Chapter III: Part 3

Alcidæ, _Lomvia troile_, Common Guillemot.--Longstone L.H. March 4th, first to breeding haunts, left again on 16th, returned for good first week in April. Flambro', February 25th, both Guillemot and Gulls in large numbers on cliffs. _U. grylle_, Black Guillemot.--Farn L.H., May 11th, one; also one, an immature bird, shot off Flambro' early in October. Spurn L.H., October 26th, E.N.E., a Common Guillemot was killed against the lantern. _Fratercula arctica_, Puffin.--Longstone L.H., March 15th, first, the bulk returning on April 11th and 12th.

Colymbidæ.--Very many Great Northern and Red-throated Divers reported from various parts of the East Coast between September 1st and the end of the year; only one Black-throated. Diver, recognised as such, Cromer, November 20th, seen off pier at early morning.

Podicipitidæ.--Cley, Norfolk, Red-necked Grebe (_P. griseigena_), on August 10th; Little Grebe (_P. fluviatilis_). Spurn L.H., October 7th, 2 A.M., S.S.E., struck and killed. Leman and Ower L.V., December 29th, N.E., one killed at midnight. A considerable immigration into North-East Lincolnshire about the middle of November.

Miscellaneous Notes.

Tees 5 Buoy L.V., April 30th, 1886.--Wind E., light. A great many bumble-bees and a few wasps during day, flying to N.W.; several remained on board. January 15th, 1887.--One seal.

Hartlepool, November.--A fine specimen of the Opah (_Lampris luna_) brought in.

Coquet Island L.H., September 12th, W. (5).--Hundreds of small Flies all night in lantern.

Outer Dowsing L.V., October 6th.--11 A.M. to 2 P.M., calm and fog. Mr W. Stock writes: "A very large quantity of birds flew over, and a great many flying about the vessel--Starlings, Redwings, Larks, Mountain Sparrows, Golden-Crested Wrens, six Robins, four Redpoles, Chaffinches, and Pewits, about 300 mixed Crows and Rooks--altogether about 600 or more. Birds leaving the vessel appear to go about W. and W.S.W. When the fog cleared and the sun broke through, the Crows were seen passing to W. in three nights from 11 till 11.45 A.M. At noon they came back to the vessel in a body, and remained till 1 P.M. Caught one Redwing Thrush that was struck by a Crow and fell on deck bleeding. Several small birds struck by Crows and fell in water. Two Red-winged Thrushes and one Chaffinch caught on board."

Cockle L.V., September 14th.--11 A.M., calm. Great quantities of small bluish-coloured Flies; left at 1 P.M.

Languard L.V., September.--"The Musquitoes," Mr Owen Boyle writes, "have been very numerous throughout the months of July, August, and September. They have been very troublesome; many people had swelled hands, puffed faces, and even black eyes, from their stings." October 4th.--Lady-birds in large numbers on the breakwater at noon, and up to sunset. At 3 P.M. they were to be seen in thousands.

Swin Middle L.V.--Mr S. Pender, with reference to the migration of the Ringed Plover, writes under date of October 30th: "Concerning the birds which, I think, must be the 'stone-runners,' and their manœuvres, it was very amusing to watch them. The birds were first seen in an eastward direction, and I should think thousands, for when in close contact they had the appearance of a small black cloud; at other times in a long line and half circle, and so on. After they had finished their exercise they separated into two parties, one passing to the westward at no great distance from the vessel, and the other disappeared in the direction where first seen. Sometimes they would rise so high in the air, that they could not be seen without a telescope, at other times apparently touching the water."

Hanois L.H., October 31st, 8 P.M.--A quantity of Silver Gamma Moths; also a few brown ones, but smaller than the Gamma.

Mr Philip W. Munn, writing from Nieder Kaufungen, near Cassel, Germany, under date of March 30th, 1886, says:

"The weather began to break up on Saturday week, and all the snow had disappeared by the following Monday morning. No sooner did the weather begin to break, and even before, than the birds began to rush northwards to their breeding quarters.

"On the 25th of February, quantities of Skylarks flew overhead in small parties in a northerly direction, the wind being S.E. This species stopped here on the 5th of March, and have now taken the place of the Crested Larks, most of which have left.

"On March 12th, I saw a Grey Wagtail; and a Hawfinch arrived and stayed here for a few days, and then departed.

"On the 16th, a large flock of Carrion Crows, Jackdaws, and Rooks (the Books have been very rare during the winter) flew over towards the N.E.; the passing over lasted ten minutes. On many other days later have I also seen small parties of '_Corvidæ_' hurrying N.E.

"On March 18th, I saw a Black-Headed Bunting; on the 19th, White and Pied Wagtails arrived. Now the Pied have left, and quantities of the White remain and have begun to build.

"On the 23d, an extraordinary migration of Cranes began, and is going on at intervals now; they are usually flying in a N. or N.E. direction, but yesterday I saw three flying S.E., which has much confused me. On the 23d, a flock settled in the fields near here for a short time. Soon after this flock had gone, no less than nine flights, of from forty to one hundred birds in each flock, flew over at intervals.

"Curiously enough Robins and Thrushes are only summer migrants here; they arrived on the 24th.

"I heard the Chiffchaff on March 25th; and on the same day was another great migration of Cranes.

"On October 15th was the great rush of migratory birds, parties of various sorts continually passing the whole day to the S.W."

List of Wings sent in from Lighthouses and Light-vessels, East Coast of England.

Station. Date. Species.
1886.

