Chapter II: Part 2

Charadriidæ.--The burst of severe weather during the early days in December brought an immense influx of Plovers to our east coast from the north; large flocks are noticed at this time at the more northern stations, more particularly at Coquet Island on Nov. 26th and Dec. 6th, northerly and westerly winds, force from 6 to 8. There is only one notice south of the Humber, and this early in the season. At the Shipwash, Oct. 12th, flock of thirty Lapwings, going westward.

Woodcock, _Scolopax rusticola_.--Was observed at the Farn Islands, Oct. 22nd, 30th (great flight), Nov. 1st, Dec. 2nd, N.E. to N.N.E. At Coquet Island, Sept. 29th, S.W., strong, one; and Oct. 24th, also one; about noon on both days. At Teesmouth, Nov. 2nd, three at daylight. At the Outer Dowsing, a station more than fifty miles from the nearest land, on Dec. 12th, two flying W. At Heligoland, Oct. 30th, N.N.W., early at dawn, great many Woodcocks; about 100 killed. Great numbers were shot on the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire coast on the morning of Oct. 31st, sixty at Spurn Point alone; wind very fresh from N.E. on the previous night with drizzly rain. The migration of Woodcocks extended from Sept. 29th at Coquet Island to Dec. 12th at the Outer Dowsing--seventy-five days. The "great flight," at Heligoland on the morning of Oct. 30th; east coast of England, on the night of the 30th.

Snipe, _Gallinago media_.--At the Longstone, Sept. 17th, 2.30 a.m., misty, one struck the lantern and was killed. At the Farn Islands, on Dec. 2nd, 10th and 19th. At the North Foreland, on Nov. 14th, 1.30 a.m., N., moderate gale, and again on the 21st, at 5 a.m., snow. Snipe were killed. Very large numbers arrived in Holderness and North Lincolnshire, from the middle to the end of November, just preceding the outbreak of severe weather in December. They left the district again, almost to a bird, before the middle of the month.

Curlew, _Numenius arquatus_.--Curlews were in large flocks at Teesmouth on Sept. 27th. At the Inner Dowsing, Sept. 1st, three going from N.E. to S.W. At Hunstanton, on Oct. 13th, 4 a.m., fog, one struck glass of lantern and was taken. At the South-sand Head, Aug. 13th to 29th, large flocks, 100 to 200 in a flock, going S. and S.W. The Curlew migrates early in the autumn, Aug. 13th to Sept. 29th. Most of these entries will probably refer to young birds, the old Curlews coming later in October and November. At Heligoland, Oct. 30th, many passed over.

Anatidæ.--Between Dec. 4th and 20th Swans passed the Teesmouth from N. to S. in some numbers; on the 4th, six; the 8th, five (four old and one young); 14th, nine (eight old and one young); 15th, forty-three; 16th, three; 18th, two; the 20th, ten at 10 a.m., and ninety-five at 11 a.m. On the 18th a flock of thirty was seen near Spurn, one old white bird acting as pilot, the remainder all young, in the brown plumage. Two Bewick's Swans were shot on the Humber on the 8th. Four passed the Kentish Knock, on Dec. 4th, 2.15 p.m., N.E. to S.W. Two Swans, which may have been "escaped birds" from some private waters, passed the Teesmouth on Sept. 30th, 10 a.m., flying S.E. Geese were observed at several stations both north and south of the Humber, going south from Aug. 18th to Dec. 13th, the main body passing south during the last half of November and in December. Brent or "Black Geese" are noted at the Corton, going south, July 18th, twelve; July 30th, two flocks of from thirty to forty; on Sept. 17th, thirty. These are very early dates for Brent Geese,[14] Mr. Cotton, the observer, might have possibly been led into an error by passing flocks of black Scoters. As, however, "black ducks" are frequently mentioned in his return, this could hardly be the case, and he appears very well able to discriminate between the two. At the Corton, Dec. 4th, hundreds of black geese from N.E. to S.W. from sunrise to noon--_i.e._, towards the mouth of the Thames or Essex coast. As might have been expected, large flocks of Ducks are constantly noted, so frequently indeed, as to defy repetition; this is more particularly the case in the returns from the lightships. They are noted sometimes flying S., from the land or to the land, and in fact in every direction. Many of these would be local flocks going to and from their feeding grounds. Immense numbers, however, coming from the north, passed along the coast in November and December. At Coquet Island, on Dec. 14th, 3 a.m., N.W., blowing a gale, two Eider Ducks (spelt phonetically, "Ida" in the report) struck lantern and one was killed.

[Footnote 14: Major C. Russell, writing from Essex, says, "The earliest occurrence of Brent Geese on our coast I ever remember hearing of was Sept. 29th, when many years ago one of our coast gunners, still living, killed ten at a shot."]

Red-throated Diver, _Colymbus septentrionalis_.--Red-throated Divers and Mergansers are mentioned in the report from Teesmouth during November. With regard to the first of these, Mr. Gätke sends the following curious note, dated Dec. 22nd, 1879:--"_Colymbus septentrionalis_, almost by the million. During the last forty years there have never, during a single autumn, been a fiftieth part of what we see here now every day--all passing along, principally during the forenoon, east of the island in an E. by N. direction, which I think they continue till coming to the Holstein coast, then strike off in a northerly course up to the extreme north of Jutland, and from thence cross over to the Dutch coast, perhaps next morning to renew the trip. There are constantly so many that one scarcely can believe them always to be fresh birds."

Procellaridæ.--At the Longstone, on Sept. 18th, at 3 a.m., two Petrels were caught against the lantern-windows. At Coquet Island, on Nov. 4th, 3 a.m., one killed against the lantern. At the Goodwin, Oct. 11th, five were seen with many Larks and Starlings round the lantern at night. Greater numbers of Procellaria glacialis have been seen off Heligoland during the autumn than has been the case for the last twenty years.

