Chapter V: Part 5

This year the prevailing winds and gales were from east and north-east, and while these winds do not appear to have compressed _the horizontal lines so much_ as the north-westerly did in 1879 the birds appear to have passed at greater elevations, and been borne away in the gales far out to sea. The migration does not appear to have come in such great throbs or rushes in 1880 as in 1879, but to have been more dispersed and more regular; this, no doubt, is a natural consequence of the waves being more spread out in 1880 than in 1879. The great easterly gales continuing for weeks together over the Atlantic and North of Europe, so disastrous to our shipping, undoubtedly carried many migrants far to the westward, and the mortality amongst them must have been very great indeed, if we judge from the few records that have reached us from sea-going vessels. These easterly gales also have, no doubt, affected the direction of the migration to a considerable extent, and indications of its agency may be found in the occurrence on our shores of certain wanderers from foreign lands, such as the Esquimaux Curlew, on September 21st, in Kincardineshire (_vide_ Zool., 1880, p. 485); a Red-legged Hobby, on September 20th; a Turtle Dove in Kincardineshire; and Great Snipes, Great Grey Shrikes,[20] &c., about the same dates (_loc. cit._). These gales may be said to have continued almost without cessation during the whole migrating season, all through September, October, November, and December. In November a new bird to our British list occurred,--the Desert Wheatear, _Saxicola deserti_, Ruppell,--as will be found duly recorded by Mr. John James Dalgleish.[21] It was obtained near Alloa on November 26th. Its native haunts are far to the southward and eastward, and in North Africa, Egypt, Persia and India.

[Footnote 20: Unusually abundant in Heligoland.]

[Footnote 21: Proc. Ryl. Phyl. Soc. Edin., 1880-81, vol. vi., p. 64.]

Mr. Cordeaux has already shown to us the apparently abnormal statistics on the south coast of England, birds crossing towards England and flying north-west all through the migratory season between August 16th and December. I am inclined to look upon these data as indications of the wide-spread waves of the general migration, extending both farther north and farther south. According to the amount of pressure at the starting-points [or possibly the increased area northward occupied in a particularly fine nesting season, as in 1880] will the wideness of the area be which is passed over by the migratory flocks. I think the rules known to apply in the dispersal and extension of range of species are, in some respects, applicable also to the greater and more extensive waves of migration.

I could say more regarding the peculiarity of nesting sites being occupied year after year by the same pairs of birds, or of well-known sites being vacated for a few seasons, and again occupied; or I might dilate upon some curious statistics of the continuous recurrence of foreign species at the same localities, or along the same line of country, but I fear to occupy space with theory only, until we have a larger accumulation of solid material.

As regards severity of weather apart from winds, unusually early winter was reported from Scandinavia, it having begun there in October (_vide_ 'Field,' Oct. 16th, 1880, p. 590).

Attention should be drawn also to the admirable work being done on the subject of migration by Mr. J. J. Dalgleish (Bull. Nuttall. Orn. Club), and by Mr. Percy E. Freke (Sc. Proc. Ryl. Dub. Soc, vol. ii., n. s., p. 373, and vol. iii., n. s., separate?). These gentlemen also now propose to colour, or have already finished, maps showing the distribution of the occurrences of American birds in Europe recorded in their papers, which cannot fail to be of much service in our work. We would like to see not only American species mapped out in Europe, but rare European occurrences in Great Britain.

Finally, in endeavouring to arrive at conclusions regarding the causes of migrational phenomena in 1880, we have taken into consideration--1st. The value of the heights of lanterns above the sea, as against the colour and intensity of lights in 1879; and we have taken more account of the vertical area of birds' flight in 1880 than in 1879. 2ndly. We have compared the effects of prevailing north-west winds in 1879 pressing laterally upon the lines of migration to those of 1880, which being easterly and north-easterly have had the contrary effect of spreading out the migration again, or at least has not deflected it to the same extent; and also, the effect of causing birds to migrate at greater elevations, and, where the gales have been most severe, to bear them away above the range of vision and carry vast numbers out to sea, until, weary and exhausted, they have ceased to be able to guide themselves, and again, involuntarily, lowered, to be picked up senseless and stunned on board the ships, or to perish in thousands in the ocean. And lastly we have hinted at the wideness of the migratory waves depending upon the pressure at the starting-points, or upon the larger north and south area occupied in the breeding-season of 1880, besides some other minor details.

WEST COAST OF ENGLAND.

Forms of enquiry and letters of instruction were sent to thirty-nine lighthouses and light-vessels on the west coast of England; from twenty-nine returns have been received; from five, letters mentioning the scarcity of birds.

The following are the stations from which co-operation was asked, commencing with the most northerly. Returns have been received from those marked with an *, and from those marked with a † letters without returns:--

