Ae oy shah other tah smth Oahveet Sissies mo aaekiel) me et RAV sb rie latnakate Rag? on ah Se ae Tefen tes MPs 3 Dee ath Psa! ; serine ia ; Ped nt Se ee Dv Pas mae eee Se eon fo Pag vata Aah co Oe ete Pony POT a wit ertrieipetniPia-eendearea te WrisistebabareIcdeban e - f Naten Peta ele Webi on: oe hee raw mn or i hee at Sl be phe om ath ” oe. ete het oe aie iw PF ka, ° sia ~~ - mine ha” ana tat ae ‘ re Pateitateatear . ‘ ee ee ee ow pt tr Onl ae atheigetn The Annals OF Scottish Natural History | A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED “Che Scottish Naturalist” EDITED BY J. A. HARVIE-BROWN, F.RS.E., F.ZS. MEMBER OF THE BRITISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ UNION JAMES W. H. TRAIL, M.A., M.D., F.RS, F.LS. PROFESSOR OF BOTANY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN AND WILLIAM EAGLE CLARKE, F.LS., F.R.S.E. KEEPER OF THE NATURAL HISTORY DEPARTMENT, THE ROYAL SCOTTISH MUSEUM, EDINBURGH Ty 1908 ; a \RATURATD EDINBURGH DAVID DOUGLAS, CASTLE STREET LONDON: R. H. PORTER, 7 PRINCES ST., CAVENDISH SQUARE : ri. vay / on *) | Ya Ann. Scot Nar. Hist. 1908. PLATE Il. cece | el — = AR 2 4 L J R > A, R y The Annals NEW | BOTAN} ORK ~AL Scottish Natural History No. 65] 1908 [JANUARY IN MEMORIAM: HOWARD SAUNDERS. Wi1TH PORTRAIT. WE greatly regret to record the passing from amongst us of Howard Saunders, on the 20th of October last, at the age of seventy-two. No name is more familiar to British ornithologists than his; and rightly so, for no one in recent years has given such an impetus to the study of their favourite science. His successful completion of the fourth edition of “ Yarrell” under circumstances that were peculiarly trying, established his reputation as a writer on British birds. But the work by which he will be best remembered in this country is the well-known “ Manual” which bears his name: a remarkable work, wherein all the essentials con- cerning the numerous and varied members of our avifauna are treated of, with wonderful skill and discrimination, in a single volume. The merits of this book were at once recognised, and it became the standard authority on the subject. Saunders’ reputation as a naturalist by no means rests upon these important contributions to British ornithological literature. He devoted many years of, his life to the study of the Terns, Gulls, and Skuas, and his monograph of these groups published in vol. xxv. of the “ Catalogue of Birds in the British Museum,” is in all respects one of the best in that 65 B 2 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY great series, and earned for him a world-wide reputation. He possessed, too, a wide knowledge of Palzarctic birds ; wrote the bird section of the “Antarctic Manual”; was joint Editor of two series of “ The Ibis” ; and was Secretary of the British Ornithologists’ Union. Much more might be written about Howard Saunders, but enough has _ been alluded to to indicate how great is his loss to the science of ornithology. As a man and a friend it is impossible to speak of him in terms too high. His great strength of character, his amiable disposition, his honourable nature, his helpfulness to all who sought his aid, won for him a host of friends ; and we doubt if he ever made a single enemy. The death of such a man is very greatly to be deplored on many grounds. It may interest the readers of the “Annals” to know that before he died, Mr. Saunders expressed the desire that Mr. Eagle Clarke should edit such future editions of his | “British Birds” as might be called for, and that all his notes have been placed in Mr. Eagle Clarke’s hands for that purpose. NOTES ON BIRDS OBSERVED IN THE SCOTiisa ISGANDS DURING THE ‘SPRINGS AUTUMN. OF 1907. By THe Ducuess oF BEDFORD. ON the 2nd June, I left Invergordon in my yacht for Orkney. On the 4th, I anchored in Rousay Sound and visited some of the adjacent islands. Soon after leaving the yacht, I had a close view of two Great Northern Divers in full summer plumage. Landing on one of the small islands, I found nests of the following species, many of which, owing to the lateness of the nesting season, contained but one egg. Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Gull, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Lapwing, Oyster-Catcher, Black Guillemot, Arctic Tern, and Eider Ducks. There were two large colonies of Arctic NOTES ON BIRDS OBSERVED IN THE SCOTTISH ISLANDS 3 Terns, and I looked very carefully to see if I could detect any Common Terns amongst them, but was unable to do so. Eider Ducks were very abundant. There were also many Shags, a few Cormorants, Puffins, and Redshanks. The two following days were spent on the islands of Egilshay, Gairsay, Sweyne Holm, and Green Holm. Corn- crakes were calling in every clover and rye grass field. Twites were abundant, also Redshanks, Skylarks, Eider Ducks; Black Guillemots, Common Gulls, Starlings, Common Guillemots, Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Oyster-Catchers, Roek, Pipits, Shags, Arctic Terns, Herring Gulls, and Meadow-Pipits. There were large colonies of Herring and Lesser Black-backed Gulls breeding on the Green Holm, some of the former had chosen the stone slab placed over the grave of a young fellow drowned there in the “ sixties” as a nesting-place. There was a small colony