Chapter II: Part 2

Lesser Redpole, _Linota rufescens_ (Vieill.)--Oct. 26th, three at Inner Farne L.H.; and under date of Oct. 24th, Redcar, Mr. T. H. Nelson writes, five came and alighted in front of my window, evidently very tired; they came from seaward, 10 a.m.; two or three were in the garden, and I saw several on the South Gore; E.S.E., snow and rain. Oct. 25th a large flock in an adjoining field. As the range of _L. rufescens_ is confined to the British Isles these occurrences are probably referable to a closely-allied species, the _Linota exilipes_ of Coues, the Common European Redpole, which, so far, has not been recognised as occurring in Great Britain.

Twite, _Linota flavirostris_ (Linn.)--Spurn, Oct. 25th to 27th, numerous; examples obtained had the rump rosy pink.

Common Bunting, _Emberiza miliaria_, Linn.--Spurn, Oct. 25th to 27th, large arrival.

Yellow Bunting, _Emberiza citrinella_, Linn.--Whitby L.H., March 8th, many, 9 a.m. Same station, Oct. 17th, great numbers at same hour. At Teesmouth (Redcar) some on South Gare on morning of Oct. 25th, with other immigrants.

Rustic Bunting, _E. rustica_, Pall.--Spurn, Sept. 17th, one, presumed to be a female, shot on the beach near Easington by Mr. Townend, schoolmaster. On the same date a fine young bird was obtained on Heligoland. Light variable easterly winds over North Sea at time.

Little Bunting, _E. pusilla_, Pall.--Sept. 17th, Heligoland, seen but not obtained. Oct. 19th, one.

Reed Bunting, _E. schœniclus_, Linn.--Teesmouth (Redcar), Sept. 22nd, a flock in conjunction with Chiffchaffs and Lesser Whitethroats.

Lapland Bunting, _Plectrophanes lapponicus_ (Linn.).--One shot at Tetney, near Great Grimsby, Dec. 27th, by Mr. G. E. Power.

Snow Bunting, _P. nivalis_ (Linn.).--First at Spurn, Sept. 10th, an old bird on beach; then, at Inner Farne, on Oct. 6th, four; wind E.N.E. (3). At Heligoland, on Oct. 26th, 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st, easterly winds to N.W. and S.W.; 26th, 9 p.m. to midnight, great many passing overhead; 28th and 29th, rain and hail, both days very great numbers; 30th, great many; 31st, flights of thousands high overhead--one old to about one hundred young. Enormous and unusual flocks occurred from the Farne Islands to N.E. Lincolnshire, from Nov. 14th to end of the year. In the latter district, also near Redcar, many thousands together remaining for weeks on stubble-land feeding on shaken corn. At the South Tees L.V. the great rush was on the 23rd, 24th, and 25th Nov., and again 6th and 10th of Dec, flying S.W. At Inner Farne L.H., Dec. 4th, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., immense numbers to W. and W.N.W.; very few old birds observed. On Nov. 8th and 9th, at Heligoland, thousands upon thousands passed night and day along with Shore Larks, _Otocorys alpestris_. In spring of 1882, March 28th, Spurn, a few; 29th, one on beach.

Sky Lark, _Alauda arvensis_, Linn.--On the night of July 25th, 1881, large numbers occurred at the Dudgeon and the Leman and Ower L.V.'s, round the lanterns, in the former case associated with Starlings and Snipes; fifty fell on deck, and sixty at Leman and Ower. Again, at these same light-vessels, on March 6th and 7th, great numbers occurred during night. In the autumn Sky Larks occurred at all stations from the Inner Farne to Hanois. Earliest, Sept. 12th, Lynn Well L.V.; latest, Galloper L.V., July 8th, 1882. Great rush Sept. 20th, and again Oct. 17th, 18th, 19th, being then continuous all day at many stations between Flamborough and Nore L.V., less each day to 25th; frequently associated with Starlings. At the most northerly stations the direction of flight was south, from Spurn to the English Channel E. to W. or S.E. to N.W. Many occurred round the lantern of the Galloper L.V. on night of July 4th and 8th (seventy caught alive on latter night); line of flight to S.W.

Shore Lark, _Otocorys alpestris_ (Linn.).--Oct. 17th to 26th, great many almost daily, and Nov. 8th and 9th (see Snow Bunting). The only occurrence on the English coast is Oct. 26th, Yarmouth, two on North Denes.

Starling, _Sturnus vulgaris_, Linn.--Spring migration in 1881 observed at Dudgeon L.V. and Cromer L.H. from Feb. 25th to April 14th. In the autumn at nearly all our mid and south-east stations from August 30th to Dec. 11th. Heligoland, great rush Oct. 18th and 19th. On the English coast, during last fortnight in month, both night and day; often associated with other migrants. Line of migration to W., S.W., N.W., W.N.W. At Teesmouth (Redcar), on Nov. 4th, an immense flock, estimated to contain a million, "making a noise like thunder and darkening the air," came from E. at 7 a.m.; S.W. light, rainy to fair. Mr. John Odgers (Whitby L.H.) writes:--"We have had immense numbers of Starlings nesting in the cliffs up to this year; none, however, nested in 1881."

Daw, _Corvus monedula_, Linn.--Oct. 25th to Nov. 14th, occasionally with rooks at east-central stations.

Hooded Crow, _Corvus cornix_, Linn.--In the spring of 1881, at the Outer Dowsing on March 28th, 11 a.m., about one hundred from W.N.W. to S.E.; and at the Dudgeon L.V., on April 8th, 7 a.m., about sixty to east. Twenty were seen at Spurn on June 26th, at 3 p.m., S.S.E., clear. In the autumn are recorded at nearly all our stations from the Inner Farne to the Godwin's. First at Teesmouth, Sept. 23rd, fourteen; Sept. 30th, Suffolk coast, and for some days after. Last at South Sand Head L.V. (Godwin), Dec. 12th. The great flight crossed Heligoland on the 17th and 18th of October, E. clear, fine but fresh. Mr. Gätke remarks this migration "differed very markedly from usual habits in passing overhead, E. to W., at least twice as high as usual; further, by continuing _passing on late in the afternoon_, which accounts for your arrivals 'during night or early morn,' which, however, I do not think has been later than soon after nightfall. As a general rule _C. cornix_, coming here later than 2 p.m., do not proceed on their migration, but remain on cliffs and island all night." There was a great arrival also on the English coast on the nights or early morning of Oct. 18th and 19th, at north, middle and south-east stations. There was again a considerable flight across Heligoland on Nov. 8th and 9th, and again Dec. 10th and 11th. Thirteen Carrion Crows were observed at the Inner Farne L.H. on Oct. 26th, and a large Raven at Whitby L.H., 10 a.m. on Aug. 26th.