110. †St. Bees: on the Head, L.H. Fixed; visible 25 miles. Robert
Pizey.
111. *Morecambe Bay, L.V.; revolving red light, flash every 30 seconds.
Fog signal, one blast every 2 minutes. Henry Clavell.
112. *Air, L.H.; on the Point. Fixed, visible 9 miles, white, except
over West Hoyle Bank, between the bearings of S.E. 1/4 S. and
W. 3/4 S., where it shows red. C. H. Aveston.
113. Menai, L.H.; on Trwyn du Point. Fixed, red; visible 9 miles.
Bell in fog; three times in quick succession every 15 seconds.
114. *Skerries, L.H.; Highest Island. Fixed, visible 16 miles. Fog
signal, one blast every 3 minutes. J. Garrett.
115. *Holyhead Breakwater, L.H.; 66-1/2 feet above high water. Red;
flashes every 7-1/2 seconds; visible 13 miles. Appears as a
fixed red light at a distance of 3 or 4 miles. Bell in fog
(three times in quick succession) every 15 seconds. Fog
horn nearly continuous _when mail packets passing into
harbour_. Richard Prichard.
116. *North Stack, Fog Horn Station, L.H. Bell sounded during fog;
small white light revolving in 1-1/2 min., occasionally shown
40 feet above sea and 30 yards N. of S. Stack L.H. Gun
fired every 10 minutes during fog when mail packets
approaching. John Harvey, gunner.
117. *South Stack, L.H.; on S. Stack rock off N.W. point of Holyhead
Island; revolving every minute; visible 20 miles. W. R.
Burgess.
118. *St. Judwall, L.H., 151 feet above high water, occulting, light of
8 seconds duration, followed by eclipse of 2 seconds, white
and red; also a fixed red light (not occulting) from a window
16 feet below the high light. William Davies.
119. *Caernarvon Bay, L.V.; revolving with white and red flashes at
intervals of 20 seconds, in order of two white and one red;
visible 10 miles. Fog signal, one blast every 2 minutes.
W. Bowen.
120. *Bardsey, L.H. Fixed; visible 17 miles. Fog syren one blast every
5 minutes. Thomas Bowen.
121. Cardigan Bay, L.V. Red; revolving every 30 seconds; visible 10
miles going in.
122. Bull Point, L.H. White triple flashes. Fog signal, three blasts
quickly every 2 minutes. George Knott.
123. *South Bishop, L.H.; revolving every 20 seconds; visible 18 miles.
Gong in fog. John White.
124. *Smalls, L.H. Fixed, white; visible 17 miles. Bell sounded during
foggy weather, and a rocket every half hour. W. Boulton.
125. *Great Castle Head, L.H. (2). Fixed, white, 112 and 76 feet above
high water.
126. *Milford (Low), L.H. Fixed, red. G. Baker.
127. Milford (High), L.H. Fixed, red, 48 feet above sea.
128. *Caldy, L.H., S. of Island. Fixed; visible 20 miles; bright to
seaward, red in direction of Old Castle Head and Woolhouse
Shoal. W. Ebben, P. K.
129. *Helwick, L.V.; revolving every minute; visible 10 miles. Fog
horn, blasts of 5 seconds duration at regular intervals of
2 minutes. Thomas Cornell, mate.
130. *Scarweather, L.V.; revolving red, three times a minute, 38 feet
above level of sea; visible 10 miles. Fog syren, two blasts
quickly every 2 minutes. Henry Jenkins.
131. *Nash (Lower W.), L.H. Fixed; visible 17 miles. John Richards.
132. *Nash (E. or high), L.H. Fixed; visible 19 miles; red. Hy.
Nicholas.
133. Breaksea, L.V. Flashing every 15 seconds; 38 feet above sea; fixed
red light at a lower elevation. Gong in fog.
134. *Flatholm, L.H., S. point of Island. Fixed; visible 18 miles.
W. Dale, P. K.
135. *Usk, L.H., W. side of entrance to river. Fixed; visible 11 miles;
white and red. Amos Russell.
136. †Avon, L.H., E. of entrance. Fixed; visible 13 miles; white
seaward. William Taylor.
137. *Burnham, L.H. (2). Upper intermittent; visible 15 miles. Lower,
fixed; visible 9 miles. William Lewis.
138. *Bideford, L.H. (2). Low light visible from half-flood to
half-ebb, 14 and 11 miles. Leading lights for crossing the
Bar. Edward Roberts.
139. Lundy Fog Gun Station. During fog and thick weather, rocket
every 10 minutes; explodes at height of 600 feet. John
Morgan.
140. *Lundy, L.H., 1/2 mile from S. end of Island (2), in one tower.
Upper visible 30 miles, revolving every 2 minutes. Low light
fixed, only visible between bearings of S. by E. and N.E.
James Parsons.
141. †Hartland Point, L.H., 120 feet above high water; revolving, 30
seconds, two white and one red. Fog signal, blasts of
5 seconds duration every 2 minutes. John Griffiths.
142. †Trevose Head, L.H., on N.W. extremity (2). Fixed; visible 20 and
17 miles. W. Bowen.
143. *Godrevy, L.H. Flashing every 10 seconds; visible 15 miles. A
fixed red light in same tower, 27 feet below flashing light;
visible from S. by E. to S.E. Richard Trahair.
144. *Bishop Rock, L.H., on S. W. Rock. Scilly. Fixed; visible 16
miles. Bell in fog every 10 seconds.
145. *Scilly, L.H., St. Agnes, on summit of Island; revolving every
half-minute; visible 17 miles. E. L. Davis.
146. *Sevenstones, L.V. White, revolving. Syren fog signal, three
blasts quickly every 2 minutes. Daniel Norton.
147. *Longships, L.H., on highest rock off Land's End. Fixed; visible
16 miles. Bell in foggy weather. William Jones.
148. †Wolfrock, L.H., 8 miles S.S.W of Land's End, 110 feet above
high-water mark; revolving alternate flashes of red and white;
visible 16 miles. In fog a bell. W. D. Crask.

To the Elder Brethren at Trinity House our thanks are due for their kind permission to make use of the light stations for taking observations; and to the Trinity Superintendents, Mr. Davison (Holyhead), Mr. Evans (Weyland), and Mr. Tregarthen (Penzance), we are obliged for willing assistance.

The observers at the various stations are deserving of thanks for the pains they have taken to keep an accurate record of the facts coming under their notice. The reports are all interesting, those which show a paucity of birds equally with those that record the passing of many. Excluding the Anatidæ, notes have been taken of about fifty-two different species.

SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES.

Of the Raptores we have heard but little. A male Falcon (Peregrine?) was seen at Sevenstones Oct. 13th, at noon, flying S.W., before a moderate breeze from N.E.; at Smalls, Oct. 7th, a Kestrel was observed flying round the tower; in Morecambe Bay Oct. 4th, 7.30 a.m., a Sparrowhawk flying from N.N.E., a gentle E.N.E. breeze, rested on board the light-vessel. At St. Bees a hawk or two, we are told, may be seen occasionally; "they build on the cliffs thereabouts."

Owl, _Otus brachyotos_.--At North Stack, Oct. 13th, an Owl, probably the Short-eared, was seen, at 8.55 a.m., flying S.W., before a mod. N.E. breeze. At Smalls, Oct 15th, a little Horned Owl was observed resting on the rock; Nov. 6th, at 4 p.m., another on the S.E. rock.

Fieldfare, _Turdus pilaris_.--Distinguished on one or two occasions; possibly some of the notes on "Thrush" may refer to this. From Bishop Rock, Oct. 13th, Fieldfares were seen at 10 a.m. passing W. before a mod. E. breeze. At Smalls, Oct. 15th, from 1 a.m. to daylight. Grey Thrushes were noticed, with Redwings, Starlings, and Blackbirds; breeze gentle to moderate, E.S.E. to S.E. At Air (River Dee), Nov. 7th, "large quantities passed at sunrise."

