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Table of Contents

Iceland and Faroe.—Schedules, &c., were, as before, forwarded to Iceland and Faroe. Returns have come from Faroe, the results of which I prefer to keep under a separate heading, as they usually come in when the rest of the Report is well advanced.

Of Saxicolinæ there is one record on May 13th, when one Wheatear was seen on board the 'Arcturus,' thirty miles east of the Orkney Isles. Of Hirundinidæ, one seen at Thorshavn on May 22nd. Of Otidæ, one Long-eared Owl was seen at Vivalvig, Strómó, on June 27th. Of Ardeidæ, one Night Heron, Nycticorax griseus (Linn.), was killed at Videreijde on May 4th. In autumn several Turtle Doves, Columba Turtur, were seen, and one shot at Nólsó on Sept. 7th. Of Rallidæ, one Water Rail was killed in the hospital garden, at Thorshavn, on Oct. 31st. Of Laridæ, one Pomatorhine Skua (young), was killed near Kirkebó on Oct. 26th. Of Rallidæ, one Coot, Fulica atra, was shot at Nólsó on Nov. 8th.

The winds prevailing at the time of the above records for the most part southerly and easterly in Faroe, but on May 13th and 22nd southerly and westerly, and also S.W. on Nov. 8th.

The usual papers were sent to twenty-six stations, as before. With Iceland, Faroe and Fair Isle we have on this line thirty stations in all.

Twelve stations on the East Coast of Scotland returned filled-in schedules, against eight last year—1880—out of the twenty-six. Many of these returns are very light, but those from Isle of May, Bell Rock and Pentland Skerries are unusually full, showing great highways of migration, and also that from Sumburgh Head. We shall have more to say on this in our general remarks at the end of the Report.

The stations are as follows, commencing in the north. The dates upon which the various stations have sent in returns are shown in the list by the positions of the asterisks preceding the consecutive numbers. The work done compares favourably with that of 1880, but we receive as yet only twelve returns from twenty-six stations; however short, others will be acceptable, even if only negative information.

Those sending no returns have not in all cases given reasons. Attention to this is earnestly requested (vide 2nd Report, p. 2).

The numbers are the same as in the 2nd Report, 1880, but another for Fair Isle has been inserted as "7B."

East Coast of Scotland.
1879,	'80,	'81.
*	*		4.	North Uist, Shetland	230	ft.	Robert Burnett.
	*	*	5.	Whalsey Skerries, Shetland	145	"	Neven Kerr.
	6.	Bressay, Shetland	105	"
*	*	*	7.	Sumburgh Head, Shetland	300	"	John Wilson.
			7B.	Fair Isle	?	"	—Lawrence.
Orkney.
*	*	*	8.	North Ronaldshay	140	"	John Tulloch.
			9.	Start Point	80	"
*	*	*	10.	Auskerry	110	"	John MacDonald.
	*		11.	Hoy Sound (Low)	55	"	Alexander Harp.
			12.	Hoy Sound (High)	315	"
			13.	Cantick Head	115	"
*	*	*	14.	Pentland Skerries	170	"	D. MacDonald.
Mainland.
	*	*	15.	Dunnet Head, Caithness	346	"	David Laidlaw.
		*	16.	Holborn Head, Caithness	75	"	David Charleson.
	*		17.	Noss Head, Caithness	175	"
*	*		18.	Tarbat Ness, East Ross	175	"	W. Davidson.
		*	19.	Cromarty, East Cromarty	60	"	Robt. S. Ritson.
			20.	Chanonry Point, Elgin	40 "
			21.	Covesea Skerries, Elgin	160	"
			22.	Kinnaird Head, Aberdeen	120	"
			23.	Buchan Ness, Aberdeen	130	"
		*	24.	Girdleness, Aberdeen	185	"	John McGill.
			25.	Montroseness, Aberdeen	124	"
*	*	*	26.	Bell Rock, off Fife Coast	93	"	James Jack.
*	*	*	27.	Isle of May, Firth of Forth	240	"	J. Agnew.
	*	*	28.	Inch Keith, Firth of Forth	220	"	R. Grierson.
			29.	St. Abb's Head, Berwick	224	"

Notes received from other sources will appear, as before, after the paragraphs on each species, as it is desirable to keep the two sets of observations distinct. I would also refer here to my "Third Report on Scottish Ornithology," already referred to in 'Migration Report, 1880,' p. 4, as having been read, but not yet printed (Feb. 1882).

