Chapter V: Part 5

Laridæ.--Considerable movements of Gulls of sorts from July 5th on to winter. Black-headed Gulls are marked as "very few this year" at Skervuile. Continuous flocks flew E. past Barra Head on Sept. 6th. Continuous flocks flew N.W. past Sound of Mull in August. Skervuile returns "numbers" about the middle of August. At one station, _viz._, Skervuile, the following are their recorded movements: in variable but prevailing N. to N.W. winds till Nov. 17th; thereafter light N.E. In August: 19th, one Boatswain Gull; 26th, flock of Herring Gulls; 31st, flock of Gulls. September, two records of flock of Terns, and Kittiwakes. Oct. 16th and 17th, ditto, ditto. November, on three dates Boatswain Birds and Kittiwakes. At Stoir Head vast flocks of Common Gulls and Herring Gulls passed N. Herrings "set into" Lochs Coul and Dhu, a little to the north of this, about this time, December, 1884, which locally accounts for this rush. Most of the Common Gulls were young. At Rhinns of Islay two "one-year-old Iceland Gulls" with hundreds of other Gulls flying about. We are particular in recording Gull returns, as this was an extraordinary Gull year on the East Coast.

Procellariidæ.--On July 26th one Storm Petrel on lantern at Barra Head, the earliest record of any for six years, light E. with fog. One ditto at Stoir Head (rare) in August, and one on Sept. 3rd at Lismore (also rare), killed, light N.W., haze.

Alcidæ, Razorbills, Guillemots, Puffins.--On Feb. 23rd, increased from 20th to date at Barra Head. "Marrots" and Razorbills, all March 6th to 8th, 14th to 17th, 23rd to 24th and 29th, winds light S.E. and S.W. In April: 4th to 11th, rush at Barra Head, various, N.E., clear, and Puffins; a few on 9th; 17th to 22nd, a few only of Marrots and Razorbills seen. On May 6th and 7th, Puffins, Razorbills and Marrots (Marrot or Guillemot) arrived in great numbers; and at Kyleakin two Tysties (_i.e._ Black Guillemots) seen flying S.E. In autumn, all left Barra Head except a few by Aug. 20th, but reappeared for a day on 30th, on which day all the Puffins left, light S.W. In October, continuous flocks of Puffins flying S. before a north gale at Rhinns of Islay, on October 12th.

General Remarks.

During the past six years' Migration Reports we have to thank many of our correspondents for the regularity with which they have acceded to our requests. Specially must we thank the following for the unbroken series of schedules during the past six years, _viz._: Sumburgh Head, six years, Messrs. William Anderson (1879 and 1880), John Wilson (1880, 1881, 1882), D. M. Scott (1883 and 1884). Pentland Skerries, six years, D. MacDonald (1879, 1880, 1881, 1882, 1884), and Mr. J. Gilmour (1884). Dunnet Head, Caithness, five years, George McLachlan, (1879, 1880 blank), David Laidlaw (1881, 1882, 1883, 1884). Bell Rock, James Jack (1879, 1880, 1881, 1882, 1883, 1884). Isle of May, Joseph Agnew, six years (1879, 1880, 1881, 1882, 1883, 1884).

These stations are situated as follows:--

Sumburgh Head 300 feet high white fixed light.
Pentland Skerries 170 feet high white fixed light.
Dunnet Head 346 feet high white fixed light.
Bell Rock 93 feet high white and red revolving.
Isle of May 240 feet high white fixed light.

Were Bell Rock also a _fixed white light_, no doubt returns would be equally extensive, or greater, possibly, than Isle of May. The white fixed lights have superiority; and when this is combined with low height over the sea and insular position, the best conditions appear, and are only to be beaten by floating light-ships. The flash lights have little chance to compete.

Next let us also thank the following correspondents:--At Whalsea Skerries, 3 years, Neven Kerr (1880, 1881, 1882). N. Ronaldshay, four years, John Tulloch (1879, 1880, 1881, 1882). Cromarty, R. S. Ritson, four years (1880, 1881, 1882, 1883).

This class of stations are situated as follows:--

Whalsea Skerries 148 feet white, revolving every minute.
N. Ronaldshay 180 feet white, revolving every ten seconds.
Cromarty 60 feet red, fixed (in the town).

_Revolving_ lights, whatever the height, yield fewer returns than _fixed_, but are better than flash or red sectors.

We also thank those who, situated at still less likely stations, have nevertheless taken an interest in our work.

_Bressay_ sends one year's return (1882); 105 feet; red and white, revolving every minute.

_Ross Head._--One year (1883), A. Greig; 175 feet; white and red revolving, every half minute.

_Kinnaird Head._--One year (1884); a blank schedule, valuable on negative grounds; 120 feet; white and red sectors, fixed.

_Girdleness._--Two years (1880 and 1884); 185 feet; white fixed. Thomas Gallie and J. McAlister. The situation is said to be unfavourable, apart from light or altitude.

Finally, taking the remaining lights which have returned no years schedules, we will analyse their positions, &c.

_Start Point._--80 feet; red, fixed. Class V.

_Hoy Sound._--(55 and 115). Low, white, fixed, facing N. High ditto; red and white sectors, fixed. V.

_Cantick Head._--115 feet; white, revolving every minute.

_Holborn Head._--75 feet; white and red flash, 10 seconds, facing N. V.

_Tarbat Ness._--175 feet; white intermittent, 2½ minutes. It is not quite clear to me yet why this station should not yield returns (see map), unless it be considered partially land-locked from E. and S.E.

_Buchan Ness._--130 feet; white flash, every 5 seconds; and close to fishing village.

_Montroseness._--124 feet; white, fixed; but amongst houses. V.

We think the above analysis places almost beyond doubt that the best position for a lights to attract birds is in a light ship (witness the E. English Coast returns); next, an island of low elevation; next, an island of considerable elevation, if facing east, not if facing north; and that the worst are those at high elevations, and especially if facing otherwise than E., on the East Coast, or on East Coast Islands, or those in midst of towns, or in land-locked situations; that the best description of light is "white, fixed,"--in fact, the brightest. Thus in many instances we consider that it is owing to position and nature of lights to a very considerable extent that we receive more schedules from some stations than others, and none at all from the least likely, whereas on the English East Coast all light-ships are almost equally good as regards position.

Yet we do not allow that this is entirely the cause of least and greatest migration at different points, because we now know well enough, from land data, that certain tracks are preferred to others, and that these tracks over land have very strong connection with the East Coast Scotch principal stations, as we think our Reports will show.

As regards the influences of winds, &c., sufficient has already been said on this head throughout the Reports, and every succeeding schedule goes to prove our previous ones.

