appearance of Swallows much more general. The earliest record in 1879
of autumn migration was on July 29th, and the latest Sept. 25th, as
against this year, July 16th and Oct. 15th. Careful attention to the
collecting of migrants at these Wigton headlands would surely result
in some interesting data. Mr. Robert Service writes me that all the
headlands, also along the Stewartry coast-line, are gathering-places
for the land-birds before proceeding southward. At daybreak, in
September or October, Mr. Service has often watched departing flights
of birds going off southward or seaward, over the Solway Firth. Large
congregations of Swallows were observed by me at Kinross on telegraph
wires on Aug. 3rd, and I was told that they congregate in the same
place every autumn before leaving. There must have been many hundreds.
The following really belongs to the East Coast Report, and comes in
under Mr. Hardy's notes from Berwickshire and the Borders:--Mr. Hardy
has abundant evidence of the departure of Swallows in the border
counties. He writes to me as follows:--"Old Cambus, Oct. 28th.--On
Sept. 25th and 26th Swallows were here, and a pair of Martins were
then on the coast, seven having been seen on the 26th. The main party
assembled on the coast on the 21st and 22nd, and were not again
visible, excepting this small party. I went down to the cave where
the nests were, and evidently they were feeding young birds there. On
the 30th they had not left a steading about a mile above Gilsland.
They were present on Oct. 2nd and 3rd near Rosely Castle, eight miles
south of Carlisle. On the 4th they were assembling on the roof of the
Mansion House of Marchmont, Berwickshire, in great numbers, during
snow and sleet. The 'Kelso Chronicle' of Oct. 15th says, 'Swallows
were absent three weeks from Kelso, but again, in Kelso and the
country round, their presence that week had been conspicuous. They
had assembled in flocks.' The same paper of Oct. 22nd states that,
'On Oct. 17th a good many Swallows were flying about Jedburgh.' At
Brampton, Cumberland, they were seen on Oct. 16th, 'circling round
the church for several days previous.' On Sept. 22nd, Swallows still
at Horsley, in the valley of the Eye, and a Martin still had young in
a nest in the corner of a window."
Besides the above, it is worth while to take notice of an account
of migration that appeared in an early volume of the 'Proceedings
of the Zoological Society,' relating to the South-west district of
Scotland:--"An extract of a letter from Capt. Fayrer, C.M.Z.S., was
read. It was dated on board H. M.'s Packet 'Arrow,' Port Patrick,
Oct. 23rd, 1831, and referred to the migration of certain birds from
that neighbourhood. That of the Larks commenced about Oct. 12th.
'Their numbers,' says Capt. Fayrer, 'are beyond anything I would
venture to state, but millions They start at daylight, steer directly
across to the Capelona Islands, off Belfast Loch, and seem to prefer
the wind directly against them. Very large flocks of Starlings have
arrived within the last few days; they start before sunrise, but
steer to the southward. The Lapwings have also arrived, but these
birds do not take their flight till day has set well in; they appear
to go directly across. I see all these birds at each end of their
passage (twenty-one miles), and few, I think, perish." (P.Z.S., 1831,
p. 145.)
Wren.--Returns from Skerryvore, Dhuheartach, Skervuile, and
Turnberry. The earliest date available was at Dhuheartach, Aug.
18th, when one was seen flying S. at noon, during light S.W. wind
and haze. None are again reported until Oct. 1st, when "Wrens" were
seen mixed with Larks and Thrushes; winds variable, light, and haze.
Then at Skerryvore, Oct. 9th, one flying about at 11 a.m., light N.E.
breeze, clear; and at Turnberry, Oct. 12th, one struck the lantern at
midnight, wind light N.E. airs. In the autumn migration of 1879 (_q.
v._, _loc. cit._) records came from Monach Island and Dhuheartach.
Earliest Aug. 17th, latest Dec. 9th.
Goldcrest.--At Turnberry, Sept. 24th, 3 a.m., one struck, but was not
killed, wind light S., and haze; and at Corsewall, Sept. 27th till
30th, there appears to have been a migration. On 27th, two were seen
to strike the lantern at 2 a.m., in fresh south breeze and haze; on
28th, two also struck in clear weather, light S. breeze; and on 30th,
eight remained around the lights from 8 p.m. till daylight, wind
light S.E., and haze. From the Mull of Galloway, the negative note
is given, "None seen this year." In 1879, numbers were reported (see
Report, 1879) at Mull of Galloway on July 18th--only date.
