oe «em ET ets ee mage morte belle rire teh ep pe nohey DM SRE ee ist aaa - alt: b set Tash we aN Ee ee na ret meee rer snore) Saheb er oe mf eee all STO en te Oem er ke s Pree ro Pe ayy ory) Oe APY ADS eee Pia em ee ees al te i face se ae re Fa ie Hao epee ery ror el tas ory Seeatse ve “eos a aS Wawe pee) = . pepe et ht ates HARVARD UNIVERSITY vel etl LIBRARY OF THE Museum of Comparative Zoology Digitized by the Internet Archive | in 2013 ea http://archive.org/details/reportonmigratio81886harv ov Bae 4 a; as k. eS ee he, |) ee en = a eG Sheet ino ee b%b- REPORT | ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. EIGHTH REPORT, 1886. EDINBURGH: & PRINTED BY M‘FARLANE & ERSKINE, 14 AND 19 ST JAMES SQUARE, ES6:7, : Price Two Shillings. SR Us, G] panna Vee ay Sore RN 7, N ESCA YS ie ore dt 77 oF ey g > 4 5 SS wy L R TT REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS IN THE SPRING AND AUTUMN OF 1886. BY. Mr J. A. HARVIE-BROWN, Mr J. CORDEAUX, Mr R. M. BARRINGTON, Mr A. G. MORE, AND Mr W. EAGLE CLARKE. BiG ee REPORT. (Vol. IL, No. 3.) EDINBURGH: ERIN? ED, BY MPARGANE- & ERSEKIN &, 14 ann 19 ST JAMES SQUARE. io cia ie ae wee repay ec ae ee val ; bit er te ¥ ey are RN Syital PRE AC EK. THE following Report contains a summary of the investigations of a Committee reappointed by the British Association for the Advancement of Science, at Birmingham, in 1886, to consist of Professor Newton, Mr J. A. Harvie-Brown, Mr John Cordeaux, Mr W. Eagle Clarke, Mr R. M. Barrington, and Mr A. G. More, for the purpose of obtaining (with the consent of the Master and Elder Brethren of the Trinity House, the Commissioners of Northern Lights, and the Commissioners of Irish Lights) obser- vations on the Migrations of Birds at Lighthouses and Light- ships, and of reporting on the same at Manchester in 1887. Mr Cordeaux to be the Secretary. The returns relating to Scotland have been arranged by Mr J. A. Harvie-Brown; for the East Coast of England, by Mr Cordeaux; for the West Coast of England, by Mr W. Eagle Clarke; and those for the Coasts of Ireland, by Mr R. M. Barrington and Mr A. G. More. CON TEN Ts, EAst COAST OF SCOTLAND, 4 ’ if East Coast OF ENGLAND, : camer West CoAST OF SCOTLAND, : . . 04 WEST CoaAsT OF ENGLAND AND WALES, AND THE ISLE OF MAN, IRISH Coasts, : ; ae iba) cee ptienciioals ’ meetin, =. Mv ‘ i nn 4 a | we; Pa '. <* } r ’ . a 4) : pL tees ; Vote ait a 8 ; jo o ert eas oe f ms PY Odin naar’ | apie : : FI ‘ i ‘ate List OF (STATIONS. 1. Iceland. Scotland—West Coast. | 148. English and Welsh On Do. Grounds L.V. 3, Faroe. eric rate 144. Usk Li. 30. Fair Isle. ei eg pee 145. Avon L.H. : 83. Butt of Lewis. 146, Burnham LH 84, Stornoway. 85. Island Ghlais. 86. Monach Isles. 87. Ushenish. 88. Barra Head. 89. Rona. 90. Kyleakin. 91. Isle Ornsay. 92. Ardnamurchan. $3. Skerryvore and Hynish . Bull Point L.g. . Bideford LH. . Lundy 1a. . Hartland Point L.H. . Trevose Head L.d. . Godrevy L.H. . Longships 1.H. . Sevenstones L. Vv, . Wolf-Rock L.#H. Scotland-—East Coast. 4, N. Unst. 5. Whalsey Skerries. 6. Bressay Sound. 7. Sumburgh Head. 8. N. Ronaidshay. 9, Start Point. 10. Auskerry. ll. Hoy Sound (Low). Signal Tow 156. Scilly 1.4. g er, Tiree. ; . uid 94. Dhuheartach, tee 14. Pentland Skerries. 95. Sound of Mull. 159. Falmouth Garbour 1.4. 96. Corran Ferry. 97. Lismore. 98. Fladda, Easdale. 15. Dunnet Head. 16. Holborn Head. . Eddystone 1. 4. . Plymouth Breakwater L.H. reece een eres ore nnn srs rn nen go rc a a A NL A ER 17. Noss Head. Agu Risranl: 162. Start LH. 18. Tarbet Ness. 100. M‘Arthur’s Head 19. Cromarty. 101. Si y A Peg 20. Chanonry Point. gota SCARE: | Treland. . . 102. Rhinas of Islay. | 21. Covesea Skerries. , % : ae 108. Lochindaul. | 1. Fastnet. 22. Kinnaird Head. rhe : : r 104, Mull of Kintyre. 2. Galley Head. 23. Buchan Ness. ae 105. Sanda. 3. Old Head, Kinsale. 24. Girdieness. ; ; 106. Devaar. 4, Mine Head. 25. Montroseness. 6. Beil Rock 107. Pladda, Arran. 5, Dungarvan. 74 q 108. a toed 5*.Coningbeg Lt. -shi 27. Isle of May. 5 p. 28. Inchkeith. 109, Turnber 6. Barrels Rock Lt.-ship. 8b. Fidra (1885). 1098. Ailsa, Craig (building, 7. Tuskar. 29, St Abbs Head. 1885). 8. Arkiow 8S. Lt. -ship. 110. Corsewail. 8*, Arklow N. Lt.-ship. 111. Loch Ryan. 10. Kish Bank Lt. -ship. England—East Coast. ae Portpatrick, 11, Howth Baily. 30. L t L.i. 13., Mull of Galloway. 12. Rockabill. 31. ae LH. 114, Little Ross. 13. Copeland Island. 32. Coquet Island L.H. 7 ee 38. 5 Buoy Tees L. Vv. . Rathlin. 34. Whithy High 1... Isle of Man. 16. Innishtrabull. 35. Flamborough Head L.#. 115. Point of Ayre. 17. Dunree Head. 36. Spurn Point LH. 116. Douglas Head. 18. Lough Swilly. 37. Spurn Lv. 117. Langness (1880). 19. Tory Island. 38. Inner Dowsing L.V. 118, Chickens Rock. 20. Aranmore. 39. Dudgecn L.V. ae ae O’Birne. 40. Outer Dowsing L.V. . Killybegs. 41. ga Wells 1 y. England—West Coast. 93. Oyster Island.: 42. Hasbro’ L.v. 119. Bahama Bank t.v. | 24, Broadhaven. 43, Leman and Ower L.Vv. 120. St Bees LH. _ 25. Hagle Island, E. 44, Hunstanton La. 121. Selker L.v. | 26. Bagle Island, W. 45. Cromer L.H. 122. Morecambe Bay L.v. 27. Blackrock, Mayo. 46. Hasbyo’ 1.4. 123. Dee LV. 28. Biacksod Point. 47. Winterton L.H. 124, Air LH. 29, Clare island. 48, Newarp Lv. 125. Menai L.H. | 30. Slyne Head, N. 49, Cockle L.v. 126. Skerries L.H. 31. Slyne Head, S. 50. Corton L.v. 127. Holyhead Breakwater L.H. 32. Arran Island, N. 51. Orfordness 1. H. 128, South Stack L.H. 33. Straw Island. 52. Languard Point L.#. 129. Carnarvon Bay L.v. 34, Arran Island, 8. 53. Shipwash L.v. 130. St Tudwalls L.H. 36. Samphire Island. 54, Swin Middle x.v. 131. Bardsey Island LH. 37. Tearaght. 55. Nore Lv. 132. Cardigan Bay L.v. 38. Valentia. 56. Tongue L.v. . South Bishop L.#. 39. Skelligs. 57. Kentish Knock L.v. 134, Smalls L.H. 40, Dursey Island. . Great Castlehead L.H. . Milford L. a. 58 Galloper L.v. | . Caldy L.a. 59. North Foreland L.H. 60. North Sand Head Lv. 61. Gull L.v. 62. Eastside L.v. Outlying Stations. Heligoland. Stevns Fyr, Zealand. . Helwick L.V. . Scarweather L.V. bet (Ju) ee) 63. South Foreland 1.H. 140. Nash L.H. Malmo, Sweden. 64, South Sand Head L.v. 141. Breaksea L.V. Casquets L.H., Alderney. 65, Varne L.V. 142. Flatholm L.#. Hanois L.H., Guernsey. EIGHTH REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS IN THE SPRING AND AUTUMN OF 1886. EAST COAST OF SCOTLAND. THE usual schedules were sent to all the stations, except Tay Lightship and Carr Rock.. Twelve stations on the East Coast of Scotland have returned thirty-six schedules. Pentland Skerries gives the heaviest returns with nine schedules. Isle of May follows with eight schedules; and N. Unst is next in import- ance. Then Bell Rock with two, and Fidra with three, run it very close. We would like returns from Carr Rock and Tay Lightship next season, and will forward schedules, &c. We follow the same plan as in previous reports. The pre- sent year’s returns are indicated by asterisks. The migration values of the various stations of the Scottish Coasts are explained in the Report for 1884, p. 10, and need not be repeated here. EAST OF SCOTLAND. _ Returns ma in 8 ears) Actual” SHETLAND. S HgBG, | TOPUTHS; Values. Feet. 7 Site mitigi Ae Ns Wah: 6 POR AMSONL Ys hore ore te lat oe le So a Ie Eloy*Sound’ (ow i 505-05. Ne 8s 125 Hoy-Sound: (High), >* 27... Ve = $18.) Cantick Head)! i... IIL. : 8 - 14, Pentland Skerries,............ J, a A Means : kad hia daily’ i Sut | v2 aba wow) parwonrove walt) bas : ( en ms ads af brA A. [ oy ove! he) ig att takes a) mee te; steesio dU m? y Dik ape 88 Pee ¢ ; i } At ‘ BIGHTH REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS IN THE SPRING AND AUTUMN OF 1886. EAST COAST OF SCOTLAND. THE usual schedules were sent to all the stations, except Tay Lightship and Carr Rock.. Twelve stations on the East Coast of Scotland have returned thirty-six schedules. Pentland Skerries gives the heaviest returns with nine schedules. Isle of May follows with eight schedules; and N. Unst is next in import- ance. Then Bell Rock with two, and Fidra with three, run it very close. We would like returns from Carr Rock and Tay Lightship next season, and will forward schedules, &c. We follow the same plan as in previous reports. The pre- sent years returns are indicated by asterisks. The migration values of the various stations of the Scottish Coasts are explained in the Report for 1884, p. 10, and need not be repeated here. EAST OF SCOTLAND. _ Returns m4 ees Actual © SHETLAND. ‘= figeg. wrCr OTS: Values. Feet. © BE sii ANN Winsth Oo 8! ait eninely LV} 280.7 Oe 5. Whalsey Skerries, ............ th. 143 “& § GMs Brerag hat Filta ae ATELY pg LOB Fass 6 Se depmembubeh: Eeads.. 2. : 2.8) 64 is B Pe 24 ORKNEY. S. 3 7 PR NE Ronaldshay, oe IV. ma 2 De ALU, EOUAGY west no epee aes V. a Ps 6 MOS MUSKCEN VAD: al. uas- tach os iu *S = PR Eloy Sound (how), 200. . Vv. es 12. Hoy Sound (High), ......... V. = pailcne Canttieke Eleud, 3, Poti ITT. a 8 - 14, Pentland Skerries,............ I. = A 2 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. Returns aes Actual MAINLAND. Taga, | Gane Values. Feet. 18 * 15. Dunnet Head, Caithness, ... V. 346 16. Holborn Head, Caithness, Wi. To Ist * 17. Noss Head, Caithness, ... .. We 175 18. Tarbat Ness, Hast Ross, ... V. 175 6 * 19. Cromarty, East Cromarty, V. 60 4 20. Chanonry Point, Elgin,...... We 40 21. Covesea Skerries, Elgin, ... V. 160 22. Kinnaird Head, Aberdeen, V. 120 23. Buchan Ness, Aberdeen, ... V. 130 The names of the Reporters are given under “Diary from the Stations,” lst * 24, Girdleness, Aberdeen, ...... V. 185 25. Montroseness, Forfar, ...... Va 124 8 * 26. Bell Rock, Fife Coast, ...... ie 93 26B.Carr Rock Lightship, Fife ) ’ , Coast, <.iaeastetae ie 8 * 27. Isle of May, Firth of Forth, I. 240 7 * 28. Inchkeith, Firth of Forth,... LV. 220 2 * 98p.Fidra, Firth of Forth, in- y) ? spiimbed 1886. 05 s.r. 29. StAbb’s Head, Berwickshire, V. 224 Diary from the Stations. N. Unst—John Nichol (principal) sends in seven well-filled schedules. Mr Nichol has the following notes: “March, 25th.—I am told the Black Crows were not seen in former years. Although a severe winter time, birds are much earlier seen, also of various kinds. August.—Stormy Petrels do not breed on this rock, but do so among the rocks on shore. Puffins, Razorbills, Tysties, Kittiwakes, and a few Gulls, also one pair of Seapies breed on the rock. Puffins are fewer in number this year than in former times. September—Much greater movements in September 1886 than has been in former years. Iam told that on an island four miles to the west of us Pictarnies breed in great numbers. None ever come near us.” | Mr J. N. sends one schedule devoted entirely to Solan Geese, and adds the note: “ We do not see greater numbers together | than twenty at a time, and down to one. General occupation is fishing; but flocks on 11th, 13th, and 14th October were) EAST COAST OF SCOTLAND. 3 supposed to be migrating right away.” Mr J. N. then adds: “Since filling up this schedule (to date of 25th October), have been told that on 29th October three large Swans rested on the Loch of Cliff on their way south. November 5th.—One Eagle shot near Holderswick measured across the wings seven feet. A Woodpecker seen at Baltasound. When fish seem plentiful about the rock, Common Gulls are in abundance; occasionally Herring Gulls and Iceland Gulls, Black-backed Gulls, Common Skua Gull, of which a few breed at Unst. On shore at the Loch of Cliff, throughout the autumn, a Herring Bird, some Plovers, Curlews, Snipes,and Wild Ducks. A few of the latter breed at the Loch of Cliff. At Lerwick, on 10th October, two large flocks of Swans passed over the town, flying in a southerly direction ; and one flew very low while near the town. Up to the date of 30th October 1886, no Wren has been seen ; should I get one, shall not fail to send it on. One seen on 22d Novem- ber; could not be caught.” At date of December 20th, Mr J. N. writes: “ All birds have now deserted us. None seen since the 1st December, except in favourable weather, such as are mentioned in the schedule for December 1885, viz. :—Starlings, Sparrow Hawks, Crows, and Gulls. We had no great rushes of birds in the night time this year like last year; but a greater number seen in the day time. On November 18th sixty Bottle- nosed Whales, the largest about twenty-two feet long, were captured at Cullivoe, Unst. Five boats (manned) put off and gave chase. Boats having got to seaward, they were turned for the shore, and were getting well in, when they suddenly turned about and put to sea again. Boats, after a hard struggle, again got the off-side of them, and slowly commenced to shorten the distance between them and the shore. Not until 6 P.m., after six hours’ chase, were the boats successful in reaching the ‘school.’ After the monsters were stranded the scene was very animated, as they lashed the water to foam with their tails in their frantic efforts to get away again. It was not till late at night that killing operations were accomplished. On 24th November sixty whales were exposed for sale, and realised a sum of £119. The number of buyers was limited, but the com- petition was keen.” On January 11, 1887, Mr J. N., ina letter, records the occurrence of one Snowy Owl seen on the summit of Hermann’s Hill; and an Eagle, flying high over, came down 4 REPORT. ON. THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. and gave the shepherd’s dogs chase, but sheered off when it saw the shepherd. Sumburgh Head.—Sends one schedule, but adds: “ Birds are very scarce here.” Sent me a specimen of a rare bird, which I knew at once to be a specimen of Phylloscopus supercilrosus, and which has already been recorded [Proceedings Royal Physi- cal Society, Edinburgh, vol. for 1885-86, p. 298], and was ex- hibited at a meeting of that Society. Writing in reply to inquiries of mine, under 16th October, to Mr Youngclause, he writes: “I was after a small bird to-day about the dykes, very similar, but it got away.” North Ronaldshay.—John Tulloch. One well-filled schedule, ranging from March 18 to September 15. Pentland Skerrves—John Gilmour (principal) sends nine heavily-filled schedules. In a letter of 1st October, Mr Gil- mour speaks of great numbers of Twites on the island. “Of course they breed here; but I think their numbers have been increased of late, as there is a great flock of them.” Later he adds: “I may mention that the Rock Pipit is resident here; and also the Lark, Starling, and Rock Dove are scarcely ever absent from the station.” A little earlier—viz., 29th Sep- tember—Mr G. writes: “The autumn migration is not yet quite commenced, although there have been a few birds seen; but should the wind work round to the east we will likely have a rush. I send you the names of all the birds that bred here this season (1886), viz.:—Stormy Petrel, Puffin, Tern [two species, —J. A. H.-B.], Black Guillemot,’ Oyster-Catcher, Eider Duck, Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Lapwing, Corncrake, Rock Dove, Star- ling, Lark, Twite, Wheatear, and Rock Pipit. The above are the only species which breed regularly here. The Herring Gull and Grey Crow build some seasons, but not this year. I have heard it said the Snipe breeds also, but I have never seen the nest during the last five years—the time I have been at this station. “T take little notice of Solans in the schedules, as I may say they have been going past all season in all weathers, and I still see some going east yet (29th September).” (See also under Mull of Galloway, West Coast, visited by Mr G. on his holiday, 16th August to 6th September.) A day-to-day return of Gan- nets or Solan Geese desired, and a separate schedule devoted to the species. EAST COAST OF SCOTLAND. 