Chapter IV: Part 4

In August flocks flying about all day on 22d at Lochindaul, and small flock at Little Ross on 19th. Linnets and Grey Linnets, 2d, 6th, and 13th September, at Butt of Lewis (probably Twites or Mountain Linnets), Rona, Skye, and Little Boss. In October slight rushes between 7th, 8th, 9th, of Linnets. One male Chaffinch at Rhinns of Islay. One Siskin at Butt of Lewis on 29th. Hundreds again in November at Kyleakin, and forty to fifty on 14th and 21st at same place; sixty on 19th December; Grey Linnets at Lochindaul. Occurrences date in October from 4th to 28th in numbers ranging from one to ten (on 5th, 6th, and 8th at Dhuheartach, and on 20th at Turnberry), twenty (on 8th at Rhinns of Islay), and eleven to forty (on 28th at Turnberry). Direction of winds, S. and E. and S.E. throughout. No more records except one bird at Little Ross on 19th November.

Emberizidæ.--Buntings, Snow Buntings.--Almost all the returns relate to Snow Buntings. On the 15th and 17th May a single bird was found on the island at Rhinns of Islay, and one reporter adds the remark, "very late to be seen here." Wind variable, strong.

_In Autumn_ there was a "rush" of Snow Buntings past Skerryvore at or about midnight of the 27th September; wind strong W., haze and rain. No notice of this rush is taken at Dhuheartach or elsewhere. In October only two single records, on 14th at Dhuheartach, and 18th at Rhinns of Islay; and in November light records only at Butt of Lewis, Dhuheartach, between the 15th and 25th (twenty on the latter date). In December, thirty Snow Buntings on 14th at Rhinns of Islay "all day." Not one return from any station south of Clyde. Of Common Bunting or Corn Bunting we have one record in April at Lochindaul, one on 4th October at Skerryvore, and one at Lochindaul on the 1st. The Corn Bunting is not looked upon by us as more than very locally migratory.

Alaudidæ.--Larks.--Of Larks there has been an enormous movement. Absent entirely in April, June, July, and August; scarcely any in May (only two entries on 4th and 9th at Turnberry, with light or strong N.E. breeze).

In September the returns are still very light, indeed almost absent; but in October during the whole month innumerable records. Larks appeared at all the following stations sending returns:--Rona, Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, Skervuile, Rhinns of Islay, Lochindaul, Turnberry, Corsewall, Mull of Galloway, and Little Ross; but all notice of them is omitted in schedules from the other stations sending returns, _viz._:--Butt of Lewis, Monach Isles? _q.v._, Barra Head, Kyleakin, Rhuvaal, and Lamlash. [We are thus able to locate the stream with some exactitude.] They appeared to be most abundant at Skerryvore, and at Dhuheartach, "rushes" and "hundreds;" Skervuile, "rush;" Rhinns of Islay (on 2d October), "thousands," and on 5th, "numerous." Then S. of Clyde, "a great rush" at Corsewall; "rush" at Portpatrick (4th October). All these large movements, except where specified, were on the nights of 5th and 6th October.

In November only a few slight movements, 24th, 26th, to 29th at _Kyleakin_ and at _Turnberry_.

In December light again at Dhuheartach, 18th to 27th; but heavy on 18th and 19th at Rhinns of Islay, 1000 and 100; but these may and probably were due only to local migration, influenced by severe weather on mainland.

In January movements also of local importance and not numerous, January being milder and more open on the West Coast than December; but at Portpatrick a great rush is described as going from N.W. to S.E., 11 A.M. to 12, during a snowstorm. This may also, however, be only a local movement still it is interesting as showing the _recognised line of flight_ spoken of by Mr E. Service. In Ardnamurchan small flocks appeared at Kilchoan at once on the advent of a severe snowstorm and S.E. gale of wind--a local movement, of course.

In February many light movements are entered, but none of more than local interest. These occur at Skerryvore, Rona, Skervuile, Turnberry, and Corsewall.

Sturninæ.--Starlings.--A considerable movement. In February a number at Turnberry on 9th, and light returns from Skerryvore, Skervuile, and Turnberry on other dates, and at Corsewall. A few returns in March, none in April, two in May, none in June and July. "Rushes" of old and young in August at Rhinns of Islay on 18th, 19th, and 26th; wind S.W., fresh, or W., light. Rush also indicated on 22d at Lochindaul; odd birds only at Skerryvore; 130 at Lochindaul on the 30th. A few movements in September. South of Clyde--"Great numbers" on 15th at Portpatrick. North of Clyde--Light movements; eleven, twelve, sixteen birds at Kyleakin. In October rushes recorded, especially at Skervuile, Lochindaul, Turnberry, Mull of Galloway, at or about the date of the general great rush of the year, _viz._, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 8th October. Light returns in November, and a few in December.

Corvidæ.--Rooks, Ravens, Crows, Carrion Crows, Hooded Crows, Jackdaws, Grey Crows.--The _Corvidæ_ generally show movements during January (1887), February (1886), April (Ravens), May (casual Carrion and Grey Crows or Hoodies), June 26th, 27th, 28th, and 29th, "great numbers of Crows" all day at Mull of Galloway. August 18th to 27th, of Rooks, Ravens, Grey Crows, Crows. Great flocks of Rooks on 21st at Lochindaul, as also on 24th September no very heavy entries at any stations, but "dense flock" on 21st October at Lochindaul, and sixty on the 20th same place. Only one Crow seen all November, and that at Butt of Lewis, the only return in all that month. 500 Crows at Rhinns of Islay on 18th December--no doubt a local migration. In January (1887), from 100 up to 500 at same place, 9th, 10th, and 17th--also local, no doubt.

Cypselidæ.--Swift, "Cran," "Black Swallow."--Only one solitary record of one Swift on 27th August at Butt of Lewis. Wind S.W., fresh.

Cuculidæ.--Cuckoo.--Records: At Lochindaul, arrived 6th May. Wind light S., clear, "flying S.W."

Also at Lochindaul, one rested on the rocks at 7 P.M. on the 6th July. Light W., clear.

Strigidæ.--Very few records of any Owls--At Dhuheartach, on 4th May, an Owl rested on the rock. Fresh S. and fog.

At Mull of Galloway a Grey Owl seen on 5th September, and again at same place on 21st October one Grey Owl came to the light in pursuit of some small birds.

Falconidæ.--Eagle, Hawks, Kestrel Hawks, Sparrow Hawks, Buzzards, Game Hawk or Falcon.--[Merlins are not once named, but no doubt some of the "Sparrow-Hawk" entries really apply to the Merlin.--J. A. H.-B.]

In May.--A Kestrel on 5th at Dhuheartach, and a Buzzard on 23d, both flying east, with E. wind. A Sparrow Hawk at Rhinns of Islay.

_In Autumn_, a few records of Hawks, Game Hawk (Rona, Skye), etc., at four or five stations in August, and single birds in September, including Buzzard and Falcon at Rhinns of Islay on 20th. Also single birds at Skerryvore and Dhuheartach, including a "Black Hawk" on 10th October at the former. One record at Butt of Lewis of a Sparrow Hawk on 19th November. There are fewer records of Hawks than usual. One Eagle seen at Rona 2d January 1886.