Leman and Ower L.V. Jan. 23. Snow Bunting.
" " April 25. Wheatear.
" May 13. Whinchat.
" " " 23. Wheatear.
" " " 24. Sedge Warbler.
" " " 23. Turtle Dove.
" " June 1. Wheatear.
" " " 18. Oystercatcher.
Shipwash L.V. May 18. Two Grey Plover.
" " " 18. Yellow Hammer.
" " " 18. Wheatear.
Swin Middle L.V. Sept. 26. Cuckoo, young.
Nore L.V. Oct. 4. Redwing.
Spurn L.H. " 8. Little Grebe, bird sent.
" " " 26. Guillemot.
Shipwash L.V. " 22. Quail.
" " " 22. Goldcrest.
Llyn Wells L.V. Nov. 1. Two Water Rails.
Coquet L.H. " 17. Long-tailed Duck.
" " " 4. Water Rail.
" " Oct. 5. Sedge Warbler.
Hasbro' L.V. Aug. 27. Red-backed Shrike.
" " Sept. 3. Rock Pipit.
" " " 19. Redstart.
" " Oct. 31. Stormy Petrel.
" " Nov. 12. Fieldfare.
Spurn L.V. " 1. Water Rail.
South Sand Head L.V. Oct. 5, 6. Chaffinch.
Leman and Ower L.V. Dec. 29. Little Grebe.
1887.
" " Jan. 18. Tree Sparrow.
" " " 24. Rock Pipit.
" " " 25. Robin.
Shipwash L.V. Feb. 13. Knot.
" " April 12. Woodcock.

General Remarks.

As in 1885, the main body of immigrants crossed in two great rushes, corresponding with the first and third weeks in October. This was considerably earlier than the chief general movements of the preceding year. The meteorological conditions of the first period were easterly and south-easterly winds, pressure system cyclonic, accompanied by much fog and thick weather. During the second period the pressure system again mainly cyclonic, but with very variable winds.

As usual Rooks, Daws, Hooded Crows, Starlings, and Larks, occupy a considerable portion of the schedules. Chaffinches also have crossed in extraordinary numbers. They are always numerous, but this autumn their migration has been in considerable excess of previous years. With these exceptions, however, there has been a singular and very marked falling off in some species whose breeding range lies chiefly in the north of Europe. This is specially noticeable in the small arrivals recorded of Fieldfares, Redwings, Ring Ouzels, Bramblings, Snow Buntings, Short-eared Owls, and Woodcocks. Taken altogether, the migratory record for 1886 is a very poor one.

No wild Swans are recorded, the few entries in the schedules having undoubtedly reference to escapes from parks and private waters. Geese and Ducks have appeared quite as numerously as in previous years.

The arrivals of rare and occasional visitants have been few, those of chief interest being three Harlequin Ducks (_Cosmonetta histrionica_) at the Farn Islands; the Mediterranean Black-headed Gull (_Larus melanocephalus_), shot on Breydon Water, near Yarmouth; a Purple Heron (_Ardea purpurea_), shot on Oulton Broad, near Lowestoft; and the reputed occurrences of the Snowy Owl (_Nyctea scandiaca_) close to the Languard L.H., Suffolk. Of much interest also is the arrival of Shorelarks (_Otocorys alpestris_) on the coast between the Farn Islands and Yarmouth.

The continued yearly observations show that on the East Coast of England the principal points of arrival for migrants are the mouths of the chief rivers, also those parts of the coast which present either a flat and open shore, or cliffs of low altitude. Considerable stretches of coast, which, as a rule, have a high cliff line, make poor returns, or in some cases no schedules are sent in, indicating a great scarcity of birds.

It is well known that migrants under certain meteorological conditions travel at a great height, when it may fairly be presumed that the physical features of the earth's surface, the trend of mountain chains, or the course of great river systems, have little to do in determining their line, which is from point to point, and without deviation; yet in the vast majority of cases, where migration is visible, birds travel at a comparatively low altitude, so that when passing mountain chains, and even hills of no great altitude, they invariably choose the lines of the valleys, following depressions which, more or less, correspond to the general direction of their course. In the Cheviots I have observed, for two years in succession, that the streams of small migrants from Scotland follow those main valleys which run nearest north and south, sticking closely to the lowest levels, where the brushwood and bracken beds offer greater privacy and security than the bare fell sides. Birds also, when migrating, follow from choice low-lying tracks of land and river courses in preference to elevated plateau and the summit line of mountain ranges.

Bearing these facts in mind, we find that there is a very well-marked line, both of entry and return, at the Farn Islands, on the coast of Northumberland. Scarcely second to this is the mouth of the Tees, both in spring and autumn. The North Yorkshire coast, from south of Redcar to Flamborough, including the north side of the headland, is comparatively barren, few birds appearing to come in between these points. Bridlington Bay and Holderness to Spurn and Lincolnshire, as far as Gibraltar Point, give perhaps the best returns of any on the East Coast. The north of Norfolk is poor, but there are indications in the heavy returns annually sent from the Llyn Wells, Dudgeon, Leman and Ower, and Happisburgh light-vessels, that a closely focused stream pours along the coast from E. to W., to pass inland by the estuary of the Wash and the river systems of the Nene and Welland into the centre of England, and thence probably following the line of the Avon, the north coast of the Severn, and Bristol Channel, and eventually striking across the Irish Sea, to enter Ireland near the Tuskar Rock, off the Wexford coast. This route is undoubtedly the great and main thoroughfare for birds in transit across England to Ireland in the autumn. Large numbers of migrants also which pass inland from the coasts of Holderness and Lincolnshire may eventually join in with the great western highway by the line of the Trent, avoiding altogether the mountainous districts of Wales. These remarks will refer chiefly to the Passerine birds, the _Accipitres_, _Limicolæ_, and _Gaviæ_, also Geese and Ducks, when crossing land, travelling as a rule very high.

To return once more to the East Coast, the Norfolk seaboard between Cromer and Yarmouth and the corresponding light-vessels show a large annual immigration, but the returns are less pronounced between Yarmouth and Orfordness. The coast of Essex, with the northern side of the Thames estuary, is fairly good; but the opposite coast of Kent, from the North to the South Forelands, including the four Goodwin and the Varne light-vessels, is a barren and pre-eminently uninteresting district for arrivals, both as regards numbers and species, the chief migrants seen being such as are following the coast to the south.