Notes have been kept upon about 25 species of waterfowl and about 50 species of land birds by our reporters on the east coast. Spring migration I have not kept distinct in this Report. Obituary at each station, inappreciable at Scottish stations, will be noticed where necessary under General Remarks.

Owing to Mr. T. Anderson having been almost entirely sailing to and fro in the Mediterranean, I regret that I can show no returns this year from Mid-Atlantic, which is to be regretted, as it would be instructive to learn what are the results of a contrary prevailing wind to that of 1880. Possibly, however, Mr. R. Gray may yet be able to give us some returns of interest culled from the Mediterranean log, which may raise other points of interest.

The following short notes on weather are compiled from the 'Times' Register for 1881, and checked by my own schedules:—A sudden change of temperature at the beginning of August, colder by about two degrees than July. Rainfall excessive over all Scotland, except northern half where it was less than average; cold and wet all August, about six degrees colder than corresponding period of 1880. Prevailing wind W., seldom veering to E., until Aug. 23rd; thereafter in Scotland prevailing E. and N.E.; on Aug. 31st N. winds prevailed, N.E., and continued till about Sept. 6th; thereafter W. and N.W. till 16th; then S. and S.E. till 21st; from 22nd to 24th E.; 24th to 30th S. to W.; Oct. 1st to 10th S.; 10th to 13th strong W.; 14th gale from E., and continued E. and S.E. to end of month. S.E. to S. strong winds and gales, or light from Nov. 1st to 11th; S.W. strong and a gale 15th and 16th; frost on 17th; 22nd S. to S.W. and W., heavy gales in N. and W. Unsettled, with frequent changes of wind and weather, many W. gales till end of month, and till Dec. 8th. N. and E. on both coasts from Dec. 9th to 12th, S. on 13th, and S. and W. on 14th; S. and W. till 20th, when E.; and W.N.W. on 21st. Prevailing W. and S.W. till end of month.

Notes.—Prevailing winds at the time of the rush of Falconidæ were W., veering from S.W. to N.W. in Aug.; after 23rd E.; on and after Aug. 31st till Sept. 6th N. At XIV., on Aug. 19th, a Sparrowhawk was seen sitting on the ground, and almost daily for some time after. The nearest breeding-place I know of is at Tongue, N. Sutherland; wind at the time was light S., and weather clear. No doubt it is difficult to discriminate often between local and general migrations of Hawks by our data; thus at XIV. also, on Aug. 23rd and 24th, a Sparrowhawk was seen flying south on the former date, and N.E. on the latter; on the former date the wind was light S., on the latter N.E.; this would therefore appear like a local migration.

The only addition to the list of stations is Fair Isle, No. 7 b.

In all spring records the numbers of stations begin at the most southerly, or with the higher numbers. In all autumn records the numbers of stations begin at the most northerly, or with the lower numbers. The maximum station, or station sending most returns of the species, is indicated when thought necessary.

Turdidæ.—Autumn: Records at Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, Girdleness, Bell Rock, and Isle of May (maximum). Earliest at Isle of May, Sept. 22nd; latest at Sumburgh Head, Dec. 8th. Rushes at Isle of May, Sept. 22nd to 30th (see notes infra); also Oct. 20th. Redwings and female Blackbirds migrating between 14th and 24th. Great S.E. gale on 14th. At Pentland Skerries, Fieldfares, Thrushes, and Blackbirds, Nov. 5th and 6th, flying N.E. all day; also smaller rushes at Sumburgh Head, Dec. 1st to 8th. Time of day: Mostly daytime, but night of 13th to 14th at Bell Pock. "Storm burst at 10.10 a.m. on 14th." Notes: A great rush of migrants took place at the date of 22nd to 23rd Sept. at Isle of May (station 27), but no corresponding rush is recorded at Bell Rock (station 26). At Isle of May it continued all day. The weather was thick haze, approaching to fog, with a continuous downpour of rain; wind S.E. "All the birds seen to-day appeared perfectly bewildered." The following species occurred on 22nd alone: Thrushes, Redstarts, one Robin, one Blue-throated Warbler (C. Wolfi), Swallows, Chaffinches, one Nightjar (the first ever captured or seen here, and sent to me along with the Blue-throated Warbler and others), one Corn Crake (seldom seen here). Golden Plovers (large flock), Ringed Plovers, Lapwings, "rush" of Curlews, two Snipe, Sandpipers and Waders, and Dunlins. This great migration continued more or less all the latter part of September at this locality, during which time there appeared Yellow Buntings, Bramblings, Wheatears (or Stonechats), Pipits, and Wagtails; numbers of Robins on 23rd. N.B. Later in the report under these species I will refer back to this note.

