Buntings, at most stations, _viz._, N. Unst, Sumburgh Head, Pentland
Skerries, Tarbat Ness, Dunnet Head, Bell Rock, and Isle of May.
Earliest at Isle of May on Sept. 21st. A rush on 22nd and 27th; fresh
E. to heavy S.W. gale on 26th and 27th. Latest records to Jan. 18th,
1884. Bushes in September _ut sup._, a few in October, many all through
November, but principally on 13th-15th, 16th, and in lesser degree on
1st and 2nd. Snow Buntings often appear with gales and snow or sleet,
but during this month S. and W. winds rather prevailed. They arrived
before the great W. gales, which began about the 16th. Of other species
we have as follows: Yellow Bunting, "Grey Bunting," "Green Bunting" (?
Green Linnet), and Cirl Bunting (one bird sent in spirits was not a
Cirl Bunting, but a young male Yellow Bunting). All these are recorded
from Isle of May, but no other station, and are distributed almost
entirely in October and December; prevailing winds westerly, with
stormy weather and gales.
Cuculidæ.--One spring record from Cromarty station: Arrived on April
29th; E., fresh breeze, haze.
One autumn record only, and the only record I have received from any
station during autumn migration, _viz._, one young bird at Isle of May
on August 23rd, light W., clear. Possibly amongst the many records of
"Hawks" at other stations some occurrences of the young brown-coloured
Cuckoo may have been included, as they are very like small Hawks in
their flight.
_Land Notes._--Cuckoo heard at Dunipace, Stirlingshire, on April 9th,
1883, a very early record. Not heard again till May. Cuckoo recorded
from Busby, at Lee Farm, near Sheddens, on April 14th. Cuckoo heard on
Tinwald Downs, Dumfries, on April 23rd.
Strigidæ.--In spring a Tawny Owl at Isle of May on April 28th, S.E.
fresh, haze; and at Auskerry an Owl (which is probably the Short-eared
Owl) came on the 14th, with stiff S.E. and showers, and remained a
week. "This Owl visits Auskerry annually in May."
In autumn, in September, one Owl on 28th at Pentland Skerries, strong
N.N.E. and showers. In October four single records of Large Owl at
Pentland Skerries on 31st and 13th, and of Short-eared Owls at Isle of
May on 3rd and 13th. None in December, and one Owl at Pentland Skerries
all day on island on 1st; light N.W. showers.
_Land Notes._--Short-eared Owls were reported unusually abundant on
Flanders Moss, Stirlingshire, in the autumn; and I saw two as late as
the 31st January, 1884, on Latham Moss, in the same county, so that
some appear to remain all winter.
Falconidæ.--Spring records in March and April only, March 2nd to April
30th. At Pentland Skerries and Isle of May all single or light entries;
wind easterly, except on March 2nd, when it was S.W. and clear, and one
Kestrel was seen. The Merlin is twice noted. "Light Brown Hawks twice
at Isle of May and Pentland Skerries."
In the autumn, at Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, Bell Rock, and
Isle of May. All July records, three in number, at Pentland Skerries,
of "Sparrowhawk," "Large Brown Hawk," and "Large Hawk." In August
five records, three at Isle of May of Sparrowhawk and "Hawks"; one
at Pentland Skerries of "Falcon Hawk"; and one at Sumburgh Head of
one Large Brown Hawk. The "Falcon Hawk" is described as "hovering,"
so is more likely a _Kestrel Hawk_. In September ten records; two at
Pentland Skerries, two "Hawks" and one "Game Hawk," and at Isle of May
one Sparrowhawk caught at gratings, and a "Hawk." Hawks are usually
found attending the rush of small migrants. In October only one record,
a Game Hawk at Pentland Skerries; four in November, all at Pentland
Skerries. None in December, and five in January, 1884. One bird Mr.
Agnew "feels almost sure was a Goshawk, and not a Sparrowhawk." The
rush, if any, would appear to be in September, but its faintness
precludes us from any feeling of certainty. A late schedule from
Sumburgh Head contains record of an Eagle ["Silver-crested Eagle";
probably the Sea Eagle] wounded at Fitful Head by Mr. Birnie. At 11.15
a.m. on January 29th, 1884, this bird landed on the high rocks, half a
mile north of the Read. Mr. Birnie says it cannot live long, as it was
severely wounded. Mr. Birnie is employed by the landed proprietors to
kill all the birds of prey in Shetland. He has killed a large number of
Black-backed Gulls, Hooded Crows, Ravens, &c.
