Transcriber Note
Text emphasis is denoted as _Italics_ and =Bold=. Whole and fractional
parts of numbers as 123-4/5. Table of Contents was added for assistance
to the reader.
REPORT
ON THE
MIGRATION OF BIRDS
IN THE
SPRING AND AUTUMN OF 1880.
BY
JOHN A. HARVIE BROWN, F.R.S.E., F.Z.S.,
JOHN CORDEAUX, and P. M. C. KERMODE.
LONDON:
SONNENSCHEIN & ALLEN, 15, PATERNOSTER SQUARE.
1881.
Price Two Shillings.
Contents
PREFACE i
EAST COAST OF SCOTLAND 1
SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES 5
General Remarks 18
EAST COAST OF ENGLAND 25
SPRING MIGRATION, 1880 27
SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES 27
GENERAL SUMMARY SPRING MIGRATION 31
AUTUMN MIGRATION, 1880 31
SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES 31
General Remarks 62
WEST COAST OF SCOTLAND 68
SPRING MIGRATION, 1880 70
SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES 70
AUTUMN MIGRATION, 1880 73
SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES 73
General Remarks 91
WEST COAST OF ENGLAND 95
SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES 98
PREFACE.
The following Report contains a Summary of the investigations of a
Committee appointed by the British Association for the Advancement of
Science at Swansea in 1880, an Abstract of which will be presented to
the Association at its next Meeting.
The Returns relating to Scotland have been arranged by Mr.
Harvie-Brown; those for the East Coast of England, by Mr. Cordeaux;
and the West Coast of England, by Mr. Philip Kermode.
REPORT
ON
THE MIGRATION OF BIRDS
IN THE
SPRING AND AUTUMN OF 1880.
"I am fixing correspondents in every corner of these northern
regions, like so many pickets and outposts; so that scarcely a
Wren or a Tit shall be able to pass from York to Canada but I
shall get intelligence of it."--Alexander Wilson, in 1808. (_Vide_
Constable's Edition, 1831, p. xlix.)
EAST COAST OF SCOTLAND.
_Iceland and Faroe._--Schedules, letters of instruction, and
additional remarks were forwarded through Mr. Alexander Buchan
(Secretary, Scottish Meteorological Society, Edinburgh), to three
stations, two of which, Stykkisholm and Reykavik, are in Iceland,
and one at Thorshavn in Faroe. A fourth more northern station is
secured at Fair Island for 1881, Mr. William Lawrence having kindly
undertaken the work.[1] Our Faroe station has failed us this year,
but we hope better things from it next.
[Footnote 1: At a later date I received a letter (dated 17th March)
from Mr. Lawrence, containing a few items of interest. During the
week previous, "A number of Swans took shelter at Fair Isle, and
a large flock of common Black Crows, with a few Jackdaws amongst
them. The Hooded Crow is the common one here, and we never have the
Black Crow here unless after, or during, gales of wind. Puffins and
Guillemots arrived somewhat later this season, and a large increase
appeared in the number of Gulls. Lapwings appeared, and one Coot was
caught in a very disabled condition. Large flocks of Snowbirds are
seen here. They came very early in winter, but disappeared again till
now, when they have returned. A large flock of Wild Geese arrived
here on the 14th inst. We do not often see them here. Four Swans were
caught; the largest weighed twenty pounds, and the others from that
down to sixteen pounds."]
Printed schedules, letters of instructions, and additional remarks
were forwarded to twenty-six stations on the East Coast of Scotland
and the Shetland and Orkney Islands, making, with the Iceland and
Faroe stations, thirty-nine in all for 1880. With Fair Isle for 1881
we shall have forty stations.
Eight stations on the East Scottish coasts returned filled-in
schedules, against thirteen last year, out of a total of twenty-six.
This shows a falling off from last year. The reasons for this I have
endeavoured to explain in my general remarks further on, under both
East and West Coast. Scarcity of birds is reported from several
stations.
The stations from which co-operation was asked are the following,
commencing with the most northerly. Those from which returns have
been received are marked with a *; those which sent returns both last
year and this year have two **; those which sent none last year but
have done so this year have a † prefixed; those which sent returns
last year but none this year are printed in _italics_. In future
Reports we will prefix to each station the years in which these
stations make returns. A marked improvement appears, however, in the
returns which we have received, these being fuller than in 1879.
We would like, however, to direct the special attention of our
reporters, both on the East and West Coasts, to the desirability of
recording exactly the _directions of flight_ of the birds observed in
every case, so far as practicable, arid to minutiæ of dates, even of
single occurrences. Let us also impress that even a single accurate
return, or one entry only in a schedule, is often of value; and even
if solitary occurrences of birds take place at a station, such should
be sent to me, though the schedule be otherwise a blank. The interest
has this season been better kept up on the West Coast stations
than at the East Coast ones, judging from the scarcity of returned
schedules from the latter. When no schedules are returned, I would
esteem it a great favour if the lighthouse-keepers would kindly drop
me a post-card, stating if there is any reason for no returns being
sent, such as pressure of duties, scarcity of birds, or other causes.
In connection with the migration of 1880, I have to mention that
considerable aid to the work has been given by Mr. James Hardy, of
Old Cambus, Berwickshire. He writes to me (22nd Feb. 1881), "I have
drawn out a scheme of all the memoranda I can find about last year's
migratory birds. I only await a Northumberland and Berwickshire list
to have it ready." Later I received a summary of this from Mr. Hardy,
which will be found at the end of this East Coast of Scotland Report.
As an example of careful and minute field-study it is alone deserving
of the attention of observers, and it proves valuable upon comparison
with the other data. Those reading the lighthouse reports here under
the species, should also compare with Mr. Hardy's local Berwickshire
observations. I beg to propose Mr. Hardy as a member of our Committee.
East Coast of Scotland.
Height of centre of
light above water.
4. **North Unst. 280 ft. Robert Burnett.
5. *Whalsey Skerries. 145 Neven Kerr.
6. Bressay. 105
7. **Sumburgh Head. 300 } Wm. Anderson† and
} John Wilson.
