Chapter II: Part 2

Grey Wagtail.--March 8th, a pair returned. On May 25th several new arrivals along with a rush of migrants, consisting of Flycatchers, Sedge Warblers, and Common Martins.

Waterhen.--March 9th returned to its breeding pools.

Heron.--April 17th, still three on the coast. On July 15th there were seven or eight. On August 6th there were sixteen, and on August 31st twelve.

Cormorant.--Began to disperse about March 9th, when there were six. Only one on March 18th, and two on March 25th. March 27th and 30th, only one. Were not again noted till August 9th and 12th, when only a pair had returned. Scarcer this winter than usual.

Rare Birds recorded by others on my List.--Hoopoe in Northumberland. One Greater Shrike in Berwickshire, others in Northumberland. Bohemian Chatterer, Kelso; Turtle Dove, Rough-legged Buzzard (one).

=Notes from the Faroe Isles.=

The following notes from Herr H. C. Müller and Dr. Madsen, of Thorshavn, Faroe, have been received too late for insertion in the General Report, but not too late for addition as an Appendix. These notes were all made after the 1st January, 1881. They came to hand on May 1st, 1881:--

_Cygnus musicus._--Five Wild Swans were seen on Jan. 1st, 1881; three killed at Suderö on 22nd; one seen near Thorshavn on 10th; probably all belonging to the same flock. Wind S.W., force 3-4. Rain.

_Numenius arquata._--One killed at Hvidenov, near Thorshavn, on Jan. 30th. Wind S.S.E., force 4. Rain.

_Columba palumbus_, Linn.--One seen along with _Columba livia_ at Thorshavn on Feb. 7th. wind E., force 5. Rain and hail.

_Larus tridactylus_.--Four seen at Thorshavn at 10 a.m. on Feb. 10th. Wind E., force 3-4. Snow.

_Alauda arvensis._--One hundred in a flock seen at Thorshavn at 9 a.m. on March 8th, 1881. Wind S.W., fine. For the five days previous storm from S.E.

_Vanellus cristatus._--Four seen same time as the above noted Larks, in and after similar weather.

EAST COAST OF ENGLAND.

Printed forms of enquiry and letters of instruction were sent to thirty-seven lighthouses and light-vessels on the east coast of England, and, through the kind co-operation of Mr. Cecil Smith, to two of the principal lighthouses in the Channel Islands: independent reports have also been received from four stations on the east coast; and my best thanks are due to T. H. Nelson and C. Donald Thompson, Teesmouth; M. Bailey, Flamborough; Wm. Eagle Clarke and H. Bendelack Hewetson [Leeds]; notes from Spurn Point. J. H. Gurney, jun., Northrepps, and Major C. Russell, Essex, for supplying notices of the movements of birds in their respective districts. These reports have either been treated separately or incorporated with the nearest lighthouse. I have also received many interesting notes from Mr. Gätke, on the migration of birds over Heligoland from the commencement of June to the end of December, which are especially welcome as a most valuable addition to the report. Special thanks I also must tender to those various observers in the lighthouses and light-vessels scattered along the east coast. Altogether, out of forty-four stations, returns have been sent in from thirty-eight; two other stations report no birds seen during the autumn, from the circumstances of their situations in the midst of houses; and only from four have no returns been made. The observations are in many respects an improvement on those of the preceding year, exhibiting in a marked degree the intelligent interest taken by the observers in their work--work which it must be remembered is entirely voluntary, and often carried on under circumstances of considerable difficulty and discomfort.

The east coast stations are as follows, those making returns being marked with a *:--

40. *Longstone, on the most easterly of the Farne Islands; white
light, revolving every 30 seconds.
41. *Farne Inner, two lights; white, revolving every 30 seconds.
42. *Coquet Island, coast of Northumberland; two white lights in
same tower.
43. *Souter Point. Nil return--no birds seen.
44_a_.*Teesmouth, No. 5 Buoy, Lightvessel; one white light, fixed.
44_b_. *Teesmouth.
45. *Whitby, High Light; white, fixed.
46. *Flamborough Head; two white, one red flash, revolving every half
minute.
47. *Spurn Point; red and white sectors.
48_a_. *Spurn (Newsand), Lightvessel, 6 miles S.S.E. of Spurn Point;
white, revolving every minute.
48_b_. *Great Cotes.
49. *Outer Dowsing, Lightvessel, 53 miles E.S.E. Spurn; red light,
revolving every 20 seconds.
50. *Inner Dowsing, Lightvessel, 17 miles E. Sutton, on Lincolnshire
coast; green, 20 seconds.
51. *Dudgeon, Lightvessel, 35 miles E. Skegness, Lincolnshire coast;
white, fixed.
52. *Lynn Well, Lightvessel, off Nook of Longsand, Lynndeeps; one
white, revolving 20 seconds.
53. *Hunstanton, Lighthouse; white, fixed.
54. *Cromer, Lighthouse; white, revolving each minute.
55_a_. *Northrepps.
55_b_. *Leman and Ower, Lightvessel, 48 miles E.N.E. Cromer; two white,
one fixed, one revolving.
56. *Hasborough, Lightvessel; two white, fixed horizontal, north end
Hasborough Sound.
57. *Hasborough, Lighthouse; white, fixed.
58. *Newarp, Lightvessel, 12 miles N.E. Winterton; white, three quick
flashes, 36 seconds in a minute dark.
59. *Winterton, Lighthouse; white, fixed.
60. *Cockle, Lightvessel, 3 miles E. Yarmouth; white, revolving each
minute.
61. *Corton, Lightvessel, 4 miles E. Lowestoft; red, revolving 20
seconds.
62. *Lowestoft, Lighthouse. Nil return--no birds seen.
63. Orfordness, Lighthouse; white, fixed.
64. *Shipwash, Lightvessel, 8 miles S.S.E. Orfordness; white, fixed.
65. Cork, Lightvessel, 5 miles off mouth of Harwich River.
66. *Languard Point, Lighthouse, entrance to Harwich River; returned
by Major Russell.
67. *Galloper, Lightvessel, 40 miles S.E. Orfordness; two white,
horizontal, fixed.
68. *Kentish Knock, Lightvessel, 33 miles N.E. North Foreland; white,
revolving each minute.
69. *Swin Middle, Lightvessel, off Thames; white, revolving every
minute.
70. *Tongue, Lightvessel, off Thames; two lights, fixed: higher
white, lower red.
71. Nore, Lightvessel, entrance to Thames; white, revolving 30
seconds.
72. *North Foreland, Lighthouse; white, fixed.
73. *Goodwin, Lightvessel, Goodwin Sands; white, revolving, three
quick flashes in succession, 86 seconds dark.
74. *Gull, Lightvessel, Goodwin Sands; white, revolving 20 seconds.
75. *South-sand Head, Lightvessel, Goodwin Sands; white, fixed.
76. *East-side, Lightvessel, Goodwin Sands, 13 miles E. Deal; green,
revolving 15 seconds.
77. South Foreland, Lighthouse; white, fixed.
78. *Heligoland.
79. *Casquets, Lighthouse, off Alderney; white, triple, flashing
every 30 seconds.
80. *Hanois, Lighthouse, Hanoveaux Rocks, W. end Guernsey; one red,
revolving 45 seconds.