Pelecanidæ.--Solan Geese.--First seen at Skervuile on 15th April. Light N. wind; next at Rhinns of Islay, 100 in flocks, from 4 to 11 A.M. on the 11th May, and great numbers on 27th, flying N. in the forenoon, and again on 31st. E.N.E. wind. In June six seen at Lochindaul, and a few at Little Ross. The migration of Gannets appears to have been quite intermittent and uncertain here and on the N.W. coast.

By August 8th, at Rhinns of Islay, several young seen; and by 15th to 18th in hundreds all day. Intermittent in numbers, 16th (some) to 30th (numbers), and 31st (all day) at Lochindaul. None entered again till 9th and 11th October at Lochindaul.

Ardeidæ.--Herons.--One record in February at Skerryvore, sitting on rock on 13th. Wind fresh W., and rain. One record in July at Rhinns of Islay, flying S.W.; W., clear on 16th. One record in August at Little Ross on 19th. Singles or pairs at four stations, _viz._, Butt of Lewis, Skerryvore, Rhinns of Islay, and Little Ross, on four different dates. Two in October at Rhinns of Islay, and two in December at same place. None of these appear to us at present to have any special significance.

Anatidæ.--Ducks, Geese, Swans.--In Spring two Eider Ducks at Lochindaul, swimming near the shore on 29th March. [It seems worth while to record the appearances of Eiders, owing to their wonderful and yearly increase in the Outer Hebrides within, our recollection since 1870, and earlier.--J. A. H.-B.]

_In Autumn_, at Skerryvore, four seen on 14th, and at Dhuheartach one Drake on 16th, and at Lochindaul one Duck on 30th. On 1st October two at Skerryvore, S.W., strong breeze; and a pair on the 20th at same place. In November two males and three females at Rhinns of Islay on the 4th, and two females and one young male at Skerryvore on 15th.

_Stock Duck or_ Shieldrake.--One on 8th March at Rhinns of Islay, S.E. breeze. Very occasional entries of Ducks (Wild Duck) in April at Rhinns of Islay, from three to ten at a time.

Grey Geese [probably White-fronted.--J. A. H.-B.] on 12th and 25th at Rhinns of Islay. Wind northerly and westerly. One Widgeon at Lochindaul on 16th September. A few scattered notices of Geese, or Grey Geese, in October at Rona, Skye, (six) on 12th, at Rhinns of Islay (Large Goose), and at Kyleakin. In November 40 Geese at Rona, and flocks, 46 to 50, flying S. on 4th at Rhinns of Islay; 100 on 5th, flying S.; wind S.E., fresh. All other lighter records, flying east, with S.W. strong breeze. Barnacle Geese, five on 1st November at Rhinns of Islay rested on island, and one seen on 3d at Butt of Lewis, and five on 18th December at Rhinns of Islay, with "first snow." Also records of Teal (all in October), 40 Brent Geese at Rhinns of Islay on 6th, and 33 and 30 "Wild Geese" at same place on 20th and 21st January 1887.

Columbidæ.--Rock Doves, Turtle Doves, Wood Pigeon, &c.--Two records of seven and fifteen respectively at Rhinns of Islay on 4th and 5th September. One Turtle Dove shot on 25th at (?)

Rallidæ.--Corncrake or "Land Rail," Water Rail.--At Rhinns of Islay, first heard 26th May. At Lochindaul, first heard 20th May. At Kyleakin, first heard 25th May. At Lochindaul, last heard or seen 7th August. At Rhinns of Islay, one on island 29th September. At Rhinns of Islay, one Water Rail killed on 5th. Fresh E.

Charadriadæ.--Oyster Catchers, Plovers, Golden Plovers, Grey Plover, &c.--Oyster Catchers on 15th February at Lochindaul, "first seen this year." Light, clear, and N.E. One Plover at Rona 24th March, and "Sea Pies" at Dhuheartach on 23d May, the only entries in Spring.

In August, flock of Golden Plover at Butt of Lewis on 30th. Stray records at Rhinns of Islay and Lochindaul, and one record of Grey Plover at former on 20th. S.W., fresh and rain.

Slight movement on 2d and 5th September at Rhinns of Islay of Golden Plover, and "large number" on 12th at Turnberry, and a number at Little Ross on 28th. No very heavy records at any time. Flocks in October, but no records of important movements. Three records in December 17th, 18th, and 19th, at Rhinns of Islay. Few records of Oyster Catchers.

Lapwing, Ring Plover, Dotterel.--Very few light movements in February, March, and April of Lapwings. Do. in July (one), flocks on 19th August, and 30 on 30th, 100 at Rhinns of Islay on 14th September, 40 on 24th, "great numbers" at Turnberry on 14th September, 100 on 21st October at Rhinns of Islay, and numbers on 9th at Lochindaul all day, and on 11th and 23d. No records of other species, or of Lapwings, at later dates.

Scolopacidæ.--Woodcock, Snipe, Curlew, Whimbrel.--Whimbrels, or Little Curlew, or "May Fowl," in small numbers rested for four days on the rock at Dhuheartach on 11th to 14th May. No other notice, spring or autumn.

Curlews--February, March, May, single records. In June thirty to forty alighted on hill near Mull of Galloway, and stayed three weeks and left. August--Flocks on 19th at Lochindaul; thirty on 19th at Mull of Galloway; and a flock at Little Ross on 3d. In September many light records; heaviest, fifty at Rhinns of Islay, and a large flock and a small flock on 1st at Little Ross, and a large flock of young Curlews same place on 28th. In October a fair number of records; fifty on 21st at Rhinns of Islay, and a number on 11th at Lochindaul; twenty at Mull of Galloway on 20th.

Woodcock--At Lamlash, on 15th March, two birds at 11 A.M.; E., strong; and on February 1st, one at Kyleakin, 11.30 A.M.; S., with snow on the island.

No more entries till October, when only three in all at Rona (on 8th), S.E., fresh, "first seen;" one at Rhinns of Islay (22d), N.E.; and one at Corsewall (25th), N.E., fresh, "struck and killed." In November, one bird at Mull of Galloway on 19th; and one, on 20th and 21st December, at Rhinns of Islay.

Considering that this was a most remarkable year for Woodcock in Central Scotland, and in the West, in Ardnamurchan, Mull, and many other places, it is remarkable how few have been seen at lighthouses. Here in Stirlingshire thirty-five and twenty-eight were killed on Torwood and Touch in two days. The birds had been quite three weeks in the country. In January 1887, 33½ couple were shot in seven days, and we heard of total bags for the season of 160 to one gun in Ardnamurchan, 400 in Ross of Mull, 260 in north of Mull on one property, etc., etc.

_Snipe._--A distinct "rush" apparent on the great migration night of 5th October, but all other returns light except "numbers all day" at Rhinns of Islay on 18th December. The largest "rush" is recorded at Skerryvore on 5th October, 9.30 P.M. till 3.30 A.M. on the 6th; light S. wind; eight killed on lantern. All other records quite light; and Jack Snipe, only three entries, _viz._, on 8th October at Butt of Lewis, S., fresh; at Skervuile on 6th, light E. and S.; and one killed at midnight of 22d October at Rhinns of Islay. Of Sandpipers, Redshanks, Dunlins, etc., there are only eight records in all in March, May, August (2), September (2), October, and December.

Laridæ.--Gulls we only will mention the more important entries.