Rook, _Corvus frugilegus_, Linn.--In spring of 1881, at Dudgeon L.V., March 7th, 10 a.m., flocks to E.S.E. At the Leman and Ower L.V., on April 12th, 13th, 14th, and 15th, continuous to S.E. In the autumn, at some mid and south-east stations, first at East Godwin L.V., Sept. 9th, all day W. to E.; last on Dec. 23rd, Lynn Wells, all day S.E. to N.W. Great rush Oct. 17th and 18th; also 25th to 27th same month.

Common Swift, _Cypselus apus_ (Linn.).--May 1st, Hunstanton L.H., one; many on 7th. Were migrating south in large flocks last week in August and first in September. Seen last Sept. 22nd, Spurn, 7 p.m., o.m. flocks round lantern.

Nightjar, _Caprimulgus europæus_, Linn.--Spurn, May 25th, one; are scarce in vernal migration at this station, common in the autumn. This last year from Sept. 3rd to Oct. 3rd. The few that turned up in Heligoland, Mr. Gätke says, during all this bad weather (Sept.), "were minus the conspicuous white patches on primaries and remiges."

Green Woodpecker, _Gecinus viridis_ (Linn.).--Cromer L.H., Sept. 25th, a bird, answering in every respect to this species, was seen for some hours near the lighthouse.

Hoopoe, _Upupa epops_, Linn.--Near Durham, Lincolnshire coast, and Spurn on Sept. 24th, 26th, and 29th. One, Nov. 10th, seen perched on telegraph wire near Whittlesea Station, Great Northern Railway.

Cuckoo, _Cuculus canorus_, Linn.--Cromer L.H., April 29th, noon, several seen. Many (young birds) passed Spurn last fortnight in September.

Barn Owl, _Strix flammea_, Linn.--Oct. 16th, one captured at sea on board one of the Grimsby fishing-smacks and brought in. See Zool. 1882, p. 86.

Long-eared Owl, _Asio otus_ (Linn.).--Spurn, two, last week in August. Redcar, one, Oct. 2nd, E.

Short-eared Owl, _Asio accipitrinus_ (Pall).--April 12th and 15th, one each day, past Dudgeon L.V. to W.S.W. One, Spurn, May 25th. In the autumn, at several stations from Teesmouth (Redcar) to Hasborough L.V., from Sept. 5th to Nov. 9th, line of flight from E. to W. or S.E. to N.W. At Redcar numerous occurrences between Sept. 15th and Oct. 26th, with E. and N.E. winds.

Snowy Owl, _Nyctea scandiaca_ (Linn.).--Mr. T. H. Nelson writes:--"A great White Owl flew up the sands in front of Redcar, 10.30 a.m., Oct. 25th, past a group of fishermen and over the town, going S.W., wind E.N.E. strong."

Tengmalm's Owl, _Nyctala tengmalmi_, (Gmel.).--Cromer L.H., Oct. 30th, 2 a.m., one caught against lantern; Nov. 18th, one near Dartford, Kent. ('Field,' Nov. 26th).

Common Buzzard, _Buteo vulgaris_, Leach.--Heligoland, Sept. 22nd, an immense flight, thousands passing on, and as many resting on the cliffs, E. storm (No. 9); 23rd and 24th, still great many. Numerous from Sept. 24th to Oct. 18th between the Farne Islands and coast of Norfolk, the bulk coming in during the last week in September. On Sept. 27th, coast of Suffolk, and passing at a great height to the south.

Sparrowhawk, _Accipiter nisus_ (Linn.).--Heligoland, Sept. 22nd, Sparrowhawks and Kites. At the Coquet L.H., Outer Dowsing, Corton and Cockle L.V.'s, the same day. A very considerable arrival was also noted at Northrepps, near Cromer, between the 13th and 23rd of August.

Kite, _Milvus ictinus_, Savigny.--Yarmouth, one last week in September.

Honey Buzzard, _Pernis apivorus_ (Linn.).--Norfolk, Oct. 6th, nineteen Honey Buzzards, Mr. Gurney writes, up to this date.

Peregrine Falcon, _Falco peregrinus_, Tunstall.--Heligoland, Sept. 22nd, Peregrines, Hobbies, and Kestrels many. Spurn, some of each in October.

Common Kestrel, _Falco tinnunculus_, Linn.--Many observed in coast districts of N.E. Lincolnshire in July, August, and September.

Osprey, _Pandion haliaëtus_ (Linn.).--There were no less than ten occurrences of this noble bird between the Tyne and Thames from the last week in September through October, namely, Durham, one; Yorkshire, one; Lincolnshire, three; Norfolk, two; Suffolk, one; and near London, two; several others being recorded from inland places in various parts of the kingdom. Of the Lincolnshire examples, two were birds of the year; the other, shot Oct. 15th near some artificial trout ponds at Laceby, near Grimsby, was a magnificent adult female. One adult was obtained near Chester on Nov. 17th. It is very clearly shown in the returns that the great movement southward of the raptorial birds began on or about Sept. 21st, and was continued during the next fortnight.

Cormorant, _Phalacrocorax carbo_ (Linn.).--Coquet L.H., Nov. 26th, 2 p.m., twelve to north.

Gannet, _Sula bassana_ (Linn.).--May 2nd and 3rd, Inner Farne L.H., large flocks all day to N. During September large numbers passed Flamborough to the south. On Dec. 2nd, at the Gull L.V., twenty were seen going west into the Channel; and on the 4th ten to the south. A great many were observed by fishermen at sea during the latter half of September and early part of October, fishing and "striking" near the boats amongst the herring shoals.

Heron, _Ardea cinerea_, Linn.--August 31st, Inner Farne L.H., 6 p.m., N.N.E., two coming in from sea. At Teesmouth (Redcar) on August 3rd, nine at 11 a.m. to W., moderate west wind; others in September.

Little Bittern, _Ardea minuta_ (Linn.).--One, a male, Sept. 23rd, was shot near Goole, Yorkshire.

Glossy Ibis, _Plegadis falcinellus_ (Linn.).--Four occurrences in September, namely, one killed near Lynn, and another seen; one at Skegness, Lincolnshire, Sept. 9th, and another in Hampshire, Dogmerfield, Sept. 15th. One also was shot in Hertfordshire, Oct. 10th ('Field,' Nov. 26th), and another on 27th of the same month at Skegness.

Wild Goose, _Anser ?_--At Flamborough, on July 8th, 7.30 p.m., about one hundred Grey Geese to N. At the South Sand Head L.V., Aug. 23rd, 6 to 8 a.m., continuous flocks to S.W., and again on Sept. 23rd, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., continuous to S. Grey Geese were also noted in considerable numbers at several stations from the Tees to the South Foreland L.V., from the beginning of September to the 8th of December, flying in various directions.

Brent Goose, _Bernicla brenta_ (Pall.).--In March, 1881, many were observed off the 5 Buoy Tees L.V. At Corton L.V., on June 14th, fifty from W. to N.E., "passed close to vessel; am quite certain they were black geese." At the South Sand Head, on Sept. 5th, 6 to 8 a.m., flocks continuous to W. At Coquet L.H., Oct. 15th, one Egyptian Goose, 3 p.m., to N.

