Chapter III: Part 3

[Footnote 20: The list of birds killed at the Hasbro' L.V., from Oct. 10th to Jan. 3rd 1884, was 162 Sky Larks, 73 Starlings, 23 Chaffinches, 60 Larks and Chaffinches, 28 Stormy Petrels, 1 Fork-tailed Petrel, 3 Fieldfares, 3 Thrushes, 8 Ringed Plovers, 4 Grey Plovers, 2 Goldcrests, 2 Woodcocks, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Oystercatcher, 1 Kingfisher, 1 Blackbird, 1 Grey Crow, 1 Rook, 1 Lapwing, 1 tame Pigeon, 1 Curlew, 1 Brambling, 1 Redwing (wings sent to Mr. Gurney, but without date). Besides these a large tub and bucket-full various. At Llyn Wells L.V., under date Oct. 17th, Kestrel, Snow Bunting, Chaffinch, 2 Robins, Wren, Goldcrest; on Nov. 4th, 3 Knots, 4 Thrushes, Redwing, 3 Stormy Petrels; Nov. 7th, 8 Chaffinches, 7 Thrushes, Knot, Blackbird, Wheatear, 2 Dunlins, 2 Snow Buntings, Brambling, Jack Snipe, 4 Fieldfares; another date, 2 Chaffinches, 2 Tree Sparrows, Thrush, 3 Stormy Petrels, 2 Snow Buntings, Dunlin; Nov. 2nd, 5 Knots; Dec. 20th, Knot; Jan. 2, Knot; 6th, 2 Knots; 7th, Oystercatcher; also two more Knots and two Dunlins, which had slipped their labels, but which Mr. Gurney thinks belong to Nov. 22nd.]

_Otocorys alpestris_, Shore Lark.--Yarmouth, between Oct. 25th and 28th, six obtained from a small flock. Galloper L.V., October 11th, one, (wing to J. H. G.). At Heligoland the migration of the Shore Lark, commencing on Oct. 1st and ending Dec. 16th, was the most remarkable of the season; Oct. 1st, N.E., small flights; 11th, some flights; 13th, about one hundred; 22nd, flights of hundreds; 26th, flights of thousands, in the forenoon cliff covered; 27th-30th, numerous; Nov. 7th, marvellous numbers; 8th, very numerous; 11th, many flights; 12th, astounding numbers; 14th, numerous; 15th, astonishing, thousands in flights; 16th, few; Dec. 16th, hundreds.

_Cypselus apus_, Swift.--Hunstanton L.H., May 10th, great many. Whitby L.H., 13th, one. Farn L.H., June 25th, three; the movement southward appears to have commenced on or about this date. Last at Yarmouth, Sept. 8th, several all day. Heligoland, August 21st, 22nd, and 24th, great many.

_Jynx torquilla_, Wryneck.--Heligoland, Aug. 21st, 22nd, and 24th, immense numbers with Swallows, Martins, Sand Martins, Swifts, Ortolan Buntings, Tree Pipits, Wheatears, Willow Wrens, Pied Flycatchers, and Blue-headed Wagtails; all astounding numbers.

_Alcedo ispida_, Kingfisher.--Yarmouth, first fortnight in September, twenty-three brought to one birdstuffer. Hasbro' L.V., Oct. 10th, 10.30 p.m., one on deck. Heligoland, Aug. 15th.

_Coracias garrula_, Roller.--Bradwell, Norfolk, Oct. 9th, one shot. Muckton, Louth, Lincolnshire, Oct. 27th, one also shot.

_Upupa epops_, Hoopoe.--Longstone L.H., April 29th, one killed against kitchen window, 2.15 a.m., rain and squalls from S.E.

_Cuculus canorus_, Cuckoo.--Hunstanton and Whitby lighthouses. May 12th, one at each. Farn L.H., 15th, one. Longstone L.H., July 24th, young Cuckoo on rocks. Heligoland, Aug. 19th and 20th, three young.

_Strix flammea_, Barn Owl.--One at Cromer, on Oct. 6th., seen by Mr. Gurney, and "a large cream-coloured Owl," at Farn L.H., on May 13th, may have belonged to this species.

_Asio otus_, Long-eared Owl.--Cromer, Oct. 6th, one. Hasbro' L.V. Nov. 4th, one resting on rigging at 7.30. a.m. for ten minutes, and perhaps Whitby, Jan. 3rd, 1884, "one very large Horned Owl seen on cliff top." Heligoland, Oct. 31st and Nov. 1st, pretty numerous.

_A. brachyotus_, Short-eared Owl.--Spring, Farn L.V., April 25th, 7.45, p.m., "one very large Owl to E.N.E.; very high." Autumn, first at Redcar, Sept. 11th to Dec. 20th. At Llyn Wells L.V., two to S.S.W.; throughout October to Nov. 8th, at eleven stations;[21] rushes Oct. 1st to 4th, 12th to 14th, and first week in November. Heligoland, Oct. 14th and 15th, one each day; 22nd, numerous; 24th, some; 30th, great many; 31st, numerous. Nov. 1st to 4th, "and at night at the lighthouse, many, also our smaller Owl, _tengmalmi_."

[Footnote 21: Under date of Nov. 7th, at Happisburgh L.H., an Owl, flying about in the glare of the lamps, was seen to pounce on a Starling and carry it off. Mr. F. Spurr writes, "this latter, a fine Horned Owl, has taken to visit the lighthouse regularly; he takes his post just beneath the strong rays of light, and from thence pounces on the small birds when they are frightened by the glare." He goes on to say that he had seen it perched on the rail of the balcony, when its eyes shone like living coals; just such a light as is visible in the eyes of the night-flying moths when they settle on the pane.]

Falconidæ.--Circus, Harrier, Redcar, Sept. 21st, six on Tees Breakwater. Buzzards or "very large Hawks," Spring, Farn L.H., March 10th, "one large Hawk, feeding on Blackbird"; May 18th, large Hawk; June 18th, very large Hawk, driving the Terns from their nesting-place; also on 19th. Autumn, from Sept. 6th to Jan. 12th, 1884, numerous Buzzards, and "very large Hawks" are recorded at ten stations between the Farn Islands and Yarmouth; the majority between Sept. 6th and Oct. 20th. There appears to have been a rush of the larger _Falconidæ_ on Sept. 21st. At the Spurn L.H., on Sept. 21st, two Common Buzzards; 14th, 1 a.m., Honey Buzzard caught against lantern, and another on 17th, shot near Kilnsea. Farn L.H., 23rd, one very large Hawk, "back and wings dark brown, belly greyish white, beak slate-colour." Whitby L.H., Jan. 12th, 8.30. a.m., one very large Hawk, "dark colour, with long, square tail, the largest I have ever seen." _Accipiter nisus_, Sparrowhawk, numerous through September and to Oct. 14th, and after this in less numbers to Nov. 20th; rush, Sept. 21st, with other _Falconidæ_. Heligoland, Rough-legged Buzzard, Oct. 12th and 13th, one each day; Nov. 2nd, some; 19th, four to six. Sea Eagle, _Haliaëtus albicilla_, Sept. 21st, some. Sparrowhawks, from Sept. 21st to Nov. 1st.; Oct. 4th, first old birds. As a rule Sparrowhawks pass late in the afternoon. Peregrine Falcon, Oct. 12th, a few. Kestrel and others, Sept. 22nd, "more than ever, with Sparrowhawks and Merlins."

