Chapter III: Part 3

Linnet, _Linota cannabina_.--At Heligoland, Oct. 4th, great many, first comers; 6th, some; 28th, with Twites, great many. On the English coast, Whitby L.V., Sept. 27th, with many others. At Corton L.V., Oct. 5th, one E. to W. At Swin Middle L.V., Sept. 18th, sunrise to 10 a.m., with Chaffinches to W.; and on previous day, Sept. 17th, all day to N.N.W. with Swallows. At Gull L.V., Sept. 26th to Oct. 25th, on six days with other birds to W. and S.W.; continuous all day on Oct. 24th and 25th. At South-sand Head L.V., Oct. 18th and 21st, Linnets with others all day; 26th, all day with others to W. and N.W. Immense numbers appear to have crossed from Oct. 1st to 26th at the stations off the Essex and Kent coasts; none, or very few only, at stations north of this.

Twite, _Linota flavirostris_.--Is not recorded on the English coast. At Heligoland, Oct. 16th, many passed, first comers; and on 17th, great many; 20th, great many; and on 25th, 26th, and 27th, lesser flights; 28th, many with Linnets.

Bullfinch, _Pyrrhula europæa_.--At Heligoland, Oct. 7th, one, young; 8th, one, young, in garden; 10th, some; 11th, a few; 19th, some; 25th, a few; and through November and December in small parties of ten to twelve; have not been seen on the island for ever so many years. At Spurn, some were seen last week in November; and during the last fortnight in the same month, many in North-east Lincolnshire. Mr. J. H. Gurney, writing from Reigate, Jan. 4th, 1881, says, "There are more Bullfinches in this part of Surrey than I think I ever saw." Extraordinary numbers were seen in Mayo and Sligo, Ireland, in the last autumn and winter (See 'Zoologist,' 1881, p. 133).

Crossbill, _Loxia curvirostra_.--At Heligoland, Oct. 7th, one young bird.

Starling, _Sturnus vulgaris_.--Next to the Lark, this species undoubtedly takes the second rank numerically amongst the migrants. The young birds crossed Heligoland in large numbers from June 15th to July 5th. The old birds beginning to move about Sept. 11th, and from that time to Oct. 27th, enormous numbers passed. On the English coast they are recorded at twenty-five stations, from the Longstone to the Hanois L.H., Guernsey. At Longstone L.H., Nov. 19th, large flocks to W. At Farne Inner L.H., Sept. 30th, to Nov. 13th (Oct. 15th, rush), when they passed all day westward. At Coquet L.H., Oct. 1st and 11th. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Nov. 27th, large flocks from S.E. to N.W. At Whitby L.H., July 23rd, one hundred young birds to S. At Flamborough L.H., great numbers in November. At Spurn L.H., Oct. 14th to Nov. 27th, Oct. 23rd and 24th, and Nov. 27th to 30th, all day from N. to S. At Spurn L.V., Oct. 17th, thirty came on board; 27th, Starlings and Larks; two dozen caught going S. At Inner Dowsing L.V., Jan. 4th, one dead on deck at sunrise. At Hunstanton L.H., Oct. 8th, 4 a.m., o.m., rain, E., hundreds with Larks round light, fifteen killed. At Cromer L.H., Jan. 3rd, 1881, 3 a.m., one killed. At Leman and Ower L.V., Sept. 28th and 29th, and Oct. 19th, during night; At Hasboro' L.H., Sept. 13th and 14th, 11 p.m. to midnight, with Larks, twenty stunned, young birds; 27th, midnight, four killed, young; Dec. 27th, midnight, with Larks and Blackbirds. At Newarp L.V., Oct. 13th to 25th, on three days to W. At Corton L.V., Sept. 27th, Oct. 4th, and Nov. 17th, E. to W. At Galloper L.V., Oct. 13th to Nov. 11th, nearly every day large flocks going N.W., day and night, sometimes alone, at others with Larks and small birds. At Kentish Knock L.V., Oct. 8th, 10th, and 13th, to W.S.W., with Larks and many other birds. At Shipwash L.V., Sept. 21st to Nov. 23rd, on several days, sometimes with Larks N. and N.W. At Swin Middle L.V., Aug. 28th, flocks to W. with other birds; and Oct. 30th, to W. with Larks. At South-sand Head L.V., Oct. 10th, continuous with others; also on 17th, 18th, 22nd, and 26th, to W. At East Goodwin L.V., Sept. 24th and 25th, hazy, flocks about ship with Sparrows on 25th; Oct. 16th, hundreds E. to W. At Casquets L.H., Oct. 13th to 17th, midnight, rain. Starlings amongst other birds to N.W. At Hanois L.H., Guernsey, Aug. 14th, night, with many others; Dec. 2nd, midnight, o.m., half a dozen struck. The young migrate first; the old in October and November. Have crossed in the greatest number at the more southern stations, travelling all hours of the day and night in westerly and north-westerly directions; constantly associated with Larks in their migrations. The majority crossed from Oct. 19th to 26th. Again there was a "second rush" near the end of November, and a third the second week in January, before the outbreak of severe weather.

Rose-coloured Starling, _Pastor roseus_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 17th, one, a young bird, occurred.

Grey Crow, _Corvus cornix_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 24th, commencing with flocks of thirty to forty, and passing at intervals to end of October, sometimes in immense numbers; Oct. 7th, towards evening an enormous flight, during night fifty caught by lanterns; and after this passing in smaller numbers to Nov. 2nd. On the English coast they were noticed at seventeen stations, extending from the Farne Islands to the mouth of the Thames. At Farne Inner L.H., Oct. 21st to Nov. 20th, to W. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Sept. 10th, two E. to W.; Oct. 12th, great many E.S.E. to W.N.W. At Teesmouth, Sept. 25th, two seen; Oct. 16th and 20th, many. At Whitby L.H., Oct. 24th and 26th, with Blackbirds at daylight. At Flamborough L.H., Oct. 8th, enormous numbers seen. At Spurn, Oct. 12th to Nov. 9th, great many. At Great Cotes, Oct. 9th, 5.30 p.m., gale from N.E., large flock came in, travelling from E. to W., very high. At Lynn Well, L.V., Oct. 10th to 14th, continuous every day from S. to N.W.; again 22nd and 23rd, all day S.E. to N.W. At Hunstanton L.H., Oct. 10th, 11th, and 12th, many E. to W., wind E.N.E. At Northrepps, Oct. 13th, many to N.W. At Leman and Ower L.V., Oct. 21st, 5 p.m., to N.W. At Cockle L.V., Oct. 11th, continuous to W.N.W., and E.N.E. At Corton L.V., Oct. 10th, very high, E. to W., wind E.N.E.; 11th, continuous 9 a.m. to noon. At mouth of Deben, Oct. 29th to Nov. 1st, in numbers. At Galloper L.V., Oct. 24th to Nov. 9th, many flocks. At Shipwash L.V., Oct. 12th, 30th, and Nov. 3rd, flocks N.W. and N.N.W. At Swin Middle L.V., Oct. 22nd, noon to 3 p.m., with Rooks. At South-sand Head L.V., Sept. 16th, ten "Crows" to N.W.--may have been _Corvus corone_; Nov. 4th, two hundred Crows to N.W. The majority of the Hooded Crows arrived from Oct. 8th to 23rd, the greatest number on any given day probably on the 11th. The main body passed on to the east coast between Flamborough and Yarmouth, with northerly and easterly winds, and travelling from E. to W., N.E. to S.W., and S.E. and S. to N.W.