* * * * *

Independent of the notes of each species, as already given, numerous flocks of small birds were seen passing the stations, but too far distant to determine the species. This was specially the case at the Spurn, on Dec. 3rd and 8th; at the Cockle, on Oct. 9th; and at the South-sand Head, on Sept. 20th. At the Kentish Knock, on Nov. 20th, half-a-dozen small birds came on board at midnight, which, from the written description in the margin, were probably Greenfinches. It is, however, impossible to give even a guess at another species which visited another lightvessel on Sept. 20th, "Fifty very small birds--in fact, the smallest of British birds--like a Sky Lark, but a deal smaller." From the date, they may have been either Titlarks or Flycatchers.

No rare migrants have been noticed, but this was scarcely to be expected. In this respect the budget of notes supplied by that veteran ornithologist Herr Gätke bears a striking contrast to our east coast reports. On that small island, so favourably situated for observation, Mr. Gätke has trained up quite a host of practical observers, and any rare visitant will have to be very sharp if it succeeds in escaping detection. Quoting from Mr. Gätke's letter dated Dec. 22nd, we have, on Sept. 17th, _Sylvia fuscata_, though not got; _Anthus Richardi_ on the 18th; _A. cervinus_ on the 20th; _Picus leuconotus_ on the 21st; then some days S.W. with rain and no birds; 26th, calm and clear, _Emberiza pusilla_; 27th, E.N.E., _Anthus Richardi_, _Emberiza pusilla_ (two shot), _E. aureola_ (seen); 28th, _E. pusilla_ (two seen), _E. rustica_ (one shot); 29th, _Sylvia superciliosus_ (one); 30th, _Emberiza pusilla_ (one); Oct. 1st, _E. pusilla_ (one); Nov. 2nd, 3rd and 4th, westerly winds and nothing, but daily some _Parus ater_; on the 5th, again, _Anthus cervinus_ (seen and heard); northerly winds, sometimes N.E. on the 8th, a Leaf Warbler seen at close quarters, but not procured by Aeuckens, the Heligoland birdstuffer, which Mr. Gätke feels tolerably certain was a very rare visitant; the same day there were two or three _E. rustica_, and one each of _A. pusilla_ and _A. cervinus_. The rare Leaf Warbler was again seen on the 9th, but could not be obtained; an _Emberiza rustica_ was also seen. On the 10th, _E. pusilla_ shot and _E. rustica_ seen. On the 12th, _Muscicapa parva_ and _Motacilla lugubris_, which latter comes there rarely in autumn. On the 14th, _Sylvia superciliosus_ was shot by Mr. Gätke's eldest son, and two more were seen by Aeuckens in a garden where shooting was not permitted. On the 18th, one very fine _E. pusilla_ shot. On the 20th _Lestris affinis_ was seen close by, but not shot, as it would have fallen in the sea and drifted away. This is the third, if not the fourth, known occurrence of the Siberian Herring Gull at Heligoland. On the 24th a large Redpoll was shot, which Mr. Gätke thinks can only be the Greenland bird, _Linota Hornemanni_.

A summary of the various returns show that four species, Larks, Starlings, Rooks and Hooded Crows, in the order given respectively, far outnumber any other, and of these four the Lark far exceeds the rest in migratory numbers. As a rule, the lines of migration followed have been from E. to W., or S.E. to N.W. direct on to the English coast. To the middle of October we find birds rarely coming from points north of east; after this date they appear to come occasionally from directions north of east, between east and due north. The line of migration of the _Anatidæ_ has been from north to south, crossing the line of the _Insessores_ at right angles.

There is one remarkable exception to the general rule of an east to west route in the case of the lightvessel on the Galloper Bank, forty miles S.S.E. of Orfordness. All entries in this return show birds passing to the E. or S.S.E. or S.E. during October. We can only account for this anomalous line by supposing the birds which cross the Galloper have previously struck the English coast at some higher latitude, and after skirting the coast line shot off again somewhere near Orfordness and crossed the North Sea to the Belgian and French coasts between Nieuport and Dunkerque. On Nov. 24th a great quantity of Larks and Starlings passed the Galloper towards the N.N.E, a line which if persevered in would eventually bring them to the Dutch coast.

At the East-side from the 2nd to the 5th of November flocks of "Crows" were observed passing from the S. to the N., or from the French to the Suffolk coast. The great body of the immigrants during 1879 have crossed at the more southern stations, the four lightships on the Goodwin Sands, also the Nore, the Shipwash and Kentish Knock showing a constant and continuous stream on to the south-east coast. These birds would all cross at the narrowest part of the North Sea directly from E. to W. to the English coast. The long prevalence of north-westerly winds in October and November may to a great extent have deflected the lines of migration much farther to the south than is generally the case.

Migrants have passed the stations at all hours of the day and night, flying at no great altitude and in almost all winds and weather. When the nights are dark and cloudy, no stars appearing, in rain, fogs and snowstorms, flocks of birds during the night migrations will crowd round the lanterns of the lightships; many strike the glass and are killed, falling on deck or pitching overboard. On these nights birds will often remain for hours in the vicinity of a light, circling round and round, evidently having lost their way; at the first break in the clouds, the stars becoming visible, or the first streak of early dawn, they will resume their flight to the nearest land.

The "great rush" of immigrants was from the 12th to the 23rd of October. The "final rush" took place just preceding and during the first burst of winter, early in December.

The occurrences when birds travel dead to windward are very rare indeed, and then only with light winds. In the great majority of cases birds migrate flying within two to four points of the wind, sometimes with a "beam" wind, or even a point or two "abaft of beam." If the wind changes during the actual passage, birds will change the direction of their flight to suit the wind. Thus at the Shipwash, on Oct. 16th, from 9.50 a.m. to 1.20 p.m. the wind was N.N.W., flocks constantly passing from S.E. to N.W. from 1.20 to 3.20 p.m. the wind blew from N.N.E., and the birds passed S.S.E. to N.N.W. If subsequent observations should prove the correctness of this rule, it will go far to account for all the irregularities of migration--the "why" birds are seen in great numbers in one year in any locality, and perhaps absent altogether in following seasons.