Saxicolinæ.—Spring: Bell Rock, and Whalsey Skerries. Wheatears. Earliest at Bell Rock, April 14th; latest at Bell Rock, May 2nd. Rush on May 2nd, at Bell Rock. General Notes:—Accompanied by many other species not recognised; on that day also a large bird struck, rebounded, and fell into sea.—Autumn: Whalsey Skerries, Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock, Isle of May, and Inch Keith. Wheatears. Earliest at Sumburgh Head, Aug. 14th; latest at Pentland Skerries, Sept. 30th. Rushes scarcely appreciable, Aug. 22nd and 28th, at Whalsey Skerries, Sumburgh Head, and Pentland Skerries; and Sept. 24th and 30th, at Pentland Skerries, Isle of May, and Inch Keith. Rushes at Pentland Skerries on several dates. Besides Wheatears, Redstarts. Earliest at Isle of May, Aug. 22nd; latest at Isle of May, Sept. 22nd. Whinchats (or Blue Janets), also at Isle of May, Sept. 21st. Prevailing winds E. and S.E. General Notes (see under Turdidæ).

Sylviinæ.—Spring: Robins at Cromarty and Montroseness; only two records. Earlier at Cromarty, March 20th, but left same date; later at Montroseness, April 14th, flying about rock.—Autumn: Tarbat Ness, Cromarty, and Isle of May. Robins. Earliest at Cromarty, Sept. 16th, and were the first seen since March 6th (see Spring); latest seen Dec. 15th. At Tarbat Ness first seen Oct. 10th. Rush Sept. 22nd and 23rd, at Isle of May (see Notes under Turdidæ); also Oct. 21st, at Isle of May ("appear to be very small specimens.") Mr. Agnew preserved one for me in spirits on Dec. 15th, but whether one of these small specimens I cannot as yet say. N.B. Spanish examples are known to be very much smaller than British (vide Howard Saunders and H. E. Dresser).

Phylloscopinæ.—Autumn: Gold Crests at Sumburgh Head, Tarbat Ness, and Isle of May. Earliest at Tarbat Ness, Sept. 10th (two seen); latest at Isle of May, Sept. 27th. Rush, a small one, Oct. 24th, 25th, and 27th, at Isle of May. General Remarks:—Mr. Agnew says, "I expect more," but no more appeared in his later schedules. A general movement of this species appreciable also about Sept. 10th to 18th.

Paridæ.—Spring: Tit. One record at Isle of May, April 23rd. General Remark:—One alighted on lantern at 11 p.m.—Autumn: Tits at Pentland Skerries and Inch Keith. Earliest at Inch Keith, Aug. 5th (a number at night); latest at Pentland Skerries, Oct. 6th (one all day). Another struck N.W. side of lantern of Inch Keith on night of 5th to 6th. General Remarks:—Aug. 5th, at Inch Keith (as above), "earlier than usual."

Troglodytidæ.—Spring: Common Wren. One record from Isle of May, March 19th.—Autumn: Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May. Earliest at Sumburgh Head, Aug. 3rd (left); latest at Pentland Skerries, Nov. 16th. Others Oct. 6th and 8th. Rush (inappreciable) on these later dates.

Motacillidæ.—Spring: Bell Rock and Isle of May (only two). Wagtails. Earliest at Isle of May, March 12th; latest at Bell Rock, April 13th. General Remarks:—The latter "running over the rocks, but leaving at high tide, as all birds do that land upon these rocks" (J. Agnew).—Autumn: Pentland Skerries and Isle of May (three records). Wagtails. Earliest at Pentland Skerries (three all day), when a gale from N., Aug. 27th; latest at Isle of May, Sept. 24th, "when a few new-comers, having more white upon them than the few residents, appeared." Also occurred at Pentland Skerries, Sept. 10th. Pipits at Whalsey Skerries, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May (few records). Earliest at Whalsey Skerries, Aug. 28th (following Sparrowhawk), but all left next day; latest at Pentland Skerries, Oct. 25th (six struck at night). Rush (on small scale) at Isle of May, Sept. 24th, 25th, and 26th. General Notes:—Mr. Agnew speaks of some being always here, but additions on Sept. 24th. Possibly Mr. Agnew alludes, however, to Rock Pipits as the residents. The Meadow Pipit is probably the species first seen as additions on Sept. 24th. N.B. The Rock Pipit is a larger bird than the Meadow Pipit; please shoot one of the "resident birds" and then one of the "additions," and if carefully compared, I think Mr. Agnew will detect the difference.