Water Birds.
Pelecanidæ.--In entering records of Gannets or Solan Geese I believe
the best way is to arrange the data in tabular form. Spring records
are only returned from Pentland Skerries; but, considering the central
position on the tract through the Pentland Firth, I think all records
from there are of use and value, if we desire to arrive at conclusions
regarding the movements of this species.
_Spring,_
March 26th, Pentland Skerries, three Gannets flying E.; strong
N.E., and clear.
April 6th, Pentland Skerries, one Gannet, 4.45 p.m., flying E.;
light W., clear.
May 7th, Pentland Skerries, continuous flocks of Gannets all day,
flying E.; strong N., haze.
May 16th, Pentland Skerries, continuous flocks of Gannets all day,
flying E.; light N.E., clear.
May 28th, Pentland Skerries, several Gannets all day flying round;
strong S., showers.
April 12th, Noss Head, four Gannets flying N.; light N.W., haze.
June 28th, Noss Head, six Gannets flying S.E.; light S., fog.
_Autumn._
July 1st to 15th, Auskerry, at 2 o'clock, flying from N. to S.;
light W. breeze.
July 5th, Pentland Skerries, 8.20 p.m., flying E.; mod. E., fog and
rain.
July 6th, Pentland Skerries, all day, several flocks flying E.;
light S., haze.
July 6th, Pentland Skerries, a few fishing all day round L.; light
S., haze.
July 7th, Pentland Skerries, several flocks fishing all day; mod.
S.E., haze.
July 8th, Pentland Skerries, continuous flocks all day flying E.;
mod. W., clear.
July 15th, Pentland Skerries, continuous flocks all day flying E.;
mod. W., clear.
July 16th to 20th to 26th, Pentland Skerries, continuous flocks all
day flying E.;[4] light N.W. to mod. N.
July 27th, on to Aug., Pentland Skerries, continuous flocks all day
flying E.; N. to S.W.; and all this month, all going E., except
several flocks on 22nd flying W.
[Footnote 4: On 16th a few young observed. All flying E., except six
seen on the 20th, flying W.]
Sept. 3rd to 15th, Pentland Skerries, fewer, all flying S.W. on
15th; light S.E., wind.
Sept. 5th to 30th, Noss Head, daily, flocks of six to fifty flying
N. all day.
Oct. 19th, Noss Head, nineteen at 3 p.m.; strong W., haze and rain.
Nov. 10th, Sumburgh Head, eight flying S., 12 noon; fresh N.
breeze, hail.
The annual regularity with which the Solan Geese pass and repass
through the Pentland Firth and various other points of observation
cannot, we think, fail to develop, by the statistics accumulated, some
curious facts in migration. We are thus careful to record these with
some minuteness of detail. A late schedule from Sumburgh Head has--"Two
on 16th, Sumburgh Head. Eighteen Gannets flying S.W., 12 noon; strong
W., showers."
Ardeidæ.--We do not think it will be so easy, in regard to Herons, to
arrive at laws regulating their flights; but, in case of development,
will on this occasion tabulate their records, though we have not done
so before.
_Spring._
March 29th, Pentland Skerries, one flying N., 3 p.m.: S. gale, rain.
June 13th, Isle of May, one flying S., 5 p.m., in company with
Gulls, which is rare.
June 24th, Isle of May, one flying S., 5 p.m.; light W., clear.
_Autumn._
Aug. 26th, Isle of May, one flying W.; light W., clear.
Sept. 12th, Pentland Skerries, four flying about island (rare);
light S., clear.
Oct. 15th, Pentland Skerries, one rose off rocks, 4.15 p.m.
Oct. 23rd, Isle of May, one; fair W., clear.
Nov. 1st, Pentland Skerries, one flying S., 7.50 a.m.; light N.W.,
cloudy.
Jan. 29th, Sumburgh Head, six (one shot); fair W., clear.
There was a very large movement of Herons in 1882, principally in
October and November (see Report, 1882, p. 18).
Anatidæ.--Very few records either in spring or autumn. Spring: none.
