30th, at Corsewall. It is worthy of note that I observed a Swallow
at Glendoune Girvan hawking for insects as late in autumn of 1884 as
Nov. 8th (see East Coast Report). May 11th, three seen at Rhu Stoir
(an early arrival for Sutherland W. coast, J. A. H. B.), light south,
one seen at Skerryvore, light S.E.; 17th, one at Skerryvore, fresh,
S.W.; 14th, three at Lamlash; 19th, several all day at Rhinns of Islay,
light S.E., haze; 21st, one seen at Rhu Stoir, light S.; 22nd, two Sand
Martins at Barra Head; June 3rd and 4th, two Sand Martins at Barra
Head, light N., cloudy; 19th, two Swallows at Kyleakin, flying S.,
light S. and clear; 22nd, one Swallow at Rhu Stoir, light fog and rain;
29th, great numbers (rush) flying around at Mull of Galloway, and ditto
flying E. at same place on 30th; and on 30th one seen at Cape Wrath; in
July, eight Swallows on 3rd and "scores" on 4th (probably local at Mull
of Galloway, preparing for departure); one at Langness on. 25th; in
August, flock at Langness of Swallows on 20th, and another on 25th; in
September, several on 5th, at Langness, and on 8th and 10th, and single
records at same place, and at Rhinns of Islay on 29th and 30th; in
October, a large flock of Swallows and a party of twelve at Langness,
and a flock at Chickens Rock on 6th; a flock of twelve on 19th at
Langness, the latest record.
Fringillidæ.--Very few returns in spring. A few Grey Linnets on May
12th at Skervuile, and a few at Rona, Skye, on 26th, being all. In
autumn, a rush, and earliest record save one, at Rhuvaal, of young
Grey Linnets flying W. on Aug. 20th, and a few same day at Skervuile.
The earliest date is a flock at Isle of Man (Langness) on July 29th.
Latest record on Nov. 19th of Green Linnets, a rush of 700 or 800, and
rushes between 4th and 19th, all at Langness. Bushes during latter end
of October at Langness, and sufficient indications at several stations
N. of Clyde, as Kyleakin, Skervuile, and Rhinns of Islay. This species
bulks largest in all the schedules. Other species noticed are Sparrows
(large flock at Langness, Oct. 13th); "Mountain Sparrow" (true Tree
Sparrow), one at Rhinns of Islay; "Small Linnets" (Twites or Redpoles?)
at Rhinns of Islay, Oct. 21st; Chaffinch, a few stray entries at
Dhuheartach, one found dead on rock on Nov. 2nd, others seen on 17th
and 19th (male), and a flock at Langness on Oct. 3rd.
Emberizidæ, Buntings.--Snow Buntings in spring, 203 on 14th to 17th
March at Barra Head; a large flock at Rhu Stoir on 16th, and one
female, same place, on 24th; flock at Monach Isles April 4th; one
female at Rhu Stoir as late as June 2nd, fresh various rain. In
autumn, records light everywhere. One in October only at Barra Head;
ten on Nov. 2nd at Cape Wrath; ten on 7th at Barra Head; odd birds
at Skerryvore and Dhuheartach on 16th, and an apparent rush or local
flight of fifty on Island at Rhinns of Islay on 14th, and a number
(with Thrushes) on 16th at same place.
Alaudidæ, Larks.--Autumn migration of 1883-4 continued with some force
into January, 1884, especially noted at Kyleakin, or these may have
been local flights. In spring, Larks occur sparingly at same time
as Thrushes and Starlings. Feb. 1st, at Lamlash, and Feb. 19th at
Skerryvore; also nine (three killed) at latter station March 10th;
no more till June 15th; "Larks" at Skervuile, and four on 29th at
Dhuheartach. In July, four at Dhuheartach. In autumn, earliest record
at Dhuheartach on Aug. 1st, the only record that month; then only a
single bird all September, on 21st, at Langness. Latest record, October
24th, a few at Rhinns of Islay. The rush was very great, and took place
between the 14th and 21st October, or perhaps more compressed still
between the 14th and 19th Oct. The whole duration of time in which
Larks migrated is thus very limited this season, _viz._, between Oct.