Cream-coloured Gulls (Iceland) [or Glaucous Gulls.--J. A. H.-B.] "seldom seen here," at Rhinns of Islay on January 18th, 1887. February 1886--"Iceland" Gull at same place, flying E., noted as "rare," on 3d; light N. breeze. In May a Richardson's Skua at Lochindaul on 28th, and all day there again on 30th July. Thousands of Black Backed Gulls and other Gulls on 14th September at Rhinns of Islay. "Dirty Allens" at Dhuheartach on 31st October, and all November numbers of Gulls at Skervuile. Iceland Gulls at Dhuheartach on 12th December, and again at Rhinns of Islay on 7th.

Terns arrived on 20th May at Barra Head, and a flock stayed a week at Little Ross and then left, after the 14th June. There are only a few scattered records in autumn. The curious unsettled behaviour of Terns, whether Arctic or Common, is a subject worthy of remark during their breeding season. They often occupy and then abandon their nesting places, apparently without any reason, for it is not always that they leave on account of persecution, though they are much more easily affected by persecution than almost any other sea birds.

Procellariidæ.--Petrels.--In September several all day at Dhuheartach, and have been seen "flying south for a week past." [This is an interesting note as pointing directly to a periodical migration of the Petrels. Of course how much such may have been simply caused by increase or diminution of food supply is at present difficult to determine.--J. A. H.-B.]

In October only two records, but both on 5th and 6th at 11 P.M. and 2 A.M., struck, but were not killed. [They are evidently thus included in the impulse and great migration of this date. It is noteworthy that we have all through our past reports seldom received definitive record of actual migration of the Petrel till now.--J. A. H.-B.]

Colymbidæ.--Divers, Northern Divers, Grebes, etc.--In February, one G. N. Diver on 7th at Skervuile.

In March, one do. on 24th at same place. In April, no records. In May, two at Lochindaul on 7th, and on 10th at Kyleakin. No more records of G. N. Divers till 23d October, when one was seen at Rona, Skye, "swimming round the island." Then, 16th November, at Skervuile, and December 26th at same place.

By collecting careful notes on the appearance, residence on our coasts, and departure from different stations, much might be learned of the reason why some northern species remain to breed some seasons more than others, or remain longer resident into the summer months.

Alcidæ.--Puffins, Guillemots, "Tysties," "Rock Birds," etc., Razorbills.--In April, a flock of 100 Puffins fishing around Rhinns of Islay on 3d, and twelve Tysties or Black Guillemots on 10th, "floating in the sound." In May, Tysties at Lochindaul on the 20th, and Puffins--twenty--flying west on 2d, at Kyleakin. In June, great numbers all day of Razorbills fishing around Lochindaul. In August a few all day on 28th at same place. In September, one young Tystie on 15th at Dhuheartach, "eating fish on the rocks." In October on 19th and 21st _continuous flocks_, 6 to 10 A.M., N., light, clear, flying south. This "rush" of sea birds is almost as sudden and remarkable as that of our land birds this year. A few still found in December at Skervuile. No notices South of Clyde.

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

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

Schedules and letters of instruction, with stamped envelopes for wings, were sent to the fifty-three under-mentioned lighthouses and light-vessels on the West and South-West Coasts of England, the Coasts of Wales, and the Isle of Man, and returns have been received from the thirty-nine stations marked with an asterisk.

The following is an enumeration of the stations included in this section of the Report:--

No. on
Map.

Isle of Man.

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

N. W. England.

*120. L.H. St Bees, Henry Nott.
*121. L.V. Selker, Daniel Kneale and George Cumming.
*122. L.V. Morecambe Bay, Henry Clavell.
*123. L.V. River Dee, S. Work and J. Clague.

North Wales.

124. L.H. Air.
*125. L.H. Menai, Joseph Steer.
*126. L.H. Skerries Rock, Wm. Jno. Rees.
*127. L.H. Holyhead Breakwater, Messrs Prichard, Roberts, and Hughes.
*128. L.H. South Stack, W. R. Burgess.
*129. L.V. Carnarvon Bay, Messrs Thomas and Hughes.
130. L.H. St Tudwalls.
*131. L.H. Bardsey Island, Thomas Bowen.
*132. L.V. Cardigan Bay, Messrs Rees and Comben.

South Wales.

*133. L.H. South Bishop, Alfred Frost.
*134. L.H. Smalls, George Baker.
*135. L.H. Great Castle Head, W. L. Davis.
*136. L.H. Milford (St Ann's), Jas. F. Spicer.
*137. L.H. Caldy, Wm. Ebben.
*138. L.V. Helwick, Messrs Webber and Howells.

Bristol Channel.

*139. L.V. Scarweather, Messrs Havells and Wynen.
*140. L.H. Nash (E. ), Henry Nicholas.
*141. L.V. Breaksea, Messrs Walters and Johnson.
*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, William Lewis.

South-Western England.

*147. L.H. Bull Point, George Knott.
*148. L.H. Bideford Bar, Thomas Gilpin.
149. L.H. Lundy Island.
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, Daniel Norton.
*155. L.H. Wolf Rock, J. J. Chavner.
156. L.H. Scilly.
*157. L.H. Bishop's Rock, Jno. W. Troth.
158. L.H. Lizard Point.
159. L.H. Falmouth Harbour.
*160. L.H. Eddystone, William Ainger.
*161. L.H. Plymouth Breakwater, Arthur Ebgar.
*162. L.H. Start Point, William Jones.
*163. L.H. Portland Bill, William Frost.
*164. L.V. Shambles, William Clark.
165. L.H. Anvil Point.
*166. L.H. Hurst Castle, G. G. Appleton.
167. L.H. The Needles.

It is satisfactory to note that not only has the number of stations making returns been largely augmented, but also that the schedules have considerably increased in number from most stations.[10] It is pleasing, too, to observe the pains and evident interest taken by most of the recorders. Our best thanks are due to the observers above named for their invaluable co-operation, and for the faithful manner in which they have filled in their schedules. To Messrs Ainger (Eddystone), Baker (Smalls), Clyne (Langness), Johnson (Longships), Jones (Start), Knott (Bull Point), Lewis (Burnham), Nicholas (Nash), Rees (Skerries), Walters and Johnson (Breaksea), Webber and Howells (Helwick), and Work and Clague (Dee), additional and especial thanks are due for sending the wings of the species unknown to them killed or captured at their respective stations. The result of the first efforts in this direction has been highly satisfactory; a very considerable number of wings have been received, representing the following species:--_Turdus viscivorus_, _T. musicus_, _T. merula_, _T. torquatus_, _Saxicola œnanthe_, _Pratincola rubetra_, _P. rubicola_, _Sylvia cinerea_, _S. atricapilla_, _Phylloscopus collybita_, _P. trochilus_, _Acrocephalus phragmitis_, _Locustella nævia_, _Regulus cristatus_, _Troglodytes parvulus_, _Motacilla rayi_, _Anthus pratensis_, _A. trivialis_, _A. obscurus_, _Muscicapa grisola_, _Emberiza miliaria_, _Alauda arvensis_, _Caprimulgus europæus_, _Cuculus canorus_, _Gallinula chloropus_, _Tringa alpina_, _T. canutus_, and _Procellaria leucorrhoa_.