of Arctic Terns nesting on Sweyne Holm. Near the cottages were a few House Sparrows, and in the marshy ground I put up several Snipe, some of which were still “drumming.” I also noted a good many Lapwings, Hooded Crows, and Ringed Plovers, a few Rock-Doves, one Turnstone, and a Golden Plover. A Sand-Martin, one of the only two I saw in Orkney, flew along the shore. Primroses were growing in abundance on the grassy slopes facing the sea. On my return to the yacht I again saw two Great Northern Divers, one in full summer plumage and one immature. As they remained near the yacht till I left for the Shetlands, I had a splendid opportunity of watching them. On the 7th, I was delayed by fog for many hours, outside the Out Skerries, seeing many Fulmars, Richardson’s Skuas, Kittiwakes, Guillemots, Puffins, Shags, Lesser Black- backed and Herring Gulls. The Black Guillemot is far less abundant than in the Orkneys, and the Great Black- backed Gull much scarcer than the Lesser Black-backed Gull. One Stormy Petrel, one immature Gannet, and about six Manx Shearwaters flew past the yacht. In the afternoon I landed at Collafirth, and pointed out four House- Martins to a resident, who said they were the first he had ever seen there. Wheatears were common, several pairs of Golden Plovers were evidently nesting on the moor, but 4 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY it was too late in the day to look for nests. I also saw three Red-throated Divers on one of the lochs, many Meadow- and Rock-Pipits, and a Corn Bunting, The following day I walked over to the western shore, where I again saw several pairs of Fulmars, three Mergansers on an inland loch, and the usual Gulls, Guillemots, etce., the Black-headed Gull only being absent, and the Great Black- backed Gull very scarce. Returning to the yacht, I had a close view of a pair of White Wagtails at the foot of Roer Water Burn. In the afternoon we left for Cullivoe, Yell. Off Outsta Ness, I saw five Eider Ducks, which are scarce here comparatively; many Fulmars, Richardson’s Skuas, and the usual sea birds. June 9: I landed on Unst. Great numbers of Kitti- wakes were flying down the Sound in one continuous stream. Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Black Guillemots, Herring Gulls, Common Gulls, Richardson’s Skuas, Puffins, Common Guillemots, Razorbills, Starlings, Meadow-Pipits, Rock- Pipits, Skylarks, and Shags, were all abundant. There were a few Eider Ducks, Mergansers, and Oyster-Catchers in all the little bays. Three pairs of Curlews and a few Lapwings seemed to be nesting on the moor. Twites are always to be seen near the houses. In addition to the above, one Ringed Plover, a few Arctic Terns, and two pairs of Hooded Crows, were all that I saw. In the afternoon we left for Balta Sound, seeing nothing of note on the way except Gannets. I walked over to Burra Firth on arrival, but the weather being very stormy, I only saw a few Sparrows about the houses at Haroldswick, and one or two Wrens. June 10 being again very stormy, I could do little bird-watching. I bicycled over to the Loch of Cliff, seeing the following birds, six Swallows, two Corn-Buntings, one Dunlin, several Richardson’s Skuas, and many Wheatears, Twites, Lesser Black-backed and Herring Gulls, Oyster-Catchers, Starlings, and Meadow-Pipits. June 11: I bicycled again to Loch Cliff and walked up Hermaness to see the colony of Great Skuas. On the way up, I passed a large colony of Richardson’s Skuas with one pair of Great Skuas amongst them. The watcher told me that he knew of forty-two nests of the Great NOTES ON BIRDS OBSERVED IN THE SCOTTISH ISLANDS 5 Skua. Though exceedingly tame they were not at all pugnacious, even though I had a small dog with me. I attribute this to the fact, that none of the eggs were as yet hatched. The watcher’s hut is peculiarly favourably situated for defending his protegés, as within a few yards he can practically survey the whole nesting area. On my return a hen Wigeon flew round me, as if nesting on the marshy ground between Loch Cliff and Burra Firth. Un- fortunately, I was pressed for time and could not stay to watch her. Thousands of Kittiwakes had collected at the end of Loch Cliff. They were flying in one continuous stream up Burra Firth, and I counted one hundred pass me in less than a minute. In the afternoon I left for Kirkwall, again seeing many Fulmars when out at sea. June 12: I visited the island of Damsay, where I found a large colony of Arctic Terns breeding, but again no Common Terns, though I looked carefully for them. There were a great many Common Gulls and Eider Ducks, but very few eggs, and I think they had probably been robbed. I also saw four Coots, some twenty to thirty Shags, a few Black Guillemots, one Richardson’s Skua, three Mergansers, Lesser Black-backed, Herring, and Black- headed Gulls. A few pairs of Oyster-Catchers (breeding), one Dunlin, Starlings, Skylarks, and Lapwings. Leaving Damsay, I landed at Finstown and bicycled over to Strom- ness, seeing the following rather unusual list of birds for the Orkneys, most of which were in a small wood belong- ing to a private house above Finstown. Blackbirds (the wood was full of them), Song Thrushes, Greenfinches (one pair), Sparrows, Linnets, Twites, Wrens, Hedge-sparrows (a pair), Robins (two