Swan, _Cygnus ?_--At Heligoland, on Oct. 23rd, S.E. blowing hard and very cold, Swans with Geese and Ducks passing. On Lynn Wells L.V., on Dec. 19th, two at noon, E.N.E., to S.W.; and on 21st, at Inner Dowsing L.V., 3 p.m., fifteen flying low from E. to W.

Sheldrake, _Tadorna cornuta_ (Gmel.).--At 5 Buoy Tees L.V., Nov. 20th, twenty off light; and on 29th, forty.

Mallard, _Anas boschas_, Linn.--5 Buoy Tees L.V., March 26th, 1881, Mallard with Wigeon and two Teal. In Sept. and Oct., large flocks at several stations. At the Teesmouth (Redcar), on Aug. 17th, "a rush" of Ducks occurred between 6 a.m. and noon; also on previous night, continuous to N.W., with Whimbrel and Curlew; the Ducks were in flocks of about 100 together. Again on Oct. 14th, the great storm from N.W., continuous flocks of Ducks passed from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., going W. At the Swin Middle L.V., Aug. 22nd to 27th inclusive. Ducks all day to W.; and again both Ducks and Wild Geese from Sept. 1st to 12th, in large numbers each day, and all day to N.W.

Blue-winged Teal, _Querquedula discors_, Steph.--One, a young bird, shot on Sept. 3rd near Redcar by Mr. W. Chilton.

Wigeon, _Mareca penelope_ (Linn.).--Large flocks off Teesmouth in November and December.

Scaup, _Fuligula marila_ (Linn.).--5 Buoy Tees L.V., Jan. 23rd, 1881, "Bell Wigeon" [Scaup], great number to W.N.W.

Long-tailed Duck, _Harelda glacialis_, (Linn.).--Inner Farne L.H., Oct. 20th and 22nd, several off island.

Eider Duck, _Somateria mollisima_ (Linn.).--On Sept. 24th, at Coquet Island L.V., twenty Eider Drakes and one female off island; and at Inner Farne L.V., in Oct., hundreds, both males and females, swimming under lee of islands. The King Eider, _S. spectabilis_ (Linn.), was again seen during the latter part of April, and remained in neighbourhood for two months; last seen on June 19th.

Common Scoter, _Œdemia nigra_ (Linn.).--At Coquet L.H., 3rd, 9th, and 17th, all day to N. Corton L.V., Dec. 7th, 12th, and 13th, great numbers E. to W. during greater part of day. Large numbers seen at several stations off the coast in November.

Goosander, _Mergus merganser_, Linn.--On Oct. 22nd, Teesmouth (Redcar), stormy E.S.E. gale, twelve were seen flying over East Scar, nine going W. and three E.

Red-breasted Merganser, _Mergus serrator_, Linn.--During November and December several seen off the Farne Islands and Teesmouth.

Ring Dove, _Columba palumbus_, Linn.--One at Spurn L.H., against lantern, on Sept. 15th, 10 p.m. Immense flocks came into N.E. Lincolnshire in November. At Lynn Wells L.V., on Oct. 22nd, large flocks, 10 a.m., S.E. to N.W.; and at Caistor Denes, Yarmouth, on Nov. 26th, very large flocks; they are reported, on 28th, from Beccles (Norfolk) in such numbers as "to make the sky quite dark."

Turtle Dove, _Turtur communis_, Selby.--One at Great Cotes, Sept. 15th, near rifle-butts on Humber Bank.

Water Rail, _Rallus aquaticus_, Linn.--On Oct. 3rd, Inner Farne L.H.; and another at Spurn, caught alive in yard of lighthouse on morning of Oct. 27th.

Landrail, _Crex pratensis_, Bechst.--At Great Cotes, near Grimsby, Sept. 1st, N., half-a-gale; and at Heligoland, on 9th, Mr. Gätke writes, "very reddest I have ever had." At Yarmouth, Oct. 5th.

Spotted Crake, _Porzana maruetta_ (Leach).--Heligoland, Sept., one young bird.

Golden Plover, _Charadrius pluvialis_, Linn.--First week in Sept., small flights in N.E. Lincolnshire. On the 6th, Mr. Wm. Eagle Clarke, writing from Spurn, says, "a long waved line extending at least three or four miles passed over, extending far over the Humber towards Lincolnshire coast, 5.15 p.m., wind changing from N. to S., direction of flight N." At the Farne Islands, during the month, hundreds of Golden Plovers and Lapwings coming off to the islands in morning, and leaving for the land at night. At the same station, Nov. 5th, great numbers to W.S.W.

Grey Plover, _Squatarola helvetica_ (Linn.).--Humber foreshore, June 1st, one old male in summer plumage, and five less advanced; another, in the same flock, in winter plumage. At Spurn, on June 13th, 4 p.m., N.E., clear, Grey Plovers were seen passing S. to N. In the autumn, in the first week in August, three old birds in breeding plumage on Humber muds; also several old black-breasted birds seen at Spurn on 24th. The young of the year arrived in large numbers last of August and first week of September. Seven shot near Spurn, on Sept. 12th, were two males and four females, and one lost; all were in fine summer plumage; were very numerous on Humber flats during September and October; with the above exceptions, birds of the year or old having completed the autumn moult.

Kentish Plover, _Ægialitis cantiana_ (Lath.).--One, an immature example, was shot on the shore at Friskney, near Boston, on Oct. 8th; subsequently came into the hands of Mr. A. S. Hutchinson, of Derby.

Ringed Plover, _Ægialitis hiaticula_ (Linn.).--May 27th, a flock numbering about twenty of the small race, _Ægialitis intermedius_ (Ménétriés), on Humber muds.

Dotterel, _Eudromias morinellus_ (Linn.).--May 14th to 21st, some "trips" in N.E. Lincolnshire marshes, also at localities in Holderness; twenty seen in one flock, thirty in another.

Lapwing, _Vanellus vulgaris_, Bechst.--At the north-eastern stations, noticeably at Inner Farne L.H., Hunstanton L.H., Inner Dowsing L.V., and Lynn Wells L.V., where very large numbers passed from Oct. 6th to Nov. 12th, general direction S.E. to N.W. At Teesmouth (Redcar), Nov. 4th, an immense immigration between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., passing westward, flocks numbering from 50 up to 500 birds, a flock coming in from seaward every ten minutes or thereabouts; S.W., light, fine, and mild.

Turnstone, _Strepsilas interpres_ (Linn.).--May 25th, many both mature and immature on coasts of N.E. Lincolnshire and Holderness. Teesmouth, in the autumn, not so plentiful as usual; common in other localities.

Oystercatcher, _Hæmatopus ostralegus_, Linn.--At Teesmouth (Redcar), Aug. 18th, 6 a.m., three or four hundred, N.N.E., light, dull and showery. Hunstanton L.H., flocks S.W. at ebb, and E. at flood, throughout August.