_Phalacrocorax carbo_, Cormorant.--Tees L.V., March 7th, flock of twenty-five; 24th, fifty.

_Sula bassana_, Gannet.--Spring, Farn L.V., Feb. 25th, many going N. Longstone L.H., March 22nd to April 15th, daily to N., and from this date every day till May 30th, never more than nine in a flock; great numbers of young also seen off Farn Islands, Redcar and Whitby, first three weeks, in October, generally moving in northerly directions. Redcar, Oct. 26th and 31st and Nov. 2nd and 10th, great numbers to S.E. Hanois L.H. (Guernsey), Nov. 24th, all day passing.

_Ardea cinerea_, Heron.--Languard L.H., June 25th, a pair very high to S.W., and several seen off Farn L.H. in August.

_Botaurus stellaris_, Bittern.--Early in January, 1884, a Bittern was shot near Thornton College, North Lincolnshire, and two others are reported as seen.

Anser, Geese.--Languard L.H., March 11th, sixteen Grey Geese, very high to S.W. Whitby L.H., June 20th, nineteen going N., and on July 8th, 5 p.m., a large flock from N. to S.W. Redcar, Sept. 21st, twelve Grey Geese to E.; and at some stations also in October and November, having probably reference to change of feeding-ground. A large flock of Brent Geese, _Bernicla brenta_, were seen off the Farn Islands on March 23rd, at 6 p.m., and in the autumn a few on Sept. 26th, at the Tees L.V.

Cygnus, Swans.--At Tees L.V., March 25th, one. Outer Dowsing L.V., 14th, three from N.W. to E.S.E. Spurn, May 13th, three to S.; and on 15th, two in Humber. Llyn Wells L.V., Sept. 16th, three to W.S.W. It is possible all these may have reference to escapes or strays from private waters.

_Tadorna cornuta_, Common Sheldrake.--Tees L.V., Jan. 13th, flock of three hundred. "Never saw so many together before." Nov. 28th, flock of about one hundred.

_Mareca penelope_, Wigeon.--Redcar, Aug. 20th, two flocks; Sept. 20th, flock of one hundred Teal at sea. Farn L.H., Dec. 12th, hundreds of Wild Duck, _Anas boschas_, off island.

_Harelda glacialis_, Long-tailed Duck.--Farn L.H., March 8th, "flock of fifty to sixty off island." On Oct. 23rd, at Kilnsea, near the Spurn, I shot a mature female Hareld from a flooded meadow. The stomach contained a mass of small red worms and minute stones.

_Somateria mollissima_, Eider Duck.--Farn L.H., Nov., "hundreds of Eiders, drakes and ducks, with young birds, flying and swimming about the island every day this month." In December six were shot on Breydon Water, Norfolk. The King Eider, _Somateria spectabilis_, was again, as in the last two years, seen at the Farn Islands, in company with the Common Eider, in April.

_Œdemia nigra_, Common Scoter.--Gull L.V., Aug. 19th to Sept. 11th, great numbers going S.W.

_Columba palumbus_, Ring Dove.--Farn L.H., Sept. 24th, one. Stock Dove, _C. ænas_.--On Oct. 25th, at Kilnsea, near the Spurn, I saw one come in direct from the sea and pitch in a field on the cliff top. Heligoland, _C. palumbus_, Sept. 30th, some; Oct. 4th, flights, forty to fifty; 13th and 15th, passing on; 31st, many.

_Rallus aquaticus_, Water Rail.--Farn L.H., Oct. 30th, S., foggy, three at daylight; Nov. 2nd, one at noon, to land; Galloper, 3rd, one (wing to J. H. G.) Hasbro' L.H., Dec. 9th, S.W., one struck.

_Crex pratensis_, Corn Crake.--Farn L.H., May 1st, 3 p.m., N.E., one; 23rd, 2 p.m., one. Whitby, 11th, first heard. Winterton L.H., Aug. 10th, midnight, one struck. Spurn L.H., Sept. 15th, one; Hunstanton L.H., Oct. 8th, one struck and caught alive.

_Œdicnemus scolopax_, Stone Curlew.--Heligoland, Aug. 15th.

_Charadrius pluvialis_, Golden Plover.--Farn L.H., July 27th, five to E., and on Aug. 20th, flock to W.; numerous on island through August and September, moving to and from the mainland. At the Spurn on Aug. 29th, a large flock to N.[22]; and at Wells, Norfolk, Aug. 27th, in small parties on mud. Heligoland, July. 16th, one young bird shot; Aug. 21st to 24th, young birds; 16th and 17th, great flights, all young; 29th, great flights; night Oct. 31st to Nov. 1st, "whole atmosphere gloomy darkness, Curlew, Lapwing, Tringa, Snipe, Woodcock, but no Golden Plover." Dec. 4th, N.E. (No. 8 or 9), snow-storm. Woodcocks and Golden Plover.

[Footnote 22: The occurrence of a large body of Golden Plovers at the Spurn at this date, passing to the north, is somewhat remarkable in connection with the large flight of the same species seen there, passing in the same direction, on Aug. 22nd, in 1880, and on Sept. 6th in 1881. (Yarrell's Brit. Birds, ed. iv., vol. iii., p. 274).]

_Squatarola helvetica_, Grey Plover.--Spurn, June 7th, 11 a.m., N.E., flocks along coast. Hasbro' L.V., Nov. 1st, four killed. Tees L.V., Dec. 13th, large flock.

_Vanellus vulgaris_, Lapwing.--Spring, Cockle L.V., March 8th, large flocks to S.W. Autumn, Yarmouth, Oct. 6th, large flocks in afternoon from sea; 30th, Hasbro' L.V., great rush; Whitby L.H., Nov. 15th, 16th and 17th, flights each day, south-westerly gale; also at Hunstanton L.H. on 16th, to S.W., from daylight to noon.

_Strepsilas interpres_, Turnstone.--Yarmouth, Aug. 11th, young birds to S. Farn L.H., 14th, large flocks at noon. Redcar, 31st, large flock near Teesmouth, fresh arrivals.

_Hæmatopus ostralegus_, Oystercatcher.--Llyn Wells L.V., Jan. 7th, 1884, one killed (J. H. G.).

_Phalaropus hyperboreus_, Red-necked Phalarope.--Yarmouth, Oct. 24th, one shot.

