Читать книгу Report on the Migration of Birds in the Spring and Autumn of 1880. - J. A. Harvie-Brown - Страница 6

I have purposely in one or two instances varied the arrangement of the statistics under the species,—as, for instance, under the Corvidæ,—thinking that possibly such variation may place in juxtaposition certain fresh considerations or combinations in our study, or place these in a clearer light for future comparison.

Falconidæ.—Returns from N. Unst, Whalsey Skerries, Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May, which, be it noted, are all insular localities. On Sept. 3rd one Sparrowhawk, chasing small birds, seen on Pentland Skerries at 9 a.m., fresh S.W. and haze. This appears the earliest date recorded on which the Raptores visit the islands on predatory raids in autumn. The only record at Isle of May was in the month of May, when two "falcons" were seen. On Sept. 13th a Rough-legged Buzzard (?) flew about all day on Whalsey Skerries, wind light S.E. and haze; and on Sept. 30th a "Glede Hawk" (from internal evidence probably a Peregrine) flew about; wind fresh N.E. and clear; seen at 8 a.m. On Oct. 3rd a "falcon" visited the Pentland Skerries, and flew round for a time; seen at 3 p.m., wind strong N. and haze; and on the same date and in the same place, two Sparrowhawks at 1.30 p.m. During Oct. 14th, 16th, and 17th, the so-called "Glede Hawks" remained preying upon Snow Buntings, and were joined by a Sparrowhawk (or Merlin ?) on the 17th, wind fresh N. to W., to strong N.W. At Sumburgh Head, Nov. 28th, a "Brown Hawk" was noticed at noon, during S.W. wind, with haze and rain; and a "large Grey Hawk," seen flying S., with fresh N. breeze, at 8.30 a.m.

Notes.—It is recorded that a White-tailed Eagle struck on Girdleness lighthouse a few years previous to 1853 ('The Naturalist,' 1853, p. 139). At North Unst the following species are noted as resident:—Three species of Gulls, probably Kittiwake, Herring Gull, and Great Black-backed Gull. Iceland Gulls appear from October till March, but were scarcer this year than any which Mr. Burnett remembers. The Black Crow (?), Hooded Crow, Snipe, Starling, Titlark, and House Sparrow are included amongst residents. An occasional White-tailed Eagle is seen, and several kinds of hawks. Of all the sea-birds the Petrel is the only one that strikes on the lanterns. As it is usually in the morning when the rock-birds are first seen on arrival in spring, the time of their arrival is supposed to be during the night, and the direction of their coming is unknown.—(Signed, Robert Burnett.) Mr. Burnett adds, "The only rare bird I have heard of in this neighbourhood was a Hoopoe." I paid a visit to the Isle of May on June 24th, 1880, and made Mr. Agnew's personal acquaintance. During a hurried visit of less than two hours my companion and myself rowed round the cliff portion of the island, and also landed and walked over a considerable part of the lower-lying portion of at the N.W. end. We saw the following species engaged in incubation:—Oystercatchers, Eider Ducks, Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes, and Rock Pipits. We searched in vain for any species of Tern; a single Redshank was seen. Mr. Agnew's son saw a Black Guillemot a few days before, and Mr. J. H. Buchanan, who was out in the S.S. 'Fiery Cross' the previous Thursday, "thought" he saw one also. The Agnews cannot say if they breed there or not, but their being seen there occasionally would make it worth while, if time permitted, to search carefully the suitable clefts and caverns in the lower rocks. It was reported to me that the sea-birds have increased greatly on The May since the Sea-birds Bill came into force. The eggs, however, are still taken wholesale by fishermen from the Fife coast and elsewhere.

Owls.—The only record occurs at Auskerry, where one was seen after midnight on Oct. 21st, and remained about for some time; exact species not noted.

Note.—Curiously enough, on the same date, numbers of Short-eared Owls were to be seen in the flesh in the birdstuffers' shops in Edinburgh. This shows the value of even single records at lighthouse stations, as, were it not for the above Auskerry record, the other fact would stand alone.

Swallows.—During the spring migration these were taken notice of at Isle of May, Auskerry, and Sumburgh Head. The earliest record is at Isle of May, on April 30th, when two were seen flying N.W. at 10 a.m., flying with a light S.E. breeze, and clear. Then at Sumburgh Head, two on May 16th, one on 19th, and two on 29th, during the daytime; winds variable, fine, clear to haze, or showery; threatening but fine on 19th; and two were seen at Auskerry on May 31st at noon, wind S.S.E., haze. Lastly, on June 2nd, at Auskerry, two were seen flying S., against a S. gale, with haze; and this last is properly no doubt assignable to the commencement of the autumn migration.