Red-necked Phalarope, _Phalaropus hyperboreus_ (Linn.).--One near Grimsby, Sept. 26th; one Spurn and one Withernsea, Oct. 9th; two on Suffolk coast, same month ('Field,' Oct. 29th, 1881).

Grey Phalarope, _Phalaropus fulicarias_, Linn.--Teesmouth (Redcar), Oct. 15th, two, in adult plumage, only a few grey feathers on back, N.N.W. gale; one seen near Redcar same day.

Woodcock, _Scolopax rusticula_, Linn.--May 24th, Outer Dowsing L.V., one, 10.30 a.m., E.S.E. (4), passing from W. by N. to E.S.E. At numerous stations in the autumn [principally in the north and mid-east], from Inner Farne L.H. to East Godwin L.V. First at Spurn, on Sept. 4th; last at Heligoland, Nov. 30th, "a few Woodcocks and Snipe" (first and only occurrence there in 1881). Greatest flight on English coast night of Oct. 28th, N.E., snow and sleet. Woodcocks have dropped in very irregularly throughout the autumn, by two's and three's during October, and not in those great rushes which usually characterise their immigration. Migrate generally during the night; frequent exceptions to this rule. Casualties against the lanterns of lighthouses and light-vessels from midnight till daybreak.

Double Snipe, _Gallinago major_ (Gmel.).--One, Sept. 15th, was shot in a clover field about fifteen miles from Redcar. One, Sept. 4th, at Spurn, killed against the telegraph-wire; another, same locality, 16th; one, Seaton Carew, Durham, 27th same month.

Common Snipe, _Gallinago cælestis_ (Frenzel).--Some few last week in July, main body last week of October to first week in November, rapidly passing on. Nov. 23rd, Gull L.V., 10.30 a.m., about 100 to. W. Spring migration, 1882, second week in March.

Jack Snipe, _Gallinago gallinula_ (Linn.).--The only occurrences recorded at Inner Farne L.H., from Sept. 23rd to Nov. 4th. Mouth of Deben, Suffolk, both this and the former are recorded from Sept. 30th to Oct. 1st, at full moon, with E. wind, in large quantities, continuing to arrive for some time; remarkable by its entire absence from its ordinary winter quarters.

Dunlin, _Tringa alpina_, Linn.--Spurn, May 25th, very large flocks, composed of birds some in summer plumage, others having no appearance of changing from ordinary winter garb. Enormous flocks were seen at some north-eastern stations in October. Great number at Teesmouth (Redcar), from Sept. 15th to Oct. 12th, all going W.N.W., towards the Tees.

Little Stint, _Tringa minuta_, Leisl.--In small flocks on Humber foreshores, from Sept. 2nd to as late as Oct. 8th. Fresh arrivals easily recognisable by their extreme tameness. Comparatively plentiful on coasts of Holderness, Lincolnshire, and Norfolk during the same period.

Temminck's Stint, _Tringa Temmincki_, Leisl.--One early in September, near Yarmouth; a few regularly occur at this season on the east coast, although rarely obtained, and probably also frequently overlooked.

Pigmy Curlew, _Tringa subarquata_ (Güld.).--First at Spurn, July 21st, two in summer plumage. Flocks of young, thirty to fifty, numerous through September and October in the same districts as the Little Stint.

Knot, _Tringa canutus_, Linn.--Spurn, June 7th, 6 p.m., "Plover-Knot" from N. to S. Some, birds of the previous year, and which do not acquire the summer dress, remain on the east coast during the summer. The first arrivals of young Knot occurred during the first week in August; great rush (young birds) first week in September, the old coming during the last week, in October. Mr. Winson, the captain of the Spurn life-boat, picked up a Knot on Nov. 7th, which was killed by flying against the telegraph-wire; this bird was in faded summer plumage, the upper parts nearly black, with edgings of buff on the margins of the feathers.

Ruff and Reeve, _Machetes pugnax_ (Linn.).--On Sept. 3rd, two shot from a flock of nine on Cowpen Marsh, near Redcar, N.E., stormy. One Ruff and two Reeves were also obtained at Spurn early in September.

Sanderling, _Calidris arenaria_ (Linn.).--May 25th, some at Spurn, young of previous year, and in immature plumage. Aug. 1st, flock of nine; and henceforward in large numbers during August and September, many remaining on the coast till end of the year, and into 1882. At Teesmouth (Redcar) they are reported scarcer this season than they have been for many years.

Common Sandpiper, _Totanus hypoleucus_ (Linn.).--May 14th to 20th, North-east Lincolnshire, flocks passing along the coast northward, returning first week in September.

Green Sandpiper, _Totanus ochropus_ (Linn.).--July 30th, returning.

Wood Sandpiper, _Totanus glareola_ (Linn.).--Aug. 6th, one shot near Redcar; small flock seen.

Common Redshank, _Totanus calidris_ (Linn.).--Scarce near Teesmouth in the autumn. At Spurn, July 31st, many.

Spotted Redshank, _Totanus fuscus_ (Linn.).--Teesmouth, about Sept. 15th; one, a fully-matured bird, obtained.

Greenshank, _Totanus canescens_ (Gmel.).--Comparatively numerous in Humber district in September and October, more than have been seen for many years.

Bar-tailed Godwit, _Limosa lapponica_ (Linn.).--Passed the Tees in considerable numbers first week in September. Very common in Humber district in September and October. At Redcar (Teesmouth), between July 4th and 7th, about thirty passed each morning to W. On Sept. 22nd, a slight "rush"; several large flocks with Knots, both in morning and afternoon, going W.; E. gale, stormy, with heavy rain.

Whimbrel, _Numenius phæopus_ (Linn.).--At Spurn, May 25th, three seen. Teesmouth (Redcar), July 4th to 7th, each day a few seen in morning, S.W., fine. Aug. 17th, continuous flocks with Curlews and Godwits from 6 to 9 a.m., and also the preceding night, W., calm; and at intervals to Sept. 23rd, all flying W. or N.W. Last occurrence Oct. 22nd. 5 Buoy Tees L.V., at 11 a.m., twenty to S.W.

Curlew, _Numenius arquata_ (Linn.).--On May 1st and 18th, at Inner Farne and Flamborough, round lanterns during night. At various localities in the autumn, from July 17th to end of September. Great rush, with Whimbrels and Godwits, on Aug. 17th.

Terns, Sterninæ.--At the Farne Islands, in 1881, the Sandwich Terns returned on May 6th, the Arctic Terns on the 9th; they left again in a body, both old and young, on Aug. 21st. From Sept. 2nd to 5th, hundreds of both species revisited and settled upon their breeding grounds. After this, from Sept. 16th to the end of the month, two to three hundred Arctic Terns, both old and young, were observed daily fishing near island (Inner Farne L.H.), leaving again at night. Three Arctic Terns, two old and one young, were seen fishing off island on Oct. 27th, and on 29th a single young bird. A flock of about thirty Common Terns were to be seen in front of Redcar daily up to Oct. 14th, when the great storm evidently drove them south. Both at Redcar and Flamborough, throughout September, great numbers of Terns were noticed passing south. At Spurn, in May, 1881, small parties of Black Terns were passing north, a few returning southward by the same route in August. The Lesser Terns returned to their nesting quarters at Spurn in the third week in May. At Coquet Island L.H., on the night of Aug. 22nd, fog. Terns with Curlews were all night beating about the lantern. In 1882, March 29th, Spurn, two Terns [sp. ?] seen passing north.

