; -_hortulana_ ceases. _F. cœlebs_, many; _montifringilla_, do.; _spinus_, -some. _Al. alpestris_, a few. _Regulus flavicapillus_, pretty many. -_Hir. rustica_, many. _Col. palumbus_, tolerable. _Scolopax_, pretty -many; _rusticula_, five been shot. _Ch. auratus_, many. _Tringæ_, many, -all young birds. _Procellaria glacialis_, a fine old bird with white -head obtained. - -29th, S. by E., light, later fresh, S.E. clouds, S. by W. to W.; -P.M., wind S.W.; about evening rain. Storm notified from America -between 28th and 30th.--_F. æsalon_, _tinnunculus_, and _nisus_; -_St. brachyotus_--all, but singly. _C. cornix_, several flights of -hundreds; _frugilegus_, about eighty. _Sturnus_, some flights of a -hundred and above. T. musicus and torquatus, early, many. _Sylviæ_, -few. _Muscicapa_, over. _Reg. flavicapillus_, many. _Hir. rustica_, -tolerable. _Al. arvensis_, pretty many early in forenoon. _Emb. -schœniclus_, many. _Fringillæ_, few. _Anthus_, do. _Scol. rusticula_, -some. - -30th, early, light, N.N.W., clear; P.M., S. by W., thick, -windy.--Almost nothing at all. Only very scattered _C. cornix_, -_Turdus_, _Sturnus_, and _Sylviæ_. _Trochilus_, _Anth. arborea_, and -_hortulana_, over. - - -=October.= - -1st, S.W.; violent in night, N.W., stormy. No. 7, heavy rain, squalls -strong, lightning.--Nothing. _Parus major_ and _cæruleus_, some. - -2d, N.W. to W., stormy, squalls, No. 7; in night, No, 8 to 9.--Nothing. - -3d, S.W., thick, very stormy, No. 8.--Nothing. A great flight of Snow -Buntings. _Par. major_ and _cæruleus_, a few. - -4th, S.W., fresh, overcast; in evening, S.W., clear to -northward.--Nothing. At noon pretty many young _Hit. rustica_. Several -_Sax. ænanthe_ and _rubicola_. _Char. auratus_, ten to fifteen. - -5th, S.W., stormy, early. No. 9; in evening and night, thunder, -lightning, and hail.--Nothing. A couple of _Par. major_. - -6th, W. by S., W. to N., violent; early, thunder, lightning, and hail -squalls; in evening stiller, W.--Nothing. _Hir. rustica_, pretty many -young birds; _urbica_, fewer. Some 31. _flava_ and _alba_ and _Anth. -pratensis_. - -7th, N. and N.N.W., better, clear; later, violent, with rain -squalls.--_C. cornix_, flights of hundreds. _Sturnus_, great flights. -_T. musicus_, scattered. _Mot. alba_, some. _Sax. ænanthe_ and -_rubicola_, both stray old birds. _Al. arvensis_, tolerable flights; -_alpestris_, scattered. _Fr. cœlebs_ and _montifringilla_, not many. -_Par. major_ and _cæruleus_, a little party. _Col. palumbus_, some. -_Char. auratus_, several. _Lar. minutus_, many at sea off the island. - -8th, W.N.W., fresh, cloudy; P.M., violent, overcast; in evening, S.W., -stormy. Scotland, low minimum.--_F. æsalon_, [male]; _nisus_, jr., -some. _C. cornix_, many flights. _Sturnus_, pretty many. _T. musicus_, -tolerable; _merula_, some jr.; _iliacus_, a couple. No _Sylviæ_. -_Sax. ænanthe_ and _rubicola_, some. 31. alba, few. _Anthus_, pretty -many. _Al. arvensis_, tolerable; _alpestris_, flights of twenty -to thirty; _arborea_, some. _Troglodytes_, many. _Fr. cœlebs_ and -_montifringilla_, pretty many; _cannabina_, fewer. _Par. cæruleus_, -scattered. _Scol. rusticula_, six to eight been shot; _gallinago_, some. - -9th, S.W. by S., fresh, cloudy, rain; in evening, light, clear, stars, -on mainland S., slight.--_F. nisus_, some. _T. musicus_, pretty many; -_merula_, jr., fewer; _torquatus_, some. No _Sylviæ_. _Sax. ænanthe_, -tolerable. _Mot. alba_ and _Anthus_, do. _Troglodytes_, many. _Al. -arvensis_, many, especially passing on over the sea numerously; -_alpestris_, little flights; _arborea_, a couple. _Fr. cœlebs_, -_montifringilla_, and _cannabina_, many. _Par. major_ and _cæruleus_, -some. _Hir. rustica_ and _urbica_, tolerable. Few Woodcocks. Altogether -but slight migration. - -10th, S.W., violent, chasing loose clouds; in evening light, -southerly, misty; later clear.--Almost nothing. _T. musicus_, -_torquatus_, and passing on overhead; _pilaris_, some. _Fr. cœlebs_ and -_montifringilla_, many; _cannabina_, fewer. - -11th, E.S.E., moderate; A.M., rain; P.M., clear; in evening E.N.E., -light, clear.--_F. nisus_, some. _C. cornix_, innumerable flights; -_monedula_, very many. _Sturnus_, flights like clouds in many -thousands. _T. musicus_, tolerable; _torquatus_, scattered. No -_Sylviæ_. _Accentor_, a couple. _Troglodytes_, tolerable. _Mot. alba_, -some. _Anthus_, many. _Al. arvensis_, many, extremely many passing over -the sea; _alpestris_, pretty many; _arborea_, single. _F. cœlebs_, -_montifringilla_, _cannabina_, _spinus_, not very many. _Hir. rustica_ -and _urbica_, scattered. _Col. palumbus_, _Scolopax_, and _Char. -auratus_, all not many. - -12th, N.N.E., light; in evening S.W., slight; rain showers during -day.--All the above, but in considerably smaller numbers. _F. -peregrinus_, one old bird shot. _Sy. rubecula_, very many; _rufa_, also -pretty many. _Accentor_, also many. _Reg. flavicapillus_, pretty many. -_Fr. linaria_, some. - -13th, S.W., violent, overcast, rain shower.--Nothing. _T. iliacus_, -flights; _musicus_ and _torquatus_, few. - -14th, S. by E., very violent, thick clouds, overcast.--Nothing. _Fr. -cœlebs_, _montifringilla_, and _cannabina_, some flights passing. -Thrushes, almost none. _Regulus_, some. - -15th, S.E., slight clear, middle high clouds from W. by S.; noon, -light, cloudy. Wind, E. by N., clouds from S. In evening, E. by N., -violent, clouds from S. by E. In night, east, very violent, thick -clouds from S.E.--_F. peregrinus_, old; _æsalon_, _tinnunculus_, -_nisus_, of the latter three several. _Corv. cornix_, extraordinary -many, hundred thousands. _Monedula_, flights of hundred and above. -_T. musicus_, _torquatus_, _iliacus_, few. _Viscivorus_, a couple. -_Sylviæ_, very strayed. _Regulus_, do. _Accentor_, none. _Anth. -pratensis_, few. _Richardi_, one. _Al. arvensis_, very many; -_alpestris_, hundreds. _Emb. citrinella_, some. _Fr. cœlebs_, numerous, -passing on overhead, but so high that the call of thousands over -thousands could only be heard from aloft without the birds being -visible. _Scol. gallinago_, some. _Rusticula_, none. - -_Note._--According to the weather in the morning, there ought to have -been considerable migration--Thrushes and Woodcocks but prominent -westerly currents in higher regions acted adverse. - -During the night to 16th, extraordinary strong migration of Larks, -Thrushes, Starlings, _Numenius_ and _Charadrius_; also _Strix otus_ -(?) was present, and robbed on the wing at light fire, especially _T. -musicus_. - -16th, E. and E. by S., violent, thick, low clouds S.E.; in evening, -light, E., uniform thick, damp.--Early, six to seven, yet extremely -strong migration of Thrushes, Larks, Finches, and Starlings. _F. -peregrinus_, _æsalon_, _tinnunculus_, and _nisus_, strayed. _Str. -otus_, some. _Lan. excubitor_, a couple. _T. musicus_, many during -forenoon; _iliacus_ and _pilaris_, many during day. _Sturnus_, very -many. _Sy. rubecula_, pretty many, besides no _Sylviæ_ and _accentor_, -_Regulus flavicapillus_, pretty many. _Anth. pratensis_, many. -_Richardi_, some. _Emb. schœniclus_, early, many. _Pusilla_, one. -_Al. arvensis_, very many; _alpestris_, the same. _Fr. cœlebs_ and -_montifringilla_, many; _cannabina_, fewer. _Par. major_, pretty many. -_Scolopax_, none. In the afternoon, from 5 to 6, a bat flew about in -the garden, chasing. - -17th, northerly, light, quite thick, with rain, low loose clouds, -slowly from N.W. and N.; after midnight, dead calm.--During the early -hours until 9 o'clock, extremely large flights of Thrushes, flying -about high, just as if bad weather was approaching. _F. tinnunculus_ -and _nisus_, some. _Corvus_ and _Sturnus_, few. _T. musicus_ and -_torquatus_, extraordinary many during the whole of the day; _merula_, -_iliacus_, and _viscivorus_, fewer. _Sy. rufa_, many; _rubecula_, -extremely many. _Accentor_, none. _Regulus_, many. _Anthus pratensis_, -many. _Alauda_, very few. _Emb. citrinella_ and _schœniclus_, some. -_Fr. cœlebs_ and _montifringilla_, many, the latter very many. -_Linaria_, some. _Spinus_, many. _Par. major_, pretty many. _Scol. -rusticula_, twenty to thirty shot. _Gallinago_, pretty many. _Rallus -aquaticus_, some. - -18th, N.N.W., slight, overcast, easterly, horizon clear; P.M., high -cirri from E. by N., light, sunny, low clouds lazy from N.N.W.--_F. -æsalon_, scattered; _nisus_, some. _Str. brachyotus_, few. _Corvus_, -very single. _Sturnus_, some flights. _Lan. excubitor_, one. _Turd. -musicus_ and _torquatus_, many. _Merula_, _iliacus_, _viscivorus_, and -_pilaris_, tolerable. _Sy. rubecula_ and _rufa_, as _Regulus_, pretty -many. _Accentor_, some. _Anth. pratensis_ and _rupestris_, pretty many. -_Al. arvensis_ and _alpestris_, fewer. _Emb. schœniclus_, tolerable; -_nivalis_, some. _Par. major_, pretty many. _Fringilla_, not many. -_Linaria_, twenty to thirty; some _spinus_. _Col. palumbus_, some. -_Scol. rusticula_, about thirty shot. _Gallinula_ and _gallinago_, -several. About eve a bat flying about in the garden, besides two -observed. - -19th, N.W., slight, light rain squalls.--Early, nothing. _F. nisus_, -some. _C. cornix_, some flights; _monedula_, fewer. _Sturnus_, -but few. _Sy. rubecula_ and _rufa_, scattered. _Par. major_, few. -About eve Blackbirds and Finches arrived. _Linaria_, the same. _Al. -brachydactyla_, one male shot. - -During the latter days plenty _Lar. tridactyla_ on the sea, also -_minutus_. _Anas molissima_, one old male shot. - -20th, N. by E., slight, quite cloudy, rain showers; later, N.E., almost -clear; in evening, clear, light.--Very little, more migration across -the sea. _Corvus_, few. Sturnus, many. Turdus, very few. _Sy. rubecula_ -and _rufa_, few. _Al. arvensis_, pretty many; _alpestris_, very many, -in flights of thirty to fifty. Woodcocks, but a few. - -21st, westerly, light, and rain showers.--Very slight migration. -_Sturnus_, pretty large flights. _Lan. excubitor_, one. _Turdus_, very -few. Woodcocks, early, very many, 150 to 200 captured. - -22d, E. and E. by N, light, clear, scattered clouds; in evening, -highest clouds from N., middle W., low, loose, hasty clouds from E. by -S.--_F. peregrinus_, a couple. _Corv. cornix_ and _monedula_, not many. -_Sturnus_, early flights of 2000 to 3000. _Turdus_, but few. _Anthus_, -not many. _Al. arvensis_, few; _alpestris_, many. _Emb. citrinella_, -some. _Fringillæ_, the same. Some _Col. palumbus_ and Woodcocks. - -The westerly currents in middle stratum of air may have acted -unfavourably on migration. - -23d, E. by S., fresh, light clouds from S.E.; in evening, E.S.E., very -fresh; clouds hasty from S.E., at 9 o'clock, thick, overcast.--_F. -peregrinus_ and _æsalon_, some. _C. cornix_, very many; _frugilegus_, -in afternoon, flights of several hundreds. _Sturnus_, single flights. -_Sy. rubecula_ and _rufa_, but strayed. _Reg. flavicapillus_, pretty -many, but yet no _pyrocephalus_. _Anth. pratensis_ and _rupestris_, -pretty many. _Al. arvensis_, few; _alpestris_, many; _brachydactyla_, -one shot, No Thrushes and but a few Woodcocks. - -24th, early, S.S.E., violent, thick rain; 10 A.M., S.; P.M., S.S.W., -rain, clear to northward.--Early and forenoon, nothing; afternoon, -during calm, _T. merula_, _Sturnus_, _Fr. cœlebs_, and a few Woodcocks. - -25th, S.W. and W.S.W., fresh, light, rain showers; in evening, -lighter.--Nothing. - -26th, S.W. to S. by W., violent, thick rain; P.M., very stormy, No. -8; in night, W. and W.N.W., No. 8.--Minimum, west, Scotland; stormy -westerly winds in Nordsea. Almost nothing; very strayed single -seasonable birds. _Al. alpestris_ and _Emb. nivalis_, the most. - -27th, W., lighter; during day, rain and hail squalls; P.M., W.N.W. and -N.W., lighter betwixt squalls.--Nothing; two to three Woodcocks. - -28th, early, N.W., No. 7, rain and hail squalls; noon, S.W., -clear, high cirri and little clouds from E. by S.; in evening, W,, -lighter.--Nothing; early, few _merula_, young birds. Pretty many _Al. -alpestris_, and one flight _Emb. nivalis_. - -29th, light, overcast; noon, clouds slowly from N.E.; 3 o clock in -afternoon, E., fresh, wind and moving clouds.--_C. cornix_, many great -flights, thousands. _Sturnus_, a flight of 500 to 600. _T. musicus_, -few; _pilaris_, great flights; no _merula_. _Sy. rubecula_, numerous. -_Reg. flavicapillus_ and Par. major, pretty many. _Anthus_, few. _Al. -arvensis_, pretty many passing on overhead; _alpestris_, flights of -hundreds; _arborea_, twenty to thirty. Woodcocks, ten to fifteen -obtained. - -30th, E. by N., fresh, overcast, cold, clouds from E.--During the night -many _Tringæ_ passed. _F. æsalon_, several. _C. cornix_, very many -passed. _Sturnus_, extremely many. _Turdus_, altogether few; _merula_, -some; _torquatus_, few; _pilaris_, many. _Sy. rubecula_, scattered. -_Anthus_, pretty many. _Richardi_, one. _Al. arvensis_, pretty many; -_alpestris_, very numerous; _arborea_, some. _Emb. citrinella_ and -_schœniclus_, pretty many. _Fr. linaria_ and _montium_, some flights; -_cœlebs_ and _montifringilla_, fewer. Woodcocks, twenty to thirty shot. -Very many Geese and Ducks passed. _Cinc. melanogaster_, one fine male -shot. - -Late in evening, many _Ch. squatarola_ overhead passing; the air full -of call tones. - -31st, E. to S.E., very fresh, cloudy, cold; in evening, wind again -more easterly.--_F. nisus_ and _buteo_, some. _C. cornix_, very -many; _monedula_, some flights. _Sturnus_, few. _T. merula_, few; -_viscivorus_, some; _pilaris_, many. _Lan. major_, one fine male. _Sy. -rubecula_, scattered. _Anth. pratensis_ and _rupestris_, tolerable. -_Accentor_, the same. _Al. arvensis_, pretty many; _alpestris_, in -masses. _Emb. citrinella_ and _nivalis_, pretty many; _miliaria_, -some. _Par. major_, many. _F. cœlebs_, extraordinary many passing on -overhead; _linaria_, a few flights; _cannabina_ and _montium_, some. -_Col. palumbus_ and _Scol. rusticula_, several. - -_Note._--In course of the month, almost no curruca at all; no _Reg. -pyrocephalus_; very few _Accentor_; _Lar. trydactyla_, already early -very numerous on the sea; _Sula alba_, the same; almost no _Strix -brachyotus_ at all. - - -=November.= - -1st, E. by N., fresh, clear, cold; P.M., light clouds from N. by W.; -in evening, cloudy, light easterly.--Not particularly much migration. -_C. cornix_, few flights. _Sturnus_, the same., _Turdus_, none at -all. _Rubecula_ and _Accentor_, pretty many. _Al. arvensis_, few; -_alpestris_, very many passing on overhead. _Emb. nivalis_ and _Fr. -montium_, pretty many. _Par. major_ and _cæruleus_, some. Woodcocks, -few. - -2nd, S.W., pretty violent, overcast; P.M., fine rain.--Nothing. - -3rd, S.W., pretty violent, overcast; P.M., clear, little high clouds -N.--Nothing; at Cuxhaven, fog. - -4th, S.S.W., fresh, quite clear; in night, thick.--Nothing. _T. -pilaris_, a little flight. _Emb. nivalis_ and _F. montium_, several -small flights. _Par. major_, ten to fifteen in the garden. - -5th, S.W., fresh, thick, with rain; afternoon, sun through.--Nothing; a -few _merula_, _Par. major_, _Regulus_, _E. nivalis_, and _F. montium_. - -6th, southerly, still, clear; evening, S.S.W., nearly calm.--Early, -heavy dew; Bremen, fog; scarcely any passage. _T. pilaris_, some. -_Al. alpestris_, pretty numerous; _arvensis_, few; _E. nivalis_, _F. -montium_, and _Par. major_, some. _Lestris catarrhactes_, a very fine -specimen obtained; waited thirty years for it! - -7th, southerly, still, clear; 9 A.M., fog whole day and -night.--Nothing: one Firecrest. 10 P.M., when for a short time clear, -great many _Num. arquata_ passing overhead. - -8th, E., early, morning, fog; A.M., S.E., thick, with clouds; evening -clear.--Nothing. Early in the morning, _T. torquatus_ passing overhead. -Towards evening, great many _F. cœlebs_ and _cannabina_, alighting from -great height. - -9th, E.S.S., fresh, hazy clouds, cold.--_T. pilaris_, _Al. arvensis_, -pretty numerous; _arborea_, a few. - -_Fr. cœlebs_, _chloris_, _spinus_, _linaria_, _cannabina_, _montium_, -all great many. _E. citrinella_ and _nivalis_, also great many. - -10th, S.E., fresh, hazy clouds drifting along; evening clear, -still.--During night some Woodcocks and Ring Ouzels at lighthouse. - -_T. torquatus_ and _pilaris_, pretty numerous. _Al. arvensis_ and -alpestris, less. _F. montium_, many; _linaria_, some. A few Woodcocks. - -11th, S.E., moderate, clear, fine; evening, fog.--_St. otus_, one -in thrushbush. _C. cornix_, pretty numerous early in the morning. -_Sturnus_, less so. _Al. arvensis_, not many; _alpestris_, great many; -_arborea_, ten to fifteen. . _Emb. miliaria_ and _citrinella_, pretty -numerous. _F. cœlebs_, great many; _cannabina_, _chloris_, _montium_, -_linaria_, many. _Col. palumbus_, some. - -12th, southerly, fresh; night and all day, fog.--Nothing. During night, -_T. torquatus_ and _pilaris_, _Ch. auratus_, and _Num. arquata_, heard -at lighthouse. - -13th, S.W., moderate, thick.--Nothing. Some _T. torquatus_ and -_pilaris_. _E. miliaria_, a few. - -14th, W., windy, rain.--Nothing. _T. pilaris_, rather numerous; perhaps -east wind approaching. - -15th, N.E., fresh; early, rain and hail squalls; from noon, clear.--_C. -cornix_, a few small flights; _merula_ and _pilaris_, rather numerous, -particularly the latter; _musicus_ also. _A. arvensis_, flights; -also during night at Lighthouse. _A. alpestris_, small flights. _F. -montium_, a party of from eighty to a hundred; _E. nivalis_, less. - -16th, N. still, clear; during night some frost; evening calm, clouds -from E.N.E., clear.--_C. cornix_, small flights. Sturnus, forty to -fifty. _T. pilaris_, some flights. _Al. arvensis_, some; _alpestris_, -great many; _arborea_, a few. _E. nivalis_, scattered; _F. montium_, -twenty to forty. Woodcocks, about ten. _Col. palumbus_, some. - -17th, S., faint, clear, somewhat below zero; evening, S.E., -fresh.--Nothing; not a bird. - -18th, S.S.E., still, clear, some frost.--Nothing. A few _C. cornix_, -early passing overhead. _P. major_, a few flitting about. - -19th, N., faint, scattered clouds, about zero; evening, -E.N.E.--Nothing. Very few _C. cornix_, _Al. arvensis_, and _E. -nivalis_. _F. linaria_, ten; _carduelis_, one. _Par. major_, some. - -20th and 21st, S.E., windy, cloudy, below zero.--Nothing. _C. cornix_, -about ten. _F. linaria_ and _E. nivalis_, a few. - -22d, S.E., little wind, thick.--Nothing. _F. cannabina_, eight to ten. -_Strix otus_, one. - -23d, E. still, very thick; noon, N.E.; evening, E. by S., faint.--_T. -pilaris_, several large flights, from 300 to 500. _C. cornix_, also -many. _E. nivalis_, considerable numbers. _Ch. vanellus_, great many. - -24th, E., windy, overcast; during night, S.E., very hard.--_C. cornix_ -and T. pilaris, some flights. Accentor, some. _Cinc. aquaticus_ -(_melanogaster_), one. _Anser_ and _Anas_, great many passing on. - -25th, S.E., very hard, thick, some snow, a degree below zero.--Nothing. -_T. pilaris_, a few. Some _Scol. gallinago_. _Anser_ and _Anas_, great -many passing on over the sea. - -26th, S.E., blowing hard, cloudy; night, stormy.--Early and forenoon, -hundreds of _C. cornix_ passing overhead westward; otherwise, nothing. - -27th, S.S.E., blowing hard, rain and snow; afternoon, S.W,--Nothing. -Storm warning. Magnificent fall of stars, uninterrupted. - -28th, S.S.W., windy, thick; night, stormy.--Nothing. - -29th, N.W., somewhat better, windy, cloudy; evening, still, -rain.--Nothing. - -30th, W., fresh, clear.--Guillemots in the cliffs; rather early for -these occasional visits. - - -=December.= - -1st and 2d, W., violent, open clouds N.W., cirri N.--_T. pilaris_, -a few hundreds on 2d. _Larus marinus_ and _argentatus_, astounding -numbers in lee of Island. - -3d, night, S.W. gale. Nos. 8 and 9, moving W., bitter; evening, S.W., -moderate, cirri, N. by W.--Nothing. Storm warning. - -4th, S.W., Nos. 8 and 9, rain and hail squalls.--Nothing. - -5th, W. and W. by N., No. 8, hail and rain squalls; afternoon, a little -better.--_Uria_, thousands in the cliffs at breeding places. - -6th, Northerly, nearly calm. - -7th, Northerly, nearly calm.--During night to 8th, larks pretty -numerous at lighthouse. - -8th, N.W., very faint, snow showers; evening, squally, with snow.--_T. -pilaris_ and _merula_, some. _Fr. linaria_, several; _montium_, small -flight, thirty to fifty. _Char. vanellus_, several. _Ch. auratus_ -passing on at night during snow squalls. - -9th, N. by W., violent, with snow squalls, between squalls -still.--During night _Ch. auratus_ and _Num. arquata_, numerous passing -over. - -10th, N. and N.E., fresh, early snow squalls.--_C. cornix_, several. -_T. pilaris_, small flights; _merula_, single birds. _F. linaria_, some. - -11th, N.E. and N.N.E., moderate, clear; evening, calm.--_C. cornix_, -pretty numerous. - -12th, S.W., fresh, overcast.--_Alca alle_, thousands flying about on -sea. - -13th, W.S.W., faint, overcast, upper clouds N.N.W.--Nothing. - -14th, W. and N.W., calm, overcast.--Nothing. Some _Lar. glaucus_, jr., -between _argentatus_ and _marinus_. - -15th, W., overcast, no wind.--Nothing. - -16th, S.W., fresh; evening, very strong, W., rain.--Nothing. - -17th, N.N.W., faint, overcast; evening, thick fine rain; night, -fog.--Nothing. - -18th, calm, fog; evening, faint, east.--_Larus minutus_, pretty -numerous on sea. - -19th, S.E. and S., faint, thick fog.--_Al. arvensis_, great many -passing on, some alighting. Some _Al. alpestris_. - -20th, 21st, 22d, S.W. and W., almost uninterrupted thick fog. - -23d, N.E., very weak, cloudy.--_T. pilaris_, a flight of from 100 to -150. _F. montium_ and _Emb. nivalis_, some. - -24th and 25th, W., fresh, overcast; during night foggy. - -26th, north, still, fine.--_T. merula_, eight to ten, mounting after -sunset from my garden on migration. - -27th, W., fresh, clear; evening and night, stormy. No. 8, -S.W.--Nothing. Great many _Lar. minutus_. - -28th, S.W., stormy. No. 8, storm warning.--Nothing. Great many _Lar. -minutus_. - -29th, W., violent, hail and snow squalls.--Nothing. Great many _Lar. -minutus_. - -30th, northerly, fresh to violent; evening, N.W., little wind.--_Al. -alpestris_, pretty numerous, flights of twenty and thereabout passing -on the whole day. - -31st, S.S.W., violent, thick; afternoon and all night, thick -fog.--Nothing. - - -_Heligoland--Spring, 1886._ - -March 19th, S.E., 4 deg. below zero.--_Corvus frugilegus_, pretty -numerous; _cornix_, a few. _Sturnus_, do. _Al. arvensis_, great many, -enormous passage over sea. - -_Mem._--At Hanover astounding numbers of "Crows," and great flights of -_Ch. vanellus_. - -20th, S.S.E., little wind, overcast; afternoon, thawing; evening, -fog.--_F. æsalon_ and _tinnunculus_, some. _C. frugilegus_, thousands; -_cornix_, less. _Sturnus_, _merula_, _musicus_, _iliacus_, all -passing on. _Al. arvensis_, hundreds of thousands; _alpestris_ and -_arboreus_, a few. _Anth. pratensis_, great many; _rupestris_, less. -_F. cannabina_, some flights. _Ch. auratus_, _vanellus_, _hiaticula_, -all great many. Fr. alpina, less. Scol. gallinago, several. Col. -_palumbus_, some. Enormous masses passing on across the sea. - -Hanover.--Crows, Larks, Wood Pigeons, _Ch. vanellus_, all in enormous -numbers. _Ch. auratus_, less. - -21st, fog.--Larks and Plover passing on above fog, their voices heard -in great profusion. - -22d, 23d, 24th.--All like 20th, passing over in enormous masses, -particularly during night. - -25th.