5 Writing again on 21st October, Mr G. says: “I again beg to send you two schedules. Since the 4th we have had a great rush of migrants. The prevailing wind being from the east, as soon as it shifted round to the west birds began to leave; but were back again as soon as the wind shifted to east. I send you wings and feet for identification, and will be much obliged by an early reply if I have named the species correctly.” * Later he has the note: “Solans ceased going east about the end of September; only a straggler seen now and again during this month (October).” Besides the above, Mr Gilmour has many interesting notes, which, however, come to be more easily worked from the schedules into the text under species. Dunnet Head.—David Laidlaw (principal) sends one schedule, in which are the following notes: “On the 23d May a swallow entered Dunnet Established Church during the forenoon service (one of the doors being open), and after flying through the church for about half an hour, made its exit by the same door that it entered by. S.E., fresh breeze, clear.” Under date of January 15, 1887, he writes: “For the last month I see a good many Song Thrushes about the fields daily. Starlings and Linnets are to be seen here in large flocks all the year round.? No birds struck or hghted on the lantern during the year ex- cept the Wren mentioned in schedule. As to sea-birds, the Gulls? came to breed about the 1st of March, and left about the latter end of September. The other birds arrived about six weeks later, and took their departure about a month earlier than the Gulls. During the latter end of July, and the months of August and September, almost every minute of the day, Solan Geese pass and re-pass in flocks of two or three up to twenty or thereby.” [A day-to-day return of numbers in a schedule devoted to the species might prove valuable to our Committee.—J. A. H.-B.] : Noss Head.— James Ferrier sends a schedule, with the note: “Sorry I cannot give you as full a return (but I have ~ 1 Correctly named :—Blackcap and Great Spotted Woodpecker [Recorded Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc. Edinb., vol. for 1885-86, pp. 298, 299.—J. A. H.-B.]. Also im- mature Pied Flycatcher, 7th October. * These are probably true Rose-Linnets, which abound in the north of Caith- ness. The Twite is comparatively rare, at least in summer.—J. A. H.-B. 3 Herring Gulls breed in astonishing numbers all round the coast from Dwar- wick Head.—J. A. H.-b. Lesser B. B. Gull is rare. 6 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. given you all that we have taken note of) as I could have done from the Little Ross, having been transferred from there in February last. Several species of birds lay in the rocks about this headland, such as the Common Gull [? Herring Gull— J. A. H.-B.], Cormorant, Tystie, Guillemot, Razorbill. The Gulls are very tame here, often sitting on the tops of the houses throughout the town (Wick), drawn there by the great quan- tity of fish caught, and hanging about the houses.” We are very glad to get our first return from Noss Head, however light, and we hope Mr Ferrier will continue to assist us.—(See last Report, 1885, p. 15.) Cromarty Lighthouse—Robt. 8. Ritson sends one schedule, January 1886 to December 27, mostly referring to local migra- tions of Ducks, Geese, Gulls, which have always special interest also attaching to them. , Girdleness.—C. C. Irvine sends one schedule, the first received from this station. He adds: “Very few birds come this way; but Rooks, Sparrows, and Gulls are to be seen almost every day; but as they are not migratory, I presume they are not worthy of notice, and our time being much occupied during the day, many may pass without our observing them.” Bell Rock.—James Jack sends two carefully written schedules as usual, strictly adhering to the headings, which always makes the work of posting the items into the ledger easier for the Com- mittee. Mr Jack, after an illness on shore between 23d October and 11th November, writes, on resuming duty: “As yet, Red- wings have been the most prolific in numbers visiting this station this season; in fact, night after night, nothing else. All our usual winter feathered companions are now again thickly around us. Dunters are very abundant this season.” This remarkable immigration of Redwings is scarcely noted at any other stations; at least, with regard to its exclusiveness. Isle of May.— Joseph Agnew sends eight schedules filled with his usual care, and dating February 3 to November 6, 1886, and kept up till his removal by the authorities to the Monach Isles, off the Outer Hebrides, the electric lighting of the Isle of May being completed, and an electric engineer placed in charge. Under date of April 6, 1886, Mr Agnew writes: “I send you the Turtle Dove. It had been very severely shot before it came here by some one. I did not send it to Small, but made EAST COAST OF SCOTLAND. 7 the best of it myself, covering the wounds as well as I could.” Under date of October 12, 1886, Mr Agnew writes: “The old carboy is still doing duty yet, and has been emptied two or three times. On one occasion it contained a cosmic mouse, but whether it came from Jupiter or Mars, or some other far off world, I do not know.” As this carboy was put in situ by our- selves in October 1884, in behalf of the Marine Station at Granton, we would be interested to know whether it has yielded any scientific results. Perhaps Mr John Murray will enlighten us. Regarding the electric light, Mr Agnew writes: “It will be ready in a few weeks, perhaps three weeks. I do not know what effect it will have on the birds. The light will be very intense, and the most powerful light in existence. The room in which the trials are now being conducted has the appearance of a place brilliantly lighted up at night, though it is in the day time. The daylight is made to disappear. If the light were a fixed one, same as the old one, I think it might have a good* effect, but I am afraid its quick revolving character will be against it. The light has been revolving for the last two months with the oil lamp, and though some birds have come to the lantern, I don’t think, considering the numbers of birds, so many have struck as heretofore. But as I am leaving this, I very much fear the reports will be very meagre in future, if there be any at all. The man who succeeds me has been here for a month or more, and he seems to have no notion of the matter, and has never interested himself in it; and besides, he will be very little in the light-room; his principal business will be in the engine-house, though he is to be head-keeper. You may perhaps be able to get him interested in it. The two men, however, whose special duty will be in the light-room, may take up the subject, and do something; but I would say—be very thankful for what. you have already got from Isle of May.” In a later letter (26th October), Mr Agnew says: “Iam now almost convinced that few birds will come near the lantern, the revolutions are so quick, viz., eight flashes in the minute. We can see the birds going round with the rays, and though they make a dash at the lantern, before they reach it the light leaves them, and they turn round after it again, and repeat the same. During all last week there was 1 7.¢,, effectual in alluring the birds to it. 8 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. one Redstart, one Starling, and one Robin at the lantern; not a Woodcock has struck this year; the Goldcrests which used to flock about the lantern never come near it ; though they are very numerous on the island, I have only seen two at the lantern. A fixed white ight is no doubt best for attracting birds; the alternate light and darkness baftles them altogether, and the quicker the revolutions are, the worse baffled they become. There has been almost total absence during the past two years of Redpoles and Siskins.” On the 19th November Mr Agnew writes: “James” (his son) ‘shot a Great Spotted Woodpecker on the 12th of this month. It is the first of its kind I have seen here. It came after the great N.-E. gale reported in my last schedule. The wind continued to blow strong from the N.-E. for days after the gale took off. I have sent it to Small to get stuffed and set up. I want to give it in a present to.the young lady to whom my son, Joseph, is going to be married at Dunbar.” Mr Agnew then continues: “There has not been much worth reporting since I sent you my last schedule (Nov. 6, 1886); the only birds (not resident) were some Wagtails and Common Wrens. I suspect very much you have got the last schedule from Isle of May. I am sorry for that, as you see from the Woodpecker that strange things are always turning up. Iam very sorry at leaving the collection here, and I doubt if it will be so well taken care of when I am away.” We have given Mr Agnew’s correspondence very fully, as it is the last we shall get from him at the Isle of May, and it would be very ungracious if we did not take this opportunity of once again expressing our warmest thanks for his able assist- ance and always interesting correspondence. Comparisons are said to be invidious, but we are quite sure none of his fellow- keepers will grudge him the fullest praise which our Migra- tion Committee can accord. Mr Cordeaux says (16th Oct. 1886): “I am much concerned that Agnew is leaving the Isle of May.” We do not undervalue the observations of any of our reporters, many of whom have not the opportunities of observation which others have; but we can point to a good many more of the lighthouse keepers, both at the best sta- tions and at the least frequented, who, according to their opportunities, are not far behind Mr Agnew, if at all; and 1 Distinctly illustrative of the effect of the quickly revolving light. —J. A. H.-B. EAST COAST OF SCOTLAND. 3 there is ever increasing interest and ability displayed year by year. Fidra.—Mr Wm. Ross has taken up the subject earnestly, and sends us three excellent schedules, carefully adhering to the columnar arrangement, which is so important to the Mem- bers of Committee, who have to transcribe into the ledger, and then write its Report. Attention to this is of infinite ser- vice and saving of time in getting the Reports printed. We are much obliged to Mr Ross for the care taken in this respect. Under date of 4th September, Mr W. Ross writes: ‘I have to acknowledge receipt of your printed circular, concerning enve- lopes to contain wings of unknown birds, to be forwarded to you for identification, and labels for marking the same.” ... . “ After Sunday, my last schedule, I continued making jottings, and the 24th of March, from 9 p.m. to daylight, was really interesting. The flocks of birds about the lantern were immense, and so numerous, that in striking the glass they broke the out- side glass protector of our thermometer. There has not been anything unusual since that date.” [Fidra promises well to be an important observatory, under certain conditions of wind and weather.—J. A. H.-B.] _ Later, under date of 18th September 1886, Mr W. Ross says: “Had I known Moths would have been of any use to you, I believe I could have given you a varied, rare, and enormous parcel. Last month it was Moths everywhere, after darkness set in. I had to sweep them down with a towel, some very large and beau- tiful. Mr Anderson (of Messrs A. & F., Edinr., Advocates 2) seems a keen entomologist, and I was describing some of these to him (on the occasion of a visit he paid to Fidra on the 6th September). One beautiful specimen—not a moth, I think— of a size between a daddy-long-legs and dragon-fly, and much the same shape; enormous bronze wings, beautiful vermilion body, black head, with a red (or yellow ?) streak (or spot ?), and antenne more like a young lobster than anything else. “Eider Ducks, I understand, used to breed on all the islands about here. But this year a man got a dozen small boats, and hired them out at N. Berwick; the consequence is that the Ducks have entirely left the Craig and Lamb Islands owing to their nests having been plundered. We on Fidra consequently have had a greater number of birds breeding, and found many 10 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. nests with 6 to 8 eggs; also Terns,and many smaller birds. As we are strictly prohibited from using a gun on this precious island, I can’t send you many specimens; but if anything does turn up, I will not fail to send it you.” Later, under date of 1st October, in reply to inquiries, Mr W. Ross writes: “It was the latter half of August that these Moths were so numerous; and though in September there were a few, it was nothing in comparison with the multitudes that occurred the previous month. Some guide such as you suggest” [referring to Johns’ “ Book of Birds”’], “ to enable observers to recognise species, would be of immense advantage. I am woe- fully deficient in this respect, and I am persuaded others are equally so. I hope your Committee will succeed in supplying some reliable book to render assistance in this respect.” SEPARATE REPORT UNDER GENERA AND SPECIES. TuRDIDZ.— Thrushes.—In February the only returns are from Bell Rock and Isle of May, between the 3d and 20th; earliest at Isle of May on 3d, one Missel Thrush; N.E., light clear. Other species mentioned are Blackbirds, Redwings (along with Larks and Starlings), at Bell Rock, with S.W. fresh breeze. Great many struck and killed. Two female blackbirds at Isle of May on 15th, and possibly remaining to breed. Mavises on 20th at Isle of May, and some Fieldfares ; showers of snow. In March no great movement, and a few records from Pent- land Skerries of single or small numbers of Blackbirds, and one Thrush on 10th and 23d. Solitary Redwing on 23d at Isle of May; and numbers of Thrushes at Fidra (XXVIII. B.), flying about all night. Spring.—kIn April scattered birds only up to end of the month at Isle of May of Fieldfares, one Redwing (23d), one Ring Ouzel (21st); but on 19th, at Pentland Skerries, is entered the record (which seems one of some importance) : “ Ring Ouzels and Song Thrushes a great rush; strong 8.E. and haze.” And on 26th: “A flock of Fieldfares (mod. S.E., haze), birds which are seldom seen here in spring.’ Also on the 19th at North Ronaldshay, a station not usually sending large spring returns : “ A great number of Thrushes were on the island. Stopped two days;” wind 8.E., haze. In May, at Isle of May, one record EAST COAST OF SCOTLAND. by only of a Fieldfare at the light on the Sth. No more til autumn. In Autumn.