[Footnote 10: No less than 84 schedules were returned.]

Diary of the Migratory Movements as Observed at the various Stations.

The sequence of the stations is from north to south. The meteorological conditions prevailing during the more important movements are extracted from "The Daily Weather Reports"[11] issued by the Meteorological Office. The wind and weather, as observed at the stations, are given in parenthesis; for the weather, the symbols of the Beaufort scale have been adopted;[12] while the force of the wind ranges from to 12.

[Footnote 11: These Reports cover not only the British Islands, but also Western Europe, from Bodo and Haparanda to Corunna and Toulon, and are based upon numerous returns from the area indicated.]

[Footnote 12: 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; E. rain; S. snow; T. thunder; U. ugly, threatening; V. visibility, unusual transparency; W. dew.]

The diction of the recorders has been adhered to as closely as possible. The identification of the species marked * has been verified from wings sent to the Committee.

SPRING.

Weather during the Week March 21st to 27th.

Weather--mild and damp throughout, with southerly (S.E. to S.W.)
winds, generally moderate, but occasionally strong, especially
in the W. Barometric pressure has been continuously highest over
the Continent, and lowest to the westward and north-westward of
our Islands, the gradients being, as a rule, moderate, and the
distribution cyclonic. On the 24th, however, the continental
anticyclone extended to the westward, over our islands, for a
short time, and the winds backed to eastward at the southern and
south-western stations, with a fall of temperature; but this change
was very temporary. Temperature above its normal height--maximum
varying from 60° to 65° in many places.--(From Weekly Summary in
"Daily Weather Report," March 29, 1886.)

March 24th.

_Langness_ L.H.--One Willow Warbler on lantern at 2 A.M. (Light E.; haze.)

_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--Great numbers of Thrushes, Starlings, Wheat ears, and Larks flying round lantern at 8 P.M. (S., light breeze; haze.)

_Selker_ L.V.--A great many Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Larks about the light from 12 P.M. to 4 A.M., some striking and going over the side.

_River Dee_ L.V.--One Woodcock killed at 7.45 P.M.

_South Stack_ L.H.--Several Siskins and Wheatears from 12 P.M. to 4 A.M. A few struck and killed. (S.E., 4; C. M. R.)

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Thrushes, Redwings, Starlings, and Wheatears from 8 P.M. to 10.30 P.M. A great quantity struck; 20 birds killed. (S. by W., and S.S.W.; C. V.)

March 25th.

_Langness_ L.H.--One Blackbird (female) found dead.

_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--Immense numbers of Starlings, mixed with Thrushes and Fieldfares, throughout the night. Large numbers killed. (S.S.W. fresh. Breeze increasing towards morning to a gale; haze and fog.)

_Bahama Bank_ L.V.--Several Larks, Thrushes, and Starlings at 11.30 P.M. four "Grey Birds" killed.

_Selker_ L.V.--A great many Larks, Starlings, and a few Thrushes flying about the light from 9 to 12 P.M. (Misty.)

March 26th.

_Langness_ L.H.--One female Blackbird killed, and two Redwings killed on lantern at 4 A.M.

_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--Mr Black says: "The same kind of birds were to be seen on this date as on the 25th, but very few struck, as the night was clear."

_St Bees_ L.H.--Several Wheatears on the 26th and 27th.

_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--Hundreds of Thrushes and Larks all night, 40 killed and 20 caught; they left at daylight, flying towards the east. (S.W., 5; G. M.)

_Nash_ (E.) L.H.--A Swallow rested on the lantern from 6.30 A.M. till 7 A.M., and then left and flew N.E.

March 27th.

_Langness_ L.H.--Several Starlings, a Lark, and a Chaffinch on the lantern from 2 to 4 A.M.

_St Bees_ L.H.--19 or 20 Grey Geese at 6 P.M.

_Selker_ L.V.--Starlings and Blackbirds flying about the light at 3 A.M.

_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--10 Lapwings at 11 A.M. flying N.E. (N.W., 6; B. C. V.)

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Blackbirds, Redwings, and Starlings in great numbers from 9 P.M. to 3 A.M. (28th); 20 struck and lost over, four caught. (S. by W., 4; C. R. M.)

_Plymouth Breakwater_ L.H.--One Thrush killed at 3 A.M.

March 29th.

_Langness_ L.H.--One Song Thrush and one Redwing struck between 10 and 12 P.M.

_Selker_ L.V.--A great many Thrushes, Blackbirds, Starlings, and Larks from 12 P.M. to 2 A.M. One Woodcock struck, and was caught. "There were also a great many other birds." (S.W., 3; rain, thick mist.)

April 5th.

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Two Red Linnets caught at 9 P.M., and two Ring Ouzels caught at midnight. (S.W. by W., 5; O. D. M.)

Weather for Week, April 18th to 24th.

Generally fair, but until the close of the week temperature was
low for the time of the year, and frosts were experienced in the
north of Scotland. Barometric depressions prevailed southward and
south-westward of our Islands until the 23d, when a large and
well-defined low-pressure system approached us from the southward,
and passed in a north-westerly direction out into the Atlantic.
As its centre skirted our south-west coasts, moderate gales from
the E. or S.E. prevailed in the south of Ireland and south-west of
England.--(From Weekly Summary, "Daily Weather Report," April 26,
1886.)

April 19th.

_Langness_ L.H.--A Cuckoo seen at 10 A.M.

April 22d.

_Langness_ L.H.--One Common Wren at 4 P.M.

_River Dee_ L.V.--Flocks of Titlarks and Wagtails passing to the east during the whole of the day. (E.N.E. to N.N.W., 2; C. V.)

Carnarvon Bay L.V.--Six Black Crows flying east at 8 A.M.

_Nash (E.)_ L.H.--Seven *Wrens at 10.30 P.M., three killed; the others remained till daylight. (E., 3; B. M.)

April 23d.

_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--A Swallow at 9.30 A.M., flying N.E., and an Oystercatcher and a Carrion Crow sitting on the rock.

_River Dee_ L.V.--Flocks of Titlarks and Wagtails, and small flocks of Swallows passing the whole of the day, flying east. Two Wrens and one Stonechat killed at midnight. (S.E., 3; C. U.)

_Nash (E.)_ L.H.--Between sixty and seventy *Whitethroats at 10 P.M. twelve killed, the others remaining till daylight. (E., 2; B. M.)

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Hundreds of Wheatears, and many Warblers and "Flycatcher species" from 9 P.M. to 12 P.M. "Scores against the glazing; none caught." (S.E., 1; C. M.)

April 29th.

_Nash (E.)_ L.H.--Four Cuckoos passed west from 8.30 to 9 A.M. (S.S.W., 2; B. C. V.)

_Eddystone_ L.H.--A large number of Wheatears from 2 A.M. to 4 A.M.; none caught; a great many killed and lost over. (E.N.E., 8; C. P. M.)

May 10th.

_Langness_ L.H.--Mr Clyne, in a letter, stated that on the 10th there were great numbers of *Whitethroats, *Sedge Warblers, and *Willow Wrens on the lantern.

May 11th.

_Langness_ L.H.--Two Warblers found dead on lantern; killed between 12 P.M. and daylight. Large flock of Swifts flying north at 8.30 A.M. (Light E.; haze and showers.)

May 16th.