Subsequent to the writing of this report I have received several communications showing a large and very remarkable influx of immigrants on to the east coast of England in January and the first fortnight in February, 1880. On Jan. 24th great numbers of Fieldfares were seen near Spurn Point, between Easington and Kilnsea, and since this date they are reported as very numerous in the locality; with the Fieldfares came many fine old cock Blackbirds. In North-East Lincolnshire, also, during the last fortnight in January I saw many very large flocks of Fieldfares, apparently entirely composed of old birds; before this time scarcely any had been seen. Mr. Gätke writes from Heligoland:--"_T. pilaris_ all January, through night from 10th to 11th, great many; also Oystercatchers and other waders coming from the E; also from 21st to 24th, the same." These dates agree very well with the time of their arrival on our east coast. Short-eared Owls arrived in some numbers at Spurn in the last week in January. A very large flock of Snow Buntings was seen on the 8th February. On the Lincolnshire side I noticed an immense flock of the same species, fresh arrivals, on the 5th; and on the 11th thousands, also hundreds of Larks. This final and third "rush" of immigrants so late in the winter is curious, and may perthaps be explained by the comparatively milder winter over Northern Europe, compared with what we have experienced in the central and southern zones of Europe. We have indeed a recent precedent for this in the winter of 1877-78, when, after a long continuance of mild weather in Scandinavia, a sharp and sudden outburst of real winter drove the Fieldfares, as Mr. Gätke says, over Heligoland, on the night from the 27th to 28th January, in "countless flights."

_WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND._

Printed forms of enquiry and letters of instruction were forwarded to thirty-eight lighthouses on the west coast of Scotland and the Isles. Twenty-four stations have sent in returns, and fourteen have either sent none, or have returned blank forms, owing to the scarcity of birds. The stations from which co-operation was asked are as follows, commencing with the most northerly and those from which returns have been received are marked with a *:--

*Cape Wrath, Sutherland; white and red alt., rev. every minute.
J. M'Gill.
*Rhu Stoir, W. Cromarty; white, interval 1 minute. William Wither.
*Butt of Lewis, Lewis; white, fixed. George Edgar.
Stornoway, Lewis; 2 lights, white, rev. ½ m., & white, fixed. R. Murray.
*Island Glass, Harris; white, fixed. William Lines.
Ushenish, North Uist; red, fixed.
*Monach Island; same tower, upp. white fl., low. red, fixed.
J. Youngclause.
Barra Head, Barra; white, interval 2½ minutes.
Rona, Skye; white fl., every 12 seconds. David Dunnett.
Kyleakin, Rosshire; white and red, fixed. David M'Culloch.
*Isle Ornsay, Skye; white, fixed. David Ross.
*Ardnamurchan Point, Argyleshire; white, fixed. David Laidlaw.
*{Hynish, Skerryvore Signal Tower, Tyree; no lights.† William Crow.
{Skerryvore, off Tyree; white, revolving every minute. "
*Dhuheartach, S.W. of Ross of Mull; white, with red sector, fixed.
J. Ewing.
*Sound of Mull, Tobermory; red, green, & white sectors, fixed.
W. M'Lellan.
Corran Ferry, Loch Eil; red and white sectors, fixed. Thomas Tulloch.
Lismore Island, Oban; white, fixed.
*Fladda, Easdale; white, with a red sector, fixed. James Langton.
*Rhuvaal, Islay; white, with red sector, fixed. David Spink.
*M'Arthur's Head, Islay; white and red sectors, fixed. Thos. Sutherland.
*Skervuile, Jura; white, revolving every ½ minute. John Ewing.
*Rhinns of Islay, Islay; white fl. every 5 seconds. Andrew Lyall.
Lochindaul, Islay; white and red sectors, fixed. William Mail.
Mull of Kintyre; white, fixed. James Thompson.
Sanda, Kintyre Sound; red, fixed.
*Devaar, Kintyre; white, revolving every ½ minute. Charles Black.
*Pladda, Arran; 2 lights 8 yards apart, white, fixed. Thomas Grierson.
*Lamlash, Arran; green, fixed. David Waters.
Turnberry, Ayrshire; white fl. every 12 seconds. Charles Black.
*Corsewall, Wigtown; white and red alternate every minute. R. Laidlaw.
*Loch Ryan, Wigtown; white, fixed. Ralph Ewing.
*Portpatrick, Wigtown; white, fixed. James Beggs.
*Mull of Galloway, Wigtown; white, intervals. M. Morrison.
*Little Ross, Kirkcudbright; white fl., every 5 seconds. W. A. Mackay.
Point of Ayr, Isle of Man; white and red alternate every min. J. Blythe.
Douglas Head, Isle of Man; white, fixed. Alexander M'Donald.
Chickens Rock, Isle of Man; white, revolving every ½ minute.

† This station included by mistake, but retained for convenience,
bracketed with the next.

Thanks are due to the various observers for the careful way in which the schedules have been filled in. Excluding the Natatores, notes have been taken on about thirty species.

SEPARATE REPORT OF EACH SPECIES OBSERVED.

Hawk.--At Dhuheartach on Oct. 5th, two struck lantern at 8 a.m., light S.E. wind, and haze; and another on the 8th, at 7 a.m., calm, with fog. At Mull of Galloway, on July 18th, a Sparrowhawk was killed at 11 p.m., S.E., light and calm, thick haze; and one on Aug. 15th, at 1 a.m., wind variable, light air, fog and haze.

Owl.--I have only two records--one seen at Dhuheartach on May 30th, at 4 p.m., wind N.W., fog; and the other at the same place on Oct. 20th, at 3 p.m., wind E.S.E., fresh, with haze.

Swallow, _Hirundo rustica_, L.--The most northerly station noted this year on our west coast is Rhu Stoir, but two records here evidently refer to the spring migration, being June 6th and 10th, when two were seen on each day. The most northerly station noted during the autumn migration is Ardnamurchan; thence southwards at Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, Rhuvaal, Skervuile, Rhinns of Islay, and Loch Ryan. The earliest date on which they were recorded is 29th July, when one was seen at Dhuheartach at 6 p.m.; wind N., fresh, with clear weather. The latest record is Sept. 25th, when forty or fifty were seen at Rhuvaal, at 4 p.m.; wind S.W., fresh, with rain. The length of time thus occupied by the migration along the west coast of Scotland was, approximately, fifty-eight days. The greatest rush took place between the 20th Aug. and 25th Sept.; and, as far as shown, at Ardnamurchan and Rhuvaal. At Ardnamurchan, twenty rested all night on Aug. 20th, and left in the morning. At Rhuvaal forty to fifty were seen, as related above. Swallows appeared to migrate principally when the wind is southerly (S.W. to S.E.), in light, variable, or fresh head- or side-winds, and hazy weather. Exceptions are found, however, at Dhuheartach on July 26th, when the wind was N., fresh, and weather clear; and at Skerryvore on Aug. 17th, when one appeared at the lantern about 10 p.m. (two hours after lighting up) in a N.W. light breeze, with showers. Swallows migrate mostly by day, resting all night. My returns show that they passed at all hours, but mostly before dark.

