Chapter V: Part 5

Anatidæ.--Grey Geese [I wish I had heads of all the Geese sent me] at 102 on 28th February; belongs, no doubt, to last season. No more records of Geese till autumn: "Large Geese"? September 17th, at 102; "Grey Geese," 10th October, at 102; one "Goose" at 102 on November 11th. Odd records of Barnacle Geese. _Eider Ducks._--April 17th and 21st, at 94 and 102 respectively; also same place, 17th May, "3 [male], 3 [female] flying west." Then in autumn, 25th and 26th September, at 94 and 102.

[After this the dates of arrival and departure will be desired, whether they breed at the station or not, and if any unusual numbers appear. Odd records occur, also, of Teal, Widgeon, and Wild Duck, of little interest, but should, of course, always be returned in schedules. "Swans" are noted at 86 (Monach Isles) on 24th March 1885.]

Columbidæ.--Doves: May records at 90 (Rona) of Wood Pigeons on 21st, and Rock Doves on 28th. _In Autumn._--Only two records in September and December, of twenty-five and twenty respectively, in S.W. wind.

Gallinæ.--One pair Pheasants at 102 on 16th April, lighted on the island at 3 P.M.--an unusual occurrence. _In Autumn._--On 20th October, a Hen Pheasant at 102 again, shot, "rare;" and again two Pheasants at 102, male and female, fresh E. breeze, haze on island. (This looks like determined endeavour to extend range.--J. A. H. B.)

Rallinæ.--21st May, at 88 (Barra Head), fresh N.E., cloudy; 23d May, at 102, "first heard," and one shot, light N. breeze, clear; 24th, at 90 (Kyleakin), "first heard," 8 P.M., rain. _In Autumn._--One at 108 (Lamlash) on 24th October, fresh N.W., clear. One Water Rail on 13th November at 114; killed on dome.

Charadriadæ.--August, one at 109 on 17th--Golden Plover. Grey Plover (identified by wings, J. A. H. B.), at Dhuheartach on 8th September. Very few records of G. Plovers, Oyster Catchers, and most about September 17th at 94, 102, 109.

But Lapwings bulk largely in October and November. Earliest, August 10th; latest, December 15th; rush if discernible: 100 on 20th October; "numbers" about 9th to 11th November at 93, 94, 102, 113, 114.

Scolopacidæ.--January 1885, one at 90 (Kyleakin), belongs to 1884; one at 90 again on 17th February (?); none in March (! ?); April, one on 15th at 94, light S.E. _In Autumn._--October 18th, one at 86, and one at 90; and one at 101 and one at 102 on 9th November. _Curlews:_ Many records as usual, but Ave fear of little value as regards tracing migrations; and a few records of Snipe and Jack Snipe. _Sandpipers:_ Two records in June and October at 101, and one in February, same place.

Laridæ.--Terns: "Terns" at 101 on 22d, 23d, and 24th May, light S.W., clear, and variable. First seen at 114 on June 22d, S.W. breeze (see also under Monach Isles "Diary"). In August, four records at 101 (Skervuile), between 16th and 22d, light N. and N.E. _Gulls:_ April, at 101 and 102, feeding on herring-fry--Kittiwakes, "Gulls," etc. May, Skuas, "Boatswain Birds," Black Headed Gull, on six dates at 93 and 101. Kittiwakes, "Dirty Allans," and Herring Gulls, at 86, 94, and 101 respectively, on 17th, 21st, and 26th June respectively. In July, at 101 and 108, Boatswain Birds, 1st to 14th; at 101, and other scattered records. Ditto, at 101, in August 1st, 4th, and 6th, and 16th, 17th, and 19th and 21st, and a few other Gulls. September, Kittiwakes at 101. In November, "Iceland Gulls" at 94 on 6th and 16th; Boatswain Birds and others at 101. Odd records in December.

_Procellariidæ._--One record--one caught at 86 (Monach Isles) on 5th September. One, "rare here," at 114 on 13th November.

Colymbidæ.--G. N. Divers occur every month except October and December; at 101 in February, March, April, May, and November; at 90 in March, August; at 86 on 5th September; and in November at 89, 93, 94, 101, 102, 114. The above are nearly all single records, or at most a pair.

Alcidæ.--"Tysties" at 101, 12th April, and Scarts; and the former on 11th May at 101. Thousands at 102 of Puffins, October 15th, 1885. Other records very light.

WEST COAST OF ENGLAND AND WALES, AND THE ISLE OF MAN.

Schedules were sent to the forty-eight lighthouses and light-vessels on the West Coast of England and Wales, and the Isle of Man, and returns have been received from twenty-nine.

The following is an enumeration of the stations included in this section of the Report, those making returns being marked by an asterisk:--

No. on
Map.

Isle of Man.

115. L.H. Point of Ayre.
116. L.H. Douglas Head.
* 117. L.H. Langness, Robt. Clyne.
* 118. L.H. Chickens Rock, James Black.
119. L.V. Bahama Bank.

N. W. England.

* 120. L.H. St Bees, Henry Nott.
* 121. L.V. Selker, Geo. Cumming.
122. L.V. Morecambe Bay.
* 123. L.V. Dee, Messrs Work and Clague.

North Wales.

124. L.H. Air.
* 125. L.H. Menai, Joseph Steer.
* 126. L.H. Skerries, Wm. Jno. Rees.
* 127. L.H. Holyhead Breakwater, Messrs Pritchard, Owen,
and Hughes.
* 128. L.H. South Stack, W. R. Burgess.
* 129. L.V. Carnarvon Bay, Messrs Thomas and
Hughes.
* 130. L.H. St Tudwal's, W. Davies.
* 131. L.H. Bardsey Island, Thomas Bowen.
132. L.V. Cardigan Bay.

South Wales

* 133. L.H. South Bishop, Alfred Frost.
* 134. L.H. Smalls, Geo. Baker.
135. L.H. Great Castle Head.
136. L.H. Milford.
* 137. L.H. Caldy, Wm. Ebben.
138. L.V. Helwick.

Bristol Channel.

139. L.V. Scarweather.
* 140. L.H. Nash (E.), Henry Nicholas.
* 141. L.H. Breaksea, Thomas Walters.
* 142. L.H. Flatholm, W. Dale.
143. L.V. English and Welsh Grounds.
* 144. L.H. Usk, Amos Russell.
145. L.H. Avon.
* 146. L.H. Burnham, Wm. Lewis.

South-Western England.

* 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, Jno. W. Watson.
* 154. L.V. Sevenstones, D. Norton.
* 155. L.H. Wolf Rock, J. J. Channer.
156. L.H. Scilly.
* 157. L.H. Bishop's Rock, J. W. Troth.
158. L.H. Lizard.
159. L.H. Falmouth Harbour.
* 160. L.H. Eddystone, Wm. Ainger.
161. L.H. Plymouth Breakwater.
* 162. L.H. Start Point, Wm. Jones.

The best thanks of the Committee are due to the above-named observers for their invaluable assistance, and for the faithful manner in which they have filled in their schedules. To Mr Henry Nicholas, Mr Robert Clyne, and Messrs Work and Clague, we are in addition indebted for their kindness in sending wings, etc., of the, to them, unknown species killed or captured at their respective stations, by which means we have been able to add not a little to the value and interest of the returns. We trust their good example may be followed by others. The trifling expenses incurred will be only too gladly refunded in all cases. Our thanks are also due to Messrs Macpherson and Duckworth, Messrs F. Reynolds, G. H. Caton-Haigh, R. P. Harper, and H. Harbord, for their kind co-operation in furnishing valuable independent observations.