pairs), Corn-Buntings, Wood-pigeons (a flock of fourteen in a field near the wood), Yellow- Buntings, Redshanks, Shags, Dunlins, Rock-Doves, Meadow- Pipits, Snipe, Ringed Plovers, one Sand-Martin, and one Common Sandpiper. On my return journey to the yacht, I came across five Velvet Scoters, to which I got very close in the launch. In the evening I left for Stornoway. During my visit to these Northern Islands I had the great pleasure of watching, at comparatively close quarters, 6 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY one of the few remaining White-tailed Eagles. As its mate had been shot a few weeks before, I will not assist in signing its death warrant by revealing the locality. June 13: I bicycled over to the Sands of Tong, where a small colony of Arctic Terns were breeding, and I noticed two Lesser Terns amongst them. On the shore were two flocks of Sanderlings, one of fourteen birds and another of six. One bird appeared to be in perfect winter plumage, the silvery grey above and pure white below. Others seemed almost, if not quite, in summer plumage, showing the reddish chestnut round the neck, and at a little distance the backs looked almost “ Turnstone” colour. The remainder were in intermediate plumage, showing less red on the neck and the backs were greyer. The following day, I again saw the Sanderlings, and three more Lesser Terns, also two Black- throated Divers and Several Turnstones. June 15: I went over to the Flannan Isles. Un- fortunately thick fog came on just as we approached them, and I could see nothing ofthe bird life except in our im- mediate vicinity. A great many Fulmars were flying about near the Islands, also Gannets. The Gulls were mostly Lesser Black-backed and Kittiwakes as far as I could see in the fog. Puffins, Razorbills, and Guillemots swarmed. One of the outlying rocks was covered with Shags. One Manx Shearwater and one Fork-tailed Petrel passed us some way out from the Islands. Two Eider drakes were sitting on a ledge of rock. As there was a considerable swell, I was unable to land by the steps, but climbed up a short perpen- dicular iron ladder. There was a lot of rabbits on the Island, which must have an uncomfortable time from the Puffins. We took two of the Fork-tailed Petrels out of their nesting-holes. They seemed very dazed and helpless when first given their liberty. _Meadow- and Rock-Pipits were the only other birds noted under the very unfavourable conditions. I returned to Loch Carloway for the night, hoping that the weather might improve and enable me to return to the Flannan Islands. I spent the afternoon on Little Bernera, where I saw two Great Northern Divers, both in immature plumage, also a Swift. Terns were abundant, but I was unable to make sure of the species. I only saw NOTES ON BIRDS OBSERVED IN THE SCOTTISH ISLANDS 7 one Black Guillemot, two Eider Ducks, and a few other common birds. June 16: As the weather was very stormy, I decided to abandon my idea of returning to the Flannan Islands, and to bicycle over to Stornoway (25 miles) whilst the yacht went round by sea. As the road was extremely rough, and it rained and blew the whole way, my ornithological observa- tions were not worth recording, beyond the fact that I heard the Cuckoo’s note at II p.m. from the yacht in Stornoway Harbour. June 17: I again bicycled over to Broad Bay to see if the Sanderlings were still there, and found them. The majority of the Terns on this bay are Arctic, but I distinctly saw a few Common Terns amongst them. There was a flock of six Turnstones on the rocks, and in the bay a Great Northern and also a Red-throated Diver. Both birds were in full summer plumage and allowed me to get very near them. There were hundreds of Kittiwakes on Loch Braigh na Uidhe, and a few Curlews on the shore. June 18: I left for South Uist. Just after landing a Hen Harrier got up close to me, and I saw several Red-necked Phalaropes near some of the inland lochs, also great numbers of Dunlin. On the western shore both Arctic and Lesser Terns were breeding, and in addition to the above I noted Reed Buntings, House Sparrows, Herons, Blackbirds, Mer- gansers, Hooded Crows, Twites, Coots, and a few of the common shore birds. June 20: In the morning I went to one of the rocky headlands and saw two Grey Seals in one of the inlets of the sea near the yacht. Whilst watching these, six Grey- lag Geese flew close past me, and a Great Northern Diver in immature plumage and some Sheldrakes were disporting themselves in the sea below. I put up two Song Thrushes in the heather on this rocky, weather-beaten headland a long way even from any crofter’s crops. On my return journey to Stranraer, on the 21st, I saw a Fulmar about half-way between Barra and Kum. The following Notes were made during a short visit to the Western Hebrides in August :— 8 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY August 28 to 31 at Barra: There are very large flocks of Sanderlings and a great many Bar-tailed Godwits and Turnstones, many of the latter quite young birds. Eider Ducks and Mergansers are here in hundreds, also Oyster-Catchers. Gannets, which were absent in November, were now here in large numbers. The White Wagtail appears to be the only representative of that family, though there were many young birds which I was