Orkney.
8. **North Ronaldshay 140 John Tulloch.‡
9. Start Point. 80
10. **Auskerry. 110 John MacDonald.
11. *Hoy Sound (Low). 55 Alexander Harp.§
12. Hoy Sound (High). 115
13. Cantick Head. 115
14. **Pentland Skerries. 170 Donald Macdonald.
Main Land.
15. *_Dunnet Head, Caithness._ 346‖
16. Holborn Head. 75
17. *_Noss Head._ 175
18. **Tarbat Ness, East Ross. 175 William Davidson.
19. Cromarty, East Cromarty. 60
20. Chanonry Point, Elgin. 40
21. Covesea Skerries, Elgin. 160
22. Kinnaird Head, Aberdeen. 120
23. Buchan Ness, Aberdeen. 130
24. _Girdleness_, Aberdeen. 185
25. Montroseness, Aberdeen. 124
26. **Bell Rock, off Fife Coast. 93 James Jack.
27. **Isle of May, Firth of Forth. 240 Joseph Agnew.
28. *Inch Keith, Firth of Forth. 220 Robert Grierson
29. St. Abb's Head, Berwick. 224¶
† Records and Schedule dating after 22nd Nov. were filled in by Mr.
John Wilson. Prior to this date they were filled in by Mr. William
Anderson, who has been since transferred to St. Abb's Head.
‡ No schedule was returned, but one note upon Swans, in a letter,
proves useful (_vide_ Swan). "No birds struck the lights this year."
§ Schedule returned with the remark, "Nothing of importance has been
observed at this station during 1880." In 1879 a similar scarcity
noted at this locality.
‖ We have lost a good observer here, Mr. George Maclachlan having
left.
¶ I am anxious to receive returns from this locality, not having
received any hitherto. I have to thank Mr. W. Anderson for a very
full return at Sumburgh Head up to Nov. 22nd. I hope he will find
St. Abb's as interesting a locality, though, I fear, the Great Siren
horn, with its unearthly shriek, will prove a great scare to migrants
in a fog.
I am also indebted to many other persons for interesting notes
from various localities, bearing upon the subject of migration. A
selection of these I will take notice of in the following report
separately, under the head "_Notes_," as I consider it advisable to
keep the one set of observations apart from the other. Further notice
of similar observations will be found in my "Third Report on Scottish
Ornithology," now preparing for press and partly read to the Natural
History Society of Glasgow, on Jan. 25th, 1881, being a continuation
of Reports read to the same Society, in 1880 and 1879, and relating
to 1878-79, 1879-80. Many data will be found in these Reports having
close and intimate connection with the Migration Reports proper.
As nearly as can be ascertained, notes have been kept by our
east-coast reporters upon nine species of waterfowl and thirty
species of land birds.
The new feature of this Report is the separate treatment of the
spring and autumn migrations, owing to the greater length of time
over which our reporters made notes. Another new feature is the
obituary--or list of deaths--at the different stations.
In my Report on the East Coast of Scotland, however, I have not
thought it necessary to keep the spring migration distinct, owing to
the comparative scarcity of records on our East Coast, but in my West
Coast Report I do so. Nor have I given an obituary for either coast,
as the numbers on all the Scottish coasts is inappreciable. As will
be seen further on, it is a very different matter at the low-lying
lanterns of the light-vessels off the English coast. At the same time
I sufficiently distinguish between the spring and autumn records, and
where large numbers of birds are killed I make mention of it under
the separate species.
SEPARATE REPORT ON EACH SPECIES.
I have purposely in one or two instances varied the arrangement
of the statistics under the species,--as, for instance, under the
_Corvidæ_,--thinking that possibly such variation may place in
juxtaposition certain fresh considerations or combinations in our
study, or place these in a clearer light for future comparison.
Falconidæ.--Returns from N. Unst, Whalsey Skerries, Sumburgh Head,
Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May, which, be it noted, are all
insular localities. On Sept. 3rd one Sparrowhawk, chasing small
birds, seen on Pentland Skerries at 9 a.m., fresh S.W. and haze. This
appears the earliest date recorded on which the _Raptores_ visit
the islands on predatory raids in autumn. The only record at Isle
of May was in the month of May, when two "falcons" were seen. On
Sept. 13th a Rough-legged Buzzard (?) flew about all day on Whalsey
Skerries, wind light S.E. and haze; and on Sept. 30th a "Glede Hawk"
(from internal evidence probably a Peregrine) flew about; wind fresh
N.E. and clear; seen at 8 a.m. On Oct. 3rd a "falcon" visited the
Pentland Skerries, and flew round for a time; seen at 3 p.m., wind
strong N. and haze; and on the same date and in the same place, two
Sparrowhawks at 1.30 p.m. During Oct. 14th, 16th, and 17th, the
so-called "Glede Hawks" remained preying upon Snow Buntings, and were
joined by a Sparrowhawk (or Merlin ?) on the 17th, wind fresh N. to
W., to strong N.W. At Sumburgh Head, Nov. 28th, a "Brown Hawk" was
noticed at noon, during S.W. wind, with haze and rain; and a "large
Grey Hawk," seen flying S., with fresh N. breeze, at 8.30 a.m.