--Crows, Rooks, Daws, passing on in millions. _Sturnus_, -astounding numbers. All the above also in full swing passing on, joined -by _rubecula_. Wagtails, _accentor_. _Sax. ænanthe_, _F. cœlebs_, -_montium_, _Emb. citrinella_, _Syl. titys_, and a few Gold-crests, -etc., etc. - -In previous years the Heligoland notes have been incorporated with -the returns from the East Coast of England, and they are now printed -separately for the first time. The special thanks of the Committee are -due to Mr Gätke for his interesting and valuable contributions to their -report. - - - - -WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND. - - -Schedules, etc., were sent to thirty-four stations, not including the -Isle of Man (five more), the schedules of which are passed on to Mr -Eagle Clarke for incorporation with the West Coast of England. Of the -thirty-four we have received returns from seventeen. - -Additional interest and more painstaking schedule-work is evident at -the more productive stations. From Monach Islands three schedules have -been sent, but they are written straight across the columns, making -it extremely difficult for the committee to tabulate the contents. As -far as possible, the columns should be used for the purposes given in -the headings, as otherwise the labours of members of committee is very -largely increased. All the scheduled items must be passed first into -a ledger for the purpose, under species in each month, in the season, -and then only can the report be written out. We give prominence to this -explanation, as we are very desirous that our reporters adhere to the -columnar arrangement. - -Here follows the list of stations:-- - -List of Stations. - -Note: The names of the Reporters are given under "Diary from the -Stations." - - Returns - in 6 In - years. 1885. Values. Feet. - - Sutherland. - - 4 81. Cape Wrath, III. 400 - 4 82. Rhu Stoir, II. 195 - - Outer Hebrides. - - 5 * 83. Butt of Lewis, I. 170 - 3 84. Stornoway, 2 lights, { II. } 56 - { I. } - 3 85. Island Ghlais I. 130 - 5 * 86. Monach Isles, { I. 150 - { II. 62 - 2 87. Ushenish, N. Uist, VI. 176 - 2 * 88. Barra Head, II. 683 - 0 * 89. Rona, Skye, IV. 222 - 5 * 90. Kyleakin, W, Ross, IV. 53 - 2 91. Isle Oronsay, I. 58 - 2 92. Ardnamurchan, I. - 6 * 93. Skerryvore and Hynish - Signal Tower, Tiree, II. 150 - 6 * 94. Dhuheartach, I. 146 - 5 95. Sound of Mull, V. 55 - 0 96. Corran Ferry, IV. 38 - 4 97. Lismore, Oban, I. 103 - 2 98. Fladda, Easdale, VI. 42 - 4 * 99. Rhuvaal, IV. 147 - 6 * 100. M'Arthur's Head, IV. 128 - 6 * 101. Skervuile, II. 73 - 6 * 102. Rhinns of Islay, IV. 159 - 2 103. Lochindaul, IV. 50 - 0 104. Mull of Kintyre, VI. 297 - 0 105. Sanda, - 0 106. Devaar, II. 120 - 0 107. Pladda, Arran, II. 130 - 3 * 108. Lamlash, IV. 46 - 2 * 109. Turnberry, IV. 96 - 109B. Ailsa Craig, 1885, - 5 * 110. Corsewall, IV. 112 - 5 111. Loch Ryan, I. 46 - 5 * 112. Portpatrick, I. 37 - 5 * 113. Mull of Galloway, II. 325 - 2 * 114. Little Ross, IV. 175 - - -Diary from the Stations. - -_Butt of Lewis._--Alexander Thompson and Gilbert Mackinnon, one -schedule from March 24th to November 17th, carefully filled. On the -15th and 16th, large whales seen close to lighthouse, going S.E. on -the flood tide. Starlings, Rock Doves, remain all the year round, -and "Sandlarks" arrive in May, and stay till end of August. During -July, "great flocks of Gannets continually going to and fro in search -of fish." An amusing incident was witnessed by Mr Mackinnon. On -the evening of the 10th August, a Gull got hold of a large "saith" -fish[12]; was unable to rise with it, so it towed it to the rocks, and -allowed the sea to wash it up on the rocks. Some boys went after it, -when it took to the water again, and pulled the fish to another rock, -and again allowed the sea to wash it up, where it eat its supper in -peace. - -[Footnote 12: _Gadus virens_, Lin.] - -_Monach Isles._--Donald Georgeson--Three quarterly schedules. Mr -Georgeson's schedules are able and masterly; and if we could have _all_ -our schedules returned in a similar epitomised condition, no doubt much -time might be saved; _but_ in the meantime, schedules coming from a . -few stations out of so many stations, so epitomised, whilst the rest -adhere rigidly to the columnar arrangement, makes it more troublesome -to arrange details. Uniform attention to the columnar arrangement is -simplest for the ledger work. - -The following is an abstract of Mr Georgeson's three quarterly -schedules, and may be referred to under _species_ in the next portion -of the report:-- - -Mr Georgeson writes--"This is an island little frequented by either -land or sea birds. The only birds that struck the lantern were a few -Snow Buntings and the Common Tern [Arctic Tern _vera_?.--J. A. H. B.] -Towards the end of January we had a severe gale from the S.W." Mr G. -found several Terns and Snow Buntings "dead from exposure." "_The S.W. -is the prevailing wind here._" (Explaining, perhaps, the above stated -scarcity of birds, as pressing them more easterly on their S.E. course -after doubling Butt of Lewis.--J. A. H. B.) A single Snipe appeared -among the "marshy pools" of the islands. "In January and February -I observed a large flock of Wild Geese, coming from the U.E., and -after resting on the outlying rocks here, they rose and flew west in -the direction of St Kilda." Shieldrakes--Two males and one female, -in February, seen feeding on the island, and three Common Gulls and -two Black-Backed Gulls. 1st March. Fifty Linnets (Twites?) paid a -visit,--wind south--stayed only a short time. A few Sandpipers remained -a week, but departed when the weather broke. Rock Doves visited the -island, but soon left. Sea birds observed from January 1st to March -31st are--Common Duck, Eider Duck, Northern Diver, and a few Scarts, -but these also disappeared with a gale on the 20th March from quarters -between S. and N.W. - -In Mr Georgeson's next six months' bulletin, he reports:-- - -April 3d, wind S.W. Three Ravens and two Hooded Crows, and one _Golden -Plover_--local migration. He also mentions Sand Larks arriving to breed -about the 5th April. "The only land birds that remained the winter -are a few Rock and Meadow Pipits, which breed here in large numbers; -also about a dozen pairs of Wheatears and a few "Linnets" (_i.e._, -Twites.--J. A. H. B.) Two nests of the Eider Duck on the island in May. -Early in May the wind was light and variable. The only birds I saw were -three Black-Backed Gulls and five Herring Gulls, and a few Eider Ducks, -but as the breeding season advanced they left the island. Two pairs of -Shielducks came to the island _from the direction of St Kilda_--wind -light, N.E.--and were seen flying away in spring with their young in -a N.E. direction. There are no Scarts here in the breeding season. -They and other rock birds leave for more suitable rocks as the season -advances. Large flocks of Pictarnies arrive here in June, and breed in -great numbers, the island being covered with their nests. - -In the last quarterly schedule Mr Georgeson tells us ;--By the 24th -August the land birds had all left, except a few "Linnets" (_i.e._, -_Twites_--J. A. H. B.), a few Rock and Marsh (_i.e._, "_Meadow_") -Pipits. A _Corncrake_, a very unusual bird here, came to our garden -on 11th August, but left on the corn being cut. September 7th, a few -_Scarts_ returned, and fifty to sixty Kittiwakes. Many _Solan Geese_. -Two Herons seen feeding on rocks on September 8th flew off on the 10th -seaward. October 5th, large flock of Snow Buntings part of the day, and -then flew off in a N.E. direction. On the 20th October a large flock -of Wild Geese came from N.E. with a N.E. wind, lighted to rest, and -then flew off _west_ (_i.e._, out to sea). Snipe usually remain over -the winter at Monach, but leave in the breeding-season. On night of -November 10th to 11th a Woodcock--a rare bird here--struck, along with -Terns, Mavis, and Blackbirds. Another rare bird was found dead same -morning, the name of which I do not know. "Exact colour of a Kittiwake, -the size of a Stormy Petrel. (No doubt the Grey Phalarope, young bird -of the year.--J. A. H. B.) A large flock of "Pictarnies" (_i.e._, -Terns) came from E., rested, and then flew away west, wind N.E. at the -time, on same day. - -_Barra Head Lighthouse._--William Irvine. One short schedule from -February to June. Mr Irvine writes:--"Bernacle Geese last seen on -the 24th April on this island." There is some little confusion about -Bernacle and Brent Geese. Could Mr Irvine send us a head of the -so-called "Bernacle Geese?"--J. A. H. B. - -Marten Swallows (_Hirundo urbica_) were seen on June 10th hawking over -the surface of the ground. Major H. W. Feilden and Harvie-Brown visited -Barra Head in 1871, and it is easily understood why it should _not_ be -a favourable observatory of land birds. (See "Barra Head and Its Bird -Life," and previous Reports.) - -_Rona_, Skye.--Messrs Dunnet and M'Gaw send a short schedule--March -20th to November 17th. The contents appear under Species. Northern -Divers seem to be often seen about this district of coast, and also at -Kyleakin Ferry (_q.v._). - -_Skerryvore._--Mr Thomas Dawson sends three carefully-filled schedules. -Rush of Thrushes, &c., on 12th March, continuing on 15th to 16th. -Several birds have been named from the wings sent by Mr Dawson; and -from description and drawing the _Pomatorhine Skua must_ have been -observed on the 25th May. Later Mr Dawson writes:--"Not one land bird -seen here since 28th November till to-day." Date of last schedule, -January 19th, 1886. Even the Eider Ducks have deserted us for months -past. Yesterday, continuous flocks of either Marrots or Razorbills -passing south. Fresh, variable. - -_Kyleakin._--Messrs D. M'Culloch and John Clyne write, with two -well-filled schedules. - -This is an exceptional year here. On the 16th November, at 2.30 A.M., -with fresh (?) breeze and haze, two "Mavises" and six Starlings -struck--_the first birds known to strike the glass for the last eight -years_--and others seen in the rays of light. More birds have been -observed this season in a few minutes than have been noticed for years. -On the 27th November, wind S.W., fresh, gale with snow all night, and -two hours after the gale took off, great flocks of Starlings passed -from 10 A.M. till dark, only a few inches from the ground. These birds -had either been driven out of their course with the gale and snowstorm, -or had taken a new course of their own accord. - -_Dhuheartach_, S.W. of Iona.--Mr William Davidson sends two schedules -carefully filled under correct columns--a practice which cannot be too -highly commended. - -_Skervuile._--Mr John Ewing also sends us four capital schedules, -strictly adhering to the columnar arrangement. - -_Rhinns of Islay._--Messrs Peter Anderson and James Ducat send eight -excellent schedules, clearly proving, as has been done before, the -superiority of this observation station; and I think in our first -Report we give prominence to the situation as intercepting the S.E. -flow of returning migrants from the Outer Hebrides. - -Messrs Anderson and Ducat are much interested in the work, and many -birds have been sent us by them for identification. They write:--"The -last date on which we saw Solan Geese last year was on the last day -of November, and the first day this year was on 29th February. Birds -resident in the vicinity are, amongst others, Starling, Curlew, Snipe, -Jack Snipe (?),[13] Twites or 'Rock Linnets,' Sparrows, and Larks. -Later in summer Gannets or Solan Geese are seen daily 'flying east and -west,' and 'circling about fishing, from an odd pair to 100 in all -weathers,' A vast congregation of Marrots and Puffins fishing around -the island on 19th August, and some hundreds of Gannets, old and -young, 'floating along with the tide, so full they cannot rise.' All -disappeared on 21st." - -[Footnote 13: Does not breed in Britain: probably the Dunlin?--J. A. H. -B.] - -_N.B._--We would be obliged if Mr Anderson and Mr Ducat would adhere -to the columnar arrangement, and not write across the red lines, or as -little as they can help. - -Hundreds of Moths also are reported "of various sizes flying about the -lantern on 7th September." A great Skua?--("Dirty Allan of the largest -size")--seen on 7th September. Also on the night of the 3d September -Messrs A. and D. write:--"We have had enormous numbers of what is -locally called 'Jenny Long-legs' about the station for the past three -or four weeks, and in the mornings there are great numbers of their -legs and wings lying on the pavement. This morning, after putting out -the light, I watched, when I saw about twenty Mosscheepers (_i.e._, -Pipits) working hard to make their breakfast off them. _I never before_ -saw so many Long-legs in the fall. There is a usual _run in April!_" - -From Mr Peter Anderson we have the following earnest appeal to other -stations:-- - - Rhinns of Islay Lighthouse, - _23d December 1885_. - - Sir,--I beg to return you the concluding schedule for this - year, and most likely I have put a lot of remarks into it and - previous ones that are of little account, and some of the wings - I sent to you were most likely very common ones to you, although - they were strange to me, or I had some doubts about them; but - as I have now got the names of some of the odd ones in this - locality, I will not likely trouble you with so many again. If - my suggestion of including assistants as well as principals in - filling up the schedules has been of any advantage this year, - I would further suggest for 1886 that you should make a strong - appeal to all stations to try for one year to give you all the - information (and especially those who have not as yet sent in any - or meagre returns) they can. First, what birds--or as many as - they can ascertain--breed in then' near locality. Second, when do - Stonechicks (which I believe are all over Scotland), Snow Buntings, - Robins, Wrens, and several other small birds arrive which make - their appearance only at certain seasons. In looking over the - Report for 1884, the point that annoyed me most was, that I could - not make out the names and terms of all the different species; but - at John o' Groat's School thirty-five years ago there was no word - of Latin. In '84's Report I expected to have seen better reports - from some stations that I know, such as North Unst, Start Point, - and Noss Head. At North Unst there are several migrants which build - on the rock, and I wondered to see no account of Mother Carey's - Chickens, as they breed on the rock, and at the end of August they - annoyed us a good deal by striking the lantern and emitting an oily - substance on the glass. At Start Point the Sheldrake breeds, and - I have seen the Stock Duck breed on it also; and I was told there - were thirteen species of Ducks frequented that locality, and I have - seen Teal and Widgeon there in hundreds. Also at Noss Head there - are various classes of birds which visit it in the breeding season. - I once knew of a Grebe got in a small pond there. Trusting you - won't feel annoyed at the above remarks, I am, etc., - - Peter Anderson. - - - -_Lamlash._--Messrs David Scott and Robert Brown send us one schedule. -The remark occurs that "the Thrush is becoming very scarce here." - -_Turnberry._--A carefully-filled schedule--dating March 11 to November -10--sent by Messrs Andrew Nisbet (principal) and Wm. Beggs (assistant). -Species well distinguished. - -_Corsewall._--A good schedule also from Mr Robert Laidlaw, and all the -species apparently well distinguished. - -_Portpatrick._--Mr James Beggs sends a short but good schedule, with -the remark: "Migration of birds this season has been very slight, and -we think the cause is owing to so much prevailing winds from the west -occurring on this coast [_i.e._, taking the birds further west at -further north points.--J. A. H. B.]. Flights of Black Crows [Rooks.--J. -A. H. B.] come and go to this vicinity all the winter through. -[_Note._--Ravens are known to congregate on this coast at certain -points.--J. A. H. B.] Great flights of Gannets in July, August, and -September, and then cease till early spring. Fly both ways--north and -south." - -On November 10, _Red-legged Kaw_ seen flying south at 3.40 P.M., close -to lighthouse. (Is this still of the native breed, or a migrant from -further north?--J. A. H. B.) - -_Mull of Galloway._--Two well-filled schedules from Messrs Alex. Murray -and John M'Quarrie. "A large Grey Owl. picked up one of the small birds -on the grating on the 17th October, plucked it, and swallowed it whole. -I tried to catch it, but it flew off." - -_Little Ross._--Mr James Ferrier I have to thank for two -excellently-prepared schedules; and we feel sure that this station, -though it may not yield large numerical returns, will give returns of -considerable interest, whether negative or positive. - - -Separate Report under Genera and Species. - -Turdidæ.--_In Spring_, a few odd birds--Blackbirds and Thrushes--passed -93 (Skerryvore) and 114 (Little Ross). In March, these increased in -numbers at both these stations on 7th, 11th, 12th, and 15th, and odd -birds were also noticed at 109 (Turnberry) on 11th and 13th. Apparently -almost a rush noticed at 93, with wind light N.W. on 12th, but S.W. and -haze on 15th. Fieldfares also noted at Little Ross on 24th, with strong -S.E.; one killed. On April 14th, a rush of Thrushes at 94 (Dhuheartach) -all night, light variable wind and haze; also Redwings and Blackbirds -at Rhinns of Islay on 12th, and two Ring Ouzels all night at Little -Ross. Blackbirds seen flying S.W. at 94, on 17th June, complete the -spring records. - -_In Autumn._--Scarcely any movement in September, but in October, -considerable numbers of _Turdidæ_. Earliest record in autumn, one -Thrush on 1st September at 109, and one Ring Ouzel on 15th at 102 -(Rhinns of Islay); and latest record November 16th [if we except -two records on 22d and 23d January 1886, which really belong either -to local influence, or is a beginning of the spring migration of -1886]. Thus the migration of _Turdidæ_, in 1885 is almost unique -amongst our records for the shortness, suddenness, and rapidity with -which it was accomplished, occupying limits strongly defined in time -by the above dates, _viz._, in all--leaving out the two solitary -September records--only from 9th October to 16th November, or 38 -days. The stations participating in the rush are 93 (Skerryvore), 94 -(Dhuheartach), 101 (Skervuile), 102 (Rhinns of Islay), 108 (Lamlash), -109 (Turnberry), 113 (Mull of Galloway), and 114 (Little Ross). More -specialised rushes were:--On 17th, of _Thrushes_ and _Missel Thrushes_ -at 94, and of _Redwings_ at Rhinns of Islay; on 10th and 11th November, -of Missel Thrushes and Fieldfares, with few Mavises, at 93, 94, and -of the same species in small numbers, with large numbers of Thrushes, -Blackbirds, and Redwings, on 9th, 10th, 11th, up to 16th, at all -stations. Most at 93 and 94, but movement extensive and general at all, -and suddenly over by the 16th, if we except one solitary record of five -Mavises on the 21st at (Kyleakin) 90, the only record from that station -of _Turdidæ_. Prevailing wind strong S.S.E. to S.E., and back to S., -all these two months; sometimes northerly in October, but never for -long. - -Saxicolinæ.--_In Spring_, an extensive migration of Wheatears and -(or) "Stonechats." [The name Stonechat is the one almost universally -used at 93, 94, 101, 102, and 113, but "Wheatear"--the more correct -name for the species intended--is used at 88 (Fladda) and 114 (Little -Ross). The true Stonechat has a black head, and is about the same -size as a Whinchat, _i.e._, much smaller than the Wheatear. But the -name "Stonechat" is of almost universal use in Scotland for the -Wheatear--indeed, a generally accepted local name.] Earliest record in -spring, April 4th, at 102 (Rhinns of Islay); latest, 2d June, at 93 -(Skerryvore). The general rush took place between the 11th and 20th, -and appears to have been unusually heavy, such terms being used, at all -stations, as "numbers all night," "fifty," "forty," "great numbers," -"rush all night," "hundreds all night," etc. Perhaps 12th and 13th -had the greatest share, but it would be difficult to say which station -participated most largely. 109 (Turnberry), however, has only one -record of odd birds on 14th April. The May records are all at 93 and -94, and are all light. There are also two records of Whinchats at 114, -on 21st and 2 2d of April. The prevailing wind was easterly in April, -and oftener S. of E. than N. of E. In May the wind was westerly at 93 -and 94, and again S.E. at 93 on June 2d, the latest record. - -_In Autumn_, a partial rush took place at 101 (Skervuile), where -"numbers at midnight" were seen on the 6th. Records come from the -following stations, principally 93 and 94, a few from 101 and 102. -All records in September are from 93 and 94, and all are very light -indeed, except at 94 upon the 6th September, when a rush of Stonechats, -Wagtails, and Titlarks took place, with light S.E. breeze and haze, at -1 A.M. Prevailing wind S.E, August and September. - -Silviinæ.--In March, two records of Robin at 93 (on 15th), and -(Turnberry) 109 on 14th, S.S.E. at latter station, and light S.W. -haze at former. Three other light records at 94 (Dhuheartach), 101 -(Skervuile), and 102 (Rhinns of Islay) on 12th and 13th April, and one -record of Whitethroats on 5th May at 114 (Little Ross). - -_In Autumn_, no great movement observed, and only single records in -August at 89 (Rona) on 1st, and at 90 (Kyleakin) on 25th, at 108 -(Lamlash) on 23d, and Turnberry on 24th--the latter returned as a -"Garden Warbler," the others of Robins. - -Phylloscopinæ.--Gold-Crest--Mere indications only of a spring movement, -and that only at 114 (Little Ross), single records on 12th, 15th, and -18th April. Wind easterly on first two dates, but light W. on the last, -with haze, when five Gold-Crests rested on the lantern glass all night. -In May, Wood Warblers are returned at 114 on 20th and 21st, light S.E. -and S., one killed. - -The autumn migration also extremely faintly marked. One single record -on 23d September, wind N.N.W., overcast, 9.35 P.M.; and two on 10th -and 17th at 101 (Skervuile) and 114 respectively; wind on 10th N.N.E., -clear, and on 17th at 114 variable and hazy. All relate to Gold-Crests. - -Acrocephalinæ.--No records. - -Paridæ.--Tits--One Titmouse at 113 (Mull of Galloway) on 14th April; -wind light, S.E. - -_In Autumn._--Single record on 17th August at 113, wind light, N.W., -clear; one on 1st September at 109 (Turnberry), and two at 113 on -October 9th and 19th. - -Troglodytidæ.--Common Wren--A few single records in April and May, -about seven in all, at 93, 94, 109, and 114. - -_In Autumn._--One record in August 1st at 89 (Rona), one record in -September at 110 (Corsewall), and half a dozen or so in October at five -stations--102, 108, 109, 110, 113. Six seen at noon on 23d; strong N". -breeze and haze. - -Motacillidæ.--Wagtails--On 12th May two, at 9 A.M., at 93 (Skerryvore), -and five at 11 A.M. at 88 (Barra Head) ;-wind S.W. at 93, and fresh W. -at 88. The above the only spring records. - -_In Autumn._--Two light records on 24th and 28th, both at 94 -(Dhuheartach); north on first date, light S.S.E. on second date. Two -light records on 3d September at 113 (Mull of Galloway), and on 4th -at 93. Indication of general movement on 14th and 16th at 89 (Rona), -93, 94, 102, and 113. Two light records in October 11th and 29th at 90 -(Kyleakin), and 112 (Portpatrick). - -Of Pipits, one record at 93 on 13th April; light, S.E., haze. In -autumn, two records only at 94 and 101, quite faint; wind, light, east. - -Muscicapidæ.--No records of Flycatchers. - -Hirundinidæ.--_In Spring_, between 17th and 28th, five records at 102 -(six seen, light, S.W.), at 109 (two seen on 20th, light, S., rain), at -113, two on 21st, S., and fog, and two on 28th; and at 114, four, the -first observed on the 17th April. In May, one at 93 on 26th, four at -108 (Lamlash) on the 9th, and six on the 11th. - -_In Autumn._--A few records in August--a flock on 17th at 110 -(Corsewall), all day, and flocks on 31st at 113 (Mull of Galloway), -flying S.E. against E. breeze. Martins were also seen at Barra Head. -In September Swallows and Swifts (see _Cypselidæ_) at 90 (Kyleakin) on -15th, and Swallows at 94 on 1st, and at 102 on 12th, 14th, and 16th--an -appearance of a rush. Wind, S. gale on 12th, S.W., and birds flying in -a southerly direction. In October, considerable evidence between 6th -and 11th at 114. The 11th the latest date of record. - -Fingillidæ.