Those migrants, which in the autumn follow the East Coast from north to south, pass directly from the Spurn to the Lincolnshire coast without entering the Humber; and there are no indications that they follow the shores of the Wash in and out, but shape their course from about Gibraltar Point to the Norfolk coast. To judge from the well-filled schedules sent in year by year from the Shipwash, Swin Middle, Kentish Knock, and Galloper light-vessels, a closely packed stream passes somewhere from the coast of Suffolk across the North Sea in the line of these stations, both in the spring and autumn, to and from the Continent. Autumn migrants approaching the Humber from the sea do not follow the course of that river into the interior--that is from S.E. to N.W.--the line they take invariably crosses the river diagonally, and is from E.S.E. to W.N.W. This course is so persistently followed, that I have observed year by year, on a migratory day, birds cross our fields at the same angle. Supposing this course to be continued they would strike the Trent at or near Gainsborough.

Except in one instance no returns have been obtained from any stations on the south-east coast between the South Foreland and St Catherine's Point, Isle of Wight. This is much to be regretted, as it is known that a strong migratory highway runs along the South Coast as well as on the French side of the Channel.

==============

WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND.

Schedules, etc., were sent to thirty-five stations, not including the Isle of Man (five more), the schedules for which are under Mr Eagle Clarke's charge. Of the thirty-five we have received returns from fifteen stations. From these fifteen stations we have thirty-eight filled schedules. We have again received two schedules from Monach Islands; but, as in 1885, they are again written straight across the schedule, irrespective of columns. To enter all these notes in their right places and sequence in our Report would cause great additional labour and loss of time to the working members of the Committee, as already fully explained in last Report (p. 92), _q.v._

We would be much obliged by our Reporters adhering to the columnar arrangement.

LIST OF STATIONS.

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

Returns
in 8 years, In
including 1887. List of Stations.
1887. Values. Feet.

Sutherland.

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

Outer Hebrides.

7 * 83. Butt of Lewis, I. 170
3 84. Stornoway (2 Lights), { II. } 56
{ I. }
3 85. Island Ghlais, I. 130
7 * 86. Monach Islands, { I. 150
{ II. 62
2 87. Ushenish, N. Unst, VI. 176
4 88. Barra Head, II. 683
4 * 89. Rona, Skye, IV. 222
7 * 90. Kyleakin, W. Ross, IV. 53
2 91. Isle Ornsay, I. 58
2 92. Ardnamurchan I.
8 * 93. Skerryvore and Hynish
Signal Tower, Tiree, II. 150
8 * 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
7 100. M'Arthur's Head, IV. 128
8 * 101. Skervuile, II. 73
8 * 102. Rhinns of Islay, IV. 159
3 * 103. Lochindaul, IV. 50
0 104. Mull of Cantyre, VI. 297
0 105. Sanda,
0 106. Devaar, II. 120
0 107. Pladda, Arran, II. 130
5 * 108. Lamlash, Arran, IV. 46
4 * 109. Turnberry, Ayrshire, IV. 96
4 109b. Ailsa Craig, 1885,
7 * 110. Corsewall, IV. 112
0 111. Loch Ryan, I. 46
7 * 112. Portpatrick, I. 37
7 * 113. Mull of Galloway, II. 325
4 * 114. Little Ross, IV. 176

_Diary from the Stations._

_Butt of Lewis._--Robert Agnew (replacing Mr Edgar, who is now at Lochindaul, _q.v._). Mr R. Agnew is a son of Mr Joseph Agnew, late keeper at Isle of May (East Coast), now stationed at Monach Isles, _q.v._ Mr R. Agnew sends, in all, two excellently well-filled schedules from the Butt of Lewis. Under date of November 9th, 1886, he writes: "I send you a schedule. I hope you will find it of use. I would have sent it sooner, but wrote to my father for the loan of a book to help me, and waited till I heard from him." [Schedules sent date from August 23d to February 7, 1887.] Mr Agnew continues: "I am surprised to see that most of the strange birds that I have seen here are _single_. It must just be occasional stragglers that we get from the flocks that are passing. It is also strange that there are so few birds coming to the lantern, but the tower is very high--120 feet--and perhaps that is the reason." [Mr R. Agnew is right in believing that stragglers are all that can be expected to appear at Butt of Lewis, though possibly in exceptional seasons unusual numbers may appear. Birds "catch up" at Cape Wrath and W. C. of Scotland. Remnants "catch up" again at Butt of Lewis. But in easterly gales the "catch up" of the land is often lost, and hundreds or thousands are carried clear away to the Atlantic. See previous Reports.--J. A. H.-B.] Mr Agnew continues: "I have marked a Hen Harrier, and by the description in the book" [he having received the loan of the book from his father--Mudie's "Birds"], "I think I am right. He remained here for some time, and the poor Rock Pigeons led a poor time of it. I also found a young Gull he had killed and eaten. I was surprised to see it, because I did not think that he would have attacked so large a bird. I measured the wings, and found them to be 4 feet 2 inches from tip to tip." [Mr R. A. sent me the wings, but they did not reach me, and must have miscarried, but no doubt it was one of the common species of Gulls; from the measurements, probably a Herring Gull; or possibly--_i.e._, if the measurements are correctly taken across the back and wings--an Iceland Gull. (See MacGillivray's "Manual," under the said species, vol. ii., p. 247.)--J. A. H.-B.] Mr R. A. says: "I only came here last summer, and did not begin to keep records till near the end of August, but another year I hope to be able to do better." [Meanwhile, we can only thank Mr R. A. for his excellent commencement of the work, which is well done.--J. A. H.-B.]

Later, in the second schedule, Mr R. A. writes: "There has been nothing to record since the 25th of November." [Last date of schedule.--J. A. H.-B.] "The Snow Buntings have remained with us all winter. All summer we had large flocks of Solan Geese, till the first of October; after that there were a few till the 1st of November; but since then (till February 7, 1887) _I have not seen one_." [These Solan Geese notes are always interesting. Perhaps Mr Agnew will devote a separate schedule to the day-to-day movements of Solan Geese another season.--J. A. H.-B.] He continues: "On the 24th October I observed very large flocks of sea-birds, fishing close to the lighthouse. There were all sorts of them; I could not say how many, but there must have been many hundreds. We saw them from 9 A.M. till 11 A.M. After that there was not one to be seen (where did they come from and where did they go?)." [We believe they simply followed a vast body of fish--young or adult--or _entomostracæ_, which "showed" on the surface, indicating one of the strange, or little understood, migrations of fish, or _entomostracæ_. One or two of the birds shot, and contents of their stomachs examined, might have explained a great deal. Possibly Mr Agnew may still be able to supply a note as to the nature of their food at the time.--J. A. H.-B.]