14th and Oct. 24th, the latest date given. During the rush, which was
observable principally at Rhinns of Islay, north of Clyde, the wind
was northerly or north-westerly, the same as on the East Coast at the
same dates, which accounts for the body of the rush penetrating more to
the north and reaching further than in other winds. At Rhinns of Islay
hundreds, and on 19th thousands were seen, wind fresh W. to N.W. All
flying west. On the East Coast the winds favourable to their continued
flight prevented my observing them in any great numbers at Isle of
May, but there can scarcely be any doubt these great flights passed up
the Firth of Forth, as we had plentiful opportunities of seeing almost
continuous indications of their presence at the above dates on the Isle
of May. The stations returning Larks are Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, and
Rhinns of Islay, and Langness (only a small record on Oct. 2nd). Query,
will our Irish Coast returns show the continuance of this flight of
Larks?
Sturninæ, Starlings.--Spring, rare indications at Rhu Stoir, March
25th (probably local), one female, and at Lamlash, one on April 1st,
and March 2nd one killed, and at Corsewall on Feb. 19th, struck along
with Thrushes and Larks. The latter record may have been an indication
of real migration, the others are most likely local only. In autumn,
earliest Aug. 12th, at Isle of Man, a flock; on 23rd, a number at
Rhinns of Islay, culminating in hundreds and hundreds on August 30th at
Langness (Isle of Man), and again in hundreds and hundreds at Langness
Sept. 18th, and indication by a flock at Mull of Galloway. Again, in
October, rushes evident it may be said between 18th and 23rd, and on
29th, observable at Kyleakin (on 18th), at Mull of Galloway on 22nd and
23rd, "flocks," and on 29th by 200 or 300 at Rhinns of Islay. Another
rush along with Thrushes, &c., dating Nov. 14th, at Rhinns of Islay.
Indications of movements also at Kyleakin and Dhuheartach on Nov. 1st
and 2nd. Latest, a solitary record on Dec. 24th at Lamlash. Migration
of this species we may designate in 1884 as short, sharp and decisive.
Corvidæ, Crows.--Spring: movement of Carrion Crows, Ravens and Rooks
few, and only in February and March. In February, "Black Crows" at
Barra Head, one on 23rd, and fifteen on 14th and 15th, fresh S.E. and
strong E.; also Carrion Crows at Skerryvore (three, "very seldom seen")
flying around, fresh S. clear. Ravens, two at Cape Wrath (probably
breeding in the neighbourhood, at Craig Riabhach), light S.W. haze; and
one at Skerryvore flying N.E. Rooks at Rhu Stoir, probably belonging to
one of two rookeries in N. and W. of Sutherland, _viz._, at Cama Loch
in W. Cromarty, or at Tongue. In autumn, from 1st to 25th Aug., a very
large flock, mostly young, feeding daily around Rhu Stoir (probably a
local visitation from Cama Loch or Tongue), but Tongue Rooks are known
to feed, regularly in winter at Far-out Head in the neighbourhood of
Durness, and in severe winters are seen going there and returning in
evening. The Rhu Stoir birds are therefore more likely to belong to the
Cama Loch rookery. At Chickens Rock, Isle of Man, a number of Rooks
flying W. towards Ireland on 11th August. No records in September. In
October, Hooded and Carrion Crows flying W.S.W. for Ireland at Rhinns
of Islay, and a few seen for days at Langness, feeding, about the same
time. Records continue to increase in November, a rush of hundreds
and thousands at Rhinns of Islay by 13th, continuing in force up to
17th and 18th, flying east on 13th, but resting or flying S.W. on
17th and 18th, along with enormous rush of Curlews, Woodcocks, Snipe,
Sandpipers, Larks, Redwings, Thrushes, Starlings, Blackbirds, and a few
Jacksnipes. Latest record on 19th. Also Ravens same dates, a few, and
Jackdaws on 16th and 1st Dec. at Skerryvore and Dhuheartach.
Cypselidæ, Swifts.--On July 20th, about twenty flying S., strong E.,
rain and haze, at Skervuile, and at same station a few along with
Swallows, light E. and clear.