Analyses of the West Coast schedules almost always show much lighter returns than those from the East Coast, even from the best West Coast stations. Our previous five years' experience in great measure explains why it is so, and it seems natural to expect lighter returns on the West than on the East in most winds or weather. But, having regard to the said experience and the facts of migration which may now be said to be ascertained and certain, there are also one or two additional causes for the light nature of West Coast returns as against East Coast ones; while on the latter, the lights which give the greatest illumination, if in other respects suitably exposed, give the heaviest returns; on the former, it seems that the positions of the various stations have more to do with these. Thus most of the East Coast stations face the east, whence come the birds naturally, and while on the west birds travel from N.W. towards S. or S.E., the extraordinary variety of situations, and the equally great--or nearly so--variety of lights of no great power and brilliancy, must undoubtedly influence the quantities of birds visible on migration. And we find that while such stations as Kyleakin (white and red, fixed), Isle Ornsay (white, fixed), Sound of Mull (red, green, and white sectors), Corran Ferry (red and white sectors, fixed), &c., give small returns, or none at all, this is resultant upon their positions even more than their brilliancy or absence of brilliancy. And we find that the best situated stations, such as Monach Isle (though only upper white flash, and lower, red fixed) gives better, though uncertain, returns, and Skerryvore (white revolving) and Dhuheartach (white and red sector, fixed), and Rhinns of Islay (white flash every five seconds) seem to be the surest stations north of Clyde. Indeed it is, perhaps, almost certain that most of the land-locked stations of the West Coast should be marked with the symbol of lowest value, V. South of Clyde, undoubtedly, we get more into the great groove of migration which crosses Scotland from the Firth of Forth, and if not yet so heavy as, for instance, at the Bell Rock, Isle of May, in all the years till 1884, yet we have more decided indications of rushes and throbs keeping time with the East Coast movements. When to this we add a less indented coast line, open lights, and, on the whole, greater power and brilliancy, we expect to find all the conditions more favourable. That this is the case our schedules for 1884 show decidedly, and even swamp the East Coast returns for the first time in our experience. When we come to the Isle of Man, where the Irish Channel contracts considerably, we again find heavy rushes of birds, equalling or exceeding those at such stations as Skerryvore and Dhuheartach and Rhinns of Islay. Of these Langness sends the heaviest returns, but we have there now a trained reporter, Mr. Robert Clyne, who was previously under Mr. Agnew at the Isle of May. Mr. Clyne's eager application to the subject now stands us in good stead.

The reason in 1884 for the contrary of the usual rule, _viz._, that East Coast stations of Isle of May and Bell Rock usually giving heavier returns than the West Coast stations S. of Clyde, is not far to seek for. The heaviest rushes at Isle of Man, and all down the West Coast S. of Clyde, occurred between the 15th to 21st and 26th October (see under Chickens Rock especially), while at Isle of May, Firth of Forth, no great movements of birds were visible. The winds on East Coast of Scotland were N. and E., and rarely W., but at Isle of Man and West Coast southerly and westerly. The migration on East Coast was pressed down on to the East English Coast by northerly winds. But on the West Coast birds travelled with light arid most favourable winds, concentrating their forces at the central and commanding stations of the Isle of Man. We regret we have no returns from the other Isle of Man stations. I hope the men are not disheartened by the non-appearance for two years of the West Coast of England Report which was entrusted to Mr. Philip M. Kermode. We earnestly hope they will now continue to send in schedules, the Isle of Man stations being most important.

The rapid increase of the Stock Dove in South and Central Scotland is very remarkable. They appeared commonly in East Stirlingshire in 1884-85, and have been nesting for some years in the Vale of Menteith, one of the high roads of migration. Many crossed the North Sea this past season to the East English coasts. Migration undoubtedly has a great influence upon extension of range, and the process seems easy to trace out; and it is very interesting also to find a similar extension of the Stock Dove to the rabbit-burrows of the sandy coast of Moray of late years (_auct._ Rev. Dr. Gordon and Capt. Dunbar Brander).

It appears useful in this place to speak of the comparative numbers of Woodcocks in the past six years. At the conclusion of our General Remarks on the last Report (1883) we called attention to the unusually large movement of Woodcocks, and to the area which appeared to have been principally selected by them before their final departure for N. Europe. As mentioned already (Report 1883), we had very few indications of their passage over Isle of May or East Coast lighthouse stations; and all stations returning any mark them as "rare" (see Report, 1882) or "rare in spring." Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock and Isle of May in six years have only recorded amongst them an infinitesimal number of spring records, and almost always with the remark "rare."

In 1879, which was a good Woodcock year in Scotland, we have not a single lighthouse record from either W. or E. Coasts. Yet I saw nineteen killed one day near here. In 1880, no records. In 1881, no spring records and scarce in autumn. Records at Butt of Lewis, Skerryvore and Lismore. Earliest, Oct. 28th. In 1882, a few spring records, one at Isle of May, April 9th ("not remembered before at this season," J. A.) Considerable and steady records, however, in autumn at five stations, north of Pentland Skerries inclusive, and at Isle of May. Rush Oct. 20th (twenty shot at Isle of May). In 1883, one record in spring at Bell Rock, April 7th, and rare in autumn; none till October, when a few at Monach Isle, Dhuheartach, Lismore, Loch Ryan, and in November at Kyleakin and Lismore, all between 29th and 31st Oct., indicating a rush. In 1884, which was a good Woodcock season on shore, with immense spring returns visible between Firths of Forth and Clyde, yet only two spring records at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May, April 3rd and March 30th respectively. In autumn, near this, one day I saw eighteen Woodcocks killed. The similarity of circumstances of 1879 and 1880 are worth attention. A considerable number of Woodcocks were killed in October and November, 1884, at Isle of May, and indications of arrivals very general. The spring records must have been weakly birds (one was disabled), as they appeared long after the spring return rush, great numbers being observable on land on 8th, 9th, 10th to 12th March. Indeed it would almost appear that any records sent from Island- or East-Coast stations during spring were of probably maimed or weakly birds, or birds delayed long after the "return of the Woodcocks" in March. As before remarked, the spring birds were all small russet cocks, and they rested 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th March between Firths of Forth and Clyde, "lifted" again, and did not alight till they had crossed the German Ocean (see 1883 Report, pp. 80, 81). The autumn rush was considerably later than usual in 1884 (see details).

Regarding the unusually extensive migration of Gulls to our coasts in 1884-85, several suggestions as to the influencing causes are readily at hand, but the following appears to have the greatest weight and importance.

As we are informed in 'Nature,' of Feb. 12th, 1885, recent Norwegian explorations in the Spitzbergen seas show that the year 1884 was a very remarkable ice year. "The west side of Spitzbergen was blocked by a belt of land ice the whole summer through, whilst the east side, which is nearly always blocked with ice, was more open than it had been for many years. These conditions, there seems little doubt, depend on the prevailing direction of the winds."

Now, the temperature of water having been lowered by the accumulation of ice along the W. coast of Spitzbergen, which is comparatively approximate to the furthest N.E. influence of the Gulf Stream, it seems natural to suppose that a deflection of the branch of the Gulf Stream, caused by the colder Arctic ice and current, the accumulation of which former was caused by the prevailing N. and E. winds on the Arctic Seas, would reach round past the S. end of Spitzbergen to the East Coast, and would cause the unusually open sea there. But the main channel of the Gulf Stream would still be towards the S.W., and would afford the natural outlet for all manner of ocean life, which requires certain temperatures; and which, such as Entomostraca, Copepods, Molluscan larvæ, &c., afford food to other higher organisms.