_Monach Isles._--D. Georgeson sends two closely written schedules, but, as before stated, straight across the columns. We will give them here _in extenso_ as the simplest way of writing them in.

Under date of December 1st, 1886, Mr Georgeson writes to us thus: "I send you my two last schedules, filled up to date of end of October. I received intimation of my removal from this station to Sound of Mull, Tobermory. I expect the 'Signal' daily to take me to my new home. I do not know what sort of a place it is as regards birds, but if you send me schedules I hope to be able to give you a report, however short."

[_Note._--In January 1887 Mr Harvie-Brown had an opportunity of interviewing Mr Georgeson, and having a pleasant chat, at Sound of Mull Lighthouse. No schedules have come from it, but the site is not good, and is much hidden by high land to the westward. It gave us much pleasure, however, to make Mr G.'s acquaintance, and thank him for his hearty co-operation hitherto at Monach Isles.

We have pleasure here in fully quoting Mr Georgeson's last schedules from Isles of Monach, where he is succeeded by Mr Joseph Agnew, late of the Isle of May, who we are sure will find Mr Georgeson's notes of interest and value.--J. A. H.-B.]

Mr Georgeson writes as follows: "Since my last report to you ending December 1885, I have had little to add in the way of forwarding your useful work regarding migration, and of the numbers and varieties of sea birds passing or frequenting this station. I notice a visible decrease annually in the numbers of both land and sea birds, a decrease attributed to the island not being so quiet as it was some years ago, before the lighthouse was built, when the birds had the island all to themselves, and there was no one residing on it, but was only used by the natives for grazing purposes. Now the keepers and their families going round the island, the small birds are disturbed at the period of incubation.

"In January and February a few Terns, Snow Buntings, Twites, and Rock Pipits struck the lantern, the wind being south. Of sea birds during those months I observed a few Solan Geese, Scarts, Kittiwakes, Eider Ducks, Teal Ducks, etc.; but as the breeding season came on they left.

"In March a pair of Shielducks visited the island, and after remaining a few days, left, returning again in April (presumably the same pair), and after nesting and having two young ones, the four left in August. No Teal nor Eiders bred here this season.

"In June a large flock of Pictarnies, a few Stonechicks, Ringnecks (?), Sand Larks, and Twites came to the island (but not in such large numbers as in former seasons). Wind from south to west. They left with their young in August, the few I saw leaving flying in a north-easterly direction." [This is somewhat contrary to experiences, and no doubt is due to local peculiarities of the configuration of the Outer Hebrides and land communications with the mainland, but our data appear too scanty to explain this. In this case "the few Mr Georgeson saw flying in a N.E. direction," was with a wind from south to west. Possibly they do this to catch up the Skye coast, or sooner reach the shelter of the east coast of the Outer Hebrides.--J. A. H.-B.] "In June also a pair of Tysties," continues Mr Georgeson, "came to the island, and left with the young in August.

"On the 2d September, wind N.E., all the Pictarnies left the island, flying in a northerly direction." [This again almost seems to indicate a movement towards the north first, before returning south or in a south-easterly direction. Future careful reports on directions of flight here and of winds at the time can scarcely fail to prove of interest.--J. A. H.-B.] "On the 4th of September four Ravens--a male and female with their two young--I observed resting on the island, but, after remaining a short time, they flew in an easterly direction towards the mainland. On the 9th September we had a severe gale--wind variable--and the island is quite deserted by land birds, the only ones remaining being a few Twites. I caught several during the gale dying from exposure. The only sea birds I can see are a few Gannets fishing for food; but they too leave in the evening in the direction of Barra. A few pairs of Curlews and a few Herring Gulls returned with their young. On the 17th September I observed a solitary Heron feeding around the shore; and I witnessed a strange incident in connection with it. On the 22d of the same month, while walking round the island, I heard strange cries coming nearer and nearer from a southerly direction, when the Heron got up a few yards from me, and flew in the direction of the cries, it being hazy at the time, and after the lapse of a few minutes I noticed three coming out of the mist evidently overjoyed at seeing one another. They flew round and round, for some time, and then flew off in a north-easterly direction--the wind E.N.E., fresh.

"On the night of the 4th and 5th October a great number of birds struck the lantern, strange to say the greater number of them being Snipe; but there were also Mavises, Blackbirds, 'Marsh' (_i.e._, Meadow) Pipits and Rock Pipits, and a few Pictarnies, all seemingly young birds of the year; but I was surprised to see the Pictarnies, as they had all left, and none had been seen about the island for some time; and these have evidently been migrating. The island appears to be quite deserted by land birds in the day time. On the night mentioned the wind was variable--from S.E. to S.W., with drizzling rain. On the 7th October I observed a large flock of Shielducks coming from N.E., and after resting a short time, they got up and flew off south, the wind being at the time S.W." [Report ending 31st October 1886. Here ends Mr Georgeson's notes on Monach.]

[Now Mr Joseph Agnew takes up the tale, and we make no excuse for quoting his letters: "We had to leave the May a day after the time I expected when I last wrote you, and therefore had not time to visit you at Dunipace, when passing Larbert on our way to Oban." On arriving at Monach Mr Agnew expresses surprise at the universal and populous distribution of the Rock Pipit at all stations, S., E., N., and W., where he has been. He then describes the Tystie (or Toistie of Monach), _i.e._, the Black Guillemot, both in winter and summer plumage. Mr Agnew sends a schedule dating December 3d to 30th, contents of which will be found under species further on, and where Monach is mentioned, any remarks under species may be read as continuous with Mr Georgeson's Diary.--J. A. H.-B.]