Song Thrush, _Turdus musicus_.--Recorded from five stations. At Caernarvon Bay, Oct. 1st, two were killed; hazy. At South Bishop, Oct. 5th, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., a mod. N.N.E. breeze, rain and mist. Thrushes and Blackbirds were passing, and, of the former, seven killed. At Morecambe Bay, Oct. 8th, 10.20 a.m., one Song Thrush passed S.S.W., very tired; a strong N.E. breeze. At Nash (E. or high), Oct. 13th, one was killed; afresh N.N.E. breeze, with mist. At Bull Point, Oct. 14th, 3 a.m., overcast and misty, light air S.S.W., one female is reported as striking. At Caernarvon Bay, Nov. 2nd, a young Thrush and Lark were killed at 9.10 p.m.; gentle E.S.E. breeze, hazy. At Bull Point, Nov. 3rd, two struck at 2 a.m.; fresh E. breeze, clear. At the same time there appears to have been a rush farther south. At South Bishop, Nov. 2nd, from midnight to morning, a fresh S.E. breeze, very misty, a very great quantity of Thrushes, with Blackbirds, Starlings, and Larks, of which many were killed; and, with breeze still S.E., but moderate, continuous flocks of same all day flying towards N.E.; Nov. 3rd, from 9 p.m. to midnight, a gentle E. breeze, rather misty, large quantities, with Larks, Blackbirds, and Starlings (many killed). At Nash (E. or high), Dec. 1st, one was killed; fresh W. breeze, but clear. At Godrevy, Jan. 14th, 12 to 4 p.m., Thrushes were seen, with Lapwings and Starlings: this is the only instance recorded in afternoon, the others being at night, the weather in most cases misty or hazy, and the wind ranging from N.N.E. to S.E.

Redwing, _Turdus iliacus_.--Separately noticed at one station only--Smalls. Oct. 8th, 7.30 p.m., some were seen among Starlings and Larks, N.E. to E., misty; twenty of the birds killed. Oct. 9th, from midnight to 5 a.m., several, with Larks and Starlings; eleven struck; breeze mod. to strong E. to E.N.E., clear. Oct. 15th, from 1 a.m. to daylight, large numbers, with Starlings, Blackbirds, and Greenfinches. Oct. 29th, one was caught. Nov. 2nd, several, with Sky Larks, Starlings, and Blackbirds; sixteen struck and were caught. Nov. 3rd, three males and five females were distinguished among Blackbirds, Starlings, and Larks. Nov. 5th, one male; mod. N. breeze. Except the first, the instances occurred from midnight to sunrise, with moderate N.E., E., and S.E. breezes, and generally with clouds, mist, or drizzle.

Blackbird, _Turdus merula_.--Reported from ten stations. The earliest date is Aug. 12th, when one was seen at Scarweather at 1 p.m., mod. S.S.E. breeze; the latest at Skerries, Dec. 4th, when Blackbirds and Snipe appeared, and a few were killed. The one occurrence only is noted in August, and we do not again hear of its appearance till at Skerries, Sept. 27th, 29th, and 30th, when Blackbirds were seen (the two later dates in company with Starlings). At Caernarvon Bay, Oct. 1st, Blackbirds and Thrushes were seen, and two killed; light westerly breeze, hazy. At S. Bishop, Oct 5th, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., N.N.E., rain and mist. Blackbirds and Thrushes struck, and seventeen Blackbirds were killed. At Helwick, Oct. 8th, one was killed. At Caldy, Oct. 10th, one male was discerned flying about the lantern; a mod. E. by S. gale, squally and cloudy. At Bull Point, Oct. 12th, two females struck, but were not killed; a mod. E. breeze, clear; and, on Oct. 14th, one female. At S. Bishop, Oct. 13th, nine were killed, with five Larks. At Helwick, Oct. 14th, one and a Linnet. At. Smalls, Oct. 15th, numbers struck, with Starlings, Thrushes, and Finches; and, at Godrevy, two, with two Starlings and one Thrush, not killed. At Helwick, Nov. 2nd, several killed, with Larks and Starlings; and, from midnight to morning at S. Bishop, a fresh S.E. breeze and very misty, a very great quantity of Blackbirds, Larks, etc. (see Song Thrush). At Godrevy, Nov. 3rd, one struck, not killed. At Smalls, Nov. 2nd, two were seen at midnight; 3rd and 5th six (two males and four females), and one female. At Nash (E. or high), Dec. 1st, one was killed. At Skerries, Dec. 4th, a few. The time of the occurrences noticed, except of the three in report, which were at sunrise, was from midnight to morning, and they took place almost always in cloudy or misty weather, with generally a mod. breeze more or less easterly, _viz._, N.N.E., through E. to S.S.E. The greatest number of instances noticed is in October, when we have returns from seven stations, but the birds are only seen by ones or twos; they seem to have appeared in numbers from Nov. 1st to 3rd; in December we have only two instances.

Then the _Turdidæ_ have been noticed from Morecambe Bay (from St. Bees we have the general remarks that an occasional Blackbird or Thrush is to be seen) to Godrevy. The movement appears to have been pretty evenly distributed, perhaps to have spread gradually from N. to S., and to have lasted from Aug. 12th to Jan. 14th, being most active from Sept. 27th to Nov. 27th, with a decided rush on Nov. 2nd and 3rd. The direction of flight is seldom given, the notices almost all referring to birds killed or striking. The greatest slaughter occurred at S. Bishop on Nov. 1st, when, of Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, and Starlings, 162 were immolated, and on Nov. 3rd 172. The time when the occurrences were observed lies between twilight and sunrise, but is chiefly about midnight, the weather being generally hazy, misty, or overcast, with mod. breezes from E.N.E. through E. to S.E. In the majority of instances the birds were accompanied by others of their own family, or by Starlings or Larks.

Stonechat, _Saxicola rubicola_.--At Morecambe Bay, Aug. 29th, 4 p.m., moderate breeze E. by S., one came on board. The note is added that it is "very seldom Seen here." This is the only occurrence noted.

Wheatear, _Saxicola ænanthe_.--At Bishop Rock, Aug. 17th, 1.30 a.m., three struck the glass, light E. breeze, cloudy; Aug. 22nd, midnight, mod. E.S.E. breeze, cloudy and misty, Wheatears strike; none killed on either occasion.

Chiffchaff and Goldcrest, _Sylvia hippolais_ and _Regulus auricapillus_,--At Scarweather, July 30th, 1 p.m., a Goldcrest was seen. At Flatholm, Oct. 14th, a large quantity of Goldcrests and Chiffchaffs were seen at 9.40 a.m., gentle E. breeze, blue sky, but clouds and mist. Mr. Dale reports that, at this station, "These little birds generally make their appearance about the beginning of October, and remain till about the middle of November. In spring again, from about March 20th to May. Numbers are killed by striking the lantern on dark nights."

Titmouse, _Parus cæruleus_.--At Burnham, Aug. 16th, 3 p.m., mod. N.N.E. breeze, "a large flock of Blue Tits perched on the trees, &c." At Caldy, midnight, a Titmouse (species not identified) was seen flying about the glass.

Wagtail, _Motacilla_ (sp. ?)--Returns only from Morecambe Bay. Aug. 26th, 6.15 a.m., one alighted on deck; 27th, 7 a.m., one passed E., and at 8.30 a.m. one E.N.E.; 30th three, and 31st six passed; Sept. 1st two were seen, and on 4th six; 12th, one passed W., a gentle breeze W.S.W.; 16th, five, S.E., a strong breeze from N.; 27th, flocks, with Linnets, were observed during the forenoon, a light breeze S. by W., and several small birds killed. These occurrences all happened between 5 and 8.30 a.m. In almost every case the weather was cloudy, misty, or foggy, with gentle breezes, varying, but mostly E.S.E. or easterly. The direction of flight S.E. and E.S.E.

