spring records from Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock, and
Isle of May, all in April. Earliest at Sumburgh Head, April 1st, when
four appeared, strong S.E., haze, but the remark is added, "First time
Robins have stayed all winter." Next records not till 28th, 29th, and
30th, at Bell Rock, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May, where there was
a rush along with Ring Ouzels. The record at Bell Rock (28th) is one of
very few records between the 9th of April and the 3rd of September.
In autumn, one return on Aug. 25th, as arriving at Cromarty, light
S.W., clear. No more till Nov. 3rd, when "a few" at Isle of May. But
next day a rush of other species (see under Turdidæ). There were,
however, a few Robins frequenting Isle of May in September and October,
and even the indication of a rush.
Phylloscopinæ.--Only a slight indication in spring of Goldcrests'
migration, 2nd, 8th, 16th of April, single records at N. Unst and
Pentland Skerries. But of Warblers a rush at Isle of May, along with
Redshanks, and Robins and Ring Ouzels (see Thrushes), and in May one
Wood Warbler at Isle of May; light S.W.
In autumn:--Goldcrest, earliest appearance at Isle of May, Aug. 31st
(a female), along with a Sedge Warbler, light W., haze; then on Sept.
1st, one at Isle of May, and a few light records, 7th, 8th, 10th,
18th, and 27th. On 7th at N. Unst ("only the second occurrence of it
observed here"), and intermittent and light till 4th Oct., when, during
darkest time and total eclipse of the moon, I assisted in capturing and
identifying twelve Goldcrests at I. of May lantern, about which I may
have more to say in the "General Remarks." Again, on the 24th, numbers
were seen, with light S. wind. Some Chiffchaffs seen at I. of May on
Sept. 11th, and one at lantern on 27th (seen by J. A. H. B.). This
constitutes all the important records of the species of _Phylloscopinæ_.
Titmice.--The only spring records of "Titmice" are 12th, 15th and 24th
May, at Pentland Skerries, in different winds, _viz._ light N.W., fresh
S.W., and light S.E.[12]
[Footnote 12: We wish our reporters could distinguish the species more
exactly. We have six species of "Titmice" in Britain, and possibly
seven on migration. I want wings of Titmice obtained or whole birds.]
In autumn slight movements in September and October; one on Pentland
Skerries on 5th Oct.; one "Titmouse" on I. of May on 9th Sept., and on
Oct. 4th at same station, an indication of Titmice having joined in the
migratory rush of that date, seven appearing, with light W.S.W., wind
and haze. On Oct. 9th we shot a "Blue Tit" (_Parus cæruleus_, L.) on I.
of May, which had been haunting the fields for two or three days; light
W., clear. First actual record of the species by name here.
Acrocephalinæ.--Accentorinæ.--At Isle of May a late rush took place of
Sedge Warblers between 9th and 13th May, along with many other species,
as follows:--Wood Warblers, Cuckoos, Meadow Pipits, Whinchats (vera),
Flycatchers (till 14th), Fieldfares. Mr. Agnew remarks, "long of
coming, and remaining longer than usual." Hedge Accentors bred for the
first time on Isle of May, and I saw the old nest.
In autumn, earliest movement, a rush of Sedge Warblers, 10th August
("this is early"), with fresh S.E. wind and fog. Up to 19th a desultory
movement, but on latter date a rush of Sedge Warblers, Whinchat, Wrens,
Whitethroats (especially on 19th), Chiffchaffs, Starlings (q.v.). Hush
again on 24th of small birds--Whitethroats and Warblers. On 31st a
single Sedge Warbler killed. On Sept. 1st a number of Sedge Warblers,
all at I. of May, light W., clear; and on 4th a number of Accentors
(Hedgesparrows). In October several Accentors at I. of May on 27th, and
a few of the same species on 6th and 7th November, and along with the
general rush on 12th (see Thrushes).