— Earliest record of Blackbird at Pentland Skerries on 9th August. Single records at Isle of May of Common Mavis “migrating” on 19th, and of a Missel Thrush on 30th ; W.S.W., clear. Latest record, Fieldfares on 20th to 28th November, “a good many ;” at Dunnet Head, “seen all day ;” and scattered records through November at Pentland Skerries of Thrush and Blackbird. In September also, quite scattered records of single or very small lots of Blackbirds, Ring Ouzels, Fieldfares, and Mavises, from Pentland Skerries, Isle of May, and Fidra. But in October masses and rushes innumerable from the following stations:—Pentland Skerries (Redwings, 4th to 16th). Isle of May (Blackbirds, mostly females, 7th; Field- fares, “numbers” on 18th, N.E. gale; Blackbirds, all males, on 21st, wind from E. toS.W.; Redwings, rush on 28th, S.E., fresh ; also of Fieldfares and Ring Ouzels and Blackbirds). Again, at Pentland Skerries, great numbers of Turdide on 29th, of all kinds. Greatest rush at Pentland Skerries of Redwings and Song Thrushes (along with Goldcrests and Chaffinches, Robins, a few Ring Ouzels, and Woodcock) ; strong 8.E. gale and rain. At Bell Rock, Redwings (without other species in any numbers), 22d to 26th October every night in numbers ; wind from light W. to H. and N.E. All through October indications, more or less pronounced, at the following stations:—N. Unst, Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, Noss Head, Bell Rock, Isle of May, Fidra. From the above notes the migration of Turdide appears to have been unusually compressed and sudden. SAXICOLINA.—Chats.—ln Spring—In March earliest two Redstarts (“the first seen here”) at N. Unst; S.E. and fog. Wheatears at Isle of May on 24th and 26th, but only straggling birds. In April, solitary record on Ist at Pentland Skerries. Two on 27th at Bell Rock, and same date at Isle of May; and Redstarts (‘mostly males”) intermittent all April. In May, at Isle of May, Redstarts (“ mostly females ”) on 3d, and inter- mittent up to 19th; also Wheatears, Whinchats (numbers on the 8th, and rush or great numbers on the 18th all day); W.S.W., strong. In June a single solitary record of a Stone- chat (? Wheatear) from N. Unst. 12 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. In Autumn.—Few records in August ; but on 31st numbers of Wheatears at 10 p.m. at the lantern. Latest records of Samico- line, 24th October at Pentland Skerries ; and next last there also on the 22d, of Redstarts, both females; and on 26th of a Stonechat at N. Unst (? Wheatear). At Isle of May on 5th, and at Fidra, “numbers all day” on the island, of “ Stonechats ” (vera at Isle of May? Wheatears? at Fidra). A not very great or decided rush in September, principally noticeable at Isle of May and Fidra, of “ Stonechats.” _ Sitvinz.—Robins, Whitethroats.—J/n Spring.—A great rush of Robins, with fresh S.E. haze, at Pentland Skerries, on 19th April. “Good numbers” at Isle of May, on 23d; also White- throats remained all night at Isle of May, on 28th April. A rush took place of the latter at same station on May 3d; “swarming” and culminating on 18th (one Willow Wren— Phylloscopus—appearing with others on 19th). No Robins are noted in May anywhere. In Autumn.—A solitary Robin on 24th August at Cromarty (very likely a local resident). A few odd birds in September. One Whitethroat and three Robins, all on different dates, at Isle of May and Fidra; the Whitethroat on the Ist at Isle of May. Rushes all in October, and returns sent from the following sta- tions, all of Robins :—N. Unst (1 Robin); Sumburgh Head, 1 ; Pentland Skerries, Isle of May, and Fidra. Rushes mostly at Isle of May and Fidra about 24th to 29th, and winds prevailing easterly and south-easterly. No records in November. A soli- tary record in December of two Robins at N. Unst, and one on 7th January 1887 at Dunnet Head. Migration of Robins scarcely discernible in spring; and short, sharp, and decisive in October. Of Whitethroats large. Local, viz.—at Isle of May; in- dicated at N. Unst in spring ; and only one record in September at Isle of May. | PHYLLOScoPINa.—Goldcrest (or Gold-crested Wren), Chiff- chaff, Willow Wren, Wood Warbler.—/n Spring.—At Fidra numbers of Goldcrests flying about on 24th March ; wind S.W., light breeze. The only other spring record of this species is on the 27th March at Pentland Skerries—a single bird ; mod. W., clear. This appears to have been a sudden departure, probably general, but not coming much under notice. Of the same species we have not another spring record. EAST COAST OF SCOTLAND. 1 Of Chiffchaff.—[The difficulty of determining Chiffchaffs and Willow Wrens at any time, but more especially in autumn, even to an expert, must in great measure militate against almost any records of “ Chiffchaff” at Isle of May. Yet there can be no doubt that it has occurred there, certainly in October 1884 ; and on one or two more occasions certain. There are many records of “ Chiffchaff” at Isle of May; but it is impossible to say which are correct identifications, and which are really imma- ture Willow Warblers. That the Chiffchaff does occur is un- doubted, but to what extent is yet uncertain. Henceforth, until certainty can be arrived at, we will only mention Chiff- chaffs in inverted commas.—J. A. H.-B.]| “ Chiffchaff’”"—a single record at Isle of May on 12th April, and Willow Wren very numerous on 19th May. One “ Chiff- chaff” also noted on 5th May. In Autumn.—Goldecrests numerous on October 24th at Isle of May ; and numbers at Pentland Skerries, from 17th to 27th, all day long. Seems to have been pretty general, as it is spoken of at Noss Head, also on 24th; at Inchkeith, in small numbers, 7th, 8th, and 9th (light E. breezes). Numbers all day on Fidra on 8th October, and also at Sumburgh Head on 7th and on 20th, and at Girdleness on the 21st. Numerous at Isle of May up to 30th. “ Chiffchaff ”—a solitary record of one at Isle of May on 27th August. A great number (rush) of Willow Warblers at Isle of May on ist September—light W., fog—along with Sedge Warblers. “ Chiffchaff” is also recorded from North Unst by Mr Charles Youngclause—light N.E., haze—a single bird. Numbers again of “ Chiffchaffs ” at Isle of May on 19th. Those who have their doubts about the occurrence in any number of the Chiffchaff (vera) can read the above together with the entries of Willow Warbler. The migration of Phylloscopine is thus compressed into Octo- ber, with one rush in September of Willow Warblers, which appears to have been preceded by one example of “ Chiffchaff ” four days before. In preceding spring very pronounced on 18th and 19th May at same station, Isle of May, of Willow Warblers. ACCENTORINZ.—Hedge Sparrows.—Spring.—Only two records on 12th April at Isle of May (resident all winter); and at Pentland Skerries on 19th, two—S.E., haze ; and on 18th May, 14 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. at Isle of May, a brood of young “ now flying.” Jn Autumn— only record at Pentland Skerries, one seen all day—light 8.W. ; “ seldom seen here.” ACROCEPHALINA.—Sedge Warbler.—No spring notice. In Autumn—only twoin August at Isle of May. Sedge Warbler, one, on 20th—calm, clear ; and on 23d, two—light S.E. wind; but large numbers (in company with Willow Warbler rush) at Isle of May on 2d September. The Willow Warbler rush came on the 1st, the Sedge Warblers on the 2d; the former at 2 A.M. of that day—light W., fog; the latter at 11 a.m. of the next day—light W., and clear. TROGLODYTIDAZ.— Wren.—Nests on Fidra. No spring records. In Autumn.—At Dunnet Head two—strong W. breeze— “young birds,” on 31st August. And at Inchkeith, Firth of Forth, one caught on lantern, wind light south. [The above are the only records in August,—what connectiun appears again between N. of Caithness and Firth of Forth ?—J. A. H.-B.] No more movements on record till October. “Great numbers” at Isle of May on 21st and 24th. No other records, except at Pentland Skerries—a single bird on the 28th. Latest record, one bird at N. Unst on 22d November. The above notes tend to accentuate, along with many other parallelisms, what we already consider the chief routes across Scotland (see last Report, p. 23). MoraciLLipz.— Waetails.—ln Spring.—Earliest record is on 24th March of Wagtails at Isle of May, two seen—light to fresh S.E., and haze. A few scattered records in April, on 13th and 19th, at Pentland Skerries. One record at N. Ronaldshay on 6th May, and one on 20th at Pentland Skerries. Nests found on Fidra, 15th June. Whereas in 1885 Report Wagtails were re- corded in every month except July, this season we find all the following blank of records:—February, March, April, July, November, and December (see Autumn). In Autumn.—Records bulk largest in September, both in number of records (6) and bulk of numbers (rush of old and young on 3d and again on 15th at Isle of May, and a few from Sth to 11th at Pentland Skerries, and a few from 8th to 9th resting all day at N. Unst). Again in October, a few (5) records of smaller numbers, 3d to 24th, at N. Homa Shays Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May. EAST COAST OF SCOTLAND. 15 MoraciLLip&.—Anthine.—Pipits, or “ Mosscheepers,” “ Tit- larks.”—Jn Spring.—Karliest record at N. Unst, 7th March, of ‘“‘Mosscheepers,” N.W., fresh, and again one on 21st. On 20th and 23d March, Meadow Pipits, a few at Isle of May, calm, clear, and S§.E., fresh haze. A few again at N. Unst on 23d, “ Mosscheepers.” No records in May or June. Ln July— young “ Mosscheepers” seen for first time on 6th. In August, on the 27th, accessions to the numbers breeding on Isle of May, probably the young hatched off and on wing. In September, accessions of both Rock Pipits and Meadow Pipits by 15th, at Bell Rock, and Rock Pipits numerous on Isle of May on 20th. Numerous to 29th October. No other records. Muscicarip£.—Flycatchers.—Jn Spring—On 21st and 22d March Spotted Flycatchers, single records at N. Unst. In April, the only record is on 19th at Pentland Skerries, when “a rush” is recorded. Fresh 8.E., haze (Pied Flycatchers), and on 21st May one ditto all day there. In Autumn.—Only one record in all of a single Spotted Fly- catcher on Fidra, on 7th. Light S.E., fog. HIRUNDINIDZ.—Swallows, Martins, Sand Martins.—Jn Spring. —RMany records of arrivals in May and June, as follows :— May 2. N. Ronaldshay, Flying W., 2 Swallows, Light W.C. Hever) ‘Ss ) Bell: Rock, Resting on rock, 1 do., 8.8.E., Light. » 4. Isle of May, 3 ‘ ‘ . 1 Martin, S.W., Light. Wf 7. Pentland Skerries, ‘‘ First seen,” Swallows, N.W., Haze. , 8. Isle of May, SOCAN day. ~ 1 Martin, S.E. aan i Do. A few, i edo 295 » 22. Dunnet Head, : : é . 3 Swallows, —8.S.W. », 26. Cromarty, “* Arrived,” 3. do., Light W. June 5. Sumburgh Head, . : é : ; Flight W. pres 1. Isle of May, First, Swallow, S.E., Light. », 12. Sumburgh Head, ‘Al day,” a de.; S.S.E. In Autumn.—From 23d to 31st August a considerable move- ment (40 seen) at Isle of May on 30th; and on 2d September, “Swallows departed” at Pentland Skerries. 1 Swallow seen at N. Unst on 23d August, and 6 Martins flying about top of cliffs for six days previous to 30th August at Dunnet Head. A rush again at Isle of May on 27th, 28th, and 29th September, especially on latter two dates. Wind S.E. on 29th, shifted from W. Gale and clear day before. No later records. Thus Autumn migration compressed into 30th August and 2d September, and again, 28th and 29th September. 16 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. FRINGILLIDA.—F inches, Linnets, Redpoles, Siskins, Sparrows, Chaffinches, “ Grey Linnets,” Tree Sparrows, Lesser Redpole.—— In Spring.—1 Chaffinch at Pentland Skerries on 9th February. At Isle of May “considerable numbers of Redpoles.” “ Lots died.” S.E. to W. In March a few single records of Chaffinch at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May, and “numbers flying about all night” at Fidra. In April, Siskins “first seen” at North Unst (a new species to the locality ?) on 11th. At Isle of May, Chaffinches and Grey Linnets on 21st, and 2 to a dozen pairs of Sparrows on 30th. At Pentland Skerries, on May 22d and 23d, Grey Linnets and Redpoles (? Twites). In Autumn.—Earliest, 26th August, Linnets, “ young iirc Again, Siskin (one) at N. Unst on 10th September. Strong W. wind. Linnets at same place (Twites ?), 18th, 20th, and 30th. A flock at Pentland Skerries (Linnets, vera ?), and Linnets at Fidra, 20th, 25th, and 27th. Tree Sparrows on 15th at Isle of May. Greatest body of Fringiullide in October, but on the whole, unusually light returns anywhere. Tree Sparrows at Isle of May on 29th October. A few records in November only at N. Unst and Pentland Skerries, of Linnets (?) and Chaffinches. One of the lightest schedules of /ringillide we have had. EMBERIZIDZ.—Buntings, Snow Buntings, Common Buntings. Yellow Hammers.—ln Spring.—Snow Buntings (2) at N. Unst ; snow. In March one ditto, 25th, and as date as April 19th one bird. [These are no doubt late stragelers of last year’s migra- tion—J. A. H.-B.] No more eeonde ‘till September. In Autumn.—Large flock of Snow Buntings at Dunnet Head on 23d, and small numbers at N. Unst on 19th, 20th, and 23d. The first seen at Pentland Skerries this season was on the Ist October, fresh S. haze; and four again on the 12th. Not numerous anywhere all this month. Bulked largest in Novem- ber and December; few at N. Unst; flocks at Pentland Skerries on four dates of 4th to 17th, and a good number at Isle of May on 6th. Flocks at Isle of May in December, and a few at Sumburgh Head and Pentland Skerries. Yellow Hammer only once mentioned at Isle of May on 10th February—a single bird. Common Bunting, single birds, on 8th, 15th, and 27th March, at Pentland Skerries; once in April at same station; once in July ditto; very few records in September, same station ; and EAST COAST OF SCOTLAND. EZ 4in October, same station. None later, nor at any other sta- tion. ALAUDIDA.—Larks.—Larks are entered under every month in the year except July and August. They are least abundant in April, May, and June—of these months in which they do occur in Spring,—and in November and December. Numbers and rushes in September and October in Autumn, and in Janu- ary 1887. (Probably local movements.) Large numbers in Spring 1886, on 15th February. In Spring.—They visited Isle of May, and stayed for some weeks in February. Other slight records occur at Pentland Skerries and Bell Rock same month. Considerable movements also all March at Isle of May and Fidra. In Autumn.—Greatest numbers in September, on 25th to 29th, at Sumburgh Head; and on 27th and 29th at Isle of May. Strong W. and 8.W. winds. * 89) Rona Skye, ste ee ee IVA.) 209 | ae &* 90. Kyleakin=. Wichosasaeees eee Ae ae WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND. 55 Returns Mnelding 1837, OUTER Hepripus—continued. 1887. Values. Feet. 2 9 Iegdisle; Ononga yj .i haus eesteneswa- aa! i. 58 2 02 wArdmamiur chia nig.n Aieaee seein. i 8 * 93. Skerryvore and Hynish Signal Mowierse Trees iii cages en II. 150 8 SOAs. Whubeartachy. foot osejsctn tus I. 146 5 Vow Soundyore Mini: sre eee cetecceee Vi DO 0 OG). Corran Werty cts yen sh IV. 38 = 4 OF e Wismore. Oloaing cacti vscarecsts te te 1032 2 98. Fladda, Easdale,......0..cec00- Vey aS 4 QOReEtiuyaale miner c eee ores: Ie ey en a 7 100. M‘Arthur’s Head,................ | Valghlea On 1 pansies 8 SALOME Skerwullesrccces eetuse te dees II. 73 2M eF 109" Rhinngior Wslay,....00..... Va: OF 159 5 3 3 PalOo., Meocmnndauileer se. tel. caeteer eee IV. 20 Sra 0 104. Mull of Cantyre,............000. bid eet! eae = 0 MOS 2 Sanday es, GO Mole ee Gar ize 0 HGH Devan, Auth wake. be so. S 0 LOtaPladdawArranc). dt ine II. 130 & 5 OSs; amlash.yArrawys 20 /xs9 8868 IV. A6 : 4 *109., Turnberry, Ayrshire,....:..::... EV 96 2 0 hO9n. (Ailsa Craig, 1880550000. cine 422 H 7 SIO a WORSE WW alll: clstsco deqaeneieee Sees as IV. 112 0 IT peLiGG sams is. scenic asta neind ae Jt: 46 7 Sl us Poripathicken. .cvcsl cee. is uae. I. 37 7 SELES. Mull of Galloway yas s.:---a.5e0k a: VE, 325 4 IL Ber aUG Ge INOS, sb ialaeo cachet aun clea IV. 176 Diary from the Stations. Butt of Lewis.—Robert Agnew (replacing Mr Edgar, who is now at Lochindaul, g.v.). Mr R. Agnew is a son of Mr Joseph Agnew, late keeper at Isle of May (Kast Coast), now stationed at Monach Isles, ¢g.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 56 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. 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 excep- tional 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. J 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—~z.e., if the measurements are correctly taken across the back and wings—an Iceland Gull. (See Mac- Gillivray’s “ Manual,” under the said species, vol. ii., p. 247.)— J. A.H.-B.] MrR. A. says: “JT 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 re- mained 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.— WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND. 57 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 9am. till 11 am. 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 entomostrace, which “showed” on the surface, indi- cating one of the strange, or little understood, migrations of fish, or entomostrace. One or two of the birds shot, and con- tents 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.” [ Vote.—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-opera- tion 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 58 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. station, JI 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 light- house 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, Hider Ducks, Teal Ducks, etc. ; but as the breeding season came on they left. “Tn 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 Jarge 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 pecuharities 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 WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND, 59 young—lI observed resting on the island, but, after remaining a short time, they flew in an easterly direction towards the main- land. On the 9th September we had a severe gale—wind vari- able—and the island is quite deserted by land birds, the only ones remaining being afew 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’ (z.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 men- tioned the wind was variable—from S8.E. to 8. 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 distri- bution of the Rock Pipit at all stations, 8., E., N., and W., where 60 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. he has been. He then describes the Tystie (or Toistie of Monach), «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 Ist, 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 com- fortably 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 oth; and continued all morning of 6th. I cannot give you any idea of numbers, but no doubt hundreds were flying round the light. WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND. 61 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 S8.E. to S., rain and haze. They nearly all struck on the north side of the lantern. Iwas 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. Thisis the only one I have ever seen here. I may mention the names of the species seen so far as recog- nised: Mountain Thrushes, Common Thrushes, Skylarks, Tit- larks, Wheatears, Blackbirds, Woodcock (first seen here by me), Robins, Wrens, Redstarts, Ring Ouzels (Mountain Thrushes are therefore either Fieldfares or Redwings), ‘ 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: “JT enclose an insect. I got it this morning stuck to the side of the kitchen window. We don’t know what itis. 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, Fire- 62 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. tails (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-—J ohn 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. Iush 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 scheduie of this de- scription for every month in the year, we think it may prove desirable to publish the series serzatem et literatem. 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 §.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 WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND. 63 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 men- tion that the weather has for the past few days been very close and warm. On the morning of the 5th, at 2 am, the glass stood outside at 623°, 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.” [NVote—When we were shooting in Ardnamur- chan in January 1887, though Woodcock were fairly plentiful, we never saw Snipe so scarce in Mingary Park. The sudden- ness 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 ight, 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, Black- birds, Wrens—the LARGEST NUMBER EVER SEEN IN ONE NIGHT AT THIS STATION ;” further proving the magnitude and wide-spread 64 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. character of the 1886 autumn migration, as well as its singularly compressed nature. Turnberry.—-Andrew Nisbet and William Bege 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 Febru- ary; 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 exe- cuted, 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 rwhich 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 WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND. 65 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 R. 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 wil] 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. Turp1ip#.—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 Skerry- vore 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 E 66 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. indications of routes.—J. A. H.-B.] Prevailing wind in March, strong or light, 8. and 8. easterly. In May—=8d, 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, 8. and 8.E., fresh to strong. [These are also pro- bably 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 15th, 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 430 a.m. on 6th, of “Mountain” and Common Thrushes. Wind, light 8.E., and heavy rain. One Blackbird on 6th. At Dhuheartach on Ist, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th. Records of Mavis, 100 all night of 5th, 6th, 8.S.E.; Field- fare, 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? WNV.2.—The Redwing is red beneath the wing, and the Thrush or Mavis yellow. No “Thrushes ” so named appear in the Rhinns of Islay schedules, WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND. 67 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 (CIL.) as it does at Skerryvore (XCIIL.), 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 interest- ing 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 Sth 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 25d 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.—Rush indicated pretty Aisi tnchiee 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 Ross, 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 mieration of 1886. In November, migration of Thrushes (vera) almost nil. Soli- tary returns on 24th from Skerryvore, and from Turnberry and Little Ross. But afew 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 68 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. Turdide 8. of Clyde. No returns of Turdide anywhere in January 1887. SAXICOLIN A.— Wheatears (often called “ Stonechats ;” a name more correctly applied to another species of the group), Stone- chat (a small bird having the head black in the male and dark- brown in the female), Whinchat, Redstart, ete. 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—SS.H. 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 Turn- berry. In Autuwmn.—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, Dhu- heartach, Turnberry, and Mull of Galloway, all on dates be- tween 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 partici- pated 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, Turdide). The only other species mentioned are a few Whinchats; a Redstart at Dhu- heartach 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. SItviInz.—Robins, Blackcap, Blue Throated Warbler, White- throat, “ Redbreast.”—Jn 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.— WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND. 69 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. PHYLLOScOPINaZ.—Goldcrest, “ Gold-Crested Wren,” Willow Warbler, “ Willow Wren.”—ZJn 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 ¢rwe 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. Gold- crests 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 Ath, 15th, and 8th at same place. ACCENTORIN2Z.—Hedge Sparrow, or Blue Janet.—One on 25th March at Skerryvore, and one at Butt of Lewis (N., fresh breeze, cloudy) on 23d September. ACROCEPHALINAZ.—Reed Warbler, Sedge Warbler.—At Dhu- heartach one Sedge Warbler. On September 3d, one ditto at Little Ross, and one same place on 7th October ; wind in each case light 8.E. Parmia.—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. TROGLODYTIDZ.—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 70 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. place, on 22d. Latest two on 13th November at Little Ross, and a few other scattered records. MoracitLi~£—Wagtails.—In March, a pair on 21st at Loch- indaul; in May, one Wagtail at Dhuheartach, on the 8th— strong S.W., clear; and one Yellow Wagtail, same place, on 23d—licht E. airs. In August two “ Grey Wagtails ” [are these grey, or have they any yellow about them ?] at Dhuheartach on 27th ; and ezghty- nine Wagtarls on 28th—a rush. A number of entries in sche- dule 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 lst September,—a rush co-existing with that at Rhinns of Islay above on 28th August. A flock at Little Ross on 27th September—winds 8. 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. MOTACILLIDA.—Pipits, Meadow Pipits, Rock Pipits, Titlarks, “ Mosscheeper,” “Tang Sparrow” (z.¢., Rock Pipit), “Marsh Pipits” (ae, 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. MuscicaPIp£.—Flycatchers.—The only records are in August, on 27th, 29th, and 30th, at Mull of Galloway. S.E., fresh, or fog. HIRUNDINIDA.—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, WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND. fil “laree flock” on 14th. Flocks all day on 4th September at Mull of Galloway, and other notices. FRINGILLIDZ.—F inches, 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. 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 (pro- bably Twites or Mountain Linnets), Rona, Skye, and Little Ross. 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 Sth, 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, 8. and E. and 8.E. throughout. No more records except one bird at Little Ross on 19th November. EMBERIZIDZ.—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. 72 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. ALAUDID#.—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? g.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 dth, “numerous.” Then 8. of Clyde, “a great rush” at Corsewall ; “rush” at Portpatrick (4th October). All these large move- ments, 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 heht 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 8.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 R. Service. In Ardnamurchan small flocks appeared at Kilchoan at once on the advent of a severe snow- storm 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. STURNINZA. — Starlings.— A considerable movement. In February a number at Turnberry on 9th, and light returns WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND. The) 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 8.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 i5th 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, oth, 6th, and 8th October. Light returns in November, and a few in December. Corvipa&.—Rooks, Ravens, Crows, Carrion Crows, Hooded Crows, Jackdaws, Grey Crows.—The Corvide 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 Loch- indaul, 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. CYPSELIDA.—Swift, “Cran,” “Black Swallow.”—Only one solitary record of one Swift on 27th August at Butt of Lewis. Wind 8.W., fresh. CucuLIDa.—Cuckoo.—Records: At Lochindaul, arrived 6th May. Wind light S., clear, “flying 8.W.” Also at Lochindaul, one rested on the rocks at 7 P.M. on the 6th July. Light W., clear. STRIGIDZ.— Very few records of any Owls—At Dhuheartach, on 4th May, an Owl rested on the rock. Fresh 8. 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, 14, REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. FALCONIDZ.—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 No- vember. There are fewer records of Hawks than usual. One Eagle seen at Rona 2d January 1886. PELECANIDZ.—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 830th (numbers), and 31st (all day) at Lochindaul. None entered again till 9th and 11th October at Lochindaul. ARDEIDZ.—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. ANATIDA.—Ducks, Geese, Swans—Jn 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.] WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND. Ta) In Autumn, at Skerryvore, four seen on 14th, and at Dhu- heartach one Drake on 16th, and at Lochindaul one Duck on 30th. On Ist October two at Skerryvore, 8.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, 8S.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 scat- tered 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 8.; wind S.E., fresh, All other lighter records, flying east, with 8, W. strong breeze. Barnacle Geese, five on Ist November at Rhinns of Islay rested on island, and one seen on 3d at Butt of Lewis, and five on i8th 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. CoLumMBIDA.—Rock Doves, Turtle Doves, Wood Pigeon, &¢.— Two records of seven and fifteen respectively at Rhinns of Islay on 4th and 5th September. One Turtle Dove shot on 25th at (?) RALLIDZ.—Cornecrake 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. CHARADRIADA.—Oyster Catchers, Plovers, Golden Plovers, Grey Plover, &e—Oyster Catchers on 15th February at Loch- indaul, “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. 