_Langness_ L.H.--Several Whimbrels at 10 A.M. (Fresh N.E.; clear.)

AUTUMN.

Weather for Week, August 1st to 7th.

Weather--changeable; the pressure distribution being cyclonic and
complex at first (causing north-westerly and south-westerly winds),
then anticyclonic, and afterwards cyclonic, but of a simple type
(causing southerly to westerly breezes). A small but well-formed
anticyclone advanced over us from the westward during the 3d and
4th, but owing to a fall in the barometer in the west it moved
southwards.--(From Weekly Summary in "Daily Weather Report" for
August 9th, 1886.)

August 1st.

_Nash (E.)_ L.H.--Two Cuckoos at 11.20 P.M. one killed and one caught alive. Four Swifts killed between 11 and 12 P.M. Eight Willow Warblers from 11 to 12 P.M. three killed. (N.W., 3; B. C.)

August 3d.

_Flatholm_ L.H.--Six Chiff-Chaffs at midnight; one killed. (S.S.W., 3; B. C. M.)

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Large numbers of small birds flying about the lantern between 10 P.M. and 3 A.M. One Sand-Martin and one Warbler caught. (N.E., 1; B. C. V.)

_Start Point_ L.H.--*One Ring Ouzel and four small birds--*Willow Wren, *Whitethroat, *Wheatear, and *Tree Pipit--caught at 3 A.M. One Wren and a quantity of moths against the light at 11.15 P.M. Mr Jones says: "The small birds and moths against the light in still weather, is most times a sign of thick, misty weather to follow." One King Ouzel and three small birds caught at 11.30 P.M. (N., 2; O. V.)

August 4th.

_Langness_ L.H.--Large number of Dunlin at 5 A.M. (N.W., light.) Several Swallows at 3 P.M. (S.W., light; clear.)

_Flatholm_ L.H.--Small flock of Swifts at sunset. (W., 3; B. C.)

_Start Point_ L.H.--A flock of about four dozen small birds at 3 A.M.; eleven captured, including *Yellow Wagtail (young), *Wheatear, and *Tree Pipit. (N., 4; O. C.)

August 9th.

_Flatholm_ L.H.--Large flock of Swifts at sunset. (W., 2; c.) Eddystone L.H.--Several small birds, Wheatears, and Warblers, between midnight and 3 A.M. One "Rock Plover" killed at 2 A.M. Large number of small birds, Wheatears, and Warblers, from 11 P.M. till 3 A.M. two Sand Martins and one Rock Plover caught. (S. by W., 2; O. M. R.)

August 10th.

_Langness_ L.H.--Two Whimbrels at 8 A.M.

_Skerries Rock_ L.H.--A few Flycatchers from 8 P.M. to 11 P.M.; two killed.

_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--Flock of Swallows going S.E. at 1 P.M.

_Cardigan Bay_ L.V.--Fourteen Swifts passing to the S.S.W. at 8 P.M.

August 22d.

_Nash (E.)_ L.H.--About ninety *Sedge Warblers round the light at 10.30 P.M. fourteen killed. (E., 1; B. C. M.) About two hundred *Whitethroats and fifty * Wheatears from 9 to 10.30 P.M.; eleven Whitethroats and four Wheatears killed.

_Burnham_ L.H.--One *Sedge Warbler killed at 3 A.M.

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Two Curlews seen at 1 P.M. flying E. (S., 1; B. C. M.) Mr Ainger says that these birds are seldom seen at Eddystone.

August 23d.

_Nash (E.)_ L.H. Twenty to thirty Wheatears at 11 P.M. three killed. (S.E., 1; C. M.)

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Several Wheatears and Warblers from 9 P.M. to 10.30 P.M. five caught. (S.W., 1; C. M.)

August 27th.

_Selker_ L.V.--Blackbirds, Starlings, and Titlarks flying round lantern all night; disappeared at daybreak. (S.S.W., 3; O. M. B.)

_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--Three Stonechats killed at 5 A.M. (S.W., 4; fog.)

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Flocks of Oyster-Catchers all night; nine caught. Several Wheatears and Warblers all night striking lantern; three Warblers killed. (S.E. by S., 1; B. C. M.)

_Start Point_ L.H.--One Blackbird and one *Spotted Flycatcher caught at 11 P.M. (W.S.W., 2; C. G.)

Weather for the Week, August 29th to September 4th.

The weather during the week was of two very distinct types. In the
first of these a large anticyclone lay over Germany, France, and
the southern half of England; and while in all these countries
bright, dry, and very warm weather was being experienced, some of
the maxima in England being as high as 87°, that over the western
and northern parts of the kingdom and west of Norway was cyclonic,
showery, and cool, with strong southerly and south-westerly
winds. Very little change occurred until September 1st, when the
anticyclone in the south began to spread west to Ireland, causing
the wind to veer and lull, and making the air somewhat cooler and
drier. On the evening of this day, however, a separate anticyclone
was formed in the west, so that the wind veered to the northwards
over England and the Bay of Biscay, while it was southerly and
easterly in many other places. The conflict of air-currents brought
about by these conditions soon produced thunderstorms and heavy
rains over France. The change of temperature in England, owing to
the northerly winds, rain, and heavy clouds, was very large--London
being 26° colder at 2 P.M. on the 2d than on the previous day at
the same hour. The shallow continental disturbances now moved
northwards to our Islands, and the week closed with thunderstorms
of great severity, prevailing in nearly all parts of France and the
British Islands.--(From Weekly Summary, "Daily Weather Report,"
September 5th, 1886.)

September 1st.

_South Bishop_ L.H.--Several Wheatears killed, by striking lantern, at 1 A.M. (W.N.W., 1; O. M.)

_Burnham_ L.H.--One Sedge Warbler struck at 3 A.M. (E.S.E., 1; fog.)

_Longships_ L.H.--A great many birds from midnight to daylight; three struck, one killed. (S. to N., 3; drizzle and fog.)

_Wolf Rock_ L.H.--Several Wheatears striking lantern at 11 P.M. (N.E. by N., 3; C. R. V.)

_Bishop Rock_ L.H.--About fifty Wheatears, one Starling, and a Blackbird from 12 P.M. to 3 A.M. four or five came to glass, but none killed. (N.N.E., 4; overcast.)

September 2d.

_Langness_ L.H.--One Wheatear and one Willow Warbler on lantern at 2 A.M. (Light S.W.; clear.) Five Wagtails at 9.30 A.M.

_Skerries Rock_ L.H.--Flycatchers and Wheatears flying round lantern at midnight. (N.E., 2; fine, clear.)

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Hundreds of Wheatears from 9 P.M. to 4 A.M. (3d); none caught. (N.E. by E., 3; B. C. V.)

_Plymouth Breakwater_ L.H.--Two Flycatchers struck and killed at 9.30 P.M. (N.W., 5; O. R. M.)

September 3d.[13]

[Footnote 13: For meteorological conditions, see p. 87.]

_Langness_ L.H.--A few Warblers on lantern from 1 to 4 A.M. A few House Martins at 9.30 A.M. A great many Wheatears all day. (Light N.E.; haze.)

_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--Number of Stonechats (? Wheatears) flying round light all night.

_River Dee_ L.V.--Scores of birds about the light from midnight till 4 A.M. One young "Sand-Lark," one *Whitethroat, and one *Moorhen killed; one Gull caught alive. (E.S.E., 2; fog.)

