comprise 118 species, including, as usual, several rare visitors to
the ornithological observatory:--Icterine Warblers on Aug. 18th;
_Anthus richardi_, Sept. 3rd to Oct. 12th; _A. campestris_, Sept. 4th;
_Carpodacus erythrinus_, Sept. 9th; _Anthus cervinus_, a great many,
from Sept. 15th to Oct. 12th; _Lanius major_, in most unusual numbers,
from Sept. 17th to Nov. 4th; _Alauda cristata_, Sept. 30th and Oct.
1st; _Saxicola stapazina_ (?), Oct. 2nd; _Turdus varius_, Oct. 3rd,
12th and 23rd, one each day; _Emberiza pusilla_, Oct. 5th, two; _Turdus
migratorius_, one on Oct. 14th; _Fringilla rufescens_, our English
Redpoll, one on Nov. 22nd. Besides these large numbers of continental
species, which are classed amongst the rare and occasional visitants
to the British Islands, and whose line of migration is normally far
to eastward of these islands, as _Emberiza hortulana_, _Motacilla
flava_, _M. alba_, _Sylvia suecica_, _Anthus rupestris_, _Calcarius
lapponicus_, _Otocorys alpestris_, _Nyctala tengmalmi_, _Ruticilla
titys_, _Regulus ignicapillus_, and _Larus minutus_.
The great rush of birds crossed Heligoland during the last fortnight
in October, and appears to have come directly across to our eastern
shores. Mr. Gätke remarks, under date Oct. 24th, S.E., clear, fine,
early rather cold, _C. cornix_, _frugilegus_, and _monedula_, monstrous
numbers; _cornix_ and _monedula_ mixed in uninterrupted flight of ten
and twelve minutes each, continued with but short interruptions or
gaps; width as far as the eye could reach in northerly and southerly
directions; and thus from 9 a.m. till 1 p.m. _Sturnus_, "a succession
of clouds sweeping past overhead."
Speaking generally of migration during the month of October, "weather
exceptionally fine; nearly no _curruca_; very few _rufa_; few
_rubecula_, _accentor_, _regulus_; and _fringilla_ but small numbers.
Thrushes the same; not a single _Parus major_ nor other Tits; Pipits
also far below the usual numbers."
"Marvellously many _Anthus cervinus_, _Lanius major_ and _excubitor_,
and particularly _Corvidæ_ and Starlings. In December, Greenfinches,
enormous numbers all the month, more than ever been seen here."
* * * * *
Since the completion of the Report Mr. J. H. Gurney informs me that he
has received from Mr. J. Barrett, of the Swin Middle L.V., the wing
of a Garganey Teal with the date July 22nd, 1884. Dunlin, March 21st,
1885, and that of a Wheatear with the extraordinary date of Feb. 4th
attached.
From the Dudgeon L.V. comes a schedule signed by Mr. T. W. Harrison,
the entries ranging from Nov. 10th, 1884, to March 6th, 1885. On Nov.
10th about forty Carrion Crows going from S.E. to N.W.; considerable
numbers of Larks on the nights of the 11th and 12th, about twenty
being killed; on the 13th, two Woodcocks at 6.40 p.m., N.N.E. 3,
misty, one killed; the same night a great rush of Larks, Blackbirds,
Fieldfares and Starlings; "Black Crows" and Larks, also a few Thrushes,
at intervals through January, all coming from easterly and going in
westerly directions. On the night of Feb. 15th, E., Knot, Stint,
Lapwing and other birds round the lantern all night. Night of March
4th, E.S.E., Lapwings and Starlings about lantern, and eight of the
latter killed; on the night of the 5th, several Carrion Crows between 7
and 12 p.m., three killed. The Dudgeon L.V. is about thirty-five miles
east of Skegness on the Lincolnshire coast.
WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND.
Schedules were sent to thirty-four stations as before. We have received
returns from fifteen.
Generally the returns are as well filled up as in previous years.
We have notes on about thirty-one species of land birds from this
coast; about sixteen species of water birds; and of a few species of
littoral or wading birds.
I have kept the spring and autumn movements distinct.