Autumn: Swans on Aug. 15th, at Tarbat Ness, two from the N., flying
S.E. at 1 p.m.; N. strong, and clear. The only other records are in
October, a large flock flying E. past Pentland Skerries at 12.20 p.m.,
with light W. and showers, "very rarely seen here." On 19th, Ducks
(sp.?), three flying W. over same station at 10.30 a.m.; strong N.W.
wind. On 13th, Eiders at Isle of May in large flocks, both males and
females, all day; strong due S.; left at night. At Chanonry, local
movements of Grey Geese and Grey Ducks to and fro in stormy weather,
or from feeding to nesting ground. At Sumburgh Head, twenty-eight wild
Geese flying S.; strong S.W., and snow on 25th; and on 28th sixteen
wild Geese, also flying S.; gale from N.W. _Land Notes._--At Kirkwall,
twenty-five wild Swans frequented the Loch of Banks, and are described
as being "very tame" ('Scotsman,' 27, iii., 83). A very large flock of
Pink-footed or Bean Geese, probably the former, seen flying very high
towards S.E. and crying, at Kippen on March 23rd. Fully 150 Wild Geese
remained on Flanders Moss all spring after this date, and were seen
last on April 23rd.
Columbidæ.--In spring, few records at Pentland Skerries and Bell Rock.
On Feb. 19th, at former station, three Rock Doves flying E., 7 a.m.;
S.W., fresh, clear. On March 4th, two Rock Doves at same station, seen
at 3 p.m.; light variable, and haze. On April 20th, one Wood Pigeon at
same station flying S.E.; fair S.S.E., fog. On May 12th, one Woodpecker
flying S.W. past Bell Rock, 1.12 p.m.; strong S.W.; and on 28th, a few
Rock Doves at Pentland Skerries; strong S., and fog.
In autumn only two records; one at Pentland Skerries, twelve Rock
Pigeons, on July 23rd, on island; light N., haze and rain; and on Sept.
16th, one Wood Pigeon at 2 p.m., at Bell Rock, flying S.W.; light S.W.
breeze.
_Land Notes._--A male _Columba œnas_ (Stock Dove) was shot at Garden,
in this county (Stirlingshire), on March 15th, 1883. This species has
been rapidly extending its range of late years in Scotland. See my
paper on the Stock Dove (Ryl. Phyl. Soc. Edinb., 1883, p. 241, Feb.
21st). In 1884 at least four pairs are breeding in the Vale of Menteith.
Rallidæ.--Spring records meagre. One heard at Isle of May April 28th,
marked "rare here." One heard at Pentland Skerries on May 6th, 5.50
p.m.; mod. S.S.E., clear. One heard first time at Cromarty station on
May 20th; strong E., clear.
No autumn records this season.
Charadriadæ.--Spring records meagre. April 18th, at Pentland Skerries,
three Golden Plovers at 5 p.m.; S.S.W. May 15th, at Auskerry, large
flocks of Plovers all day; light E., and showers. May 17th, at Isle of
May, one Oystercatcher; W., very fine.
Autumn records almost equally meagre. July 13th, at Pentland Skerries,
one Golden Plover; fair N., light showers. Aug. 8th, at Pentland
Skerries, one Golden Plover; strong S.E. Aug. 14th, at Pentland
Skerries, one Golden Plover; light S.E., showers. Sept. 6th, at Isle
of May, six Golden Plovers; strong W., clear. Oct. 26th, at Pentland
Skerries, one "Silver Plover" (? Knot) killed at lantern; strong W.,
showers.
Of Lapwings, records are almost equally scanty. In spring, on Feb.
17th, a flock all day at Pentland Skerries; light S. breeze (see
Thrush). In March, along with the rush of other migrants on 2nd at
Isle of May; strong W., clear; and a number on 3rd. Lots of sixteen
and twenty on the 10th and 20th of same month; light E. and S.E., fog,
rain, and haze.
In autumn five Ringed Plovers stayed for some days on Isle of May on
and after Aug. 28th; came with light W., and clear--the only record
given of any Charadriadæ in autumn. At Chanonry, numerous records
of Lapwings lighting on the point, or passing in stormy weather or
in strong breezes, in Sept. to January, 1884. A late schedule from
Sumburgh Head has a record of Lapwings on Jan. 24th, with the remark,
"I believe they have never been seen here at this season of the year
before."