_Scolopax rusticula_, Woodcock.--Flamborough L.H., April 6th, struck and killed. Two or three occurred at Teesmouth (Redcar), last week in August, and a few in September. At Seaton Snook and Flamborough on Sept. 21st. The "first flight" was on the Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Norfolk coasts, on the night of Oct. 21st, wind N.E. The "great flight," or rush, on the nights of Oct. 28th and 29th, covering the whole of the E. coast, from the Farn Islands to Yarmouth, the bulk coming probably into the Humber district. A friend wrote me he had shot eighteen on the morning of 29th, and might easily have doubled this number if he had started early enough. From the 2nd to the 10th of November stragglers continued to arrive between the Farn Islands and Yarmouth. Heligoland, Sept. 22nd, first; Oct. 22nd, one hundred caught or shot; 28th, astounding passage of Larks, Starlings, Peewits, Snipes and Woodcocks; Oct. 30th, twenty to thirty shot; 31st, ten to twenty shot; 31st to Nov. 1st, thirteen caught, a few stragglers to December 4th.[23]

[Footnote 23: Mr. Clubley, of Kilnsea, near the Spurn, who during his life has probably shot more Cock than anyone living on the east coast, says that a S.E. wind always brings _large grey_ or _light-coloured_ Woodcocks, a N. wind _small_ and _red-coloured_ birds--that is, Scandinavian birds. This rule seems to hold good on other parts of our east coast. See also remarks by Mr. J. Harvie-Brown.]

_Gallinago major_, Great Snipe.--N. E. Lincolnshire, Oct. 2nd, one shot; Yarmouth, same date, one.

_G. cælestis_, Common Snipe.--Yarmouth, Aug. 11th, several. Great Cotes, Sept. 25th, first considerable flight, wind S.E. night of 24th, with gale and heavy rain. Hasbro' L.H., Nov. 8th, two struck and killed. Heligoland, Oct. 22nd, great flight; 28th, night, immense.

_Limnocryptes gallinula_, Jack Snipe.--Farn. L.H., Sept. 21st, S.E., noon, two. Galloper L.V., Nov. 3rd, one (J. H. G.) Llyn Wells L.V., 7th, one (J. H. G.)

_Tringa alpina_, Dunlin.--Languard L.H., March 10th, 7.40 a.m., very large flock, very rapidly to N. _T. minuta_, Little Stint, Bridlington, Aug. 3rd, two seen (W. E. C.), and at Yarmouth, second week in September, three.[24]

[Footnote 24: The first great rush of _Tringæ_ across Heligoland was Aug. 6th and 7th; 14th also, all sorts; and on 21st and 22nd, same; again on night of Oct. 31st, and morning of Nov. 1st.]

_T. subarquata_, Curlew Sandpiper.--Essex coast, August 1st, Colonel Russell shot three from a flock of Oxbirds; they were in partial moult; another was seen.

_T. striata_, Purple Sandpiper.--Farn L.H., May 15th, 6 p.m., S.S.E., very large flock flying over island; and at the same station, on Nov. 28th, very large flocks of Turnstone, Purple Sandpiper and Redshank. Yarmouth, Oct. 5th, five seen.

_T. canutus_, Knot.--Spurn, June 13th, flock arrived from S. The first Knots in the autumn were seen at Yarmouth and Redcar on Aug. 11th, and by the end of the month were tolerably numerous along the east coast. Llyn Wells L.V., Sept. 22nd, N.N.E., large flocks to S. all day; at this station also, from Oct. 20th to Jan. 6th, 1884, twenty-eight were killed against the lantern.[25]

[Footnote 25: The Knot at Blakeney is always called "Knet"; Godwit, a "Pick"; Dunlin, "Stint"; Whimbrel, "May-bird"; Turnstone, "Dotterel"; Ringed Plover, "Oxbird." On the Essex coast the Whimbrel is a "May-bird" or "Titterel," the latter from its cry; Godwits are "Pream;" Knot, "Marl"; Dunlin, "Oxbird"; Ringed Plover, "Stone-runner." At Spurn the Knot is a "Plover-knot," but on the Lincolnshire coast simply a "Knot". Local names, common to both sides of the Humber, are, Turnstone, "Dotterel"; Common Dotterel, "Land Dotterel," "Spring Dotterel"; Grey Plover, "Pigeon," or "Buffel-headed Plover"; Dunlin, "Stint," or "Tommy Stint"; Ringed Plover, "Sand-runner"; Whimbrel, "Curlew-jack"; Godwit, "Curlew-whelp." On the Durham coast the Knot is both a "Dunlin" and "Grey Plover"; Dunlin, a "Stint"; Sanderling, "White Stint"; Whimbrel, "Curlew-jack"; Lapwing, a "Tyafit"; Godwit, "Goodwin." The local names of birds vary so in different districts that they frequently become very puzzling to the members of the Committee; it would greatly assist their labours and facilitate enquiry if any fellow-worker would take the trouble to compile a glossary of local names of our British birds. The investigation might be rendered easy by sending printed forms to the best known ornithologists, in their respective districts. The results could not fail to be both useful and interesting.]

_Machetes pugnax_, Ruff.--Yarmouth, second week in September, five ruffs and one reeve.

_Calidris arenaria_, Sanderling.--Flamborough, Aug. 3rd, old male in summer plumage (W. E. C.). Yarmouth, 11th, Knots and Sanderlings on beach. Spurn, Oct. 23rd, a few.

_Totanus glareola_, Wood Sandpiper.--Bridlington, middle of August, a young bird was shot on South Sands (W. E. C.). Spurn, middle of September, three, all immature, taken to Mr. P. Lawton, of Easington.

_T. calidris_, Redshank.--Outer Dowsing L.V., May 9th, one "Red-legged Sandpiper" on deck, then to W. Wells, Norfolk, Aug. 28th, numerous; one hundred or more in a flock. Tees L.V., Sept. 23rd, large flock. Farn L.V., Nov. 28th, very large flocks with Purple Sandpiper and Turnstone on rocks. _T. fuscus_, Spotted Redshank, Breydon, Oct. 20th, one shot.

_T. canescens_, Greenshank.--Wells, Norfolk, Aug. 27th, "comparatively numerous." Yarmouth, Aug. 9th, four shot, all immature. Sept. 2nd, two.

_Limosa lapponica_, Bar-tailed Godwit.--Redcar, July 28th, and forward to Aug. 27th, in some numbers.

_Numenius phæopus_, Whimbrel.--Redcar, July 18th, N.E. light, first passing over, very high. Yarmouth, Aug. 1st, all day. Redcar, 8th, S.W. strong, two large flocks of fifty; 23rd and 24th, rush, and at intervals to Sept. 10th.

_N. arquata_, Curlew.--Farn L.H., March 11th, 5 to 6 p.m., four to five hundred to island from mainland in flocks from five to thirty. Whitby L.H., June 20th, great many night and day. Winterton L.H., Sept. 10th, 12.30 a.m., one caught beating against lantern, great many during night to W. Farn L.H., Nov. 17th, large flock to E. Hasbro' L.V., Jan. 3rd, 1884, one killed. Heligoland, Oct. 30th and 31st, great many with _Tringa_ and _Scolopax_, _Limosa_ and _Vanellus_; and night of 31st, great rush.