Diary of the Principal Movements.

The order of the stations is from north to south. The wind and weather are given in parenthesis. For the weather the symbols of the Beaufort Scale have been adopted;[14] and the force of the wind ranges from 0 to 12.

[Footnote 14: 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.]

_April 13th._

_Langness_ L.H.--Wheatears very numerous; great numbers all night. Nine killed. (E.S.E., light, haze.)

_Bahama Bank_ L.V.--Fifty-two "Stonechatters" (? Wheatears), at 11.30 P.M.; twelve killed, forty captured alive, also two Blackbirds and six Daws killed at same time. (S. by E., 5, misty.)

_Bull Point_ L.H.--A Goldcrest at lantern at 9.30 P.M.

_April 18th._

_Rockliffe, Cumberland._--Great numbers of birds passing in parties every fifteen minutes, at 8.45 P.M. until 11.30 P.M., and perhaps later. They were passing in a N.E. direction at great speed, and calling. Mr Smith distinguished Geese, Golden-eyes, and Widgeon. (N.W., fine, clear, moonlight.)

_April 22d._

_Langness_ L.H.--Ten Sedge Warblers and three Wheatears on lantern, from 1 to 4 A.M. A good many Swallows flying north between 1 and 3 P.M. One Grasshopper Warbler at 3 P.M.

_Bahama Bank_ L.V.--"About five dozen White and Blue Throats and Stonechats at 3 A.M., eight killed." (S.W., 4; O. R.)

_Flatholm_ L.H.--Small flocks of Chiff-Chaff all night.

_October 8th to 12th._

_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--"From the 8th to the 12th of October large flocks of migrants were to be seen in the southern parts of the Isle of Man, and were principally composed of Thrushes, Starlings, Linnets, Redbreasts, Blackbirds, and Wrens."

_October 10th._

_South Stack_ L.H.--Several Larks, Blackbirds, and Goldcrests, between 12 P.M. and 4 A.M.

_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--Large flocks of Larks to-day.

_Nash (E.)_ L.H.--A large flock of Fieldfares at 4 P.M.

_October 16th._[15]

[Footnote 15: For the prevailing meteorological conditions from October 16th to 20th, see observations under the "General Remarks" on this section of the Report.]

_Langness_ L.H.--One Wild Goose at 5 P.M.

_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--Large numbers of Thrushes, Starlings, and other birds all night.

_Dee_ L.V.--Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, Titlarks, and Linnets about the vessel all night. (S.S.E., 3; fog.)

_Skerries Rock_ L.H.--Blackbirds, Larks, Thrushes, Starlings, Snipes, and Woodcocks flying around the lantern; some killed. (E., 4; misty.)

_South Stack_ L.H.--Starlings from 8 A.M. till 1 P.M.

_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--Fifty Starlings at 4 P.M.; a large flock of Larks at 9 A.M.

_South Bishop_ L.H.--Thirty Starlings, twenty Thrushes, fourteen Blackbirds, and four Larks killed between 12.30 and 2.30 A.M. Several Mistletoe Thrushes at 9 A.M. (E.N.E., 9; B. C. M.)

_Nash (E.)_ L.H.--Seventy to eighty Starlings, twenty-one killed; twenty to thirty Thrushes, two killed; eight to ten Blackbirds, six killed. (E., 3; O. M.)

_Bull Point_ L.H.--Four Starlings, two Thrushes, and one Blackbird killed.

_Godrevy_ L.H.--Great numbers of Thrushes, Redwings, and Starlings, and a few Blackbirds. (E, 3; M. R.) Two dozen killed between 12 P.M. and 5 A.M.

_Longships_ L.H.--A good many Starlings and Fieldfares between 2 A.M. and daylight; a few killed.

_Bishop Rock_ L.H.--A few Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, and Starlings between 1 A.M. and daylight. (E.N.E., 7; squally, rain, and mist.)

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Several Thrushes, Redwings, Starlings, and Larks, from 12 P.M. to 3 A.M. Several struck. Sixteen caught. (N.E., 8; O. R. M.)

_October 17th._

_Langness_ L.H.--Four or five Common Wrens; large flock of Grey Linnets; large flocks of Skylarks; and a few Song Thrushes at 11 A.M. (E, light; haze.)

_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--Large numbers of Thrushes, Starlings, "and other birds not made out," throughout the night. (E. to S.E., strong breeze; showers and haze.)

_St Bees_ L.H.--Three Grey Geese and large numbers of Fieldfares at noon.

_Dee_ L.V.--Redwings, Thrushes, and Titlarks from midnight to sunrise. (S.S.E., 3; fog.) Some killed. Titlarks, Blackbirds, Chaffinches, and Linnets flying in company around the vessel during the morning.

_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--Three small "Pinks" on deck at 1 P.M.

_St Tudwal's_ L.H.--One Blackbird at 7 A.M.

_South Bishop_ L.H.--Several Starlings and flocks of Linnets in the forenoon; two Goldcrests on the rock all day.

_Smalls_ L.H.--One Ring Ouzel passing at noon. "White Buntings" about the rocks.

_Flatholm_ L.H.--Enormous flocks of Martins and Swallows all day.

_Bideford Bar_ L.H.--Four Grey Geese at 9 A.M.

_October 18th._

_Langness_ L.H.--Flock of thirty Lapwings at 11 A.M. One Swallow at 3 P.M.

_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--Large numbers of Thrushes, Starlings, and other birds throughout the night. (E. and S.E., 6; P. M.)

_Dee_ L.V.--Large flocks of Titlarks and Blackbirds in company flying south all day.

_South Stack_ L.H.--Six Blackbirds, one Thrush, and one Titlark killed between 4 and 6 A.M. (Calm; C. M.) Small flocks of Larks and Finches going N.W. from 8 A.M. to noon.

_South Bishop_ L.H.--Seven Martins appeared.

_Nash (E.)_ L.H.--Two Thrushes and two Blackbirds killed at 3 A.M. (E., 3; O. M.)

_Godrevy_ L.H.--Two Swallows at 1 P.M.

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Three Redwings and several Titlarks struck at 5 A.M.

_October 19th._

_Langness_ L.H.--Numbers of Starlings at lantern between land 3 A.M.

_Dee_ L.V.--Large quantity of small birds about the vessel from midnight to sunrise. Lapwings, Sand-Larks, Redwings, Skylarks, and Blackbirds killed; many others falling overboard. A Yellow-Hammer and Stonechat alive on deck. (E. by S., 1; fog.)

_Holyhead Breakwater_ L.H.--One Northern Diver at noon going west.

_South Stack_ L.H.--Blackbirds, Thrushes, Ring Ouzels, and Larks from 1 to 6 A.M. Thirty killed. (E., 3; C. M.)

_Flatholm_ L.H.--"Crested Wrens first seen."

_Bull Point_ L.H.--One Blackbird and one Thrush struck at 3 A.M.

_October 20th._

_Langness_ L.H.--A flock of Lapwings at 11 A.M.; one Swallow 3 P.M.

_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--About a dozen small birds at 3 A.M.; three Crows at 11.40 P.M.