_Rona_ (_i.e._, _South Rona_).--Messrs Dunnet and M'Gaw send two fairly well-filled schedules, strictly adhering to columnar arrangement.

_Kyleakin._--D. MacCulloch and John Clyne send one well-filled schedule, but light, dating February 1st, 1886, to January 1st, 1887.

_Skerryvore.-_-Thomas Dawson and William Charleson send three well-filled schedules, dating January 27th to December 9th, 1886. Mr D. writes: "Birds scarce here all summer. Not one seen between 7th May and 13th September. On September 6th a Scart was seen by us fishing about the rock. Sometimes it came ashore for a short rest, then into the water again. Did not appear to be a bit frightened. We amused ourselves casting stones at it for a time, still it did not go away far from us. It is the first we have seen of the season; not one single Scart seen here during the breeding season. We left it after a time. At night, after lighting time, a strange noise was heard on the top dome. One of the keepers--Mr Charleson--went aloft and found the Scart sitting very comfortably on the cage for cleaning the chimney, with his head under his wing, asleep. He never saw Charleson coming to it; but the latter made a grab at it, but missing his mark, the bird got clear off. Several Eiders are seen now, mostly males (October 1st, 1886); one flock of thirteen yesterday, and only one female among them. Numbers of Solan Geese seen every day here fishing." [We would be glad of a schedule or two devoted entirely to Solan Geese and their daily movements.--J. A. H.-B.]

_October._--"On the 6th a great 'rush' of small birds here last night. Never saw anything like it nor so many different kinds. They commenced to strike the lantern at 8.30 P.M. on the 5th; and continued all morning of 6th. I cannot give you any idea of numbers, but no doubt hundreds were flying round the light. Most in number were Skylarks and Thrushes; Wheatears next; and a great number of Snipes were seen. I have noted in the schedule the actual number of the different kinds we saw on the lantern and the time they struck, but no doubt many more of the same species hovered round the light all night. I saw several Sand Larks, but only one struck. Wind S.E. to S., rain and haze. They nearly all struck on the north side of the lantern. I was standing on the balcony when the Woodcock struck, and it fell stunned at my feet, and I caught it before it had time to recover. This is the only one I have ever seen here. I may mention the names of the species seen so far as recognised: Mountain Thrushes, Common Thrushes, Skylarks, Titlarks, Wheatears, Blackbirds, Woodcock (first seen here by me), Robins, Wrens, Redstarts, Ring Ouzels (Mountain Thrushes are therefore either Fieldfares or Red wings), 'Oxeyes' (and another small bird a stranger to me)." [The Oxeye--so-called--is really a Gold-crested Wren, as described: and the other small bird, from description, is probably a Willow-Warbler (or Willow Wren).--J. A. H.-B.] In the same letter Mr Dawson encloses an insect [the Silver Gamma Moth.--J. A. H.-B.], and says: "I enclose an insect. I got it this morning stuck to the side of the kitchen window. We don't know what it is. It has likely wandered off here with the rush of birds the two previous nights. It appeared to be quite dormant when I found it (date of 7th October).

"Great numbers of birds again last night, but not nearly so many as the previous night, and fewer species. Wind N., and heavy rain all night and morning. After this Mr Charleson is to take note of the birds along with myself, so will get on better. The second schedule will be soon filled up."

Under date of December 19th, Messrs Dawson and Charleson say; "The Gannets have all left us some weeks back. The scarcity of fish is no doubt the cause."

_Dhuheartach._--William Davidson and Jas. M'Guffie send us four well-filled bulky schedules, as Dhuheartach has, along with Skerryvore, participated in the rush of 5th and 6th October, which appears to have been so universal all over the East Coast also. By the schedules the species appear to have been much the same as at Skerryvore--Larks, Mavis (many young), Goldcrests, Snipe, Fieldfare, Wheatear, Robins, Firetails (Redstarts), Starlings, Blackbirds, young Swallows, and several Lapwings--the Larks predominating by hundreds, and the Mavis by tens over the others, so far as observed.

_Skervuile._--John Ewing sends two well-filled schedules from 7th February to 26th December 1886. Under 25th March he says; "There has been an abundance of Gulls and Boatswains' birds up to _October_." On April 15th Solans are noted as seen night and morning during July, August, and September. Rush is also distinctly participated in on 3d, 4th, 5th, 6th. (See under species for details.)

_Rhinns of Islay._--Peter Anderson and Mr Ducat.--Besides sending five regular schedules, fully filled up, Mr Anderson has also, in a very neat and efficient way, kept a still more minute day-to-day record on his own plan. We now have these for the month of February. When we have a schedule of this description for every month in the year, we think it may prove desirable to publish the series _seriatim et literatim_. The statistics could not fail to be serviceable. Thousands of Larks seen passing south for days during the October rush. They write; "We think if you had been here on the night of 5th and morning of the 6th October, you would have seen migration to your heart's content. I have never seen anything like it before. About 7 P.M. they commenced, and increased until 10, when it was something grand to see, and continued up to 2 A.M. of the 6th, making a perfect concert of sounds--even the drums were not awanting--as the small birds striking the lantern and dome answered for the small drum, and the larger ones at odd times for the big drum. I will here mention a list of as many of the birds as I could distinguish, but I will make no attempt at numbers, as they were simply innumerable:--Redwings, Lapwings, Larks (these three the most numerous), Thrush, Missel-Thrush, Moorhen, Robins, Goldcrests, one Blackbird, one Teal Duck (both latter caught), Blackbirds, Water-rail, Terns, Starlings, and numerous other kinds I did not know. Weather thick, with haze and rain: wind S.E. to E. The birds seemed all to be flying against the wind. One Woodcock seen. Last night, 7th October, we had scarcely a bird, although it was a night of rain; but the wind was from the north." [This account of the great rush is most interesting and valuable.--J. A. H.-B.] "The rush continued till 2 A.M. of the 6th, but then eased a good deal, but numbers kept flying on till daylight. There were numerous Moths about the lantern on the nights of the 5th, 6th, and 7th." [Schedules give more interesting items.--J. A. H.-B.] Mr Anderson adds the note: "I forgot to mention that the weather has for the past few days been very close and warm. On the morning of the 5th, at 2 A.M., the glass stood outside at 62½°, and has been about 60° for several days, with very heavy rain." On the 18th December occurs the following note: "On the 18th I was inland for a mile or so, and saw two flocks of Larks (about 1000 each), and a flock of Starlings of from 1200 to 1400. I never saw so many Snipe on this island before. By the 22d thaw had set in, and they were all gone." [_Note._--When we were shooting in Ardnamurchan in January 1887, though Woodcock were fairly plentiful, we never saw Snipe so scarce in Mingary Park. The suddenness of the rush, short space of time occupied, and complete departure south in December at once accounts for this.--J. A. H.-B.]

