Chapter II: Part 2

Charadriadæ.--Golden Plover: in spring, one record at Sumburgh Head; three seen, light S. breeze and cloudy, at 10.30 a.m. In autumn, at Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, Dunnet Head, Isle of May. Smaller movement in 1882 than in 1881. Earliest recorded, Aug. 7th, at Pentland Skerries; a flock. Latest, at same place, on Dec. 18th; a single bird. Rushes scarcely appreciable, except 120 birds on Oct. 15th, at Sumburgh Head; S.S.E. gale and rain; and a large flock (?) at Dunnet Head on Oct. 2nd. At Sumburgh Head also about forty on Nov. 12th. Oystercatcher: in spring "Sea-pyots" arrived here, Whalsey, on March 3rd at night, with strong E.S.E. breeze and clear. Two seen, first time, at Isle of May on April 2nd. In autumn, after remaining on Whalsey, left between Aug. 13th and 18th, during a fog and fresh S.E. breeze; and on 13th, at Isle of May, one large flock of young were seen, light S. and haze. On Sept. 14th a flock flew about Pentland Skerries all day in light N. breeze. Beyond these I have no other records. Of Lapwing, a record or two on Feb. 13th and 24th, after S.W. gale on 13th; and 26th, stragglers? In spring, at Whalsey ("very rare"), Sumburgh Head, Bell Rock, and Isle of May. Earliest in spring, March 2nd, at Isle of May, after a gale from E. to S.E. for twenty-four hours (see under Turdidæ of date); 3rd, eight seen; large numbers again on 20th. Latest on June 19th, four, with light S.E. and haze. Two only in May at Isle of May, and these appeared with light N.E. wind. In April a few passed on 3rd, 9th, and 10th, in easterly winds, or rested. In autumn, at Pentland Skerries, Chanonry, and Isle of May. Earliest, Aug. 17th, one seen, light W. wind. Latest, a few in December, at Pentland Skerries, flying W. Bushes inappreciable, unless Sept. 14th, at Chanonry, forty seen; and on 28th, at Isle of May, twenty-seven seen, in light S.S.E. wind. _Land Notes._--On April 16th Lapwings were still going in flocks in the central counties of Scotland. At the River Pattack, in S. Inverness-shire, I saw distinctly a Whimbrel (_Numenius phæopus_) twice, on May 24th. (Possibly an addition to the birds of Inverness shire.) See under W. coast also.

Scolopacidæ.--Curlew: in spring, a number of records at Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock, Isle of May. Earliest, at Isle of May ("unusual at this season"), one seen, light W. wind and clear. Latest, at Isle of May, a number seen on June 28th, light E. fog. As early as May 23rd one young one seen on rocks at Isle of May (this properly belongs to autumn migration; result abnormal, perhaps owing to unusually early season, after a mild winter). General movement continuing all July, and difficult to separate spring and autumn manœuvres. As will be seen others of the _Scolopacidæ_ make early appearances also this season (Woodcock, Snipe, &c.). In autumn, a large movement of Curlews between Pentland Skerries and Isle of May. To the N. of Pentland Skerries very few observed. Earliest (if we take July), July 10th, at Pentland Skerries, one heard. Latest, also at Pentland Skerries, on Dec. 7th, a flock, strong E. Rushes spasmodical and frequent in July and August. _Note._--Between Oct. 14th and 19th, strong S. gale, moderate on 20th, at Pentland Skerries. Sept. 22nd, October and December, but almost inappreciable in numbers. Woodcock, a few in spring, but a steady record in autumn. In spring, one record at Isle of May on April 9th; "not remembered to have been seen here before at this season." In autumn, at Whalsey, Sumburgh Head, N. Ronaldshay, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May. Earliest, Oct. 8th (N.B., commencement of vast migration before noted), two seen at N. Ronaldshay, S.E. fresh; continued in small numbers through 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th, 19th, 25th (co-existent with rush of other species), at most stations on E. coast sending returns. Latest, on Dec. 4th, at Pentland Skerries. Evident rush on Oct. 13th at Isle of May, when no less than twenty were shot there. On Isle of May a record in November says, "very unusual so late," when three were seen. Of Snipe, only one record at Isle of May in spring, on April 5th, with the remark, "very unusual at this season." Autumn, at Sumburgh Head and Whalsey (only two records), and at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May. Earliest, several on Aug. 17th, at Pentland Skerries; and 6th, one at Isle of May, strong W., clear (remark, "very early"). Latest, on Dec. 19th, at Pentland Skerries, six seen, strong S.W. Scarcely a rush appreciable. Jack Snipes are recorded on Sept. 25th and 27th, at Isle of May, with light S. and S.E. breeze.

Scolopacidæ (Waders).--Earliest, "Plovers Pages" or "Plovers Leaders" (Dunlin, J. A. H. B.), Aug. 10th, at Isle of May; latest, Redshanks, Dec. 7th, at Isle of May. "Sandlarks" and "Pipers" appeared at Chanonry, Aug. 30th, when one was seen, and disappeared on Oct. 13th. (Probably the Common Sandpiper, but "Pipers" is a name used generically for many species.) If any rush, apparent on Sept. 19th, 20th, and 26th, at Chanonry. Numbers on these dates: 90, 90, and 290; but this is deceptive, and not to be relied upon as a statistic, Waders movements are so erratic. Returns of "Pipers," "Waders," "Redshanks," and "Sandlarks," are given from several stations. Probably seven or eight species of Waders. _Land Notes._--Rare occurrences. Pectoral Sandpiper (_Tringa maculata_, Vieill.) shot at The Ross Priory, mouth of the Endrick River, Loch Lomond, by Sir Geo. Leith Buchanan, Bart., on Nov. 24th, 1882. There seems to be a line of country across this part of Scotland where rare things turn up, witness:--Desert Chat, at Alloa; Blue-throated Warbler, Isle of May; Great Grey Shrikes, commonly; and others. (See General Remarks, _infra_.)

Sterninæ.--In spring. Terns arrived at breeding haunts at Whalsey on May 19th, on island, all day long; came from S.E., with S.E. wind and clear; seen again on 28th (same date as 1881). At Sumburgh Head on June 2nd, and five on 6th. At Cromarty, Lesser Tern arrived at 2 p.m. on June 11th, strong N. and clear; and more on 15th. In autumn, Whalsey, Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, Cromarty, Isle of May. Earliest, for two minutes or so heard passing over the lights at 10.30, at Sumburgh Head, light E. airs and thin haze. On Aug. 15th all left Whalsey, light S. breeze, haze and fog. "Leave Pentland Skerries about Aug. 30th." Lesser Tern left Cromarty on Aug. 29th; three seen flying south at Sumburgh Head on Sept. 4th (the only record in that month this year). One more record on Nov. 26th at Pentland Skerries, a flock on island all day. Two species. _Note._--Look out for the Sandwich Tern,--a large Tern, much larger than the Common Tern; goes up the Fife and Forfar coasts in spring.--J. A. H. B.