Wren.—Recorded at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May only. On October 29th at the former, when one was seen flying about the island; wind N.E., with snow-showers; and on Oct. 13th, at the latter, with light E. wind, and clear.

Goldcrest, Regulus cristatus.—The only spring record is on April 12th at Sumburgh Head, where "some" were seen resting on the dykes between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; wind E., light, with fog. In the autumn migrations, they are recorded from two stations, viz., Tarbat Ness and Isle of May. They appeared on Isle of May on Oct. 8th, when a number were seen, having arrived during the previous night; wind strong S.E., showery. Mr. Agnew notes this as "an early appearance," and notes also "none seen here last year." On Oct. 15th more Goldcrests appeared on the same island at 4 a.m., and one was wounded at the glass; wind variable and light; clear. On Nov. 1st one bird struck at midnight, in strong N. wind, with snow.

Robin, Erithaca rubecula.—Occurred at three stations—Tarbat Ness, Bell Rock, and Isle of May. A rush appears to have taken place about the time of the earliest date—on the 15th August—past the Bell Rock. "Great numbers along with Wheatears, Redshanks, and many small birds unidentified, struck the dome and lantern between 1 and 2 a.m.; wind light N.E. and rain. None were found dead on the balcony, but many struck; some lightly, and flew away again; others harder, and were seen fluttering away into the darkness. No doubt many perished in the sea." The next date is the 18th Sept., at Isle of May, when one was seen. "None seen last year." On Oct. 13th, on Isle of May, another large migration was noticed, many being seen upon the island, having arrived during the night. On Nov. 2nd, at Tarbat Ness, one struck at 8 p.m.; strong N.W. wind, with showers.

Wheatear, Saxicola ænanthe.—The northernmost locality given is North Unst, where a few strike the lantern during the season, but no dates are given. Thence southwards, they are noted at five other stations, viz., Whalsey, Sumburgh Head, Auskerry, Pentland Skerries, and the Bell Rock. The earliest date is August 4th, at Pentland Skerries, where one struck at 11.30 p.m.; wind strong E., and haze. The reporter adds the note:—"Starlings and Wheatears generally strike at night, when the wind shifts with rain. They probably leave resting-places, and, when once on wing, are attracted by the light." On Aug. 14th another single bird struck at 10.15 p.m.; wind light S.E., and fog: three more on 15th, from 9 to 11 p.m.; wind the same, with haze. At Sumburgh Head, on Aug. 11th, one young bird struck; wind light N., and fog. At Whalsey, on 16th, about twelve old and young were flying round the lantern at 1 a.m.; wind light W., and haze. At Bell Rock, Aug. 15th, great numbers along with Robins. At Auskerry, Sept. 5th, three struck at 3 a.m.; wind strong S., with haze and showers. The latest date recorded is Sept. 13th, at Pentland Skerries, when two struck at 2 a.m.; wind fresh S.W., and rain.

Titmice.—At Isle of May, Aug. 10th and 11th, a migration was noticed: 10th, the first pair came to the lights, and one was wounded; 11th, great numbers were seen on the island; wind light E., haze.

Wagtail.—At Whalsey—the only station returning a record of this species—large flocks rested, arriving on Aug. 21st; wind light S.E., with dense fog, which lasted till 28th, on which date they all again departed.

Titlark, Anthus pratensis.—Noted as leaving Whalsey Skerries in the first week of September; wind at the time S. to S.E., with from haze to fog during the days. The note is added, "A few remain." These are probably Rock Pipits. The only other station whence I have records is the Isle of May. A very large migration of Titlarks (called "Woodlarks" in schedule) came during the night of Dec. 21st-22nd; wind light E., and clear; and on the 22nd, "The island was literally swarming with them; flocks of from twenty to one hundred or more." Mr. Agnew "never saw so many here before."