The great quantity of such food which in ordinary summers and autumns accumulate around the shores of Spitzbergen, or in the warm shallow summer seas off the N. coast of Europe, no doubt retire to deeper water on the approach of winter. In unusually cold seasons the retreat is continued, following the course of the milder Gulf Stream until more temperate seas are reached.

In the course of its retreat it is discovered by vast shoals of fish, which pursue these minute forms of life even to the uttermost limits of its possible extension, up certain firths arid inlets of our East Coast of Scotland. Naturally also the last link of the migratory chain is taken up by the enormous population of Gulls and other species of sea-fowl, as we know has been the case in the winter of 1884-5 in the Firth of Forth.

In the log of the steam whaler 'Eclipse,' Captain D. Gray (see Report, _antea_, p. 7) in summer, repeated mention is made of the unusual abundance of "whale food" in the Spitzbergen seas, and I am indebted also to Captain Gray, through Mr. Thomas Southwell, of Norwich, for a return of sea-temperatures of the same seas.

Mr. Hugh R. Milne, of the Marine Station at Granton, sends me some temperatures taken from the Firth of Forth, extending over June, 1884, to January, 1885, taken at three points, _viz._, Isle of May, Queensferry, and near Alloa. These data, in connection with the vast swarms of sprats or garvies (_Clupea sprattus_) and the attendant thousands of Gulls, are useful for future comparisons, and I append them here. It would be interesting to know similarly taken temperatures of the Tay Estuary, which was completely deserted this season by these migratory fish, and consequently by the birds also. If we had also means of knowing the temperatures of the Firth of Forth in 1872-73, when a similar vast migration of Sprats and Gulls was witnessed, such data would assuredly lead to most interesting, useful, and scientific results.

One great difference in the migration of Gulls in 1884-5 from that of 1872-3 is that in 1884-5 there were very few Glaucous Gulls (_Larus glaucus_) or Iceland Gulls (_L. islandicus_), but in 1872-3 both these species were in vast numbers, comparatively speaking. It seems to me possible that the 1872-3 migration indicated by these Arctic Gulls was of even wider and more extensive influence than that of 1884-5. But of course there is room here for still further elucidation and collection of statistics.

Again, while the Tay usually is visited by sprats in great sprat seasons, equally, or nearly so, with the Forth, and was so visited in 1872-3 though not to the extent that the Forth was, in 1884-5 it appears to have been almost utterly deserted by fish and bird alike. The cause was, no doubt, comparative scarcity of entomostracan life, dependent, most likely, upon certain undefined conditions of sea-temperatures, affected, possibly, from the river-basin of Tay and its tributaries. If light can be thrown upon these not-difficult-to-ascertain data, in a few years, at most, much of our uncertainty as to causes and effects of migration of Entomostraca, Sea-fish, and even Salmon and migratory Salmonidæ will be removed.

_Temperatures of the Firth of Forth, June, 1884 to January, 1885._

Isle of May. Queensferry. Near Alloa.

June (1884) 51 53 58
July (52) 58 (60)
August 54 (59) (65)
September (53) 54 58
October 53 52 51
November 49 47 45
December 44 41 (38)
January (1885) (43) 39 35
Range of surface }
temperature } 10° 20° 30°
of the water }

_Note._--The figures in brackets were not observed, but are entered hypothetically.

Mr. Milne, in writing to me, adds, "I believe that in hot summer days the temperature at Alloa would be 70° or more, and during severe winter weather would certainly be down to 32°. My belief is that in October and April the temperature is uniform all over the Firth, and from April till October it is higher at Alloa than at the Isle of May, the difference attaining a maximum between July and August. From October to April it is lower at Alloa than at the May, the difference attaining a maximum about the end of the year. The maximum difference between the two places will be about 10° or 12°, giving a rate of change of 0° 2′ per mile." Suspended matter taken in ten samples at Kincardine on Forth varied from 5 to 20 grains per gallon, averaging about 10 grains.

_Note._--It was at Kincardine on Forth, the narrowest part of the Firth, between Alloa and Borrowstoness, that the greatest quantities of sprats were taken.

I personally visited Kincardine several times both in 1872-3 and 1884-5, and witnessed the extraordinary congregation of Gulls and the myriads of sprats. In 1884-5 one smack anchored off the pier at Kincardine took 16 tons of garvies (or sprats) during one tide. There were, in all, some twenty smacks all lying anchored at this narrow part of the Firth, but all of these were not fishing with the small meshed nets; some for herrings only. Hundreds of tons were sold at from 14_s._ to, latterly, 8_s._ a ton, and were spread over the adjoining farm lands for manure. Hundreds of tons more were sold for making up a compost manure--being in themselves considered too rich in phosphates--to a firm in Alloa. Hundreds of tons more besprinkled the mud-flats at low tide, or hung by their gills in festoons along the tangle covered timbers of the piers. The water itself was alive with them, and every wave that broke on the lower piers left the piers covered with glittering garvies. A man with a minnow landing-net could have caught an indefinite number by sweeping each wave as it came in.

Mr. J. T. Cunninghame, of the Scottish Marine Zoological Station, Granton, in reply to inquiries, tells me that "his notes dating 28th Nov. show that Copepods were very numerous and varied in the Firth of Forth, as were also Molluscan larvæ." The temperatures of the water, as will be seen by Mr. Milne's notes in December and January, 1885, were lower than at any other time of the year being (38) and 35 near Alloa (and Kincardine) as compared with 41 and 39 at Queensferry, and 44 and 43 at Isle of May. By the 17th Nov., as is recorded in our Migration Report, garvies are reported as very abundant around the Isle of May, at which time the temperature at that point was 49° against 47° at Queensferry and 45° at Alloa. These shoals were accompanied by great numbers of Gulls at Isle of May.

As early as March, 1884, vast numbers of Gulls are reported to have been fishing off N. Unst in Shetland for many weeks together, such an assemblage never having been observed before by the oldest inhabitant.

I feel convinced that a steady and carefully recorded journal of bird movements will result in very extensive additions to our knowledge of the natural laws which govern them.

In conclusion, I may say that in the course of another year's work we hope to be able to produce some certain data regarding this matter of relative conditions of the temperatures of the Arctic Ocean in 1884-5, and the data already given above, from inquiries now being made by Mr. Alexander Buchan of the Scottish Meteorological Society; also the connections between such data and the migrations of Entomostraca and "whales food"; also to institute a comparison with similar or dissimilar conditions in other years.

* * * * *

Mr. William Evans, a most careful and excellent Field Naturalist, sends me records of the occurrence of high Arctic birds on the Firth of Forth in 1884. The Grey Plover, Knot, and Bar-tailed Godwit were seen on the 9th August (which, however, was the first day Mr. Evans visited the shore). The Sanderling was seen on the 14th August, and the Little Stint on the 20th.

