Bunting at Pentland Skerries on September 17th ("first seen"), one
bird. In October, very few at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May, but
thousands--a rush of Snow Buntings--at N. Ronaldshay on 12th and 25th
October. Rush November 12th to 15th (with other species). Snow Buntings
usually appear with gales and snow and sleet, but this year have come
in clear weather as a rule. Great numbers at N. Ronaldshay on December
5th, and have been there since last date. A few stray records of Yellow
Buntings in December, and in January, 1885, and one flock of Snow
Buntings on Jan. 4th, 1885.
Cuculidæ.--Only records are May 11th, one at Isle of May, and at same
station June 11th and 17th, light S.E. and clear, both dates.
Strigidæ.--No records.
Falconidæ.--As usual there are numbers of records of Hawks, Falcons,
&c., at most of the island stations--so many indeed that we consider it
unnecessary to notice them in full, as we have hitherto done, except
where rarities occur or where distinct migratory movements are clearly
seen. Records of Falconidæ run all through the year in most seasons,
and generally apparent, mostly due to local flights, pursuing waders or
land birds. Thus in February, March, April, and May; but apparently, in
1884, not observed in June and July, re-appear in August, September,
October and November, but are not recorded in December this year.
Lightest returns in February, March, April and May in spring; lightest
in August, November and December in autumn. Heaviest returns in
September and October. They participate _less_ in spring migration, and
search of food, as at that time they have more local habits and are
preparing their nesting-places, but _more_ in autumn, because the young
are hatched off, able to look after themselves, and working hard in the
"struggle for existence."
The species mentioned in spring are as follows:--Game Hawk (Peregrine
Falcon), Merlin, Eagles (seen several times at Sumburgh Head in April,
breeding near at hand), Sea Eagles, Sparrowhawks. And in autumn, Game
Hawk, Kestrel, "Yellow-spotted Hawk", "Large Yellow-spotted Hawk,"
(Isle of May) Merlin, Large Blue-backed, "with a white ring round front
of the neck, too small for a Goshawk."
_Note._--We want badly to have specimens for identification of
different Hawks.
In September we have ten records of above species, at two stations,
and in October ten more also at the same stations, _viz._: Pentland
Skerries and Isle of May; on eight dates in September and eight dates
in October.
We do not think more minute data will serve any useful purpose, except
where decided migrations of large numbers of Hawks are observed, or
distinctly foreign or new and unusual species.
Pelecanidæ.--We have records of Solan Geese in every month in the
year except January, November and December, but on only one date
in February, three in March, four in April; but bulking heavier.
Great numbers in May, continuing in June, increasing in July, and
continuously in flocks in September. But in October only one record,
and that on the 2nd. We will yet have to see where all our Gannets
congregate during these three months; they are absent from our British
coasts, or, at least, at their scarcest.[18] From the date of the first
(February) record the almost invariable direction of flight given is
"flying east," or easterly; but one record at Sumburgh Head gives "a
number flying N. on April 11th, light N. clear,"[19] on to the date of
September 17th. But on the 19th September an unmistakable change takes
place, and while we still find up to October 2nd, Solans flying east,
we also find that from Sept. 19th Solans were also flying west, past
all the stations sending returns, _viz._, Pentland Skerries and Dunnet
Head. I wish more correspondents both on East Coast of Scotland, at say
Noss Head and Buchanness, and St. Abb's Head, and on the West Coast at
Barra Head, Stoir Head, and Rhinns of Islay, would return daily records
of the movements of Gannets, specially noting the direction and flight
of flocks.
[Footnote 18: See Mr. Anderson's notes on Atlantic 220 miles from
Boston in May, and his notes also off Cape St. Vincent in January,
1885, in the present report, p. 4, and evidence of the migrations of
this species in previous reports.]
[Footnote 19: At Sumburgh Head the migration appears local, "passing
N. or S. during the herring fishery." In this connection see General
Remarks regarding Gulls, at the end of West Coast of Scotland, and the
movements of sprats (_Clupea_).]