Turdidæ.—Records came in from Sumburgh Head in the north, to Isle of May in the south, and from Auskerry. One record at Sumburgh applies to the spring migration, viz., on April 1st, when several Blackbirds (Turdus merula) were seen at 10 a.m.; wind squally S.S.E; changeable weather, with haze and rain. In the autumn migration we have more returns, but none before Nov. 1st, when the first Thrush was seen at 2 a.m.; wind strong W., with showers, at Auskerry. At Isle of May, Nov. 1st, "Mountain Thrush" was seen at 2 p.m.; wind light S.W., and haze. Thereafter on Dec. 15th, at the same place, a very large flock of "Mountain Thrushes" at 2 p.m.; wind light S., and snow. Again, on 22nd, two birds of same species,[2] and one on Jan. 1st; wind light E. to S.S.E., and haze. At Sumburgh Head, Jan. 14th, 1881, one Blackbird at noon; calm and clear.

[2] There can be little doubt, I think, that Fieldfares are meant. Ring Ouzels are usually denominated "Mountain Blackbirds." Indeed, amongst a collection of local names which I have gathered, I find the name of "Mountain Thrush" applied to the Fieldfare.

Corvidæ.—The spring migration is referred to under Sumburgh Head on April 4th and 5th. On April 4th some Crows ["species not known"] seen flying S.E.; wind S.S.E., fine. On the 5th a gale blew from the South. The autumn migration has eight entries under three stations, viz., Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries (five dates), and Tarbat Ness. Only two species—Ravens and Hooded Crows—are noted. At Pentland Skerries, two Ravens on Sept. 29th at 3.30 p.m.; wind moderate S., clear; one on Oct. 9th, wind light E.; and two on Jan. 13th, 1881, at 11 a.m., wind fresh N.E., with showers alternating with clear. At Sumburgh Head, Hooded Crows arrived on Dec. 5th, and remained all winter; and five were seen on Dec. 1st, at 2.30 p.m.; wind moderate W., and showers; and four on Dec. 29th, at 1.30 p.m.; wind light E., and clear; and two on Jan. 13th, at 11 a.m.; wind fresh N.E., clear, alternating with snow-showers. At Tarbat Ness great numbers continued along shore in Jan., 1881, owing to severity of the weather.

Starling, Sturnus vulgaris.—At Pentland Skerries and Isle of May. Earliest dates July 5th and 11th, at Isle of May. Latest date (but only three records altogether) 12th Sept., at Pentland Skerries. Four struck at 11 a.m.; wind fresh S., clear; Pentland Skerries, on 12th Sept. Flock of young at 10 a.m.; wind W., clear; remained two days at Isle of May on same date. Very large flock of young at 7 p.m.; wind N.W., light and clear, at the same station.

Chaffinch, Fringilla cœlebs.—At Isle of May, Oct. 19th, a few seen: this is rather later than usual.

Note.—The only record on the west coast agrees with this, however, at Bahama L. V. (q. v.)

Linnet, Fringilla cannabina ?—The spring migration represented only at Isle of May by one bird at 7 p.m.; wind light W., clear, on May 18th; and by two birds at 10 a.m. same night; wind light W., clear. In autumn, at Sumburgh Head, from sixteen to twenty seen on Dec. 2nd, at 10 a.m.; wind fresh N., haze and rain; and six on Jan. 3rd, 1881; wind strong S.W., haze. Previous to this latter date the weather was severe until Jan. 2nd, 1881. Snow and frost all gone on 3rd. "Until of late, birds very scarce."

Yellowhammer.—At Isle of May, first seen (only record) on Oct. 7th; wind N.E. gale, clear.

Snow Bunting, Plectrophanes nivalis.—Recorded from the following stations:—Whalsey, Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, Isle of May, Inch Keith. In all thirteen entries. Earliest date Sept. 13th, at Whalsey, when large flocks arrived and stayed thereafter all winter; wind on Sept. 13th N., with showers. Latest date noted Dec. 29th, at Pentland Skerries, when large flock seen on island at 11.15 a.m.; wind strong N.E., hail. Between these dates: Oct. 27th, at Isle of May, a flock at 2 p.m.; wind E.N.E., and heavy hail-showers. 28th, Pentland Skerries, a flock on the island at 1 p.m.; wind strong N.E., and hail. At Pentland Skerries, Nov. 6th, a few—five killed—from 7 to 11 p.m.; wind W., showers. At Isle of May, 13th, a flock at 2 p.m.; wind light W., clear. 29th, one bird killed at same station at 6 a.m.; wind light W., haze. At Sumburgh Head, Dec. 5th, ten seen at 1 p.m.; wind fresh S.W., haze and rain. At Inch Keith, Dec. 10th, large flock at 9 a.m., remained twenty-four hours; 15th, very large flock at 11 a.m.; wind light S., snow. At Pentland Skerries, Dec. 19th, flock at 2.15 p.m.; wind strong S.E., rain.