_Land Notes._--Lapwings seen in pairs on March 4th at breeding stations
in Stirlingshire.
Scolopacidæ.--Spring. Curlews first heard at Pentland Skerries on March
2nd, when heard at 2.15 p.m.; mod. N.W., fog. Last on June 29th (but
probably belongs to autumn) at same place, when a flock flying S.;
light S., clear. A rush between April 7th and 15th, a few flying south
between these dates at Isle of May,--scarcely an appreciable rush,--and
one record in May.
In autumn, not a great many records of Curlews. Earliest July 4th,
at Pentland Skerries, and on 15th and 29th at same station; also
in August, and at same station a few records, most probably local
movements. An apparent slight indication of a rush of Curlews in
September at three stations,--Sumburgh Head, Pentland Skerries, and
Isle of May,--young and old; and up to 23rd, at Isle of May, numbers
daily. Fewer in October, and occasional records up to January, 1884.
Of Snipe, a few scattered records in spring, in March and April. March
2nd to 9th, at Pentland Skerries and Isle of May; and April 12th and
26th, at same stations, winds mostly westerly; but on March 8th E.N.E.,
gale and snow.
In autumn, not abundant either, and scarcely require details. Occurred
in July, August, October (a large flock at Sumburgh Head on 18th; gale
and sleet showers), and December. In July, at Pentland Skerries only;
in August, ditto; in September, not at all. In October, at Sumburgh
Head and Pentland Skerries (and a Jack Snipe at Isle of May). December,
at Sumburgh Head (a large number all day on 3rd); strong breezes,
snow-showers; and a Jack Snipe at Pentland Skerries on 24th.
Woodcock.--In spring, one record on April 7th, at Bell Rock, flying
about the rock.
In autumn, Oct. 13th and 14th, two single birds at Isle of May and
Pentland Skerries; and on Nov. 1st and 13th, at Isle of May, N. Unst,
and Shetland. The one on 1st accompanied the rush of other migrants.
On Oct. 13th six were shot on Isle of May; wind due S., an unusual
wind for migrants to arrive at Isle of May. At Chanonry, many local
records of "Whaups" (Curlews)--probably the same flock of forty or
fifty--appearing in stormy weather.
_Land Notes._--On the night of March 26th, at Dunipace, whilst standing
at the front door (night bright and starry, and frost), a large flock
of birds crossed overhead, flying south. The cries were difficult to
make out, but belonged either to Whimbrels or other species of wader.
The subject of the sounds of bird-cries at night would form good matter
for explanation by those who have constant opportunities of hearing
them. Wind N.E. up to March 27th, when a S.W. gale, shifting to S.,
with heavy rain. About fifty Curlews were seen at Caldarvon, west
of this county, on March 11th, and three pairs on 17th (auct. Jas.
Lumsden).
Scolopacidæ (Waders).--Earliest spring migrants were Sandpipers and
Redshanks at Pentland Skerries on Feb. 9th (time of migration of
Thrushes, _q.v._); and on 17th, ditto. On April 27th a Purple Sandpiper
at Isle of May (No. 57 in spirits).
Autumn. Earliest July 20th, at Pentland Skerries, Redshanks; and a few
records of these and Sandpipers to 31st. In August a few records of the
same, and one Turnstone (identified) (No. 60 in spirits). In September
great flocks of Sandpipers flew in rays of light at 9 p.m.; light
E.N.E., and fog. In end of October and beginning of November Sandpipers
and Red-shanks participated in the rush of migrants at that time at
Pentland Skerries especially; light S.W. Large numbers on 5th; strong
N.W., and showers; and numbers up to 21st, all day; strong N.W. In
December, rushes on 12th; N.W. gale, snow; and up to 21st, very likely
local movements.
Sterninæ.--Records of either migration very scanty. First seen in
spring was at Pentland Skerries on May 13th, at 3.30 p.m.; light S.W.,
haze; and again at same place two seen flying north on June 20th. On
June 3rd, at Sumburgh Head, two; fresh W., cloudy. Lesser Terns arrived
at Cromarty on May 23rd.