Rook, _Corvus frugilegus_.--Enormous as have been the number of Crows crossing the North Sea the Rook has probably quite equalled them. None were noticed at Heligoland, or indeed at any station north of the Humber; but from Spurn to the Southsand Head they are recorded at sixteen stations, from Oct. 10th to Nov. 12th, the greatest number crossing undoubtedly on Oct. 21st, and the majority during the autumn at the more southern stations. Comparing the immigration of the Grey Crow with the Rook we find that the former crossed more to the north than the latter did. Thus Grey Crows are recorded from the Farnes to the mouth of the Thames: the majority into Holderness, Lincolnshire and Norfolk; the Rooks from Spurn to the South Foreland, the majority into the southern counties. Each, however, came from, and travelled to, the same points of the compass--E. to W., or N.E. to S.W., or S.E. and S. to S.W.

Daw, _Corvus monedula_.--At Great Cotes, Oct. 19th, several, with Rooks, coming in from the sea. At Northrepps, Oct. 14th, going N.W. At Galloper L.V., Oct. 17th, 7.45 a.m., Rooks and Daws, three to four hundred.

Jay, _Garrulus glandarius_.--Nil Return. There was, however, a considerable influx into North-east Lincolnshire on or about the last week in October.

Pie, _Pica rustica_.--At Northrepps, Oct. 17th, Mr. J. H. Gurney observed two high up, going E.

Swallow, _Hirundo rustica_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 16th, passing S. At Farne Inner L.H., Oct. 1st, several all day. At Coquet L.H., July 10th, numbers; Sept. 20th, 6 p.m., four. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., July 27th, 6 to 7.30 p.m., wind S.W., moderate, six large flocks, fifty to sixty each, north to south; Sept. 15th, 4 p.m., large flocks to S. At Whitby L.H., Sept. 22nd, 4 p.m., last seen going S. At Flamborough L.H., Sept. 17th, midday, great many. At Spurn L.H., Sept. 6th, all day young Swallows passing along Spurn promontory towards S., each flock followed by Pipits. At Hunstanton L.V., Sept. 28th, large flock on lighthouse. At Leman and Ower L.V., July 29th, 6 a.m., numbers passed, some alighting on board, one struck and killed. At Hasboro' L.H., Sept. 1st, 2 a.m., fog, flock, several caught as they beat against lantern. At Winterton L.H., Sept. 3rd to 9th, round lantern every day. At Swin Middle L.V., Sept. 15th, all day to N.W.; 17th, with Linnets all day to N.N.W.; 18th, sunrise to 9 a.m., two hundred to W. At North Foreland L.H., July 28th, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., passing; 29th, six passed; Swallows also in numbers from five to forty were seen flying round lantern during the last week in September. At South-sand Head L.V., Sept. 23rd, twelve to W, At Casquets L.H., Oct. 7th, from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m., S.S.E., rain. Swallows, Landrails, Water Rails, Woodcocks, King Ouzels, and Common Thrushes were seen round light; amongst the birds striking the glass were one hundred Swallows. At Hanois L.H., Guernsey, Sept. 30th, a flight passed south. Swallows were noticed migrating at fifteen stations on the east coast and in the Channel from July 10th, at Coquet Island, to Oct. 7th, at the Casquets, the greater part in September. Migrate both by day and night, and in very considerable flocks; general direction north to south, but at Swin Middle L.V., S.E. to N.W. Swallows remained very late in the autumn of the past year in some localities. In North-east Lincolnshire, Nov. 9th, a pair seen. In Essex, Nov. 4th. In 'The Zoologist' for 1881, p. 62, the editor records the late stay of the Swallow at eight stations, all southern ones except Dublin, from Nov. 22nd to Dec. 11th. It is rather remarkable that, in North-east Germany, Swallows are recorded in the German newspapers as taking their departure nearly a month before the average time.

Martin, _Chelidon urbica_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 1st, with Swifts passing on overhead, N.W., clear, little wind, warm. At Outer Dowsing L.V., Sept. 21st, sunset, two flying round lantern. At mouth of Deben, Nov. 1st, many Martins and Sand Martins seen. At South-sand Head L.V., Sept. 1st, twelve to S. One was seen at Henley-on-Thames on Dec. 18th (Zool., 1881, p. 62).

Swift, _Cypselus apus_.--At Heligoland, June 1st, some passing; Sept. 1st, passing on overhead; 16th, great many. At Whitby L.H., Sept. 16th, 4 p.m., flock to S. At Spurn L.H., Aug. 27th, 6.30 a.m., great number to S.; Sept. 6th, again migrating; on June 7th, at 7 p.m., fifty were seen perched on gallery of lighthouse. At Cockle L.V., July 11th, two to N.W. Very few have been observed in comparison with the enormous flight which passed up the coast in the autumn of 1879.

Nightjar, _Caprimulgus europæus_.--At Hasborough L.V., Sept. 24th, 10 p.m., one killed against lantern. Occurs every year at Spurn in the autumn as a migrant.

Cuckoo, _Cuculus canorus_.--At Heligoland, June 3rd, one old bird. At Whitby L.H., July 4th, one caught, a young bird. At Spurn, Sept. 7th, one seen, young. At Cromer L.H., July 28th, midnight, stunned.

Wryneck, _Jynx torquilla_.--At Heligoland, Aug. 13th, one young bird.

Hoopoe, _Upupa epops_.--One recorded in the 'Field' of Nov. 6th as shot at Redcar, middle of September. At Bridlington, Sept. 15th, one. At Holt, Norfolk, Sept. 22nd, one, a male, in a turnip-field. At Woodham Mortimer, Essex, one shot Sept. 20th. At Crofton, near Wakefield, Oct. 29th, one shot and another seen.

Bee-eater, _Merops apiaster_.--At Tetney Haven, seven miles S. of Grimsby, one on Aug. 16th (Zool., 1880, p. 511).