Hirundinidæ.—Spring: Cromarty, Auskerry, Sumburgh Head, and Whalsey Skerries. First arrivals at Auskerry, May 1st (Martins and Swallows remained three days and then left); latest, at Whalsey Skerries, June 27th (a few flying about). Rush hardly perceptible. General Notes:—At Sumburgh Head four pairs all summer; all disappeared on night of July 20th. That night one pair slept on the staircase-window.—Autumn: Whalsey Skerries, Sumburgh Head, Auskerry, Pentland Skerries, Cromarty, and Isle of May (a number). Earliest (see remarks under Spring Migration, supra, July 20th); latest at Sumburgh Head, Oct. 1st (one seen). No great rush appreciable, but flocks of Swallows and Martins seen at Auskerry Aug. 1st and 4th, and on 1st at Isle of May (one found dead previous night after heavy gales); (see Notes under Turdidæ, supra) part of a general rush of migrants.

Fringillidæ.—Spring: Isle of May, Bell Rock, Sumburgh Head (considerable movement). Linnets. Earliest at Isle of May, March 4th (asleep all night on doorway): two green Linnets. Latest at Isle of May, April 14th (seen). General Notes:—Two days previous "considerable number of Chaffinches, which are very unusual at this season; also one Bullfinch." From a remark of Mr. Agnew, that some of the latter breed on Isle of May, I suspect these "Linnets" will prove to be Twites or Mountain Linnets, Linota flavirostris ? These Linnets are also noted at Bell Rock on April 10th, and at Sumburgh Head on March 7th.—Autumn: Sumburgh Head, Isle of May, and Inch Keith (large movement). Earliest (Grey Linnets) at Isle of May, Aug. 18th (mostly young, apparently in broods, in large numbers); latest at Sumburgh Head, Jan. 14th, 1882 (three seen). Rushes (Chaffinches) at Isle of May, Sept. 22nd to 26th (see Notes under Turdidæ). Brambling also on 24th (one sent me for identification). Siskin at Inch Keith, Sept. 25th. [General Notes:—A desultory migration, kept up of Linnets and Siskins (which are rare on the Isle of May), occurred Oct. 4th and 5th. A Redpole on 8th, at Sumburgh Head.] A rush between Oct. 20th and 27th at Isle of May, during which time Redpoles (20th and 24th), Chaffinches (22nd), Bramblings (21st), one Siskin (27th), and Grey Linnets or Twites (24th), at Sumburgh Head; about fifty, along with ten Larks (see Alaudidæ.). Occasional birds seen at Isle of May:—Nov. 12th, one Siskin; 28th, one hen Linnet; and on Nov. 21st, at Inch Keith, one Siskin. On Dec. 3rd, at Isle of May, one Redpole, preserved in spirits (vide infra), and one Brambling, same time and place. On the 4th, Green Linnets at Sumburgh Head, and in Jan., 1882 (latest), three Green Linnets on 14th. In Shetland prevailing winds during the winter were from S.W., "and consequently no strange birds visited us." A flock of Mealy Redpoles arrived at Lerwick, and took up their abode for a time in Mr. P. T. Garrick's garden, at Prospect House. This movement doubtless belongs to the Spring Migration of 1882. In August unusually large flocks of Greenfinches were observed by Mr. Service near Dumfries; left after two weeks, and reappeared in January, 1882.

