Chapter IV: Part 4

26th, early calm, draught of air southerly, still so heavy threatening cumuli at W. and N., but in spite thereof much migration; in evening south-easterly, light, clear, clouds disappear, therefore more favourable weather for migration.--Very numerous migration. _F. peregrinus_, one; _æsalon_ and _nisus_, several. _C. corax_, a little flight, about fifteen. _T. musicus_ and _torquatus_, many. All _Sylviæ_, especially _rubecula_, very many. _Sax. ænanthe_, many; _rubetra_, fewer. _Trog. parvulus_, pretty many. _Anthus_ and _Motacilla_, fewer. _Al. alpestris_, pretty many. _Emberiza_, fewer; several _nivalis_; _cœlebs_, many; _montifringilla_, fewer. _Col. palumbus_, pretty many. First Woodcock shot; two or three more. _Gallinula_ and _gallinago_, pretty many. _Tr. alpina_, many; _subarquata_ and _maritima_, of each a young bird. _Sy. superciliosa_, one, _Anth. richardi_ and _cervinus_, of each one.

27th, S.E., slight, overcast.--_F. peregrinus_ and _æsalon_, young. _Strix brachyotus_, about fifteen. _C. cornix_, 400 to 500. _Sturnus_, many flights. _T. torquatus_ and _musicus_, pretty many. _Sy. suecica_, _cinerea_, _atricapilla_, _trochilus_, and _rufa_, many. Mot. _flava_, few; _alba_, pretty many. _Sax. ænanthe_, many; _rubetra_, fewer; _Anthus_, few; _richardi_, a couple. _Fringillæ_, few, _Emb. hortulana_, some. _Certh. familiaris_, several. _Hir. rustica_, pretty many; _Cypselus_, some late. _Col. palumbus_, _Scol. gallinula_ and _gallinago_, tolerable. _Fr. cœlebs_, very many arrived about evening.

28th, E.N.E., slight, light clouds, sunny.--_F. peregrinus_, old and young; _æsalon_, young; _nisus_ arrived about evening. It is strange that _nisus_ mostly and suddenly arrives late in the afternoon in great numbers. _C. cornix_, not many. _Sturnus_, numerous flights. _T. musicus_, pretty many; _torquatus_, fewer; _pilaris_, some. _Mus. luctuosa_, few. _Sax. ænanthe_, many; _rubetra_ ceases. _Sy. rubecula_, _phœnicurus_, _cinerea_, _atricapilla_, and _trochilus_, numerous; _rufa_, fewer; of _trochilus_, now mostly old faded birds. _Sy. superciliosus_, two very fine specimens been shot. Another warbler with light bands on wings, the size of _rufa_, wounded, but not obtained. _Mot. flava_, few; _alba_, more. _Anth. pratensis_ and _rupestris_, many; _arborea_ ceases. _Emb. schœniclus_, many; _nivalis_, very many; _hortulana_ ceases. _F. cœlebs_, many; _montifringilla_, do.; _spinus_, some. _Al. alpestris_, a few. _Regulus flavicapillus_, pretty many. _Hir. rustica_, many. _Col. palumbus_, tolerable. _Scolopax_, pretty many; _rusticula_, five been shot. _Ch. auratus_, many. _Tringæ_, many, all young birds. _Procellaria glacialis_, a fine old bird with white head obtained.

29th, S. by E., light, later fresh, S.E. clouds, S. by W. to W.; P.M., wind S.W.; about evening rain. Storm notified from America between 28th and 30th.--_F. æsalon_, _tinnunculus_, and _nisus_; _St. brachyotus_--all, but singly. _C. cornix_, several flights of hundreds; _frugilegus_, about eighty. _Sturnus_, some flights of a hundred and above. T. musicus and torquatus, early, many. _Sylviæ_, few. _Muscicapa_, over. _Reg. flavicapillus_, many. _Hir. rustica_, tolerable. _Al. arvensis_, pretty many early in forenoon. _Emb. schœniclus_, many. _Fringillæ_, few. _Anthus_, do. _Scol. rusticula_, some.

30th, early, light, N.N.W., clear; P.M., S. by W., thick, windy.--Almost nothing at all. Only very scattered _C. cornix_, _Turdus_, _Sturnus_, and _Sylviæ_. _Trochilus_, _Anth. arborea_, and _hortulana_, over.

=October.=

1st, S.W.; violent in night, N.W., stormy. No. 7, heavy rain, squalls strong, lightning.--Nothing. _Parus major_ and _cæruleus_, some.

2d, N.W. to W., stormy, squalls, No. 7; in night, No, 8 to 9.--Nothing.

3d, S.W., thick, very stormy, No. 8.--Nothing. A great flight of Snow Buntings. _Par. major_ and _cæruleus_, a few.

4th, S.W., fresh, overcast; in evening, S.W., clear to northward.--Nothing. At noon pretty many young _Hit. rustica_. Several _Sax. ænanthe_ and _rubicola_. _Char. auratus_, ten to fifteen.

5th, S.W., stormy, early. No. 9; in evening and night, thunder, lightning, and hail.--Nothing. A couple of _Par. major_.

6th, W. by S., W. to N., violent; early, thunder, lightning, and hail squalls; in evening stiller, W.--Nothing. _Hir. rustica_, pretty many young birds; _urbica_, fewer. Some 31. _flava_ and _alba_ and _Anth. pratensis_.

7th, N. and N.N.W., better, clear; later, violent, with rain squalls.--_C. cornix_, flights of hundreds. _Sturnus_, great flights. _T. musicus_, scattered. _Mot. alba_, some. _Sax. ænanthe_ and _rubicola_, both stray old birds. _Al. arvensis_, tolerable flights; _alpestris_, scattered. _Fr. cœlebs_ and _montifringilla_, not many. _Par. major_ and _cæruleus_, a little party. _Col. palumbus_, some. _Char. auratus_, several. _Lar. minutus_, many at sea off the island.

8th, W.N.W., fresh, cloudy; P.M., violent, overcast; in evening, S.W., stormy. Scotland, low minimum.--_F. æsalon_, [male]; _nisus_, jr., some. _C. cornix_, many flights. _Sturnus_, pretty many. _T. musicus_, tolerable; _merula_, some jr.; _iliacus_, a couple. No _Sylviæ_. _Sax. ænanthe_ and _rubicola_, some. 31. alba, few. _Anthus_, pretty many. _Al. arvensis_, tolerable; _alpestris_, flights of twenty to thirty; _arborea_, some. _Troglodytes_, many. _Fr. cœlebs_ and _montifringilla_, pretty many; _cannabina_, fewer. _Par. cæruleus_, scattered. _Scol. rusticula_, six to eight been shot; _gallinago_, some.

9th, S.W. by S., fresh, cloudy, rain; in evening, light, clear, stars, on mainland S., slight.--_F. nisus_, some. _T. musicus_, pretty many; _merula_, jr., fewer; _torquatus_, some. No _Sylviæ_. _Sax. ænanthe_, tolerable. _Mot. alba_ and _Anthus_, do. _Troglodytes_, many. _Al. arvensis_, many, especially passing on over the sea numerously; _alpestris_, little flights; _arborea_, a couple. _Fr. cœlebs_, _montifringilla_, and _cannabina_, many. _Par. major_ and _cæruleus_, some. _Hir. rustica_ and _urbica_, tolerable. Few Woodcocks. Altogether but slight migration.

10th, S.W., violent, chasing loose clouds; in evening light, southerly, misty; later clear.--Almost nothing. _T. musicus_, _torquatus_, and passing on overhead; _pilaris_, some. _Fr. cœlebs_ and _montifringilla_, many; _cannabina_, fewer.