* * * * *

Anticipatory of our 1885 Report, it may interest our readers here to learn that the spring migration of 1885 has developed still more extraordinary results, such as the migration of Pied Flycatchers dining the first week in May, past Pentland Skerries, Isle of May, and other stations; and the occurrence of such rarities as Ortolan Buntings, Red-backed Shrike, &c., at Isle of May about the same time. White Wagtails also have been commonly observed at land-stations. (_Vide_ R. Gray, Esq.)

WEST COAST OF ENGLAND AND WALES.

Schedules were sent to the forty-four lighthouses and light-vessels on the West Coast of England and Wales, and from twenty-five of them returns have been received.

The following is an enumeration of the stations, taken in order from north to south, those from which returns were furnished being marked with an asterisk:--

No. on
Map.

*119. L.V. Bahama Bank John West.
*120. L.H. St. Bees Henry Nott.
*121. L.V. Selker D. Kneale and ---- Cumming.
*122. L.V. Morecambe Bay Henry Clavell.
*123. L.V. Dee S. Woek and J. Clague.
124. L.H. Air.
125. L.H. Menai.
126. L.H. Skerries.
127. L.H. Holyhead Breakwater.
*128. L.H. South Stack William E. Burgess.
*129. L.V. Carnarvon Bay Henry Hughes.
*130. L.H. St. Tudwall's W. Monk.
*131. L.H. Bardsey Island Thomas Bowen.
132. L.V. Cardigan Bay.
*133. L.H. South Bishop A. Hills.
*134. L.H. Smalls Richard Evans.
135. L.H. Great Castle Head.
*136. L.H. Milford George Baker.
*137. L.H. Caldy William Ebben.
*138. L.V. Helwick Thomas Cornell.
*139. L.V. Scarweather P. Frost.
*140. L.H. Nash (E.) Henry Nicholas.
141. L.H. Breaksea.
*142. L.H. Flatholm W. Dale.
143. L.V. English and Welsh Grounds.
*144. L.H. Usk A. Russell.
145. L.H. Avon.
146. L.H. Burnham.
*147. L.H. Bull Point George Knott.
*148. L.H. Bideford Bar Thomas Gilpin.
149. L.H. Lundy.
150. L.H. Hartland Point.
151. L.H. Trevose Head.
*152. L.H. Godrevy Richard Trahair.
*153. L.H. Longships J. W. Watson and Wm. Davies.
154. L.V. Sevenstones.
155. L.H. Wolf Rock.
156. L.H. Scilly.
*157. L.H. Bishop's Rock John W. Froth.
158. L.H. Lizard.
159. L.H. Falmouth Harbour.
*160. L.H. Eddystone William Ainger.
161. L.H. Plymouth Breakwater.
*162. L.H. Start Point William Jones.

The best thanks of the Committee are due to the above-named observers for their painstaking records and valued aid; and it is an added pleasure to acknowledge assistance received from several ornithologists, including Messrs. James Andrews, of Swanage, Dorsetshire; O. V. Aplin, of Banbury (notes from Barmouth District); W. Duckworth, of Carlisle; T. E. Kelsall, of Balliol College, Oxford; Rev. H. A. Macpherson, of Carlisle; and Mr. Arthur Patterson, of Preston. Special acknowledgment is due to the Rev. H. A. Macpherson for most hearty and welcome co-operation. The recorder trusts to enlist further aid from the naturalists of the West of England and Wales, as it will much enhance the value of the report to include in it observations made by trained and experienced ornithologists, from whom alone can be expected notes on critical and rare species.

In dealing with the mass of information received it has been thought best to treat of it under the following heads.

I.--A few General Remarks on the Report.

II.--Reports on the Migratory-Season of 1884, communicated by several of the light-keepers and others.

III.--A Diary of the Principal Migratory Movements, which gives an idea of the importance of each movement, the area covered by it, and also indicates the species migrating in company.

IV.--A separate Report on each species.

I.--General Remarks.

The great mass of migrants during the past autumn seem to have passed stations decidedly south of Anglesea. The great movements appear to have taken place between Oct. 21st and 24th (inclusive), during which period some dozen species were noted; and again between Nov. 10th and 14th (inclusive), this being the most important movement, and applied no less than eighteen species observed at the lighthouses and lightships alone.

The report embraces notes on some rare or interesting species, including _Motacilla alba_, _Lanius major_, _Ampelis garrulus_, _Chen albatus_, _Querquedula circia_, _Phalaropus hyberboreus_, _Machetes pugnax_, _Hydrochelidon nigra_; whilst the scarcity or entire absence of _Passer montanus_, _Corvus cornix_, and _Bernicla brenta_, and the presence of _Bernicla leucopsis_, are of interest to one accustomed to East Coast observations. The capture, too, of eight _Procellaria pelagica_ at the South Bishop, on Oct. 14th, is a noteworthy incident. The lanterns vary not a little in their death-dealing attractions, those of the Bardsey, South Bishop, Smalls, Nash (E.), Godrevy, and Eddystone lighthouses being most seductive, occasionally commanding no less than two hundred victims in a single night.

To be able to offer opinions, or even to speculate on the various problems connected with the migration of birds on the West Coast of England, will require much careful study based upon reports for some years, and it will be much regretted that this coast has been neglected for several seasons.

Chief attention should, perhaps, be paid to the relationship which exists between migration as observed on this coast and the great land mass of Ireland; thus to enable us, if possible, to give some indication of the lines of route, if any, taken by both summer and winter visitors and partial migrants on their passages to and from that country.

To this end a series of careful observations must and should be made, and special attention be given by observers to the direction taken by all migratory birds. This, it is thought, has not received the attention it deserves, and, as it may add a special value to the observations made, it is hoped that the light-keepers (especially those on light-vessels) and others, who have so very willingly helped in the past, will give attention to this request.

II.--Reports from Stations on the Season.

_Carlisle District_ (Messrs. Macpherson and Duckworth).--After a westerly hurricane on Jan. 26th, land birds (Jackdaw and Moorhen), as well as Guillemots, Puffins, Gulls, and Sheldrakes were washed ashore, while Mr. Cook found a large Skua; many Oystercatchers were observed far inland. February and March were dull; the usual fowl on the Loughs, including Pintail, Shovellers, Tufted Duck, and Barnacle Geese, were numerous during the first half of March, and a large flock were seen; as also a Goosander in mid-April. The general calm of the first week of April induced the van of our army of summer visitants to push on early; but the subsequent prevalence of easterly and north-easterly winds checked the main body. On the afternoon of April 29th the wind changed from east to west, and we had an immense influx of House Martins and other birds on the 30th. August was fine, and many Waders arrived early; but it appeared that the chief arrivals took place between the last week this month and the second week of September. Geese and Ducks arrived before the middle of October; and the heavy westerly winds on the 26th and 27th brought ashore the Pomatorhine Skua and Leach's Petrel. The weather continued chiefly open until the end of the year, but most Waders had left by the end of October. In November and December the Geese and Ducks alone relieved the monotony of the Solway.