Gulls, Larinæ.--The Herring Gulls returned to their breeding stations at Whitby on Feb. 14th; they left the cliffs with their young on Aug. 26th. Lesser Black-backed Gulls were observed congregating at their nesting quarters, on the Farne Islands, on April 13th. At Flamborough, on July 4th, great numbers of Kittiwakes were passing to the south all day. Unusual numbers of Herring Gulls and Little Gulls (_L. minutus_, Pall.) were seen off Flamborough in September. At Spurn, on Oct. 26th, two Little Gulls were seen; and about the 22nd two immature Sabine's Gull, _Xema Sabinii_, procured on the Norfolk coast, some Little Gulls being seen at the same time. At Teesmouth (Redcar), on Sept. 22nd, continuous flocks of Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls, young birds, passed from daylight to dusk, all going N.W., strong E. gale, rain. On Oct. 23rd, and for several days previous. Great Black-backed Gulls had been passing to N.W., forty to one hundred in the course of a day, E.S.E. winds, all mature birds. It is many years since so large a number of Great Black-backs had been seen passing. At the Cockle L.V., on Nov. 11th, continuous flocks of Gulls were passing westward all day; and on Dec. 29th, at Lynn Wells L.V., flocks all day from E. to W.

Skuas, Stercorariinæ.--On July 12th, a flock of one hundred (probably _S. crepidatus_) passed at 8.30 p.m. to N.W., high over Redcar, wind W. On Sept. 16th a great many Skuas were seen on the fishing grounds, five to six miles out, Richardson's, Pomatorhine, and Buffon's busily engaged chasing the Gulls and Terns; and again on Sept. 29th, a great many Richardson's, Pomatorhine, and a few Buffon's Skuas seen from four to twelve miles at sea by fishermen similarly employed. On Oct. 14th, during the gale from N.N.W., great numbers of Pomatorhine came down from north, passing Redcar and going off inland, mostly flying high. The same day a large mixed flock of Pomatorhine and Buffon's Skua was seen near the Breakwater, crouching on the ground to get shelter from the tempest of wind and rain. Great numbers of Skuas passed Flamborough in September; on Oct. 4th, four Richardson's Skuas were seen off Yarmouth; and on Nov. 23rd, at Southsand Head L.V., great numbers ("Bonxie's and chasers") with Gannets.

Petrels, Procellariidæ.--During the gale on Oct. 14th, several Storm Petrels seen coming past Redcar from the north; they also occurred from Aug. 10th to Nov. 20th at several stations, not unfrequently striking the lanterns of lighthouses and light-vessels on clear as well as on foggy nights. The Fork-tailed Petrel (_P. leucorrhoa_) occurred at various stations, both on the coast and inland, between Oct. 24th and Nov. 28th, one at Heligoland, in December, being only the second obtained during Mr. Gätke's long residence in the island. It is probable that this, being a west coast species, is driven in the autumn by heavy gales right across the island on to our east coast--that is, from N.W. to S.E.; its rarity at Heligoland in the autumn supports this view of the line taken by stragglers occurring inland, and on our east coast after heavy N. and S.W. gales. _Puffinus anglorum_ and _P. major_ passed Flamborough, in September, in considerable numbers.

Alcidæ.--At Flamborough, on April 28th, great numbers of Guillemots arrived during the day; and on the 29th the Puffins returned for the season. At the Farne Islands a white Guillemot was seen in June and July. The Guillemots and Puffins left their breeding stations between Aug. 20th and 28th. At Whitby, on Aug. 17th and 21st, very large flocks of Guillemots were seen passing north.

Colymbidæ.--From Aug. 13th to Nov. 8th, at intervals, many Great Northern and Red-throated Divers seen off Redcar. At the Inner Farne L.H., from Oct. 5th to 17th, both species common; two of the former, shot Dec. 8th and 10th, off the Inner Farne Island, weighed 12 and 12-1/2 pounds.

Podicipitidæ.--At the Inner Farne L.H., in February, 1881, an unusual number of Grebes and small Divers were observed.

General Remarks.

The results of the observations taken along the East Coast of England in the spring and autumn of 1881 have been satisfactory; it is true that, as already mentioned, the returns sent in have been less than in the previous year, yet what has been lost in quantity has more than been made up in the quality of the work. The observers have become trained by experience, and have learnt not only how to observe, but what to observe.

As in previous years, the main line of migration has been a broad stream from E. to W. or from S.E. to N.W. this year, covering the whole of our east coast in comparatively equal proportions; the occurrences of migrants coming from northerly directions, or from points anything north of east, are few and far between, and in these cases are consequent on birds striking the coast in more northern latitudes and following it to the south. Thus, north of Flamborough, Larks pass up the coast from north to south; at Spurn and south of Spurn they come in directly from the sea. The closeness with which both migrants and immigrants follow the coast line has also been verified in a remarkable degree,--an observer taking up his position at a short distance from the coast would see or know nothing of migration, yet within half-a-mile or less there might be a constant stream of birds, hour by hour and day by day passing to the south.

In the spring birds also return on the same lines they travelled in the autumn, from W. and N.W. to E. and S.E. A reference to the spring notes in the report on each separate species observed will show this. Our spring immigrants also arrive from the sea, and are first seen on or near the coast, gradually moving inland. Migration has been earlier than in 1880, in many cases birds arriving considerably in advance of recent years; this has been notably the case with some of the _Limicolæ_, such as have the widest ranges and where nesting grounds are circumpolar--that is, confined to lands surrounding the North Pole. Also in the case of the _Anatidæ_, which arrived fully a month before their average period.

It may be said the general features of migration, having reference to lines of flight, time, height of travelling, favourable winds or otherwise, circumstances of greatest casualties at lanterns of lighthouses and light-vessels, are the same as set forth in previous reports; yet in 1881 we find several important variations from the normal phenomenon, consequent on the directions of the wind and general character of the season. From the commencement of August to the end of October the prevailing winds have been from northerly and easterly directions, blowing more or less directly on to the coast, and therefore, as also shown in previous reports, unfavourable passage winds--for it may be laid down as an axiom that, with southerly or westerly winds, not amounting to gales, normal migration is the rule, but with winds in the opposite direction, the results are very opposite; such winds, more especially if strong, weary out the immigrants and compel them to drop on the first coast they make, often completely exhausted by the passage. The consequence has been that, on our east coast, with the prevailing winds, it has been a most favourable season for the observer; and generally the number of birds recorded is considerably in excess of any previous records.

