of seven and fifteen respectively at Rhinns of Islay on 4th and 5th
September. One Turtle Dove shot on 25th at (?)
Rallidæ.--Corncrake or "Land Rail," Water Rail.--At Rhinns of Islay,
first heard 26th May. At Lochindaul, first heard 20th May. At Kyleakin,
first heard 25th May. At Lochindaul, last heard or seen 7th August. At
Rhinns of Islay, one on island 29th September. At Rhinns of Islay, one
Water Rail killed on 5th. Fresh E.
Charadriadæ.--Oyster Catchers, Plovers, Golden Plovers, Grey Plover,
&c.--Oyster Catchers on 15th February at Lochindaul, "first seen this
year." Light, clear, and N.E. One Plover at Rona 24th March, and "Sea
Pies" at Dhuheartach on 23d May, the only entries in Spring.
In August, flock of Golden Plover at Butt of Lewis on 30th. Stray
records at Rhinns of Islay and Lochindaul, and one record of Grey
Plover at former on 20th. S.W., fresh and rain.
Slight movement on 2d and 5th September at Rhinns of Islay of Golden
Plover, and "large number" on 12th at Turnberry, and a number at Little
Ross on 28th. No very heavy records at any time. Flocks in October,
but no records of important movements. Three records in December 17th,
18th, and 19th, at Rhinns of Islay. Few records of Oyster Catchers.
Lapwing, Ring Plover, Dotterel.--Very few light movements in February,
March, and April of Lapwings. Do. in July (one), flocks on 19th August,
and 30 on 30th, 100 at Rhinns of Islay on 14th September, 40 on 24th,
"great numbers" at Turnberry on 14th September, 100 on 21st October at
Rhinns of Islay, and numbers on 9th at Lochindaul all day, and on 11th
and 23d. No records of other species, or of Lapwings, at later dates.
Scolopacidæ.--Woodcock, Snipe, Curlew, Whimbrel.--Whimbrels, or Little
Curlew, or "May Fowl," in small numbers rested for four days on the
rock at Dhuheartach on 11th to 14th May. No other notice, spring or
autumn.
Curlews--February, March, May, single records. In June thirty to forty
alighted on hill near Mull of Galloway, and stayed three weeks and
left. August--Flocks on 19th at Lochindaul; thirty on 19th at Mull of
Galloway; and a flock at Little Ross on 3d. In September many light
records; heaviest, fifty at Rhinns of Islay, and a large flock and a
small flock on 1st at Little Ross, and a large flock of young Curlews
same place on 28th. In October a fair number of records; fifty on 21st
at Rhinns of Islay, and a number on 11th at Lochindaul; twenty at Mull
of Galloway on 20th.
Woodcock--At Lamlash, on 15th March, two birds at 11 A.M.; E., strong;
and on February 1st, one at Kyleakin, 11.30 A.M.; S., with snow on the
island.
No more entries till October, when only three in all at Rona (on 8th),
S.E., fresh, "first seen;" one at Rhinns of Islay (22d), N.E.; and one
at Corsewall (25th), N.E., fresh, "struck and killed." In November, one
bird at Mull of Galloway on 19th; and one, on 20th and 21st December,
at Rhinns of Islay.
Considering that this was a most remarkable year for Woodcock in
Central Scotland, and in the West, in Ardnamurchan, Mull, and many
other places, it is remarkable how few have been seen at lighthouses.
Here in Stirlingshire thirty-five and twenty-eight were killed on
Torwood and Touch in two days. The birds had been quite three weeks
in the country. In January 1887, 33½ couple were shot in seven
days, and we heard of total bags for the season of 160 to one gun
in Ardnamurchan, 400 in Ross of Mull, 260 in north of Mull on one
property, etc., etc.
_Snipe._--A distinct "rush" apparent on the great migration night of
5th October, but all other returns light except "numbers all day" at
Rhinns of Islay on 18th December. The largest "rush" is recorded at
Skerryvore on 5th October, 9.30 P.M. till 3.30 A.M. on the 6th; light
S. wind; eight killed on lantern. All other records quite light;
and Jack Snipe, only three entries, _viz._, on 8th October at Butt
of Lewis, S., fresh; at Skervuile on 6th, light E. and S.; and one
killed at midnight of 22d October at Rhinns of Islay. Of Sandpipers,
Redshanks, Dunlins, etc., there are only eight records in all in March,
May, August (2), September (2), October, and December.
Laridæ.--Gulls we only will mention the more important entries.