Laridæ.--In spring, "Chasers" (Skuas), one on May 28th, at Portland Skerries ("rare here"), E.S.E. breeze. ("Picked up limpets thrown at it by the men.") He speaks of these as "Chasers," but in autumn of "Skuas or Norwegian Gulls, very rare." Of Skuas there are four species known in Scotland, _viz._, the Great Skua, or Bonxie of Shetland; the Richardson's Skua, or commonest species; the Long-tailed, or Buffon's Skua, with very long centre tail-feathers; and the Pomatorhine Skua, with curious recurved tail-feathers. Perhaps this note may be of service in future in separating them. The Bonxie and the Pomatorhine are rare. In autumn, Skua, or "Dirty Allan," at Isle of May on Oct. 15th, one seen, and well described; and three seen of "Skua," or "Norwegian Gull," at Pentland Skerries on 19th, and again on 29th. Kittiwakes are recorded, Aug. 5th, at Isle of May; large numbers. _Note._--Most of birds breeding on Isle of May had left by this time, but a number of Kittiwakes remain still; all left by 25th, however. Great Black-backed Gulls noted passing S. past Isle of May on Aug. 13th. "Large White Gulls" (glaucous?) often wheeling round, Aug. 25th, for two or three days; and a large flight came from N., and flew S. past Isle of May, on Oct. 24th. "Iceland Gulls" at Sumburgh Head, on Dec. 1st and 8th, after gales and rain. Gulls, enormous numbers (and Gannets) passed Isle of May, Sept. 30th. Herring Gulls, a movement S. past Isle of May all day, on 10th. Lesser Black-backed Gulls (called "Lady Ann Gulls ") flying S.E., and numbers on the 14th and 18th. Iceland Gulls (with Swans), two seen at Sumburgh Head, Dec. 25th, and one (last record) on Dec. 8th. The Larger Glaucous Gull is not always easily distinguished from the Lesser Iceland Gull; both being very white, however, and are in relationship to one another as the Great Black-backed Gull is to the Lesser Black-backed Gull. Land Notes.--At Lerwick a large flock of Common Gulls passed northward in the evening, flying very low, on Oct. 13th.--(J. T. G.)

Procellariidæ.--One Stormy Petrel record; two seen at noon at Auskerry on Sept. 29th; light variable breezes.

Alcidæ.--In spring, records from Whalsey, Sumburgh Head, and Isle of May. On Feb. 1st, large numbers of Razorbills and Marrots appeared at Isle of May, light S. breeze; and again on March 18th; and a great increase on May 3rd; light S.E. Black Guillemots appeared at Whalsey during the night of March 2nd, with light E.S.E. breeze, and clear (called "Tysties"). At Sumburgh Head, Guillemots (or "Marrots") arrived on March 18th, a fortnight later than in 1881. In autumn, a general migration of Rock Birds, between Aug. 13th and 18th, during a fog (Why do birds apparently often choose a fog to depart in?), light S.E. (or is it always more to do with direction of the wind at the time?). See back. At Pentland Skerries, continuous streams of Guillemots flying E. through the N. Pentland Firth. Little Auks, one in E. gale on Nov. 16th, close to Isle of May, and more resting on 18th; and a few in a severe snow-storm on Dec. 7th, at same place. Four species of _Alcidæ_.

Of unknown birds I have left out notices this year, though keeping note of them for further use, as they may come to be identified later.

EAST COAST OF ENGLAND.

Printed forms of enquiry and letters of instruction were sent to thirty-six lighthouses and light-vessels on the East Coast of England, and two stations on the Channel Islands,--thirty-eight altogether, against thirty-six in 1881,--and returns have been received from thirty, a result which is very encouraging.

Independent reports have also been sent in from Heligoland, Seaton-Carew, and Redcar, Flamborough, Spurn, North-East Lincolnshire, and Northrepps, making a total of thirty-seven reporting stations, against thirty-two in 1881.

I have again to thank H. Gätke, T. H. Nelson, C. Donald Thompson, Matthew Bailey, William Eagle Clarke, H. Bendelack Hewetson, M.D., and J. H. Gurney, jun., for their general kind co-operation and assistance in the enquiry.

Special thanks are also given to all my kind and painstaking observers on the lighthouses and light-vessels whose names are given in the report. While thanks are due to all, it may perhaps be not invidious to mention the very excellent returns received from the Farne Island stations, the Longstone and Inner Farne lighthouses, no less than eleven well-filled schedules having been sent in.

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

† For nature of light, and position and description of station, see report for 1880.

*Longstone L.H.† Thomas O. Hall & James W. Parsons.
*Inner Farne L.H. Thomas H. Cutting.
*No. 5 Buoy, Teesmouth L.V. Henry Harbord.
*Coquet Island L.H. William Evans.
*Whitby High L.H. John Odgers.
*Flamborough Head L.H. Charles Hood.
*Spurn L.H. James B. Smith.
*Spurn (Newsand) L.V. W. Edwards.
*Outer Dowsing L.V. William Stock.
*Inner Dowsing L.V. William King.
*Dudgeon L.V. Thomas Dale.
*Llyn Wells L.V. The Principal.
*Hunstanton L.H. William Westmoreland.
*Cromer L.H. Richard Comben.
*Hasbro' L.V. John Nicholas & B. Darnell.
Leman & Ower L.V.
Hasbro' L.H.
*Newarp L.V. Cornelius Campbell & William Rees (mate).
*Winterton L.H. John Watson.
*Cockle L.V. Samuel Pender & Charles Perfrement.
*Corton L.V. William John Cotton.
*Orfordness L.H. Wm. Wilby Woodruff.
*Shipwash L.V. William Bonken.
*Languard Point L.H. Owen Boyle.
*Galloper L.V. William Littlewood.
Kentish Knock
*Swin Middle L.V. Thomas Barrett.
*Tongue L.V. John Webber.
Nore L.V.
North Foreland L.H.
North Sand Head L.V.
*Gull L.V. Francis Harvey & Joseph Jenkins.
*South Sand Head L.V. J. C. Leggett & George Woodward.
*East Side L.V. Edward le Gallais & Thomas Rees.
South Foreland L.H.
*Hanois L.H. (Guernsey) Charles Williams.
Casquets L.H. (Alderney)

SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES.

Mistletoe Thrush, _Turdus viscivorus_, Linn.--Longstone L.H., Nov. 10th and 11th, N.W. to N.N.E., several each day, with Ring Ouzels.

Song Thrush, _T. musicus_, Linn.--Spring, 1882: Heligoland, Feb. 21st, Mr. Gätke remarks, "musicus: some in my garden, 25th, S.S.W., several. March 2nd, a few. April 12th, S.S.W., a few; 22nd, pretty numerous; on 23rd, S.S.E. and S., with Ring Ouzels, the two in departing mounting up in the atmosphere till lost to sight; 29th, some also with Ring Ouzels." Cromer L.H., May 14th, two killed against lantern at midnight. Autumn; Heligoland, Sept. 13th, first Thrushes, and at intervals, but sparingly to November;[5] and the whole of this latter month along with Fieldfares almost every night pouring overhead; during daytime rarely any. On the English coast, from the Inner Farne L.H., Sept. 27th, to the Galloper L.V., Dec. 20th, twenty from 8 to 9 p.m., two struck and killed; and at the former station they continued to pass through December, and from Jan. 8rd to 15th in 1883, along with Fieldfares and Blackbirds. The great rush was on the nights of 12th and 13th October, very great numbers being observed at stations from the Longstone L.H. to Galloper L.V., easterly winds, fog and drizzling rain over North Sea.

[Footnote 5: Mr. Gätke's notes are not continued beyond Nov. 30th.]

Redwing, _T. iliacus_, Linn.--Spring, 1882: Great Cotes, second week in March, returning to coast. Autumn: First, South Sand Head L.V. (Goodwin), Sept. 28th, forty to fifty to N.W. Longstone L.H., Oct. 8th; Spurn, 13th and 25th, adult males; "rush" Oct. 13th. Heligoland, Oct. 18th, S.E., great many; 19th, multitudes passing overhead, and at intervals to Nov. 7th.

Fieldfare, _T. pilaris_, Linn.--Spring, 1882: Heligoland, Jan. 17th and 18th, W., hazy, great many to E.; Feb. 20th and 21st, small flights, twenty to thirty; March 2nd, great flights overhead. Great Cotes, April 10th, flock, 120 to 150. Autumn: Heligoland, Sept. 13th, S.-S.W., thunder-storm with heavy rain, a very great flight; all through November at night with Thrushes. On English coast. Farne Inner L.H., Sept. 27th, one, and subsequently at intervals to end of the year. Whitby L.H., Oct. 12th, all night; 13th, less. Rush from 11th to 14th December between Farne Islands and Teesmouth, and again 13th to 15th January, 1883, but are not recorded anywhere south of Humber.