As many of the reports range over a twelve-month, it is necessary to divide the remarks on the separate species into spring and autumn migrations. The numbers of species noticed are very greatly in excess of 1879.

SPRING MIGRATION, 1880.

SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES.

Pied Flycatcher, _Muscicapa luctuosa_ (_atricapilla_, Linn.).--At Heligoland, Mr. Gätke reports, May 4th, great many fine old males; 5th, the same; 15th, E., many females, few males; 19th, S.S.E., all females.

Blackbird, _Turdus merula_.--At Cromer L.H., Feb. 12th, two killed against lantern, with thirteen Larks at midnight o.m.

Redbreast, _Erithacus rubecula_.--At Whitby L.H., March 1st, daylight, a flock of Robins.

Bluethroat, _Ruticilla suecica_.--At Heligoland, May 22nd, all males--perhaps one in ten a female.

Redstart, _Ruticilla phœnicurus_.--At Heligoland, May 1st to 10th, all males. Thenceforward females increasing. May 4th, E. by S. or E. by N., millions all males; 19th, all females.

Wheatear, _Saxicola ænanthe_.--At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., April 23rd, W.S.W., many, with Wagtails, passing to land. At Heligoland, March 31st, S.E., to April 3rd, S.E., male birds; and to May 1st, when females began to arrive. May 13th, E., all females.

Greater Whitethroat, _Sylvia rufa_.--At Cromer L.H., May 18th, 10 p.m., four killed and stunned against lantern.

Wren, _Troglodytes parvulus_.--At Whitby L.H., March 22nd, E., several at daylight. At Cromer L.H., May 16th, 4 a.m., one killed against lantern.

Pied Wagtail, _Motacilla lugubris_.--At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V. (see Wheatear). At Whitby L.H., May 9th, daybreak, many.

Sky Lark, _Alauda arvensis_.--At Cromer, Feb. 12th (see Blackbird). Feb. 16th to March 24th, several with Starlings killed and stunned during night.

Short-toed Lark, _Calandrella brachydactyla_.--At Heligoland, May 18th, a fine male captured.

Tree Sparrow, _Passer montanus_.--At Outer Dowsing L.V., April 18th, 11 a.m., sixty to S.E.; two came on board. April 26th, 3 p.m., hundreds to W.N.W.; ten came on board. From the position of this light-vessel it will be apparent that in the first instance the Sparrows were making for the coast of Holland, and on 26th for the English coast.

Starling, _Sturnus vulgaris_.--At Cromer L.H., Feb. 16th to April 10th, several struck lantern and killed along with Larks.

Carrion Crow, _Corvus corone_.--At Cockle L.V., June 8th, six to S.E.

Cuckoo, _Cuculus canorus_.--At Farne Inner L.H., May 26th, W. strong, one seen. At Hunstanton L.H., April 18th, heard close to lighthouse.

Swallow, _Hirundo rustica_.--At Farne Inner L.H., May 15th, two passed. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., May 9th, 2 p.m., two from S.E. to N.W.; May 22nd, great many S.E. to N.W., fresh breeze from W. At Hunstanton L.H., April 17th, one to S.; 19th, five to S. At Leman and Ower L.V., June 9th, five on board at sunset; 21st, one at 11 a.m. At Cockle L.V., June 23rd and 24th, 4.20 a.m., two each day to W. At Corton L.V., May 22nd, one to W.N.W.; 20th, two to W.N.W. At Kentish Knock L.V., May 26th, 10 a.m., two very high to N.W. At East Goodwin L.V., May 4th, 10 a.m., four S. to N. The observations tend to confirm what I have observed and remarked upon, that the Chimney Swallow in spring migrates in pairs; even when in flocks the pairs may be distinguished, as the males and females keep close company.

Swift, _Cypselus apus_.--At Whitby L.H., May 14th, several at noon to N.W. At Spurn L.H., June 7th, 7 p.m., fifty perched on gallery, none killed. At Hunstanton L.H., May 17th, one.

Wood Pigeon, _Columba palumbus_.--At Hasbro' L.V., May 28th and 30th, one each day to E.

Dotterel, _Eudromias morinellus_.--At Spurn L.H., May 15th, four seen near Kilnsea; 25th, small flock of eight.

Ringed Plover, _Ægialitis hiaticula_.--At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., April 2nd, first arrival at their breeding quarters on neighbouring sand, where about ten couples nest each year, leaving with the young in the autumn.

Limicolæ.--From the 1st to the 18th of May, northerly and easterly winds blew persistently day and night on to the Lincolnshire coast; the consequence was that we had an almost entire dearth of all those many flocks of shore birds--as Godwit, Grey Plover, Knot--which visit the Humber mud-flats during the first fortnight in May, on their passage to the north. On the opposite coast of Yorkshire, under shelter of the sandy promontory of Spurn, they assembled in large numbers, feeding daily on the great expanse of muds left uncovered at ebb, and at flood crossing to the sands on the sea side of Spurn. A correspondent writes that, on May 7th, "countless thousands of waders lined the beach, like wreck, on the sea-side about a mile above Spurn; there were more than had ever been seen at once before."

Anatidæ.--At Flamborough L.H., July 2nd, a flock of Grey Geese were seen flying N. At Goodwin L.V., June 6th, 7.30 a.m., a flock flying to the E. Mr. Gätke reports from Heligoland that, on May 19th, three Snow Geese, _Anser niveus_, passed boat quite close, "whiter than snow, bills and feet redder than oranges, but alas! no gun at hand." King Eider, _Somateria spectabilis_, is reported from the Farne Isles on May 29th, and during the summer (Zool., 1880, p. 514; 1881, p. 62). On Feb. 27th, 1880, large flocks of Widgeon came into the Tees, and thirteen were shot by one discharge of a single-barrelled shoulder-gun. At the Outer Dowsing L.V., April 18th, Wild Ducks were seen migrating to N.W.; and on April 30th, every hour during day, to N.N.W. At the Goodwin L.V., May 19th, shoals of Ducks from W. to E. From the Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., May 25th, 11.30 a.m., my correspondent writes, "Saw two Sheldrakes leave their nest with ten young ones at low water; had to travel half a mile before they reached the water; the male kept about six yards behind the young, the female leading; they were fifteen minutes in reaching the water; appeared just hatched; cock bird often looked behind to see nobody was coming." With reference to the spring migration of Wild Geese, Major Russell sends me the following notes from a correspondent on the Essex coast, whose house is situated on the south slope of a steep high hill:--"The Grey Geese were seen on Saturday, Feb. 21st, from 600 to 1000 flying in a triangular form, in a N.E. direction. I have repeatedly seen them sometimes passing for whole days, and have always noticed that we have never had any winter to speak of afterwards. They generally fly about a mile high. We very seldom see them going south. I suppose because the days are shorter, or possibly some may go another way; but they generally go north about this time of the year. I used to try to shoot them with a rifle to see what sort of Geese they were."

Alcidæ.--At Longstone L.H., March 9th, Guillemots and Razorbills assembled; 24th, Puffins. At Flamborough L.H., May 3rd, hundreds of Puffins arriving throughout the day, and on the same day a great number of Guillemots. From May 28th to June 2nd, great numbers of Guillemots and Razorbills were seen all day in the neighbourhood of the Spurn L.V., at sea six miles S.S.E. Spurn Point. The Guillemots, Razorbills and Puffins are later in their arrival and departure at the southern than their northern breeding-stations.