_Notes._--It is recorded that a White-tailed Eagle struck on
Girdleness lighthouse a few years previous to 1853 ('The Naturalist,'
1853, p. 139). At North Unst the following species are noted as
resident:--Three species of Gulls, probably Kittiwake, Herring Gull,
and Great Black-backed Gull. Iceland Gulls appear from October
till March, but were scarcer this year than any which Mr. Burnett
remembers. The Black Crow (?), Hooded Crow, Snipe, Starling, Titlark,
and House Sparrow are included amongst residents. An occasional
White-tailed Eagle is seen, and several kinds of hawks. Of all the
sea-birds the Petrel is the only one that strikes on the lanterns. As
it is usually in the morning when the rock-birds are first seen on
arrival in spring, the time of their arrival is supposed to be during
the night, and the direction of their coming is unknown.--(Signed,
Robert Burnett.) Mr. Burnett adds, "The only rare bird I have
heard of in this neighbourhood was a Hoopoe." I paid a visit to
the Isle of May on June 24th, 1880, and made Mr. Agnew's personal
acquaintance. During a hurried visit of less than two hours my
companion and myself rowed round the cliff portion of the island, and
also landed and walked over a considerable part of the lower-lying
portion of at the N.W. end. We saw the following species engaged in
incubation:--Oystercatchers, Eider Ducks, Guillemots, Razorbills,
Kittiwakes, and Rock Pipits. We searched in vain for any species
of Tern; a single Redshank was seen. Mr. Agnew's son saw a Black
Guillemot a few days before, and Mr. J. H. Buchanan, who was out in
the S.S. 'Fiery Cross' the previous Thursday, "thought" he saw one
also. The Agnews cannot say if they breed there or not, but their
being seen there occasionally would make it worth while, if time
permitted, to search carefully the suitable clefts and caverns in the
lower rocks. It was reported to me that the sea-birds have increased
greatly on The May since the Sea-birds Bill came into force. The
eggs, however, are still taken wholesale by fishermen from the Fife
coast and elsewhere.
Owls.--The only record occurs at Auskerry, where one was seen after
midnight on Oct. 21st, and remained about for some time; exact
species not noted.
_Note._--Curiously enough, on the same date, numbers of Short-eared
Owls were to be seen in the flesh in the birdstuffers' shops in
Edinburgh. This shows the value of even single records at lighthouse
stations, as, were it not for the above Auskerry record, the other
fact would stand alone.
Swallows.--During the spring migration these were taken notice of
at Isle of May, Auskerry, and Sumburgh Head. The earliest record is
at Isle of May, on April 30th, when two were seen flying N.W. at 10
a.m., flying with a light S.E. breeze, and clear. Then at Sumburgh
Head, two on May 16th, one on 19th, and two on 29th, during the
daytime; winds variable, fine, clear to haze, or showery; threatening
but fine on 19th; and two were seen at Auskerry on May 31st at noon,
wind S.S.E., haze. Lastly, on June 2nd, at Auskerry, two were seen
flying S., against a S. gale, with haze; and this last is properly no
doubt assignable to the commencement of the autumn migration.
Wren.--Recorded at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May only. On October
29th at the former, when one was seen flying about the island; wind
N.E., with snow-showers; and on Oct. 13th, at the latter, with light
E. wind, and clear.
Goldcrest, _Regulus cristatus_.--The only spring record is on April
12th at Sumburgh Head, where "some" were seen resting on the dykes
between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.; wind E., light, with fog. In the autumn
migrations, they are recorded from two stations, _viz._, Tarbat Ness
and Isle of May. They appeared on Isle of May on Oct. 8th, when a
number were seen, having arrived during the previous night; wind
strong S.E., showery. Mr. Agnew notes this as "an early appearance,"
and notes also "none seen here last year." On Oct. 15th more
Goldcrests appeared on the same island at 4 a.m., and one was wounded
at the glass; wind variable and light; clear. On Nov. 1st one bird
struck at midnight, in strong N. wind, with snow.
Robin, _Erithaca rubecula_.--Occurred at three stations--Tarbat Ness,
Bell Rock, and Isle of May. A rush appears to have taken place about
the time of the earliest date--on the 15th August--past the Bell
Rock. "Great numbers along with Wheatears, Redshanks, and many small
birds unidentified, struck the dome and lantern between 1 and 2 a.m.;
wind light N.E. and rain. None were found dead on the balcony, but
many struck; some lightly, and flew away again; others harder, and
were seen fluttering away into the darkness. No doubt many perished
in the sea." The next date is the 18th Sept., at Isle of May, when
one was seen. "None seen last year." On Oct. 13th, on Isle of May,
another large migration was noticed, many being seen upon the island,
having arrived during the night. On Nov. 2nd, at Tarbat Ness, one
struck at 8 p.m.; strong N.W. wind, with showers.
Wheatear, _Saxicola ænanthe_.--The northernmost locality given is
North Unst, where a few strike the lantern during the season,
but no dates are given. Thence southwards, they are noted at five
other stations, _viz._, Whalsey, Sumburgh Head, Auskerry, Pentland
Skerries, and the Bell Rock. The earliest date is August 4th, at
Pentland Skerries, where one struck at 11.30 p.m.; wind strong E.,
and haze. The reporter adds the note:--"Starlings and Wheatears
generally strike at night, when the wind shifts with rain. They
probably leave resting-places, and, when once on wing, are attracted
by the light." On Aug. 14th another single bird struck at 10.15 p.m.;
wind light S.E., and fog: three more on 15th, from 9 to 11 p.m.; wind
the same, with haze. At Sumburgh Head, on Aug. 11th, one young bird
struck; wind light N., and fog. At Whalsey, on 16th, about twelve old
and young were flying round the lantern at 1 a.m.; wind light W.,
and haze. At Bell Rock, Aug. 15th, great numbers along with Robins.
At Auskerry, Sept. 5th, three struck at 3 a.m.; wind strong S., with
haze and showers. The latest date recorded is Sept. 13th, at Pentland
Skerries, when two struck at 2 a.m.; wind fresh S.W., and rain.
Titmice.--At Isle of May, Aug. 10th and 11th, a migration was
noticed: 10th, the first pair came to the lights, and one was
wounded; 11th, great numbers were seen on the island; wind light E.,
haze.
Wagtail.--At Whalsey--the only station returning a record of this
species--large flocks rested, arriving on Aug. 21st; wind light S.E.,
with dense fog, which lasted till 28th, on which date they all again
departed.
Titlark, _Anthus pratensis_.--Noted as leaving Whalsey Skerries in
the first week of September; wind at the time S. to S.E., with from
haze to fog during the days. The note is added, "A few remain."
These are probably Rock Pipits. The only other station whence I
have records is the Isle of May. A very large migration of Titlarks
(called "Woodlarks" in schedule) came during the night of Dec.