Cream-coloured Gulls (Iceland) [or Glaucous Gulls.--J. A. H.-B.]
"seldom seen here," at Rhinns of Islay on January 18th, 1887. February
1886--"Iceland" Gull at same place, flying E., noted as "rare," on 3d;
light N. breeze. In May a Richardson's Skua at Lochindaul on 28th,
and all day there again on 30th July. Thousands of Black Backed Gulls
and other Gulls on 14th September at Rhinns of Islay. "Dirty Allens"
at Dhuheartach on 31st October, and all November numbers of Gulls at
Skervuile. Iceland Gulls at Dhuheartach on 12th December, and again at
Rhinns of Islay on 7th.
Terns arrived on 20th May at Barra Head, and a flock stayed a week at
Little Ross and then left, after the 14th June. There are only a few
scattered records in autumn. The curious unsettled behaviour of Terns,
whether Arctic or Common, is a subject worthy of remark during their
breeding season. They often occupy and then abandon their nesting
places, apparently without any reason, for it is not always that they
leave on account of persecution, though they are much more easily
affected by persecution than almost any other sea birds.
Procellariidæ.--Petrels.--In September several all day at Dhuheartach,
and have been seen "flying south for a week past." [This is an
interesting note as pointing directly to a periodical migration of
the Petrels. Of course how much such may have been simply caused by
increase or diminution of food supply is at present difficult to
determine.--J. A. H.-B.]
In October only two records, but both on 5th and 6th at 11 P.M. and 2
A.M., struck, but were not killed. [They are evidently thus included in
the impulse and great migration of this date. It is noteworthy that we
have all through our past reports seldom received definitive record of
actual migration of the Petrel till now.--J. A. H.-B.]
Colymbidæ.--Divers, Northern Divers, Grebes, etc.--In February, one G.
N. Diver on 7th at Skervuile.
In March, one do. on 24th at same place. In April, no records. In May,
two at Lochindaul on 7th, and on 10th at Kyleakin. No more records
of G. N. Divers till 23d October, when one was seen at Rona, Skye,
"swimming round the island." Then, 16th November, at Skervuile, and
December 26th at same place.
By collecting careful notes on the appearance, residence on our coasts,
and departure from different stations, much might be learned of the
reason why some northern species remain to breed some seasons more than
others, or remain longer resident into the summer months.
Alcidæ.--Puffins, Guillemots, "Tysties," "Rock Birds," etc.,
Razorbills.--In April, a flock of 100 Puffins fishing around Rhinns
of Islay on 3d, and twelve Tysties or Black Guillemots on 10th,
"floating in the sound." In May, Tysties at Lochindaul on the 20th, and
Puffins--twenty--flying west on 2d, at Kyleakin. In June, great numbers
all day of Razorbills fishing around Lochindaul. In August a few all
day on 28th at same place. In September, one young Tystie on 15th at
Dhuheartach, "eating fish on the rocks." In October on 19th and 21st
_continuous flocks_, 6 to 10 A.M., N., light, clear, flying south. This
"rush" of sea birds is almost as sudden and remarkable as that of our
land birds this year. A few still found in December at Skervuile. No
notices South of Clyde.
==============
WEST COAST OF ENGLAND AND WALES, AND THE ISLE OF MAN.
Schedules and letters of instruction, with stamped envelopes for
wings, were sent to the fifty-three under-mentioned lighthouses and
light-vessels on the West and South-West Coasts of England, the Coasts
of Wales, and the Isle of Man, and returns have been received from the
thirty-nine stations marked with an asterisk.
The following is an enumeration of the stations included in this
section of the Report:--
No. on
Map.
Isle of Man.
115. L.H. Point of Ayre.
116. L.H. Douglas Head.
*117. L.H. Langness, Robert Clyne.
*118. L.H. Chickens Rock, James Black.
*119. L.V. Bahama Bank, Charles Johns.
N. W. England.
*120. L.H. St Bees, Henry Nott.
*121. L.V. Selker, Daniel Kneale and George Cumming.
*122. L.V. Morecambe Bay, Henry Clavell.
*123. L.V. River Dee, S. Work and J. Clague.
North Wales.
124. L.H. Air.
*125. L.H. Menai, Joseph Steer.
*126. L.H. Skerries Rock, Wm. Jno. Rees.
*127. L.H. Holyhead Breakwater, Messrs Prichard, Roberts, and Hughes.
*128. L.H. South Stack, W. R. Burgess.