Martin, _Hirundo urbica_.--Martins are noticed at two stations only, _viz._, Butt of Lewis and Corsewall. The migration lasted between July 29th and Aug. 16th, or during eighteen days (but data are defective). They travelled during the day, resting around the lighthouses at night, with S. to S.E. and S.W. winds; the only one killed was when wind was N.N.E., at Corsewall.

Wren.--The records are few of this species: usually noticed on migration in large numbers; they appeared at Monach Island and Dhuheartach. The earliest date is Aug. 17th, when "some" struck at 10 p.m., and between that and 3 a.m.; wind W., and haze. The latest date is Dec. 9th, when one was seen at 3 p.m., with S.W. breeze, and showers. In fourteen years Mr. Edgar never saw a Wren at the Butt of Lewis lighthouse.

Goldcrest, _Regulus cristatus_.--At Mull of Galloway on July 18th, alighting all night and resting. Mr. Edgar's letter of 20th Sept. supplies the information that he has never seen Goldcrests at the Butt of Lewis--a negative fact of value in tracing their exact lines of flight. Perhaps in our next reports observers will state in their remarks if any of the species noticed in this one have hitherto been rare, or entirely absent from their stations in past years.

Robin.--Appeared at Kyleakin, and thence southwards at Skerryvore, Rhuvaal, Skervuile, Rhinns of Islay, and Corsewall. The largest number recorded at Corsewall, where fifteen struck on Sept. 15th, at 11 p.m.; wind S.W., light breeze, and haze. The earliest date is Sept. 10th--one at Skervuile, at midnight; wind S.W., light, and cloudy. The latest is at Rhuvaal, on Dec. 4th at 9 a.m., when one was seen; wind variable, light breeze, clear. Thus, time occupied is between Sept. 10th and Dec. 4th. A rush took place in September between 10th and 21st, but no large numbers are recorded; in October another rush between 7th and 18th; on the former date numbers migrated with Larks and other species not known, and many were killed and fell into the sea at Skervuile. At Skerryvore one seen at 7 p.m.; wind S., fresh, with fog and rain. In September I have records on six days at four stations; in October two at two stations, and in December one at one station--Rhuvaal; they passed or struck mostly at night or morning, but a few through the day; winds mostly southerly, and hazy or foggy; a few in cloudy and clear.

Hedgesparrow.--At M'Arthur's Head, on Sept. 28th, one struck at 1 a.m.; wind N.W., strong, with haze and rain.

Wheatear.--Wheatears or "Stonechecks" are recorded from Skerryvore as the most northerly station this year, and thence southward at Rhuvaal, Skervuile, Turnberry, Corsewall, and Mull of Galloway. The earliest appearance noted is on Aug. 15th, and the latest on Sept. 28th; thus the migration extended over forty-four days. The greatest rush was between Aug. 17th and 22nd. The migration took place entirely at night, and principally with southerly winds--S., S.W., and to W.; fewer in northerly or easterly winds. The favoured stations were Skerryvore, Rhuvaal, and Skervuile.

Titmice.--The negative information that Mr. Edgar never saw any Titmice at the Butt of Lewis lighthouse is worthy of record. I have notes of their occurrence at M'Arthur's Head and Lamlash; in each case a single bird struck the lantern, Nov. 16th and Aug. 17th, at 6 p.m. and 10 a.m. respectively; both during west wind, and light air.

Fieldfare.--Occurred at Monach Island and Douglas Head, and is reported as usually seen at Butt of Lewis, though not this year. At Monach Island a number struck, and fifteen were killed, between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m., on Oct. 21st and 22nd; wind S.W., fresh, and drizzling rain. At Douglas Head one was seen on Oct. 16th, at 10 a.m.; wind N., moderate breeze, and cloudy.

Thrush.--The most northern station is, for 1879, Isle Ornsay. Mr. Edgar; however, adds the general information that in most years the Butt of Lewis yields large numbers at the lantern; thence southward at Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, Rhinns of Islay, Lochindaul, Lamlash, Corsewall, and Point of Ayre. The earliest date is Sept. 19th, when a mixed flock of Thrushes and Blackbirds passed in variable winds, and clear, at Lamlash. The latest date is Dec. 3rd, when "Thrushes" passed Lochindaul in the "daytime." But this may be due to local influences and hard frost then registered. The next latest date is Nov. 24th, when one was seen in the daytime, 2 p.m.; wind N.E., fresh, clear; this would give sixty-six days for the passage, or, taking the later date of Dec. 3rd, seventy-six days. The rushes were on Sep. 19th (_ut sup._); a "great rush" Oct. 21st to 28th. On Oct. 21st at Point of Ayr, two hundred "along with Blackbirds" seen at 1.80 p.m.; wind N. and N.W., strong, clear, with occasional showers. Also at the Rhinns of Islay, five seen, and so through records of Oct. 22nd, 18th to 28th, when three hundred "dark grey birds larger than a common Thrush!!?" (probably Missel Thrush, _Turdus viscivorus_) were seen at Point of Ayr; wind S.S.E., light, and hazy; and at Skerryvore about forty (of which ten killed) at 7 p.m.; wind S.E., light breeze, and haze. Thrushes travel with winds from S.E. to S.W. by preference, but also with winds from W. to N.E., through N.; observed most, as with most other species at lanterns, in hazy and rainy weather, but the great rush took place in "clear, with occasional showers," and "hazy and fine." Returns show that out of sixteen dates reported upon, only three show a diurnal migration, but one of these three is the rush of three hundred "dark grey birds larger than a common Thrush"[15] on Oct. 28th, at Point of Ayr.