The winter of 1881-82 has been remarkable for its high temperature, no such uniformly mild season having occurred for many years in England. The same has been the case over the whole of Northern Europe north of latitude 50° N. As might be expected, so exceptional a season has not been without its effect upon our immigrants. Fieldfares have crossed in very limited numbers, and have everywhere been remarkably scarce in localities along our east coast. Large numbers of birds which regularly arrive in the autumn, as the Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Tree Sparrow, Snow Bunting, and others, and which remain for a few days only and then pass on, have this winter continued for many weeks, and even months, resorting in immense flocks to the stubble-fields near the coast, where, with no severe weather to drive them away, they found an inexhaustible supply of food in the large quantity of grain dashed out in harvest-time by the great gale from S.W. to W. on August 26th. Snow Buntings have been considerably in excess of anything known for many years, the proportion of old birds not more than one in a hundred.

Another consequence of the mildness of the winter is the desultory fashion in which birds have migrated; there have been less of those great "rushes," when for days together one species after another rush helter-skelter on to our coast. Migration has also been greatly prolonged, and the latest returns received show Rooks, Starlings, and Larks still crossing the North Sea in February. The last week in August and first in September Wheatears and Redstarts passed as usual up the coast from N. to S., the line of migration being confined to the chain of sandhills. Also during the first week of September, and again about the 20th, there was an immense migration of the _Sylviinæ_ in the same direction. Migration appears to have reached its climax on or about Sept. 22nd, an enormous number of various immigrants coming in from this time to the end of the month. Not the least remarkable was the influx of the larger raptorial birds crossing Heligoland on Sept. 22nd and two following days, and were about the same period seen along the entire range of our eastern coast. From this date to the end of October ten Ospreys were procured from localities contiguous to the east coast of England, between the Tyne and the Thames. Again, the third week of October there was another large immigration of birds of various species. On the night of Oct. 24th great numbers of Mealy Redpoles came in on the Holderness coast; the same flight was also traceable as far north as the Farne Islands; the Mealy Redpoles appear to have been accompanied or closely followed by a flight of Siskins. Hooded Crows came with their usual regularity, almost to a day; this autumn the great flight crossed Heligoland on the afternoon of Oct. 17th, and on the 18th. There was a corresponding arrival along the whole of our east coast on the night of 17th or early morning of 18th, and on the 19th.

Short-eared Owls, Golden Crested Wrens, and Woodcocks arrive with great punctuality during the first fortnight in October, and are invariably associated in their migration--that is, coming at the same time; it is a curious fact that, in the last autumn, all three arrived in conjunction five weeks in advance of their average period; this perhaps may have been a local and coast movement from North Britain, and not across the North Sea.

In August and early in September, Knots, Grey Plovers, Sanderlings, Curlew Sandpipers, and Little Stints--all circumpolar in their nesting--had returned in large number, being unusually abundant and early in their movements up the coast.

The _Anatidæ_ have been remarkably scarce in shore and within our river estuaries, and it has been an almost blank season for the wildfowl-shooter; yet we find, in the returns from some light-vessels, they have occurred in extraordinary numbers out at sea, the weather having never been sufficiently severe to drive them inland or near the coast.

With a dry hot summer in Northern Europe migration is always earlier than in years of rain and low temperature, birds breeding sooner in the former, and the nestlings, like all other young things, with dry weather and sunshine, developing more rapidly.

Nothing is more remarkable in the phenomenon of migration than the punctuality with which certain species return in the autumn, one species regularly taking precedence of another; also in respect to the date of the arrival year after year. In the _Limicolæ_ and _Anatidæ_ the date of autumn migration varies--often considerably--from year to year. In some species, as the Wheatear, Redstart, Fieldfare, Redwing, Hooded Crow, Goldcrest and Woodcock, and others, we may almost predict to a day the time of their first appearance.

The period of the migratory flight in the autumn of any particular genus or species is most probably referable to two causes: the first one of temperature, affecting the time of nesting; the second is the period at which the young arrive at maturity, or rather that period when they throw off paternal control or are thrown off themselves. When able to act independently and procure food on their own account, they flock together and migrate in a body. We know that, with rare exceptions, the young of the year migrate some weeks in advance of the parent birds; thus we can readily conceive the whole of the large raptorial birds nesting about the same time over widely extending districts in Northern Europe; when the many young arrive at a self-dependent stage there would be a simultaneous movement, ending in a universal migratory rush. This period of self-dependence is arrived at much more quickly in some birds than in others, for species like the Knot, Grey Plover, Godwit, and Sanderling, nesting in very high latitudes, leave our shores the last in the spring of any of the migrants, and their young are amongst the first to return in autumn. The order of migration, more especially in connection with the shore birds, is the occurrence very early in autumn--July or August--of a few _old_ birds in summer plumage, either barren or such perhaps as have been prevented nesting, then the young in large flocks, and some weeks subsequently old birds.

The season of 1881-82 will long be remembered by east coast ornithologists for the number of rare visitants which have appeared from time to time, driven to westward of their ordinary migration lines by the prevailing winds from N. and N.E. to E. and S.E., generally strong and frequently increasing to a severe gale. The fact of ten Ospreys having been seen or procured has already been mentioned; there were two occurrences of Tengmalm's Owl; the Rustic Bunting at Spurn; Lapp Bunting at Tetney, on Lincolnshire coast; White-spotted Blue-throat at Cley, in Norfolk; Glossy Ibis, five occurrences; Sabine's Gull, two on Norfolk coast; Kentish Plover, Lincolnshire; Blue-winged Teal, Teesmouth; and numerous other occurrences of scarcely secondary interest. These, as well as the rarer occurrences in Heligoland, have been separately treated in the notes on each species observed.

WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND.

Schedules, &c., were sent to thirty-eight stations, the same number as in 1880. We have received filled-in schedules from twenty-six stations, being same as last year.

Generally the returns are light, and the scarcity of birds is accounted for by the reporters, and borne out by comparison of statistics, by the prevalence of westerly gales and winds (see General Remarks). The schedules show the same careful work as in former years.

The dates upon which the various stations have sent us returns are shown in the following list of the stations by the positions of the asterisks preceding the consecutive numbers. Stations added have the dates preceding the names. As will be seen, the work done will compare favourably with the East Coast returns, and also with that of previous seasons.

West Coast of Scotland.

Mainland.

1879, '80, '81.
* * * 81. Cape Wrath, Sutherland 400 ft. D. Sinclair.
* * * 82. Rhu Stoir, W. Cromarty 195 " W. Wither.

Outer Hebrides.

* * * 83. Butt of Lewis 170 " { G. Edgar and
{ Alex Thompson.
* * 84. Stornoway 56 " John Grierson.
* * * 85. Island Glass 130 " W. Innes.

* * * 86. Monach Island { 150 " } J. Youngclause.
{ 62 " }
* * 87. Ushenish 176 " Peter Carrie.
88. Barra Head 683 "

Mainland, Skye, and Inner Hebrides.