Pelecanidæ.--At Longstone L.H., March 9th, numbers of Gannets flying N. At the Farne Inner L.H., April 16th, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Gannets were seen flying N. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., March 15th, twelve Cormorants came into Tees, about fifty in every year at this time, leave again after breeding-season till next March.

Laridæ.--At Farne Islands, April 8th, Gulls commenced assembling at their nesting-quarters. At Whitby L.H., Feb. 18th, Herring Gulls first appeared on the cliffs near lighthouse. July 4th, first young was seen on the wing. Sept. 2nd, all left, both young and old. At Spurn L.V., May 28th to June 2nd, large numbers of Gulls were seen all day in the neighbourhood, along with Guillemots and Razorbills; these birds were probably not migrating, or even contemplating such a movement, but wanderers from Flamborough, following the shoals of small fry which approach the Humber about that period. At the Longstone L.H., April 29th, W., weather fine, first Sandwich Tern seen, and the last seen Sept. 8th. The Arctic Tern was first seen May 10th; last, Sept. 14th. At the Farne Inner L.H., Sandwich Terns were seen on May 12th, and the Arctic May 15th, both species leaving together on Aug. 28th. The Siberian Herring Gull, _Larus affinis_, was seen at Heligoland on June 5th, and the Caspian Tern, _Sterna Caspia_, on the 22nd, the first Mr. Gätke has got there. July 23rd, repeatedly seen.

GENERAL SUMMARY SPRING MIGRATION.

Compared with the autumn notes on migration, the spring reports are very meagre, and few and far between. This is probably due to the fact that in the spring birds migrate, with rare exceptions, at night; and, as the weather is then finer, and the nights clearer and shorter, they do not run their heads so much against the lanterns of lighthouses and lightships. The spring migration is also carried on much more leisurely, migrants proceeding by easy stages northward, and we have none of those great rushes which are so characteristic of the autumn migration, when, with sudden changes of weather, flock after flock pour continually during the whole day and night on to our east coast. In the spring also the males of the Insessores migrate some time in advance of the females, as is very clearly shown in the Heligoland notes, as well as by the well-known arrival of our summer immigrants, as the Nightingale, Whitethroat, &c. The notes on spring migration taken in 1879, as well as in 1880, seem to point to the conclusion that, during the vernal migration, migrants strike the lanterns of lighthouses from 11 p.m. to the dawn of day, the majority after midnight; and not in the early hours of night, as is the case in the autumn.

AUTUMN MIGRATION, 1880.

SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES.

White-tailed Eagle, _Haliæetus albicilla_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 10th, S.S.E., windy, eight or ten.

Peregrine Falcon, _Falco peregrinus_.--At Heligoland, Oct. 24th, "all latter time and _F. æsalon_, scattered." As in every autumn a few on passage have been recorded in the eastern counties; one, an immature male, was shot near Spurn on Jan. 1st, 1881.

Hobby, _Falco subbuteo_.--At Heligoland, June 19th and 20th, S.E., some.

Kestrel, _Falco tinnunculus_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 25th, S., very little wind, a great many, few old.

Sparrowhawk, _Accipiter nisus_.--At Heligoland, enormous numbers crossed in the autumn, commencing Aug. 7th, eight or ten young birds; from thence to Sept. 18th, almost daily in greater or less numbers, all young birds. Sept. 29th, evening, the first old birds. Oct. 9th, young interspersed with old; 20th, many; 28th, still daily. An enormous majority of these must pass down the European coast, as the notices on our east coast are few and far between. At the Outer Dowsing L.V., Oct. 8th, one at sunset flying round lantern. At Leman and Ower L.V., Oct. 6th, 4.30 p.m., one to S.E. At Corton, L.V., Oct. 9th, one settled on ship. At Heligoland, Mr. Gätke says Sparrowhawks often arrive towards evening.

Common Buzzard, _Buteo vulgaris_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 18th, many.

Honey Buzzard, _Pernis apivorus_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 10th, with Sparrowhawks.

Rough-legged Buzzard, _Buteo lagopus_.--At Heligoland, June 19th and 20th, some. There was a considerable flight on to the east coast in October, Mr. J. H. Gurney recording (Zool., 1880, p. 570) about a dozen in Norfolk between Oct. 16th and the end of the month. Two were shot Nov. 1st on the Lincolnshire coast near Mabblethorpe, and one at Spurn later in the season. Several others have been recorded from time to time in the 'Field' and local papers, as either seen or obtained in various parts of England and Scotland. The following notices from the lighthouses may or may not refer to this species. At Whitby L.H., July 24th, 9 a.m., a large Hawk going S. At Hasbro' L.H., Oct. 24th, 11 a.m., four very large birds with heavy flight to S. At Kentish Knock, L.V., Oct. 13th, one very large Hawk soaring overhead. At Corton L.V., Oct. 19th, a large brown Hawk about ship--may perhaps have been a female Kestrel.

Hen Harrier, _Circus cyaneus_.--At Heligoland, Oct. 20th, some.

Long-eared Owl, _Asio otus_,--At Heligoland, Oct. 22nd, some. At Spurn, Oct. 28th, one shot. At Hasbro' L.V., Sept. 30th, 10 a.m., o.m. from E. to S.W., horned owl--probably this species. The Long-eared Owls arrive on our east coast, as a rule, later than _Asio accipitrinus_, and in much less numbers.

Short-eared Owl, _Asio accipitrinus_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 25th, S., very little wind, great many. Oct. 20th, again great many; 22nd, thousands. On our east coast they arrived in very considerable numbers in October. At Inner Farne L.H., Nov. 16th, 4 p.m., one. At Coquet Island L.H., Oct. 7th to Nov. 16th, with northerly and easterly winds, and from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., eight. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Oct. 4th to 27th, twelve, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., going E. to W. At Teesmouth, Oct. 3rd to 24th, nine. At Spurn, Sept. 29th, one shot; Oct. 19th and following week, many; 27th, several. On Lincolnshire coast, Oct. 19th and following week, very great many. At Inner Dowsing L.V., Nov. 4th, 7.30 a.m., one N.E. to S.W. At Dudgeon L.V., Oct. 5th, noon, one to W.; 23rd, 10.20 a.m., one to S.W. At Lynn Well L.V., Oct. 5th, 11 a.m., one; 4 p.m., one Grey Owl N.W. to S. At Leman and Ower L.V., Oct. 1st, one caught at noon. Many also arrived about Oct. 19th on the Norfolk coast. I have no notices of Short-eared Owls south of Yarmouth. The "great rush" took place on night of Oct. 18th or morning of 19th, the Woodcock arriving at the same time with a north wind. Heavy snow from north on Oct. 20th. The "great rush" over Heligoland was on Oct. 22nd.

Barn Owl, _Aluco flammeus_.--At Yarmouth, Oct. 19th, morning, one seen coming in from the sea.

Tengmalm's Owl, _Nyctala Tengmalmi_.--On Oct. 22nd a very fine example of this small Owl was shot at Saltfleet, on the Lincolnshire coast; wind strong from the north on 21st. Another was shot in Felyingdales, Yorkshire, near Robin Hood's Bay, late in December. At Heligoland, Nov. 22nd and 23rd, Hawk Owl, _Surnia funerea_, was seen flying about, but never within shot.