[Footnote 15: We shall refer to these under "Birds unknown," but we have thought it advisable to enter them here also; they can easily be erased in future comparisons if better data come to hand.]

Blackbird.--The northernmost locality is Rhuvaal, where one struck on Dec. 1st, at 2 p.m., wind N.E., fresh; thence southwards at M'Arthur's Head, Skervuile, Pladda, Lamlash, Corsewall, Mull of Galloway and Point of Ayr. The earliest date is Aug. 26th, at M'Arthur's Head. The latest date is Dec. 1st, at Rhuvaal. The time thus occupied by the migration was ninety-seven days. The rushes took place between 13th and 21st Oct., and the most favoured locality recorded is Point of Ayr, where on Oct. 21st two hundred "mixed Thrushes and Blackbirds" were seen at 1.30 p.m.; wind N.N.W., strong, and clear, with occasional showers. They were visible at the various stations in all winds, apparently from W. to E. and from S. to N.N.W. They appeared at all hours of the day and night, but most of the records apply to night migration.

Starling.--The records of the Starling are very general; the most northern station given is Butt of Lewis, where the remark is made that they generally strike. This year, however, the most northern is Ardnamurchan Point, thence southward at Dhuheartach, Sound of Mull, M'Arthur's Head, Skervuile, Rhinns of Islay, Corsewall, Portpatrick, Mull of Galloway, and Point of Ayr. The earliest date on record is Aug. 11th, at M'Arthur's Head and Loch Ryan; at the former, one struck at 10 p.m., in S. wind, fresh, with haze; at the latter, two struck at 11.30 p.m.; wind E., light, with fog. The latest date is Dec. 18th, when one was caught at Skervuile at 11 p.m.; wind S.W., fresh, with haze. Thus the time occupied in passage was one hundred and thirty days, but the last date may have been due to local influence and keen frost at that time registered. The next latest date is Nov. 23rd, which would make the time spent in passage one hundred and four days. Rushes took place more frequently than with most species noted; thus, Sept. 19th, Oct. 12th to 25th, and Nov. 11th and 17th, may all be characterised as dates of rushes. The most favoured localities were Corsewall and Portpatrick, for frequency of records; and Ardnamurchan Point, Dhuheartach, Portpatrick, and Point of Ayr, for numbers of individuals. Starlings do not seem to have any choice of wind, as far as returns show. We find them migrating with N., W., and S.E. winds in almost equal proportions, with a preference--but very slight--to W. winds. They also pass or strike in E., S., and N.W. winds, but in fewer numbers. We do not think any deductions can be drawn from these data. But Starlings breed at many of the lighthouses or in their vicinity, so it is not always easy to determine whether, in every instance, they are on migration or not (as remarked by more than one reporter, _e.g._, Mr. Edgar, at the Butt of Lewis, &c.). Out of seventeen dates reported on, only three show migration to have taken place during the day, _viz._, at Portpatrick (in two instances), and Ardnamurchan Point (3 p.m. in a gale).

Finches.--At Dhuheartach on Aug. 24th, one hundred were seen and twenty killed between p.m. and 2 a.m., wind N.N.W., with haze; on Oct. 4th, six seen in afternoon, wind light and variable, with clear weather; again, on Oct. 8th, two were killed at 7 a.m., calm, with fog. The above are all the returns of "Finches."

Linnet.--Only two records. At Rhuvaal on Sept. 9th, thirty to forty old and young, were seen around the lantern at 10 a.m.; wind E. to N., breeze to stormy, with haze; and at Lamlash on same date and at same hour, fifty were seen; wind fresh breeze from W., and clear.

Yellowhammer.--At Lamlash on Aug. 17th, one struck at 10 a.m., in light W. wind, and fog.

Snow Bunting.--At Monach Island, farthest north recorded, and at Dhuheartach and Corsewall. Earliest appearance Sept. 19th, when a flock was seen at Monach Island at noon, with S.W. light wind, and clear weather. Latest date Dec. 10th, when one was caught at Corsewall at 10 p.m.; wind variable, light, and haze; thus, time occupied was eighty-two days. A. rush took place probably about Sept. 19th, when a flock was seen at Monach Island,--but our data are scanty,--and another about Nov. 10th, when a flock passed Corsewall. Other dates of record are Oct. 10th and 18th; they passed in N.W. and N. winds, in clear or cloudy weather; also in September in S.W., with clear weather, and variable wind, with clear or haze. All the records are during the night, except one at 12 noon, at Monach Island on Sept. 19th; wind S.W., clear.

Lark.--The most northern station noted this year was Dhuheartach, and thence southward they are noticed at M'Arthur's Head, Skervuile, Rhinns of Islay, Lamlash and Corsewall. The earliest date is Aug. 17th, when twenty struck at Dhuheartach between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m.; wind W., with haze. The latest date is Dec. 6th, when one struck at 9 p.m.; wind S.E., fresh, and haze, at Corsewall; the time thus occupied was one hundred and twelve days (but the last was no doubt due to the severe frost inland at that time). The previous date is Nov. 18th, which would make the time only seventy-nine days. The greatest rush appears to have been in October, about the 12th to 24th, but the numbers observed are so small that it is difficult to judge. The locality most favoured was Dhuheartach, whence I have returns on eight different dates, between Aug. 17th and Nov. 24th. An earlier rush took place about Aug. 17th to 21st, at Dhuheartach and Skervuile. A later rush about Nov. 15th to 18th at Dhuheartach, Skervuile, and Rhinns of Islay, but of small dimensions. Larks appear to migrate principally when the wind is W. to S.W., or late in the season, when still more southerly, say S. Exceptions occur at Dhuheartach on Nov. 24, when wind was N.E., fresh, and weather clear; at Rhinns of Islay on Nov. 7th, wind N.W., light breeze; at Skervuile on Oct. 10th, when wind was N.; they migrate in calm, variable, light, or fresh winds, and are noticed at lanterns principally in haze and fog. They migrate mostly at night, at all hours, but the majority pass between 7.30 p.m. and 4 a.m. Those passing during the day were travelling when the wind was N. or N.E.; those passing at night when the wind was S. to W. So the returns show; but whether this indicates any _law of migration_ or not remains to be proved by further observation.