Sterninæ, Terns.--Spurn, May 4th, all day to north. At the Farne Islands the Arctic Terns, _Sterna macrura_, returned to their nesting quarters on May 20th, and left again on Aug. 3rd, only a few being seen after that date. Yarmouth, Aug. 7th to 10th, Black, Common, and Arctic Terns along shore, and through the month to 31st; in shore only when wind is westerly, in flocks of ten to fifty, nine-tenths being young; it is the westerly winds which bring in the herring "syle," on which the Terns feed. The Sandwich Tern, _Sterna cantiaca_, arrived at the Farn Islands between April 15th and 23rd, leaving again on Aug. 3rd. At Languard Point, Mr. Owen Boyle saw on June 1st, 4.45 a.m., a pair of Roseate Terns; 7th, four Sandwich Terns; 15th, four Lesser Terns; and on 23rd, four Common Terns. At Redcar, on Sept. 5th, 6th, 7th, and 10th, many flights were heard passing over in dark.

Larinæ, Gulls.--Whitby L.H., Feb. 15th, Herring Gulls returning to cliffs; July 18th, first young on wing; Aug. 14th, Gulls, old and young, left the cliff. Farn L.H., April 14th, Lesser Black-backed Gulls returning to nesting quarters. Yarmouth, Aug. 10th, Gulls, mostly young, along shore feeding on "syle," five to thirty in flock. Flamborough, Sept. 12th, great many Gulls all day to south. Spurn, Sept. 24th, two hundred Herring Gulls to south. Cockle L.V., Oct. 25th, great many large Gulls, young and old, E. to W.; Nov. 17th to 23rd, 9.30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Great Black-backed Gulls from W. to E. Farn L.H., Nov. 8th to 30th, very large number of Black-headed Gulls fishing round island at flood each day; Dec. 8th, two "Bass" Gulls; 12th, one. "These Gulls are all cream-colour. I am not sure if they are the Glaucous, so have given them the local name." At Heligoland, young Glaucous Gulls, _L. glaucus_, were repeatedly seen about island in December; and during the last week in January, 1884, hundreds of Black-headed Gulls, _L. ridibundus_, frequented the plateau of cliff, which Mr. Gätke says is a "very exceptional" circumstance there. _Xema sabinii_, Sabine's Gull, an immature example was shot on. Oct. 28th, the second example which has been obtained there; and on Nov. 10th a second young bird was seen by Aeuckens, the birdstuffer.

Stercorariinæ, Skuas.--Redcar, Aug. 25th, two; Teesmouth, 27th, Richardson's Skua, _S. crepidatus_. Farn L.H., Sept. 17th, several chasing Gulls. Yarmouth, 20th, many. Heligoland, Oct. 27th, _S. pomatorhinus_, one.

Procellariidæ, Petrels.--The Stormy Petrel, _P. pelagica_, occurred at Yarmouth, Oct. 2nd, and Spurn on 23rd, shot in each case from beach. Hasbro' L.V., 27th, seven caught on deck, on 31st ten, and between Oct. 27th and Nov. 4th several were taken at various stations at sea off the east coast. One Fork-tailed Petrel, _P. leucorrhoa_, from Happisburgh (Hasbro') L.V. in October. A Shearwater was seen at Farn L.H. July 20th, 6 a.m., going north; and at Spurn L.H. on Aug. 5th, 2 a.m., a Manx Shearwater, _P. anglorum_, was killed against the lantern. Breydon, Sept. 5th, one shot. In the latter part of the same month two Sooty Shearwaters, P. griseus, were obtained in Bridlington Bay, and taken to the shop of Mr. Jones, birdstuffer, where they were seen and identified by Mr. W. E. Clarke.[26]

[Footnote 26: 'Zoologist,' 1884, p. 180.]

Colymbidæ, Divers.--Tees L.V., March 28th, one Great Northern and two Red-throated Divers off the light-ship, in company with two Grebes, twelve Sheldrake, and six Brent Geese. Redcar, Sept. 2nd, four or five Red-throated Divers; and on 20th several lots of both. Breydon Water, Oct. 16th, adult Red-throated Diver. At the Farn Islands, last half of October and in November, many Great Northern Divers about islands; Jan. 15th, 1884, several Red-throated Divers about island.

Podicipidæ, Grebes.--Bridlington, latter part of August, Red-necked Grebe, _P. griseigena_, shot, in full summer plumage. Spurn, Nov. 2nd, a few pairs of Little Grebes, _Tachybaptes fluviatilis_, on ponds; and on Jan. 6th, 1884, three Great Crested Grebes, _P. cristatus_, on the sea off point.

Alcidæ, Auks.--At Flamborough, in February, 1884, great numbers of Razorbills, _Alca torda_, all returned to their nesting quarters on the cliffs, an unprecedented circumstance there; and large numbers of the Common Guillemot were reported by the fishermen as seen at sea off the headland. At the Farn Islands, March 22nd, 1883, Guillemots had come to their nesting quarters, thousands arriving on April 1st. Puffins on the 15th. On January 10th and 28th, 1884, on each day a Black Guillemot, _Uria grylle_, was shot from the island. The Little Auk, _Mergulus alle_, shot there on Dec. 29th; and on Feb. 4th and 5th, 1884, a great many were seen flying and swimming about the islands, more than had ever been seen before.

The Committee are again indebted to Professor Chr. Fr. Lütken, of the Universitetets Zoologiske Museum, Copenhagen, for a list of the birds killed or taken against the lantern of the lighthouse of Stevns, on the projecting part of Zealand, marking the limit between the Baltic and Oresund, in the spring and autumn of 1883. The list has been drawn up by Mr. Autander, a physician living in the neighbourhood of the lighthouse. In forwarding the list to Professor Lütken he states there has been in this year only a few nights in which any number of birds have been killed, in consequence of the sky being generally clear during the time of the migration.

Stevns Fyr (Lighthouse of Stevns ), 1883.

Night to--

April 6th. Saxicola œnanthe 2, male and female.
" " Regulus cristatus 2 males.
" " Erithacus rubecula 1 male.
" 12th. Turdus viscivorus 2.
" " T. merula 4.
" " T. musicus 10.
" " Alauda arvensis 6.
" " Regulus cristatus 1.
" " Saxicola œnanthe 4.
" " Erithacus rubecula 2.
" 13th. Scolopax rusticula 1 male.
" " Columba palumbus 1.
" " Sturnus vulgaris 1.
" " Emberiza citrinella 1.
" " Fringilla cœlebs 1.
" " Saxicola œnanthe 1.
" " Troglodytes parvulus 2.
" " Alauda arvensis 2.
" " Turdus musicus 8.
" " Erithacus rubecula 15.
Aug. 4th. Tringa alpina 1 male.
" 26th. Jynx torquilla 1 male.
Sept. 3rd. Sylvia trochilus 3.
" " Luscinia phœnicurus 1 male.
" " Muscicapa grisola 1 male.
" " M. atricapilla 1 female.
" " Columba ænas 1 female.
" " Lanius collurio 1 young male.
" 5th. Querquedula cracca 1 male.
" " Motacilla alba 1 young male.
" " Luscinia phœnicurus 6.
" " Jynx torquilla 1.
" " Sterna argentata 1.
" " Erithacus suecicus 1.
" " Sylvia schœnobænus 1.
" " S. cinerea 2.
" " S. hortensis 5.
" " S. trochilus 2.
" " Motacilla flava 1.
" " Saxicola œnanthe 2.
" " S. rubetra 1.
" " Muscicapa atricapilla 4.
" " †Locustella fluviatilis 1.
" 6th. Podiceps minor 1 young male.
Oct. 1st. Turdus musicus 2.
" 4th. Sylvia atricapilla 1.
" 11th. Turdus musicus 8.
" " Sturnus vulgaris 1.
" " Alauda arvensis 2.
" " Sylvia rufa 2.
" " Fringilla montifringilla 6.
" " Emberiza schœniclus 11.
" " Erithacus rubecula 25.
" 20th. Fringilla montifringilla 1.
" 26th. Coccothraustes vulgaris 1 male.
Nov. 1st. Emberiza citrinella 1 male.