Great Grey Shrike, _Lanius excubitor_.--At Heligoland, Oct. 14th, N.W., windy, four fine old birds, pure white underneath; 16th, some; 17th, some; major, one. Nov. 10th, one fine old male. There was a very considerable immigration on to the east coast in October. At Spurn, one was seen during the first week in October, and subsequently in that month and early in November, many. The last from that locality I have a note of was a female, shot at Patrington, Holderness, on Jan. 20th, 1881. At Whiteley Sands, Northumberland, one early in October. One shot near Hartlepool Nov. 17th. One at Flamborough Head first week in October. Mr. J. H. Gurney has also recorded three shot in Norfolk in October; and many others have been mentioned in the 'Zoologist' and 'Field' as occurring in various parts of the country. One also was shot at North Kelsey, in Lincolnshire, at the end of February.

Spotted Flycatcher, _Muscicapa grisola_.--At Heligoland, June 3rd, some; July 13th, some; Aug. 25th, many; Sept. 3rd, N.W., 11 a.m., some; 9th, great many; 16th, some; 26th, less, passage varying over four months. At Farne Inner L.V., Sept. 15th, great many Flycatchers.[4] At Swin Middle L.V., Aug. 28th, o.m., many with Starlings round lantern.

[Footnote 4: The term "Flycatcher" seems to be used somewhat indiscriminately for many of the small insect-catching birds. Some of these in this case are probably--as they are associated with Wheatears--Redstarts. At the Longstone L.H., also on the same date, several Redstarts appeared, both species migrating together and at the same time.]

Pied Flycatcher, _Muscicapa luctuosa_ (_atricapilla_, Linn.)--At Heligoland, Aug. 11th, E., fine, great many young birds, first arrivals, and so on to 24th, when they passed in "countless numbers"; 27th, still passing, but in less numbers; Sept. 8th, many; 13th, great many with others in potato-fields; 26th, less numerous; 27th, few. From Aug. 11th to end of Sept., about forty-seven days; "great rush" on Aug. 24th, none recorded from English coast.

Red-breasted Flycatcher, _Muscicapa parva_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 26th, one shot in Mr. Gätke's garden, and another obtained Oct. 21st.

Mistletoe Thrush, _Turdus viscivorus_.--At Casquets L.H., Alderney, Oct. 2nd, 11 p.m. to 2 a.m., with Ring Ouzels and Larks going W., six Mistletoe Thrushes striking.

Song Thrush, _Turdus musicus_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 16th, some numbers with Ring Ouzels; 24th, many of both; 25th, both all day; Oct. 6th, with Redwings, and on 16th with Redwings and Fieldfares; 20th, with Blackbirds and Redwings; 22nd, few; altogether, between Sept. 16th and Oct. 22nd, large numbers crossed the island. On the English side of the North Sea, Thrushes occurred at twelve stations covering the entire length of coast. At Farne Inner L.H., Oct. 29th, several. Nov. 20th, 22nd, 23rd, all day, with Blackbirds, Fieldfares, and Redwings; 26th, with Blackbirds. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Oct. 22nd, several and a few Redwings going E. to W., great many stopped on board and appeared very tired, early part of day foggy; 25th, several S.E. to N.W. At Whitby L.H., Nov. 23rd, snow, large flocks at intervals flying high. At Flamborough L.H., Oct. 21st, day and night. At Spurn L.H., Oct. 5th and 7th, many. At Great Cotes, about Oct. 19th, many. Dec. 9th, second arrival. At Cromer L.H., Aug. 3rd, midnight, three killed. Sept. 25th, 1.30 a.m., two killed. Dec. 10th, 8 p.m., two killed. At Leman and Ower L.V., Sept. 28th and 29th, during night. At Hasbro' L.H., Oct. 26th, 10 p.m., with a great many small birds, some killed. At Corton L.V., Oct. 22nd, continuous after daylight, E. to W., with Larks and Blackbirds, and again Nov. 7th. At Galloper L.V., Nov. 1st, 9 a.m., forty S.E. to N.W.: 2nd, 10 p.m. to sunrise, with Larks, Starlings, and Blackbirds, from E.S.E. to N.W., about 120 killed; 9th, about eighty to N.W. during night. At Kentish Knock L.V., Oct. 10th, one. At Gull L.V., Oct. 25th, with Larks and Linnets continuously all day. "Great rush," 19th to 26th Oct. There was a "second rush" Dec. 9th and 10th, preceding the outbreak of Arctic weather on Dec. 13th. Line of migration E. to W., S.E. to N.W. Time over which migration extended (exclusive of occurrences in December, as probably referring to local movements caused by severe weather) from Aug. 3rd, Cromer, to Nov. 26th, Farne Islands, or 126 days.

Fieldfare, _Turdus pilaris_.--At Heligoland, Oct. 16th, N.W. and easterly, in great numbers high overhead; 25th, some; 28th, numerous; and after this Fieldfares, Thrushes, and Blackbirds occasionally till first week in December. On the East Coast of England occur at ten stations from Farne Islands to Yarmouth. At Inner Farne L.H., Oct. 25th, forenoon, flocks to W.; 27th, same; Nov. 16th, flock. At Coquet Island L.H., Oct. 26th, 7 a.m., half-a-dozen. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Oct. 25th, 9 a.m., three, S.E. to N.W. Nov. 5th, 10 a.m., great many to W.; 20th, 11 a.m., large flocks from E.; 27th, great many E. to W. At Flamborough L.H., Oct. 21st, day and night, five killed. At Spurn L.H., Oct. 26th, 27th, 28th, great many. At Great Cotes, Dec. 9th, many, "second rush." At Corton L.V., Oct. 5th, one over ship, E. to W. Jan. 15th, 12.45 p.m., high overhead, W.S.W. At Galloper L.V., Nov. 1st, 9 a.m., fifteen, S.E. to N.W. At Yarmouth, Oct. 17th and 18th, early morning, very high. Mr. T. Southwell, of Norwich, saw a large flock near that city on Sept. 9th.[5] Excluding Great Cotes as referring perhaps to local movement from outburst of severe weather in the North, the Fieldfares were seen on their migration, first near Norwich, Sept. 9th and last at Teesmouth, Nov. 27th--eighty days. "Great rush" Oct. 21st to 28th.

[Footnote 5: A flock of twenty-five were Seen at Woodham Mortimer, Essex, on Sept. 6th. See 'Field,' Oct. 2nd.]

Redwing, _Tardus iliacus_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 6th, first flocks. Oct. 16th, N.W. and easterly, in great numbers, very high; 20th, many. English coast five stations from Farne Island to Yarmouth. At Farne Inner L.H., Oct. 29th, many. At Spurn L.H., Oct. 5th, plentiful. At Great Cotes, Dec. 9th, many, "second rush." At Hunstanton L.H., Sept. 18th, 10 p.m., one caught. At Yarmouth, Oct. 17th and 18th, with Fieldfares, very high. From Sept. 6th, Heligoland, to Oct. 29th, Farne Islands, fifty-four days; "great rush" middle of October.