Blackbird, _T. merula_, Linn.--Spring, 1882: Dudgeon L.V., Feb. 8th, 6 p.m., with Larks. Heligoland, Feb. 21st, N.N.W. to N., "some in garden"; 25th, S.S.W., some; March 13th and 14th, a few. Cromer L.H., March 17th, 11 p.m., one struck. Autumn: Heligoland, last week in October to end of November. English coast, first, Hanois L.H. (Guernsey), Sept. 19th, 10 p.m., to Jan. 15th, at Inner Farne L.H. Great "rush," nights of Oct. 10th and 13th; second "rush" Nov. 11th, Spurn L.V., Hanois L.H., 11th, midnight, and 13th all night; third "rush," Farne Inner L.H., Dec. 13th, 14th and 15th, and at same station through December and in less numbers to Jan. 15th, 1883. At Great Cotes during night of Sept. 28th, S.W. to W., rain, great many young cocks came in. Swin Middle L.V., Oct. 6th, from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m., about one hundred came to lantern and twenty were killed, all young cocks. Spurn L.V., Nov. 11th, noon, large flock from S.E. to N.W. Spurn, Oct. 25th, adult males.

King Ouzel, _T. torquatus_, Linn.--Spring: Farne Inner L.H., April 23rd and 24th, one each day. Heligoland, April 22nd, many; 23rd, same; and on 29th, some. Autumn: Heligoland, Sept. 17th, E.-N.E., calm, some; and at intervals to Nov. 7th, an unusually late date, which, however, corresponds with arrivals on English coast; Sept. 10th, at Cromer, to Nov. 10th and 11th, at Longstone L.H., several afternoon of each day. Great rush Oct. 12th and 13th from the mouth of the Tees to Spurn, old cock birds. Were very numerous in the neighbourhood of Spurn all through October, all being mature males.

Common Wheatear, _Saxicola œnanthe_ (Linn.).--Spring: Farne Inner L.H., March 22nd, 1882, 3 p.m., two. Spurn, 29th, many. Heligoland, April 8th, numerous fine old males; 12th, some at lighthouse. At 5th Buoy Tees L.V., April 10th to 29th, several coming from E.S.E. towards land, wind N.E. to N.W. Autumn: Heligoland, June 29th, pretty numerous, young birds of the year. On the English coast, from Aug. 12th, at the Farne Inner L.H., several, to Spurn, Oct. 7th, E., rain, evening, several round lantern. Passed across Heligoland in large numbers in September; some on Oct. 10th, "great old males."

Eastern Pied Chat, _S. morio_, Ehr.--Heligoland, early in June, a fine adult male shot.

Whinchat, _Pratincola rubetra_ (Linn.).--Great Cotes, August, last week, some number of young birds. Spurn, Oct. 15th, all day. Heligoland, from Aug. 6th, young birds, and throughout month.

Stonechat, _P. rubicola_,--Spring: Heligoland, Feb. 27th, 1882, two or three; 28th, several; March 1st, one fine old male. Autumn: Great Cotes, first week in September, many young; October and November, old birds, sparingly.

Redstart, _Ruticilla phœnicurus_ (Linn.).--Spring: Inner Farne L.H., April 22nd and 23rd, some with Wheatears. Autumn: Spurn, Sept. 7th, one. Longstone L.H., 14th, N.E., 5 p.m., on rocks. Yarmouth, 22nd, a few; and from Oct. 7th to 13th a few from the Farne Islands southward to Spurn. Have been comparatively scarce compared with the large numbers which accompanied the Wheatears on their southward migration up the coast in the autumns of 1880 and 1881. Across Heligoland from Aug. 10th to first week in October; on the 5th, great many, with Wheatears, wind E., fresh.

Blackstart, _R. titys_ (Scop.).--Heligoland, March 13th to 14th, one; 17th, eight to ten; and to April 8th, daily, some. Autumn: Spurn, Oct. 29th, one, adult female; stomach contained remains of Coleoptera, entire ants, and two large seeds. Migrates earlier in the spring and later in the autumn than the Redstart.

Red-spotted Bluethroat, _Cyanecula suecica_ (Linn.).--Heligoland, Sept. 16th, E.N.E., in great numbers, with Redstarts, Goldcrests, Wheatears, &c.; 20th, S.E., fresh, many; 23rd, very numerous. At Spurn, Sept. 11th, two immature, one obtained. It appears yet to be an open question with ornithologists whether the young of suecica are distinguishable from those of leucocyana in the plumage of the first year; the Spurn bird therefore may be an example of the Central European form, the White-spotted Bluethroat.

Redbreast, _Erithacus rubecula_ (Linn.).--Spring: Heligoland, March 13th and 14th, several; April 8th, 22nd and 23rd, some. Autumn: across island, from Sept. 8th, N., calm, overcast, through October, in large numbers; great rush, Oct. 17th, 18th and 19th; again on 27th and 28th. At Orfordness and Languard Point lighthouses and Ship wash L.V., on Sept. 20th, and from Oct. 6th to 25th between the Longstone L.H. and East Goodwin L.V., in great numbers. Great rush Oct. 8th, and again night of 13th at many stations and in large numbers. At the Galloper L.V., on 6th, with Wrens.

Sylviinæ.--Whitethroat, _Sylvia cinerea_ (Linn.), Hanois L.H., April 16th, 3 a.m., some killed. Heligoland, April 22nd and 23rd, S.S.E. and S., some. Spurn L.H., May 7th, 11 p.m., misty, rain, one killed. Cromer L.H., June 17th, 9.50 p.m., 6 a.m., two and a Wren killed. Autumn: Cromer L.H., July 18th, 3 a.m., S.W., seven stunned. During September and first week in October at several stations during night. Blackcap, _S. atricapilla_ (Linn.), Heligoland, April 23rd, some; 28th, many. Lesser Whitethroat, _S. curruca_ (Linn.), also some. Heligoland, in the autumn. Whitethroats on Aug. 6th, and through September in great numbers to Oct. 7th. Garden Warbler from Aug. 19th to end of September. Blackcap as late as Oct. 27th.

Golden-crested Wren, _Regulus cristatus_, Koch.--Spring, 1882: Heligoland, March 13th and 14th, several, and on to April 12th. Autumn: the autumn of 1882 will be long remembered amongst ornithologists from the extraordinary immigration of Goldcrests on to the east coasts of Scotland and England. On the east coast of England the migration extended over ninety-two days, commencing Aug. 6th. Cromer L.H., midnight, two stunned against lantern, and a week later at Redcar, Aug. 13th, wind S.W., forty to fifty, at 8 a.m., seen on the breakwater, and forward, at many stations and in immense numbers, to Nov. 5th, Cockle L.V., 5 a.m., one caught against glass. They arrived somewhat sparingly in August and through September, and day after day in enormous numbers in October; in this month they are recorded at twenty-one stations between the Farne Islands and the Hanois L.H., off Guernsey. There appear to have been two great rushes, one on the night of Oct. 7th and morning of 8th, and again on night of 12th and morning of 13th, the latter with the Woodcock.[6] Many also are likewise reported during the month to have alighted on fishing-boats, steam-vessels, &c., in the North Sea. At Heligoland, on Oct. 8th, all the island swarmed with them; they had also been exceedingly numerous there from Sept. 8th, continuing also to arrive and depart throughout October, and on the night from 28th to 29th Mr. Gätke remarks, "a perfect storm of Goldcrests we have had,--poor little souls!--perching on the ledges of the window-panes of the lantern of our lighthouse, preening their feathers in the glare of the lamps; on the 29th all the island swarmed with them, filling the gardens everywhere, and over all the cliff--hundreds of thousands; by 9 a.m. most of them had passed on again." On English coast, Farne Inner L.H., Oct. 8th, "never remember seeing so many at one time." Whitby L.H., 8th and 12th, "great rush." Flamborough, 7th to 14th, "never more seen." Spurn, 7th to 8th, "in turnip-fields, hedges, and everywhere, never more seen." Great Cotes, 8th, great many everywhere, and even on the piles of timber on the dock-quays and timber-yards at Grimsby. Dudgeon L.V., 12th, "flock to W." Cromer L.H., 10th and 12th, latter night "large flocks," and at other stations, too numerous to detail, in large numbers. General direction E. to W., and E.S.E. to W.N.W., winds easterly over North Sea nights of 7th and 12th, with fogs and drizzling rain on latter night. These small wanderers reached the land in a very exhausted state, and great numbers are supposed to have perished in mid-passage.