_South Bishop_ L.H.--Two Larks and four Blackbirds at 3 A.M.; three Starlings at 4.30 A.M.; several Wrens at 10.30 A.M.; one Hawk at 3 P.M. (N. to N.N.W., 4; B. C. V.)

_Flatholm_ L.H.--A large flock of Swallows at noon.

_Godrevy_ L.H.--Several Starlings, Thrushes, and Blackbirds at light from 2 to 5 A.M.

_Longships_ L.H.--A great many Starlings from 3 A.M. to daylight.

_Bishop Rock_ L.H.--Several Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, two or three Titlarks, Chaffinches, and Starlings from midnight to daylight.

_Eddystone_ L.H.--"Hundreds of birds here this morning. Missel Thrushes, Blackbirds, Ring Ouzels, Fieldfares, Thrushes, Redwings, Starlings, Larks, Wheatears, Flycatcher species, Robins, and Wagtails," from 2 to 5 A.M. (N.N.E., 3; C. M.) A great number striking and falling over. Twenty-three caught. "No Fieldfares striking."

_Start_ L.H.--Twelve Starlings, two Skylarks, one Thrush, and one Dishwasher [Wagtail] fluttering against the lantern at 3 A.M..

_October 30th._

_Langness_ L.H.--A few Blackbirds at 4 P.M.

_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--Numbers of Starlings, Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Fieldfares from 9 P.M. Numbers struck and fell over into the sea. (S.E., 6; D.)

_St Bees_ L.H.--Two Woodcock at 3 P.M.

_Selker_ L.V.--Flocks of Crows, Blackbirds, Titlarks, and Larks going south during the day.

_Dee_ L.V.--Do, do. do.

_South Stack_ L.H.--Ten Starlings killed.

_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--A few Starlings at 3 A.M. Large flocks of Larks all day.

_Smalls_ L.H.--A few Starlings at 8 P.M.

_Bideford Bar_ L.H.--One Sparrow struck at 9.30 P.M.

_Godrevy_ L.ii.--Four Starlings struck between 6 and 8 P.M.

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Flock of Golden Plovers; a large quantity of Starlings and Larks, Grasshopper Warbler [?] and Goldcrests between 7.30 and 10 P.M. Twenty-eight killed. (S.E., 1; C. D. M.)

_November 8th._[16]

[Footnote 16: For the prevailing meteorological conditions for November 8th to 13th, see observations under General Remarks section of this Report.]

_Langness_ L.H.--Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Redwings between 8 P.M. to 6 A.M. (S.E., 2; M.)

_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--Large numbers of Thrushes, Blackbirds, Larks, and Starlings throughout the night. (S., 2; M.)

_Selker_ L.V.--A great many Larks flying about the lantern all night; a few killed. (S.S.E., 4; O. M.)

_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--Starlings, Larks, Thrushes, and "Pinks" around the lantern all night.

_South Bishop_ L.H.--Several Wheatears at 8 P.M.

_Smalls_ L.H.--Starlings, Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Larks in large numbers at 5 P.M. and throughout the night. (E.S.E., 3; O. C. M. D.)

_Nash (E.)_ L.H.--Many Blackbirds and Thrushes between 1 and 3 A.M. Eighteen killed. (E.N.E., 3; O. M.)

_Breaksea_ L.V.--Blackbirds and Starlings all night. Eleven killed. (E., 4; M.)

_Bishop Rock_ L.H.--Thrushes and Starlings all night. (S.S.E., 3; M.)

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Redwings, Starlings, Thrushes, and Blackbirds from 1 to 5 A.M.; twenty-two caught; many striking and falling into the sea. (S.E. by S., 3; c. V.) Redwings, Starlings, Larks, Thrushes,, and Fieldfares from 9 P.M. to 5 A.M. (9th); thirty caught, numbers flying around the lantern. (E N.E., 3; O. D. M.)

_November 9th._

_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--A flock of Fieldfares at 3 A.M. A large rush of birds appears to have taken place at this station during the night, when numbers struck the lantern, principally on the east side, and were most likely killed, for they left marks of blood on the windows. Flocks of Thrushes, Fieldfares, Blackbirds, and Larks all night. Large numbers striking and falling into the sea. (S.E., strong breeze: haze.)

_Dee_ L.V.--Several Blackbirds at 3 A.M.; a few killed and falling overboard.

_Skerries_ L.H.--" Blackbirds and Chaffinches."

_South Stack_ L.H.--A Blackbird caught at lantern at 10 P.M.

_South Bishop_ L.H.--Sixty Blackbirds, forty Thrushes, six Larks, and six Starlings killed between 1 and 5 A.M. (S.E., 4; C. M.)

_Nash (E.)_ L.H.--Six Blackbirds killed between 4 and 4.30 A.M. Four Snipe killed at 4.30 A.M. (E.N.E., 3; O. M.)

_Bull Point_ L.H.--One Thrush struck at 1.30 A.M.

_Godrevy_ L.H.--A few Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Starlings struck, but not killed, from 1 to 5 A.M. One Robin struck at 8 P.M.

_Wolf Rock_ L.H.--"Grey Birds" and Starlings flying around the lantern at 1 A.M.

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Larks, Thrushes, and Fieldfares around the lantern in the early morning. Thrushes, Blackbirds, Starlings, Larks, one Storm Petrel, and "I think one Marsh Tit," at light between 9 P.M. and midnight. Seven caught. (E.N.E., 3; O. M.)

_November 10th._

_Langness_ L.H.--"Blackbirds and Thrushes all night."

_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--Flocks of Thrushes and Blackbirds all night. One Snipe killed. (S.E., strong breeze; haze.)

_Dee_ L.V.--One Thrush and one Blackbird killed during the night. One Storm Petrel struck.

_South Stack_ L.H.--Blackbirds and Starlings from 9 P.M. to midnight.

_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--A great number of birds around the lantern all night; one Lark and one Thrush killed.

_South Bishop_ L.H.--Six Blackbirds, two Larks, and four Thrushes killed. Numbers at lantern all night. (S.E., 4; C. M.)

_Smalls_ L.H.--Starlings, Sparrows, Blackbirds, and Chaffinches at 3 A.M.

_Nash (E.)_ L.H.--Numbers of Blackbirds and Thrushes struck between 8 P.M. and midnight. Nine of the former and forty-two of the latter killed. (E.N.E., 4; C. M.)

_Bull Point_ L.H.--One Blackbird struck at 5 A.M.

_Bishop Rock_ L.H.--One Jack Snipe killed at 8 P.M.

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Several Redwings and Starlings killed. One Jack Snipe and Storm Petrel between 7 P.M. and midnight. (E.N.E., 3; O. D. M.)

_Start_ L.H.--One Snipe killed at 6 P.M.

_November 11th._

_Langness_ L.H.--Four Blackbirds at light at 9 P.M. One Snipe killed at 11.30 P.M.

_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--Flocks of Thrushes, Starlings, Blackbirds, and other species arrived at 11 P.M. (S.E., strong breeze; haze.)

_Dee_ L.V.--Many Thrushes during night.

_South Stack_ L.H.--Blackbirds and Starlings at lantern in early morning, and, along with Thrushes, again at night, when several were killed.

_South Bishop_ L.H.--Blackbirds, Larks, Starlings, and Thrushes during the night; several of each species killed. (S.E., 3; C. M.)

