than of any other. Its occurrence seems to have been general and
frequent. Twenty-two stations have reported on it, besides St. Bees,
whence Mr. Pizey writes, "An occasional Starling or Lark may be
sometimes seen on the lantern-window"; and Trevose Head, where, Mr.
Bowen states, "Starlings and Crows can be observed all the year;
they build their nests about the cliffs." The earliest date given
is July 24th, where, at Scarweather, 11 a.m., a flock was observed,
clear, with breeze from E.N.E. This, however, is the only occurrence
noticed till Aug. 29th, when, at Sevenstones, a large flock passed
S.W. at 5.20 a.m., fog, light N.N.E. air. The next date is Sept.
10th, when, at Nash, a large flock passed overhead at 6 p.m., fresh
S.W. breeze. From this date several instances occur in the Bristol
Channel, but it is Sept. 28th before we hear from a station as
far north as Skerries. The occurrences then become frequent and
general along the coast, increasing to Nov. 3rd, after which they
gradually decrease in numbers and frequency till Jan. 14th, when,
at Godrevy, a great number, in company with. Lapwings, Thrushes,
&c., were seen from noon to 4 p.m., fresh E.S.E. breeze, and clear
horizon. The greatest number of individuals are recorded from Oct.
16th to 21st, and again Oct. 29th to Nov. 3rd; we have the greatest
number of occurrences noted in November, and especially from 1st
to 3rd. In September we have returns from six stations, Flatholm to
Skerries. The flight when noticed being (except in one instance) in
daylight--mostly from sunrise to about 11 a.m. Direction of flight
scarcely ever noticed. Wind various, generally light, and never
exceeding a fresh breeze; weather in some cases clear, but more
generally overcast to misty. The next date, after 10th, is Sept.
17th, when, at Flatholm, fresh W.N.W. breeze, a small flight appeared
and remained on the island till 19th; 22nd, from both stations at
Nash, a flock of young Starlings is reported as flying N.E., fresh
W. breeze, misty; 23rd, a flock of Starlings, mixed, was seen at
North Stack, light N.W. breeze, drizzly rain; 24th, continuous flocks
were seen from Flatholm; after this no further occurrence is noted
in Bristol Channel till Nov. 1st. At Skerries, Sept. 28th, 29th, and
30th, Starlings were seen at sunrise, light W.S.W., S.E. and N.E.
breezes. Throughout October we have constant notices. At Morecambe
Bay, Oct. 1st, two flocks of young, mixed, passed S.W., light W.N.W.
breeze. At Nash, Oct. 3rd, continuous flocks all day passed N.,
against a light N. to N.E. breeze; and at Flatholm, 3.30 p.m., mod.
N. breeze, blue sky but cloudy, there was a small flight, and _four
old birds were killed_. At Caldy, Oct. 4th, 8 a.m., strong E. by S.
breeze, about twenty were seen (first appearance). At Lundy, Oct.
6th, strong E. breeze, rain, a great number appeared and were seen
daily till 29th, after which only one or two seen. At Smalls, Oct.
8th, 7.30 to midnight, fresh N.E. to E. breeze, misty. Starlings,
Redwings, and Sky Larks passed in continuous flocks (about twenty
struck). At Morecambe Bay, Oct. 10th, one seen; 11th, one passing
S.E. very tired, fresh E. by N. breeze. On 11th, we first hear of
them so far south as Scilly, where Starlings and Woodcocks passed
at 8.30 a.m., fresh E.S.E. breeze; and on 12th, at Bishop Rock,
Starlings at 10 a.m. These, however, are the only instances recorded
from these two stations. At Smalls, Helwick, and Caldy respectively,
during the nights of Oct. 14th, 15th, and 16th, several struck and
many were killed. At Caernarvon, Oct. 16th, "continuous flocks of
Starlings and Spinxes" (?) passed during the day, gentle S.S.W.
breeze, and hazy. At South Stack, Oct. 17th, 6.30 a.m., light E.