[Footnote 6: At this date the stream of Goldcrests extended quite across England, the Irish Channel, and into Ireland.]

It is curious that the Fire-crested Wren, _R. ignicapillus_ (C. L. Brehm), has not been observed at Heligoland during the autumn, although generally it is tolerably numerous.

At the Newarp L.V., in March and April, 1883, an immense migration of various birds was observed almost day by day; amongst those on April 14th three Golden-crested Wrens going eastward.

Phylloscopinæ.--Spring: East Yorkshire, Chiffchaff, _Phylloscopus collybita_ (Vieill.), March 13th. Willow Wren, P. trochilus (Linn.), Heligoland, April 22nd and 23rd, some. Autumn: Spurn and East Lincolnshire, first week in September, many; latest. Spurn, Oct. 25th. Chiffchaff also at Spurn on 29th. Heligoland, Willow Wren, Aug. 15th, some, and forward in great numbers to Oct. 19th. Chiffchaff, Sept. 21st, and a great number at intervals to Oct. 27th. Wood Wren, _P. sibilatrix_ (Bechst.), Oct. 27th, one. Yellow-browed Warbler, _P. superciliosus_ (Gm.), Oct. 23rd, W., one; 27th, S.W., one seen.

Acrocephalinæ.--Spring: Spurn, May 29th, 11 p.m., misty, two Reed Warblers, _Acrocephalus streperus_ (Vieill.), killed against lantern; Spurn, Aug. 20th, midnight, three old males killed; Great Cotes, Sept. 2nd, in bean-fields. On Sept. 12th, 1881, two Grasshopper Warblers, _Locustella nævia_ (Bodd.), were killed in the night against the lantern of Spurn lighthouse (omitted in report for 1881). Heligoland, Sept. 19th, one Grasshopper Warbler.

Hedgesparrow, _Accentor modularis_ (Linn.).--Spring: Heligoland, March 12th, some; 13th and 14th, some; 20th to April 12th, daily some. Autumn: At Spurn and in East Lincolnshire great numbers were observed during the first fortnight in September. Spurn, Oct. 8th, most abundant, and on the Lincolnshire side, same date, extraordinary numbers; in some localities, as stack-yards and marsh hedgerows, swarming. Heligoland, Sept. 20th, S.E., beginning to arrive; 22nd, great many; on Oct. 6th and 7th, marvellous numbers; also on 8th, and continuing to arrive and pass forward in very great numbers up to the 29th. It will be seen that their extraordinary abundance at Spurn and in East Lincolnshire on Oct. 8th corresponds with the immense flight at Heligoland at the same period, Oct. 6th, 7th and 8th. At Languard Point, on March 1st, 1883, a large flock was seen at 12.30 p.m., going eastward.

Bearded Reedling, _Panurus biarmicus_ (Linn.).--Heligoland, Oct. 9th, S.S.E., later thick and hazy, one, a male.

Paridæ.--Autumn: Heligoland, Blue Titmouse, _Parus cœrulæus_, Linn., Sept. 20th, beginning; Oct. 23rd, some. Great Titmouse, _P. major_, Linn., Oct. 7th, a sprinkling; 8th, numerous; 14th, great many. Coal Titmouse, _P. ater_, Linn., one on Oct. 15th; _Paridæ_ continuing to pass up to 29th. Languard Point L.H., Oct. 29th, one Long-tailed Titmouse. Galloper L.V., Oct. 8th, one Titmouse dead on deck. Farne Inner L.H., Oct. 13th, E.S.E., Great and Blue Titmouse, old males, many. 5 Buoy Tees L.V., 13th, 3 p.m., five on board. Newarp L.V., several on deck, with Goldcrests and Redbreasts. Two "rushes," Oct. 8th and 13th, with Goldcrests.

Common Wren, _Troglodytes parvulus_, Koch.--Spring: Flamborough L.H., March 18th, W., many round lantern, several struck. Hunstanton L.H., 17th, 3 a.m., S.W., one caught against lantern. Corton L.V., April 14th, one, E. to W. Cromer L.H., June 17th, 9.50 p.m., two struck, one killed. Autumn: Heligoland, Oct. 9th, S.S.E., calm, a great many; 14th, many. Flamborough L.H., Sept. 15th, Spurn L.H., 20th, Galloper L.V., 21st, and Shipwash L.V., 26th, a great many, both during day and night. Oct. 7th to 8th and 12th to 13th, great rushes at six stations from Farne Islands to Galloper L.V.; at the latter on night of 12th many round lantern, and night of 13th, 8 p.m. to daybreak of 14th, with many other birds, Larks, Starlings, Thrushes, and two Robins--altogether many thousands of birds; 160 of various species picked up on deck, and it is calculated one thousand struck and went overboard.

Motacillidæ.--Spring: Heligoland, Feb. 20th, 1882, Pied Wagtail, _Motacilla lugubris_, Temm., one fine old male, "never so early; once I got one on Feb, 28th"; April 23rd, Blue-headed Wagtail, _M. flava_, Linn., some; Yellow Wagtail, _M. raii_, Bp., one; 28th, _flava_ pretty numerous. Inner Farne L.H., March 29th, one Pied Wagtail. 5 Buoy Tees L.V., 28th and 29th, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., great many in flocks of about twenty, flying S.E. to N.W. Whitby L.H., 23rd, many. Autumn: Heligoland, Aug. 14th, White Wagtail, _M. alba_, Linn., some; Sept. 9th, _M. flava_, many. Great Cotes, Sept. 2nd, Grey Wagtail, _M. melanope_, flocks of twenty to thirty in bean-fields; only one old bird seen. Spurn, 7th, several. Heligoland, April 26th, W.N.W., Richard's Pipit, _Anthus richardii_, Vieill., one, a small male bird; 28th, one male, very pale, but not faded or abraded. Autumn: Heligoland, Sept. 28th, S.W., fresh, _A. richardii_, a few; Oct. 8th, a few shot. Meadow Pipit, _A. pratensis_ (Linn.), Sept. 7th, potato-fields crowded with them, and up to Oct. 19th a great many; Oct. 17th, marvellous numbers. Tree Pipit, _A. trivialis_ (Linn.), Sept. 19th to Oct. 11th, numerous. Rock Pipit, _A. obscurus_ (Lath.), some with _pratensis_. Great Cotes, Sept. 2nd, Meadow and Tree Pipits in small flocks in bean-fields. Inner Dowsing L.V., Sept. 12th, fifty Titlarks during day. Farne Inner L.H., Nov. 20th, 2 p.m., sixty to S.W.