_Smalls_ L.H.--Quail in the morning; Kestrel seen on rock in the evening. (E.N.E., 1; O. M.)

_Nash (E.)_ L.H.--Four *Nightjars at 2.10 A.M., one killed; fifteen to twenty *Common Buntings from 2.15 to 3 A.M., eight killed; fifty to sixty *Common Whitethroats from 2.15 to 3 A.M., twenty-four killed; twenty to thirty *Willow Wrens from 2.20 to 3.20 A.M., seventeen killed; six young *Cuckoos at 3 A.M., two killed; fourteen House Sparrows and one Robin killed at 3 A.M. thirty to forty Wheatears at 3.10 A.M., two killed; three Blackbirds from 3 to 3.15 A.M., one killed. Mr H. Nicholas says that on the 3d "there was an enormous arrival of small birds, the greatest number ever seen here at any one time."

_Longships_ L.H.--Several birds from 9.30 P.M. to midnight; three struck; one Lark killed. (S.E., 3; misty and rain.)

_Bishop Rock_ L.H.--About one hundred Wheatears, two Ringed Dotterels, six or seven Curlews, and one Manx Shearwater from 11 P.M. to daylight; about twenty struck glass. Three Wheatears and one Manx Shearwater killed. (E.N.E., 2; overcast, misty.)

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Hundreds of Wheatears and Larks from 10 P.M. till 3.30 A.M. none caught. One Blackbird and one Ring Ouzel seen.

September 4th.[14]

[Footnote 14: For meteorological conditions, see p. 87;]

_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--Numbers of Stonechats and a few Curlews flying round the light all night.

_River Dee_ L.V.--About three dozen *Wheatears round the light all the night of the 3d and morning of 4th; several killed, also one young Sandpiper killed.

_Skerries Rock_ L.H.--About two dozen Lapwings and Curlews and a few Larks flying round lantern from 9 P.M. to 10.30 P.M. (S., 3; thunder and lightning.)

_South Bishop_ L.H.--A great many Wheatears and several Wrens striking lantern windows from 12 P.M. to 3 A.M. several killed, and a great many with broken wings. Several Blackbirds and Larks at 3 A.M. A company of Swallows at 11 A.M., flying E. Mr Frost states, "the first we have seen for some time." About half a dozen Stormy Petrels at midnight. (E., 4; C. R. M.)

_Smalls_ L.H.--Numbers of Blackbirds, Starlings, Wheatears, and Swifts from 3 A.M. till daylight; many striking, several killed. (S.S.E., 2; O. R. M.)

_Longships_ L.H.--Several Larks and other birds unknown from 11 P.M. to 2 A.M. two struck; a *Rock Pipit killed. (S.E., 3; rain.)

_Wolf Rock_ L.H.--Six Wheatears striking lantern at 11 P.M. (S., 3; C. R. V.)

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Hundreds of Wheatears all night; thirty killed. (E.S.E, 3; C. P. V.)

_Plymouth Breakwater_ L.H.--One Plover caught at 2.25 A.M. (E.S.E., 3; O. D. M.)

_Start Point_ L.H.--A flock of about fifty small birds from 9 P.M. to midnight; two captured, a Wheatear and a "White-Breast." (E.S.E., 2; C. G. P.)

September 5th.

_Langness_ L.H.--Two or three Goldcrests, several Swallows, and a large number of Pipits at 9 A.M. (Light E.; haze.)

_Selker_ L.V.--Larks all night; one struck and killed. (S.S.E., 4; C. M. P.)

_Burnham_ L.H.--One Sedge Warbler killed at 3 A.M. (S.W., 2; misty.)

Weather for Week, 19th to 25th September.

During the 21st the existing depression filled up over Brittany,
and with its dispersal the high-pressure system in the north spread
down our west coasts, while the wind moderated and backed to N. and
N.W. generally. The shift of winds was accompanied by a decided
fall of temperature, and on the 23d and 24th the maximum readings
over our Islands were below 60° in almost all places. On the
morning of the 25th the anticyclonic system had reached the west of
France; the winds over our Islands now backed to S.W. and S., the
temperature rising.--(From Weekly Summary, "Daily Weather Report,"
September 27th, 1886.)

September 20th.

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Hundreds of Wheatears all night; nine caught. (E., 5; B. V.)

September 21st.

_Langness_ L.H.--Large numbers of Swallows and a flock of Grey Linnets at 9 A.M.

_Cardigan Bay_ L.V.--Twenty-four Swallows at 9 A.M. passing S. by W.

_Helwick_ L.V.--About a dozen Swallows at 11 A.M. flying E.

_Sevenstones_ L.V.--Three Swallows at 10 A.M. flying round the ship.

_Eddystone_ L.H.--One Woodcock killed at 7.30 P.M., but lost over. (E.N.E., 9; O. Q. R.)

September 23d.

_Langness_ L.H.--A few Wheatears at 5 P.M. (Light E.; clear.) Cardigan Bay L.V.--About twenty small birds, "Flycatcher species," passed to west at 8 A.M. (E.N.E., 2; B. C. V.)

_Smalls_ L.H.--A great many striking during the night; several killed, including *Stonechat, *Whitethroat, *Willow Wren, *Chiff-Chaff, and *Sedge Warbler. Two female Blackbirds also killed. (N.E., 4; C. V.)

_Helwick_ L.V.--"Some dozens of Willow Wrens and Whitethroats were flying around the light all night, some falling dead on deck, and dozens overboard."

_Flatholm_ L.H.--Large flocks of Swifts and Starlings during the day. (W., 3; C. M.)

_Eddystone_ L.H.--A great many small birds, Larks, Wheatears, and Warblers, from 9 P.M. to 4 A.M. One male Ring Ouzel caught. (E.N.E., 4; C. M.)

September 24th.

_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--Four Goldcrests and two Thrushes struck at 10.30 P.M. (Light breeze, S.W.; haze.)

_South Stack_ L.H.--One Robin caught on lantern at 11.45 P.M. (W.S.W., 3; C. V.)

_Flatholm_ L.H.--Large flocks of Swallows, Wagtails, and other small birds all day, passing S.W.

_Bull Point_ L.H.--A number of small birds, "of two species" [*Whitethroat and *Willow Wren], flying about the light at 4 A.M.; four killed. (S., 3; O. M.)

_Bishop Rock_ L.H.--Several Wheatears and "Furze-chats" came to glass at 1 A.M. (N.E., 3; misty.)

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Great many Wheatears and Warblers, and one Sand Martin, from 8 P.M. to 4 A.M. Two Ring Ouzels, females, caught. (E. by S., 2; C. G. V.)

_Start Point_ L.H.--One small bird, and one "Whitebreast," fluttering about the light at 9.30 P.M. (Calm; C. G. V.)

Weather for the Week, 3d to 9th October.