Troglodytidæ.--Earliest record at Sumburgh Head on 22nd March, when
four appeared at 12 noon; light breezes, showery. Also in April at same
station, on 1st and 15th, six Wrens, with S.E., fresh, and haze, and
fresh N., clear, respectively. Also at Pentland Skerries, on 1st April,
one, and one on 12th, with, in both cases, fresh to strong S.E., and
at Bell Rock, on 2nd April, one, strong S.E., haze, flying W., with a
general rush of "small birds" resting or flying W.
In autumn, at N. Unst, Sumburgh Head, and Isle of May. Earliest at
Sumburgh Head, on 7th Sept., seven seen; 12th at N. Unst, fine, one
remained a week; and 17th, at I. of May, one. In October, odd ones on
7th; at N. Unst and Pentland Skerries, a number (almost a rush on I.
of May, on 9th, and increased up to 25th). In November one at N. Unst;
strong N. wind.[13] "Wrens" are also recorded, on Jan. 23rd, 1885, as
still present on Isle of May, probably having wintered there.
[Footnote 13: I feel a little curious about these N. Unst Wrens, and
would like to see one or two.]
Motacillidæ.--As early as Feb. 14th, at I. of May, a single record of a
"Wagtail" flying N.W., clear, fine. [The entry "Wagtail," we presume,
in most cases is applied to the black and white or Pied Wagtail.] On
March 25th one "Wagtail" flying E. over Pentland Skerries, light S.,
clear. At I. of May one on 9th March, a few on 22nd, and "two males
staying to breed" on 28th. On April 1st two single records at Pentland
Skerries, and at Isle of May; wind at both places, fresh S.E., haze.
In May, from 8th to 25th, light records on eight days, four on the
10th (the most), and "several" on the 11th (indication of a rush?).
"Several" again on the 12th. On the 16th one at Bell Rock, light E.,
and on May 14th two Yellow Wagtails, light W. In July, on the 5th, one
"Wagtail," moderate S.E., and one on 20th, light, variable, clear.
In autumn, no records in August. Spasmodic movements in September at N.
Unst, few records, and these single. "Several" at Pentland Skerries on
2nd, strong N.W., and ditto on 8th, light, variable, clear, and on 23rd
ditto, light N.W., showers. On 8th and 9th at Isle of May, indication
of a rush, adult and young, increase on 9th over the 8th; light,
variable, clear. Last record, one on Oct. 9th at Isle of May.
Pipits.--The arrivals and movements of Rock Pipits (or "Mosscheepers"
or "Tang Sparrows") are reported only from Bell Rock and I. of May in
spring, in March and April; earliest 16th March at Bell Rock, latest
7th April; also at Bell Rock. At Bell Rock four single records, 16th,
29th and 30th March, and 7th April, and at I. of May, on 28th March,
"more Rock Pipits arrived." At I. of May about twenty Meadow Pipits
arrived on the 13th of February, and a considerable rush--or at least
indication of a rush--began on the 1st April and increased on the 3rd,
and a further increase observable on the 23rd; winds S. to E. and S.E.
In autumn I have no records till the 13th September, "large numbers,"
at Isle of May, of Rock Pipits,--"a large increase on those already
there,"--and none again at same station till 14th October, when a
number arrived and "all except such as will probably remain the winter"
left on 16th. More again appeared on the 25th, and still more on the
31st; and by the 4th of November a rush, with other migrants. At Bell
Rock only six records of straggling birds between the 5th and 22nd.
Rock Pipits are also given as still on Isle of May on the 23rd January,
having wintered there as predicted. Of Meadow Pipits considerable
numbers, with light E. and fog, at Isle of May, on the 16th and 18th
September, and a few more seen occasionally up to the middle of
October. No other records.
Muscicapidæ.--In spring a rush of Flycatchers noticed at Isle of
May on 4th May, but no other records given from any other station.
Considerable numbers were observed. No other records of any species
during the year.
Hirundinidæ.--In spring I have a single record of a Swallow (Swift?)
as early as 12th March, which arrived much exhausted, with strong S.E.
wind and mist (see remarks under Stations, _antea_). In April only two
records of Sand Martin at N. Unst, on 27th, and at Sumburgh Head on
10th, with light S.W. and S., clear (marked as "not common").