Sky Lark and Meadow Pipit, _Alauda arvensis_ and _Anthus pratensis_,--On two occasions the Meadow Pipit is distinguished; possibly some of the notes on "Larks" may refer to it. From Morecambe Bay, Sept. 8th, 6 a.m., four Titlarks are reported flying S.W., a gentle breeze E.N.E. From Smalls, Nov. 3rd, mod. E. breeze, one was seen in company with Blackbirds and Redwings. Of Larks, the earliest appearance noted is Aug. 27th, when, at Morecambe Bay, seven passed flying S. by E., light E.S.E. breeze; Sept. 1st, 5.30 p.m., about thirty passed Nash, flying S., a gentle W.N.W. breeze; and on 3rd, at noon, about twenty passed N., light E.S.E. breeze. These occurrences are noticed from both stations. At Caernarvon, Sept. 4th, one was killed. At Lundy, Sept. 9th, a number, with Chaffinches, were seen, fresh E.S.E. breeze, rain and squally; these were noticed from both stations. At Scarweather, same day, two were seen. At Morecambe Bay, a dozen passed flying S. At Skerries, Sept. 23rd, 9.30 to 11 p.m., many Larks and Linnets were striking, but none killed. At Scarweather, Sept. 24th, mod. W. breeze, a large number of Larks. From the two stations at Nash, Sept. 25th, a large flock of Sky Larks were observed passing N.E. At Skerries, Sept. 26th and 27th, Larks were seen. At Caernarvon, Sept. 29th, 9.15 a.m., a flock passed S.E. At Caldy, same day, 10 p.m., two male Sky Larks and a White Gull were flying about the lantern, light S.E. breeze, fog. At South Bishop, Sept. 30th, four larks were killed, fog. Through September they appear, as the month advanced, to have been noticed in greater numbers and farther south. The appearances are nearly all in the daytime; breezes light or gentle, varying from W. through S. to E. Direction of flight, when noticed, towards S. or S.E., except at Nash, where, on Sept. 3rd, some passed N., and on 25th some N.E. At Godrevy, Oct. 4th, 1 to 2 a.m., mod. E.N.E. breeze, a Lark, Petrel, and two foreign Wrens were seen, and three birds killed. At Nash, Oct. 5th, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., continuous flocks passed S.E., with mod. E.N.E. breeze, and rain; the same direction followed, though wind veered round to W.S.W. At Helwick, Oct. 8th, 2 a.m., one was killed, strong E.S.E. breeze, rain and lightning. At Smalls, same date, 7.30 p.m. to midnight, continuous flocks of Sky Larks, Redwings and Starlings, and about twenty struck; 9th, midnight to 5 a.m., Sky Larks and Redwings, eleven struck, mod. to strong E. to E.N.E. breeze, clear. At Nash, Oct. 10th, a flock of Sky Larks was observed from both stations flying N.W., strong N.E.; breeze; 13th, with mod. E.N.E. breeze, a like flock going E. At South Bishop, Oct. 13th, 1 to 4 a.m., light S.E. air, clouds and mist, five Larks and nine Blackbirds met their fate. At Smalls, Oct. 12th, about thirty struck the roof (with Starlings) from 1 a.m. to daylight; and at Skerries, at intervals during same day, small flocks were seen passing towards the land. At Morecambe Bay, same day, about 10.20 a.m., a flock of Larks passed S.S.W. At Helwick, Oct. 15th, 4.30 a.m., several Larks and Starlings were seen. At Morecambe Bay, Oct. 16th, 2.30 p.m., a flock passed E.N.E. At Caernarvon Bay, Oct. 19th, 1 to 4 p.m., continuous flocks passed E.S.E., fresh E. by N. breeze. At Helwick, Oct. 21st, gentle N.E. breeze, a flock from S.W. to N.E. At Caernarvon, Oct. 22nd, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., mod. E. gale, with haze, flocks of Larks and Starlings passed S.E.; 24th, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., similar flocks passed S.S.E., with a mod. N.N.W. breeze. At Helwick, Oct. 30th, 11 a.m., light N.N.E. breeze, "several hen Larks" passed from S.W. to N.E. At South Stack, same day, 7 a.m. to noon, fresh N.W. breeze, clear, continuous flocks (with Starlings, Linnets, and Chaffinches) passed to N.W. Throughout October the movement appears to have been active and pretty general along the coast; the time of occurrence in the greater number of cases between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.; the direction of flight, when recorded, generally easterly; in most instances mist, rain and fog, with--generally--moderate E.N.E. to E. breezes. At Morecambe Bay, Nov. 1st, five passed S.E., mod. N.N.E. breeze; 2nd, three in same direction, mod. S.E. breeze. At South Bishop, from midnight to the morning of 2nd, fresh S.E. breeze, very misty, "a very great quantity of Larks, Thrushes," &c., and "continuous flocks" all day, flying towards N.W.; 3rd, 9 p.m. to midnight, enormous quantities, &c. (see "Song Thrush.") At Caernarvon, Nov. 2nd, 9.10 p.m., a young Lark was killed, gentle E.S.E. breeze, hazy; 3rd, 1 to 4 a.m., still hazy, two Larks killed. At Helwick, Nov. 2nd, 1 p.m., fresh S.E. breeze, "a flock of hen Larks" passed to N.E., and at 8 p.m., several more, of which some were slain; overcast and misty. At Nash (W. or low), Nov. 14th, noon, flights of Sky Larks and Starlings passed overhead, strong W.S.W. breeze, clouds and mist. These are all the instances reported in November; most of them occurred at night, and, being of birds striking, the direction of flight is not recorded; the winds generally moderate and from E. to S.E.; on every occasion with mist, haze, or fog. After Nov. 14th we have no record till Dec. 3rd, when flocks of Larks passed Skerries at midnight, gentle S. breeze, misty. At Scarweather, Dec. 8th, 11 p.m., two Larks, mod. W.N.W. breeze, gloomy and misty. At Lundy, same day, S.W. breeze, a great number of Sky Larks were seen, and Mr. Parsons adds, "these are seen daily," but for how long is not stated. At Caernarvon L.V., Dec. 13th, 2 to 5 a.m., four young Larks were killed, mod. N. by W. breeze, drizzling rain. At Milford, Jan. 11th, a quantity of Larks, Plovers, and Starlings arrived and remained all day. At South Stack, Jan. 12th, strong N.E. breeze and passing showers of snow, continuous flocks of Larks and Starlings passed all day; and on 13th, a large quantity was on the island all day. This is the latest instance recorded. In all, we have returns from fifteen stations, of which all but Milford and the two at Nash are off the coast. The direction of flight, judging from the instances given, seems to have been chiefly towards S.E. and S. (this would be towards the mainland). The chief movement seems to have been from Sept. 9th to Nov. 3rd, and increasing towards November. In the majority of cases, with the breeze moderate, from E. to S.E. and S.; in some from N. and N.E. to E.; generally with mist or gloom.