_St. Bees_ L.H.--Mr. Henry Nott tells me that birds are generally few, unless Starlings and Lapwings; Starlings have been exceptionally numerous during the winter; as for Thrushes and Blackbirds he scarcely ever sees one.

_Morecambe Bay_ L.V.--Mr. Henry Clavell informs me that very few birds have passed this station during the past two years.

_Nash_ (E.) L.H. (Mr. Henry Nicholas).--Birds have not been noticed in such large flocks as last year. The most decided and general movement took place between the 2nd and 15th of November. Wild Ducks have been very scarce this year, and Sky Larks and Starlings have not been observed in such immense numbers as in years past.

_Start_ L.H.--Mr. William Jones notes that in very few instances birds are observed at his station.

III.--Diary of Principal Movements.

The order of the stations is from north to south. The wind and weather are given in parentheses. For the weather the symbols of the Beaufort Scale have been adopted;[35] and the force of the wind ranges from to 12.

[Footnote 35: _Beaufort Scale._--B = blue sky; C, detached clouds; D, drizzling rain; F, fog; G, dark, gloomy; H, hail; L, lightning; M, misty; O, overcast; P, passing showers; Q, squally; R, rain; S, snow; T, thunder; U, ugly, threatening; V, visibility, unusual transparency; W, dew.]

_September 14th._

_Dee_ L.V.--A Robin killed at 10.30 p.m. (E. by S., 5; B, C, M.)

_Scarweather_ L.V.--Two Swallows at 11 a.m.

Nash (E.) L.H.--Two Landrails and one Starling killed at 2.15 a.m. (E., moderate; misty.)

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Several Wheatears, "Flycatcher species" [Warblers], Wrens, and a few Larks, between 8 p.m. and midnight. Fifteen killed. (E., 5; O, R, M.)

_Start_ L.H.--A Ring Ouzel killed at midnight. (E.S.E., 4; C, G, V, P.)

_September 15th._

_St. Bees_ L.H.--Numbers of Goldcrests at lantern at 11.30 p.m. (E., light breeze; misty.)

_Dee_ L.V.--Titlark and Chaffinch found dead at daylight.

_South Stack_ L.H.--Several Starlings and Wheatears between 9 p.m. and midnight. Several struck. (E., 4; O, M, R.)

_September 16th._

_St. Bees_ L.H.--Great numbers of Goldcrests from midnight to daylight. (S.E., light breeze; gloomy.)

_September 17th._

_St. Bees_ L.H.--Large numbers of Fieldfares at 7 a.m. (S.S.E., light; B, C, M.)

_Bull Point_ L.H.--A Goldcrest at lantern at 1.30 am. (E., 1; bright.)

_September 29th._

_Longships_ L.H.--" A great host of Larks" at 4 am., "a lot striking." (Drizzling.)

_October 14th._

_South Bishop_ L.H.--"Many Song Thrushes, Missel Thrushes, Blackbirds, Wheatears, Goldcrests, Linnets, Larks, and eight Storm Petrels, from 11 p.m. to daylight." Ninety killed by striking the glass, and two hundred taken in a net attached to a stick. Three "Falcon Hawks and a Large-horned Owl" were also present, "and made sad havoc with them." (S.E. breeze; mist and slight rain.)

_Helwick_ L.H.--A Lark at lantern at 9 p.m.

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Four Goldcrests and a few common Wrens struck at midnight. Six killed. (N., 2; C, V.)

_October 18th._

_Bahama Bank_ L.V.--A flock of Crows at 3 p.m., flying S.W.

_Dee_ L.V.--Several flocks of Titlarks at 7.15 a.m. (W., 3; O, D, V.)

_South Stack_ L.H.--Finches, Linnets and Starlings between 7 and 10 a.m. (N.W., 3; clear.)

_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--Hundreds of Larks all day, and a large number all night. (N.N.W., 4.)

_Bull Point_ L.H.--Large flock of Starlings and forty Linnets at 7 a.m. (W., 2; clear.)

_October 19th._

_Bardsey_ L.H.--One Woodcock killed during night. (S., 5; C, M, D.)

_Helwick_ L.H.--One Lark at 9 p.m.

_Bishop Rock_ L.H.--A good number of Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Larks, from 11 p.m. to daylight. (N.N.W. to N.N.E.; misty.)

_October 21st._

_Selker_ L.V.--Several Larks and Starlings at lantern throughout the night, all went E. at daylight (S.S.W., 3; O, M, R.)

_Morecambe Bay_ L.V.--Several Larks and Bullfinches from 10 to 12 a.m., flying S.W.

_Dee_ L.V.--Large numbers of Starlings and Titlarks and a few Thrushes during the early morning, many striking glass. (Very foggy.)

_South Stack_ L.H.--Blackbirds, Thrushes, Starlings, and Larks, between 12 p.m. and 4 a.m. A few killed. (S.S.W., 4; mist and rain.)

_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--One Starling killed at 11 p.m. Two Thrushes at 4 a.m.

_St. Tudwall's_ L.H.--A Chaffinch killed at 11 p.m., and two Blackbirds at 3 a.m.

_Bardsey_ L.H.--One hundred Starlings and "a goodly lot of Black and Grey Thrushes" in the morning. "Dozens" killed. (S.W., 3; C, P, D.)

_Caldy_ L.H.--Three Starlings at 11 p.m.

_Bull Point_ L.H.--One Starling at 5 a.m. (S.E.; clear.)

_Godrevy_ L.H.--Great numbers of Redwings and Thrushes, and a few Starlings, Blackbirds, and Goldcrests, from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Thirty-two killed. (S.S.E., 2; C, M.)

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Large numbers of Thrushes, Redwings, Blackbirds, Finches, Larks, and Starlings, from 6 p.m. to 3 a.m. About two hundred caught. (From E.N.E. to E.S.E.; O, M.)

_Start_ L.H.--Three or four Starlings and a Thrush at lantern at 9 p.m. (E.S.E., 4; C, G, V.)

_October 22nd._

_Bahama Bank_ L.V.--Larks at the lantern all night.

_Selker_ L.V.--Larks about lantern all night. (S.S.E., 5; cloudy and misty.)

_River Dee_ L.V.--A Thrush killed at 7 p.m.

_South Stack_ L.H.--Blackbirds, Finches, and Starlings, at 8 p.m. (S.W., 4; misty and showery.) About sixty Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Starlings, from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. (S., 6; misty.)

_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--Many birds at lantern from 6 p.m. Starlings and Thrushes killed. (S.S.E., 5; misty.)

_Bardsey_ L.H.--A good lot of "Black and Grey Thrushes" at night. Scores killed. (S., 5; C, G, M.)

_Smalls_ L.H.--Blackbirds and Thrushes from midnight to 4 a.m. (23rd). One hundred struck, fifty killed. (S.E., 4; O, M, R.)