Emberizidæ.—Spring: Isle of May and Bell Rock. Earliest at Bell Rock, March 17th (one "Snowflake" flying from N.W. to S.E.); latest (and only other spring record) at Isle of May, April 9th (three "Mountain Sparrows" identified as Snow Buntings).—Autumn: Whalsey Skerries, Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, Dunnet Head, Tarbat Ness, Isle of May, and Inch Keith, Snow Buntings, numerous records, and reported as unusually plentiful at many stations. Earliest at Isle of May, Sept. 24th, where, Mr. Agnew writes, "they are never plentiful"; latest, Dec. 10th to Jan. 28th, at Isle of May. Rushes at Whalsey Skerries, Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and Dunnet Head, Sept. 20th to 25th (note migration of other species at Isle of May, Sept. 22nd—see notes under Turdidæ). Rushes spasmodical, at different places, on different dates. Rush Dec. 3rd to 21st; after, stragglers (i.e., flocks of forty or fifty).—Weather: In October winds S. and N.W., at Sumburgh Head, to fresh E. and N., cloudy, clear, or showery. In November S. gale on 4th at Pentland Skerries. Calm or N. on 9th, S.S.W. or S. on 14th, and on 17th S. or N. December variable from light S.W. at Isle of May to fresh N.E. and S.E., light W. and light S.W. Besides Snow Buntings, a flock of about 250 Common Buntings are reported from Sumburgh Head on Nov. 6th ("a compact flock"), at 10 a.m.

Alaudidæ.—Spring: A spring rush is reported at Bell Rock between Feb. 5th and 25th; or possibly this may only belong to migration of 1880. Great numbers of Larks mixed with Rose Linnets, Starlings, and other species, from 2 to 5 a.m.; great numbers struck; wind on arrival light S.W., on departure fresh N.E., fog and rain. Feb. 18th, great numbers, all Larks, greatly exhausted, seen asleep, and others struck, but none found dead; wind light E.S.E., haze. On 19th, "small birds, not recognised, flew about for an hour, and left at dawn"; and on 25th great numbers, all Larks, much exhausted, at 1.30 a.m.; left after an hour's rest at dawn, flying N.W.—Autumn: Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock, and Isle of May (numerous). Earliest at Sumburgh Head, Sept. 15th (breeds here, but left to-day); latest at Isle of May, Dec. 1st (two seen). Rushes at Isle of May, Sept. 24th; numbers on 25th and 26th, increased up to 27th; also at Pentland Skerries (accompanying Wheatears); also fewer on Sept. 15th, 16th, and 18th. Rush at Pentland Skerries, striking all night, Oct. 26th; stragglers on 1st and 8th.—Weather: Fresh S. wind Sept. 1st to 8th, to fresh S.E. and clear on 26th. Nov. 24th, at Sumburgh Head (along with Grey Linnets), fresh S., cloudy; and Dec. 1st, at Isle of May, two seen, as above recorded.

Sturninæ.—Autumn: Auskerry, Pentland Skerries, Dunnet Head, and Isle of May. Unusually few, but all about same time. Earliest at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May, Oct. 20th and 21st; latest at Dunnet Head, Jan. 15th, 1882 (date of return of schedule). General Notes:—Resident all winter at many localities as at Auskerry ("all winter"). The scarcity of the Starling on migration this autumn is noteworthy (vide conditions of wind and weather as compared with other years).

Corvidæ.—Spring: Bell Rock and Isle of May. Earliest at Bell Rock, March 10th (seen on balcony-rail); latest, "five Rooks," at Bell Rock, flying about. May 1st. Rush (apparently, April 12th and 13th) at Bell Rock (Black Crows and a good many "Grey Crows" with them). On 16th, three Rooks flying N.—Autumn: Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May. Earliest July 15th, at Pentland Skerries (mixed with Jackdaws); remained till middle of August, and then disappeared; latest Nov. 10th, two Ravens at Pentland Skerries, flying W., but no Rooks after Aug. 15th. Ravens also at Pentland Skerries, July 29th. Hooded Crows. Earliest Sept. 14th, at Pentland Skerries; latest on Nov. 5th, at Pentland Skerries. Rush on Oct. 2nd, at Isle of May (large numbers).

Cypselidæ.—Autumn: Only records at Sumburgh Head. Earliest Sept. 13th, five seen at 6 p.m., light N.W. airs, clear; next record Sept. 16th, one seen, light W., clear; latest Sept. 27th, one, light S.W., haze.

Caprimulgidæ.—Autumn: Only one record at Isle of May, where the first was observed, Sept. 26th, along with a great Rush of other migrants (see Notes under Turdidæ, antea).

Strigidæ.—Autumn: Records at Auskerry and Isle of May. Earliest Aug. 25th, when one "Grey Owl" seen at Isle of May, fresh E., heavy rain, and haze; latest Dec. 19th, one reddish brown Owl, at 1 p.m., S.W., clear, at same station. Other dates, Oct. 15th to 18th, two Owls stayed three days, arriving at 4 p.m. on 15th, leaving at 4 p.m. on 18th, at Auskerry, N.W. gale, showers, and haze. Also Oct. 24th, one "light brown" Owl at Isle of May, S.S.E., showery; also Nov. 28rd, one seen at Isle of May, 3 p.m., S.W., clear.