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, Starlings, Larks from 8 P.M. to 5 A.M. (12th). Seventy-six caught, two hundred lost over. (S.E., 5; O. M.)

_Start_ L.H.--A few Starlings and Larks.

Separate Notes on each Species.

_Turdus viscivorus_, Missel Thrush.--October 16th, South Bishop L.H., several flying around the rock at 9 A.M. October 20th, Eddystone L.H., "hundreds of birds around lantern between 2 and 5 A.M., one Missel Thrush caught."

_Turdus musicus_, Song Thrush.--Spring: Continuous movements throughout February reported along the entire coast; the chief between the 11th and 17th, when Thrushes were observed or killed nightly. At the South Bishop L.H., a most important station, ninety-seven Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Starlings were captured at 3 A.M. on the 15th. On the 20th of April another important movement was observed at the Chickens Rock L.H. at 11 P.M., when flocks of Thrushes and Fieldfares, along with Goldcrests and Larks, were careering round the lantern, some being killed.

Autumn: The initiatory movement was observed at the Chickens Rock on the 2d of September, where at 9 P.M. four were fluttering around the light. On the 25th of September, at the same station, a few were observed at 10.30 P.M., along with Blackbirds. From the 8th to the 19th of October the movements appear to have been continuous; on the 16th migrants were noted in numbers at most stations between the Isle of Man and the Eddystone, many being killed (S.E. and E.). During November there were regular movements up to the 16th, the chief being on the 8th, and covering the entire coast (S.E., moderate, cloudy); on the 9th forty were killed at the South Bishop L.H.; on the 10th from eighty to one hundred struck the Nash (E.), forty-two being killed.

_Turdus iliacus_, Redwing.--Autumn: First noted at Carlisle on September 20th. At Godrevy L.H., at 11 P.M., on October 15th; on the 16th October at the Dee L.V. and the Eddystone L.H. in considerable numbers; on the 17th, 19th, and 30th several were killed at the Dee L.V. November--from the 1st to the 12th they occurred almost daily at Langness and Eddystone; on the 25th twelve were killed at the Nash. Finally, on December 13th one struck the Breaksea light. This species is recorded as perishing at the lanterns in much larger numbers than its congeners; thirty-five were killed at the Eddystone on the 11th of November.

_Turdus pilaris_, Fieldfare.--Spring: April 20th, Chickens Rock, flocks, along with Thrushes, Larks, and Goldcrests, at 11 P.M. (S.W., light, haze).

Autumn: First noted on October 3d at Carlisle; on October 8th, 9th, and 10th at the Chickens Rock, and on the last-named date a large flock appeared at 4 P.M. at the Nash; on the 16th numbers at the Longships from 2 A.M. till daylight; on 17th Fieldfares appeared at St Bees in the afternoon. During November immigrants were observed on the 5th and 6th at Burnham, 8th at Eddystone, 9th at Chickens Rock, and 12th at Burnham. Very few Fieldfares appear to perish at the lanterns.

_Turdus merula_, Blackbird.--Spring: General movements from 12th to 17th of February, when they were observed during the night at eight stations, ranging between Langness and the Eddystone. On April 13th, two were killed on the Bahama Bank L.V. at 11.30 P.M.

Autumn.--First noted at the Eddystone on 13th: of August, when several were killed at 11.30 P.M. Reported on many occasions from most stations during October and November. The most general movement occurred on the 16th October, when it is recorded from nine stations between the Calf of Man and Land's-End. Another general movement on November 9th, on which occasion sixty Blackbirds and forty Thrushes were killed at the South Bishop. Only reported during the night and early morning.

_Turdus torquatus_, Ring Ouzel.--Autumn: October 17th, Smalls, one passing south at noon. October 19th, South Stack, Ring Ouzels from 1 to 6 A.M., along with Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Larks. October 20th, Eddystone, along with other species between 2 and 5 A.M.; one killed.

_Saxicola ænanthe_, Wheatear.--Spring: March 26th, Cumberland, arrived at Ravenglass; 29th, Langness, a male. April 2d, six or eight at Langness at 11 A.M. The main body arrived on the 13th, when they were very numerous at Langness at 4.30 P.M., and numbers were at the lantern all night, four males and three females being picked up dead; at the Bahama Bank L.V. the same night, fifty-two were killed or captured. (E.S.E., fresh, haze.) On the early morning of April 22d, they again occurred in some numbers at both of these stations.

Autumn.--First noted at Langness on the 3d of August, more on the 9th and 18th; several at the Eddystone on the 23d; large numbers at Langness on the 30th. October 30th, many at the Eddystone from 2 to 5 A.M., along with Missel Thrushes, Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, Fieldfares, etc. November 8th, Langness, several at light at 8 P.M.

_Pratincola rubetra_, Whinchat.--April 22d, Carlisle.

_Ruticilla phœnicurus_, Redstart.--April 26th, Carlisle.

_Ruticilla titys_, Black Redstart.--I received from Mr Henry Nicholas the wings, tail, and feet of a female which had been killed against the Nash (E.) lantern at midnight on the 8th of November.

_Erithacus rubecula_, Redbreast.--August 12th, one appeared at Langness. September 7th, South Stack, one at the lantern at 4 A.M.; 27th, a few at Langness at 11 A.M. October 9th, numbers, along with Thrushes and Fieldfares, at the Chickens Rock; on the 20th, many, along with several species of _Turdinæ_, etc., at the Eddystone between 2 and 5 A.M. November 13th, at 3 A.M. at the Start.

_Sylvia cinerea_, Whitethroat.--Spring: April 23d, Carlisle. April 27th, Merionethshire.

Autumn.--August 14th, Godrevy, one killed at 2 A.M. September 5th, St Bees, one struck lantern at 2 A.M.

_Sylvia atricapilla_, Blackcap.--April 15th, Merionethshire.

_Phylloscopus collybita_, Chiff-Chaff.--Spring: March 25th, Merionethshire, one at Penrhyndendraeth; no more till 28th, when they became abundant. Cumberland, April 2d, Carlisle.

Autumn.--September 19th, Cumberland, one at Ravenglass.

_Phylloscopus trochilus_, Willow Wren.--April 15th, Merionethshire, first observed. April 19th, Carlisle.

_Acrocephalus phragmitis_, Sedge-Warbler.--April 22d, Langness, ten at lantern from midnight to 4 A.M.; 29th, Cumberland, observed at Ravenglass.

_Locustella nævia_, Grasshopper Warbler.--Spring: April 22d, Langness, one at 3 P.M.; 30th, Carlisle.

Autumn.--October 30th, Eddystone, one killed, between 7 and 10 P.M., along with Larks and Goldcrests [?].

_Accentor modularis_, Fledge Sparrow.--Spring: March 20th. Langness, one at 6 P.M.

Autumn.--October 18th, Langness, one at 1.30 P.M.

_Parus_ ----, Titmouse.--September 2d, Chickens Rock, three "Titmice" at lantern at 7 P.M.; 6th, two at 11.30 P.M. A small bird with a black head, and supposed to be a Marsh Titmouse, was killed at the Eddy stone on the night of November 9th.

_Troglodytes parvulus_, Wren.--Spring: Langness, March 10th, one at 11.30 A.M.; 29th, one, and a Wheatear, at 11 A.M.; April 26th, one at 9 A.M.