11th, E.S.E., moderate; A.M., rain; P.M., clear; in evening E.N.E., light, clear.--_F. nisus_, some. _C. cornix_, innumerable flights; _monedula_, very many. _Sturnus_, flights like clouds in many thousands. _T. musicus_, tolerable; _torquatus_, scattered. No _Sylviæ_. _Accentor_, a couple. _Troglodytes_, tolerable. _Mot. alba_, some. _Anthus_, many. _Al. arvensis_, many, extremely many passing over the sea; _alpestris_, pretty many; _arborea_, single. _F. cœlebs_, _montifringilla_, _cannabina_, _spinus_, not very many. _Hir. rustica_ and _urbica_, scattered. _Col. palumbus_, _Scolopax_, and _Char. auratus_, all not many.

12th, N.N.E., light; in evening S.W., slight; rain showers during day.--All the above, but in considerably smaller numbers. _F. peregrinus_, one old bird shot. _Sy. rubecula_, very many; _rufa_, also pretty many. _Accentor_, also many. _Reg. flavicapillus_, pretty many. _Fr. linaria_, some.

13th, S.W., violent, overcast, rain shower.--Nothing. _T. iliacus_, flights; _musicus_ and _torquatus_, few.

14th, S. by E., very violent, thick clouds, overcast.--Nothing. _Fr. cœlebs_, _montifringilla_, and _cannabina_, some flights passing. Thrushes, almost none. _Regulus_, some.

15th, S.E., slight clear, middle high clouds from W. by S.; noon, light, cloudy. Wind, E. by N., clouds from S. In evening, E. by N., violent, clouds from S. by E. In night, east, very violent, thick clouds from S.E.--_F. peregrinus_, old; _æsalon_, _tinnunculus_, _nisus_, of the latter three several. _Corv. cornix_, extraordinary many, hundred thousands. _Monedula_, flights of hundred and above. _T. musicus_, _torquatus_, _iliacus_, few. _Viscivorus_, a couple. _Sylviæ_, very strayed. _Regulus_, do. _Accentor_, none. _Anth. pratensis_, few. _Richardi_, one. _Al. arvensis_, very many; _alpestris_, hundreds. _Emb. citrinella_, some. _Fr. cœlebs_, numerous, passing on overhead, but so high that the call of thousands over thousands could only be heard from aloft without the birds being visible. _Scol. gallinago_, some. _Rusticula_, none.

_Note._--According to the weather in the morning, there ought to have been considerable migration--Thrushes and Woodcocks but prominent westerly currents in higher regions acted adverse.

During the night to 16th, extraordinary strong migration of Larks, Thrushes, Starlings, _Numenius_ and _Charadrius_; also _Strix otus_ (?) was present, and robbed on the wing at light fire, especially _T. musicus_.

16th, E. and E. by S., violent, thick, low clouds S.E.; in evening, light, E., uniform thick, damp.--Early, six to seven, yet extremely strong migration of Thrushes, Larks, Finches, and Starlings. _F. peregrinus_, _æsalon_, _tinnunculus_, and _nisus_, strayed. _Str. otus_, some. _Lan. excubitor_, a couple. _T. musicus_, many during forenoon; _iliacus_ and _pilaris_, many during day. _Sturnus_, very many. _Sy. rubecula_, pretty many, besides no _Sylviæ_ and _accentor_, _Regulus flavicapillus_, pretty many. _Anth. pratensis_, many. _Richardi_, some. _Emb. schœniclus_, early, many. _Pusilla_, one. _Al. arvensis_, very many; _alpestris_, the same. _Fr. cœlebs_ and _montifringilla_, many; _cannabina_, fewer. _Par. major_, pretty many. _Scolopax_, none. In the afternoon, from 5 to 6, a bat flew about in the garden, chasing.

17th, northerly, light, quite thick, with rain, low loose clouds, slowly from N.W. and N.; after midnight, dead calm.--During the early hours until 9 o'clock, extremely large flights of Thrushes, flying about high, just as if bad weather was approaching. _F. tinnunculus_ and _nisus_, some. _Corvus_ and _Sturnus_, few. _T. musicus_ and _torquatus_, extraordinary many during the whole of the day; _merula_, _iliacus_, and _viscivorus_, fewer. _Sy. rufa_, many; _rubecula_, extremely many. _Accentor_, none. _Regulus_, many. _Anthus pratensis_, many. _Alauda_, very few. _Emb. citrinella_ and _schœniclus_, some. _Fr. cœlebs_ and _montifringilla_, many, the latter very many. _Linaria_, some. _Spinus_, many. _Par. major_, pretty many. _Scol. rusticula_, twenty to thirty shot. _Gallinago_, pretty many. _Rallus aquaticus_, some.

18th, N.N.W., slight, overcast, easterly, horizon clear; P.M., high cirri from E. by N., light, sunny, low clouds lazy from N.N.W.--_F. æsalon_, scattered; _nisus_, some. _Str. brachyotus_, few. _Corvus_, very single. _Sturnus_, some flights. _Lan. excubitor_, one. _Turd. musicus_ and _torquatus_, many. _Merula_, _iliacus_, _viscivorus_, and _pilaris_, tolerable. _Sy. rubecula_ and _rufa_, as _Regulus_, pretty many. _Accentor_, some. _Anth. pratensis_ and _rupestris_, pretty many. _Al. arvensis_ and _alpestris_, fewer. _Emb. schœniclus_, tolerable; _nivalis_, some. _Par. major_, pretty many. _Fringilla_, not many. _Linaria_, twenty to thirty; some _spinus_. _Col. palumbus_, some. _Scol. rusticula_, about thirty shot. _Gallinula_ and _gallinago_, several. About eve a bat flying about in the garden, besides two observed.

19th, N.W., slight, light rain squalls.--Early, nothing. _F. nisus_, some. _C. cornix_, some flights; _monedula_, fewer. _Sturnus_, but few. _Sy. rubecula_ and _rufa_, scattered. _Par. major_, few. About eve Blackbirds and Finches arrived. _Linaria_, the same. _Al. brachydactyla_, one male shot.

During the latter days plenty _Lar. tridactyla_ on the sea, also _minutus_. _Anas molissima_, one old male shot.

20th, N. by E., slight, quite cloudy, rain showers; later, N.E., almost clear; in evening, clear, light.--Very little, more migration across the sea. _Corvus_, few. Sturnus, many. Turdus, very few. _Sy. rubecula_ and _rufa_, few. _Al. arvensis_, pretty many; _alpestris_, very many, in flights of thirty to fifty. Woodcocks, but a few.

21st, westerly, light, and rain showers.--Very slight migration. _Sturnus_, pretty large flights. _Lan. excubitor_, one. _Turdus_, very few. Woodcocks, early, very many, 150 to 200 captured.

22d, E. and E. by N, light, clear, scattered clouds; in evening, highest clouds from N., middle W., low, loose, hasty clouds from E. by S.--_F. peregrinus_, a couple. _Corv. cornix_ and _monedula_, not many. _Sturnus_, early flights of 2000 to 3000. _Turdus_, but few. _Anthus_, not many. _Al. arvensis_, few; _alpestris_, many. _Emb. citrinella_, some. _Fringillæ_, the same. Some _Col. palumbus_ and Woodcocks.

The westerly currents in middle stratum of air may have acted unfavourably on migration.