Great Spotted Woodpecker, _Picus major_.--At Spurn, Oct. 27th, one shot, a few red feathers on the crown of the head, and in an advanced state of moult. At Great Cotes, Dec. 8th, one.

King Dove or Wood Pigeon, _Columba palumbus_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 25th, twenty to thirty. At Tongue L.V., Dec. 30th, 2.30 p.m., nine "Pigeons" going N. At Casquets L.H., Oct. 13th to 17th, midnight, Wood Pigeons from French to English coast going N.W.

Turtle Dove, _Turtur communis_.--At Flamborough, first week in October, one. At Great Cotes, Oct. 8th, N.E. gale and rain, one seen. At Casquets, Sept. 7th, 10 p.m. to 3 a.m., fifteen striking.

Golden Plover, _Charadrius pluvialis_.--At Heligoland, July 3rd, E., passing over day and night in great numbers; 4th, about twenty young birds; 23rd and 24th, young birds; Aug. 10th, flights of hundreds, all young; 12th and 13th, northerly, fine, many high overhead; Sept. 3rd, great number of waders during night; 8th and 9th, great many; 16th, a.m., flights of dozens, p.m. flights of hundreds; Oct. 28th, many thousands over sea. At Farne Inner L.H., Aug. 12th to 28th, flocks to and from land every day; Nov. 23rd and 24th, all day. At Coquet Island L.H., Nov. 21st and Dec. 10th, all day. At Teesmouth, Sept. 25th, twenty seen. At Spurn L.H., Sept. 5th, flocks "Plover" N. to S. during day. At Great Cotes, Dec. 9th, immense flights, old birds. At Dudgeon L.V., Aug. 7th, 3 a.m. to midnight, in small parties, general direction W.; 25th, some; Oct. 28th, about one hundred to W. None at southern stations.[8] The young birds of the year migrate across Heligoland as early as the first week in July, and so on into August. The old birds later and in separate flocks. The migration of old birds as seen at Spurn going towards the north is exceptional, the rule on the east coast being a few old black-breasted birds in August and September, often with Lapwings, then flocks of young birds, and later in November the "great rush" of old birds.

[Footnote 8: My friend Major Seddon, of Waltham, informs me that, when at Spurn with his yacht, on the night of Aug. 22nd, he saw thousands of Golden Plover passing north along the sea-shore in detached flocks, flying in lines and arrow-heads; he was near enough to see that the upper parts were speckled with the "golden drop," and the under parts mottled black and white, as if changing from the summer to the winter dress.]

Grey Plover, _Squatarola helvetica_.--At Heligoland, June 15th, 16th, and 17th, repeatedly; not mentioned afterwards in report. At Spurn L.H., July 25th, three on the muds; Aug. 29th, two. On Essex coast, Aug. 14th, Major Russell saw a flock or two, all having black breasts. The young arrive in August and September; old birds later in October and November; a few old birds having black or mottled breasts are often seen in July or early in August. Some birds of the previous year, or in their second summer, sometimes remain on the coast during the summer.

Lapwing, _Vanellus vulgaris_.--At Heligoland, July 3rd, with many others high overhead, day and night; 4th, in astounding numbers with Curlews. At Farne Inner L.H., Aug. 12th to 28th, with Golden Plovers to and from land daily. At Coquet Island L.H., Nov. 16th to Dec. 30th, on several days; "rush," Nov. 21st and Dec. 10th. At Spurn L.H., Sept. 5th, flocks N. to S. during day. At Great Cotes, Oct. 20th, gale from N., flocks E. to W. At Outer Dowsing L.V., June 21st, two came on board; left at 9 a.m. for W. At Dudgeon L.V., Aug. 7th, 3 a.m. to midnight, "Plovers," small parties, general direction W. At Lynn Well L.V., Nov. 7th and 23rd, Dec. 20th and 29th, S.E. to N.W. At Hasboro' L.H., Nov. 15th, Gulls and Plovers to S.; Dec. 17th, "Plovers" to S. At Cockle L.V., July 10th, two Lapwings to N.W. At Galloper L.V., Oct. 28th, 9.20 a.m., thirty "Pewit" to N.W. At Swin Middle L.V., Sept. 20th, "six birds like Crows."[9] At Casquets L.H., Oct. 7th, 12 p.m., flock to N.W. Appear to have crossed at irregular times, and at some stations in considerable numbers; from July 3rd, at Heligoland, to the end of December, at Lynn Well and Coquet Island.

[Footnote 9: To which my correspondent quaintly adds in a note, "the six birds like Crows which passed on the 20th, cried 'pee-weet' as they passed."]

Dotterel, _Eudromias morinellus_.--At Heligoland, July 24th, one shot. At Teesmouth, a dozen seen about middle of September. Very rarely observed at British stations during the autumn migration.

Ringed Plover, _Ægialitis hiaticula_,--At Heligoland, July 1st, great many with Redshanks the whole day passing on high overhead; 3rd, same, day and night; 5th, same. At Swin Middle L.V., very large flocks of "Ox-birds"[10] passed, going N.W., in October, November, December, and January.

[Footnote 10: Dunlin ?]

Oystercatcher, _Hæmatopus ostralegus_.--At Coquet L.H., Aug. 16th, N.E., great numbers all day. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Aug. 16th, flock of "Mussel-crackers." At Hunstanton L.H., from Aug. 2nd for several weeks, large flocks of Oystercatchers and Curlews passing S.W. at ebb, returning E. at flood.

Dusky Redshank, _Totanus fascus_.--At Heligoland, June 15th, 16th, and 17th, repeatedly. Redshank, _T. calidris_, July 1st, great many whole day passing high overhead, and on 3rd, day and night, with many others; 5th, also many; Aug. 10th, one Dusky Redshank, a young bird; shot; Sept. 3rd, night, great many _Totani_ and _Tringæ_; Sept. 8th, great many also.

Knot, _Tringa canutus_.--At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Sept. 10th, first seen. At Teesmouth, July 30th, ten or twelve old birds. At Spurn, July 24th, one, an old male, in somewhat faded plumage, killed against telegraph-wire. At Great Cotes, Aug. 16th, large flocks of young birds in the Humber; November, first week, old birds. At Lynn Well L.V., Jan. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd (1881), 9 p.m. to midnight. Knots with Larks, fifteen killed.

Curlew Sandpiper, _Tringa subarquata_.--At Heligoland, July 4th, some few.

Purple Sandpiper, _Tringa striata_.--Several in October and November at Spurn, also on Lincolnshire and Norfolk coasts.

Temminck's Stint, _Tringa Temmincki_.--Sept. 29th, seen on North Norfolk coast.

Sanderling, _Calidris arenaria_ At Spurn, Aug. 16th, in small flocks, young birds. In September and October, first fortnight very numerous, afterwards less.