_Land Note._--Allan Water, in Stirlingshire, 13th April, and at Doune,
same county, next day. Became numerous by May 3rd at Bridge of Allan.
Kelso 23rd and 28th March, and again on April 10th (Dr. J. Grieve, _in
lit._).
In May, records from Sumburgh Head in the North, Pentland Skerries,
Cromarty, and I. of May. Earliest at the land-locked station of
Cromarty on 5th, light N. and showers; indication of a rush apparently,
about 11th or 12th, at the more northern stations, and faint
indications at I. of May (eight birds) on 12th, with the remark "very
few this year." On the 20th and 22nd also, simultaneous appearance of a
few at Sumburgh Head and Isle of May--"Records in all, ten in May, at
four stations, on six dates, between the 5th and 22nd." This formula
perhaps shows as well as any method, the distribution and arrivals on
our East Coast.[14]
[Footnote 14: It may not have been apparent to the readers of our
previous and this Report that, in order to arrive at final conclusions,
after our collection of data is considered large enough, a certain
amount of formal sameness and method of recording has been followed by
the Committee throughout. This is for the final development of a system
of easy tabulation at the end when all our data, year with year, come
to be compared and deductions drawn. Our Irish members of Committee
have departed somewhat from this plan of work, but there seems no
reason apparent why their results need not with equal ease be made
workable into the final form of reduction.]
In summer, at I. of May one record of Swallow on 12th July, variable,
light, clear; and one record of Sand Martin at I. of May on 18th July,
fresh W. and clear. _Note._--Summer records of Swallows usually occur
in clear weather; compare with previous reports.
In autumn, in August two records at the more northerly stations, _viz._
Pentland Skerries, on 11th Aug., six birds, with fresh S., haze, and
at Dunnet Head, on 16th of four birds flying E., with S.E. and fog. In
September, Swallows left Cromarty, and were not seen after the 4th, at
1 p.m., wind light S.W., clear; all congregated on a housetop near the
Lighthouse, and left suddenly at 1 o'clock. At Isle of May a few were
observed on two or three dates in October, and on the 28th (Sunday)
twenty were seen at 9 a.m. flying up and down the lee-side of the
island hawking for flies; light S.W., clear.
_Land Notes._--Without receiving any more returns from any East-Coast
station, I myself observed a Swallow (_Hirundo rustica_) hawking
persistently for flies over and across the lawn at Glendoune House,
near Girvan, Ayrshire, on Nov. 8th (see West Coast Report). At
Rothesay, Mr. John Grieve saw none during a stay there till 15th, when
twenty or thirty were seen. None seen by him at Bridge of Allan after
his return there on the 1st October.
Fringillidæ.--As in 1883, both in spring and autumn, Finches show
themselves well to the front in migration; but while in some years
Thrushes and Finches travel much together; in this year, whilst still
many travelled simultaneously, as a glance at our data shows, yet the
great rush of Thrushes did not take place till the rush of Finches was
over. Thus, as will be seen, Green Linnets made a rush over in spring
as early as 10th February, but the rush of Thrushes did not take place
till later--about the 6th March. In the same way, while the greatest
rush of Finches in autumn took place on the 4th November, Thrushes were
not in force till the 10th and 12th. The extension of the migration
of Finches in 1884, in time, dates Feb. 15th (three Grey Linnets at
Pentland Skerries at noon, wind strong S.E. and clear) to Jan. 26th
(four Green Linnets at Isle of May, wind variable, light, clear). The
extension of the migration of Finches (of sorts) in 1884 in N. and S.
direction, ranges from Sumburgh Head,--a single record of great numbers
on the 3rd April, with strong S.E. and haze,--to Isle of May; earliest
date 10th February, followed by rush on 12th; latest date Jan. 26th,
four Green Linnets. To compare with the above, the extension in time
of the Thrushes' migration dates also from Feb. 10th, but movements
were much fewer so early--a single Redwing and a few Blackbirds and
Thrushes, strong S.E., clear, up to 23rd January; rush between 19th
and 23rd of Fieldfares, &c. The extension in N. and S. distribution
ranges from North Unst,--a dozen Fieldfares flying S., light W.,
clear,--through Sumburgh Head; large numbers; and a rush on 1st April,
strong S.E., along with Linnets, rushes at more southern stations
taking place in March, on till our southern stations of Isle of May and
Bell Rock are reached.