_Note._--Mr. E. Warren, _in lit._, notes the unusual scarcity of
Golden-crested Wrens at Ballina at the end of July, 1880.
Robin, _Erithaca rubecula_.--The most northern station where it is
noted is Cape Wrath, where one bird arrived upon Oct. 20th, and
remained until Jan. 11th (when the schedule was returned), or later.
It came at 11.30 a.m., with an E. wind and snow. My correspondent
adds, "It is much thought of." I have ten records from eight
stations, _viz._, Cape Wrath, Stornoway, Kyleakin (2), Isle Ornsay,
Dhuheartach, Rhuvaal, Lismore, and Turnberry. These date from Aug.
18th (Dhuheartach) and Sept. 4th (Kyleakin) to Dec. 31st (Stornoway),
where one was observed for several days previous to that date. Other
dates are, Sept. 8th, (Isle Ornsay), 24th (Turnberry), Oct. 20th
(Cape Wrath, as above), Nov. 7th (Kyleakin and Lismore), Dec. 15th
(Lismore), Dec. 27th (Rhuvaal). All the observations were made during
the daytime, except at Lismore and Turnberry. In August the wind at
Dhuheartach was light S.W. on 18th, with haze; the one Robin seen
flew off S. after resting. At Kyleakin, Sept. 4th, four birds seen
were flying S.W., wind light W., clear. At Turnberry, Sept. 24th,
one struck at 3 a.m., in light S. breeze, and haze. At Isle Ornsay,
one seen. At Cape Wrath, in October. At Kyleakin, Nov. 7th, three,
wind S.E., clear; and numbers seen at Lismore mingling with Starlings
and Larks all night, wind strong S.W., haze and rain. At Rhuvaal,
Dec. 27th, after stormy weather, two flew about and stayed for a few
days; and at Stornoway, Dec. 31st and a few days previously, one
was seen. On 15th, numbers were round the lights at Lismore, along
with Thrushes, Blackbirds, Grey and Green Linnets, in large flocks,
wind strong N.E., and snow. In 1879, Robins were not reported from
stations further north than Kyleakin.
Wheatear, _Saxicola ænanthe_.--I have eight or nine records from
three stations on the west coast in autumn, _viz._, Butt of Lewis
and Dhuheartach. The earliest date is Aug. 13th, when one was seen
at Dhuheartach between 7 and 8 p.m., arriving with light N. wind,
and remaining; and about one hundred, mostly young birds, left the
neighbourhood of the Butt of Lewis, where--about a mile from the
lighthouse--they had been collecting for some days before. Up to
Aug. 17th and 18th, a few--seven on 17th and six on 18th--were seen
at Dhuheartach about 8 a.m., wind light and haze, where they rested
and flew off south. On Aug. 19th, one was killed on the lantern
of Douglas Head lighthouse at 11 p.m., wind E.N.E., and haze. At
Dhuheartach, Sept. 10th, thirty rested, light S. wind, and haze;
and between Sept. 16th and Oct. 1st, large numbers were seen at the
lantern of the Butt of Lewis lighthouse, and many were caught and
released. Skerryvore was the most northerly station in 1879. Aug.
15th was the earliest record in 1879, and the latest on Sept. 28th.