Grey Phalarope, _Phalaropus fulicarius_,--On Lincolnshire coast, Oct. 21st, one, a female. At Harwich river, Nov. 17th, one seen.

Woodcock, _Scolopax ruisticula_.--At Heligoland, Sept. 25th, six to eight shot; 29th, some; Oct. 15th, six to eight; 16th, afternoon, about twenty shot; 21st, N.E. and N.N.E., stormy, some with Blackbirds; 22nd, S.W., squally, very great many flying about, seventy to eighty shot; Nov. 9th, S.W., one dozen shot during day; 19th, still some. At Farne Inner L.H., Oct. 20th to 29th, N. or E., on six days, one or two; Dec. 27th, one. At Coquet Island L.H., Oct. 30th, 7 a.m., one; Nov. 10th, 3 a.m., N.W., one killed; 16th, 9 a.m., two. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Oct. 13th, 22nd, and 26th, 9 to 11 a.m. one or two each day going E. to W. At Teesmouth, Oct. 5th, 6th, 19th, and 20th, one each day. At Flamborough L.H., Sept. 2nd, one seen near lighthouse; Oct. 19th, great flight, twenty shot, "small and very dark-coloured birds." At Spurn L.H., Oct. 5th, two; 19th to 22nd, upwards of one hundred shot near Spurn; 27th, five seen. On Lincolnshire coast, Oct. 19th, near Skegness, forty-three shot, seventy altogether during week. At Outer Dowsing L.V., Nov., 23rd, N.W., 2 p.m., three from E. to W.; Dec. 6th, 2 p.m., two, same direction. At Inner Dowsing L.V., Oct. 29th, one dead on deck at sunrise. At Lynn Well L.V., Oct. 28th, one with a Lapwing killed at midnight. Near Cromer, Oct. 19th, great flight, twenty shot in neighbourhood. At Corton L.V., Nov. 9th, noon, five to N. very low. On Essex coast, many seen between Oct. 29th and Nov. 1st; three came on board a smack off mouth of Deben. At Casquets L.H., Oct. 7th, 11 p.m. to 3 a.m., with other birds round lantern. Woodcocks began moving early in September; the "great flight" on to the east coast from Flamborough to Yarmouth was on the night of Oct. 18th or early morning of 19th, north-east gale, with snow in the north, and was followed by other flights on the next two or three days. Over Heligoland the great flight was on the afternoon of Oct. 22nd, with wind S.W., and squally. They were observed at fourteen stations, from the Farne Islands to the Casquets; are reported as scarce north of Flamborough and south of Essex, the main stream evidently coming into Holderness, Lincolnshire, and Norfolk.

Great Snipe, _Gallinago major_.--At Farne Inner L.H., Nov. 3rd, one on island.

Common Snipe, Gallinago cælestis.--At Farne Inner L.H., Nov. 27th to Dec. 27th, many. At Great Cotes, "great flight" from Oct. 20th to end of month, only remaining a day or two. On Essex coast, Oct. 29th to Nov. 1st, large numbers, but only remaining a few hours.

Jack Snipe, _Gallinago gallinula_.--At Farne Inner L.H., Nov. 9th, two to N.W.; 18th, two, same. At Great Cotes, Nov. 2nd, first seen. On Norfolk coast, Sept. 30th, one seen; are very scarce on the east coast this winter.

Bar-tailed Godwit, _Limosa lapponica_.--At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Sept. 17th, flock of twenty. At Teesmouth, Aug. 16th and 23rd, Sept. 1st and 5th, flocks each day. On Essex coast, Aug. 14th, a few of the immature second year birds--probably had remained on the coast all through the summer.

Curlew, _Numenius arquata_.--At Heligoland, July 4th, "astounding numbers early in the morning"; July 5th, some; Aug. 11th, 12th, and 18th, many passing overhead. At Farne Inner L.H., September, several. At Coquet L.H., July 30th, two seen; 31st, one score, northwards. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Sept. 15th, great many. At Whitby L.H., Aug. 2nd, 11 a.m., flocks going south, "supposed to be young birds." At Flamborough, great numbers last week in August. At Spurn L.H., Sept. 8th, four round lantern going N. to S.; 17th, 3 a.m., with Plover, two Curlews killed. At Hunstanton L.H., large flocks on coast from Aug. 2nd; Oct. 6th, o.m., rain, 7.80 p.m., one struck and caught. At Cromer L.H., Aug. 21st, 11.30 p.m., two struck, stunned. At Hasborough L.H., Oct. 8th, noon to 3 p.m., E., flights going S. At Winterton L.H., June 17th, 11 p.m., one seen going to W., passed close to lantern; Sept. 12th, 10 a.m., a dozen to W. At Kentish Knock L.V., Aug. 6th, one very high to W. At Swin Middle L.V., Aug. 26th to Sept. 17th, on five days at about 3 p.m., going N.W.; Jan. 2nd and 3rd, fog, on both nights, many with other birds round lantern; killed three Curlews, one Duck, thirty-two Larks, two Ox-birds; total, thirty-eight. At North Foreland L.H., July 27th, four to N.W.; Sept. 9th, five to N.N.W.; Dec. 4th, thirty to forty about. At North-sand Head L.V., Aug. 1st, noon, "shoals" E. to W. At South-sand Head L.V., Sept. 3rd, twenty to W.; 27th, twenty or thirty to W. At East Goodwin L.V., Sept. 6th, eight N. to S. The main body migrates in August and early in September; general direction E. to W., or up the coast from N. to S.

Whimbrel, _Numenius phæopus_.--At Teesmouth, July 4th, several flocks; 21st, eight or nine flocks. At Spurn L.H., July 25th, several. At Great Cotes, passing in July, August, and September, very high to south.

Heron, _Ardea cinerea_.--At Coquet L.H., July 28th, 5 p.m., one: Aug. 13th, 3 a.m., two; Sept. 4th, 6 a.m., two; Dec. 26th, 9 a.m., one. At Teesmouth, Redcar, Sept. 21st, five; 24th, one; Oct. 23rd, 4 p.m., N.E., mod. gale, two. At Flamborough L.H., June 12th, two. Only at the more northern stations. That some arrive on the east coast in the autumn there can be no doubt; a few years since one was brought in alive to Grimsby, taken at sea on board one of the Hamburg boats.

Water-Rail and Land-Rail, _Rallus aquaticus_ and _Crex pratensis_.--At Casquets L.H., Oct. 2nd, 11 p.m. to 2 a.m., some killed; Oct. 7th, 11 p.m. to 3 a.m., several with Water Rails, some killed.