Now, taking the above general remarks, we will treat it more in detail,
as this affords a good opportunity of making final tabular comparisons.
In spring, earliest at Pentland Skerries, three Grey Linnets at noon,
as already recorded, light S.E., clear; latest Green Linnets (and
latest Finches), 17th June, one at Isle of May. An early rush of
Green Linnets on 10th Feb., after a N.W. gale previous night, and a
great rush on 12th, with other migrants; and of Thrushes, Bramblings,
Chaffinches and House Sparrows, at Isle of May. Intermittent movements
during March at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May and Inchkeith,
flocks of Chaffinches, Grey Linnets (25th), Bramblings, Green Linnets,
and four Siskins (at Inchkeith on 25th, with light S.W. wind, with
which, being a land-locked station, this species usually occurs),
two Bullfinches, at Bell Rock, on 31st March, flying W. In April
Chaffinches, Grey Linnets, and one Sparrow at Pentland Skerries,
between 5th and 22nd; wind prevailing S.E., except on 12th and 17th,
when light N.E. At Bell Rock one House Sparrow (female), exhausted,
died after feeding on 31st. From the 9th April, when one Bullfinch
was seen (and one the day before), scarcely any migration observed
until Sept. 3rd--a few records only of "small birds" on April 28th
and 30th and May 7th and 9th. At Isle of May a rush ("evidently") of
many species, including Tree Sparrows, Bramblings (males), Chaffinches
(males, but some females), from the 3rd, and during 4th, 5th and 6th,
to 10th. The female Chaffinches came on 6th to 10th, but mixed males
and females on the 10th. Tree Sparrows abundant. Rush tailing off,
with light returns, on 10th, 16th, 17th and 23rd to 30th. In May Grey
Linnets are reported to arrive, for the purpose of breeding, at Isle
of May on the 29th. Other records run rarely of this species, and only
a few intermittent records of birds flying W. or N.W. at Pentland
Skerries, and a single bird at Bell Rock between 9th and 30th. One
Sparrow (male) on 7th, and two on 9th, at Pentland Skerries; and two
Bullfinches, flying W., with strong E.S.E. and haze--the only other May
records. In June the last of the Tree Sparrows on 13th at Isle of May,
strong S.E., completely ends the spring records, and we do not have
another of any Finches till Sept. 8th.[15]
[Footnote 15: The bulk of the autumn records will not admit of
treatment _in extenso_, as they are heavy, so we will cut them shorter
than the spring ones.]
In autumn, no records in July or August recorded. Very light in
September: two records of Grey Linnets on the 8th at Pentland Skerries,
and of Siskins at Inchkeith on 10th; latest on Jan. 26th, four Green
Linnets. Rushes (or indications) at Pentland Skerries and Isle of
May, between 4th and 7th, of several species; Grey and Green Linnets,
Bramblings, and an increase of Chaffinches on 25th and 27th. A rush
of Linnets (and Larks) at Inchkeith on 23rd, with light S. breeze;
"continuous flocks all day flying round." Most northern records of
Finches in autumn at Sumburgh Head on 12th October. Great rush,
4th November, with many other birds; wind S. and haze during the
night, S.E. in morning, and rain at 10 a.m. ("perfection of weather
for visible migration"). At 9 p.m., gale from S.W. and heavy rain.
Nevertheless, so persistent or so vast was this rush, that, even with
W. gales and showers, a few Chaffinches, Tree Sparrows, House Sparrows,
and Green Linnets were seen migrating at Isle of May--the largest
numerical rush of migrants there this season; continued intermittently
to end of December.[16] Large numbers on 12th December, flying N.,
light W., haze. Mr. Agnew has the note, "Never saw so many Finches in
one year as this."
[Footnote 16: Since the above was written out I have received the
January schedule from the Isle of May, and in it intermittent movements
of Green Linnets and Bramblings up to 26th--the latest date--are
recorded.]