Yellowhammer, _Emberiza citrinella_.--At Morecambe Bay, Oct. 12, five passed about midnight, flying S.S.W., gentle breeze from N. to N.E. by E.

Chaffinch, _Fringilla cœlebs_.--At Lundy, Sept. 9th, 1 p.m., a great number, with Sky Larks, fresh E.S.E. breeze, rain. At Smalls, Oct. 25th, mod. W. breeze, till midnight, some struck and fell overboard; three and a Starling caught. At South Stack, Oct. 30th, fresh N.W. breeze, flocks, with Starlings, Larks and Linnets, passed flying N.W.

Mountain Sparrow, _Passer montanus_.--This species is distinguished only in the returns from North Stack. Sept. 24th, 8.40 a.m., a flock passed S.W.; 26th, 2.30 p.m., with mod. S.W. breeze, a flock passed N.W.; Oct. 12th, 8.40 a.m., two flocks flying N.E.; 15th, 7.30 a.m., six passed S.W., mod. S. breeze; Dec. 24th, 3.10 p.m., fresh N.W. breeze, thirty passed E.; Jan. 12th, 2.30 p.m., a flock passed S.W., before a strong N.E. breeze, with snow.

Common Sparrow, _Passer domesticus_.--At Nash, Sept. 27th, 6 a.m., a flight passed N.N.W. (observed from both stations), light N.E. breeze. At North Stack, Dec. 3rd, 11 a.m., a flock of Sparrows was seen flying N.E., against a mod. S.W. breeze.

Greenfinch, _Coccothraustes chloris_.--At Smalls, Oct. 15th, 1 a.m. to daylight, many struck the roof, along with Starlings, Blackbirds, &c., mod. E.S.E. to S.E. breeze, misty; Nov. 5th, before sunrise, mod. W. breeze, cloudy but clear horizon, two males and one female were caught alive, together with Thrush, Blackbird and Starling.

Linnet, _Linota cannabina_.--From the two stations at Lundy we learn that, from 8th Sept., a great many Linnets "mixed" have been seen daily, and on Oct. 30th have left the island. The earliest recorded is Sept. 1st, when at Skerries, 9 p.m. to 3 a.m., fresh S.W. breeze, clear, small flocks appeared with Finches, many strike, and a few are killed; 23rd, 9.30 to 11 p.m., mod. S.W. breeze, clear after fog, small flocks with Larks, many strike, but none are killed. At Morecambe Bay, Sept. 17th, 7 a.m., four Grey Linnets pass S.E., mod. N.W. by W. breeze; 21st, noon, nine going N., light S. by W. breeze, misty; and on 27th, during the forenoon, fog, flocks of Linnets and Wagtails pass, and several small birds are killed. At Caldy, Sept. 24th, some Linnets were seen. At Smalls, Oct. 29th, one was caught with a Redwing, fresh N.E. breeze, cloudy but clear horizon. At South Stack, Oct. 30th, 7 a.m. to noon, fresh N.W. breeze, Linnets, Larks, Starlings, and Chaffinches passed in flocks to N.W. From Godrevy, we hear from Mr. Trahair that "several flocks of Green and Red Linnets come on the island from September to latter part of December."