_Note._--Late occurrences of the Wheatear are noted by Mr. Hardy in
Berwickshire. On Sept. 17th they were seen at the shore and not again
afterwards, but a few were present at Berwick, behind the pier,
on Oct. 12th. This is the latest date I have on the east coast of
Scotland. I place the note here--under the west coast report--for
special comparison with the following:--Wheatear.--An unusually
late stay of this species is recorded by Mr. Service in Wigtonshire
(_vide_ 'Zoologist,' Feb. 1881, pp. 54, 55). Since the note appeared
in 'The Zoologist,' I have had some more correspondence regarding
these late Wheatears--7th December. Mr. Bruce is strongly of my
opinion, that these birds _were really migrating_ when they flew
away northwards, as they were seen still carrying on when fully a
mile away. Before this they had remained for two or three days with
Bullfinches. About six weeks afterwards "these same Bullfinches"
took a similar route and disappeared; they were seen departing. I am
inclined to agree with my friend and fellow-worker, Mr. Cordeaux,
that these Wheatears probably belonged to the larger race, which have
more arboreal habits than our own. If this is so, the observation
made by Mr. Bruce still further bears out the probability of their
foreign origin. As regards the more arboreal habits of the larger
race, I have explained elsewhere ('Ibis,' 1876, p. 310) that arboreal
habits of such species as Gulls, Curlews, Snipe, Snow Buntings, &c.,
in North-east Russia, are probably brought about by the flooded
conditions of the country there, at the time of the arrival in
spring of these migrants. The habit no doubt grows and even becomes
hereditary, and is carried into other countries and other climes in
autumn. Larger races usually indicate more northern extension, and,
in my opinion, abnormal arboreal habits of certain species indicate
that they are natives of a land subject to constantly recurring
floods. For these reasons I am still inclined to adhere to my opinion
that these Wigtonshire Wheatears, at the late date of Dec. 9th, 1880,
were resting during their regular migration, and departed again
upon an extension of that same migration. They were, in my belief,
strangers, and not bred in the country.
Hedgesparrow.--See under Linnet.
Wagtail.--At Dhuheartach, a rush of Wagtails was observed upon Aug.
17th, 18th, 24th, and 26th, wind light and from S.W. on 17th and
18th, when twelve were seen each day flying in a south-easterly
direction--to E.S.E. and S.E. on 24th--when two or three rested upon
the rock. We had no records of this in 1879.
Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Ring Ouzels.--Numerous returns from eleven
stations, _viz._, Rhu Stoir, Butt of Lewis, Stornoway, Monach,
Kyleakin, Rhuvaal, Lochindaul, Corsewall, Point of Ayre, Douglas
Head, and Bahama L.V. Earliest date July 19th, at Point of Ayre, when
about 160 young Thrushes (_Turdus musicus_) were seen to go off at
9 a.m., flying S. Latest dates Jan. 8th, 9th and 10th, 1881, when
large flocks of Blackbirds, Thrushes and Snow Buntings flew about all
day; and all left on the 10th when the haze and fog cleared away;
fresh E. breeze during this time. Between these dates, a migration
appears to have taken place on Sept. 21st to 30th, shown, however, by
records from only one station, _viz._, Stornoway. There, a good many
Blackbirds and Thrushes arrived on Sept. 21st and left on 30th. These
were accompanied also by Stormcocks (_Turdus pilaris_, or Fieldfare);
weather and wind not noted; but see notes from Mid-Atlantic, _infra_.
On 29th also, a number of Thrushes seen hovering round the lights at
Douglas Head, along with Starlings and Blackbirds, in fog and haze.
A desultory migration appears to have been carried on throughout
October; I have the following records:--At Rhu Stoir, Oct. 1st,
forty, besides Linnets, stayed four days (this comes also under the
rush at end of September), wind variable, light breezes. At Bahama
L.V., Oct. 8th, three were killed at 10.20 p.m., wind light E.N.E.
breeze, and cloudy. At Butt of Lewis, in the north, Oct. 15th, a good
many arrived and stayed till Jan. 15th, 1881, or later. At Kyleakin,
Oct. 20th, two were seen flying south, with strong S.E. wind; and a
few at Lochindaul. At Corsewall, one seen on 7th and one on 8th, one
killed; strong N.E. wind and haze. In November, the earliest dates
occur at the most southern stations; thus at Point of Ayre, Nov. 2nd
and 3rd, about three hundred Blackbirds and Thrushes, mixed with
Starlings, kept about the locality till 4 a.m. on the 3rd; wind S. to
S.E., very foggy. The direction of flight on departure was not noted,
but they were seen to pass off about 7.30 a.m. Also at the Bahama
L.V., on the 3rd, five were killed and others fell overboard. At
Corsewall, on the same dates, one and two were seen, wind fresh E.,
and haze. At Kyleakin, Nov. 4th, seven Blackbirds seen flying south
at 9 a.m., wind S.E., and sleet; again on 11th, two seen flying S.,
wind E., haze. At Monach, Nov. 16th, one in the garden, wind S. to
N.N.E., strong, with sleet and snow. In December, at Monach, a few
Blackbirds were seen. Thus on Dec. 3rd, one male seen resting on the
lantern at 10 p.m., wind strong W., haze. Another female on Dec. 4th,
2 p.m., flying about the garden, wind fresh S.S.W., haze and rain;
and two Blackbirds, accompanied by Starlings, at 1 p.m., wind fresh
S., clear in the garden and on the shore. As already noted, a still
later flight was noted in January, 1881, at Point of Ayre, Isle of
Man.