*129. L.V. Carnarvon Bay, Messrs Thomas and Hughes.
130. L.H. St Tudwalls.
*131. L.H. Bardsey Island, Thomas Bowen.
*132. L.V. Cardigan Bay, Messrs Rees and Comben.
South Wales.
*133. L.H. South Bishop, Alfred Frost.
*134. L.H. Smalls, George Baker.
*135. L.H. Great Castle Head, W. L. Davis.
*136. L.H. Milford (St Ann's), Jas. F. Spicer.
*137. L.H. Caldy, Wm. Ebben.
*138. L.V. Helwick, Messrs Webber and Howells.
Bristol Channel.
*139. L.V. Scarweather, Messrs Havells and Wynen.
*140. L.H. Nash (E. ), Henry Nicholas.
*141. L.V. Breaksea, Messrs Walters and Johnson.
*142. L.H. Flatholm, W. Dale.
143. L.V. English and Welsh Grounds.
*144. L.H. Usk, Amos Russell.
145. L.H. Avon.
*146. L.H. Burnham, William Lewis.
South-Western England.
*147. L.H. Bull Point, George Knott.
*148. L.H. Bideford Bar, Thomas Gilpin.
149. L.H. Lundy Island.
150. L.H. Hartland Point.
151. L.H. Trevose Head.
*152. L.H. Godrevy, Richard Trahair.
*153. L.H. Longships, Jno. W. Watson.
*154. L.V. Sevenstones, Daniel Norton.
*155. L.H. Wolf Rock, J. J. Chavner.
156. L.H. Scilly.
*157. L.H. Bishop's Rock, Jno. W. Troth.
158. L.H. Lizard Point.
159. L.H. Falmouth Harbour.
*160. L.H. Eddystone, William Ainger.
*161. L.H. Plymouth Breakwater, Arthur Ebgar.
*162. L.H. Start Point, William Jones.
*163. L.H. Portland Bill, William Frost.
*164. L.V. Shambles, William Clark.
165. L.H. Anvil Point.
*166. L.H. Hurst Castle, G. G. Appleton.
167. L.H. The Needles.
It is satisfactory to note that not only has the number of stations
making returns been largely augmented, but also that the schedules
have considerably increased in number from most stations.[10] It is
pleasing, too, to observe the pains and evident interest taken by most
of the recorders. Our best thanks are due to the observers above named
for their invaluable co-operation, and for the faithful manner in which
they have filled in their schedules. To Messrs Ainger (Eddystone),
Baker (Smalls), Clyne (Langness), Johnson (Longships), Jones (Start),
Knott (Bull Point), Lewis (Burnham), Nicholas (Nash), Rees (Skerries),
Walters and Johnson (Breaksea), Webber and Howells (Helwick), and
Work and Clague (Dee), additional and especial thanks are due for
sending the wings of the species unknown to them killed or captured
at their respective stations. The result of the first efforts in this
direction has been highly satisfactory; a very considerable number of
wings have been received, representing the following species:--_Turdus
viscivorus_, _T. musicus_, _T. merula_, _T. torquatus_, _Saxicola
œnanthe_, _Pratincola rubetra_, _P. rubicola_, _Sylvia cinerea_, _S.
atricapilla_, _Phylloscopus collybita_, _P. trochilus_, _Acrocephalus
phragmitis_, _Locustella nævia_, _Regulus cristatus_, _Troglodytes
parvulus_, _Motacilla rayi_, _Anthus pratensis_, _A. trivialis_, _A.
obscurus_, _Muscicapa grisola_, _Emberiza miliaria_, _Alauda arvensis_,
_Caprimulgus europæus_, _Cuculus canorus_, _Gallinula chloropus_,
_Tringa alpina_, _T. canutus_, and _Procellaria leucorrhoa_.
[Footnote 10: No less than 84 schedules were returned.]
Diary of the Migratory Movements as Observed at the various Stations.
The sequence of the stations is from north to south. The meteorological
conditions prevailing during the more important movements are extracted
from "The Daily Weather Reports"[11] issued by the Meteorological
Office. The wind and weather, as observed at the stations, are given in
parenthesis; for the weather, the symbols of the Beaufort scale have
been adopted;[12] while the force of the wind ranges from to 12.
[Footnote 11: These Reports cover not only the British Islands, but
also Western Europe, from Bodo and Haparanda to Corunna and Toulon, and
are based upon numerous returns from the area indicated.]