Laniidæ.--Spring: Spurn, May 28th. Red-backed Shrike, _Lanius collurio_, Linn., two, male and female, night of 27th or morning of 28th. Autumn: Great Grey Shrike, _L. excubitor_, Linn., Spurn, Sept. 18th, one; 19th, one; and several during the first fortnight in October. Heligoland, Oct. 5th, _L. major_, one, a second during day; 15th, one; 18th, _L. excubitor_, one, an old male.

Waxwing, _Ampelis garrulus_, Linn.--Heligoland, Nov. 21st, one female. Seaton Carew, Jan. 5th, 1883, several seen near Middlesborough and Guisborough, some shot. Cleethorpes, near Grimsby, early morning, 15th, one in a garden close to coast; same time, one near Wragby, Lincolnshire; 17th, large flocks, several scores, near Goole, fourteen obtained. Several also in Norfolk near East Coast early in 1883.

Muscicapidæ.--Pied Flycatcher, _M. atricapilla_, Linn.--Heligoland, June 27th, pretty numerous, young, and forward to Sept. 20th in large numbers; during the latter time with many Spotted Flycatchers, _M. grisola_. Spurn, Sept. 12th, Pied Flycatchers, a few, very small birds comparatively, measuring one inch less in length than those obtained in 1881. The Common Flycatcher was last observed in North Lincolnshire on Sept. 25th. "Flycatchers" are frequently mentioned as occurring round the lanterns at night; it is, however, impossible to say what birds are intended, as the term is used indiscriminately for many of the small insect-eating birds.

Hirundinidæ.--Swallow, _H. rustica_, Linn.--Spring: First at Hunstanton L.H., April 13th, several. Heligoland, April 23rd. Longstone L.H., May 1st. Autumn: Heligoland, August to Oct. 31st, with House Martins at the latter date. Sand Martins crossed the island on Aug. 15th, and large numbers of both _rustica_ and _urbica_ from Sept. 13th to 19th. On East Coast of England, Great Cotes, Aug. 12th, dusk, starlight, about one hundred N.E. to S.W.; main body passed up the coast in September, and very few seen after first week in October. The last occurrences are North-East Lincolnshire, Nov. 8th, two at Laceby. Flamborough, Nov. 11th, N., cold, two about lighthouse. Patrington, Yorkshire, on Oct. 27th I saw ten or twelve House Martins hawking in the village street.

Goldfinch, _Carduelis elegans_, Steph.--Spring: Spurn, April 20th, 11 a.m., six from S. remaining all day. Autumn: Spurn and East Lincolnshire, some in October. Heligoland, Oct. 16th, a few.

Siskin, _Chrysomitris spinus_ (Linn.).--Seaton Carew, Durham, Oct. 19th, one. Spurn, 25th, a few. Heligoland, Oct. 16th and on to 23rd, some.

Greenfinch, _Ligurinus chloris_ (Linn.).--N. E. Lincolnshire, Feb. 5th, 1883, large flocks on stubbles near the coast. Great Cotes, Sept. 7th, large migratory flocks in bean-fields and on stubbles during month, feeding on seeds of _Atriplex angustifolia_ and _Polygonum aviculare_, showing a decided preference for the latter. Languard L.H., Oct. 23rd, very large flock came in at noon.

Hawfinch, _Coccothraustes vulgaris_, Pall.--Inner Dowsing L.V., Oct. 20th, S.S.W. [No. 5], two came on board and remained all night, then in the morning left, flying S.E. to N.W. At Heligoland, Mr. Gätke says, "the Hawfinch here is a well-known customer, never in any numbers, but every spring and fall some, betraying itself forthwith by its peculiar call-note, so out of all proportion with its colossal beak."

Common Sparrow, _Passer domesticus_ (Linn.).--From Sept. 23rd, Shipwash L.V., "flights to N.N.W. to Farne Inner L.V.," Nov. 2nd, eight House Sparrows, "seldom seen here." Altogether observed at twelve stations, with one exception, as above, all south of the Humber. Goodwin L.V., Sept. 27th to Nov. 14th, on ten days large and continuous flights to W., and in large numbers in October at other stations.

Tree Sparrow, _P. montanus_ (Linn.).--Spring: Heligoland, March 20th, a score; April 24th, daily; and 15th to 20th, some; 29th, "eating off buds of gooseberries in garden." Corton L.V., June 8th, one on board. Autumn: Shipwash L.V., Sept. 22nd, 2 to 6 p.m., large numbers to S.W., to Spurn, Oct. 25th; altogether at seven stations south of the Humber in very considerable numbers in October.

Chaffinch, _Fringilla cœlebs_, Linn.--Corton L.V., from Sept. 28th, "several flocks during forenoon to W.," to Galloper L.V., Oct. 14th, 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., "many with Larks." Seven stations report Chaffinches, all in October, between the Tees and South Sand Head L.V., Goodwins. Heligoland, Oct. 6th and 7th, enormous numbers crossed--hundreds of thousands.

Brambling, _F. montifringilla_, Linn.--Heligoland, March 13th and 14th, 1882, one each day; April 8th a few, and on to 28th. Autumn: Longstone L.H., Sept. 21st, 10 a.m., N.E., fresh and stormy, several. Spurn, Oct. 9th, some; 18th, an immense flock of males, extending two hundred yards in length, and flying as closely as a flock of Knots. Teesmouth, 12th and 13th, some. Heligoland, Sept. 4th, E. by N., some; Oct. 19th, great many.

Linnet, _Linota cannabina_ (Linn.).--Scarcely any reported.[7] Lesser Redpoll, _L. rufescens_ (Vieill.), a few in N. E. Lincolnshire, first week in September. Spurn, October, several. Heligoland, Oct. 24th, storm S.W., No. 11, one, "first capture of species on island"; Nov. 7th, S.E., windy and heavy rain, one shot in garden, second specimen. Twite, _L. flavirostris_ (Linn.), Heligoland, scarcely any during autumn. Spurn, Oct. 25th, some small flocks, examples obtained had very pink rumps.

[Footnote 7: East Coast of Scotland, vast rush in October (9th to 23rd). See J. A. H. B., p. 14 of Report.]

Common Bullfinch, _Pyrrhula europæa_, Vieill.--Hasbro' L.V., Oct. 12th, 4 p.m., two S.E. to N.W.

Common Crossbill, _Loxia curvirostra_, Linn.--Farne Inner L.H., July 15th, one found near lighthouse, had been dead some days.

Emberizidæ.--Yellow Bunting, _E. citrinella_, Linn., Hunstanton L.H., Oct. 23rd, 10.30 a.m., great many round lighthouse. Ortolan Bunting, _E. hortulana_, Linn., Heligoland, April 28th and 29th, some. Meadow Bunting, _E. cia_, Linn., Heligoland, March 8th, S.S.W., clear, warm and fine, a fine old male, the first after forty years. Reed Bunting, _E. schœniclus_, Linn., Great Cotes, first week in September, many in bean-fields. Autumn: Heligoland, Aug. 14th, Ortolan Bunting, some; 28th, numerous; first fortnight in October, _E. schœniclus_, great many daily; 17th, great many, and to end of month.

Snow Bunting, _Plectrophanes nivalis_ (Linn.).--Spring: Heligoland, Feb. 28th, 1882, great many; March 28th, many. 5 Buoy Tees L.V., Spurn, and Inner Farne, in March; large flocks at Spurn on 4th. Autumn: A few old birds in September; 7th and 8th, one each day at Skitter Haven, within the Humber. Young birds first at Great Cotes, Sept. 28th; occurred at stations north of Humber in October, November, and December, to January 2nd. Teesmouth, Dec. 1st, large flocks preceding the heavy snow-storm on 5th. Heligoland, Oct. 24th, S.S.E., strong and increasing, thick, "with thousands of others during forenoon racing past overhead"; night, storm S.W. [No. 11]; 29th, "in great masses in the fields"; and at intervals great numbers to Nov. 21st.