In the following list of stations we indicate the numbers of years in
which each station has sent in returns, and the consecutive numbers of
the stations, in the same way, and for the same reasons, that we have
shown those in the report of the East Coast, and we also indicate the
value and brilliancy of the lights at each.
List of Stations.
Returns
in 5 1884.
years. Feet.
3 * 81. Cape Wrath, Sutherland III. 400 { W. Wither
{ & H. Morrison.
3 * 82. Elm Stoir, Do. II. 195 Wm. Wither.
Outer Hebrides.
5 83. Butt of Lewis I. 170 { T. Edgar.
{ A. Thompson.
3 84. Stornoway, 2 lights { II.}
{ I. } 56 J. Grierson.
3 85. Island of Ghlais I. 130
5 * 86. Monach Isles { I. } 150 }
{ I. } 62 } J. Youngclause.
2 87. Ushenish VI. 176
1 * 88. Barra Head II. 683 Wm. Irvine.
Mainland, Skye, and Inner Hebrides.
0 * 89. Rona, Skye IV. 222 Frazer.
4 * 90. Kyleakin, Ross IV. 53 D. M'Culloch.
2 91. Isle of Ornsay, Skye I. 58
2 92. Ardnamurchan I.
5 { 93. Hynish Signal Tower, }
{ Tyree }
{ * 94. Skerryvore, off Tyree } II. 150 T. Dawson.
5 * 95. Dhuheartach, S. of }
Ross of Mull } I. 146 W. Davidson.
5 96. Sound of Mull V. 55 W. McLellan.
0 97. Corran Ferry, Loch Eil IV. 38
4 98. Lismore I., Oban I. 103
2 99. Fladda, Easdale VI. 42
3 *100. Rhuvaal, Islay IV. 147 G. Boreham.
4 *101. M'Arthur's Head IV. 128 Wm. Maill.
5 *102. Skervuile, Jura II. 73 John Ewing.
5 103. Rhinns of Islay IV. 159 P. Anderson.
2 104. Lochindaul IV. 50
0 105. Mull of Kintyre VI. 297
0 106. Devaar, off Kintyre II. 120
0 107. Pladda, Arran II. 130
2 *108. Lamlash IV. 46 D. M. Scott.
2 109. Turnberry, Ayrshire IV. 96 Andr. Nisbet.
4 *110. Corsewall, Wigtonshire IV. 112 R. Laidlaw.
5 111. Loch Ryan, do. I. 46
5 112. Portpatrick, do. I. 37
4 *113. Mull of Galloway, do. II. 325 Alx. Murray.
1 *114. Little Ross, Kircudbright IV. 175 Jas. Ferrier.
Isle of Man.
3 115. Point of Ayre, I. of Man III. 106
2 116. Douglas Head, do. I. 104
*117. Chickens Rock, do. II. 122
2 118. Bahama Bank (L.V.), do. ? ?
*119. Langness, do. ? ? Robt. Clyne.
Notes from the Stations.[34]
[Footnote 34: Only the notable events, or anything of particular
interest, are here taken notice of. Such may be useful for faunal
purposes.]
Mr. Morrison, at Cape Wrath, Bays birds are scarce at this station: the
coast being so wild they keep more inland. Gamuts frequent the coast
all the year from February to November. The Peregrine Falcon is on the
coast almost all the year.
From Stoir Head Mr. Wither sends a few notes on land birds. Arrival
of Swallow noted May 11th, rather an early date for the West Coast of
Sutherland. Gannets were passing north continuously in August.
Mr. Youngclause, after a long residence on the Monach Isles, has
removed to an E. Coast station, but sends a last schedule from the
former, dating March 30th to April 7th. Wrens seem scarce here, and the
Goldcrest he saw this year, but never on any previous occasion. A robin
had not been seen before for ten years until April 7th, 1884. Snow
Buntings on April 4th are noted as unusual.
Mr. Youngclause adds "There has been a great scarcity of birds at this
station for a number of years back, and unless the winds happen to
be off the mainland, with hazy weather at the time of migration, we
scarcely see a bird. Even Eider Ducks have deserted this place of late
years, ever since we had the fearful storm of Nov. 15th, 1877, but I
am told they have been very abundant about the Sound of Barra, and the
sheltered places on the east side of the island."