breeze, a very large flock passed. At Morecambe Bay, Oct. 21st, 5.20
p.m., gentle E.N.E. breeze, clouds but clear horizon, two to three
hundred passed W.N.W. At Caernarvon Bay, Oct. 22nd, mod. E. gale,
hazy, a flock with Larks passed S.E.; and on 24th, during the day,
similar flocks S.S.E.; wind now mod. and from N.N.W. At Flatholm,
same day, 8 a.m., gentle E.N.E. breeze, small flights appeared and
remained till Oct. 26th, at 7.30 a.m., when they departed S.W.,
fresh W.S.W. breeze, cloudy. At South Stack, Oct. 29th, 7 a.m.,
fresh N.N.E. gale, clear, very large flocks passed; 30th and 31st,
fresh N.W. breeze, continuous flocks passed to N.W. At Sevenstones,
Oct. 30th, 3.30 p.m., light E. air, clear, several flocks were seen
flying to W. and N.E. At Nash, Nov. 1st, 9 a.m., gentle N.N.E.
breeze, clear, a flock of Crows and Starlings passed overland. At
Smalls, same day, from sunset to midnight, three were seen about the
lantern. At Morecambe Bay, Nov. 2nd, 4 p.m., from two to three dozen
passed, flying S.; and at the same hour, at Helwick, a flock of male
Starlings passed, flying from S.W. to N.E., and at 8 p.m. several
were killed. At Longships, 7 p.m., a few fluttered against the glass;
at Caldy, 10.30 p.m., one was noticed flying about the lantern; at
Godrevy, 11 p.m., four struck, several others hovering around; and at
Smalls, before midnight, mod. E. breeze, misty and drizzling, eight
were seen with other birds. At South Bishop, from midnight (of 1st),
when they first arrived, till morning, a very great quantity, with
Thrushes, &c.; and all day after, continuous flocks of same flying
towards N.W. Again, on the 3rd, enormous quantities of Starlings came
at midnight (of 2nd) and continued till morning, and at 6 a.m. the
Starlings began to fly E. At Caernarvon also, Nov. 3rd, nine young
Starlings were killed, gentle E.S.E. breeze, hazy; and at Smalls,
before sunrise, twenty-three female and four male Starlings, among
Blackbirds and Thrushes, were counted; several struck and went
overboard. At Nash, 9 a.m., large flights passed overland, with
Crows; and at Godrevy, 2 a.m., two, with Thrushes and Blackbirds,
struck. Thus there appears to have been a decided "rush" lasting from
Oct. 29th, 7 a.m., to Nov. 3rd, 9 a.m. From Nov. 1st to 3rd alone,
we hear from no less than eleven stations. It was on the 2nd and
3rd that the slaughter, already mentioned (see "Song Thrush"), took
place at South Bishop, and Starlings were numbered among the slain.
On Nov. 6th, eight were killed at Lundy, many others striking; and
after this we have almost daily returns from the two stations at
Nash, of flights, the direction, when noticed, being overland. At
Helwick, Nov. 15th, a flock passed N.E. At Bull Point, Nov. 18th, a
flock was seen flying E. At Godrevy, Nov. 29th, mod. S.W. breeze,
clear, a flock flying S. Throughout December we have almost daily
returns from Nash, of flights passing overland (on 10th and 25th
they are noticed as passing S.) At Godrevy, Dec. 2nd, 5 to 8.30
p.m., light S.S.W. breeze, misty, seventeen male and female, mixed,
struck. At Caernarvon Bay, Dec. 16th, 1 to 4 a.m., strong W.N.W.
breeze, three killed; 27th, 9 to 11 p.m., gentle E. by N. breeze, two
young Starlings were killed; 28th, 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., gentle N.N.E.
breeze, misty, flocks passed, flying N.W.; and on 31st, between 10
and 11 p.m., strong N.W. by N. breeze, misty, three were killed and
fell overboard. At Lundy, Dec. 25th, fresh N.N.W. breeze, clear, a
great many Starlings came on the island during the night. At Nash,
Jan. 7th, 2 a.m., fresh E. breeze, misty, several struck; 11th, 10
a.m., misty, some seen with flocks of Plovers and Peewits. At Milford
(Low), same day, a quantity with Plovers and Larks arrived, and
remained all day. At South Stack, Jan. 12th, fresh N.E. breeze, with
passing showers of snow, a large quantity of Starlings and Larks, old
and young, passing all day; 13th, on the islands all day. At Godrevy,
Jan. 14th, noon to 4 p.m., fresh E.S.E. breeze, clear, a great number
with Thrushes and Lapwings were seen.