Note.—Mr. Hardy notes the earliest appearance on 18th Oct. in East Lothian—a single bird near Thornton Loch, on the public road, a field's-breadth from the sea-side. Wind N. and tempestuous, with heavy rain.

Sky Lark, Alauda arvensis.—Records from Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May. Earliest date Oct. 23rd, at Sumburgh Head; one seen singing for a short time; wind N.W., fine, showers, and sunshine. Then Dec. 17th, at Pentland Skerries, large flock all day on the island; wind fresh N.E., clear. Dec. 23rd, Isle of May, all left, not one to be seen. Latest record Jan. 13th, 1881, Sumburgh Head; five seen hovering round at 1.30 p.m.; wind light E., cloudy. 14th, two at 11 a.m., rested; wind light N., clear; and on Nov. 2nd, seven at 9 a.m., flying east or landwards; wind fresh S.E., hazy. On Dec. 3rd, flocks at 11 a.m.; wind E., flying S.

Rock Pigeon, Columba livia.—At Pentland Skerries, a flock seen at 2 p.m.; wind light S.W., snow on the ground.

Golden Plover, Charadrius pluvialis.—Records reached me from Auskerry, Pentland Skerries, Tarbat Ness, and Isle of May (ten entries, of which seven were at Pentland Skerries). Earliest date July 23rd, when six were seen flying about the island—Pentland Skerries—at 9 a.m.; wind light E. At Pentland Skerries, Aug. 11th, a flock flying S.E. at 10.30 a.m.; wind light W., clear. No more till Nov. 15th, when a flock remained a week at Auskerry, arriving at 11 a.m., with light N.E. wind. At Tarbat Ness, Nov. 11th, hundreds all day till 4 p.m.; wind N. to W. with snow. Nov. 21st, at 3.30 p.m., a flock on island at Pentland Skerries; wind fresh S.W., clear. At Pentland Skerries, Dec. 16th, a flock flying N. at 10.30 a.m.; wind fresh S.W., and snow. At Isle of May, Dec. 22nd, one bird. "They are not seen here every year, and most in severe weather."

Oystercatcher, Hæmatopus ostralegus.—At Sumburgh Head, Aug. 28th, all left after the fog of 21st—28th cleared away; as did other species, including Wheatears, Wagtails, and Rock-birds. At Auskerry, five arrived, with light S. wind and haze, and remained a week.

Heron, Ardea cinerea.—At Isle of May, July 22nd, a flock of six flying S. at 2.30 p.m.; wind light E., clear. At Pentland Skerries, Sept. 9th, seven at 5 a.m.; wind light W., clear. At Sumburgh Head, Sept. 19th, three flying about at 10 a.m.; wind N.W., and haze. At Auskerry, Oct. 8th, two arrived at 2 p.m.; wind light E., clear; and remained; and at same station on 21st, twelve arrived at 11.30 a.m.; wind light N., and remained.

Curlew, Numenius arquata.—One record (April 13th) belongs to the spring migration. One was seen flying S.E. at 11 a.m.; wind S., and haze. At Sumburgh Head, Aug. 12th, six seen flying W. and crying loudly at 12.30 p.m.; wind S.W., and haze. 2nd, seven flying about, and then taking off W. and crying loudly at 1 p.m.; wind light S.W., haze. At Auskerry, Oct. 9th, five at 1 p.m.; wind light E., clear; and remained. At Isle of May, Curlews had been on the island for weeks.

Note.—Mr. Dunn, Dalkeith Gardens, "heard a Curlew when calling, some 800 to 1000 feet up in the air." It was flying due W. on Dec. 26th. The sky was clear and the sun shining at the time—about 1 p.m. Wind light from W. in morning; calm at the time. For the previous six days the wind veered between S. by W. to N., the prevailing wind being S.W. Weather "very cold that day, and for a few days before and after." Being a station of the Scottish Meteorological Society, the above statistics are exact.

Redshank and Sandpiper, Totanus calidris.—At Isle of May, Dec. 27th, three Sandpipers seen at 4 p.m.; wind N.E., haze; and on Jan. 3rd, at same place, a Redshank shot.