Mr. William Irvine sends two interesting schedules from Barra Head. In
September a continuous flight of birds flying east is noticed on 6th,
light S.E. wind.
From Rona Lighthouse the Goldcrest, a single bird, is recorded in
October as unusual, and is accurately described; evidently of rare
occurrence here.
I have to thank Mr. McCulloch, Kyleakin, for the careful attention he
has given to the subject of direction of flight in every instance of a
record, and, I may add, I am pleased to find much more attention paid
throughout the 1884 records to this important item of our inquiries.
_Skerryvore._--Mr. Thomas Dawson sends full schedules from February
to December, but remarks, "Not one bird seen here between Dec. 1st and
Jan. 15th, date of latest schedule." The only evidence of rushes was
that of _Turdidæ_, in November, correlating with E. coast rushes, but
there are many light entries. The same gale which detained a Blackbird
on the rock also detained Mr. Crow, the under light-keeper, twelve
days after time at Hynish Signal Tower. He and the Blackbird changed
residence on the same date.
_Dhuheartach._--Numerous light entries also from this station, dating
Dec. 2nd, by Mr. William Davidson.
_Sound of Mull._--Mr. William McLellan pays careful attention to the
directions of flight, and set of the tides and movements of birds in
connection therewith.
_Rhuvaal._--Mr. George Boreham also notes these important particulars,
and takes note of the rainfall in August--3rd to 25th--a new feature
in our reports. He adds, "It is only very rarely a bird strikes our
lantern, as they keep well off shore when passing on the wing."
_M'Arthur's Head._--Evidences of a rush of migrants, of many species,
are given in Oct. 7th, 8th, 9th, by Mr. W. Mail. Wind prevailing S.W.,
but an E. gale on 9th, when "great numbers" are recorded.
_Skervuile._--Mr. John Ewing sends well-filled schedules dating Jan.
13th to Nov. 19th, giving many directions of flight. A curious and
interesting note is added. "On Oct. 5th" a "Sandpiper" occurs. "This
bird came to the rock five years ago, when I succeeded in taming it,
but I have not seen it since that time till now."
_Rhinns of Islay._--Mr. Peter Anderson makes a very good proposal
indeed, and that is that our Committee ask the cooperation of
assistants as well as principals, as "by so doing you will have a far
better chance to get more notes; because, as at present assistants care
very little about recording their operations, as they get no credit for
doing so, whilst they have one-half of the night on duty." Mr. Anderson
anxiously desires a "small book of plates of birds," and complains of
the confusion connected with local names in different parts. I have
urged, and still urge, on our Committee the advantage there would be
in a printed list of local names. For Scotland, the MS. is ready in
my hands to be made useful as it stands, and there is abundant room
for enlargement; but it would cost somewhat to print and distribute
it. I have three excellent schedules from Mr. Anderson. I think his
proposals are worthy of the attention both of our Committee and of the
British Association. Mr. Ross has also materially assisted Mr. Anderson
in filling these up. We would be glad to receive from all stations
the names of _all the assistant keepers_, which can be inserted in
next return of schedules. A very pronounced rush is recorded at this
station. It is quite a principal station on our W. coast.
_Lamlash, Arran._--Mr. David M. Scott does not consider it necessary
to mention all occurrences of Herons at this station, "as they breed
on the high rocks on the Island, and, of course, are always in the
locality."
_Turnberry._--From February to December almost all records are
accompanied by winds from S.S.E., S. or E. We have records on
twenty-one dates in that time, and only on one day (Nov. 19th) is the
wind out of another quarter, _viz._ N.N.W.; on this date a solitary
Redshank was killed at the lantern.
_Corsewall._--Rushes evident both in spring and autumn. Winds on dates
of heaviest records S. to E. and N.E., but also heavy returns on Sept.
22nd, with fresh S.W. and haze. Dates of rushes very marked. A short
but largely bulking schedule.