Solan Geese bulked largest in July, flying E., and the return rush
appears to have taken place two months after, in September. On January
5th, 1885 there is one record of five Solans flying E. Fresh W. cloudy
at Pentland Skerries. We would ask Mr. Gilmour, or the principal
light-keeper at this station, to carefully record any movements of
Solans during the winter months which come under his observations.
Since the above was written a late schedule from N. Ronaldshay reports
Solan Geese flying north every day between July 5th and about Sept. 1st
in flocks all day of torn two or three to twenty.
To 1885.--In February, 1885, seven Gannets flying W. on 12th, and three
on 21st.
Ardeidæ.--Herons are recorded from March to June sparingly. None in
July or August. Sparingly again in September, none in October, and a
few in November,--a very light migration as compared with 1882.
Anatidæ.--Thirteen Swans at N. Unst seen flying N.W. on April 3rd,
light airs, clear, and at same station three seen resting on the loch
on Oct. 30th, wind light S.W. and rain. Of geese no spring records.
In autumn, fifteen Wild Geese on Oct. 26th, flying S.; strong W. gale
on 25th, and N.W. on 26th. In November, three grey geese seen flying
west at Pentland Skerries; wind fresh W.N.W. clear (marked "rare").
Of Eider Ducks, earliest notice at Isle of May, a few small flocks on
March 23rd, W. to N.W.; a large flock ("very few hitherto") on April
19th, and another (the same?) on May 11th. No more, except such as
breed there, at least no records till Sept. 24th; thirty-four Eiders
(three old males and one King Eider with them). This flock had,
however, been frequenting along shore for some days. The King Eider was
a splendid male, and was watched a whole day at six or eight different
vantage-points with a powerful glass. Next day, while all the Eiders
were still there, this bird disappeared. During the three weeks I spent
on Isle of May in September and October, flocks of Eiders were never
absent, shifting their position according to the direction of the wind,
and diving, as is their habit, in the very midst of the angry surf. The
largest number counted in a flock was fifty (six males) on Oct. 6th.[20]
[Footnote 20: I saw some thirty or forty dead Eider Ducks and Drakes at
a birdstuffers in Edinburgh in February, shot in Orkney by a Mr. Scott,
of Meadow Bank, Edinburgh; I should be glad if Mr. Scott would tell me
if he shot them for sport, or for what reason.]
Teal, one record at Pentland Skerries on June 25th, light N.W., resting
on island; and one Wigeon at Isle of May on June 11th; one Wild Duck,
one Teal, Isle of May, Oct. 1st; large numbers of Wigeons and Scaups in
the Moray Firth by Nov. 16th, and Barnicle Geese; one Teal and one R.
B. Merganser, shot at Isle of May (_in mus._ Isle of May) on 25th and
27th Nov. But at N. Ronaldshay Eiders began to arrive by September 1st,
and remain all winter in hundreds.
Columbidæ.--Wood Pigeons: one at Isle of May on 6th September, light
W., clear; a large flock flying N.W., wind N., light, clear, on 14th
November; about one hundred on 26th, flying N., wind light W.N.W. No
other records from any other station. An increase on resident numbers
of Rock Doves observed at Pentland Skerries on 14th November.
_Land Note._--In January, at Glenboerie, Stirlingshire, Stock Doves
appeared, and my keeper sent in two along with two Wood Pigeons.
This species is rapidly spreading and increasing in Scotland.
(See last Report, p. 25.[21]) This is the first record in E. of
Stirlingshire.--J. A. H. B.
[Footnote 21: See Mr. Cordeaux's report on Stock Doves crossing German
Ocean and General Remarks.]
Rallidæ.--Corn Crake arrived at Pentland Skerries, 17th May; heard
first time at Cromarty on 14th May; and one recorded at Isle of May,
with rush of other migrants, on the 11th.