Chough, Hooded Crow and Rook, _Fregilus graculus_, _Corvus cornix_
and _Corvus frugilegus_.--From Caldy Mr. Ebben reports, "The Chough
breeds upon the island, and never goes away." We do not hear of it
from any other station. The Hooded Crow is only once distinguished,
but may perhaps be referred to under the general style of "Crow,"
the Rook being sometimes distinguished by that of "Black Crow." At
S. Stack, Oct. 22nd, 11.30 a.m., fresh E. breeze, clear, a flock
passing to N.W. Of the Rook or, indeed, of Crows generally, the first
appearance noted is Sept. 9th, when "Black Crows" were seen at Caldy,
9 a.m., a strong breeze E. by S., misty. At N. Stack, Sept. 12th,
6 p.m., three Black Crows flying N.E., before a mod. S.W. breeze;
19th, 5.20 p.m., four passed S.E., a fresh N.W. breeze; 24th, 9 a.m.,
ninety were seen flying E., before a strong W. breeze. From this
station we have no further record till Dec. 20th. At Nash, Sept.
10th, 3 p.m., about 100 Rooks passed N.; 13th, from the low station,
hundreds were seen flying overland; 22nd, 9 a.m., a flight of young
Rooks, Starlings and Jackdaws flying N.E., fresh W. breeze; 24th, at
noon, a flock passing S.E.; 30th, 3 p.m., from both stations we hear
of a flight passing N.E.; Oct. 2nd, 2 p.m., fresh N. breeze, misty,
large flock of Crows pass S.W.; the only instance reported from Nash
for October. At Morecambe Bay, Oct. 3rd, 5.30 p.m., fifteen common
Books passed, flying E.N.E., fresh N.E. breeze; 5th, same hour, mod.
gale E. by N., overcast, misty and rainy, twelve going E.S.E.; 10th,
11 a.m., fresh E.N.E. breeze, two passed S. by E. At Bull Point,
Oct. 12th, 7 a.m., fresh E. breeze, two dozen Black Crows, old and
young, seen flying W., before fresh E. breeze; only record of a W.
direction of flight. The next occurrence dates Nov. 1st and 3rd, 9
a.m., when, at Nash, large flights, with Starlings, passed overland.
We next hear, on 13th, of similar flights flying overland at noon; a
fresh W. gale, mist and showers. From the low station (only) we have
like returns on 20th, 24th, 25th, and 28th, 29th, 30th, between 9
a.m. and noon, winds various, clouds or mist. There are no returns
from any other station. At the same station, Dec. 1st to 10th, 9
a.m., mod. breezes, more or less W., overcast and misty, like flights
overland. At Holyhead, Dec. 16th, 9 a.m., flights of Black Crows
passed E. across the bay, against a strong E. breeze. On Dec. 18th,
from both stations at Nash, and on 20th, 23rd and 25th, from the low
stations (9 a.m.), flights of Crows and Starlings are reported; winds
various, generally mist. On Dec. 25th, the high station reports such
a flock passing S. at the same hour, fresh E. breeze, clear; and on
28th, 30th and 31st, same hour, with breezes from W.S.W., E. and N.,
overcast, showery or misty, flights of Crows and Starlings were seen
from both stations. At N. Stack, Dec. 20th, 9.5 a.m., a flock passed,
flying E., fresh N.W. breeze; 30th, 2.15 p.m., a flock flying S.E.,
fresh N.W. breeze. This is the latest return. Besides Caldy and Nash,
in the Bristol Channel, the returns are from four stations off the
coast, _viz._:--Bull Point, N. Stack, Holyhead, and Morecambe Bay.
The direction of flight is from E.N.E. through E. to S.E. At Nash
the direction seems to vary greatly, but is mostly reported as being
"overland."
Common Wren, _Troglodytes vulgaris_.--At Scarweather, Aug. 10th, one
was found in the morning lying dead on deck, W.N.W. breeze. At Nash
(W. or low), Sept. 8th, in the early morning, one struck; mod. N.E.
breeze, clouds and mist. At Smalls, Sept. 14th, 1 a.m. to daylight,
gentle E. breeze, overcast, but clear horizon, a Wren, Starling and
Larks struck; and on 15th, about same time, gentle breeze, E.S.E. to
S.E., Blackbirds, Starlings, Thrushes, Greenfinches, and Wrens, a
large number striking the glass, but very few the roof.