_Mull of Galloway._--The migration is, on the whole, more distinctly
shown in October on the West Coast south of the Clyde than on the East
Coast at Isle of May during October. The direction of flight usually
given is, where noticed, S.E. While on the East Coast, at Isle of May,
winds were north of either E. or W. between Sept. 26th and Oct. 17th,
on the West Coast south of Clyde they were S. and W. light. The coast
lines in the W. thus showed their influence on the migration; and the
normal winds, being west on the West Coast, developed a larger and
steadier visible migration than on the East Coast. The only Woodcock
recorded at this station in October--Oct. 19th--came during strong N.
breeze. A considerable number of Swallows occurred between June 29th
and July 4th, when there was a rush. I have no returns from the Mull of
Galloway after Oct. 23rd.
_Little Ross._--Considerable evidence of rushes in latter end of
October and in November. Mr. James Ferrier says, "Since the above
dates--_viz._, plates of last schedule, 18th Nov. to 24th Dec.--there
have been no birds." ... "No day migration observed here."
_Langness, Isle of Man._--Mr. Robt. Clyne, formerly under-keeper
at Isle of May, writes that he considers the great flights of
Linnets--grey and green--are all local, and also Starlings, and he
thinks they need hardly be mentioned in the schedules, in the meantime.
A very large congregation of Green Linnets took place at Langness
on Nov. 19th, which must be noticed in connection with our records
elsewhere, on both E. and W. coasts (J. A. H. B.),--probably about 500
to 600, Mr. Clyne says. The Committee marvels very much what can have
become of their late coadjutor Mr. Philip M. Kermode. He has not, to
Mr. Clyne's knowledge, as yet paid him a visit. Mr. Clyne mentions the
abundance of Red-legged Crows. He had entered them as "Jackdaws," but
subsequently has become aware of the error. They are numerous about
Castletown. Very little fog has been experienced, and the fog-signal
has only been once used in the past two months (_in lit._ Nov. 24th).
The Committee are much obliged to Mr. Clyne for his interesting and
well-filled schedules. He gave some interesting notes also on the
species breeding around the station.
_Chickens Rock, Isle of Man._--A very heavy rush is recorded between
15th Oct. and 21st to 26th, "the flocks being so dense that no
approximate number could be given; they formed by far the most numerous
flocks of migrants seen this season" (James Black, principal keeper).
We were singularly unfortunate at the Isle of May, the winds there
being N. of E. or W.; while here, in the Isle of Man, they were, during
the heaviest filled dates, 15th and 21st Nov., strong W. and haze, the
migrants crossing the wind, and showing largely at these more southerly
stations of our West Coast.
To Mr. M'Iver, Teacher at Culken, in Assynt, Sutherland, I am obliged
for some land notes of interest, which will appear under the various
species in connection with Stoir Head Lighthouse.
Report under Species.
Turdidæ.--While in 1883, Spring migration almost escaped notice on the
West Coast, in 1884 a rush was very evident between the 18th and 20th
Feb., at stations south of Clyde, such as at Corsewall, and indications
of same movement north of Clyde, at Skerryvore; but most records south
of Clyde. Doubtless Isle of Man could also testify to this, but we have
no schedules thence till date of July 20th, when Mr. Clyne went there.
There are also a few movements in March at Skerryvore and Skervuile.
In both months winds light S.S.E. or S.E. In autumn, much greater than
on the East coast. Every station from Cape Rhu Stoir, south, gave
movements, as follows:--Rhu Stoir (slight), Barra Head (six seen, 19th
Nov.), Rona (light, and only in July), Kyleakin (light indication, 15th
Nov.), Skerryvore (a number, 12th, 15th and 16th Nov.), Dhuheartach
(light, 15th, 16th to 24th Oct., a few as early as 4th July and 1st
Aug., probably local), Sound of Mull (few only, on 19th Sept. and
19th Dec.), Skervuile (light, in November), Rhinns of Islay (enormous
rush of Redwings, Thrushes, Fieldfares, Blackbirds, with Woodcocks,
Larks, Crows, 14th to 19th Nov.), and southwards, at Lamlash, Arran
(good indication on 10th), at Corsewall (a rush on 10th), at Mull of
Galloway (rushes, between 10th and 13th and 23rd), and at Little Ross
(mostly of Blackbirds). Winds, north of Clyde, in October northerly
and westerly, and in November southerly and easterly; for the most
part returns lighter in October than in November, and great rushes
in November at stations south of Clyde, where winds, during latter
half of October and November, were S. and easterly. Great rushes all
this time, correlating with East Coast of England, but not so much
observed on East Coast of Scotland, owing to winds then being N., and
never S., of E. or W. The species mentioned are for the most part
Thrushes and Blackbirds, Fieldfares and Red-wings, but there is reason
to believe that the latter really bulk largely in the migration, as
where the bird is distinguished from the Thrush or Mavis they appear
to have come in numbers,, as at Isle of Man (R. Clyne) and Rhinns of
Islay (Peter Anderson and Wm. Ross). The migration extended over a
considerable time; yet the rushes were remarkable for intensity and
uniformity in time at the various stations. The earliest record given
is at Dhuheartach (July 4th), but may have been a local movement, along
with two other summer records. Next in August (1st, 10th and 28th, a
few). Actual first migration in mass commencing Sept. 19th, 21st, and
25th at Sound of Mull, M'Arthur's Head, and Corsewall, respectively.