23d, E. by S., fresh, light clouds from S.E.; in evening, E.S.E., very fresh; clouds hasty from S.E., at 9 o'clock, thick, overcast.--_F. peregrinus_ and _æsalon_, some. _C. cornix_, very many; _frugilegus_, in afternoon, flights of several hundreds. _Sturnus_, single flights. _Sy. rubecula_ and _rufa_, but strayed. _Reg. flavicapillus_, pretty many, but yet no _pyrocephalus_. _Anth. pratensis_ and _rupestris_, pretty many. _Al. arvensis_, few; _alpestris_, many; _brachydactyla_, one shot, No Thrushes and but a few Woodcocks.

24th, early, S.S.E., violent, thick rain; 10 A.M., S.; P.M., S.S.W., rain, clear to northward.--Early and forenoon, nothing; afternoon, during calm, _T. merula_, _Sturnus_, _Fr. cœlebs_, and a few Woodcocks.

25th, S.W. and W.S.W., fresh, light, rain showers; in evening, lighter.--Nothing.

26th, S.W. to S. by W., violent, thick rain; P.M., very stormy, No. 8; in night, W. and W.N.W., No. 8.--Minimum, west, Scotland; stormy westerly winds in Nordsea. Almost nothing; very strayed single seasonable birds. _Al. alpestris_ and _Emb. nivalis_, the most.

27th, W., lighter; during day, rain and hail squalls; P.M., W.N.W. and N.W., lighter betwixt squalls.--Nothing; two to three Woodcocks.

28th, early, N.W., No. 7, rain and hail squalls; noon, S.W., clear, high cirri and little clouds from E. by S.; in evening, W,, lighter.--Nothing; early, few _merula_, young birds. Pretty many _Al. alpestris_, and one flight _Emb. nivalis_.

29th, light, overcast; noon, clouds slowly from N.E.; 3 o clock in afternoon, E., fresh, wind and moving clouds.--_C. cornix_, many great flights, thousands. _Sturnus_, a flight of 500 to 600. _T. musicus_, few; _pilaris_, great flights; no _merula_. _Sy. rubecula_, numerous. _Reg. flavicapillus_ and Par. major, pretty many. _Anthus_, few. _Al. arvensis_, pretty many passing on overhead; _alpestris_, flights of hundreds; _arborea_, twenty to thirty. Woodcocks, ten to fifteen obtained.

30th, E. by N., fresh, overcast, cold, clouds from E.--During the night many _Tringæ_ passed. _F. æsalon_, several. _C. cornix_, very many passed. _Sturnus_, extremely many. _Turdus_, altogether few; _merula_, some; _torquatus_, few; _pilaris_, many. _Sy. rubecula_, scattered. _Anthus_, pretty many. _Richardi_, one. _Al. arvensis_, pretty many; _alpestris_, very numerous; _arborea_, some. _Emb. citrinella_ and _schœniclus_, pretty many. _Fr. linaria_ and _montium_, some flights; _cœlebs_ and _montifringilla_, fewer. Woodcocks, twenty to thirty shot. Very many Geese and Ducks passed. _Cinc. melanogaster_, one fine male shot.

Late in evening, many _Ch. squatarola_ overhead passing; the air full of call tones.

31st, E. to S.E., very fresh, cloudy, cold; in evening, wind again more easterly.--_F. nisus_ and _buteo_, some. _C. cornix_, very many; _monedula_, some flights. _Sturnus_, few. _T. merula_, few; _viscivorus_, some; _pilaris_, many. _Lan. major_, one fine male. _Sy. rubecula_, scattered. _Anth. pratensis_ and _rupestris_, tolerable. _Accentor_, the same. _Al. arvensis_, pretty many; _alpestris_, in masses. _Emb. citrinella_ and _nivalis_, pretty many; _miliaria_, some. _Par. major_, many. _F. cœlebs_, extraordinary many passing on overhead; _linaria_, a few flights; _cannabina_ and _montium_, some. _Col. palumbus_ and _Scol. rusticula_, several.

_Note._--In course of the month, almost no curruca at all; no _Reg. pyrocephalus_; very few _Accentor_; _Lar. trydactyla_, already early very numerous on the sea; _Sula alba_, the same; almost no _Strix brachyotus_ at all.

=November.=

1st, E. by N., fresh, clear, cold; P.M., light clouds from N. by W.; in evening, cloudy, light easterly.--Not particularly much migration. _C. cornix_, few flights. _Sturnus_, the same., _Turdus_, none at all. _Rubecula_ and _Accentor_, pretty many. _Al. arvensis_, few; _alpestris_, very many passing on overhead. _Emb. nivalis_ and _Fr. montium_, pretty many. _Par. major_ and _cæruleus_, some. Woodcocks, few.

2nd, S.W., pretty violent, overcast; P.M., fine rain.--Nothing.

3rd, S.W., pretty violent, overcast; P.M., clear, little high clouds N.--Nothing; at Cuxhaven, fog.

4th, S.S.W., fresh, quite clear; in night, thick.--Nothing. _T. pilaris_, a little flight. _Emb. nivalis_ and _F. montium_, several small flights. _Par. major_, ten to fifteen in the garden.

5th, S.W., fresh, thick, with rain; afternoon, sun through.--Nothing; a few _merula_, _Par. major_, _Regulus_, _E. nivalis_, and _F. montium_.

6th, southerly, still, clear; evening, S.S.W., nearly calm.--Early, heavy dew; Bremen, fog; scarcely any passage. _T. pilaris_, some. _Al. alpestris_, pretty numerous; _arvensis_, few; _E. nivalis_, _F. montium_, and _Par. major_, some. _Lestris catarrhactes_, a very fine specimen obtained; waited thirty years for it!

7th, southerly, still, clear; 9 A.M., fog whole day and night.--Nothing: one Firecrest. 10 P.M., when for a short time clear, great many _Num. arquata_ passing overhead.

8th, E., early, morning, fog; A.M., S.E., thick, with clouds; evening clear.--Nothing. Early in the morning, _T. torquatus_ passing overhead. Towards evening, great many _F. cœlebs_ and _cannabina_, alighting from great height.

9th, E.S.S., fresh, hazy clouds, cold.--_T. pilaris_, _Al. arvensis_, pretty numerous; _arborea_, a few.

_Fr. cœlebs_, _chloris_, _spinus_, _linaria_, _cannabina_, _montium_, all great many. _E. citrinella_ and _nivalis_, also great many.

10th, S.E., fresh, hazy clouds drifting along; evening clear, still.--During night some Woodcocks and Ring Ouzels at lighthouse.

_T. torquatus_ and _pilaris_, pretty numerous. _Al. arvensis_ and alpestris, less. _F. montium_, many; _linaria_, some. A few Woodcocks.

11th, S.E., moderate, clear, fine; evening, fog.--_St. otus_, one in thrushbush. _C. cornix_, pretty numerous early in the morning. _Sturnus_, less so. _Al. arvensis_, not many; _alpestris_, great many; _arborea_, ten to fifteen. . _Emb. miliaria_ and _citrinella_, pretty numerous. _F. cœlebs_, great many; _cannabina_, _chloris_, _montium_, _linaria_, many. _Col. palumbus_, some.

12th, southerly, fresh; night and all day, fog.--Nothing. During night, _T. torquatus_ and _pilaris_, _Ch. auratus_, and _Num. arquata_, heard at lighthouse.

13th, S.W., moderate, thick.--Nothing. Some _T. torquatus_ and _pilaris_. _E. miliaria_, a few.

14th, W., windy, rain.--Nothing. _T. pilaris_, rather numerous; perhaps east wind approaching.