Sky Lark, _Alauda arvensis_, Linn.--Spring: Heligoland, Jan. 18th, 1882, N.N.W., all night great many, all day thousands upon thousands over island, all to E.; miles out at sea the same; Feb. 8th and 9th, great numbers across island; 10th and 11th, the same with Starlings, all to W.; 15th, S.W., rain, from early morning and all day, thousands from the east. Starlings same, all very high; 25th, S.S.W., early, calm and fine, "flights on flights" to E. by N.; 28th, Woodlark, _A. arborea_, Linn., "a small party, the first"; March 2nd, a flight. Spurn, March 27th, flocks of Sky Larks all day passing. Autumn: First at Galloper L.V., Sept. 20th, midnight to 4 p.m., "shoals," to Jan. 10th, 1883, at 5 Buoy Tees L.V.; altogether at twenty-nine stations, crossing the whole east coast of England, and in immense numbers both by night and day, direction E. to W., or S.E. to N.W.; Oct. 7th and 8th, great "rushes," again 10th and 13th, and again on 20th; Nov. 12th, and on Dec. 13th to 15th inclusive, in the latter case up the coast from N. to S., as well as directly inland from sea. Larks appear to have been tolerably equally distributed over the whole coast-line, and as usual to have crossed the North Sea in enormous numbers, far outnumbering any other species. At Heligoland, in the autumn, they appear, from Mr. Gätke's notes, to have passed on Oct. 11th, "great many passing above fog," call-notes heard; and subsequently in large numbers to Nov. 21st.

Shore Lark, _Otocorys alpestris_ (Linn.)--Spring: Heligoland, March 20th, eight to ten; April 8th, E. by N., great many flights of twenty or over; 9th, same; 11th, very numerous; 14th, flights of thirty to forty; and to 24th, some daily. Autumn: Oct. 4th, great many; 6th, "some" (that means with us here, say a hundred); and subsequently at intervals to 28th, when they passed by thousands; Nov. 27th, many still passing over. Spurn, Oct. 26th, flock of seven; November and December, tolerably abundant; about eighty shot near Yarmouth in October, the greater portion being male birds.

Starling, _Sturnus vulgaris_, Linn.--Spring: April 4th, flocks to N. Autumn: First at Whitby, Aug. 3rd, 4th, and 5th, great many near lighthouse to Dec. 15th, at Spurn; altogether at nineteen stations covering the east coast of England, the bulk crossing in October; great rush from 10th to 13th inclusive, from E. to W. and to W.S.W. Heligoland, Oct. 10th, flights of sixty to seventy; 22nd, S. by E., flights of "hundreds of thousands," and great many to Nov. 13th. Rose-coloured Starling, _Pastor roseus_ (Linn.), Sept. 24th, S.E., calm, one young bird.

Common Jay, _Garrulus glandarius_ (Linn.).--Heligoland, Oct. 6th, strong, clear, later stormy, "flights of hundreds"; Oct. 7th, S.E., clear, not warm, blowing nearly a gale, "without interruption thousands on thousands passing overhead like Crows"; 8th, S.E., fresh, clear, "actually still more than yesterday, over the sea north and south of the island, multitudes like a continual stream--never seen such masses"; 15th, eight to ten. Mem.: "Jays requiring strong, dry, clear east wind; Tits and _pratensis_ the same; Chaffinches want east wind strong, but overcast, and cloudy sky." The great abundance of the Jay in our English woodlands has been remarked upon from many districts during the winter of 1882-83; more especially, however, south of a line drawn from Flamborough Head to Portland Bill, Dorset.

Magpie, _Pica rustica_ (Scop.).--Spurn L.H., March 24th, remained in neighbourhood three days. Weybourne, Norfolk, Oct. 16th, arrival of Magpies noticed.--J. H. G.

Daw, _Corvus monedula_, Linn.--At several stations with Rooks in October and November. Heligoland, Oct. 6th, about one hundred; 24th, towards evening, flights of about five hundred; 27th, one shot from a flock with light grey neck; on this day all birds in great haste, flying as a rule _very_ high; enormous flocks of Jackdaws seen but as the finest dust; of many birds only heard call-notes without being able to see them; wind S., S.E., and E. by S.

Carrion Crow, _C. corone_, Linn.--First at Orfordness L.H., Sept. 23rd, seven to N.E.; and at several stations from Farne Inner L.H. to Goodwin L.V., in October, November, and December; sometimes with Hooded Crows, occasionally in separate flocks. On Oct. 9th, at Spurn, Mr. Hewetson shot a Crow from a flock passing inland, which had a few white feathers under the chin and some of the claws white. Heligoland, Oct. 27th, a small flight.

Hooded Crow, _C. cornix_, Linn.--Spring: Spurn L.H., March 11th, to S., many all day. Corton L.V., from March 21st to April 14th, large numbers of Rooks and Hooded Crows going from W. to E. Heligoland, March 2nd, flights high over head to E.; March 4th, same; 12th, N.W., clear, great flights to E.; 13th and 14th, same; and to 17th, pretty numerous daily; April 8th, very many high overhead; 9th, same; 11th, great many. Longstone L.H., April 31st, eleven came on island, appeared much fatigued, and then left for land, mod. gale N.N.W. Inner Farne L.H., 16th and 17th, many to W.S.W.; a great many Crows (Rooks?) same time. Autumn: Orfordness L.H., Sept. 19th, first seen, one. In large numbers through October and November at stations from Farne Islands to Goodwin light-vessels; great rush Oct. 11th and 13th. Nothing special to note of migration across Heligoland in the autumn, which as usual was in immense numbers in October and November. As a rule, few Hooded Crows cross south of Languard Point, and few Carrion Crows north of Spurn. Rooks and Jackdaws sparingly north of Spurn, and gradually increase southward; and most plentiful at southern stations.

Rook, _C. frugilegus_, Linn.--Spring: Heligoland. Feb. 22nd, N.W., a very great flight; 28th, several flights going due E.; March 4th, same; 13th and 14th, less. Autumn: Sparingly north of the Humber, and in large numbers at the southern stations throughout October and November, and on to the middle of December. Immense numbers remain in North Lincolnshire during the winter, feeding in the lowlands on both sides of the Humber, and moving in the afternoon to the high wolds, where at dusk they retire to the great woods to roost.

Raven, _C. corax_, Linn.--Whitby L.H., May 20th, one, "comes each year about this time."

Common Swift, _Cypselus apus_ (Linn.).--Hunstanton L.H., May 22nd, several. Autumn: Spurn L.H., June 17th, 18th, and 20th, great many to S., sometimes a flock remaining on gallery of lantern at night. Corton L.V., Aug. 1st, many to W. Heligoland, Aug. 14th, S., some.

At the Inner Farne L.H., Aug. 19th, "a very large Swift, supposed to be a foreigner, flying about island." About the end of July an Alpine Swift, _C. melba_, Linn., was shot by Mr. Wm. Rogerson, of Newcastle, at Alnmouth, Northumberland, and recorded at the time in the 'Newcastle Journal,' Aug. 2nd, 1882, as 9¼ inches in length, and 21 inches between the tips of the wings; and that it was identified by Mr. John Hancock.

Common Nightjar, _Caprimulgus europæus_, Linn.--Spurn, Sept. 11th, one.

Wryneck, _Jynx torquilla_, Linn.--Heligoland, April 23rd, several.

Kingfisher, _Alcedo ispida_, Linn.--Great Cotes, Sept. 1st, several in marshes. Hasbro' L.V., 23rd, 10 p.m., one struck lantern and killed, was flying S.E. to N.W.