Whooper, _Cygnus musicus_.--At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Oct. 29th, 10.30 a.m., wind strong from N.N.E., six, all white. At Flamborough, during the severe weather early in January, 1881, several flocks came into Bridlington Bay, numbering from six to twenty in a flock. At Spurn, Dec. 31st, two Whoopers, one shot. Several in the Humber during the first half of January. At Inner Dowsing L.V., Jan. 21st, 1 p.m., five N.E. to S.W. At Corton L.V., Jan. 10th, 1881, a flock of about thirty very high to N.W. The severe weather commencing Dec. 30th brought considerable numbers of Wild Swans on to our east coast.

Wild Geese, _Anser_.--Under this general term numbers of Geese are recorded at east coast stations. At Heligoland, Sept. 6th, great many overhead; Oct. 19th, great flights. _Anser brachyrhynchus_, Oct. 15th, one young bird shot. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Sept. 15th, flock of fifteen "Grey Geese" N. to S.; 25th, six "Grey Geese" to S. At Teesmouth, Oct. 16th, 7 a.m., flock; 19th, 7 a.m., same. At Flamborough L.H., several flocks "Grey Geese" early in October. At Outer Dowsing L.V., Dec. 2nd, 11 a.m., five Wild Geese N.N.E. to S.W. At Lynn Well L.V., July 3rd, eight Grey Geese E. to W.; Oct. 3rd, twenty to south. At Winterton L.H., June 19th, 7 p.m., fifty flying very low. At Gull L.V., Sept. 21st, forty to S.; Oct. 19th, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., three flocks to S.; 30th, flock of forty to W. At East Goodwin L.V., Nov. 22nd and 23rd, two small flocks E. to W. and N. to S. At Casquets L.H., Sept. 7th, 2 p.m., Geese going W. Migration south in September and October, the main body in the latter month. At Winterton a flock was seen on June 19th, and a small flock at the Lynn Well L.V., July 3rd, which looks very much as if some remained on the English coast throughout the summer, as is the case with the Scoter and many of the _Limicolæ_, as Grey Plover, Godwit, Knot, and Whimbrel.

Egyptian Goose, _Anser ægyptiacus_.--At Farne L.H., Nov. 2nd, N.N.E., squally, 10 a.m., two seen flying northward. My informant also says that he shot a pair on the island in October, 1876.

Snow Goose, _Chen hyperboreus_.--At Heligoland, Dec. 25th, "one on cliff, not shot, no doubt about it."

Brent Goose, _Bernicla brenta_.--At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Sept. 25th, 11 a.m., first seen; Nov. 21st, flock of sixteen to W. At Spurn, great many in Humber, inside Spurn, in December and January; amongst these there was an unusual number of the white-bellied variety. On Essex coast, Oct. 6th, first heard of; 20th, one hundred or more seen on Buxby Sand.

Anas.--Under the general head of "Wild Duck," immense numbers of Ducks have been observed at various of the east coast stations. At Farne Inner L.H., Nov. 1st, "Mallard" flock to N. At Coquet L.H., Aug. 20th, large flocks all day to S.; Oct. 6th, one Eider; 22nd, N.; Dec. 23rd, N.; 31st, N.W., large flocks all day from N. to S. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Aug. 16th, six Teal; 26th, large flock from N.E.; Sept. 10th, twenty-six Sheldrakes, same day large flock of Widgeon; Oct. 12th to 22nd, immense number of Widgeon; Dec. 16th, large flock of Teal to S.E. At Teesmouth, Oct. 28th, Ducks in endless flocks morn and noon, all kinds, N.E. hurricane, hail, snow, rain. At Flamborough, Jan. 3rd to 7th, both Geese and Ducks to south in great numbers. At Spurn, Nov. 4th, great number of various sorts in Humber; and during the last half of December and in January, enormous flocks of various sorts driven into the river by stress of weather. At Outer Dowsing L.V., July 20th, 28th, and Aug. 10th, about 7 p.m., forty or fifty each day S.E. to N.N.W. At Lynn Well L.V., Sept. 25th, great quantities S.E. to N.W. At Winterton L.H., Aug. 23rd, twenty-one Sheldrakes to E. On Essex coast, Aug. 7th, Widgeon, six young birds seen; 28th, many, wind N.N.W. veering to N.N.E. At Galloper L.V., Nov. 9th, twenty "Smee Ducks"; Widgeon during night, At Kentish Knock L.V., Sept. 29th, calm, "Wild Ducks," flock at midnight N.E. to S.W. At Swin Middle L.V., Aug. 31st to Sept. 20th, on fourteen days "Wild Ducks" all going N.W. or N.N.W.; Sept. 5th, "great rush." At North Foreland, Sept. 25th, twenty to thirty to N. along shore; Oct. 6th, thirty or forty to S.W. At Goodwin L.V., Sept. 27th to Oct. 29th, "Wild Ducks" going E. to W. or N.N.W.; Nov. 4th to 29th, from N.W. to S.E. Migration extending from about the middle of July to the end of October. The greater part arriving in September and October, not only from the north and north-east, but also from S.E. and S.S.E. on to the English coast.

Black Scoter, _Œdemia nigra_.--The migration of this species appears greatly to have exceeded that of any other Duck. They have been seen in large numbers during the autumn at various stations on the coast and at sea, passing as a rule towards the south. At Teesmouth, Oct. 2nd, two Black Scoters seen. At Lynn Well L.V., Oct. 17th and 24th, large flocks of Scoters all day from S. to N.W. and S.E. to W. The direction in this case caused by birds passing over from North-west Norfolk to Lincolnshire coast. Jan. 1st, one killed against lantern. At Newarp L.V., Sept. 22nd to Oct. 15th, several days, flocks going to S.W. At Cockle L.V., Sept. 27th, 6 to 10 a.m., in large flocks to N.W. At Corton L.V., Nov. 16th, noon, hundreds N. to S.; Dec. 12th to 28th, numerous flocks from N.N.E. to W.S.W. and S.E. to N.W. At Tongue L.V., Dec. 29th, 9 a.m. to noon, several flocks to W. At Gull L.V., July 22nd and 23rd, flocks to S.E.; Aug. 20th to Dec. 3rd, on several days to W.S.W. and S. At South-sand Head L.V., July 21st, two flocks, thirty and fifty to S., and from this to Oct. 16th, frequent flocks going as a rule S. At East Goodwin L.V., July 5th, 6th, 9th, and 10th, first two days, small flocks E. to W.; on the 9th, a thousand or more going N. to S.

Colymbidæ.--At Farne Inner L.H., Sept. 10th, two. Great Northern Diver, _Columbus glacialis_, Nov. 2nd, six "speckled" about island. At Teesmouth, several Red-throated Divers, _Colymbus septentrionalis_, early morning. Mr. J. H. Gurney informs me that when Mr. F. D. Power was off Cley, on the Norfolk coast, this autumn, on Oct. 1st, he saw a remarkable flight of Red-throated Divers along coast eastward; they flew forty to fifty yards high, but rarely came near the boat; one shot had a perfect red throat.