15th, N.E., fresh; early, rain and hail squalls; from noon, clear.--_C. cornix_, a few small flights; _merula_ and _pilaris_, rather numerous, particularly the latter; _musicus_ also. _A. arvensis_, flights; also during night at Lighthouse. _A. alpestris_, small flights. _F. montium_, a party of from eighty to a hundred; _E. nivalis_, less.

16th, N. still, clear; during night some frost; evening calm, clouds from E.N.E., clear.--_C. cornix_, small flights. Sturnus, forty to fifty. _T. pilaris_, some flights. _Al. arvensis_, some; _alpestris_, great many; _arborea_, a few. _E. nivalis_, scattered; _F. montium_, twenty to forty. Woodcocks, about ten. _Col. palumbus_, some.

17th, S., faint, clear, somewhat below zero; evening, S.E., fresh.--Nothing; not a bird.

18th, S.S.E., still, clear, some frost.--Nothing. A few _C. cornix_, early passing overhead. _P. major_, a few flitting about.

19th, N., faint, scattered clouds, about zero; evening, E.N.E.--Nothing. Very few _C. cornix_, _Al. arvensis_, and _E. nivalis_. _F. linaria_, ten; _carduelis_, one. _Par. major_, some.

20th and 21st, S.E., windy, cloudy, below zero.--Nothing. _C. cornix_, about ten. _F. linaria_ and _E. nivalis_, a few.

22d, S.E., little wind, thick.--Nothing. _F. cannabina_, eight to ten. _Strix otus_, one.

23d, E. still, very thick; noon, N.E.; evening, E. by S., faint.--_T. pilaris_, several large flights, from 300 to 500. _C. cornix_, also many. _E. nivalis_, considerable numbers. _Ch. vanellus_, great many.

24th, E., windy, overcast; during night, S.E., very hard.--_C. cornix_ and T. pilaris, some flights. Accentor, some. _Cinc. aquaticus_ (_melanogaster_), one. _Anser_ and _Anas_, great many passing on.

25th, S.E., very hard, thick, some snow, a degree below zero.--Nothing. _T. pilaris_, a few. Some _Scol. gallinago_. _Anser_ and _Anas_, great many passing on over the sea.

26th, S.E., blowing hard, cloudy; night, stormy.--Early and forenoon, hundreds of _C. cornix_ passing overhead westward; otherwise, nothing.

27th, S.S.E., blowing hard, rain and snow; afternoon, S.W,--Nothing. Storm warning. Magnificent fall of stars, uninterrupted.

28th, S.S.W., windy, thick; night, stormy.--Nothing.

29th, N.W., somewhat better, windy, cloudy; evening, still, rain.--Nothing.

30th, W., fresh, clear.--Guillemots in the cliffs; rather early for these occasional visits.

=December.=

1st and 2d, W., violent, open clouds N.W., cirri N.--_T. pilaris_, a few hundreds on 2d. _Larus marinus_ and _argentatus_, astounding numbers in lee of Island.

3d, night, S.W. gale. Nos. 8 and 9, moving W., bitter; evening, S.W., moderate, cirri, N. by W.--Nothing. Storm warning.

4th, S.W., Nos. 8 and 9, rain and hail squalls.--Nothing.

5th, W. and W. by N., No. 8, hail and rain squalls; afternoon, a little better.--_Uria_, thousands in the cliffs at breeding places.

6th, Northerly, nearly calm.

7th, Northerly, nearly calm.--During night to 8th, larks pretty numerous at lighthouse.

8th, N.W., very faint, snow showers; evening, squally, with snow.--_T. pilaris_ and _merula_, some. _Fr. linaria_, several; _montium_, small flight, thirty to fifty. _Char. vanellus_, several. _Ch. auratus_ passing on at night during snow squalls.

9th, N. by W., violent, with snow squalls, between squalls still.--During night _Ch. auratus_ and _Num. arquata_, numerous passing over.

10th, N. and N.E., fresh, early snow squalls.--_C. cornix_, several. _T. pilaris_, small flights; _merula_, single birds. _F. linaria_, some.

11th, N.E. and N.N.E., moderate, clear; evening, calm.--_C. cornix_, pretty numerous.

12th, S.W., fresh, overcast.--_Alca alle_, thousands flying about on sea.

13th, W.S.W., faint, overcast, upper clouds N.N.W.--Nothing.

14th, W. and N.W., calm, overcast.--Nothing. Some _Lar. glaucus_, jr., between _argentatus_ and _marinus_.

15th, W., overcast, no wind.--Nothing.

16th, S.W., fresh; evening, very strong, W., rain.--Nothing.

17th, N.N.W., faint, overcast; evening, thick fine rain; night, fog.--Nothing.

18th, calm, fog; evening, faint, east.--_Larus minutus_, pretty numerous on sea.

19th, S.E. and S., faint, thick fog.--_Al. arvensis_, great many passing on, some alighting. Some _Al. alpestris_.

20th, 21st, 22d, S.W. and W., almost uninterrupted thick fog.

23d, N.E., very weak, cloudy.--_T. pilaris_, a flight of from 100 to 150. _F. montium_ and _Emb. nivalis_, some.

24th and 25th, W., fresh, overcast; during night foggy.

26th, north, still, fine.--_T. merula_, eight to ten, mounting after sunset from my garden on migration.

27th, W., fresh, clear; evening and night, stormy. No. 8, S.W.--Nothing. Great many _Lar. minutus_.

28th, S.W., stormy. No. 8, storm warning.--Nothing. Great many _Lar. minutus_.

29th, W., violent, hail and snow squalls.--Nothing. Great many _Lar. minutus_.

30th, northerly, fresh to violent; evening, N.W., little wind.--_Al. alpestris_, pretty numerous, flights of twenty and thereabout passing on the whole day.

31st, S.S.W., violent, thick; afternoon and all night, thick fog.--Nothing.

_Heligoland--Spring, 1886._

March 19th, S.E., 4 deg. below zero.--_Corvus frugilegus_, pretty numerous; _cornix_, a few. _Sturnus_, do. _Al. arvensis_, great many, enormous passage over sea.

_Mem._--At Hanover astounding numbers of "Crows," and great flights of _Ch. vanellus_.

20th, S.S.E., little wind, overcast; afternoon, thawing; evening, fog.--_F. æsalon_ and _tinnunculus_, some. _C. frugilegus_, thousands; _cornix_, less. _Sturnus_, _merula_, _musicus_, _iliacus_, all passing on. _Al. arvensis_, hundreds of thousands; _alpestris_ and _arboreus_, a few. _Anth. pratensis_, great many; _rupestris_, less. _F. cannabina_, some flights. _Ch. auratus_, _vanellus_, _hiaticula_, all great many. Fr. alpina, less. Scol. gallinago, several. Col. _palumbus_, some. Enormous masses passing on across the sea.

Hanover.--Crows, Larks, Wood Pigeons, _Ch. vanellus_, all in enormous numbers. _Ch. auratus_, less.

21st, fog.--Larks and Plover passing on above fog, their voices heard in great profusion.

22d, 23d, 24th.--All like 20th, passing over in enormous masses, particularly during night.

25th.--Crows, Rooks, Daws, passing on in millions. _Sturnus_, astounding numbers. All the above also in full swing passing on, joined by _rubecula_. Wagtails, _accentor_. _Sax. ænanthe_, _F. cœlebs_, _montium_, _Emb. citrinella_, _Syl. titys_, and a few Gold-crests, etc., etc.

In previous years the Heligoland notes have been incorporated with the returns from the East Coast of England, and they are now printed separately for the first time. The special thanks of the Committee are due to Mr Gätke for his interesting and valuable contributions to their report.

WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND.

Schedules, etc., were sent to thirty-four stations, not including the Isle of Man (five more), the schedules of which are passed on to Mr Eagle Clarke for incorporation with the West Coast of England. Of the thirty-four we have received returns from seventeen.

Additional interest and more painstaking schedule-work is evident at the more productive stations. From Monach Islands three schedules have been sent, but they are written straight across the columns, making it extremely difficult for the committee to tabulate the contents. As far as possible, the columns should be used for the purposes given in the headings, as otherwise the labours of members of committee is very largely increased. All the scheduled items must be passed first into a ledger for the purpose, under species in each month, in the season, and then only can the report be written out. We give prominence to this explanation, as we are very desirous that our reporters adhere to the columnar arrangement.

Here follows the list of stations:--

List of Stations.

Note: The names of the Reporters are given under "Diary from the Stations."

Returns
in 6 In
years. 1885. Values. Feet.

Sutherland.

4 81. Cape Wrath, III. 400
4 82. Rhu Stoir, II. 195

Outer Hebrides.

5 * 83. Butt of Lewis, I. 170
3 84. Stornoway, 2 lights, { II. } 56
{ I. }
3 85. Island Ghlais I. 130
5 * 86. Monach Isles, { I. 150
{ II. 62
2 87. Ushenish, N. Uist, VI. 176
2 * 88. Barra Head, II. 683
0 * 89. Rona, Skye, IV. 222
5 * 90. Kyleakin, W, Ross, IV. 53
2 91. Isle Oronsay, I. 58
2 92. Ardnamurchan, I.
6 * 93. Skerryvore and Hynish
Signal Tower, Tiree, II. 150
6 * 94. Dhuheartach, I. 146
5 95. Sound of Mull, V. 55
0 96. Corran Ferry, IV. 38
4 97. Lismore, Oban, I. 103
2 98. Fladda, Easdale, VI. 42
4 * 99. Rhuvaal, IV. 147
6 * 100. M'Arthur's Head, IV. 128
6 * 101. Skervuile, II. 73
6 * 102. Rhinns of Islay, IV. 159
2 103. Lochindaul, IV. 50
0 104. Mull of Kintyre, VI. 297
0 105. Sanda,
0 106. Devaar, II. 120
0 107. Pladda, Arran, II. 130
3 * 108. Lamlash, IV. 46
2 * 109. Turnberry, IV. 96
109B. Ailsa Craig, 1885,
5 * 110. Corsewall, IV. 112
5 111. Loch Ryan, I. 46
5 * 112. Portpatrick, I. 37
5 * 113. Mull of Galloway, II. 325
2 * 114. Little Ross, IV. 175

Diary from the Stations.

_Butt of Lewis._--Alexander Thompson and Gilbert Mackinnon, one schedule from March 24th to November 17th, carefully filled. On the 15th and 16th, large whales seen close to lighthouse, going S.E. on the flood tide. Starlings, Rock Doves, remain all the year round, and "Sandlarks" arrive in May, and stay till end of August. During July, "great flocks of Gannets continually going to and fro in search of fish." An amusing incident was witnessed by Mr Mackinnon. On the evening of the 10th August, a Gull got hold of a large "saith" fish[12]; was unable to rise with it, so it towed it to the rocks, and allowed the sea to wash it up on the rocks. Some boys went after it, when it took to the water again, and pulled the fish to another rock, and again allowed the sea to wash it up, where it eat its supper in peace.

[Footnote 12: _Gadus virens_, Lin.]

_Monach Isles._--Donald Georgeson--Three quarterly schedules. Mr Georgeson's schedules are able and masterly; and if we could have _all_ our schedules returned in a similar epitomised condition, no doubt much time might be saved; _but_ in the meantime, schedules coming from a . few stations out of so many stations, so epitomised, whilst the rest adhere rigidly to the columnar arrangement, makes it more troublesome to arrange details. Uniform attention to the columnar arrangement is simplest for the ledger work.

The following is an abstract of Mr Georgeson's three quarterly schedules, and may be referred to under _species_ in the next portion of the report:--

Mr Georgeson writes--"This is an island little frequented by either land or sea birds. The only birds that struck the lantern were a few Snow Buntings and the Common Tern [Arctic Tern _vera_?.--J. A. H. B.] Towards the end of January we had a severe gale from the S.W." Mr G. found several Terns and Snow Buntings "dead from exposure." "_The S.W. is the prevailing wind here._" (Explaining, perhaps, the above stated scarcity of birds, as pressing them more easterly on their S.E. course after doubling Butt of Lewis.--J. A. H. B.) A single Snipe appeared among the "marshy pools" of the islands. "In January and February I observed a large flock of Wild Geese, coming from the U.E., and after resting on the outlying rocks here, they rose and flew west in the direction of St Kilda." Shieldrakes--Two males and one female, in February, seen feeding on the island, and three Common Gulls and two Black-Backed Gulls. 1st March. Fifty Linnets (Twites?) paid a visit,--wind south--stayed only a short time. A few Sandpipers remained a week, but departed when the weather broke. Rock Doves visited the island, but soon left. Sea birds observed from January 1st to March 31st are--Common Duck, Eider Duck, Northern Diver, and a few Scarts, but these also disappeared with a gale on the 20th March from quarters between S. and N.W.

In Mr Georgeson's next six months' bulletin, he reports:--

April 3d, wind S.W. Three Ravens and two Hooded Crows, and one _Golden Plover_--local migration. He also mentions Sand Larks arriving to breed about the 5th April. "The only land birds that remained the winter are a few Rock and Meadow Pipits, which breed here in large numbers; also about a dozen pairs of Wheatears and a few "Linnets" (_i.e._, Twites.--J. A. H. B.) Two nests of the Eider Duck on the island in May. Early in May the wind was light and variable. The only birds I saw were three Black-Backed Gulls and five Herring Gulls, and a few Eider Ducks, but as the breeding season advanced they left the island. Two pairs of Shielducks came to the island _from the direction of St Kilda_--wind light, N.E.--and were seen flying away in spring with their young in a N.E. direction. There are no Scarts here in the breeding season. They and other rock birds leave for more suitable rocks as the season advances. Large flocks of Pictarnies arrive here in June, and breed in great numbers, the island being covered with their nests.

In the last quarterly schedule Mr Georgeson tells us ;--By the 24th August the land birds had all left, except a few "Linnets" (_i.e._, _Twites_--J. A. H. B.), a few Rock and Marsh (_i.e._, "_Meadow_") Pipits. A _Corncrake_, a very unusual bird here, came to our garden on 11th August, but left on the corn being cut. September 7th, a few _Scarts_ returned, and fifty to sixty Kittiwakes. Many _Solan Geese_. Two Herons seen feeding on rocks on September 8th flew off on the 10th seaward. October 5th, large flock of Snow Buntings part of the day, and then flew off in a N.E. direction. On the 20th October a large flock of Wild Geese came from N.E. with a N.E. wind, lighted to rest, and then flew off _west_ (_i.e._, out to sea). Snipe usually remain over the winter at Monach, but leave in the breeding-season. On night of November 10th to 11th a Woodcock--a rare bird here--struck, along with Terns, Mavis, and Blackbirds. Another rare bird was found dead same morning, the name of which I do not know. "Exact colour of a Kittiwake, the size of a Stormy Petrel. (No doubt the Grey Phalarope, young bird of the year.--J. A. H. B.) A large flock of "Pictarnies" (_i.e._, Terns) came from E., rested, and then flew away west, wind N.E. at the time, on same day.