_Caldy_ L.H.--One Thrush, two Blackbirds, two Larks, and one Starling, at lantern between 8 p.m. and 2.30 a.m. (23rd). (S.S.E., 5; O, G, M.)

_Bull Point_ L.H.--A female Blackbird killed at 4 a.m. (23rd). (S.E., 2; misty.)

_Godrevy_ L.H.--One Blackbird, four Larks, and four Starlings, killed at 4 a.m. (23rd). (S.W., 3; C, M.).

_Longships_ L.H.--Thrushes, Goldcrests, Wrens, and Starlings, all night. Several killed. (S.S.E., 3; misty.)

_October 23rd._

_Bahama Bank_ L.V.--Larks, Starlings, and Blackbirds, at the lantern all night.

_Selker_ L.V.--From 1.30 a.m. (24th) to daylight many Blackbirds, Larks, and Starlings at lantern; at daylight they all went East. (S.S.E., 4; misty.)

_Dee_ L.V.--Four Thrushes, males and females, and a female Blackbird, killed between 6 and 8 p.m.; and nine Thrushes, males and females, and eight Blackbirds, males and females, between midnight and 6 a.m. (S.S.E., 4; fog.)

_South Stack_ L.H.--A flock of Crows passing to S. at 10 a.m.

_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--Large flocks of Crows at 8 a.m., also a great many small birds, passing S. during the day. (S., 4; M.)

_Milford_ L.H.--Linnets, Larks, and Starlings, passed. (S., 4; M.) The same on the 24th.

_Scarweather_ L.V.--Flocks of Larks and Starlings at intervals, from 2 a.m. to 12 a.m. (S.E., 4; misty.) The same on 24th.

_Longships_ L.H.--Thrush, Goldcrests, Wrens, and Starlings, all night. (S., 3; misty.)

_October 24th._

_South Stack_ L.H.--Several Blackbirds, Larks, and Starlings, killed between 8 and 10 p.m. (N.N.E., 2; misty.)

_Caldy_ L.H.--Large flocks of Linnets at noon.

_Scarweather_ L.V.--Flocks of Linnets, Larks, and Starlings, from 10 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. (S.E., 4; misty.)

_Flatholm_ L.H.--"Chiffchaff" and Crested Wrens all night. Some killed. (Variable; B, C, M.)

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Several Thrushes and Larks from 9 p.m. to midnight. Several killed. (E.N.E., 2; C, M.)

_November 4th._

_Smalls Rock_ L.H.--A great number of Blackbirds, Thrushes, Fieldfares, Goldcrests, Larks, Starlings, and "Furse Cap," during the night. Eighty-eight struck the lantern, and forty were killed. (N.W., 6; cloudy.)

_Flatholm_ L.H.--A small flock of Blackbirds and Thrushes at 8 a.m. (S.W., 6; calm.)

_November 6th._

_Bahama Bank_ L.V.--Four Crows at 8.30 a.m., flying W.N.W.

_Selker_ L.V.--Eight Larks going N.E. at 1.40 p.m. (S.E., 4; B and M.)

_Smalls Rock_ L.H.--Numbers of Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redbreasts, Wrens, "Lady Wagtails," Greenfinches, Larks, Water Rails, and Ducks, from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. (7th). One hundred struck the lantern, and seventy were killed. (S.E., 5; O, M.)

_Nash_ (E.) L.H.--Eight to ten Fieldfares at noon, passing to S.W. (E., breeze; misty, rain.)

_November 8th._

_Smalls Rock_ L.H.--A very large flock of Rooks at 10.30 a.m. (E.S.E.; B, C, V.)

_Nash_ (E.) L.H.--A Woodcock, wheeling round the lantern at 2.45 a.m., and after a while passed S.W. (N.E., light; clear.)

_November 10th._

_Bahama Bank_ L.V.--A large number of Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Larks, all night. Fifty or sixty killed. (S., 5; fog.)

_Selker_ L.V.--A great many Titlarks and Starlings around the lantern from 7 to 11 p.m.; numbers striking. Ten Larks and seven Starlings found dead on deck. (S.S.E., 5; B and misty.)

_Morecambe Bay_ L.V.--Several Sky Larks and Titlarks, between 8 and 12 a.m., flying S. by E.

_Dee_ L.V.--Many Thrushes, Blackbirds, Starlings, and Titlarks, from 8 a.m. to midnight. Fourteen picked up on deck, and large numbers falling overboard. (S.E. by E.; fog.)

_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--"Large quantities of birds all night," leaving for south at daylight. (S.S.E., 5; B, C, M.)

_Nash_ (E.) L.H.--Blackbirds and Thrushes from 2 to 4 a.m.; eleven killed. (N.E., breeze; misty.) Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, Larks, and Starlings, passing all night, many striking, and a few killed. (E.S.E., breeze; misty.)

_Godrevy_ L.H.--Many birds at lantern from 10 p.m. (Nov. 10th) to 7 a.m. Twenty Blackbirds, eighteen Thrushes, two Fieldfares, and four Larks killed. (S.E., 2; C, M.)

_Longships_ L.H.--Many Starlings and Larks at 1 a.m. (E.S.E., 2; fog.)

_Eddystone_ L.H.--One Snipe struck and caught at 11 p.m. (S.E. by E., 5; C, V.)

_November 11th._

_Bahama Bank_ L.V.--Large numbers of Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Larks, all night. Many killed. (S., 5; fog.)

_Morecambe Bay_ L.V.--Blackbirds and Thrushes at lantern during the night. (S.E., 4; B, F.)

_Nash_ (E.) L.H.--About a dozen Golden Plover at 9.30 a.m. Blackbirds, Thrushes, Sky Larks, Starlings, &c., from 7 to 11 p.m., a great number of which struck, twenty being killed. (E.S.E., breeze; cloudy, misty.)

_Flatholm_ L.H.--Blackbirds and Starlings passing all day. (S.E., 2; B, M.)

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Thrushes, Larks, and Starlings, from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. (12th). Several struck and caught. (S.E. to S.S.E., 2; C, V.)

_Start_ L.H.--A few Larks at midnight. One killed. (E.S.E., 2; C, G, V.)

_November 12th._

_Morecambe Bay_ L.V.--About forty Blackbirds, flying S. by E., at 11.40 am. (S.S.E., 4; F.)

_Dee_ L.V.--Several flocks of Titlarks, going S. throughout the day.

_Bardsey_ L.H.--Several Thrushes, Chaffinches, Greenfinches, and Linnets, at the lantern all night. (S., 5; C, P, D.)

_Nash_ (E.) L.H.--Two Woodcocks struck between 3 and 4 a.m. (E., gentle; misty.) Snipe at 7 p.m., six striking, four killed. At 8.45 a Wood Pigeon killed. From 9 to 11.30 p.m., Snipe, Lapwings, &c; two Snipe and three Lapwings being killed. (E., breeze; misty.).

_Eddystone_ L.H.--One Ring Ouzel, two Blackbirds, several Thrushes and Starlings, from 9 p.m. to midnight. (S.E. by E., 3; O, D.)