Autumn.--August 23d, Dee L.V., one caught at lantern at 2 A.M. October 8th to 12th, Wrens and other migrants numerous at the Chickens Rock; 20th, South Bishop, several at 10.30 P.M. November 9th, Langness, a few at 4 P.M.

_Motacilla_ ----, Wagtail.--Spring: March 4th, Langness, one at 10 A.M.; Merionethshire, _M. lugubris_ in some numbers at Penrhyndendraeth.

Autumn.--September 8th, Chickens Rock, two at 11 A.M. October 10th, Langness, a large flock of Pied Wagtails (_M. lugubris_) at 2.30 P.M.; 20th, Eddystone, hundreds of birds here this morning between 2 and 5 A.M., Wagtails, Thrushes, etc.; Start, one killed at 3 a.m.; 25th, Dee L.V., one Pied Wagtail on deck at 9 A.M.; 30th, Dee L.V.. Wagtails, Titlarks, etc., passing S.W. all day.

_Motacilla alba_, White Wagtail.--May 2d, Merionethshire, one at Penrhyndendraeth.

_Motacilla rayi_, Yellow Wagtail.--May 3d, Carlisle.

_Anthus pratensis_, Pipit, "Titlark."--Spring: March 29th, a very large flock appeared at the Selker L.V. at noon.

Autumn: First noted at the Dee L.V. on the 15th of August, at 2 P.M. During September, observed at the Dee L.V. (6th), Langness (15th and 24th), Bishop Rock (17th). From the 15th to 30th of October, observed almost daily at the Dee L.V., often in very considerable numbers, and notably on the 18th, 21st, and 25th, when continuous streams passed, flying S. or S.W; on the 18th they occurred in some numbers, along with other species, at the Eddystone and the Start. From the 1st to 9th of November they passed the Dee vessel almost daily. On December 29th, six were observed at the Dee L.V. On comparatively few instances noted as migrating at night.

_Anthus trivialis_, Tree Pipit.--April 19th, Merionethshire, arrived; Carlisle, same date.

_Anthus obscurus_, Rock Pipit.--Spring: March 29th, Langness, several appeared at 11 A.M.

Autumn: November 3d, Chickens Rock, several at lantern, along with Thrushes, at 3 A.M.

_Lanius excubitor_, Great Grey Shrike.--March 9th, Cumberland, one at Floriston. April 27th, one at Grimsdale.

_Lanius collurio_, Red-backed Shrike.--August 12th, Cumberland, one, immature, at Lazonby.

_Hirundo rustica_, Swallow.--Spring: First observed at the Carnarvon Bay L.V. on the 23d of March; next on the 31st, when two were seen at Bull Point. At Langness, a few were seen on the 18th and 19th of April; on the 22d, a good many, and arrivals up to the 30th. On the 15th of May, "very many" appeared at Langness between 4 and 7 P.M.

Autumn: Three observed at the Dee L.V. on the 31st of July, and seven on the 9th of August. On the 17th of October an enormous flock was observed at Flatholm; and on the 25th, four or five at Langness.

_Chelidon urbica_, Martin.--Spring: April 23d, Carlisle.

Autumn: September 21st and 22d, large flocks at Flatholm. October 7th, South Bishop, two at 4 P.M.; 8th, seven.

_Carduelis elegans_, Goldfinch.--January 19th, one on Caldy Island.

_Ligurinus chloris_, Greenfinch.--November 9th, Selker L.V., one on deck along with a Lark, both "too weak to leave the ship."

_Passer domesticus_, House Sparrow.--October 30th, Bideford Bar, one struck the lantern, and caught. November 8th, Smalls, Sparrows, along with Thrushes, etc., at 3 AM.; 26th, Menai, "Sparrows" in the morning.

_Fringilla cœlebs_, Chaffinch.--Spring: February 14th, Langness, one at 8 A.M.; 28th, another at 9 A.M. March 8th and 12th, one each day; 15th, two, male and female; April 9th, one,--all at Langness.

Autumn: August 25th and 28th, single birds on the deck of the Dee vessel. Noted singly on several dates during October at Langness and the Selker L.V. On the 20th October at South Bishop, during the night, along with other species. Two on deck of the Dee L.V. on the 9th November, along with Blackbirds; and at the Skerries on the same date. On the 10th November, several at 3 A.M.. at the Smalls. December 1st, several at the Skerries at 2 A.M., along with Thrushes, Blackbirds, etc.

_Linota cannabina_, Linnet.--Spring: February 26th, Chickens Rock, flocks along with Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Larks at 8 P.M. March 5th and 19th, small flocks at Langness in the forenoon.

Autumn: First noted at Chickens Rock on September 2d at 9 P.M., along with Thrushes, etc. Observed in flocks at intervals during September, October, and November, migrating chiefly during the day. Noted at several stations on the morning of October 17th.

_Pyrrhula europæa_, Bullfinch.--October 21st, Carnarvon Bay L.V. , seventeen Bullfinches, passing to S.S.E. at 10 A.M.

_Emberiza citrinella_, Yellow Hammer.--October 19th, Dee L.V., one on deck at 8 A.M. December 26th, Langness, two at 11 A.M.

_Plectrophanes nivalis_, Snow Bunting.--October 5th, Cumberland, one at Silloth. October 17th, Smalls, several "White Buntings" about the rocks.

_Sturnus vulgaris_, Starling.--The enormous numbers, and the frequency with which this species occurs at almost all the stations, are again marked features in the returns. Noted for every month save May and June, and would appear to "flock" early, since numbers appeared at Langness on the 7th of July. Most numerous and frequent during September, October, and November.

_Corvus corone_, Carrion Crow.--Spring: March 1st, Carnarvon Bay L.V., four at 10 A.M.; 21st, two at 11 A.M.; and 28th, several at noon,--all flying E.

Autumn: October 20th, Carnarvon Bay L.V., three at noon, flying N.E.; 30th, Selker L.V., a flock flying S.W. at 7 A.M. November 8th, Holyhead, six going E. at 9 A.M.

_Corvus frugilegus_, Rook.--March 4th, Chickens Rock, twenty-five flying W. at 9 A.M.; 5th, about fifty passing to W. at 10 A.M. Bahama Bank, L.V., March 16th, one flying W. at 8 A.M.

_Alauda arvensis_, Skylark.--Next to the Starling, "Larks" and Skylarks form the most numerous entries in the schedules. In the earlier portion of the year, they are noted as occurring between February 13th at the Eddystone, to April 20th at the Chickens Rock. In the autumn, the entries are extremely numerous, commencing at St Bees on September 9th. During October and November, continuous streams passed the majority of the stations; this was particularly the case between the 8th and 13th of October, and 4th and 9th of November. The migration lasted until the 21st of December. Always noted in flocks.

_Alauda arborea_, Woodlark.--November 9th, Eddystone, one killed between 8 P.M. and 5 A.M. (10th), along with Thrushes, Redwings, and Larks.

_Cypselus apus_, Swift.--Spring: April 26th, Cumberland, five at Rockliffe; 29th, more. May 4th, Langness, two at 6 P.M.

Autumn.--First autumn movement observed on August 2d at Langness; general movement on the 3d, when fourteen struck the Nash lantern between 10.30 and 11.30 P.M., four being killed (a Cuckoo and a Willow-Wren killed at same time); on the 12th (August) one was caught roosting at Langness; and on the 19th the last was seen at Rockliffe, Cumberland.