21st-22nd; wind light E., and clear; and on the 22nd, "The island was
literally swarming with them; flocks of from twenty to one hundred or
more." Mr. Agnew "never saw so many here before."
Turdidæ.--Records came in from Sumburgh Head in the north, to Isle
of May in the south, and from Auskerry. One record at Sumburgh
applies to the spring migration, _viz._, on April 1st, when several
Blackbirds (_Turdus merula_) were seen at 10 a.m.; wind squally
S.S.E; changeable weather, with haze and rain. In the autumn
migration we have more returns, but none before Nov. 1st, when the
first Thrush was seen at 2 a.m.; wind strong W., with showers, at
Auskerry. At Isle of May, Nov. 1st, "Mountain Thrush" was seen at
2 p.m.; wind light S.W., and haze. Thereafter on Dec. 15th, at the
same place, a very large flock of "Mountain Thrushes" at 2 p.m.; wind
light S., and snow. Again, on 22nd, two birds of same species,[2] and
one on Jan. 1st; wind light E. to S.S.E., and haze. At Sumburgh Head,
Jan. 14th, 1881, one Blackbird at noon; calm and clear.
[Footnote 2: There can be little doubt, I think, that Fieldfares are
meant. Ring Ouzels are usually denominated "Mountain Blackbirds."
Indeed, amongst a collection of local names which I have gathered, I
find the name of "Mountain Thrush" applied to the Fieldfare.]
Corvidæ.--The spring migration is referred to under Sumburgh Head
on April 4th and 5th. On April 4th some Crows ["species not known"]
seen flying S.E.; wind S.S.E., fine. On the 5th a gale blew from
the South. The autumn migration has eight entries under three
stations, _viz._, Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries (five dates), and
Tarbat Ness. Only two species--Ravens and Hooded Crows--are noted.
At Pentland Skerries, two Ravens on Sept. 29th at 3.30 p.m.; wind
moderate S., clear; one on Oct. 9th, wind light E.; and two on Jan.
13th, 1881, at 11 a.m., wind fresh N.E., with showers alternating
with clear. At Sumburgh Head, Hooded Crows arrived on Dec. 5th, and
remained all winter; and five were seen on Dec. 1st, at 2.30 p.m.;
wind moderate W., and showers; and four on Dec. 29th, at 1.30 p.m.;
wind light E., and clear; and two on Jan. 13th, at 11 a.m.; wind
fresh N.E., clear, alternating with snow-showers. At Tarbat Ness
great numbers continued along shore in Jan., 1881, owing to severity
of the weather.
Starling, _Sturnus vulgaris_.--At Pentland Skerries and Isle of May.
Earliest dates July 5th and 11th, at Isle of May. Latest date (but
only three records altogether) 12th Sept., at Pentland Skerries. Four
struck at 11 a.m.; wind fresh S., clear; Pentland Skerries, on 12th
Sept. Flock of young at 10 a.m.; wind W., clear; remained two days at
Isle of May on same date. Very large flock of young at 7 p.m.; wind
N.W., light and clear, at the same station.
Chaffinch, _Fringilla cœlebs_.--At Isle of May, Oct. 19th, a few
seen: this is rather later than usual.
_Note._--The only record on the west coast agrees with this, however,
at Bahama L. V. (_q. v._)
Linnet, _Fringilla cannabina ?_--The spring migration represented
only at Isle of May by one bird at 7 p.m.; wind light W., clear, on
May 18th; and by two birds at 10 a.m. same night; wind light W.,
clear. In autumn, at Sumburgh Head, from sixteen to twenty seen on
Dec. 2nd, at 10 a.m.; wind fresh N., haze and rain; and six on Jan.
3rd, 1881; wind strong S.W., haze. Previous to this latter date the
weather was severe until Jan. 2nd, 1881. Snow and frost all gone on
3rd. "Until of late, birds very scarce."
Yellowhammer.--At Isle of May, first seen (only record) on Oct. 7th;
wind N.E. gale, clear.
Snow Bunting, _Plectrophanes nivalis_.--Recorded from the following
stations:--Whalsey, Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, Isle of May,
Inch Keith. In all thirteen entries. Earliest date Sept. 13th, at
Whalsey, when large flocks arrived and stayed thereafter all winter;
wind on Sept. 13th N., with showers. Latest date noted Dec. 29th, at
Pentland Skerries, when large flock seen on island at 11.15 a.m.;
wind strong N.E., hail. Between these dates: Oct. 27th, at Isle of
May, a flock at 2 p.m.; wind E.N.E., and heavy hail-showers. 28th,
Pentland Skerries, a flock on the island at 1 p.m.; wind strong N.E.,
and hail. At Pentland Skerries, Nov. 6th, a few--five killed--from
7 to 11 p.m.; wind W., showers. At Isle of May, 13th, a flock at 2
p.m.; wind light W., clear. 29th, one bird killed at same station at
6 a.m.; wind light W., haze. At Sumburgh Head, Dec. 5th, ten seen at
1 p.m.; wind fresh S.W., haze and rain. At Inch Keith, Dec. 10th,
large flock at 9 a.m., remained twenty-four hours; 15th, very large
flock at 11 a.m.; wind light S., snow. At Pentland Skerries, Dec.
19th, flock at 2.15 p.m.; wind strong S.E., rain.
_Note._--Mr. Hardy notes the earliest appearance on 18th Oct. in
East Lothian--a single bird near Thornton Loch, on the public road,
a field's-breadth from the sea-side. Wind N. and tempestuous, with
heavy rain.
Sky Lark, _Alauda arvensis_.--Records from Sumburgh Head, Pentland
Skerries, and Isle of May. Earliest date Oct. 23rd, at Sumburgh Head;
one seen singing for a short time; wind N.W., fine, showers, and
sunshine. Then Dec. 17th, at Pentland Skerries, large flock all day
on the island; wind fresh N.E., clear. Dec. 23rd, Isle of May, all
left, not one to be seen. Latest record Jan. 13th, 1881, Sumburgh
Head; five seen hovering round at 1.30 p.m.; wind light E., cloudy.