Falconidæ.—Autumn: Whalsey Skerries, Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and Bell Rock (all insular). Earliest July 28th, at Whalsey Skerries, one Hawk flying N.; latest Dec. 14th, at Isle of May, two "large Hawks." Rush in August and September, at Bell Rock, from which I have twenty-two returns in that time; never so many seen here before. Kestrels, principally at Isle of May, till Aug. 18th; latest Sept. 25th. Sparrowhawk. A rush at Pentland Skerries between Aug. 19th and 28th, or the same birds reappearing: all seen during the daytime, along with all other Hawks. Merlin, one on Sept. 22nd, at Sumburgh Head; another on Oct. 11th, feeding, on Snow Buntings, shot; other two seen. Falcon, one seen flying S.W., at Pentland Skerries, on Oct. 10th. Buzzards one (by description) flying S. at Isle of May, Sept. 27th. "Large Brown Hawks," or simply "Hawks," occurring principally at Isle of May. A rush between Sept. 6th and 19th, with E. winds (see General Notes on weather). A great rush of Hawks, Eagles, &c., took place all over the country at the latter end of September. Amongst others the following are recorded:—Ospreys, Harriers, Common and Honey Buzzards. Especially Fifeshire is noted (vide 'Field,' Oct. 8th, 1881, p. 514). Rough-legged Buzzards are recorded from localities in Forfar, Perth, and Stirlingshire, at similar stations as they usually appear at when their migration takes place, i. e., along almost precisely the same lines.

Pelicanidæ.—Autumn: Records from Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May. Earliest July 1st, Gannets pass Pentland Skerries daily in flocks of twelve to forty, or singly, and continue till middle of September, which is the latest record I have. Rush past Pentland Skerries appears to have been on Aug. 19th, when 2300 were counted between daylight and dark, flying chiefly E., and very few going W. On Aug. 4th large numbers at 2 p.m., at Sumburgh Head, fresh breeze, cloudy. At this station Gannets are noted as very scarce all summer, owing, it is believed, to scarcity of herrings.

Ardeidæ.—Spring: Only one Heron recorded at Whalsey Skerries, on May 29th, 8 p.m., S.E. light airs, clear; fog from N.W. after 11 p.m.—Autumn: Records at Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May. Earliest Aug. 16th, at Sumburgh Head, flying N., chased by Gulls, light E. airs; latest Nov. 24th, at Isle of May, one seen, strong S.W., showers; Rush Sept. 3rd to 6th, at Isle of May, during which time eight were seen, all flying S., and four on the 5th, came from N., alighted and remained; wind on 3rd fresh E., and haze; on 5th fresh N.E., clear; and on 6th light W., and haze (see Note, infra). Rush also on Oct. 12th, 13th, and 14th, previous to gale of 14th, but statistics scanty. All Herons seen at Isle of May almost invariably fly S. Prevailing winds at Isle of May, W., till gale on 14th from N.N.E.