Swallow, _Hirundo rustica_.--Earliest notice, Aug. 31st, from Caldy,
as also the latest, Nov. 11th, "when Swallows disappeared." At Caldy,
Aug. 31st, Swallows seen from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., N.N.E. to N. wind,
blue sky, but clouds; Sept. 5th, mod. W.S.W. breeze, about twenty;
and on 17th, at noon, W. wind, a few noticed. At Nash (E. or high),
Sept. 15th, large flocks passed E., a strong N. breeze and rain; and,
the note added, "not seen after this date"; 21st, 26th and 30th,
Swallows are reported from Caldy, with various winds, not strong,
and generally with clouds and mist. At Morecambe Bay, Sept. 24th,
mod. W. breeze, cloudy, but clear, two dozen were seen flying S.E. At
Caernarvon Bay, Sept. 25th, mod. S.W. breeze, clear, a flock flying
S.W. At S. Bishop, Sept. 28th, light N.E. air, twenty were seen. In
October we have only two dates. At Godrevy, Oct. 12th, 1 p.m., a
small flock hovering about the island, fresh N.E. breeze, clear; and
at Helwick, 4.30 p.m., fresh E.N.E. breeze, misty, a flock passed,
flying from S.W. to N.E. At Caldy, Oct. 18th, Swallows seen. The
eight stations reporting give each but a solitary instance, except
Caldy. Five of the stations are off the coast; the remaining three
in the Bristol Channel. The direction of flight is not once reported
from Caldy. When from the other stations reported it is S.E. or S.W.,
except at Helwick, N.E.; Oct. 12th, at 4.30 p.m. This would be the
course to the nearest land.
Swift, _Cypselus murarius_.--At Flatholm, Sept. 15th, 10 a.m., mod.
W.N.W. breeze, clouds, but clear horizon, a large flight appeared; on
16th, they disappeared.
Golden Plover, _Charadrius pluvialis_.--Earliest record Sept. 5th,
when, at Caldy, two Plovers were seen; mod. W.S.W. breeze. The next
occurrence noted is at Scilly, Oct. 4th, Plovers and Lapwings; mod.
E.S.E. gale, rain. At Nash (E. or high), Oct. 14th, fifteen or
twenty; 21st, a large flock passed W.; Nov. 20th, 10 p.m., six flew
round the light several times. We have no further record till from
both stations at Nash, Jan. 3rd, several were observed flying W.;
10th, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., gentle N.E. breeze and mist, flocks of
Plovers and Peewits, overland, passed S.W. Also, at Scilly, 4 p.m.,
Plovers and Lapwings; and on 11th, calm and misty, flocks of Peewits
and Starlings passed N.W. At Milford (Low) a quantity of Plovers,
Larks and Starlings arrived, and remained all day. From Bardsey we
hear that, on Feb. 11th, flocks of four or five Golden Plovers were
seen flying about the Island; fresh N.E. gale. Except at Nash, Nov.
20th, and Scilly, Jan. 10th, these occurrences were all noticed from
8 a.m. to 11 a.m., and on every occasion with mist or rain, and with
light or gentle E. breeze (except at Caldy, W.S.W.). The direction of
flight, recorded only from Nash (E. or high), is W., except on Jan.
10th, S.W., and 11th, N.W.
Lapwing, _Vanellus cristatus_.--Earliest notice at Sevenstones, Aug.
26th, 10 a.m., fifty were seen flying to S.W., light N.W. breeze,
haze. The next is dated at Scilly, Oct. 4th, Lapwings and Plovers
were seen at noon, a mod. E.S.E. gale, rain. We next hear from
Caldy, Nov. 3rd, when one was seen flying near the light; a strong
E. breeze, mist. Another space of time, and at Nash, Nov. 21st (E.
or high), 8 a.m., a large flock is seen overland, mod. E. breeze;
and at Burnham, 8 a.m., large flocks of Peewits were noticed flying
from N., light N. breeze, mist. We do not again hear till Dec. 20th,
when, at Lundy, a number of Lapwings were seen at 9 a.m., mod. E.N.E.