14th, two at 11 a.m., rested; wind light N., clear; and on Nov. 2nd,
seven at 9 a.m., flying east or landwards; wind fresh S.E., hazy. On
Dec. 3rd, flocks at 11 a.m.; wind E., flying S.
Rock Pigeon, _Columba livia_.--At Pentland Skerries, a flock seen at
2 p.m.; wind light S.W., snow on the ground.
Golden Plover, _Charadrius pluvialis_.--Records reached me from
Auskerry, Pentland Skerries, Tarbat Ness, and Isle of May (ten
entries, of which seven were at Pentland Skerries). Earliest date
July 23rd, when six were seen flying about the island--Pentland
Skerries--at 9 a.m.; wind light E. At Pentland Skerries, Aug. 11th, a
flock flying S.E. at 10.30 a.m.; wind light W., clear. No more till
Nov. 15th, when a flock remained a week at Auskerry, arriving at 11
a.m., with light N.E. wind. At Tarbat Ness, Nov. 11th, hundreds all
day till 4 p.m.; wind N. to W. with snow. Nov. 21st, at 3.30 p.m.,
a flock on island at Pentland Skerries; wind fresh S.W., clear. At
Pentland Skerries, Dec. 16th, a flock flying N. at 10.30 a.m.; wind
fresh S.W., and snow. At Isle of May, Dec. 22nd, one bird. "They are
not seen here every year, and most in severe weather."
Oystercatcher, _Hæmatopus ostralegus_.--At Sumburgh Head, Aug. 28th,
all left after the fog of 21st--28th cleared away; as did other
species, including Wheatears, Wagtails, and Rock-birds. At Auskerry,
five arrived, with light S. wind and haze, and remained a week.
Heron, _Ardea cinerea_.--At Isle of May, July 22nd, a flock of six
flying S. at 2.30 p.m.; wind light E., clear. At Pentland Skerries,
Sept. 9th, seven at 5 a.m.; wind light W., clear. At Sumburgh Head,
Sept. 19th, three flying about at 10 a.m.; wind N.W., and haze. At
Auskerry, Oct. 8th, two arrived at 2 p.m.; wind light E., clear; and
remained; and at same station on 21st, twelve arrived at 11.30 a.m.;
wind light N., and remained.
Curlew, _Numenius arquata_.--One record (April 13th) belongs to the
spring migration. One was seen flying S.E. at 11 a.m.; wind S., and
haze. At Sumburgh Head, Aug. 12th, six seen flying W. and crying
loudly at 12.30 p.m.; wind S.W., and haze. 2nd, seven flying about,
and then taking off W. and crying loudly at 1 p.m.; wind light S.W.,
haze. At Auskerry, Oct. 9th, five at 1 p.m.; wind light E., clear;
and remained. At Isle of May, Curlews had been on the island for
weeks.
_Note._--Mr. Dunn, Dalkeith Gardens, "heard a Curlew when calling,
some 800 to 1000 feet up in the air." It was flying due W. on Dec.
26th. The sky was clear and the sun shining at the time--about 1 p.m.
Wind light from W. in morning; calm at the time. For the previous
six days the wind veered between S. by W. to N., the prevailing wind
being S.W. Weather "very cold that day, and for a few days before and
after." Being a station of the Scottish Meteorological Society, the
above statistics are exact.
Redshank and Sandpiper, _Totanus calidris_.--At Isle of May, Dec.
27th, three Sandpipers seen at 4 p.m.; wind N.E., haze; and on Jan.
3rd, at same place, a Redshank shot.
Snipe, _Scolopax gallinago_.--At Auskerry, Pentland Skerries, and
Isle of May. At Isle of May, Sept. 12th, one killed at lantern at 4
a.m.; wind N.E., fresh, and rain. At Pentland Skerries, Oct. 2nd,
two killed at 8.30 p.m., during strong N. wind, haze, and rain. At
Auskerry, Oct. 21st, two arrived at 3.45, and remained; wind strong
N. At Isle of May, Jan. 12th, a number arrived at night; wind fresh
N.E., and rain.
Woodcock, _Scolopax rusticola_.--At Isle of May, Oct. 9th, one seen
at 5 a.m.; wind strong N.E., and showers; this is earlier than usual.
At Isle of May, Oct. 19th, more arrived during the night or morning,
with N.E. gale, and showers. At Auskerry, Oct. 21st, one arrived at
3.30 p.m., and remained; wind strong N., with sleet. On Nov. 16th
considerable numbers came during the night. These are the latest Mr.
Agnew remembers to have seen, by several weeks. At Pentland Skerries,
Nov. 29th, one on the island at morn; wind strong W., and clear.
Goose, _Anser_.--On Oct 14th a flock of "Grey Geese" flying S.E., at
10.45 a.m., past the Pentland Skerries; wind fresh N.W., and showers.
Again on Oct. 24th another flock of the same flying also S.E. at 5.15
p.m.; wind also fresh N.W., clear. Again on 26th Oct. a flock of the
same flying N. at 6.30 a.m.; wind strong N., and showers; all the
above probably indicating only a local migration--to and fro. At Isle
of May, Oct. 26th, a large flock flying N., with westerly gale.
_Note._--Mr. Dunn, Dalkeith Gardens, "observed a >-shaped flock of
about forty Wild Geese, about six hundred feet from the surface of
the earth, flying in an easterly direction on the 16th December.
They made a considerable noise in their flight. The wind at the time
was N.W., and for the six previous days it ranged from W. to N., on
one day only chopping round to S., _viz._, on 15th, which was the
day before we saw the Geese. Snow was lying on the ground at the
time, and the next seven days were cold, dull, and stormy, with more
or less snow falling every day. Flights of Geese are not common in
this district, hence the interest taken in the above." Could we get
a number of similar records from inland observers, how useful they
would be for comparison with our coast stations.--[J. A. H. B.]
Swan, _Cygnus_.--At Sumburgh Head, Jan. 30th, 1881, twenty wild
Swans seen, first a mile off, flying along the shore very slowly,
and lowering, apparently much exhausted. At North Ronaldshay, Dec.