Anatidæ.—Wild Geese. Spring: Records at Whalsey Skerries, Auskerry, and Isle of May. Earliest March 6th, at Whalsey Skerries, eight resting on island for several days, E. gale, and haze; latest April 21st, at Isle of May, large flock flying E., accompanied by Curlews.—Autumn: Records at Whalsey Skerries, Sumburgh Head, Auskerry, Pentland Skerries, Isle of May, and Inch Keith. Earliest "Wild Geese," Oct. 2nd, at Isle of May, thirteen flying W. in line. Earliest "Barnacle," only record, Aug. 12th, at Inch Keith, one flying due N.; latest "Wild Geese," Dec. 23rd, at Isle of May. Immense flock flying N.E., 11.80 a.m., S.W., haze, approaching to fog; and another flock same day, at 12.30 p.m. Besides the above, one "Brent" Goose (?) is noted on Nov. 25th, flying N., with S.W. gale, and showers. Swans.—Spring: Records at Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and Bell Rock. Earliest Feb. 27th, at Sumburgh Head, two "Wild Swans," apparently much fatigued, flying S.; latest May 6th, a flock flying N.E. Autumn: Records at Sumburgh Head. Earliest Nov. 12th, at Sumburgh Head, eight flying S.E.; latest Dec. 25th, at Sumburgh Head, two resting on a lock near the lighthouse, where they frequently rest on their way south every year. Note:—If these are the same birds each year, it is interesting as proving the undeviating lines of autumn flight of waterfowl. Eider Ducks.—Spring: Whalsey Skerries only; noted as arriving at breeding haunts on March 9th. Autumn: Records at Whalsey Skerries, Auskerry, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May. Earliest July 5th, when Eiders left the island at Whalsey Skerries. "The Drakes had left previously," light S., haze, and fog; latest Oct. 20th, at Auskerry, ten Eiders remained all day; they also remain at Auskerry all winter. Rush, largest number recorded at Pentland Skerries on Oct. 8th, when a flock of 100, mostly males, were seen swimming past the island, light S. breeze, and fog; and forty took shelter on Oct. 12th, at 9 a.m., at Whalsey Skerries, S.W. gale and rain; and all left next day. Sheldrake.—Autumn: Having remained here (Auskerry) all summer since end of June, leave in September or October. Records from Auskerry and Pentland Skerries. Earliest Aug. 27th, at Pentland Skerries, one found dead; latest Oct. 5th, at Pentland Skerries, flock flying S.E. Other dates, Aug. 31st, at Pentland Skerries, flying S.; Sept. 3rd, flying about light, not striking. Teal.—One on Sept. 21st, at Isle of May, another at Pentland Skerries, on Oct. 8th. Wild Duck at Isle of May, Sept. 24th, Oct. 4th, and Nov. 21st. Long-tailed Duck at Sumburgh Head, Nov. 12th (about twenty). On Sept. 12th Tufted Ducks were abundant on Loch Leven,—the most abundant species there,—and the young were not able to fly, "some being not larger than a Water Rat." Other species seen were Scaup, Golden-eye, Pochard, Teal, and Mallard (P. D. Maloch, in lit.).

Rallidæ.—Corn Crake. Spring: One arrival noted at Cromarty on May 19th. Autumn: One in. Isle of May, Sept. 22nd (seldom seen here; vide Notes under Turdidæ); also Oct. 22nd, at Isle of May, and one at Pentland Skerries; the two dates are both dates of rushes of other migrants. The Spotted Crake has been recorded at several land stations, and found to recur at several where it occurred before. Thus one at Aberuthven Wood this season, and one at the same place three years ago (P. D. Maloch, in lit.).

Charadriadæ.—Golden Plover. Autumn: Whalsey Skerries, Auskerry, Pentland Skerries, Dunnet Head, and Isle of May. Earliest Aug. 3rd, at Pentland Skerries; latest Dec. 23rd. Rushes Sept. 21st and 22nd, at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May; also on Oct. 17th and 18th, at Sumburgh Head and Auskerry. Oystercatcher.—Spring: Arrived Feb. 24th at breeding haunts on Whalsey Skerries; two recorded at Isle of May, on April 12th. Autumn: Records mostly in August, at Whalsey Skerries; left Whalsey Skerries on Aug. 26th; scattered birds seen at Isle of May between 8th and 25th; three records. Lapwing.—Spring: Arrivals in April 1st to 15th, at Whalsey Skerries and Isle of May. Rushes about 1st and 11th, scarcely perceptible. Autumn: Pentland Skerries and Isle of May. Earliest Aug. 27th, at Isle of May; latest Nov. 22nd. Rush past Isle of May, Sept. 22nd; "large numbers," by description, flying high (see Turdidæ). Ringed Plover.—Only date given is Sept. 22nd, at Isle of May, by description (see Turdidæ).

Scolopacidæ.—Curlew. Spring: One record at Isle of May, March 4th, four flying N.E. Autumn: Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May. Earliest July 20th to 30th, at Isle of May; latest Dec. 31st, also at Isle of May. Rushes Sept. 22nd, at Isle of May, numbers; and at Pentland Skerries, a few. Maximum of records at Isle of May, but in all not many. Woodcock.—Autumn: Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May. Earliest at Isle of May, Sept. 22nd; latest, beginning of December. Rush Oct. 20th, and for some days previous; also arrival same day of many Redwings (see Turdidæ). Snipe.—Autumn: Pentland Skerries and Isle of May. Earliest Aug. 31st, at Isle of May, one rose off island and flew away S.; latest Dec. 21st, at Isle of May, one seen. Rush scarcely appreciable, but appeared also on Sept. 22nd, at Isle of May. Records mostly of single birds; these two species exceedingly scarce this autumn; severe winter of 1880-81 killed many, and severe spring interfered with breeding. "Sandpipers."—Autumn: Pentland Skerries and Isle of May. Earliest Sept. 22nd, at Isle of May, a number (see under Turdidæ); latest Dec. 17th, also at Isle of May, large numbers. Rushes on these dates at Isle of May. Stragglers: species recognised and named: Dunlins, Redshanks (probably), Common Sandpiper.