Podicipitidæ.--At Hunstanton L.H., Sept. 2nd, 9 p.m., o.m., Little Grebe, _Podiceps fluviatilis_, struck and caught. At Hasboro' L.H., Dec. 3rd, 2 a.m., fog, Little Grebe killed, being the second in eighteen months. Sclavonian Grebe, _Podiceps auritus_, one, a female, was shot near Easington, Spurn, on Jan. 11th, 1881, and Great Crested Grebe, _P. cristatus_, in Whitby Harbour on the 16th of the same month.

Alcidæ.--At Heligoland, Nov. 26th, Common Guillemots in great numbers on the cliff, their breeding quarters; Dec. 10th, early morning, cliffs covered; 13th, thousands, at least half black-bearded.

Cormorant, _Phalacrocorax carbo_.--At Hunstanton L.H., Aug. 24th, eight passing E.

Gannet, _Sula bassana_.--At Spurn L.V., Oct. 1st to 16th, many to S. At Outer Dowsing L.V., Oct. 27th, 9 a.m., eight to S. At Cockle L.V., Oct. 16th, several; 25th, fifteen to W.; 27th, great numbers. At Corton L.V., Oct. 16th, many to S. At Casquets, Aug. 22nd, and on Dec. 8th, manly to N.N.W. Was seen off the Casquets as early as Aug. 22nd. The main migration appears to have taken place in October, from N. to S. along the east coast.

Sterninæ.--At Heligoland, July, Caspian Tern, _Sterna Caspia_, frequently seen. At Farne Inner L.H., Aug. 28th, both the Sandwich and Arctic Terns left the islands. At the Longstone L.H., on the extreme outer reef of the Farnes, the Sandwich Tern was seen last on Sept. 8th, and the Arctic Sept. 14th. At Coquet Island L.H., Aug. 14th, N.N.E., great number of Terns all day about island. At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Aug. 16th, great numbers this day; 29th, same.

Larinæ.--At Heligoland, the Siberian Herring Gull, _Larus affinis_, was seen off the rock on June 5th, N.W., strong. Little Gull, _Larus minutus_, Sept. 5th, enormous numbers on the water. Ivory Gull, _Larus eburnea_, Nov. 4th, westerly, seen on water. At Farne Inner L.H., Sept. 10th, the Gulls left islands. At Whitby L.H., Sept. 2nd, Gulls had all left, both young and old. At Filey, Ivory Gull, _Larus eburnea_, a fully mature example, a male, was shot in September; a young bird in the spotted plumage was also obtained in the same month. At Flamborough, Sept. 5th to 6th, Lesser Black-backed Gulls to south all day; wind S.W. by W.; equal proportion of young and old. At Spurn L.V., July 29th and 30th, "Smelt Gulls" all day; Sept. 28th, large numbers of Gulls continuous to south. At Lynn Well L.V., Aug. 21st, 22nd, and 23rd, great quantities all day from S.E. At Yarmouth, Mr. J. H. Gurney, writing Jan. 26th, 1881, says, "A correspondent at Yarmouth had recently twenty-seven Glaucous Gulls in the flesh, seven of which were mature." At Hasboro' L.H., Dec. 18th, 8 p.m., "Little Gull" struck and broke its neck. At Cockle L.V., Oct. 16th, Gulls during day; 27th, same. At Shipwash L.V., Nov. 29th, 10 a.m., large numbers to W. At South-sand Head L.V., July 29th, an unusual number seen.

Stercorariinæ.--At Teesmouth 5 Buoy L.V., Aug. 29th, two Skuas passed. At Redcar, Sept. 16th, twenty Richardson's Skuas passed; Oct. 28th, Mr. T. H. Nelson, writing in the 'Field' newspaper for Nov. 6th, 1880, states that, during the night of the storm on Oct. 28th, he saw considerable numbers of the Pomatorhine Skua, amounting to several hundreds, flying close to the esplanade at Redcar, and struggling to make headway against the gale; they consisted almost entirely of mature birds of the white-breasted variety, only three or four being dark birds, but whether immature or adult he could not ascertain. At Spurn L.V., Aug. 1st to Sept. 24th, a few Skuas passed going S.; Oct. 1st to 16th, many passed same direction. At South-sand Head L.V., July 29th, an unusual number of Skuas seen.

Procellariidæ.--At Coquet L.H., July 22nd, 11 p.m., misty, one Petrel caught against glass of lantern, examined and set at liberty. At Redcar, Oct. 28th, two Stormy and one Fulmar Petrels picked up during great gale. At Flamborough, first week in October, Stormy Petrel. At Spurn, Oct. 28th, Stormy Petrels after great gale. At Galloper L.V., Nov. 6th, 2 to 4 p.m., twelve Stormy Petrels about ship. At Gull L.V., Oct. 9th, 2 a.m., N., several struck glass, none killed.

Independent of these very numerous notes on known species, the schedules contain many notices of birds the species of which were either not known or not recognised. At the Hasborough L.H., Oct. 26th, 10 p.m., E., o.m., a great many various small birds; eight killed were Larks and Thrushes. At Swin Middle L.V., Sept. 9th and 12th, flocks of small birds passed all night to N.W. At Hanois L.H., Sept. 8th and 27th, fog and rain, evening to 9 p.m., great rush of small birds of many sorts.

General Remarks.

The report for 1880 compared with that of the previous year shows very similar results, as in 1879 a considerable proportion of the immigrants crossed at the more southern stations, or at the narrowest portion of the North Sea. If we divide the east coast into three divisions, one north-easterly from the Farne Islands to the Humber, mid-east from the Humber to Yarmouth, and south-eastern forward to the South Foreland, we find that in 1879 the main body of migrants passed in the south-eastern division; in 1880 they have been tolerably equally distributed over the mid and south-eastern. During the principal month of migration, October, the wind blew persistently day by day and week by week from northerly and easterly quarters, and to this cause we may fairly attribute the deflection of migrants to the south. In support of this I may quote the letter of Mr. Thos. O. Hall of the Longstone Lighthouse, who, writing under date Feb. 15th, 1881, says:--"The chief flight undoubtedly took place on the 15th and 16th of October, at which time I was on shore. I have been resident on the Farne Islands thirteen years, and during that time never remember seeing so few birds as we have had this autumn. I have remarked that when the flight takes place with the wind at E. or N.E., the body of birds is to the south of us about Whitby and southward."