--_In Spring:_ Sparrows and Finches noted at 86 (Monach -Isles, 9, v. under Diary) on April 17th. In May, Sparrows at 93, 94. -On 23d and 24th, "Linties" at 93 on 25th; and Tree Sparrows, two, at 93 -on 26th--light S.E.--"resting on rocks." - -_In Autumn._--On 17th September, Sparrows at 113 in flocks, and fifty -"Rock Linnets" at 102 (Rhinns of Islay). (Probably Twites, or possibly -Redpoles.--J. A. H. B.). In October, a flock of 200 "Rock Linnets" at -102 on 6th and 7th, and thousands of "Grey Linnets" at 90 (Kyleakin); -on 9th, Rock Linnets? Grey Linnets? Evident rush of Linnets, -accompanied at 101 by a number of Tree Sparrows on 9th November. Rush -lasted 7th, 8th, and 9th October, and another rush appears to have -taken place 4th at 102; 8th, at 90. Chaffinches, two only on 13th at -114. A few Grey Linnets at 90 on 25th December. - -Emberizidæ.--Scarcely any indication at all. One record of Snow -Buntings on 6th October; two birds at 102, one in November at 94 on -14th, and of Yellow Buntings at 114 on 10th. The Snow Buntings are -returned as "old birds resting on the rocks" of 102. Wind in October -at date of record, fresh S.W., and in November strong N., at 94, and -strong E., haze, at 114. - -Alaudidæ.--Larks--A considerable spring migration, but February records -are possibly really belonging to past winter movements. We give them -here, however:-- - -15th, Larks at 90, 500 flying south, 9.40 A.M.; snow, calm. - -13th, Larks at 93, two on lantern, 2 A.M.; fresh, S.E. - -In March, on 7th, four Larks at 114, N. to S.W., clear. On 12th, a -number at 93, and 12 at 94; and up to 15th, also at 109. In April, a -rush took place on 14th, and leading up to it from the 12th at 93, 94, -and 102; wind, light easterly. Again, large numbers on 18th May at 86, -and many remain till end of August. - -_In Autumn._--A rush, but not very large, at 102 on 16th; fewer on -17th September. A rush again on 17th October at 94, and indications at -90, 94, 102, 109, 113 throughout October, and up to 17th of November. -Another rush at 94 on 11th November, and small rush at 102 all forenoon -on 16th. Stations 101, 109, 110, and 114 participated, but in a very -small degree. - -Sturninæ.--Starlings--_In Spring:_ Four days in February, a few only -at 101, 110 (Corsewall), 114, between 12th and 23d. Also a few light -returns on five days in March, at 93, 109, 114, between 8th and 24th. -Bush from 9th to 20th April, principally 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, at 113 -(Mull of Galloway)--wind S.E. and S.S.E. and haze--but also rush at 94 -(Dhuheartach) on 14th, and on 11th and 20th at 110 (Corsewall). No more -records till June 27th, when thirty to forty at 113 (Mull of Galloway), -"mixed old and young." - -_In Autumn._--Earliest on 15th August at 102; hundreds old and young -flying about all day--wind S., clear--and on 19th at 89 (Rona). -"Starlings" on 19th August. In September, flocks on four dates--7th, -16th, 18th, and 25th--at 90 (Kyleakin), 112 (Portpatrick), and 113 -(Mull of Galloway), almost a rush--"flights," "flock," etc., being -itemed. In October, all the month, from 10th to 30th, rush at 94 on -17th (strong E.); rush at 102 on 21st; "great numbers," "flying about -from daylight till 10 A.M.," light, east. "Great numbers" on 30th at -109 (Turnberry). In November, 4th to 20th, almost continuous. Such -records as "rush all night" on 10th at 94. "Thousands from 10 A.M. till -dark" on 16th at 90 (Kyleakin), flying south. "Numbers all morning," -10th (all day), 13th, and 14th, at 102 (Rhinns of Islay). "Numbers" at -110 (Corsewall) on 10th and 11th; and indications at following stations -throughout the autumn--89, 90, 102, 93, 94, 101, 102, 108, 109, 110, -112, 113, 114. A most general and abnormally extensive migration. In -December, latest 31st to January 1886--20th January, "some" at 102 and -114. - -Corvidæ.--In order of abundance in _Spring:_ February (one), March -(one), April (four records), May (two). 1. Ravens--Seven on three days -in April, 4th, 17th, and 20th; two days in May, 1st and 13th--light -S.E., or variable. 2. Grey Crows and Black Crows, one day in February; -six birds on March 16th; two on one day in April at 94. Wind easterly. - -_In Autumn._--In order of abundance in autumn: Nine months: August -(three dates), September (two), October (eleven), November (six). -Of _Ravens_, two on 20th and 22d February; seven on 9th September, -W. gale. Grey and Black Crows or "Crows," one record on 7th August, -"seen flying S.W. at 102; wind E., light clear;" 500 on 17th at 102 -of "Crows" flying S.W. to sea, then turned and went N.W. (These large -flights _are_ no doubt _Rooks_, not "Crows," not "Carrion Crows," _not_ -"Grey Crows.") "Black Crows and Carrion Crows" (_i.e._, I suppose, -"Rooks and Carrion Crows."--J. A. H. B.) are also given at 102 in -October; wind always easterly. All November, indications, but no great -rush. No records in December, but one in January 1886. "A flock of -sixty on 25th at 102." Rooks and Jackdaws, few. Stations returning -_Corvidæ_ are in order of largest returns--102, far beyond all other -stations; 86, 94 (Jackdaws one), 101 (Rooks), 113. Species are in order -of numbers--Carrion Crows, Ravens, Rooks, Jackdaw. - -Cypselidæ.--29th April, one at 90 noted, and others at 90 again on 15th -September, the only records of Swifts. - -Cuculidæ.--Cuckoo, first heard 30th April at 90 (Kyleakin) and at 113 -(Mull of Galloway). First heard at 101 (Skervuile) on 6th May, at 110 -(Corsewall) on 8th May, and on 11th at 108 (Lamlash). No autumn records. - -Strigidæ.--Grey Owl.--One large Grey Owl, 17th October, at ______? -(omitted in Ledger). - -Falconidæ.--April and June. Mostly, no doubt, local visits of "Hawks," -"Falcon Hawks," "Sparrow Hawks," at 86, 93, 94 (daily in April). Also -in autumn, of the same and Kestrel, and a "Large Hawk" at 102 on 11th -November, flying east, wind S.W., haze; and at 98, 102, and 108, in -addition to the above stations in spring. - -Pelicanidæ.--Spring records less numerous than usual. February, one -at 101 on 8th; one at 101 on 27th March; two at 108 on 1st and 4th -April, and two at 94 on 14th April; May, three records at 101--14th, -19th, and 29th; and June, four records, all light, at 94, 101, and 114. -Curiously, records of Gannets or Solan Geese--as they are called--are -seldom numerously returned on this coast. [_N.B._--We would be obliged -to our reporters at all the stations if, for next year, they would -give up one schedule entirely to Gannets or Solan Geese, and enter -daily observations of the species, including their numbers seen, -occupation, direction of flights and of wind, hours of appearance and -disappearance, etc.] In July a few itemed under three dates--1st, 12th, -and 16th to 20th. None in August, September, October, or November, nor -January 1886, except one of hundreds at 102, fishing close to rocks, on -16th September, and the record of "Extra Nos." at 102 on 2d October, -showing their daily appearance, though not recorded. - -Ardeidæ.--Herons: Few records, and none of any significance: one in -March on 1st at 114; one in October at 102, on 7th; and one at 102 on -6th December. - -Anatidæ.--Grey Geese [I wish I had heads of all the Geese sent me] -at 102 on 28th February; belongs, no doubt, to last season. No more -records of Geese till autumn: "Large Geese"? September 17th, at 102; -"Grey Geese," 10th October, at 102; one "Goose" at 102 on November -11th. Odd records of Barnacle Geese. _Eider Ducks._--April 17th and -21st, at 94 and 102 respectively; also same place, 17th May, "3 [male], -3 [female] flying west." Then in autumn, 25th and 26th September, at 94 -and 102. - -[After this the dates of arrival and departure will be desired, whether -they breed at the station or not, and if any unusual numbers appear. -Odd records occur, also, of Teal, Widgeon, and Wild Duck, of little -interest, but should, of course, always be returned in schedules. -"Swans" are noted at 86 (Monach Isles) on 24th March 1885.] - -Columbidæ.--Doves: May records at 90 (Rona) of Wood Pigeons on 21st, -and Rock Doves on 28th. _In Autumn._--Only two records in September and -December, of twenty-five and twenty respectively, in S.W. wind. - -Gallinæ.--One pair Pheasants at 102 on 16th April, lighted on the -island at 3 P.M.--an unusual occurrence. _In Autumn._--On 20th October, -a Hen Pheasant at 102 again, shot, "rare;" and again two Pheasants at -102, male and female, fresh E. breeze, haze on island. (This looks like -determined endeavour to extend range.--J. A. H. B.) - -Rallinæ.--21st May, at 88 (Barra Head), fresh N.E., cloudy; 23d May, -at 102, "first heard," and one shot, light N. breeze, clear; 24th, at -90 (Kyleakin), "first heard," 8 P.M., rain. _In Autumn._--One at 108 -(Lamlash) on 24th October, fresh N.W., clear. One Water Rail on 13th -November at 114; killed on dome. - -Charadriadæ.--August, one at 109 on 17th--Golden Plover. Grey Plover -(identified by wings, J. A. H. B.), at Dhuheartach on 8th September. -Very few records of G. Plovers, Oyster Catchers, and most about -September 17th at 94, 102, 109. - -But Lapwings bulk largely in October and November. Earliest, August -10th; latest, December 15th; rush if discernible: 100 on 20th October; -"numbers" about 9th to 11th November at 93, 94, 102, 113, 114. - -Scolopacidæ.--January 1885, one at 90 (Kyleakin), belongs to 1884; -one at 90 again on 17th February (?); none in March (! ?); April, one -on 15th at 94, light S.E. _In Autumn._--October 18th, one at 86, and -one at 90; and one at 101 and one at 102 on 9th November. _Curlews:_ -Many records as usual, but Ave fear of little value as regards tracing -migrations; and a few records of Snipe and Jack Snipe. _Sandpipers:_ -Two records in June and October at 101, and one in February, same place. - -Laridæ.--Terns: "Terns" at 101 on 22d, 23d, and 24th May, light S.W., -clear, and variable. First seen at 114 on June 22d, S.W. breeze (see -also under Monach Isles "Diary"). In August, four records at 101 -(Skervuile), between 16th and 22d, light N. and N.E. _Gulls:_ April, -at 101 and 102, feeding on herring-fry--Kittiwakes, "Gulls," etc. May, -Skuas, "Boatswain Birds," Black Headed Gull, on six dates at 93 and -101. Kittiwakes, "Dirty Allans," and Herring Gulls, at 86, 94, and 101 -respectively, on 17th, 21st, and 26th June respectively. In July, at -101 and 108, Boatswain Birds, 1st to 14th; at 101, and other scattered -records. Ditto, at 101, in August 1st, 4th, and 6th, and 16th, 17th, -and 19th and 21st, and a few other Gulls. September, Kittiwakes at 101. -In November, "Iceland Gulls" at 94 on 6th and 16th; Boatswain Birds and -others at 101. Odd records in December. - -_Procellariidæ._--One record--one caught at 86 (Monach Isles) on 5th -September. One, "rare here," at 114 on 13th November. - -Colymbidæ.--G. N. Divers occur every month except October and December; -at 101 in February, March, April, May, and November; at 90 in March, -August; at 86 on 5th September; and in November at 89, 93, 94, 101, -102, 114. The above are nearly all single records, or at most a pair. - -Alcidæ.--"Tysties" at 101, 12th April, and Scarts; and the former on -11th May at 101. Thousands at 102 of Puffins, October 15th, 1885. Other -records very light. - - - - -WEST COAST OF ENGLAND AND WALES, AND THE ISLE OF MAN. - - -Schedules were sent to the forty-eight lighthouses and light-vessels on -the West Coast of England and Wales, and the Isle of Man, and returns -have been received from twenty-nine. - -The following is an enumeration of the stations included in this -section of the Report, those making returns being marked by an -asterisk:-- - - - No. on - Map. - - Isle of Man. - - 115. L.H. Point of Ayre. - 116. L.H. Douglas Head. - * 117. L.H. Langness, Robt. Clyne. - * 118. L.H. Chickens Rock, James Black. - 119. L.V. Bahama Bank. - - N. W. England. - - * 120. L.H. St Bees, Henry Nott. - * 121. L.V. Selker, Geo. Cumming. - 122. L.V. Morecambe Bay. - * 123. L.V. Dee, Messrs Work and Clague. - - North Wales. - - 124. L.H. Air. - * 125. L.H. Menai, Joseph Steer. - * 126. L.H. Skerries, Wm. Jno. Rees. - * 127. L.H. Holyhead Breakwater, Messrs Pritchard, Owen, - and Hughes. - * 128. L.H. South Stack, W. R. Burgess. - * 129. L.V. Carnarvon Bay, Messrs Thomas and - Hughes. - * 130. L.H. St Tudwal's, W. Davies. - * 131. L.H. Bardsey Island, Thomas Bowen. - 132. L.V. Cardigan Bay. - - South Wales - - * 133. L.H. South Bishop, Alfred Frost. - * 134. L.H. Smalls, Geo. Baker. - 135. L.H. Great Castle Head. - 136. L.H. Milford. - * 137. L.H. Caldy, Wm. Ebben. - 138. L.V. Helwick. - - Bristol Channel. - - 139. L.V. Scarweather. - * 140. L.H. Nash (E.), Henry Nicholas. - * 141. L.H. Breaksea, Thomas Walters. - * 142. L.H. Flatholm, W. Dale. - 143. L.V. English and Welsh Grounds. - * 144. L.H. Usk, Amos Russell. - 145. L.H. Avon. - * 146. L.H. Burnham, Wm. Lewis. - - South-Western England. - - * 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, Jno. W. Watson. - * 154. L.V. Sevenstones, D. Norton. - * 155. L.H. Wolf Rock, J. J. Channer. - 156. L.H. Scilly. - * 157. L.H. Bishop's Rock, J. W. Troth. - 158. L.H. Lizard. - 159. L.H. Falmouth Harbour. - * 160. L.H. Eddystone, Wm. Ainger. - 161. L.H. Plymouth Breakwater. - * 162. L.H. Start Point, Wm. Jones. - -The best thanks of the Committee are due to the above-named observers -for their invaluable assistance, and for the faithful manner in which -they have filled in their schedules. To Mr Henry Nicholas, Mr Robert -Clyne, and Messrs Work and Clague, we are in addition indebted for -their kindness in sending wings, etc., of the, to them, unknown species -killed or captured at their respective stations, by which means we have -been able to add not a little to the value and interest of the returns. -We trust their good example may be followed by others. The trifling -expenses incurred will be only too gladly refunded in all cases. Our -thanks are also due to Messrs Macpherson and Duckworth, Messrs F. -Reynolds, G. H. Caton-Haigh, R. P. Harper, and H. Harbord, for their -kind co-operation in furnishing valuable independent observations. - - -Diary of the Principal Movements. - -The order of the stations is from north to south. The wind and weather -are given in parenthesis. For the weather the symbols of the Beaufort -Scale have been adopted;[14] and the force of the wind ranges from 0 to -12. - -[Footnote 14: 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.] - - -_April 13th._ - -_Langness_ L.H.--Wheatears very numerous; great numbers all night. Nine -killed. (E.S.E., light, haze.) - -_Bahama Bank_ L.V.--Fifty-two "Stonechatters" (? Wheatears), at 11.30 -P.M.; twelve killed, forty captured alive, also two Blackbirds and six -Daws killed at same time. (S. by E., 5, misty.) - -_Bull Point_ L.H.--A Goldcrest at lantern at 9.30 P.M. - - -_April 18th._ - -_Rockliffe, Cumberland._--Great numbers of birds passing in parties -every fifteen minutes, at 8.45 P.M. until 11.30 P.M., and perhaps -later. They were passing in a N.E. direction at great speed, and -calling. Mr Smith distinguished Geese, Golden-eyes, and Widgeon. (N.W., -fine, clear, moonlight.) - - -_April 22d._ - -_Langness_ L.H.--Ten Sedge Warblers and three Wheatears on lantern, -from 1 to 4 A.M. A good many Swallows flying north between 1 and 3 P.M. -One Grasshopper Warbler at 3 P.M. - -_Bahama Bank_ L.V.--"About five dozen White and Blue Throats and -Stonechats at 3 A.M., eight killed." (S.W., 4; O. R.) - -_Flatholm_ L.H.--Small flocks of Chiff-Chaff all night. - - -_October 8th to 12th._ - -_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--"From the 8th to the 12th of October large -flocks of migrants were to be seen in the southern parts of the Isle -of Man, and were principally composed of Thrushes, Starlings, Linnets, -Redbreasts, Blackbirds, and Wrens." - - -_October 10th._ - -_South Stack_ L.H.--Several Larks, Blackbirds, and Goldcrests, between -12 P.M. and 4 A.M. - -_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--Large flocks of Larks to-day. - -_Nash (E.)_ L.H.--A large flock of Fieldfares at 4 P.M. - - -_October 16th._[15] - -[Footnote 15: For the prevailing meteorological conditions from October -16th to 20th, see observations under the "General Remarks" on this -section of the Report.] - -_Langness_ L.H.--One Wild Goose at 5 P.M. - -_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--Large numbers of Thrushes, Starlings, and other -birds all night. - -_Dee_ L.V.--Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, Titlarks, and Linnets about -the vessel all night. (S.S.E., 3; fog.) - -_Skerries Rock_ L.H.--Blackbirds, Larks, Thrushes, Starlings, Snipes, -and Woodcocks flying around the lantern; some killed. (E., 4; misty.) - -_South Stack_ L.H.--Starlings from 8 A.M. till 1 P.M. - -_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--Fifty Starlings at 4 P.M.; a large flock of Larks -at 9 A.M. - -_South Bishop_ L.H.--Thirty Starlings, twenty Thrushes, fourteen -Blackbirds, and four Larks killed between 12.30 and 2.30 A.M. Several -Mistletoe Thrushes at 9 A.M. (E.N.E., 9; B. C. M.) - -_Nash (E.)_ L.H.--Seventy to eighty Starlings, twenty-one killed; -twenty to thirty Thrushes, two killed; eight to ten Blackbirds, six -killed. (E., 3; O. M.) - -_Bull Point_ L.H.--Four Starlings, two Thrushes, and one Blackbird -killed. - -_Godrevy_ L.H.--Great numbers of Thrushes, Redwings, and Starlings, and -a few Blackbirds. (E, 3; M. R.) Two dozen killed between 12 P.M. and 5 -A.M. - -_Longships_ L.H.--A good many Starlings and Fieldfares between 2 A.M. -and daylight; a few killed. - -_Bishop Rock_ L.H.--A few Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, and Starlings -between 1 A.M. and daylight. (E.N.E., 7; squally, rain, and mist.) - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Several Thrushes, Redwings, Starlings, and Larks, -from 12 P.M. to 3 A.M. Several struck. Sixteen caught. (N.E., 8; O. R. -M.) - - -_October 17th._ - -_Langness_ L.H.--Four or five Common Wrens; large flock of Grey -Linnets; large flocks of Skylarks; and a few Song Thrushes at 11 A.M. -(E, light; haze.) - -_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--Large numbers of Thrushes, Starlings, "and other -birds not made out," throughout the night. (E. to S.E., strong breeze; -showers and haze.) - -_St Bees_ L.H.--Three Grey Geese and large numbers of Fieldfares at -noon. - -_Dee_ L.V.--Redwings, Thrushes, and Titlarks from midnight to sunrise. -(S.S.E., 3; fog.) Some killed. Titlarks, Blackbirds, Chaffinches, and -Linnets flying in company around the vessel during the morning. - -_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--Three small "Pinks" on deck at 1 P.M. - -_St Tudwal's_ L.H.--One Blackbird at 7 A.M. - -_South Bishop_ L.H.--Several Starlings and flocks of Linnets in the -forenoon; two Goldcrests on the rock all day. - -_Smalls_ L.H.--One Ring Ouzel passing at noon. "White Buntings" about -the rocks. - -_Flatholm_ L.H.--Enormous flocks of Martins and Swallows all day. - -_Bideford Bar_ L.H.--Four Grey Geese at 9 A.M. - - -_October 18th._ - -_Langness_ L.H.--Flock of thirty Lapwings at 11 A.M. One Swallow at 3 -P.M. - -_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--Large numbers of Thrushes, Starlings, and other -birds throughout the night. (E. and S.E., 6; P. M.) - -_Dee_ L.V.--Large flocks of Titlarks and Blackbirds in company flying -south all day. - -_South Stack_ L.H.--Six Blackbirds, one Thrush, and one Titlark killed -between 4 and 6 A.M. (Calm; C. M.) Small flocks of Larks and Finches -going N.W. from 8 A.M. to noon. - -_South Bishop_ L.H.--Seven Martins appeared. - -_Nash (E.)_ L.H.--Two Thrushes and two Blackbirds killed at 3 A.M. (E., -3; O. M.) - -_Godrevy_ L.H.--Two Swallows at 1 P.M. - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Three Redwings and several Titlarks struck at 5 A.M. - - -_October 19th._ - -_Langness_ L.H.--Numbers of Starlings at lantern between land 3 A.M. - -_Dee_ L.V.--Large quantity of small birds about the vessel from -midnight to sunrise. Lapwings, Sand-Larks, Redwings, Skylarks, and -Blackbirds killed; many others falling overboard. A Yellow-Hammer and -Stonechat alive on deck. (E. by S., 1; fog.) - -_Holyhead Breakwater_ L.H.--One Northern Diver at noon going west. - -_South Stack_ L.H.--Blackbirds, Thrushes, Ring Ouzels, and Larks from 1 -to 6 A.M. Thirty killed. (E., 3; C. M.) - -_Flatholm_ L.H.--"Crested Wrens first seen." - -_Bull Point_ L.H.--One Blackbird and one Thrush struck at 3 A.M. - - -_October 20th._ - -_Langness_ L.H.--A flock of Lapwings at 11 A.M.; one Swallow 3 P.M. - -_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--About a dozen small birds at 3 A.M.; three Crows -at 11.40 P.M. - -_South Bishop_ L.H.--Two Larks and four Blackbirds at 3 A.M.; three -Starlings at 4.30 A.M.; several Wrens at 10.30 A.M.; one Hawk at 3 P.M. -(N. to N.N.W., 4; B. C. V.) - -_Flatholm_ L.H.--A large flock of Swallows at noon. - -_Godrevy_ L.H.--Several Starlings, Thrushes, and Blackbirds at light -from 2 to 5 A.M. - -_Longships_ L.H.--A great many Starlings from 3 A.M. to daylight. - -_Bishop Rock_ L.H.--Several Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, two or three -Titlarks, Chaffinches, and Starlings from midnight to daylight. - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--"Hundreds of birds here this morning. Missel -Thrushes, Blackbirds, Ring Ouzels, Fieldfares, Thrushes, Redwings, -Starlings, Larks, Wheatears, Flycatcher species, Robins, and Wagtails," -from 2 to 5 A.M. (N.N.E., 3; C. M.) A great number striking and falling -over. Twenty-three caught. "No Fieldfares striking." - -_Start_ L.H.--Twelve Starlings, two Skylarks, one Thrush, and one -Dishwasher [Wagtail] fluttering against the lantern at 3 A.M.. - - -_October 30th._ - -_Langness_ L.H.--A few Blackbirds at 4 P.M. - -_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--Numbers of Starlings, Thrushes, Blackbirds, and -Fieldfares from 9 P.M. Numbers struck and fell over into the sea. -(S.E., 6; D.) - -_St Bees_ L.H.--Two Woodcock at 3 P.M. - -_Selker_ L.V.--Flocks of Crows, Blackbirds, Titlarks, and Larks going -south during the day. - -_Dee_ L.V.--Do, do. do. - -_South Stack_ L.H.--Ten Starlings killed. - -_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--A few Starlings at 3 A.M. Large flocks of Larks -all day. - -_Smalls_ L.H.--A few Starlings at 8 P.M. - -_Bideford Bar_ L.H.--One Sparrow struck at 9.30 P.M. - -_Godrevy_ L.ii.--Four Starlings struck between 6 and 8 P.M. - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Flock of Golden Plovers; a large quantity of -Starlings and Larks, Grasshopper Warbler [?] and Goldcrests between -7.30 and 10 P.M. Twenty-eight killed. (S.E., 1; C. D. M.) - - -_November 8th._[16] - -[Footnote 16: For the prevailing meteorological conditions for November -8th to 13th, see observations under General Remarks section of this -Report.] - -_Langness_ L.H.--Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Redwings between 8 P.M. to 6 -A.M. (S.E., 2; M.) - -_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--Large numbers of Thrushes, Blackbirds, Larks, and -Starlings throughout the night. (S., 2; M.) - -_Selker_ L.V.--A great many Larks flying about the lantern all night; a -few killed. (S.S.E., 4; O. M.) - -_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--Starlings, Larks, Thrushes, and "Pinks" around -the lantern all night. - -_South Bishop_ L.H.--Several Wheatears at 8 P.M. - -_Smalls_ L.H.--Starlings, Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Larks in large -numbers at 5 P.M. and throughout the night. (E.S.E., 3; O. C. M. D.) - -_Nash (E.)_ L.H.--Many Blackbirds and Thrushes between 1 and 3 A.M. -Eighteen killed. (E.N.E., 3; O. M.) - -_Breaksea_ L.V.