breeze; and the other Lundy station reports, "about thirty came on
the island during the night." Again, on the 30th, Mr. Parsons notes a
flock came on the island the night previous. At Skerries, Dec. 29th,
light S.E. breeze, misty, rain, a few Lapwings about all night. This
is the only record from a station further N. than Bristol Channel. At
Nash (E. or high), Jan. 3rd, gentle E. breeze, mist, a large flock
of Peewits passed W.; 6th, a similar flock, N.W.; 10th, during the
day misty, light N.E. breeze, flocks of Peewits, with Plovers, passed
overland S.W.; and on 11th, at 10 a.m., misty and calm, flocks,
with Starlings, passed N.W. At Scilly, same day, 4 p.m., Lapwings
and Plovers were seen. At Sevenstones, Jan. 11th, two large flocks
passed W.; a light W.N.W. breeze, hazy. At Godrevy, Jan. 14th, we
first hear of a great number seen during the day, with Starlings,
Thrushes, &c.; fresh E.S.E. breeze, clear, frost, and a little snow
on the ground. Of the nine stations reporting, Nash has the most
instances; the greater numbers occur in January. The direction of
flight when noticed, from N.W. through W. to S.W., the wind, except
at Sevenstones, being from N.E. and E.S.E., but more generally E.;
force, mostly two to five.
Sanderling, _Calidris arenaria_.--At Godrevy, Sept. 10th, 11.30 p.m.,
two were killed; light S.W. breeze, clear horizon.
Oystercatcher, _Hæmatopus ostralegus_.--At Air, Aug. 6th, a large
quantity seen about 1 p.m., gentle E.S.E. breeze, mist; Oct. 4th, a
large quantity flying E. throughout the day, light S.E. breeze, mist;
Oct. '29th, 10.30 a.m., with mod. N. gale, clear, a similar flight E.
From Bideford, Sept. 1st, we have the following record:--"Hundreds
of Sea-pies, Common Gulls, Curlews, and a few Shags, visit the
mussel-beds all the winter, being seen every day and night from
half-ebb to half-flood, coming from N.W. in all weather."
Heron, _Ardea cinerea_.--From Helwick only have we any record, Sept.
26th, 6 a.m.: "A flock flying from S. to N.W."; cloudy, but clear
horizon, with light W. breeze.
Bittern, _Botaurus stellaris_.--Of this now rare bird we have a
solitary instance. At Godrevy, Jan. 14th, two were seen during the
day (with numbers of Lapwings, Starlings, and Thrushes); may they
live long and be happy!
Curlew and Stint, _Numenius arquata_ and _Tringa_ (sp. ?).--At Air,
earliest date Aug. 9th, 10 p.m., clear and calm, a large quantity
passed; and Godrevy, Jan. 11th, the latest. At Noon, Aug. 14th, three
were seen at Bishop Rock. At Bideford, Sept. 1st, some seen, and
thereafter daily, with hundreds of Sea-pies and Gulls, from N.W. At
Usk, Sept. 8th, we hear of their appearance, when through the day
they were seen in great numbers with Gulls, E. and N.E. breezes;
10th, mod. S. breeze, they were observed through the day with Gulls
and "Pearls" (_Tringa ? minuta_) in great numbers; 17th, from 5
a.m. to 9 a.m., W.N.W. to N.W., two; they appeared in very large
flocks; and from Sept. 24th, to Oct. 8th. At Morecambe Bay, Sept.
12th, 6.30 p.m., one was seen flying S. against a moderate breeze.
At Nash, Sept. 15th, 9 a.m., two passed N.E., strong N. breeze and
showers; 18th, 6 p.m., two passed N.W., before a mod. N.W. gale,
showery (these are noticed from both stations). At Skerries, Sept.
26th, light S.W. breeze, Curlews were seen at sunrise. At Air, Oct.
4th, a large quantity going E. all day; misty Through November and
December we hear from Usk of large flocks (with numbers of Stints).
At Skerries, Dec. 4th, 1 a.m., light S. air, misty and rain. Curlews
were seen with Blackbirds and Snipes; 20th, a few all day, mod.