Snipe, Scolopax gallinago.—At Auskerry, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May. At Isle of May, Sept. 12th, one killed at lantern at 4 a.m.; wind N.E., fresh, and rain. At Pentland Skerries, Oct. 2nd, two killed at 8.30 p.m., during strong N. wind, haze, and rain. At Auskerry, Oct. 21st, two arrived at 3.45, and remained; wind strong N. At Isle of May, Jan. 12th, a number arrived at night; wind fresh N.E., and rain.

Woodcock, Scolopax rusticola.—At Isle of May, Oct. 9th, one seen at 5 a.m.; wind strong N.E., and showers; this is earlier than usual. At Isle of May, Oct. 19th, more arrived during the night or morning, with N.E. gale, and showers. At Auskerry, Oct. 21st, one arrived at 3.30 p.m., and remained; wind strong N., with sleet. On Nov. 16th considerable numbers came during the night. These are the latest Mr. Agnew remembers to have seen, by several weeks. At Pentland Skerries, Nov. 29th, one on the island at morn; wind strong W., and clear.

Goose, Anser.—On Oct 14th a flock of "Grey Geese" flying S.E., at 10.45 a.m., past the Pentland Skerries; wind fresh N.W., and showers. Again on Oct. 24th another flock of the same flying also S.E. at 5.15 p.m.; wind also fresh N.W., clear. Again on 26th Oct. a flock of the same flying N. at 6.30 a.m.; wind strong N., and showers; all the above probably indicating only a local migration—to and fro. At Isle of May, Oct. 26th, a large flock flying N., with westerly gale.

Note.—Mr. Dunn, Dalkeith Gardens, "observed a >-shaped flock of about forty Wild Geese, about six hundred feet from the surface of the earth, flying in an easterly direction on the 16th December. They made a considerable noise in their flight. The wind at the time was N.W., and for the six previous days it ranged from W. to N., on one day only chopping round to S., viz., on 15th, which was the day before we saw the Geese. Snow was lying on the ground at the time, and the next seven days were cold, dull, and stormy, with more or less snow falling every day. Flights of Geese are not common in this district, hence the interest taken in the above." Could we get a number of similar records from inland observers, how useful they would be for comparison with our coast stations.—[J. A. H. B.]

Swan, Cygnus.—At Sumburgh Head, Jan. 30th, 1881, twenty wild Swans seen, first a mile off, flying along the shore very slowly, and lowering, apparently much exhausted. At North Ronaldshay, Dec. 23rd, 1880, sixteen Swans seen; they stayed on a large loch about two weeks, during a heavy fall of snow, and flew off north when the thaw commenced.

Ducks.—Two records on April 1st at Whalsey and Sumburgh Head, referable to the spring migration. At Whalsey, Eider Ducks (or "Dunters") arrived about this date, and at Sumburgh Head, Sheldrakes arrived on this date, at 10 a.m.; wind strong S.S.E., with showers. In the autumn migration, notes have been taken at Whalsey, Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May (eight entries). Eiders said to leave about August, and the note is added that, "after the Ducks have sat eight or ten days, the Drakes all disappear from the neighbourhood." On Sept. 12th, twelve male Eiders seen at 3 p.m.; wind S., and fine, with haze. At Pentland Skerries, Sept. 14th, a flock, mostly males, seen flying E.; wind light E., and rain. Sept. 25th, at same station, a flock of male and female Eiders flying E.; wind light E., rain. At Isle of May, Oct. 19th, a "small duck." At Isle of May, Dec. 22nd, "a flock of ducks" swam along shore. At Tarbat Ness, Dec. 30th, flocks of from eight to ten "ducks" seen from 2 to 3.30 p.m.; wind light N., and snow. At Isle of May, Jan. 13th, three "Wild Ducks" seen; wind E.N.E., gale, and snow.

Rock Birds.—Records at North Unst, Whalsey, and Sumburgh refer to spring arrival. At North Unst, April 25th, innumerable Puffins and rock-birds arrived; wind fresh N.W., and clear. At Whalsey, March 15th, the rock-birds arrived. At Sumburgh, March 4th, they arrived about 7 a.m. In autumn, all left Whalsey on Aug. 28th after the fog, which had hung since the 21st, cleared off. At Pentland Skerries, July 25th, a flock of Guillemots seen flying E. at 7 p.m., with moderate E. wind. On Aug. 4th, two flocks flying E. between 3 and 4 p.m., with light S. wind; and on Aug. 25th, three flocks seen flying E. between 5 and 8 p.m., with light S.W. airs.