The latest records reaching me date Dec. 19th, at Sound of Mull,--a
solitary Blackbird; and by the 19th Nov. the body of the rush was past,
the latest record being on that date at Rhinns of Islay. The rush
was strictly defined, and there are not many full records before the
last week in October. The earliest species recorded (excluding July)
is Thrush, and the next Fieldfares, at Skervuile. The latest species
recorded are Blackbirds, at Sound of Mull. Those species which bulk
largest are Blackbirds and Thrushes; and those least, Fieldfares.
Redwings are probably more numerous than actually recorded, as all our
reporters do not perhaps distinguish them.
Saxicolinæ.--_Note._--For all purposes of this Report, "Stonechats"
and Wheatears are identical. Where true Stonechats are recognised
and mentioned, the records relating to these are kept distinct. In
Spring: earliest Wheatears at Sound of Mull (29th March); latest,
single bird at Skerryvore, 14th May, and one on 11th; appearance of
rush at Skerryvore on 22nd, twelve birds at the lantern, fresh S.,
haze; and at Skervuile indications on 22nd to 24th, light E. and S.E.
In Autumn: earliest at Isle of Man stations, 2nd, 9th, and 10th Aug.;
almost a rush on 10th at Chickens Rock; and several, 9th and 10th, at
Langness. [_Note._--Chickens Rock reporter calls them "Stonechats,"
but Langness reporter correctly terms them "Wheatears."] Then at Rhu
Stoir, in the north, comes the next earliest date, 16th Aug. Thereafter
stations returning them are Rhu Stoir, Skerryvore, Dhuheartach,
Skervuile, Chickens Rock, and Langness. Bush appears most decided at
the early dates at Isle of Man; and again between 20th and 24th Aug. at
Dhuheartach, N. of Clyde, and at Skervuile; whilst a third considerable
movement is noticeable on 15th and 26th Sept., at Isle of Man. The
latter is also the latest date on record. Besides Wheatears we have the
following records of true Stonechats (Stonechat, Pratincola rubicola).
Earliest at Dhuheartach, August; and at Skervuile between 20th and
26th, accompanying rush of the last species. Of Redstarts only one
record; and two or three at Langness on 8th Sept. Winds in August at
most localities, S., S.E. and S.W., light or fresh.
Silviinæ.--In spring only one record, _viz._, Robin; one, at Monach
Isles, on 7th April, S.E., clear; and a rush at Corsewall on 29th
March. In autumn: earliest at Kyleakin, 24th Aug., light S. (Two
previous records on 19th and 28th July at Rona, Skye, are in the
debatable ground between local and general migration.) In September
two single records only, at Sound of Mull and M'Arthur's Head, both on
19th, at which latter station it is reported as "arriving in winter."
One Blackcap, female, sent me for identification from Skerryvore, on
16th Nov., moderate N.E., haze, completes our records of this group.
Phylloscopinæ, Gold-crested Wren.--Evident rush noticeable in spring,
when great numbers, along with the Robins, were seen at Corsewall
on 29th March. One bird occurred at Monach Isles, "new to Mr.