In autumn, the last old Corn Crakes were seen at Pentland Skerries,
but young are still on island on 12th September; but on 7th November,
at same station, one young bird was still frequenting the island; and
on 8th January is again recorded, with the remark, "This bird seems to
have been here all the season;" and therefore the records above, from
12th September to 8th January, 1885, probably all refer to the same
solitary young bird, which, perhaps unable to leave at the time, yet
has been able to survive the winter. We would like to hear more of this
bird's behaviour, if Mr. J. Gilmour can give us further notes.
Charadriadæ.--Lapwing or Peewit, a light movement only in spring, and
scarcely any records at all in autumn. A few at Sumburgh Head on 14th
and 22nd; light S.S.E.; and on 25th, fresh N., a few all day on island;
a few single or light entries in March at Isle of May; most (seven) on
17th; and in June, two on 9th, at Sumburgh Head; lighter returns than
in 1883, even; one at Pentland Skerries, 1st December. Scarcely any
movements of Golden Plover recorded, and only at Pentland Skerries,
4th July, a flock; several one day in August, fresh S.E., fog; and at
Sumburgh Head large flocks on 26th and 28th September. At N. Ronaldshay
flocks of Golden Plover visit the island, about the 25th August, and
many remain all winter. Oystercatchers, few records are given; two at
Pentland Skerries on 16th March, and very large numbers at Sumburgh
Head on 29th August.
Scolopacidæ.--Scarcer in spring than in 1883, and no rush appreciable;
no records in April, and only stray entries on 16th, 25th, and 30th
May. In July various slight records; all local migrations for food,
no doubt, even when flocking together; or it may be, beginning to
migrate, when in flocks, on 22nd and 24th July; and from that, on
to 21st October, flocks on many dates; wind S.E. in September at N.
stations up to 20th, or thereby; but in October northerly and westerly,
or N.E. gales. When direction of flight is given it is usually East in
autumn, distinguishing, of course, between real migrants and only local
movements. Fifty Curlews at N. Ronaldshay on 22nd August; remain all
winter; and a few shot usually by Mr. J. Tulloch.
In autumn, a considerable migration; a good Woodcock year. Earliest
migrants recorded: one at Pentland Skerries, 14th October, moderate E.,
after a N.N.E. gale; with Snipe, and rush of other species. Latest,
about 17th November, at Isle of May; five shot. Rush of Woodcocks
between 12th and 17th, at Pentland Skerries; but especially at Isle of
May, on 4th (six shot), 11th (four shot), 12th (ten shot). Few records
in October, and this migration was delayed by adverse winds during
that month.[22] A number are scheduled from N. Ronaldshay, on the
island, all day; on 8th November light S.W. and rain, and the remark,
"I never saw so many Woodcocks on the island since I came here." All
left in a few days. One on 2nd December, at Isle of May; and on 12th
and 20th January, 1855. Of Snipe, not many records. Earliest, one at
Isle of May, 23rd April; and on 1st May at Pentland Skerries. Three
Jack Snipe at same place, 4th July (an unusually early arrival, J. A.
H. B.), moderate E., fog. Latest, four at Isle of May, 28th November;
and Jack Snipe, one at Isle of May on 25th; few records in October;
but indication of a rush in November, with other species, between
16th and 20th. At North Ronaldshay numbers of Snipe seen rising out
of all marshy places on 17th November. One Jack Snipe torn open in
striking.[23] At Torwood, near this, I saw nineteen Woodcocks shot on
13th December (J. A. H. B.), and many other good bags of Woodcock are
on record this autumn and winter. They were, however, unusually scarce
in the shooting season. Of Waders, generally, there are many entries,
including Redshanks, "Sandpipers," Purple Sandpipers (Isle of May and
Pentland Skerries), Turnstones, Ringed Plover and Dunlin (Isle of May),
which we do not consider it necessary to detail. The rushes of other
species indicate also the details of the above.