_Caprimulgus europæus_, Nightjar.--April 27th, Merionethshire, arrived at Penrhyndendraeth.

_Cuculus canorus_, Cuckoo.--Spring: April 18th and 25th, Cumberland; 27th, Merionethshire. May 4th, Langness, one caught at 11.30 P.M.

Autumn.--July 25th, one at Langness. August 3d, a bird of the year killed at 10.30 P.M. at the Nash. This was migrating along with Swifts and Willow-Wrens, which were killed at the same time, and sent for identification.

_Accipiter nisus_, Sparrow-Hawk.--September 23d, Seven Stones L.V., one resting at 7 A.M.; 25th, Chickens Rock, one at lantern at 11 P.M.

_Falco æsalon_, Merlin.--Spring: February 14th, Langness, two passing to N.E. at noon. March 29th, Langness, two going N. at 2 P.M.

Autumn.--August 16th, Langness, one at 3 P.M. September 26th, another at Langness.

_Tinnunculus alaudarius_, Kestrel.--August 13th, Langness, two at 1.30 P.M.

"Hawks"--August 22d, Bideford, two: September 30th, two. October 20th, South Bishop, one: November 2d, one; 11th, a large one.

"Falcon."--October 29th, Eddystone, "one alighted on the rock with a Dotterel in its claws."

_Sula bassana_, Gannet.--August 12th, Langness, more than usual observed. September 14th, ditto. From the beginning of September to November 2d, observed passing the Bishop Bock. On the 1st of October, scores going W. all day (Bishop Book).

_Ardea cinerea_, Heron.--Spring: March 20th, Langness, the Herons which wintered in the neighbourhood departed.

Autumn.--August 2d, Langness, five appeared at 10 A.M. August 21st, one at St Tudwal's Island.

"Geese."--October 3d, Cumberland, the first "Grey Geese" heard at Rockliffe. October 16th, one "Wild Goose" at Langness; 17th, St Bees and Bideford, "Grey Geese" observed. After this date, "Geese" became abundant, and the dates are not of any significance.

_Bernicla leucopais_, Bernacle Goose.--Spring: April 2d, Cumberland, a flock flew over Stanwix in a N.W. direction.

Autumn.--October 1st, Cumberland, Allonby; October 6th, heard at Rockliffe; October 16th, arrived in great numbers on the Solway.

_Bernicla brenta_, Brent Goose.--November 14th, Cumberland, one shot at Rockliffe.

_Mareca penelope_, Widgeon.--March 31st, Cumberland, about one hundred at Ravenglass. September 5th, five on the Solway. October 6th, a great many, along with Teal, at Rockliffe.

_Chaulelasmus streperus_, Gadwall.--January 3d, Cumberland, a female, inland at Hethergill.

_Querquedula crecca_, Teal.--September 25th, St Bees, two. October 6th, Cumberland, many, along with Widgeon at Rockliffe. November 16th, Godrevy, a flock.

_Clangula glaucion_, Golden-Eye.--Spring: Cumberland, many passing Rockliffe along with Widgeon and Geese on night of April 17th; six at Monkhill, April 29th.

Autumn.--October 22d, Cumberland, five on the Eden.

"Black Duck" [_Œdemia nigra_].--August 31st, Dee L.V., appeared, and were observed in numbers throughout the winter.

_Mergus serrator_, Red-Breasted Merganser.--Merionethshire, stayed at Penrhyndendraeth until May 9th, on which date a flock was seen.

_Perdix cinerea_, Partridge,--March 14th, St Tudwal's, one on the island at 3 P.M.

_Coturnix communis_, Quail.--October 2d, Bideford, a female killed at lantern at 11 P.M.

_Crex pratensis_, Landrail.--Spring: April 29th, Cumberland.

Autumn.--August 7th, Nash, two struck at 2 A.M., one killed. November 4th, Godrevy, one killed.

_Gallinula chloropus_, Moorhen.--October 9th, South Bishop, one at lantern at 1 A.M.

_Charadrius pluvialis_, Golden Plover.--September 16th, Langness, six at 7 P.M. October 12th, Menai, a flock. October 30th, Eddystone, a flock at 7.30 P.M. November 11th, Nash, flocks, along with Lapwings all day and night, twelve killed at lantern.

_Squatarola helvetica_, Grey Plover.--September 26th, Cumberland, observed at Maryport.

_Vanellus vulgaris_, Lapwing.--Spring: February 15th, Langness, a flock at 2 P.M. March 4th, three at Langness; 28th, seven at Seven Stones L.V.; 31st, twenty at Langness.

Autumn.--October 3d, Langness, a flock. November 11th, Nash, along with Golden Plover, nine killed. November 15th, Nash, a thousand at noon. December 17th, Eddystone, several hundreds all night, many struck, twenty-one caught. Appeared at Caldy Island on November 20th.

_Hæmatopus ostralegus_, Oyster-Catcher.--Spring: March 19th, Langness, one. April 11th, four.

Autumn.--July 4th, Menai, "Sea-Pies and Puffins," at 5 P.M. August 30th, three at Langness.

_Phalaropus fulicarius_, Grey Phalarope.--Cumberland, one on Derwentwater at end of September. October 8th, one at Silloth.

_Phalaropus hyperboreus_, Red-Necked Phalarope.--October 20th, Cumberland, one at Kirkbride.

_Scolopax rusticula_, Woodcock.--September 30th, St Bees, two at 3 P.M. October 16th, Skerries, "Woodcocks" between 12 P.M. and 4 A.M. November 1st, Eddystone, two at 11 P.M.; 2d, one at 1.45 A.M. Nov. 30th, St Bees, one passed lantern at 4 A.M. December 25th, Nash, one passing N.W. at 11 A.M.

_Gallinago cælestis_, Common Snipe.--Spring: March 13th, Langness, one.

Autumn: August 4th, South Stack, one killed at 11.30 P.M.; 5th, Holyhead, one killed at 10 P.M. October 16th, Skerries, Snipes between 12 P.M. and 4 A.M. November 10th, observed at four stations between the Isle of Man and South Devon, namely: Langness, one killed; Bishop Rock, one killed at 8 P.M.; Eddystone, one killed at 8 P.M.; Start Point, one at 6 P.M. November 12th, Langness, "some Snipe," along with Lapwings and Curlews, at 11 P.M. December 25th, Nash, one at noon.

_Lymnocrytes gallinula_, Jack Snipe.--October 5th, Cumberland, at Allonby.

_Tringa canutus_, Knot.--October 20th, Dee L.V., one killed. November 8th, Nash, one killed.

_Machetes pugnax_, Ruff.--September 5th, Cumberland; one shot out of a small flock at Burgh. October 16th, another.

_Tringoides hypoleucos_, Common Sandpiper.--April 19th, Cumberland, Gretna; April 22d, Carlisle. May 5th, two, Langness. November 9th, "one Common Sandpiper killed" at Langness.

_Helodromas ochropus_, Green Sandpiper.--August 11th, Cumberland, first seen this season.

_Tringa striata_, Purple Sandpiper.--October, on the Cumberland coast.

_Totanus calidris_, Redshank.--March 18th, four at Langness; and one on the 27th.

_Totanus canescens_, Greenshank.--March 12th, Cumberland, several at Ravenglass; 14th, one. August 10th, Cumberland, several at Rockliffe.