W.S.W. breeze, fine; 29th, light S.E. breeze, mist and rain, a few
all night. At Nash, also on 29th, 4 p.m., four passed W., mod. N.
breeze, drizzle. The only record subsequent to this is from Godrevy,
Jan. 11th, 9 a.m., when four were seen on the island, light E.S.E.
breeze and mist; and Mr. Trahair adds, "they frequent the shore
after the breeding-season." Most of the instances were noticed in
the daytime; the winds various; but in the Bristol Channel, where
recorded (Nash and Usk), from N. to W.N.W., force, four to six; while
off the coast (Morecambe, Air, and Skerries), E.S.E. through S. to
W.S.W., and light.
Woodcock, _Scolopax rusticola_.--At Lundy, Nov. 19th, 10 a.m., from
both stations, four Woodcocks and three Snipes were seen, mod. N.E.
breeze, clear; and Mr. Parsons adds, "one has been seen once or
twice since." At Scilly, Oct. 11th, 8.30 a.m., fresh E.S.E. breeze.
Woodcocks and Starlings appeared. At Nash (E. or high), Jan. 14th, at
noon, two passed W., with five Wild Geese, before a mod. E. breeze,
mist. At Bardsey, Jan. 20th, gentle E. breeze, with snow; one struck.
Snipe, _Scolopax gallinago_.--At Nash (E. or high), Oct. 24th, 9
a.m., two were seen flying W.; gentle N.E. breeze, misty. From the
two stations at Lundy, Nov. 19th, three Snipes and four Woodcocks
were seen. At Skerries, Dec. 4th, 1 a.m., light S. air, misty and
rain. Snipes and Blackbirds were seen, and a few killed.
Corn Crake, _Crex pratensis_.--At Burnham, Aug. 14th, at mid-night, a
Land Rail was killed; light N. breeze, clear horizon.
Water Rail, _Rallus aquaticus_.--At Smalls, Oct. 15th, one was seen
on the rock.
Wild Goose, _Anser ? palustris_.--At Scilly, Sept. 26th, 7 a.m.,
calm and cloudy, nineteen were seen. We hear no more till Nov. 3rd,
when, at Helwick, 11 a.m., one was seen passing from S. to N., mod.
E.N.E. breeze; and on Nov. 6th, about the same hour, a flock passed
from S.W. to N.E., mod. N.W. breeze, drizzly rain and showers. At
Morecambe Bay, Nov. 23rd, 9.30 a.m., two flying S.E., strong S.
breeze. At Scarweather, Nov. 10th, 4 p.m., fresh N.W. by W. breeze,
four were seen. There is no return for December. At Nash (E. or
high), Jan. 2nd, 9.30 a.m., two passed W.; and on 14th, at noon, five
and two Woodcocks passed W., mod. E. breeze. At Hartland Point, Jan.
5th, a few were seen flying E. At Sevenstones, Jan. 11th, 4.15 p.m.,
light N.N.W. breeze, haze, several flocks passed, flying to westward.
Sheldrake, _Tadorna vulpanser_.--At Air, March 21st, 1880, at
sunrise, mod. S.E. breeze, clear, about forty-five pairs. Mr. Aveson
adds, "they arrive annually for breeding."
Wild Duck, _Anas boschas_, _Oidemia nigra_.--Returns from eleven
stations. In some few instances the "Black Duck," probably the Common
Scoter, is separately distinguished, _viz._:--At Morecambe Bay, Sept.
5th, 6.15 a.m., five flying W., mod. W.S.W. breeze, mist; Oct. 1st, 9
a.m., light W. air, gloomy, misty, six flying W.S.W. At Scarweather,
Sept. 20th, 6 p.m., fresh N.W. by N. breeze, four were seen; Nov.
25th, 3 p.m., mod. W. gale, two passed up N.E.; 30th, 10 a.m., gentle
S. breeze, four were seen. At Burnham, Dec. 21st, 9 a.m., light
N.N.W. breeze, flocks of the Black Surf Duck were seen on the water.
In the other cases the species are not distinguished. The earliest
date given is Sept. 18th, when, at Morecambe Bay, 3 p.m., seven Wild
Ducks passed E., strong W.N.W. breeze; 27th, 7 a.m., six passed N.;
29th, same hour, three passed W., calm and fog. At Caernarvon, Oct.
6th, strong E.N.E. breeze. Wild Ducks passed N.N.E. At Godrevy, Oct.