Corvidæ.--In Spring, Rooks are recorded from Pentland Skerries, Bell
Rock, and Isle of May. Earliest date, Pentland Skerries 14th February,
two seen on island, fresh S. Latest also at Pentland Skerries on 14th
May. Light S. No rushes very apparent. Largest numbers, six on March
10th at Pentland Skerries, and eight on April 19th at same station.
Most records (on different dates), in March six, and in April four.
Fewest records (on different dates) in February two, and in May two.
Direction of wind and weather on dates of record in February:--Fresh
S., on 14th, two birds seen on Pentland Skerries; Fresh S. clear, on
23rd one seen at Pentland Skerries. In March, S.E. gale, rain on 9th,
two or three seen at Pentland Skerries; light airs, variable, snow on
10th, six seen at Pentland Skerries; calm, haze on 4th, one seen flying
S.W. at Bell Rock; light S.E. on 8th, one rested on dome of lantern.
Fresh S. breeze on 13th, one seen flying W.S.W.; light W.S.W., haze,
one flying S.W. on 22nd. In April:--light S.E. on 3rd, one seen at
Pentland Skerries; light S.E. on 5th, four seen at Pentland Skerries;
fresh N.E. on 19th, when eight seen at Pentland Skerries; N.E. light
clear on 3rd at Bell Rock, one resting on window. In May:--strong N.
on 6th, at Pentland Skerries, two seen; light S. on 14th, one seen at
Pentland Skerries.
In July one record of Rooks at Pentland Skerries, fresh N.W.
In autumn, Rooks are recorded from N. Unst, Sumburgh Head, Girdleness,
but much scarcer than in spring. Earliest date, 12th September, a pair,
seen at N. Unst, flying S.W., and one on 19th at same place, also
flying S. Latest, December 4th, at Girdleness, "large flocks,"[17]
rushes, none apparent, unless any accompanied the rushes in October
of Hooded Crows, but none recorded as accompanying the latter. Only
records on two days in September, one day in November, and one day in
December.
[Footnote 17: May only have been of local significance, but cannot say,
as direction of wind and flight is not given in schedule.]
In Spring, Hooded Crows (_Corvus cornix_, L.) are reported from
Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock, and Isle of May. Earliest, February 23rd,
at Pentland Skerries; latest, May 3rd at Pentland Skerries. No great
rush; less than usual. Mr. Agnew's note at April 10th, "very few Hooded
Crows this year." It is difficult even to fix an indication of a rush.
All the records of Hooded Crows and Carrion Crows occur with either
fresh S. or light S.E., excerpt a few of the latter, with N.E. clear,
on April 15th. Of Carrion Crows, a slightly larger and more compressed
migration, beginning on 8th March with twelve seen, ending 15th April;
and an indication of a rush between 8th and 15th, flying N., recorded
only from Bell Rock and Isle of May.
In autumn, a more decided movement of Hooded Crows, with a few Carrion
Crows (the latter on October 24th to 26th), records from Sumburgh Head,
N. Ronaldshay, Pentland Skerries, Girdleness, and Isle of May (none
noted at Bell Rock). Earliest, at N. Unst (most northerly station); on
Nov. 7th one got in court with broken wing, and at N. Ronaldshay on
8th, numbers; strong S.W. Next earliest, on 11th at Pentland Skerries,
3 seen. Mod. S., clear. Latest on December 4th at Pentland Skerries,
and at Girdleness on January 4th at former, and Dec. 4th at latter
(with large flocks of Rooks at the latter). Decided rush between Oct.
11th and 26th at Pentland Skerries (14th), Mod. E., and at Isle of May.
The numbers recorded are, on 11th and 12th one shot by J. A. H. B.;
no more till 23rd, eighteen flying N. (and Rooks), forty on 24th and
forty on 25th, with one Carrion Crow. Continued on 26th; one lighted on
lantern (rare). Again, in November; a number for some days (along with
Ravens, at Sumburgh Head on 10th); also at Pentland Skerries a few, and
the indication of a rush at Isle of May, on the 12th to 15th, flocks of
nine and twelve having been seen on these dates.