76 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. Slight movement on 2d and oth September at Rhinns of Islay of Golden Plover, and “large number” on 12th at Turn- berry, and a number at Little Ross on 28th. No very heavy records at any time. ‘Flocks in October, but no records of im- portant movements. Three records in December 17th, 18th, and 19th, at Rhinns of Islay. Few records of Oyster Catchers: Lapwing, Ring Plover, Dotterel—Very few hght 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, | SCOLOPACIDA. — 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..; 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 Wood- cock 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 WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND. CL twenty-eight were killed on Torwood and Touch in two days. The birds had been quite three weeks in the country. In January 1887, 334 couple were shot in seven days, and we heard of total bags for the season of 160 to one gun in Ardna- murchan, 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 8. 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, ight E. and 8. ; 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. Larip£#.—Of 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. PROCELLARIIDA.—Petrels.—In September several all day at Dhuheartach, and have been seen “flying south for a week 78 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. 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 pm. and 2 am., 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.] CoLYMBIDA., — 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. Aucip#.—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 Lochin- daul 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 con- tinuous 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 ISLE OF MAN. 79 WEST COAST OF ENGLAND AND WALES, AND THE ISLE OF MAN. SCHEDULES and letters of instruction, with stamped enve- lopes 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 i hl. tea, eel 116 ae. a J *117 = L.H. Z | PMoloe eit Pep 110: “LY. 3 (e200 ier, & | #121. wy. =) 4 pa 122.) L,Y. pa F123. wy: pela T rH. | CSAS tng ies *126. | LH. Fe cl Ar aa Ds ra = 4 *128.. iH. a i. L209. LY. Z £90» ii. H. | 23) 05) lan 589 2 ede. uy. Point of Ayre. Douglas Head. MAME TESS ross sehen ee Robert Clyne. Chickens Rock,......... James Black. Bahama: Bamle 5). 225 Charles Johns. DOMDCESs Paes ine. Sere Henry Nott. Delker tee a Aes. Daniel Kneale and George Cumming. Morecambe Bay,........ Henry Clavell. ivets Wee: Ae 7 ig wie 8S. Work and J. Clague. AGT: GAD Wiehe Sle tase vind a Joseph Steer. Skerries Rock,........... Wm. Jno. Rees. Holyhead Breakwater, Messrs Prichard, Roberts, and Hughes. Soubh Stack, 175. sees W. R. Burgess. Carnarvon Bay,......... Messrs Thomas and Hughes. St Tudwal’s. Bardsey Island,......... Thomas Bowen. Cardigan Bay,........... Messrs Rees and Comben. 80 South Wales, Bristol Channel. South-Western England. No. on Map. ( *133. | *134, | *135. 1 *136, ilove | #138, L ai koh) [ | *140. ieaticall | *149, 143. #144, 145, L *146. ( *147. *148, 149, 150. 151. #152, *153. *154. #155. 156. *157, 158. 159. | E ZAG Ne rTM). 260: *164. 165. = 160; 167, REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS, L.H. L.H. L.H, L.H, L.H, L.V. LV. L.H. L.V. L.H. L.V. L.H, L.H. L.H. LR Ie L.H. L.H. L.H, L. H. L.H. L.H. Hs Vie L.H. L.H. L,H. L.H. L.H. L. H,. L.H. L,H. L.H. L.V. L,H. L. H, L.H. South Bishop,,........... Alfred Frost. Simiallge ec cee sect ae George Baker. Great Castle Head,..... W. L. Davis. Milford (St Ann’s),.... Jas. F. Spicer, ald yet esses gene eee Wm. Ebben, Elelwackivcte soccer Messrs Webber Howells. Scarweather,............. Messrs Havells ‘Wynen. Nash) ie ccatame reset Henry Nicholas, Brealksea, fst. dont ices Messrs Walters Johnson. Flatholmy. Oa, caied W. Dale. English and Welsh Grounds. Uke oa tee eee Rn , Amos Russell. Avon Burnham 2 eeacecry ee William Lewis. Bull Pointy. a. sence George Knott. Bideford Bar, .ic.c.aeue Thomas Gilpin, Lundy Island. Hartland Point. Trevose Head. Godrevy 42 cnatn ne Richard Trahair. Longslyss.n. cseeots. ce Jno. W. Watson. Sevenstones, ............ Daniel Norton. Wolf Rock,........ WEIS J. J. Chavner. Scilly. Bishop’s Rock,.......... Jno. W. Troth. Lizard Point. Falmouth Harbour. Hddystone;; Neo.) ememewe William Ainger, Plymouth Breakwater, Arthur Ebgar. start Pomteia-aseeae William Jones. Portland Bull,.,.......... William Frost, Shambles, ven ke ceree William Clark. Anvil Point. Hurst Castle,............ G, G. Appleton, The Needles. and and and It is satisfactory to note that not only has the number of WEST COAST OF ENGLAND AND WALES, AND ISLE OF MAN. 81 stations making returns been largely augmented, but also that the schedules have considerably increased in number from most stations. 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-opera- tion, 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 enanthe, Pratincola rubetra, P. rubicola, Sylvia cinerea, S. atricapilla, Phylloscopus collybita, P. trochilus, Acrocephalus phragmitis, Locustella nevia, Regulus cristatus, Troglodytes parvulus, Motacila ray, Anthus pratensis, A. trivialis, A. obscurus, Muscicapa grisola, Emberiza miliaria, Alauda ar- vensis, Caprumulgus ewropeus, Cuculus canorus, Gallinula chloro- pus, Tringa alpina, 1’. canutus, and Procellaria leucorrhoa. 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 ” ? 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 ; # while the force of the wind ranges from 0 to 12. | 1 No less than 84 schedules were returned. * These Reports cover not only the British Islands, but also Western Europe, from Bodo and Haparanda to Corunna and Toulcn, and are based upon numerous returns from the area indicated. 3 Beaufort scale :—x. blue sky ; c. detached clouds; pb. drizzling rain ; F. fog; a. dark, gloomy; H. hail; L. lightning; M. misty; 0. overcast; P. passing showers; Q. squally; R. rain; s. snow; T. thunder; v. ugly, threatening ; Vv. visibility, unusual transparency ; w. dew. 82 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. 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 west- ward and north-westward of our Islands, the gradients being, as a rule, moderate, and the distribution cyclonic. On the 24th, however, the continental anti- cyclone 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.) Marcu 24TH. Langness L.H.—One Willow Warbler on lantern at 2 A.M. (Light E.; haze.) Chickens Rock L.u.—Great numbers of Thrushes, Starlings, Wheatears, and Larks flying round lantern at 8pm. (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. fiwwer Dee u.V.—One Woodcock killed at 7.45 p.m. South Stack L.H.—Several Siskins and Wheatears from 12 P.M. to4 am. A few struck and killed. (S.E., 4; c.m.R.) Lddystone L.H.—Thrushes, Redwings, Starlings, and Wheat- ears from 8 P.M. to 10.30 pm. A great quantity struck; 20 birds killed. (S. by W., and 8.8.W.; c. v.) Marcu 25TH. Langness L.H.—One Blackbird (female) found dead. Chickens Kock L.u.—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 .v.—Several Larks, Thrushes, and Starlings at 11.30 p.M.; four “Grey Birds” killed. eV es WEST COAST OF ENGLAND AND WALES, AND ISLE OF MAN. 83 Selker L.V.—A great many Larks, Starlings, and a few Thrushes flying about the ight from 9 to12 P.M. (Misty.) MARrRcH 26TH. Langness L.H.—One female Blackbird killed, and two Red- ‘wings killed on lantern at 4 A.M. Chickens Rock t.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 u.vV.—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 (£.) L.u#.—A Swallow rested on the lantern from 6.30 A.M. till 7 A.M., and then left and flew N.E. Marcu 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 AM. Carnarvon Bay u.v.—10 Lapwings at 11 am. flying N.E. OVW .,.0; B.C. V.) Liddystone u.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.A.—One Thrush killed at 3 a.m. MARCH 29TH. Langness u.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 aM. One Woodcock struck, and was caught. “There were also a great many other birds.” (S.W., 3; rain, thick mist.) APRIL OTH. Eddystone t.H—Two Red Linnets caught at 9 p.M., and two Ring Ouzels caught at midnight. (8.W. by W., 5; 0. p.m) 84 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. 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. Baro- metric 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 u.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 u.V.—Six Black Crows flying east at 8 A.M. Nash (H.) L.u.—Seven *Wrens at 10.30 P.m., three killed; the others remained till daylight. (E.,3; B. M.) APRIL 23D. Chickens Rock L.u.—A Swallow at 9.30 Am., flying N.E, and an Oystercatcher and a Carrion Crow sitting on the rock. River Dee u.V.—F locks of Titlarks and Wagetails, 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. v.) Nash (#.) t.u1.—Between sixty and seventy *Whitethroats at 10 p.m.; twelve killed, the others remaining till daylight. (E., 2; B. M.) Eddystone L.u.—Hundreds of Wheatears, and many Warblers and “Flycatcher species” from 9P.M.to12P.M. “Scores against the glazing; none caught.” (S.E., 1; c. Mm.) APRIL 29TH. Nash (#.) u.H.—Four Cuckoos passed west from 8.30 to 9 A.M. (COuSH NN GALZs oC) Eddystone L.u.—A large number of Wheatears from 2 A.M. to 4 aM.; none caught; a great many killed and lost over. (E.N.E., 8; c. P. M.) | A ae WEST COAST OF ENGLAND AND WALES, AND ISLE OF MAN. 85 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 AM. (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 south- wards.—(From Weekly Summary in ‘‘ Daily Weather Report” for August 9th, 1886.) Avaust 1st. Nash (£.) uu.—Two Cuckoos at 11.20 pM.; 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., 2; B.C.) AUGUST 3D. Flatholm UH.—Six Chiff-Chaffs at midnight; one killed. (S.S.W., 3; B. Cc. M.) Eddystone L.H.—Large numbers of small birds flying about the lantern between 10 P.M. and 34M. One Sand-Martin and one Warbler caught. (N.E.,1; B.c. Vv.) Start Point LH—*One Ring Ouzel and four small birds— *Willow Wren, *Whitethroat, *Wheatear, and *Tree Pipit— caught at 3 aM. One Wren and a quantity of moths against the light at 11.15p.m. MrJonessays: “The small birds and moths 86 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. against the light in still weather, is most times a sign of thick, misty weather to follow.’ One Ring Ouzel and three small birds caught at 11.30 P.M. CN ASeOr V,) AUGUST 4TH. Langness L.H.—Large number of Dunlin at 5 am. (N.W., light.) Several Swallows at 3 p.m. (S.W., light; clear.) Flatholm L.u.—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; 0. c.) AUGUST 9TH. Flatholm L.u.—Large flock of Swifts at sunset. (W., 2; c.) Lddystone L.H.—Several small birds, Wheatears, and Warblers, between midnight and 3 aM. One “ Rock Plover” killed at 2a.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; 0. M. R.) AvuGust LOTH. 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 u.v.—Flock of Swallows going 8.E. at 1 P.M. Cardigan Bay u.v.—Fourteen Swifts passing to the 8.8.W. at 8 P.M. AUGUST 22D. Nash (#.) L.u.—About ninety *Sedge Warblers round the light at 10.30 PM.; fourteen killed. (ZH, 1; B.c.mM.) About two hundred *Whitethroats and fifty *Wheatears from 9 to 10,30 p.M.; eleven Whitethroats and four Wheatears killed. Burnham U.H.—One “Sedge Warbler killed at 3 a.m. Lddystone L.H.—Two Curlews seen at 1 P.M. flying E. (8.,1; B.C. M.) Mr Ainger says that these birds are seldom seen at Hddystone. AUGUST 23D. Nash (£.) L.u..-Twenty to thirty Wheatears at 11 P.M.; three killediay Cos ale erc, Nie) | WEST COAST OF ENGLAND AND WALES, AND ISLE OF MAN. 87 Eddystone L.H.—Several Wheatears and Warblers from 9 P.M. to 10.30 p.M.; five caught. (S.W., 1; c. M.) AvuGust 27TH. Selker L.vV.—Blackbirds, Starlings, and Titlarks flying round lantern all night; disappeared at daybreak. (S.S.W., 3; 0. M. B.) Carnarvon Bay u.v.—Three Stonechats killed at 54.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 8.,1; B.c. M.) Start Point L.H— One Blackbird and one *Spotted Flycatcher caught at ll pM. (W.S.W., 2; ©. 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 IST. South Bishop L.H.—Several Wheatears killed, by striking lantern, at 1 am. (W.N.W., 1; 0. mM.) Burnham L.u.—One Sedge Warbler struck at3 aM. (ES.E., 1; fog.) Longships L.H.—A great many birds from midnight to day- light ; three struck, one killed. (S. to N., 3; drizzle and fog.) Wolf Rock L.4.—Several Wheatears striking lantern at 11 P.M. (N.E. by N., 3; c. RB. V.) 88 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. Bishop Lock u.4.—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 U.H.—One Wheatear and one Willow Warbler on lantern at 2 A.M. (Light S.W.; clear.) Five Wagtails at 9.30 a.m. Skerrves 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. Vv.) Plymouth Breakwater L.u.—Two Flycatchers struck and killed at 9.30 Pt, CN.W., 0 390; Bea) SEPTEMBER 3pD.1 Langness L.H.—A few Warblers on lantern from 1 to 4 A.M. A few House Martins at 9.30 am, 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 u.v.—Scores of birds about the light from midnight till 4a.mM. 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; 0. Mw.) Nash (£.) u.4.—Four *Nightjars at 2.10 A.M., one killed; fifteen to twenty *Common Buntings from 2.15 to 3 aM, 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. (S8.E., 3; misty and rain.) Bishop Rock L.u.—About one hundred Wheatears, two Ringed 1 For meteorological conditions, see p. 87. WEST COAST OF ENGLAND AND WALES, AND ISLE OF MAN. 89 Dotterels, six or seven Curlews, and one Manx Shearwater from 11 p.m. to daylight ; about twenty struck glass. Three Wheat- ears and one Manx Shearwater killed. (H.N.E., 2; overcast, misty.) Eddystone L.H.—Hundreds of Wheatears and Larks from 10 P.M. till 3.30 AM.; none caught. One Blackbird and one Ring Ouzel seen. SEPTEMBER 4TH.! Chickens Rock L.u.—Numbers of Stonechats.and a few Curlews flying round the light all night. River Dee u.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.u.—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 uuH.—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 Black- birds 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. (H., 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; 0. R. M.) Longshups 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 u.H.—Six Wheatears striking lantern at 11 P.M. (oeos. C..BiV) Hddystone L.H.—Hundreds of Wheatears all night; thirty killed. (E.S.E., 3; ©. P. V.) Plymouth Breakwater LH.—One Plover caught at 2.25 a.m. (E.S.E., 3; 0. D. M.) Start Point L.u.—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; ©. G. P.) 1 For meteorological conditions, see p. 87: 90 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. SEPTEMBER DTH. Langness u.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 u.H.—One Sedge Warbler killed at 34.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 28d 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 8S. W. and S., the temperature rising. —(From Weekly Summary, ‘‘ Daily Weather Report,” September 27th, 1886.) SEPTEMBER 20TH. Eddystone L.u.— Hundreds of Wheatears all night; nine caught. (E.,"54° B. V.) SEPTEMBER 21ST. Langness L.H.—Large numbers of Swallows and a flock of Grey Linnets at 9 A.M. | Cardigan Bay u.V.—Twenty-four Swallows at 9 A.M. passing S. by W. Felwick u.V.—About a dozen Swallows at 11 a.m. flying E. Sevenstones L.V.—Three Swallows at 10 a.m. flying round the ship. Lddystone L.H.—One Woodcock killed at 7.30 p.m., but lost Over” ViVi. oO. 0.-@. Ry SEPTEMBER 23D. Langness L.H.—A few Wheatears at 5 p.m. (Light E.; clear.) Cardigan Bay u.v.—About twenty small birds, “ Flycatcher species,’ passed to west at 8am. (E.N.E., 2; B. ©. 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. Vv.) EE ea ee a WEST COAST OF ENGLAND AND WALES, AND ISLE OF MAN. Q1 Helwick L.V.