[Footnote 12: Beaufort scale:--B. blue sky; C. detached clouds; D.
drizzling rain; F. fog; G. dark, gloomy; H. hail; L. lightning; M.
misty; O. overcast; P. passing showers; Q. squally; E. rain; S. snow;
T. thunder; U. ugly, threatening; V. visibility, unusual transparency;
W. dew.]
The diction of the recorders has been adhered to as closely as
possible. The identification of the species marked * has been verified
from wings sent to the Committee.
SPRING.
Weather during the Week March 21st to 27th.
Weather--mild and damp throughout, with southerly (S.E. to S.W.)
winds, generally moderate, but occasionally strong, especially
in the W. Barometric pressure has been continuously highest over
the Continent, and lowest to the westward and north-westward of
our Islands, the gradients being, as a rule, moderate, and the
distribution cyclonic. On the 24th, however, the continental
anticyclone extended to the westward, over our islands, for a
short time, and the winds backed to eastward at the southern and
south-western stations, with a fall of temperature; but this change
was very temporary. Temperature above its normal height--maximum
varying from 60° to 65° in many places.--(From Weekly Summary in
"Daily Weather Report," March 29, 1886.)
March 24th.
_Langness_ L.H.--One Willow Warbler on lantern at 2 A.M. (Light E.;
haze.)
_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--Great numbers of Thrushes, Starlings, Wheat ears,
and Larks flying round lantern at 8 P.M. (S., light breeze; haze.)
_Selker_ L.V.--A great many Thrushes, Blackbirds, and Larks about the
light from 12 P.M. to 4 A.M., some striking and going over the side.
_River Dee_ L.V.--One Woodcock killed at 7.45 P.M.
_South Stack_ L.H.--Several Siskins and Wheatears from 12 P.M. to 4
A.M. A few struck and killed. (S.E., 4; C. M. R.)
_Eddystone_ L.H.--Thrushes, Redwings, Starlings, and Wheatears from 8
P.M. to 10.30 P.M. A great quantity struck; 20 birds killed. (S. by W.,
and S.S.W.; C. V.)
March 25th.
_Langness_ L.H.--One Blackbird (female) found dead.
_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--Immense numbers of Starlings, mixed with Thrushes
and Fieldfares, throughout the night. Large numbers killed. (S.S.W.
fresh. Breeze increasing towards morning to a gale; haze and fog.)
_Bahama Bank_ L.V.--Several Larks, Thrushes, and Starlings at 11.30
P.M. four "Grey Birds" killed.
_Selker_ L.V.--A great many Larks, Starlings, and a few Thrushes flying
about the light from 9 to 12 P.M. (Misty.)
March 26th.
_Langness_ L.H.--One female Blackbird killed, and two Redwings killed
on lantern at 4 A.M.
_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--Mr Black says: "The same kind of birds were to be
seen on this date as on the 25th, but very few struck, as the night was
clear."
_St Bees_ L.H.--Several Wheatears on the 26th and 27th.
_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--Hundreds of Thrushes and Larks all night, 40
killed and 20 caught; they left at daylight, flying towards the east.
(S.W., 5; G. M.)
_Nash_ (E.) L.H.--A Swallow rested on the lantern from 6.30 A.M. till 7
A.M., and then left and flew N.E.
March 27th.
_Langness_ L.H.--Several Starlings, a Lark, and a Chaffinch on the
lantern from 2 to 4 A.M.
_St Bees_ L.H.--19 or 20 Grey Geese at 6 P.M.
_Selker_ L.V.--Starlings and Blackbirds flying about the light at 3 A.M.
_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--10 Lapwings at 11 A.M. flying N.E. (N.W., 6; B.
C. V.)
_Eddystone_ L.H.--Blackbirds, Redwings, and Starlings in great numbers
from 9 P.M. to 3 A.M. (28th); 20 struck and lost over, four caught. (S.
by W., 4; C. R. M.)
_Plymouth Breakwater_ L.H.--One Thrush killed at 3 A.M.
March 29th.
_Langness_ L.H.--One Song Thrush and one Redwing struck between 10 and
12 P.M.
_Selker_ L.V.--A great many Thrushes, Blackbirds, Starlings, and Larks
from 12 P.M. to 2 A.M. One Woodcock struck, and was caught. "There were
also a great many other birds." (S.W., 3; rain, thick mist.)
April 5th.
_Eddystone_ L.H.--Two Red Linnets caught at 9 P.M., and two Ring Ouzels
caught at midnight. (S.W. by W., 5; O. D. M.)
Weather for Week, April 18th to 24th.