Hoopoe, _Upupa epops_, Linn.--Heligoland, April 23rd, one. Spurn, Aug. 18th, one shot on Kilnsea Warren. Inner Farne, Aug. 29th, one shot on mainland; one also near Yarmouth in October.

Cuckoo, _Cuculus canorus_, Linn.--Spurn, May 1st. Whitby, 8th. Inner Farne, 11th. One on each occasion.

Striges, Owls.--Long-eared Owl, _Asio otus_ (Linn.), Languard L.H., Oct. 26th, 4.30 p.m., one. Short-eared Owl, _A. accipitrinus_, Heligoland, scarcely any. On English coast also remarkably scarce; a few during the first fortnight in October at stations from Redcar to Languard Point; appears to have come over at the same time as the Woodcocks, from Oct. 11th to 13th. Hasbro' L.V., Nov. 16th, one "Grey Owl" at sunrise to W.

Falconidæ.--Heligoland, March 4th, 1882, S.E. to S.W. Greenland Falcon, _Falco candicans_, Gmel., a very fine white bird. Sparrowhawk, _Accipiter nisus_ (Linn.), Sept. 15th, great many over the sea north of the island, none on Heligoland; 19th, following flights of Chaffinches; Oct. 5th, many with Kestrels also, and on to 12th. Sea Eagle, _Haliaëtus albicilla_ (Linn.), Sept. 16th, Nov. 13th, 14th, and 20th, one each day. Peregrine Falcon, _Falco peregrinus_, Tunstall, Sept. 20th, some, and many young Merlins. Merlin, _F. æsalon_, Nov. 12th, a very red-breasted old male obtained. Hen Harrier, _Circus cyaneus_ (Linn.), Nov. 20th, one. On English coast. Kestrels, a few in September and October. Sparrowhawks from Aug. 3rd to September, and through October; also Jan. 9th, 1883, Goodwin L.V., one; not unfrequently alight in the evening on the rigging of the light-vessels, leaving again at daybreak. One, caught on the Corton L.V., Aug. 3rd, had a piece of copper wire round one leg. An Osprey was seen near Lowestoft on Oct. 7th; a Honey Buzzard shot at Welwick, near Spurn, on Sept. 15th; and another, Dereham, Norfolk, on Oct. 3rd; a few Buzzards were seen about Spurn in October. Altogether the larger birds of prey have been extremely scarce during the autumn.

Gannet, _Sula bassana_ (Linn.).--Longstone L.H., March 15th, flocks to north from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and to end of month between the same hours; also first week in April between same hours; Oct. 20th to 24th, flocks flying north, old and young, but mostly old birds. Dudgeon L.V., Oct. 8th, eight off light-ship all day. Orfordness, Dec. 6th to 7th, "flocks to W. along shore."

Ardeidæ.--Common Heron, _Ardea cinerea_, Linn., Aug. 6th, 7 p.m., five to N. Hanois L.H., Sept. 17th, two to W., twenty to S.W. Bittern, _Botaurus stellaris_ (Linn.), Hornsea, Dec. 22nd.

Anatidæ, Geese.--Farne Inner L.H., Feb. 9th, twenty-one Brent Geese to E.S.E. Kilnsea, Spurn, June 5th, eight large Grey Geese to S., flying very low. Longstone L.H., Oct. 15th, nine Wild Geese; one, wounded against lantern and subsequently shot, was a Barnacle Goose, _Bernicla leucopsis_. Farne Inner, Nov. 13th, three Canada Geese shot from flock of eleven on one of the outlying islands; large flocks of Grey Geese going south along coast early in December.

Swans.--5 Buoy Tees L.V., Aug. 5th, six young Swans in Tees. Newarp L.V., Oct. 26th, three Swans to W. Spurn L.H., Nov. 28th, 9 a.m., ten passed close to lantern. Dudgeon L.V., 24th, fifty all white close past ship to W. Teesmouth, 24th, 9 a.m., six.

Ducks.--5 Buoy Tees L.V., April 25th, twenty-five Sheldrake, _Tadorna cornuta_ (Gmel.), seen in Tees. Inner Farne L.H., May 2nd, one solitary King Eider, _S. spectabilis_ (Linn.), first time seen this season. Longstone L.H., Sept. 4th, Scaup Duck flying N. Large flights of various Ducks seen on east coast at many stations in October to end of the year; direction of flight, however, not sufficiently persistent to permit any deductions; many doubtless were flocks changing their feeding-grounds.

Columbidæ.--Spurn, May 24th, two Turtle Doves, _Turtur communis_, Selby. Gull L.V., July 9th, 7.30 p.m., twenty Wood Pigeons, _C. palumbus_, Linn., to N.W. Spurn, Sept. 7th, Turtle Dove, young. Farne Inner L.H., Dec. 20th, 10 a.m., two Wood Pigeons to E.N.E.

Rallidæ.--Inner Farne L.H., Sept. 12th, Landrail, _Crex pratensis_, Bechst., killed against lantern during night. Spurn, 18th, one shot.

Crane, _Grus communis_, Bechst.--Heligoland, April 12th, one, not captured.

Little Bustard, _Otis tetrax_, Linn.--Heligoland, one shot, first occasion.

Charadriadæ.--Spurn, May 30th, Turnstone, _Strepsilas interpres_ (Linn.), small flock in full summer plumage. Spurn, first week in June, Dotterel, _C. morinellus_, four seen. The Golden Plover, _C. pluvialis_, Linn., was first seen at Farne Inner L.H., Aug. 17th; small flocks on island; on the same day also, in Great Cotes marshes, in summer plumage. Yarmouth, Sept. 10th, four, partially in summer dress. Grey Plover, _S. helvetica_ (Linn.), first at Teesmouth, Aug. 10th, two. Spurn, Sept. 7th, first seen; on 16th, three large flocks, many members of each in full summer plumage. 5 Buoy Tees L.V., Oct. 15th and 16th, Grey Plover with Curlew, two to three hundred in flock. Whitby L.H., Nov. 14th, one hundred or more. Immense flocks of Lapwings, _Vanellus vulgaris_, Bechst., at Farne Islands, Sept. 25th and 26th, and subsequently at many other stations during the winter. Kentish Plover, _Æ. cantiana_ (Lath.), was obtained near Blakeney about Sept. 26th. Heligoland, young Golden Plover commenced passing, Aug. 9th; during July and up to the end of the month, every night, great numbers of _Numenius_, _Totanus_, _Tringa_, and _C. hiaticula_, &c., crossed; on Aug. 25th, great numbers of Golden Plovers; on the 22nd, S.W., great many Dotterel, _C. morinellus_ (Linn.); again Sept. 4th, great many Dotterel, 11 p.m., passing overhead E. to W., one flight taking ten minutes to pass.