Blackbird, _Turdus merula_.--At Heligoland, Oct. 19th, some; 20th, many; 28th, numerous. At Farne Inner L.H., Oct. 21st and 29th, one each day; Nov. 20th, 22nd, 23rd and 26th, many; "great rush" on these four days. At Coquet L.H., Nov. 20th, all day. Dec. 19th, many, with Larks and Plover. At Whitby L.H., Aug. 1st, at daylight, the first seen this year. Oct. 24th and 26th, several at daylight. At Flamborough L.H., Oct. 21st, day and night. At Spurn L.H., Oct. 27th, old cocks. Nov. 20th, Blackbirds in considerable numbers, with Thrushes, Redwings, and Fieldfares. At Great Cotes, Sept. 27th, young cocks. Oct. 19th, many. At Outer Dowsing L.V., Oct. 22nd, 3 p.m., four old males, E.S.E. to W. Nov. 26th, 1 p.m., three males, E.S.E. to W. At Cromer L.H., Nov. 6th, three. At Hasbro' L.H., 11 p.m., two struck, killed. At Corton L.V., Oct. 22nd, continuous after daylight, E. to W. Nov. 7th, 11 a.m. to sunset, with Thrushes; 9th, W. by N., several flocks to S.W., very low. At Galloper L.V., Oct. 22nd, 8.40 a.m., about four hundred and three hundred Starlings to S.W.; 31st, sixty; Nov. 2nd, about one hundred during night, thirty killed, to N.W. at sunrise; 6th, 10 p.m. to sunrise, about fifty; 9th, 10 p.m. to sunrise, sixty. At Casquets L.H., Alderney, Oct. 13th to 17th, Blackbirds at midnight. Are noticed at thirteen stations from the Farne Islands to Alderney. Great numbers appear to have crossed; at Heligoland commenced passing later than any other of the _Merulidæ_. There was a "great rush" on to the English coast, especially over the Corton and Galloper light-vessels, from Oct. 19th to 22nd; a "second rush" northwards of Spurn on Nov. 20th. Migrate both by day night; direction of flight E. to W. or S.E. to N.W.

Ring Ouzel, _Turdus torquatus_.--At Heligoland began moving very early in the season. Sept. 9th, some, with _T. musicus_; 24th, many; 25th, great many, whole day, passing on. Oct. 7th, many, young birds; 27th, some. None recorded at any station on the English coast, which is rather remarkable.[6] At the Casquets L.H., Aug. 16th, midnight, misty, "Ring-Thrushes," four striking. Sept. 6th, midnight, N.E., rain, four struck. Oct. 2nd, 11 p.m., rain, four struck, and again on the 7th, 3 a.m., rain, four struck. Ring Ouzels were moving along the French coast as early as Aug. 16th; over Heligoland Sept. 9th to Oct. 27th. A very fine example of _Tardus Naumanii_ (the first that has occurred there), a young bird, was captured on Oct. 10th; N.E., windy.

[Footnote 6: Lord Lilford (Zool., 1881, p. 24) records the first Ring Ouzel of the season in North Northamptonshire on Sept. 21st; and two are also recorded in 'The Zoologist' (1881, p. 26), as seen near Harwich, Oct. 10, 1880.]

Hedgesparrow, _Accentor modularis_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 26th, pretty large numbers, first comers. Oct. 5th, great many in garden; 8th, great many; 9th, same. At Spurn L.H., Oct. 17th, very abundant. At Great Cotes, Sept. 21st, in bean-fields near coast. Not observed at any other stations.

Redbreast, _Erithacus rubecula_,--At Heligoland, from Sept. 9th to Oct. 9th, great numbers passing over island. At Coquet L.H., Sept. 10th and 16th, 10 a.m., one each day. Oct. 23rd, 5 p.m., one caught on glass. Dec. 28th, noon, one. At Whitby L.H., Sept. 27th, 10 a.m., a large flock of small birds containing many Robins remained a few hours and then went S. At Hunstanton L.H., Sept. 5th, one. At Northrepps, Norfolk, Oct. 14th and 15th, many noticed, evidently immigrants. At Hanois L.H., Guernsey, Aug. 14th, midnight. Redbreasts with many other birds, some killed.

Bluethroat, _Ruticilla suecica_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 9th, E., fine, several; 17th, N.E., wind, much rain, many.

Redstart, _Ruticilla phœnicurus_.--At Heligoland, Aug. 12th and 13th, young birds. Sept. 3rd, 11 a.m., N.W., great many; 8th, many; 9th, great many; 16th, many, about half old birds; 17th, enormous numbers, same; 25th and 26th, many. At Longstone L.H., Sept. 15th, several on reef. At Farne Inner L.H., Sept. 15th, many "fly-catchers" with Wheatears (see notes, Flycatcher, _M. grisola_). At Teesmouth, many amongst the bents which grow upon the Tees breakwater early in September (not previously noted in this locality). At Flamborough, last week in August, great many. At Spurn, Sept. 3rd, many, left to a bird night of 3rd. At Northrepps, Aug. 30th and 31st, "swarming." At Yarmouth, large numbers first week in September. At Shipwash L.V., Aug. 30th, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., large numbers to W.N.W. The immigration of this species is very interesting from the large and unusual numbers which can be traced along the east coast from the Farne Islands to the Shipwash L.V., off the mouth of the Thames. They arrived along the entire length of the coast during the latter part of August and early in September. At the Shipwash L.V., the most southern station, they were going W.N.W., and at all other stations, after touching land, evidently followed the coast-line to the south. The migration was confined very closely to the coast, the birds going but a short distance inland. In nearly every case they migrated in company with or at the same time as the Wheatear.

Stonechat, _Saxicola rubicola_.--At Heligoland, Aug. 11th, young. Sept. 3rd, 11 a.m., great many; 9th, same. Oct. 1st, 2nd and 3rd, old birds.

Whinchat, _Saxicola rubetra_.--At Heligoland, Aug. 23rd, great many young birds, the first of them; 24th, also great many. October, first week, old birds. Mouth of Deben river, Suffolk coast, Nov. 1st.

Wheatear, _Saxicola œnanthe_.--At Heligoland, July 5th, small flights, young birds; 24th, same. Sept. 16th, great many, about half old birds. At Farne Inner L.H., Aug. 10th, several. Sept. 15th, forty to fifty. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Aug. 30th, 10 a.m., fog, two came on board. Sept. 10th, great many Wheatears from S.E., and "several small birds of a dark green colour" (Redstarts?), some on deck. At Teesmouth, Sept. 10th, an unusually large number along the banks between Hartlepool and Sneaton Snook, also Redstarts. At Flamborough, last week in August, in great numbers, with Redstarts. At Spurn, Sept. 3rd, with some Redstarts. Oct. 27th, last seen, an old bird. At Great Cotes, September, first fortnight, very great many. At Northrepps, Aug. 30th and 31st, great numbers and Redstarts. Altogether there was a very large immigration on the east coast from the Farne Islands to Yarmouth the last week in August and early in September.

_Saxicola deserti_, Rupp.,[7] a fine old male, in perfect summer plumage, occurred at Heligoland on June 23rd, wind W., calm, warm. _Saxicola leucura_, Aug. 11th, E., fine, one, undoubtedly, but not shot.