_Note._--Thrushes, amongst other birds (_vide_ Robins, Linnets,
Snipe, Wagtails, &c.), were recognised by Capt. Roy in Mid-Atlantic,
400 miles on this side of Newfoundland. To Mr. Robt. Gray I am
indebted for some interesting and useful notes regarding the
occurrences of birds in Mid-Atlantic:--"The ship 'Rutland,'
of Greenock, Capt. Roy. When about 400 miles on this side of
Newfoundland, during continued heavy gales from the east, Capt. Roy
observed numbers of birds taking refuge on the 20th September. He had
had head-winds all the way home to England, and birds more or less
numerous round the ship till the 25th October. When he was 400-500
miles from Ireland, a violent storm arose and blew prodigious flocks
of birds before it. The deck and rigging were covered. Many died, and
many were killed and used as food. The survivors, after staying a few
days, were carried off by the force of the wind. Capt. Roy observed
one Robin, lots of Linnets, Snipe, Thrushes, Wagtails, &c. Heavy
rains accompanied the storm." Mr. Gray continues, "My brother-in-law,
on his way to Boston in one of the Cunard steamers, saw a Jackdaw and
a Starling come on board on Oct. 23rd, during a gale from the east,
when 550 miles from the Irish coast, easterly winds having prevailed
for several days. On Oct. 24th, 850 miles from land, one Starling
perched for a few minutes. A small bird like a Linnet hovered about
the rigging, but did not perch. One Water Rail was captured and
detained ten days, 1200 miles from land, and two Sandpipers. Writing
again on Dec. 21st, he tells me that on the outward passage, lat. 42°
N., long. 54° W., he had in view at one time from five to six hundred
Gulls, various species--an extraordinary number to be so far from
land. When about 1080 miles from Ireland, going out, two _Crossbills_
flew on board. Both were captured."
Thomas Anderson (son of Thomas Anderson, joint author with Mr. Robert
Gray of 'The Birds of Ayrshire and Wigtownshire') and Mr. Gray inform
me, a good observer, and who has for many years kept a bird-log, at
Mr. Robert Gray's request. Being chief-engineer on board a Cunard
liner, he has crossed the Atlantic some four hundred times, during
most or all of which time he has kept careful notes. It is hoped that
he or Mr. Gray will give us the benefit of these notes before long,
as they cannot fail to be of great interest and use to students of
migration.
Mr. T. E. Bruce, of Slogarrie, observed some Missel Thrushes flying
south on March 4th, 1881, and on the same day Snow Buntings. Great
storm of snow on March 4th and 5th, from N.E.; this no doubt a local
and temporary migration caused by the severe weather. The Missel
Thrushes having previously arrived on spring migration, compelled to
return again.
Corvidæ.--The returns are from Monach, Sound of Mull, Rhinns of
Islay, Portpatrick, and Bahama (L.V.) Earliest at Portpatrick, Aug.
16th, flocks flying round between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., wind light
E., and clear (probably only a local movement). Latest at Monach,
Dec. 29th, when about a dozen were seen at noon flying south over
the island. At Sound of Mull, in October, about two hundred "Daws"
are reported flying N.E. on the 9th, wind light E. and clear; and at
Rhinns of Islay, on the 10th, flocks of Black Crows (Rooks ?) seen
flying W., wind light, clear. At Bahama L.V., on 24th, one flying E.
at 7.25 a.m., wind N.W., and showery. But in November there appears
to have been a rush; also on Nov. 5th, ten "Crows" seen at Bahama
L.V. flying W.N.W. at 8 a.m., wind moderate N.W. by N. (the strength
registered is 4); and at the same station, on the 25th, about two
hundred and fifty "Crows" were seen flying from E. to W., with a
W.S.W. wind, strength 6, and weather gloomy. In my return from Monach
I find that six "small black Crows," which may have been either Books
or Jackdaws, were seen passing over the island, flying north-west or
north, in the direction of the Lews, driven along by a strong S.S.E.
gale upon Nov. 20th.