Cuculidæ, Cuckoo.--In spring, arrivals as follows:--At Rona Skye, May
11th, first heard, light S.W. Kyleakin, May 10th, first heard, moderate
S.S.W., haze. Sound of Mull, May 8th, first heard, moderate S.W.,
clear. Skervuile, May 10th, first seen, light E. Rhinns of Islay, May
19th, first seen, fresh E., clear. Lamlash, May 12th, first heard.
Corsewall, May 11th, first heard. Autumn, Barra Head, June 28th, 1
first seen. Mull of Galloway, 1 first seen in July. Autumn records of
Cuckoos scarce during six years' records.
Strigidæ.--Spring, April 28th, one Brown Owl for three days at
Skerryvore; and 1 Owl in May (probably Short-eared Owl) at Dhuheartach.
No autumn records.
Falconidæ.--At Skerryvore, one Sparrow Hawk on 29th. At Cape Wrath,
Game Falcon and a "Small Hawk" (Merlin?) on the coast all the year
round. In autumn, fewer records than usual on predatory visits. One
Falcon on Aug. 28th at Rhuvaal. Sparrow Hawk on 1st, and again on
19th, at Skerryvore; one on Oct. 15th and 16th at Dhuheartach; and
one Sparrow Hawk resting on sun-dial on 9th. One Eagle seen at Erraid
("rarely seen here") in November.
Pelicanidæ, Gannet.--Records in order of dates:--At Skervuile, March
10th, one flying S., fresh S.E.; 14th, one flying N., S. gale. Rhu
Stoir, April 25th, five fishing, light S.E., clear. Skervuile, April
16th, one flying N. (local?). Rona, May 25th, twelve, W. clear; 29th,
one, strong N., clear. Kyleakin, June 20th, in flock flying E., E.
clear. Lismore, 22nd, flying S., various, light, clear. Dhuheartach,
July 4th, one; 20th, flying S. Skervuile, 6th and 7th, Solans flying
S.; 23rd and 24th, Solans flying S. Little Ross, July 9th, three flying
W. from the Solway. At Rhu Stoir, Aug. 28th, rush, and passed daily in
flocks flying N. up to the middle of August (see directions of flight
at Pentland Skerries, E. Coast). During the rest of August, 24th to
30th, records are given from Rhuvaal, Skervuile, and Lamlash and Little
Ross, but directions of flight are omitted under the dates given (see
records off Cape St. Vincent). In September, a flock flying W. at
Langness on 21st, a single bird flying N. at Barra Head, and two flying
S.E. on 6th; and a late record at Lamlash on Nov. 6th (marked "late").
Anatidæ, Ducks, Geese, Swans.--Spring records of "Wild Geese" are six
flying S.E., wind E. and snow, at Kyleakin (local), and two on March
23rd flying S.W. In April, 17th and 21st, two or three flying W. and
flying S. Autumn ditto of Wild Geese, numerous. Earliest, Aug. 21st,
flying S., at Kyleakin. Latest, Dec. 9th, six flying S. at Lamlash.
Other records in Oct., but no rush evident. Of Eider Ducks there are
many records. Earliest at Rhinns of Islay, seventeen males and females
on Aug. 6th. Latest December 14th, seven males and seven females flying
S. on 3rd, and six on 22nd at Rhinns of Islay. Greatest numbers seen
at Rhinns of Islay Oct. 29th, when at least 200 were seen at 7 a.m.,
and 100 at 9 a.m. In November the "first seen this fall" at Skerryvore
on 1st, and large flock on 6th flying S., and others at Dhuheartach.
Other species are Sheldrakes (breeding at Rona), arrived in May;
Barnacle Geese, thirteen at Barra Head on Oct. 13th, resting. Wigeon,
one female, at Rhinns of Islay, on Aug. 23rd. Of Swans, two flying N.,
seen at Sound of Mull on June 2nd, with light N.W. airs. Barnacle Geese
identified by head sent me.