Generally fair, but until the close of the week temperature was
low for the time of the year, and frosts were experienced in the
north of Scotland. Barometric depressions prevailed southward and
south-westward of our Islands until the 23d, when a large and
well-defined low-pressure system approached us from the southward,
and passed in a north-westerly direction out into the Atlantic.
As its centre skirted our south-west coasts, moderate gales from
the E. or S.E. prevailed in the south of Ireland and south-west of
England.--(From Weekly Summary, "Daily Weather Report," April 26,
1886.)
April 19th.
_Langness_ L.H.--A Cuckoo seen at 10 A.M.
April 22d.
_Langness_ L.H.--One Common Wren at 4 P.M.
_River Dee_ L.V.--Flocks of Titlarks and Wagtails passing to the east
during the whole of the day. (E.N.E. to N.N.W., 2; C. V.)
Carnarvon Bay L.V.--Six Black Crows flying east at 8 A.M.
_Nash (E.)_ L.H.--Seven *Wrens at 10.30 P.M., three killed; the others
remained till daylight. (E., 3; B. M.)
April 23d.
_Chickens Rock_ L.H.--A Swallow at 9.30 A.M., flying N.E., and an
Oystercatcher and a Carrion Crow sitting on the rock.
_River Dee_ L.V.--Flocks of Titlarks and Wagtails, and small flocks of
Swallows passing the whole of the day, flying east. Two Wrens and one
Stonechat killed at midnight. (S.E., 3; C. U.)
_Nash (E.)_ L.H.--Between sixty and seventy *Whitethroats at 10 P.M.
twelve killed, the others remaining till daylight. (E., 2; B. M.)
_Eddystone_ L.H.--Hundreds of Wheatears, and many Warblers and
"Flycatcher species" from 9 P.M. to 12 P.M. "Scores against the
glazing; none caught." (S.E., 1; C. M.)
April 29th.
_Nash (E.)_ L.H.--Four Cuckoos passed west from 8.30 to 9 A.M. (S.S.W.,
2; B. C. V.)
_Eddystone_ L.H.--A large number of Wheatears from 2 A.M. to 4 A.M.;
none caught; a great many killed and lost over. (E.N.E., 8; C. P. M.)
May 10th.
_Langness_ L.H.--Mr Clyne, in a letter, stated that on the 10th there
were great numbers of *Whitethroats, *Sedge Warblers, and *Willow Wrens
on the lantern.
May 11th.
_Langness_ L.H.--Two Warblers found dead on lantern; killed between
12 P.M. and daylight. Large flock of Swifts flying north at 8.30 A.M.
(Light E.; haze and showers.)
May 16th.
_Langness_ L.H.--Several Whimbrels at 10 A.M. (Fresh N.E.; clear.)
AUTUMN.
Weather for Week, August 1st to 7th.
Weather--changeable; the pressure distribution being cyclonic and
complex at first (causing north-westerly and south-westerly winds),
then anticyclonic, and afterwards cyclonic, but of a simple type
(causing southerly to westerly breezes). A small but well-formed
anticyclone advanced over us from the westward during the 3d and
4th, but owing to a fall in the barometer in the west it moved
southwards.--(From Weekly Summary in "Daily Weather Report" for
August 9th, 1886.)
August 1st.
_Nash (E.)_ L.H.--Two Cuckoos at 11.20 P.M. one killed and one caught
alive. Four Swifts killed between 11 and 12 P.M. Eight Willow Warblers
from 11 to 12 P.M. three killed. (N.W., 3; B. C.)
August 3d.
_Flatholm_ L.H.--Six Chiff-Chaffs at midnight; one killed. (S.S.W., 3;
B. C. M.)
_Eddystone_ L.H.--Large numbers of small birds flying about the lantern
between 10 P.M. and 3 A.M. One Sand-Martin and one Warbler caught.
(N.E., 1; B. C. V.)
_Start Point_ L.H.--*One Ring Ouzel and four small birds--*Willow Wren,
*Whitethroat, *Wheatear, and *Tree Pipit--caught at 3 A.M. One Wren
and a quantity of moths against the light at 11.15 P.M. Mr Jones says:
"The small birds and moths against the light in still weather, is most
times a sign of thick, misty weather to follow." One King Ouzel and
three small birds caught at 11.30 P.M. (N., 2; O. V.)
August 4th.
_Langness_ L.H.--Large number of Dunlin at 5 A.M. (N.W., light.)
Several Swallows at 3 P.M. (S.W., light; clear.)