[Footnote 7: It is worthy of note that on the same day a fine example of _Papilio podalirius_, the scarce Swallow-tail, was taken on the island. This butterfly was added to the British list on the authority of Haworth, but no authenticated British specimen is known: its occurrence on Heligoland adds to the probability of its capture in England, [_Saxicola deserti_ also occurred at Alloa, in Scotland, on Nov. 28th, 1880.--J.A.H.B.]]

Sylviidæ.--Of the small warblers, _Hypolais icterina_, a fine male occurred in Heligoland on June 3rd; the same day some Willow Wrens and one _Sylvia viridanus_, a fine female, shot in Mr. Gätke's garden, making the third Heligoland example. On July 13th, Whitethroats; 24th, young Willow Wrens. On Aug. 24th, great many, also some Whitethroats and Garden Warblers; 27th, Willow Wrens in less numbers, and again in increased numbers on Sept. 3rd; on the 9th Chiffchaffs commenced migrating, also a great many Willow Wrens and Whitethroats came; on the 15th, forenoon, Willow Wrens and Sedge Warblers, great many in potato-fields; again, on 16th, S.E., calm, sunny, warm, Willow Wrens, Chiffchaffs and Garden Warblers, great many, less numbers of Blackcaps; 17th, Willow Wrens, Chiffchaffs and Garden Warblers, less of the latter; 25th, westerly. Willow Wrens, and great numbers of Chiffchaffs, Garden Warblers, Blackcaps and Whitethroats; the same day, _P. superciliosus_, one fine bird shot; besides this a large _Phylloscopus_, with very conspicuous wing-bar, was seen. Again, on the 26th, another _P. superciliosus_, and in the evening many Chiffchaffs, Garden Warblers and Blackcaps; 27th, Chiffchaffs, Garden Warblers, Blackcaps and Whitethroats; 28th, some Chiffchaffs; 30th, Chiffchaffs, Garden Warblers, one _P. superciliosus_ seen, a grey _Phylloscopus_ seen, _tristis ?_ Some more Chiffchaffs, with many other birds, Oct. 8th, and one _P. superciliosus_; Chiffchaffs again on 9th, 10th and 11th; 13th, Willow Wrens, great numbers all this latter time also. After the middle of October the migration of the _Sylviidæ_ appears to have ceased. At Flamborough a Willow Wren was caught on the morning after the great storm on the night of Oct. 28th, and at Spurn on morning of 28th a female Blackcap was shot by Mr. W. Eagle Clarke.

Golden-crested Wren, _Regulus cristatus_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 9th, great many, first comers; 25th, some; 27th, 29th and 30th, some. Oct. 4th, great many; 5th, also many with some _R. ignicapillus_, Fire-crested Wrens, first comers; 8th, great many Golden; 11, also great many; 22nd, daily some. At Longstone L.H., Oct. 22nd, one. At Farne Inner L.H., Sept. 15th, 9 a.m., E.N.E., six. Oct. 12th and 13th, several all day. At Coquet Island L.H., Oct. 14th, N.W., one. Nov. 9th, 11 p.m., N.W., gale, one caught on glass. At Flamborough L.H., Oct. 8th, hundreds seen. At Spurn L.H., Sept. 15th, E.N.E., first seen. Oct. 5th and 7th, plentiful; 15th, about a dozen, one caught; 17th, several; 26th, one seen. At Hasbro' L.V., Oct. 17th, 3 p.m., E.S.E. to W.N.W., two. At Cockle L.V., Aug. 18th, one caught on deck. Oct. 9th and 18th, one each day also. On Suffolk coast, mouth of Deben, Nov. 1st, Goldcrests. At Kentish Knock L.V., Oct. 1st, one; 10th, two on board. At Shipwash L.V., Sept. 1st, 6 to 8 p.m., large numbers to N.W. Dec. 8th, 10 a.m., flock to W.S.W. At Hanois L.H., Aug. 14th, o.m., N., Goldcrests, some killed. First observed at the Guernsey lighthouse, Aug. 14th; last at Coquet Island, Nov. 9th. Migration extending over eighty-eight days.

Wren, _Troglodytes parvulus_.--At Farne Inner L.H., Nov. 23rd, several. At Whitby L.H., Sept. 27th, 10 a.m., Wrens with many other small birds, remaining a few hours and then going south. At Spurn L.H., Sept. 21st, one caught on lantern. At Great Cotes, early in October, many. At East Goodwin L.V., 10 a.m., four from N.W. came on board.

Paridæ.--Oct. 14th, N.W., windy. Great Titmouse (_Parus major_), some; Blue Titmouse (_P. cæruleus_), a great many passed over in the afternoon of Oct. 10th, N.E., windy; and again a great many on the 11th, under the same conditions. At Great Cotes, Oct. 14th, Great Tit, many; Blue, some; and Coal Titmouse (_Parus ater_), a few. Dec. 9th, _P. major_, several, "second rush." Migratory flocks of the Long-tailed Titmouse (_Acredula rosea_) occurred near Cromer in October.

Motacillidæ.--At Heligoland, Aug. 27th, Blue-headed and White Wagtails (_Motacilla flava_ and _alba_), great many young birds. Sept. 1st, _M. flava_, pretty large numbers with other birds, all restless, passing over; 9th, E., fine. Yellow Wagtail, _Budytes_ (_M. Raii_), great many; 15th, forenoon, _M. flava_, astounding numbers, late in afternoon in great flights overhead, going north to south; 27th, _M. alba_, some. The only migration of Wagtails over Heligoland in August and September, with one exception, appears to have been confined to these two well-known European species--the Blue-headed and White Wagtails of the Continent. The Grey Wagtail (_M. sulphurea_) was first observed at Great Cotes first week in October, and on Norfolk Coast, Sept. 25th.

Tree Pipit, _Anthus trivialis_.--At Heligoland, Aug. 22nd, young birds; 23rd, same; 24th, same, but less numbers; 26th, Meadow Pipit (_A. pratensis_), great many (oftentimes with smart breeze), also many Tree Pipits; 31st, Richard's Pipit (_A. Richardi_), one. Sept. 1st, Tree Pipits, pretty large numbers; 9th, E., fine. Tree and Meadow Pipits, great many, and two _A. Richardi_ seen; 15th, forenoon, Richard's Pipit, some, once seven together, none shot; late in afternoon. Meadow Pipits, great flights. Tree Pipits less; 16th, Tawny Pipit (_A. campestris_), two; 27th, Meadow Pipits, a few. Oct. 6th, Meadow Pipits with Larks in great flights passing overhead. At Coquet L.H., October, 9 a.m., half a score Titlarks. At Spurn, Sept. 6th, migrating with Swallows, but in separate flocks, bents full of Titlarks arriving from sea, came from N.E., wind W. At Leman and Ower L.V., Sept. 13th, Titlarks, numbers on board, fifteen caught. At Swin Middle L.V., Aug. 29th, 6 p.m., two Titlarks and six species of small birds on board, left for W. At Casquets L.H., Aug. 18th, 2 a.m., about fifty struck. Sept. 6th, midnight to 3 a.m., twenty struck. Rock Pipit (_A. obscurus_), Sept. 28th, first seen on Lincolnshire coast; Sept. 22nd, on Norfolk coast.