_Start_ L.H.--One Snipe killed at midnight. (S., 3; C, V.)

_November 13th._

_Morecambe Bay_ L.V.--Several Chaffinches at 11.30 a.m., flying S.S.E. (N.N.E., 4; B, M.)

_Caldy_ L.H.--Blackbirds, Larks, and Plovers, from 3.30 to 4.30 a.m., flying about the lantern. Several of each species killed. (N.N.E., 5; O, G, M.)

_Helwick_ L.V.--"A great number of species," including Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, and Starlings, at the lantern all night and till sunrise. A great number killed. (N.E., 3; O, M.)

_Scarweather_ L.V.--Flocks of Larks passing at intervals during the day. A Blackbird killed at 10.30 p.m. (E., 4; G, M.)

_Nash_ (E.) L.H.--Blackbirds, Larks, Woodcocks, Snipes, and Wood Pigeon, from 2 to 5 a.m. Some of each species killed. (E., gentle; mist and rain.)

_Longships_ L.H.--"Scores" of Fieldfares, Blackbirds, and Starlings. Many striking, and several killed. (E.N.E., 3; very misty.)

_November 14th._

_Caldy_ L.H.--A large flock of Plovers flying inland at 11 a.m. (N.E., 5; B, C, M.)

_Scarweather_ L.V.--A very large flock of Rooks at 11 a.m. (S.E., 5; B, C, M.)

_Nash_ (E.).--Two Woodcocks (killed), and Starlings at 3 a.m. Fieldfares, Redwings, Blackbirds, and Larks, from 12 p.m. to 4 a.m.; eleven killed. (E., gentle breeze; misty.)

_Bishop Rock_ L.H.--Several hundreds of Thrushes, Missel Thrushes, Redwings, Fieldfares, Larks, Starlings, and Lapwings, from 10 p.m. to daylight. (E., 4.)

_Eddystone_ L.H.--"Several birds" struck, but "lost over," from 11 p.m. to midnight. (E.S.E., 5; B, C, V.)

_December 23rd._

_Smalls Rock_ L.H.--Thrushes and Blackbirds from 1 a.m. until sunrise, flying round the lantern. (S.E., 5; O, M.)

1885.

_February 15th._

_South Bishop_ L.H.--Ninety-seven Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, and Starlings, caught at 3 a.m. (S.E., 2; fog and rain.)

_February 17th._

_South Bishop_ L.H.--Seventeen Blackbirds, eleven Thrushes, and four Larks, caught at 5 a.m. (S.E., 4; rain and mist.)

IV.--Separate Report on each Species.[36]

[Footnote 36: The zoological sequence and nomenclature adopted is that of the 'List of British Birds,' compiled by a Committee of the British Ornithologist's Union. London: John Van Voorst. 1883.]

_Tardus viscivorus_, Missel Thrush.--Oct. 14th, South Bishop L.H., along with other species, and in some numbers, from 11 p.m. until daylight. Oct. 14th, Merionethshire, many on this and following days. Oct. 20th, Eddystone L.H., a male struck at 2.30 a.m. Nov. 14th, Bishop's Rock L.H., many, along with other species, from 10 p.m. until daylight.

_Note._--Doubtless the numerous records of "Thrushes" may, in many cases, include this species and also the Fieldfare and the Redwing.

_Turdus musicus_, Song Thrush.--Spring: Godrevy L.H., March 4th, a few from 2 to 5 am. (E.S.E., veering S.S.W.; o, m, r.) Bishop Rock L.H., April 21st, in numbers, along with Blackbirds, Ring Ouzels, and Wheatears, from midnight to 4 a.m. (E., 2; misty.) Autumn: Noted from seventeen stations,--appearing first at Flatholm on Oct. 6th, and continuing at intervals to Dec. 1st at the Dee L.V., or indeed until Feb. 17th at South Bishop. An important movement commenced on Oct. 20th, when heavy flocks were noted at Bardsey L.H.; and on the 22nd it occurred abundantly at nearly all the stations from the Dee to Eddystone, the movement being continued on the following night at several stations between the Dee and Land's End (Longships). Another important migration commenced on the 10th of Nov., and lasted until the 14th. Noted only during the night or early morning, and mostly in company with other species. Observations made on the sex of those killed at Dee L.V., prove that males and females migrate in company.

_Turdus iliacus_, Redwing.--Carlisle, Oct. 6th, first seen by Mr. Cairns; Oct. 21st and 22nd, many passing S., between 11.30 and 12.30 p.m. Godrevy L.H., Oct. 21st, a great number, from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. Eddystone L.H., Oct. 21st and 22nd, large numbers, between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. Nash L.H., Nov. 10th, passing all night along with other species, and again on the 14th. Bishop Rock L.H., Nov. 14th, many, from 10 p.m. to daylight. Only noted in company with other species, and during the night and early morning.

_Turdus pilaris_, Fieldfare.--St. Bees L.H., Sept. 17th, in large numbers at 7 a.m. Nash L.H., Oct. 6th, a few at noon, passing S.W.; and again on the 14th, in company with Redwings, at 8 a.m. Carlisle, Oct. 4th, a few; and on 21st a large flock. Smalls Rock L.H., Nov. 4th, many during night. Preston, Nov. 6th, along with Redwings. Godrevy L.H., Nov. 9th, two killed during night. Longships L.H., Nov. 13th, "scores" all night. Bishop Rock L.H., Nov. 14th, many, along with other species, from 10 p.m. to daylight.

_Turdus merula_, Blackbird.--Spring: Bishop Rock L.H., April 21st, many, along with Wheatears, Bing Ouzels, and Thrushes, from midnight to 4 a.m. (E., 2; misty.) Autumn: Reported from twenty stations. First observed at St. Tudwall's, Oct. 4th, the migration lasting until Dec. 23rd (Smalls Rock L.H.), or even until Feb. 17th, when many occurred at the South Bishop L.H., but this may have been a _return_ movement. A general movement took place from Oct. 20th to 25th, and again from Nov. 2nd to 17th, when the species occurred in great numbers at many stations. All the reports, with two exceptions (at Flatholm L.H. a small flock was observed at 8 a.m. on Nov. 11th, and at Carnarvon Bay L.V. a few were observed at noon on Nov. 20th), mention it as migrating only during the hours of darkness, and most often in company with Larks and Starlings.

_Turdus torquatus_, Ring Ouzel.--Spring: Bishop Rock L.H., April 21st, many, along with Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Wheatears, from midnight to 4 a.m. (E., 2; misty.) Autumn: Eddystone L.H., Sept. 1st, a male struck lantern at 3.30 a.m. (W.S.W., 4; O, R, V.) Merionethshire, Oct. 14th, several young birds in the garden of Arthog Hall Hotel, near Dolgelly; Eddystone L.H., Nov. 12th, one, between 9 p.m. and midnight. (S.E., 3; O, D.) Start L.H., Sept. 14th, one killed at midnight. (E.S.E., 4; C, G, V, P.)