--Blackbirds and Starlings all night. Eleven killed. -(E., 4; M.) - -_Bishop Rock_ L.H.--Thrushes and Starlings all night. (S.S.E., 3; M.) - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Redwings, Starlings, Thrushes, and Blackbirds from -1 to 5 A.M.; twenty-two caught; many striking and falling into the -sea. (S.E. by S., 3; c. V.) Redwings, Starlings, Larks, Thrushes,, and -Fieldfares from 9 P.M. to 5 A.M. (9th); thirty caught, numbers flying -around the lantern. (E N.E., 3; O. D. M.) - - -_November 9th._ - -_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--A flock of Fieldfares at 3 A.M. A large rush of -birds appears to have taken place at this station during the night, -when numbers struck the lantern, principally on the east side, and were -most likely killed, for they left marks of blood on the windows. Flocks -of Thrushes, Fieldfares, Blackbirds, and Larks all night. Large numbers -striking and falling into the sea. (S.E., strong breeze: haze.) - -_Dee_ L.V.--Several Blackbirds at 3 A.M.; a few killed and falling -overboard. - -_Skerries_ L.H.--" Blackbirds and Chaffinches." - -_South Stack_ L.H.--A Blackbird caught at lantern at 10 P.M. - -_South Bishop_ L.H.--Sixty Blackbirds, forty Thrushes, six Larks, and -six Starlings killed between 1 and 5 A.M. (S.E., 4; C. M.) - -_Nash (E.)_ L.H.--Six Blackbirds killed between 4 and 4.30 A.M. Four -Snipe killed at 4.30 A.M. (E.N.E., 3; O. M.) - -_Bull Point_ L.H.--One Thrush struck at 1.30 A.M. - -_Godrevy_ L.H.--A few Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Starlings struck, but -not killed, from 1 to 5 A.M. One Robin struck at 8 P.M. - -_Wolf Rock_ L.H.--"Grey Birds" and Starlings flying around the lantern -at 1 A.M. - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Larks, Thrushes, and Fieldfares around the lantern in -the early morning. Thrushes, Blackbirds, Starlings, Larks, one Storm -Petrel, and "I think one Marsh Tit," at light between 9 P.M. and -midnight. Seven caught. (E.N.E., 3; O. M.) - - -_November 10th._ - -_Langness_ L.H.--"Blackbirds and Thrushes all night." - -_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--Flocks of Thrushes and Blackbirds all night. One -Snipe killed. (S.E., strong breeze; haze.) - -_Dee_ L.V.--One Thrush and one Blackbird killed during the night. One -Storm Petrel struck. - -_South Stack_ L.H.--Blackbirds and Starlings from 9 P.M. to midnight. - -_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--A great number of birds around the lantern all -night; one Lark and one Thrush killed. - -_South Bishop_ L.H.--Six Blackbirds, two Larks, and four Thrushes -killed. Numbers at lantern all night. (S.E., 4; C. M.) - -_Smalls_ L.H.--Starlings, Sparrows, Blackbirds, and Chaffinches at 3 -A.M. - -_Nash (E.)_ L.H.--Numbers of Blackbirds and Thrushes struck between -8 P.M. and midnight. Nine of the former and forty-two of the latter -killed. (E.N.E., 4; C. M.) - -_Bull Point_ L.H.--One Blackbird struck at 5 A.M. - -_Bishop Rock_ L.H.--One Jack Snipe killed at 8 P.M. - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Several Redwings and Starlings killed. One Jack Snipe -and Storm Petrel between 7 P.M. and midnight. (E.N.E., 3; O. D. M.) - -_Start_ L.H.--One Snipe killed at 6 P.M. - - -_November 11th._ - -_Langness_ L.H.--Four Blackbirds at light at 9 P.M. One Snipe killed at -11.30 P.M. - -_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--Flocks of Thrushes, Starlings, Blackbirds, and -other species arrived at 11 P.M. (S.E., strong breeze; haze.) - -_Dee_ L.V.--Many Thrushes during night. - -_South Stack_ L.H.--Blackbirds and Starlings at lantern in early -morning, and, along with Thrushes, again at night, when several were -killed. - -_South Bishop_ L.H.--Blackbirds, Larks, Starlings, and Thrushes during -the night; several of each species killed. (S.E., 3; C. M.) - -_Eddystone_ L.H.--Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, Starlings, Larks from -8 P.M. to 5 A.M. (12th). Seventy-six caught, two hundred lost over. -(S.E., 5; O. M.) - -_Start_ L.H.--A few Starlings and Larks. - - -Separate Notes on each Species. - -_Turdus viscivorus_, Missel Thrush.--October 16th, South Bishop L.H., -several flying around the rock at 9 A.M. October 20th, Eddystone L.H., -"hundreds of birds around lantern between 2 and 5 A.M., one Missel -Thrush caught." - -_Turdus musicus_, Song Thrush.--Spring: Continuous movements throughout -February reported along the entire coast; the chief between the 11th -and 17th, when Thrushes were observed or killed nightly. At the -South Bishop L.H., a most important station, ninety-seven Thrushes, -Blackbirds, and Starlings were captured at 3 A.M. on the 15th. On the -20th of April another important movement was observed at the Chickens -Rock L.H. at 11 P.M., when flocks of Thrushes and Fieldfares, along -with Goldcrests and Larks, were careering round the lantern, some being -killed. - -Autumn: The initiatory movement was observed at the Chickens Rock -on the 2d of September, where at 9 P.M. four were fluttering around -the light. On the 25th of September, at the same station, a few were -observed at 10.30 P.M., along with Blackbirds. From the 8th to the 19th -of October the movements appear to have been continuous; on the 16th -migrants were noted in numbers at most stations between the Isle of Man -and the Eddystone, many being killed (S.E. and E.). During November -there were regular movements up to the 16th, the chief being on the -8th, and covering the entire coast (S.E., moderate, cloudy); on the 9th -forty were killed at the South Bishop L.H.; on the 10th from eighty to -one hundred struck the Nash (E.), forty-two being killed. - -_Turdus iliacus_, Redwing.--Autumn: First noted at Carlisle on -September 20th. At Godrevy L.H., at 11 P.M., on October 15th; on the -16th October at the Dee L.V. and the Eddystone L.H. in considerable -numbers; on the 17th, 19th, and 30th several were killed at the Dee -L.V. November--from the 1st to the 12th they occurred almost daily at -Langness and Eddystone; on the 25th twelve were killed at the Nash. -Finally, on December 13th one struck the Breaksea light. This species -is recorded as perishing at the lanterns in much larger numbers than -its congeners; thirty-five were killed at the Eddystone on the 11th of -November. - -_Turdus pilaris_, Fieldfare.--Spring: April 20th, Chickens Rock, -flocks, along with Thrushes, Larks, and Goldcrests, at 11 P.M. (S.W., -light, haze). - -Autumn: First noted on October 3d at Carlisle; on October 8th, 9th, and -10th at the Chickens Rock, and on the last-named date a large flock -appeared at 4 P.M. at the Nash; on the 16th numbers at the Longships -from 2 A.M. till daylight; on 17th Fieldfares appeared at St Bees in -the afternoon. During November immigrants were observed on the 5th and -6th at Burnham, 8th at Eddystone, 9th at Chickens Rock, and 12th at -Burnham. Very few Fieldfares appear to perish at the lanterns. - -_Turdus merula_, Blackbird.--Spring: General movements from 12th to -17th of February, when they were observed during the night at eight -stations, ranging between Langness and the Eddystone. On April 13th, -two were killed on the Bahama Bank L.V. at 11.30 P.M. - -Autumn.--First noted at the Eddystone on 13th: of August, when several -were killed at 11.30 P.M. Reported on many occasions from most stations -during October and November. The most general movement occurred on the -16th October, when it is recorded from nine stations between the Calf -of Man and Land's-End. Another general movement on November 9th, on -which occasion sixty Blackbirds and forty Thrushes were killed at the -South Bishop. Only reported during the night and early morning. - -_Turdus torquatus_, Ring Ouzel.--Autumn: October 17th, Smalls, one -passing south at noon. October 19th, South Stack, Ring Ouzels from 1 -to 6 A.M., along with Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Larks. October 20th, -Eddystone, along with other species between 2 and 5 A.M.; one killed. - -_Saxicola ænanthe_, Wheatear.--Spring: March 26th, Cumberland, arrived -at Ravenglass; 29th, Langness, a male. April 2d, six or eight at -Langness at 11 A.M. The main body arrived on the 13th, when they were -very numerous at Langness at 4.30 P.M., and numbers were at the lantern -all night, four males and three females being picked up dead; at the -Bahama Bank L.V. the same night, fifty-two were killed or captured. -(E.S.E., fresh, haze.) On the early morning of April 22d, they again -occurred in some numbers at both of these stations. - -Autumn.--First noted at Langness on the 3d of August, more on the -9th and 18th; several at the Eddystone on the 23d; large numbers at -Langness on the 30th. October 30th, many at the Eddystone from 2 to -5 A.M., along with Missel Thrushes, Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, -Fieldfares, etc. November 8th, Langness, several at light at 8 P.M. - -_Pratincola rubetra_, Whinchat.--April 22d, Carlisle. - -_Ruticilla phœnicurus_, Redstart.--April 26th, Carlisle. - -_Ruticilla titys_, Black Redstart.--I received from Mr Henry Nicholas -the wings, tail, and feet of a female which had been killed against the -Nash (E.) lantern at midnight on the 8th of November. - -_Erithacus rubecula_, Redbreast.--August 12th, one appeared at -Langness. September 7th, South Stack, one at the lantern at 4 A.M.; -27th, a few at Langness at 11 A.M. October 9th, numbers, along with -Thrushes and Fieldfares, at the Chickens Rock; on the 20th, many, along -with several species of _Turdinæ_, etc., at the Eddystone between 2 and -5 A.M. November 13th, at 3 A.M. at the Start. - -_Sylvia cinerea_, Whitethroat.--Spring: April 23d, Carlisle. April -27th, Merionethshire. - -Autumn.--August 14th, Godrevy, one killed at 2 A.M. September 5th, St -Bees, one struck lantern at 2 A.M. - -_Sylvia atricapilla_, Blackcap.--April 15th, Merionethshire. - -_Phylloscopus collybita_, Chiff-Chaff.--Spring: March 25th, -Merionethshire, one at Penrhyndendraeth; no more till 28th, when they -became abundant. Cumberland, April 2d, Carlisle. - -Autumn.--September 19th, Cumberland, one at Ravenglass. - -_Phylloscopus trochilus_, Willow Wren.--April 15th, Merionethshire, -first observed. April 19th, Carlisle. - -_Acrocephalus phragmitis_, Sedge-Warbler.--April 22d, Langness, ten -at lantern from midnight to 4 A.M.; 29th, Cumberland, observed at -Ravenglass. - -_Locustella nævia_, Grasshopper Warbler.--Spring: April 22d, Langness, -one at 3 P.M.; 30th, Carlisle. - -Autumn.--October 30th, Eddystone, one killed, between 7 and 10 P.M., -along with Larks and Goldcrests [?]. - -_Accentor modularis_, Fledge Sparrow.--Spring: March 20th. Langness, -one at 6 P.M. - -Autumn.--October 18th, Langness, one at 1.30 P.M. - -_Parus_ ----, Titmouse.--September 2d, Chickens Rock, three "Titmice" -at lantern at 7 P.M.; 6th, two at 11.30 P.M. A small bird with a black -head, and supposed to be a Marsh Titmouse, was killed at the Eddy stone -on the night of November 9th. - -_Troglodytes parvulus_, Wren.--Spring: Langness, March 10th, one at -11.30 A.M.; 29th, one, and a Wheatear, at 11 A.M.; April 26th, one at 9 -A.M. - -Autumn.--August 23d, Dee L.V., one caught at lantern at 2 A.M. October -8th to 12th, Wrens and other migrants numerous at the Chickens Rock; -20th, South Bishop, several at 10.30 P.M. November 9th, Langness, a few -at 4 P.M. - -_Motacilla_ ----, Wagtail.--Spring: March 4th, Langness, one at 10 -A.M.; Merionethshire, _M. lugubris_ in some numbers at Penrhyndendraeth. - -Autumn.--September 8th, Chickens Rock, two at 11 A.M. October 10th, -Langness, a large flock of Pied Wagtails (_M. lugubris_) at 2.30 P.M.; -20th, Eddystone, hundreds of birds here this morning between 2 and 5 -A.M., Wagtails, Thrushes, etc.; Start, one killed at 3 a.m.; 25th, Dee -L.V., one Pied Wagtail on deck at 9 A.M.; 30th, Dee L.V.. Wagtails, -Titlarks, etc., passing S.W. all day. - -_Motacilla alba_, White Wagtail.--May 2d, Merionethshire, one at -Penrhyndendraeth. - -_Motacilla rayi_, Yellow Wagtail.--May 3d, Carlisle. - -_Anthus pratensis_, Pipit, "Titlark."--Spring: March 29th, a very large -flock appeared at the Selker L.V. at noon. - -Autumn: First noted at the Dee L.V. on the 15th of August, at 2 P.M. -During September, observed at the Dee L.V. (6th), Langness (15th and -24th), Bishop Rock (17th). From the 15th to 30th of October, observed -almost daily at the Dee L.V., often in very considerable numbers, and -notably on the 18th, 21st, and 25th, when continuous streams passed, -flying S. or S.W; on the 18th they occurred in some numbers, along with -other species, at the Eddystone and the Start. From the 1st to 9th of -November they passed the Dee vessel almost daily. On December 29th, six -were observed at the Dee L.V. On comparatively few instances noted as -migrating at night. - -_Anthus trivialis_, Tree Pipit.--April 19th, Merionethshire, arrived; -Carlisle, same date. - -_Anthus obscurus_, Rock Pipit.--Spring: March 29th, Langness, several -appeared at 11 A.M. - -Autumn: November 3d, Chickens Rock, several at lantern, along with -Thrushes, at 3 A.M. - -_Lanius excubitor_, Great Grey Shrike.--March 9th, Cumberland, one at -Floriston. April 27th, one at Grimsdale. - -_Lanius collurio_, Red-backed Shrike.--August 12th, Cumberland, one, -immature, at Lazonby. - -_Hirundo rustica_, Swallow.--Spring: First observed at the Carnarvon -Bay L.V. on the 23d of March; next on the 31st, when two were seen at -Bull Point. At Langness, a few were seen on the 18th and 19th of April; -on the 22d, a good many, and arrivals up to the 30th. On the 15th of -May, "very many" appeared at Langness between 4 and 7 P.M. - -Autumn: Three observed at the Dee L.V. on the 31st of July, and seven -on the 9th of August. On the 17th of October an enormous flock was -observed at Flatholm; and on the 25th, four or five at Langness. - -_Chelidon urbica_, Martin.--Spring: April 23d, Carlisle. - -Autumn: September 21st and 22d, large flocks at Flatholm. October 7th, -South Bishop, two at 4 P.M.; 8th, seven. - -_Carduelis elegans_, Goldfinch.--January 19th, one on Caldy Island. - -_Ligurinus chloris_, Greenfinch.--November 9th, Selker L.V., one on -deck along with a Lark, both "too weak to leave the ship." - -_Passer domesticus_, House Sparrow.--October 30th, Bideford Bar, one -struck the lantern, and caught. November 8th, Smalls, Sparrows, along -with Thrushes, etc., at 3 AM.; 26th, Menai, "Sparrows" in the morning. - -_Fringilla cœlebs_, Chaffinch.--Spring: February 14th, Langness, one at -8 A.M.; 28th, another at 9 A.M. March 8th and 12th, one each day; 15th, -two, male and female; April 9th, one,--all at Langness. - -Autumn: August 25th and 28th, single birds on the deck of the Dee -vessel. Noted singly on several dates during October at Langness and -the Selker L.V. On the 20th October at South Bishop, during the night, -along with other species. Two on deck of the Dee L.V. on the 9th -November, along with Blackbirds; and at the Skerries on the same date. -On the 10th November, several at 3 A.M.. at the Smalls. December 1st, -several at the Skerries at 2 A.M., along with Thrushes, Blackbirds, -etc. - -_Linota cannabina_, Linnet.--Spring: February 26th, Chickens Rock, -flocks along with Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Larks at 8 P.M. March 5th -and 19th, small flocks at Langness in the forenoon. - -Autumn: First noted at Chickens Rock on September 2d at 9 P.M., along -with Thrushes, etc. Observed in flocks at intervals during September, -October, and November, migrating chiefly during the day. Noted at -several stations on the morning of October 17th. - -_Pyrrhula europæa_, Bullfinch.--October 21st, Carnarvon Bay L.V. , -seventeen Bullfinches, passing to S.S.E. at 10 A.M. - -_Emberiza citrinella_, Yellow Hammer.--October 19th, Dee L.V., one on -deck at 8 A.M. December 26th, Langness, two at 11 A.M. - -_Plectrophanes nivalis_, Snow Bunting.--October 5th, Cumberland, one at -Silloth. October 17th, Smalls, several "White Buntings" about the rocks. - -_Sturnus vulgaris_, Starling.--The enormous numbers, and the frequency -with which this species occurs at almost all the stations, are again -marked features in the returns. Noted for every month save May and -June, and would appear to "flock" early, since numbers appeared -at Langness on the 7th of July. Most numerous and frequent during -September, October, and November. - -_Corvus corone_, Carrion Crow.--Spring: March 1st, Carnarvon Bay L.V., -four at 10 A.M.; 21st, two at 11 A.M.; and 28th, several at noon,--all -flying E. - -Autumn: October 20th, Carnarvon Bay L.V., three at noon, flying -N.E.; 30th, Selker L.V., a flock flying S.W. at 7 A.M. November 8th, -Holyhead, six going E. at 9 A.M. - -_Corvus frugilegus_, Rook.--March 4th, Chickens Rock, twenty-five -flying W. at 9 A.M.; 5th, about fifty passing to W. at 10 A.M. Bahama -Bank, L.V., March 16th, one flying W. at 8 A.M. - -_Alauda arvensis_, Skylark.--Next to the Starling, "Larks" and Skylarks -form the most numerous entries in the schedules. In the earlier portion -of the year, they are noted as occurring between February 13th at the -Eddystone, to April 20th at the Chickens Rock. In the autumn, the -entries are extremely numerous, commencing at St Bees on September 9th. -During October and November, continuous streams passed the majority of -the stations; this was particularly the case between the 8th and 13th -of October, and 4th and 9th of November. The migration lasted until the -21st of December. Always noted in flocks. - -_Alauda arborea_, Woodlark.--November 9th, Eddystone, one killed -between 8 P.M. and 5 A.M. (10th), along with Thrushes, Redwings, and -Larks. - -_Cypselus apus_, Swift.--Spring: April 26th, Cumberland, five at -Rockliffe; 29th, more. May 4th, Langness, two at 6 P.M. - -Autumn.--First autumn movement observed on August 2d at Langness; -general movement on the 3d, when fourteen struck the Nash lantern -between 10.30 and 11.30 P.M., four being killed (a Cuckoo and a -Willow-Wren killed at same time); on the 12th (August) one was caught -roosting at Langness; and on the 19th the last was seen at Rockliffe, -Cumberland. - -_Caprimulgus europæus_, Nightjar.--April 27th, Merionethshire, arrived -at Penrhyndendraeth. - -_Cuculus canorus_, Cuckoo.--Spring: April 18th and 25th, Cumberland; -27th, Merionethshire. May 4th, Langness, one caught at 11.30 P.M. - -Autumn.--July 25th, one at Langness. August 3d, a bird of the year -killed at 10.30 P.M. at the Nash. This was migrating along with Swifts -and Willow-Wrens, which were killed at the same time, and sent for -identification. - -_Accipiter nisus_, Sparrow-Hawk.--September 23d, Seven Stones L.V., one -resting at 7 A.M.; 25th, Chickens Rock, one at lantern at 11 P.M. - -_Falco æsalon_, Merlin.--Spring: February 14th, Langness, two passing -to N.E. at noon. March 29th, Langness, two going N. at 2 P.M. - -Autumn.--August 16th, Langness, one at 3 P.M. September 26th, another -at Langness. - -_Tinnunculus alaudarius_, Kestrel.--August 13th, Langness, two at 1.30 -P.M. - -"Hawks"--August 22d, Bideford, two: September 30th, two. October 20th, -South Bishop, one: November 2d, one; 11th, a large one. - -"Falcon."--October 29th, Eddystone, "one alighted on the rock with a -Dotterel in its claws." - -_Sula bassana_, Gannet.--August 12th, Langness, more than usual -observed. September 14th, ditto. From the beginning of September to -November 2d, observed passing the Bishop Bock. On the 1st of October, -scores going W. all day (Bishop Book). - -_Ardea cinerea_, Heron.--Spring: March 20th, Langness, the Herons which -wintered in the neighbourhood departed. - -Autumn.--August 2d, Langness, five appeared at 10 A.M. August 21st, one -at St Tudwal's Island. - -"Geese."--October 3d, Cumberland, the first "Grey Geese" heard at -Rockliffe. October 16th, one "Wild Goose" at Langness; 17th, St Bees -and Bideford, "Grey Geese" observed. After this date, "Geese" became -abundant, and the dates are not of any significance. - -_Bernicla leucopais_, Bernacle Goose.--Spring: April 2d, Cumberland, a -flock flew over Stanwix in a N.W. direction. - -Autumn.--October 1st, Cumberland, Allonby; October 6th, heard at -Rockliffe; October 16th, arrived in great numbers on the Solway. - -_Bernicla brenta_, Brent Goose.--November 14th, Cumberland, one shot at -Rockliffe. - -_Mareca penelope_, Widgeon.--March 31st, Cumberland, about one hundred -at Ravenglass. September 5th, five on the Solway. October 6th, a great -many, along with Teal, at Rockliffe. - -_Chaulelasmus streperus_, Gadwall.--January 3d, Cumberland, a female, -inland at Hethergill. - -_Querquedula crecca_, Teal.--September 25th, St Bees, two. October -6th, Cumberland, many, along with Widgeon at Rockliffe. November 16th, -Godrevy, a flock. - -_Clangula glaucion_, Golden-Eye.--Spring: Cumberland, many passing -Rockliffe along with Widgeon and Geese on night of April 17th; six at -Monkhill, April 29th. - -Autumn.--October 22d, Cumberland, five on the Eden. - -"Black Duck" [_Œdemia nigra_].--August 31st, Dee L.V., appeared, and -were observed in numbers throughout the winter. - -_Mergus serrator_, Red-Breasted Merganser.--Merionethshire, stayed at -Penrhyndendraeth until May 9th, on which date a flock was seen. - -_Perdix cinerea_, Partridge,--March 14th, St Tudwal's, one on the -island at 3 P.M. - -_Coturnix communis_, Quail.--October 2d, Bideford, a female killed at -lantern at 11 P.M. - -_Crex pratensis_, Landrail.--Spring: April 29th, Cumberland. - -Autumn.--August 7th, Nash, two struck at 2 A.M., one killed. November -4th, Godrevy, one killed. - -_Gallinula chloropus_, Moorhen.--October 9th, South Bishop, one at -lantern at 1 A.M. - -_Charadrius pluvialis_, Golden Plover.--September 16th, Langness, six -at 7 P.M. October 12th, Menai, a flock. October 30th, Eddystone, a -flock at 7.30 P.M. November 11th, Nash, flocks, along with Lapwings all -day and night, twelve killed at lantern. - -_Squatarola helvetica_, Grey Plover.--September 26th, Cumberland, -observed at Maryport. - -_Vanellus vulgaris_, Lapwing.--Spring: February 15th, Langness, a flock -at 2 P.M. March 4th, three at Langness; 28th, seven at Seven Stones -L.V.; 31st, twenty at Langness. - -Autumn.--October 3d, Langness, a flock. November 11th, Nash, along with -Golden Plover, nine killed. November 15th, Nash, a thousand at noon. -December 17th, Eddystone, several hundreds all night, many struck, -twenty-one caught. Appeared at Caldy Island on November 20th. - -_Hæmatopus ostralegus_, Oyster-Catcher.--Spring: March 19th, Langness, -one. April 11th, four. - -Autumn.--July 4th, Menai, "Sea-Pies and Puffins," at 5 P.M. August -30th, three at Langness. - -_Phalaropus fulicarius_, Grey Phalarope.--Cumberland, one on -Derwentwater at end of September. October 8th, one at Silloth. - -_Phalaropus hyperboreus_, Red-Necked Phalarope.--October 20th, -Cumberland, one at Kirkbride. - -_Scolopax rusticula_, Woodcock.--September 30th, St Bees, two at 3 P.M. -October 16th, Skerries, "Woodcocks" between 12 P.M. and 4 A.M. November -1st, Eddystone, two at 11 P.M.; 2d, one at 1.45 A.M. Nov. 30th, St -Bees, one passed lantern at 4 A.M. December 25th, Nash, one passing -N.W. at 11 A.M. - -_Gallinago cælestis_, Common Snipe.--Spring: March 13th, Langness, one. - -Autumn: August 4th, South Stack, one killed at 11.30 P.M.; 5th, -Holyhead, one killed at 10 P.M. October 16th, Skerries, Snipes between -12 P.M. and 4 A.M. November 10th, observed at four stations between the -Isle of Man and South Devon, namely: Langness, one killed; Bishop Rock, -one killed at 8 P.M.; Eddystone, one killed at 8 P.M.; Start Point, one -at 6 P.M. November 12th, Langness, "some Snipe," along with Lapwings -and Curlews, at 11 P.M. December 25th, Nash, one at noon. - -_Lymnocrytes gallinula_, Jack Snipe.--October 5th, Cumberland, at -Allonby. - -_Tringa canutus_, Knot.