In autumn, first record Aug. 7th, at Pentland Skerries, when those
breeding there all left, except one or two, with fresh N.W., clear. At
Bell Rock, on Sept. 19th, a flock kept flying round the rays of light
all night (_i.e._, 19th-20th); light E.N.E.; and on Sept. 27th one
immature bird appeared after a heavy gale from W. the previous night.
The above, I think, is the first occurrence I have of Terns flying
round and round within the rays of light of a lantern. Lesser Terns
disappeared from Cromarty on Aug. 26th; S.W., strong, clear.
Laridæ.--In spring, large numbers arrive about March 1st for breeding
purposes at Pentland Skerries, and leave about the middle of August. On
March 21st, at Isle of May, Kittiwakes arrived in large numbers at 9
a.m.--their first appearance; wind fresh E.S.E., cloudy and cold; and
by April 3rd had steadily increased in numbers. At Auskerry, May 18th
is given as first appearance of "Sea Maws"; strong N.W., and haze; and
a Black-headed Gull was seen, with light N.E. and clear, at Pentland
Skerries. At same station, record of two Black-backed Gulls on June
27th; fresh S.E., and haze completes spring records.
In autumn, at Pentland Skerries during July the daily movements of
Gulls may be worth reproducing in detail. All the July records I have
are from this station, and also all the August ones.
1883, July 12, Pentland Skerries, one "Chaser" flying N.W., 2.15
p.m.; light E., haze.
July 18th, Pentland Skerries, three Black-backed Gulls flying N.,
2.30 p.m.; mod. N.W.
July 23rd, Pentland Skerries, one "Chaser" flying W., 10.20 a.m.;
light N.
July 25th, Pentland Skerries, continuous and large flocks of
Herring Gulls flying round all day; N., clear.
July 28th, Pentland Skerries, three "Chasers" (one flying E. at 3
p.m., and one flying S. at 5 p.m.); mod. S.W., clear.
July 29th, Pentland Skerries, one "Dirty Allan" seen. Aug. 6th,
Pentland Skerries, large flock of young Gulls on rocks all day;
light S., clear.
Aug. 7th, Pentland Skerries, large flock of young Gulls on rocks,
3.30 p.m.; fresh N.W.
Aug. 20th, Pentland Skerries, one "Chaser" flying S.E., 12.50 p.m.;
strong S.E., haze.
On 15th, at Dunnet Head, Gulls leave breeding-places in cliffs. Our
correspondent includes both "Chasers" and a "Dirty Allan," both of
which names I held as applicable to the commonest species of Skua; but
here they seem to be divided, as applying to two different species,
probably Richardson's (common) Skua and the Pomatorhine Skua.
"Dirty Allans" are again recorded from Isle of May, along with a rush
of small birds on Sept. 23rd; and in this case I doubt not Mr. Agnew
applies the name to Richardson's Skua. This is the only September
record. In October only two records at N. Unst; two pairs of Iceland
Gulls stayed two days, coming on the 4th with fresh N. and clear; and
two pairs more on 21st hovering round at 11 a.m.; fresh N., clear.
In November and December the greatest movements are noticed, which I
give in detail:--Nov. 2nd, Pentland Skerries, several Kittiwakes flying
S.E., noon; fresh S.W. Nov. 10th, Isle of May, thousands of Gulls (?);
W. gale, clear; first seen at 4 a.m., wind shifting to north. Nov.
11th, Isle of May, all the above gone; light N.W., clear. These may
have been Glaucous, from description, but this is not clear; and from
subsequent records I have preferred to consider them Herring, though
Mr. Agnew includes the latter later by name, I believe Mr. Agnew knows
the Glaucous and Iceland Gulls well. _Land Note._--There has not been
a large migration of Glaucous and Iceland Gulls at Kincardine on Forth
for many years.
Nov. 17th, Isle of May, hundreds of Herring Gulls came from S.E.
all day; light N.W. "Grey Gulls" mixed with Blackbacks, the
latter one in twenty.
Nov. 18th, Isle of May, every Gull gone; light N.W.
Nov. 24th, Isle of May, hundreds of Herring Gulls came from S.E.
all day; fresh W.; also accompanied by smaller numbers of
Black-backs.
Dec. 13th, Pentland Skerries, two Black-backed Gulls on island,
12.30 p.m.; N.W. gale.