_Note._--In 52° 50′ north lat. and 22° 21′ west long., being 475
miles off the Irish coast, after six weeks' easterly gale and winds,
wind E.S.E. for ten hours previous, two Books flew to the barque
'East.' One fell exhausted on deck, and the other into the sea.
The former was shown to me by the Captain--Capt. Younoun--on board
the 'East' at Granton. The above, as related to me, was upon Nov.
19th; and it may be interesting in connection with this to read the
notes supplied by Mr. R. Gray, as given under Thrush. Of a later
observation at Monach, on Dec. 29th, I have already spoken.
Starling, _Sturnus vulgaris_.--I have received many returns of this
species, as is usually the case in autumn. Commencing at our most
northerly stations, I have returns from Cape Wrath, Rhu Stoir,
Stornoway, Island Ghlais (or Glas), Monach, Kyleakin, Fladda, Rhinns
of Islay, Lochindaul, Corsewall, Point of Ayre, Douglas Head, and
Bahama (L.V.) The earliest dates are August; arrive and remain
all the season afterwards at Lochindaul; but at Rhinns of Islay,
adjoining, arrive in September and remain; resident thereafter.
At Corsewall, Aug. 4th, a flock flying south, fresh S. wind. At
Kyleakin, Sept. 12th, three, moderate S. wind, and haze. At Cape
Wrath, Sept. 14th, twenty young, flying from E. to W. (see remarks on
occurrences in Mid-Atlantic, under Thrushes, antea, p. 80); on 17th,
a large flock at 10 p.m., wind strong S., with haze and rain; stayed
a few days and then left. At Corsewall, Sept. 28th, a flock flying
S., strong breeze, clear. Sept. 29th and 30th, a number seen hovering
round the lights of Douglas Head Lighthouse at midnight, with
Thrushes and Blackbirds, and none seen after daylight came in. At
Kyleakin, Nov. 3rd and 5th, forty adult and young rested, wind light
N. to light S., clear, and sleet. Also on Nov. 2nd and 3rd, whilst
numbers were striking all night till dawn at Corsewall, a large
number were flying round Point of Ayre lights, mixed with Thrushes
and Blackbirds, and thirty-six were killed; and on same date, one was
killed at lantern of Douglas Head: and six killed and fell overboard
at Bahama L.V., out of a large flock of mixed Thrushes and Starlings.
At Monach, Nov. 6th, one adult rested, wind light N.W., drizzle. At
Monach, Nov. 17th, twenty-four young, N.N.E. gale, sleet and snow;
left on 18th. At Stornoway, Dec. 19th and 20th, large flocks, wind
E., sleet and rain. At Monach, Dec. 27th, a flock of young birds,
along with a large flock of Larks, flying about the garden and shores
at 1 p.m., wind S., fresh and clear; and again on Jan. 14th, 1881, a
great many flocks, mixed old and young, at 10 a.m., flying to and fro
between the island and North Uist, apparently being local movements
caused by heavy snow in Uist. In 1879, the most northerly record
comes from Ardnamurchan, whereas this year, as is usually the case,
they are much more general. The earliest date in 1879 was Aug. 14th,
at Loch Ryan and M'Arthur's Head, whilst this year it was the 4th,
at Corsewall. The latest in 1879 was Dec. 18th, at Skervuile. This
year, in December, at Stornoway.
Finches, _Fringillidæ_.--At Rhu Stoir, Sept. 17th, large flocks
at 10 p.m., strong S. wind, haze and rain; stayed a few days with
Starlings and then left. Crossbills (_vide_ Mr. Anderson's notes on
Mid-Atlantic, antea, p. 80). Mr. Robt. Gray afterwards informed me
that the two Crossbills captured are of the American species (_Loxia
leucoptera_), judging from Mr. Anderson's description. The same
species was captured by the late Dr. Dewar on board ship (Royal Phyl.
Soc, and 'Birds of West of Scotland'); and at same locality Finches
were seen on Oct. 20th, light variable winds, and snow. Only returns
in 1879 were from Dhuheartach on Aug. 24th, and Oct. 4th and 8th.