_Flatholm_ L.H.--Small flock of Swifts at sunset. (W., 3; B. C.)
_Start Point_ L.H.--A flock of about four dozen small birds at 3 A.M.;
eleven captured, including *Yellow Wagtail (young), *Wheatear, and
*Tree Pipit. (N., 4; O. C.)
August 9th.
_Flatholm_ L.H.--Large flock of Swifts at sunset. (W., 2; c.) Eddystone
L.H.--Several small birds, Wheatears, and Warblers, between midnight
and 3 A.M. One "Rock Plover" killed at 2 A.M. Large number of small
birds, Wheatears, and Warblers, from 11 P.M. till 3 A.M. two Sand
Martins and one Rock Plover caught. (S. by W., 2; O. M. R.)
August 10th.
_Langness_ L.H.--Two Whimbrels at 8 A.M.
_Skerries Rock_ L.H.--A few Flycatchers from 8 P.M. to 11 P.M.; two
killed.
_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--Flock of Swallows going S.E. at 1 P.M.
_Cardigan Bay_ L.V.--Fourteen Swifts passing to the S.S.W. at 8 P.M.
August 22d.
_Nash (E.)_ L.H.--About ninety *Sedge Warblers round the light at 10.30
P.M. fourteen killed. (E., 1; B. C. M.) About two hundred *Whitethroats
and fifty * Wheatears from 9 to 10.30 P.M.; eleven Whitethroats and
four Wheatears killed.
_Burnham_ L.H.--One *Sedge Warbler killed at 3 A.M.
_Eddystone_ L.H.--Two Curlews seen at 1 P.M. flying E. (S., 1; B. C.
M.) Mr Ainger says that these birds are seldom seen at Eddystone.
August 23d.
_Nash (E.)_ L.H. Twenty to thirty Wheatears at 11 P.M. three killed.
(S.E., 1; C. M.)
_Eddystone_ L.H.--Several Wheatears and Warblers from 9 P.M. to 10.30
P.M. five caught. (S.W., 1; C. M.)
August 27th.
_Selker_ L.V.--Blackbirds, Starlings, and Titlarks flying round lantern
all night; disappeared at daybreak. (S.S.W., 3; O. M. B.)
_Carnarvon Bay_ L.V.--Three Stonechats killed at 5 A.M. (S.W., 4; fog.)
_Eddystone_ L.H.--Flocks of Oyster-Catchers all night; nine caught.
Several Wheatears and Warblers all night striking lantern; three
Warblers killed. (S.E. by S., 1; B. C. M.)
_Start Point_ L.H.--One Blackbird and one *Spotted Flycatcher caught at
11 P.M. (W.S.W., 2; C. G.)
Weather for the Week, August 29th to September 4th.
The weather during the week was of two very distinct types. In the
first of these a large anticyclone lay over Germany, France, and
the southern half of England; and while in all these countries
bright, dry, and very warm weather was being experienced, some of
the maxima in England being as high as 87°, that over the western
and northern parts of the kingdom and west of Norway was cyclonic,
showery, and cool, with strong southerly and south-westerly
winds. Very little change occurred until September 1st, when the
anticyclone in the south began to spread west to Ireland, causing
the wind to veer and lull, and making the air somewhat cooler and
drier. On the evening of this day, however, a separate anticyclone
was formed in the west, so that the wind veered to the northwards
over England and the Bay of Biscay, while it was southerly and
easterly in many other places. The conflict of air-currents brought
about by these conditions soon produced thunderstorms and heavy
rains over France. The change of temperature in England, owing to
the northerly winds, rain, and heavy clouds, was very large--London
being 26° colder at 2 P.M. on the 2d than on the previous day at
the same hour. The shallow continental disturbances now moved
northwards to our Islands, and the week closed with thunderstorms
of great severity, prevailing in nearly all parts of France and the
British Islands.--(From Weekly Summary, "Daily Weather Report,"
September 5th, 1886.)
September 1st.
_South Bishop_ L.H.--Several Wheatears killed, by striking lantern, at
1 A.M. (W.N.W., 1; O. M.)
_Burnham_ L.H.--One Sedge Warbler struck at 3 A.M. (E.S.E., 1; fog.)
_Longships_ L.H.--A great many birds from midnight to daylight; three
struck, one killed. (S. to N., 3; drizzle and fog.)
_Wolf Rock_ L.H.--Several Wheatears striking lantern at 11 P.M. (N.E.
by N., 3; C. R. V.)