Shore Lark, _Otocorys alpestris_.--At Heligoland, Oct. 4th, about twenty; 5th and 6th, some; 17th, twenty to forty; 19th, great many; 20th, flights from twenty to one hundred; 21st, great many; 23rd, still larger flights; 26th, a few. Also great numbers in November and up to Dec. 18th; on Nov. 15th, thousands, in flights of hundreds. On the English coast the occurrences of the Shore Lark have been numerous. At Farne Islands, one shot in the autumn. At Scarborough, Mr. Roberts states that since the severe weather in January, 1881, Shore Larks in small flocks have visited the coast, and several have been shot and taken to him. At Spurn, Dec. 12th, flock of thirteen seen. My informant, who is well acquainted with the bird, says, "resting apparently as I was within six yards of them." At Skegness, Lincolnshire coast, last week in October, eight shot. Near Bedford, Oct. 28th, several seen, two shot ('Field,' Nov. 6, 1880). On Norfolk coast a flock at Blakeney, which remained near the place for two months, and others near Yarmouth. At Dover two procured in December.

Sky Lark, _Alauda arvensis_.--The entrances of the migration of the Sky Lark at the East Coast stations are far too numerous to note separately. In many cases they occupy a large portion of the returned schedules, and individually far outnumber any other species. At Heligoland the migration commenced Sept. 25th, already great many overhead; 27th, 9 to 10 p.m., passing. Oct. 5th, morning, great many; 6th, afternoon, great flights overhead; 19th, late in forenoon, great flights passing on; 20th, with Starlings, hundreds of thousands passing overhead and over the sea; 21st, same; 27th considerable passage in the night; 28th, many thousands over the sea; and after this in flights through November and December. On our East Coast they are noticed at thirty-one of the stations making returns, from the Farne Islands to the Casquets, Alderney. At Farne Island L.H., Sept. 30th to Oct. 31st. At Coquet L.H., Dec. 19th. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Sept. 25th to Nov. 21st. On Oct. 24th, all day, "great rush." Nov. 21st, "second rush." At Teesmouth, Oct. 6th to 30th. At Whitby L.H., Oct. 14th to Nov. 23rd. At Flamborough in October. At Spurn L.H., Sept. 15th to Jan. 13th. At Spurn L.V., Oct. 6th to 27th--from 9th to 15th every day continuous. At Great Cotes, September, last week, every day and on to Nov. 4th. At Outer Dowsing L.V., Oct. 13th to Dec. 6th; "great rush," Oct. 13th to end of month; "second rush," Nov. 12th. At Inner Dowsing L.V., Oct. 27th to Jan. 4th. At Dudgeon L.V., Oct. 4th to Dec. 15th; "great rush," Oct. 17th and 20th, and night of 27th. At Lynn Well L.V., Oct. 5th to 23rd, on seven days great numbers; 11th, 12th and 13th, continuous during day ("great rush"); after this, from Oct. 23rd to Jan. 3rd, in less numbers. On Jan. 1st, 2nd and 3rd, with Knot; sixteen Larks and fifteen Knots killed against lantern. At Hunstanton L.H., Oct. 8th, great many. At Cromer L.H., Sept. 20th to Jan. 2nd, eleven struck and killed. At Leman and Ower L.V., Sept. 28th to Oct. 27th, on eleven days, day and night; Oct. 23rd, 26th and 27th, "great rush." At Hasbro' L.V., Sept. 1st to Oct. 22nd. At Hasbro' L.H., Sept. 13th to Dec. 27th, thirty killed. At Newarp L.V., Sept. 24th to Oct. 17th. At Cockle L.V., Sept. 27th to Oct. 22nd; Oct. 11th and 22nd, continuous. At Corton L.V., Oct. 7th to Nov. 7th; Oct. 22nd, continuous. At Galloper L.V., Oct. 9th to Nov. 11th, on seventeen days in large flocks, up to five hundred in a flock; Oct. 31st, 11 p.m., half a gale, thirty killed; Nov. 2nd, 10 p.m. to sunrise, about same number, and many on night of 6th, with other birds. At Kentish Knock L.V., only on Oct. 17th. At Shipwash L.V., Sept. 18th, Oct. 4th and 8th, Nov. 22nd; all day, continuous on Oct. 4th. At Swin Middle L.V., Oct. 21st to Jan. 12th. At Tongue L.V., Sept. 27th to Oct. 30th; "rush," Oct. 22nd. On Sept. 27th, hazy, fifty in ship round lantern at 11 p.m.; when stars came out they left. At Goodwin L.V., Sept. 27th to Nov. 7th. At Gull L.V., Oct. 18th to Nov. 2nd. At South-sand Head L.V., Aug. 27th to Nov. 9th. At East Goodwin L.V., Oct. 8th to Jan. 12th. Enormous numbers crossed at these four Goodwin Stations. At Casquets L.H., Oct. 2nd, 11 p.m. to 2 a.m., sixty killed.

The migration of the Lark was carried on all hours of day and night in all weathers from Aug. 27th to Jan. 12th. The "great rush" took place during the last fortnight in October, more crossing probably on the 22nd than any other day, and at Heligoland on 20th and 21st. A "second rush" a month later, on or about Nov. 21st, and a "third rush" on the outbreak of severe weather in the second week in January this year. General line of direction E. to W., sometimes N.E. to S.W., but generally, like the majority of immigrants this season, with a strong trend from points south of east. It is remarkable, as shown by the returns, how frequently Larks are associated in migration with Starlings, either in separate flocks or together; in fact, the two species seem to be inseparable. In a large majority of instances these two meadow-feeders are associated as if impelled to migrate by a common cause.

Wood Lark, _Alauda arborea_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 28th, four.

Snow Bunting, _Plectrophanes nivalis_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 17th, a few first arrivals; Oct. 20th, great many; 20th and 26th, a few; Nov. 20th, still great numbers, but very few old birds. At Farne Inner L.H., Oct. 28th to Dec. 20th; "rush," Nov. 16th, and again Dec. 20th. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., from Nov. 7th to the end of month, nearly on every day, immense numbers passed; all came from N., and were going S.W. At Flamborough, Oct. 8th, first seen; Jan. 13th, great many flocks. At Spurn L.H., third week in October, a few; 29th, many, after great gale from E. and N.E. At Great Cotes, early in November,--1st to 5th,--many; 24th, enormous flocks. At Yarmouth, middle of October. At Harwich, Oct. 30th, many in Orwell river; Nov. 4th, first flock seen near Dovercourt (Zool., 1881, p. 26). None are recorded from stations south of Harwich. The flocks consisted mainly of the young of the year and old females; very few old male birds. The immigration of Snow Buntings on to the north-easterly coasts in four distinct rushes, _viz._, at the end of October, in November, December, and January, has been attended with corresponding depressions of the barometer and outbursts of Arctic weather, _viz._, the great gale E. to N.E., Oct. 28th, with heavy snow in Scotland; Nov. 18th to 20th, sharp frosts and heavy snow-storms; Dec. 14th and 15th, the same; and Jan. 11th and 12th, same. Mr. Gätke has observed for some years a very marked decrease in the number of Snow Buntings crossing Heligoland. There has been a very great increase in the number arriving on our east coast for the last six or seven winters, and it is probable that, like the Shore Lark and other Arctic birds, the line of migration now runs further to the west than formerly.