unable to identify for certain. A pair of Hen Harriers might be seen every evening. Rock-Doves are very abundant, coming to feed on the corn-fields|) Two or three Greenshanks were generally to be seen in suitable places. Two Common Terns were still anxious about a young one on some rocks in the bay. Herons are very common, as they seem to be everywhere in the Outer Hebrides. September 1, Loch Eport: I saw two Red-throated Divers in the bay, and many Eider Ducks and Mergansers. I left at 10 a.m. for Stornoway, calling at the Shiant Islands on the way. The marshy ground on the largest of those islands was swarming with Snipe. Most of the breeding birds had left. September 3: During an hour’s walk in Broad Bay, Stornoway, I noticed two Common Terns, a few Turnstones, Sanderlings, and five White Wagtails (two adults and four young), in addition to other birds. The Rooks, which I believe are comparatively recent comers, are here in hundreds. September 5, Loch Eport: I saw a Short-eared Owl, two Greenshanks, several Turnstones, two Merlins, a Red- throated Diver, and a Kestrel, the first I remember having seen in the Outer Hebrides, by which I infer that they are not common. Returning to Barra on the 8th I saw a Black-tailed Godwit. This bird is now in the collection of Mr. W. M‘Gillivray at Eoligarry. On 26th October I spent a day on Fuday and Barra. It was a lovely, windless autumn day. The sea was “blue as blue could be,’ the sky blue also, with just a few heavy clouds, which, casting their shadows here and there upon the Islands, served but to increase the beauty of the landscape. NOTES ON BIRDS OBSERVED IN THE SCOTTISH ISLANDS 9 I had the Island all to myself, as it is only visited occasion- ally by men bringing cattle from Barra. A couple of Mallard, a Heron, and a large number of Barnacle Geese got up as I landed. Feeling sure that I should meet with the Geese again later, 1 made my way up to the higher ground, hoping to see Snow Buntings, which I was told had arrived, but was unsuccessful. Twites and Starlings were the commonest of the small birds. The Rock-Pipit, which strays a considerable distance from the shore, was common also, Meadow-Pipits were fairly numerous, and three Golden Plovers allowed me to get very near them. The upper ground not being very productive for bird watching, I made my way down to the shore, keeping a sharp look-out for the Geese. Half-way down the hill I saw them in a sandy bay on the N.E. side of the Island. The sand-hills afford excellent stalking ground, and I got within forty yards of them, looking down at them from above. There were 307. Once they caught sight of my dog and all were immediately on the alert, but they very soon got bored with watching, and, leaving their safety to the vigilance of three sentinels, settled down to the cares of their toilet and sleep. Seeing a great many birds off a rocky promontory, I disturbed the Geese as little as possible, and made my way down to it, hiding behind a rock. I had not been there two minutes before the Geese, which had only had their suspicions aroused, began to return. Time after time they flew so close over my head that I could almost have hit them with a stick—“ Che Foo,” who under- stands stalking as well as his mistress, keeping as still as a rock. In the bay close to me were large flocks of Mergansers. Two Red-throated Divers in winter plumage came close in to the rocks, and I saw another farther out at sea. Many unsuspicious seals poked their noses up within a few yards of me, sinking again like floating bottles gradually filled with water. Great Northern Divers are very numerous, some of them being still in summer plumage, save for a little whiten- ing of the chin and upper throat. A few Razorbills, Common Guillemots, and Black Guillemots (which are now very white Guillemots) were diving about amongst the Mergansers. IO ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY Two or three small flocks of Long-tailed Ducks were farther out in the bay. I notice that when one of these has urgent business below, all the others immediately follow suit. I always felt sorry for Simon Peter, who, when he announced that he was going “a-fishing,” was greeted by his friends with “ We also go with thee,” and watching the Long-tailed Ducks I often wonder whether, when one is suddenly prompted to follow Simon Peter’s example, his friends do not greatly disturb his fishing. The Great Northern Divers, which generally fish alone or with their wives, whom they presumably keep in order, seem to have much better sport. Great numbers of Shags and one or two Cormorants were sitting about on the rocks or swimming and diving round them. Common, Herring, and Black-headed Gulls and Kittiwakes are all plentiful, the last named often hover and dive into the-sea like Terns after their food. One solitary Great Black-backed Gull was swimming about in the distance. Nature never designed 4zs plumage for con- cealment. The tide having gone out a number of Bar-tailed Godwits, Curlews, Oyster-Catchers, and Redshanks collected on the sand, and a Hooded Crow came down in the hope of finding some luscious morsel. Having watched this happy family for the best part of an hour I reluctantly leave them, as there is always the possibility of seeing interesting birds on the sands of