23rd, 1880, sixteen Swans seen; they stayed on a large loch about two
weeks, during a heavy fall of snow, and flew off north when the thaw
commenced.
Ducks.--Two records on April 1st at Whalsey and Sumburgh Head,
referable to the spring migration. At Whalsey, Eider Ducks (or
"Dunters") arrived about this date, and at Sumburgh Head, Sheldrakes
arrived on this date, at 10 a.m.; wind strong S.S.E., with showers.
In the autumn migration, notes have been taken at Whalsey, Sumburgh
Head, Pentland Skerries, and Isle of May (eight entries). Eiders
said to leave about August, and the note is added that, "after the
Ducks have sat eight or ten days, the Drakes all disappear from the
neighbourhood." On Sept. 12th, twelve male Eiders seen at 3 p.m.;
wind S., and fine, with haze. At Pentland Skerries, Sept. 14th, a
flock, mostly males, seen flying E.; wind light E., and rain. Sept.
25th, at same station, a flock of male and female Eiders flying E.;
wind light E., rain. At Isle of May, Oct. 19th, a "small duck." At
Isle of May, Dec. 22nd, "a flock of ducks" swam along shore. At
Tarbat Ness, Dec. 30th, flocks of from eight to ten "ducks" seen from
2 to 3.30 p.m.; wind light N., and snow. At Isle of May, Jan. 13th,
three "Wild Ducks" seen; wind E.N.E., gale, and snow.
Rock Birds.--Records at North Unst, Whalsey, and Sumburgh refer to
spring arrival. At North Unst, April 25th, innumerable Puffins and
rock-birds arrived; wind fresh N.W., and clear. At Whalsey, March
15th, the rock-birds arrived. At Sumburgh, March 4th, they arrived
about 7 a.m. In autumn, all left Whalsey on Aug. 28th after the fog,
which had hung since the 21st, cleared off. At Pentland Skerries,
July 25th, a flock of Guillemots seen flying E. at 7 p.m., with
moderate E. wind. On Aug. 4th, two flocks flying E. between 3 and 4
p.m., with light S. wind; and on Aug. 25th, three flocks seen flying
E. between 5 and 8 p.m., with light S.W. airs.
_Note._--Mr. M. Vaughan--to whom I am indebted for supplementary
notes--writes that Rock-birds, Gannets, and Cormorants were scarcer
than usual in Orkney during the first week in August. I have no
return this year from Dunnet Head, but Mr. Geo. Maclachlan, says,
"There are over 3000 Guillemots hatched here, and I am able to count
(say) 175 in 350." At the Isle of May, Eiders arrived about Oct. 1st,
coming, it is believed, to winter from the Isle of May and Fidra.
They remain till end of March.
Gulls.--At Sumburgh Head, Oct. 23rd, one Iceland Gull seen at 8 a.m.;
wind N.W., with showers. This is the first seen. They come in October
and leave in April. At same station, Nov. 22nd, another Iceland Gull
at 10 a.m.; wind fresh S.W., and clear. At Tarbat Ness, Dec. 24th,
two ("Iceland Gulls") at 11 a.m.; wind light N.E., and sleet.
_Note._--These "Iceland Gulls" maybe true _Larus islandicus_ or
Iceland Gull _vera_, but more probably are Glaucous Gulls (_Larus
glaucus_). The incident below related is confirmed by a letter
received from Mr. Jack, the head light-keeper at the Bell Rock
lighthouse:--"Arbroath: A Fact for Naturalists.--Our Arbroath
correspondent writes:--A curious story of a sea-bird is in
circulation here, and I send it you, as it has been related to me
on what seems fairly good authority. The other day a white Sea Gull
of the Kittiwake variety was seen flying about the signal-tower of
the Bell Rock lighthouse. The bird was evidently in distress, and
one of the lighthouse-keepers opening a window, held out his hands,
when it came to him. The bird, in taking a bait fixed to a line, had
swallowed the hook, and the line, with its handle, a stick about a
foot long, was dependent from the bird's mouth. The light-keeper cut
away the string as far down the bird's throat as he could reach, and
the bird flew away evidently relieved.--'Scotsman,' 1st May, 1880."
Mr. Jack writes as follows, 10th May, 1880:--"It is quite true about
the Sea Gull. It was so unusual to see a string attached to the bird,
that I opened the window of my bedroom and leaned out to look at
it, when, strange to say, it came towards me. Without thinking for
a moment that the creature would really come to me, I held out my
hands towards it, when it came close up to me. I took hold of it and
brought it inside, and called to my two assistants (who were looking
out of another window a few feet from mine) to 'look at this.' So
surprised were they both at the whole affair, that after we had
relieved the poor bird, one of my assistants declared that, when he
got on shore in turn, he would state the case to the editor of the
'Guide' newspaper." "Poor little creature!" adds my correspondent,
"it was a pleasant sight to see it on its flight away, and not as it
arrived, weary and worn out." One has only to imagine the Bell Rock
as the Ark in the midst of the waters, and the Gull a Dove. As I am
speaking now of the Bell Rock, I may note here that large numbers
of Long-tailed Ducks are reported by Mr. Jack as frequenting the
vicinity of the rock in winter, constantly uttering their peculiar
cry of "Co-co-candle-wick." Solan Geese are perpetually in sight
summer and winter, flying round the rock or fishing. Mr. Jack also
tells us that single birds of different species come crash against
the dome or windows with terrific force, and rebounding off are
seldom even seen, but leave often their blood and brains scattered
about.
Skua, _Lestris catarractes_.--Reported as seen at North Unst first on
April 18th. About the same number is counted, _viz._, six or eight
each year. In autumn, at Sumburgh Head, one "Bonzie" was seen flying
W. at noon; wind S.S.W., haze; and the note is added, "The first seen
(in autumn?) for eight years."