_Lochindaul._--James Edgar sends three well-filled schedules, and observes that no schedules appear from our Report to have been sent for some years back. We are very glad again to receive schedules from Lochindaul, which appears to be a favourable situation for observations. Mr Edgar's last station was N. Unst, whence he sent us schedules. Mr Edgar says of Lochindaul: "Very few birds are attracted to this light, owing to part of the light being red, and the land side of the lantern being dark, although there are plenty of birds in the vicinity of the station. Most of the observations I have made are during the day time, and I only entered each species the first and last time seen, and any unusual flocks seen during the season. I gave up taking notes at end of October, owing to illness, and I was invalided from then till recently" (dated 17th January 1887), "which accounts for the lateness of sending in the schedules."

_Lamlash._--David M. Scott and Robert Brown send a light schedule, except on the 6th October, when they appear fully to have participated in that extraordinary rush. "We could make out Curlews, Lapwings, Thrushes, Goldcrests, Linnets, Blackbirds, Wrens--the largest number ever seen in one night at this station;" further proving the magnitude and wide-spread character of the 1886 autumn migration, as well as its singularly compressed nature.

_Turnberry._--Andrew Nisbet and William Begg send three well-filled day-to-day schedules. Curiously enough, the "rush" of October--which is quite the feature of our 1886 Report--is only comparatively emphasised here; but while the emphasis is moderate, it is also quite equally pronounced when compared with records at the same station. Thus, whilst only 1, 2, or 3 birds struck, or were seen at the lantern all through the season, a spring movement was more observable about the 10th February; and the autumn migration rush was emphasised by 13 birds at the lantern on the famous 5th and 6th October, and 5 the following night. Thus, comparatively speaking, the rush was also apparent on that date as elsewhere. All returns at other dates are light.

_Corsewall._--An _unsigned schedule_, well filled and neatly executed, to hand, dating February 4th to October 29th, shows an early spring migration, also in February, of Starlings, Thrushes, and Larks; and "a great rush" of Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Larks (both male and female), and Goldcrests, began to strike at 9 P.M., and continued till daylight. A great many killed of all kinds. Upwards of 100 got in the morning. S.E. fresh breeze, fog and rain. Short, sharp, sudden, and vast, as we do not find another entry till 23d.

_Portpatrick._--Mr James Beggs has the remark [which we perfectly agree with, and the reasons for which will shortly appear more decidedly, we believe, when Mr Service treats of the migration of birds in the Solway district, in his intended "Fauna of Solway."--J. A. H.-B.] to the effect that: "The migration of birds again very slight this season. As I remarked to you in my schedule last year, I think it is our prevailing winds from the west which keep the birds inland. You will see in my above notes where the winds are easterly." The easterly winds referred to occur throughout all the dates where any occurrences are recorded, _viz._, on the 4th and 15th September, October 4th, 5th, to 9th, and January 7th, 1887, at which latter date a "great rush" of Larks, coming from the N.W. and going S.E., is recorded. Again, the October 4th, 5th, and 6th rush is distinctly recorded. _Not a single record is entered under a westerly wind._ They naturally pick up (catch up) the trend of the coast south of Clyde in any winds, but _normal westerly winds_ may--and do--confine them to _normal routes more than easterly winds do_. Thus, if we had had no easterly winds at this station at all, the probability is that _no migration_ would have been observed; but the _more normal_ route _more inland_ would have been followed. Locally, Mr E. Service is working at these routes with good effect.

_Mull of Galloway._--Alex. Murray and John M'Quarrie send three excellent returns. Considerable movements of birds are noted, but again October 4th and 5th have pre-eminence and accentuation.

_Little Ross._--Neil M 'Donald and Robert M'Intosh send three well-filled schedules--every line filled. Under date of 6th December, N. M'D, writes: "I beg to send you two schedules, which are all we have. We are marking the birds as we see them on long sheets of paper lined off like the schedules, but when copying them off, I find I have more than will fill another schedule during October and up to date. Please forward two more. Trusting our schedules will meet your approval, etc." [Yes, they are excellent, and we have three fully filled, showing the same results and rush marked off in October as elsewhere. Birds seem well known; yet I think a copy of Johns' Birds should be sent here and to several more stations.--J. A. H.-B.]

Separate Report under Genera and Species.

Turdidæ.--Thrushes, Dipper, Blackbirds, Fieldfare, Ouzels, Redwings, "Mavises."--We find records principally of "Thrushes" between 4th and 22d February at Skervuile (one only on 9th), and at Turnberry and Corsewall (both south of Clyde), on seven dates, but all light. [Thus most of the February early migrants presumably turned across from Clyde to Forth,--J. A. H.-B.] Prevailing wind, S.W. and S.

_In March._--Light records at Turnberry on 8th of Thrushes; and north of Clyde single birds at Rona, Skye, and at Skerryvore on 12th, 22d, and 24th. Light records at Skervuile of Fieldfares and Blackbirds on 21st and 25th, and single record of Blackbird at Turnberry (S. of Clyde) on 25th. [Thus while as usual most of the prominent stations report, the returns both N. and S. of Clyde are light, and almost too general to utilise as indications of routes.--J. A. H.-B.] Prevailing wind in March, strong or light, S. and S. easterly. In May--3d, 4th, and 5th--we have a number of Thrushes and Starlings reported from Mull of Galloway in fog and mist, along with Starlings--twenty-two killed on 3d, and eleven on 4th. Wind, strong south breeze.