_Barra Head Lighthouse._--William Irvine. One short schedule from February to June. Mr Irvine writes:--"Bernacle Geese last seen on the 24th April on this island." There is some little confusion about Bernacle and Brent Geese. Could Mr Irvine send us a head of the so-called "Bernacle Geese?"--J. A. H. B.

Marten Swallows (_Hirundo urbica_) were seen on June 10th hawking over the surface of the ground. Major H. W. Feilden and Harvie-Brown visited Barra Head in 1871, and it is easily understood why it should _not_ be a favourable observatory of land birds. (See "Barra Head and Its Bird Life," and previous Reports.)

_Rona_, Skye.--Messrs Dunnet and M'Gaw send a short schedule--March 20th to November 17th. The contents appear under Species. Northern Divers seem to be often seen about this district of coast, and also at Kyleakin Ferry (_q.v._).

_Skerryvore._--Mr Thomas Dawson sends three carefully-filled schedules. Rush of Thrushes, &c., on 12th March, continuing on 15th to 16th. Several birds have been named from the wings sent by Mr Dawson; and from description and drawing the _Pomatorhine Skua must_ have been observed on the 25th May. Later Mr Dawson writes:--"Not one land bird seen here since 28th November till to-day." Date of last schedule, January 19th, 1886. Even the Eider Ducks have deserted us for months past. Yesterday, continuous flocks of either Marrots or Razorbills passing south. Fresh, variable.

_Kyleakin._--Messrs D. M'Culloch and John Clyne write, with two well-filled schedules.

This is an exceptional year here. On the 16th November, at 2.30 A.M., with fresh (?) breeze and haze, two "Mavises" and six Starlings struck--_the first birds known to strike the glass for the last eight years_--and others seen in the rays of light. More birds have been observed this season in a few minutes than have been noticed for years. On the 27th November, wind S.W., fresh, gale with snow all night, and two hours after the gale took off, great flocks of Starlings passed from 10 A.M. till dark, only a few inches from the ground. These birds had either been driven out of their course with the gale and snowstorm, or had taken a new course of their own accord.

_Dhuheartach_, S.W. of Iona.--Mr William Davidson sends two schedules carefully filled under correct columns--a practice which cannot be too highly commended.

_Skervuile._--Mr John Ewing also sends us four capital schedules, strictly adhering to the columnar arrangement.

_Rhinns of Islay._--Messrs Peter Anderson and James Ducat send eight excellent schedules, clearly proving, as has been done before, the superiority of this observation station; and I think in our first Report we give prominence to the situation as intercepting the S.E. flow of returning migrants from the Outer Hebrides.

Messrs Anderson and Ducat are much interested in the work, and many birds have been sent us by them for identification. They write:--"The last date on which we saw Solan Geese last year was on the last day of November, and the first day this year was on 29th February. Birds resident in the vicinity are, amongst others, Starling, Curlew, Snipe, Jack Snipe (?),[13] Twites or 'Rock Linnets,' Sparrows, and Larks. Later in summer Gannets or Solan Geese are seen daily 'flying east and west,' and 'circling about fishing, from an odd pair to 100 in all weathers,' A vast congregation of Marrots and Puffins fishing around the island on 19th August, and some hundreds of Gannets, old and young, 'floating along with the tide, so full they cannot rise.' All disappeared on 21st."

[Footnote 13: Does not breed in Britain: probably the Dunlin?--J. A. H. B.]

_N.B._--We would be obliged if Mr Anderson and Mr Ducat would adhere to the columnar arrangement, and not write across the red lines, or as little as they can help.

Hundreds of Moths also are reported "of various sizes flying about the lantern on 7th September." A great Skua?--("Dirty Allan of the largest size")--seen on 7th September. Also on the night of the 3d September Messrs A. and D. write:--"We have had enormous numbers of what is locally called 'Jenny Long-legs' about the station for the past three or four weeks, and in the mornings there are great numbers of their legs and wings lying on the pavement. This morning, after putting out the light, I watched, when I saw about twenty Mosscheepers (_i.e._, Pipits) working hard to make their breakfast off them. _I never before_ saw so many Long-legs in the fall. There is a usual _run in April!_"

From Mr Peter Anderson we have the following earnest appeal to other stations:--

Rhinns of Islay Lighthouse,
_23d December 1885_.

Sir,--I beg to return you the concluding schedule for this
year, and most likely I have put a lot of remarks into it and
previous ones that are of little account, and some of the wings
I sent to you were most likely very common ones to you, although
they were strange to me, or I had some doubts about them; but
as I have now got the names of some of the odd ones in this
locality, I will not likely trouble you with so many again. If
my suggestion of including assistants as well as principals in
filling up the schedules has been of any advantage this year,
I would further suggest for 1886 that you should make a strong
appeal to all stations to try for one year to give you all the
information (and especially those who have not as yet sent in any
or meagre returns) they can. First, what birds--or as many as
they can ascertain--breed in then' near locality. Second, when do
Stonechicks (which I believe are all over Scotland), Snow Buntings,
Robins, Wrens, and several other small birds arrive which make
their appearance only at certain seasons. In looking over the
Report for 1884, the point that annoyed me most was, that I could
not make out the names and terms of all the different species; but
at John o' Groat's School thirty-five years ago there was no word
of Latin. In '84's Report I expected to have seen better reports
from some stations that I know, such as North Unst, Start Point,
and Noss Head. At North Unst there are several migrants which build
on the rock, and I wondered to see no account of Mother Carey's
Chickens, as they breed on the rock, and at the end of August they
annoyed us a good deal by striking the lantern and emitting an oily
substance on the glass. At Start Point the Sheldrake breeds, and
I have seen the Stock Duck breed on it also; and I was told there
were thirteen species of Ducks frequented that locality, and I have
seen Teal and Widgeon there in hundreds. Also at Noss Head there
are various classes of birds which visit it in the breeding season.
I once knew of a Grebe got in a small pond there. Trusting you
won't feel annoyed at the above remarks, I am, etc.,

Peter Anderson.

_Lamlash._--Messrs David Scott and Robert Brown send us one schedule. The remark occurs that "the Thrush is becoming very scarce here."

_Turnberry._--A carefully-filled schedule--dating March 11 to November 10--sent by Messrs Andrew Nisbet (principal) and Wm. Beggs (assistant). Species well distinguished.

_Corsewall._--A good schedule also from Mr Robert Laidlaw, and all the species apparently well distinguished.

_Portpatrick._--Mr James Beggs sends a short but good schedule, with the remark: "Migration of birds this season has been very slight, and we think the cause is owing to so much prevailing winds from the west occurring on this coast [_i.e._, taking the birds further west at further north points.--J. A. H. B.]. Flights of Black Crows [Rooks.--J. A. H. B.] come and go to this vicinity all the winter through. [_Note._--Ravens are known to congregate on this coast at certain points.--J. A. H. B.] Great flights of Gannets in July, August, and September, and then cease till early spring. Fly both ways--north and south."

On November 10, _Red-legged Kaw_ seen flying south at 3.40 P.M., close to lighthouse. (Is this still of the native breed, or a migrant from further north?--J. A. H. B.)

_Mull of Galloway._--Two well-filled schedules from Messrs Alex. Murray and John M'Quarrie. "A large Grey Owl. picked up one of the small birds on the grating on the 17th October, plucked it, and swallowed it whole. I tried to catch it, but it flew off."

_Little Ross._--Mr James Ferrier I have to thank for two excellently-prepared schedules; and we feel sure that this station, though it may not yield large numerical returns, will give returns of considerable interest, whether negative or positive.

Separate Report under Genera and Species.