[Footnote 22: One Woodcock struck hard on the west side of the dome at
Isle of May, flying dead against light east wind, and was found next
morning 100 yards to the N.E., and shot by a friend. Its breast was
torn open, and much lacerated. It may have struck the side of the dome,
and glanced off; but we were in the lantern-room at the time, and it
sounded on the W. side. It had evidently dropped after striking outside
the balcony, and then, recovering, flew straight for the Pilot House,
the white-washed walls of which were reflecting the lantern-light.]
[Footnote 23: Some birds, even in light winds and haze, seem more
impetuous than others at the lantern-lights, such as Woodcock and
Snipe.--J. A. H. B.]
Sterninæ.--Few records. Terns arrived at Pentland Skerries on 11th May;
and at Cromarty the Lesser Tern arrived on 4th May. The Terns left
about the 20th August, and the Lesser Terns on the 15th, with light
S.W. wind. In September a flock of Terns passed Bell Rock on the 15th,
and on the 17th a flock kept round the lantern all night, strong N.W.,
and disappeared with daylight.
_Note._--The birds called the Laughing Gull, by Mr. Agnew, are the
Common Gull (_Larus canus_), not common at Isle of May.
_To Mr. Agnew._--The true Laughing Gull is an American species; and
our Black-headed Gull (_Larus ridibundus_) may also be confused with
your "Laughing Gull." "Common Gull" is the correct name of the bird you
describe and name "Laughing Gull."
Laridæ.--Kittiwakes arrived in great numbers at N. Unst on 13th March,
strong S., hail and sleet. Gulls and rock birds arrived in great
numbers at Sumburgh Head on 8th March, and again on 24th, light N.E.,
haze.[24] Kittiwakes arrived first on 16th March at Isle of May, and
great many more on 24th, wind from W. to N.E. Great Black-backed Gulls
are mentioned at Sumburgh Head and Pentland Skerries on 4th February
and 4th March respectively. Three "Bonxies" seen at N. Unst, 20th
April, the first arrivals, light E.N.E., clear. Richardson's Skuas, a
number at Sumburgh Head, 3rd May, S. gale and snow. Kittiwakes first
appeared at (or first record at) Pentland Skerries, 5th May (?). They
began to return west, by our records, on 23rd July, several flocks of
Gulls, flying W. Skuas, occasional records at Pentland Skerries; are
apparently local in August. Kittiwakes all left Isle of May on 29th
August, and hundreds of Gulls arrived. Flocks of Gulls all September
at most stations, but no unusual numbers noted. "Gulls and Cormorants
(J. A. H. B.) were wheeling high in air; not a good sign of the coming
weather."[25] Iceland Gulls (called also "Snow Birds," in common with
Snow Buntings) first appeared at N. Unst on 1st October, again seen
on the 4th. "Gulls," of sorts, abundant at Isle of May by Nov. 17th;
and garvies, or "sprats" (_Clupea sprattus_), in vast shoals round the
island (see General Remarks). At North Ronaldshay numbers of Gulls
seen, and a good many Black-backed Gulls remaining and feeding on the
people's turnips! (or slugs or worms, J. A. H. B., 21st December).
Lesser Black-backed Gulls, Herring Gulls, Great Black-backed Gulls,
Kittiwakes, Black-headed Gulls, two common Skuas (J. A. H. B.), _L.
catarractes_, a few Glaucous Gulls, one Little Gull recorded by J. A.
H. B. at Kincardine, on the Firth of Forth. All the above species were
frequenting the Firth of Forth, the Kittiwakes and commoner Gulls in
hundreds and thousands. Sprats sold at 14_s._, 12_s._ to 8_s._ per ton
at S. pier, at Kincardine; fields covered, mud covered, sea covered,
air filled with Gulls. No such vast assemblage of Laridæ in Scotland
since the invasion of Arctic Gulls in 1872-73 (see Proc. Glasg. Nat.