89. Bona, Skye 222 "
* * 90. Kyleakin, Rosshire 63 " D. MacCulloch.
* * * 91. Isle Ornsay, Skye 58 " J. Loughton.
* * 92. Ardnamurchan, Pt. Argyle 180 ft.
* * * {93. Hynish Signal Tower, Tiree}150 " W. Crow.
{94. Skerryvore, off Tiree }
* * * 95. Dhuheartach, S.W. of
Ross of Mull 145 " J. Ewing.
* * * 96. Sound of Mull 55 " W. Maclellan.
97. Conan Ferry, Loch Eil 38 "
* * 98. Lismore Island, Oban 103 " Alex. Murray.
* * 99. Fladda, Easdale 42 "
* * * 100. Rhuvaal, Islay 147 " David Spink.
* * 101. Mac Arthur's Head, Islay 128 " W. Maill.
* * * 102. Skervuile, Jura 73 " John Ewing.
* * * 103. Rhinns of Islay 159 " Andrew Lyall.
* * 104. Lochindaul, Islay 50 "
105. Mull of Kintyre 297 "
106. Sanda, Kintyre Sound 165 "
107. Devaar, Kintyre 120 "
108. Pladda, Arran 130 "
* 109. Lamlash, Arran 46 " David Waters.
* * 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 " W. A. Mackay.
* * * 116. Point of Ayr, I. of Man 106 " James Blythe.
* * 117. Douglas Head, I. of Man 104 " A. Irvine Grant.
118. Chickens Rock, I. of Man 122 "
* * 119. 1880, Bahama Bank, Isle of
Man (L.V.) Charles Johns.
120. 1880, Langness do.

It will be seen upon comparing this last with the previous years of 1879 and 1880 that steady interest in the work is being kept up by our West Coast reporters.

Turdidæ.--Song Thrush. Spring: Only one record at Stornoway, where a pair arrived on March 3rd and stayed till 18th.--Autumn: Records at Kyleakin, Dhuheartach, Lismore, and Bahama L.V. Earliest Oct. 5th, at Lismore (a flock all night); latest on Dec. 13th, at Lismore also (mixed with Blackbirds), and a single bird on Jan. 16th at Bahama L.V. Participated to a small extent in a rush of migrants generally Sept. 21st to 23rd, which appeared on both coasts of Scotland. Indications of a small rush Oct. 25th to 27th also. Other records scattered through September, October, November, and December. Blackbird. No spring records. Autumn: At Monach, Sound of Mull, Lismore, Skervuile, Turnberry, Mull of Galloway, Little Ross, Douglas Head. Earliest Sept. 21st, at Mull of Galloway (date of rush also on East Coast q.v.); latest Dec. 20th, at Turnberry (one struck). Rushes: None very apparent, but, taking dates of other species, appear to have mingled with them on September 21st to 23rd at Sound of Mull and Mull of Galloway (which is also date of general rush on the east coast). Also faint indications of rushes at Lismore on Oct. 5th, mingled with Thrushes; and on Dec. 13th to 19th at several stations, as Lismore, Skervuile, and Turnberry. A good many scattered records also at other dates and several stations. Exceptionally numerous were Song Thrushes and Missel Thrushes near Dumfries in October and November, whilst Redwings and Fieldfares were very seldom seen.

Saxicolinæ.--Wheatear. Spring records only from Butt of Lewis, Rhuvaal, and Skerryvore; March 9th (a flock), April 1st (at Rhuvaal), and May 6th (at Skerryvore). Autumn: At Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, Lamlash, Turnberry, Corsewall. Earliest Aug. 14th at Skerryvore (two seen); latest Oct. 27th, when one seen along with Sparrows and Wrens in garden. Rushes on Aug. 7th at Skerryvore and Dhuheartach (150 at former and numbers at latter). Another appears also at Skerryvore on Sept. 7th during the night. Desultory migration going on between these dates and till Oct. 27th.

Sylviinæ.--Robin. Only one spring record, April 9th, at Skerryvore. Autumn: At Rhu Stoir,[1] Kyleakin, Isle Ornsay, Lismore, Skervuile, Lamlash, Corsewall, Portpatrick, Little Ross. Earliest Aug. 17th, at Skervuile; next earliest Aug. 21st, when a pair, male and female, arrived at Little Ross; latest on Dec. 18th, at Kyleakin. Participated slightly in rush of migrants on Sept. 22nd. No other distinctly perceptible, but scattered occurrences only recorded. One accompanied Hedgesparrows and Wrens. One Chat and one Wagtail in Garden of Lamlash on Oct. 27th. Mr. Service notes the "quick and simultaneous departure of the _Silviidæ_" towards the end of September in the S.W. of Scotland. It is curious to find that about the same time that birds were pouring into Scotland and England others were starting on their departure. In ordinary seasons the departure of the _Sylviinæ_ is gradual all through September.

[Footnote 1: Where one bird comes every winter and becomes so tame as to eat out of the hand. It arrived this year on Nov. 30th.]

Phylloscopinæ.--Gold Crest. No Spring records. Autumn: At Skervuile, Lamlash. Turnberry, Corsewall, Mull of Galloway, Little Ross, and Douglas Head; in other words, mostly in southwest of Scotland. Earliest on Aug. 21st, at Douglas Head, the southernmost on this list (see W.C. of England stations); latest Oct. 27th, at Corsewall. No great rush, unless at Mull of Galloway on Oct. 24th, when "numbers flew about lantern all night," and at Little Ross "for a few nights" between Sept. 12th and 14th or 15th. Desultory at other dates between times. Mostly observed at lanterns in easterly breezes. Exception at Mull of Galloway on September 21st in S.W. wind, but after twenty-four hours E.S.E. (see Isle of May, East Coast of Scotland).

Accentoridæ.--Hedgesparrow. In spring none, but in autumn, at Rhuvaal, Lamlash, and Point of Ayre, numbers are reported as seen on migration. Earliest Sept. 5th, when a hundred were seen at Point of Ayre; latest Oct. 27th, when a number were seen at Lamlash. A still later date is Jan. 1st, 1882, when one was seen at Rhuvaal. Rushes appear to have occurred at Point of Ayre on Sept. 5th and 22nd, and a few on Oct. 7th mingled with Linnets, and at Lamlash on Oct. 27th.

Paridæ.--"Titmice." One record in spring at Mull of Galloway on April 14th in E.S.E. wind. Autumn: Twice recorded only at Corsewall, and at Little Ross. Earliest July 29th (three), and latest Aug. 2nd, at Little Ross and Corsewall respectively, being slight indication perhaps of a rush on these dates.

Troglodytidæ.--Common Wren. No spring records. Autumn: Pretty general at Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, Lismore, Lamlash, Turnberry, and Little Ross. Earliest Sept. 16th (one, resting); latest Oct. 27th, at Lamlash. Rushes on Oct. 5th; a large flock "seen along with Blackbirds and Thrushes all night," and on Oct. 27th a number at Lamlash along with Hedgesparrows, a Robin, a Wagtail, and a Wheatear.