Barra at low tide. As I rose from my hiding-place I put up a Snipe within a few yards of me, which must have been watching me the whole time. A Thrush also got up. Some of the little rocky islets were covered with seals basking in the sunshine, and apparently enjoying it as much as | was. Only rarely when wandering over these lonely islands is my peace of mind momentarily dispelled. It is no un- common thing to find oneself suddenly face to face with a ferocious-looking Highland bull, with nothing but a sand- hill or heathery “knowe” to get behind should he resent one’s intrusion. But the qualm is but momentary, for he too has lived a life of peace and freedom, and has not acquired the manners of the bovine Lowlander, who might dispute my rights of way. 1 Landing on Barra, I wandered along the sandy shore NOTES ON BIRDS OBSERVED IN THE SCOTTISH ISLANDS 11 to see if there was anything of interest amongst the smaller waders. There are a great many Sanderlings still present, but very few Dunlins, and I only saw one Knot. The majority of the small waders were Ringed Plovers. In a pool amongst the seaweed-covered rocks I saw one Green- shank, and near it a few Turnstones. Lapwings were plentiful. Leaving the shore I walked towards Eoligarry House, disturbing a Peregrine from its “kill” on the way. Rock Pigeons were still feeding on the stubble. In the little graveyard near the house I saw five Redwings. The cornstalks in the farmyard were covered with Twites and Tree Sparrows, the latter being here to the exclusion of their commoner relatives. There were a good many Corn Buntings also. A few Blackbirds, Thrushes, and a Hedge- Sparrow completed my list of 43 species seen during the day. WOBURN ABBEY, BEDFORDSHIRE. Bie NOTES FROM THE «ISLE OF) MAY. 9TH SEPTEMBER—8TH OCTOBER 1907. By LEONORA JEFFREY RINTOUL AND EVELYN V. BAXTER. THE Isle of May, situated at the entrance to the Firth of Forth, is a little over a mile in length by about a quarter of a mile in breadth, precipitous to the south and west, sloping to the north and east. The formation is basaltic; the cliffs which on the west side of the island rise to the height of 180 ft. are, in the nesting season, the home of innumerable Guillemots, Razorbills, Puffins, Kittiwakes, and a few Her- ring Gulls, but the crumbling nature of the rock renders any attempt at cliff-climbing an extremely dangerous under- taking. By the time we arrived the breeding season was over and the cliffs deserted, but we were amply compensated for this deprivation by the fact that the island, which is most favourably situated for their visits, was resorted to by many interesting migratory birds: to observe these was the main 12 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY object of our sojourn. Through the kindness of the Com- missioners of Northern Lights, to whom we hereby tender our grateful thanks, we were enabled to spend a month in the lighthouse, from 9th September to 8th October ; during this time we saw 73 species of birds, which with 5 other species sent since our return, are the subject of the following remarks. Our work was rendered easier by the covert on the island being very limited; rough grass clothes most of its surface with every here and there an out-crop of rock, and the only shelter afforded to the migrants is that of the turnips and potatoes grown in the gardens of the light-keepers. Out of these most of the birds had to be beaten, frequently only to drop into covert a few yards off. No great number of birds came to the lantern while we were on the island, but various solitary specimens struck, and were brought to us for identification. Our best days were from the 24th to the 30th September. The 24th was a clear day with a light westerly breeze, there- after we had a south-east wind, with haze or fog of varying density till 2nd October when the wind became south and the fog lifted. The 26th September was quite the best migration day ; on that date the Redwings and Bramblings arrived, and along with these winter migrants there were many birds of passage—Warblers, Pied Flycatchers, Redstarts, Whinchats, Reed Buntings, Wagtails, and Ring Ouzels, etc.—-all over the island. As a rule there were not very great numbers of any one species, Thrushes, Rock- and Meadow-Pipits, Wheatears, and Bramblings being the only Passeres seen in any great quantity. We were particularly anxious to ascertain whether the Yellow-browed Warbler visited the May on migration. To our great joy one specimen appeared on Sunday, 29th September,and we were fortunate enough to secure it next day; it is the first record of this species for the “Forth amea Amongst other interesting visitants were the Barred Warbler (first record for “ Forth,”) the Black-cap, Lesser Whitethroat, Pied Flycatcher, a curious variety of Red-backed Shrike, the Scarlet Grosbeak and the Lapland Bunting (the two last mentioned being also first records for “ Forth.”) | The only mammals seen were the Rabbit and the BIRD NOTES FROM THE ISLE OF MAY 13 House-mouse ; the former is known to have been on the island for centuries, and May Island rabbits are said to have finer fur than those on the mainland. We owe our very grateful thanks to Mr. and Miss Maccuish, who assisted us by every means in their power, and to whose kindly help much of the great pleasure we derived from our expedition and much of its success are largely due. We must tender our thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Ross and all the other lighthouse officials for allowing us to search their gardens for birds, and for other kindnesses too numerous to mention, and also to Mr. Eagle Clarke, who helped us with the identification of our specimens, and with much useful advice relating to our expedition. MissEL THRUSH, Zurdus viscivorus.