—“ Some dozens of Willow Wrens and White- throats were flying around the light all night, some falling dead on deck, and dozens overboard.” Flatholm L.u.—Large flocks of Swifts and Starlings during the day. (W., 3; C. M.) Lddystone L.H.—A great many small birds, Larks, Wheatears, and Warblers, from 9 P.M. to 4 am. One male Ring Ouzel caught. (E.N.E., 4; c. mM) 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.u.—One Robin caught on lantern at 11.45 P.M. (W.S.W., 33 ©. V.) Flatholm t.u.—Large flocks of Swallows, Wagtails, and other small birds all day, passing 8.W. Bull Point u.H.—A number of small birds, “of two species” [*Whitethroat and *Willow Wren], flying about the light at 4 AM.; four killed. (S.,3; 0. M.) Bishop Rock u.H.— Several Wheatears and “ Furze-chats ” came to glassat 1am. (N.E, 3; misty.) Eddystone L.H.—Great many Wheatears and Warblers, and one Sand Martin, from 8 pM. to 4 AM. Two Ring Ouzels, females, caught. (HE. by 8., 2; ©. 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 de- pressions of considerable size, but of no great depth, moved northwards along our extreme western coasts. South-easterly or southerly winds, therefore, pre- vailed 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 9? REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. 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 u.H.—A few Thrushes and Blackbirds on lantern at 2AM. (Fresh E.; haze.) Chickens Rock .4.—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 u.H.—A Thrush caught alive at 24m. A number of Linnets caught at 10 a.m; old birds. South Stack u.uH——A Blackbird caught on lantern at 11.50 P.M. Wolf Rock L.u—One “Turtle Dove” at 11 am. (6, 5; B.aCuNe) 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. Mm.) OCTOBER 4TH. Langness L.H.—A few Common Thrushes striking lantern from 9 to 10 P.M. Chickens Rock u.H.—Flocks of Thrushes, mixed with Black- birds, 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.) Fiver Dee u.v.—A few small birds about the lantern during the night, species not known; one “ Flycatcher ” found dead on deck. (SS.E., 2; 0. M.) Skerrves Fock L.4.—Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Larks flying round lantern from 12 (midnight) to4a.m. (S.E., 4; cloudy, misty.) South Stack u.HW—A few Thrushes, a Goldcrest, a Lark, and a Starling caught at lantern between 12 p.M.and4am. (E.S.E., 4; Cc. M.) Cardigan Bay L.v.—Large flock of Meadow Pipits flying 8.W. at 7PM. (ESE, 4; GM.) WEST COAST OF ENGLAND AND WALES, AND ISLE OF MAN. 93 Helwick u.v.—<«Some dozens” of Wheatears around the light at 2 A.M.; many killed and falling overboard. Flatholm L.u.—Small flocks of House Martins all day, going south. Wolf Rock u.u—Three Sea Swallows at 3 PM. (SE, 5; Be) v.) Eddystone u.u.—Two Larks, one Thrush, and one Starling caught from 9 til12 pm. (S.E., 7; ¢. GL. v.) OCTOBER DTH. 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 pM. One Missel Thrush caught. (E., fresh; haze.) Chickens Rock L.u.—A few Thrushes, Starlings, Blackbirds, Stonechats, and Larks flying round the light all night. Three Goldfinches sitting on lantern at 4 4.M. (Variable light breeze ; haze.) Bahama Bank u.vy.—Several Thrushes, Blackbirds, and a - great many Larks flying round the heht 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 Pm. (S., 4; M.) St Ann’s High L.u.—Large number of small “ Flycatchers ” flying against the lantern during the night; fifteen killed. Bull Point u.H.—A Lark struck glass at 3 A.M, but not killed. (S.S.E., 3; B.C. M.) Wolf Rock u.u.—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 AM. (8.,3; C. BR. M.) Portland Low u.u.—Three or four Linnets flying about from mos AM. (S.E., 25 ©. V.) OCTOBER 7TH. Langness L.4.—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.) 94 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. South Stack L.4.—Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, and Wrens at 4 PpM.; several struck lantern; a few killed. (S.E., 2; ¢.M.R.) Cardigan Bay u.v.—A flock of Martins at 9 A.M., passing S.S.W. Helwick L.V.—A. large number of “Pinks” (fringilla celebs) 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 AM.; two killed. (S.S.E., 3; misty.) Skerries L.H.—Thrushes, Blackbirds, Wheatears, and Fly- catchers at 4 A.M.; some killed. (Calm, misty.) Cardigan Bay L.V.—Sixteen Skylarks and two Chaffinches at 10 A.M. Portland Low u.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 con- ditions 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 ap- parently 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 Iiscay 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 u.H.—One Redwing at 9 p.m. A large flock of Wild Duck at 5.30 PM. (N.E.; fresh, showers.) Selker L.V.—A dozen Crows going S.E. at 10 A.M. WEST COAST OF ENGLAND AND WALES, AND ISLE OF MAN. 05 Skerries L.H.—Blackbirds and Thrushes around the lantern at 9 P.M, South Stack L.u.—Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, and one Gold- crest from 9 to 10 p.M.; a few caught. (E.N.E., 7; C. M. RB.) Scarweather u.v.—Four Chaffinches at 7.30 A.M. Breaksea u.v.—Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, and Field- fares around the lantern from 8 P.M. to midnight. One Wren killed. (H.N.E., 3; 0. M. 1.) Godrevy L.v.—Several Redwings at 7 P.M.; a few killed. Wolf Rock L.u.—Four Terns at + P.M. Hddystone L.u.—Redwings and Starlings from 7 to 10 P.M; many caught and more lost over. (N.E., 2; c. M. and Cc. M. D.) Start Point L.u.—Many Thrushes, also Ring Ouzels and Spotted Flycatchers; fifty Thrushes, two Ring Ouzels, and two Fly- catchers 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 LUH.—Large numbers of birds were observed flying round the lantern, and a Lark and a Goldfinch perched. Selker u.V.—Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Larks in numbers at lantern ali night and on early morning of 21st; many struck and lost over. Morecambe Bay u.v¥.—One Linnet, three Starlings, and three Larks on deck at 10.40 A.M. Dee u.V.—Flocks of Titlarks all forenoon; one Wren on deck at 8.15 A.M. Mena t.u.—F locks 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.u.—A Starling and Goldcrest captured at 9 P.M. i South Stack LH.—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. Mm.) 96 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. Bardsey L.H.—* Eighty Blackbirds and about fifty Thrushes killed at lantern.” 7 Cardigan Bay L.vV.—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 218T. Langness L.H.—A Woodlark at 1 A.M. on lantern. Five Swal- lows at 9.30 a.m. flying S.W. Selker L.vV.—Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, and other birds, un- known, around the lantern until daylight this morning; many killed. Morecambe Bay u.v.—Six Blackbirds, eleven “ Titlarks,’ and five Skylarks flying S. during the forenoon. Carnarvon Bay u.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 8. at 11 A.M. Nash u.H.—Two Song Thrushes killed at 9.30 p.m.; four Red- wings killed between 9 and 11 p.m. (N., 4; c. m.) Start Point L.u.—One “ Titlark” at 8.30 P.M. OCTOBER 23D. Helwick u.v.—Two Thrushes and a female Blackbird killed at 3 AM. Nash u.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. (H., 6; G. M. P.) Longships u.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 King- dom, fine but rather foggy elsewhere ; later on the rain spread northwards over England and Ireland, and the wind veered from E. to 8.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, WEST COAST OF ENGLAND AND WALES, AND ISLE OF MAN. 97 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 u.v.—Ten Greenfinches and Chaffinches on deck all day; four caught. Cardigan Bay u.v.—Several flocks of Starlings and Skylarks going 8.W. during the day. Nash u.u.—A few Blackbirds and Redwings between 4.30 and DAM.; a few killed. Godrevy L.H.—Great numbers of Redwings, Thrushes, Black- birds, and Starlings all night; several killed. Longships u.H.—Scores of Thrushes and Starlings all night; a good many captured, Wolf Rock u.u—Twenty “Grey Birds” flying around the lantern at 10 P.M. Bishop Kock u.4.—Several Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, and Fieldfares from 11 P.M. to daylight; six killed. Hddystone u.H.—Thrushes, Redwings, Starlings, and Larks from midnight to 3 A.M.; fifty to sixty striking, OCTOBER 25TH. flelwick u.V.—A Blackbird and a Lark killed at 2 a.m. Nash u.4H.—Large flocks of Lapwings passing S8.E. from 7 to 10 a.m. Flock of Redwings passing S. at 10 AM. Six Song Thrushes killed at 8.20 p.m. Ten Blackbirds killed between 8 and 10 P.M. Godrevy L.u.—A great number of Redwings, Thrushes, and Starlings all night; several killed. Longships u.H.—A few Puffins going 8. during the morning. A good many Starlings, Thrushes, and Larks all night; several killed. Wolf Rock u.u.—Twenty-four “ Grey Birds” about lantern at 12 P.M. Lishop Rock u.4.—Several hundreds of Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, Fieldfares, Ring Ouzels, and “Copperfinches” from 2 P.M. to daylight (26th). Sixty Redwings, five Fieldfares, three G 98 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. Ring Ouzels, and one “ Copperfinch” (? Fringilla montefringula) 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 wind- ward side of lantern during heavy rain. Portland Low u.H.—Thrushes at 4AM. 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. Nash u.u.— A large flock of Lapwings flying around the lantern at 1 a.M.; one killed. Woodcocks at 3 a.m.; two killed. Goldcrests at 3.40 a.m.; two killed. Fieldfares at 4.10 a.m. ; four killed. Skylarks at 5 am.; four killed. Four Snipe at 9 P.M., passing 8.EH. Missel Thrushes at 9.50 p.m.; one killed. Bramblings at 10 P.M.; one killed. Snipe at 10.30 pM.; four killed. Mr Nicholas remarks: “Large numbers of birds flying around the lantern all the morning, but at sunrise a good many were passing S.H. A Green Woodpecker was seen with the others at mid-day.” Bull Point .H.—A Blackbird killed at 2 a.m. Wolf Rock L.u.—A Blackbird killed at 5 a.m. Hddystone L.H.—Blackbirds, Fieldfares, Thrushes, and Red- wings from 6 P.M. to 4 AM. (27th); about sixty killed. (For early morning observations at this station see 25th October.) Portland Low u.H.—One Snipe killed at 7 P.M. OcTOBER 27TH. Langness u.H.—Four birds struck between 7.30 and 9 p.m. A Starling and a Common Thrush killed. Bahama Bank u.v.—Several Thrushes from 10 P.M. to 4 A.M. (28th); one killed. WEST COAST OF ENGLAND AND WALES, AND ISLE OF MAN. 99 Skerries Rock L.H.—Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, and Starlings from 8 P.M. to midnight ; several killed. Nash u.H.—A Wren killed at 2 a.M.; a Robin and Black Red- start killed at 2.10 am. A Red-winged Starling’ (Ageleus pheniceus) captured at 34M. Redwings at 10.40 P.M.; a few killed. Longships L.H.—A Goldcrest at lantern at 3.30 A.M. Eddystone L.H.—(See yesterday for information on this morn- ing’s observations.) OcTOBER 28TH. Langness L.H.—One Blackbird at lantern at 9 P.M. Morecambe Bay u.V.—Three “ Dish Washers” (Motacilla) fly- ing 8. by W. at 10.30 a.m. South Stack u.u.—Several Blackbirds and Finches flying round the lantern all night. Carnarvon Bay u.v.—Finches and Linnets all day; “two Brown Linnets captured.” Helwick L.V.—A Thrush killed at 1.30 A.M. Nash u.H.—A flock of from 80 to 100 Skylarks passed 8. at 9 AM. Breaksea u.V.—Starlings, Larks, and House Sparrows from 7 to 10 p.m., flying round the lantern. Flatholm u.H.—Five Thrushes, four Blackbirds, one Lark, and six Starlings killed between 1 and 3 A.M. Longships L..—Puffins and Guillemots moving south all the morning. Lishop Rock u.H—A few birds at 3 AM. Eddystone L.4.—Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, and Star- lings from midnight to 3.30 A.M.; many struck and lost over. Portland Low u.H.—One Fieldfare killed at 2 A.M. OcTOBER 30TH. Selker L.V.—Thrushes and Larks all night; eight Thrushes killed. Skerries L.H.—Fourteen dozen Blackbirds, Thrushes, Larks, and Starlings killed between midnight and 6 aM; also a few Chaffinches seen, but none killed. (Misty, rain.) Refer to the information given under this species in the next section of the Report for full particulars of this interesting occurrence. 100 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. Cardigan Bay u.v.—A good many birds at lantern all night. Helwick L.v.—Iwo male Blackbirds and a Thrush killed at 11.30 P.M. Bull Point u.u.—A Blackbird struck at 5 A.M. Longships L.H.—Several Thrushes and Starlings all night; a few killed or captured. Puffins and Guillemots going south in the morning. Eddystone L.4.—Numbers of Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, Starlings, Larks, Finches, and “Flycatchers” from 9 P.M. to 5 A.M. (31st); a few striking, and two Blackbirds (females), two Thrushes, five Redwings, six Larks, and twenty-one Starlings captured. Start Point u.u.—Blackbirds, Starlings, and a few small birds at lantern all night. OcTOBER 31ST. Langness L.H.—Three Blackbirds (one male and two females) on lantern from 3 to 5 A.M. Dee u.v.—Hundreds of birds—*Thrush, *Missel Thrush, *Blackbird, and *Skylarks killed. Skerries L.H.—A few Thrushes at midnight. Carnarvon Bay u.v.—Blackbirds and Larks passing to 8.W. in forenoon. Bardsey L.H.—Six Blackbirds, six Thrushes, and one Jack Snipe killed at lantern. Cardigan Bay u.v.—A male Blackbird struck lantern. Bull Point L.H.—Six Blackbirds at 5 A.M. Eddystone L.H.—Numbers of Blackbirds, Thrushes, Redwings, Starlings, Larks, Finches, and Flycatchers, from 9 P.M. (30th) to 5 aAM.; a few striking; and two Blackbirds (females), two Thrushes, five Redwings, six Larks, and twenty-one Starlings captured. . Start Point L.A—A few Larks at 3 A.M. WEATHER FOR WEEK, 21sT TO 27TH NOVEMBER. During the week the distribution of pressure, temperature, and winds and weather, were all continuously anticyclonic. The system was formed over the British Islands on Sunday, the 21st, in a ridge which extended northwards from a small anticyclone, which at that time lay over France. On the 24th the system covered the North Sea, England, and the north-western half of France. Fora day or two more the anticyclone grew higher, temperature became very low over WEST COAST OF ENGLAND AND WALES, AND ISLE OF MAN. 101 the inland counties as the anticyclone increased, so that early on the 24th minima were recorded as low as 27°. The centre of the system now moved west- ward, and the temperature rose decidedly. On the 25th the anticyclone moved to the westward of Ireland, and had afterwards decreased in intensity. The winds during its prevalence were light to moderate at most of the coast stations, calm inland; but the most striking feature was the continued prevalence of dense fogs. At the close of the week the system was dispersing, and mild south-westerly winds were setting in on our western and north-western coasts, with rain, increasing to strong south-westerly winds, while large areas of low pressure skirted our north- western and northern coasts.—(From Weekly Summary in ‘‘ Daily Weather Report,’ November 29, 1886.) NOVEMBER 21ST. Holyhead Breakwater t.u.—A Thrush killed at 6 a.m. Nash L.H.—Two Song Thrushes killed at 9 P.M. Breaksea u.v.