† Determined at the Museum; not before found in Denmark.

Since the completion of the Report a schedule has been received from the Leman and Ower L.V. moored forty-eight miles E.N.E. of Cromer, on the coast of Norfolk. From Feb. 11th to May 8th, Skylarks, Black Crows, Rooks, Wild Ducks, Starlings, and Goldcrests, are recorded as going in _westerly_ directions; a like anomalous direction was maintained during the same period at the Outer Dowsing, Newarp, Cockle, and Llyn Wells light-vessels by birds passing these stations. On May 8th a great many Goldcrests came from the south at 11 a.m., and then went _west_. Sept. 11th, great numbers of Goldcrests going from S.E. to W.; and on Oct. 28th with Redbreasts and Wrens from S. to N.W. Between Oct. 27th and Nov. 1st two hundred and eight birds were killed or taken on the vessel, including seven Grey Crows, Larks, Redbreasts, Wrens, Goldcrests, Starlings, Sparrows, Chaffinches, and two Woodcocks; these birds were travelling from S., S.E., and E. to N.W., N.N.W., and W.

Wings from Galloper L.V. by Mr. Gurney. Oct. 10th, Tree Sparrow and Chaffinch; 11th, Shore Lark; 13th, Great Tit; 27th, Chaffinch; 28th, Blackstart (young male or old female?), Thrush; 30th, Meadow Pipit; Nov. 3rd, Jack Snipe and Water Rail.

On April 9th, 1884, I received from Mr. Gurney the wing of a Dabchick (Little Grebe), which struck the lantern of the Hasbro' lighthouse at 11 p.m. on the night of March 30th. The force was so great that the bird was split from the neck along the entire length of body; and on April 8th a Hoopoe was killed against the North Hasbro' L.V., and the head, wings, and legs sent to Mr. Gurney by Mr. B. V. Darnell, mate of that vessel. A Hoopoe was also taken alive on April 10th, on board a Grimsby smack when one hundred miles E.N.E. of the Spurn, wind blowing strong from E., and had been for some days.

At Heligoland, on the night from Aug. 6th to 7th, S.E., a considerable flight of the Silver Gamma Moth, _Plusia gamma_, but nothing to be compared with the perfect snow-storms of this moth which passed in the autumn of 1882, all going west. On Oct. 11th, S.S.W., there was a considerable flight of _Hybernia defoliaria_, the Mottled Umber Moth, mixed with _Hybernia aurantiaria_, the scarce Umber; and also during the nights of the last week in October repeated flights of these moths. With reference to the great flight of _Plusia gamma_ in 1882, a notice of which appeared in our last Report, 1882, p. 47, Mr. Charles Williams, of the Hanois L.H., Guernsey, sends this note:--"Seeing Mr. Gätke's remarks in your Report about the Gamma Moth, I beg to say that they were here in June or July."

At the Tees L.V., Nov. 18th, "a large Seal came quite close to vessel, largest I've ever seen." As the Common Seal is well known at the mouth of the Tees, this probably may have been the Grey Seal, _Halichœrus gryphus_.

From Flamborough comes the announcement that, on Feb. 18th, that rare fish, the Ribbon or Oar-fish, _Regalecus banksii_, was found alive amongst the rocks on the south side near the Head; it measured thirteen feet three inches in length, sixteen inches in depth, and five and a half inches in thickness; it was supposed to have been brought in by the tremendous easterly swell of the last few days. It was purchased by Mr. Whittaker, of Scarborough, for thirty pounds.

General Remarks.

The observations taken on the East Coast of England in 1883 have been such as to generally confirm the conclusions arrived at in previous Report, having special reference to directions of flight and lines of migration.

The winter of 1883-84 has been exceptionally mild, and there has been an almost entire absence of severe frosts and lasting snow-storms; the prevailing winds in the autumn W. and S.W.--such as we know are specially favourable for the passage of the North Sea by great flights of birds, and their direct movement inland without alighting to rest or recruit themselves in the east coast districts. Our land stations report a great scarcity both of land and sea-birds; this has not, however, been the case at sea stations--that is, light-vessels situated off the coast at distances varying from five to fifty miles; here the stream of migration, so far from showing any abatement, has flown steadily on in a full tide, and, judging from the well-filled schedules that have been returned, there appears to have been a decided increase in the migrants passing these distant stations--due, perhaps, in some measure to increased interest and improved observations. Mr. Wm. Stock, of the Outer Dowsing L.V., remarks that he had never before seen so many birds past that station. The rush also over Heligoland during the autumn was enormous. Migration is more marked there than on the English coast; there was a great movement of various species passing forward on the 6th and 7th of August, and again on the 14th, and more pronounced still on the 21st and 22nd.

The first great rush of birds on the English coast was on Sept. 21st, and two following days; and a similar great movement or rush is indicated in Mr. Gätke's notes from his island outpost, as well as on our more distant light-ships. The prevailing winds on the North Sea on Sept. 21st were moderate north-easterly and easterly off the coasts of Denmark and Holland, blowing strong easterly on to our northern coasts north of the Humber, with southerly and south-westerly off the southeast coasts, causing cross-currents over the North sea. Whatever then was the impulse, atmospheric or otherwise, which induced such an immense rush of various birds at this time, it was one which acted alike, and with precisely the same impulse, on the Sea Eagle and tiny Goldcrest.

The second great rush was on the 12th and 13th of October, a similar movement being recorded at Heligoland. Then again from the 27th to the 31st, and somewhat less through the first week in November, the passage across Heligoland, as well as the rush on our east coast, was enormous. Speaking of the nights from the 27th to 31st inclusive, Mr. Gätke says, "This was the first move by the million; for four nights there has been a gigantic feathery tide running." During this time there were variable winds over the North Sea, but generally easterly and south-easterly on the Continent; but strong west winds and squalls prevailing generally on the 5th and 6th of November. With the outburst of some severe weather during the first week in December a considerable local movement is indicated along our coast from north to south, culminating in the enormous rush of Snow Buntings into Lincolnshire about the end of the first week in that month. A careful perusal of the Report will show how generally the rushes across Heligoland correlate with those observed on our east coast, although not always confined to the same species in both localities.