--October 20th, Dee L.V., one killed. November -8th, Nash, one killed. - -_Machetes pugnax_, Ruff.--September 5th, Cumberland; one shot out of a -small flock at Burgh. October 16th, another. - -_Tringoides hypoleucos_, Common Sandpiper.--April 19th, Cumberland, -Gretna; April 22d, Carlisle. May 5th, two, Langness. November 9th, "one -Common Sandpiper killed" at Langness. - -_Helodromas ochropus_, Green Sandpiper.--August 11th, Cumberland, first -seen this season. - -_Tringa striata_, Purple Sandpiper.--October, on the Cumberland coast. - -_Totanus calidris_, Redshank.--March 18th, four at Langness; and one on -the 27th. - -_Totanus canescens_, Greenshank.--March 12th, Cumberland, several at -Ravenglass; 14th, one. August 10th, Cumberland, several at Rockliffe. - -_Limosa lapponica_, Bar-tailed Godwit.--September 26th, Cumberland -coast, very abundant. - -_Numenius phæopus_, Whimbrel.--Spring: Rockliffe Marsh, Cumberland, -April 25th, heard. May 15th, heard on the wing at 10 P.M. May 19th, -heard. - -_Numenius arquata_, Curlew.--Spring: March 18th, Langness, a large -flock, but none seen after this date. - -Autumn: July 24th, St Tudwal's, one hundred at 11 A.M. August 7th, -observed at the Dee L.V. At Menai on the 15th. - -_Hydrochelidon nigra_, Black Tern.--April 26th, Cumberland, one at -Allonby. - -_Sterna cantiaca_. Sandwich Tern.--April 4th, Cumberland, a pair at -Ravenglass. - -_Rissa tridactyla_, Kittiwake.--July 10th, Chickens Rock, flocks of -Kittiwakes. - -_Larus glaucus_, Glaucus Gull.--October 19th, Cumberland, one at Millom. - -_Larus ridibundus_, Blackheaded Gull.--July 22d, Langness, flock at 7 -P.M. - -_Stercorarius_ ----, Skua.--September 4th, Cumberland, two on the -Eden. October 5th and 15th, one at the Bishop Rock, "very rarely seen -here." - -_Procellaria pelagica_, Storm Petrel.--October 9th, South Bishop, -several at 1.30 A.M., flying round the lantern. November 9th, -Eddystone, one hilled, along with Thrushes, Blackbirds, etc., between -9 and 12 P.M.; 10th, Eddystone, one killed, along with a Snipe and -Redwing, between 7 and 12 P.M.; Dee L.V., one struck; 13th, South -Bishop, one killed at 5 A.M.; 15th, Carlisle, one. - -_Procellaria leucorrhoa_, Leach's Petrel.--October 3d, Cumberland, one -at Bowness. - -_Puffinus anglorum_, Manx Shearwater.--August 9th, Langness, "a large -number of Manx Petrels" at 3 P.M. - -_Colymbus septentrionalis_, Redthroated Diver.--November 20th, -Cumberland, one at Silloth. - -_Alca torda_, Razorbill.--April 14th, St Tudwal's, hundreds of Puffins, -Guillemots, and Razorbills arrived at sunrise. They left the island on -August 14th. Longships, numerous from August 20th to October 28th. - -_Lomvia troile_, Guillemot.--March 12th, St Tudwal's, 200 arrived at -sunrise. Another arrival on April 14th. They left St Tudwal's on the -14th of August. Longships, observed from September 25th to October 29th. - -_Fratercula arctica_, Puffin.--April 14th, St Tudwal's, hundreds -arrived at sunrise along with Guillemots and Razorbills, leaving on -August 14th. July 4th, Menai, Puffins at 5 A.M. Longships, observed -going S.W. between August 14th and October 26th. - - -General Remarks. - -The Report for the West Coast of England and Wales, and the Isle of -Man, refers to the movements during the spring and autumn migrations of -about one hundred species. - -The spring immigration commenced on the 25th of March with the advent -of the Swallow at the Bahama Bank light-vessel, and continued until the -15th of May, when "very many" Swallows appeared between 4 P.M. and 7 -P.M. at Langness. A noteworthy incident of the vernal immigration was -the great rush of Wheatears observed at the Bahama Bank vessel and at -Langness on the night of the 13th of April, when many perished or were -captured. - -The spring emigration did not escape attention, for on the night of the -20th of April the returning Fieldfares, Goldcrests, etc., were observed -at 11 P.M. at the Chickens Rock. Perhaps the continuous movements of -Thrushes and Blackbirds observed throughout February, and especially -between the 11th and 17th, are referable to this class of migrants. - -The autumn emigration, so far as our summer visitants are concerned, -may be said to have been initiated with the appearance of the Cuckoo -at Langness on the 25th of July, and was prolonged until the 25th of -October, when the last Swallow was noted. - -The first immigrant winter visitant from Northern Europe was the -Redwing, whose appearance at Carlisle was noted on the 20th of -September. The chief general movements which usually characterise -the southward autumnal passage were two in number, and affected the -stations along the entire coast from the Isle of Man and the Eddystone. -The first commenced on the 16th of October, and continued until the -20th. The second extended from the 8th to the 12th of November. - -In connection with these general movements, which are so often--indeed, -we might say usually--participated in by a great variety of species -of very different orders seemingly seized by a simultaneous migratory -impulse, it would be, perhaps, well to consult the meteorological -record for an explanation of the phenomenon. Mr J. A. Allen tells us -that "birds discern approaching meteorological changes," and that -in the monthly weather reports of the United States Signal Service -Bureau reference is often made to the movements of birds. "From these -reports it appears that the southward migration of Geese and other -Waterfowl usually precedes, often only by a few hours, the approach of -heavy storms, and a sudden and very great reduction of temperature, -which they often wholly avoid by keeping in advance of the change." -It would seem probable, too, that birds await the approach of -favourable meteorological conditions, and then, having been detained -by unfavourable conditions, migrate _en masse_. Deeming that it would -be interesting in connection with the great movements during the -autumn of 1885, an examination of the weather reports issued by the -Meteorological Office has been made. The first of these, as we have -seen, commenced on the night of the 16th of October, and continued -until the night of the 20th. "The [weekly] Summary of Changes in the -Weather over the British Islands and their Neighbourhood[17] from the -11th to the 17th of October informs us that throughout this week the -pressure over our islands and their neighbourhood has been mainly -cyclonic; from the 11th to the 14th the type of gradient was northerly, -but on the 15th and 16th it was easterly. Two well-marked depressions -appeared in addition to the one which was passing away from us on the -morning of the 11th. The second of these depressions, which had become -a shallow subsidiary disturbance on the 15th over the south of France, -moved westward from our area during the 16th; and as this system passed -away, an anti-cyclonic "col" was formed over our islands, uniting an -anti-cyclone over France with another off our extreme western coasts. -With this anti-cyclone the cold northerly winds which had prevailed -changed, and on the 16th the weather became very fine over England, -the temperature rose, and the wind became a southeasterly breeze. The -summary for the 18th to the 24th of October informs us that "the -distribution of pressure over our islands and France was anti-cyclonic, -with light or moderate south-easterly and easterly winds, till the -20th, then cyclonic and complex, with northerly winds." - -[Footnote 17: These reports and summaries refer not only to the British -Islands, but to North-Western Europe, from Bodo and Haparanda to -Corunna and Toulon. They are based upon numerous Continental returns -from the area indicated, as well as from all parts of our own islands.] - -The second movement extended from the 8th to the 12th of November. -Regarding the meteorological conditions, the summaries tell us that -previous to the 8th the weather had been changeable and unsettled -generally, and the distribution of pressure mainly cyclonic, with -westerly, north-westerly, and southerly winds. From the 8th to 13th the -pressure system over North-Western Europe was anti-cyclonic, with light -(easterly in south, south-easterly in west, and southerly in the north) -breezes. On the 13th, however, a large and somewhat deep depression -advanced from the Atlantic, and spread quickly over all North-Western -Europe, with gradients for south-westerly and westerly winds. - -Thus we had the two chief movements of the autumn ushered in by and -concurrent with anti-cyclonic conditions, preceded by and ceasing -with cyclonic depressions. These great barometric changes are also -frequently accompanied by equally great changes in temperature, and -this may be the cause of the mists which so commonly prevail on "a -migration night." - -It would be well if a summary of all the sections of the reports could -be submitted to a competent meteorologist. This, it is thought, would -result in a few years in establishing a better understanding of the -relationship which exists between the weather and the great movements -of birds. - -It cannot be said that the southerly flow of autumn migrants is evenly -distributed along the entire west coast of England, though such appears -to be commonly the case on the east coast. On the contrary, the -schedules again afford unmistakable evidence that the great majority of -these migrants are observed at stations south of Anglesey. But while -the north-west section of the coast is thus less favoured than the -rest, such is not the case with the Isle of Man, which comes in for an -important share of the west coast migratory movements. Now, since it -is a well-established fact that large masses of migrants from Northern -Europe, along with others from the Faröes, Iceland, and Greenland, pass -down the west coast of Scotland, whence many cross to Ireland, it seems -probable, from the evidence borne by the English West Coast returns, -that the majority of the remainder leave Scotland at some point on -the Wigtown coast, and pass to the west coast of Wales by way of the -Isle of Man, and thus avoid the English shores of the Irish Sea.[18] -Whether this is a reasonable and likely explanation, or not, the fact -remains that the schedules for the years 1884 and 1885[19] received -from the coasts of Flint, Cheshire, Lancashire, and Cumberland--and -they are among the most faithfully kept--make it evident that during -those seasons comparatively few of the ordinary migrants were observed -there, and that the great general movements did not affect them in any -considerable degree. - -[Footnote 18: The remarks do not apply to migrants among the _Limicolæ_ -and _Anseres_, which, as a rule, religiously follow coast lines, and -which are abundantly represented on the Solway and coasts of Cumberland -and Lancashire.] - -[Footnote 19: The scarcity or entire absence of migratory birds at St -Bees is remarked upon ill the Reports for 1880 and 1881.] - -The migratory movements of such partially resident species as the -Redbreast, Hedge Sparrow, Wren, Greenfinch, Sparrow, Bullfinch, Yellow -Hammer, and others are recorded. - -Of the rarer and more interesting species included in the Report, the -Black Redstart, White Wagtail, Gadwall, Red-Necked and Grey Phalaropes, -Ruff, Black Tern, Glaucus Gull, and Leach's Petrel may be mentioned. - -As an unusual species to observe at the lantern, we may allude to the -occurrence of the Moorhen (_Gallinula chloropus_) at the South Bishop, -a locality indicating that the bird must have been migrating. - -The scarcity of the Woodcock, Goldcrest, and Short-Eared Owl is worthy -of note. This is the more remarkable in the case of the Woodcock, -since it occurred in almost unprecedented numbers on the east coast of -England. - - W. Eagle Clarke. - - - - -IRISH COAST. - - -The number of light stations returning schedules was only one less than -in 1885, although four schedules less were sent out. - -There was no light shown at the Tuskar Rock--the best Irish -station--between from June 1st to November 20th, but since that date a -more powerful light has been exhibited. - -The great importance of forwarding a leg and wing of at least one -specimen of each species killed, cannot be too strongly impressed upon -on the light-keepers. Unless the birds are correctly identified, the -value of this inquiry is materially diminished, and ornithologists may -refuse to accept the statements of the observers. - -In the schedules sent out in the spring of 1886, the request to forward -the legs and wings of birds was conspicuously printed on the top of -each schedule. Mr Edward M'Carron, who had already proved himself a -most intelligent observer at the Tearaght Rock (removed to Mine Head -in the autumn), has been the largest contributor of specimens, and his -careful notes prove the interest taken in this inquiry. - -Anticipatory of the report for the spring of 1886, it may be mentioned -that several rare species have occurred, which would probably have -passed under another name, were it not for the distribution of six -copies of "Morris's British Birds," with coloured plates, and the -production of specimens. We trust the Commissioners of Irish Lights -will distribute six additional copies of Morris in the present year. We -believe these volumes are greatly appreciated, and that in placing them -in their annual list of books to be purchased for the light-keepers, a -wise selection has been made. - -No specimen of the Greenland Falcon or Snowy Owl was observed in 1885. -The former species cannot, therefore, be regarded as a more than an -accidental winter visitor to the West Coast; and only one specimen of -the Snowy Owl was recorded since these observations were commenced. -Thrushes, including probably Redwings, were noted in considerable -numbers about the lights, over a range of sixty miles on the Wexford -and Wicklow coasts, between the 11th and 15th February. There was no -hard frost at the time. These lights are all seven to ten miles from -shore. During the second week in April, at several stations. Thrushes -are recorded. The great autumn rush took place between the 6th and -10th November, and a smaller one between the 17th and 20th October. -Blackbirds accompanied the Thrushes, but in smaller numbers. - -"A Blackbird with a white breast" was observed at Mine Head from the -8th to the 10th December. A further description given of this bird -shows it may have been a Ring Ouzel. The Hedge Sparrow seems to be -resident in small numbers during the winter on the Tearaght Rock, nine -miles off the Kerry coast, and possibly it breeds there. No clear -indication of the migration of the Robin has yet been shown on the -Irish Coast. The records of its occurrence are few and scattered. The -Black Redstart was recorded at several stations in the southern half -of Ireland; specimens were forwarded from Mine Head, the Skelligs, and -Rockabill. It is apparently a regular winter visitor to the Skelligs -and Tearaght, generally appearing in October and November. With one -exception (in February) there is no record of its occurrence during any -other month. The autumn migration of the Goldcrest was the smallest -yet recorded, but on the 12th and 13th April a spring movement was -apparent. As usual, the Starling is the best marked migrant, occurring -at almost every station. There is no record yet of the Chough having -been seen on the east coast by the light-keepers. The Magpie is -apparently not a migratory bird in Ireland. The observations on the -Cuckoo and Corncrake are few, when it is remembered they are well-known -and regular visitors. There is, so far, no record of the Cuckoo having -struck the lanterns, and but one instance of the Corncrake so doing. It -has been stated as an "undoubted fact" (Yarrell, 4th ed., vol. iii., -p. 324), by Mr Howard Saunders, that the Woodcock often makes its -appearance on the south and west coasts of Ireland before it is noticed -in the north and east. The light-keepers' schedules do not contradict -this statement; but their observations are not yet sufficiently -numerous to confirm it beyond a doubt. The northward movement of the -Whimbrel (May Bird or young Curlew) has been well marked every year. -On the return journey they are either confounded with the Curlew, -or if they take the same route, they may travel at a higher level -without whistling, and thus escape the notice of the light-keepers. -The schedules from the Skelligs and Tearaght have always a special -interest, these rocks being the greatest breeding-places of sea birds -on the Irish Coast. Mr M'Carron estimates the number of Stormy Petrels -on the Tearaght in July at six or seven thousand. The changes of -plumage in the Razorbill has been the source of much comment by Mr -M'Carron. The sudden and almost complete disappearance of the so-called -"Black-billed Auk," and the reappearance of the Razorbill in breeding -plumage in a short interval, show that when the old birds arrive to -breed, the young birds of the previous year leave the neighbourhood of -the Tearaght, and probably go out to sea. - -A young bird, 8 inches long, and still carrying a few whitish downy -feathers at the back of the neck, sent up by Mr M'Carron, and obtained -on August 1st, has the chin and throat _black_. An older bird, killed -on January 13th, has the chin and throat white. In Yarrell, vol. iv., -p. 60, the chin and throat of a bird a week old is said to be _white_; -and Seebohm says the young in down have the underparts _greyish white_. - -In the report for 1884, it is stated that no Gannets perched on the -Little Skellig after October 20th, and in the present report February -28th is given as the date of their reappearance on this well-known -Irish breeding station. - -The most interesting stations are those on small islands or rocks, or -light-vessels at a considerable distance from shore; and the regular -occurrence of so many land birds of apparently weak powers of flight -around these lanterns is a matter of surprise to those unacquainted -with the facts of migration. - -We believe this inquiry has contributed not a little to enlighten -the general public as to the movements of birds, some of which were -partially known to ornithologists, and others suspected; but the -accumulated data of the observers (making all reasonable allowances for -errors in identification), are sufficient to satisfy the most sceptical -of the powers of flight and endurance possessed by many small birds, -and the wide range of the migratory impulse. - -An effort has been made this year to shorten the Irish report, but -the number of birds which strike the lights is comparatively small, -compared with the large numbers arriving on the coasts of Great -Britain. It is therefore all the more necessary to give the records in -detail, in order to arrive at any general and trust-worthy conclusion. - -To the Commissioners of Irish Lights, to the secretary, Mr Owen -Armstrong; and to Captain Boxer, R.N., we continue to be under many -obligations. It is, however, to the light-keepers themselves we are -most indebted, since they have gratuitously placed at our disposal much -of their leisure, and evinced an interest in this inquiry which could -scarcely have been anticipated. Some of their names must be specially -mentioned in connection with the occurrence of rare birds in the report -for 1886, which promises to be an interesting one. - - Alexander G. More. - Richard M. Barrington. - - Miles - from - List of Light-Stations. Sp. Au. Shore. Name of Observers. - - 1. Fastnet, Co. Cork, x o 8 James Walsh. - 2. Galley Head, Cork, o x -- John Kelly. - 3. Old Head, Kinsale, Cork, o o -- _No reply._ - 4. Mine Head, Waterford, o x -- { Hugh J. Dugan and - { Edward M'Carron. - 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 and - { Charles H. M'Cabe. - 7. Tuskar Rock, do., x x 7 { Richard Hamilton - { and Patrick D'Arcy. - 8. Arklow Sth. Lt.-ship, Wicklow, x x 7 { Patrick Clancy and - { Alfred B. Wall. - 8. *Arklow North Lt.-ship, do., x x 8 William Daly. - 10. Kish Bank Lt.-ship, Dublin, x x 7 { John Pinston and - { Thomas Cooney. - 11. Howth Baily, Dublin, o o -- _No reply._ - 12. Rockabill, Dublin, x x 5 Joseph Hammond. - 13. Copeland (Mew) Island, Down, x x 3 John O'Donnell. - 14. Maidens, Antrim, x x 5 Michael Barry. - 15. Rathlin, Antrim, x x 6 John A. Murray. - 16. Innishtrahull, Donegal, x o 6 R. Phelan. - 17. Dunree Head, Donegal, x o -- John Stapleton. - 18. Lough Swilly, Donegal, -- x -- James Keenan. - 19. Tory Island, Donegal, x o 9 Henry Stocker. - 20. Arranmore, Donegal, x x 5 Henry Williams. - 21. Rathlin O'Birne, Donegal, o x 2 John Scallan. - 22. Killybegs, Donegal, x x -- Joseph Hill. - 23. Oyster Island, N. Sligo, o -- 1 _No reply._ - 24. Broadhaven, Mayo, x x -- Patrick Keenan. - 25. Eagle Island, E., Mayo, o x 2 Daniel Hawkins. - 26. Eagle Island, W., Mayo, -- -- 2 No schedule sent. - 27. Blackrock, Mayo, x x 9 { John Redmond, J. - { Young, R. Lyons, - { and Edward Rohu. - 28. Blacksod Point, Mayo, x o -- Robt. W. Redmond. - 29. Clare Island, Mayo, x o 4 G. H. Brownell. - 30. Slyne Head, N., Galway, x o 3 Robert Tyrell. - 31. Slyne Head, S., Galway, -- -- 3 No schedule sent. - 32. Arran Island, N., Galway, x x 9 Thomas Fortune. - 33. Straw Island, Galway, x x 9 Charles Boyle. - 34. Arran Island, S., Galway, -- -- 6 No schedule sent. - 37. Tearaght, Kerry, x x 9 { Edward M'Carron - { and Francis Ryan. - 38. Valentia, Kerry, x x -- Joseph Williams. - 39. Skelligs, Kerry, x x 9 Thomas Kerley. - 40. Dursey Island, Cork, -- -- ½ No schedule sent. - - Abbreviations: - - o = No reply. x = Schedule returned partly or wholly filled, - Sp. = Spring, 34 schedules sent out; replies received, 27. - Au. = Autumn, 34 schedules sent out; replies received, 25. - - -_Legs, Wings, etc., Received._ - - _Mine Head_, Wing of Starling, shot 11th December. - " Wing and Leg of Widgeon, found killed 13th December. - " Black Redstart, in flesh, shot 18th November. - _Coningbeg Lt.-ship_ Leg and wing of Titlark, found on deck, 6th October. - _Tuskar_, Two Corncrakes, received in flesh; shot on rock May 13th. - _Rockabill_, Black Redstart (old male), in flesh; shot November 21st. - _Killybegs_, Wing of Woodcock, killed striking, 2 A.M., 18th - November. - _Eagle Island_, Leg and wing. Redwing, killed striking 16th October. - " " Blackbird, " " - _Tearaght_, Leg and wing of Wheatear, August 27th. - " " Stormy Petrel (young), struck August 5th. - " " Swallow found dead. May 22d. - " Skin of Thrush, 28th January. - " Leg and wing. Rock Pipit, 10th August. - " Wing of Curlew, 20th March. - " Skin of young Razorbill of year, 1st August. - _Skelligs_, Black Redstart, in flesh, shot 18th November. - - -_List of Birds Noticed._ - - PAGE PAGE - Hawks, 139 Jackdaw, 156 - Owl, 140 Magpie, 156 - "Flycatchers," 140 Swallow, 157 - Missel Thrush, 141 Martin, 158 - Thrush, 141 Swift, 158 - Redwing 142 Cuckoo, 158 - Fieldfare, 142 Pigeons, 158 - Blackbird, 143 Partridge, 159 - Ring Ouzel, 144 Corncrake, 159 - Hedge Sparrow, 144 Water Rail, 159 - Robin, 144 Water Hen, 159 - Black Redstart, 144 Golden Plover, 160 - "Blackcap" (Stonechat), 145 Green Plover, 160 - "Stonechat" (Wheatear), 145 Sea Pie, 160 - "Grasshopper Warbler," 146 Woodcock, 161 - Whitethroat, 146 Snipe, 161 - Chiff-Chaff, 146 "Sea Larks," 162 - Golden-crested Wren, 146 Redshank, 162 - Wren 147 Greenshank, 162 - "Tits," 147 Curlew, 162 - Wagtail, 147 Whimbrel, 163 - Titlark, 148 Terns, 164 - Larks, 148 Gulls, 164 - Snow Bunting, 150 Manx Shearwater, 165 - Yellow Hammer, 150 Stormy Petrel, 166 - Chaffinch, 150 Razorbill, 166 - "Mountain Finch," 151 Guillemot, 167 - Sparrow, 151 Puffin, 167 - Greenfinch, 151 Great Northern Diver, 168 - Redpole, 151 Cormorant, 169 - Linnets, 152 Gannet, 169 - Twite, 152 Heron, 171 - Starling, 153 Geese, 171 - Chough, 155 Ducks, 172 - Raven, 155 Merganser, 172 - Hooded Crow, 155 Birds not identified, 173 - Rook, 156 - - - -General Remarks of Light-Keepers. - -_Galley Head._--Autumn: No birds were killed striking the lantern -during the two years I have been at this station.