Starling, _Sturnus vulgaris_.--We have more notices of this bird than of any other. Its occurrence seems to have been general and frequent. Twenty-two stations have reported on it, besides St. Bees, whence Mr. Pizey writes, "An occasional Starling or Lark may be sometimes seen on the lantern-window"; and Trevose Head, where, Mr. Bowen states, "Starlings and Crows can be observed all the year; they build their nests about the cliffs." The earliest date given is July 24th, where, at Scarweather, 11 a.m., a flock was observed, clear, with breeze from E.N.E. This, however, is the only occurrence noticed till Aug. 29th, when, at Sevenstones, a large flock passed S.W. at 5.20 a.m., fog, light N.N.E. air. The next date is Sept. 10th, when, at Nash, a large flock passed overhead at 6 p.m., fresh S.W. breeze. From this date several instances occur in the Bristol Channel, but it is Sept. 28th before we hear from a station as far north as Skerries. The occurrences then become frequent and general along the coast, increasing to Nov. 3rd, after which they gradually decrease in numbers and frequency till Jan. 14th, when, at Godrevy, a great number, in company with. Lapwings, Thrushes, &c., were seen from noon to 4 p.m., fresh E.S.E. breeze, and clear horizon. The greatest number of individuals are recorded from Oct. 16th to 21st, and again Oct. 29th to Nov. 3rd; we have the greatest number of occurrences noted in November, and especially from 1st to 3rd. In September we have returns from six stations, Flatholm to Skerries. The flight when noticed being (except in one instance) in daylight--mostly from sunrise to about 11 a.m. Direction of flight scarcely ever noticed. Wind various, generally light, and never exceeding a fresh breeze; weather in some cases clear, but more generally overcast to misty. The next date, after 10th, is Sept. 17th, when, at Flatholm, fresh W.N.W. breeze, a small flight appeared and remained on the island till 19th; 22nd, from both stations at Nash, a flock of young Starlings is reported as flying N.E., fresh W. breeze, misty; 23rd, a flock of Starlings, mixed, was seen at North Stack, light N.W. breeze, drizzly rain; 24th, continuous flocks were seen from Flatholm; after this no further occurrence is noted in Bristol Channel till Nov. 1st. At Skerries, Sept. 28th, 29th, and 30th, Starlings were seen at sunrise, light W.S.W., S.E. and N.E. breezes. Throughout October we have constant notices. At Morecambe Bay, Oct. 1st, two flocks of young, mixed, passed S.W., light W.N.W. breeze. At Nash, Oct. 3rd, continuous flocks all day passed N., against a light N. to N.E. breeze; and at Flatholm, 3.30 p.m., mod. N. breeze, blue sky but cloudy, there was a small flight, and _four old birds were killed_. At Caldy, Oct. 4th, 8 a.m., strong E. by S. breeze, about twenty were seen (first appearance). At Lundy, Oct. 6th, strong E. breeze, rain, a great number appeared and were seen daily till 29th, after which only one or two seen. At Smalls, Oct. 8th, 7.30 to midnight, fresh N.E. to E. breeze, misty. Starlings, Redwings, and Sky Larks passed in continuous flocks (about twenty struck). At Morecambe Bay, Oct. 10th, one seen; 11th, one passing S.E. very tired, fresh E. by N. breeze. On 11th, we first hear of them so far south as Scilly, where Starlings and Woodcocks passed at 8.30 a.m., fresh E.S.E. breeze; and on 12th, at Bishop Rock, Starlings at 10 a.m. These, however, are the only instances recorded from these two stations. At Smalls, Helwick, and Caldy respectively, during the nights of Oct. 14th, 15th, and 16th, several struck and many were killed. At Caernarvon, Oct. 16th, "continuous flocks of Starlings and Spinxes" (?) passed during the day, gentle S.S.W. breeze, and hazy. At South Stack, Oct. 17th, 6.30 a.m., light E. breeze, a very large flock passed. At Morecambe Bay, Oct. 21st, 5.20 p.m., gentle E.N.E. breeze, clouds but clear horizon, two to three hundred passed W.N.W. At Caernarvon Bay, Oct. 22nd, mod. E. gale, hazy, a flock with Larks passed S.E.; and on 24th, during the day, similar flocks S.S.E.; wind now mod. and from N.N.W. At Flatholm, same day, 8 a.m., gentle E.N.E. breeze, small flights appeared and remained till Oct. 26th, at 7.30 a.m., when they departed S.W., fresh W.S.W. breeze, cloudy. At South Stack, Oct. 29th, 7 a.m., fresh N.N.E. gale, clear, very large flocks passed; 30th and 31st, fresh N.W. breeze, continuous flocks passed to N.W. At Sevenstones, Oct. 30th, 3.30 p.m., light E. air, clear, several flocks were seen flying to W. and N.E. At Nash, Nov. 1st, 9 a.m., gentle N.N.E. breeze, clear, a flock of Crows and Starlings passed overland. At Smalls, same day, from sunset to midnight, three were seen about the lantern. At Morecambe Bay, Nov. 2nd, 4 p.m., from two to three dozen passed, flying S.; and at the same hour, at Helwick, a flock of male Starlings passed, flying from S.W. to N.E., and at 8 p.m. several were killed. At Longships, 7 p.m., a few fluttered against the glass; at Caldy, 10.30 p.m., one was noticed flying about the lantern; at Godrevy, 11 p.m., four struck, several others hovering around; and at Smalls, before midnight, mod. E. breeze, misty and drizzling, eight were seen with other birds. At South Bishop, from midnight (of 1st), when they first arrived, till morning, a very great quantity, with Thrushes, &c.; and all day after, continuous flocks of same flying towards N.W. Again, on the 3rd, enormous quantities of Starlings came at midnight (of 2nd) and continued till morning, and at 6 a.m. the Starlings began to fly E. At Caernarvon also, Nov. 3rd, nine young Starlings were killed, gentle E.S.E. breeze, hazy; and at Smalls, before sunrise, twenty-three female and four male Starlings, among Blackbirds and Thrushes, were counted; several struck and went overboard. At Nash, 9 a.m., large flights passed overland, with Crows; and at Godrevy, 2 a.m., two, with Thrushes and Blackbirds, struck. Thus there appears to have been a decided "rush" lasting from Oct. 29th, 7 a.m., to Nov. 3rd, 9 a.m. From Nov. 1st to 3rd alone, we hear from no less than eleven stations. It was on the 2nd and 3rd that the slaughter, already mentioned (see "Song Thrush"), took place at South Bishop, and Starlings were numbered among the slain. On Nov. 6th, eight were killed at Lundy, many others striking; and after this we have almost daily returns from the two stations at Nash, of flights, the direction, when noticed, being overland. At Helwick, Nov. 15th, a flock passed N.E. At Bull Point, Nov. 18th, a flock was seen flying E. At Godrevy, Nov. 29th, mod. S.W. breeze, clear, a flock flying S. Throughout December we have almost daily returns from Nash, of flights passing overland (on 10th and 25th they are noticed as passing S.) At Godrevy, Dec. 2nd, 5 to 8.30 p.m., light S.S.W. breeze, misty, seventeen male and female, mixed, struck. At Caernarvon Bay, Dec. 16th, 1 to 4 a.m., strong W.N.W. breeze, three killed; 27th, 9 to 11 p.m., gentle E. by N. breeze, two young Starlings were killed; 28th, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., gentle N.N.E. breeze, misty, flocks passed, flying N.W.; and on 31st, between 10 and 11 p.m., strong N.W. by N. breeze, misty, three were killed and fell overboard. At Lundy, Dec. 25th, fresh N.N.W. breeze, clear, a great many Starlings came on the island during the night. At Nash, Jan. 7th, 2 a.m., fresh E. breeze, misty, several struck; 11th, 10 a.m., misty, some seen with flocks of Plovers and Peewits. At Milford (Low), same day, a quantity with Plovers and Larks arrived, and remained all day. At South Stack, Jan. 12th, fresh N.E. breeze, with passing showers of snow, a large quantity of Starlings and Larks, old and young, passing all day; 13th, on the islands all day. At Godrevy, Jan. 14th, noon to 4 p.m., fresh E.S.E. breeze, clear, a great number with Thrushes and Lapwings were seen.