Laridæ.—Terns. Spring: Arrived at Whalsey Skerries, Pentland Skerries, and Cromarty (Lesser Tern). Earliest May 28th, at Whalsey Skerries; and at Pentland Skerries, "arrived after hatching!" May 12th, and remained till August; belongs to an autumn movement (?); also at Cromarty, arrived on June 15th, left Aug. 20th. Terns appear irregular in hatching and dates of leaving various stations; but most left all stations in August, and recorded at Isle of May, passing S. Sept. 12th, 22nd, and 28th. Kittiwakes arrived in spring, at Isle of May, March 12th; only other record, in autumn, Sept. 22nd, at Isle of May (see Turdidæ); remained all August there, left end of month. Other species noted—Great Black-backed Gulls, flying S., Aug. 13th; large white Gulls, wheeling round Isle of May, Aug. 25th; Skuas (well described), Sept. 15th; and Oct. 19th and 29th, at Pentland Skerries, where they are "very rare." Note:—Skuas, Pomatorhine Skuas frequented the Hebrides most of the summer; I (J. A. H. B.) saw several west of Lewes, and one near Island of Rum in end of June. Iceland Gull.—A flight in December. Earliest Dec. 1st, at Sumburgh Head; latest 28th, at same place; and on 25th, same place, two, accompanying Swans. Storm Petrels.—At Whalsey Skerries two records, March 29th and June 22nd, in foggy weather, flying about lights. Autumn: Only one record of Fork-tailed Petrel at Isle of May, Aug. 15th, which struck, and was killed and sent to me, of which I now have the skin. Two pairs Common Petrel bred at Auskerry.

Alcidæ.—Razorbills. Spring: Whalsey Skerries and Isle of May, along with Guillemots. First arrivals at Isle of May, Feb. 25th. "Invariably arrive at Isle of May, remain a day or two, and leave again." Second visit March 16th, at Isle of May; arrived on third visit to breed, April 15th, but at Whalsey Skerries not till 30th. N.B. Dates of arrival, and of preliminary visits from all rock bird stations in Scotland, much desired by committee. Autumn: All left Sumburgh Head on Aug. 6th; all left Whalsey Skerries on Aug. 15th. Unusually large rush, flying S., passed Pentland Skerries on Nov. 12th; at this station they pass almost daily, but this is date of general stampede. Hundreds swimming round Isle of May on Dec. 15th, the latest noted record here this year; and Mr. Agnew considers their numbers at this late date quite unusual. Besides the 75 identified species, or thereby, I have innumerable records of species which cannot be recognised by description; and especially numerous are the records from Isle of May, Mr. Agnew being very desirous of learning more about them. He sent me numerous birds for identification; amongst those not sent or recognised, two birds, "never before seen," resemble a Cuckoo in every respect, but smaller; others, called "Redtails" (? Redstarts), came in a flock on June 3rd, and stayed till July 2nd. A great many entries are simply "small birds" from Aug. 16th and 17th, and Sept. 14th to 30th. On Oct. 25th "a few more pretty birds, with red breasts, forked tails, and two black stripes on head." On Oct. 27th, one "pure white down belly and round back, black spot a little above tail, wings on top side a dun black, head and neck same, red legs, bill like a Starling, size of a Plover." Again on Nov. 2nd, two, "the general colour that of a Lark, same size, three dark or black stripes down back, and one white feather each side of tail." It is worthy of remark that these unknown species struck most during easterly breezes (J. A. H. B.) I trust another season to be better prepared to have some of these identified. I have only mentioned them here to draw attention to the fact that probably rare things, like the Blue-throated Warbler (C Wolfi), may turn up. I might easily offer suggestions as to what these unnamed are, but I do not think any practical use would come by doing so.

General Remarks.

I have embodied all remarks on both coasts at the end of the Report on the West Coast of Scotland, to which I refer my readers.