—A few Fieldfares from 8 to 11 P.M. _ Eddystone L.H—A Redwing and a Starling killed at 3 A.M. Twenty-one Stormy Petrels captured between 6 and 12 P.M. They came to the light in twos and threes, striking the lantern very gently. NOVEMBER 22D. Langness L.H.—A great many Blackbirds and several Starlings at lantern from midnight to 44.M. : : : 1952 _ 138 | Hooded Crows es 2 : » 152 pes) Rook, : : : . 152 . 189 Jackdaw, ‘ : ; ‘ . Los . 139 | Magpie, : - SmAe CON . 153 IRISH COAST. 127 List or Brrps Notickep—continaed. PAGE PAGE Swallow, . : : : . 153 | Greenshank, : é ‘ . 162 Mertins, © . : : ‘ . 165 | Curlew, : : ; ; re Mf Swift, : : : ‘ . 155 | Whimbrel, . : ; : . 163 Nightjar, . ; : ; plop |) cerns, ; : : ; . 163 Cuckoo, ; 4 ; . lao Grudge. ; : ; : . 164 Wryneck, . F ; ‘ . 155 | Manx Shearwater, ‘ . 165 ‘* Hoopoe,”’ 3 : ; . 155 | Fork-tailed Petrel, ; 3 y 166 Pigeons, . : . 156 | Stormy Petrel, . ; 3 . 166 Turtle Dove, ; : ; ~ 156 >| Razorbill,.) . : ; , . 166 p rartridge,- — . : . 15/7 | Guillemot, . : ; Mar Corncrake, . , é : . 157 | Little Auk, : F Sailor Water Rail, : : 5 by |) Putin, : : ; : 5 L68 Water Hen, : : : . 157 | Great Northern Diver, : ae Mots) Golden Plover, . ‘ S W574) Cormorant, . ‘ ‘ . 169 Green Plover, . ; . 158 | Gannet, ; : : . 170 Sea Pie, L ; t . 159 | Heron, ‘ : } SU hie Grey Phalarope, . , ; atom Geese, : plat Woodcock, . : : . £59) | Ducks, : ‘ . 173 Snipe, : : ; . 160 ‘‘Merganser,” . : : . 173 mses Larks,” etc., |. . 161 | Birds not identified, . ; . 174 Redshank, . : ; | poze bats. , . 174 HAWES. _ Fastnet—April 17th, two going N.; September 10th, two Hawks alighted 6 a.m.; 23d, one at 7 A.M.; killed a Titlark. Mine Head.—February 23d, Peregrine Falcon seen to-day, first time since November; April 10th, hatching on cliff; 19th, egos taken. More were laid and hatching re-commenced. August 16th, one Kestrel; October 29th, one shot. [Wing re- ceived.| A pair occasionally during winter. Coningbeg Lnght-ship—November 6th, one Sparrowhawk passed N.E. Arklow South Light-ship.—September 4th, one Sparrowhawk on deck 10 a.m.; hazy. Arklow North Light-ship.—November 28th, one Sparrowhawk gomg N.W. December 15th, one. Rockabill.— February 8th, one Sparrowhawk at noon. March 22d, a Kestrel; May 23d, Hawks seen; June 30th, one seen; July 22d, one. Copeland (Mew) Island.—May 21st, a Hawk at 6 P.M. fathlin Island.—June 10th, a Peregrine hovering. Innishtrahull.—April 6th and 7th, one or two about island ; wind strong N.W. and 8.W. April 30th, two on island; Octo- ber 6th and 7th, November 19th and 25th, December 6th and 13th, one or two noticed. 128 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. Arranmore.—April 22d, two Peregrines; 28th, four Sparrow- hawks; June 25th, nine Sparrowhawks about station. Rathlin O Birne.—September 18th, one Sparrowhawk, 10 a.M., on island. Kagle Island, #.—April 2d, a small Brown Hawk; October 6th and 31st, one large Hawk; December 29th, a small Hawk. Blackrock, Mayo.—January 22d, one Falcon, 10 a.m., on rock ; March 16th, a Sparrowhawk about rock; 22d, two Falcons soaring; April 16th, one; September 22d, one young Falcon about rock, carrying away head and intestines of a fish, and chased by a Royal Gull; October 3d, Kestrel, chasing Snow Buntings, one of which flew into the kitchen; October 4th, two Falcons; November Ist, one shot, when about to capture pet pigeon. | Arran Island, N.—June 28th, a Hawk seen; July 25th, one; August 12th and September, two. Tearaght—May 25th, a very large Hawk, of a brownish colour, remained on island up to July. Skelligs— August 28th, pair of Peregrines last seen; October 1st, first appearance since August; left on 2d; November 20th, two. OWLS. Mine Head.—July 25th, one flying about 9 P.M.; August 13th, one at 9 P.M. Rockabill—J uly 22d, “5 P.M.,” one seen. Imvishtrahull—A White Owl [? Snowy Owl —R. M. B.] was seen on west point of island by islanders on 16th January ; March 16th, one “ Short-eared Owl” on island. PrED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa atricapilla, Linn.). Fastnet.—October 5th, one killed striking at 4 4.M.; wind 8.E., misty. [Wing and leg received; erroneously entered as ‘‘Goldcrest” in schedule. This is the third specimen killed in Ireland. | Tearaght—September 21st, 8 P.M, one caught at lantern. © [Leg and wing received. The second Irish specimen. | Misseu THRUSH (Zurdus viscivorus, Linn.). Mine Head.—They leave here in summer. IRISH COAST. 129 Tuskar.—[October, leg and wing received without date. | THRUSH (Turdus musicus, Linn.), [No doubt frequently confounded with Redwing. | Fastnet.—October 18th and 19th, continuous flocks from 10 P.M. on 18th to 9 a.M. on 19th, coming from S.E., going N.W., flying high; wind E.N.E., then E. Less flocks passed when wind changed, 22d, numbers from 1 A.M. to 5 a.m. about the hght; rain. Mine Head.—F¥ebruary 8th, one killed striking. [Leg and wing received. | Coningbeg Light-ship—June 2d. [Received leg and wing of Thrush. ] Tuskar Rock.—January 25th and 26th, 2 to 3 a.m., Thrushes, Larks, and Starling; some struck, none kiiled; clear sky, wind light W. February 9th, flocks of Thrushes passed W. 3 P.M.; 27th and 28th, Thrushes, Blackbirds, Larks, and Starlings passed N.W.; wind strong E.; rain, fog, snow. Migration during night, and on morning of 28th to 10 a.m. Constantly striking, and “countless numbers” killed and disabled. March 13th, small flocks 10 to 11 A.M. passed N.W.; September 29th, one killed striking at midnight. From October 16th to 23d Thrushes killed striking every night, except 22d, from thirty-three on the 16th to two on the 21st; they were accompanied by Blackbirds and Starling, but most Thrushes were killed. The wind was strong from E. and N. Numbers were round the lantern. On 22d, at noon, there were many on the rock; 26th, four killed striking; 30th, three. November 7th, one found killed; 25th, one killed striking. Arklow South Inght-ship—January 25th, several about lan- tern to midnight; wind light, hazy. February 11th, three killed striking; 21st, several Thrushes, with Starling, striking at midnight; six dead on deck; several killed; 27th and 28th, several Thrushes during night killed against lantern; wind strong 8.E. March 2d, several flocks, 2 P.m., going W.; 13th, 2 aM., about lantern at night; 14th, do.; 20th, 1.30 a.m. to 6 AM., about lantern; fog. March 27th, Thrushes about lantern; rain. October 7th, midnight, Thrushes about lantern, none killed; fog; wind light 8.W. 18th, 9 am. to noon, several I 130 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. going N.W. 19th, 9 p.m. to midnicht, about lantern, one killed striking; wind fresh N.E., showery; 22d to 28th, numbers passed, mostly at night; wind fresh from E. 31st, eight killed striking, passing at night with Blackbirds; wind fresh 5. ; rain. Arklow North Light-ship.—February 11th, hundreds of Larks, Thrushes, and Stares about lantern; about two dozen killed. 27th and 28th, several Thrushes during day about ship; wind strong 8.S.E. March Ist, four caught on board; 18th, six killed striking ; 25th and 27th, great quantity of Larks, Thrushes, and “Stares” about ship at night; wind fresh 8.W.; hazy, rain; three Thrushes killed, numbers fell overboard. April 3d, several about lantern. September 14th, several about lantern at mid- night; 21st, do. October 8th, at 2 A.m., and on 9th, some at noon, going N.W.; 17th, some at 7 am., going N.W.; 30th, about lantern at midnight, four killed striking. November 22d, two killed striking at midnight; misty, rain. Kish Light-ship.—March 1st, several about ship all day; 2d, do.; caught one. Rockabiull—January 30th, Thrushes at night, striking; several killed. February 26th, 27th, 28th, Thrushes striking at night; numbers killed; mist, rain, snow; wind S.E., fresh. March 14th, Thrushes passing; 22d, about lantern at night. July 15th, a “ Mountain Thrush,” 7.30 a.m. September 25th, one on rock. October 2d, 2 Am, about light, with Skylarks; 7th, 3 A.M., a number about heght ; about twelve killed striking; wind light N., fog. [Leg and wing of Thrush received.|] 28th, 10 P.M.,a number about light, with Blackbirds, Redwings, Chaf- finches, Greenfinches, etc.; some killed; gloomy; wind S.E., strong. (See under the various species.) South Mardens.—February 20th, one caught on balcony at 1 A.M.,and one found dead. April 20th, one killed striking, 9 P.M. October 4th, some on balcony during night; 5th, several killed against glass up to midnight. Innshirahull—January 17th, one on island. February 22d, one killed striking, 4 AM.; wind N., fresh, misty. September — 26th, one striking. October 4th, a great number of Thrushes and Larks about lantern, striking S.W. side; wind strong S.E., hazy. 5th, one; 12th and 15th, one or two striking, 11 P.M. Tory Island.—March 17th, four killed striking. IRISH COAST. 131 Arranmore.—June 18th, two about station. December 21st, Blackbirds and Thrushes all day ; snow showers. Rathlin O’ Birne-—September 6th, three on island; wind light N.E.; first seen. December 18th to 23d, flocks of Starling, Thrushes, and Fieldfare during snow (see under Fieldfare). December 25th, fifteen at midnight ; wind strong W.; four killed striking. [Leg and wing of one received.| Kullybegs—November 8th, two; wind fresh 8.W. December 16th, three; 18th, about twenty, with Blackbirds, Larks, and flocks of Starling ; wind light, snow. Slyne Head, S—October 18th, twelve Thrushes, first seen this winter; wind strong N.E. December 17th, numbers of Black- — birds and Thrushes; 18th, great numbers of Starlings, Thrushes, Blackbirds, Larks, Linnets, and Chaffinches on island while snow lasted; wind strong N.E., snow. Arran Island, N—January 6th, two. November 25th, one. December 18th to 21s+, flocks with Fieldfares, Blackbirds, and Starling. Tearaght—October 17th, a few. November 14th, a great many arrived. 18th, Thrushes in thousands; also a great number of Starling and Skylarks; snow appears heavy on shore. 24th, a great number left. Skelligs.—October 2d, several. November 15th, five “ Moun- tain Thrush.” REDWING (Turdus tliacus, Linn.). Fastnet.—October 22d, numbers, 1 4.M. to 5 P.M, about light ; one killed striking; rain, wind E.N.E. Mine Head.—October 17th, one. Plentiful up to date, 20th January 1887. Coningbeg Light-ship.—October 23d, several Thrushes, 7 to 12 pm., round light; 26th, several Thrushes round light; six killed striking. [Leg and wing of Redwing received.—R. M. B.] 26th to 30th, several with Blackbirds, Larks, and Starling round light at night; wind E. or S.E., strong gloomy rain. Barrels Rock ILight-ship.— April 20th, three Mountain Thrushes going N., rested awhile on ship; light haze. October 50th, Mountain Thrushes passing 8 P.M. to 3 A.M. on 31st with Starlings, one struck going N.; showery ; wind fresh S. Rockabill.—October 28th, 10 P.M., Redwing about lantern, with IES) REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. Thrushes, Blackbirds, etc.; wind strong S.E., gloomy. [Leg and wing of Redwing received.] December 14th, one on rock ; stormy, wind E. Tearaght.—March 3d, a great number of Redwings and Black- birds on island; 25th, last of Redwings and Blackbirds seen to-day. October 6th, several seen. FIELDFARE (Turdus pilaris, Linn.). Mine Head.—A few occasionally, from 19th October to date, January 20th, 1887. Tuskar Rock.—October 30th, one killed against glass. Arklow South Light-ship—November 26th, Fieldfare dead on deck. [Leg and wing received. ] Rockabull—October 24th, Fieldfares at 11 P.M. about light ; several killed; wind E., strong, gloomy. [Leg and wing re- ceived.] December 17th, two, 3 P.M. going W.; wind N., fresh. Innishtrahull—October 27th, one killed striking, 11 P.M; wind strong 8.E., overcast. [Leg and wing of Fieldfare received. | December 18th to 20th, “a most extraordinary rush of Fieldfares; wind N., very stormy, with heavy snow showers. They all apparently came from Scotch coast. I never saw such a rush; the oldest people on island never saw the like. A great number left on 21st; not one to be seen after 23d.” [None are entered as killed striking. | Arranmore.—December 21st, eight Fieldfares ; snow showers ; also Blackbirds, Thrushes, and Starling. Rathlin O' Birne—Immense flocks of birds passed here, from December 18th to 23d, their flight being always to the W., Starlings, Thrushes, and Fieldfares. [There is no land W. of Rathlin O’Birne but America.—R. M. B.] Hagle Island, L—December 17th, large flock at daylight on island; wind fresh N.; 19th, about one hundred on island, 10 a.M.; wind fresh N. Arran Island, N.— December 18th to 21st, flocks with Thrushes, Blackbirds, ete. Tearaght.—November 18th, a large flock on island (snow on — shore); 24th, left island. IRISH COAST. 133 BLACKBIRD (Turdus merula, Linn.). Fastnet.—October 18th and 19th, from 10 P.M. on 18th to 9 AM. on 19th, continuous flocks with Thrushes coming from 8.E., going N. and N.W.; wind E.N.E. to E. 22d, numbers, 1 AM. to 5 AM, about light; wind E.N.E., rain; one killed striking (female). 23d, two males captured on rock after night ; wind lhght E., hazy. 24th, one on rock. 25th, one disabled. Blackbirds leave in summer. Mine Head.—October 2d, one found killed at base of hght- house. [Wing and leg of female Blackbird received.] 19th, one. 29th, one found injured in garden in morning. [Leg and wing received.| A few seen occasionally afterwards. Dungarvan.—October 26th, one struck 10 P.M.; misty. Coningbeg Light-ship.—October 23d, several round light, 7 P.M. to midnight; wind E., strong, clear. [Leg and wing received.— R.M.B.] 26th to 30th, several round light at night, with Thrushes, Larks, and Starling. _ Barrels Rock Inght-ship.—December 5th, one alighted on ship, flew N.W. December 16th, two going N.W.; wind light E. Tuskar Rock.—¥ebruary 27th and 28th, numbers passing N.W. at night, with Thrushes, Larks, and Starling; wind E., strong ; rain, fog, snow (see Thrush); many killed. March 13th, 2to 5 A.M., ten killed striking; clear, wind E.; most of Black- bird killed were females. September 24th, 11 P.m., one killed striking. October 18th to 21st, one to three killed striking each night; numbers around light, with Thrushes and Starling. 22d, Blackbirds on rock at noon. 23d, two killed striking. 24th, small numbers on rock. 25th, one killed striking. 26th, eleven hen and five cock Blackbirds killed striking. 30th, five; during this October rush the wind was strong from N. to E, and Thrushes, Starlings, and on 26th, Larks accompanied the Black- birds. November 8th and 9th, one seen. 14th, fourteen passed N.W. Two and three noted 21st and 25th. December 5th, eight at lantern 6 a.m. 6th, flocks passed N.W. at 8 A.M. Arklow South Light-ship—February 27th and 28th, several about lantern; many killed striking. (See under Thrush and Starling.) 20th, about lantern at night, 1.30 a.m. to 6 a.m. ; foe. March 27th, 9 p.m. to 4 am., Blackbirds about lantern; four females killed striking, several fell overboard; rain. July 21st, one young Blackbird fell into the sea. October 30th, 8 P.M. to 134: REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. midnight, several ; 4 killed striking; wind fresh 8., rain. 31st, two killed striking. Arklow North Light-ship—March 26th and 27th, four killed striking. April 3d, two ditto. September 21st, midnight, about lantern. 