Turdidæ.--_In Spring_, a few odd birds--Blackbirds and Thrushes--passed 93 (Skerryvore) and 114 (Little Ross). In March, these increased in numbers at both these stations on 7th, 11th, 12th, and 15th, and odd birds were also noticed at 109 (Turnberry) on 11th and 13th. Apparently almost a rush noticed at 93, with wind light N.W. on 12th, but S.W. and haze on 15th. Fieldfares also noted at Little Ross on 24th, with strong S.E.; one killed. On April 14th, a rush of Thrushes at 94 (Dhuheartach) all night, light variable wind and haze; also Redwings and Blackbirds at Rhinns of Islay on 12th, and two Ring Ouzels all night at Little Ross. Blackbirds seen flying S.W. at 94, on 17th June, complete the spring records.

_In Autumn._--Scarcely any movement in September, but in October, considerable numbers of _Turdidæ_. Earliest record in autumn, one Thrush on 1st September at 109, and one Ring Ouzel on 15th at 102 (Rhinns of Islay); and latest record November 16th [if we except two records on 22d and 23d January 1886, which really belong either to local influence, or is a beginning of the spring migration of 1886]. Thus the migration of _Turdidæ_, in 1885 is almost unique amongst our records for the shortness, suddenness, and rapidity with which it was accomplished, occupying limits strongly defined in time by the above dates, _viz._, in all--leaving out the two solitary September records--only from 9th October to 16th November, or 38 days. The stations participating in the rush are 93 (Skerryvore), 94 (Dhuheartach), 101 (Skervuile), 102 (Rhinns of Islay), 108 (Lamlash), 109 (Turnberry), 113 (Mull of Galloway), and 114 (Little Ross). More specialised rushes were:--On 17th, of _Thrushes_ and _Missel Thrushes_ at 94, and of _Redwings_ at Rhinns of Islay; on 10th and 11th November, of Missel Thrushes and Fieldfares, with few Mavises, at 93, 94, and of the same species in small numbers, with large numbers of Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Redwings, on 9th, 10th, 11th, up to 16th, at all stations. Most at 93 and 94, but movement extensive and general at all, and suddenly over by the 16th, if we except one solitary record of five Mavises on the 21st at (Kyleakin) 90, the only record from that station of _Turdidæ_. Prevailing wind strong S.S.E. to S.E., and back to S., all these two months; sometimes northerly in October, but never for long.

Saxicolinæ.--_In Spring_, an extensive migration of Wheatears and (or) "Stonechats." [The name Stonechat is the one almost universally used at 93, 94, 101, 102, and 113, but "Wheatear"--the more correct name for the species intended--is used at 88 (Fladda) and 114 (Little Ross). The true Stonechat has a black head, and is about the same size as a Whinchat, _i.e._, much smaller than the Wheatear. But the name "Stonechat" is of almost universal use in Scotland for the Wheatear--indeed, a generally accepted local name.] Earliest record in spring, April 4th, at 102 (Rhinns of Islay); latest, 2d June, at 93 (Skerryvore). The general rush took place between the 11th and 20th, and appears to have been unusually heavy, such terms being used, at all stations, as "numbers all night," "fifty," "forty," "great numbers," "rush all night," "hundreds all night," etc. Perhaps 12th and 13th had the greatest share, but it would be difficult to say which station participated most largely. 109 (Turnberry), however, has only one record of odd birds on 14th April. The May records are all at 93 and 94, and are all light. There are also two records of Whinchats at 114, on 21st and 2 2d of April. The prevailing wind was easterly in April, and oftener S. of E. than N. of E. In May the wind was westerly at 93 and 94, and again S.E. at 93 on June 2d, the latest record.

_In Autumn_, a partial rush took place at 101 (Skervuile), where "numbers at midnight" were seen on the 6th. Records come from the following stations, principally 93 and 94, a few from 101 and 102. All records in September are from 93 and 94, and all are very light indeed, except at 94 upon the 6th September, when a rush of Stonechats, Wagtails, and Titlarks took place, with light S.E. breeze and haze, at 1 A.M. Prevailing wind S.E, August and September.

Silviinæ.--In March, two records of Robin at 93 (on 15th), and (Turnberry) 109 on 14th, S.S.E. at latter station, and light S.W. haze at former. Three other light records at 94 (Dhuheartach), 101 (Skervuile), and 102 (Rhinns of Islay) on 12th and 13th April, and one record of Whitethroats on 5th May at 114 (Little Ross).

_In Autumn_, no great movement observed, and only single records in August at 89 (Rona) on 1st, and at 90 (Kyleakin) on 25th, at 108 (Lamlash) on 23d, and Turnberry on 24th--the latter returned as a "Garden Warbler," the others of Robins.

Phylloscopinæ.--Gold-Crest--Mere indications only of a spring movement, and that only at 114 (Little Ross), single records on 12th, 15th, and 18th April. Wind easterly on first two dates, but light W. on the last, with haze, when five Gold-Crests rested on the lantern glass all night. In May, Wood Warblers are returned at 114 on 20th and 21st, light S.E. and S., one killed.

The autumn migration also extremely faintly marked. One single record on 23d September, wind N.N.W., overcast, 9.35 P.M.; and two on 10th and 17th at 101 (Skervuile) and 114 respectively; wind on 10th N.N.E., clear, and on 17th at 114 variable and hazy. All relate to Gold-Crests.

Acrocephalinæ.--No records.

Paridæ.--Tits--One Titmouse at 113 (Mull of Galloway) on 14th April; wind light, S.E.

_In Autumn._--Single record on 17th August at 113, wind light, N.W., clear; one on 1st September at 109 (Turnberry), and two at 113 on October 9th and 19th.

Troglodytidæ.--Common Wren--A few single records in April and May, about seven in all, at 93, 94, 109, and 114.

_In Autumn._--One record in August 1st at 89 (Rona), one record in September at 110 (Corsewall), and half a dozen or so in October at five stations--102, 108, 109, 110, 113. Six seen at noon on 23d; strong N". breeze and haze.

Motacillidæ.--Wagtails--On 12th May two, at 9 A.M., at 93 (Skerryvore), and five at 11 A.M. at 88 (Barra Head) ;-wind S.W. at 93, and fresh W. at 88. The above the only spring records.

_In Autumn._--Two light records on 24th and 28th, both at 94 (Dhuheartach); north on first date, light S.S.E. on second date. Two light records on 3d September at 113 (Mull of Galloway), and on 4th at 93. Indication of general movement on 14th and 16th at 89 (Rona), 93, 94, 102, and 113. Two light records in October 11th and 29th at 90 (Kyleakin), and 112 (Portpatrick).

Of Pipits, one record at 93 on 13th April; light, S.E., haze. In autumn, two records only at 94 and 101, quite faint; wind, light, east.

Muscicapidæ.--No records of Flycatchers.

Hirundinidæ.--_In Spring_, between 17th and 28th, five records at 102 (six seen, light, S.W.), at 109 (two seen on 20th, light, S., rain), at 113, two on 21st, S., and fog, and two on 28th; and at 114, four, the first observed on the 17th April. In May, one at 93 on 26th, four at 108 (Lamlash) on the 9th, and six on the 11th.

_In Autumn._--A few records in August--a flock on 17th at 110 (Corsewall), all day, and flocks on 31st at 113 (Mull of Galloway), flying S.E. against E. breeze. Martins were also seen at Barra Head. In September Swallows and Swifts (see _Cypselidæ_) at 90 (Kyleakin) on 15th, and Swallows at 94 on 1st, and at 102 on 12th, 14th, and 16th--an appearance of a rush. Wind, S. gale on 12th, S.W., and birds flying in a southerly direction. In October, considerable evidence between 6th and 11th at 114. The 11th the latest date of record.