A somewhat remarkable and very anomalous movement of migrants is recorded in the schedules from some of the light-vessels off the Lincolnshire and Norfolk coasts in the spring of 1883. In February, March, April, and May, birds passing the Leman and Ower, Llyn Wells, Outer Dowsing, Newarp, and Cockle light-vessels were as a rule coming from easterly and passing in westerly directions. Had this movement been noticed at one station only we might perhaps have been inclined to doubt the accuracy of the return, but the fact of five light-vessels having no communication with each other reporting the same circumstance proves the correctness of the observations. A summary of the spring quarter at these stations shows:--

Outer Dowsing L.V., March 31st to May 18th, Sparrows, Chaffinches, Wrens, Rooks, Larks, Tree Sparrows, Linnets, Titlarks, Bullfinches, from E., S.E., E. by S., and N.E. to W, N.W., W.N.W., and W.S.W.

Llyn Wells L.V., April 30th, various flocks of Crows to S.W.

Newarp L.V., March 17th to April 15th, Crows on six days to W.

Leman and Ower L.V., Feb. 18th to May 8th, Skylarks, Starlings, Titlarks, Goldcrests, E. and E.S.E. to N.W.

Cockle L.V., Feb. 22nd to March 31st, Black Crows, Ducks, Jackdaws, Starlings, Larks, Lapwings, "Snow-birds" to W. On March 20th, 24th, and 26th, Black Crows or Rooks continuous from 5.50 a.m. to 11 a.m., E. to W.; and on 31st also continuous from morning to night in the same direction.

All these entries show a great immigration to our coast from the east in the spring months, and on precisely the same lines and directions as are travelled by these birds in the autumn.

An interesting feature of the autumn migration is the occurrence of a flight of the Blue-throated Warbler, _Cyanecula suecica_; twelve altogether were obtained, all being birds of the year, and nine of these on the coast of Norfolk, besides about twenty others seen by competent observers.

Very few Goldcrests, compared with the enormous flights of the previous autumn, have crossed, and the same scarcity is observable in the Heligoland return. Curiously enough, the Hedgesparrow, _Accentor modularis_, which migrated in such immense numbers in the same autumn, has been almost entirely absent. About half a dozen are recorded at Heligoland, none on the East Coast of England.

The intermittent migration of some birds, as the Jay, Shore Lark, Goldcrest, Hedgesparrow, Siskin, and Mealy Redpole, indicated by their extraordinary abundance in some years, and partial or entire absence in others, is perhaps suggestive of local causes influencing and regulating their movements, such as a succession of favourable breeding seasons, scarcity or failure of food, sudden meteorological changes; these acting separately or in combination, would be sufficient to compel the migration of large bodies of birds from centres or localities, where, under normal conditions, they would either have remained or some part only migrated. In this manner whole districts may become denuded for a time of their feathered inhabitants, and the balance become again rectified by a return movement in the spring, or from the surplus supply bred in other districts.

Of the enormous immigration which crosses our east coast in the autumn, either to winter in these islands or passing across them, a small proportion only appear to return by the same route. Spring returns from lighthouses and light-vessels show birds then move on the same lines as were followed in the autumn, but in the reverse direction. Yet these return travellers do not represent anything like a tithe of the immigrants which, week by week and month after month in the autumn, pour in one great tide on to the coast.

What is called the "first flight" of the Woodcock arrived on the Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and Norfolk coasts on the night of Oct. 21st. The "great flight" or rush, which covered the whole of the east coast from the Farn Islands to Yarmouth, was on the nights of the 28th and 29th. These two periods correlate with the great flights of Woodcocks over Heligoland.

We are again indebted to Professor Ch. F. Lütken, of Copenhagen, for a list of the birds killed or taken alive against the lantern of the Stevns lighthouse, at the entrance of the Oresund, in Zealand. The list is specially interesting, as it names so many of the Heligoland birds. The occurrence of Locustella fluviatilis on Sept. 5th is the first recorded example for Denmark.

The Roller, _Coracias garrula_, occurred in October in two localities, one in Lincolnshire, the other in Suffolk. Two examples of the Sooty Shearwater, _Puffinus griseus_, were obtained in Bridlington Bay in the end of September. Altogether there has been a very marked absence along our east coast of rare and casual visitants; Heligoland, however, retains its pre-eminence for rare wanderers, and Mr. Gätke's list for 1883 includes _Turdus varius_, _Pratincola rubicola_ var. _indicus_, _Phylloscopus superciliosus_, _Hypolais pallida_, _Motacilla citriola_, _Anthus cervinus_, _A. richardi_, _Oriolus galbula_, _Lanius major_, _Muscicapa parva_, _Linota exilipes_, _Emberiza melanocephala_, _E. cirlus_, _E. rustica_, _E. pusilla_, _Pastor roseus_, and _Xema Sabinii_.

_Note._--At page 47, under the head "_Coracias garrula_, Roller," the locality of Bradwell is erroneously given in Norfolk, instead of Suffolk (2½ miles S.W. of Great Yarmouth). Mr. Gurney writes that, on June 6th, 1884, a Roller was shot at Gresham, near Cromer, and that before this Norfolk has not produced one for about thirty years.

WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND.

"And now, their route designed, their leaders chose,
Their tribes adjusted, clean'd their vigorous wings.
And many a circle, many a short essay,
Wheel'd round and round, in congregation full
The figur'd flight ascends, and riding high
The aërial billows, mixes with the clouds."

Thomson.

Schedules were sent to thirty-four stations, as in previous years. We have received filled schedules from seventeen stations.

Generally the returns are very light, still lighter than last year.

We have notes on about thirty-nine species of land birds from this coast; about twenty species of water birds; and about eight species of littoral species, or wading birds.

The spring migration, for sake of uniformity with the East Coast, I have kept separate. Weather notes are included in the General Remarks.

List of Stations.

'79 '80 '81 '82 '83
* * * 81. Cape Wrath, Sutherland 400 ft.
* * * * 82. Rhu Stoir, " 195 " Wm. Wither

Outer Hebrides.

* * * * * 83. Butt of Lewis 170 " A. Thompson
* * * 84. Stornoway 56 " John Grierson
* * * 85. Island Glass 130 "
* * * * * 86. Monach Isles {150 "} J. Youngclause
{ 62 "}
* * 87. Ushenish 176 "
* 88. Barra Head 683 " Wm. Irvine

Mainland, Skye, and Inner Hebrides.

89. Rona, Skye 222 "
* * * * 90. Kyleakin, Rosshire 53 " D. M'Culloch
* * 91. Isle Ornsay, Skye 58 "
* * 92. Ardnamurchan Pt. Argyl. 180 "
{93. Hynish Signal Tower, }
* * * * * { Tyree } 150 " Wm. Crow
{94. Skerryvore, off Tyree }
* * * * * 95. Dhuheartach, S. of
Ross of Mull 145 " Jas. Ewing
* * * * * 96. Sound of Mull 55 " W. M'Lellan
97. Corran Ferry, Loch Eil 38 "
* * * * 98. Lismore Island, Oban 103 " Alex. Murray
* * 99. Fladda, Easdale 42 "
* * * 100. Rhuvaal, Islay 147 "
* * * * 101. M'Arthur's Head, Islay 128 " W. Maill
* * * * * 102. Skervuile, Jura 73 " John Ewing
* * * * * 103. Rhinns of Islay 159 " Andrew Lyall
* * 104. Lochindaul 50 "
105. Mull of Kintyre 297 "
107. Devaar, Kintyre 120 "
108. Pladda, Arran 130 "
* * 109. Lamlash, Arran 46 " David Waters
* * 110. Turnberry, Ayrshire 96 "
* * * * 111. Corsewall, Wigtonshire 112 " Robt. Laidlaw
* * * * * 112. Loch Ryan, " 46 " Ralph Ewing
* * * * * 113. Portpatrick, " 37 " James Begg
* * * * 114. Mull of Galloway " 325 "
* 115. Little Ross, Kircudbright 175 "
116.
117.
118.
119. [1880]
120.