Columbidæ.--Two Rock Doves flying S. (local) at Kyleakin, and six Wood
Pigeons at same place on 22nd, flying S.S.W., moderate S. wind. In
August, five doves flying E. at Rhuvaal; and in December, at Rhinns of
Islay, 300 flying south, about one mile inland, light W., haze.
Rallinæ, Corn Crakes, Water Rails, &c.--Only spring record: a Corn
Crake at Barra Head on 6th June. Only autumn records: one killed at
lantern of Mull of Galloway, and one Water Rail killed at Rhinns of
Islay (sent to me in the skin, J. A. H. B.) on 23rd October.
Charadriadæ.--Large flocks of Golden Plover arrive on the coast around
Rhu Stoir during winter, when snow lies inland, and are seen onwards
after March 12th and 15th, 1884, at same station. In autumn, records
of Golden Plover unusually scarce; single ones at Sound of Mull, Sept.
19th, and Rhinns of Islay, Sept. 18th. Large flocks begin to arrive at
Rhu Stoir ("to come towards the shore") early in November, remain all
winter. At Rhinns of Islay, two "Gray Plovers," marked "rare," seen on
Oct. 6th. Usual records of Oystercatchers, not so abundant or general
as usual.
Lapwings.--One seen Feb. 15th at Barra Head; twenty on March 15th at
Rhu Stoir, and one or two single ones there on 7th and 11th; and two
on April 2nd. No great movement recorded in autumn. Rhinns of Islay,
10 flying about on 24th August and seven resting at Barra Head on 7th
October.
Scolopacidæ, Woodcock, Snipe, Curlew, Whimbrel.--Woodcock: Earliest
in autumn, Oct. 9th, one shot at Mull of Galloway. Latest, Nov. 18th,
one at Dhuheartach, resting. Indication of more general movement
between 15th, 16th, to 23rd Oct., but very slight, at Barra Head, one
on 19th at Skervuile, Rhinns of Islay, and at Dhuheartach. Snipe: Only
some three records; in September one at Skerryvore, in October one at
Dhuheartach, and in August two at Rhinns of Islay, killed. Curlews:
Numerous records from July on to November at many stations. Whimbrel:
One noticed at Langness in August. A few records of Sandpipers (see
notes under stations at Skervuile.)
Sterninæ, Terns.--Arrivals in spring: At Rona, a rush of 200 arrived
on May 11th, light S.W. and clear. At Skervuile, one first seen on May
23rd, calm; a number arrived between 24th and 31st, light, various. At
Kyleakin, Terns first seen 26th June, strong S. At M'Arthur's Head,
Terns first seen 18th June. At Rhinns of Islay, Terns first seen 23rd
and 24th July, light S.W. Query, return Journey? In autumn: Terns seen
11th and 12th at Skervuile; and more on 18th; and at Chickens Rock
large quantities flying north on August 8th. Last seen at Kyleakin on
September 6th.
Laridæ.--Considerable movements of Gulls of sorts from July 5th on
to winter. Black-headed Gulls are marked as "very few this year" at
Skervuile. Continuous flocks flew E. past Barra Head on Sept. 6th.
Continuous flocks flew N.W. past Sound of Mull in August. Skervuile
returns "numbers" about the middle of August. At one station, _viz._,
Skervuile, the following are their recorded movements: in variable
but prevailing N. to N.W. winds till Nov. 17th; thereafter light N.E.
In August: 19th, one Boatswain Gull; 26th, flock of Herring Gulls;
31st, flock of Gulls. September, two records of flock of Terns, and
Kittiwakes. Oct. 16th and 17th, ditto, ditto. November, on three dates
Boatswain Birds and Kittiwakes. At Stoir Head vast flocks of Common
Gulls and Herring Gulls passed N. Herrings "set into" Lochs Coul
and Dhu, a little to the north of this, about this time, December,
1884, which locally accounts for this rush. Most of the Common Gulls
were young. At Rhinns of Islay two "one-year-old Iceland Gulls" with
hundreds of other Gulls flying about. We are particular in recording
Gull returns, as this was an extraordinary Gull year on the East Coast.