Fingillidæ.--_In Spring:_ Sparrows and Finches noted at 86 (Monach Isles, 9, v. under Diary) on April 17th. In May, Sparrows at 93, 94. On 23d and 24th, "Linties" at 93 on 25th; and Tree Sparrows, two, at 93 on 26th--light S.E.--"resting on rocks."

_In Autumn._--On 17th September, Sparrows at 113 in flocks, and fifty "Rock Linnets" at 102 (Rhinns of Islay). (Probably Twites, or possibly Redpoles.--J. A. H. B.). In October, a flock of 200 "Rock Linnets" at 102 on 6th and 7th, and thousands of "Grey Linnets" at 90 (Kyleakin); on 9th, Rock Linnets? Grey Linnets? Evident rush of Linnets, accompanied at 101 by a number of Tree Sparrows on 9th November. Rush lasted 7th, 8th, and 9th October, and another rush appears to have taken place 4th at 102; 8th, at 90. Chaffinches, two only on 13th at 114. A few Grey Linnets at 90 on 25th December.

Emberizidæ.--Scarcely any indication at all. One record of Snow Buntings on 6th October; two birds at 102, one in November at 94 on 14th, and of Yellow Buntings at 114 on 10th. The Snow Buntings are returned as "old birds resting on the rocks" of 102. Wind in October at date of record, fresh S.W., and in November strong N., at 94, and strong E., haze, at 114.

Alaudidæ.--Larks--A considerable spring migration, but February records are possibly really belonging to past winter movements. We give them here, however:--

15th, Larks at 90, 500 flying south, 9.40 A.M.; snow, calm.

13th, Larks at 93, two on lantern, 2 A.M.; fresh, S.E.

In March, on 7th, four Larks at 114, N. to S.W., clear. On 12th, a number at 93, and 12 at 94; and up to 15th, also at 109. In April, a rush took place on 14th, and leading up to it from the 12th at 93, 94, and 102; wind, light easterly. Again, large numbers on 18th May at 86, and many remain till end of August.

_In Autumn._--A rush, but not very large, at 102 on 16th; fewer on 17th September. A rush again on 17th October at 94, and indications at 90, 94, 102, 109, 113 throughout October, and up to 17th of November. Another rush at 94 on 11th November, and small rush at 102 all forenoon on 16th. Stations 101, 109, 110, and 114 participated, but in a very small degree.

Sturninæ.--Starlings--_In Spring:_ Four days in February, a few only at 101, 110 (Corsewall), 114, between 12th and 23d. Also a few light returns on five days in March, at 93, 109, 114, between 8th and 24th. Bush from 9th to 20th April, principally 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, at 113 (Mull of Galloway)--wind S.E. and S.S.E. and haze--but also rush at 94 (Dhuheartach) on 14th, and on 11th and 20th at 110 (Corsewall). No more records till June 27th, when thirty to forty at 113 (Mull of Galloway), "mixed old and young."

_In Autumn._--Earliest on 15th August at 102; hundreds old and young flying about all day--wind S., clear--and on 19th at 89 (Rona). "Starlings" on 19th August. In September, flocks on four dates--7th, 16th, 18th, and 25th--at 90 (Kyleakin), 112 (Portpatrick), and 113 (Mull of Galloway), almost a rush--"flights," "flock," etc., being itemed. In October, all the month, from 10th to 30th, rush at 94 on 17th (strong E.); rush at 102 on 21st; "great numbers," "flying about from daylight till 10 A.M.," light, east. "Great numbers" on 30th at 109 (Turnberry). In November, 4th to 20th, almost continuous. Such records as "rush all night" on 10th at 94. "Thousands from 10 A.M. till dark" on 16th at 90 (Kyleakin), flying south. "Numbers all morning," 10th (all day), 13th, and 14th, at 102 (Rhinns of Islay). "Numbers" at 110 (Corsewall) on 10th and 11th; and indications at following stations throughout the autumn--89, 90, 102, 93, 94, 101, 102, 108, 109, 110, 112, 113, 114. A most general and abnormally extensive migration. In December, latest 31st to January 1886--20th January, "some" at 102 and 114.

Corvidæ.--In order of abundance in _Spring:_ February (one), March (one), April (four records), May (two). 1. Ravens--Seven on three days in April, 4th, 17th, and 20th; two days in May, 1st and 13th--light S.E., or variable. 2. Grey Crows and Black Crows, one day in February; six birds on March 16th; two on one day in April at 94. Wind easterly.

_In Autumn._--In order of abundance in autumn: Nine months: August (three dates), September (two), October (eleven), November (six). Of _Ravens_, two on 20th and 22d February; seven on 9th September, W. gale. Grey and Black Crows or "Crows," one record on 7th August, "seen flying S.W. at 102; wind E., light clear;" 500 on 17th at 102 of "Crows" flying S.W. to sea, then turned and went N.W. (These large flights _are_ no doubt _Rooks_, not "Crows," not "Carrion Crows," _not_ "Grey Crows.") "Black Crows and Carrion Crows" (_i.e._, I suppose, "Rooks and Carrion Crows."--J. A. H. B.) are also given at 102 in October; wind always easterly. All November, indications, but no great rush. No records in December, but one in January 1886. "A flock of sixty on 25th at 102." Rooks and Jackdaws, few. Stations returning _Corvidæ_ are in order of largest returns--102, far beyond all other stations; 86, 94 (Jackdaws one), 101 (Rooks), 113. Species are in order of numbers--Carrion Crows, Ravens, Rooks, Jackdaw.

Cypselidæ.--29th April, one at 90 noted, and others at 90 again on 15th September, the only records of Swifts.

Cuculidæ.--Cuckoo, first heard 30th April at 90 (Kyleakin) and at 113 (Mull of Galloway). First heard at 101 (Skervuile) on 6th May, at 110 (Corsewall) on 8th May, and on 11th at 108 (Lamlash). No autumn records.

Strigidæ.--Grey Owl.--One large Grey Owl, 17th October, at ______? (omitted in Ledger).

Falconidæ.--April and June. Mostly, no doubt, local visits of "Hawks," "Falcon Hawks," "Sparrow Hawks," at 86, 93, 94 (daily in April). Also in autumn, of the same and Kestrel, and a "Large Hawk" at 102 on 11th November, flying east, wind S.W., haze; and at 98, 102, and 108, in addition to the above stations in spring.

Pelicanidæ.--Spring records less numerous than usual. February, one at 101 on 8th; one at 101 on 27th March; two at 108 on 1st and 4th April, and two at 94 on 14th April; May, three records at 101--14th, 19th, and 29th; and June, four records, all light, at 94, 101, and 114. Curiously, records of Gannets or Solan Geese--as they are called--are seldom numerously returned on this coast. [_N.B._--We would be obliged to our reporters at all the stations if, for next year, they would give up one schedule entirely to Gannets or Solan Geese, and enter daily observations of the species, including their numbers seen, occupation, direction of flights and of wind, hours of appearance and disappearance, etc.] In July a few itemed under three dates--1st, 12th, and 16th to 20th. None in August, September, October, or November, nor January 1886, except one of hundreds at 102, fishing close to rocks, on 16th September, and the record of "Extra Nos." at 102 on 2d October, showing their daily appearance, though not recorded.

Ardeidæ.--Herons: Few records, and none of any significance: one in March on 1st at 114; one in October at 102, on 7th; and one at 102 on 6th December.