Dec. 3rd, Isle of May, thousands of "Gulls," 3 p.m.; W., clear.
1884, Jan. 22nd, Isle of May, large light-coloured Gulls with black
tips to wings; gale W. last night.
_Note._--There is evidently considerable confusion existing regarding
the various species of Sea Gulls; and this is not to be wondered at
when the innumerable phases of plumage in even the same species,
according to maturity or immaturity, is considered. What is sadly
wanted in such a quest as ours is a series of cheap yet fairly well
executed plates of birds in all phases of plumage, with measurements to
scale; but the almost impossibility of issuing such at a sufficiently
low price for general distribution must, we fear, for ever debar our
correspondents from obtaining such a means of assistance. M. De La Rue
issues marvels of cheapness in Christmas Cards; could he not undertake
something in this line? His pictures of birds are admirable, but he
would have to keep up the standard, or even improve it, to be of
scientific value to us.
Procellariidæ.--Records scarce in spring and autumn. At Auskerry,
arrived for first time on July 30th, but as early as 6th eggs were laid
at Pentland Skerries. Being a bird of nocturnal habits, the arrival
cannot, we fancy, be easily fixed at all times. At Auskerry, on 8th,
two pairs had two eggs each (some notes on the schedule margin here
have been torn off and lost, J. A. H. B.) On Sept. 25th one struck at
Dunnet Head; S.S.W., fog; and on 26th six struck and rested from 9 to
11 p.m.; S.E. fresh, and haze. It is seldom so many are recorded at the
same time. Are these Pentland Skerries birds? At Noss Head, on Aug.
28th and on 30th, one Stormy Petrel each time struck, but not killed,
with W.N.W. fresh on former date, and light S.E. and haze on latter.
Alcidæ.--Spring. First visit at Isle of May on March 21st, when "not
very many" appeared, with fresh E.S.E. Guillemots and Razorbills. Next
visit at Isle of May, large numbers on April 1st with light W., and
in dear weather. Increased on 3rd, and on April 27th arrived again
finally, after a few days' absence, with fresh S.E. and haze. These
and other rock birds breeding here all left on Aug, 10th, except a few
Kittiwakes and Eider Ducks, after a heavy W. gale on 9th (see August,
below). Puffins were first observed at Isle of May; however, not before
May 4th, when a few showed.
Following this comes what may be considered local flights, in search of
food, to and from the fishing grounds:--
May 16th, Pentland Skerries, continuous flocks flying E.; light
breeze N.E.
May 21st, Pentland Skerries, continuous flocks flying E.; light W.,
haze.
June 4th, Pentland Skerries, continuous flocks flying S.E.; light
N.E., haze.
June 6th, Pentland Skerries, continuous flocks flying S.E.; light
E., haze.
June 17th to 20th, Pentland Skerries, continuous rush flying S.E.;
strong N. to light E. and W.
June 21st, Pentland Skerries, several flocks all day flying S.E.;
lights.
June 25th, Pentland Skerries, large flocks, 7.15 p.m., flying S.E.;
fresh S.E., fog and rain.
June 29th, Pentland Skerries, a few around; light S., clear.
We now come to the autumn movement, if we take the same dates as for
many land birds; but this is apt to be mixed up with the later summer
movements of old and young birds, and therefore we will keep July by
itself. All the records here relate, as before, to Pentland Skerries.
An equally exact record from each salient or conspicuous station
round our coasts could not fail to give us exact knowledge as regards
the movements of sea-fowl, or rather of rock birds. Food-supply is
an important factor in the local as well as the other migrations.
A knowledge of fishing-grounds would thereby be achieved; and a
knowledge of the two subjects, migration of birds and geography of the
distribution of fishes, would undoubtedly help each other. With these
remarks we continue our records for July, believing that this simple
tabular form is most useful in the present case, though cumbrous if
carried on in every instance.
_July debatable ground,_
July 5th, Pentland Skerries, a flock 8.20 p.m.; mod. E., fog and
showers.
July 6th, Pentland Skerries, several flocks all day; light S., haze.
July 7th, Pentland Skerries, several flocks all day flying E.; mod.
S.E., haze.
July 18th, Pentland Skerries, a few flocks all day; mod. N.W.,
clear.