Lapwing.--The most northern station which they were observed to pass at this season was Rhu Stoir; thence southward, they are reported at Isle Ornsay, Lochindaul, Devaar, Pladda, and Portpatrick. The earliest date given is Aug. 20th, when "flocks" were seen during the day in N. wind and clear weather; the latest is Dec. 11th, when one was killed at Pladda, at 2 a.m., wind S.E., light breeze, with haze. The next latest date given is Nov. 14th, when twenty-two were seen at 8.30 a.m. at Portpatrick, wind S.E., and haze. The time occupied, therefore, this year is from eighty-six to one hundred and thirteen days. Rushes took place about the 20th to 25th August, when several flocks passed Isle Ornsay and Lochindaul; again, Sept. 16th to 25th, a flock at Devaar, Portpatrick and Chickens Rock; another rush at Rhu Stoir, Portpatrick and Lochindaul about Oct. 27th. Lapwings travelled in clear or haze, rain, or showers, principally in S. and S.E. winds, on the west coast; but also in N. wind on Aug. 20th, and in W. and S.W. at Rhu Stoir and Lochindaul on Oct. 23rd and Nov. 1st respectively They appear to travel equally by day and night.

Plover.--Three stations give returns of this species, _viz._, Skerryvore, Rhinns of Islay, and Portpatrick. The earliest date is July 27th, at Portpatrick. The latest date is Oct. 18th, at Skerryvore. The time thus occupied by the migration was fifty-three days. The principal rush took place about the beginning of September, and the favoured station was Portpatrick, where they were always observed prssing inland with a S. to S.W. wind, light or strong breeze, during the daytime. Individuals struck lantern of Rhinns of Islay at night, when wind was N., N.W., or S.E.

Oystercatcher, _Hæmatopus ostralegus_.--At Isle Ornsay on Nov. 18th, one struck at 10.30 p.m.; wind S., light, with haze, and rain.

Heron.--At Dhuheartach on Oct. 8th, one seen at 7 a.m.; calm, fog. At Rhuvaal, Oct. 1st to 30th, "Storks" (afterwards identified as Herons) passed at 9 a.m.; wind variable, light, with showers.

Curlew.--Island Glass is the most northern station noted for this species; southwards at Dhuheartach, Pladda, Portpatrick and the Mull of Galloway. The earliest date recorded is Aug. 3rd, when eighteen were seen passing Portpatrick at 10 a.m., wind E.S.E., strong breeze, with haze; the latest date is Nov. 20th, when eight were seen passing Island Glass, flying southward, at 2 p.m., wind light S.W., with clear weather Thus the time occupied was one hundred and nine days. A rush took place in August--say 3rd to 26th--and again in November, 15th to 20th. Dhuheartach seemed to be a favourite station. Curlews migrated in all winds, and "boxed the compass" from E.S.E., through S. to S.W., W. and N.N.W.; they passed mostly at night. Two exceptions were at 10 a.m. on Aug. 3rd, and 2 p.m. on Nov. 20th, at Portpatrick and Island Glass respectively.

Whimbrels ("Small Curlews"), _Numenius phæopus_.--At Lochindahl on Sept. 20th, seen for several days in flocks; wind S. to W., and rainy.

Sandpiper (sp.?)--At Rhinns of Islay on Aug. 22nd, one struck at 1 a.m.; wind S.E., light, and haze.

Turnstone, _Strepsilas interpres_.--At Rhinns of Islay on Nov. 8th, one struck at night; wind S.W., fresh, and haze.

Snipe.--At Isle Ornsay, a single Snipe takes position as the northernmost recorded at the lighthouses of the west coast in 1879, as late as Oct. 20th, killed at 10 p.m.; wind N., clear. Thence, records at Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, Rhinns of Islay, Pladda, Mull of Galloway, and Douglas Head. The earliest date, Aug. 20th ("sp. not known"), 4 a.m. at Pladda; wind S.E., strong breeze, and haze.[16] As a doubt occurs, next earliest date--a long jump later--is Oct. 11th at Rhinns of Islay when one was killed between 12 p.m. and 3 a.m.; wind N., light, with haze. The latest date is Nov. 15th, when, at Rhinns of Islay, sixteen were killed between 6 p.m. and 4 a.m., wind S., breezes and haze; and another record occurs at Pladda. Thus from Oct. 11th to Nov. 15th marks thirty-five days for passage. Snipe are thus seen to make a rapid passage. (Local migrations occur earlier from moors to lowland marshes in Scotland, September always producing home-bred birds in our lowland marshes.) Rush of foreign birds middle of November, 1879, as far as we can judge; but on Oct. 18th "numbers" kept about all night round lantern of Skerryvore; wind S.E., light breeze, fog, and rain. Migration mostly at night, judging from records, but also by day.

[Footnote 16: This may have been a Sandpiper.]

Woodcock.--The northernmost station on west coast in 1879 is Island Glass; thence southwards at Dhuheartach, Rhinns of Islay, Lochindaul, Devaar, Corsewall, Mull of Galloway, and Douglas Head. Small numbers recorded in all cases, except at Lochindaul, when about forty passed during the daytime on Dec. 12th, when the wind was variable, light, and the weather clear. The earliest date was Oct. 11th; one killed at Rhinns of Islay at 10 p.m., wind N., light, clear; the latest Dec. 12th. Too few data to fix rushes, except the one in December, which no doubt was directly caused by the severe frosts then recorded; wind N. and W., except on two occasions, on Oct. 7th at Douglas Head, wind E.; and on Oct. 30th at Mull of Galloway, wind E.; and on two others, _viz._, variable and light, when (in the hard frost) the forty were seen.

Corn Crake, _Crex pratensis_.--Heard for first time at Lochindaul, June 2nd; at Kyleakin, June 9th, wind S.W., clear; and at Skerryvore, June 20th, wind strong S.E., with fog.