Note.—Mr. M. Vaughan—to whom I am indebted for supplementary notes—writes that Rock-birds, Gannets, and Cormorants were scarcer than usual in Orkney during the first week in August. I have no return this year from Dunnet Head, but Mr. Geo. Maclachlan, says, "There are over 3000 Guillemots hatched here, and I am able to count (say) 175 in 350." At the Isle of May, Eiders arrived about Oct. 1st, coming, it is believed, to winter from the Isle of May and Fidra. They remain till end of March.

Gulls.—At Sumburgh Head, Oct. 23rd, one Iceland Gull seen at 8 a.m.; wind N.W., with showers. This is the first seen. They come in October and leave in April. At same station, Nov. 22nd, another Iceland Gull at 10 a.m.; wind fresh S.W., and clear. At Tarbat Ness, Dec. 24th, two ("Iceland Gulls") at 11 a.m.; wind light N.E., and sleet.

Note.—These "Iceland Gulls" maybe true Larus islandicus or Iceland Gull vera, but more probably are Glaucous Gulls (Larus glaucus). The incident below related is confirmed by a letter received from Mr. Jack, the head light-keeper at the Bell Rock lighthouse:—"Arbroath: A Fact for Naturalists.—Our Arbroath correspondent writes:—A curious story of a sea-bird is in circulation here, and I send it you, as it has been related to me on what seems fairly good authority. The other day a white Sea Gull of the Kittiwake variety was seen flying about the signal-tower of the Bell Rock lighthouse. The bird was evidently in distress, and one of the lighthouse-keepers opening a window, held out his hands, when it came to him. The bird, in taking a bait fixed to a line, had swallowed the hook, and the line, with its handle, a stick about a foot long, was dependent from the bird's mouth. The light-keeper cut away the string as far down the bird's throat as he could reach, and the bird flew away evidently relieved.—'Scotsman,' 1st May, 1880." Mr. Jack writes as follows, 10th May, 1880:—"It is quite true about the Sea Gull. It was so unusual to see a string attached to the bird, that I opened the window of my bedroom and leaned out to look at it, when, strange to say, it came towards me. Without thinking for a moment that the creature would really come to me, I held out my hands towards it, when it came close up to me. I took hold of it and brought it inside, and called to my two assistants (who were looking out of another window a few feet from mine) to 'look at this.' So surprised were they both at the whole affair, that after we had relieved the poor bird, one of my assistants declared that, when he got on shore in turn, he would state the case to the editor of the 'Guide' newspaper." "Poor little creature!" adds my correspondent, "it was a pleasant sight to see it on its flight away, and not as it arrived, weary and worn out." One has only to imagine the Bell Rock as the Ark in the midst of the waters, and the Gull a Dove. As I am speaking now of the Bell Rock, I may note here that large numbers of Long-tailed Ducks are reported by Mr. Jack as frequenting the vicinity of the rock in winter, constantly uttering their peculiar cry of "Co-co-candle-wick." Solan Geese are perpetually in sight summer and winter, flying round the rock or fishing. Mr. Jack also tells us that single birds of different species come crash against the dome or windows with terrific force, and rebounding off are seldom even seen, but leave often their blood and brains scattered about.

Skua, Lestris catarractes.—Reported as seen at North Unst first on April 18th. About the same number is counted, viz., six or eight each year. In autumn, at Sumburgh Head, one "Bonzie" was seen flying W. at noon; wind S.S.W., haze; and the note is added, "The first seen (in autumn?) for eight years."

Terns, Sterninæ.—Two records referable to spring migration at Whalsey and Sumburgh Head. Arriving at former about May 15th and at the latter on May 16th, at 9.40, with variable winds, fine, and clear. In autumn, records at Whalsey, Sumburgh Head, Auskerry, and Bell Rock. They disappeared from Bell Rock on Aug. 23rd, "not, however, from want of food, as plenty soil of herring are around the rock." They had been about the rock for a fortnight, feeding. They disappeared from Whalsey, Aug. 25th, after the fog of 21st—28th, at the same time with Wheatears, Oystercatchers, Wagtails, and rock-birds. At Bell Rock, Aug. 28th, about thirty old and young were seen feeding; and on the 29th these all left. At Sumburgh Head, Sept. 8th, a number flying about and crying at 9 a.m.; wind W., light and haze. At Auskerry, Oct. 1st, four flew round for a little about 1 a.m.; wind light E., rain.