Motacillidæ.--Wagtail. In spring, several in March, and two on April 20th at Butt of Lewis. Autumn: At Butt of Lewis, Monach, Kyleakin, Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, Lamlash, Portpatrick, and Point of Ayre. Earliest Aug. 16th, at Skerryvore (one seen); latest Oct. 27th, at Lamlash (see Wren under date and station). Rushes beginning of September, at Lamlash, and other isolated records; same date at Monach, &c. Also "a number" on Oct. 7th at Portpatrick.

Anthidæ.--Pipits. At Dhuheartach and Little Ross in autumn. Single record on Oct. 28th, at Dhuheartach. A rush of "hundreds" at Little Ross on Sept. 6th. Remained about two hours.

Hirundinidæ.--Swallow. Spring: At Butt of Lewis, Monach, Ushenish, Kyleakin, Skerryvore, Lismore, Rhuvaal, Skervuile, McArthur's Head, Rhinns of Islay, Loch Ryan, Little Ross, Point of Ayr, Douglas Head. Earliest April 24th, at Douglas Head (southernmost station in this list); latest June 15th, at Skerryvore. Bushes May 5th, at McArthur's Head (great numbers), and on May 2nd fifty seen at Loch Ryan (possibly the same birds?--J. A. H. B.) A number seen also at Little Ross on May 2nd. At other dates and stations small parties reported, all during May, and to June 15th often mixed with Martins. Autumn: At Skervuile, Lamlash, Turnberry, Loch Ryan, Mull of Galloway, Little Ross, Point of Ayr, Douglas Head, and Bahama Bank. Earliest at Bahama Bank (L.V.) July 5th; and next at Loch Ryan Aug. 5th and 6th; latest Oct. 6th, at Little Ross. An almost continuous rush going on from Aug. 15th at several stations in S.W. of Scotland, and culminating on Sept. 8th in great rush at Little Ross, and less so at Loch Ryan and Point of Ayr. No more records after Oct. 6th. Martin. Generally mixed with the last on migration both in spring and autumn. Stations at Ushenish and Loch Ryan in spring, on May 8th and 2nd respectively, and in autumn at Mull of Galloway on Sept. 28th.

Fringillidæ.--"Linnets," One on May 2nd at Skerryvore. Autumn: At Rhu Stoir, Monach, Skerryvore, Sound of Mull, Lismore, Point of Ayr. Earliest Aug. 23rd (a flock) at Lismore; latest Dec. 22nd. Other dates, Oct. 26th (a flock), at" Lismore. Bushes on Sept. 14th at Little Ross, and a smaller number on 19th at Sound of Mull. It is difficult to say if "Linnets" are always real Grey Linnets, or Twites, or Mountain Linnets, our reporters not distinguishing them. House Sparrows. About two hundred, "supposed to be of this species," rested all night at Point of Ayr on Sept. 16th. Bramblings are reported in considerable numbers from land stations in S.W. of Scotland in beginning of November.

Emberizidæ.--Snow Bunting. Autumn: At Rhu Stoir, Monach; also Kyleakin, Dhuheartach, and Point of Ayr. Earliest at Rhu Stoir, on Oct. 1st, "arrive and stay all winter"; latest on Nov. 15th, at Monach (a few). No rush perceptible. Yellow Bunting. Autumn: One record at Rhu Stoir on Nov. 30th. Snow Buntings reported abundant by middle of October in S.W. of Scotland.

Alaudidæ.--Lark. Autumn at Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, Lismore, Rhuvaal, Skervuile, Turnberry, Little Ross. Earliest on Aug. 23rd (a few with Linnets) on Lismore; latest on Feb. 16th, 1882, on Skervuile. Rushes: Sept. 6th, five hundred at Dhuheartach.[2] A straggling migration during October, sometimes with Thrushes, Blackbirds, as on 26th at Skervuile, or Starlings, as at same place and at Lismore. Few in December, January, and February, except "a large flock" on Jan. 16th at Lismore.

[Footnote 2: Called in schedules "Shore Larks"? In what respect do "Shore Larks" differ from common Larks? (Query to Mr. James Ewing at Dhuheartach).]

Sturninæ.--Starling. Two records in spring at Rhu Stoir and Stornoway, one March 3rd, and the other May 10th. Autumn: At Rhu Stoir, Stornoway, Ushenish, Kyleakin, Dhuheartach, Lismore, Rhuvaal, Skervuile, Lamlash, Corsewall, Portpatrick. Earliest Aug. 23rd, at Corsewall; latest on Jan. 6th, 1882. Rushes inappreciable, but records numerous; if any, perhaps one on Nov. 10th at Mull of Galloway. Occasionally mixing with Blackbirds and Larks (as on Oct. 2nd at Lismore); also with Thrushes.

Corvidæ.--Rook. Spring migration: Uncertain records applied to "Crows," "All kinds," &c., which notes are not exact enough. Autumn: At Rhu Stoir, Dhuheartach, Skervuile, and Portpatrick. Earliest Sept. 9th; latest Nov. 25th, at Skervuile. Flocks seen, but no perceptible rush.

Hooded Crow. Spring: March 4th, at Rhuvaal; Dhuheartach, June 7th. Autumn: Sept. 12th, at Rhu Stoir (two males and two females). Latest Dec. 22nd, at Monach. A rush of "Black Crows" (which may be Carrion or only Rooks) at Lamlash on Oct. 26th and 27th. Raven. One record at Monach, flying N.W. on Sept. 13th.

Cuculidæ.--Cuckoo. Spring: General at stations. At Loch Ryan, May 3rd (two heard); Rhinns of Islay, 15th; Skervuile, 4th; McArthur's Head, 23rd; Lismore, 10th; Isle Ornsay, Skye, 8th: Kyleakin, 3rd; Island Glass, 24th (seen); Stornoway, 9th. In autumn, heard in July often at Stornoway; left about Aug. 1st at Isle Ornsay.

Strigidæ.--"Owl." Only one autumn record at Kyleakin, when one was seen flying south on Nov. 4th, wind S.E. clear.

Falconidæ.--"Hawks." At Skerryvore, and Rhuvaal two "large Hawks" on Feb. 8th (this may belong to latest autumn record). One at Skerryvore on May 15th. Autumn: At Monach, Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, and Little Ross.[3] Earliest Sept. 17th ("Hawk"), at Dhuheartach; latest Oct. 29th, at Skerryvore ("Small Brown Hawk"). Rush daily about Sept. 17th at Dhuheartach, but likely the same birds. "Daily call" at Dhuheartach about Oct. 5th. No really appreciable rush as on the east coast.

[Footnote 3: The names given are "Hawk," "Game Hawk" at Little Ross, Aug. 21st; "Merlin" at Monach, Oct. 3rd; "Small Hawk" at Skerryvore, Aug. 5th; "Small Brown Hawk" at Skerryvore on Oct. 29th. I include them all here.]