Tree Sparrow.--On Lismore, Nov. 15th, a small flock observed, strong
N. wind, clear.
Chaffinch.--Only one record on west coast is given, _viz._, at Bahama
L.V., Oct. 11th, when one is recorded flying N.W. at 8 a.m., wind
E.N.E., and haze.
Linnets.--Returns from Skerryvore, Lismore, and Point of Ayre.
Earliest date Sept. 12th, when a rush appears to have taken place
past Point of Ayre between that date and Sept. 29th; principally,
however, on Sept. 12th and 20th, when young birds to the number of
fifty or sixty--on the 20th mixed with Hedgesparrows--were seen
flying W. on both days about 8 a.m., wind light W., clear. They
appeared plentiful also on the 28th, but a few only seen on 29th.
Again in same locality there appeared to be a rush on Oct. 18th
and 24th, when twenty and one hundred Greenfinches were seen, in
light and fresh W. wind; and at Skerryvore, Oct. 14th, twelve "Grey
Linnets" flew about the rock, wind light E., with haze. On Nov. 13th,
a small flock frequented Lismore during the day, wind strong S.W. to
W., and rain; and at the same station, Dec. 15th, both Grey and Green
Linnets, mixed with Robins, Larks, Thrushes, and Blackbirds, flew
about; wind strong N.E., and snow. In 1879, Sept. 9th is the only
date given at Rhuvaal and Lamlash.
Snow Bunting, _Emberiza nivalis_.--Records have been kept at Rhu
Stoir in the north, and southward at Monach, Dhuheartach, Corsewall,
and Point of Ayre. The earliest occurrence was at Dhuheartach on
Sept. 19th, when one bird was seen; wind fresh W. From Oct. 1st to
8th, at Rhu Stoir, about forty arrived and stayed till the latter
date; wind on day of arrival N.W. gale with sleet. On Oct. 1st, at
Monach also, they were first seen, one at 10 a.m.; wind fresh S.S.W.
and cloudy. At Point of Ayre from fifty to sixty were seen at 7.30
a.m., mixed with Thrushes and Blackbirds, fresh S.E. wind, clear,
on Nov. 2nd and 3rd. On Nov. 6th, at Monach, one at 10 p.m., N.W.
wind and drizzle of rain. On Nov. 16th a few seen at 2 p.m. during
a S. to N.N.E. gale, and the latest record is at Corsewall, on Jan.
5th, 1881, when one was seen and struck the lantern at 3.30 a.m.,
light N.E. wind, haze. In 1879 most northerly station, Monach Island.
Earliest date same as this year (1879, Monach; 1880, Dhuheartach).
Latest date in 1879, Dec. 10th (Corsewall), against Jan. 5th, 1881
(Corsewall), in 1880.
_Note._--The unusually large and sudden immigration of Snow Buntings
into Great Britain attracted general attention. From the middle of
November onward they were extremely abundant, and they ushered in the
severe winter and low temperatures of January, 1881.
Sky Lark, _Alauda arvensis_.--A good many returns from the following
stations:--Rhu Stoir, Kyleakin, Dhuheartach, Skervuile, Rhinns of
Islay, Turnberry, Corsewall, and Bahama L.V. The earliest, Sept.
30th, at Corsewall, at 9 p.m., when two were seen, which remained
till dawn on the lantern along with Golden-crested Wrens. The latest
at Turnberry on Jan. 4th, 1881, when one struck at 8 p.m., light
N.E. wind with haze. In October, on the 1st, at Skervuile, some were
seen mixed with Thrushes and Wrens; winds variable and light, with
haze. On the 3rd, at Turnberry, two struck, and one killed between
10 and 11 p.m., wind light E. and clear. On 12th, at Bahama L.V. a
flock seen flying W. at 9.20 a.m., wind light N.E., with haze. On
13th twenty seen at Dhuheartach at 1 a.m., wind light N., cloudy. On
Dec. 27th a large flock was seen flying about the garden and shores
at Monach along with young Starlings and two Blackbirds, at 1 p.m.,
wind S., fresh breeze, clear. In 1879 the most northerly station was
Dhuheartach. Earliest date in 1879, Sept. 19th; latest Dec. 6th; but
it must be remembered in this and all such comparisons that in 1879
our returns' were sent in sooner than in 1880.