General Remarks by Reporters.

Mr. James Youngclause, Monach lighthouse, says:--"I am sorry to have such a meagre report to send you, but birds have been awfully scarce here for some years back, and I have sent you records of all that I have seen."

I am obliged to Mr. William Irvine for the first report I have received from Barra Head, which, however, is a station which can hardly be expected to give large returns, owing to its position and great height above the sea. A daily record here for a few seasons of the movements of Gannets and rock-birds might prove of considerable interest, such as daily hours of going to and from their feeding-grounds. Such might be found also interesting to fisherfolk.

Mr. James Ewing, of Dhuheartach, says of the spring migration and the long-continued east winds:--"A few Larks in March, and some Stonechats in the first days of April, are all that we have seen of the spring migration. I am convinced that a change of wind happening during the migratory season tends more to lead the birds astray than strong breezes. It will be interesting to note if there is any increase during this autumn, as our light, which was red towards Mull, has been changed to a white occulting light."

By the autumn schedules migration appears to have quite ceased here by date of Dec. 7th.

Mr. W. M'Lellan speaks of the great scarcity of shore-birds, as compared with other seasons. Where Curlews were seen daily in past years only one was seen this year. Season very open and mild.

Mr. Alex. Murray, Lismore, writes:--"During the last five nights of October we had the largest number of birds that I have seen for a long time, and especially Gold-crested Wrens; but since that time up to date (8th Jan. 1884) there has been little of note."

Mr. Andrew Lyall says, "Very few birds at Rhinns of Islay this season, and not many striking." But the rush at end of October and beginning of November was very marked.

Mr. David Waters has few night records to chronicle, most of his observations being made during the day.

Mr. James Begg, Port Patrick, writes:--"Flocks of migrants very scarce this winter. Great many sea-gulls flying inland and coming back to sea daily. The Gannets commence to go south and return north in flight past this station from March to September in great numbers."

Mr. William Wither sends a light schedule from Storr Head, and speaks of the general scarcity of birds there, but at a locality a little more inland birds are plentiful in summer and autumn, and Mr. M'Ivor, teacher there, has kindly offered to keep land-notes another year.

Although so light at Dhuheartach, a considerable migration observed at Skerryvore both in spring and autumn. On Oct. 30th (the date of the universal rush of Thrushes, &c.) Mr. William Crow saw three Bullfinches on the rock, wind S., fresh, and fog, and captured one of them with little difficulty. "It appeared quite tame, I approaching it within four feet. We placed a spare cage we had, with some linseed, within six feet of it. The bird went in at once, and is still alive. It drank fresh water to excess after being caught, and was ill all next day. It revived afterwards, and is doing well."

From Turnberry lighthouse there is no return, but Mr. Andrew writes, birds were scarcer than usual. But as this is a station where there is usually some migration discernible he hopes to send returns in future. Like others of our reporters, he naturally complains of his difficulty about the names of the birds; but if he will only enter such as he is sure of, and send me the head and wings of others, or even the wings alone, and by attaching a bit of cardboard and a number to them, and a corresponding number in the schedule instead of a name, I could in most cases be able to identify them.[27]

[Footnote 27: A general request to this effect will be found in our latest issue of Letters of Instruction.]

From Cape Wrath lighthouse comes the following P.C.:--"There are no land-birds at this station, with the exception of Grouse. The same schedule will apply every year for the sea-birds, as they come and go within a week of the same time. Eight years' experience." I may just once more try to explain that it is exactly this week of difference in time, one year with another, which the Committee desire to collect statistics about as regards sea-fowl and rock-birds.

Turdidæ.--The spring migration on the West Coast seems almost to have escaped notice. At Stornoway Thrushes were heard on Feb. 19th and 20th, and heard and seen on the 27th, but these may have been residents.

The autumn migration, however, is almost as marked as on the East Coast, the time and extent agreeing, though numerically, as might be expected, not so great. Extent as follows:--Stornoway in the north (light), Island Glass (indication), Monach (do.), Barra Head (considerable), and on the mainland and Inner Hebrides from Kyleakin (light), Skerryvore (distinct and considerable), Dhuheartach (light), Sound of Mull (indication), M'Arthur's Head (a few), Rhinns of Islay.(a few), Skervuile (a few), Lamlash (light), Corsewall (heavy), Loch Ryan (considerable). The above remarks apply principally to Blackbirds and Song Thrushes, but Fieldfares and "Mountain" Thrushes are once or twice mentioned, and one Water Ouzel was caught at Skervuile on Sept. 13th.

The time occupied was as follows:--Earliest record in autumn, Sept. 23rd, one Thrush on lantern at Lamlash; may have been local. Next, 1st and 7th and 8th, a few scattered records at Barra Head, and between Dhuheartach and Lismore. About Oct. 23rd greater numbers, but nothing very remarkable till Oct. 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st, and Nov. 1st to 3rd or 4th, when the rush took place. Movements continued up to end of November, but not large numerically, and nothing more that could be called a rush. A considerable number were killed at Skerryvore at the height of the rush on 28th, 29th and 30th; eight Thrushes on first date, thirty-six on 29th, and thirteen on 30th. Blackbirds and Thrushes about in equal proportion of records, but Thrushes bulking largest numerically. Species included are Song Thrush (max.). Blackbirds (large numbers), Fieldfares, and one Dipper or Water Ouzel at Skervuile. Thrushes of sorts quite absent during a rush of other species at Kyleakin, and throughout the season. Five species.

Saxicolinæ.--Wheatears.--In spring, appearance of a rush at Skerryvore on April 20th and 21st, fifty seen during the day on former date and twelve on latter; and on April 8th a single bird at Dhuheartach. A great many at Skervuile on May 5th, and on 15th four seen at Butt of Lewis.

In autumn, extent, from Stornoway (Oct.), Skerryvore (Aug), Dhuheartach (Sept. and Oct.), Lismore (Aug.). Redstarts.--Skervuile (Sept.), Corsewall (Aug.). Earliest, Aug. 24th, at Skerryvore. Latest, Oct. 29th, at Dhuheartach. Rush of Redstarts all night at Lismore. The above remarks apply in all cases to Wheatears (or so-called "Stonechats"), except where otherwise specified. Numbers at Stornoway with Linnets in Oct. Considered rare here by reporter.

Prevailing winds in spring, E. through S.E. and S.S.E. to S., and variable on April 8th at Dhuheartach. Two species.