Up to the night of the 2d the conditions had been cyclonic and
unsettled. At the beginning of the week an anticyclone lay over
the North Sea, while depressions of considerable size, but of no
great depth, moved northwards along our extreme western coasts.
South-easterly or southerly winds, therefore, prevailed generally;
in the west they were strong in force, and the weather cloudy;
but in the east and south-east light breezes and fine weather
were reported. On the 4th the thermometer exceeded 75° in many
parts of England. By the 5th the anticyclone had moved northwards
to Scandinavia, and as it did so a second high pressure system
appeared over Spain. These conditions were accompanied, as usual,
by the formation of shallow depressions in the intervening
regions, one of which lay over the east of England on the morning
of the 6th, subsequently moving northwards to Scotland; and a
second, which advanced over our south-west coasts on the 7th, and
ultimately filled up over the north-east of France. On the 9th
a larger and much deeper depression had appeared in the west,
and in the course of the day it moved northwards, occasioning
south-easterly or southerly gales at many of our western and some
of our northern stations.--(From Weekly Summary, "Daily Weather
Report," October 11, 1886.)

October 3d.

_Langness_ L.H.--A few Thrushes and Blackbirds on lantern at 2 A.M. (Fresh E.; haze.)

_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--Large flocks of Thrushes and Blackbirds, a few Larks, and one Ring Ouzel, from 9 P.M. till daylight; large numbers killed. (S.E., fresh breeze; haze.)

_Selker_ L.V.--A few Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Larks flying about the lights throughout the night; six killed.

_Menai_ L.H.--A Thrush caught alive at 2 A.M. A number of Linnets caught at 10 A.M. old birds.

_South Stack_ L.H.--A Blackbird caught on lantern at 11.50 P.M.

_Wolf Rock_ L.H.--One "Turtle Dove" at 11 A.M. (S., 5; B. C. V.)

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Several small birds (Wheatears and Warblers), a Blackbird, and a Ring Ouzel, from 7 P.M. till 3 A.M. several killed. (E. by N., 4; C. M.)

October 4th.

_Langness_ L.H.--A few Common Thrushes striking lantern from 9 to 10 P.M.

_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--Flocks of Thrushes, mixed with Blackbirds, Larks, Starlings, and other small birds, from 9 P.M. till daylight; a few killed, but principally flying in the rays of the light. (S.E. strong breeze; haze.)

_River Dee_ L.V.--A few small birds about the lantern during the night, species not known; one "Flycatcher" found dead on deck. (S.S.E., 2; O. M.)

_Skerries Rock_ L.H.--Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Larks flying round lantern from 12 (midnight) to 4 A.M. (S.E., 4; cloudy, misty.)

_South Stack_ L.H.--A few Thrushes, a Goldcrest, a Lark, and a Starling caught at lantern between 12 P.M. and 4 A.M. (E.S.E., 4; C. M.)

_Cardigan Bay_ L.V.--Large flock of Meadow Pipits flying S.W. at 7 P.M. (E.S.E., 4; G. M.)

_Helwick_ L.V.--"Some dozens" of Wheatears around the light at 2 A.M. many killed and falling overboard.

_Flatholm_ L.H.--Small flocks of House Martins all day, going south.

_Wolf Rock_ L.H.--Three Sea Swallows at 3 P.M. (S.E., 5; B. C. V.)

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Two Larks, one Thrush, and one Starling caught from 9 till 12 P.M. (S.E., 7; C. G. L. V.)

October 5th.

_Langness_ L.H.--Large flock of Grey Linnets, a few Sky Larks, and about twenty Swallows at 9.30 A.M. A great many Thrushes flying about lantern from 7 to 8 P.M. One Missel Thrush caught. (E., fresh; haze.)

_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--A few Thrushes, Starlings, Blackbirds, Stonechats, and Larks flying round the light all night. Three Goldfinches sitting on lantern at 4 A.M. (Variable light breeze; haze.)

_Bahama Bank_ L.V.--Several Thrushes, Blackbirds, and a great many Larks flying round the light at 10 P.M. Four Thrushes killed, and three caught alive; six Larks killed. (S.S.E.; misty, rain.)

_Selker_ L.V.--A great many Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Larks flying round the light. Four Thrushes killed from 8 to 12 P.M. (S., 4; M.)

_St Ann's High_ L.H.--Large number of small "Flycatchers" flying against the lantern during the night; fifteen killed.

_Bull Point_ L.H.--A Lark struck glass at 3 A.M., but not killed. (S.S.E., 3; B. C. M.)

_Wolf Rock_ L.H.--A Kestrel Hawk remained from 9 A.M. to sunset, and then flew N.E.

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Two Quails (male and female) caught at 2 A.M. (S., 3; C. R. M.)

_Portland Low_ L.H.--Three or four Linnets flying about from 1 to 3 A.M. (S.E., 2; C. V.)

October 7th.

_Langness_ L.H.--A good many Swallows at 9 A.M. Skerries L.H.--Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, and "Flycatchers" at 3 A.M. two or three dozen struck lantern. (S.E., 2; misty.)

_South Stack_ L.H.--Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, and Wrens at 4 P.M. several struck lantern; a few killed. (S.E., 2; C. M. R.)

_Cardigan Bay_ L.V.--A flock of Martins at 9 A.M., passing S.S.W.

_Helwick_ L.V.--A large number of "Pinks" (Fringilla cartels) passing to south at 7 A.M.

_Wolf Rock_ L.H.--Four Sea Swallows (Sterna) appeared at 2 P.M., and left for east at sunset.

October 8th.

_Langness_ L.H.--A Hedge Accentor and a Wheatear at 4 P.M.

_Selker_ L.V.--A great many Thrushes from 2 to 5 A.M. two killed. (S.S.E., 3; misty.)

_Skerries_ L.H.--Thrushes, Blackbirds, Wheatears, and Flycatchers at 4 A.M. some killed. (Calm, misty.)

_Cardigan Bay_ L.V.--Sixteen Skylarks and two Chaffinches at 10 A.M.

_Portland Low_ L.H.--Twenty Swallows at 10 A.M.

Weather for Week, 18th to 23d October.

The weather during this period has been much quieter than last
week, but conditions have been by no means settled, and several
depressions--mostly shallow--have appeared in the neighbourhood
of the British Isles. On the 17th the deep disturbance which had
crossed our Islands reached Holland, and was apparently filling
up. In the course of the day, however, a subsidiary disturbance,
more southwards, down our W. coasts. During the 18th and 19th the
depression over Holland and the subsidiary disturbance (which had
then reached the Bay of Biscay) dispersed gradually, and moderating
north-easterly winds were reported over the greater part of the
United Kingdom. A depression was found in the English Channel on
the morning of the 20th; this, in the course of the ensuing 24
hours, moved northwards to the North Sea, where it eventually
dispersed. Its progress was attended by very heavy thunderstorms
over the midland and eastern counties of England; and on the 21st
the phenomena were reproduced over the northern districts. At
the close of the week the weather over our islands was under the
influence partly of a well-marked depression over the Bay of Biscay
and partly of an anticyclone extending over Scandinavia. Easterly
winds, therefore, prevailed generally; in the N. they were light in
force and the weather fair, but in the extreme S. they blew freshly
with occasional rain.

October 19th.

_Langness_ L.H.--One Redwing at 9 P.M. A large flock of Wild Duck at 5.30 P.M. (N.E.; fresh, showers.)

_Selker_ L.V.--A dozen Crows going S.E. at 10 A.M.

_Skerries_ L.H.--Blackbirds and Thrushes around the lantern at 9 P.M.

_South Stack_ L.H.--Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, and one Goldcrest from 9 to 10 P.M. a few caught. (E.N.E., 7; C. M. R.)