Wild Geese (sp.?).--At Monach Island a flock "mixed old and young" passed south at 10 a.m. on Dec. 13th, wind S.S.W., fresh breeze, with haze; this is the most northerly station noted. Thence southward they were seen at Kyleakin (passing N.W.) at 8 a.m., wind N.W., fresh breeze, and clear weather; also at Sound of Mull, M'Arthur's Head and Devaar. The earliest date is Aug. 17th (passing N.W.), and the latest Dec. 15th (twenty-four passing W., at Sound of Mull). A migratory movement is thus seen to have extended over one hundred and nineteen days. A rush took place on Oct. 20th and 21st, at Sound of Mull and M'Arthur's Head; and again on December 18th, 14th and 15th, at Monach Island, M'Arthur's Head, and Sound of Mull respectively; the direction of their flight was usually W. or N.W. On Dec. 13th a flock passed S.; most passed with a S., S.S.W. or S.W. breeze, in cloudy or clear weather; in two instances with a N.W. wind. They were observed during daylight.

Wild Swan.--At Devaar on Dec. 11th, six seen at 4 p.m., light airs, with haze; and on Jan. 4th, three were seen flying south, in clear weather, at Rhuvaal lighthouse. We say nothing of the reported occurrence of _Cygnus americanus_ on our coasts, but think the record (p. 111) premature.

Wild Duck.--At Butt of Lewis a Duck was killed on Dec. 1st, at 8 p.m., wind E., light and clear. Others occurred in November and December at Rhuvaal and Devaar. At Rhuvaal, between Nov. 1st and 30th, three or four hundred Ducks passed between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.; wind variable, light, and showery weather. Most of the migration seems to have been observed through the day. In none of the reports are the species identified, being described as either "Ducks" or "Wild Ducks."

Widgeon, _Anas penelope_.--At Monach Island on Oct. 27th, a few were seen at 12 noon; wind S.S.E., fresh, and clear.

Sheldrake, _Tadorna vulpanser_.--At Pladda, on May 23rd, six (two males and four females) seen at 1 p.m., wind N.E., light, and haze; remained on the island till the middle of June.

Eider Duck.--At Rhu Stoir on June 30th, two males and two females seen at 11 a.m.; wind S., fresh breeze, showers. At Dhuheartach on Dec. 3rd, twenty seen at 10 p.m.; wind N.E., light, clear. At Devaar on Dec. 13th, twelve seen at 1 p.m.; wind N.N.W., light breeze, haze.

Storm Petrel.--At Butt of Lewis in July, August, and September, an occasional bird at the glass, always at night, always in hazy or rainy weather, generally "haze and rain" together; wind in three out of four instances S.W., and once on July 3rd, W.N.W., stormy. At Rhu Stoir a good many were observed "not on passage" between 17th and 20th Aug. between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., wind N. to E., light, haze and rain; and at Rhinns of Islay on Sept. 17th, one struck at 2 a.m., wind S., light, and haze.

Sea-fowl.--The following notes upon sea-fowl as observed at several stations--notably at Cape Wrath--will, we think, prove interesting:--At Cape Wrath, Mr. M'Gill reports all the sea-fowl as deserting their breeding-haunts there on Aug. 16th, and both old and young flying westwards. He roughly estimated the numbers which passed within his ken as follows:--300 to 400 Guillemots, 800 to 900 Razorbills, 800 to 900 Puffins, 100 Scarts, and 300 Sea-gulls. This was performed in an east wind, during hazy or rainy weather (see also under Solan Goose), and all left Cape Wrath in one day and about the same time, _viz._, 10 a.m. The Gulls passed continuously between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Notes from other stations can hardly be considered as applying to anything but local daily migration in search of food, as is constantly witnessed at any rock-bird station on the coast; thus, at Rhu Stoir large numbers passed towards S.W., and are specially noted on June 12th to 15th; also at Kyleakin, a large flock passed southward at 2 p.m., wind S.E. When at the Shiant Isles this summer, at the end of June, I witnessed a regular departure of thousands of Puffins to their feeding-grounds in the Little Minch, about 9 to 10 a.m.

Sea Gulls.--At Cape Wrath on Aug. 10th, three hundred passed west between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.; wind E., haze, and rain. "Sea Gulls bred at the station, and all left on the same day, both young and old. The migration goes all to the west."

Kittiwake, _Rissa tridactyla_.--At Skervuile on May 31st, two at noon flying north; calm, clear.

Tern.--At Dhuheartach, six seen on the evening of Aug. 27th, wind S., cloudy; and four at the same station on the morning of Sept. 4th.

Birds unknown.--At Portpatrick on July 12th, a flock of small birds passed overhead at 8.30 a.m., wind S.S.E., fresh, and rainy; and on Oct. 13th a flock passed inland at 4.20 p.m., wind S.W., and rain; on Nov. 13th "a flock of birds not known" passed inland, wind E. by N., and clear. At Pladda on Aug. 20th, one Snipe, species not known, at 4 a.m., wind S.E., strong, and haze; and another on Nov. 15th. At Skervuile, on Nov. 14th, a number from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., wind variable, light, and haze; and others on Oct. 7th at Skervuile; "many killed and fell into the sea."

Red-breasted Merganser.--At Corsewall, on July 20th, a "strange Duck" (since identified as a Red-breasted Merganser) was killed at glass at 2 a.m.; wind E., light, with haze.

Solan Goose, _Sula bassana_.--At Cape Wrath and other stations upon our coasts, an extraordinary annual migration of Solan Geese is witnessed. Mr. M'Gill has reported to me specially on that of 1879, and kept as accurate a record as possible of the numbers which he estimated to pass westward. He writes as follows:--"The number of Solan Geese that migrate past Cape Wrath is beyond anyone's power to number, but I have come as near to it as possible. The first half of July the flocks were composed of old birds, and the rest of the time they were mixed old and young." Mr. M'Gill then gives the following list of Solan Geese seen passing west on fifteen days, between 14th July and 9th August, which I reproduce here:--

July 14th. 600 to 700. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wind E. Clear.
" 15th. 200. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. " E. Haze.
" 16th. 40 to 90. 12 noon to 7 p.m. " E. Haze.
" 22nd. 200 to 400. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. " N.-N.E. Fog, rain.
" 24th. 100 to 200. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. " S.W. Clear.
" 26th. 300 to 400. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. " S.W. Haze.
" 28th. 90 to 100. 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. " S.W. Haze, rain.
" 31st. 60 to 80. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. " S. Haze, showers.
Aug. 1st. 100 to 300. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. " W. Haze, rain.
" 3rd. 300 to 400. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. " E. Clear.
" 4th. 60 to 70. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. " E. Fog, clear.
" 5th. 20 to 30. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. " N.E. Fog, rain.
" 7th. 40 to 50. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. " N. Fog, rain.
" 8th. 20 to 40. 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. " N. Fog, rain.
" 9th. 20. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. " N. Haze.