Chough, Hooded Crow and Rook, _Fregilus graculus_, _Corvus cornix_ and _Corvus frugilegus_.--From Caldy Mr. Ebben reports, "The Chough breeds upon the island, and never goes away." We do not hear of it from any other station. The Hooded Crow is only once distinguished, but may perhaps be referred to under the general style of "Crow," the Rook being sometimes distinguished by that of "Black Crow." At S. Stack, Oct. 22nd, 11.30 a.m., fresh E. breeze, clear, a flock passing to N.W. Of the Rook or, indeed, of Crows generally, the first appearance noted is Sept. 9th, when "Black Crows" were seen at Caldy, 9 a.m., a strong breeze E. by S., misty. At N. Stack, Sept. 12th, 6 p.m., three Black Crows flying N.E., before a mod. S.W. breeze; 19th, 5.20 p.m., four passed S.E., a fresh N.W. breeze; 24th, 9 a.m., ninety were seen flying E., before a strong W. breeze. From this station we have no further record till Dec. 20th. At Nash, Sept. 10th, 3 p.m., about 100 Rooks passed N.; 13th, from the low station, hundreds were seen flying overland; 22nd, 9 a.m., a flight of young Rooks, Starlings and Jackdaws flying N.E., fresh W. breeze; 24th, at noon, a flock passing S.E.; 30th, 3 p.m., from both stations we hear of a flight passing N.E.; Oct. 2nd, 2 p.m., fresh N. breeze, misty, large flock of Crows pass S.W.; the only instance reported from Nash for October. At Morecambe Bay, Oct. 3rd, 5.30 p.m., fifteen common Books passed, flying E.N.E., fresh N.E. breeze; 5th, same hour, mod. gale E. by N., overcast, misty and rainy, twelve going E.S.E.; 10th, 11 a.m., fresh E.N.E. breeze, two passed S. by E. At Bull Point, Oct. 12th, 7 a.m., fresh E. breeze, two dozen Black Crows, old and young, seen flying W., before fresh E. breeze; only record of a W. direction of flight. The next occurrence dates Nov. 1st and 3rd, 9 a.m., when, at Nash, large flights, with Starlings, passed overland. We next hear, on 13th, of similar flights flying overland at noon; a fresh W. gale, mist and showers. From the low station (only) we have like returns on 20th, 24th, 25th, and 28th, 29th, 30th, between 9 a.m. and noon, winds various, clouds or mist. There are no returns from any other station. At the same station, Dec. 1st to 10th, 9 a.m., mod. breezes, more or less W., overcast and misty, like flights overland. At Holyhead, Dec. 16th, 9 a.m., flights of Black Crows passed E. across the bay, against a strong E. breeze. On Dec. 18th, from both stations at Nash, and on 20th, 23rd and 25th, from the low stations (9 a.m.), flights of Crows and Starlings are reported; winds various, generally mist. On Dec. 25th, the high station reports such a flock passing S. at the same hour, fresh E. breeze, clear; and on 28th, 30th and 31st, same hour, with breezes from W.S.W., E. and N., overcast, showery or misty, flights of Crows and Starlings were seen from both stations. At N. Stack, Dec. 20th, 9.5 a.m., a flock passed, flying E., fresh N.W. breeze; 30th, 2.15 p.m., a flock flying S.E., fresh N.W. breeze. This is the latest return. Besides Caldy and Nash, in the Bristol Channel, the returns are from four stations off the coast, _viz._:--Bull Point, N. Stack, Holyhead, and Morecambe Bay. The direction of flight is from E.N.E. through E. to S.E. At Nash the direction seems to vary greatly, but is mostly reported as being "overland."

Common Wren, _Troglodytes vulgaris_.--At Scarweather, Aug. 10th, one was found in the morning lying dead on deck, W.N.W. breeze. At Nash (W. or low), Sept. 8th, in the early morning, one struck; mod. N.E. breeze, clouds and mist. At Smalls, Sept. 14th, 1 a.m. to daylight, gentle E. breeze, overcast, but clear horizon, a Wren, Starling and Larks struck; and on 15th, about same time, gentle breeze, E.S.E. to S.E., Blackbirds, Starlings, Thrushes, Greenfinches, and Wrens, a large number striking the glass, but very few the roof.

Swallow, _Hirundo rustica_.--Earliest notice, Aug. 31st, from Caldy, as also the latest, Nov. 11th, "when Swallows disappeared." At Caldy, Aug. 31st, Swallows seen from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., N.N.E. to N. wind, blue sky, but clouds; Sept. 5th, mod. W.S.W. breeze, about twenty; and on 17th, at noon, W. wind, a few noticed. At Nash (E. or high), Sept. 15th, large flocks passed E., a strong N. breeze and rain; and, the note added, "not seen after this date"; 21st, 26th and 30th, Swallows are reported from Caldy, with various winds, not strong, and generally with clouds and mist. At Morecambe Bay, Sept. 24th, mod. W. breeze, cloudy, but clear, two dozen were seen flying S.E. At Caernarvon Bay, Sept. 25th, mod. S.W. breeze, clear, a flock flying S.W. At S. Bishop, Sept. 28th, light N.E. air, twenty were seen. In October we have only two dates. At Godrevy, Oct. 12th, 1 p.m., a small flock hovering about the island, fresh N.E. breeze, clear; and at Helwick, 4.30 p.m., fresh E.N.E. breeze, misty, a flock passed, flying from S.W. to N.E. At Caldy, Oct. 18th, Swallows seen. The eight stations reporting give each but a solitary instance, except Caldy. Five of the stations are off the coast; the remaining three in the Bristol Channel. The direction of flight is not once reported from Caldy. When from the other stations reported it is S.E. or S.W., except at Helwick, N.E.; Oct. 12th, at 4.30 p.m. This would be the course to the nearest land.

Swift, _Cypselus murarius_.--At Flatholm, Sept. 15th, 10 a.m., mod. W.N.W. breeze, clouds, but clear horizon, a large flight appeared; on 16th, they disappeared.

Golden Plover, _Charadrius pluvialis_.--Earliest record Sept. 5th, when, at Caldy, two Plovers were seen; mod. W.S.W. breeze. The next occurrence noted is at Scilly, Oct. 4th, Plovers and Lapwings; mod. E.S.E. gale, rain. At Nash (E. or high), Oct. 14th, fifteen or twenty; 21st, a large flock passed W.; Nov. 20th, 10 p.m., six flew round the light several times. We have no further record till from both stations at Nash, Jan. 3rd, several were observed flying W.; 10th, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., gentle N.E. breeze and mist, flocks of Plovers and Peewits, overland, passed S.W. Also, at Scilly, 4 p.m., Plovers and Lapwings; and on 11th, calm and misty, flocks of Peewits and Starlings passed N.W. At Milford (Low) a quantity of Plovers, Larks and Starlings arrived, and remained all day. From Bardsey we hear that, on Feb. 11th, flocks of four or five Golden Plovers were seen flying about the Island; fresh N.E. gale. Except at Nash, Nov. 20th, and Scilly, Jan. 10th, these occurrences were all noticed from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., and on every occasion with mist or rain, and with light or gentle E. breeze (except at Caldy, W.S.W.). The direction of flight, recorded only from Nash (E. or high), is W., except on Jan. 10th, S.W., and 11th, N.W.

Lapwing, _Vanellus cristatus_.--Earliest notice at Sevenstones, Aug. 26th, 10 a.m., fifty were seen flying to S.W., light N.W. breeze, haze. The next is dated at Scilly, Oct. 4th, Lapwings and Plovers were seen at noon, a mod. E.S.E. gale, rain. We next hear from Caldy, Nov. 3rd, when one was seen flying near the light; a strong E. breeze, mist. Another space of time, and at Nash, Nov. 21st (E. or high), 8 a.m., a large flock is seen overland, mod. E. breeze; and at Burnham, 8 a.m., large flocks of Peewits were noticed flying from N., light N. breeze, mist. We do not again hear till Dec. 20th, when, at Lundy, a number of Lapwings were seen at 9 a.m., mod. E.N.E. breeze; and the other Lundy station reports, "about thirty came on the island during the night." Again, on the 30th, Mr. Parsons notes a flock came on the island the night previous. At Skerries, Dec. 29th, light S.E. breeze, misty, rain, a few Lapwings about all night. This is the only record from a station further N. than Bristol Channel. At Nash (E. or high), Jan. 3rd, gentle E. breeze, mist, a large flock of Peewits passed W.; 6th, a similar flock, N.W.; 10th, during the day misty, light N.E. breeze, flocks of Peewits, with Plovers, passed overland S.W.; and on 11th, at 10 a.m., misty and calm, flocks, with Starlings, passed N.W. At Scilly, same day, 4 p.m., Lapwings and Plovers were seen. At Sevenstones, Jan. 11th, two large flocks passed W.; a light W.N.W. breeze, hazy. At Godrevy, Jan. 14th, we first hear of a great number seen during the day, with Starlings, Thrushes, &c.; fresh E.S.E. breeze, clear, frost, and a little snow on the ground. Of the nine stations reporting, Nash has the most instances; the greater numbers occur in January. The direction of flight when noticed, from N.W. through W. to S.W., the wind, except at Sevenstones, being from N.E. and E.S.E., but more generally E.; force, mostly two to five.