Procellariidæ.--On July 26th one Storm Petrel on lantern at Barra Head,
the earliest record of any for six years, light E. with fog. One ditto
at Stoir Head (rare) in August, and one on Sept. 3rd at Lismore (also
rare), killed, light N.W., haze.
Alcidæ, Razorbills, Guillemots, Puffins.--On Feb. 23rd, increased
from 20th to date at Barra Head. "Marrots" and Razorbills, all March
6th to 8th, 14th to 17th, 23rd to 24th and 29th, winds light S.E. and
S.W. In April: 4th to 11th, rush at Barra Head, various, N.E., clear,
and Puffins; a few on 9th; 17th to 22nd, a few only of Marrots and
Razorbills seen. On May 6th and 7th, Puffins, Razorbills and Marrots
(Marrot or Guillemot) arrived in great numbers; and at Kyleakin two
Tysties (_i.e._ Black Guillemots) seen flying S.E. In autumn, all left
Barra Head except a few by Aug. 20th, but reappeared for a day on 30th,
on which day all the Puffins left, light S.W. In October, continuous
flocks of Puffins flying S. before a north gale at Rhinns of Islay, on
October 12th.
General Remarks.
During the past six years' Migration Reports we have to thank many of
our correspondents for the regularity with which they have acceded to
our requests. Specially must we thank the following for the unbroken
series of schedules during the past six years, _viz._: Sumburgh Head,
six years, Messrs. William Anderson (1879 and 1880), John Wilson (1880,
1881, 1882), D. M. Scott (1883 and 1884). Pentland Skerries, six years,
D. MacDonald (1879, 1880, 1881, 1882, 1884), and Mr. J. Gilmour (1884).
Dunnet Head, Caithness, five years, George McLachlan, (1879, 1880
blank), David Laidlaw (1881, 1882, 1883, 1884). Bell Rock, James Jack
(1879, 1880, 1881, 1882, 1883, 1884). Isle of May, Joseph Agnew, six
years (1879, 1880, 1881, 1882, 1883, 1884).
These stations are situated as follows:--
Sumburgh Head 300 feet high white fixed light.
Pentland Skerries 170 feet high white fixed light.
Dunnet Head 346 feet high white fixed light.
Bell Rock 93 feet high white and red revolving.
Isle of May 240 feet high white fixed light.
Were Bell Rock also a _fixed white light_, no doubt returns would be
equally extensive, or greater, possibly, than Isle of May. The white
fixed lights have superiority; and when this is combined with low
height over the sea and insular position, the best conditions appear,
and are only to be beaten by floating light-ships. The flash lights
have little chance to compete.
Next let us also thank the following correspondents:--At Whalsea
Skerries, 3 years, Neven Kerr (1880, 1881, 1882). N. Ronaldshay, four
years, John Tulloch (1879, 1880, 1881, 1882). Cromarty, R. S. Ritson,
four years (1880, 1881, 1882, 1883).
This class of stations are situated as follows:--
Whalsea Skerries 148 feet white, revolving every minute.
N. Ronaldshay 180 feet white, revolving every ten seconds.
Cromarty 60 feet red, fixed (in the town).
_Revolving_ lights, whatever the height, yield fewer returns than
_fixed_, but are better than flash or red sectors.
We also thank those who, situated at still less likely stations, have
nevertheless taken an interest in our work.
_Bressay_ sends one year's return (1882); 105 feet; red and white,
revolving every minute.
_Ross Head._--One year (1883), A. Greig; 175 feet; white and red
revolving, every half minute.
_Kinnaird Head._--One year (1884); a blank schedule, valuable on
negative grounds; 120 feet; white and red sectors, fixed.
_Girdleness._--Two years (1880 and 1884); 185 feet; white fixed. Thomas
Gallie and J. McAlister. The situation is said to be unfavourable,
apart from light or altitude.
Finally, taking the remaining lights which have returned no years
schedules, we will analyse their positions, &c.
_Start Point._--80 feet; red, fixed. Class V.
_Hoy Sound._--(55 and 115). Low, white, fixed, facing N. High ditto;
red and white sectors, fixed. V.
_Cantick Head._--115 feet; white, revolving every minute.