Terns, _Sterninæ_.--Two records referable to spring migration at
Whalsey and Sumburgh Head. Arriving at former about May 15th and
at the latter on May 16th, at 9.40, with variable winds, fine, and
clear. In autumn, records at Whalsey, Sumburgh Head, Auskerry, and
Bell Rock. They disappeared from Bell Rock on Aug. 23rd, "not,
however, from want of food, as plenty soil of herring are around the
rock." They had been about the rock for a fortnight, feeding. They
disappeared from Whalsey, Aug. 25th, after the fog of 21st--28th,
at the same time with Wheatears, Oystercatchers, Wagtails, and
rock-birds. At Bell Rock, Aug. 28th, about thirty old and young were
seen feeding; and on the 29th these all left. At Sumburgh Head, Sept.
8th, a number flying about and crying at 9 a.m.; wind W., light and
haze. At Auskerry, Oct. 1st, four flew round for a little about 1
a.m.; wind light E., rain.
_Note._--Mr. J. T. Garriock, to whom I am obliged for a supplementary
schedule from Lerwick, recorded in 'The Zoologist' for 1880 the
arrival of Terns, apparently from the north, on May 22nd, when a
pair was first noticed. In a subsequent letter to me, Mr. Garriock
confirms his observation on the direction of their flight.
Petrel, _Thalassidroma pelagica_.--Occasionally strikes the lantern
during the season at North Unst, but no dates given. At Whalsey, Aug.
16th, one caught at 1 a.m.; wind light N.W., haze. At Sumburgh Head,
Aug. 3rd, three struck at 11 p.m.; wind N.N.W., dull, and sultry; and
on the 6th, one struck at midnight; wind S., and haze. At Auskerry,
Aug. 16th, one killed at 11.20 p.m.; light S. breeze, fog, and haze.
One struck at Auskerry, Sept. 13th, at 3 a.m.; wind strong S., and
haze.
Gannet, _Sula bassana_.--At Sumburgh Head, July 20th (earliest date),
great numbers, adult and young, flying in all directions, feeding on
herrings. At Pentland Skerries, July 19th, 30-40, flying E., wind
N.E., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 20th, 50, flying E., wind fresh N., 9 a.m.
to 5 p.m.; 21st, 60, flying E., wind light N.E., clear, 9 a.m. to 5
p.m.; 22nd, 25, flying E., wind light N.E. airs, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.;
23rd, 25-30, flying E., wind E., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; 24th, 40, flying
E., wind S.E., 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., fog, haze; 26th, 60, flying E., wind
mod. E., 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., fog, haze; Aug. 4th, continuous flights,
wind light E., 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., fog, haze; 5th, continuous flights,
wind moderate W., 4.30 a.m. to 8.30 p.m.
_Note._--Solan Geese were observed daily in flocks going E., from
July 19th to middle of Sept.; and going W. on Aug. 19th, 20th, and
25th. About the middle of Sept. young appeared amongst them. This
note summarises to a great extent the above data. At Tarbat Ness,
Oct. 18th, 19th, and 20th, great numbers flying N., wind S., 8 a.m.
to 4 p.m. Since the return of the schedules Mr. Jack has written
to me that--"On the 5th February, 1881, the Bell Rock station was
visited by the largest flock of birds I have seen this winter,
_viz._. Larks, Rose Linnets, Starlings, and other species which I
did not see well enough to make out. Time when seen, 2 till 5 a.m.;
wind light S.W. on arrival, and on departure fresh N.E. Fog and rain.
Great numbers struck, but none found dead, though doubtless many fell
into the sea. I have observed during the last two winters that the
Golden-crested Wren and the Common Wren have not visited us as usual.
I have seen these small birds thick on the windows, night after
night, during the fall of the year." It is interesting to note here
that between the 2nd and 11th March, 1880, a similar great migration
took place past the Bell Rock, of which an account is given in my
last report for 1879 [_vide_ Zool., May, 1880].[3] At Bell Rock, 18th
Feb., a great number of Larks, 8 p.m., light E.S.E., haze. Great
numbers struck, none lying dead. Apparently this flock was entirely
composed of Larks greatly exhausted. A number seen asleep all night
on window-sashes; left at first streak of dawn. Feb. 19th, a small
number of birds (species not determined) flew about in the rays of
light all night; wind S.E., fresh, haze. 25th, great number of Larks
during the night; wind light W.; striking, but none found dead;
left, flying N.W. March 10th, one Black Crow seen asleep on balcony
rail; left flying N.E., at 7 a.m.; wind fresh W.S.W., haze. 17th,
one "Snowflake" flying from N.W. to S.E.; wind W.S.W., fresh, haze.
In a letter accompanying this later schedule, Mr. Jack writes (28th
March, 1881):--"I am sorry to say our close companions during winter,
Dunters and Sea Pheasants, are still with us in great numbers. This
we know by long observation to indicate that winter is not yet past
for a season, nor can we judge so until they have all been gone for
a week at least. In the fall of the year, when we see them return,
we well know that winter is at hand. When stationed in the Isles of
Shetland I have often remarked, when I heard much howling going on
amongst the seals, that no good weather could be looked for, and I
have never known this to fail."
[Footnote 3: Later in March this year, _viz._ the 19th, an indication
of a returning (?) migration of Shrikes is found in the occurrence
of one bird at Bath Hill Wood, West Grange, Perthshire, not very far
removed from the Alloa district. It was shot by Mr. J. Livingstone,
and is now in the collection of Mr. J. J. Dalgleish.]
General Remarks.
As already mentioned, we have received fewer returns this year
from the East Coast than in 1879, having returns only from eight
stations in 1880, against thirteen in 1879. This arises principally
from actual scarcity of birds at many stations, and at some,
from extra work devoted to duties of the reporters, owing to
fogs and stormy weather. This scarcity appears to have extended
all along our Scottish E. coast, and even showed itself for some
distance down the East English coast. That, at no time, can our
East of Scotland returns approach in magnitude those of the East
English coast, I fully believe, because, in the weather most
favourable for observation at the stations,--_viz._, foggy or thick
nights,--lanterns placed a few feet above the water, as they are in
lightships, must attract far more birds than higher lanterns at the
lighthouses. The peculiar situations also of many of our Scottish
stations--in the midst of towns (as at Cromarty and Kinnaird Head,
in Frazerburgh), in inland bays and arms of the sea (as at Chanonry,
and at many localities on our west coast)--must very materially alter
the conditions of observation. At our more northern stations the
lighthouses for the most part stand at great elevations, and it is
worthy of note that from such stations as the Bell Rock, Pentland
Skerries, and Whalsey Skerries, on the east coast, and Dhuheartach
and Skerryvore, on the west coast, &c., we have the best filled
schedules, showing that stations upon lower and isolated elevations
are the best points of observation.