Hist. Soc, Jan. 7th and 28th, 1873). The estuary of the Tay was quite
deserted by garvies, or sprats, this season, and few Gulls seen
there.[26]
[Footnote 24: See Oldest Inhabitant's remarks on the unusual abundance
of Gulls all the season onwards, from 8th March, at this station, in
connection with the migration of sprats in winter of 1884--85, and
congregation of Gulls in Firth of Forth (_vide_ General Remarks at end
of West Coast of Scotland),]
[Footnote 25: In autumn there are a few Shags, or Green Cormorants, at
Isle of May; but a colony, or roosting and fishing community of about
fifty to sixty Cormorants, occupy the rock-ledges.]
[Footnote 26: Inside the dock at Bo'ness a man filled his boat, which
held seven tons, twice in rapid succession. About 350 tons were brought
into Bo'ness and trucked off. A much larger quantity I suspect was
obtained at Kincardine.]
Procellariidæ.--August, September, October, and November each contain
a few records at N. Unst, Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and Isle
of May. Earliest, 11th August, at N. Unst, one struck, not killed,
fresh S.E., fog; and several struck on 19th. On 14th September several
rested all night, from 11 p.m. to daylight, at N. Unst, fresh S.E.;
and one next day struck, light S., fog; and one caught at Sumburgh
Head same night. On 18th October one found, struck, but not killed;
light, variable, rain. In November one struck at N. Unst; on the 16th
November, "a young bird, having still the down." I have recorded also a
Forked-tailed Petrel (_Thalassidroma leachii_), at Girdleness, on 15th
August, 1884 (see Ryl. Phyl. Soc. Proc, 1885, read 21st January, 1885).
Alcidæ.--Razorbills and Guillemots, and Puffins: February 15th,
several "Marrots" first seen, forenoon; strong S., clear; at N. Unst.
February 3rd, large numbers of Razorbills and Guillemots arrived at
Isle of May; seven killed at a shot. February 7th, large numbers of
Razorbills and Guillemots arrived at Isle of May; light W., clear.
February 20th, large numbers of Razorbills and Guillemots arrived at
Isle of May. February 24th, Puffins innumerable at N. Unst; first seen;
light S., clear. February 24th, Guillemots in flocks flying S.E.,
at Sumburgh Head; first seen. February 27th, Guillemots, continuous
flock flying S.E. March 6th, Guillemots and Razorbills, thousands
at Isle of May: "They have remained ever since they came, which is
unusual; but some days more than others."--J. A. March 6th to 30th,
ever increasing numbers of Razorbills and Guillemots; greatest rush of
arrival at Isle of May on 30th. April 4th, multitudes, but all left at
4 p.m.; Isle of May. April 8th, multitudes in the morning. April 8th,
multitudes, and now remain: "Arrived at night, as is usual when they
intend to remain."--J. A. April 22nd, Puffins, which breed at Pentland
Skerries, first arrived on 22nd. May 6th, at Pentland Skerries, a
flock of Guillemots flying E. May 29th, flocks all day flying E. June
6th, six Guillemots flying W. July 8th, a flock flying E. at Pentland
Skerries. September 5th, all rock birds seen last at N. Unst on this
date. November 19th, forty or fifty Cormorants seen flying S. at 4
p.m. Query: "Are those the birds which were roosting on Isle of May in
September and October, or passing birds?"--J. A. H. B. December 12th
and 13th, large numbers; and again on 29th, at Isle of May. Unusually
abundant in Firth of Forth, with Little Auks and Puffins, in January,
1885.
Our report on the E. coast of Scotland includes all schedules between
February 1st, 1884, and January 31st, 1885, which have come to hand in
time.[27]
[Footnote 27: It is important for me to have all schedules dating as
near as possible to January 31st in each year returned as filled up to
date, as the work of arranging the large amount of material is much
simplified if _all_ schedules are to hand as soon after the last entry
as possible.]
EAST COAST OF ENGLAND.
Schedules were sent to thirty-eight stations, lighthouses and
light-vessels, on the East Coast of England, and returns have been
received from twenty-six.