—One bird of this species was seen on the island on the 17th and 18th September, and a specimen was got at the lantern on the night of 3rd October. Another was seen about the island next day, and two were observed on 6th October. ‘They were extremely wild in every case. Sonc TuHRusH, Zurdus musicus.—A great deal of migration was going on amongst the Thrushes. From the time of our arrival till 18th September we only saw one or two each day, but on the 18th there were a good many, the main body of which passed on quickly, for only three were seen on the roth. There was a rush on the 2oth (S.E. wind, extremely light), further increased on the 21st (E. wind, fresh), but diminishing afterwards till on the 24th very few were left. On the 21st about mid-day a large flock of Thrushes flew over us coming from the north, end dropped rapidly to earth, the birds utter- ing a shrill note as they descended. ‘The greatest number seen was on the 25th September, when the island fairly swarmed with Thrushes; very few were seen next day and on till the 29th when a good many appeared. From the 3oth September to the 5th October, they were present in large numbers; on the 6th October only one or two were seen, and on our last day, the 7th, none were observed. ‘This was the bird most frequently got at the lantern, and even if they did not actually come to the light, they might often be seen flying round in the rays. REDWING, Zurdus tliacus—Three Redwings came in on 26th September (S.E. wind, very light), and several were seen on the 27th, 28th, and 30th September. On 1st and 2nd October 14 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY a good many were on the island, and they reappeared on the 5th October, after which day we saw them no more. On the 5th a flock of about twenty, after having been disturbed once or twice, rose gradually high in the air till they looked like dots, twittering as they rose, and then flew off to the S.W. straight into the wind. FIELDFARE, Zurdus filaris—One solitary bird of this species was seen on the 4th October. BLACKBIRD, Zurzdus merula.—Blackbirds were plentiful on the island from our arrival till 26th September, from which date till the 30th only a few were seen each day. ‘They then again became numerous till 6th October, on which day there were very few. We found two old Blackbirds’ nests on the island : one in a hole in a stone gate-post, the other on the ground amongst some weeds by the side of a wall. RinG OvZEL, Zurdus torguatus.—The first Ring Ouzel came in on the 21st September (E. wind, fresh); the next on 26th September, and we saw a few daily till 1st October. They frequented the rocks and were very wild and unapproachable, but often betrayed their whereabouts by uttering their loud “‘kek-kek ” note. Some came in after we left, and three speci- mens were sent us which had been procured on the roth and 14th October. WHEATEAR, Saxicola enanthe-—Seen every day while we were on the island. There were a good many when we first arrived and they increased in number till the 13th September, on which day there were a great many. After this they gradually decreased. Wheatears were got at the lantern on several occasions: on the roth September two, and on the r1th one male in grey breeding plumage. WuincuHat, Pratincola rubetra.—There were two Whinchats on 13th September (W. wind, fresh) in Mr. Ross’s garden, one on 14th and 18th September, two on the 26th, and one from 1st to 3rd October. ‘These seemed very cheery little birds, flitting from one potato-shaw to another, chasing each other, or, often, the Willow-warblers, and never appearing tired after their arrival. STONECHAT, Pratincola rubicola—Only one seen, a male, not at all in good plumage, on 11th September. REDSTART, Ruticilla phenicurus—Two came in on 11th September, and one was seen on the 13th; then no more till 21st September when one appeared, lots on the 26th (S.E. wind, very light), and one or two off and on till 4th October. On several occasions they came to the light. BIRD NOTES FROM THE ISLE OF MAY 15 Rosin, Z£rithacus rubecula.—Seen on five occasions during our stay, viz., several on 12th, 17th, and 20th September, and 4th and sth October. They were always about the gardens, except on 4th October when we found them frequenting the rocks. WHITETHROAT, Sylvia rufa.—Single birds were seen on the 11th and 12th September, two on the 13th, and one on 2oth, 22nd, and 23rd September. They usually frequented the potatoes and turnips in the gardens, and were silent, shy, and difficult to put out of covert. LESSER WHITETHROAT, Sy/via curruca.—One seen in the hemlock- tangle from 29th September to 3rd October, and one in the lighthouse garden on the 3oth September. A third was procured by Mr. Maccuish on roth October and sent to us. They had a low, harsh note, made more noise than any of the other Warblers, but were more confiding than the last-named species. BuackcaP, Sylvia atricapilla.