_Scarweather_ L.V.--Four Chaffinches at 7.30 A.M.

_Breaksea_ L.V.--Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, and Fieldfares around the lantern from 8 P.M. to midnight. One Wren killed. (E.N.E., 3; O. M. L.)

_Godrevy_ L.V.--Several Redwings at 7 P.M. a few killed.

_Wolf Rock_ L.H.--Four Terns at 4 P.M.

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Redwings and Starlings from 7 to 10 P.M.; many caught and more lost over. (N.E., 2; C. M. and C. M. D.)

_Start Point_ L.H.--Many Thrushes, also Ring Ouzels and Spotted Flycatchers; fifty Thrushes, two Ring Ouzels, and two Flycatchers captured.

October 20th.

_Langness_ L.H.--Twelve Missel Thrushes flying W. at 7.30 A.M. A large flock of Lapwings appeared at 3 P.M. A Goldcrest on lantern from 9 P.M. to 3 A.M.

_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--Large numbers of birds were observed flying round the lantern, and a Lark and a Goldfinch perched.

_Selker_ L.V.--Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Larks in numbers at lantern all night and on early morning of 21st; many struck and lost over.

_Morecambe Bay_ L.V.--One Linnet, three Starlings, and three Larks on deck at 10.40 A.M.

_Dee_ L.V.--Flocks of Titlarks all forenoon; one Wren on deck at 8.15 A.M.

_Menai_ L.H.--Flocks of Linnets, Starlings, and Crows on the shore at 7 A.M.

_Skerries_ L.H.--Three dozen Starlings and Larks killed at 10 P.M.

_Holyhead Breakwater_ L.H.--A Starling and Goldcrest captured at 9 P.M.

_South Stack_ L.H.--A great number of Blackbirds, Thrushes, Starlings, and Larks; also one Goldcrest, one Robin, and one Chaffinch flying around the lantern from 8 P.M. to midnight.

_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--Starlings, Finches, and Larks at sunrise; many caught on deck. (N.E., 3; C. M.)

_Bardsey_ L.H.--"Eighty Blackbirds and about fifty Thrushes killed at lantern."

_Cardigan Bay_ L.V.--One Rook and two Chaffinches at 11.30 A.M.

_Smalls_ L.H.--One Corncrake killed at lantern.

_Scarweather_ L.V.--Six Larks, three dozen Sparrows, and three dozen Linnets passed N.E. between 8.30 and 10.30 A.M.

_Nash_ L.H.--Two Skylarks killed at 10 P.M., and eleven Starlings killed between 10 and 10.30 P.M.

October 21st.

_Langness_ L.H.--A Woodlark at 1 A.M. on lantern. Five Swallows at 9.30 A.M. flying S.W.

_Selker_ L.V.--Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, and other birds, unknown, around the lantern until daylight this morning; many killed.

_Morecambe Bay_ L.V.--Six Blackbirds, eleven "Titlarks," and five Skylarks flying S. during the forenoon.

_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--Blackbirds, Thrushes, Starlings, and Snipe. One Blackbird, six Thrushes, and one Snipe found dead at 5 A.M.

_Helwick_ L.V.--Six to eight dozen Larks passing S. at 11 A.M.

_Nash_ L.H.--Two Song Thrushes killed at 9.30 P.M. four Redwings killed between 9 and 11 P.M. (N., 4; C. M.)

_Start Point_ L.H.--One "Titlark" at 8.30 P.M.

October 23d.

_Helwick_ L.V.--Two Thrushes and a female Blackbird killed at 3 A.M.

_Nash_ L.H.--A Woodcock killed at 2 A.M.

_Godrevy_ L.H.--A great number of Redwings, Thrushes, and Starlings all night; some of each killed. (E., 6; G. M. P.)

_Longships_ L.H.--Scores of Starlings and Thrushes all night; a great number striking.

Weather for Week, 24th to 31st October.

Conditions not pronounced. During earlier portion of week the
weather dull, and at times wet over the southern and south-western
parts of the United Kingdom, fine but rather foggy elsewhere; later
on the rain spread northwards over England and Ireland, and the
wind veered from E. to S.E. and S., with a rise of temperature and
damp, close air. Pressure highest over Sweden and the Baltic, and,
as a rule, lowest over the Bay of Biscay and off our south-western
coasts, the gradients for easterly winds being steepest on the
25th. Two depressions appeared, the second of which, apparently
larger but not a deep system, approached the Irish Coasts on the
30th, and, moving northwards, caused freshening southerly winds and
rain in the west; while light southerly breezes were felt at the
eastern station, with very mild but dull and damp weather.--(From
Weekly Summary, "Daily Weather Report," November 2d, 1886.)

October 24th.

_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--Ten Greenfinches and Chaffinches on deck all day; four caught.

_Cardigan Bay_ L.V.--Several flocks of Starlings and Skylarks going S.W. during the day.

_Nash_ L.H.--A few Blackbirds and Redwings between 4.30 and 5 A.M. a few killed.

_Godrevy_ L.H.--Great numbers of Redwings, Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Starlings all night; several killed.

_Longships_ L.H.--Scores of Thrushes and Starlings all night; a good many captured.

_Wolf Rock_ L.H.--Twenty "Grey Birds" flying around the lantern at 10 P.M.

_Bishop Rock_ L.H.--Several Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, and Fieldfares from 11 P.M. to daylight; six killed.

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Thrushes, Redwings, Starlings, and Larks from midnight to 3 A.M. fifty to sixty striking.

October 25th.

_Helwick_ L.V.--A Blackbird and a Lark killed at 2 A.M.

_Nash_ L.H.--Large flocks of Lapwings passing S.E. from 7 to 10 A.M. Flock of Redwings passing S. at 10 A.M. Six Song Thrushes killed at 8.20 P.M. Ten Blackbirds killed between 8 and 10 P.M.

_Godrevy_ L.H.--A great number of Redwings, Thrushes, and Starlings all night; several killed.

_Longships_ L.H.--A few Puffins going S. during the morning. A good many Starlings, Thrushes, and Larks all night; several killed.

_Wolf Rock_ L.H.--Twenty-four "Grey Birds" about lantern at 12 P.M.

_Bishop Rock_ L.H.--Several hundreds of Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, Fieldfares, Ring Ouzels, and "Copperfinches" from 9 P.M. to daylight (26th). Sixty Redwings, five Fieldfares, three Ring Ouzels, and one "Copperfinch" (? _Fringilla montifringilla_) killed. Mr Troth remarks; "This is the largest migration that has been seen at the Bishop Rock for five years."

_Eddystone_ L.H.--Thrushes, Redwings, and Starlings from 11 P.M. (24th) to 5 A.M. a great number striking and falling over. Missel Thrushes, Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, Fieldfares, Ring Ouzels, Larks, Starlings, Finches, and Warblers from 6 P.M. to 5 A.M. (26th); between one and two hundred struck and lost over; twenty-nine caught. All the birds struck the windward side of lantern during heavy rain.

_Portland Low_ L.H.--Thrushes at 4 A.M. Sixty Chaffinches at 2 P.M.

_Shambles_ L.V.--A number of Larks hovering round the lantern at 8 P.M.; a great number striking and falling over.

October 26th.

_Cardigan Bay_ L.V.--Two Chaffinches on board, and several flying around all night.