Other _Emberizinæ_ occurred as follows:--At Heligoland, Oct. 11th, Ortolan Bunting, _Emberiza hortulana_, many young; 24th, same; Sept. 1st, pretty large numbers; 8th and 9th, many; 15th, great many in potato-lands; 29th, Reed Bunting, _E. schœniclus_, many; Oct. 4th, great many; 6th, same; 8th, great many; 11th, same. Yellow Bunting, _E. citrinella_, 28th, many; and same and Corn Buntings up to Nov. 20th, few old birds. Little Bunting, _E. pusilla_, Sept. 26th, one; 30th, one; Oct. 11th, one. On the east coast of England, at Great Cotes, Sept. 30th, _E. schœniclus_, many. At Spurn, Oct. 26th, a few seen. At South-sand Head L.V., Aug. 29th, four to south.

Chaffinch, _Fringilla cœlebs_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 17th, great many beginning to pass; 25th, enormous numbers passing on high overhead in a westerly direction; 26th, hundreds of thousands high overhead; 27th, some; 28th, thousands so high overhead that they cannot be seen, only their call-notes heard, all day long; Oct. 6th, 7th, and 8th, great many; 11th, same; 27th, still many passing. Great numbers have also arrived on the east coast; they are noticed at fourteen stations, from the Farne Islands to the Goodwins. At Farne Inner L.H., Sept. 1st, 2 a.m., one killed against glass, S.W., misty. At Whitby L.H., Sept. 27th, "Finches," "great rush," with many other species. At Great Cotes, Oct. 13th, very large flocks of females and young of the year about this date. At Dudgeon L.V., Oct. 16th, one male caught on deck; 28th, same; Dec. 5th, one same, going W. At Lynn Well L.V., Oct. 5th and 23rd, many S.E. to N.W.; 25th, in smaller flocks to N.W. At Northrepps, Oct. 13th, Mr. J. H. Gurney saw a huge flock in a stubble-field on the cliff, which he thinks must have come in from the sea. At Leman and Ower L.V., Oct. 19th, 8 to 12 p.m., o.m., six caught on deck. At Newarp L.V., 2 to 3 p.m., Oct. 6th, 14th, and 18th, each day to S.W. At Cockle L.V., Oct. 6th, two on board caught. At Corton L.V., 7 p.m., several males alighted on deck; 15th, 6 p.m., one male caught. At Galloper L.V., Oct. 9th to Nov. 6th, on several days, sometimes with Larks, twelve Larks, nine Chaffinches killed night of Oct. 9th, o.m., heavy rain. At Kentish Knock L.V., Oct. 7th, two at sunrise to S.W.; 15th, two, male and female, caught; 17th, W.S.W., three or four hundred very high to S.W. At Swin Middle L.V. Sept. 18th, sunrise to 10 a.m., Chaffinches with Linnets to W. At Gull L.V., Sept. 28th, 9 to 11 a.m., continuous flocks of Linnets, Starlings, Chaffinches, and Mountain Sparrows to W., many of each on deck. The main immigration of the Chaffinch was from the middle of September to end of October, the bulk of the immigrants crossing south of Yarmouth. The "great rush" on or about Oct. 13th.

Brambling, _Fringilla montifringilla_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 25th, many; 27th, some; Oct. 8th, great many; and on 27th, still more, and also good many throughout November. On the English coast few have been observed. At Flamborough, Jan. 13th, some large flocks. At Leman and Ower L.V., Oct. 6th, one male caught.

Tree Sparrow, _Passer montanus_.--None are recorded as passing Heligoland. On our east coast they were observed at eleven stations, but none are recorded north of Spurn. In North-east Lincolnshire, Oct. 13th, very large flocks were seen about this date. At Dudgeon L.V., Oct. 5th, "Sparrows" to W. At Newarp L.V., Oct. 25th, six going W. by N. At Corton L.V., Oct. 7th, several alighted on ship for a short time, going E. to W. At Kentish Knock L.V., Oct. 9th, seven on board till squall had passed. At Shipwash L.V., Nov. 28th, flocks to N.N.W. At Tongue L.V., Sept. 28th, 11 a.m., o.m., about one hundred Sparrows on masthead; Oct. 24th, twenty to W. at noon. At North Foreland L.H., from October to third week in December, hundreds "mixed" were seen. At Goodwin L.V., Sept. 28th to Nov. 5th, on five days, often with Larks to W. At Gull L.V., Sept. 28th, continuous with other birds from 9 to 11 a.m. to W.; Oct. 16th, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., continuous to W. At East Goodwin L.V., Sept. 25th, Oct. 9th, and 11th, flocks flying about ship; 17th, flock from N.W. to S.E.; Jan. 8th, about one hundred from W. to E. towards French coast. From Sept. 25th to Nov. 28th, the majority passing across at the most southern stations the four lightships on the Goodwin Sands. It is possible that some of the entries of "Sparrows," where not distinctly specified, may refer to the Common Sparrow, which is now recognised as a regular immigrant.

House Sparrow, _Passer domesticus_.--At Heligoland, Mr. Gätke says, "Up towards the end of July all young Sparrows disappeared from the island," and "up to middle of September nearly all old Sparrows had also quitted the island." Oct. 10th, "Sparrows latterly influx," from which it appears that the local Sparrows leave, the young first, then the old, and their place is taken by a fresh arrival. At Spurn, last week in Nov., Mr. Hewetson saw an immense flock--hundreds upon hundreds--on the shore, evidently quite fresh arrivals; amongst them was a Reed Bunting. At Outer Dowsing L.V., Sept. 26th, 5 p.m., twenty House Sparrows came on board, travelling from S.E. to N.W.; and on Oct. 2nd, at 4 p.m., eight going E.S.E. to W. At Kentish Knock L.V., Oct. 10th, one Common Sparrow; and on 12th, two, till squall had passed, then to S.W. At Casquets L.H., Alderney, Oct. 13th to 17th, at midnight, Common Sparrows with Thrushes, Blackbirds, Starlings, and Wood Pigeons, to English coast.

Greenfinch, _Coccothraustes chloris_.--At Heligoland, Oct. 27th, many; Nov. 20th, great many. At Corton L.V., Oct. 31st, one, a male, caught.

Goldfinch, _Carduelis elegans_.--At Heligoland, Oct. 27th, some; also through November and December; on Dec. 17th, great many. At Great Cotes, some small flocks in North-east Lincolnshire in October and November, more than have been seen for many years. On Suffolk coast, mouth of Deben, Nov. 1st, seven.

Siskin, _Carduelis spinus_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 16th, a.m., "flights in my garden of (say) fifty; p.m., flights of hundreds"; 17th, "hundreds of thousands"--"flights like clouds"; 25th, many; Oct. 7th, great many; 27th, many still passing; Nov. 4th, W., still some flights. On English coast of Spurn, Oct. 27th, small flock seen. At Northrepps, Sept. 16th, seen by Mr. J. H. Gurney. Have also been reported as more plentiful than usual in other parts of country.

Lesser Redpole, _Linota rufescens_.--In Lincolnshire there were very considerable numbers in our east coast marshes early in October; in one instance, on the 7th, I saw a flock of two hundred in a stubble-field near the coast. At Spurn, Oct. 28th, Mr. Wm. Eagle Clarke saw a flock near Kilnsea.