Sanderling, _Calidris arenaria_.--At Godrevy, Sept. 10th, 11.30 p.m., two were killed; light S.W. breeze, clear horizon.

Oystercatcher, _Hæmatopus ostralegus_.--At Air, Aug. 6th, a large quantity seen about 1 p.m., gentle E.S.E. breeze, mist; Oct. 4th, a large quantity flying E. throughout the day, light S.E. breeze, mist; Oct. '29th, 10.30 a.m., with mod. N. gale, clear, a similar flight E. From Bideford, Sept. 1st, we have the following record:--"Hundreds of Sea-pies, Common Gulls, Curlews, and a few Shags, visit the mussel-beds all the winter, being seen every day and night from half-ebb to half-flood, coming from N.W. in all weather."

Heron, _Ardea cinerea_.--From Helwick only have we any record, Sept. 26th, 6 a.m.: "A flock flying from S. to N.W."; cloudy, but clear horizon, with light W. breeze.

Bittern, _Botaurus stellaris_.--Of this now rare bird we have a solitary instance. At Godrevy, Jan. 14th, two were seen during the day (with numbers of Lapwings, Starlings, and Thrushes); may they live long and be happy!

Curlew and Stint, _Numenius arquata_ and _Tringa_ (sp. ?).--At Air, earliest date Aug. 9th, 10 p.m., clear and calm, a large quantity passed; and Godrevy, Jan. 11th, the latest. At Noon, Aug. 14th, three were seen at Bishop Rock. At Bideford, Sept. 1st, some seen, and thereafter daily, with hundreds of Sea-pies and Gulls, from N.W. At Usk, Sept. 8th, we hear of their appearance, when through the day they were seen in great numbers with Gulls, E. and N.E. breezes; 10th, mod. S. breeze, they were observed through the day with Gulls and "Pearls" (_Tringa ? minuta_) in great numbers; 17th, from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m., W.N.W. to N.W., two; they appeared in very large flocks; and from Sept. 24th, to Oct. 8th. At Morecambe Bay, Sept. 12th, 6.30 p.m., one was seen flying S. against a moderate breeze. At Nash, Sept. 15th, 9 a.m., two passed N.E., strong N. breeze and showers; 18th, 6 p.m., two passed N.W., before a mod. N.W. gale, showery (these are noticed from both stations). At Skerries, Sept. 26th, light S.W. breeze, Curlews were seen at sunrise. At Air, Oct. 4th, a large quantity going E. all day; misty Through November and December we hear from Usk of large flocks (with numbers of Stints). At Skerries, Dec. 4th, 1 a.m., light S. air, misty and rain. Curlews were seen with Blackbirds and Snipes; 20th, a few all day, mod. W.S.W. breeze, fine; 29th, light S.E. breeze, mist and rain, a few all night. At Nash, also on 29th, 4 p.m., four passed W., mod. N. breeze, drizzle. The only record subsequent to this is from Godrevy, Jan. 11th, 9 a.m., when four were seen on the island, light E.S.E. breeze and mist; and Mr. Trahair adds, "they frequent the shore after the breeding-season." Most of the instances were noticed in the daytime; the winds various; but in the Bristol Channel, where recorded (Nash and Usk), from N. to W.N.W., force, four to six; while off the coast (Morecambe, Air, and Skerries), E.S.E. through S. to W.S.W., and light.

Woodcock, _Scolopax rusticola_.--At Lundy, Nov. 19th, 10 a.m., from both stations, four Woodcocks and three Snipes were seen, mod. N.E. breeze, clear; and Mr. Parsons adds, "one has been seen once or twice since." At Scilly, Oct. 11th, 8.30 a.m., fresh E.S.E. breeze. Woodcocks and Starlings appeared. At Nash (E. or high), Jan. 14th, at noon, two passed W., with five Wild Geese, before a mod. E. breeze, mist. At Bardsey, Jan. 20th, gentle E. breeze, with snow; one struck.

Snipe, _Scolopax gallinago_.--At Nash (E. or high), Oct. 24th, 9 a.m., two were seen flying W.; gentle N.E. breeze, misty. From the two stations at Lundy, Nov. 19th, three Snipes and four Woodcocks were seen. At Skerries, Dec. 4th, 1 a.m., light S. air, misty and rain. Snipes and Blackbirds were seen, and a few killed.

Corn Crake, _Crex pratensis_.--At Burnham, Aug. 14th, at mid-night, a Land Rail was killed; light N. breeze, clear horizon.

Water Rail, _Rallus aquaticus_.--At Smalls, Oct. 15th, one was seen on the rock.

Wild Goose, _Anser ? palustris_.--At Scilly, Sept. 26th, 7 a.m., calm and cloudy, nineteen were seen. We hear no more till Nov. 3rd, when, at Helwick, 11 a.m., one was seen passing from S. to N., mod. E.N.E. breeze; and on Nov. 6th, about the same hour, a flock passed from S.W. to N.E., mod. N.W. breeze, drizzly rain and showers. At Morecambe Bay, Nov. 23rd, 9.30 a.m., two flying S.E., strong S. breeze. At Scarweather, Nov. 10th, 4 p.m., fresh N.W. by W. breeze, four were seen. There is no return for December. At Nash (E. or high), Jan. 2nd, 9.30 a.m., two passed W.; and on 14th, at noon, five and two Woodcocks passed W., mod. E. breeze. At Hartland Point, Jan. 5th, a few were seen flying E. At Sevenstones, Jan. 11th, 4.15 p.m., light N.N.W. breeze, haze, several flocks passed, flying to westward.

Sheldrake, _Tadorna vulpanser_.--At Air, March 21st, 1880, at sunrise, mod. S.E. breeze, clear, about forty-five pairs. Mr. Aveson adds, "they arrive annually for breeding."