Note.—Mr. J. T. Garriock, to whom I am obliged for a supplementary schedule from Lerwick, recorded in 'The Zoologist' for 1880 the arrival of Terns, apparently from the north, on May 22nd, when a pair was first noticed. In a subsequent letter to me, Mr. Garriock confirms his observation on the direction of their flight.

Petrel, Thalassidroma pelagica.—Occasionally strikes the lantern during the season at North Unst, but no dates given. At Whalsey, Aug. 16th, one caught at 1 a.m.; wind light N.W., haze. At Sumburgh Head, Aug. 3rd, three struck at 11 p.m.; wind N.N.W., dull, and sultry; and on the 6th, one struck at midnight; wind S., and haze. At Auskerry, Aug. 16th, one killed at 11.20 p.m.; light S. breeze, fog, and haze. One struck at Auskerry, Sept. 13th, at 3 a.m.; wind strong S., and haze.

Gannet, Sula bassana.—At Sumburgh Head, July 20th (earliest date), great numbers, adult and young, flying in all directions, feeding on herrings. At Pentland Skerries, July 19th, 30-40, flying E., wind N.E., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 20th, 50, flying E., wind fresh N., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 21st, 60, flying E., wind light N.E., clear, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 22nd, 25, flying E., wind light N.E. airs, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 23rd, 25-30, flying E., wind E., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; 24th, 40, flying E., wind S.E., 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., fog, haze; 26th, 60, flying E., wind mod. E., 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., fog, haze; Aug. 4th, continuous flights, wind light E., 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., fog, haze; 5th, continuous flights, wind moderate W., 4.30 a.m. to 8.30 p.m.

Note.—Solan Geese were observed daily in flocks going E., from July 19th to middle of Sept.; and going W. on Aug. 19th, 20th, and 25th. About the middle of Sept. young appeared amongst them. This note summarises to a great extent the above data. At Tarbat Ness, Oct. 18th, 19th, and 20th, great numbers flying N., wind S., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Since the return of the schedules Mr. Jack has written to me that—"On the 5th February, 1881, the Bell Rock station was visited by the largest flock of birds I have seen this winter, viz.. Larks, Rose Linnets, Starlings, and other species which I did not see well enough to make out. Time when seen, 2 till 5 a.m.; wind light S.W. on arrival, and on departure fresh N.E. Fog and rain. Great numbers struck, but none found dead, though doubtless many fell into the sea. I have observed during the last two winters that the Golden-crested Wren and the Common Wren have not visited us as usual. I have seen these small birds thick on the windows, night after night, during the fall of the year." It is interesting to note here that between the 2nd and 11th March, 1880, a similar great migration took place past the Bell Rock, of which an account is given in my last report for 1879 [vide Zool., May, 1880].[3] At Bell Rock, 18th Feb., a great number of Larks, 8 p.m., light E.S.E., haze. Great numbers struck, none lying dead. Apparently this flock was entirely composed of Larks greatly exhausted. A number seen asleep all night on window-sashes; left at first streak of dawn. Feb. 19th, a small number of birds (species not determined) flew about in the rays of light all night; wind S.E., fresh, haze. 25th, great number of Larks during the night; wind light W.; striking, but none found dead; left, flying N.W. March 10th, one Black Crow seen asleep on balcony rail; left flying N.E., at 7 a.m.; wind fresh W.S.W., haze. 17th, one "Snowflake" flying from N.W. to S.E.; wind W.S.W., fresh, haze. In a letter accompanying this later schedule, Mr. Jack writes (28th March, 1881):—"I am sorry to say our close companions during winter, Dunters and Sea Pheasants, are still with us in great numbers. This we know by long observation to indicate that winter is not yet past for a season, nor can we judge so until they have all been gone for a week at least. In the fall of the year, when we see them return, we well know that winter is at hand. When stationed in the Isles of Shetland I have often remarked, when I heard much howling going on amongst the seals, that no good weather could be looked for, and I have never known this to fail."

[3] Later in March this year, viz. the 19th, an indication of a returning (?) migration of Shrikes is found in the occurrence of one bird at Bath Hill Wood, West Grange, Perthshire, not very far removed from the Alloa district. It was shot by Mr. J. Livingstone, and is now in the collection of Mr. J. J. Dalgleish.