--John Kelly. - -_Mine Head._--Autumn: A pair of Ravens and Peregrine Falcons, and -several pairs of Choughs, breed in the cliffs close to the lighthouse. -A large number of Cormorants also build here, and Gulls on several -islets close to the shore.--Hugh J. Dugan. - -_Tuskar Rock._--Autumn: There was no light shown in lighthouse from -June 1st to November 20th, which accounts for the apparent scarcity of -some migrants at this station.--Richard Hamilton. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--On the night of November 9th, several birds -of various kinds about lantern; many killed; some fell on deck, and a -large number overboard.--Patrick Clancy. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--May 3d, large flocks of land-birds about -lantern at night.--William Daly. - -_South Maidens._--In January and February few birds seen, except -Seapies, Gulls, and Shearwaters. From June 21st to 16th July no birds -save Gannets, Gulls, and Seapies.--M. Barry. - -_Innishtrahull._--I have only observed birds about the lantern on dark -nights, and in thick misty weather.--R. Phelan. - -_Lough Swilly._--Birds are scarce here--not a single one has struck -lantern since I came.--James Keenan. - -_Killybegs._--Seagulls and Curlews are here all the year. Lapwing's -nest close by. Cormorants and Pigeons breed in cliff's.--J. Hill. - -_Eagle Island, E._--Gulls were scarce, and Gannets, "Sea Parrots, and -Puffins" were only to be seen in flight, which was invariably to the -west--the Gannets in a long extended line, singly or in pairs, and the -Sea Parrots in flocks of twenty to fifty, flying low. There are two -Titlarks, two Wrens, and about ten Sandlarks on island at present (1st -January 1886). A few of the last-named breed here, also the Titlarks, -and possibly the Wrens, as there are some old walls into which I have -seen them hop for shelter; but I Have never noticed them in spring or -summer.--Daniel Hawkins. - -_Clare Island._--The sea-birds (Gulls, Puffins, Guillemots, and -Cormorants) continued to arrive from 1st of April to 1st of June to -breed. They were not as numerous as last year. All left before August -15th, except the Cormorants and a few Royal Gulls. Eagles always remain -on island.--G. H. Brownell. - -_Slyne Head, North._--The number of sea-birds is chiefly regulated by -the feeding. There is a greater number for the past two months (June -and July) than has been the case for the past five years.--Robert -Tyrell. - -_Arran Island, N._--Puffins, Gulls, Gannets, Curlew, Seapie, -Cormorants, and Sandlarks come and go according to the state of the -sea--if wild, none, and _vice versa_.--Thomas Fortune. - -_Straw Island._--Spring: The number of birds were few during the -spring. The Lark, Hedge Sparrow, Robin, Wagtail, and Linnet are -remarkable for their total absence this year, though numerous in the -springs of 1883 and 1884. Autumn: A great scarcity of sea-birds of -all kinds, especially the Gannet. Land-birds--_i.e._, "Crows," Rooks, -Larks, Starlings, Thrushes--plentiful, especially young Starlings, -Thrushes, and Blackbirds. From 13th November to 17th November they came -in rushes during severe weather.--Charles Boyle. - -_Tearaght._--Birds remaining September 1st, Choughs, Hooded Crows, -Wheatear, Wrens, Rock Pipit, Peregrine, Kittiwake (old and young), -Royal Gulls, Herring Gulls (old and young). Cormorants, and -Oyster-Catcher.--Edward M'Carron. - -_Skelligs._--In February, Gannets, Cormorants, Kittiwakes (mostly -young). Herring Gulls, a few Black-Backed do., and flocks of -"the Black-Billed Auk (young Razorbill--R. M. B.) fishing round -rock.--Thomas Kerley. - - -Hawks. - -_Fastnet._--October 16th, one at 5 A.M.; October 20th, one; November -9th, two; 10th, one; 13th, one. - -_Mine Head._--October 5th, a Light-brown Hawk, and on several other -occasions. 11th December, a small Blue Hawk. 8th January 1886, saw one -capture a Redwing; it was a small Hawk, and unable to carry it away. - -_Dungarvan._--March 15th, one Falcon Hawk; Nov. 18th, one. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--April 19th, one Sparrowhawk; 28th, two Hawks. -September 26th and October 9th, one Sparrowhawk seen. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--September 11th, two Hawks; October 28th, -one. - -_Tuskar Rock._--May 27th, one Hawk. - -_Rockabill._--Hawks noted April 1st, April 13th, and May 23d. - -_Copeland (Mew) Island._--May 9th, one. - -_Rathlin Island._--April 18th, two Falcon Hawks all day. - -_Arranmore._--May 5th, two going S.E.; September 29th, three. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--August 9th, two Hawks. Have been here two years. - -_Eagle Island, E._--September 24th, a small Brown Hawk; saw him seize -small bird. October 17th and December 21st, one and two seen. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--Falcon noted June 1st and August 11th. Sparrowhawk -alighted on Rock August 15th. October 23d and December 28th, one Falcon. - -_Arran Island, N._--One or two Brown Hawks at intervals during June. - -_Tearaght._--March 12th, Grey Hawk (white predominating). April 3d, -one large Brown Hawk (I don't think it was the Peregrine). March 22d, -Sparrowhawk several times this month and occasionally throughout the -year. On March 6th a Peregrine pounced on a Royal Gull while flying, -and knocked it into the sea, from which it could not rise. - -_Skelligs._--Two Kestrels on rock all September; they appeared about -15th August. A pair of Peregrines build here. Kestrels during October -and November. - - -Owl. - -_Fastnet._--November 11th, one Dark-brown Owl (golden colour on breast -and wings) killing small birds during night. Rush of Larks, Thrushes, -and Starlings. - -_Mine Head._--October 13th, one in twilight, appeared white. November -15th, one seen in daytime. - -_Rockabill._--April 13th, an Owl seen. - -_Copeland (Mew) Island._--May 10th, an Owl. - - -"Flycatchers." - -_Rockabill._--15th and 16th, Flycatchers; 21st, a large number; May -9th, some. - - -Missel Thrush. - -_Mine Head._--December 10th, several during this month. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--April 13th, one "Jay." - - -Thrush (probably Redwing also). - -_Fastnet._--March 15th, two around light at midnight; gloomy, wind -E.; 16th, one. April 12th, two "Mountain Thrushes" at noon; wind -E.N.E., light. October 13th, one at midnight killed striking; clear, -wind light. 20th, a great number of Thrushes and "Mountain" Thrushes -(probably Redwings--R. M. B.) all night; nine killed striking; hazy, -wind light, N.E. November 7th, 8th, and 9th, great numbers of Thrushes -at night; several killed striking; wind light S., overcast. 11th, -Thrushes all night; five killed; overcast, wind S.E., light. 12th, five -all day on rock. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--October 5th, two about light 11 P.M. - -_Tuskar Rock._--February 13th and 14th, Thrushes constantly striking -from 1 A.M. to 7 A.M.; a great number killed; wind fresh S.W., fog. -April 15th, one Thrush struck; rain. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--February 11th, three killed striking at -midnight; foggy; found dead on deck. 14th, from 6 P.M. until midnight -Thrushes about lantern; clear. October 20th, flock at 3 A.M. about -lantern; some struck, fell on deck; cloudy, wind fresh N.W. November -6th and 8th, Thrushes at midnight about lantern; many struck, some fell -on deck, others overboard; hazy. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--January 25th, Thrushes about lantern. -February 10th, three killed striking; 15th, two do.; March 4th, six do. -November 16th, several all night; 22d, 23d, and 24th, about lantern; -four killed on 24th. - -_Kish Light-ship._--October 8th, one killed striking; stormy, clear. -Noted also on October 9th, 26th, and 31st. On November 6th, flocks from -6 to 11.30 A.M. going N.W.; wind S.W. 8th, several flocks; 10th, two -killed striking; clear. - -_Rockabill._--January 19th, Thrushes at night about lantern; several -struck also on February 24th. April 16th and July 1st, about lantern. -October 18th, 21st, 23d, November 6th and 8th to 10th, large numbers -passed; many struck, several killed. - -_Copeland (Mew) Island._--April 8th, Thrushes about lantern. November -3d, one disabled; rain. 9th, six killed striking. - -_Innishtrahull._--January 16th, 23d, 24th, and 27th, small flocks of -Blackbirds and Mountain Thrushes around lantern; about eighteen killed. - -_Tory Island._--April 14th, three killed striking 4 A.M. - -_Arranmore._--October 15th, one seen. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--August 26th, four killed 8 P.M. These birds often -strike. Always on island in autumn. - -_Killybegs._--October 19th, 11 P.M., one killed striking; misty. -November 1st, 1 A.M., another; two seen in morning. - -_Broadhaven._--October 13th, one killed striking. No birds were ever -known to strike this light before, as it is dark towards the land. - -_Eagle Island, E._--October 17th, 2 to 3 A.M., three killed striking; -19th, one seen. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--November 6th and 7th, Thrushes about all day. - -_Arran Island, N._--November 11th, six Thrushes killed striking 11.30 -P.M.; misty. - -_Straw Island._--November 19th, forty going N.W. - -_Tearaght._--October 19th, several arrived on rock. - -_Skelligs._--October 16th, a few Thrushes on rock; wind N.E., gale, -rainy. 17th, several on rock to-day; wind S.E., fresh. 23d, several -Common Thrushes and another species having the back of a slatish -colour, with a yellow hue on the back near the tail. 31st, Thrushes -on rock. Several during November frequented the rock. December 8th, -"Thrushes, Common Fieldfare, and Redwings since the 7th." - - -"Redwing." - -_Mine Head._--November 11th, Redwing caught on glass. Small birds -flying through rays all night. Redwing plentiful all winter. - -_Tearaght._--January 28th, one found near lighthouse. March 15th, two -or three observed up to middle of this month. - -_Skelligs._--December 8th, one struck 11.30 P.M.; died in night. - - -Fieldfare. - -_Mine Head._--December 8th, observed here. - -_Rockabill._--November 26th, Fieldfares all night; several killed -striking. - -_Eagle Island, E._--October 17th, one killed striking. - -_Tearaght._--December 15th, about fifty remained for three weeks. - - -Blackbird. - -_Fastnet._--October 16th, one. - -_Mine Head._--October 30th, one caught (male); previous night stormy. -November 10th, one caught on glass; misty, wind E., fresh. - -_Dungarvan._--November 9th, one (female) struck 2 A.M., not killed; -misty. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--April 18th, one seen. - -_Tuskar Rock._--February 13th and 14th, Blackbirds constantly striking -from 1 A.M. to 7 A.M.; a great number killed; wind fresh S.W., fog. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--February 11th, two killed striking at -midnight; fog; found dead on deck. 12th, two killed striking; gloomy. -13th, four about light; 15th, one killed striking; 16th, Blackbirds -from 6 P.M. until midnight about lantern; clear. November 6th and 8th, -many about lantern at night, some killed; hazy. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--February 15th, four killed striking. March -4th, four do. November 15th, two killed striking; 22d and 23d, some -about lantern all night. - -_Kish Light-ship._--November 7th, one killed striking; clear. - -_Rockabill._--October 18th, 21st, November 8th, 9th, and 10th, numbers -passed on these nights; many killed. - -_Copeland (Mew) Island._--March 8th, two killed striking. April 18th, -about forty near station. November 7th, three killed striking 10 P.M.; -clear. December 31st, one hundred Blackbirds about island. - -_Arranmore._--September 11th, November 3d, and December 9th, one to -three noted. - -_Killybegs._--October 31st, two seen; wind strong N.W. November 3d and -29th, another. - -_Eagle Island, E._--October 19th, one seen. - -_Straw Island._--November 13th, numbers of Blackbirds going N.W. - -_Tearaght._--March 15th, one, and up to April 1st. October 19th, -several arrived on rock. - -_Skelligs._--March 17th, two Blackbirds on rock. October 16th, several -arrived; a gale from N.E. 17th, several; 31st, Blackbirds seen. Several -during November. - - -Ring Ouzel. - -_Mine Head._--December 8th, "A Blackbird with a white breast," and also -on the 9th and 10th--probably the same bird on each occasion. Not seen -afterwards. "I was quite close to to this bird; it was very black, -except the white breast, which was very distinct. It did not extend -round back of neck." - -_Skelligs._--April 9th, one on rock; wind S.E., strong. - - -Hedge Sparrow. - -_Tuskar Rock._--May 25th, five "Dunnocks" on the rock. August 31st and -September 3d and 12th, one or two "Dunnocks" seen. - -_Tearaght._--March 1st, a few remained all the spring. I am not sure if -they remained during the summer. - - -Robin. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--November 29th, one Robin flew on deck; wind -fresh, S. - -_Rockabill._--March 3d, Robins remaining. - -_Rathlin Island._--December 3d, three Redbreasts all day. - -_Killybegs._--October 4th and 14th, one seen. - -_Valentia._--Noted in May, September, October, November, and December. - -_Skelligs._--November 9th, one Robin. The first seen since my arrival -in April 1883; wind S., strong. - - -Black Redstart. - -_Mine Head._--November 9th, one; 13th, one shot; 18th, one shot. -[Received in flesh.--R. M. B.] December 23d, one. - -_Dungarvan._--November 7th, one Redstart. Remained three days. Rare. - -_Rockabill._--Nov. 21st, one shot. [Received in flesh.--R. M. B.] - -_Tearaght._--February 1st, two remained about a fortnight. November -17th, one Redstart on rock; 24th, another, 28th, five remained a -fortnight. - -_Skelligs._--October 17th, four Black Redstarts on rock; 19th, -twenty--wind N.E., fresh, misty--"observed one with a white breast and -belly;" 31st, a few seen; November 18th, Black Redstart shot; specimen -sent. [Received.--R. M. B.] - - -"Blackcap" (probably Stonechat). - -_Mine Head._--January 10th, 1886, I have seen this little bird -frequently all the winter. - -_Tuskar Rock._--May 25th, one "Whinchat." - -_Killybegs._--May 11th, two "Blackcaps" seen. - - -"Stonechat" (Wheatear). - -_Fastnet._--March 15th, several about light at midnight--gloomy, wind -E.--three killed. April 10th, several about rock all day; wind N. May -12th, a flock at 8 A.M. going N.E.; wind W. October 20th, several about -light, two killed striking; hazy, wind light. November 13th, eleven -seen, all died on rock. - -_Dungarvan._--March 19th, two seen. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--April 13th, one Wheatear killed striking; -light haze. April 21st, two killed striking. March 16th, one -"Stonechat." April 8th, one Wheatear killed, 4 A.M., clear. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--May 12th, one rested on ship, and died -shortly afterwards. - -_Tuskar Rock._--'March 16th, "Blackcap and Wheatear" alighted on -rock--first this spring; wind light, N.W. April 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th, -and 16th, one to two Wheatears noticed. August 8th, 28th, and 30th, one -to three Wheatears. - -_South Maidens._--About middle of April, a considerable number of -"Wheatears and Stonechatters" alighted on rock for some time, and then -flew N.W. - -_Rathlin Island._--March 8th, three "Stonechats." April 13th, seven -Wheatears struck at midnight--three killed. April 14th, three at -midnight, caught one. April 30th, "Stonechats" breed here. May 1st, -three Wheatears. - -_Innishtrahull._--April 13th, nine "Stonechats" on island. - -_Arranmore._--April 2d, Four "Stonechats;" 12th, eight. May 30th, nine. -September 8th, four at 10 P.M.--wind strong, W.--one killed striking. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--August 12th, "Stonechatters" all day. September -14th, caught one under a stone. - -_Killybegs._--May 4th, five or six Stonechats. - -_Eagle Island, E._--September 6th, two on island. - -_Tearaght._--March 14th, first observed. About a dozen on island all -the summer. I saw a nest with five young ones three feet in, under a -rock. - -_Skelligs._--March 11th, two Wheatears, first appearance; wind S.E., -strong; 14th, several; wind S.E. - - -"Grasshopper Warbler" (probably Sedge Warbler). - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--May 13th, twenty "Grasshopper Warblers," 4 -A.M.--wind light, N.W.--one killed striking, clear. - - -Whitethroat. - -_Tuskar Rock._--May 12th, Whitethroats constantly striking, midnight to -3 A.M.; misty. Thirty-five killed. August 31st, one seen. - - -Chiff-Chaff (probably Willow Wren also). - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--April 17th, one died on deck, tired out; 19th, -one; 20th, one killed, fog; 30th, one. - -_Tuskar Rock._--April 12th, one killed striking. The first this year; -13th, 14th, 15th, and 17th, Chiff-Chaffs noted; 22d, constantly -striking all night, scores killed; wind strong, squally, cloudy. May -12th, constantly striking, midnight to 3 A.M., twenty-three killed; -misty, wind light, N.E. August 30th and September 3d, one or two seen. - - -Golden-Crested Wren. - -_Dungarvan._--November 4th, one struck 2 A.M., not killed; gloomy. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--May 7th, two "Fire-Crests" on ship. - -_Tuskar Rock._--April 13th, the first Goldcrest this season. - -_Rockabill._--April 7th, Golden-Crested Wren seen. - -_South Maidens._--April 12th, one "Robin (Golden-Crested)" struck -lantern 11 P.M., not killed. - -_Rathlin Island._--April 13th, thirteen at midnight. Five killed -striking; 14th, five struck, caught two at midnight. The Goldcrest did -not put in an appearance in the winter season this year. - -Killybegs--November 11th, 5 am., one caught at glass; gloomy; wind -fresh, S.E. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--November 7th, 7 P.M., two Golden-Crested Wrens, one -killed striking; fog and rain. - - -Wren. - -_Fastnet._--October 20th, two about light; hazy. November 13th, one -seen, died on rock. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--April 12th, two. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--April 2d, one Wren seen. - -_Tuskar Rock._--April 13th, one Common Wren struck. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--April 13th, a Wren flying about ship. - -_Rockabill._--April 13th, Wrens. September 21st, ditto. October 21st, -ditto. - -_Innishtrahull._--March 16th and 19th, Common Wrens about lantern, two -killed striking. - -_Eagle Island, E._--October 27th, two Wrens; still on island 26th -December 1885. - -_Skelligs._--Wrens are resident. December--The Wren is more plentiful -the last four months. - - -"Tits." - -_Mine Head._--December 9th, one Blue Tit shot. Several seen about. - -_Tuskar Rock._--March 16th, "Tits and other small birds" passing in -threes and fours. - -_Killybegs._--December 5th, two "Blackcaps" seen. "The Blackcaps are -either _Parus major_ or _Parus palustris_; I am aware they are not the -Blackcap Warbler."--Joseph Hill. - - -Wagtail. - -_Mine Mead._--December 8th, one shot. - -_Dungarvan._--November 27th, five very dark Wagtails. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--March 15th, two Pied Wagtails going N. - -_Tuskar Rock._--March 16th, one Grey Wagtail alighted. September 28th, -one. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--April 28th, some Wagtails passed N.W. - -_Rockabill._--April 1st, Wagtail noted. October 5th, some. - -_South Maidens._--April 14th, two Wagtails. - -_Rathlin Island._--September 17th, Pied Wagtail. - -_Arranmore._--June 29th, six Wagtails all day. September 3d, three. -January 2d, one. - -_Killybegs._--December 5th, a Pied Wagtail. - -_Eagle Island, E._--September 6th, one seen; 21st, one. - -_Arran Island, N._--July 1st, one. October 14th, two. - -_Straw Island._--July 24th, one Grey Wagtail. - -_Skelligs._--March 15th, one stayed five days; wind S.E., strong. -August 19th, two Grey Wagtails. September 4th, four on rock; remained -until 10th. A gale from S.W. - - -Titlarks. - -_Fastnet._--November 7th and 8th, numbers about light; overcast. - -_Tuskar Rock._--March 7th, Titlarks passing W., first this spring. -April 17th, a number about rock, September 28th, Rock Pipits. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--February 16th, five killed striking; 23d, -passing N.W. all day. March 15th, a flock going N.W. April 17th, -Titlarks going N.W. - -_Kish Light-ship._--April 9th, several flocks going N.W.; 24th, a -flock. May 1st, three about deck all day. - -_Rockabill._--March 3d, seen all day; breed on rock. - -_Copeland (Mew) Island._--April 14th, six Titlarks struck; four killed. - -_Eagle Island, E._--September 6th, two seen. - -_Straw Island._--March 23d, eight Field-Larks (small) remain here. -September 7th, two. - -_Skelligs._--Titlarks are resident. - - -Larks. - -_Fastnet._--October 12th, two at midnight, one killed; clear, wind -light, N.E. 20th, great number all night, seven killed striking; hazy, -wind light, N.E. November 7th and 8th, great numbers all night, eleven -killed striking; overcast, wind light, S. 9th, numbers at night; -overcast. 11th, Larks too numerous to count all night, twelve killed -striking; overcast, wind S.E. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--April 12th, several Larks during night -about ship. 14th and 17th, one. March 13th and 14th, four to twelve -going N.W.; wind E. and N.E. 23d, one. September 18th, four going W. -September 26th, a "Ground Lark." October 6th, "Ground Lark" got dead on -deck; wind fresh, N.W. [Leg and wing of Titlark received.--R. M. B.] -7th, twelve going N.W.; wind N., fresh. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--December 18th, odd Larks passed N. January -19th and 20th, eighty-six Larks passed. - -_Tuskar Rock._--February 15th, ten killed striking; overcast, gloomy. -March 5th, Larks going W. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--October 15th and 18th, flocks going N.W. -November 8th, Skylarks about lantern at night; hazy. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--January 25th, some Larks about -lantern--midnight. February 4th, a flock going N.W. February 10th, -four killed striking. 15th, two killed striking. 16th, three killed -striking. 23d, flocks going N.W. all day; wind strong, S.W. March 5th, -Larks passed. April 17th, three Skylarks killed striking. November 1st, -2d, and 29th, Larks noted. - -_Kish Light-ship._--April 4th, flock going N.W. 14th, several Skylarks -about lantern, one killed striking. 15th, passing S.W. during day, two -killed striking at night; clear. Oct. 22d, two about ship. 30th, a -flock going N.W. Nov. 9th, two about ship. - -_Rockabill._--February 24th and April 14th, Larks about light, several -struck. October 5th, Larks. 21st, all day and night. November 6th, all -night, numbers killed. - -_Copeland (Mew) Island._--March 14th, about twenty struck, six killed, -11 P.M.; wind S., overcast. May 19th, about twelve around light, 10 -P.M.; misty. - -_South Maidens._--April 14th, twelve Common Larks seen. - -_Rathlin Island._--April 13th, four Skylarks, two killed striking at -midnight. - -_Innishtrahull._--March 16th and 19th, Larks about lantern, fourteen -killed. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--Always on island in autumn. - -_Killybegs._--Skylarks and Titlarks are here all the year. November -11th, 4 A.M., one killed striking, and another caught at glass; wind -fresh, S.E., gloomy. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--November 6th and 7th, Larks all day, one killed -striking; fog and rain. - -_Skelligs._--October 31st, a few Larks seen. - - -Snow Bunting. - -_Dungarvan._--December 1st, one seen; rare here. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--February 17th, one caught on deck. - -_Rockabill._--December 22d, Snow Buntings. - -_Rathlin Island._--March 10th, one seen. September 6th, five going S. -November 4th, two; very few seen this season. - -_Innishtrahull._--February 20th, three shot. - -_Arranmore._--February 3d and March 12th, Snow Buntings noted. -September 19th, one; 21st, eighteen; also noticed October 30th. - -_Eagle Island, E._--October 1st, one on Island, and a few October 6th. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--September 8th, one about rock; wind S., fresh. -October 5th, eight. December 8th, forty all day. January 20th, 1886, -twenty on rock. "For the last nine days the spray has been flying over -rock, and the Snow Buntings never left, and how they manage to exist I -cannot imagine." - -_Blacksod._--February 20th, Snow-Birds. - -_Arran Island, N._--October 8th, five Snow Buntings. - -_Tearaght._--October 14th, several arrived; remained three weeks. - -_Skelligs._--September 11th, one on rock; gale from S. October 1st, one -(being first since 11th ult.), which remained here ever since. 6th, six -seen. 31st, a few. - - -Yellowhammer. - -_Mine Head._--November 1st, plentiful, and up to date January 15th, -1886. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--May 27th, one rested on ship; wind strong S., -fog. - -_Rockabill._--March 3d, Yellowhammers remaining July 5th, do. - -_Killybegs._--May 18th, two seen. October 16th, one. - - -Chaffinch. - -_Mine Head._--November 12th, one caught near lighthouse in morning -exhausted. Small birds flying in lantern rays all night, and striking. - -_Tuskar Bock._--March 21st, one seen. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--April 12th, one Finch on deck. October -11th, two on deck all day. A flock went N.W. 16th, two all day on ship. -November 2d, 9th, 12th, and 19th, one or two Chaffinches seen about the -deck. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--February 6th, six passed W. November 12th, -eight alighted on deck. 13th, a flock passed E. - -_Kish Light-ship._--May 7th, two about deck all day. November 7th, two -all day about the ship. - -_Rockabill._--October 18th, Chaffinches noticed. November 6th, do. - -_Tearaght._--March 20th, Chaffinches left about this date. December -19th, a large flock of hen Chaffinches arrived on rock. - - -"Mountain Finch." - -_Skelligs._--November 8th, one struck 10 P.M.; not injured. 9th, four, -but not seen after this date. - - -Sparrow. - -_Mine Head._--January 10th, 1886, Common Sparrow always plentiful here. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--September 19th, flock passed. - -_Killybegs._--March 18th, two seen. - -_Eagle Island, E._--September 16th, fifty to sixty remained on island -a short time; very lively, went W. 23d and 29th, thirty chirruping and -very lively; also on October 7th and 17th pecking about rubbish. On -last date they flew S.E. inland. - -_Straw Island._--April 15th, three House Sparrows. - -_Valentia._--June 30th, Sparrows about. - - -Greenfinch. - -_Fastnet._--March 2d, several all day about rock, seven died; overcast, -gloomy, wind fresh, S.E. September 28th, two, wind N.E. October 16th, -three; wind E. light, going N.W. November 12th, seventeen all day on -rock; wind light S. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--March 16th, one. April 18th, one seen. - -_Kish Light-ship._--May 9th, two about masts all day. - -_Rockabill._--November 6th, Green Linnets. - -_Tearaght._--March 20th, Greenfinches all left about this date. - - -Redpole. - -_Rockabill._--July 5th, Redpoles. - - -Linnets. - -_Fastnet._--May 4th, eight about rock; wind E.N.E. October 20th, a -great number all night about light; hazy, wind N.E., light. November -7th, 8th, and 9th, a great number about light during nights; wind light -S., overcast. 13th, several Linnets seen. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--March 8th, 26th, and April 13th, one to three. -Noted also 16th, 17th, and 21st September. - -_Barrels Bock Light-ship._--One to three noted March 12th, 17th, 28th, -31st, April 13th, May 5th. September 18th, 21st, 28th, 29th, small -flocks going S.E. to N.E. October 25th and 30th, large flocks going N. -January 6th, 1886, small flock going N. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--February 24th to 27th, one or two about -ship. March 24th, flock of "Grey Linnets" going N.W.; wind light S.W. -April 19th, flock going N.W. October 11th, flock going N.W.; wind N.E. -25th, flocks going N.W.; wind W. - -_Rockabill._--October 18th, some passed. November 8th, 9th, and 10th do. - -_South Maidens._--March 11th, one "Moss Linnet" seen on balcony at -night. - -_Rathlin Island._--April 13th, three about light, one killed striking -at midnight. 14th, three killed midnight. - -_Dunree Head._--March 3d, 6th, 10th, and 20th, flocks all day. - -_Arranmore._--November 11th, eight Linnets. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--August 24th, Linnets in flocks feeding. - -_Killybegs._--March 9th, five Grey Linnets; also April 26th and June -8th. September 15th to 25th, forty to fifty noticed flying about. -October 8th and 28th, do. - -_Eagle Island, E._--September 6th, four seen; also on 16th, 27th, and -October 6th. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--December 27th, some Grey Linnets about rock. - -_Straw Island._--March 21st, thirty remain on island. July 28th, forty -going S. October 10th, thirty going W. - - -Twite. - -_Mine Head._--September 20th, plentiful from this date to 15th January -1886. On October 29th, flying through rays of lantern at night; wind -and rain. - -_Tearaght._--March 20th, Twite left about this date. - - -Starling. - -_Fastnet._--October 20th, several about light all night, eight killed -or wounded; hazy, wind light N.E. November 7th, 8th, 9th, and 11th, -numbers about light at night; wind S., light, overcast--twenty-three -Stares killed striking; 13th, five killed striking. - -_Mine Head._--October 29th, about hundred in field, two caught at -lantern 11 P.M., several struck glass; wind S., strong, rain. November -5th, striking from 10 P.M. until midnight. A few captured; foggy. -Flocks flying about to date January 15th, 1886. November 11th, Stares -striking. - -_Dungarvan._--October 20th, large flock going N. November 8th, one -killed striking, 11 P.M.; overcast, misty. November 19th, a great flock -feeding near. Very plenty this season. November 30th, large flocks, -going N.W. December 4th, two killed striking 9 P.M.; cloudy. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--March 24th to 26th, one about ship. - -_Barrels Bock Light-ship._--October 25th and November 2d, large flocks -noted going N. and N.W. - -_Tuskar Rock._--February 14th, two struck; fog. 15th, constantly -striking 8 P.M. to 4 A.M.; wind fresh, N.E., overcast, gloomy. A great -number killed. March 15th, constantly striking, 9 to 11 P.M.; wind -light S.E., cloudy. 20th, one struck, overcast. April 16th, ditto. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--March 5th, several about lantern at -midnight. March 15th, "Stairs" about lantern 8 P.M. until midnight, two -killed striking; overcast, wind light W. April 12th and 16th, a few -about lantern at night. October 21st, two about lantern. Flocks passed -29th, 30th, and November 1st to N.W. in daytime; and on nights of 3d, -6th, and 8th November, numbers struck the lantern. Many killed; some -fell on deck, others overboard. Weather hazy and rainy; wind moderate, -W. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--March 4th, four caught on deck. May 26th, -a flock passed N.W. October 16th, large flocks going S.; wind E.S.E., -strong. Some noted on 22d, 23d, four killed striking. 30th and November -1st, flocks passed going S.W. and N.W. On November 2d, great quantities -all day and night; wind S.W., misty, rain. A few on 4th and 5th, in day -time; and on 10th, 19th, 20th, about lantern at night. - -_Kish Light-ship._--October 28th, several flocks going N.W.; wind N.W. -31st, one caught on deck 10 P.M., others flying about light. November -2d and 5th, several flocks in the mornings passed N.W.; wind N.W. -December 17th, a flock about light. - -_Rockabill._--January 19th, about light. June 26th and July 1st, some -passed. October 11th, large flocks passing west; wind N.E. October -21st, 23d, November 6th to 10th, 19th, and 26th, numbers passed, many -struck, and were killed. - -_Copeland (Mew) Island._--March 14th, ten struck lantern, four killed; -24th, three struck. April 14th, thirty struck 3 A.M., six killed; -clear, wind light. October 9th, fourteen struck, six killed, 9 P.M.; -very dark, wind N.W., fresh. November 4th, four struck, two killed; -rain. - -_South Maidens._--July 16th, about eighty going N.E. August 1st, a -flock going S.W. - -_Rathlin Island._--December 1st, hundreds all day. Numerous this -season. 16th, hundreds. - -_Innishtrahull._--March 16th and 19th, Starlings about lantern, three -killed striking. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--August 26th, twelve, one killed. They often strike. - -_Killybegs._--November 4th, three struck 8 P.M.; caught alive. A -continuous flight passed from 7.30 A.M. to 10 P.M., appeared to come -from E. or S.E., and go W. or N.W. Four killed striking; gloomy, misty, -wind strong N.W. 14th, about thirty, at 10 A.M. - -_Eagle Island, E._--November 19th, small flock came from land, and flew -back. I only saw the one flock in the autumn; whilst in the autumn of -1884 they came in thousands. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--November 2d, six about lantern during night, fog; -6th and 7th, Starling all day about rock. - -_Blacksod._--January 16th and 22d, Starlings in flocks. - -_Arran Island, N._--October 10th, a flock on island. November 7th, two -killed striking; 11th, four killed striking; overcast. December 7th, -large flock going S. - -_Tearaght._--March 5th, one caught at lantern glass; 17th, one. April -17th, one. November 28th, several flocks on rock. - -_Skelligs._--March 17th, two on rock; gale from N.W., with misty rain. -October 17th, a flock on rock; wind S.E., fresh. 31st, Starlings on -rock. A few during November. - - -Chough. - -_Mine Head._--October 29th, Choughs and Daws observed almost daily to -January. - -_Rathlin Island._--May 7th, five remain. - -_Broadhaven._--August 11th, two Choughs, rarely seen. - -_Tearaght._--April 1st, Choughs all gone, except those which remained -to breed. - -_Skelligs._--May 1st, a pair building on rock. - - -Ravens. - -_Mine Head._--October 29th, two daily to date January 15th, 1886. - -_Rockabill._--June 13th, Ravens seen. - -_Rathlin Island._--March 12th, Ravens breed here. May 9th, two. - -_Arranmore._--September 26th, two Ravens. January 4th, 1886, two; they -remain here. - -_Broadhaven._--August 4th, one seen. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--September 17th, three "small-sized Ravens." - -_Straw Island._--October 13th, three. - -_Skelligs._--A pair frequently visit, but do not breed here. - - -Hooded Crow. - -_Dungarvan._--November 20th, two seen; rare here. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--September 12th, Grey Crows, always. They build here -in clefts of rocks. - -_Broadhaven._--June 22d, twenty-two "Grey-Backed Crows." - -_Arran Island, N._--May 10th, two seen on island. June 10th, four. -October 26th, four. - -_Straw Island._--March 29th, two Grey-Backed Crows. - -_Tearaght._--The Grey Crows and Choughs leave the island with their -young for about three weeks or a month, and a few return afterwards. - -_Valentia._--A few noted in April, May, June, and December (Hooded and -"Black-Hooded" Crows). - -_Skelligs._--A pair breed here. - - -Rook. - -_Fastnet._--March 21st, two "Crows," 1 P.M.: wind N.E. N.W. May 6th, -two at noon about rock. - -_Mine Head._--Rooks constantly about. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--April 15th, two "Crows" going N.E. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--December 21st, one "Crow" going N.W. - -_Tuskar Rock._--March 16th, one "Crow" going W. April 19th, five going -N.W. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--April 15th, one "Crow" going S.E. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--March 27th and April 6th, two to four -passed N. May 6th, three. November 7th, one alighted on deck. - -_Rockabill._--April 21st, "Crows." September 21st, "Crows." - -_Copeland (Mew) Island._--March 10th, two. - -_South Maidens._--March 11th, three "Crows" going E.; 28th, twelve -ditto. August 1st, three. - -_Innishtrahull._--September 4th, "Black Crows" came from shore and flew -back. - -_Broadhaven._--May 29th, one hundred. - -_Eagle Island, E._--October 10th, five seen; 23d, two. November 18th, -fifty to sixty came from shore, and returned. December 23d, two. "I -think these must be Crows from their harsh croak, very different from -the caw of the rook." - -_Arran Island, N._--July 14th, four on island. - - -Jackdaw. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--October 18th, flock going N.W. - -_Eagle Island, E._--November 19th, one; remained all day. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--April 13th, nine flying S. - -_Valentia._--A few noted in June, September, October, November, and -December. - - -Magpie. - -_Dungarvan._--April 30th, two seen. - -_Copeland (Mew) Island._--April 12th, one Magpie. May 12th, one. - -_Arranmore._--September 18th, one seen. - - -Swallow. - -_Fastnet._--April 16th, one all day; wind N.E. May 28th, four, for some -days; two died on rock; wind S.E. June 1st, two; foggy. November 12th, -two. - -_Mine Head._--Swallows from 21st September to 20th October. - -_Dungarvan._--April 23d, straggling Swallows going N.W.; wind S.W. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--April 13th, one, and a few on 17th, 20th, -21st, 22d, 27th, May 7th and 10th. On May 27th, seven about ship. -September, one to four seen. October 1st and 5th, flocks going S.; wind -N.W., strong. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--April 17th, Swallows (first seen) going N.; -22d, do. Also noted May 9th, 10th, 11th, 19th, 21st, 22d, and 25th, in -every case going AV.; wind variable. October 12th, two going S. - -_Tuskar Rock._--April 15th, one seen; 17th, in great numbers, 10 to 12 -A.M., going N.W.; wind light S.E. They continued passing almost daily -until June 1st, and generally in the forenoon. Direction of flight -nearly always N.W. On May 27th a great number of Swallows and Martins -arrived about 6 P.M.; seemed tired, one died on rock; stormy, with fog. -September 4th, 23d, and 28th, Swallows in small numbers going N.W. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--April 13th, one seen, and almost daily -afterwards until date of sending schedule on May 12th. Largest flights, -20th and 21st April. In every case direction of flight was N.W., and -apparently independent of wind. One found dead on deck, April 20th, and -another on May 11th. September 20th, several flying S. October 25th, -two seen. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--April 12th, two about ship, and passing at -intervals until May 16th, especially on 20th and 24th April. Direction -of flight in every case N.W. September 29th, five going N.W.; wind W. - -_Kish Light-ship._--April 19th, seven going N. June 26th, two going S. - -_Rockabill._--April 15th and 16th, Swallows noted. May 24th, a large -number arrived; wind light S., gloomy. October 6th, great quantities -collected, and all left at noon. - -_Copeland (Mew) Island._--May 3d, three; 12th, fifty. - -_South Maidens._--April 26th, four. May 13th and 14th, Swallows from -this date to end of May continually on rock; then flying S.E. towards -Mull of Galloway. - -_Rathlin Island._--April 18th, one about all day; 23d, two. - -_Dunree Head._--April 10th, Swallows arrived. - -_Arranmore._--July 3d and 4th, first seen about this station. - -_Killybegs._--April 10th and 14th, Swallows, six to ten flying about. - -_Broadhaven._--May 20th to 25th, Swallows going N.W. - -_Arran Island, N._--May 20th, two Swallows; 24th, one disabled. June -15th, two disabled; fog. - -_Tearaght._--May 12th, one; 17th, two; 22d, one found dead at N.E. of -Island. - -_Skelligs._--April 17th, first seen to-day. May 13th, four; stayed -three days. October 17th, a Swallow; "tail slightly, if at all, forked." - - -Martin. - -_Dungarvan._--May 23d, four. - -_Tuskar Rock._--May 27th, two Martins. - - -Swift. - -_Dungarvan._--June 29th, one seen. - -_Rathlin Island._--June 6th, three at station. - - -Cuckoo. - -_Dungarvan._--May 9th, one; first seen this season. - -_Copeland (Mew) Island._--April 22d, one seen. - -_Rathlin Island._--April 20th, one. May 2d, two seen. - -_Dunree Head._--May 2d, Cuckoo first heard. - -_Arranmore._--April 20th, one Cuckoo. - -_Blacksod._--May 15th, Cuckoo heard. - -_Straw Island._--May 8th, a Cuckoo heard, being ten days earlier than -the inhabitants remember hearing it. - - -Pigeons. - -_Mine Head._--October 26th to November 16th, one to six Rock Pigeons at -intervals. December 9th and 11th, twelve to forty. January 6th, 1886, -eight. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--January 20th, one caught. - -_Rockabill._--February 2d, Pigeon seen. May 7th and 9th, some -remaining. July 5th, a Carrier Pigeon, branded on the wings; is alive. -September 20th, two white ones caught. October 7th, one caught. - -_Dunree Head._--June 12th, flocks of Pigeons about the cliffs. - -_Lough Swilly._--November 18th, large flock going W. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--August 9th, two rested on eave of dwelling-house; -one remained, and became quite tame. - -_Broadhaven._--April 29th, a large flock of Pigeons. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--June 26th, ten "Sea Pigeons" about rock. November -8th, eight Rock Pigeons on rock. - -_Arran Island, N._--November 23d, seven Pigeons; first seen since I -came to this station. - -_Straw Island._--May 23d, four Pigeons on island. July 29th, four. -September 7th, do. - -_Tearaght._--February 20th, last of the Rock Pigeons left about this -date. - -_Skelligs._--March 6th, one about rock. - - -Partridge. - -_Rockabill._--November 12th, a Partridge. - - -Corncrake. - -_Mine Head._--October 1st, one seen. - -_Tuskar Rock._--April 17th, two on rock after the night. May 13th, two -on rock, killed [Received.--R. M. B.]. - -_Rockabill._--November 19th, a Corncrake. - -_Copeland (Mew) Island._--May 14th, a Corncrake, going S.W. - -_Rathlin Island._--12th, one "Spotted Crake." June 30th, another seen. - - -Water Rail. - -_Rockabill._--November 21st, a Water Rail. - - -Waterhen. - -_Arran Island, N._--November 6th, one on island; must have come from -the big island of Arran. - - -Golden Plover. - -_Fastnet._--November 9th, two Plover; wind S,, fresh. - -_Mine Head._--October 11th, December 11th, and January 7th, a few. - -_Rathlin Island._--December 7th, flocks remain here. - -_Tory Island._--"Grey Plover" noted March 22d and April 7th. - -_Arranmore._--October 22d, twenty-eight Golden Plover. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--November 27th, four to twelve came from shore. -Never seen here except in frosty weather. - -_Killybegs._--March 12th, forty seen. - - -Green Plover. - -_Fastnet._--March 15th, two on rock, and one drowned; wind E.N.E., -fresh. - -_Mine Head._--November 16th, December 8th and 9th, seen. Always in -frosty weather. - -_Dungarvan._--Flocks on October 23d, November 12th, 24th, and 30th. - -_Rockabill._--February 11th, Lapwing in flocks, going W. Some noted -November 9th, 18th, and 26th. - -_Copeland (Mew) Island._--December 15th, seven flying N. - -_Arranmore._--October 16th, 28th, and December 29th, one or two Lapwing -noted. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--September 14th, Green Plover; seldom seen here. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--April 17th, one Green Plover alighted. - -_Arran Island, N._--March 14th, forty Lapwing going N. - - -Seapie. - -_Dungarvan._--May 12th, large flock going N.W. June 2d, large flock on -rocks. - -_Copeland (Mew) Island._--May 6th, two in vicinity. December 22d, fifty -about island. - -_South Maidens._--May 3d, three on rock. 13th, two. - -_Rathlin Island._--Oyster Catchers are to be seen at all times. - -_Innishtrahull._--April 13th, six on island. - -_Broadhaven._--August 24th, large flock of Seapies. September 12th, a -flock. - -_Eagle Island, S._--September 6th, two on rocks. - -_Arran Island, N._--April 14th, a flock of Seapie. July 16th, Seapies. -August 10th, sixty. December 26th, thirty. - -_Tearaght._--March 7th, a pair observed; about island all summer. - -_Skelligs._--March 8th, one perched on rock. June 15th, a pair breed -here. They laid three clutches, three eggs each, their first being -taken. - - -Woodcock. - -_Copeland (Mew) Island._--December 15th, two killed striking. - -_South Maidens._--April 14th, one found dead after striking at midnight. - -_Arranmore._--November 8th, 15th, and December 21st, Woodcock noted. -They are more numerous this year than for the past four years. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--Noted December 1st and 9th. Seldom seen, as they -have no cover on island. - -_Killybegs._--October 30th, 3 A.M., one killed striking; gale from S.E. -November 18th, 2 A.M., another; wind strong, S.E. - -_Eagle Island, E._--November 9th, one killed striking, 11 P.M. - -_Tearaght._--December 8th, one on rock. 10th, one seen. - -_Valentia._--November 20th, one killed striking. - -_Skelligs._--October 10th, one on rock. - - -Snipe. - -_Fastnet._--November 8th, two Jacksnipe killed striking; overcast, wind -S., light. - -_Mine Head._--November 18th, four seen, and observed frequently. - -_Copeland (Mew) Island._--April 14th, six about island. November 5th, -six remain. December 31st, eight. - -_Rathlin Island._--November 10th, three Jacksnipe. December 20th, -twenty Common Snipe. - -_Arranmore._--October 25th, November 14th, and December 1st, Snipe -noted. They are more numerous this year than for past four years. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--September 18th, 30th, October 24th, and December -11th, Snipe noted, with the remark that they resort the island all the -winter. - -_Killybegs,_--October 20th, 2 A.M., one killed striking; misty. - -_Broadhaven._--April 16th, "a flock of Snipe" going N. - -_Eagle Island, E._--October 19th, one seen, November 9th, one killed -striking. - -_Arran Island, N._--November 9th, two killed striking at midnight; -misty. - -_Tearaght._--March 8th, one "large Snipe," and on other occasions -during month. - - -"Sea Larks," etc. - -_Rockabill._--March 18th, "Sand Larks" flying about. - -Copeland (Mew) Island.--April 14th, fifteen "Sand Larks" struck, 4 -A.M., seven killed, night very dark. October 10th, twenty "Sand Larks" -struck, ten killed, very dark; wind N., strong. November 3d, three -struck, one killed. - -_South Maidens._--Towards middle of April "Sand Larks" visited us -daily, and then flew to a rock near. May 13th, seven. - -_Rathlin Island._--"Sandpipers" at all times. - -_Innishtrahull._--April 13th, "Sand Larks" on island. - -_Arranmore._--June 8th, three "Sand Larks." They must have nest about -station. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--August 24th, they are always about island. - -_Broadhaven._--April 21st, twelve "Sea Larks" seen. September 2d, -several. They breed near. - -_Eagle Island, E._--September 18th, five "Sand Larks." November 8th, -seven. - -_Arran Island, N._--April 24th, eighteen "Sand Larks." - -_Straw Island._--May 26th, thirty on island. - - -Redshank. - -_Arran Island, N._--April 20th, twelve Redshank, July 21st, two. -December 26th, twenty on island. - - -Greenshank. - -_Dungarvan._--November 17th and 23d, flock going N.E. - - -Curlew. - -_Fastnet._--September 24th, one for several days on rock. - -_Mine Head._--July 29th, twelve Curlew going E. October 11th, four do. - -_Dungarvan._--March 3d and 17th, large flocks going S.E. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--March 16th, flock passed over ship to N. May -2d, three; 3d, several going N.E. September 10th and 11th, a few going -N.E. - -_Tuskar Rock._--April 18th, Curlew going N.W. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--July 24th, one Curlew on deck. August 6th, -a flock. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--March 4th and 5th, two to four about -lantern at night. - -_Rockabill._--April 14th, 15th, and 16th, Curlew. - -_Copeland (Mew) Island._--October 11th, fifty about. - -_South Maidens._--April 14th, Curlews in night over lighthouse. These -birds are extremely cautious, rarely striking lantern. June 21st, a -large flock going S.E.; wind N.W. Some noted July 18th, 28th, and -August 8th. - -_Rathlin Island._--April 14th, a flock of Curlew at midnight. - -_Innishtrahull._--April 13th, fourteen Curlew on island. - -_Lough Swilly._--September 15th, four; 28th, large flock going N.W. - -_Arranmore._--September 12th, three. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--November 21st, about twenty on rocks. They are -always on island. - -_Killybegs._--November 19th, about twenty seen. - -_Broadhaven._--September 22d, several flocks alighted, twelve to twenty -in each. - -_Eagle Island, E._--September 4th, four seen. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--June 20th, flock of Curlew. - -_Blacksod._--January 16th, large flocks. May 2d, flocks. - -_Arran Island, N._--April 10th, ten Curlew going S. May 20th, forty; -30th, twenty. June 12th, thirty. August 10th, twenty. December 20th, -forty. - -_Tearaght._--March 20th, one, and for a few days after. - - -Whimbrel. - -_Dungarvan._--April 25th and 26th, large flocks flying high to N.W.; -wind S.W. May 16th, small flocks going N.W. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--May 12th, flock of Whimbrel passed N. - -_Rockabill._--April 21st, May birds. June 26th, do. - -_South Maidens._--May 8th, "May fowl" going N.W.; 13th, large flock -flying W. - -_Broadhaven._--May 16th, large flocks of "May birds" going N.W. - -_Straw Island._--May 17th, thirty "young Curlew" going N.E. - - -Terns. - -_Tuskar Rock._--May 24th, Common Terns alighted on rock; 27th, passing -S.W, in small numbers since 24th. - -_Copeland (Mew) Island._--May 26th, thirty "Pirrs or Sea Mews." Remain -here until middle of September. September 17th, the "Sea Mews" left -to-day. - -_Slyne Head, North._--May 8th, Terns arrived to build. - -_Arran Island, N._--May 19th and 20th, twenty to forty. September 10th, -a flock. - - -Gulls. - -_Mine Head._--September 21st, Herring Gulls, young and old, and -Kittiwake in vicinity to date 15th January 1886. - -_Dungarvan._--June 5th, one Skua Gull chasing birds in bay. November -4th, immense flocks in bay. December 3d, great numbers of Black-Headed -Gulls in fields. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--May, Gulls of various kinds passed. March -14th, first Skua Gull this year. - -_Kish Light-ship._--June 10th, many flocks of Grey Gulls. - -_Rathlin Island._--March 4th and 6th, a few Black-Backed Gulls and -flocks of Kittiwakes and Herring Gulls noted. June 12th, thousands of -Herring Gulls. November 7th, thousands of Herring Gulls. - -_Arranmore._--February 6th, one Skua Gull remained two days. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--August 9th, Royal Gulls breed on island. - -_Killybegs._--May 26th, a number of Gulls flying about. - -_Eagle Island, E._--September 27th, several Grey Gulls all day. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--March 31st, "small Gulls visited rock to look at -place to build." January 3d, 1886, some small Gulls after fry near rock. - -_Arran Island, N._--July 14th, large flocks all day. - -_Straw Island._--Numbers of Grey-Backed Gulls remain throughout the -winter. September 19th and 21st, flock of young gulls going S.W. - -_Tearaght._--The Kittiwake remains long after the Puffin, Razorbill, -and Guillemot are gone, but leaves before the Stormy Petrel. Only -a few Herring Gulls breed on the island. They prey on the eggs of -other birds, and carry them off in their bill without breaking -them--Guillemots' eggs, some of which weigh eight ounces. They also -carry off the young birds and devour them on a rock close by. On May -17th I saw one seize an old Razorbill, which was on a ledge with -others, and carry it about 100 yards, when it fell into the sea. The -"Mottled Gull," which I suppose is the young Herring Gull, was not seen -since the 1st of May. They were seen again on August 5th, and will -remain during winter. - -_Valentia._--September 29th, Skua Gulls seen. October 5th, twenty Skua -Gulls. - -_Skelligs._--March 15th, adult Kittiwakes first appeared; 16th, first -alighted on the rock, and took possession of old nests and building -places. 23d, flock on water; came on rock again to-day. June 1st, one -lesser Black-Backed Gull. "The only one seen for past two years." (? R. -M. B.) 6th, Kittiwakes commenced laying. Great Black-Backed Gulls breed -on Lesser Skelligs. - - -Manx Shearwater. - -_Mine Head._--December 27th, a few fishing. - -_Dungarvan._--March 23d, fishing in bay. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--March 14th, four about ship; first this year. -April 16th and May 6th, several seen. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--March 21st, first seen this year; going W. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--April 26th, "Mackerel-cocks" about ship. - -_Rathlin Island._--March 17th, Shearwater seen. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--September 22d and October 3d, thousands of "Manx -Shearwater" going in one continuous stream to N.W. and N.; wind H. - -_Straw Island._--July 12th, eight "Mackerel-cock." - -_Tearaght._--March 7th, Shearwater first heard. May 11th, three on -water, and were heard occasionally on dark nights up to September 1st. -The Manx Shearwater breeds on Innishvicillane, an island three miles -distant. - -_Skelligs._--March 2d, one struck 9.30 P.M., fell, but not killed; -first appearance this year. May 1st, great numbers came on rock about -10 P.M.; weather thick. 8th, first egg seen to-day. August 27th, one -young one caught after striking at 10 P.M. Shearwater often strike, but -I never saw one killed; the same remark applies to Stormy Petrel. They -generally strike during drizzling rain, seldom in a fog. 29th, heard at -night for last time this year. - - -Stormy Petrel. - -_Fastnet._--October 20th, three about light; hazy, wind light, N.E. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--April 26th, one about ship, and at intervals -to May 1st. May 9th, one; also on May 20th and 24th. September 15th, -ten about ship; wind strong, W.S.W. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--May 27th, one hovering about; wind S., -stormy. September 12th, three going S.W.; wind strong. November 16th, -one at noon about ship; wind strong, S.E. - -_South Maidens._--July 16th, one found alive on balcony. - -_Tearaght._--March 5th, one flew against glass. April 4th, one against -glass. Observed as early as March 1st, but not plentiful until July, -"If I said there were six or seven thousand here, it would be giving -an idea of how plentiful they are." The eggs are laid about 15th June, -and the first I observed hatched was on 10th August. They vomit a -half-digested white matter as well as the oil; perhaps it is this they -feed the young with. - -_Valentia._--May 8th, one caught at night. October 2d, one captured in -yard. September 20th, one seen. - -_Skelligs._--April 21st, first appearance on rock in holes. May 13th, -numbers about lantern at 10 P.M. June 15th, first egg seen to-day. A -fortnight later than last year. - - -Razorbill. - -_Mine Head._--October 4th, young Razorbill diving, and on December -12th, 23d, and 27th, flocks flying towards S.W.; on latter date fishing -in great numbers. January 15th, 1886, the young Razorbill is as -plentiful here now as I ever saw them at the Tearaght. - -_Dungarvan._--May 13th, great number all day. - -_Arranmore._--Feb. 10th, Razorbills seen 5 wind strong, S.W. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--May 2d, flock around rock. 11th, alighted on rock. - -_Tearaght._--March 12th, first came on cliffs, young birds leaving -about July 13th, old and young all gone August 20th. They were about -as plentiful as on other years. They were observed taking the young on -their backs in the same way as last year by Mrs M'Carron. The young -birds leave in the evenings and at night. When they get to the water, -the object of the old bird seems to be to get the young ones out to sea. - -_Skelligs._--March 13th, a few perched on rock for first time this -year. March 16th, two "Blackbilled Auks" fishing around rock. First -seen since 2d inst., when I thought they had all left. (These are young -Razorbills.--R. M. B.) 23d, great numbers alighted on rock at 6 A.M.; -wind S., strong. May 9th, first Razorbill's egg seen. July 20th, some -leaving rock, young being fully grown. August 10th, all gone but a few. - - -Guillemot. - -_Mine Head._--December 27th, one seen. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--March 31st, large flock of "Murs" going E. -December 31st, flocks of "Murs." January 9th, 1886, small flocks of -"Murs" going E. - -_Rathlin Island._--March 28th, Guillemots and Razorbills. - -_Arranmore._--February 12th, Guillemots first observed. - -_Tearaght._--January 28th, about twenty observed at their breeding -places. February 18th, a good many on the cliffs. Old and young gone on -17th August. About as numerous as previous year. The young leave in the -night time. - -_Skelligs._--February 10th, first appearance 7 A.M.--They continued to -increase up to end of month, alighting at daybreak, and leaving about -10 P.M. or noon, when they leave again, and reappear next morning. May -9th, first Guillemots eggs seen. July 20th, some leaving rock, young -ones being fully grown. August 10th, all gone but a few. - - -Puffin. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--April and May, great flocks passed during -these months. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--March 26th, two "Sea Parrots." First seen -this year. April 2d, "Sea Parrots" drifting with tide. - -_Rockabill._--October 4th, "Puffins." - -_Rathlin Island._--March 30th, Puffins. - -_Eagle Island, E._--September 28th, one "Sea Parrot" (young bird) -swimming. "Did not notice any of these birds up to the present." -October 1st, fifty to sixty; also seen on 8th, and from November 28th -to December 1st, "continuous flights" are noted as going W. all day, -skimming the surface of the water. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--Flocks of "Puffins" noted March 4th, 7th, and April -6th. On 29th, "Sea Parrots alighted to look at building ground." On -June 9th, "Puffins of all kinds on rock hatching." July 20th, "Sea -Parrots leaving rock." - -_Clare Island._--April 11th, Guillemots and Puffins arrived to build. - -_Arran Island, N._--January 7th, flocks of "Puffins." Also on May 20th, -all day; and on July 16th. - -_Straw Island._--April 7th, twenty-two "Puffins." "Sea Parrots" noted -April 11th and May 1st, going E. July 10th, thirty "Sea Parrots." -September 4th, ten "Puffins," looked very young. - -_Tearaght._--March 23d, Puffin in great numbers on water. 31st, -observed on water at south side of island at 7 A.M., rose on island -at 9 A.M. Again they disappeared until April 3d, and on the 4th they -became permanent. The young birds were leaving on July 16th. This they -never do in the day-time. They left August 15th. A white-headed Puffin -was captured on June 2d. [Head received, greyish white.--R. M. B.] - -_Valentia._--October 1st, one taken in yard. - -_Skelligs._--March 26th, first appearance of Puffins flying; 31st, -alighted on rock first time to-day; wind strong, S.W. April 24th, first -Puffin's eggs seen. August 10th, Puffins left to-day _en masse_, except -a few whose young are not matured. - - -Great Northern Diver. - -_Dungarvan._--April 8th, two swimming about. November 25th, two. -December 1st, four. - -_Rathlin Island._--June 16th, two seen. - -_Straw Island._--April 23d, two Great Northern Divers. November 7th, -two. - - -Cormorant. - -_Mine, Head._--January 15th, 1886, plentiful along the cliffs. - -_Dungarvan._--November 5th, numbers feeding. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--A few at end of April. - -_Rockabill._--October 4th, Cormorants. - -_Rathlin Island._--March 6th, Green Cormorants. - -_Dunree Head._--Cormorants never leave all the year round. - -_Arranmore._--February 5th and March 27th, Cormorants noted. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--August 4th, twelve Cormorants. These birds are -always in vicinity. The "Black Diver" came here in spring, and -continued while fish were plenty. - -_Broadhaven._--June 30th, large numbers remain here this time of year. -November 14th, they are here all the year. - -_Eagle Island, E._--September 26th, October 15th and 22d, seen. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--May 25th and 29th, Cormorants alighted on rock near -us. "When they flap their wings, it is a sure sign of storm." - -_Straw Island._--May 19th, four seen. July 31st, three. - -_Valentia._--A few Cormorants noted in April, June, October, November, -and December. - -_Tearaght._--March 22d, two Green Cormorants, and several times after. -On March 20th, "I observed a very strange specimen of the Cormorant. -The crown of the head seemed flat, the whole length of the bill being -in a line with it. The under part of the bill, at a short distance from -the head, terminated abruptly; white in front of eyes, large black -curved streak round eyes behind, grey round back of neck, crown of head -a little tufted behind." - - -Gannet. - -_Dungarvan._--Entries on March 8th, May 20th, and June 20th. Direction -of flight variable. - -_Coningbeg Light-ship._--March 13th, ten; 31st, five going E. During -September Gannets at intervals passing ship, generally E. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--March. 24th, small flocks going S.W. -September 22d, flocks going east. December 27th, 28th, 31st, and -January 9th, 1886, Gannets noticed going in various directions. - -_Arklow South Light-ship._--Gannets noted February 14th, 19th, 20th, -March 2d, 4th, 23d, and May 12th, in every case flying low to the N.E. -August 16th and September 23d, flocks of Gannet. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--February 24th, flocks going N. and S. -March 23d, four passed N, During the month of April flocks of Gannets -constantly passed, going N. May 19th, several flocks passed, going N.E. -and S.W. October 27th, six going N. - -_Kish Light-ship._--A few Gannets going N. April 16th, 17th, and May -4th, and going S. on 29th May and June 17th. - -_Rockabill._--March 18th, April 21st, May 9th, Gannets seen. September -21st, October 8th, 12th, 22d, noted. - -_Copeland (Mew) Island._--March 25th, two--the first seen since last -September. May 8th, eight seen. - -_South Maidens._--April, Gannets fishing. - -_Rathlin Island._--March 2d, 14th, April 3d and 6th, flocks going W. -May 5th, small flock going W. all day; also on June 3d and 21st, going -W. September 14th, a flock going W., and more or less every day this -month. - -_Arranmore._--February 7th, Gannets going S.W. March 20th and May 23d, -going E. and N.E. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--Saw plenty in September. - -_Killybegs._--March 22d to 28th, a few going N. Noted in June fishing. - -_Eagle Island, E._--September 26th, and on frequent dates up to October -17th, Gannets in twos and threes and flocks, all going W. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--Flocks noted March 22d, 25th, and May 19th. On -July 2d, a few fishing. October 18th, 19th, and 20th, great numbers of -Gannets going N. January 17th and 19th, 1886, two or three, the first -seen since October 20th. - -_Slyne Head, North._--May 17th and 20th, large flocks of Gannets. - -_Arran Island, N._--January 8th, Gannets observed. July 14th, numbers -of Gannets about. - -_Straw Island._--March 7th and April 3d, a few noticed. - -_Skelligs._--February 28th, _Gannets first perched on Lesser Skelligs_, -their breeding station. June 15th, an unusual number this year. -They must have come from the Bull Rock, owing to the erection of a -lighthouse on it, which is now building. - - -Herons. - -_Dungarvan._--March 27th, two flying inland; wind N.W. October 26th, -two. - -_Tuskar Rock._--March 14th, two going H. - -_Copeland (Mew) Island._--September 21st, two "Cranes." - -_Rathlin Island._--May 24th, two going W. - -_Eagle Island, E._--September 27th, one seen. - -_Blackrock, Mayo._--April 20th, two Cranes seen. July 12th, one. - -_Tearaght._--July 22d, "four Herons (?) flying about island, and for a -few days. Was quite close to them. Never saw anything like them before. -Tips of wings were black, which continued along inner side, forming -a black fringe. There was a white spot at the angle of the wings in -front." - -_Skelligs._--March 22d, a Heron seen; wind H., strong. July 22d, two -Herons perched on rock; flew E. 26th, two seen. - - -Geese. - -_Copeland (Mew) Island._--March 11th, twenty going E. - -_South Maidens._--March 19th, three Barnacle. August 25th, a flock of -Barnacle going S. - -_Innishtrahull._--January, small flocks of Barnacle passing S.; also on -February 10th, 15th, and 18th, one shot on 20th. - -_Lough Swilly._--October 8th, eighteen; 12th, large flocks passing N. - -_Tory Island._--March 23d and 28th, Barnacle passed. - -_Arranmore._--February 13th, Barnacle remain on island all winter. -April 1st, some going N.W. October 3d, twenty-four going S.; wind W., -strong. Barnacle also passed on 6th, 8th, 10th, and 18th to 22d. - -_Rathlin O'Birne._--October 4th, twenty-two alighted on island; shot -two. November 7th, 16th, and 20th, Barnacle noted, "one being a gander, -the first seen for last two years." - -_Broadhaven._--April 1st, a large flock of Wild Geese going S.W. -December 22d, Wild Geese remain here until March. - -_Eagle Island, E._--October 19th, seven Barnacle going S.W. November -8th, about one hundred going S.W. - -_Blacksod._--January 17th, February 10th, and April 30th, noted. - -_Arran Island, N._--February 14th, twelve Wild Geese. May 18th, flock -of Barnacle going N. July 19th, four "Wild Geese" going S.; 23d, five -going N. October 10th, large flock of Barnacle going S. - -_Straw Island._--November 9th, eight Wild Geese going N. Tearaght. May -2d, thirty going N.; 17th, twenty ditto. - - -Ducks. - -_Mine Head._--December 13th, one found dead near lighthouse. - -_Dungarvan._--April 14th, large flock of Teal going to sea. June 27th, -thirteen Wild Duck on a rock near station. October 25th, flock of Teal. -November 1st, large flock of Duck; 11th, a flock; 13th, large flock of -Widgeon; 29th, numbers of Duck and Teal on water. - -_Tuskar Rock._--January 22d, one alighted on rock. - -_Arklow North Light-ship._--March 16th, 23d, and 24th, flocks of Ducks -going N. - -_Copeland (Mew) Island._--April 12th, three; 16th, eight. May 6th, two -Shelldrake. November 4th, four Wild Ducks. December 26th, twelve about -island. - -_Rathlin Island._--December 9th, one Shelldrake. November 8th, one -Pochard shot. - -_Dunree Head._--February 6th, 20th, 20th, and 27th, flocks passing -station. - -_Lough Swilly._--October 30th, four seen. - -_Tory Island._--Ducks noted February 14th and March 17th. - -_Arranmore._--Ducks on island all winter. - -_Killybegs._--April 20th, two. About six pair nest in a bog near. - -_Broadhaven._--March 4th, flock of Shelldrake going N.W. 29th, five -Wild Duck. - -_Straw Island._--March 5th, eight Wild Duck; 13th, six. October 17th, -fifteen Wild Duck; 18th, two Shelldrake. November 5th, thirty Wild Duck. - - -Merganser. - -_Dungarvan._--April 5th, eleven going S. - - -Birds not Identified. - -_Barrels Rock Light-ship._--May 21st, "observed a curious bird hovering -around the ship. It was larger than a Thrush, and of a brown mottled -colour, with a streak of white across each wing. It flew N." - -_South Maidens._--May 13th, "a strange bird seen on rock, not as large -as a Thrush, with a portion of the back yellow, white near the tail, -which was dotted with yellow spots. I have not seen a bird resembling -this one since I came to station." - -_Tearaght._--On 12th April, a bird Like the Great Shrike was observed. - -_Skelligs._--October 16th, "a small bird about the size of a Wren with -a white spot on its forehead, flitting about amongst the lichen on the -face of the rocks. It uttered a note like tzit, tzit, tzit, or tzee, a -little sibilant in tone." - -_Skelligs._--October 23d, a Starling? feeding on rock. A gale from -N.E., with mist. "This bird was spotted with white spots, the same as -Morris's Nutcracker." - - - * * * * * - - -Transcriber Note - -Some irregularities in spelling and hyphenation were left as printed. -Minor typos were corrected. The elevation of the Lochindaul Station on -p. 93 was corrected to 50 based on the 1884 Report. - - - - - - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS IN -THE SPRING AND AUTUMN OF 1885 *** - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the -United States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for an eBook, except by following -the terms of the trademark license, including paying royalties for use -of the Project Gutenberg trademark. If you do not charge anything for -copies of this eBook, complying with the trademark license is very -easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose such as creation -of derivative works, reports, performances and research. Project -Gutenberg eBooks may be modified and printed and given away--you may -do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks not protected -by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the trademark -license, especially commercial redistribution. - -START: FULL LICENSE - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the -person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph -1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the -Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when -you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country other than the United States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work -on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: - - 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. - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format -other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm website -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain -Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -provided that: - -* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation." - -* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm - works. - -* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - -* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the manager of -the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the Foundation as set -forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at -www.gutenberg.org - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non-profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, -Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up -to date contact information can be found at the Foundation's website -and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without -widespread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine-readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our website which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This website includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. |