_In Autumn._--First movements noted are 26th and 27th of August at Rona, Skye, of "Mountain Thrushes" (probably Ring Ouzels). [This name is applied to both the Redwing, Fieldfare, and Ring Ouzel, in different parts of Scotland, but most correctly to the latter. The date also is more in favour of the record of Ring Ouzels, as about the dates mentioned they begin to frequent gardens and orchards for berries, etc.--J. A. H.-B.] And at Mull of Galloway and Little Ross, of Blackbirds and Ring Ouzels. Wind, S. and S.E., fresh to strong. [These are also probably migrants from the vicinity of the stations.--J. A. H.-B.] In September a flight of Thrushes on the 4th at Portpatrick. Indication at Kyleakin (N. of Clyde), on 24th, of same species; also on 13th, at Mull of Galloway, of Blackbirds, and larger numbers in flocks at latter station on 22d and 24th. Redwings are noted as early as 20th at Rhinns of Islay only. But in October the numbers of records are very great, too numerous to give in detail. Thus we find the following stations participate:--Skerryvore, ten dates between 5th and 19th. Rush distinct on the 5th, 9 P.M., till 4.30 A.M. on 6th, of "Mountain" and Common Thrushes. Wind, light S.E., and heavy rain. One Blackbird on 6th. At Dhuheartach on 1st, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th. Records of Mavis, 100 all night of 5th, 6th, S.S.E.; Fieldfare, one on 6th; one male Blackbird on 8th; wind N.W. Single Thrush on 8th. [Shows the compressed nature of the rush and preponderance, as elsewhere, of Common Thrush.--J. A. H.-B.] At Skervuile, rush also on 5th and 6th of Thrushes, Fieldfares (the latter in minority). Rush also, however, of Blackbirds noted; entries extend from 2d to 31st, but only on five dates, and all light except on 5th and 6th. [Emphasises above remarks.--J. A. H.-B.] At Rhinns of Islay records on ten dates between 4th and 28th, of Redwings. [Query, were these not Thrushes, or in some of the returns have not Redwings and Thrushes equally done service? _N.B._--The Redwing is _red_ beneath the wing, and the Thrush or Mavis _yellow_. No "Thrushes" so named appear in the Rhinns of Islay schedules, so perhaps "Redwings" do duty?--J. A. H.-B.] Blackbirds--quite a number appear under dates of 22d, 25th, 27th, and 28th. At Lochindaul also, while Thrushes seem to have been little observed at the time of the rush, there are a few records, 19th, 27th, and 28th, and one of Blackbirds on 27th. [The position of Lochindaul (Station CIII.) may sufficiently account for this; nor, however, does the rush appear quite so heavy at Rhinns of Islay (CII.) as it does at Skerryvore (XCIII.), nor at Dhuheartach (XCIV.), whilst Dhuheartach is lighter than Skerryvore. This may or may not indicate that the great body of the migrants have passed to the westward of Rhinns of Islay and even of Dhuheartach, making for the Irish coast. It will be interesting to note what our Irish Committee report upon this.--J. A. H.-B.]

At Turnberry (S. of Clyde) records date 2d, 3d, 5th, 6th, and 18th, but all are quite light, and no rush whatever is apparent on 5th and 6th October, only records of one, two, three, or four Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Ring Ouzels being entered.

At Corsewall (S. of Clyde), 2d and 3d of Thrushes (only three or four each time), but "great rush" of Blackbirds on 5th, and of the latter single records on 23d and 29th. Winds as generally--easterly. [_Note._--Thus routes of Blackbirds and Thrushes appear to have been rather different in 1886. _Compare_ with reports from other stations.--J. A. H.-B.]

At Mull of Galloway.--Bush indicated pretty distinctly, and striking all night of 5th, mingled with a few Blackbirds, some of which were killed at light. Large flocks seen all day of 6th. Dropping in up to 28th.

At Little Boss, on 3d October, four Thrushes--S.E., fresh--three killed; haze.

So much for the October rush at all stations yielding returns; and we have enlarged upon items here as illustrative of the whole general character of the autumn migration of 1886.

In November, migration of Thrushes (_vera_) almost _nil_. Solitary returns on 24th from Skerryvore, and from Turnberry and Little Boss. But a few more records of Redwing, Fieldfare, and Blackbird at same station. In December one single Thrush on 8th at noon at Dhuheartach; and a few Blackbirds and Redwings on 17th, 18th, and 20th at Rhinns of Islay. _No returns of Turdidæ S. of Clyde._ No returns of _Turdidæ_ anywhere in January 1887.

Saxicolinæ.--Wheatears (often called "Stonechats;" a name more correctly applied to another species of the group), Stonechat (a small bird having the head black in the male and dark-brown in the female), Whinchat, Redstart, etc.

_In Spring_, Stonechats (?) arrived at Rona, Skye--[no doubt _these_ are Wheatears; but it is hard to say in all cases which are intended.--J. A. H.-B.]--on the 24th March, and on same date at Skervuile--S.S.E. breeze, hazy; also on the same date at Turnberry. On 4th of April, one pair arrived to breed at Rhinns of Islay, followed by several pairs on the 5th and 6th, which remain to breed. On 30th April, and one or two other dates, straggling birds seen at Dhuheartach, and again at Turnberry.

_In Autumn._--Wheatears are recorded by name (correct name) at Butt of Lewis and at Little Ross; and what are also all probably Wheatears, but called (erroneously) Stonechats (see also last Migration Report, p. 100), at Rona, Skye, Dhuheartach, Turnberry, and Mull of Galloway, all on dates between 18th and 31st August. Rushing on 21st and 22d South of Clyde, continuing all through September, with a rush at Skerryvore; but only two at Dhuheartach on 13th. Migration continued up to, but not beyond, the 7th October, and participated in the rush of 5th and 6th at Skerryvore, and also at Skervuile, thus apparently taking a different route from that chosen by the Thrushes (see _antea_, _Turdidæ_). The only other species mentioned are a few Whinchats; a Redstart at Dhuheartach on 23d May, three ditto at Mull of Galloway on 27th August, two ditto at Little Ross on 13th September, and one ditto at Skerryvore on 6th October.