Other species mentioned are Jackdaws, a few in February, at Isle of
May, stayed between 16th and 21st, and one seen on 25th. None anywhere
in March, but resident from April 1st till August 1st, when all left.
Besides these, a few passing birds at Pentland Skerries, on April 4th
("rare"), "fatigued," fresh S.E., and two on 19th, fresh N.E. Three
also on 22nd at Isle of May, fresh S.E. haze, and in May at Pentland
Skerries, one, N.W., clear; resting on island. Jackdaws have one entry,
August 1st at Cromarty. The note is added "have all left." In October,
one Jackdaw again at Pentland Skerries (marked again, "rare"), light
W., rain.
Ravens.--One record on April 4th; three seen at Sumburgh Head, probably
resident at Fetlar, or in the vicinity. A number are recorded on one
date in autumn, also at Sumburgh Head on October 10th. These spring and
autumn movements may safely, we think, be looked upon as local and not
regular migrations.
Cypselidæ.--_Land Note._--At Bridge of Allan, Stirlingshire, "Forth,"
first seen on May 9th after a wet day and cloudy; quite numerous on
11th; a warm sunny day.
Sturninæ.--All records of Starlings--spring and autumn--are light.
Earliest in Spring, Feb. 15th, one at Sumburgh Head and a flock at
Isle of May. Latest, Dec. 26th (autumn), a few at Isle of May. Most
spring records in March; five records at four stations (Sumburgh Head,
Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock, and Isle of May); on 7th (Sumburgh Head),
5th (Bell Rock), 2nd, large flock (Isle of May), and 17th (Pentland
Skerries). Prevailing wind S.E., and haze. In April great numbers on
3rd (young birds) at Sumburgh Head, and large numbers on 15th. At
Inchkeith a pair built for the first time for eight years, and reared
young.
In autumn, large flocks every day, about beginning of August, at Isle
of May (earliest) up to September 19th, when all left, mostly young. Up
to date, wind easterly, changed on 20th to W. An increase observed on
October 25th at Isle of May again. Intermittent and rare in November,
all over, and on 18th a strong S.E. gale, apparently drove them all
away. In December a few seen on 12th and 26th, and a few on Jan. 12th,
1885.
Larks.--Spring, heavy migration, but confined in time. Earliest
February 5th, at Bell Rock, and a few on eight dates at Bell Rock,
prevailing E. and S.E.; on 5th, light W. on 14th, 15th, and 16th,
varying from gale S.E. at 9 p.m., on 15th, to W. Latest, April 3rd,
at Sumburgh Head, great numbers (along with Thrushes). Greatest rush,
March 6th, at Bell Rock. All left 7th and 8th, and were succeeded by a
"great flock" on 8th again (with Thrushes) striking and rebounding into
the sea.
In autumn, no records till September 9th, then one at Bell Rock;
two other records in September, one at N. Unst and one at Pentland
Skerries. On Dec. 14th a rush took place, with S.W. gale and sleet.
Between 12th and 16th Nov. a great rush at Bell Rock and Isle of May;
on change of wind from light S. to W. at 10.30 all left on 12th, but
were succeeded by great rush on 15th. The greatest rush on 12th (see
Thrushes). Another rush appears to have taken place on January 28th
and 31st, and intermittent movements on 25th and a few other dates; a
number on the 20th.
Emberizidæ.--Yellow Buntings at Isle of May, February 15th, two all
day; light S.E. showers (earliest records of any Buntings). In March
5th, seven Buntings at Isle of May, fresh N.W. clear; and on 31st two
Corn Buntings at Isle of May, fresh N.W. clear; and on 31st two Corn
Buntings, fresh S. In April two single records of "Buntings," 5th
and 21st, light S.E. with a movement of other species. In May, three
records of Corn Buntings, on 2nd, 12th, and 22nd, at Pentland Skerries,
W. and variable. In July a common (Corn) Bunting was observed at
Pentland Skerries, on 7th, moderate S.E., fog.