Independent reports have been received from Malmo, Sweden; Stevns
Fyr (lighthouse of Stevns), Zealand; and from Heligoland. Also from
several land stations on the East Coast, namely Northumberland coast,
Seaton-Carew, Redcar, Flamborough, Spurn, Great Cotes (Lincolnshire),
Blakeney and Cley, Wells and Cromer (Norfolk), Yarmouth and the
Isle of Thanet; altogether thirty-seven reporting stations against
thirty-five in 1883. The total number of schedules sent in is seventy,
a considerable increase on previous years, and the labour of arranging,
tabulating and reporting thereon has been considerably increased.
The schedules received from the light-keepers are very satisfactory;
they register an immense amount of special information relating to the
passage of migrants in the spring and autumn of 1884; the entries are
so numerous, and the mass of materials so large, that it is impossible
to give more than the general results of the collected observations.
The notes from land stations, courteously placed at our disposal by
independent observers, many of whom are practical ornithologists of
long standing and repute, add greatly to the value of the report, and
go far to establish the approximate correctness of the details as given
in the separate remarks on each species.
Our thanks are due to Frank K. Newton, Professor H. Lütken, H. Gätke,
T. H. Nelson, C. Donald Thompson, Matthew Bailey, W. Eagle Clarke, the
Rev. H. H. Slater, Philip Lawton, J. H. Gurney, J. F. D. Power, M.
Vaughan, and Lord Clifton, for kind co-operation and assistance, either
in direct communication or by access to their unpublished field notes,
some of which will probably subsequently appear in the Journals and
Proceedings of various Natural History Societies.
The greatest number of schedules received from any one station are nine
from Mr. Thomas H. Cutting of the Inner Farn Lighthouse, and four from
Mr. Owen Boyle of the Languard Lighthouse.
The east coast stations included in this report are as follows, those
making returns being marked with a star (*):--
*Longstone L.H.† Thomas O. Hall.
*Inner Farn L.H. Thomas H. Cutting.
*Tees L.V. Henry Harbord.
*Coquet Island L.H. William Evans.
*Whitby High L.H. John Odgers.
*Flamborough Head L.H. Charles Hood.
*Spurn L.H. James B. Smith.
Spurn L.V.
*Outer Dowsing L.V. J. N. Utting & W. Stock.
*Inner Dowsing L.V. William King.
*Dudgeon L.V. John F. Warder.
Llyn Wells L.V.
*Hunstanton L.H. William Westmoreland.
*Cromer L.H. C. H. Overton.
*Leman & Ower L.V. John Artis & John Bowen.
Hasbro' L.H.
*Hasbro' L.V. J. Nicholas & B. V. Darnell.
*Newarp L.V. C. Campbell & W. Rees.
*Winterton L.H. John Watson.
*Cockle L.V. Charles Perfrement & E. Cole.
*Orfordness L.H. W. Willey Woodruffe.
*Corton L.V. Isaac H. Johnson.
*Shipwash L.V. Thos. Rundell Martin.
*Languard Point L.H. Owen Boyle.
Galloper L.V.
*Kentish Knock L.V. Samuel Pender & W. Elsdon.
Swin Middle L.V.
Tongue L.V.
Nore L.V.
North Foreland L.H.
*Goodwin L.V. J. Rees.
*Gull L.V. Francis Harvey & J. Jenkins.
South Sand Head L.V.
*East Side L.V. Edward le Gallais & W. Nicholls.
*Varne L.V. J. Jacobs.
South Foreland L.H.
Casquets L.H.
*Hanois L.H. (Guernsey) Geo. Freeman, C. Williams,
& F. G. Cutting.
SEPARATE NOTES ON EACH SPECIES.
_Turdus viscivorus_, Mistletoe Thrush.--Great Cotes, Sept. 23rd, great
many young on passage. Redcar, Oct. 4th, 8 a.m. [N.W. 5], flocks coming
in. Longstone L.H., Nov. 12th, a few; Dec. 9th, a few; and Jan. 4th,
1855, some. Heligoland, Oct. 7th, one; Nov. 22nd, several along with
Blackbirds, Fieldfares, and Ring Ouzels, wind W., strong, with snow
squalls.