_Limosa lapponica_, Bar-tailed Godwit.--September 26th, Cumberland coast, very abundant.

_Numenius phæopus_, Whimbrel.--Spring: Rockliffe Marsh, Cumberland, April 25th, heard. May 15th, heard on the wing at 10 P.M. May 19th, heard.

_Numenius arquata_, Curlew.--Spring: March 18th, Langness, a large flock, but none seen after this date.

Autumn: July 24th, St Tudwal's, one hundred at 11 A.M. August 7th, observed at the Dee L.V. At Menai on the 15th.

_Hydrochelidon nigra_, Black Tern.--April 26th, Cumberland, one at Allonby.

_Sterna cantiaca_. Sandwich Tern.--April 4th, Cumberland, a pair at Ravenglass.

_Rissa tridactyla_, Kittiwake.--July 10th, Chickens Rock, flocks of Kittiwakes.

_Larus glaucus_, Glaucus Gull.--October 19th, Cumberland, one at Millom.

_Larus ridibundus_, Blackheaded Gull.--July 22d, Langness, flock at 7 P.M.

_Stercorarius_ ----, Skua.--September 4th, Cumberland, two on the Eden. October 5th and 15th, one at the Bishop Rock, "very rarely seen here."

_Procellaria pelagica_, Storm Petrel.--October 9th, South Bishop, several at 1.30 A.M., flying round the lantern. November 9th, Eddystone, one hilled, along with Thrushes, Blackbirds, etc., between 9 and 12 P.M.; 10th, Eddystone, one killed, along with a Snipe and Redwing, between 7 and 12 P.M.; Dee L.V., one struck; 13th, South Bishop, one killed at 5 A.M.; 15th, Carlisle, one.

_Procellaria leucorrhoa_, Leach's Petrel.--October 3d, Cumberland, one at Bowness.

_Puffinus anglorum_, Manx Shearwater.--August 9th, Langness, "a large number of Manx Petrels" at 3 P.M.

_Colymbus septentrionalis_, Redthroated Diver.--November 20th, Cumberland, one at Silloth.

_Alca torda_, Razorbill.--April 14th, St Tudwal's, hundreds of Puffins, Guillemots, and Razorbills arrived at sunrise. They left the island on August 14th. Longships, numerous from August 20th to October 28th.

_Lomvia troile_, Guillemot.--March 12th, St Tudwal's, 200 arrived at sunrise. Another arrival on April 14th. They left St Tudwal's on the 14th of August. Longships, observed from September 25th to October 29th.

_Fratercula arctica_, Puffin.--April 14th, St Tudwal's, hundreds arrived at sunrise along with Guillemots and Razorbills, leaving on August 14th. July 4th, Menai, Puffins at 5 A.M. Longships, observed going S.W. between August 14th and October 26th.

General Remarks.

The Report for the West Coast of England and Wales, and the Isle of Man, refers to the movements during the spring and autumn migrations of about one hundred species.

The spring immigration commenced on the 25th of March with the advent of the Swallow at the Bahama Bank light-vessel, and continued until the 15th of May, when "very many" Swallows appeared between 4 P.M. and 7 P.M. at Langness. A noteworthy incident of the vernal immigration was the great rush of Wheatears observed at the Bahama Bank vessel and at Langness on the night of the 13th of April, when many perished or were captured.

The spring emigration did not escape attention, for on the night of the 20th of April the returning Fieldfares, Goldcrests, etc., were observed at 11 P.M. at the Chickens Rock. Perhaps the continuous movements of Thrushes and Blackbirds observed throughout February, and especially between the 11th and 17th, are referable to this class of migrants.

The autumn emigration, so far as our summer visitants are concerned, may be said to have been initiated with the appearance of the Cuckoo at Langness on the 25th of July, and was prolonged until the 25th of October, when the last Swallow was noted.

The first immigrant winter visitant from Northern Europe was the Redwing, whose appearance at Carlisle was noted on the 20th of September. The chief general movements which usually characterise the southward autumnal passage were two in number, and affected the stations along the entire coast from the Isle of Man and the Eddystone. The first commenced on the 16th of October, and continued until the 20th. The second extended from the 8th to the 12th of November.

In connection with these general movements, which are so often--indeed, we might say usually--participated in by a great variety of species of very different orders seemingly seized by a simultaneous migratory impulse, it would be, perhaps, well to consult the meteorological record for an explanation of the phenomenon. Mr J. A. Allen tells us that "birds discern approaching meteorological changes," and that in the monthly weather reports of the United States Signal Service Bureau reference is often made to the movements of birds. "From these reports it appears that the southward migration of Geese and other Waterfowl usually precedes, often only by a few hours, the approach of heavy storms, and a sudden and very great reduction of temperature, which they often wholly avoid by keeping in advance of the change." It would seem probable, too, that birds await the approach of favourable meteorological conditions, and then, having been detained by unfavourable conditions, migrate _en masse_. Deeming that it would be interesting in connection with the great movements during the autumn of 1885, an examination of the weather reports issued by the Meteorological Office has been made. The first of these, as we have seen, commenced on the night of the 16th of October, and continued until the night of the 20th. "The [weekly] Summary of Changes in the Weather over the British Islands and their Neighbourhood[17] from the 11th to the 17th of October informs us that throughout this week the pressure over our islands and their neighbourhood has been mainly cyclonic; from the 11th to the 14th the type of gradient was northerly, but on the 15th and 16th it was easterly. Two well-marked depressions appeared in addition to the one which was passing away from us on the morning of the 11th. The second of these depressions, which had become a shallow subsidiary disturbance on the 15th over the south of France, moved westward from our area during the 16th; and as this system passed away, an anti-cyclonic "col" was formed over our islands, uniting an anti-cyclone over France with another off our extreme western coasts. With this anti-cyclone the cold northerly winds which had prevailed changed, and on the 16th the weather became very fine over England, the temperature rose, and the wind became a southeasterly breeze. The summary for the 18th to the 24th of October informs us that "the distribution of pressure over our islands and France was anti-cyclonic, with light or moderate south-easterly and easterly winds, till the 20th, then cyclonic and complex, with northerly winds."

[Footnote 17: These reports and summaries refer not only to the British Islands, but to North-Western Europe, from Bodo and Haparanda to Corunna and Toulon. They are based upon numerous Continental returns from the area indicated, as well as from all parts of our own islands.]

The second movement extended from the 8th to the 12th of November. Regarding the meteorological conditions, the summaries tell us that previous to the 8th the weather had been changeable and unsettled generally, and the distribution of pressure mainly cyclonic, with westerly, north-westerly, and southerly winds. From the 8th to 13th the pressure system over North-Western Europe was anti-cyclonic, with light (easterly in south, south-easterly in west, and southerly in the north) breezes. On the 13th, however, a large and somewhat deep depression advanced from the Atlantic, and spread quickly over all North-Western Europe, with gradients for south-westerly and westerly winds.

Thus we had the two chief movements of the autumn ushered in by and concurrent with anti-cyclonic conditions, preceded by and ceasing with cyclonic depressions. These great barometric changes are also frequently accompanied by equally great changes in temperature, and this may be the cause of the mists which so commonly prevail on "a migration night."

It would be well if a summary of all the sections of the reports could be submitted to a competent meteorologist. This, it is thought, would result in a few years in establishing a better understanding of the relationship which exists between the weather and the great movements of birds.