28th and 29th, do. October 30th, about lantern, midnight; wind fresh 8., cloudy; six killed striking. Kish Light-ship—March 27th, flocks about ship with Starlings and Larks. Rockabill—January 30th, Blackbirds, with Thrushes, Stares, and Larks passing at night; several of each killed striking; wind 8.W. light. February 26th and 27th, Blackbirds passing at night with Thrushes and “Stares;” wind 8.E., misty, rain, snow. March 14th, Blackbirds passing. June 6th, several ; misty. July 8th and 18th, one seen. October 7th, 3 A.M, a number, about twelve killed striking; also Thrushes; wind light N., fog. [Leg and wing of Blackbird received.] 28th, 10 P.M., about light, some killed striking; gloomy, wind 8.E., strong. December 5th, one on rock. 14th, one during storm from E. 20th, some on rock; wind N.E., fresh. Copeland (Mew) Island.—April 30th, forty; some breed on Island. South Maidens,—February 20th, one caught on balcony, 1 A.M. March 20th, one on rock. October 4th, one struck—disabled. 5th, several killed up to midnight. 8th, one on rock all day. “ During latter part October there was a great rush of Black- birds, Skylarks, and Stares.” Innishtrahull—October 5th, 11 P.M., one striking; misty. November 11th, 10 P.m., one striking; wind strong S.W. Arranmore.—J une 19th, four about station. December 21st, Blackbirds and Thrushes all day ; snow showers. Rathlin O’ birne-—November 10th, one on island; wind strong N.E. The first seen. December 25th, three do.; wind N.W., strong. Kullybegs—November 1st, one; wind strong $8.W. December 16th, two. 18th, about a dozen, with Thrushes, Larks, and Starling; snow, wind light. Slyne Head, S—December 17th, numbers of Thrushes and Blackbirds on island; wind strong N.E., snow. 18th, Black- birds (see under Thrush). | Arran Island, N—February 24th, one Blackbird (male) seen, IRISH COAST. 135 December 18th to 21st, flocks with Starling, Thrushes, and Field- fare. Tearaght.— March 3d, a great many Redwings and Blackbirds on island. 25th, last seen to-day. October 17th, a few. Valencia.—one to four, June 1st, August 1st, 20th. Skelligs—October 2d, several. Rina Ouzeu (Turdus torquatus, Linn.). Mine Head—May 11th, one seen; probably breeds here. January 15th, 1887, one seen; shot at, but missed. [See 1885 Report. | HEDGE Sparrow (Accentor modularis, Linn.). Blackrock, Mayo.—October 20th, one during day; wind heht W. Tearaght—Uedge Sparrows and Wrens breed here; but I think a great many Hedge Sparrows leave in spring, as they are far more plentiful in winter. [Nests of both seen—R. M. B.] Rosin (Hrithacus rubecula, Linn.). Fastnet.—October 20th, one on rock all day. Tuskar Rock.—September 25th, 3 a.M., two at lantern glass; wind light 8.W. November 5th, one on rock, 10 a.M.; wind N.W., light. Rockabull—March 23d, “ Robins.” April 3d, do. September 25th, one on rock. Arranmore.—December 23d, three Robins. Broadhaven.—November 8th, one; remains here. REDSTART (Rutecilla phenicurus, Linn.). Rockabull—April 24th, one shot at noon ; wind light S.E., fog ; only two seen. [Received a male Redstart in flesh.] May 9th, Redstart and Warblers passing all night; wind moderate E., misty ; caught one Redstart. [Received one female Redstart in flesh. See under Whitethroat.] July 12th, a Redstart, 9 a.m. ; wind strong 8. W. Buack Repstart (Ruticilla titys, Scopoli). Fastnet.—October 23d, “A small bird about size of a Robin. Dark slate colour on back, light blue on breast, bill and legs 136 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. black. About all day; never saw one of this species before.” [Probably Black Redstart.—R. M. B.] 31st, small bird, name unknown, got dead on rock. [Wing, leg, and tail of Black Red- — start received.] November 21st, one seen; very dark in body. — (Probably old male.) 'g Mine Head—January 18th, one seen. 26th, another. Janu- ary 19th, 1887, one seen, but not noticed until this date. Dungarvan.—December 18th, one seen on lighthouse road. Tuskar Rock.—November 7th, one caught on rock—forwarded [NoT received.—k. M.B.] 22d, one on rock at noon. Rockabill.—July 10th, 11 a.m., a “ Blackstart ;” wind strong S.W. Rested fora short time. [This would be an extraordinary late date for a Black Redstart. The bird should be known at Rockabill, as Mr Hammond forwarded a fine old male last year. | STONECHAT (Saaicola rubicola, Linn.). Mine Head.—February 14th, one shot. A few seen during summer. Rockabill_—April 25th, one seen. South Maidens—April 20th, one killed striking, 9 P.M. October 9th, one on rock. Rathlin Island.—April 5th and 9th, one to three seen. June 6th, four. | Innshtrahull—September 25th and 26th, five to six striking glass at night; wind strong S., misty. Arranmore.—April 16th, two; wind hight N.E. November 20th, two, all day. Killybegs.—March 14th, four at 8 A.M. WHINCHAT (Saxicola rubetra, Linn.). Coningbeg Light-ship—May 7th, one killed striking, 3 A.M.; wind light S.E., rain. [Leg and wing received.] Rockabill.—April 27th, a Whinchat. May 8th, one. October 7th, a number of “ Whinchats ” at noon. WHEATEAR (Saxicola ananthe, Linn.). Fastnet—September 3d, 10 to 12 p.m., large flocks “Stone Chatters,” fifteen killed striking; wind fresh S.E., misty, rain. IRISH COAST. 137 Several caught alive; all seemed young birds. September 4th, numbers, 12 to 3 A.M., three killed striking; wind fresh S.E,, misty; several on rock all day. 6th, four, 10 to 11 P.M, about light; two killed striking; passing showers; wind fresh N.W. Mine Head—April 19th, first seen; several breed near. August 22d, two caught striking, 9.30 P.mM.; hazy. [Leg and wing received.] 26th, two at lantern, 10 P.M.; fog. 28th, one at glass; thick fog. Coningbeg Light-ship.—April 12th, one about ship. September 4th, one killed striking. [Leg and wing received. | Tuskar Rock.—April 12th, passing in small numbers with Chaffinches, 10 P.M. to 4.30 A.M.; six of each killed striking ; wind light S.W., clear. May 22d, 12 midnight, one killed striking; wind light N.E. July 30th, one on rock. Rockabill—April 21st, two killed striking; gloomy, wind strong E. 30th, four killed striking; misty, wind S., moderate. July 7th, Wheatears on rock; 14th, a young one. September 25th, two; 28th, 10 P.M. several about light; misty. South Maidens.—April 25th, three on rock. Rathlin Island—May 20th and June 2d, noted. Arranmore.—March 18th, six about station, the first seen; wind strong S.E., misty. Eagle Island, E—Apyil 7th, five or six “Wheatears (Stone- chats)” all day. [Leg and wing of one shot received. ] Tearaght.—April 14th, one struck, 11 P.M, not killed; fog. 16th, several seen to-day. Skelligs—March 28th, three all day. 29th, a number flying N.W. at noon. | REED WARBLER (Acrocephalus streperus, Vieill.). Coningbeg Light-ship.— October 3d and 4th, several small birds about light, 8 pM. to midnight; overcast, one killed striking. [Leg and wing received, and doubtfully referred by Mr Dresser to this species, who says that the leg is nearer Sylvia curruca. It is improbable either species were migrating in any numbers, and most of the small birds were doubtless other Warblers. ] Tearaght Rock.—October 4th, one found dead. [Leg and wing received and submitted to Mr Dresser. ] 138 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. SEDGE WARBLER (Acrocephalus schenobenus, Linn.). Mine Head.—April 25th, one caught striking; wind N.E., strong breeze, fog. May 3d, one found dead. [Received Sedge Warbler.] 7th, one caught striking; wind E., calm, fog; a few against lantern all night; as many as five seen on sashes at atime. 8th, one found dead, several striking in night; fog continued. 9th, one found dead. 10th, another. [Leg and wing received.—R. M. B.] August 25th,a Whitethroat Warbler found dead at base of lighthouse; probably killed on 22d, dur- ing fog. [Leg and wing received. It was a Sedge Warbler. ] 28th, one caught at glass. September 13th, one in garden. © Tuskar Rock.—May 9th, 9,30 p.m. to 1 aM. small numbers with Whitethroats striking ; fog; thirteen Whitethroats and ten Sedge Warblers killed. [Received four male Sedge Warblers, and five male and one female Whitethroat in flesh.—R. M. B.] May 16th, three killed striking. [Received Sedge Warbler.] May 22d, 10.30 P.M. to 2 a.m, Whitethroats and Sedge Warblers constantly striking, about fifty of each killed; wind light N.W. July 29th, one killed striking, 11.50 P.M. September 24th, one killed striking. [Leg and wing received. ] Rockabill—May 7th, Sedge Warblers passing in numbers all night; rain, wind hght S. 9th, Warblers passing all night. [Four Sedge Warblers received in flesh. See under White- throat.| 22d, “ Warblers” passing, several killed. GRASSHOPPER WARBLER (Acrocephalus nevius, Bodd.). Tuskar Rock.—April 20th, one struck, 11.30 p.M.; wind light E., misty. [Received in flesh. | WHITETHROAT (Sylvia rufa, Bodd.). Mine Head.—May 9th, one caught striking ; 12th, one singing in marshy ground. [Probably Sedge Warbler. ] Tuskar Rock—May 9th, 9.30 p.m. to 1 A.M., Whitethroats and Sedge Warblers striking; fog; thirteen Whitethroats and ten Sedge Warblers killed. [Received five male and 1 female Whitethroat, and four male Sedge Warblers in flesh.| May 22d, 10.30 pM. to 2 A.M. Whitethroats and Sedge Warblers con- stantly striking, about fifty of each killed; wind light N.W. IRISH COAST. 139 September 24th, one killed striking. [Leg and wing of White- throat received. | Rockabill—May 6th, Whitethroats passing; wind light 5. misty. 9th, Warblers passing all night; fogand mist. [Received five Whitethroats in flesh. See also under Sedge Warbler.] There were immense quantities of these small birds here on night of 9th inst. 22d, “Warblers” passing. 23d, Whitethroats passing. Tearaght.—May 21st, one Whitethroat shot. [Received in flesh. | BuiackceaP (Sylvia atricapilla, Linn.). Tuskar Rock—November 7th, one found killed; forwarded. [Not received.—R. M. B.] Eagle Island, H—October 31st, one killed striking. [Leg, wing, and head received. ] CHIFFCHAFF (Phylloscopus collybita, Vieill.), and WILLow WREN (Phylloscopus trochilus, Linn.). Mine Head.—April 24th, one caught striking, 1 4a.M., fog. May 6th, one seen. September 2d, one caught on glass; bind N., clear, fine. [Leg and wing of Willow Wren received. ] Tuskar Rock.—September 24th, one Chiffchaff killed striking ; wind light 8S.W. [Leg and wing received. | Arklow South Light-ship—April 25th, 8 am., one “Sally- picker” found dead on deck. [Perhaps Chiffchaff or Willow Wren. | Arklow North Light-ship—May 11th, great flocks of “ Sally- pickers” about ship, 4 A.M.; calm, hazy; six killed striking. [May have been Sedge Warblers or Whitethroats.] Rockabull.—April 23d, “ Flycatchers” passing all night, num- bers killed striking; gloomy, misty, wind E., light. May 4th, “Flycatchers” all night; numbers killed suian wind fresh S., misty. September Ist, two “Flycatchers” all day on rock ; clear. 28th, 10 p.m., several “ Flycatchers” about light; misty, rain. October 2d, one “Flycatcher” killed striking; wind S.E., strong, overcast. [Leg and wing of Chiffchaff received.] 140 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. Blackrock, Mayo.—April 29th, one Willow Wren all day about rock; wind strong N.E. GOLDEN-CRESTED WREN (Regulus cristatus, Koch). Rockabill.—September 25th, one on rock. October 7th, 3 a.m, Golden-crested Wrens with “Common Wrens,” Blackbirds, and Thrushes about light ; fog, wind light N. South Maidens.—October 8th, two Golden-crested Wrens. Arranmore.—December 21st, one; snow showers. Rathlin O Birne-—December 26th, one on island. Passing snow showers. Skelligs, October 10th, two Golden-crested Wrens. WreEN (Troglodytes parvulus, Koch). Mine Head.—“ A doubt having been expressed in a previous report of the common Wren being resident on the Tearaght Rock, I have seen it plentiful there both summer and winter. I believe there are between 60 and 100 always there, and I believe five might be found on the same extent of ground at Mine Head.” [Mr M‘Carron has recently moved from Tearaght Rock to Mine Head. Wren’s nest seen by R. M. B.] Coningbeg Light-ship—April 12th, one “ Wren” about ship, 5.30 A.M. [? this species. ] Arklow South Light-ship.—October 3d, 6 a.M., one “ Wren” alive on deck, caught and let go; hazy, rain, ana strong 8. Rockabill—April 10th, “ Wen ;” 29th, do. October 7th, 3 A.M., “common Wrens” about lantern; wind light N., fog. | Arranmore.—December 22d, one “common Wren.” Tearaght.—Hedge Sparrows and Wrens breed here. BuveE Tit (Larus ceruleus, Linn.). Mine Head.—February 1886 [wing received.] January 3d, 1887, one seen. ‘W AGTAILS. Fastnet.—April 18th, one on rock. Mine Head.—June 16th, three, “not the common species.” [From description, probably Grey eo September 27th, four. January, 19th, 1887, one. IRISH COAST. 141 Barrels Rock Light-ship.—September 24th, one Yellow Wag- tail going N. Tuskar Rock.—March 13th, one “Grey” Wagtail killed striking, 3 A.M.; wind light E, clear. May 3d, two on rock, one killed. [Received in flesh—a fine male, Motacilla Raw.| “They are not the first I have seen here.” Arklow South Light-ship—February 21st, one about ship. September 15th, one about ship noon; wind light N.E. Rockabill—March 1st, one killed striking. May 5th, a Grey Wagtail. October 7th, 11 a.m, one Yellow Wagtail on rock. Innishtrahull.—December 15th, one Wagtail; wind very strong N.E. . Eagle Island, E—April 27th, two Pied Wagtails on island ; first seen. May 1st, two. December 6th, two. Arran Island, N.—July 25th, two Wagtails. December, the two Wagtails remained since July. Skelligs—October 2d, two Wagtails. Rock Pirir (Anthus obscwrus, Lath.) and TITLARK (Anthus pratensis, Linn.). Fastnet.—September 4th, 12 to 3 am.,two killed striking; wind fresh 8.E., misty. October 3d, two; 29th, one killed striking; hazy. [Leg and wing of Titlark received. | Coningbeg Light-ship.—October 24th, flocks going N.W.; wind E., fresh. Barrels Rock Laght-ship.—October 4th, one Lark 9 a.m. 29th, Lark passing 9 P.M. to midnight, one killed striking; rain. {Leg and wing of Titlark received.| 30th, small flock of Larks 11 aM. going N. Arklow South Laght-ship—19th and 26th September, one Titlark. Arklow North Inght-ship.—April 7th, some Titlarks passing N.W. November 8th, a flock. Kish LInght-ship—March 1st, several about ship; 2d, ditto, caught two. May 2d, one about ship. June 14th,one. Aueust 12th, three on board. South Maidens—January 31st, three on rock. April Ist, midnight, one killed striking. October 6th, some about light. Innishtrahull.—September 3d, one striking 10 P.m.; 5th, four 142 REPORT ON THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS. striking; wind strong S., overcast. 29th, one at lantern. Tit- larks [? Rock Pipits] are resident. fathlin O Birne—October 14th, one killed striking, 1 A.M. ; wind light W. [Leg and wing of Rock Pipit received.] Killybegs.—October 4th, four at noon. Hagle Island, H—March 27th, three all day. Breed here. September 14th, one shot. [Leg and wine of Rock Pipit re- ceived.] October 26th, four. Lagle Island, W.—October, one killed striking, second week. [Leg and wing of Rock Pipit received. | Arran Island, N.—, Mo he in le saree oe er le w ee ‘ a ' 5 ia Yd 4 >| e*. - . oe f A esa si o>." 7 - ._"*. Te Fe Z ®, i. . “sy 5 = Dial’ ’ . UP ar Se a< % +75, S 4 iN 7 ¥S ae te < 4 a . 7 fi : Aa * : ¢ ' ’ , a ni d 4 a; f ¢’ * ; ‘ "< a ° « * < ’s Ld s . — Pe o,f +3 e ry ’ ,- rurle ie ee 2 iw pe ‘ F< ella eo i. ee Sn: A MB Ae 7 } $43 ~~? ” . Pa xs ae ; AUD LO 3 2044 128 088 Date Due paige a aad eer — or en a = ww