—A beautiful full-plumaged male frequented the potatoes and turnips in Mr. Ross’s garden on the 27th and 28th September, and a female was seen in the hemlock-tangle on 2nd October. They were rather tame, fear- less little birds. A male was procured by Mr. Maccuish on the 5th November and sent to us. GARDEN WARBLER, Sylvia hortensis.—Two came in on 26th September (S.E. wind, very light) and left again before morning. They took covert in the turnips and potatoes, and were difficult to drive out into the open. BARRED WARBLER, Sylvia nisoria.—We put a bird of this species out of a turnip-patch on the 24th September (W. wind, light). It took fairly long flights when disturbed, but always returned to the turnips, slipping into them so quickly and quietly from behind a wall or other shelter, that it was most difficult to locate, though not at all hard to flush. It was shot at twice, but in spite of this was found in exactly the same place next day and secured: it proved to be a female. GOLDEN CRESTED WREN, Regulus cristatus.—A female was got at the lantern on 26th October and a male on 5th November: they were sent to us by Mr. Maccuish. ‘The light-keepers tell us that these little migrants frequently come into the houses and eat freely of the flies on the windows, and that about half- an-hour after this feast they fall dead. YELLOW-BROWED WARBLER, Phylloscopus superciliosus.—This most interesting little Asiatic warbler was first seen on the morning of Sunday, 29th September (S.E. wind, light). It was in the hemlock-tangle, where it stayed for a time, and we got an 16 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY excellent view of it. It was a very neat little bird, and seemed neither tired nor shy. We then completely lost sight of it, but either it or another appeared next day out of a turnip-patch, took flights to the telephone wire, then down to the cabbages, the stem of a dock, and finally to a sow-thistle, where it appeared to be catching insects, and where we luckily secured it. WILLOW-WARBLER, Phylloscopus trochilus—One was seen on 12th September and a good many in the gardens on the 13th (W. wind, fresh); they, however, did not stay long, as there were none on the 14th. One onthe 15th, two on the 2oth, a lot on the 21st, and several on the 22nd, one appeared on the 26th, and another from 29th September to rst October. One got by Mr. Maccuish on the roth October and forwarded to us. SEDGE-WARBLER, Acrocephalus schenobenus.—We put one out of covert in the lighthouse garden on the toth September, and one was found dead on the roof of the lighthouse on the night of 13th September. Prep WactallL, MJotacilla lugubris.—This was the only Wagtail seen on the island ; we saw them constantly from the 11th September to the 1st October, in both adult and immature plumage. Meapow-Pipit, Anthus pratensis.—Seen every day during our stay : in numbers till the 24th September, then a few till the 3oth, when they reappeared, remaining numerous till 4th October, thereafter a few each day. On the 25th September they were doing their parachute flight, with an attempt at song. Rock-Pipit, Anthus obscurus.—Seen every day in varying numbers ; RED- a lot till 17th September, when great crowds were on the island. The numbers diminished in the afternoon, but a good many remained till the 24th, when only a few were seen. Next day, however, there were more, and they continued plentiful till 5th October when most of them left. Two were taken at the lantern on the night of 7th October. BACKED SHRIKE, Lanius collurio—We procured a young female of this species on the 27th September in a remarkable stage of plumage which does not agree with any of the published descriptions. We compared it with the Shrikes in the Royal Scottish Museum, including young Red-backed Shrikes which had been procured at Fair Isle about the same date, but it differed much in plumage from all of them. It was finally sent to the Tring Museum to be compared with the specimens in Mr. Rothschild’s collection, which is so rich in Palearctic birds, and was pronounced to be an abnormally- coloured young Red-backed Shrike. In this singular specimen BIRD NOTES FROM THE ISLE OF MAY 1 4 the head and mantle are plain dark greyish-brown; the lower back, scapulars, and upper tail-coverts a little paler, and with dark vermiculations ; the tail, which is decidedly long (3.25 ins.), is crossed at an inch from its tip by a bar of reddish- brown ; the under surface is plain white, with a few dark bars on the sides of the fore-neck and breast and on the flanks. When alive this bird appeared -to be very listless and dejected, occasionally it dropped into the grass from its place on a wall or fence, searched for something, and then returned to its former position, where it would sit for a considerable time, sometimes jerking its tail up and down, but always lethargic and depressed. SPOTTED FLYCATCHER, JZuscicapa grisola.—One seen hawking in the gardens on the 11th and 12th September. Prep FLYCATCHER, JZuscicapa atricapilla.—One seen on the island 11th September (S.E.