Notwithstanding the enormous number of immigrants arriving, as shown in our returned schedules from each station, we may be quite certain these returns only represent an almost inappreciable percentage of the actual number on passage. On days of uncertain light or on clear fine starlight nights, when migration is carried on at a considerable height, immense numbers of birds might pass any station for hours without a chance of observation; and it is quite possible that, if the whole three hundred miles of coast were studded with floating posts of observation at the distance of half a mile, equal average results would have been obtained, our present stations on the light-vessels affording no more especial line of advantage than any other imaginary line drawn across the North Sea. Incredible although it may appear, we believe that the vast majority of the immigrants coming to us in the autumn in one broad front from east to west are such as cross with the intention of remaining the winter in some part or other of the British Islands, and naturally take the place of our own resident summer species which have left, or are about leaving us, for the south.

As in 1879 the main line of migration has been a broad stream from east to west, and covering the whole of the English east coast, this is the line mainly followed by the _Passeres_. Taking this line as a basis, we find birds also occasionally coming from points north of east; but in the vast majority of instances the migration has had a decidedly southerly trend, coming from points south of east, and even direct from the southward. Again, there is in the autumn always a steady stream of migrants which closely follows the coast-line from N. to S., composed of birds either moving from more northerly districts of our islands, or of such immigrants coming from the east as strike the coast in more northern latitudes and then follow it to the south. The great wide E. to W. stream of migration is composed of some few well-known species which regularly come to us in the autumn, the great body undoubtedly remaining to winter; placed in order of rotation according to their numerical superiority or otherwise, we find _Alauda arvensis_, _Sturnus vulgaris_, _Corvus cornix_ and _frugilegus_, the _Turdidæ_, including two native and two northern species, with sparrows, linnets, and chaffinches compose the bulk of the immigrants. Others, as _Ruticilla phœnicurus_, the _Saxicolæ_, and other soft-billed insect-eaters, although coming from the eastward, persistently follow the coast-line to the south. All the _Limicolæ_ and other shore birds, as well as the Geese, Ducks, Divers, Gulls, and sea-fowl generally, move from north to south as a general rule, the sea-fowl at some distance at sea, the waders along the coast. Although so far we have no stations, excepting Heligoland, on the European coast of the North Sea, we may, I think, fairly presume that there is similarly another stream of birds passing down the coast-line of Europe. Migration as observed on that island for many years points to the undoubted fact that the line followed by birds is, as a rule, from E. to W., and doubtless some portion of these Heligoland birds keep moving westward or south-westward, till eventually they strike our east coast. There are, however, many species which make Heligoland the western boundary of their autumn wanderings, and crossing, as they do, that island in enormous numbers, must eventually follow the coast-line to the south, for the simple reason that they never occur on our own coast, except as very rare or occasional wanderers; such are _Motacilla alba_ and _flava_, _Ruticilla suecica_, _Emberiza hortulana_, _Plectrophanes lapponicus_, _Anthus Richardi_, and, in a less degree, _Muscicapa luctuosa_ and _Otocorys alpestris_. These all, then, must pass southward along the European coast, as do doubtless an immense majority of those countless Sparrowhawks, Siskins, and more familiar birds which cross the island in the autumn migration; and just as occasionally some species, whose line of migration lies farther to the eastward still, turn up as wanderers to the old rock from the regular track, so do occasionally now one and now another of the regular Heligoland immigrants get blown across to one side.

The observations taken at some of our southern stations both in 1879 and 1880 show that, in the autumn, there is what may be called a double stream of birds crossing each other near the entrance of the English Channel, that is, from the Essex and Kent coast towards the S.E. on to the French and Belgian coast, and again in the opposite direction from the Belgian land to the coast of Kent. During the severe weather in the early part of 1881, as well as in December, flocks of birds came to us direct from the French coast, or from the south to the north. These must be considered purely local migrations, caused by outbursts of severe weather.

It is a curious fact that in nearly every case of birds passing the Casquets L.H. in the past autumn, they were travelling in a N.W. direction, or from the French to the English coast, a line of migration which does not seem to be in proper accord with what we should imagine migrating birds would or rather ought to take. On reference to the chart of the Channel it is apparent that any flocks leaving the French coast at or near Cape de la Hague, and crossing. Alderney, when once off the Casquets might as readily and easily steer for the Start Point on the English side as across the wide break in the French coast for Port Sillon, each being about equal distances from the Casquets.

As in 1879 birds have crossed in all hours of the day and night, and in all winds and weathers, the returns also show, as did the preceding, that they seldom fly dead to windward, except with light breezes, and that strong head winds are prejudicial to their passage. The line of flight mostly adopted is within three or four points of the wind; they will go on well, even with a beam wind or some points short of beam, if not too strong. Small birds have often much difficulty in making head against a strongly-opposing wind. Mr. John Cutting, writing from the light-vessel on the Galloper Bank, says, that out of the number of small birds passing that station in October and November against strong adverse winds, he could not think they would ever reach land, they made such very slow progress, the wind being too strong and the distance from land so great. Even such strong-winged birds as the Grey Crow do not always cross in safety; I have been told by an old fen farmer that, many years ago, when a great gale swept the Lincolnshire coast, at the time the Hooded Crow crossed, the coast was subsequently strewed with their bodies cast up by the sea.

Birds are noticed at the stations as sometimes flying high, sometimes low; often it will be observed with northerly and easterly winds they will fly high, and with winds in opposite quarters, low. The state of weather at the time of migration has more, we think, to do with the height at which birds travel than the direction of the wind. On clear light nights they travel high, as a rule, but in fog, and thick murky weather, rain or snow, not far above the waves. On thick nights, indeed, lost birds will wheel for hours round a lightship, but with the first break in the clouds or streak of early dawn are on their course again. At the Casquets, which is a revolving light, the larger birds follow the rays, but do not often strike the glass.

With such favourable passages as light head winds afford, our immigrants are so little fatigued that they will not alight on reaching land, but keep on their course into the interior. I have watched for hours flock after flock arriving on the east coast, coming directly from westward, Rooks, Starlings, Lapwings, and Snow Buntings, and keeping on in a direct westerly direction as far as the eye or a good glass were able to follow. Often, too, when on the hills, miles from the sea, I have seen migrating flocks passing inland. Larks in straggling flocks, carrolling cheerily as they pass; there is no bird which migrates so cheerily and light-heartedly as the Lark, ever ready to burst into song on the least occasion. At other times, with adverse winds, I have watched migrants scarce able to struggle on shore dropping in the first shelter, or even on the bare wind-swept coast. At Lynn Well light-vessel large numbers of migrants passed day by day, and for the entire day, during October, from S.E. or S.S.E., and even S. to N.W. From the position of this station off Lynn Deeps at the bottom of the Wash, under the shelter of the north-westerly trend of the coast, these migrants must have first crossed the northern part of the county of Norfolk, without alighting, on their way to the fens of Lincolnshire and Cambridge, and this both by day and night.