8th, fresh E. breeze, clear, two flocks of Ducks and Mallards passed
W. during the day; 10th, 7.15 a.m., wind from same quarter, one
flock, S.W. At Nash (E. or high), Oct. 26th, 7 a.m., fresh E. breeze,
two passed W. Throughout November the notices are more frequent. At
Caernarvon, Nov. 1st, 10.40 p.m., fresh N.W. breeze, hazy, one was
killed. At Morecambe Bay, 2nd, 7 a.m., one passed S.E. against a
mod. S.E. breeze; slight fog. At Helwick, 4th, 8 a.m., gentle N.E.
breeze, two flocks passed from S.W. to N.E.; 8th, about same hour,
one Wild Duck passed to S.W., mod. N.E. and N. breeze. At Morecambe
Bay, 9th, same horn-, strong W. by S. breeze, nine passed going N.;
18th, same hour, fresh E. by N. breeze, four going S. From Lundy,
we hear on 18th, 7 and 8 a.m., three Wild Ducks (one male and two
females) seen with Teal. At Smalls, 19th, fresh E.N.E. breeze, two
Grey Ducks from N.W. to S.E. At Helwick, 22nd, 2 p.m., fresh S.E.
breeze, clouds and mist, a flock passed from S.E. to N., fresh S.E.
breeze, clouds and mist; Dec. 4th, strong S.W. breeze, twenty passed
S.E.; 17th, from Holyhead Breakwater, hundreds of Wild Ducks were
seen in the bay during the day. At Godrevy, same day, two flocks of
Ducks and Mallards passed S.W. and W. before a fresh E.N.E. gale,
which moderated and veered round to N.N.E.; Jan. 6th, 10.30 a.m.,
strong E. breeze, mist, a flock passed W. At Nash, Jan. 2nd, large
flocks passed S.W.; 13th, 4 p.m., and 14th, 8 a.m., gentle E.N.E.
breeze, mist, a flock passed W. At Milford, 11th, five or six Ducks
passed, going more inland. At Bardsey, 13th, scattered flocks of Wild
Ducks, about seven in number, crossing from mainland, N.N.E. wind,
four; March 18th, 1881, 1.30 a.m., S.S.W. wind, four, three Ducks
and one Drake Widgeons are reported. Thus in September we hear only
from Morecambe Bay, and one instance of Black Ducks from Scarweather.
In October the occurrences are more frequent and general, and the
numbers greater; the direction of flight, except at Caernarvon
Bay on the 6th, being W. or S.W., and the wind E. In November the
most instances are recorded, but the numbers of individuals appear
smaller; the direction of flight is N.E., S.E., N., or S., the winds
varying, but more generally N.E., E., or S.E. In December we have
two dates: the 4th, when twenty passed at Scarweather; 17th, at
Godrevy, two flocks were seen; and at Holyhead, hundreds in the bay.
In January we hear from Godrevy, Nash, Milford and Bardsey of flocks
passing. The direction of flight in December and January is generally
S.W. or W., in calm, or E. or E.N.E. breezes. The occurrences (except
the last) are all noticed from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and most about 8
a.m. In almost every instance it is misty, foggy, or gloomy.
Teal, _Anas crecca_.--At Godrevy, Sept. 27th, 10.15 a.m., light
S.S.W. breeze, mist, a flock flying N.E.; Oct. 21st, 2 p.m., a flock
flying E. against a mod. E. breeze. At Lundy, Nov. 18th, one male and
two females are reported from both stations; mod. E. breeze, clear.
Guillemot and Razorbill, _Uria troile_ and _Alca torda_,--We hear
from Lundy that, on Nov. 21st, numbers of Guillemots and Razorbills
came in during the night, and remained during the day; and on the
25th a great many came in during the night, and left in the morning.
On Dec. 25th we have the same return as on Nov. 21st; and Dec. 28th,
10 a.m., strong W.S.W. breeze, a great many came during the night. At
Godrevy they are reported to be generally seen about.
Cormorant, _Phalacrocorax_.--At Bull Point, Dec. 21st, light S.S.W.
breeze, one (species not identified) flying W., and low to the water.
Mr. Roberts reports that, at Bideford, "a few Shags visit to feed
on the mussel-beds all the winter"; and, at Godrevy, Mr. Trahair
says, "the Cormorant, or Shag and Large Gull(?), resort all the year
round." At Trevose Head they are reported as residents of the cliffs
all the year round.