Scolopacidæ.--Red-necked Phalarope, _Phalaropus hyperboreus_ (Linn.), Breydon, Norfolk, Sept. 4th, one shot, two seen. Common Snipe, _Gallinago cælestis_ (Frenzel), end of second week in March, 1882, N. E. Lincolnshire, returning in some numbers. Heligoland, March 2nd, one; April 12th, S.S.W., a few. Autumn: Farne Inner L.H., Sept. 14th, Snipe to W. Orfordness, Oct. 13th, 8 p.m., one killed. Flamborough L.H., Nov. 16th, two struck and killed, strong S.E. gale. Gull L.V., Nov. 3rd, about one hundred to W. Jack Snipe, _G. gallinula_ (Linn.), Longstone L.H., Sept. 21st, E.N.E. to N.E., one killed against S.E. side lantern. Farne Inner L.H., Oct. 12th, two. Woodcock, _Scolopax rusticula_, Linn., Spurn, Sept. 18th, first Woodcock; the great flight took place on the night of Oct. 12th, wind E., strong, fog and drizzling rain; on the morning of 13th at Farne Inner, 5 Buoy Tees L.V.,[8] Teesmouth, Coquet, Whitby, Flamborough, Spurn, Yarmouth, and Orfordness, in some numbers; specially so at Farne Inner, Teesmouth, Flamborough, and Spurn. Second flight, Teesmouth, Nov. 13th; and at Whitby, 11th; Farne, Dec. 14th; and Coquet, 14th. Woodcocks occurred at Heligoland on Oct. 26th, a few; 29th, twenty to thirty shot; Nov. 11th, some; and 21st and 30th, some. Dunlin, _Tringa alpina_, Linn., Great Cotes, Aug. 16th, night warm, close, thunder-storm, very dark, heavy rain from S.E., flocks of waders passing over. Dunlin and Kinged Plover. Curlew Sandpiper, _T. subarquata_ (Güld.), Spurn, Sept. 14th, a few. Ruff, _Machetes pugnax_, Linn., Seaton Carew, Nov. 2nd, two Ruffs and a Reeve. Knot, _T. canutus_, Linn., Teesmouth, Aug. 11th, one; 15th, three. Great Cotes, 27th, flock of about two hundred. Spurn, Sept. 6th, several; plentiful by middle of month. Spurn L.H., Nov. 15th, 3 a.m., many round lantern. Hasbro' L.V., 16th, 11 a.m., large flocks very high E. to W.S.W. Sanderling, _Calidris arenaria_ (Linn.)., Spurn, May 31st, flocks, some in summer and others in transition plumage. Lincolnshire coast, Aug. 10th, flocks, thirty to forty, old and young together, near Somercotes. Green Sandpiper, _Totanus ochropus_ (Linn.), Breydon, Aug. 15th, plentiful. Common Redshank, _T. calidris_ (Linn.), scarce. Spotted Redshank, _T. fuscus_ (Linn.), Breydon, Aug. 15th, one, immature, shot. Greenshank, _T. cancescens_ (Gmel.), Breydon, Aug. 15th, plentiful. Red-breasted Snipe, _Macrorhamphus griseus_ (Gmel.), Aug. 15th, one shot at Cleethorpes, near Grimsby, a mature bird in moult from the knot-like plumage of summer to the grey of winter. Bar-tailed Godwit, _Limosa lapponica_ (Linn.), Teesmouth, Aug. 13th, 4.30 a.m., five. Black-tailed Godwit, _L. ægocephala_ (Linn.), Aug. 24th, four seen at Breydon, two in summer plumage. Whimbrel, _Numenius phæopus_ (Linn.), 5 Buoy, Tees L.V., April 23rd, one N.W. to S.E. Great Cotes, July 27th, Whimbrel passing, first of the season. Teesmouth, Aug. 1st to 7th, two or three small flocks about; and large flocks to E. early on morning of 16th. Common Curlew, _N. arquata_ (Linn.), Heligoland, April 12th, from 10 p.m. to daylight, hundreds of thousands of _Tringa_, _Numenius_, _Hæmatopus_, and the like flying over. Lincolnshire coast, Aug. 10th, flocks of eight to ten young, on shore near Somercotes. South Sand Head L.V., Sept. 17th, twelve, the first seen, to N.W. 5 Buoy Tees L.V., Oct. 15th and 16th, flocks of two to three hundred passing. Whitby L.H., Oct. 15th, large flock round lantern for several hours, thick and dark. Cromer L.H., Oct. 13th, large flock round lantern. Spurn L.H., Nov. 15th, 3 a.m., many round lantern with Knots. Flamboro' L.H., 16th, many round lantern; and on Dec. 13th, all night with Larks.

[Footnote 8: At this light-vessel a single bird passed, going west, at daybreak.]

Sterninæ, Terns.--Inner Farne L.H., April 20th, Sandwich Tern, _Sterna cantiaca_, Gmel., heard calling for first time. Longstone L.H., May 3rd, first Sandwich Tern seen on island. Inner Farne L.H., May 2nd, Arctic Tern, _Sterna macrura_, Naum., seen first time; 4th, both together, flying round their breeding-stations. Inner Farne, Aug. 28th, most of Arctic and Sandwich Terns left their breeding-quarters. Longstone and Inner Farne, Sept. 6th and 7th, both species finally left island.

Larinæ, Gulls.--Heligoland, Jan. 17th, Greater Black-backed Gull, _Larus marinus_, Linn., hundreds, all old birds; and on 31st, the same, nearly without exception old birds; Kittiwake, _Rissa tridactyla_ (Linn.), same. Whitby, Feb. 12th, Herring Gulls came to the cliffs to breed, in 1881; it was on the 14th. Longstone, March 15th, Gulls coming to nesting-quarters. Whitby, July 16th, young first seen on wing; Sept. 7th, old and young left. Great Cotes, Sept. 28th, Humber-flats covered with various Gulls. Whitby, Oct. 14th, large numbers seen at sea, going S. Spurn, in December, Iceland Gull, _L. leucopterus_, Faber, mature and immature, obtained.

Stercorariinæ, Skuas.--Farne Inner, Sept. 26th, Skuas seen in attendance on Black-headed Gulls. Teesmouth (Redcar), Oct. 20th, five Skuas to E. Nov. 1st, Longstone, one. Have been remarkably scarce on the coast.

Procellariidæ, Petrels.--Coquet L.H., Oct. 14th, 7 p.m., one Stormy Petrel caught against glass and set at liberty again. Languard, 11th, one, 6.15 p.m. Spurn, 29th, one at edge of water.

Alcidæ, Auks.--Common Guillemot, _Lomvia troile_, (Linn.), Longstone L.H., Jan. 3rd, 1883, Guillemots flying in from sea to island; March 15th, 1882, assembling for breeding on islands; May 15th, Puffins assembling on islands; Aug. 25th, Guillemots and Puffins have left their nesting-quarters on rocks; Oct. 22nd, Little Auk, _Mergulus alba_, Linn., one seen; Nov. 1st, two young Puffins seen. Inner Farne, April 1st, multitudes of Guillemots flying up to their nesting-quarters; Nov. 18th, several Puffins and Guillemots off islands. Flamborough, Guillemots great many last week in January, towards headland; Feb. 5th, great numbers going N. all morning; Dec. 27th, first seen off coast, are passing and repassing daily in great numbers.

Colymbidæ, Divers.--Inner Farne, Sept. 6th, Great Northern Diver, _C. glacialis_, Linn., three to N.; Dec, first week, Red-throated Diver, _C. septentrionalis_, Linn., Black-throated Diver, _C. arcticus_, Linn., and Great Northern Diver, all three about the islands this week; on 5th, fourteen Great Northern Divers to W. Longstone, Nov. 14th, two young Great Northern Divers off island fishing. Teesmouth, Oct. 31st, flock of Great Northern Divers passed at noon.

Podicipitidæ, Grebes.--October, Sclavonian Grebe, _Podiceps auritus_, Linn., adult in winter plumage shot in a timber pond at Hull; Red-necked Grebe, _P. griseigena_ (Bodd.), and Sclavonian Grebe, on Humber in October and November.

The Committee are indebted to Professor Chr. Fr. Lütken, of the Universitetets Zoologiske Museum, Copenhagen, for a list of the birds killed against the lantern of the lighthouse of Stevns, on the projecting part of Zealand, marking the limit between the Baltic and the Grönsund Belt, in the autumn of 1882. Professor Lütken, in forwarding the list, remarked that his late lamented predecessor. Professor Reinhardt, made arrangements with a physician, Mr. Antander, residing at the small town of Storeheddinge, seven Danish miles south of Copenhagen, in the neighbourhood of Stevns Klint and the lighthouse of Stevns, for forwarding any birds found killed to the museum, with the following result:--