_Holborn Head._--75 feet; white and red flash, 10 seconds, facing N. V.
_Tarbat Ness._--175 feet; white intermittent, 2½ minutes. It is not
quite clear to me yet why this station should not yield returns (see
map), unless it be considered partially land-locked from E. and S.E.
_Buchan Ness._--130 feet; white flash, every 5 seconds; and close to
fishing village.
_Montroseness._--124 feet; white, fixed; but amongst houses. V.
We think the above analysis places almost beyond doubt that the best
position for a lights to attract birds is in a light ship (witness the
E. English Coast returns); next, an island of low elevation; next, an
island of considerable elevation, if facing east, not if facing north;
and that the worst are those at high elevations, and especially if
facing otherwise than E., on the East Coast, or on East Coast Islands,
or those in midst of towns, or in land-locked situations; that the best
description of light is "white, fixed,"--in fact, the brightest. Thus
in many instances we consider that it is owing to position and nature
of lights to a very considerable extent that we receive more schedules
from some stations than others, and none at all from the least likely,
whereas on the English East Coast all light-ships are almost equally
good as regards position.
Yet we do not allow that this is entirely the cause of least and
greatest migration at different points, because we now know well
enough, from land data, that certain tracks are preferred to others,
and that these tracks over land have very strong connection with the
East Coast Scotch principal stations, as we think our Reports will show.
As regards the influences of winds, &c., sufficient has already been
said on this head throughout the Reports, and every succeeding schedule
goes to prove our previous ones.
Analyses of the West Coast schedules almost always show much lighter
returns than those from the East Coast, even from the best West
Coast stations. Our previous five years' experience in great measure
explains why it is so, and it seems natural to expect lighter returns
on the West than on the East in most winds or weather. But, having
regard to the said experience and the facts of migration which may
now be said to be ascertained and certain, there are also one or
two additional causes for the light nature of West Coast returns as
against East Coast ones; while on the latter, the lights which give
the greatest illumination, if in other respects suitably exposed,
give the heaviest returns; on the former, it seems that the positions
of the various stations have more to do with these. Thus most of the
East Coast stations face the east, whence come the birds naturally,
and while on the west birds travel from N.W. towards S. or S.E.,
the extraordinary variety of situations, and the equally great--or
nearly so--variety of lights of no great power and brilliancy, must
undoubtedly influence the quantities of birds visible on migration. And
we find that while such stations as Kyleakin (white and red, fixed),
Isle Ornsay (white, fixed), Sound of Mull (red, green, and white
sectors), Corran Ferry (red and white sectors, fixed), &c., give small
returns, or none at all, this is resultant upon their positions even
more than their brilliancy or absence of brilliancy. And we find that
the best situated stations, such as Monach Isle (though only upper
white flash, and lower, red fixed) gives better, though uncertain,
returns, and Skerryvore (white revolving) and Dhuheartach (white
and red sector, fixed), and Rhinns of Islay (white flash every five
seconds) seem to be the surest stations north of Clyde. Indeed it is,
perhaps, almost certain that most of the land-locked stations of the
West Coast should be marked with the symbol of lowest value, V. South
of Clyde, undoubtedly, we get more into the great groove of migration
which crosses Scotland from the Firth of Forth, and if not yet so heavy
as, for instance, at the Bell Rock, Isle of May, in all the years
till 1884, yet we have more decided indications of rushes and throbs
keeping time with the East Coast movements. When to this we add a less
indented coast line, open lights, and, on the whole, greater power
and brilliancy, we expect to find all the conditions more favourable.
That this is the case our schedules for 1884 show decidedly, and even
swamp the East Coast returns for the first time in our experience.
When we come to the Isle of Man, where the Irish Channel contracts
considerably, we again find heavy rushes of birds, equalling or
exceeding those at such stations as Skerryvore and Dhuheartach and
Rhinns of Islay. Of these Langness sends the heaviest returns, but we
have there now a trained reporter, Mr. Robert Clyne, who was previously
under Mr. Agnew at the Isle of May. Mr. Clyne's eager application to
the subject now stands us in good stead.