Silviinæ.--Robins, Blackcap, Blue Throated Warbler, Whitethroat, "Redbreast."--In Spring, two records only, at Rona, Skye, and Skervuile on 24th and 25th March. [All through this Report there seems to be a similarity of dates of occurrences at these two stations, even in single records. Why they should apparently be so much _in touch_ with one another is not easily understood at present; unless it is simply similarity of positions affecting local migrations in a similar way.--J. A. H.-B.]

_In Autumn._--August 19th and 27th, singles. September.--Robins from Rhinns of Islay, Lochindaul to Lamlash (N. of Clyde), and Turnberry and Little Ross (S. of Clyde) all light. In October no great rush apparent anywhere, ranging in small numbers at all stations through the month.

One record in November at Little Ross; and four dates, 17th to 20th December, at Skerryvore and Rhinns of Islay, at which dates there appears to have been some slight movement.

Phylloscopinæ.--Goldcrest, "Gold-Crested Wren," Willow Warbler, "Willow Wren."--In Spring, two solitary Willow Wrens killed at Rhinns of Islay. "Great numbers of different kinds of Wrens on 11th May at Corsewall" [Please send wings. We have only one _true_ Wren in Britain. The Goldcrest and Willow "Wrens" (_sic_) belong to the Warbler group.--J. A. H.-B.]

No records again till September, from 5th to 22d. Goldcrests are given on nine dates; but very few at Rhinns of Islay, Turnberry, Corsewall, and Little Ross.

Many entries in October. A "great flock" of Goldcrests at Little Ross; many struck and killed. Eight also appeared on 4th, 15th, and 8th at same place.

Accentorinæ.--Hedge Sparrow, or Blue Janet.--One on 25th March at Skerryvore, and one at Butt of Lewis (N., fresh breeze, cloudy) on 23d September.

Acrocephalinæ.--Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler.--At Dhuheartach one Sedge Warbler. On September 3d, one ditto at Little Ross, and one same place on 7th October; wind in each case light S.E.

Paridæ.--Titmice.--In April one Titmouse (?) seen on 27th and 28th at Turnberry; and at same place, one on 10th May.

In August a number at Mull of Galloway 22d, and all night of 30th. Occurrences between 22d and 30th, and on 27th at Turnberry. On September 1st and 3d a few at Turnberry, and two or three on 21st and 24th, same place. In October one bird on 6th at same place.

Troglodytidæ.--Common Wren, "Kitty Wren."--Two dates in April at Turnberry; one on 6th May at Skerryvore.

_In Autumn._--Two at Corsewall on 21st, and five on 22d; and three on 20th at Little Ross, and one on 22d of September. In October, single records at Rona, Skye, 15th; Skerryvore, 6th; Rhinns of Islay, 2d; Lochindaul, 8th; and two, same place, on 22d. Latest two on 13th November at Little Ross, and a few other scattered records.

Motacillidæ.--Wagtails.--In March, a pair on 21st at Lochindaul; in May, one Wagtail at Dhuheartach, on the 8th--strong S.W., clear; and one Yellow Wagtail, same place, on 23d--light E. airs.

In August two "Grey Wagtails" [are these grey, or have they any yellow about them?] at Dhuheartach on 27th; and eighty-nine Wagtails on 28th--a rush. A number of entries in schedule for September, ranging from 1st to 24th, at Dhuheartach, Rhinns of Islay, Lochindaul, Mull of Galloway, and Little Ross,--bulking in largest numbers south of Clyde, twenty to thirty, on 1st September,--a rush co-existing with that at Rhinns of Islay above on 28th August. A flock at Little Ross on 27th September--winds S. and E. In October a number on 9th at Lochindaul; and a few entries for Lochindaul, Skerryvore, and Little Ross. Two on 19th December at Rhinns of Islay.

Motacillidæ.--Pipits, Meadow Pipits, Rock Pipits, Titlarks, "Mosscheeper," "Tang Sparrow" (_i.e._, Rock Pipit), "Marsh Pipits" (_i.e._, Meadow Pipits).--One record at Skervuile in February; one in March (20th), same place.

_In Autumn._--All day "Mosscheepers" at Butt of Lewis [are these Meadow or Rock Pipits?], and scattered birds on four dates of Titlarks at Dhuheartach. In October a rush of Titlarks, 5th and 6th, at Skerryvore; but only single or light returns from Dhuheartach at same time; also two only at Skervuile all the month. Two on 19th December at Dhuheartach.

Muscicapidæ.--Flycatchers.--The only records are in August, on 27th, 29th, and 30th, at Mull of Galloway. S.E., fresh, or fog.

Hirundinidæ.--Swallows, Martins, Sand Martins.--In April 24th--"Swallows first seen" at Corsewall; four at noon at Rhinns of Islay, one with a speckled head, the first seen, on 27th. In May, a rush appears on 7th, and again on 6th to 8th, at Rhinns of Islay and at Lochindaul. A few single records at Dhuheartach, Lamlash, and Little Ross; one at Kyleakin on 26th June--all of Common Swallow.

Autumn movements all September recorded from Rhinns of Islay; "flocks" at Mull of Galloway on 3d; and at Little Ross, "large flock" on 14th. Flocks all day on 4th September at Mull of Galloway, and other notices.

Fringillidæ.--Finches, Linnets, Redpoles, Siskins, Sparrows, Tree Sparrows, Brambling or Mountain Finches, Chaffinches. Bullfinches.--In February one Bullfinch at Kyleakin; snow on island. One Cock Sparrow at Dhuheartach on 27th May; light E., clear; on rocks. One Linnet, same place, June 26th.