It cannot be said that the southerly flow of autumn migrants is evenly distributed along the entire west coast of England, though such appears to be commonly the case on the east coast. On the contrary, the schedules again afford unmistakable evidence that the great majority of these migrants are observed at stations south of Anglesey. But while the north-west section of the coast is thus less favoured than the rest, such is not the case with the Isle of Man, which comes in for an important share of the west coast migratory movements. Now, since it is a well-established fact that large masses of migrants from Northern Europe, along with others from the Faröes, Iceland, and Greenland, pass down the west coast of Scotland, whence many cross to Ireland, it seems probable, from the evidence borne by the English West Coast returns, that the majority of the remainder leave Scotland at some point on the Wigtown coast, and pass to the west coast of Wales by way of the Isle of Man, and thus avoid the English shores of the Irish Sea.[18] Whether this is a reasonable and likely explanation, or not, the fact remains that the schedules for the years 1884 and 1885[19] received from the coasts of Flint, Cheshire, Lancashire, and Cumberland--and they are among the most faithfully kept--make it evident that during those seasons comparatively few of the ordinary migrants were observed there, and that the great general movements did not affect them in any considerable degree.

[Footnote 18: The remarks do not apply to migrants among the _Limicolæ_ and _Anseres_, which, as a rule, religiously follow coast lines, and which are abundantly represented on the Solway and coasts of Cumberland and Lancashire.]

[Footnote 19: The scarcity or entire absence of migratory birds at St Bees is remarked upon ill the Reports for 1880 and 1881.]

The migratory movements of such partially resident species as the Redbreast, Hedge Sparrow, Wren, Greenfinch, Sparrow, Bullfinch, Yellow Hammer, and others are recorded.

Of the rarer and more interesting species included in the Report, the Black Redstart, White Wagtail, Gadwall, Red-Necked and Grey Phalaropes, Ruff, Black Tern, Glaucus Gull, and Leach's Petrel may be mentioned.

As an unusual species to observe at the lantern, we may allude to the occurrence of the Moorhen (_Gallinula chloropus_) at the South Bishop, a locality indicating that the bird must have been migrating.

The scarcity of the Woodcock, Goldcrest, and Short-Eared Owl is worthy of note. This is the more remarkable in the case of the Woodcock, since it occurred in almost unprecedented numbers on the east coast of England.

W. Eagle Clarke.

IRISH COAST.

The number of light stations returning schedules was only one less than in 1885, although four schedules less were sent out.

There was no light shown at the Tuskar Rock--the best Irish station--between from June 1st to November 20th, but since that date a more powerful light has been exhibited.

The great importance of forwarding a leg and wing of at least one specimen of each species killed, cannot be too strongly impressed upon on the light-keepers. Unless the birds are correctly identified, the value of this inquiry is materially diminished, and ornithologists may refuse to accept the statements of the observers.

In the schedules sent out in the spring of 1886, the request to forward the legs and wings of birds was conspicuously printed on the top of each schedule. Mr Edward M'Carron, who had already proved himself a most intelligent observer at the Tearaght Rock (removed to Mine Head in the autumn), has been the largest contributor of specimens, and his careful notes prove the interest taken in this inquiry.

Anticipatory of the report for the spring of 1886, it may be mentioned that several rare species have occurred, which would probably have passed under another name, were it not for the distribution of six copies of "Morris's British Birds," with coloured plates, and the production of specimens. We trust the Commissioners of Irish Lights will distribute six additional copies of Morris in the present year. We believe these volumes are greatly appreciated, and that in placing them in their annual list of books to be purchased for the light-keepers, a wise selection has been made.

No specimen of the Greenland Falcon or Snowy Owl was observed in 1885. The former species cannot, therefore, be regarded as a more than an accidental winter visitor to the West Coast; and only one specimen of the Snowy Owl was recorded since these observations were commenced. Thrushes, including probably Redwings, were noted in considerable numbers about the lights, over a range of sixty miles on the Wexford and Wicklow coasts, between the 11th and 15th February. There was no hard frost at the time. These lights are all seven to ten miles from shore. During the second week in April, at several stations. Thrushes are recorded. The great autumn rush took place between the 6th and 10th November, and a smaller one between the 17th and 20th October. Blackbirds accompanied the Thrushes, but in smaller numbers.

"A Blackbird with a white breast" was observed at Mine Head from the 8th to the 10th December. A further description given of this bird shows it may have been a Ring Ouzel. The Hedge Sparrow seems to be resident in small numbers during the winter on the Tearaght Rock, nine miles off the Kerry coast, and possibly it breeds there. No clear indication of the migration of the Robin has yet been shown on the Irish Coast. The records of its occurrence are few and scattered. The Black Redstart was recorded at several stations in the southern half of Ireland; specimens were forwarded from Mine Head, the Skelligs, and Rockabill. It is apparently a regular winter visitor to the Skelligs and Tearaght, generally appearing in October and November. With one exception (in February) there is no record of its occurrence during any other month. The autumn migration of the Goldcrest was the smallest yet recorded, but on the 12th and 13th April a spring movement was apparent. As usual, the Starling is the best marked migrant, occurring at almost every station. There is no record yet of the Chough having been seen on the east coast by the light-keepers. The Magpie is apparently not a migratory bird in Ireland. The observations on the Cuckoo and Corncrake are few, when it is remembered they are well-known and regular visitors. There is, so far, no record of the Cuckoo having struck the lanterns, and but one instance of the Corncrake so doing. It has been stated as an "undoubted fact" (Yarrell, 4th ed., vol. iii., p. 324), by Mr Howard Saunders, that the Woodcock often makes its appearance on the south and west coasts of Ireland before it is noticed in the north and east. The light-keepers' schedules do not contradict this statement; but their observations are not yet sufficiently numerous to confirm it beyond a doubt. The northward movement of the Whimbrel (May Bird or young Curlew) has been well marked every year. On the return journey they are either confounded with the Curlew, or if they take the same route, they may travel at a higher level without whistling, and thus escape the notice of the light-keepers. The schedules from the Skelligs and Tearaght have always a special interest, these rocks being the greatest breeding-places of sea birds on the Irish Coast. Mr M'Carron estimates the number of Stormy Petrels on the Tearaght in July at six or seven thousand. The changes of plumage in the Razorbill has been the source of much comment by Mr M'Carron. The sudden and almost complete disappearance of the so-called "Black-billed Auk," and the reappearance of the Razorbill in breeding plumage in a short interval, show that when the old birds arrive to breed, the young birds of the previous year leave the neighbourhood of the Tearaght, and probably go out to sea.

A young bird, 8 inches long, and still carrying a few whitish downy feathers at the back of the neck, sent up by Mr M'Carron, and obtained on August 1st, has the chin and throat _black_. An older bird, killed on January 13th, has the chin and throat white. In Yarrell, vol. iv., p. 60, the chin and throat of a bird a week old is said to be _white_; and Seebohm says the young in down have the underparts _greyish white_.

In the report for 1884, it is stated that no Gannets perched on the Little Skellig after October 20th, and in the present report February 28th is given as the date of their reappearance on this well-known Irish breeding station.

The most interesting stations are those on small islands or rocks, or light-vessels at a considerable distance from shore; and the regular occurrence of so many land birds of apparently weak powers of flight around these lanterns is a matter of surprise to those unacquainted with the facts of migration.