Silviinæ.--Robin.--No spring records. Autumn, Robin, Kyleakin; Stornoway, isolated examples during December; Lismore, on Nov. 11th, with Wrens and Linnets, and a few single records in September and October; Dhuheartach, few; Lamlash and Corsewall, single records, and Robins accompanying rush of other species on Aug. 28th and 29th. At Kyleakin, Robins arrived on Nov. 15th and remained all winter. Prevailing winds, W. and northerly, very rarely easterly or S.E. One species.

Phylloscopinæ.--Goldcrest.--No spring records. Autumn, slight indications and single records as far north as Dhuheartach; one at midnight on Nov. 7th, light W., haze. Then again at Lismore, Oct. 31st, light S. airs, along with Larks; Skervuile, few, Nov. 1st, light S. wind; Lamlash, one; Corsewall, great numbers, or rush, on Aug. 30th, heralded by one single bird the day before. Loch Ryan, four on Oct. 30th. One species.

Accentor.--Hedgesparrow.--A number seen in the garden at Lamlash on Nov. 21st, during stormy weather. One species.

Paridæ.--Two Titmice struck at Sound of Mull, in light W. breeze, not killed, on Oct. 30th. One species.

Troglodytinæ.--Spring, at Corsewall six struck, none killed, on 28th, and five rested at same place on 29th; wind light E. and haze both nights.

In autumn a few records at Dhuheartach, Sound of Mull, M'Arthur's Head, Lamlash, Corsewall, and Loch Ryan. Earliest, Oct. 3rd; latest, Nov. 30th; all single birds, or very light returns. Winds, N.W. or N.N.W., except on Nov. 6th, at Lamlash, when wind was N.E. and weather fine. One species.

Motacillidæ.--In spring, at Kyleakin (earliest March 20th, when two seen flying S.! light E., clear), Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, and Skervuile. Latest at Kyleakin on May 17th, when two seen on garden wall. Largest number, four, at Dhuheartach, rested on April 20th, and flew towards Isle of Colonsay. Records relate always to "Wagtails."

In autumn, at stations:--Barra Head (several had been there for a month on Aug. 27th), Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, M'Arthur's Head (only record a flock on Nov. 5th, with N.W. gale and sleet), Rhinns of Islay (first and only record on Nov. 4th, a single bird, with W. gale), Lamlash (three on Sept. 22nd, and two on Nov. 12th, the latest record, winds westerly). One ? species.

Anthidæ.--Single spring record, one Titlark, at Lamlash, rested on lantern on May 2nd.

In autumn, one at Skerryvore rested on rocks on Aug. 24th, light W., haze, and _a number_ at Lamlash on Oct. 6th, and a few on 30th, being all the records. One species.

Hirundinidæ.--Spring records in April; earliest at Loch Ryan on 15th, when thirty arrived,--see autumn under September,--May, June; latest June 15th, two flying S. at Kyleakin, or, if we take July, three at Barra Head on 8th; remained all day, wind var. to S.E. by evening. Greatest number of records in May. Stations:--Barra Head (Sand Martins), Kyleakin, Skerryvore, Lismore, Rhinns of Islay, Lamlash, and Corsewall. The following are first arrivals:--Barra Head (Sand Martins), May 1st, two, fresh S.E., clear; Lamlash, May 1st; Corsewall, May 2nd; Loch Ryan, April 15th. All records above apply to Chimney Swallows, save in the two instances of Sand Martins.

In autumn records light also on the whole coast. Dhuheartach, Lismore, and Loch Ryan. Earliest, and rush, Aug. 19th, at Dhuheartach, large flock of old and young flying S., and at Lismore, one seen flying S. On Sept. 23rd twenty Swallows left Loch Ryan, and on 28th the remaining ten (see spring, _supra_); winds westerly and N.W. Three species.

Fringillidæ.--Spring:--At Butt of Lewis, four Tree Sparrows on April 14th, light S.W. wind; and Sparrows, a large flock flying south, light E., haze. Also Sparrows at M'Arthur's Head, a number on May 12th. Of Linnets, many after gale of April 17th, at M'Arthur's Head, a flock at Lismore on June 21st, and one bird at Skerryvore on June 25th. A single Goldfinch at Lismore, on 21st, with the Linnets.

In autumn:--Earliest July 28th, a very large flock of Sparrows flying S.E., at Butt of Lewis, and none again till Sept. 4th, when a number of Linnets remained about till the 9th. Latest record Oct. 30th, participated in rush of other species, but on Dec. 15th a rush of "small birds" is recorded at several stations. Greatest numbers in October, at Stornoway, Skerryvore (a Bullfinch, see light-keeper's remarks, _antea_), Lismore (good many), M'Arthur's Head, Lamlash. It is difficult to fix dates of rushes, but one great rush took place on Sept. 15th, of Linnets and Sparrows at M'Arthur's Head, and indicated at Lamlash by ten Linnets flying south. These notes are given of Linnets and Grey Linnets, also on Oct. 30th, at Lismore, of Green and Grey Linnets, a number at Priory Farm. Numerous instances of direction of flight are given, usually "flying S." We have received considerably more statistics this year of these important _directions of flight_. We wish our reporters could distinguish between Common Linnets, Green Linnets, and Twites or Mountain Linnets, always when possible. Linnets have travelled in company with Wheatears at Stornoway, and with Thrushes and Curlews (the latter several times). About seven species.

Emberizidæ.--Snow Bunting. Very scanty records on W. coast. At Stornoway one, first seen on Oct. 17th, and twenty on 18th. At Lismore twenty on Oct. 22nd. At Rhinns of Islay one on Nov. 5th, and in December no records, and in January a few at Butt of Lewis on 26th, and strong W. and sleet. Prevailing winds W., strong to gales, but mod. N. at Rhinns of Islay on Nov. 5th. One species.

Alaudidæ.--Spring at Skerryvore, earliest Feb. 10th, four struck, two killed, strong S.W.; and in March, at same place, on 10th, nine struck and three were killed, fresh N. and showers.

In autumn, at Dhuheartach, earliest on Sept. 10th, a few, and on 29th three; wind N.N.E., clear. Also, furthest north, records at Butt of Lewis, Stornoway, and so south by Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, Skervuile, and Rhinns of Islay. Latest at Stornoway, small numbers on 24th. Greatest movements in October at Butt of Lewis, on 11th, large numbers flying south; and at Stornoway 19th, 20th, and 23rd; on latter date with Thrushes and one Redbreast. Prevailing winds, northerly and westerly. One species.

Sturninæ.--Starlings feed all through the month of April at Butt of Lewis.

Autumn records scarce. Regular daily at Rhinns of Islay all August. No records anywhere given in September. [We trust our reporters bear in mind that we desire movements of even our commonest species, and especially directions of flight.] In October a few records from Butt of Lewis, two killed, but Mr. Thompson considers these part of the residents; also at M'Arthur's Head and Lamlash. If any rush it was on Oct. 30th, and also 29th, when it was noticed at Island Ghlais[28] and at Rhinns of Islay; but the movement appears to have been insignificant. I have a single record in November from Monach Island, and one of a flock in December at Loch Ryan. One species.

[Footnote 28: Ghlais or Glass: both spellings used.]