"Yet stoop not, weary, to the welcome land,
Though the dark night is near."

It is very remarkable how suddenly the stream of migration commences running, and how suddenly it stops again. We watch, at early morning, a flock of Larks or Hooded Crows come to land; others soon follow, and then for some hours--it may be from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.--there is a constant arrival of migrants; and then migration, at least for that day, is over, and not a single wanderer will be seen.

As a rule, the young of the year migrate some weeks in advance of the old birds; this holds good with all orders and species. In the spring the males often migrate in advance of the females.

The time of migration of any particular species extends over a considerable period; sometimes it is over in four or five weeks, in other cases going on for months, and even half a year; for, practically, such birds as the Lark and Starling are migrating all the year round. In every case the migration of a set species will continue, day by day, or week by week, till it attains the maximum by a "great rush," the main body passing, and then gradually falling off, till the migration of that species is completed.

Independent of the normal or ordinary migration, we have frequently local migrations, due to sudden changes of weather, or in search of fresh feeding-grounds. These "great rushes" of immigrants, coming helter-skelter on to our east coast, are often accompanied or followed very closely by outbursts of severe weather; and a sudden increase of cold in winter will almost clear a whole district of its birds; in fact, all birds are very susceptible to changes of weather, and, if closely watched, will indicate by their movements the coming change. On Jan. 12th, in this year, when in the Humber marshes, I noticed Larks and Snow Buntings passing from N. to S. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., separate flocks for some hours, and after 11 p.m., when the snow commenced, continuous.

Birds in the early autumn do not, it is evident, migrate for lack of food, for the young of the _Limicolæ_ are on our coast at a time when the supply of insect-food in high northern latitudes is the most abundant; and our own insect-eating birds are often away long before there is, or can be, any falling off in food. On the same grounds it is not changes in the seasons which can induce young birds, having no knowledge from experience, to return south in the heat of the Arctic latter-summer; as to the _how_ and the _why_ of the whole matter, we must be content for the present to say nothing, but continue to collect facts.

In 1880 the main body of the migrants crossed between the 15th and end of October, the greater number perhaps on the 17th of that month.

WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND.

Printed forms, letters, and remarks were forwarded to thirty-eight stations on the west coast of Scotland and the Isles, being two more than in 1879, _viz._, Bahama Lightship and Langness Lighthouse, both in Isle of Man.[11]

[Footnote 11: Mr. Philip Kermode received the Isle of Man returns, and forwarded them to me afterwards for incorporation with the Scottish ones.]

We have received in all returned, filled-in schedules from twenty-six stations, being two more than last year.

Only four stations have not sent in returns, which sent them in last year,[12] but, to make up for this, we have gained six from stations which sent us none last year,[13] besides adding one from one of the new stations.[14]

[Footnote 12: Devaar; Pladda; Lamlash; Little Ross.]

[Footnote 13: Stornoway; Ushenish; Kyleakin; Lismore; Turnberry; Douglas Head.]

[Footnote 14: Bahama Bank (L.V.).]

A marked improvement is apparent in these returns, and it is evident that very general interest is being taken in the work. Altogether, our west coast returns are quite satisfactory, and it gives us much pleasure to think that the first year's reports have really interested our obliging correspondents. We hope that the present general report will succeed in enlisting the whole body in the service. We can as yet only repeat, that we believe that interesting and curious results will in time be arrived at; but we deprecate any attempt at present to arrive at these, desiring first a firm basis of facts to build upon, which can only be obtained by continued attention and careful record, for a few years longer, of a large mass of statistics.

The stations from which co-operation was asked are the following, commencing with the most northerly--Cape Wrath. Those from which returns have been received are marked with a *; those which sent returns both last year and this have two **; those which sent none last year but have done so this year have a † prefixed; those which sent returns last year but none this year are printed in _italics_. Stations added this year have the date, 1880, preceding them.

West Coast of Scotland.

Mainland.

Height of centre of
light above water.

81. **Cape Wrath. 400 ft. John M'Gill.
82. **Rhu Stoir. 195 William Wither.

Outer Hebrides.

83. **Butt of Lewis. 140 George Edgar.
84. †Stornoway. 56 John Grierson.
85. *Island Glass. 130 William Innes.
86. **Monach Island. { Upper 150 } James Youngclause.
{ Lower 62 }
87. †Ushenish. 176 Peter Carrie.
88. Barra Head. 683

Mainland, Skye, and Inner Hebrides.

89. Rona, Skye. 222
90. †Kyleakin, Rosspire. 53 David M'Culloch.
91. **Isle Ornsay, Skye. 58 James Loughten.
92. **Ardnamurchan Point, 180 David Laidlaw.
Argyleshire.
93. {Hynish Signal Tower, Tiree. } 150 William Crow.
94. {Skerryvore, off Tiree. }
95. **Dhuheartach, S.W. of Ross of
Mull. 145 James Ewing.
96. **Sound of Mull, Mull. 55 William M'Lellan.
97. Corran Ferry, Loch Eil. 38
98. †Lismore Island, Oban. 103 Alexander Murray.
99. *_Fladda, Easdale._ 42
100. **Rhuvaal, Islay. 147 David Spink.
101. *_M'Arthur's Head, Islay._ 128
102. **Skervuile, Jura. 73 John Ewing.
103. **Rhinns of Islay. 150 Andrew Lyall.
104. **Lochindaul, Islay. 50 William Maill.
105. Mull of Kintyre. 297
106. Sanda, Kintyre Sound. 165
107. _Devaar, Kintyre._ 120
108. _Pladda, Arran._ 130
109. _Lamlash, Arran._ 46
110. †Turnberry, Ayrshire. 96 Andrew Nisbet.
111. **Corsewall, Wigtown. 112 Robert Laidlaw.
112. **Loch Ryan, Wigtown. 46 Ralph Ewing.
113. **Portpatrick, Wigtown. 37 James Beggs.
114. **Mull of Galloway, Wigtown. 325 N. Morrison.
115. _Little Ross, Kirkcudbright._ 175
116. *Point of Ayre, Isle of Man. 106 James Blythe.
117. †Douglas Head, Isle of Man. 104 Alexander M'Donald.
118. Chickens Rock, Isle of Man. 122
119. *1880.--Bahama Bank, Isle of Man (L.V.)‡ -- Johns.
120. 1880.--Langness Lighthouse, do.

‡ Light-vessels being only a few feet above the sea, I have not indicated the exact elevation, which, however, is usually about 30 feet.

SPRING MIGRATION, 1880.[15]