Thus it will be seen that from 2150 to 3080 were estimated to pass westward within view of Cape Wrath, between July 14th and August 9th, during fifteen days occupied on migration. All which were observed passed during the day--say between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.--and apparently in all winds and weather. From the Butt of Lewis Mr. Edgar supplies the general information that the Solan Geese pass the station, arriving first in May, and leaving in the latter end of October, but giving no particulars as to direction of flight. At Mull of Galloway Solan Geese are reported as passing, on July 19th, in flocks. Mr. N. B. Morrison reports as follows:--"Saw them flying past to W.S.W. in wedge-shaped flocks as if on a passage, or changing locality." This was during the forenoon; wind S., light, and haze. "At 1 p.m. it began to rain, and continued for twenty-four hours; rain guage at 9 a.m. of 20th, 1·72 inches. On 21st, 22nd, 23rd, and 24th, very strong breeze, and showers; wind W.N.W. to S.W." Again at same station (Mull of Galloway) flocks continued passing all day; wind S.E., fresh, fog, and rain, flying in same direction. On 8th and 9th, wind S., gale; 10th, wind W., strong. In a later note Mr. M'Gill believes "that the Solan Geese strike the land first at Cape Wrath," and that the Geese which pass it are from Suliskerry.

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On the west coast of Scotland, also, many observers make particular mention of the scarcity of autumnal migrants in 1879. At several principal and important stations this scarcity is of course most remarked upon, such as Butt of Lewis, Monach Island, Island Glass, Skerryvore, and Dhuheartach. During long experience at these and other stations, the several observers do not remember such great scarcity of birds during the autumn migration. From other observers' remarks it would appear that several of the west coast stations are not suitable for observations being made, from their land-locked situations or other local influences, such as Kyleakin, Sound of Mull, Corran Ferry, and others.

Many birds are killed at the lanterns of the more isolated lighthouses and are blown into the sea. Thus, in 1877, at Skerryvore, in the month of October, the number of birds killed was six hundred, chiefly the Common and "Mountain Thrush" (Ring Ouzel), but including also Blackbirds, Snipes, Larks, and one Wild Duck. The observer, Mr. W. Crow, was of opinion that about two hundred more were killed and blown into the sea. They came every night from the 1st to the 6th, about 8 p.m., and went away at daylight. "I would estimate," he says, "the number about the light on each of the above nights to be about a thousand." The direction of the wind was from S.S.E. to S., with haze; and no migration of birds was observed during the day. On Dhuheartach lighthouse rock, "two Hawks are seen every morning" while the migration lasts, which come to prey upon the small birds resting on the rock. A considerable flight of migrants took place about Oct. 7th, as upon the east coast.

The direction of the flight of migrants appears to be from east to west at the north coast stations, but from N.W. and N.N.W. to S.W. or S.S.W. at the stations farther south; and this is borne out by previous observations in former years by my west coast observers at Tyree and elsewhere. Our observers have not usually reported the direction taken by the migrants, but there are enough data to prove the above lines. It would appear, therefore, that birds when passing from east to west often overshoot the land, and are compelled to turn back upon a new course, according to the direction of the wind. In 1878, Mr. W. Boyd (since deceased) wrote regarding the migration in Mull as follows:--"In the month of October I was fishing on Loch Assapol, near Bunessan. Almost every day I saw flock after flock of little birds--Larks, Buntings, Robins, and even Wrens--flying across the loch. All these birds were steering the same course, having apparently come from the outlying Hebrides, _viá_ Tyree, Iona, up the Rose of Mull, and were steering for the mainland. Fresh arrivals of different species of Ducks rested and then passed on. Wild Swans and Geese were seen far up in the air, all taking a bee-line for the south." On another occasion Mr. Boyd visited Tyree in December, 1878, and both he and a companion remarked "the extraordinary scarcity of common birds, and the unusual number of winter visitors." One day every Snipe they put up, instead of flying a bit and settling again, rose high in air, and went off due south-east as far as they could see, right across the sea, to Mull. The remark was then made, "The sooner we go south for powder and provisions the better; we are going to have an arctic winter," which, as is well remembered, was a perfectly correct surmise. It will thus be seen that the flights of wildfowl almost invariably are from N. to S. on both coasts, but that the smaller birds--land birds--as they fly lower, are more influenced by the configuration of the coast-lines, and also, no doubt, by the direction of the wind at the time. Our data are at present too scanty to lay down with precision the minutiæ of their lines of flight, but another year's observations will probably greatly assist us. The same rules, as to time of day or night at which birds strike the lantern, holds upon the west coast which also obtain on the east, and the same remarks as to weather also hold good.

The above remarks upon the direction of the flights upon our west coast may prove of value in a comparison with Mr. Cordeaux's notes upon the direction of the flights at the Galloper Bank. We are aware here that birds pass overland on migration, crossing Scotland between the Firths of Clyde and Forth, as they have been heard on calm nights crying as they passed over from W. to E., or from points N. of W. to points S. of E.; and day-flights have often been observed passing here from N.N.W. towards S.S.E., or from N.W. to S.W. I would instance here Bramblings, _Fringilla montifringilia_, natives of Northern Europe. (See Gray's 'Birds of the West of Scotland,' p. 137. The "column" of Bramblings there described as on migration were not "proceeding in a north-easterly direction," however, as stated by Mr. Gray, but were coming from a north-westerly direction, and were proceeding in a south-easterly direction.)

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Transcriber Note

Minor typos were corrected. Several quotaion closures were missing and added in the most likely place. Table of Contents added to assist reader.