At the conclusion of my report for 1879, under the West Coast
stations, I take notice of the N.W. to S.E. trend of the migration
across Tyree and Loch Assapol in the Ross of Mull, and of the
direction taken by birds across the narrow part of Scotland between
the Firths of Forth and Clyde (_vide_ 'The Zoologist,' May, 1880, pp.
202-204).
My present impression--from these and many similar observations in
Stirlingshire and the districts named--is, that a semi-circular
migration is probably carried on; birds which strike our coasts at
more northerly points, or start from localities further north in
Scotland itself, at certain points trend more southerly from their
original E. to W. direction; and again, at certain other points,
again trend more easterly from their previous N. to S. direction,
and pass finally, as far as our British Islands are concerned,
from N.W. to S.E. directions. This, of course, is more patent in
some seasons than in others, depending upon prevailing winds and
weather. Birds came to us all through the migratory season from E.
to W. across the North Sea, except in 1879 at the Galloper Bank L.V.
(Zool., May, 1880, p. 203). In 1879, I believe, as further indicated
at the end of my report on the West Coast, that the migration was
compressed by prevailing N.W. winds, and deflected further south, but
in 1880 was more expanded, or less compressed, by prevalence of N.E.
and E. winds, and that therefore the horizontal area of migration
covered a larger surface. In 1880 we thus find birds migrating
from directions south of East to directions north of West across
the English Channel, or crossing from France to England (_vide_
Cordeaux's Report _antea_). These points are put forward not as
intended to be conclusive, but simply for the purpose of directing
attention for further statistics. I will only further direct
attention here to my "Third Ornithological Report for Scotland,
1880-81," read to the Natural History Society of Glasgow, session
1880-81.
In our last Report, 1879 (Zool., May, 1880), under our lists of
lighthouses, we gave the descriptions of the lights, whether white
or red, fixed, flash, revolving, or intermittent, or with other
lights or action. What influence in attracting birds these various
descriptions of light have, it would not yet be easy to ascertain,
because--_given_ the different colours and descriptions--we have them
at different localities, which makes it almost impossible to compare
them. However, broadly speaking, we would imagine the _brightest_,
_whitest_, _fixed_ lights to have most influence in penetrating
fog or haze, and therefore of attracting birds. We considered it
advisable to give these descriptions in our first Report, because we
thought that in time such may prove of some value when our knowledge
of migration increases. In the Report for 1880 we have not repeated
these particulars, but, instead, we give, after the name of each
lighthouse station, the heights of the lanterns above the sea, not
because we can positively affirm that the height of any given light
influences the total of birds seen or killed at that light, but
because we believe that this particular may possibly elicit facts
in future. Some of our reporters state extreme height above the
sea as a cause of birds seldom or never striking the glass, or
never being seen hovering round the light. Certainly, returns show
a preponderance of deaths or other records, first, _at lightships_
(the average height of the lights of which above the sea is only
a few feet); secondly, at such stations--upon isolated rocks--as
the Bell Rock, Dhuheartach, or Skerryvore (the lanterns of which
are not more than sixty or seventy feet above the water); and a
great preponderance above such stations as Cape Wrath (which is 400
feet above the sea) or other similarly elevated lights. During the
daytime, whilst crossing towards the English coasts and past the
lightships, flocks are usually seen flying low; and across the Firth
of Forth and other narrow estuaries the same thing is observed.
At times birds are seen passing high in air "_almost_ beyond the
range of vision," and when clouds or fogs rapidly lift or clear off
during the time of migration, the said migration appears often to
"cease to mortal vision," indicating, some say, a reascent to higher
levels. Birds also are known to _descend_ upon Heligoland almost
perpendicularly from the sky, indicating, it is presumed, a course
of migration at a great height, and a descent therefrom upon fog- or
haze-covered land to rest or feed. To birds passing through the air
above, a _local fog_ beneath probably indicates _land in the midst
of water_, and, if this be so, hence a descent upon it. The various
numerical returns of those killed at lanterns are probably a good
deal dependent on the height at which birds fly in foggy weather.
We might call this the vertical area of birds' migration flight as
opposed to lateral area.
Now it seems that light-vessels always return the best-filled
schedules, and therefore a preponderance of birds are noticed all
along the East English Coast, where light-vessels are most abundant.
Whilst upon the East Scottish Coast the returns are infinitely
smaller where there are no light-vessels, but only lighthouses, whose
lanterns are at a greater height; and the question very naturally
arises, "If the Scottish coasts were lighted with light-vessels,
would not the number of records be very considerably augmented?"
=Mr. J. Hardy's Notes from Berwickshire and the Borders.=
Swallows.--Began to take up their residence on May 12th; left
September 26th. Much later elsewhere in central districts.
Martin.--Returned on May 15th to sea-side nesting-places on rocks and
cavern-mouths. On September 22nd the great body departed, and on 27th
had all left but one.
Sand Martin.--April 23rd, on sea-coast.
Starling.--Most of the young birds had left the upper part of
Berwickshire before October 31st.
Thrush.--March 21st, a few birds scattered here and there; very
scarce. Left mostly by September; only a few later.
Redshank.--Dispersed before March 18th, when only one was heard. A
pair returned March 20th. June 24th a pair had returned. On July 17th
six or seven frequented the coast. On August 31st a small compact
band noticed.
Eider Duck.--A flock of six appeared on the coast, March 18th and
22nd. There were eight on March 27th and four on March 30th.