_Saxicola œnanthe_, Wheatear.--Spring: Carlisle, April 11th, on the fells. Bishop Rock L.H., April 21st, many, from midnight to 4 a.m., along with Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Bing Ouzels. (E., 2; misty.) Autumn: Duddon Sands, about Aug. 10th, large flocks preparing to migrate. Eddystone L.H., Aug. 26th and 27th, several, between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m.; four killed. (N., 4; O, R, V.) Sept. 14th, several, from 8.30 p.m. to midnight; six killed. (E. 5; O, R, M.) South Stack L.H., Sept. 15th, several struck, between 9 p.m. and midnight. (E. 4; O, M, R.) Carlisle, Oct. 11th, an old male at Allonby. South Bishop L.H., Oct. 14th, along with Turdidæ, Larks, and Goldcrests, from 11 p.m. to daylight. (S.S.E., breeze; misty.)

_Pratincola rubetra_, Whinchat.--Spring: Carlisle District, plentiful on and after May 2nd.

_Ruticilla phœnicurus_, Redstart.--Spring: Carlisle District, a single old male, April 7th.

_Erithacus rubecula_, Robin.--Dee L.V., Sept. 14th, one killed at 10.80 p.m. (E. by S., 5; B, C, M.) St. Tudwall's L.H., Oct. 14th, one on the lighthouse at 3 p.m. Smalls Rock L.H., Nov. 6th, along with other species, from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.; some killed. Flatholm L.H., Nov. 12th, "Robins have been numerous for some days." Bideford Bar L.H., two, at 10.30 a.m.

_Sylvia cinerea_, Whitethroat.--Spring: Carlisle District, April 8th, one.

_Phylloscopus rufus_, Chiffchaff.--Spring: Carlisle District, April 8th, first heard.

_Phylloscopus trochilus_, Willow Wren.--Spring: Carlisle District, April 6th, but not numerous until the 30th.

_Locustella nævia_, Grasshopper Warbler.--Spring: Carlisle District, May 6th, first heard.

_Regulus cristatus_, Goldcrest.--Carlisle District, numerous during the last week in August, and apparently an influx during the last week in September. Bardsey L.H., Aug. 28th, "scores" during the night, "dozens" striking. St. Bees L.H., Sept. 15th, numbers struck the lantern at 10.30 p.m.; Sept. 16th, great numbers from midnight until near daylight. Bull Point L.H., Sept. 17th, one at lantern at 1.30 p.m.; Oct. 20th, two at lantern in the early morning, Flatholm L.H., Sept. 18th, numerous on the island; Oct. 24th, all night, some killed. Nash (E.) L.H., Oct. 1st, from eight to ten at 11 p.m.; five killed. South Bishop L.H., Oct. 14th, along with other species, from 11 p.m. to daylight. Eddystone L.H., Oct. 14th, four killed at lantern at midnight; Oct. 15th, two struck at 4 a.m. Longships L.H., Oct. 22nd, one during the night. Smalls Rock L.H., Nov. 4th, along with other species during the night. Dee L.V., Nov. 16th, one found dead on deck.

_Troglodytes parvulus_, Wren.--Morecambe Bay L.V., Sept. 12th, one at 8 a.m., flying S.W. Eddystone L.H., Sept. 14th, several, from 8.30 p.m. to midnight; Oct. 14th, a few at midnight; Oct. 20th, several at lantern at 2.30 a.m. Helwick L.V., Sept. 18th, several flying round the lantern in the early hours of the morning. Carnarvon Bay L.V., Sept. 30th, one struck at daybreak. Nash (E.) L.H., Oct. 10th, four at 8.30 a.m., flying W.; Oct. 11th, two struck at midnight. Longships L.H., Oct. 22nd and 23rd, along with other species at midnight. Smalls Rock L.H., Nov. 6th, great movement, along with other species, from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.; many killed. Observed migrating between Sept. 12th and Nov. 4th.

_Motacilla --------_, "Wagtail."--Bardsey L.H., Aug. 27th, several "Lady Wagtails" observed about the lighthouse. Carnarvon Bay L.V., Oct. 4th, "a Wagtail" flying N.E. at 3 p.m. St. Tudwall's L.H., Oct. 10th, two "Black and White Wagtails" on the island at 9 a.m. Dee L.V., one at noon, flying N.E. Smalls Rock L.H., "Lady Wagtails," along with other species, from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.

_Motacilla alba_, White Wagtail.--Spring: Carlisle District, April 15th, one, on the lawn at Rose Castle.

_Anthus ----_, "Pipit," "Titlark."--Reported from Morecambe Bay L.V., Selker L.V., Dee L.V., St. Tudwall's L.H., Bardsey L.H., Flatholm L.H., and Start Point L.H. First noticed at Bardsey on Aug. 27th. General movements on Oct. 18th, 21st to 24th, and again on Nov. 2nd, 8th, 10th, and 12th, until Nov. 14th at the Dee L.V. Recorded as migrating both by day and night, but chiefly during the hours of light.

_Anthus trivialis_, Tree Pipit.--Spring: Carlisle District, April 11th, first seen.

_Anthus obscurus_, Rock Pipit.--Carlisle District, October, a decided immigration to the salt marshes.

_Lanius excubitor_, Great Grey Shrike.--Carlisle District, Sept. 13th, a male shot at Haggyford. December (second week), one seen at Orton.

_Lanius major_, Pallas's Great Grey Shrike.--Carlisle District, Jan. 8th, one seen, shortly afterwards shot. Feb. 6th, another "very blue bird" seen at Grimsdale.

_Ampelis garrulus_, Waxwing.--Carlisle District, Oct. 12th, one seen close, at Cotehill; two seen on the edge of King Moor, by Mr. Armstrong; they permitted a close approach, as they were busily feeding on hips ("tupes"). Jan. 28th, 1885, one at Rockliffe; probably the bird seen a few days later by Mr. Lester.

_Hirundo rustica_, Swallow.--Spring: Carlisle District, one seen on April 9th. Preston, April 28th, a pair. Morecambe Bay L.V., five at 12.30 p.m., flying S.E.; May 18th, two at 4.30 a.m., flying N.N.W. Autumn: Dee L.V., Aug. 31st, twenty at 10 a.m., flying E.; Sept. 14th; two at 1.10 p.m. Usk L.H., Sept. 5th and 6th, great numbers from 9 to 12 a.m. Morecambe Bay L.V., Sept. 11th, four at 7.30 a.m., flying S. Scarweather L.V., Sept. 12th, six at noon; Sept. 14th, two at 11 a.m.; Sept. 18th, parties at intervals, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. (S.E.; misty.) Flatholm L.H., Sept. 12th and 13th, large flocks going S. all day. Helwick L.H., Sept. 18th, several during the morning; Oct. 6th, two at 7.30 a.m., flying S. Selker L.V., Oct. 2nd, one going S.E. at 10 a.m. Carlisle District, a small flock seen on Oct. 22nd; one captured on Nov. 5th in wretched plight. Swanage, Nov. 13th, in considerable numbers; one on the 14th, and another on the 18th.