-S.W. wind, very light, hazy). Several seen 26th September (S.E. wind, very light). They were very restless and unapproachable little birds, flitting from wall to rock and back in a nervous, hurried way, and flirting their wings and tail. One was taken at the lantern on the night of the 26th, and was most defiant, screaming loudly when held in the hand. SWALLOW, Afzrundo rusticana—One seen on the 18th and 24th September, several hawking over the loch on the 25th, two on the telephone wires on 28th September, one on the last day of September and first day of October, and on the 6th October several flew over going south. HousE-MartTIN, Chelidon urbica.—Birds of this species were seen on the rgth and 23rd September. SISKIN, Chrysomitris spinus.—One seen in the lighthouse garden on the 30th September (S.E. wind, very light). When first observed it was flying round in jerky circles, high and apparently very wild; it then took covert in the garden, and when beaten out flew off again in a wide circle, but shortly returned, settled on a sow-thistle and began pulling out the seeds and eating them; while so occupied it permitted a very close approach. Next day (1st October) there were two pairs in Mr. Ross’s garden: they were very tame, and each pair kept very close together. GREENFINCH, Ligurinus chloris—Ywo seen toth September, one off and on from the 12th to the 24th September, and two on the 25th and 26th. SPARROW, Fasser domesticus——Several seen every day. We were told that a pair nested on the island this year for the first time. 65 G 18 ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY TREE Sparrow, Lasser montanus.—Seen most days while we were on the island; two from the 12th to the 21st September, and several afterwards. CHAFFINCH, /ring?lla calebs—Several on the island from 27th September to 4th October. BRAMBLING, /yingilla montifringilla.—F¥our arrived on the 26th September (S.E. wind, very light), and there were large flocks on the island next day; these, however, passed on quickly, only a few being seen on 28th and 29th September. Large flocks were again on the island from the 30th September to the 2nd October; on the 3rd none were visible, but one was present from the 4th to the 6th October. One on rst October had almost the entire head and neck in the black plumage of summer. SCARLET GROSBEAK, Carpodacus erythinus.—We procured one bird of this species in Mr. Macleod’s garden on the 25th September (S.E. wind, light). When we first saw it, it was eating a moth among the potato-shaws, and it took short flights, settling on and amongst the oats, potatoes, or weeds. Every Sparrow and Meadow Pipit that came near chased it away, but in each case it returned to the garden after a short flight; while being chased it uttered a curious little monosyllabic note. It was in the green type of plumage, and was very tame and confiding. This: is the second known occurrence of this species in Scotland. REED BUNTING, Emberiza scheniclus—Three came in on 26th September, and one or two were seen each subsequent day till znd October, one on 4th October. They frequented the gardens and were very fearless, sitting on a wall, etc., till we got quite close, flirting their tails, elevating the feathers of their heads, and uttering a peculiar single note. LapLaNp Buntinc, Calcarius lapponicus.—One seen, but not pro- cured, on the rst October (S.E. wind). Snow Buntinoc, Plectrophanes nivalis.—The first bird of this species came in on 15th September (light W. breeze) and stayed till the 17th. The next one appeared on the 21st and was followed by another on znd October, which bird we saw on the two following days. All were fine white males; the last one sang a pretty little trilling song as he sat on a stone or rose to fly. ‘Two more were sent us, that had been killed at the light during a rush on 5th November; one was very white indeed, the other, on the contrary, showed very little white. Sxy-Lark, Alauda arvensis—One on the island on the 17th September, several next day, and one or two till the 2oth. BIRD NOTES FROM THE ISLE OF MAY 19 They next appeared on 27th September, and we saw them most days till our departure ; some came to the lantern on the night of 3rd October. We used constantly to see them flying over the island, coming from the N.E. and passing on without alighting. SHORE Lark, Ofocorys alpestris—One was got at the lantern by Mr. Maccuish, at 10.30 p.m. on the 11th October, and sent on to us. STARLING, Sturnus vulgaris ——Seen every day during our stay: a few only till 13th September, then a good many till the 25th, when a lot more came in and stayed till 2nd October ; thereafter a good many each day till we left. Hoopize Crow, Corvus cornix.—One on the island from the 28th September to the 5th October; it was very tired when it first arrived. SHORT-EARED OwL, Asio accipitrinus.—Two on the island on the 2nd October (S. wind, light) ; they were seen by Mr. Maccuish coming in from the N.E. about noon. PEREGRINE Facon, Falko peregrinus.—One bird of this species came in over the sea from the N.E. on 16th September, going at a terrific pace, right into the wind. It made several zig-zag sweeps, coming quite close to us in one of them, and then went on over the island in the direction of the Bass. MERLIN, Falco esalon.—One @ seen near the harbour on the 15th September. KestreEL, Falco tinnunculus—One or two seen on several occasions from 13th September to 2nd October.