Youngclause," but accurately described, therefore hitherto rare at that
station; and one is recorded from Rona Skye, but no date given. In
autumn a considerable migration, beginning with the earliest at Sound
of Mull, on 28th Aug., strong S., with showers. Ending with latest at
Lamlash, on 16th Nov., a single bird. (Note here the exactness of how
even single records on West coast agree with movements on the East
coast.) Scattered records occur at Lamlash, Firth of Clyde, and at
Corsewall, between 10th and 19th Sept.; almost a rush on latter dates.
Rush on 24th at Little Ross, and indications of ditto at Langness, on
17th and 18th; desultory records at Little Ross before these dates,
11th to 22nd. In October evidence of rushes on night of the total
eclipse of the moon, _viz._, 4th Oct., between the same hours, 9 and
12 midnight, the hours of total eclipse of greatest darkness, just as
was observed by Mr. Geo. E. Paterson and myself at Isle of May, on the
East coast; another indication of a rush, between Oct. 19th and 23rd,
at Mull of Galloway. Only single records at Dhuheartach, Skervuile,
and Lamlash in November; but, as before remarked, these single records
marvellously coincide with East Coast records, and are therefore
important. Wind at stations returning, mostly light and various, W.,
E., and S. Night of eclipse, light W., cloudy and dark. Of Willow
Warblers, a few on 10th and 11th Sept., at Little Ross.
Acrocephalinæ.--No records either spring or autumn. The negative
evidence is worth positive record.
Paridæ.--Two records only. At Mull, of Galloway, on Sept. 10th, two
Titmice, in strong S. wind at lantern, and at Sound of Mull, two
struck, but not killed, on Oct. 30th, light S.W. How far these are only
local movements or not, it is difficult to know with the small data yet
to hand.
Troglodytidæ.--On March 30th, one Common Wren returned in schedule from
Monach Isles. Fresh south haze. It would be interesting to know the
original starting place of this solitary Wren. The newly-discovered
insular variety of St. Kilda is, however, probably entirely resident
there all winter. Nevertheless we would like specimens of Wrens from
Monach Isles at all seasons for examination. In September, one occurred
at Lismore, sitting on rock, on 22nd, light N.E. wind and haze. In
October a single bird at Rhu Stoir, at noon, strong S. and rain, and
three occurred at Lamlash on Nov. 4th, flying south against a strong
S.W. wind and showers.
Motacillidæ.--Only spring record of Wagtails on May 11th two males and
two females at Rhu Stoir. In autumn, earliest Aug. 27th, at Skerryvore,
when one remained three days on the rock, indicating thus the
correlating rush on 31st at Langness, where about a hundred in a large
flock of young Pied Wagtails were seen all day. These are called "Grey
Wagtails or young Pied Wagtails" by Mr. Clyne. The true Grey Wagtail is
a yellow bird with a black throat and very long tail. [Surely British
ornithologists can find a more descriptive and truer name than Grey
Wagtail for _Motacilla boarula_. If confusion occurs amongst ordinary
observers as to names, it is as often the fault of the naturalists who
misapplied the names in the first instance as not.] In September a
further rush of the same young Pied Wagtails observable on the 10th at
Langness--a flock seen--and a dozen at Rhinns of Islay on 7th; and a
few at Barra Head and one at Dhuheartach on Sept. 1st. In October a few
at Langness, on the 6th, the latest given.
Motacillidæ, Pipits.--Earliest Meadow Pipit in spring, single records
on 8th and 21st, at Skerryvore, light S.E. haze and fresh N.W. clear
respectively. One rested on lantern of Lamlash Light on May 2nd. In
autumn, the rush of Meadow Pipits took place at Isle of Man--Langness
during Sept. 4th (a lot), 9th (very many), 24th (large flock), 29th
(large flock). Earliest, August 31st (large flock). Later, a few in
October at Skerryvore, on 6th and 16th, fresh S.W. breeze, and at same
station on 1st and 12th Nov., fresh S.W., rain.
Muscicapidæ, Flycatchers.--Only one record at Longness (R. Clyne), the
first record in six years' observation, on Sept. 11th. Mr. Clyne has
met with the Pied Flycatcher on Isle of May, as well as the Spotted,
but these two seen on Isle of Man are only designated "Flycatchers." As
the Pied Flycatcher breeds in Cumberland and N. of England, it would be
interesting to know which species (or if both) visits Isle of Man.